Review: #259
Name: Sideswipe
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: Robots in Disguise (2015)
Year of Release: 2015
Size Class: Legion (Wave 2)
Variations: later repainted as Alpine Sideswipe
VEHICLE MODE:
True to his original self, Sideswipe transforms into a red sports car, with an Autobot insignia on the left which which you can scan using the RiD app to temporary unlock the character for usage.
The back is broken up by the robot mode's thighs due to transformation, however, there are still some sculpted tail lights and a spoiler.
This is the smallest size class available for the toyline and Sideswipe is fairly small yet packing an impressive amount of detailing. The proportions of the vehicle is pretty nice too.
His headlights are painted blue and the windows black. His wheels roll which presents the only play value in this mode. The red plastic used is a nice and shiny with small amounts of metallic flakes.
A fantastic vehicle mode that looks speedy and very cartoon accurate.
TRANSFORMATION:
While nothing too exciting, it is executed well here. The legs unfold in a typical fashion from the back of the car but the fact that parts of the roof form his feet (similar to Generations Bumblebee) is ingenious and gives Sideswipe well defined feet. Too bad they couldn't use the front of the car better since it is a solid piece of kibble which folds onto the robot's back.
ROBOT MODE:
Sideswipe looks fantastic in robot mode and it amazes me how screen accurate he is, right down to the spikes on the outside of his forearms.
The biggest piece of kibble here is the front of the car which folds onto his back but sticks out somewhat inelegantly.
Sideswipe has his mouthplate up. The headsculpt is good but the red blends in with the rest of his body making the head harder to pick out. It is fixed in place, no jointing to allow his head to turn.
He's quite skinny in this mode, which was how he was portrayed in the cartoon. Naturally, his chest is faux but I'm glad the designers decided to paint the headlights to be consistent with vehicle mode.
Articulation is really good, mainly thanks to the transformation. He has knee joints which gives him much more potential than normal.
The only negative here is the way his feet are formed, he lacks heelspurs and this presents a problem as the rear part of his legs are situated higher than the front part, meaning Sideswipe falls backwards easily if not careful.
Otherwise, his articulation is also comprised of balljointed shoulders and hips, and hinged feet. The additional of black for his limbs is welcome and helps break up the red. While he doesn't come with a weapon, his hands have the ability to hold 3mm weapons.
A great robot mode which looks good as well as being fun to play.
OVERALL:
Sideswipe is a fabulous toy. His inexpensiveness coupled with an effective transformation makes him really fun to play and display. Highly recommended that you seek him out if you like the aesthetics of Robots in Disguise.
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