Pricepoint/Vintage: Deluxe Class, 2012.
Modes: Robot and Cybertronian Truck.
Transformation Style: Simple Optimus
style with dramatic head reveal.
Play Patterns: Robot and car, 5mm
weapons, combining sword and gun.
Points Of Interest: Retool of Optimus Prime from the Fall of Cybertron (FOC) line. Has a sword probably/certainly intended for that toy.
Points Of Interest: Retool of Optimus Prime from the Fall of Cybertron (FOC) line. Has a sword probably/certainly intended for that toy.
The Good
Optimus was a nice little toy, and this remould retains all the benefits, while adding a new accessory. The new sword is the undoubted highlight, as it can stow on the back, and combine with the gun for an even bigger sword. His articulation allows for some great poses too, and if Prime had came with this he would have been a must-have. To further justify the mould recycling, Ultra Magnus has a new head, and paint applications are both different and more plentiful. The FOC line did a lot of quality retools, and arguably the best of that group. Please however note: the white plastic does not photograph well. It looks better in person.
The Bad
Magnus doesn't address the weaknesses of the mould, like being tiny, and while game accuracy is less of an issue, new things come to light. My example is loose in the shoulder assembly, and the paint apps are a bit slapdash, notably involving the white and faction badge, although this may be in the margin of error. The inside of the sword is also painted red, and is slowly wearing off.
The Mediocre
While colour changes do help, the vehicle mode is functionally the same, just with an oversized sword bolted to one side. The gut of the robot mode prevents two-handed poses. Ultra Magnus fans may have preferred missiles or a big hammer.
The Alternatives
Ultra Magnus is the goto guy for Optimus repaints, as well as there being a resurgence of purpose built Magni in Prime, so choices are plentiful. The recent Combiner Wars toy and Masterpiece version however stand out. If you are merely looking for a classy remould though, consider Generations Sandstorm, whom is the gold standard for retools, or FOC Blaster whom is another pleasing mould reuse from the same line.
Ultra Magnus is the goto guy for Optimus repaints, as well as there being a resurgence of purpose built Magni in Prime, so choices are plentiful. The recent Combiner Wars toy and Masterpiece version however stand out. If you are merely looking for a classy remould though, consider Generations Sandstorm, whom is the gold standard for retools, or FOC Blaster whom is another pleasing mould reuse from the same line.
The Verdict
If Hasbro HAS to reuse moulds, they could do a lot worse than consider this one to be the benchmark. Basically, they added value to a toy by adding a new accessory, and then took care to make it visually distinct from the last version. The fact that FOC Prime was already a really nice toy in the first place makes for some awesome. This is easily a top 5 choice in the FOC subline, and while that isn't necessarily saying much, its still a toy on my Shelf Of Awesome. Check it out.
If Hasbro HAS to reuse moulds, they could do a lot worse than consider this one to be the benchmark. Basically, they added value to a toy by adding a new accessory, and then took care to make it visually distinct from the last version. The fact that FOC Prime was already a really nice toy in the first place makes for some awesome. This is easily a top 5 choice in the FOC subline, and while that isn't necessarily saying much, its still a toy on my Shelf Of Awesome. Check it out.
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