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I just got ROTF Megatron today.

On the pluse side he's easier to transform than the first movie Megatron despite the fact his cannon arm fell off 3 times while I was transforming him.

Vehicle mode: His robot head is completly visable in vehicle mode but it doesn't have to be. There appears to be extra steps in the instructions that cause this and I'm not sure why.



The offical transformation to vehicle mode tells you to flip up his head makeing him face forward in vehicle mode then to bring out these pannels that I think are ment to cover his face but they don't. However there would be no need for the face cover at all if you skip the step to flip his face up entirely.



Robot Mode: He has a verry bulky robot mode with a verry disproportionate left arm. His entire cannon forms the right arm but the left arm is tiny as hell. He's a leader class figure with a delux sized arm. His arm is more disproportionate than the Animated figures.




The molding on his hand reminds me of BM Blackarachnia. It has only 3 fingers but this time only his middle finger is posable. However with the positioning of the other 2 fingers and the offical transformation of the toy it looks like he's flipping you off. (just like BM Blackarachnia) So apperently parrents don't care that their kids toys are intentially built to flip people off.



There's a trigger on his chest simular to the first one and to Movie Optimus but he only has one fraise. "I am... MEGATRON!"

I'm really just glad that he's so much easier to transform than the last movie Megatron.

Some folks have been asking me about his features so I made this video. Thanks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zCPF6LgROk

Ok so I just picked up Sideways from my local toy store for AU$24.99 and it is the first ROTF deluxe class figure that I've purchased. I think its usually around AU$29.95 not a massive saving but a saving non the less.

First impressions were unfortunately pretty disappointing, in vehicle mode the wheels don't fit flush to the ground so it wobbles instead of rolls. Something they could have fixed if they had spent a bit more time on how the pieces fold into each other. Other then it not sitting correctly it does look quite cool, the silver and black is a nice combo which works for the vehicle mode (i have no idea however why the went for purple windows...) and the lines of the vehicle resemble the Audi R8 which isn't stated on the packaging though I would imagine thats for licensing reasons.

In Robot mode it very much matches the look of the movie, very alien like and far removed from he G1 models. The black and silver is carried through however there are random joints in a bright red which doesn't go with anything and ruins the overall appearance. It also has something called a spinning saw blade which is basically a saw blade you can spin on its arm which I guess was put there as a marketing tool, not really a stand out feature but something to keep you amused. The legs are reverse knee joints and are very spindly while the arms hang down quite a bit and are rather bulky giving off this illusions of speedy feet and rather strong upper body strength. The feet are very small on this figure and at first I tried to use the wheels to help balance it, however after some practice I was able to stand it using only the tiny feet provided.

The transformation process I found to be average in terms of difficulty and the pieces do find there places nicely when going to robot mode. Im quite a fan of how the doors launch off the shoulders and ankles, one thing I don't really like is the kibble on the back. This is an extremely top heavy figure and can take some getting used to in order to pose correctly. One thing when you transform it back to vehicle mode is that unless you pay attention the side panels don't line up exactly, this is due to the size of the arms, the side panels can also be stubborn to clip and unclip. The face is evil which I like and it has satisfyingly menacing presence. The plastic does feel quite flimsy however so I found myself trying to be really ginger with it, on some of the clips and joints you have to be quite forceful so their is a fear in the back of your head that you may break it when transforming.

This is by no means and excellent model but as I've lived with it the last couple of days I've found myself liking it more and more. Mainly because of the figures unusual robot mode, the reverse knee legs and gorilla length arms are so weird it makes me want to keep playing with it.

If you want an unusual transformer from the ROTF line get this figure. Its by no means brilliant but it slowly grows on you. I'm keeping an eye out for Sideswipe as well, from images I've seen on the internet these two models deserve to be next to each other.

