Review: #6
Name: Starscream
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Universe (2008)
Year of Release: 2008
Size Class: Deluxe (Wave 4)
Mold Status: minor repaint of Classics Starscream
JET MODE:
Starscream transforms into a jet that is based off the F-15 Eagle like the original toy and cartoon model. This version is a minor repaint of the original Classics toy, in colour scheme that is more accurate to the cartoon model.
He features landing gear of sorts, which are comprised of two molded front wheels that fold out and two minor lumps molded at the back. He has two null ray cannons that attach to the underside of his wings, they double up as spring loaded missile launchers, with the buttons in easy access.
The jet mode looks good from the top but there are some decently sized undercarriage kibble. That's not to mention the empty gap required for transformation under his fuselage, it's an unsightly gap and ruins the look of the plane.
Starscream is pretty much the set standard for any kind of Deluxe figure. Above is a comparison against Generations Sky Shadow.
You can just make out the seat inside the transparent cockpit. At the time that this figure was released, this was a pretty good jet mode. The only major flaw would be the gappy underside.
TRANSFORMATION:
Starscream has a very simple and easy transformation, you can hardly get it wrong, it's just flip wings up, fold out arms, fold in chest and extend legs. Compared to more recent toys, this is like a beginner's toy. This does make him more fun to go between the modes, but watch out for tight joints, particularly in the tailfins. The wing hinges are also a worry, as they get loose very easily over time, and feels like it might snap accidentally when you apply pressure the wrong way.
ROBOT MODE:
Starscream has a cartoon accurate robot mode, and even if you're not familiar with that medium, he looks great as a standalone robot.
Starscream's effectively kibbleless which is quite impressive. Naturally, the wings form one of his iconic elements.
The face is painted this time around and it brings out the details much better. The white plastic is very white, creating a cleaner look. Perhaps the most annoying thing is the jet nose stuck on the back of his head, giving him somewhat like half a head.
Starscream is a little bit shorter than some Deluxes since most of the length of the jet mode is folded into his torso.
The nullrays peg onto the outside of his shoulders and form his only weapons. They are a tad bit oversized but it makes him a lot more formidable. Compared to the Classics version, he's missing quite a bit of paint, noticeably on his shoulders and knees.
Articulation is lacking by today's standards but decent at the time. The biggest hurt is the lack of elbow swivels. His knees are ratchets but there's only three clicks (straight, 45 degrees and 90 degrees) so they're not terribly useful.
The nullrays can be detached and held in his hands as guns, which is a nice option. It's a shame that the panels the shoulders are attached onto are held only by friction, makes posing just that bit more annoying.
This is a strong and fantastic looking robot mode that's a great update to the character. However, the reduction in painted details does hurt.
OVERALL:
A great little toy that pretty much every fan should own at least some sort of variation of this mold (which is more than likely since this is the most repainted figure ever). This figure is a really nice and simple rendition of G1 Starscream.
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