Review: #285
Name: Optimus Prime
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: Classics
Year of Release: 2006
Size Class: Voyager (Wave 1)
Mold Status: new
VEHICLE MODE:
Optimus Prime transforms into a shortnosed truck, however it looks very different to the G1 original, although that's what the Classics line was aiming for, an update to the originals, not a replica.
This is fantastic truck mode for the mode part with nice sculpted details and heaps of paint applications. The only thing letting it down is the obvious robot feet at the back, why they couldn't have made it fold away instead of jutting out so much is a mystery.
He has transparent blue windows, some splashes of silver paint and yellow paint. While the hubcaps are silver, his grill is unpainted grey plastic which stands out.
Optimus features a rubsign on the left side of the cab, this is the only place where the Autobot symbol shows up.
While as Voyager classed figure, at the time, he is considered to be smaller than a standard Voyager, however, he has a lot of heft, and sadly, probably bigger than Voyagers 9 years later.
A fantastic truck mode overall that oozes style and class.
TRANSFORMATION:
Transformation is just the right complexity, it's not too simple but it is very fun as well. Getting him between the two modes takes less than a minute (probably). It cheats quite a bit since the sides of the cab become kibble and the wind vane on top detaches (it is used to hide the robot head). The way the bumper folds up and compacts behind his torso is a nice touch though.
ROBOT MODE:
Optimus' robot mode has a heroic stature with a powerful upper body and stocky legs. Yellow becomes a lot more prevalent in this mode.
He carries a bit of kibble, the vehicle grill and bumper tucks nicely behind his back but the sides of the truck stick awkwardly on the outside of his arms.
The headsculpt, while great back in the days, can feel a bit simple now. Still, it is instantly recognizable as Optimus and looks great.
In terms of size, he is a little bit shorter than most Voyagers at the time and less bulky too, the figure being more streamlined and athletic.
Something that used to bother me is the fact that his lower legs are huge compared to the slim torso. It isn't as pronounced when you have him in hand though.
He has great articulation, include a waist joint and upper body joint. He has tight joints, including ratchets. The bumper behind his torso gets int he way of his elbows and waist joints though.
Optimus has a wide variety of weapons at his disposal. First up is his smokestacks which folds into a gun. Actually, there is another black piece that folds out behind the silver barrel which makes it more chunky if you prefer (it is not mentioned in the instructions).
This makes for a great quad-barreled gun, especially with the handguard.
His wrists have swivels which makes posing that much easier too.
The next piece of weaponry is the detached wind vane which folds up into a big gun.
Surprisingly, it looks quite good when held and way more powerful the smaller smokestacks gun.
Thanks to the large heelspurs and sturdy weight, Optimus is super stable in most poses.
Of course, you can have Optimus hold a gun in each hand and it makes him very baddass.
If you wish, you may keep the wind vane attached onto his back as a form of storage.
Or go one step further and combine the smokestacks to create over-the-shoulder guns, which is wicked!
With that many options, Optimus' robot mode is a clear winner and is heaps of fun.
OVERALL:
Optimus is a figure done properly, there are no obtrusive gimmicks with a simple but intuitive and clever transformation. While the vehicle mode is static, that is the norm. The robot mode has heaps of play value in the way of multiple weaponry options, plus he looks great. Optimus Prime from the Classics line deserves to be in your collection.
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