Optimus Prime Single Energon Sword Attack CloseUp.

Hasbro Revenge of the Fallen (ROTF) leader class is definately the most movie accurate representation of Optimus Prime in both the 2007 and 2009 Transformers Movie.

This toy easily outdone any Takara masterpiece Transfromers in term of details, complexity of transformation and playability. Out of the box, Optimus Prime is in his robot mode ready to be pose with various pose. Transforming Prime into the SemiTruck is very complicated and it shows superb engineering of current toys compared to the G1 transformers.

A look at Optimus Prime alternate mode which is a SemiTruck, the mode is almost perfect.

Optimus Prime SemiTruck Front.

Only the back of the Truck , the coach and the bottom view show the robot parts. Overall, Optimus Prime is more than 90 percent recognizable as a SemiTruck.

Optimus Prime SemiTruck Back view.

The bottom part of the truck would transform into Optimus Prime pelvic and the legs. Where the cab and the engine part forms Optimus Prime upper body.

Optimus Prime SemiTruck Pelvic.

Optimus Prime SemiTruck Bottom view.

Optimus Prime SemiTruck Front Details.

Optimus Prime SemiTruck MechAlive exposed.

The only sound effect of the truck mode is roaring of the SemiTruck engine. Which the button is properly hidden at the back of the SemiTruck cabin. The sound effect button face has an engraved triangle .

Battery Compartment and button to activate Sound Effect.

Batteries are included with Leader Class Optimus Prime. Too bad the default batteries does not carry any well known brand. The good thing is the screw has a valve or a piece of plastic attached, there is no worry of screw gone missing after changing batteries. It is easy to conclude that this toy design is to make battery replacement easy as well as conforming to child safety standards.

Battery Compartment Opened.

In this review, Leader Class Optimus Prime were in its alternate SemiTruck mode. The following are the transformation sequence from SemiTruck mode to robot mode. By default from the package, Optimus Prime is in its Robot mode.

The first part in which is recommended to tansform is the upper body, overall the SemiTruck upper part of the engine and the cabin is Optimus Prime body.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 1.

The most important part of the transformation is to detach side of the cabin apart to start the transformation.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 2.

After the lower part of the cabin is detached, gently pull the side of the cabin upward, the side of the cabin is locked by a simple peg.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 3.

Most of the part is held by plastics pegs and latches. However, the plastic is durable and is not hard and brittle.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 4.

Plastic pegs has its matching connector in both mode to ensure that Optimus Prime remains in its mode after transformation.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 5.

On the transformation, all the details such as simulation of robot circuitry and internal structure is molded on the plastics. Which is really nice to see and behold how much effort the design team of Hasbro and TakaraTomy has worked to develop this product. I could not imagine how many man work hours put in developing this toy.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 6.

At this point of the transformation, all part of leader class Optimus Prime uses just the right type of plastics for the transformation. It is a bit flexible but it hold to its original shape.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 7.

The top part of the smoke stacks is made of soft PVC bendable and able to retain its original shape. You will not get a deformed smoke stack while it maintain child safety standards.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 8.

Even the rivets like detail is not left out in the mold. This is really a WOW factor for a mass produced toy.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 9.

Another critical part of the transformation, you need to push the engine block downwards and the semi truck grill need to be pull away from the engine block to unlock the arms.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 10.

Lift the back of the cabin to separate the cabin into 2 parts the upper body and the lower body.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 11.

To separate the arms that forms the engine block, at the seam push downwards into the seam slowly.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 12.

Once the arm is expose pull the arm away from each other.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 13.

Once the arm is move away, the cabin wind shield should be pull all the way back and arms all the way to the side. It will expose the head. The most annoying part of this transformation, Optimus prime voice electronics is sensitive enough to be activated by exclaiming it existance with the phrase “I am Optimus Prime”. The only way to avoid such annoyance is remove the batteries before the transformation. However, if you do so, you will miss another sound effect.

Folding the arm could be tricky I have created a sub part on folding the truck engine cover to form the arms.

Optimus Prime Arm Transformation step 1.

Optimus Prime Arm Transformation step 2.

Optimus Prime Arm Transformation step 3.

Optimus Prime Arm Transformation step 4.

Only 4 simple steps to transform the arm.

