TRANSFORMERS TOYS AND MERCHANDISE SECTION

Robot Mode:

Alternate Mode:

Box Art:

Blackjack's review: Booster x10

Name: Booster x10
Allegiance: Decepticon
Function: Propaganda; imitation of Laserbeak
Subgroup: Real Gear Robots

The Real Gears are the new alternatives of the former Scout and Minicon three-packs introduced in Armada, Energon and Cybertron. They transform into electrical household appliances such as cameras and video game consoles. Supposedly some toys about to be released at the end of Cybertron line, but was withheld to provide more toys for the movie line.

Many of the toys feature visual homages to G1 Transformers that also transform into household objects. This little bird I am reviewing is called Booster x10. Why x10? I dunno. Maybe he boosts other Decepticons ten times? Maybe he is number ten in production? Maybe he has ten weapons? Maybe Hasbro just trademarked freaky names?

Sarcasm aside, there is no transformer previously known as Booster or Booster x10. But for the purposes of this review, I call him Booster, so don't go complaining "His name is Booster x10, get it right, you nOOb!" Please.

Oh, before we forget, Booster is a direct homage to G1 Laserbeak, in colour and appearance. This mold is repainted in white as Autobot Night Beat 7. Why 'Night Beat 7' when they can use plain old Nightbeat? His bio describes Booster as a completely different character. Instead of being a coward, artistic, or talkative bird, Booster is mischievous. He is able to change sound waves (no puns intended), making 'an ambulance sound like a dog barking.' In his sick sense of humour, he changes conversations in humans just to see what happens.

Presumably the Real Gears are created by the Allspark during the final battle or during sector 7 experiments.

ALTERNATE MODES

Yes, alternate modes. With an 'S', you read that right. Booster's alternate mode splits into two during transformation. As a homage to Laserbeak and his master Soundwave, Booster transforms into the updated version of the tape deck-a MP3 player. And a sleek one at that.

Fact: the nokia phone that is supposed to be mutated by the Allspark (not to be confused with Real Gear Speed Dial 700) was originally conceived to be an iPod. However, Steve Jobs wouldn't allow it. Ah, the complications of today's media...

Booster's head is visible on the screen, but then, there's nowhere else to put it. Other than that, no kibble can be seen. This, along with the game boy mold, are the only ones I actually like.

The weapon 'turns', well, actually multi functions as an ear piece. With a rubber cord to hang it in your ear. Never knew that until someone told me. Actually quite comfortable. But the size is a bit too big fer me.

And that's it. No ejecting minions, no secondary battle mode, no flashbulbs, no action features. But the ear piece is kinda cute.

BIRDIE MODE

And we get the robot mode, which is a bird. If we classify Transformers in those fancy scientific names, Booster would be something like 'cassetticus avianus minoris', while Laserbeak is 'cassetticus avianus majoris', Buzzsaw is 'cassetticus avianus secondaris', Squawktalk is 'cassetticus avianus gestaltus'. Sorry, been cramming Biology.

Seriously now. This is a nice cute little bird mode. Rather detailed, unlike some other Real Gears. The head is painted fully, unlike his Animated cousin. Booster's legs are movable ever so slightly too. His wings are not too bad either.

Red is the main color, with black and a hint of yellow, hinting at his Laserbeak and Buzzsaw origins. The 'ear piece' can be attached to the selection pad, forming a single-barreled gun. The gun is not boxy like G1
Laserbeak.

Overall, a 'meh' from me. Trying to look like Laserbeak, but not having a boxy body fails. Buy it only if you really really need a Laserbeak, but trust me. The Animated or Cybertron Laserbeak (that comes with Soundwave) is much worth your buck.

Durability 6/10 survived a coupla falls, but the joints on the wings might break.
Fun 6/10 unlike some other Real Gears, Booster is actually fun to fiddle with. Hey, he's Laserbeak.
Price 1/10 way to expensive when you can get something better for that.
Transformation 2/10 Easy peasy,
Overall 4/10 Not a figure I would recommend, but Booster is one of the better Real Gear robots. Definitely better than the likes of Meantime and Power Up. Not one that you should hunt, especially if you have Nightbeat7. Avoid if you can, but I've seen worse.