The Energon Pub

Hi guys, today I bring you my thoughts on Titanium Hotzone. You can see my review below, and the rest of my stuff at http://teletraan2.blogspot.com/ Enjoy...

Figure Details

AKA 'Hot Zone'
Manufacturer - Hasbro
Toyline - Titanium

Additions/Mods:
- Added an Autobot symbol to the chest, covering the tampographed one
- Added an Autobot symbol to the cabin grille

Review

With the imminent release of the Asian exclusive Hot Spot, I thought it was high time to have a look at the only other viable option if you want to represent this figure in your 'classics' collection. Hot Spot was one of my favourite combiner leaders, because he turned into a fire engine (which was cool) and he was bright blue (which was really cool!) Hasbro finally homaged him as part of their 'Titanium' line. So is this figure solid as Diecast, or flimsier than iGear's release dates?



Appearance (Robot Mode) 8/10
Titanium Hot Zone is a repaint of RID Optimus Prime. I have a lot of affection for that RID, so I was unsure how a repaint based on Optimus would work. I'm glad to say that it has worked very successfully. Things like the asymmetrical chest strap and the moulded wheel detail on the shins are hallmarks of RID Prime, but they are balanced out by the vibrant blue used. You would amost think that this was designed to be Hot Spot, rather than just a fortuitus repaint. From a distance, Hot Spot looks like he is grimacing through gritted 'teeth', bit that is not the case! I actually think the headsculpt is really great. My issue with this guy is the fact that his lower legs are very hollow indeed. This aside, Hasbro have done a great job.



Appearance (Alternate Mode) 7/10
The Titanium line was known for having issues with some of the alt modes, which didn't hold particularly well together, but I'm happy to report that Hot Spot doesn't suffer from this. This is a pretty nice fire engine with an articulated ladder (which is more than Hasbro could be bothered to do for voyager Inferno) and small water jets can be folded out from the top of it. The colour matching between the plastic and metal is very good, but some of the paint on the die-cast sections is quite lumpy. The detail on the front of the cabin is very sparse, which is disappointing. Also, ground clearance at the front is practically non-existent, so Hot Spot looks like he has been 'pimped' by wheeljack (that sounds more risque than intended)



Transformation 8/10
The transformation sequence is pretty unusual, and unlike some Titanium figures, both modes feel 'secure' and connect together in a satisfying way. The entire cabin area is made by folding the legs back on themselves which is very satisfying. As I have said, this does make the lower legs notably hollow, but, still, I really like how this guy transforms - he is a lot of fun.



Poseability 8/10
Diecast can really inhibit a figure's balance when used in inappropriate places, but in this case, the use of metal has been implemented successfully. Hot Spot has chunky feet which also happen to be made of metal. This affords him good balance whioch allows for a decent array of poses. He has waist and thigh swivel, bendable knees, elbows, rotating fists, and a full range of movement in his shoulders and hips. The only thing missing here which inhibits posing is the lack of bicep swivel. But overall, well done Hasbro.



Durability 8/10
I thought that I might break this figure at one point while looking for evidence of a bicep swivel, but everything remained in place! The use of metal throughout gives the figure a qualitative weight that is lacking in all mainline figures these days. Theoretically, the lower legs are the weakest point, bearing the load of metal above them and being hollow. But, they are very well designed, and are very rigid when clicked into their final positions.

Overall - 39/50
I had previous bad experiences with the Titanium line, and so was prejudiced towards getting any more. However, Hot Zone is a rock solid figure who looks realy good as a robot and not too bad as a fire engine. I like the fact that the mould is entirely different from Inferno, which is why I'm considering whether to bother with the forthcoming Asian Inferno repaint. I'm sure that one of the third parties will come up with a Defensor soon, and until then, I am more than happy to use Hot Zone in my collection.