Continuation of the body transformation, once Optimus Prime head and neck is put proper.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 14.

Without its chest piece, Optimus Prime will look like it suffers from beer gut. The chest piece is really the wind screen of the SemiTruck, in which it is designed to pay homage to the G1 Optimus Prime transformation.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 15.

The final step of the body transformation is pretty tricky, you need to attach the plastic tab at the end of the chest piece to the upper side of the beer gut belly.

Optimus Prime Body Transformation step 16.

As demonstrated on the photo, the plastic tab of the chest piece can only be fit in to the belly from the side at the top. In which the gap is larger to fit in the plastic tab. Do another attachment the other side. The transformation of Optimus Prime upper robot body is complete.

Transformation of the upper body of ROTF Leader Class Optimus Prime is the hardest transformation. The legs tranformation is more straight forward, you would not need a transformation manual to make the conversion.

Optimus Prime Legs Transformation step 1.

Continue from the body tranformation, you will notice that the entire lower part of the SemiTruck is actually Optimus Prime leg and its lower body.

Optimus Prime Legs Transformation step 2.

The first step is to split the legs. The it is all folding and defolding the truck lower part to form the feet.

Optimus Prime Legs Transformation step 3.

Optimus Prime Legs Transformation step 4.

Optimus Prime Legs Transformation step 5.

Optimus Prime Legs Transformation step 6.

The transformation is almost done. Only left is making a few final adjustment. The final phase is locking the upper body and the lower body together. Followed by touching up the back of Optimus Prime.

Optimus Prime Transformation FinalPhase 1.

Optimus Prime Transformation FinalPhase 2.

Attaching the upper part and the lower part of the body gives the 80s transformation sound effect. Which I think is the coolest sound effect for this toy.

Optimus Prime Transformation FinalPhase 3.

The final touch up of the transformation phase is folding the back wheels mudflaps and lock it onto the back.

Optimus Prime Transformation FinalPhase 4.

Finally transformation is completed. The new feature of the ROTF toyline is the mech alive. By flicking of a lever or button, it gives impression that the robot is alive. The feature requires pushing down the lever which masked as part of the abdomen piece the gears in the chest piece move and the chest piece seems to move upwards. Prime will exclaim his existance by saying “I am Optimus Prime” . At the same time , the chest will blink with red led lights and the eyes will flash with yellowish green led light.

MechAlive Activation Lever.

MechAlive Activation Lever Pulled Down.

Optimus Prime MechAlive Electronics.

Its a shame that the TakaraTomy version did not exclaim “Watashi wa Convoy Sama” Direct translation would be I am Master Convoy.

The accuracy of the head is very closely resemble Optimus prime in the movie. Unfortunately due to the chest piece design the articulation of the neck is limited. You need to lift up the head to improve the articulation.

Optimus Prime Head Details Front.

Optimus Prime Head Details Side.

The chest details attempt is very commendable, articulation are actually added to the shades at the windscreen.

Robot mode Chest Details.

Articulated sun shades at the windscreen.

Another piece feature is the energon sword used to impale to kill BoneCrusher in the 2007 movie.

Optimus Prime Energon Sword Details CloseUp.

Optimus Prime Energon Sword Activation Switch.

Energon Sword Activation mechanism.

There is a hidden feature for Optimus Prime at the legs. I discovered it from the internet.

Optimus Prime Leg Details.

Optimus Prime Leg secret revealed.

In the articulation department, only the legs has more articulation. There is no articulation at the waist, to make things worse the arm articulation is hindered by the energon swords.

Optimus Prime robot mode articulation limits.

The detailing at the hand and the energon sword is the feature and also the down fall that limits the robot mode articulations.

Optimus Prime Practice SkyDiving.

Forming Arch using all limbs.

The legs articulation is good, that you can simulate Optimus Prime got a chicken leg.

Optimus Prime Knee Articulations.

I had tried a few limited posing without using any support. Bear in mind that the upper body of Optimus Prime is heavy. Leaning too much front or too much back will make him fall.

Optimus Prime Single Energon Sword Attack.

Optimus Prime Counter Attack Pose.

In a summary, ROTF Leader Class Optimus Prime is an excellent toy to be added to any toy collector inventory. The only reason that I can think an avid fan of Transformers skipping this toy is because of too fanatical and head strong that G1 design is better than Michael Bay Transformers.

