Review: #594
Name: Sky Lynx
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: Generations - War for Cybertron: Earthrise
Year of Release: 2020
Size Class: Commander
Mold Status: new
PACKAGING AND CONTENTS:
Sky Lynx, being one of the flagship figures in the Earthrise line, comes in a very nice box, with excellent artwork on the front.
The back is much simpler and disappointing in comparison, just some stock renders of the various modes.
In terms of accessories, he comes with a bunch of flare effects, it's actually the same ones that came with Omega Supreme.
SHUTTLE MODE:
Unlike the Combiner Wars version, this Earthrise version has Sky Lynx properly split into his two forms. His shuttle mode is officially licensed with NASA and thus its logo appears on it.
This is a pretty good shuttle mode and looks great from all angles. He has five thrusters, three big ones and two smaller ones. Of note is that there are three landing gears, and all three have actual rolling wheels.
The shuttle mode alone is approximately the size of a Leader classed figure, so Sky Lynx is an awesome size.
There is a slight design flaw here. The shuttle wings are held in place by small clips but there is not enough friction to hold it securely. Picking up the shuttle will more than likely detach the wings and cause it to flop around. Apart from that annoying feature, this is a great shuttle mode.
SHUTTLE LAUNCH PLATFORM MODE:
The second half of Sky Lynx transforms into the shuttle launch platform, which is basically a fancy name for a rectangular block.
There are four treads to give it a sense of mobility, and some weaponry at the front. It's not enough to save the mode from looking like something reasonable.
Again, this portion is approximately the size of Leader classed figure and it is very hefty as a result.
An underwhelming part of the alternate mode, it's unremarkable in pretty much every way.
COMBINED SHUTTLE MODE:
You can peg the shuttle onto the launch platform but make sure to connect the back before clipping the front. Doing it in this order will allow it to stay on securely. Combined, the shuttle and launch platform looks great.
Since it is just the shuttle on top of the platform, nothing else has changed.
This mode ends up being a huge blocky figure and he is surprisingly hefty. It is effectively two Leader classed figures together, above is a comparison against a Leader and a Voyager figure.
The platform just jut out a bit behind the shuttle, and you effectively have a shuttle with a huge block underneath but there's something about this mode that just works.
The thrusters at the back can accommodate the effect parts, which looks pretty good like that.
The classic look of Sky Lynx helps mask a somewhat unrealistic alternate mode.
TRANSFORMATION TO BASE MODE:
The shuttle is easy to prepare, since you open the fuselage and that's it. The base however, requires a few more twists, and unfolding of ramps. It's nothing too hard but is is hard to describe. Basically, the two sides split open, and then you fold out the ramps. Peg the shuttle on top and you're done.
BASE MODE:
While base modes are usually an afterthought, Sky Lynx actually has a very decent base mode that looks legit. Basically, it's a launching pad for the shuttle.
Thanks to the quadruple nature of the robot mode, which doubles up as the various support legs in base mode, it's very stable.
In terms of size, above is a comparison against Leader POTP Optimus to give you an idea of how big it is.
The base mode can interact with other Earthrise figures that have a base mode, such as Ironworks. This creates a nice play set and adds a heap of play value.
The gun turrets (or maybe a more peaceful version) are a nice touch. This is a great base mode.
TRANSFORMATION TO SKY BEAST MODE:
The shuttle transforms into the "Sky" portion of the name and it is heavily inspired by the G1 figure. You open the panel with the thrusters in order to extend the tailfin into the tail. The legs folds down from the sides, while the shuttle wings become the robot mode's wings. You pull the cockpit in order to reveal the neck and you're done.
SKY BEAST MODE:
The sky beast mode is the winged part of the robot mode and is basically a giant robotic chicken.
It's faithful the G1 design but he has a long neck, huge wings and tiny feet so he looks amazing in certain angles and not so much in others.
The headsculpt is the cockpit of the shuttle, with the bottom half open to form his mouth.
A size comparison with a Leader classed figure and Sky Lynx is pretty massive, thanks to his chunkiness.
Inside the mouth is a laser, and you can plug in the fire effect part. However, it is a tad bit too heavy, he can still hold it if you carefully position the head but there's not enough friction.
The neck articulation is crazy good with multiple swivel joints. The head itself has multiple joints for movement.
In terms of other articulation, his wings have several joints as does his legs. Unfortunately, due to his tiny legs, it's actually very difficult to keep him balanced as he is so top heavy and he just does not have a big enough footprint to keep him stable without the legs looking very unnatural.
This mode is an acquired taste but it is quite solid.
TRANSFORMATION TO LYNX BEAST MODE:
The launch platform transforms into the lynx beast mode and it is equally as simple as the shuttle. Since you're starting off from a rectangular platform, the sides are the limbs, and then you just flip the head and tail out from each end and you're done.
LYNX BEAST MODE:
The lynx beast mode looks really good and has great proportions. Based off a lion, the color scheme works well and there's no kibble (not that it has any excuse for any kibble at all).
Weirdly enough, the lynx mode has two tails and they are solid pieces with no articulation at all.
The head is surprisingly nimble. The lower jaw can open and close.
Just like the other beast mode, you can peg the fire effect part into the mouth. Unfortunately, the loose joint is even more of a problem here, it cannot hold the weight the part has so good luck using it this way.
A quick shot of both modes together to see how well they pair up.
With the four limbs out, the lynx beast mode is massive compared to the alternate mode of a Leader figure.
Articulation is great. Each limb has several joints, including the ankles, double jointed knees, and the hips.
Despite all those joints, it can be tough getting all four limbs to be flat against the surface. It's not a big deal though.
A great looking lynx beast mode, it's probably the better looking one actually.
TRANSFORMATION TO SKY LYNX MODE:
Combining the two robot modes together is as simple as folding the sky beast mode's legs back, and folding the lynx beast mode's head away, before clipping them the same way as alternate mode.
SKY LYNX ROBOT MODE:
The combined robot mode is the most impressive mode of all, and that's to be expected.
It is basically the two smaller beast modes smashed together but there's just something about it that makes it awesome.
A quick comparison against a Leader classed figure once again and it has so much more bulk, despite the height being roughly the same.
And now a comparison against the previous Commander sized figure. One thing to note is that this mode is really hefty and massive in your hands.
Of course, it inherits the same flaws as lynx mode though in that it is hard-ish to keep all four feet flat on the surface when you're posing him.
Despite the size, thanks to using four solid limbs, there are absolutely no issues with keeping him balanced and standing upright.
This is also the mode where you can use the various effect parts to their full potential.
You can also use all the joints in his neck to their full potential without fear of tipping him over.
There are no other gimmicks in this mode which is a bit of a shame.
This is an impressive robot mode and one that's worth the effort.
OVERALL:
Sky Lynx is an impressive figure in terms of how much it has packed into the figure. In additional to the modes from the original G1 figure, they even added in an additional base mode. Of course, if you're not keen on non-humanoid Transformers then this won't change your mind. Also, nostalgia can play a huge factor in loving this figure since it's a big impressive display piece, but a very simple Transformer. Nevertheless, it is worth the price.
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