Transformers Review - Armada Laserbeak

Hey there,

Welcome to another edition of Transformers video review, and this time around, we are going to review the Armada series Laserbeak. It has the distinction of being the first ever robot that bear the name Laserbeak, that was non-villainous.

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Transformers Review: Megatron (Micron Densetsu)

Intro:

            This is one of those figures that I really wanted to review for such a long time. It is one of my most sought after Megatron figures alongside the RiD/ Car Robots version.

            When I first watched the Armada series, I thought that Megatron was huge – awesomely huge! When this figure was first released in 2002/ 2003, I could only hope that to own this figure. By the time when I do have the dough, they were gone, but I didn’t stop searching for it. Occasionally, I did survey eBay or flea markets for this guy, but the price was phenomenal!

            I have to say, I am one of the proponents of Megatron should always be the gun, but I guess, it’s inevitable that he is more believable being a tank or something else, rather than a gun, and this is was one of those Megatron tanks that I really liked!

            And now that I’ve finally gotten him, let’s not waste time and let’s go with the review.

Alternate Mode:

            Megatron transforms into this humongous H-tank. I’m not sure if it is based on any real-life tanks – most of the alternate modes from the series itself are futuristic anyway.

            The tank feels solid and the color applications are very, very nice. The amount of details is fantastic.

            The turret itself can turn 360°. But once you turn in on a certain angle, it will trigger some sounds and light effects. Basically, since this is a Takara figure, any talking sound-effect would be in Japanese. So once you turn the turret to a certain angle (in any directions), the Decepticon insignia on the turret will light up in red and you’ll hear Megatron say “Flame Convoy!” (or something to that effect), followed by the sounds of the tank firing and rapid machine gun.

            Also, you might notice that the main cannon has a spring at its base – hence by pressing the cannon, again the insignia will light up in red, followed by just 1 shot sound.

            There is also a pair of pincers-like contraption in front of the tank, probably for close-space combats – to be used when the enemy is too close and none of his guns can reach ‘em. It might sound silly, but that’s my theory.

With 2007 Movie Leader Class Brawl

            Anyways, the tank is very imposing, and comparing it to the 2007 Movie Leader-class Brawl, which is by far the biggest tank-former, they are almost equaled in size. Brawl may be longer, but Megs has got the width!

Robot Mode:

            Transformation is so simple that you won’t even need the instructions – at all! In robot mode, Megatron is equally imposing in stature. It’s no surprise why the Decepticons are so afraid of him.

            He has incredibly huge shoulders, as well as a pair of pincers-like horns on his head. His legs and feet are so huge that it is impossible for him to topple over. Those are very essential to the figure, especially with his most powerful gimmick, which I will talk about later.

Accompanied by Tranformers Prime Cliffjumper

With Leader-1

            The head sculpt is good, and Megatron definitely looks angry.

            Articulation-wise: the head can rotate 360°; the main shoulder pieces are on heavy ratcheting joints and they can also rotate 360°; the main upper arm pieces are also on ratcheting joints, which allows outward motions; the bendable elbows are on very heavy ratchet joints, and they also rotate; Meg’s right wrist rotates 360°, but the left hand consists of a thumb and a 4-finger-piece that are spring-loaded and can open up. This is so that it can cater the hidden dagger gimmick.

Hidden Dagger

            The waist is on a somewhat soft ratcheting joint. Again, theoretically they can also turn 360°, but they are mostly hindered due to the turret piece is in the way. The hips are on ratcheting joints that allow outward motion, and that’s the only movement the legs could do. That might be kind of disappointing, but I don’t really mind it that much.

            The details and coloring are excellent, as well as the heft. This is how hefty a Transformer figure should be.

            I absolutely love the bot mode.

Gimmick:

            I am telling you, this figure is reek with gimmicks. The last time I saw this much gimmick on one figure was Fortress Maximus, if I am not mistaken.

            Just like most Armada/ Micron Legend figures, Megatron comes with a Minicon figure called Leader-1. Yes, the name was taken from the Gobots franchise; of the name of the leader of the Guardians. Instead of a jet, like his namesake, Leader-1 is a tiny vehicle with 2 laser blasters poking out on top.

            In robot mode, the yellow visor is a clear homage to his namesake. The orange blaster tips are now the back of the legs, which unfortunately may hinder some movements.

