Review: #57
Name: Cybertronian Optimus Prime
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: Transformers 2010/Generations
Year of Release: 2011
Size Class: Deluxe
Variations: a repaint of the original Generations Cybertronian Optimus Prime, which was also repainted into Darkside Optimus Prime
VEHICLE MODE:
This is the Optimus that comes in the Toys R Us exclusive set, "Rage Over Cybertron". Optimus transforms into an 'armoured truck mode', basically, it's a lump on wheels... I say that coz it's a Cybertronian mode, so it's fairly indistinct but it's still executed fairly well here. There's some familiar truck elements such as smokestacks, wheels and a front grill. I do wish that the front windows were done more like the game.
All six wheels roll, and all six touches the ground. The front red panel is done in transparent red plastic, which seems random here, since the rest of the truck is solid opaque plastic. There's also some yellow detailing, personally, I'm not a big fan of this detailing.
A gun plugs on the top, and it's actually in a different configuration than the robot mode (basically the gun is folded in half), but since it's on a spring, it can spring back easily. The instructions state that you can store is flat, but I find that it tends to block the smokestacks and so it comes off easier (i.e. when you don't want it to).
The back could do with some more work, since the thighs are sticking out and looks obvious. You can flip the robot's knee pads up to fill in the gap at the back but there's no detailing this time around. Optimus really feels bulky and heavy in this mode, more so than other deluxes.
Whether you like this vehicle or not is really down to personal tastes, it's fairly bland, but it works really well. You might not pick up that it's a truck straight away, but it's a good vehicle. Only negative is that the clear red plastic used at the front is fairly random.
TRANSFORMATION:
This is where Optimus shines, the transformation is complex, with a lot of shifting panels (hence all the panel breaks in vehicle mode). However, it's intuitive, which means it's not frustrating, and it's fun once you transformed him a few times. The rotating bits do throw you a bit off the first time but it's a really satisfying transformation. Going back into vehicle mode, there pegs and clips everywhere for the panels, which make for a very secured vehicle. Two words sum this up: impressive engineering.
ROBOT MODE:
Robot mode is where Optimus Prime is strongest, again, he is very accurate to the game design. He needs heel spurs for more support though, he doesn't fall back in most poses, but it can be tricky to stand him up.
As you can expect, there are a ton of panels and he's fairly kibbly. However, all this somehow works in his favour as it bulks up his look and the panel placement is excellent. The only panel that somewhat hinders movement would be the giant one on his back, even then, its tucked in.
In addition to the transparent plastic parts from the vehicle mode (which is now on his shoulders and back), the chest is transparent red too. I don't know why they just didn't go all out and replace all of the red plastic with transparent ones since it looks lazy and weird.
The wheels sitting behind his back looks great, and you can see how panels just wrap around his shoulders. There is some impressive engineering here for these panels to go somewhere out of the way.
This is a very powerful looking Optimus, with a chunky chest, abs and a bulky look. The stature of Optimus very heroic.
The panels act and look like armour, there's not much difference here when compared to the original Generations version. His chest is actually a false piece replicating the grill of the truck.
The first thing you'll notice about the head is that Optimus has long antennae. The head sculpt is simple and more plain than you would expect, but works really well and looks great.
Poseability, as you would expect, is perfect. He's missing a rotating waist (he has one, but it's locked after transformation). A memorable robot mode.
OVERALL:
This is a very solid toy, with an impressive transformation, one that strikes you as the perfect balance between fun and complexity. I heartily recommend this figure if you like any of the modes. The robot one seems stronger to me, but there aren't any major flaws here, it's all down to personal preference.
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