Review: #642
Name: Devastator
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Generations - Studio Series
Year of Release: 2019-2020
Size Class: N/A - comprised of 2 Deluxes, 4 Voyagers & 2 Leaders
Mold Status: new
CONSTRUCTICONS:
Finally, after almost two years, the ambitious Studio Series version of the Constructicons is finally complete. The team is comprised of:
- Overload
- Rampage
- Scrapper
One of the neat thing about the ROTF's team is the variety of colors and the different types of vehicles, not to mention that it is a team of eight rather than the traditional six.
They look great as a set but you could also tell that there was quite a bit of compromise in this mode, as several of the figures have exposed robot parts.
Likewise in robot mode, there is a huge variety. One of the best things about ROTF was the fact that not all the robots were humanoid, and that could not be more clearer than the Constructicons.
To be honest, each of the figures' robot modes ranges from solid to spectacular on their own so even if you are not intending to create Devastator, they are still worthwhile to obtain in their own right.
TRANSFORMATION:
Transformation is quite complicated as you can expect. We'll go through each of the Constructicons and first up is Hightower. He doesn't actually quite much effort since he forms only part of an arm. The only required steps are to angle the treads, pull out the robot head and then attach the claw.
For Long Haul, who forms the right leg, you effectively pull the robot legs up and then locks everything into place, using the arms / truck bed as the foot. Long Haul seems to have a loose waist and this makes the leg mode seem more fragile as a result.
For Mixmaster, he can be quite complicated. In general, you take the cab off to reveal the head and then flip out a few more panels to bulk it up. The drums split up and despite appearances, do have a few tabs and slots to lock into place but still feels less elegant and messy than the other Constructicons.
Overload is interesting since you know he is the load bearing unit for the whole figure. Basically you flip the robot mode upside down, with the limbs in vehicle configuration (i.e. pegged in securely).
For Rampage, it might look simple but you end up spending a fair amount of steps to flip the treads upside down.
Scavenger is the most interesting due to the odd robot form and the two giant wheels. The robot arms form Devastator's shoulders while one of the wheels splits in half at the back and the front wheel has a massive slot to combine with Overload.
Scrapmetal doesn't compromise too much compared to the others as he's basically vehicle mode with the scoop, and he two robot arms forming the fingers.
And lastly is Scrapper, where it is the vehicle mode with the scoop split into three.
There are three small parts left over, Scrapmetal's shield, Rampage's stand, and a piece that came with Overload. The shield and stand have places to be pegged, and the piece that came with Overload pegs onto Mixmaster as part of Devastator's head.
It is really a feat of engineering marvel at how all these figures peg together. The weakest / most confusing connection is Mixmaster due to how messy Mixmaster's head mode is. Otherwise, Scavenger pegs very securely onto Overload, and the limbs uses nice and tight connections.
COMBINED MODE:
Once all is said and done, Devastator is an impressive beast. Interestingly, despite the apparent variety of colors, there does seem to be a tad bit too much red, mainly due to Rampage.
Considering this is an odd eight robot combiner, it is amazing that there are limited amounts of kibble. Everything pegs in and holds together fairly solidly, so Devastator does not feel flimsy.
The headsculpt is very messy and detailed, so it can be hard to make out the features at first glance. The mouth can open and close but that's basically it.
As you can expect, Devastator is a massive figure. Above is a comparison against a Deluxe and a Leader figure and Devastator just towers over them with plenty to spare. Also, you may not expect it, but Devastator is heavy, to the point that it's awkward holding him up.
While not in the instructions, it seems it is common to attach Scrapmetal's shield onto the left knee. Some also leave Rampage's stand as part of his foot mode but you can also peg it behind Devastator out of sight.
Theoretically, Devastator has articulation in the arms and hips, so he isn't exactly the most nimble.
The biggest obstruction to his poseability is the weight. There's just so much to the figure that it is difficult to add in extra articulation without compromising the stability. As it is, there must be a lot of strain placed upon Overload and both Long Haul and Rampage, so it is pretty impressive already that they can hold it so steadily already.
Devastator is designed to stand upright, although if you try, you can force him onto all fours but it will look unnatural.
Despite the limited articulation, this is an impressive combined mode and is definitely worth the price of admission.
OVERALL:
Getting all the figures to form Devastator is not cheap, but now that all his components are released, it is safe to say that he is worth it. Each of the individual Constructions were already solid figures in their own right, but the combined mode is amazing considering its limitations (budget, size etc). He is a beast of a figure, being very hefty. He definitely has an impressive shelf presence and is a fantastic and the best attempt at Devastator yet (and probably will be for quite a while).
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