The Energon Pub

News Credits: 4 · by **King Kuuga** » Tue Nov 10, 2020 2:04 am

My Studio Series Devastator box set arrived (again much earlier than I was expecting it, so I don't have a spot set aside for it) and....... boy do I have some thoughts.

Despite coming packaged almost ready to assemble, I still wound up spending an hour or more trying to figure out just how to configure Scavenger and Mixmaster. I did finally get the big boy assembled and he's visually impressive but a bit difficult to balance. And he seems not to have knees. It does kind of fit for this incarnation of Devastator to be less than the sum of his parts though.

That process took me so long, I had to come back to it today to do the robot and alt modes. Once again, Scavenger is absolute torture, but this is only partially due to his actual design, part of it is also the godawful instructions in this set. I've been playing with Transformers for at least 23 years of my life. My first ever figure was Beast Wars Megatron. I'm no slouch at this, I can feel my way around a transformer, but Scavenger is a confusing mess and his instructions are the worst thing I have EVER read, and that's if you ignore the steps that are blatantly out of order. Maybe it's because he's such an abstract design that it's hard to determine which way is up that I struggled with him, but I had the worst time with those two arms that attach to his top wheel, and the swivel they sit on.

Also, when I got them to robot modes, I discovered my Hightower is missing his head. So that's just great.

When they're in robot modes, they're...... okay, I guess. Some are better than others, naturally, but boy did some of these look a lot better in the packaging. Articulation is iffy across the board. I always hear about how Studio Series is better than WFC but between the Bumblebee figures and this set I'm REALLY not seeing it. And yes, I respect that WFC and Studio Series are trying to replicate very different aesthetics but while those old ROTF toys may not have been perfect, they had some charm and prove you can make good toys from these designs. (The individual ones at least, the combining Devastator is junk.) Also, hollow parts and corner cutting really show in the robot modes. I don't usually let it bother me but the flimsy feeling on a lot of these guys is unsetting considering how they move around.

Vehicle modes are fine. This might be Scavenger's best mode, the way they handled the wheels is clever, even if I'm still partial to how the old ROTF voyager did it. It's a design that never made sense in the movies, where the heck to these giant wheels come from, so I can give them a pass for struggling to replicate it on the toy front. Overload is a bit disappointing, his vehicle mode is so stiff and the dump truck bucket isn't hollow. I guess I expected... more.

THey're not bad figures but the limitation of retail price points and just how much that price is being jacked up from what they really cost to produce is on full display here. I feel ripped off paying $250 for this set.

I was going to post pictures but I'm feeling extremely burnt out by a lot of things so I'll go back and add them later.

News Credits: 9 · by **Sowndwave76** » Tue Nov 10, 2020 12:04 pm

I watched a review of SS86 Grimlock last night... Sure, I think it could be argued that he could be even larger, but relative to the other figures in the recent lines, I think the scaling is pretty on point.
Overall this looks like an incredible version of this guy... I am truly excited to get ahold of him. Minus the gaps in the forearms, there aren't any real nit-picks imo.
I dig the colors, the details of the mold... Really all of it.
I would've liked a sword instead of Wheelie, but in the grand scheme, I'm not complaining.

News Credits: 4850 · by **william-james88** » Wed Nov 11, 2020 9:07 am

King Kuuga wrote:I always hear about how Studio Series is better than WFC but between the Bumblebee figures and this set I'm REALLY not seeing it.

I don't know where you are hearing that from but it sure ain't from me or anyone else I discuss this with. Between the deluxes in WFC, Cyberverse and Studio Series, it is the Studio Series ones that have the least articulation, usually lacking either waist, wrists, ankles or a combination of all those.

As for Grimlock and Blurr, I don't need em. My Legends Blurr does the job great and I find him sleeker while my MP Grimlock is basically the same scale so I don't need this one, especially when this leader seems based on the MP figure (which is amazing for those who don't have the MP).

