Review: #337
Name: Skullcruncher
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Legends
Year of Release: 2016
Size Class: Deluxe with Vehicle
Mold Status: new
PACKAGING AND CONTENTS:
The Titans Return of Skullsmasher was released in Japan as part of the Legends and with the proper name of Skullcruncher.
Of course, this is a very nice package and you will notice that he has a different headsculpt as well as an additional weapon.
The instructions booklet has a piece of artwork in front.
As well as a two-page manga if it interests you.
"GRAX":
Skullcruncher's Headmaster isn't explicitly named but we shall call him Grax in line with the G1 version. He has a green torso with black limbs.
Being so small, the larger robot's face is in full view from the back. The figure itself has a dark color scheme which hides some of the detailing.
The head has a red visor and gold head, which helps bring out the details.
BATORA:
Skullcruncher comes with a mini-vehicle named Batora. It's first mode is a dragon/bird.
The tail is a bit too long but you can also fold this up to shorten it so it isn't a problem, it depends on your personal preference.
It's approximately the size of a Legion toy (above is Reveal the Shield Legends Starscream).
There are two pegs on Batora's tail for you to plus a Headmaster in so Grax can ride it.
It's not a bad mode but the odd shape of the wings kind of ruin the mode.
There's not much poseability here, you can lift the neck up and down, adjust the wings and move the hips.
The better and more innovative mode is the dinosaur mode.
Perhaps the cleverest aspect of this is how it integrates the Headmaster into the mode. The Headmaster forms part of the torso but the robot's legs become the lower jaw and the robot arms become the dinosaur arms.
It's impressive and inventive at just how simple this concept is, yet it is so effective.
Once again, he is approximately the size of a Legion toy.
This mini-vehicle is one of the better molds, and while the dragon/bird isn't that great, the dinosaur mode is fantastic.
CROCODILE MODE (SKULLCRUNCHER):
Skullcruncher himself transforms into a robotic crocodile with green and pink as its primary color.
Surprisingly, the color scheme works. The section between the tail and the back torso has a bit of a gap, but this allows the tail to be moved left and right.
In terms of size, Skullcruncher's longer length makes him seem huge compared to other Deluxes (above is BotCon Burn Out - a repaint of Generations Skids).
The sculpting is amazing and shows a lot of detailing. The crocodile head has silver painted teeth which really brings it out.
Perhaps the best aspect that the Japanese version has over the Hasbro version is that the inside of the head is made of transparent pink plastic and the molding on the tongue is surprisingly good, and the silver teeth goes a long way to make this mode more menacing. The head is also on a balljoint, unfortunately, the head is made from a softer plastic.
There is a flap (made of soft plastic) on the torso which you can lift to reveal a compartment for Grax to sit in and pilot the crocodile.
There's not much poseability here apart from the tail and head, the front legs can be fiddled around for a bit but the rear legs have no meaningful movement. Still, this mode is great and looks perfect.
TRANSFORMATION:
Transformation is a bit uninspired and is pretty much what you'd expect. The only slightly interesting part is how the shoulders are angled in crocodile mode. Otherwise, the crocodile folds back and the legs unfold. Once again, this is a figure where the Headmaster gimmick isn't crucial because his torso has an empty gap which can store a robot's head in crocodile if you so desire.
ROBOT MODE:
Skullcruncher's robot mode is great with good proportions, although the legs may be a tad skinny.
He has the crocodile's head on his back as a big piece of kibble but since it is mostly hollow, it doesn't get in the way of anything.
The headsculpt is good, and represents the only piece of remolding compared to the Hasbro version.
Size-wise, he is quite tall but lanky compared to some other shorter Deluxes. Nevertheless, he is still a great size and feels good in your hands.
Due to the one-head fits all Headmaster gimmick of the line, the head is proportionally a tad bit bigger than normal, so he has a slight bobble head effect.
Articulation is excellent. The only complaints is that he lacks meaningful heelspurs.
Weapon-wise, the crocodile tail splits into two weapons, a smaller white gun and a pink blaster looking thing.
The crocodile-tail weapon looks ridiculous and is a bit of a stretch. Note that there are some small molded guns on the sides of the tail though to make it seem more of a weapon.
Further Headmaster interactivity in this mode is that you can situate a Headmaster (or Titan Master, above is Darkmoon from Astrotrain...) on the tail so that they can man the gun.
The final weapon is Batora which can transform into a gun.
A bit unfortunate that this weapon is also a bit of a stretch since it's effectively a folded up dinosaur mode. If you look from it head on then the three barrels help sell it as a weapon but from any other angle, it doesn't look too great.
Skullcruncher can hold all weapons at once if you combine the white gun with the tail weapon.
A good robot mode with a fantastic color scheme and good play value in the form of various weapons variations.
OVERALL:
Skullcruncher is a great toy. He is one of the best Deluxes in recent times being heaps of fun in both modes. Furthermore, he has a simple yet effective transformation, good color scheme and plenty of articulation to keep fans happy. Skullcruncher is highly recommended, whether it be the Hasbro version of this TakaraTomy version.
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