Intro:
The
Generations Series 3 – Thrilling 30, also popularly known as the IDW Generation
series generally focuses on the predominant factions on the Transformers lore,
namely the Autobots, Decepticons, Maximals and Predacons. However, most fans
tend to ignore the existence of another faction – the Minicons altogether.
In
fact, they have not been prominently depicted in various series and media after
the end of the Unicron trilogy. Somehow, somebody in Hasbro still remembers
these guys, and decided to finally feature them in Generations Series 3.
Hence,
the Minicon Assault Team – for the lack of a better team name – was released. I
mean, honestly, they could’ve assigned some catchy name to the team, but
noooooo, they had to stick with such a lame name.
Anyways,
this team is obviously not from any cartoon series whatsoever. The backstory
for this team is that they are a group of tough bots trio – Windshear,
Heavytread and Runway – that are able to combine to form a larger robot – kind
of like a Minicon gestalt team, if you will – that is depicted to have the
power of 100 warriors, named Centuritron.
The
idea of a Minicon gestalt team isn’t exactly new. The idea first appeared in Transformers:
Armada, in the form of the Street Action Team, made up by the trio of Grindor,
High Wire and Sureshock. The three of them could combine to form a larger robot
named Perceptor (not be mistaken with our all-time favorite microscope). Since
then, there have been no Minicon combiner teams (redecos don’t count) until
now.
Also,
based on the military-theme of the team, I like to actually nickname them the
Minicon Combaticons, kind of fits the bill, if I could say so myself.
Anyways,
without further ado, let’s get down to the review.
Windshear:
While
there is no leader officially stated for the team, based on normal conventions,
whoever forms the head of the combined robot, would normally be the leader of
the pack. As such, based on such reasoning, then Windshear should be the
unofficial/ de-facto leader of the Minicon Assault Team.
Windshear
transforms into a military helicopter. Being a Minicon figure, I guess kibbles
are expected. You can literally see the robot’s legs, which acts as landing
skids, and the head of the robot clearly visible underneath.
At
its tail wing, the numbers 7HE 7A, are written on it, which presumably to be
meant as THETA. Whatever significance this has on the character has so far
eluded me.
As
far the vehicle mode goes, there are not much you can do with it saves from a
rotating tail rotor and main rotor.
Transformation
is very easy. Although the robot looks quite good from the front (and somehow
he reminds me of Blackarachnia), the robot mode is very, very back-heavy. In
most instances, you’d probably need the tail wing to act as a third-leg, to
support the entire figure.
Articulation-wise,
not so much: he has ball-jointed shoulders and hips; and bendable knees. You
can optionally consider that he has a tail, if you like.
Well,
there’s nothing about Windshear to shout about – there is only so much a
Minicon could do.
Runway:
Runway
transforms into a military fighter jet of unknown make and model. Again, as
with Windshear, he is reek of kibbles – with the exposed hands and head.
Runway also
cheats a bit with his transformation, with him being a slight part-former. The
rocket booster is actually a separate piece that can be wielded as a weapon.
Just like
Windshear, Runway too has a number – written on the side of his cockpit –
VP51LN, which might be read as UPSILON. Again, the significance of this is
currently unknown.
His
transformation is slightly more complex than Windshear, but not mindboggling.
From the front,
Runway looks a bit – strange. His body is definitely disproportioned. His legs
are way, way too long, while the arms are way, way too short. The exposed
back-pack/ wings is definitely an eyesore.
Articulation-wise,
he is almost similar to Windshear: ball-jointed shoulders and hips; and
bendable knees.
Again, he’s just
an okay figure on his own.
Heavytread:
Heavytread
transforms into quite an imposing tank. He seems larger than the other
two.
Unlike
Runway and Windshear, he has two numberings on his body: #A5779 and TVCB1D6. #A5779
actually refers to the Minicon Asault Team product code. As to why they are
only printed on this figure, I have absolutely no idea.
As
for the other number, I have absolutely no idea what it meant. I tried digging
up some info on it – nadda, zilch.
Anyways,
enough with the investigative works and on with the review; just as Runway,
Heavytread too is a part-former. Part of the turret and cannon is actually a
blaster that can be wielded in robot mode.
All
things considered, his alternate mode probably has the least kibbles compared
to the other two. He seems very solid, and definitely has the best alternate
mode among the trio.
His
robot mode, though, is a totally different story. He’s just way to stubby. His
legs are way too massive that it hinders movements.
The
shoulders are ball-jointed, but the hips can only swivel on a vertical axis.
One
huge problem about this robot mode is that the body tends to split in half too
easily, mainly because he forms the larger robot’s legs. I just wished that he
has better locking mechanism to hold the body in place.
Ironically,
as good as the alternate mode is, the robot mode is the worst among the trio.
Centuritron:
When
the challenges get too overwhelming for the trio Minicons, they unite their
powers to call on one of the most powerful forces in the Galaxy… Centuritron!
Yes,
yes, I made that up, but someone with a name like that has got to be that damn
powerful, right?
Anyways,
the combined robot looks wicked – messy, but wicked. He is about the size of
your standard Deluxe-class figures. He is quite well-proportioned, but there
are hollow parts.
Articulation-wise:
ball-jointed shoulders and hips; bendable knees and elbows… those are all.
His
articulations aren’t exactly stellar, but it’s still okay for him and they can
still accomplish a lot.
However,
the figure isn’t exactly perfect. First of all, the shoulders do not peg in to
the main body. This could be a problem over time as gravity takes hold.
Heavytread’s
arms also pose a problem, where you need to keep moving them in order to pose
the legs. More often than not, the arms are like an eyesore, protruding out of
nowhere.
Still,
it’s still a good looking robot nonetheless.
Overall:
The Minicon
Assault Team isn’t exactly perfect, but they are still interesting. Being a
sucker for gestalt, purchasing them was an easy decision to make. While they
may not be perfect, the idea of having a new gestalt is pretty much enticing to
me.
Recommended.
Final
verdict: 8.5/10.
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