Toy Review: Transformers Generations Titans Return Perceptor & Convex

Review:  #403
Name:  Perceptor
Brand:  Transformers
Allegiance:  Autobot
Line:  Generations - Titans Return
Year of Release:  2017
Size Class:  Deluxe (Wave 4)
Mold Status:  new

CONVEX:

Convex is the Titan Master for Perceptor and he is cast in black and red.

Like the rest of the line, he has the robot face on his back and articulation is limited to balljointed shoulders and head.

The black plastic used means it is hard to make out the sculpting on the figure.

MICROSCOPE MODE:

Unlike the previous Generations figure, this version of Perceptor is much more akin to his G1 version and transforms into a microscope.

It is function although the tray relies more on friction to prevent it from drooping since the piece has a few more joints than it needs.

Interactivity with Titan Masters is only limited to placing them on the tray for inspection (which is admittedly pretty cool).  You also only lay the Titan Master on the tray since it doesn't peg in, and there are no other spots to secure any Titan Masters.

In terms of size, Perceptor is somewhat small and light due to the nature of the alternate mode and the way the transformation was designed (he is mostly hollow).

The dial works and can be rotated to extend the lens.  You can peer through the scope but the magnification is too large for it to be clear.

As with all figures in the Titans Return, Perceptor comes with a card showcasing the artwork.

The gun can be propped up and a Titan Master be used to man it.

However, you can also peg the gun onto the back of the microscope to store it.

A strong alternate mode that has additional playability thanks to the working lens.

TRANSFORMATION TO TANK MODE:

Transformation to tank mode is not an involved process and only uses a few steps away from microscope mode.  You rotate the legs 180 degrees then angle the scope as a cannon, flip the tank treads up and you're done.

TANK MODE:

This mode is undocumented in the instructions and not shown in the stock photos but Perceptor can transform into a tank mode akin to his original toy.

Of course, it's not a great tank mode but this is just extra playability.

As the tank mode has more of the figure laying flatter against the table, he appears larger.

This mode is definitely intended because there are dedicated pieces for the tank treads (which are painted no less) and when the figure was first revealed, this mode was included.

Convex can stand on the sides of the tank using the pegs (he can also be positioned to be standing behind the cannon).

The gun can be pegged onto the sides.  There are also three plastic wheels underneath which allows this mode to roll.

Overall, while this is a weak mode, it is a nice bonus.

TRANSFORMATION TO ROBOT MODE:

Transformation isn't too hard but interesting to see how the torso collapses for robot mode.  The way he is engineered means that he has a hollow torso and none of the pieces truly lock into place..

ROBOT MODE:

Perceptor's robot mode is much more athletic than the G1 toy yet still retaining some bulkiness.

The scope can stay on his back but it is proportionally huge and causes balancing issues.  You can fold down the tank treads to provide some makeshift heelspurs to alleviate this though.

The headsculpt is faceplate-less and painted silver with yellow eyes, looking fantastic.

Perceptor is shorter than most Deluxes in robot mode so he's a small figure overall.

Obviously, the scope can be rotated onto his shoulder as a shoulder cannon which looks very powerful.

Unfortunately, if you use it as a shoulder cannon this blocks all movement for his head, especially since it was already impeded by joints right behind the head which is a huge design flaw.

Articulation is strong as he has all the standard joints.

Perceptor's other weapon is a sniper rifle.

Perceptor has just enough articulation to hold the sniper rifle with both hands (he doesn't have wrist swivels).

The scope can easily detach and be used as another handheld weapon.

The other use for the gun is to peg it onto the outside of his forearm.

Lastly, if you don't want to use the gun it can store on his back.

A solid robot mode with the flaws being restricted head and lack of heelspurs.

OVERALL:

Perceptor is a simple figure which can be a disappointment considering the number of innovative transformation schemes that this line has provided, however, he is still heaps of fun.  The microscope mode contains heaps of play value, thank tank mode is a bonus and he has a few weapon options in robot mode.

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Book Review: Puella Magi Kazumi Magica: The Innocent Malice 2

Review:  #687
Title:  Puella Magi Kazumi Magica:  The Innocent Malice 2
Series:  Puella Magi Kazumi Magica:  The Innocent Malice - 2nd volume
Author:  Masaki Hiramatsu
Read Before:  no
Comments:  There is a strong feeling of “been there, done that” with this volume.  Most of the concepts had already been explored within the anime, and anything that hasn’t, feels somewhat tacked on.  The first part has Kazumi and her friends battling a magical girl, who became a magical girl to help a friend, and now has become a Witch, sounds very familiar.  The second part is more interesting, with a new character arriving with a peculiar power.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t amount to much since the newcomer is easily defeated anyway.  None of the characters really sticks to you and Kazumi herself isn’t that impressive.  The plot doesn’t feel to be going anywhere or adding many things new to the series so Volume 2 is a little bit disappointing.

