Review: #191
Name: Silas Breakdown
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Arms Micron (Japanese equivalent of Prime)
Year of Release: 2012
Size Class: Voyager (AM-24)
Variations: a retool of the Voyager Breakdown, which was also retooled into Swerve
VEHICLE MODE:
Silas Breakdown (henceforth only referred to as "Breakdown") transformers into an armored truck. The most noticeable addition here is the huge chromed bumper, which, while it looks cool, isn't show-accurate.
This is a fantastic truck mode and looks really nice. There are a lot of sculpted details. The only detraction here is that the robot knees stick out from underneath the rear bumper.
Breakdown forms part of the Arms Micron line, which the Japanese equivalent of Prime. One of the major changes in this line compared to the Hasbro version is that ports were added to the figures in order to plug in the Microns that came with the figures (more of Breakdown's Micron later). Luckily, the added ports for Breakdown isn't too ridiculous or distracting.
As mentioned, the huge chromed bumper is a feature exclusive to this version of the mold. It looks fantastic although I'm not sure why there are ports in it.
Another feature of the Arms Micron line is the lack of paint on the toys, instead, they rely on stickers for details. Thankfully, Breakdown doesn't rely as heavily on these stickers and they aren't too hard to put on.
He has stickers for the side windows, headlights and Decepticon insignia. I don't like how some of the stickers hide the sculpted details but you can always leave it off. He also comes with bonus battle damage stickers to reflect the bruised and cracked body in the show.
Breakdown is a Voyager classed figure but most of his bulk comes in the height of the vehicle, not it's length or width. Hasbro has commented that they did not release this mold in their line because it was apparently too costly for its price point and I can see that here (even though he feels lighter than you would like).
You can plug in Breakdown's Micron partner, Magi, in various ports around the vehicle. Most of time, it looks really stupid and like an ugly growth.
The only somewhat better place is the port on the hood.
This is a very nice vehicle mode. Sure, it might be lacking some color but black suits the mold and the character well.
TRANSFORMATION:
The transformation is a highlight of the mold, it's fun, intuitive and interesting. The ways the arms form is is clever, as well as how his legs unfold. You also get a nice little surprise if you have dealt with the mold before (which we will cover later). Unfortunately, the huge bumper means that it can no longer fold into his torso even though the joint is still there.
MAGI:
Breakdown's Micron partner is called Magi, and it transforms into a praying mantis.
You have to construct this little guy yourself but cutting out the pieces from its sprues, assembling it and then placing stickers for detailing.
It has a singular red optic.
It has a spark crystal of sorts which shows the Decepticon insignia.
The various stickers show mechanical details and looks good.
Poseability is extremely limited, Magi can only swing it's blades a bit.
It's actually not as small as you would big, approximately Legion size.
It's weapon mode is some sort of dual bladed weapon, I really don't know what the proper name is. Overall, it's not the worse Micron mold but there are also better ones. At least the praying mantis is a unique form to take.
ROBOT MODE:
Now, getting back to Breakdown itself, the robot mode is a stunner. He looks big, bulking and menacing.
It is extremely show accurate down to the very last details such as the three tires on his back.
The next retool that we see is the head. While still the familiar face of Breakdown, it's got a chip off the left crest and his right eye is an exposed optic (to represent how it was taken out in the show).
A few extra minor paint applications come out in robot mode, such as the silver on his knees (in the original mode, it was covered by stickers and a massive pain to keep them on). Stickers provide details on his feet and side of his legs. Yup, Breakdown doesn't actually have a lot of extra color other than the base plastic colors.
I mentioned it in the transformation section but I really enjoy how the arms fold up. It's simple too in that the windshield halves fold into the forearm and the hands flip out, but it gives Breakdown character and a unique look.
And now the little bonus when transforming him. This is another retool and we see in the torso portion is... Silas, who is controlling Breakdown here. This is something that TakaraTomy didn't have to do but it is a very nice Easter egg. You have to start transforming Breakdown in order to see this sculpted piece though.
There is some kibble floating around but it isn't anything that affects Breakdown's stability or range of articulation. The major piece behind the rear of the truck compressed into his back.
You can also see that the pieces are as hollow as they can be in order to save on plastic and weight. Hence, Breakdown feels somewhat light in your hands.
He trades height for width and bulkiness, similar to Bulkhead. Therefore, he doesn't tower much over most Deluxes.
Now, only poseability, he has the works, excluding wrist and waist swivels.
The large feet allows him to be stable in a variety of poses. The feet are slightly adjustable too, able to tilt up and down as a byproduct of transformation.
Size-wise, when compared to Magi, Breakdown towers over him (as you would expect).
In terms of weapons, Breakdown only had Magi's dual blade mode. Unfortunately, it feels as if the blades are not long enough to look effective during combat.
You can also mistransform Magi in such a way to look like some sort of truncated pistol so that Breakdown can at least have a weapon.
It's a shame that Breakdown couldn't keep his hammer here but then again, I'd rather a brand new Micron mold than a recolor of the rhino-hammer Micron the original toy got (just for some differentiation).
The giant chrome bumper makes for a nice centerpiece to the robot mode. It's striking and immediately captures your attention, in a good way.
You can also flip Breakdown's in such a way that his hands fold away and in it's place is the windshield with the port. You can attach Magi's weapon mode to make it seem as if his hand morphed into the weapon. This is a carry-over from the original mold. It's doesn't look fantastic since there is a huge empty gap but the option is there.
Despite his bulk, Breakdown is actually quite versatile and offers a huge range of articulation. His joints aren't obstructed and you can get a lot of decent poses out of him.
This figure captures the spirit and aesthetics of the show model so well that it's uncanny.
A fantastic robot mode that looks great and is fun to play with to boot.
OVERALL:
This is an amazing mold and is truly one of the best in the Prime/Arms Micron line. It gives the First Edition molds a run for their money, it is just that well designed. Breakdown doesn't feel lazy or uninspired, there are some clever design choices in it's transformation. The little additions to make this version of the mold differentiate itself from the others makes Silas Breakdown worthwhile. Definitely recommended that all fans try and obtain at least one of this mold, sure, the original Breakdown still has the best coloring but Silas Breakdown is cheaper and isn't too big of a compromise.
--------------------------------------
For other Transformers reviews, have a look at this page here.
