Review: #477
Name: Predaking
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Generations - Power of the Primes
Year of Release: 2018
Size Class: Titan
Mold Status: new
PACKAGING:
Predaking comes in a gigantic box with a fantastic piece of artwork. It advertises five Voyagers although they're all a bit bigger than that.
Of course, the back prominently advertises the fact that Predaking is actually as big as the size of the box.
There is an A4 sized poster included, reusing the same packaging art.
The flipside of the poster shows the twelve Prime Masters (one of which is included with this set).
PREDACONS:
Predaking is comprised of five Predacons, being Divebomb, Headstrong, Rampage, Razorclaw and Torox.
The Predacons looks great as a set thanks to the consistent color scheme. Noteworthy is the fact that all five are approximately the same size, even though the torso of Predaking has to have the bulk of nearly two members.
While each Predacon has one or two flaws, the designer did a great job at integrating most of the kibble into the robots themselves.
TRANSFORMATION:
While each Predacon's transformation is a bit simple and uninteresting, combined mode is where the figure shines. Razorclaw forms part of the torso, with the wings/backpack of Divebomb detaching to form the lower portion and it is surprising in how it unfolds to form that extra bulk. The thigh pieces on Torox and Headstrong contains part of the hips and they easily slot into the crotch. The same can be said for the shoulders (which also forms a little bit of the torso, so each member makes an effort to add in extra bulk and not leave it all for Razorclaw to handle), the slotting mechanism is easy but solid at the same time. The hands and feet are separate pieces, but the hands store within the feet when not in use.
PREDAKING:
And so, the main reason to get this set, Predaking. He does not disappoint as he looks absolutely amazing with great proportions.
He does not carry much, if any, kibble. Only a bit of Razorclaw's legs protrude from his back but even that is filling in a space (albeit awkwardly).
The headsculpt is awesome and can turn from side to side.
Comprised of five already big Voyagers, Predaking absolutely towers over them now.
A comparison against the previous Titan combiner Devastator and despite being one member less, they are the same height and bulk, which is a testament to the design since individual members are roughly the same size.
The only negative is that with the way Divebomb's backpack unfolds to form the lower torso, it is hollow and can feel like a weak point with the waist swivel there. Note that Predaking is extremely heavy so hollow pieces aren't a problem as it'll only make Predaking even heavier and unstable.
Predaking has the articulation of a typical Transformer with joints for shoulders, elbows, wrists, head, waist, hips, knees and ankles.
Whether Predaking can use those joints is another story. While the feet are large and the articulation unimpeded, Predaking is so heavy that anything too extreme will cause him to keel over.
While Predaking doesn't have his sword (unfortunately), he does have a gun which is a combined gun from Razorclaw and Rampage.
The gun is usually pegged onto his forearm and looks great there. Furthermore, Divebomb's guns now peg in as adjustable shoulder cannons and looks deadly there.
The key thing with such a big Transformer, and a combiner now less, is how well it stays together and Predaking does a commendable job. You can pick him up and move him around without it detaching or falling to pieces.
A stellar combined mode with basically no flaws, you can tell that a lot of effort was made in order to make this the best mode.
OVERALL:
Predaking is a really nice follow-up to the previous Titan combiner Devastator. While the individual robots are not as complex or clever as Devastator's, and more compromises were made, Predaking was worth it. The combined mode is simply amazing and looks so good. This set is highly recommended, even at full price.
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