Toy Review: Transformers ROTF Rampage (Legends)

Review: #28
Name: Rampage
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Revenge of the Fallen
Year of Release: 2009
Size Class: Legends
Variations: There is a TakaraTomy (i.e. Japanese) version and a Hasbro version, and both companies repainted it into G1 green and purple

VEHICLE MODE:



Rampage transforms into a bulldozer, he feels very compact and small. The only paint here is the bright blue windows but the colour scheme works (mainly due to the two different coloured plastic used).



There is a small gap at the back, with the jackhammer poking out a little bit. There are very visible balljoints but it doesn't completely ruin the look. The blade at the front can't move, despite how it looks from the jointing, it is fixed in place.



A lot of sculpted details, and he features four small plastic wheels at the bottom allowing him to roll. Like the other Legends, the biggest thing Rampage is missing is paint.

TRANSFORMATION:

In my opinion, the transformation isn't particularly fun or clever, it was pretty much how I expected it. I feel that it is the most boring transformation out of the seven, and the right shoulder balljoint is particularly tight and likes to pop off.

ROBOT MODE:



I think the robot mode is decent in recreating the jackhammer mode from the movie, although the treads on either side ruin the look. You can fold them down but it still doesn't look quite right. He is a bit hard to stand due to the way you need the three tips at the right angle for him to balance (he falls over most of the time).



The blades as his shoulder armor looks great, he has some treads hanging off his arm to represent the whips he had in the movie. He doesn't have any actual hands, which looks a bit weird. The overall shape and stance of the robot is a bit weird and off.



The head sculpt is great, very detailed and portrays the character design really well. I guess you would say this robot is very unique and requires some taking used to.

OVERALL:

Another figure that I wouldn't really buy as a standalone toy (the later Legends toy in the Autobot Alliance is a better toy, but still has many flaws) but Rampage does hold some charms. The jackhammer is pulled off very well and considering the engineering needed to make him work, he is excellent (and with this, I have finally finished all seven reviews of the Legends Constructicons).

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Additional photos can be found by clicking this link (at another site).

Credit: pictures and text is all mine, but I've linked a few pages to TFwiki.net

Reviews of other figures can be selected from here.

Toy Review: Transformers ROTF Overload

Review: #27
Name: Overload
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Revenge of the Fallen
Year of Release: 2009
Size Class: Legends
Variations: There is a TakaraTomy (i.e. Japanese) version and a Hasbro version, and both companies repainted it into G1 green and purple

VEHICLE MODE:



Overload transforms into a red articulated dump truck. The only paint here is the black driver's compartment and the brown on the false wheels. Only the first and last pair of wheels roll, but he rolls very well.



Not much to comment here, Overload is seriously lacking in paint, he looks too much like a solid piece of red plastic (well, he is that, but some paint would bring out the sculpted details). Overload is one solid truck, there is no joint in the middle like there would be on the real thing. A long truck, but one that's lacking in painted details.

TRANSFORMATION:

Overload has a fairly interesting transformation, and fun to transform quickly. I love the ingenuity of using the same transformation joints for the combined mode (he doesn't feature any additional joints for that torso mode).

ROBOT MODE:



The robot mode is very short, most of the length of the vehicle mode went into his arms, as such, he has short legs with arms almost touching the ground. It doesn't help that he has a huge claw that hangs above his head.



Overload needs proper hands, and he's not very articulated. Still, I'm partial to the robot mode, as I like the aspects, from the huge shoulder pads to the long arms. The only paint here is his visor, which is painted yellow, too bad it looks down towards the ground. Overload has the least paint out of any figures I have ever seen.



The head is very simple, it is not as detailed, not as great as the other Constructicon Legends. A resulting robot that isn't that much fun to play with, only good for displaying.

