Sunday, December 14, 2014

Toy Review: Transformers Robots in Disguise (RiD) Omega Prime (God Fire Convoy)


Review:  #202
Name:  Omega Prime (God Fire Convoy)
Brand:  Transformers
Allegiance:  Autobot
Line:  Robots in Disguise
Year of Release:  2001
Size Class:  N/A
Variations:  black version; clear version; Universe and Cybertron redecos

TRANSFORMATION:


Omega Prime is formed through the combination of Optimus Prime and Ultra Magnus.  One of the most unique and original ideas is the fact that he has what is dubbed by the designer as the "handshake combination".  Shown in the series as well, Optimus actually holds onto Magnus' hands when they combine!  This is through the use of a 5mm peg in Magnus' thumb.


Omega Prime is also notorious for being one of the most difficult Transformers when it was released and also since then.  It is absurdly complex with a lot of twists and manipulation of parts.  You will definitely need instructions on your first try, however, it is also satisfying and fun.


Magnus pretty much break into parts to form this mode, his forearms detach as does his legs.  His torso becomes the combiner torso.  While all of Magnus is used in the combination, Optimus' super mode parts are left untouched.


To this very day I am still very impressed at how well these toys are engineered.  The amount of manipulation needed for Magnus for this three modes is stunning and I am amazed at how this was made possible.  To form Omega Prime's feet, the back half of Magnus' carrier mode has heaps of panels that just fold and collapse on top of each other.


The parts attach in the same positions as where Optimus' super mode parts attach, so Optimus doesn't really share much of the burden of this combination.


All in all, a combination that really showcases the puzzle aspect of Transformers and is so well engineered that you can't help but be impressed.

COMBINED MODE:


Omega Prime... he is in my opinion the best combiner Transformers has given us.  He looks amazing in this mode, from the exquisite amount of sculpted details to the imposing size and bulk.


He is not perfect though.  Since he is effective Optimus wearing 100% of Magnus, Omega Prime is super heavy and has a huge chunk of kibble on his back being Magnus' electronics block/jet pack.


The head sculpt is an enhanced version of Optimus' with gold chromed antennae.  It looks fantastic and ready to dish out some pain.


There are electronics as you would expect.  You can activate them by plugging in the weapon on top, they actually attach to the same torso pegs from Ultra Magnus' robot mode, very clever.


Omega Prime is so heavy that you can see and feel the ratchet joints straining to keep him standing up.  If you have batteries in both the toys, good luck trying to do anything meaningful with the figure.  Surprisingly, even without heelspurs, he doesn't keel over backwards (but most likely, he'll keel over backwards by the hips giving way).


As touched upon earlier, this is a massive figure, absolutely towering over Deluxe figures.  Omega Prime does have slight proportion issues from certain angles but on the whole, he looks great.


As you would expect, he is also a decent bit taller than Leader classed figures.


Magnus' car carrier grill forms the centerpiece of Omega Prime.  The chromed Autobot symbols makes a lot of sense now and the chest plate really gives off a heroic look.


The ankles are on swivels which makes posing his legs much easier.  The sculpted and painted details on his legs are fantastic.


I love the subtle vehicular elements such as the wheels at the end of his shoulder pads, Omega Prime still very much looks like a robot that can convert into a vehicle.


In terms of poseability, Omega Prime's biggest hindrance is his weight and balance.  You need to find poses where the hips (easily the weakest link) doesn't give up and cause the figure to collapse.


Most of his poseability will be somewhat static looking.  Omega Prime is very much a display piece.  While he holds together fairly well, the torso has a tendency to start to unclip when you handle him.


His shoulders can't lift up and down anymore due to the shoulder pads getting in the way.


Overall, this is still a fantastic combined that is simply amazing.  He captures your attention and all the elements of both Super toys fuse together so well.

OVERALL:


This is a fantastic mode.  Omega Prime alone is worth the admission cost of the components.  He is stunning in this mode and will be the centerpiece of many collections.  The only flaws are the balance issues but that is something unavoidable at this size.  The engineering is the most amazing aspect of this figure because you can tell a lot of thought had been put into this to make it work.  Seriously, this is one of the best figures ever and if it is within your means, make sure to grab him.

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