Review: #102
Name: Mirage
Brand: Kre-O Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: N/A
Year of Release: 2011
Size Class: N/A (119 pieces)
Variations: none
PACKAGING AND CONTENTS:
Don't know why I keep doing this with Kre-O, but I actually bothered to take photos of the packaging. So here's Mirage's box in all it's glory, looks pretty much just like other Kre-O sets.
Mirage is the part of the second smallest 'range' (the smallest being the Basic range consisting of Bumblebee and Optimus).
It's not a big set, at only 119 pieces, so it's very manageable.
Just a quick look at the instructions booklet, still fairly thick mind you.
A sample shot.
And another, to give you an idea on the work-in-progress (if you've never played with one of these sets before).
KREONS:
You get two Kreons in this set, the first is Mirage, based off the G1 character of the same name. He has a gun and has an angry face. Pretty cool, and I think it's my favourite Kreon out of the ones I have.
The other one is a generic character, a driver. A flaw of the design is that the helmet partially covers his visor/eyes, it doesn't come down far enough. Pretty annoying actually.
VEHICLE MODE:
The Mirage you assemble is also based off the G1 character, and it forms a blue and white F1 racer. It's a very well formed vehicle, sleek and detailed.
Granted, most of the detail is given by the stickers. The only negative about applying the stickers here is that the Autobot symbol is to be placed on a curved pieces, which is extremely hard (if not impossible) to put it on without creasing it.
Surprisingly, the wheels are rubber. What's the result of this? Mirage rolls very well on a smooth surface!
There are a number of pieces leftover, not a major killer, it would have been nice if it could use up all the pieces. You can still attach them on, but it'll bulk up the vehicle a bit.\
It is a clean vehicle, and looks great on display.
It holds together well, and unless you're really rough with it, it's unlikely it will fall apart when you don't want it do.
Size wise, it's bigger than a Deluxe. I've paired it with Drag Strip above, which is a repaint of the original Classics Mirage.
A really neat thing is that there's space to put a Kreon in the driver's seat. There's a steering wheel for extra authenticity.
But the best thing is that you can get Kreon Mirage driving Mirage, very very awesome. Coupled with the angry look and gun, it looks like Mirage is on a road chase.
A surprisingly good vehicle, I can't find many faults, it's aesthetically pleasing and fun to play with.
PROCESS OF ASSEMBLY:
I don't know if I am used to it or not, but I think it was easier to pull apart Mirage (from either mode). I thought it was really fun to put him into vehicle mode, better than even robot mode. The instructions were very easy to follow, but I hate detaching and attaching the balljoints every time you want to go between modes. In a few places, I would expect that I have finished a limb or part, but then some extra pieces would go to add in detail, and this was a very nice aspect. Taking apart the figure takes around five mins and putting it in either mode takes around 10 min, so it's not too bad.
ROBOT MODE:
The robot mode is usually where I would display the figure at. Mirage has a decent robot mode, the thing that strikes out as odd would be the long legs (which is also spaced apart a bit too much).
A solid figure, he stands very well. Most of the bulk is above the legs, I think that is what's causing the odd proportions.
The designer has focused on the robot mode, you could tell because there are only two pieces leftover. Still a bit sad that neither mode uses up all the pieces.
The blue, white and black work together very well. The placement of the parts with stickers enhances the figure a lot.
For some reason, Mirage has an angry/grumpy face. The balljoint is sits on is also very tight, which doesn't allow it a great range of motion.
Mirage is taller than most Deluxes (I was going to say any Deluxe, before I realised he might be shorter than Animated or ROTF Lockdown), but the range of motion isn't as great.
The suckiest thing is the lack of knees. With such long legs, having no knees is very annoying. He has balljointed ankles and hips. The arm motion isn't too great either, shoulders can swing up and elbows can bend, but it's passable.
You can't get him into many poses that looks good, nor any dynamic ones, but the robot mode sure does look good. The lack of hands is weird as well, and there's not proper stub at the end of his left arm to vaguely imitate a hand.
Mirage doesn't come with any weapons, although I like to think that the big blue piece over his right arm is one.
A decent attempt at the robot, again, I think he looks great, but in terms of articulation, it's sorely missed.
OVERALL:
A decent attempt. However, most of the playability and fun factor deals with the assembling of the figure, and I assure you, that is fun. Once you get to either mode though... I don't mind the static nature of the vehicle (since that is expected) but robot mode leaves a little bit to be desired. Personally, I don't think he's worth it at full price, but on sale or clearance, definitely worth the money you fork out for him.
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