Review: #336
Name: Hardhead
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: Legends
Year of Release: 2016
Size Class: Deluxe with vehicle
Mold Status: new
PACKAGING AND CONTENTS:
The Titans Return version of Hardhead was released in Japan as part of the Legends line and as such, comes in a very nice package.
The back showcases the figure with a different head, paint applications and notably, inclusion of a mini-vehicle (that Hasbro releases separately).
He comes with an instruction booklet that has a fantastic piece of art.
The instruction booklet also has a two-page comic.
"FOS":
Not explicitly named is Hardhead's Headmaster (called Titan Master in the Hasbro Generations Titans Return line). He has two primary colors.
Being such a small size, the larger robot's head is in full view from the back.
Perhaps the best thing is the paint applications for the head, it's an exact replica of the larger head and shows effort and attention to detail. The only meaningful articulation of the smaller robot are the balljointed head and shoulders.
TANKETTE:
Before we get to Hardhead himself, let's take a look at the mini-vehicle which is called Tankette, and is a repaint of Hasbro's vehicle that came with Terri-Bull. Tankette's primary mode is the tank mode.
This is a fairly solid and good looking tank. With molded missiles on the sides and silver treads.
You might have noticed the gap in the back of the turret, this is to allow the Headmaster to slot in and man the turret. The guns can lift up.
The shared color scheme helps sell this as a set.
The tank is about the size of Legion classed figure (above is Starscream).
These vehicles have another mode which combines with the Headmaster, in Tankette's case, it is a jet. Transforming it from tank to jet is as simple as flipping it upside down and unfolding the treads. You plug in the Headmaster to fill in the fuselage gap.
It's not terribly convincing but yet on another level it works.
If you wish, you can also instead have the Headmaster pilot the jet instead although it looks somewhat out of scale.
Once again, it looks nice paired with the vehicle mode of Hardhead.
The vehicle is small, about roughly the size of a Legion classed figure and much simpler in engineering.
There is a third weapon mode but we'll go into that later.
TANK MODE (HARDHEAD):
Hardhead transforms into a tank, it's flatter than the G1 figure and an armored vehicle more closely describes what it is.
This is a very solid tank. While the treads are molded, there are wheels underneath to help him roll.
One of the benefits of the TakaraTomy version are the extra bits of painted detailing, such as the silver on the treads, it's a very nice touch.
Hardhead is a Deluxe figure and he is pretty stock standard in size. Above is him compared with BotCon Burn Out (repaint of Generations Skids).
You can also take the green gun off for a more traditional looking cannon.
For transformation, the cannon is on a hinge so it can tilt upwards to aim at aircrafts.
For a bit of interactivity with other Headmasters, one can sit within the cockpit.
You can also open up the turret and have a Headmaster man the gun.
There are also various spots/pegs on Hardhead to put some more Headmasters or Titan Masters. This makes Hardhead into a playset on his own and really increases his play value.
A great vehicle mode with enhancing play value the more Headmasters of Titan Masters that you have.
TRANSFORMATION:
Transformation is similar to the G1 figure but obviously with a few extra twists. Hardhead definitely needs to be a Headmaster since there is no place for a robot head to be stored for the transformation, which is what makes the figure much more authentic and fun. The way the torso forms was interesting while the treads becoming the robot limbs was a bit more generic.
ROBOT MODE:
Hardhead's robot mode is absolutely fantastic, with perfect proportions and a visually interesting color scheme.
He doesn't carry too much kibble, being the cannon and the cockpit on his back.
The headsculpt is sublime and the squarish head lends well to the character and gimmick. This Japanese version is different in that the face has a mouth and is based on the Headmasters cartoon. The neck is on a full balljoint so retains all the articulation you would expect.
In terms of size, he's a good height. While there are some hollow limbs, they're not too bad.
Articulation is what you'd expect, with no waist swivel due to transformation.
The gun is jointed so that it can point up at an angle or directly forward, or just on his back if you prefer. It can also detach and be held as a handgun.
Apart from the giant shoulder cannon, he has a green handheld gun.
Interestingly, he has wrist swivels (which is the explanation why he has some oddly looking forearms/wrists).
His final weapon is the one from the vehicle. It's quite stupid looking since you flip the cockpit over which doesn't look like a gun.
The end result is that Hardhead looks like he's holding a tank with a cockpit, which is disappointing.
You can also place another Headmaster on the weapon, so it's an option.
Hardhead is quite stable and the color scheme is good.
A fantastic robot mode with no flaws.
OVERALL:
Hardhead is an amazing toy. He packs in plenty of play value. Whether you opt for the Hasbro version or the TakaraTomy version is a matter of personal preference but he is a Deluxe figure you do not want to miss.
-----------------------------------------------------
For other Transformers toys reviews, have a look at this page.