I will get him if his vehicle mode really an Audi R8. But he is not, maybe due to licencing issue. So until now i still not getting him

I know this isn't a TF, but I've done a video review on the Megahouse Palm Action Orguss toy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvnDGaW0TMM

For the first time sence G1 I own a Bumblebee toy. It's not the 3 pack I wanted (still want) but it'll do for now.

I bought the Human Alliance Bumblebee from Wal-Mart today. The box was slightly torn but it was the last one avalible and the two main reasons I desided to buy this version of Movie Bumblebee when I've passed on so many others is because I noticed, this Bumblebee actully had an interior.

Being a human aliance toy, they made him so that Sam Witwicky can ride inside his vehicle mode. There are allso pegs so that he can be an accessory in robot mode as well.

There are some things I've found I can do with this toy that aren't even on his instructions. For example the instructions tell you that Sam can ride on either arm or his shoulder. (he's really standing on a hidden platform in Bumblebee's back) But it's not shown in the instructions that Bumblebee's hand has a peg you can hook Sam onto to either have him lie or stand in Bumblebee's hand.

If his hand were more posable you could even get him to hold Sam. But the lack of thumb posability and placement of the peg and hole makes that look rather awkward.

Despite his small size Sam himself actully has a great deal of posibility I'm not use to seeing in toys this small. His head moves side to side. Shoulders can move up and down and rotate. Rather than haveing a waist he has a joint between his chest and stomach that moves side to side and up and down slightly. Hips move up and down and rotate. Knees can bend but elbows can't.

There are peg holes on the bottom of each foot and on his back to hook him onto Bumblebee.

Bumblebee himself allthough my original thought about the interior was positive after transforming him I relized it wasn't so great and his robot mode actully suffers from haveing the "Sam Gimics". Before I get into that though, earlier I said there were two main reasons I got this toy but I haven't said what the second reason was yet.

The second reason is that other Bumblebee toys are molded with either his normal face or his battle mask. This version actully has a WORKING Battle Mask that was shown on the back of the box that can fold down over his normal face. This too seemed cool at first but after working it for the first time the mask snaped right off. I got it back on but it still isn't as cool as I thought it would be.

For one thing the reason it came off is because it locks into place in it's up position but not the down position. I had a little trouble unlocking it from the up position and then pulled it down exspecting it to lock into place for the down position. I was wrong about there being a second lock and pulled it right off it's slider. So for the down position it just hangs there and looks rather odd allthough I still like it better than his lack of haveing a face.

Back to his "Sam Gimmic" Suffering. The box said that Sam can ride on Bumblebee's arms. What it didn't say is that it's because the car seats are on Bumbelebee's arms. So forget about back kibble, this toy has ARM kibble.

Speaking of arms, Bumblebee has no right hand. He's stuck with his cannon arm.

Aside from the problems with the general design I'm allso haveing issues with his chest pieces. He actully looks fine with the front of his car mode left in tact but that's not how he looks in the movie and his chest on the left side won't stay in robot mode position. The first step in his transformation to robot mode is for his chest but sence it never wants to stay transformed it's actully better to do that last and then never touch it. The slightest little touch puts his chest back into vehicle mode. Allthough only on the left side for some reason. This could be a problem that only exsists in mine.

Anyway, this guy was verry difficult to transform, I actully had to use the instructions for most of it.

As a vehicle, he looks like a modified Camero but for robot mode, he just looks like a toy that suffered from the Sam gimics. I think includeing him should of been restricted to the interior in vehicle mode and not put car seats on his arms.

Removed for editing.

Finally o finally, Takara has decided to release the official Eject and Rewind in their original colors.........End of Review

Contents:

Box
Blister case
4 bio cards
4 clear cassette cases
4 Cybertron chromed weapons
4 Destron chromed weapons
4 transformer cassettes
1 instruction manual

Eject/Rewind:

Basically the same (like Rosanna/Flipsides). very simple transformations with nary a label sheet complementing its robot mode (Rumble/Frenzy has simulated shin guards FYI)

Unlike the classic 80's versions (which came with both tampo grammed labels and adhesive labels) this version comes with adhesive pseudo labels plus a tiny Cybertron symbol on the groin

The faces are painted red orange (the original was bright orange) plus noticed that the chrome gold markings on their chest is drab not glossy like their weapons or the originals. Also, the chromed weapons are silver without nary a tinge of gold like that of Steeljaw.