OVERALL:

The main thing dragging Overload down is paint, he really needs more, as such, he looks like a solid lump of indistinguishable plastic. He is still brilliantly designed, and I like him, but he isn't up there in the ranks of Scrapper and Long Haul. Considering this is the only transforming ROTF Overload toy available, he is worth a purchase.

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Additional photos can be found by clicking this link (at another site).

Credit: pictures and text is all mine, but I've linked a few pages to TFwiki.net

Reviews of other figures can be selected from here.

Toy Review: Transformers Movie (2007) Cliffjumper (Deluxe)

Review: #26
Name: Cliffjumper
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: 2007 Movie - Allspark Power
Year of Release: 2008
Size Class: Deluxe (Wave 7)
Variations: repainted from the Chevrolet Camaro Concept Bumblebee, and the mold has since been retooled and repainted heaps in ROTF, Autobot Alliance and DOTM lines

VEHICLE MODE:



Cliffjumper transforms into a licensed fifth generation Chevrolet Camaro (at the time of release, it was the Concept model), and it is a very faithful reproduction. A lot of panel lines in the hood area where it breaks up for robot mode, and this destroys the smooth slick look.



Cliffjumper is missing a few paint apps (but not as much as the later reuses of the mold), particularly at the back where it looks like a solid chunk of red plastic. He lacks painted tail lights, but I would assume it would be hard to pick out the difference anyway, maybe a painted license plate would help.



The red plastic used is nice, but it is a bit too pale, a deeper richer red would make him a lot better. Also, the red paint fades easily, causing mismatched colours on the doors. It's great that the hubcaps are painted silver.



Cliffjumper is well painted at the front, with lights, badge and the paint work on the hood. There are four rectangular slots on the hood that doesn't seem to serve any purpose. The design of the car is great though, I particularly like the design of the hood and grill.



The main flaw in vehicle mode would be the feet that you can see underneath the car. As the wheels are attached to the feet/heels of the robot, the clearance is low, Cliffjumper won't be able to roll over rough surfaces like carpet.



Cliffjumper is a good size, above is a comparison photo against Reveal the Shield Turbo Tracks, Cliffjumper is bulkier and bigger. A good vehicle mode but too many moving parts and panel breaks cause a visually disjointed car.

TRANSFORMATION:

Cliffjumper has a fairly complex transformation that requires quite a bit of precise manipulating for various parts. It's fiddly, but once you've done it a few times it's alright. Going back into car mode can be annoying, and once you've finished, you do feel that there are some panels that are strained. I do think this mold is one of the best at mimicking the onscreen transformations in the movie, with a lot of panels breaking and shifting. There are two Automorphs in the transformation, the chest one is average, but the leg one is great fun.

ROBOT MODE:



A brilliant robot mode that are super accurate to the CG design of Bumblebee (which this mold was created for). As a result of this, Cliffjumper feels like a red Bumblebee and lacks some personality.



A few panels and kibble that are visible from the back, but overall, Cliffjumper is very clean in aesthetic, and the door wings make a great feature.



Cliffjumper created a good integrated weapon (hidden between his legs in car mode), his plasma cannon, which he can grip in either hand.



The cannon can change into a short combat blade, it looks great, albeit a bit kibbly with the cannon shells on either side.



The head mold is detailed, but not painted very well. The details they chose to highlight doesn't work well together. The lightpipe does not work very well.



Poseability is good, but the legs are a bit limited. Cliffjumper is very stable and a good robot overall, better as a display figure than an action figure.

OVERALL:

The best mold of the 2007 Movie Toyline in my opinion, and it still stands well with newer molds, especially the new Bumblebee molds, the original is the best. Anyway, the figure itself as Cliffjumper is lacking and feels lacklustre, it feels too much like a rip-off of Bumblebee. I would only recommend this figure if you really dig the colour scheme, or, like me, you couldn't find the original Bumblebee toy.

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Extra, better photos can be found at this page.

Credit: pictures and text is all mine, but I've linked a few pages to TFwiki.net and Wikipedia.