News Credits: 4850 · by **william-james88** » Wed Nov 11, 2020 9:13 am

There is always a worry when it comes to exclusives, especially when it comes to toys sporting the logo of a particular store or brand. Like Leadfoot with his Target logo. That character has had a long history of exclusivity, which sure made Canadians worry (along with any other country that is not the US). Well, luckily, it seems he'll be one of the easier exclusives for Canadians to get this year. Not only is he appearing at Toysrus stores all across the country but he is also available online. The price is $29.99 CAD.
Canadians can purchase him at the following link.

News Credits: 22 · by **Rodimus Prime** » Wed Nov 11, 2020 5:32 pm

william-james88 wrote:MP Grimlock is basically the same scale so I don't need this one, especially when this leader seems based on the MP figure (which is amazing for those who don't have the MP).

While I love the MP figure, I think that this leader is as close to MP as we're going to get without it being called that. I've been thinking about getting MP-08X but he's so expensive, I might just get this SS leader and paint his legs blue. I wonder if this leader could hold the MP's sword.

News Credits: 331 · by **chuckdawg1999** » Wed Nov 11, 2020 9:29 pm

william-james88 wrote:
King Kuuga wrote:I always hear about how Studio Series is better than WFC but between the Bumblebee figures and this set I'm REALLY not seeing it.

I don't know where you are hearing that from but it sure ain't from me or anyone else I discuss this with. Between the deluxes in WFC, Cyberverse and Studio Series, it is the Studio Series ones that have the least articulation, usually lacking either waist, wrists, ankles or a combination of all those.

As for Grimlock and Blurr, I don't need em. My Legends Blurr does the job great and I find him sleeker while my MP Grimlock is basically the same scale so I don't need this one, especially when this leader seems based on the MP figure (which is amazing for those who don't have the MP).

Although it drove me nuts that the mold was used sooo many times in TR, that Legends Blurr mold is really great. It's amazing what can be done when you don't need to worry about where a head goes. I'm still going for 86 Blurr, but that Legends one is solid.

News Credits: 61 · by **EvasionModeBumblebee** » Fri Nov 13, 2020 11:26 am

The next wave of SS Deluxes - B-127 and Dino!

SO glad we're finally getting a Dino! It's certainly been a long time coming.

I'm ok with the unlicensed vehicle mode, Ferrari is notoriously a pain in the butt to work with so I can understand why they didn't go with that.

Robot mode looks pretty good, although I'm wondering how far that backpack sticks out, looks like most of the car is folded up back there.

As for B-127, it looks kinda cool but after hearing the feedback on Cliffjumper I'll probably skip.

News Credits: 652 · by **ScottyP** » Fri Nov 13, 2020 11:50 am

King Kuuga wrote:I feel ripped off paying $250 for this set.

I'm a dumb completionist so this is my second full set of these dudes and I especially feel this way. Sure, five of the eight have tiny differences with the mud paint apps/little bit of extra gold on Devastator's face and teeth, but overall this was very disappointing for me personally. I expected some stealthy additional paint here and there like on the old Premium Series lineup from '07, but nope, can't even get that on here. I don't recommend this at all for anyone that bought the individual releases.

News Credits: 1 · by **justasomething** » Sat Nov 14, 2020 2:11 pm

ScottyP wrote:
King Kuuga wrote:I feel ripped off paying $250 for this set.
I'm a dumb completionist so this is my second full set of these dudes and I especially feel this way. Sure, five of the eight have tiny differences with the mud paint apps/little bit of extra gold on Devastator's face and teeth, but overall this was very disappointing for me personally. I expected some stealthy additional paint here and there like on the old Premium Series lineup from '07, but nope, can't even get that on here. I don't recommend this at all for anyone that bought the individual releases.

Isn't it cheaper to buy all of the constructicons at standard MSRP? For the price increase, I would have hoped for some additional accessories. Maybe some small figures of Skids and Mudflap at least. I could understand getting this if you are a completionist, but if you just missed one or two figures and don't want to pay scalper prices, then I feel that the knockoffs are a better(and cheaper)option.

News Credits: 1 · by **Rtron** » Sat Nov 14, 2020 5:58 pm

Devastator is comprised of two leaders, four voyagers, and two deluxes. Assuming leaders are 50, voyagers 30, and deluxes 20, that would be 260 dollars, right?

