Review: #613
Name: Scorponok & Lord Zarak
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Generations - War for Cybertron: Earthrise
Year of Release: 2020
Size Class: Titan
Mold Status: new
PACKAGING:
The flagship figure for 2020, and of the Earthrise line, is Scorponok as part of the Titan size class. As a result, he comes in a massive box with an awesome piece of artwork on the front.
The back feels more bare as a result, with a stock render of each of the modes.
He also comes with a big piece of the star map, as well as three flame effects parts.
SCORPION MODE:
While Scorponok is a city-former, arguably, his scorpion mode is more iconic.
While it is effectively the robot mode laid down, there are more than enough elements to make what this mode is supposed to be.
The robot head stays on for this mode, and it is actually unchanged. The top of the robot head is sculpted to have insect elements and so passes off fairly well as the head of this mode.
As part of the Titan size class, Scorponok is absolutely massive. Above is a comparison against two Leader class figures, in robot and vehicle modes, you can see that Scorponok is easily several times their size.
A byproduct of being so big is the fact that he is really heavy as well. He has wheels underneath to help him roll on a smooth surface.
While you can leave the Titan Master attached to the head, there is a space within the torso that allows him to sit and store inside.
The legs looks to be individually jointed, but it is actually jointed in pairs to the body, and then individually jointed afterwards.
The only poseability in this mode are focused on the arms. Sadly, one of the coolest aspects, the tail, is static since it is pegged into place so it can't swing forward as if to stab something in front of him.
This is an excellent robotic scorpion mode that is a lot of fun, both from its size, and from its detail.
TRANSFORMATION (TO BASE MODE):
To be honest, all the transformations to each mode is very simple. Going to base mode means untabbing the tail and then folding it up to form the main ramp. The robot legs then unpegs from the torso to spread out to the sides. The arms are pointed straight up, with the panels that forms the robot's shield and the guns combining to be pegged there, forming towers.
BASE MODE:
The base mode, or the city mode, is something that should be similar to anyone who's had a city-former before. Scorponok doesn't do anything new and still looks like a sprayed out robot.
Nevertheless, there are some neat elements such as the multiple ramps, the two towers on either side and the center piece formed by the robot's shield.
Again, Scorponok is massive in this mode, above is a comparison against other Leader figures.
In this mode, you can either leave the head attached to the back of the base mode, or store it in a dedicated spot in the middle.
This isn't really a mode for pick up and play, but more for laying down. Unfortunately, unlike Fortress Maximus or Omega Supreme, there are no dedicated gimmicks in this mode to play off the fact that it is a city.
However, there are still some great little details here and there, such as the ramps on either side.
Plus there's the gigantic ramp at the front. It's hard to tell what the scale for this mode is supposed to be given that this ramp is giant, but other elements seemingly scaled for smaller figures.
The two towers on either side works well given that they are the scorpion's claws. The center piece looks great though.
If you have a lot of Legion figures and Micromasters, then this base is a great play set. It does lack the various small posts that pegs onto the bottom of Titan Masters though, which is a shame.
As a third mode, this is passable, but definitely do not purchase the figure with this mode as your main reason.
TRANSFORMATION (TITAN MASTER):
Taking the head off, you can transform it into the smaller robot mode very easily but still retaining some nice touches. Unfold the head to free up the legs, the sides then fold out to form the arms and flip some of the panels away to clean it up and you'll get Lord Zarak.
LORD ZARAK:
Lord Zarak (Zarak) is a Titan Master but fairly bland in due to the bare plastic used At least it is in two tones so it breaks up some of the monotony. Only the visor is painted red.
It is a typical Titan Master so the larger robot's head is visible from the back.
Zarak can then fold up to form the head of the bigger robot mode, which funnily enough (and is pretty cool), is a bigger more detailed version of the Titan Master.
The antennae of Scorponok's head stores on his back via some pegs. The aim is to stay out of the way but looks somewhat awkward there.
The headsculpt looks great and actually wouldn't look out of place on an Autobot.
Zarak is roughly Deluxe size, above is a comparison against Siege Sideswipe.
Like most in the Earthrise line, there is a focus on articulation and Zarak has tons of it. He has joints for his head, shoulders, elbows, waist, hips, knees and even his ankles. The shoulder pads are almost as long as the arms themselves so they can get in the way.
As the antennae is removable and Zarak is missing any traditional weapons, he can use those as some sort of clawed or tonfa weapons if need be.
You can also just leave them in the same place as the giant head mode, which doesn't look too bad on the outside of his giant shoulder pads.
This is an excellent robot mode who's key play value is the wide range of articulation available.
Folding into Scorponok's head mode is easy, the double Titan Master gimmick is great and you can leave the smaller Titan Master attached.
One neat aspect is if you lift up the visor, it actually revealed green painted eyes. This is a nice touch since it wasn't required and these eyes are never used in a mode.
TRANSFORMATION (SCORPONOK ROBOT MODE):
Going from scorpion mode into robot mode isn't hard, the biggest difficulty is just dealing with the sheer size and weight of the figure. The scorpion claws become the arms, while the tail folds onto the robot's back. The legs then unfold from the torso. It's a simple transformation scheme but one that works at this size as anything a lot more complicated will just lead to frustration.
ROBOT MODE:
Scorponok's robot mode is the key draw of the whole figure and he does not disappoint in this area. This is an amazing looking robot, both in photos and in person.
The scorpion's tail folds up on his back as the only piece of kibble. It is supposed to tab in place, but the tab can be weak and dislodged when moving any of his limbs.
The headsculpt, which is formed by Zarak, is brimming with details. It is situated on a piece that rotates, and the head locks into place very securely.
Naturally, size is the biggest thing going for him and Scorponok is massive. He absolutely towers over a Leader class figure, and he is a tiny bit taller than Omega Supreme.
Fortress Maximus still retains the moniker as the biggest / tallest Transformers toy ever but Scorponok isn't too far behind.
Articulation is really good and nearly everything is a ratchet joint. He has them for his shoulders, elbows, waist, hips, knees and ankles. His claws are individually jointed and they're on swivel joints.
The ankle tilts are useful in keeping him stable. The hollowness of his ankles may give you some worry at first but the panels locks solidly and doesn't cause any issues.
By removing a small piece from the outside of each of his legs, they can combine with a bigger piece (that stores on his back) to form a clawed shield.
The shield can peg onto either arm and this is his only weapon in his mode.
The color scheme works wonderfully and every surface is filled with subtle sculpting. There's no other gimmicks in this mode though.
As great as the shield is, the lack of a proper ranged weapon hurts. You can remove one of the guns on his shoulders for him to hold, even though it's a bit small. This way, you can also use the effects parts.
This is an amazing robot mode, with no design flaws.
OVERALL:
Scorponok is definitely must-buy figure. He may be pricey but he is worth the cost. Scorponok is massive, and his three modes range from solid to fantastic. The double Titan Master gimmick is fun, and the sheer size and weight of the figure will surprise you. The only problem is finding enough space to display him!
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