Here’s a full review for you to read over. I’ll be writing one for Starscream soon. Enjoy.-------------------------------------
First things first, I don’t own Classics Megatron. I don’t want to own Classics Megatron. Like many fans, I was put off by the law-friendly neon colours and I steadfastly refused to give in like weaker souls and purchase him. I felt stung by the fact that toy gun laws would forever castrate poor Megsy with a bright orange cap.
We should be thankful then that Takara is a lot less concerned about children’s safety, for here we have a more subdued colour scheme that reflects Megatron’s original Walther P38 mode. It’s every purist’s wet dream, and I was quick to snatch this up on eBay for a review opportunity. It should be noted that although Classics Megatron is boxed in his gun mode, Henkei Megatron originally appears in his robot mode. This might sound trivial, but - by the nose of Moses! - trying to work out how to get him in his gun mode the first time is a nightmare if you haven’t already unfolded his robot mode. I suppose that’s a testament to the complexity of the asymmetrical transformation. I’m still reviewing the gun mode first as a matter of course.
Gun mode:
Megatron’s alt mode is a Nerf blaster that appears a bit larger than your average pistol due to its rectangular shape. The detailing is absolutely top-notch, with a series of ventilation holes, grip grooves, translucent plastic and a lovingly molded Decepticon symbol on the side of the scope. The futuristic design is bound to be a hit with kids, and their wee hands should be able to handle the weapon with ease. Adults might have trouble squeezing their index finger on the trigger, and the grip is just barely long enough for me to hold comfortably. The scope features a translucent infrared sight as opposed to Classics Megatron’s nightvision. Unfortunately, I can’t make out a damned thing looking through it other than a red haze. The scope’s articulation seems to work at a disadvantage in this mode, since it has a nasty habit of wobbling up and down as you wave the gun around. A minor issue.
The colours are quite attractive in this mode, featuring a silver base with red highlights and some black for the grip and scope. There’s also a bit of yellow peppered in, which I feel compliments the scheme nicely. Takara even added an extra pair of red stripes on the detailing just above the trigger to help break up the base colour, just as it did for Classics Bumblebee. I assume the black area under the barrel from Megatron’s right leg is meant to represent where your other hand holds the gun, but it’s difficult to visualize with its awkward shape. Having said that, I think Takara did a swell job of reproducing the G1 colours for this new mold. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Robot mode:
Megatron is basically a shellformer. I can’t say I’m a fan of this type of transformation, but it’s understandable given the design. It doesn’t mean that it’s by any means simplistic, as I had to struggle with the instructions to suss out Megsy’s unusual transformation. Once in robot mode, you can appreciate a thoroughly G1-esque rendition of Megatron. His proportions are excellent despite the initial asymmetry and his gun scope becomes his signature fusion cannon. It’s bulky enough to please even the most stubborn fan and it doesn’t hinder his balance or articulation. However, I think Megatron’s right hand is oriented the wrong way. If he’s aiming straight ahead, his thumb is pointing outward. Odd.
Again, the detailing is commendable. One thing that really caught my eye is the row of shells on the right side of his waist. Very nice. There’s been a lot of controversy surrounding the chrome parts in the Henkei line. I admit it can clash with certain figures like Grimlock, but it seems to be less of an issue with Megatron. Since the chrome is mainly limited to his chest, it can be considered an aesthetic focal point like Optimus Prime’s chrome grate. The real problem is those infernal ‘wings’ that form the sides of the gun. It’s a pity they’re not removable, since not only do they take up space, but they affect Megatron’s balance. (I suppose that’s why his feet are so big to compensate.) At least the clear plastic makes them less of an eyesore than the neon green on Classics Megatron.
Overall, I’d say Takara have put my reservations to rest about this figure. The colour scheme is far superior to Hasbro’s version and easily warrants the extra expense needed to import him. After twenty-four years, I finally have a Megatron to call my own. Decepticons, transform and rise up!
Design: 8 - For a shellformer, he’s a nice reimagining of the original Megatron. The gee-wun colours help.
Transformation: 9 - Quite tricky for a Voyager. I can see kids asking their parents for help the first time. I doubt if they’ll get any.
Articulation: 6 - Adequate, but the length of the feet limits the leg articulation.
Fun: 10 - A real blast in gun mode. (No pun intended.) Causes mild distress for your target. Guaranteed to get you arrested at the airport.
Durability: 7 - Those huge ‘wings’ are attached on a small pin that might break if dropped. At least he has no accessories to lose.
Price: 6 - Imported Voyagers aren’t exactly cheap, but he’s definitely worth it.
Overall: 8 - Scores of fans are selling their Classics Megatron to get this guy, and it’s not hard to see why. This is one gun you’ll want to keep under your pillow.
I'm glad to see everyone's bursting with input. After all, Henkei Megsy is one of the most talked about TF's recently released.
He is a very well made/designed, sturdy, stable toy that looks like he can kick Optimus' ass up and down Cybertron Main Street.