My friend had made some mod to the existing piece giving Optimus Prime articulated hands and additional blaster .

If you have not get yours today, I would highly recommend you to get your piece today

Till the next post.

P.S. : I am still waiting for my leader class JetFire

Optimus Prime taking leave.

Galvatron Robot mode aiming cannon.

After a series of complex transformation from tank mode to robot mode. Galvatron is almost the same rendition of its G1 Transformers movie.

Galvatron Robot mode front.

Compared to others Henkei or Transformers Classics or Transformers Universe toy. Galvatron Transformation is complex and frustrating. Wrong application of force will causes parts to be pop out. Which is true to the left arm shoulder sockets.

Galvatron robot mode close up.

The cannon at the left arm, is dominant, it takes about 30% of the entire Robot mode. The entire turret is folded and transformed into Galvatron´s right arm. Unfortunately, the hand is molded as a static opened arm with sharp claw like fingers.

Galvatron robot mode, overall close up focus.

In robot mode, the right arm is restricted to rotation at the shoulder axis and abit of articulation at the elbow. Nevertheless, the big gun is a cool factor. The gripe is Galvatron´s hips feels very feminine. It´s waist is able to be twisted.

Galvatorn robot mode neutral post.

The entire leg is made up from the tank threads. Alot of twist and turns and folding are required. Another half of the tank threads is transformed into Galvatron back or back pack. Unfortunately, there is no pegs to lock them into more stable position.

Galvatron robot back pack.

Past of the tank top is transform into Galvatron lower back slightly above the pelvic region; giving an impression of a skirt armor. Perhaps to prevent its foe shooting lasers at its butt. The skirt armor part is floppy.

Galvatron robot back isometric view.

Without the pseudo jet pack, Galvatron upper body would seems scrawny and thin. The jet pack beef up Galvatron appearance.

Galvatron robot side view.

The left arm is thin not proportioned to the right beefy cannon arm. Perhaps Galvatron fitness instructor specialized on building the right arm.

Galvatron robot mode left side view.

The length of the cannon on the right arm is 90-95 percent of the Galvatron robot height.

Galvatron very large side arm.

In term of detailing and face sculpt, it is a good as it gets compared to all existing official toy line from TakaraTomy or Hasbro.

Galvatron head close up.

The eyes is made of translucent amber colored plastics. Light is allows to pass thru from the back to the front to give an amber glow at the eyes.

Galvatron head detailing at the back.

The head is only able to turn left to right, it is not able to look up or down. Articulation of Galvatron figure is very limited to make things worse the joints are quite loose and floppy. The figure itself in robot mode is floppy and feels flimsy. It is less durable compared to its other Henkei toyline counterparts.

Galvatron getting ready to fire.

Due to the top part is heavier to the back and floppy hips, it has tendency to fall back.

Galvatron duking it.

Overall, the Henkei Galvatron toy in its robot mode has a lot of flaws. Gaps, floppiness, disproportioned, thin, scrawny, amber instead of red eyes.

The only reason that it is a taker is this-is-Galvatron factor. Only made for die hard fans. For casual playing it is not recommended at all.

Starscream front view

Proportion wise it is ok, torso is good propotioned, but it has large legs and small hands short hands with 2 oversized cannons.

The pelvic area is only good when look from the front. From the view of the side, you will realized that the pelvic region is just a thin piece of plastic.

Starscream side view

From a closer view up at the sides, the transformation from F16 to robot left a big open gap that gives a representation of a hollow torso.

Starscream side view

Head detailing is commendable, the scuplt of the robot face is closely resembles the G1 Starscream Transfomers

Starscream face details

Back of the robot is less desirable, the nosecone of the F16 can be spotted connected to the back of Starscream head. Fortunately, the wings of the seeker is G1 animation accurate.

Starscream back view

Gimmick wise of this figure is very limited, it only has a pair of cannon which is able to shot out projectiles. Unfortunately, there is no spares, if the projectile is missing, the Starscream will look like battle damaged. Too bad, the do not make actual projectile but the barrel of the null cannon itself is the projectile.

Starscreamś null cannon

Articulation wise, its torso area has no articulation. Articulation is limited to head, arms hips and legs.