Rating:  6/10

Doodle Devil (PS3)

Doodle Devil is the sequel to Doodle God.  Just like its prequel, it was originally a smartphone game for Android and iOS, then ported over to the PlayStation family of consoles and sold at a higher cost.  Doodle Devil features the exact same gameplay as Doodle God, with no changes or improvements whatsoever.  Instead. it focuses on the "darker" things in life, such as corruption, war, weapons and sins.  The control scheme is still reminiscent of touch controls at the main menu, since you use the analogue stick to move a hand cursor to select the options.  For the actual gameplay though, thankfully it translate well to the D-pad and face buttons, such that you can power through the levels quickly once you know which groupings the icons you want are.

Since it was originally a mobile game, the gameplay is simple.  The aim is to combine two elements to create a new one.  Some of the combinations are intuitive such as Corpse + Life = Zombie and Knowledge + Copyright = Money, while others are less so such as Magic + Egg = Dragon and Life + Internet = Cyberspace.  However, not every combination will produce a new element.  If it does, congrats, if they can't, then continue experimenting.  Each element is fitted into a particular group, so finding the icon you want can be annoying when you don't remember the group it was in.  It isn't too much of a problem in the beginning but near the end of the game, where you have 25 different groupings, you might have to enter and exit out of a few in order to find the one you want.  Likewise, while at the beginning it is easy to create new elements, as the game progresses and you get more options, it gets progressively harder to find the correct combinations.  However, there is the option of hints if you are stuck and cannot find a new combination.  Unfortunately, that's all the gameplay ever boils down to so it can become boring very quickly.

Doodle Devil retains the sense of humor in its combinations, such as Sex + Money = Censored, you'll probably chuckle a few times over the course of the game.  The story is even shallower than the original, if that is possible.  You only get a few sentences at the beginning of the game saying that while God created things, the Devil did as well.  This, plus the music, hints at the darker theme of the game.  There are a total of 190 elements to find in total.  This trial and error gameplay will take hours if you play through it blind without any guide.  However, it'll only take an hour to complete the game if you follow a guide (but where's the fun in that?).  Of course, being a PS3 game, it features Trophies and they are all easy to obtain.  Overall, Doodle Devil is a simple game that is exactly the same as the first game, and really doesn't seem to be worth the excessive price tag, especially when there are so many better games for the PS3.

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Toy Review: Transformers Robots in Disguise (2015) Blurr (Warrior)

Review:  #402
Name:  Blurr
Brand:  Transformers
Allegiance:  Autobot
Line:  Robots in Disguise (2015)
Year of Release:  2017
Size Class:  Warrior (Wave 10)
Mold Status:  new

VEHICLE MODE:

Blurr transforms into a blue and white sports car that looks fantastic.  It's has the speedy look that such a fast character should have.

The sculpting is generally good, just that there isn't many paint applications to bring out the detailing.

Blurr is part of the Warrior size class of figures, which is approximately Deluxe size, above is a comparison against The Last Knight Barricade.

The robot mode weapon can peg onto a slot on top.

Or the weapon can peg to the side.  Apart from this, there's no other play value, he's pretty gappy underneath the windshield too.

A strong vehicle mode, even the somewhat gappy front isn't too bad in person.

TRANSFORMATION:

The the transformation into robot mode is simple but there is one neat element, which is how the windshield and part of the back of the car fold around onto his back.  Otherwise, the rest of the steps is just how you'd expect with the sides pulling out to form the arms, and the front splitting to form the legs.

ROBOT MODE:

The robot mode carries over some design elements from the Rescue Bots version with the spoilers on his shoulders and the bulkier look.

He has the windshield on his back but otherwise is kibble-free.

The headsculpt is really nice and his visor/eye piece is translucent plastic which allows excellent lightpiping.

Again, Blurr is comparable in height to other Deluxes, just that he is a lot more hollow and a lot lighter than you would expect.

Articulation is strong but your mileage will vary with the tightness of the joints.  His balljointed hips in particular can be loose.

Despite the bulky shoulders, he can lift out his arms enough for most poses to be satisfied.

His weapon is a molded from clear plastic which makes it really hard to make out the intricate sculpting.

Blurr has proportionally long arms which is one of the biggest factors against this robot mode.

Speaking of hollowness, his torso is completely hollow, as are thighs and legs.  Be prepared to be shocked at his lightness but at least the plastic feels strong enough to not snap easily.

A great looking robot mode.

OVERALL:

Like most of the Warrior class in the Robots in Disguise (2015) line, Blurr is actually quite well designed with an easy but fun transformation and some unique elements in robot mode.  He is plagued by the cheapness of Hasbro with a huge reduction in plastic used and limited paint applications.  Blurr isn't a bad figure, just needs to be picked up on sale for you not to feel ripped off.

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