Reviews of other figures can be selected from here.

Toy Review: Transformers ROTF Mixmaster (Legends)

Review: #25
Name: Mixmaster
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: Revenge of the Fallen
Year of Release: 2009
Size Class: Legends
Variations: There is a TakaraTomy (i.e. Japanese) version and a Hasbro version, and both companies repainted it into G1 green and purple

VEHICLE MODE:



Mixmaster transforms into a small cement mixer truck, that I think is based loosely on the Mack Granite from the film. It's a nicely detailed little truck and one of the great things about this is that all six wheels roll, that's right, no fake wheels!



No robot kibble can be seen, which is great, there's an extremely simplified cement chute sculpted at the back. Mixmaster has lilac photos and quite a bit of paint applications, which is impressive.



I find it really hard to fault this vehicle mode as it is very well done, all of the Constructicons have excellent vehicle modes. It's realistic and you know straight away after seeing it that it is a cement mixer truck.

TRANSFORMATION:

One of my least favourite transformation, due to the way the torso forms. It's on a vertical swivel that doesn't lock into place so it's a bit weird, you don't really know if it is in the 'correct' position or not. The arms unfold from the drum quite nicely but the legs and the combined mode head is a bit awkward. Definitely lacks charm, but it's not a disaster and considering all the limitations the designer had, I think they did a pretty good job.

ROBOT MODE:



At first glance, Mixmaster seem like he doesn't have any hands (in fact, like the drum shells ARE his hands), but there are little lumps right at the end that represent his claws.



I can say one thing about Mixmaster, and that he is ugly. He's very lanky due to a lot of the mass going into Devastator's head (that he has to pull around from his back), with long arms and short, awkward looking legs.



To be honest, considering all the liberties that had to be taken, Mixmaster is pretty accurate to the onscreen representation. His arms and drum shells are a bit restricted but his legs are more flexible. Mixmaster is stable due to the head acting as a third leg.



I'm left wondering why they went ahead and used the ugly friendly-looking concept head rather than the awesome finalized head like on the voyager (and this figure was released later as well). A pretty weird looking robot overall, probably the worse out of the set, but it really depends upon your preferences.

OVERALL:

A figure that's critical to forming Devastator but doesn't translate to a good standalone toy. I appreciate the engineering and thought that had gone into this figure, and the designer has done a great job. The vehicle is great, but the robot mode is a bit lacking, only recommend if you are planning to complete the set.

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Some more photos can be found at this gallery (at another site).

Credit: pictures and text is all mine, but I've linked a few pages to TFwiki.net

Reviews of other figures can be selected from here.

Toy Review: Transformers PCC Undertow w/ Waterlog

Review: #24
Name: Undertow w/ Waterlog
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Decepticon
Line: PowerCore Combiners (Wave 5)
Year of Release: 2011
Size Class: Scout with Minicon
Variations: none

BOAT MODE:



Undertow transforms into a mainly black speedboat with two gold Gatling guns on either side. Waterlog attaches as a gun emplacement, although it's not all that obvious, he doesn't make a good gun. With the colour clashes, you can barely make out the transparent green cockpit.



While looking plausible from the front, the back is a major mess, you can clearly see the fists and body parts. Disappointing really, as it is a very unique alternate mode.



Despite all this, Undertow looks good from most angles, and I really really like the boat mode. The guns can tilt up and down and Waterlog and rotate.



As mentioned earlier, there are major colour clashes, especially with the two PowerCore ports, they stick out like sore thumbs, and to add insult, his head is fully visible underneath the cockpit.



You can remove Waterlog (recommended) for a smoother and cleaner speed boat. Surprisingly, he doesn't have wheels underneath, you cannot roll him, he stays at rest... forever. Undertow has a vehicle that is brought down by the choices of colour and placement of parts, I still like it, mind you, it's a lot of fun.