Just like the casseticons, they are a pain to stand (with the exception of Laserbeak/Buzzsaw) so prepare to pose them at your peril. Unlike the casseticons though, Eject and Rewind "can" bend on their knees.......all in all. I count 8 POA.

One thing that sticks out like a sore thumb, mold degradation. it release is quite noticeable especially on Rewind/Ejects thigh section. Looks almost like a knock off, heck the whole plastic structure looks like a knock off.


Seriously......Encore #15 for a completist it comes out as a mixed bag (the Jaguar and Buzzsaw component anyway)..........just how much can you milk a mold for Primus' sake?!. IIRC since year 2000, Takara has released like TFC Soundblaster, Soundwave, E-hobby Cobalt sentry, Kiss players and Encore..............so I'm skipping my review on those two Destrons.

Eject



Rewind (note his Left Arm)


Duo shot


Comparative shots of mold degradation:

Rewind's back:


Flipside's back:



Eject's thighs:



Rosanna and Flipside's thighs:

(R)


(F)


Family(?) shot


If you never own one or wish to complete it then go for it.........if not well you can wait until the prices drop, if ever.:laugh:

This review was done quite a while ago (forgot to post it here but in relation to the complaints on Bruticus, I wasn't quite surprised that there were major problems here too.

Do any of you folks go to toy reviews or follow reviewers for Transformers or other toys/collectibles?

I've only recently started collecting, though I've had Transformers when I was a kid. So I've started reading reviews and watching video reviews to get caught up and to see other views on particular figures and lines of toys.

I personally like reviews/reviewers who speak about the aesthetic qualities of the alt and robot modes. I also like examination of transformation qualities, noting of kibble, and other technical, I suppose, concerns. One other thing I enjoy is when a reviewer discusses the character background, however briefly, of the toy.

I'm a fan of one particular reviewer on Youtube who always shows knowledge of the character background as well as passion for Transformers. He really seems to be a fan of the Transformers.

Two common traits I notice in video reviewers are:

1) Jumbled thoughts, awkward presentation of a review.

2) Monotone/unenthusiastic voice.

These are big nitpicks for me because I assume that if someone is going to post a video review, they would have some of their thoughts composed before recording. I also find that some reviewers are consistently unenthusiastic, or sound that way, during reviews. Maybe it's how they speak but it just sound like they're doing a job rather than sharing their enjoyment of a Transformer with their viewers.

Sean Long (NOT ME!!) has reveiwed ROTF Swerve

I like reviewers who really know their stuff. They mention/talk about the original namesake and point out the differences and similarities in the mold/colors. I'm not a fan of reviewers who love every toy, I'd like to have an honest review that isn't afraid to tell me that a toy sucks.

I like toy reviews. I usually read or watch a review or two if there's an expensive figure I plan on buying. Oddly enough, I ALWAYS watch/read as many reviews as possible AFTER I buy an expensive figure on Ebay.

The guy you mentioned is a good reviewer, but other good reviews include Peaugh, Dyanisis, and JTMitchell. These reviews usually help me decide if I want to buy a toy or not. I've actually seen some reviews that I just watch out of boredom and then get inspired to search out the figure on Ebay.

JTMitchell is an entertaining reviewer.

Peaugh is good, he has such an extensive list of reviews!

I too like reviewers who have subjectivity. I'd like to know the good points and bad points of a particular figure.

My fave reviewer is Vangelus.

He's great too!

Peaugh needs to spend a bit more time on the figures themselves He kinda gets through the transformation and ends the video. But otherwise he's pretty good.

I really enjoy bikertrashwolf, even though sometimes he's a tad hard to follow.

