Review: #363
Name: Skywarp
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Generations - Combiner Wars
Year of Release: 2016
Size Class: Leader (Wave 5)
Mold Status: redeco of Combiner Wars Starscream, itself a retool of Generations Jetfire
JET MODE:
As expected, Skywarp transforms into a black, purple and silver jet.
This is a really nice jet mode, although the robot feet sticking out the back is a little bit disappointing.
You can see the faux cockpit for robot mode. He features flip down front landing gear, while the two rear ones are always deployed. A nice thing that's rare nowadays is that all three landing gear has rolling wheels.
Skywarp is a Leader classed figure and is fairly big in jet mode, although a tad bit on the lighter side. Above is a comparison against Age of Extinction Optimus Prime.
The robot gun can be pegged underneath the nose but since it sticks out so far it looks fairly awkward. Skywarp is not low on firepower since he has two guns underneath each wing and a pair on the underside of the jet.
Skywarp is a remold of Generations Jetfire, losing the adjustable wings and the air intakes are of a different sculpting.
While Skywarp himself doesn't come with the booster jets, they are still compatible with the figure if you have Jetfire's.
The cockpit opens up to reveal a seat inside.
As with all Combiner Wars toys, Skywarp comes with a card depicting his character artwork.
This is a fantastic jet mode with very little flaws.
TRANSFORMATION:
Converting Skywarp into robot mode isn't too hard. Inheriting the flaw from Jetfire is how the torso snaps very securely in jet mode, takes a bit of force to pry it apart (although it does seem easier on Skywarp). The transformation feels somewhat uninspired relying on few long pieces of plastic to rearrange the arms and legs.
ROBOT MODE:
Skywarp's robot mode is pretty good although the purple is now only regulated to his forearms, feet and shins.
He has a bit of a backpack being the fuselage, wings and the cockpit. Yes, Skywarp cheats during transformation with a faux cockpit for his torso.
The headsculpt is different from Jetfire's and is evocative of the character although the neutral expression kind of makes him look quite angry.
Considering that the mold was first and foremost designed as Jetfire, with a few tweaks it works surprisingly well as the Seekers. The bulky look lends itself well to the character.
In terms of size, Skywarp looks bulkier than a few other figures in the same size class but he has a lot of hollow parts such as his thighs and forearms. Thanks to the black plastic however, these gaps aren't as obvious.
While Skywarp loses the booster jets from Jetfire, he gains two new guns that are based off his nullrays and can peg onto the forearms.
Since they do peg onto the forearms and not the bicep area, they get in the way when bending his elbows and also look a bit weird.
Nevertheless, Skywarps looks great in robot mode and well kitted out. The guns on his wings can point up or down depending your preferences.
His articulation is very good and since he has ankle tilts, this makes him much easier to keep balanced.
If you wish, you can swap out the bigger nullrays with his smaller guns. Most of Skywarp's play value lies in his numerous guns.
His main weapon though is a handheld gun.
Unfortunately, the gun itself is triggerhappy since the trigger is too sensitive and loves to keep firing at the slight touch. It has a spring loaded missile which is sadly a rare sight nowadays.
Taking all his various pieces off, Skywarp comes with seven separate guns, which is really impressive...
If you remove all his accessories the legs look a bit thin and throws off the bulky look.
There are various pegs and ports on the guns themselves and this lends well to numerous combinations of "super" guns.
While it looks neat it is quite unwieldy.
It's a shame that the jet's tailfins cannot shin down since they stick over behind his head as major visible kibble.
A robot mode that works surprisingly well for the character.
OVERALL:
Skywarp is the best reuse of the mold out of the three Seekers. The color scheme is fantastic with swaths of silver and purple. However, if you already have Jetfire then Skywarp doesn't really bring much new to the table. Only recommended if you like the character or haven't gotten the mold yet.
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