Review: #640
Name: Overload
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Generations - Studio Series
Year of Release: 2020
Size Class: Leader (Wave 5)
Mold Status: new
VEHICLE MODE:
Overload transforms into a red articulated dump truck with six rolling wheels.
Overload only looks from from one angle and that is the angle used for the stock photos. From everywhere else, he is terrible. The back is open and you can see the robot parts tucked away.
Looking from above, you can see that there is robot detailing everywhere. To be fair, since Overload has the tough duty of forming Devastator's torso and as such is the point of stability for the combined mode, it can be forgiven.
There is a spare piece lying around which forms part of Devastator's head. It pegs onto the back and looks terrible but the figure is so packed that there isn't anywhere else to store it.
Overload is a massive figure. We haven't had a Leader classed figure of this size for a long long time. The vehicle mode is completely packed, there are very little gaps on the underside and he is bulky and heavy. Above is a comparison against TLK Optimus, you're definitely get your money's worth here.
The vehicle mode is terrible as it's just parts forming a rough rectangular shape with wheels and cockpit. However, considering what Overload has to achieve, it is an admirable job.
TRANSFORMATION:
The transformation the first time around can seem complicated and confusing, especially with how the arms tuck into the back. The second time around, it's not too bad and less confusing (this isn't helped by how confusing and unclear the instructions are). The back splits into two, and then two pairs of arms fold out from there. The front splits to form the legs, and then you fold the excess panels upon his back.
ROBOT MODE:
Overload's robot mode is distinctive with it's wide stance and four arms. We never saw Overload's robot mode in the movie so it's based on concept art, unfortunately it couldn't replicate the four legged nature as well.
Considering the triple-changing nature of the figure, it's surprising that Overload's kibble is quite modest. It's only a few panels that's folded on top of each other on his back.
The headsculpt has plenty of detailing although it'll take more than a cursory glance to make out all of the sculping.
As part of the Studio Series line, a cardboard stand is provided.
The stand shows off the same scene as the other Constructicons, which is some pyramids.
In terms of size, above is a comparison against Leader Prime and Voyager Long Haul. You can see that Overload is approximately the height of a Voyager, but is much much wider. Overload is very bulky and hefty in your hands, there's no mistake that this is definitely a Leader figure with little cutbacks.
As mentioned earlier, there is a spare piece here which forms part of Devastator's head. It's awkward since it cannot double up as anything, looking nothing like a weapon or shield.
It can peg onto his back, but it takes a bit of force in snap it in, to the point where you feel it might stress the plastic clips and even snap it off. The designer should have opted for a 5mm peg rather than this clip system.
Poseability is decent, putting aside the arms for the moment, he has joints for his head, hips, knees and ankles.
For his arms, the inner pair has a swivel and a double jointed elbow, while his other pair has one swivel and two hinges, while also resting on a bigger piece that can rotate. Since he is cursed with the "inner bending elbow" syndrome, the jointing isn't ideal and it takes a bit more effort to get the arms the way you'd want them to.
The feet are big and the ankle swivels help a lot but since Overload is so heavy and most of the mass is in the upper body, you do need to be conscious on how to balance him.
While he doesn't have any ranged weaponry, the four arms with claws at the end of each arm is more than enough. Overload has an extremely unique profile which means his robot mode does not disappoint.
OVERALL:
Overload is a rare case where there are so many sacrifices made in order to get the combining gimmick to work, yet is still a really good figure by himself. The vehicle mode is a write-off but the robot is just fantastic. It helps that this is the first time we've gotten the robot mode in a larger size but just the fact that he has four arms will probably win you over. Even if you have no intention of forming Devastator, Overload is worth the purchase, plus, he's the largest Leader we have had for years.
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