Review: #200
Name: Optimus Prime (Fire Convoy)
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: Robots in Disguise
Year of Release: 2001
Size Class: Super
Variations: repainted multiple times into limited edition figures, there was also a yellow one in the Universe (2003 line) and re-released (minor repaint) in Cybertron as a two-pack with Ultra Magnus
FIRE TRUCK MODE:
Optimus Prime transforms into a fire truck this time around, which, to this day, is one of the more unique alternate forms he has had. No, Animated Optimus wasn't a true fire truck, neither was Cybertron's.
This is a fantastic vehicle. First of all, it is instantly recognizable as a fire truck, second, he looks as good from the front as from the back.
Unfortunately, the major flaw here is the exposed super mode robot head and some exposed robot bits. It's tough to hide it and it is half tucked into the body, however, since it protrudes over what should have been a flat surface, it sticks out.
Optimus is a Leader classed figure and he is massive in vehicle mode. Easily dwarfing Deluxes and Voyagers.
A quick size comparison with Ultra Magnus, who appears slightly bigger but its mostly empty space.
He does look good next to Ultra Magnus though as both are super detailed and realistic.
For a vehicle where the back end are numerous detachable pieces pegged together, Optimus holds together surprisingly well. You can pick him up with no problems.
The wheels are rubber with "Fire Convoy" molded onto them. The Hasbro version is notorious for split tires which is something to watch out for.
There is a button on top of the end of the ladder in which is activates two spring loaded nozzles. I don't think a real fire truck has this feature but it does look good.
That's not all as another button at the back of the ladder activates four missile launchers, flipping all of them up which looks fantastic.
Each is a separate missile launcher with a button to fire the missile, although the spring itself isn't too strong.
And finally, what's a fire truck if the ladder cannot extend? Well, Optimus can do just that! However, extend it to it's full length and it starts to become too heavy for even the ratchet joint to hold.
The ladder can be rotated a full 360 degrees and all six wheels roll (with chromed hubcaps to boot).
Furthermore, if you have batteries, you can make some siren noises, he doesn't have any flashing lights however.
This is an amazing vehicle mode, while it does have the flaw of exposed robot bits, everything else is perfect, the sculpting is good, it has excellent play value and worthy of being Optimus Prime.
TRANSFORMATION INTO ROBOT MODE:
Let's start off the transformation into the core robot which is basically the cab of the fire truck. It's a really smart transformation relying on unfolding the legs and pulling out the arms. It's interesting and satisfying thanks to the twisting, ratchet joints and intuitive nature.
ROBOT MODE:
Onto the core robot which is heavily inspired by his G1 self, particular the chest details which mimics the front windshield.
He is relatively kibble-free except for the huge block on his back which is where the batteries and electronics are kept. Such a shame that the electronics compromised the figure in this way but as far as these things go, Optimus doesn't have it too bad.
The head sculpt is also classic Optimus, painted a metallic blue, silver and some unpainted grey plastic. It is on a balljoint but can't really look up. The reflective stickers (?) of his eyes eliminates the need for a lightpipe.
Optimus' only weapon in this mode is a small handgun which was formed by the small extra wheel underneath the cab.
He can hold the pistol in either hand and his wrists are on balljoints allowing rotation.
In terms of poseability, Optimus has a nice range. He can make good use of transformation joints such as allowing his shoulders to flex out and a waist swivel.
Unfortunately, his small feet, which lack heelspurs, means that he can fall over backwards rather easily. Then again, he had balljointed ankles which helps alleviate this.
In case you hadn't noticed, most of Optimus' chest is chrome, the blue is metallic paint though. This makes him stand out and is rather flashy. He has heaps of painted details too from his shin to his forearms and hands.
This is officially in the instructions and he's done it a few times in the cartoon but you can attach some of his super mode parts to beef him up although in my opinion, it looks weird. First are the super mode feet which can peg on top of his shoulders as missile pods.
