Review: #257
Name: Storm Rider with Crusher
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: BotCon 2015 - Souvenir Set
Year of Release: 2015
Size Class: Deluxe with Targetmaster
Variations: repaint of Generations IDW Waspinator (along with rest of Waruders); Crusher is a repaint of the Generations Waspinator that came with Legends Starscream
BIO CARD:
Storm Rider comes with a bio card with the same bio and stats as the rest of the Waruders, the only difference being that the artwork matches the color of the figure. A bit lazy to be honest that they couldn't write up three extra unique bios. The artwork is also very organic and not at all robot like, which is a shame.
WASP MODE:
Storm Rider is a red and black repaint of Waspinator, the color scheme is inspired by the Diaclone Warudaros, very obscure but at least the colors work well together.
He features transparent blue wings and stinger, and is able to solidly stand on all six of his legs.
While mostly a good wasp mode, it has its flaws such as the legs being attached to the body at different heights, and the abundant visible robot kibble from his exposed hands and robot legs underneath the head.
A quick size comparison with Crosscut, Storm Rider is a Deluxe sized figure and he is somewhat small if you get nitpicky about it.
Now a comparison with the original Waspinator.
And now a shot with the other three Waruders, who looks great as a set.
Lastly, Storm Rider has a flapping wing gimmick in that when you pull back on the lever on his back, it lifts up his wings.
Crusher is the only one in the set who shares the same color scheme as its partner, and it makes it much more cohesive.
A good mode overall, the teal kinda clashes with the red and black but very decent.
CRUSHER:
Let's now cover off Crusher, who is a tiny figure, with an unpainted grey head which doesn't look that well, especially compared to the silver painted wings.
Robot mode is as easy as standing him up and folding down the insect head. I find that the small size coupled with the legs sticking out all over the place ruins any sort of enjoying of this figure.
He has limited articulation being that his arms and legs swing forward.
There is a third mode where he turns into a gun, but the visible insect legs and the unstable nature of this mode makes it one of the worse weapon modes out of the Targetmasters available.
TRANSFORMATION:
Storm Rider's transformation is easy and intuitive. The arms do not morph much at all, while the legs are interesting in how it was slotted into place during wasp mode. Otherwise, the way the insect head splits open was cool.
ROBOT MODE:
Storm Rider's robot mode is visually striking, the black serving as really nice highlights. The shade of grey plastic used is really ugly though and makes it seem like something you see on a prototype.
He carries a decent amount of kibble, from the abdomen to the wings and insect legs sticking out from his legs and forearms.
The headsculpt is fantastic and they even painted the inside of his mouth (complete with sharp teeth) silver, to bring out sculpted detailing.
A shot with Crosscut and you can see that Storm Rider is quite slim as a figure.
Now with Waspinator and you can see that they share many similar paint applications. This BotCon version doesn't have the same amount of insane detail and paint applications as some of their other figures.
Poseability is good, however, his knees can only bend approximately 45 degrees.
Storm Rider suffers the same issues as the rest of the figures in the set in that his ankles are absurdly weak and flops around. This makes standing him and posing him very difficult at times.
One of Storm Rider's weapons is a laser pistol that is formed from his stinger, it looks great.
He can hold it in either hand for some great action shots.
A shot with Crusher, who is supposed to be piloting Storm Rider (i.e. there is only one mind at work here).
Naturally, Storm Rider can also hold Crusher in weapon mode, for some dual wielding shots.
It has to be said here but the name choices of all of the Waruders and their pilots are horrible, seriously, "Storm Rider" as a robot name? How lame.
The choice of red and black was a smart move as the mold looks great in these colors. The weak ankles are definitely a huge flaw holding the robot mode back.
OVERALL:
Storm Rider only comes as a set of four and averages to approximately US$40, which is very expensive, even if you factor in the inclusion of Crusher. This version of the mold has issues with the ankles and this is what holds the whole set back. Crusher is also not the best mold around. However, the colors are nice and there's something about a set of Waspinator recolors that is awesome, so if you have the means and inclination, then Storm Rider is recommended.
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For the reviews of the rest of the Waruders, have a look at this page.