TRANSFORMATION:

A fairly nice transformation, and simple as you would expect. Undertow is blocky, which is good, one of the things that is annoying with current movie toys are their thin moving parts. I like how the legs are solidly formed. It is a transformation which would take you less than a minute.

WATERLOG:



I'll dedicate a section to Undertow's partner, Waterlog. He is not my favourite Minicon, in fact, I don't really want him, I only got this set because of Undertow. Waterlog looks really weird, and to make matters worse, he has a small footprint making him really hard to balance while standing upright.



The head is very weird and ugly, definitely not one that I like. His head can turn from side to side so you can hide it in whichever mode he is in, which is a nice touch.



The only saving grace is that his vehicle weapon form (which is exactly the same as the chest armour form) can be passed for a jet. A fairly mediocre Minicon that holds no appeal for me.

ROBOT MODE:



The poor vehicle mode is offset by an awesome robot mode, with a great stance. The two underslung guns look awesome, and he is one of the few PowerCore Combiners to feature weaponry that is not their Minicons.



The shins and feet are huge, formed completely by the hulls of the boat. The back looks flat due to it also being the bottom of the boat. I guess the biggest detraction would be the two combiner ports on either side of his head, not exactly the best placement, and it makes his head harder to turn.



The feet are sloped at an angle such that it has to lean forward to lay flat on the table. It's nothing major, as Undertow has the joints to pull this look off. The stature of the robot is just so good and heroic (which is weird as he is a Decepticon). The cockpit as his chest looks very natural.



At first glance you might notice he doesn't have eyes underneath the green visor thingie covering half his face. It took me a while but I realised that the back of his head has two slots cut into it to allow light through, so from the front he has lightpiped ovals that represent his eyes. A very nice touch that they needn't have done.



Undertow is very VERY poseable, his legs (particularly in the area of his knees) have an unbelievable amount of joints with three-axes' worth of motion. Like a lot of figures, the only thing he is missing is a waist joint, and once again, I'd say it isn't missed.



You can plug Waterlog in his armour form (which in reality is the same as his vehicle weapon form) onto Undertow's chest. One of the better looking armours, and one that looks good from the front. You can also swivel the guns under his arms backwards to 'store' them.



Undertow can also hold Waterlog as a gun, not exactly the best gun as it's very obvious that it's a robot on his back... (at least the face can be turned the other way). It looks way too big for Undertow, so what I usually do it just plug it onto DOTM Starscream's arm as a forearm gun, it looks waaaaay better there. A great robot on it's own that doesn't need the Minicon.

COMBINED MODE:



Undertow's combiner mode is one of the better ones out there, it's solid, but too much mass goes into the legs, making him quite spindly, and overall a bit weird.



The transformation to torso mode is one of the mode interesting ones, it takes the "open chest panel, rotate combiner head up" concept a little bit further. The two shoulder cannons look great here as well, at least Undertow is quite stable in this mode.



The head is based upon one of those old deep sea diver's helmet, while looking cool and nothing we have seen before, it doesn't really suit as a robot head. The 'glass' is transparent green plastic, and the head allows light through the plastic in three different sides but it still doesn't lightpipe too well.



Some good joint setups allowing relatively stable poses, you might need to re-position the thighs every time you move him though as they are not locked in. Granted it's not perfect, but it is still one of the better combined modes out there (specially one that originated from a 2-pack).

OVERALL:

Part of the last wave of PowerCore Combiners and the last new mold, this is a good toy. Quite a lot of flaws but he has grown on me, the robot mode is very awesome, and the combiner mode is not bad. Boat mode is unique but needs a lot of improvement and the Minicon is forgettable. I'd recommend him if you can find one at a good price, but I wouldn't specifically track one down.

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Credits: linked a few TFwiki.net and Wikipedia pages in this review if you wanted more info on the respective links

Check out other toys reviews in the 'My Transformers' page which you can access at the top of the blog.