Review: #450
Name: Ratchet
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: Generations - Studio Series
Year of Release: 2018
Size Class: Deluxe (Wave 1)
Mold Status: new
VEHICLE MODE:
Ratchet transforms into a neon green Hummer H2, being the form from the first Transformers movie.
This is a nice vehicle mode. The robot fists are actually exposed at the sides but they blend well and unless you're looking for it, you won't notice it.
Size-wise, Ratchet is shorter than a typical Deluxe class car but makes up for it with his height. Above is a comparison against Age of Extinction Bumblebee.
The grill looks fabulous with paint apps for the headlights, indicators and bumper. The only place where it feels like it could use with some paint are the wheels.
The robot weapon, which is a buzzsaw, attaches onto the spare wheel at the back.
A great vehicle mode with no flaws.
TRANSFORMATION:
This is a new mold and thus a different transformation compared to previous toys. It is simple, yet works really well. However, a large portion of the vehicle is a shell that collapses onto the robot's back which is a shame. The legs are tucked underneath the rear of the vehicle, the arms from the sides and the doors cleverly fold upon the shoulders to give him his unique look.
ROBOT MODE:
Ratchet's robot mode is the best we've had in toy form as it doesn't carry any awkward kibble and has the streamlined athletic look of the character model.
This does come at a huge cost because a significant part of the vehicle, namely the roof rack, roof and sides collapse on his back as kibble.
The headsculpt tries to be detailed and complex but feels a bit off here with the sculpted details not as sharp as one would expect.
Studio Series has a focus on scale and thus Ratchet is a bit taller than other Deluxes in the same line.
Ratchet comes with a cardboard diorama depicting the battle at the climax of the first movie.
While looking nice, the diorama takes up a huge amount of space.
Articulation is strong with balljointed shoulders and hips, plus hinges/swivels for his knees and double-jointed elbows.
The ankles are also balljointed so Ratchet can keep his feet flat on the table in a lot of poses.
His weapon is a silver buzzsaw which can attach to either of his forearms.
The roof rack on his back is annoying since it sticks so far below his waist and behind his legs, there's no way to collapse it any further which seems lazy on the designer's part.
The shoulder pieces also don't lock or tab in anywhere so can easily dislodge when moving his arms.
Despite those annoyances, Ratchet looks great and plays great.
OVERALL:
While you may wonder whether we needed a new Deluxe Ratchet at all, there's no doubt that what we did get was a solid and well-engineered toy. Ratchet looks great in both modes and while it is heavily reliant on shellforming, it doesn't feel like it cheated at all. Ratchet is another winner in the Studio Series line.
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