Next is attaching the super mode hands to make him punch harder I guess.
You can also attach all four pieces, note if you do this, he can't hold his gun.
This is a strong robot mode and while it can seem a little bit generic, he has enough unique details to make him a distinctive Optimus.
TRANSFORMATION TO BASE MODE:
What to do with the leftover super mode parts if you have Optimus in his normal robot form? You can make it into a base! Basically, this involves detaching the pieces, unfolding them and attaching them all together again, it's simple and frankly, not terribly interesting or ingenious.
BASE MODE:
Base mode... what to say about this? It's basically a hodgepodge of pieces stuck together to vaguely resemble a structure with a radar dish. They had to do something the remaining truck and while you can tell not a lot of effort went into this mode, it is something extra that they didn't have to do, we can try and be more kind to it...
Unfortunately, it's very insubstantial. The robot hands are supposed to be guns but it is hard to take this seriously. Just know that this mode exists but you probably won't display it like this.
TRANSFORMATION TO SUPER MODE:
Now, the big finale. Using the actual pieces to attach to the core robot to form the super mode. The pieces include a torso, shoulder pads, feet and hands. While it is partsforming, it is executed perfectly here. It's so much fun and it really feels like you are powering Optimus up with some wicked armor. The engineering is clever and impressive.
SUPER MODE:
This is where it begins and ends: Optimus Prime Super Mode. One of the best Prime design ever, Optimus looks amazing and ready to dish out some burning justice.
His most distinctive feature is also his greatest liability, that being his ladder which rests on his back as a piece of giant kibble. It does get in the way and quite heavy but then again, it also acts as a third leg which stabilizes his stature.
He has a very unique head sculpt which isn't like any Optimus before and after. It is still heroic and I just love the guns on either side of his head.
Speaking of which, the guns can swivel forward, which is cool as well.
He is a myriad of sculpted and painted details. It really shows how much is cut in today's figures over the years.
On the outside of each forearm is a gun, which can swivel.
The piece which contains his Autobot symbol can open up to reveal the Matrix of Leadership, although it doesn't look that impressive.
Optimus is very bulky and heavy in this mode. While everything pegs together, due to the weight of his ladder, moving him around can cause the pegs on top of the torso to start to come loose.
Of course, he's very big in this mode too.
Now a comparison with brother Ultra Magnus (who is taller thanks to his oversized gigantic boots).
What to do with the smaller robot's handgun? He can't hold it in super mode, the official place to put it is to the left of his head. There is a peg hole but I find that the ladder on the back gets in the way and the gun ends up sitting very loose.
You can also make use of the hold on top of his shoulder pads. Once again it is not a perfect fit and is somewhat loose.
Next up is articulation. As you would expect, thanks to the extra pieces of equipment and especially the ladder, he becomes a lot more restricted in this aspect but still boasts an impressive range of movement.
He retains most of the core robot's poseability, losing the waist swivel. The big feet and the ladder acting as a third leg really helps with stability.
He retains electronics in this mode, accessing the button on his back is a little bit harder.
Of course, he can make use of the ladder as a gigantic over the shoulder cannon. He can't really wield is properly and it throws out the balance since the ladder is so heavy.
It is worthwhile though as he can pull off some great firing poses. You can adjust the ladder in such a way to position it directly over his head or slightly to the side over his shoulders.
Considering that his torso extends and shoulders come out to the side, the designers did a really good job at making Optimus look great and possess good proportions in both robot modes.
This is a clear winner. This robot mode oozes heaps of charm and retains most of the play value available in the other modes. This is a true super mode as it looks completely different from the core robot and looks very beefed up as a result.
OVERALL:
Need I say anything more? This is one of my favorite figures and is the best Optimus Prime toy ever produced. It boasts heaps of play value, the transformation is ingenious and the fact that he has power-up armor to form an even more badass robot is just icing on the cake. This is a must get and even after 14 years, it is a testament to the fantastic engineering because he does not feel aged at all.
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