Review: #726
Name: Blaster & Eject
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: Generations - Legacy
Year of Release: 2022
Size Class: Voyager (Wave 1)
Mold Status: re-release of Generations War for Cybertron Kingdom Blaster in Legacy packaging
ALTERNATE MODE:
Blaster transforms into a cassette tape player, which is typical of the character.
As expected, he's very rectangular and he looks really good in this mode.
However, since he's folding up to be a rectangular box, he's actually quite small in this mode, which is disappointing for a Voyager figure. Above is a comparison against Siege Optimus and while the pictures make it seem that they're fairly similar, Blaster is a lot thinner in comparison, so in-hand, the difference is obvious.
The robot gun can be pegged behind to be stored in this mode.
There is a bit of play value in the form of a spring-loaded cover. Pressing down on the grey button beneath the cover will pop it open.
The reason for this is that he comes with Eject, which adds a fair bit of value to this package.
Eject, in tape mode, can store inside, which is pretty neat. There are plenty of sculpted detailing here too, so it doesn't look bland at all.
Despite the smaller than usual size, this mode is really nice.
EJECT:
Blaster comes with Eject, so you don't have to buy him separately, which adds a lot of value.
Eject transforms into a tape, which is basically a rectangular box once again. Interestingly, it uses a transparent blue plastic.
It's a non-descript alternate mode so it's quite difficult (although still possible) to screw this mode up.
For transformation, Eject is as you would expect. The bottom unfolds to become the legs, while the sides are the arms. The head then flips up from the back.
The robot mode is pretty good, although a bit stocky in proportion due to the simple transformation.
The head is sculpt is fine, and it's on a balljoint. He has some painted detailing, such as his chest details and his faceplate.
Again, he's very small in this mode, guess if he did not come with Blaster, he'll probably be sold in a two-pack in the Core class assortment.
He has surprisingly good articulation for the size though with joints for his head, shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. It's a good bonus figure to be honest.
TRANSFORMATION (BLASTER):
It's not a hard transformation and in general, is what you would expect as we have seen this from previous Blaster toys already. The legs are the bottom and sides, although it takes with it most of the panelling for alternate mode which folds away. The remainder is his arms and chest, and the head flips up. A neat aspect is how the sides of the tape player mode has two speaker grills that for his shins in robot mode, but they flip around to provide different detailing.
ROBOT MODE:
Robot mode is great for Blaster, but there is still some slight proportion issues such as his chest being too big, so it makes it seem that his head is too small.
Otherwise, he does not have any kibble at all, which is always a bonus. The panels are folded away nicely into his legs.
Head sculpt is mostly fine, although there is something slightly off with the face. Maybe it's a bit too smooth and organic looking.
He's an okay size for a Voyager, just slightly shorter than Siege Optimus.
He has plenty of articulation, with joints for his head, shoulders, elbows, waist, hips, knees and ankles.
Ankle joints are always particular nice as it allows him to stand flat on a surface for nearly all poses, for added stability.
His right hand is sculpted in such a way that it has his index finger out, the reason being that he has enough articulation to actually press his own button to open the chest.
It's the same gimmick as in tape player mode, where you can store Eject inside his chest.
The Eject gimmick naturally means that his chest is hollow. While the tape player mode is compact and solid, it all unfolds in robot mode and he feels much less substantial thanks to the hollowed arms, chest, and legs.
He comes with a weapon, a gun.
He can hold the gun in either hand and that's about it for play value in this mode.
The gun can store on his back.
A slight annoyance is how his hands don't fully click into place due to transformation, so they like to untab when you're posing or playing with him.
A strong robot mode with minor flaws.
OVERALL:
Blaster and Eject is a great package. The inclusion of Eject more than makes up for the smaller size of Blaster and adds so much more play value. Both modes are decent, and the transformation is simple but it works. Blaster is a toy well worth recommending.
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