Review: #671
Name: Megatron
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Predacon
Line: Generations: - War for Cybertron: Kingdom
Year of Release: 2020
Size Class: Leader (Wave 1)
Mold Status: new
BEAST MODE:
Based upon the character from the first season of Beast Wars, Megatron transforms into a purple T-rex.
This is a really good beast mode, and the sculpting gives him a more realistic appearance rather than the smoother surface of the show.
The beast mode's head also opts for a different take than the show, and it is very impressive at how detailed it is, right down to the glare of the eyes, the shape of the mouth and the two rows of teeth.
This is a Leader sized figure and we finally get a figure that is more appropriately sized than just a chunky Voyager. Above is a comparison against two Leader figures in different modes to give an idea of how big Megatron is.
The challenging aspect of a beast Transformer is how to make the beast mode look good but also not a brick. Impressively Megatron is extremely poseable in this mode. His jaw can open wide.
Furthermore, the front stubby arms are on balljoints, while the legs have a great amount of motion in the hips, knees and ankles.
The tail is impressive as well, with two joints, enough to curl his tail to one side.
All of this combines into an impressive dinosaur, and one that can easily balance on his two legs.
One thing to note is that a lot of the dinosaur's "skin" is made from a softer more rubbery plastic, instead of hard plastic. This is an interesting choice but it works here.
An amazing beast mode with no flaws at all.
TRANSFORMATION:
The transformation in general takes cues from the original figure and the show model, since that is the optimal way to place certain beast mode parts into robot mode. However, it brings with it its own twist that makes the figure just the right amount of difficulty. A lot of the beast mode has panels that fold up onto his back, but the legs basically remain unchanged for robot mode. The head and tail becomes the arms without much manipulation.
ROBOT MODE:
Megatron's robot mode is equally as amazing. While he lacks the metallic shine of the character model, this captures the character quite well.
He carries a huge amount of kibble on his back. The most noteworthy piece are the dinosaur thigh pieces. The designer opted to give Megatron smaller thigh guns, so a bigger chunk was left to be put into a backpack.
The headsculpt has Megatron in a frown, it might have been better to give him a smile instead since that's more iconic.
A size comparison against the Leader figures as well as Voyagers, to show that Megatron is very decent in height and bulk, one of the biggest Leader figures we've had in a while.
A shot from the side shows how big the backpack it. To be fair, while it has a decent amount of panels, they are fairly compacted and sticks close to the body so generally does not get in the way.
Naturally, Megatron is extremely poseable. He has joints for his head, shoulders, elbows, waist, hips, knees and ankles.
Furthermore, the dinosaur head for his right arm can open and close its mouth, as well as peg an effects part in there.
The tail on his left arm is more restricted, but has a panel that acts as a claw of some sorts. At least he still has a regular fist.
Unfortunately, he lacks any other weapon, namely a handheld weapon.
This is a near perfect robot, the only negative is the backpack and even then it is manageable.
OVERALL:
This is one of the best figures we've had in the Kingdom line and apart from the Masterpiece version, the best Beast Wars Megatron we've had. He is amazing in both modes, and is a ton of fun. He captures the character perfectly in robot mode, and he relatively large size for a Leader is just icing on the cake.
---------------------------------------------
For other Transformers reviews, have a look at this page.
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
