Review: #730
Name: Laser Optimus Prime
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: Generations - Legacy
Year of Release: 2022
Size Class: Leader (Wave 1)
Mold Status: new
VEHICLE MODE:
Laser Optimus Prime is based upon the G2 version of Optimus Prime. He transforms into a long nosed truck with a oil tanker trailer.
This is a good vehicle mode, even from the back. There are no obvious robot kibble peeking out.
This is a long vehicle mode though, and the trailer attaches to the cab.
As a result, this mode is articulated, and this pretty much comprises all of the play value here.
In terms of size, in keeping trend with recent Leader classed figures, the cab is roughly Voyager sized, and the (mostly empty) trailer makes up the rest of the cost. To be honest, it still feels like a rip-off.
Ignoring the size, this is a good vehicle mode.
VEHICLE MODE (CAB):
As mentioned, the trailer can detach from the cab. You can then flip down a piece of plastic to act as a stand for the trailer so that it can still stay upright.
The cab itself is pretty good, it's your typical Optimus Prime, but now with a black and red color scheme that still works well to evoke the character.
You can see the robot arms at the back but it's mostly pretty good.
The rear section is a tad bit longer than you'd expect so it can look weird.
As mentioned, he is roughly Voyager sized, he wouldn't look too out of place being sold as a Voyager. Although with the continued shrinkages, he is a bit bigger and heftier than a typical Voyager.
While you can store the robot weapons in the trailer itself, there is also a spot for the axe to peg on top, and the axe in the bottom.
This is a good cab mode, which is great, given that standalone cabs aren't always guaranteed to be good.
TRAILER:
The trailer itself opens up to form a battle station.
It's quite easy to form as you unfold the sides, and then rotate a few pieces in the middle and viola.
It's a disappointing base mode as the designer went halfway instead. There's nothing happening here apart from the sole turret in the middle (which has a gun and a claw). The original had so many gimmicks and missile launchers. All we needed here are two more guns that can peg onto the sides and it would have been fine, instead, we're left with a hunk of useless plastic that doesn't even look great as a base.
TRANSFORMATION:
Optimus has a somewhat simple transformation but it feels solid. The front naturally splits into two to form the shoulders, and the arms come from the back of the cab. The rear folds down and splits to become his legs. What is more involved than expected is how the torso and the panels with the arms pegs together, as you need to get a few pieces in just the right spot to lock them all.
ROBOT MODE:
Optimus's robot mode is excellent, and it is a perfect update to the original G2 toy (which wasn't bad, but naturally this version is a lot less blocky).
While you don't notice it from the front, he does have his fair share of kibble on his back, from the windshield as a backpack, and the gigantic shoulder pylons from the front of the truck.
The head sculpt is also nice, with a nice twist to the typical Optimus prime head. The extra bits on his helmet gives him a more aggressive look.
As expected, poseability is excellent. He gets joints for his shoulders, elbows, wrists, waist, hips, knees and ankles.
The ankle joints are always appreciated as it gives him so much more stability during posing.
He towers over his base mode though, which can look comically small as a result.
There are a few gimmicks here, the first is a nice addition. His shoulder pylons already have sculpted missile launcher type holes, but they actually open up to reveal the missiles (albeit in unpainted translucent blue plastic).
His chest can open up to reveal the Matrix of Leadership.
He comes with three weapons, a transparent blue ax and sword, and also the turret gun from the base mode.
He can hold the turret gun in his hands.
Or as per the official instructions, they can peg on his shoulder pylon or the side of his leg.
Finally, it can store on his back. None of these options are recommended as the base is bare enough already without removing something else.
His ax and sword on the other hand are a lot more fun.
Naturally, he can hold each weapon in either hand and he has so much flexibility in his joints that you can pull off some amazing poses.
The ax and sword can combine together to form an even bigger weapon.
Just like everything else, this is a strong robot mode.
OVERALL:
Laser Optimus Prime is a solid update to the G2 figure (which has aged remarkably well anyway). Unfortunately, the cost cutting comes back to bite as the base mode is stripped of everything fun, and looks really sad as a result. If only Hasbro could give us two more guns to peg on it, and it would have been so much better. As a result, while this is still a fun toy, you can see the missed potentials.
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