            In tank mode, apart from the earlier mentioned sound and lighting effects, it might also remind some of you of M.A.S.K.s! At least it reminded me of that. The left back piece holds a hidden storage area where you might be able to smuggle something or someone. The front-left tank tread piece can open up to reveal more Minicon ports. The front-right tank tread reveal a catapult-like contraption, that could be used to jettison or propel flight-based Minicons. The right-back piece hold a small prisoner cell, complete with a tiny ramp!

            Inserting Leader-1 to a port on the turret will released another set of hidden blaster on the top-right of the turret itself.

            Also, the number of Minicons port on his tank mode is unbelievable – a whopping 11 ports!   

With Superlink Shockwave (a.k.a. Tidal Wave in Energon series)

            In robot mode, apart from the already-mentioned hidden dagger gimmick, Megatron can combine with Tidal Wave figure! How cool is that? Since I do not have the Armada Tidal Wave, I shall use my Superlink Shockwave figure to demonstrate this gimmick, possible due to same mold, different color theme.

            The resulting Super-mode may look a bit awkward and top-heavy, but thanks to those huge legs of his, the Megatron-Tidal Wave combo can stand perfectly stable. Still, it’s a very awesome combination.

Overall:

I like this figure very much. He’s not perfect, but the gimmicks; the sheer imposing-ness of this figure – it’s just darn worth it. I’m really glad that I’m finally able to own this figure. Do not miss the opportunity to get him, if you ever come across him or his repaint – the “upgraded” Galvatron.

Highly recommended.

            Final verdict: 9/10. 

Transformers Review: Armada Demolisher (Cybertron Deluxe)

Intro:

            One thing about HasTak that most fans have already known by now is that they are prone to re-releasing the same mold over and over again, even in different toylines.

            Demolisher is one of these fine examples. Although he never appeared in the Transformers: Cybertron series, the figure was still released in the line, after previous releases in the Armada and Energon toy line, albeit different color applications.

            Rather strange for a Cybertron series action figure, Demolisher does not come with any Cyber Planet Keys, or even a Minicon partner.

            To be honest with, I am not much of a fan of the character, but since he did play a considerably huge role in the Armada and Energon series, I thought I might as well give him due recognition and give him a shot.

Alternate Mode:

            Demolisher transforms into a Cybertronian Tank, or you might even call him a Air Assault Tank, if you so want to, because that’s what he looks like.

            There is also a seat at the back of the tank, and you could probably place a small humanoid figurine on it.

           The turret can turn 360°. Demolisher has two missiles on each side, and this is where things go a bit awkward. While, the left missiles can be launched using a Minicon figure, the right “holders” only hold the missiles and cannot launch them. It doesn’t make sense, why couldn’t they do launchers for both sides? Surely there’s not much cost to save from that, isn’t it?

            Anyways, it’s an okay alternate mode – not spectacular, but just okay.

Robot Mode:

            The robot mode is fairly accurate to his TV portrayals, and he still maintains his foot-soldier look.

            The colors are different from what we’ve seen from the Armada and Energon series – the colors seems more vibrant here.

            The head sculpt is quite unconventional too – with his right eye being bigger than his right, and he has a huge grin.

            Articulation-wise: the head rotates, but the movements are heavily restricted; the shoulders rotate; the elbows are double-jointed, but somehow, they can’t bend like one; the waist rotates; the hips swing forward and back; and finally the knees bend.

            Overall, I like the robot mode – not spectacular, but definitely better than the alternate mode.

  

Overall:

            All in all, Demolisher may or may not be the figure for you. He was a prominent character in both the Armada and Energon series, and was fiercely loyal to Megatron – a rare trait amongst the Decepticon fold, but he didn’t appear at all in the Cybertron series, thus making him one of the surprise inclusions in the toy line.

            If you don’t like what you’re seeing now from the photos, then probably having him won’t even change your mind.

            Final verdict: 6.5/10 

Transformers Review: Skywarp (Armada Knockoff)

Intro:

            Ever since I did that review of the knockoff Overlord, I’m been wanting to do a review for another good knockoff figure. Seeing as how that The Family started from knockoffs, it was only logical.

            After I subsequently did a review on Knockoff Quickswitch and Doubledealer, I figured I had to review something that was closer to the heart – something that meant a lot to me. So it was only logical for me to go back into time, to the point where my history of collecting began. So, I think it is about time that I review my first two Transformers figures that had kick-started everything to what it is today. The first of these, which also happens to be the second figure that I got to kick-start The Family, is Armada Skywarp.