Starscream pose hindered by cannons

Arms articulation is very limited by the null cannons at the arms. Removing the cannons can improve the articulation of the arms.

Starscream arms articulation improved

Starscream is able to made to stand on 1 leg, unfortunately the loose hip joint causes the pose to show very funny result.

Starscream pose standing with 1 leg

Articulation of the head is limited to twisting the head from left to right and right to left. The limitation is due to the toy design in which the nosecone is attached to the head of Starscream.

Starscream head turned

Overall Starscream is an OK toy. The reason to get it is the Starscream factor. Sculpt is properly details but paint job is bad, lots of smudges. Articulation is hindered by the toy design. Very obvious hinderance to articulation is its null cannon, nosecone as well as very loose joints. Not to be repetative, the only redemption for the toy is because it is Starscream.

Starscream pose with null cannons

Cyclonus and NightStick.

The lack of accessories is forgivable, NightStick on its own is an interesting piece of gun.

NightStick robot mode.

The posebility of NightStick is limited to its arm, elbow and leg minus its knee.

NightStick robot mode posing.

It is too bad that the gun barrel too long, it may becomes the 3rd leg for NightStick. If the barrel is collapsable the robot mode of NightStick would be perfect.

NightStick transformed to gun.

The transformation of NightStick from robot to gun is very straight forward that you need no instruction on the transformation process.

Once it is transformed it becomes a big gun.

NightStick gun mode view from side.

NightStick on gun mode can be attached to Cyclonus cybertronian jet just above the cockpit/cabin.

Cyclonus cybertronian jet with gun attached.

Cyclonus cybertronian jet mode with nightstick attached.

Cyclonus cybertronian jet mode with nightstick attached back view.

NightStick can only be hold by Cyclonus on its right hand, which is very unfortunate.

You can’t help but imagine that Cyclonus whenever he wants to shoot his gun/blaster, he might say “Say hello to my little friend.” .

Cyclonus holding NightStick at ease.

Cyclonus using NightStick.

The articulation overall is good, but the waist unable to twist and the arms is articulation is limited due to the wings is blocking the full articulation potential.

However, the torso connection to the legs is ball point there is fear of the ball joint loose after long play.

In the nutshell, the articulation of Cyclonus is good but not excellent.

You don't mess with the Cyclonus.

As a summary on this toy, it shines its best in robot mode. Cybertronian jet mode is abit floppy at the lower part of the Cybertronian jet. It sleekness on its robot mode and its pal NightStick offset the small flaw in the Cybertronian jet mode. It is a very good attempt by Hasbro and TakaraTomy to remake the toy with better accuracy to the G1 Transformers character.

Grimlock robot articulation.

Henkei Grimlock were created with lots of articulation, but the the implementation in its hips it abit weak. During the transformation, the leg, pop out of the socket for 3 time. It does not feel like the joint will endure long play without loosing or becoming loose.

Grimlock robot front

Grimlock robot mode is armed with a cannon and a whip. Which can be stowed at its back. The whip is actually its tail in dino mode and its articulation makes it abit wavy and more alive.

Grimlock robot back

Both the cannon and whip can be plug into its hands. With the with and cannon it gives Grimlock a persona of a modern mechanized beast master.

Grimlock robot back plain

Itś cannon looks like it is design with close combat in mind, it has a blade like extrusion like a bayonet at its lower part of the cannon. Perhaps it is use to make it close and personal with its adversary.

Grimlockś cannon

Grimlockś cannon with missile inserted

projectile/missile

Grimlock looks good, or the weapon makes the stubby arms dissappears.

Grimlock robot armed

Henkei Grimlock does not show it self with details. The panel lines on its head, torso and legs are sharp. Its head follows very closely to its G1 cartoon counter part. Though the chest is modified or reimagined with a large Autobot insignia at the left side, covered with translucent red plastic but it is able to show the insignia.

Grimlock head details back

Grimlock head chest details

The articulation of Grimlock robot mode is commendable at best it is due to its joints is abit loose and may loose tightness overtime. You need to be careful with its hips joints as it is easy to pop out.

Grimlock torso details

Overall henkei Grimlock despite itś short coming of stubby arms and loose joints especially at its hips and waist. Its charms is its details. It will be a good addition into anyoneś collection as long as you can oversee it´s short coming.

