Review: #58
Name: Cybertronian Megatron
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Transformers 2010/Generations
Year of Release: 2011
Size Class: Deluxe
Variations: a repaint of the original Generations Megatron which was also repainted as Darkside Megatron for the Tokyo Show 2011
TANK MODE:
As with the current trend of Megatron figures, this one transforms into a Cybertronian vehicle, a tank to be precise. Actually, since it's based off the game which is set in Cybertron, this is a good choice. To be honest, it's a fairly undefined lump with a cannon on top, it's nothing like the traditional (Earthen) tanks.
Anyway, for a Cybertronian vehicle, it's well done. There are treads on either side, with wheels underneath (although Megatron tends to slide more than roll), however, they don't lock into place, which is annoying since they rotate.
The barrel houses a solid red missile in it, which you can fire (at a good distance too). The gun itself is transparent purple, which looks great (although, maybe not so realistic).
Apart from the treads, everything plug into place, and it's a solid mode, hefty too. There are a lot of angles on the tank and it does look powerful.
Uniquely, the halves of the hands are housed inside the treads, in full view, but since they're black within black, you won't notice them unless you look for it. It's different, and thankfully, it works.
If you're looking for more game accuracy, the treads can be folded down underneath for a hover look, but I find that this tends to 'fatten' up the tank just a bit too much.
Also, in this configuration, he just sits there, there's no rolling whatsoever, but at least he rests flat on the table.
For a Deluxe, he is a good size, and stacks up well to other figures.
Again, whether you like this mode or not is really down to personal preferences. I think it is okay, and better than all of the Cybertronian Megatron's in the Movie line.
TRANSFORMATION:
Transforming Megatron into robot mode (or tank mode for that matter) is exceedingly simple. You should be able to do it in under a minute, and with simple, it means fun. I wouldn't say it's elegant, but there are some admirable design aspects and small touches. I like how the feet unfold from the top of the tank. You do, however, need to detach the cannon, but that's to be expected with a Megatron toy when you want the cannon to end up on his arm, so it's understandable. If you think about it, there aren't too many dedicated tank pieces on the figure.
ROBOT MODE:
Like the rest of the figures in the set, Megatron is much stronger in robot mode. Frankly put, he looks awesome, especially in this new colour scheme. It has a slightly Galvatron feel with the purple, and I think he is the only one in the set that actually looks better than the original.
The colour scheme works really well and the metallic purple (or lilac, whatever) looks good. Proportion wise, his legs might have been a bit too fat/wide, but he looks impressive, and worthy of being the Decepticon leader. That's not to mention how accurate he is to the design of the game.
It is really nice how much they paid attention to the detail. He has a Decepticon insignia molded on his back, which reflects that seen in the game. They did not have to do this, particularly coz it's behind the figure, but they did, and it makes the figure just that much better.
I don't know if it is the more striking paint scheme or what, but it seems that there are more paint applications here. Megatron also sports a Decepticon logo on his chest.
As mentioned, the gun is a transparent purple affair, and I like it, since it makes it seem like it's powered up. It's a huge gun, much longer than his arm, and it looks powerful. You can attach it to either arm, and either way.
The head sculpt is okay, personally, I would have preferred it if it was more angular, it feels too rounded and not menacing enough.
If you look carefully, you'll see in various places purple lines spraying everywhere, which brings out a powered up feel.
The Poseability is great, and with his big feet, he's very stable in pretty much all poses. The arms may be a bit limited and he's lacking a waist joint, but it's a very good set up.
My favourite figure in the set, due to the colour scheme and a solid robot. He lacks any major gimmicks but he's really fun to pose.
OVERALL:
A great figure, but the tank is a bit of a stretch. It's not a traditional tank, so it doesn't really look like one (I've heard people saying it looks more like a coffee table...), but the robot mode more than makes up for it. The transformation is fun and can be done at ease, it won't frustrated you. Highly recommended you have this mold.
------------------------------------
Various other reviews can be found here.