Review: #940
Name: Optimus Prime
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: Timelines - Age of Samurai
Year of Release: 2026
Size Class: Deluxe
Mold Status: new
PACKAGING:
The Timelines Age of Samurai two-pack comes with Optimus Prime and Starscream, in a fancy box, with a really nice piece of artwork on the front.
The sides have further artwork that are inspired by the time period that these figures are based on.
The outer sleeve comes off, to reveal a book style packaging that you can open and review the figures through the transparent windows, so that if you didn't want to open them, you can still enjoy the figures.
It's a neat packaging and one that does make the set a little bit more special.
ALTERNATE MODE:
In a unique twist, Optimus transforms into an ox pulling a cart! It's clearly inspired by his usual vehicle mode of a cab truck with trailer, but the Feudal Japanese version.
It really is such a cool little alternate mode that just suits the character so well. The back isn't perfect as it is left open and you can see the folded up robot arms and legs.
Pairing with Starscream, the scale is completely out of whack, that or Starscream is a massively giant eagle...
The robot weapon pegs onto the top. It looks weird there, but there's really no other place to hide such a long weapon.
The wheels on the side roll, but that doesn't mean much given that the bull in front doesn't. There are painted windows on the sides which is a nice touch.
The bull is nicely sculpted too, but it does not have any articulation whatsoever. All the joints are for transformation and does not work in this mode.
It's a really unique mode, and one that fits Optimus as a characters surprisingly well.
TRANSFORMATION:
Such a novel alternate mode also deserves a unique transformation and Optimus delivers on this front. The bull in front forms the torso, which is the replica truck windows and cab, which is surprisingly given it's converting from an organic part to such a straight edged part. Anyway, the harness on the bull which attaches to the "trailer" wraps around the torso. The trailer houses the arms and legs, and everything clips together so nothing flops about.
ROBOT MODE:
The robot mode is a little bit weaker, but it's mainly due to aesthetics and personal preferences. This is still a great robot mode.
He has kibble, some are intentional like the giant shoulder pads, others are not, such as the giant wheels on his legs. Considering everything, this is actually quite clean and no much sticks out.
The robot mode is samurai themed, and the head sculpt is a twist on the typical Optimus head, with the helmet now resembling a samurai helmet.
He's around typical Deluxe height in robot mode. There are some hollow parts so he is slightly lighter than you would like.
A comparison against Starscream, and their aesthetics while sharing the samurai theme, is slightly different.
Articulation is great, with joints for his head, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles.
His weapon is a giant naginata.
He can hold the naginata in either hand, and the handle is designed so that you can push it through the fist, although it can feel a bit tight.
Optimus has enough articulation so that he can hold it with both hands, which is pretty sweet.
The naginata can store in one of two places, either on his shoulder pad, or along his back.
This is a very striking robot mode, and unlike what we usually get with Optimus. The mix of mechanical vehicular elements with samurai armor elements works together very well.
There are some slight messier elements, such as how his lower legs are thinner than his thighs, so looks out of proportion.
The "Hasbro grey" used also isn't too great either, makes Optimus feel more bland than usual.
Despite that, this is a clever and innovative robot mode.
OVERALL:
Timelines Age of Samurai Optimus Prime is a fantastic figure and one that deserves to be tracked down. He has an extremely unique alternate mode, a clever transformation, and a good looking robot mode. The samurai theme is done well, and the figure just works.
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