Review: #190
Name: Predaking
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Predacon
Line: Prime - Beast Hunters
Year of Release: 2014
Size Class: Voyager (Wave 5)
Variations: none as of this date
DRAGON MODE:
This is the second Voyager classed mold for Predaking in the Prime Beast Hunters line. This is a brand new mold, much different to the previous toy.
Despite what it might initially seem, this is NOT a simple upscaling of the Commander classed figure (unlike the 2014 Deluxes which were upscales of Legions figures).
Anyway, Predaking transforms into a dragon, with a huge and disproportionate orange sword.
A big chunk of the body is made from smoky transparent plastic but it looks quick nice here. Unfortunately, and I think it is a bid to save some plastic but the torso is quite thing (made from the legs). It would be nice if it was "thicker".
The head sculpt is fantastic, the beast heads looks amazing. I love crest although the transparent plastic means that some of the details are lost.
There isn't much poseability in the head though, it can tilt up and down. Unfortunately that it can't open its mouth to roar.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of losing some complexity is that it allows Predaking to be MASSIVE. He is much much bigger than your average Voyager classed figure, even so far as being near Ultra sized in the olden glory days.
Then when you add in wingspan, Predaking becomes even more impressive and is almost as big as the Ultimate Predaking figure.
The wings are transparent orange plastic and looks great. They are just one piece so but are adjustable to a certain degree.
The robot hands are fully exposed but it actually blends in well with the rest of the beast feet, I found it impressive that it manages to hide so well in plain side and an elegant solution.
Don't expect much poseability here. The rear legs are one piece and only jointed at the hips while the front legs have quite a big of articulation due to them doubling up as robot arms. The neck is fixed which is a shame.
An extremely impressive beast mode that looks great (without seeming too kiddie from the simplification process) thanks to the sculpting and of course, the sheer size.
TRANSFORMATION:
While the transformation is simple, it is also very satisfying and elegant. As mentioned, this is not just a straight up copy of the Commander toy, the transformation is actually fairly different (but still heavily inspired). While the way the robot arms form is nothing special (it's just the beast legs), the robot feet unfold from the body and the beast legs fold and cover up the massive gap that appears behind his shins. The dragon head folds onto his back revealing the robot mode. It's quick, easy and effective, if only all figures were this fun when they underwent the simplification process (but alas, most toys just ends up being bad from being too simple).
ROBOT MODE:
Predaking is one big hulking bot and contains heaps of sculpted details. The transparent smoky plastic coupled with the orange highlights brings out a menacing stature.
The wings act as a sort of cape on his back but are really just kibble (albeit nice looking kibble). The dragon head and neck rounds out his backpack.
The head sculpt is good, while not as impressive as the dragon head, at least it's well defined. The head can only turn from side to side thanks to a neck swivel.
Just like in dragon mode, Predaking's biggest positive here is the sheer size of the guy. He towers most other figures that isn't a Ultra or above. That said, there are some cheats involved such as the hollow limbs (his shins are the biggest offender). Nevertheless, Predaking still feels heavy and substantial in your hands.
Another great thing is that the simplification process did not cause any aesthetic casualties. Heck, if anything, this mold looks ten times better than the first Voyager mold!!
In terms of weapons, Predacon comes with a massive Infernum sword, which was basically his tail.
The weapon is oversized even for Predaking.
As his hands are just the beast mode flipped up, I find that the sword is heavy enough to start folding the hand back down. It's not an issue on my figure but I can see that as the joints get weaker over time, Predaking might one day not be able to support his own sword.
The other weapon is a gun, which doubles up as a pressure launch missile launcher.
Contrary to the gigantic sword, the gun feels too small.
I find that the missile is also made of a softer bendier plastic, such that it feels like you will snap the missile shaft in half.
The wings are on his back are adjustable so you can give him a bigger silhouette if you wish.
The beast feet also acts as excellent heelspurs, Predaking is very stable and won't be falling over any time soon.
Another benefit of the simplistic design and big pieces is the strengthening of joints through the use of ratchet joints. Predaking has ratchets for his shoulders, elbows, hips and knees.
The size of him coupled with the clickity click of the ratchets gives you a sense of satisfaction. Fiddling with this toy is fun.
As mentioned, the sculpted details are amazing, then again, a few more paint applications wouldn't have gone astray as the transparent plastic really hides a lot of the details.
The range of articulation is fantastic, Predaking can pull off a lot of wicked poses!
I do find that the wrists are too long, making the hands jut out a bit too far to look natural.
Predaking is also missing waist and wrist swivels, both of which would have benefited this sword-bot.
There are some sculpted Cybertronian lettering on his sword although I have no idea what it says (nor do I really care).
Apparently, all the transparent plastic means he is prone to stress marks, although I haven't noticed any on mine yet but it makes sense since transparent plastic is weaker and more fragile.
With that said, the plastic used here feels strong and solid. There was a period of time where the Transformers toys had dubious plastic quality.
There are no other gimmicks present.
A brilliant robot mode. It's hard to find many faults with this robot mode.
OVERALL:
Predaking is the perfect example of an "upscaling" done right. The simplified transformation works in his favor creating two knockout modes. The addition of more robust joints and articulation is much welcomes. Now, if only all the new figures were this good (since Hasbro is renewing their focus on simpler toys but they haven't been as great as they were in the glory days). It's too bad that Predaking was released in the tail end of the line and saw limited release (although I suspect this was why the whole final wave were upscaled toys, in order to reduce the design/production phase and save on money). Anyway, GET THIS TOY.
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