Review: #507
Name: Shatter
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Generations - Studio Series
Year of Release: 2019
Size Class: Deluxe (Wave 6)
Mold Status: new
VEHICLE MODE:
Shatter is based upon the car mode from the Bumblebee film (as opposed to the triple-changer with the jet mode) and transforms into a red and black muscle car.
The vehicle mode looks fantastic, although the robot legs do stick out from beneath. The red and black used are really rich and nice.
There are no gimmicks in this mode apart from the rolling wheels. The robot weapons peg onto the underneath.
Shatter is a bit on the smaller end of the scale for a Deluxe. Above is a comparison against Deluxe Studio Series Lockdown.
A fantastic looking vehicle mode.
TRANSFORMATION:
Unfortunately, this is where Shatter falls apart... literally. There are either design issues or quality control issues because when transforming her, the shoulders will pop off very easily, 99% of the time. This is really annoying and to save your sanity, leave the arms detached until the end. The other annoyance is how the sides of the front fenders also like to pop off. Considering it's a pin joint designed to not let it pop off so easily, it's really frustrating that it does. Otherwise, the transformation isn't particularly complex as most of the vehicle is a shell but there are some clever parts like how the doors fold to behind the thighs. However, due to things falling off, it's hard to enjoy.
ROBOT MODE:
Ignoring the frustrations of the transformation, Shatter looks absolutely amazing in robot mode. It is spot on with its design, sculpting, proportions and color scheme.
It does come with a cost since a huge portion of the car ends up as a backpack. It's comprised of the windshield, roof, rear and half the front fenders.
Unfortunately, the headsculpt is based upon the battle mask version of Shatter. It's a little disappointing, especially considering the eye slits are unpainted as you can't even tell if she has eyes at first glance.
In terms of size, Shatter is small and slender, although this suits her character. Above is a comparison against Titans Return Quake.
Articulation sounds great in theory, she has balljointed shoulders and hips, as well as hinged elbows and ankles, finished off with double jointed knees.
However, the legs are extremely restrictive. Not only does the door kibble behind the thighs get in the way, the balljoint sockets for the hips are extremely restrictive to the point that there is little outward movement possible.
Shatter comes with two weapons, being guns that mount on her forearms like a gauntlet.
The weapons just peg onto her forearms via 5mm pegs and they look really good.
As part of the Studio Series line, Shatter comes with a cardboard stand.
The stand is based upon the scene where Shatter and Dropkick arrives at night and take on their alternate forms.
There's a decent amount of paint applications, with Shatter feeling premium as a result.
A great looking robot mode, even if articulation is severely restrictive.
OVERALL:
Shatter is in a unique position. Both her modes look great but it's the play value that lets the figure down. The transformation is infuriating with parts constantly falling off. The robot mode is hampered by overly restrictive articulation for the hips. There's no doubt that this is the best looking figure for the character out there, but you have to be warned coming in about her shortcomings.
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