Most of the time he cracks me up with his reviews, and I end up getting to know the figure well.

I also like Collectiondx, though their TF reviews are few and far between. They have very good reviewers, and I enjoy the non TF reviews as well. specially the Gokin, and the Macross figure reviews.


There's one reviewer who tends to make the most detailed reviews, and gives BG on figures etc. his reviews are really excellent, unfortunately he tends to take a very long time between reviews. He's CrazyJaco from Powet.tv

Yeah, sometimes Peaugh doesn't go into much detail and really review a figure but he has a lot of reviews. I've noticed that on molds that are repaints, if he has reviewed the mold before, he won't go into a lot of detail on the review other than point out key differences between repaints.

I really like barutazaru's review on Classics Hound. He actually reminds me of a close friend of mine. Unduhgrowth! I love me Classics Hound.

ConeheadConvoyX wrote:Sean Long (NOT ME!!) has reveiwed ROTF Swerve

i went to high school with him

I like that Peew's reviews are straight forward and he doesn't spend a ton of time babbling about the obvious. The most annoying thing I think are the dudes that point out the color schemes and name every color on the figure. I think you can easily see that in pictures elsewhere on the net that are a helluva lot more clear than YouTube. I watch video reviews to see the transformations to make sure I'm not spending $40 on Animated Leader Megatron who has a lame 3 step, Gobot-like transformation...

Hello to all...
I am new here my name is Allen and it was really nice review...
Thanks for sharing...

ANyone like TJOmega aka Plastic Addict?

my favorite reviewer

Transformers G1 Encore Trailbreaker Video Review
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_VO-pfqHp8

NOTE: As promised, I came back to finish the review. And here we go...

Human Alliance Sideswipe:

Vehicle Mode Pros:

-Looks like the concept vehicle, and captures it's smooth lines almost perfectly.

-Solid, nothing pops loose or detaches, and it rolls freely.

-Blue headlights, unlike the Deluxe with it's clear lights. (the blue adds to the great looks.)

-Painted Corvette emblem on the hood. (Seriously needed to seal the deal.)

Vehicle Mode Cons:

-Silver with dark blue (almost blackened) windows is just kinda...bland. He's quite monotonous in terms of color, no real pizazz. (Though, this shouldn't be a con really. Blame GM on this one.)

Overall rating:

(Just so bland. Bumblebee really wins out in this department. Sitting them side by side shows that 'Swipe is a tad lackluster.)

Transformation Pros:

-Complexity level is more than you'd expect, but not so extreme that he's a displeasure.

Transformation Cons:

-Tolerances are pushed to their limit. Sideswipe gives that ominous, stomach churning "Aw crap, I'm gonna break this thing!" feeling. Some of the pieces feel very flimsy and wobble and wiggle too much, giving the impression that something's going to give. I can't honestly say that they won't, either.

Some figures give that impression but you quickly realize "Oh, he's sturdier than I thought. Not bad.", not so with 'Swipe.

There are two panels underneath the seats that secure the nose of the car to the rest of the body in vehicle mode, and they swing down to hold the nose to form his back pack for robot mode, so they do serve a vital purpose, but they're constantly in the way while you're getting everything set just right. They're thin and they could break with enough pressure, if that happens, all you have are the doors to hold him together. (They doors aren't enough, really.)

-The windshield has to pivot around on a very crappy hinge that looks like it could crack and break rather easily. A very uncomfortable portion of the transformation.

Overall rating:



Quick heads up:

To safely transform Sideswipe, detach the panels that connect the nose to the rest of the car, then pull the entire rear section back like you would for transformation, then transform the arms. This will allow the arms to be transformed without being caught on anything else and let 'em swing freely and give you easier access. Do this on the reverse to make it easier for car mode as well. If you follow the instructions, you do feel like the arms are going to break something on their way in or out.

Robot Mode Pros:

-The face looks good. (Even has the tattoo on the forehead.)

-The hands are articulated and the fingers can be moved.

