TRANSFORMERS TOYS AND MERCHANDISE SECTION

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Seerus Nalaius's review of: Cybertron Optimus Prime

Name: Optimus Prime
Allegiance: Autobot
Function: Autobot Leader

OPTIMUS PRIME is a leader in the best sense of the word, taking point on every mission and never sending his team into any situation he wouldn't go himself. Dedicated to the protection of all life and the preservation of freedom for all sentient beings, he serves as a role model for his fellow AUTOBOTS. It is through his keen intelligence, even hand, steady nerves and endless compassion that the AUTOBOTS continue to frustrate the DECEPTICONS evil plans again and again. In a desperate race against time, OPTIMUS PRIME has been forced to send teams of his best soldiers into unknown parts of the Universe in search of the lost Cyber Planet Keys, ancient artifacts with the power to save CYBERTRON and the rest of the Universe from the giant black hole formed from the implosion of UNICRON.

Well, Cybertron is finally here, and if you couldn't tell from the pictures, the toys look and play great. I have yet to catch an episode of the show (at this point I only caught the last five minutes of the third episode), but I am glad to see that it looks and sounds great. Anyway, lets get to the reason you're here, the review of Cybertron Optimus Prime!

Robot Mode:
Well, Prime starts off with a...lackluster form. Though that isn't bad, hear me out. He has a great sculpt and looks really great with his red, grey, and blue color scheme. He still looks strong and carries the feel of a leader, but his face is probably the most surprising thing. The expression carries a look of compassion and caring, of an Autobot who truly de***es peace. This is the look that embodies the core character of Optimus Prime, something that the other toys never truly tried to place within the plastic being sitting on the shelves. I actually like this detail; it’s a very strong departure from the usual faceplate and somewhat passive eyes. His chest splits in the middle and opening up the plate reveals the Autobot Matrix, but its purpose has yet to be revealed since it went missing in Energon. His rifle is stored on the front of the right cannon on his trailer. Throw it in his hand and flip up the faceplate to give him a seriously updated G1 look. But this is only his basic form...

Super Robot Mode:
With more height, a fiercer face, and some real heavy weaponry, Optimus looks ready to take on the whole world. It’s strange that just by flipping the horns on his head up, and adding the face plate, make him go from a calm, peaceful leader, to a pissed off, angry Autobot. I'm probably just weird, but that just surprises me that it changes so drastically with only two changes. Optimus cans some additional height thanks to his Super Mode, but the problem with this is that his legs look odd, and the articulation doesn't fit his large legs. And since his arms remain the same size, they look disproportionate. This isn't bad though; I'm just getting picky. From what I understand, his cannons are supposed to swing under his arms and sit near the "shotguns" on his legs, but putting them down their limits his mobility and doesn't look too good. It’s better visually, and increases playability, to have them sit on his shoulders. Also, it looks better to have his rifle attached to the cannon. Having it off reduces the intimidation factor of the toy. Unfortunately though, with those cannons, big trailer for a backpack, and additional leg bulk, Optimus loses a lot of poseability in Super Mode, though he still can strike a few poses at least. The right cannon can convert into a tri-blaster with the "Matrix" Planet Key. The left cannon on its own feels and looks like a large Plasma Cannon, which makes the sound of a large energy blast. Inserting the key opens up the plating, making a "power up" sound. When its open it appears to be more of a rail gun, and makes a loud blasting sound that seems ideal for a rain gun.

Vehicle Mode:
Optimus is a futuristic space fire truck, and I think it looks ok. Having never had or truly seen the RiD Optimus, I don't know how this fire truck holds up to that one, but between the two, I'll side with the futuristic look. On his own, the truck looks...really dumb. The legs make the base point to connect to the trailer, and due to the Super Mode feet, are absurdly long. The trailer alone looks out of place as well, even if you convert it into "Turret Mode". Its best to have them together, that ways the weird look is reduced and some cool factor can come in. However, due to the all cannons and the obvious rocket boosters, the fire truck aspect is really lost. The Flying Mode, while unique and cool in its own way, removes more from the fire truck appeal.

However, once you set aside the shortcomings in certain areas, and realize the time, detail, and innovation that went into Optimus, you'll find a great toy just waiting to decorate your shelf, desk, or where ever you want him.

Transformation: 6 - For being Optimus, this transformation feel really simple.
Durability: 8 - Pretty solid and sturdy, but the chest windows feel really fragile to me, and I can see them breaking off is you are too rough or not careful. The missiles also have been known to make a break for it now and then.
Fun: 10 - Optimus has plenty of modes and appeal to keep you busy.
Price: 4 - $40 always is a bit much, though for what you get, I feel it’s worth it.
Summary: 8 - A great toy with many modes and extras to keep you busy, but the price and "problems" hurt his score.