I finally got this Decepticon as a birthday gift for myself. Universe Ultra Class Onslaught.
First appearing in the cover of an exclusive TF magazine, Onslaught's new rendition as a SWAT tank garnered favorable comments from fans. Sure, way back in the 80's, the missile AA truck looked cool, and more militaristic, but nothing says "human rights violations" more like a bulky SWAT bot.
Besides, the trademark twin turrets that proudly jut up from his back is still there. And if you look closely, some of the old G1 toy's aesthetics are still echoed.
The first thing you'll notice on the box, is this.
See it? No? Here's a clearer shot from Seibertron.com -
See? Yes, Cute anime eyes. Made me look twice if I got the Henkei version, but nope, it's Hasbro. Onslaught has anime eyes.
Anyways, let's get it on with the review!
TANK MODE
As said earlier, Onslaught ditches his old squarish military AA missile truck for this bulkier, and more compact, SWAT tank.
From it's default position, the turret moves 90 degrees left and right. An orange button activates the light and sound features. The first sound it makes is a siren blip, then the ratatatatat of a machine gun. Also, the plastic guns on the turret are flimsy.
One of the middle wheels also activates the sound of glorious crashing. While I personally feel that the light and sound features of this toy cheapens it (bootleg robots have a similar sound/light setup) the turret sounds grew on me. The wheel sound, I despise. See, the tank can't roll freely because of this. Besides, if Hasbro ditched the light and sound features altogether, I bet the tag price of this toy would be much lower.
The tank itself is predominantly gray plastic. Not really as cheap-looking as deluxe class Galvatron, but also not as well-detailed.
The name and birthdate of some lucky TF fan is used as tampo. This made a friend jealous.
The tank itself looks very intimidating in its urban warfare colors. And as if it's not menacing enough, you could drop those front claws for a battle-ready stance.
While the whole tank is free from weathered effects, the claws have blackened edges.
And yeah, you could also attach the shield on top of the tank for a "kibbly" armored mode.
The coolt hing here is that the top part of the shield has a flippable hatch that enables you to access the orange switch for that blip-ratatatat feature.
Some comparison shots with Energon Barricade/Onslaught.
Damn it, Onslaught! Stop picking on... errr... Onslaught!
And some shots with the almighty deluxe-class Galvatron.
Onslaught, stop it! Stop!
ROBOT MODE
Surprisingly, for a toy this big, Onslaught's transformation is relatively simple. That's not really a bad thing. The process is still engaging, and a bit complex, especially when it comes to the leg formation. But if you could transform the hellish **** that is deluxe-class Galvatron, you shouldn't really have any trouble with Onslaught.
So, after a few flips, here's what you get.
Onslaught is not only bulkier, but man, I really have to say, this robot is huge! Freakin' huge!
Activating the light/sound feature of the turret also lights up his visor.
The shield also attaches to the left arm to scare protesters and rioters.
Now, what can I say? This robot is freakin' intimidating. Bulky, brutish, and most likely, a bully. It's a freakin' shame that Hasbro didn't design this as a combiner.
See, as is, Onslaught looks like he's ready to do some police brutality - you know, crack a few skulls open and laugh about it over barrels of Energon... He looks all business, he looks like someone really pissed off (and if you read his bio, this makes sense).
A short gun flips up from his forearm, a departure from the old Sonic Stun Rifle, but this short gun completes the look. It reminds me more of a nightstick.
My only problem with the flippable gun is that it reveals Onslaught's hollow forearm. Yes, hollowness will show itself in some parts - the knees, for example. While not that obvious, given Onslaught's hulking figure, fans with an eye for detail may get disappointed.
In robot mode, Onslaught has good articulation. Unfortunately, his massiveness may be a hindrance in fully exploiting his poseability. Besides, while some good dynamic poses can be done, Onslaught looks best standing straight, looking forward grimly.
Or do something like this:
Some comparison shots with Energon Barricade/Onslaught:
Energon Onslaught may look familiar to the old G1 toy because of the boxy torso, and the presence of wheels on the... wait...
Damn it, Onslaught! Stop that! Stop that...
No, don't you even...
This won't end well...
Save it for the Autobots, you... oh well...
ROBOT OR TANK?
Definitely robot mode.
PROS:
- solid and stable in both modes
- good articulation and poseability
- great design, very intimidating
- good color scheme
CONS:
- flimsy gun turrets
- light and sound features
- not a combiner
RATING
4 and a half out of 5
Hasbro will be releasing a Universe repaint of Energon Bruticus Maximus. Don't get it. If you need an Onslaught for your collection, this is the only thing you need. It's just a shame that this toy was not designed to be a combiner. Here's hoping that Hasbro releases the other Combaticons in new molds...
Bonus Feature! Onslaught - Galvatron comparison shots!
The crazy Decepticon leader has nothing when it comes to... WHAT THE..!
That does it! Don't you even dare flip me off, you...
???
!!!
Goddam... Wha?