Review: #856
Name: Devastation Optimus Prime
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: Generations - Studio Series
Year of Release: 2025
Size Class: Deluxe (A-Level)
Mold Status: new
VEHICLE MODE:
This Optimus is based upon his appearance in the Devastation game, which was a surprise. As a result, the shades of red and blue are slightly more vibrant, and the windshield is painted in such a way to emulate the cel-shaded graphics of the game.
This is far from a perfect truck mode, the front and sides are gappy, and the back has the robot feet obviously folded and sticking out like a sore thumb.
The robot weapon, which is his energon axe, slots into the back.
To be fair, the the windshield effect to emulate the cel-shaded graphics works really well here.
A good truck mode at first glance, until you see some of the flaws.
TRANSFORMATION:
The thing is, this isn't a complicated transformation, and so it makes it all the more bewildering why there are so many compromises in truck mode. The back splits and forms the legs like any other Optimus. The cab transforms very similarly to previous toys as well, with the arms folding out, and rotating him at the waist to get rid of the bumper. At least the grill is real.
ROBOT MODE:
Optimus robot mode is decent, he has a stylized G1 aesthetic and it works really well.
Some of the gappiness in vehicle mode kind of makes sense here, like the side fuel tanks that fold onto the outside of his legs are not not gappy anymore (as the other side is showing). It's neat how the front wheels fold into his torso, even though they're visible from the back.
The head sculpt is decent, and is clearly Optimus and very cartoon looking.
Articulation is good with joints for his head, shoulders, elbows, waist, hips, knees and ankles.
His chest can open up to reveal the Matrix of Leadership, which can then be detached and slot into some grooves of his fists to make it seem as if he is holding it.
His sole weapon is an energon axe, painted in bright orange (maybe transparent orange plastic would make it look cooler, although not as striking). It slots over his hand.
The weapon pegs onto his back when not in use.
One of the most impressive thing with this figure is its balance. It can easily balance on one foot, while striking a kicking pose.
One thing that is weird is how the fists rotate out from the front of the cab with a very obvious painted red strip (on blue plastic). It's just an odd design that feels unnecessary as other Optimus toys don't have this.
Either way, this ends up being a better robot mode than you'd expect.
OVERALL:
The small size and truck mode might disappoint, although the robot mode helps make up for it. He is surprisingly charming in his own way, as the cel-shaded / cartoony look helps make him pop amongst other Transformers. He has more play value than expected too, although missing a ranged weapon isn't too great.
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