-The wheels on the forearms can be used for a spinning blade gimmick. (Mentioned in the instructions.)

-Interacts with Epps nicely, and it makes sense. (Bumblebee's was a tad silly.)

-Nice amount of weaponry. Wouldn't expect it after seeing the vehicle mode.

-Has actual feet. Tabs extend out of the back of the heel giving him a real set of feet.

Robot Mode Cons:

-The forearm design suffers due to arm collapsing in on itself for vehicle mode, and with no door to cover it, there's a gaping hole in robot mode and it looks bad. You can only position his arm certain ways without it looking silly.

-The legs are terribly designed. There's a hinge in the thighs that should allow for more posability, but due to the design and the fact that the pistons on his pelvis don't actually function, everything in this section suffers. The pistons are made of rubber and if you push the legs to do what they should and could...the rubber posts on the pieces pop out of the holes, and getting them back in is hellish torture. The posts on mine were stripped, so even though I finally got 'em back in place (which took forever and a day), they didn't want to stay in and I was forced to Super Glue 'em back in.

-Due to the horrendous backpack, the feet still have a problem supporting him in a few poses.

-The modification that I've linked to at the bottom of this post is pretty much a necessity. I mean the figure doesn't *need* it to function, I don't mean it like that, but it does need it for aesthetics, and balance issues. If you want him to stand straight up looking like a statue, and have a CAR hanging off of his back, sure...no problem. If you want it to at least look better than as is out of the box, you'll need to hack away some of the plastic preventing the better look.

Overall rating:



Bottom Line:

If you have Human Alliance Bumblebee, then you need Sideswipe by his side. If you're looking for an Alternator type figure who will wow you, he's not quite up to par. For kids, he feels breakable and flimsy. For fans/hard core collectors, he's a necessity if you want 'em all. For casual fans/collectors, unless you're really swayed by him and the Deluxe didn't do it for you, go ahead and buy him, but he's not a rush out and get kinda figure, IMO.

Other thoughts:

-The modification shown in this thread: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=56898 is a must, really. It's simple, takes about 20 minutes, and there's no visible scarring or damage in either mode, you only see the knicks during the transformation.

-The instructions are missing a step to the transformation, a face feature, and a gimmick that works with the Epps figure.

1.) The doors function just like Bumblebee's. They not only open, they extend on a sliding mechanism and lock.

2.) Sideswipe, like his HA predecessor, has a faceplate that opens. Dead center in the middle of the face, there's a panel that opens and swings back to reveal a cat like face underneath. Problem is, it doesn't do much for the figure, looks terrible, and the faceplate (if you can call it that) is only a few centimeters wide, about the width of a fingernail clipping. You can tinker with it if you want, but it seriously does nothing for the figure. At all. A time wasting part of the design, if you ask me.

3.) The trunk lid/windshield, has a small handlebar that flips down. It's not mentioned in the instructions at all, and I couldn't figure out what it was for...at first. Seat Epps on the right shoulder as you normally would, put his left arm straight up, and swing the trunk lid/windshield up (like it would be for vehicle mode) and bend it forward at the pivot in the hinge, pull the exhaust pieces back down like you would for vehicle mode, and Epps will now be able to grasp the handle bar, making it a giant shield/back mounted/human controlled weapon o' doom. Why these two important pieces were left out, I don't know, but they're both important to the full functionality of the figure.

Overall rating:



I'd have given it a lower rating than this, but the positives mentioned above are juuuuust enough to keep it from a failing grade. Plus the Epps figure looks great, and the face sculpt does look like Tyrese.

If it wasn't for the inclusion of Epps, and even just one more negative was added to the list, I'd have failed him, or given him a barely passing grade of D minus minus. As it stands now, I'll give him a solid C, but not quite a C+

If you have to get a Human Alliance figure, get Bumblebee. He truly is the best of the line so far. I'm hoping Skids, Mudflap, Barricade, etc fare better with me than Sideswipe has.

Mildly recommended.