            Prior to the Armada series, the hype of Transformers in these parts of the world seemed to be at an all time low. Although Japan had only recently concluded the Car Robots/ Robots in Disguise TV series, we here in Malaysia didn’t get anything.

            Then came Armada, called Micron Legend in Japan. Armada never came to our airwave, but there were a lot of video stores that were selling Transformers animated VCDs. For a lot of fans, we knew that they were Transformers, but we couldn’t know for certain due to the “radical” designs to the various robots in the front cover. Eventually we got to know that on some VCD covers, there was Optimus Prime, while others had Megatron.

            For those who have read the article I wrote (The Family – How It Began), you’ll know how I came across Skywarp, so I am not going to repeat it here.

            Unlike in the old G1 series where there were 3 original Seekers, only 1 made his appearance in the Armada series, which is the Air Commander himself. The characterization of Starscream was kind of outrageous for the Starscream that we used to know. Yes, he started off as his normal scheming self, but as the series progresses, you can’t help but feel sorry for him. In fact, some of us even began to have that sympathy for Starscream. He was a Decepticon out of place. He had something the rest of the Decepticons didn’t – conscience. He was actually a good guy trying to initiate a change amongst the Decepticons, and it was because of his sacrifice that led to the unification of the Autobot-Decepticon faction that lead to the early events of the Energon/ Superlink series.

            Anyways, the other two Seekers didn’t actually make it into the animated series. Thundercracker did somehow appear in the show, but rather as himself, he was rather the reformatted Starscream looking eerily like Thundercracker. Skywarp didn’t make it to the show at all, but various comic depictions did portray him to look like this mysterious shadowy warrior – deadly at best.

            So after 8 years, finally, we will be reviewing Skywarp – one of the forefathers (& founding-fathers) of The Family.

Alternate Mode:

            Skywarp transforms into this wicked-looking black and deep-blue looking slick jet. Being fellow mold brothers, his overall look doesn’t differ much from that of Skywarp and Starscream.

            Skywarp also comes with a Minicon partner called Thunderclash. Now I do have him lurking somewhere in my stash of Transformers boxes, and since he’s really not that integral to the entire getup, I ain’t gonna go through all the hassle to dig him out. 

            Basically in this mode, you can attach Thunderclash either to the bottom of the cockpit or to the Minicon port at the back of the jet in order to release the two cannons. The two spring-loaded projectiles look like some sort of a harpoon.

            The colors are typical of Skywarp, and I’ve always liked this sort of color scheme on a Seeker (ever since G1, I’ve always thought Skywarp as the best looking of the trio). For a supposedly knockoff figure, Skywarp is incredibly detailed. There are various outlining on the entire body depicting lines and components. There are also VTOL-thrusters-looking thingy carved into the small back wings. Colored in gold, they look perfect. 

            Pressing the cockpit will also trigger a laser-shooting sound. Neat electronics for a knockoff figure.

            He is huge, incredibly detailed, and he looks absolutely fantastic.

Robot Mode:

            Skywarp transforms into this awesome-looking robot. The figure stands about slightly over 7-inches tall; 8-inches in you include the horn on top of his head.

            From one tip of the wing to the other, Skywarp is about slightly over 8-inches wide. 

            The figure itself looks really fearsome, and as if it really does mean business. The head sculpt is particularly good, which kinda reminds me of Titanium Fallen, don’t you think? 

            Articulation-wise: no head articulation; upper shoulders rotate; lower shoulders swivel; the elbow are on double-joints; the hips are on ratcheting joints; knees rotate and are also on ratcheting joints. 

            For weapons, Skywarp’s left wing is detachable and by extending it, Skywarp can wield it as his sword or saber. It’s not much, but it’s okay.

            Overall, like most Armada figure, there’s not much to be expected from its articulations, but it sure made it up with its cool looks.

Overall:

            What can I say, I love this figure. I would rank this figure as one of the best Knockoffs out there. Really, they don’t make knockoffs like they used to anymore. I remember how knockoffs produced were as good as the original, but at a much cheaper price, though the plastic quality may be a little bit inferior. But heck, they had all the features that came with the originals.

            I really missed those days. I doubt that you can still get this guy now, be it the originals, or this knockoff, but if somehow you do, go get it.

            Highly recommended.

            Final verdict: 9/10.