Grimlock robot pose

Grimlock Dino Front View

Unlike its cousin toyline from Hasbro; Transformers Classic, the Grimlock has metallic painted parts. The metallic parts is abit of contraversial, it may add a cool factor but the metallic part may fade after a long time or it may peel off after rough play.

Grimlock dino overall front

In the dino mode, the left side exposes the chest of the robot mode, but it is still acceptable. On the upper part of the dino, mode it has a small tower like extrusion to place a cannon. Unfortunately, in dino mode, there is too many seams and gap shown. On top of that, the leg is stubby an short. With a long tail, it looks less proportional.

Grimlock dino overall back

The articulated part of the dino is its, head which is limited to moving up and down, it is able to open and close itś jaw. Legs are stubby but they are articulated at the hips and foot. Knees are not articulated.

Grimlock dino tail straightened

Grimlock dino tail bend zigzag

To be continued… Next, Grimlock robot mode.

]]> http://www.robothentai.com/transformers-henkei-grimlock-c-03-dino-mode-part-2/feed/ 0 Grimlock Dino Front View Grimlock Dino Front View Grimlock dino overall front Grimlock dino overall front Grimlock dino overall back Grimlock dino overall back Grimlock dino tail straightened Grimlock dino tail straightened Grimlock dino tail bend zigzag Grimlock dino tail bend zigzag http://www.robothentai.com/transformers-henkei-grimlock-c-03-package-and-gimmicks-part-1/ http://www.robothentai.com/transformers-henkei-grimlock-c-03-package-and-gimmicks-part-1/#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:31:44 +0000 EinsamSoldat http://vices.einsamsoldat.net/?p=74 Transformers Henkei Grimlock, package is less glamourous than its cousin Transformers Classic package. The package really looks cheap. But it is more than meet the eyes.

Card Packaged Henkei Grimlock

Grimlock Henkei Card Package Back

Grimlock Henkei is tie securely to its package. Upon opening the package it includes, a Grimlock in dino mode, transformation manual and unlike its Transformers Classic cousing it includes a catalog and a collectible card just like others Takara Tomy transformers toy.

grimlock unpacked

grimlock unpacked

After closer inspection, it is revealed that the catalog, is a comic featuring some of the Henkei toy line characters/toys. A very smart move by Takara Tomy to market and promote its products. It has a grimlock henkei collectible card as well. Alot of novelty indeed compared to the Transformers classic packaging. It is really more than meets the eyes.

Henkei Grimlock comic cover page

comic back with henkei toyline

Henkei Gtimlock collectible card

Transformation sheet or manual comes in illustrated picture all in Japanese but the picture themself is self-explained the transformation step of Grimlock Dino mode to Grimlock Robot.

tranformation sheet/manual

Overall the package looks cheap but it has more to offer than its cousin product line; which is a comic and collectible card is provided. Making this toy playable as well appeals to adult collector like myself. Though it is slightly more expensive than its cousin product line.

To be continued… Next Review Transformers Henkei Grimlock, Dino mode.

JetFire Armaments displayed

The booster is placed at the upper part of the engine covers. Once JetFire is in robot mode, it is placed on its back. Which will hold the backpack/booster firmly. First attempt to removed it will be abit frustrating though.

JetFire robot mode back without backpack

To hold the arm armors/missle launcher, its arms has similar pegs to hold the gimmick.

Peg at arms which use to dock with arm armors

Its arm armor which double as missile launcher has ability to spring launch the missiles. Missile resembles star wars proton torpedo which comes in translucent light blue. The arm armor has pegs which is used to attached to the female connector of the robot arm.

Arm armor of JetFire

Missile

The battle head or helmet is detachable, it sport a pair of twin cannons.

JetFire Battle mode head/helm

JetFire’s personal firearm can either be seperate into 2 pieces or combined into a double barrel blaster.

Gun seperated

Double barrel blaster

Lastly, the backpack/booster where it houses the largest cannons looks like a brick. However, its thruster has thrust vectoring a.k.a. each thruster is articulated.

Backpack/Booster

To sum up, JetFire is an interesting toy offers lotsa gimmicks and details (panel lines). Unfortunately, it is less propotioned, if you can overlook the propotion issue it is really an interesting toy, also a very good buy.

JetFire burst mode