News Credits: 1642 · by **D-Maximal_Primal** » Sat Nov 14, 2020 7:02 pm

Rtron wrote:Devastator is comprised of two leaders, four voyagers, and two deluxes. Assuming leaders are 50, voyagers 30, and deluxes 20, that would be 260 dollars, right?

Correct. It is the same price to buy all 8 individual and as the boxset.

I didn't get the box set. I was really hoping for some repaints to make it more worth it, but as soon as the minimal paint app differences were revealed I decided not to.

On a different note, I am so happy Dino is finally getting a toy. I am excited for it!!!!!

News Credits: 1642 · by **D-Maximal_Primal** » Sat Nov 14, 2020 7:43 pm

I still cannot believe this is a real shelf in my Den. It is so wonderful.

News Credits: 4 · by **King Kuuga** » Sun Nov 15, 2020 2:33 am

justasomething wrote:
ScottyP wrote:
King Kuuga wrote:I feel ripped off paying $250 for this set.
I'm a dumb completionist so this is my second full set of these dudes and I especially feel this way. Sure, five of the eight have tiny differences with the mud paint apps/little bit of extra gold on Devastator's face and teeth, but overall this was very disappointing for me personally. I expected some stealthy additional paint here and there like on the old Premium Series lineup from '07, but nope, can't even get that on here. I don't recommend this at all for anyone that bought the individual releases.

Isn't it cheaper to buy all of the constructicons at standard MSRP? For the price increase, I would have hoped for some additional accessories. Maybe some small figures of Skids and Mudflap at least. I could understand getting this if you are a completionist, but if you just missed one or two figures and don't want to pay scalper prices, then I feel that the knockoffs are a better(and cheaper)option.

Not counting tax, it is technically about 7 cents cheaper to buy all the components individually at MSRP, and if you take into account that they're often sold a dollar or two below MSRP then it would definitely be cheaper to do so, but I personally missed half of them when they were on shelves because I was unemployed last year, and when I was waffling on going back to get them on the aftermarket we got the news about this set so I decided to just get the box set instead out of convenience. Except now I'm going to have to write an angry letter to Hasbro about Hightower's missing head.

News Credits: 12 · by **Razorbeast88** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 1:28 pm

Any ideas as to whether or not Perceptor would be included in the SS86 line?

News Credits: 1350 · by **ZeroWolf** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 4:12 pm

Razorbeast88 wrote:Any ideas as to whether or not Perceptor would be included in the SS86 line?

No idea yet, but who knows?

News Credits: 101 · by **-Kanrabat-** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 4:27 pm

ZeroWolf wrote:
Razorbeast88 wrote:Any ideas as to whether or not Perceptor would be included in the SS86 line?

No idea yet, but who knows?

Was Perceptor in the movie?

News Credits: 19 · by **blackeyedprime** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 4:33 pm

-Kanrabat- wrote:
ZeroWolf wrote:
Razorbeast88 wrote:Any ideas as to whether or not Perceptor would be included in the SS86 line?

No idea yet, but who knows?

Was Perceptor in the movie?

Yep with Blaster before Rumble cracks the shell to crack the nuts inside. Pretty sure both of them will show up in ss86 but then again there has been a MP cassette for Blaster for years without a MP Blaster.

News Credits: 1350 · by **ZeroWolf** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 4:42 pm

Everyone assumed we would see Blaster at some point in the wfc Trilogy but unless he's an exclusive of some fashion next year, it could be a longer wait. Unless they do a retool of Netflix Soundwave under SS 86 :-?

News Credits: 11 · by **Overcracker** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 4:45 pm

-Kanrabat- wrote:
ZeroWolf wrote:
Razorbeast88 wrote:Any ideas as to whether or not Perceptor would be included in the SS86 line?

No idea yet, but who knows?

Was Perceptor in the movie?

Yes, he warns Magnus of the decepticon Attack early in the movie.

News Credits: 101 · by **-Kanrabat-** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 6:09 pm

That's mostly more a cameo than anything else though. The main characters will be the first ones to be made for sure. But it's a certainty that anyone who appeared in the movie just a bit will have a SS figure sooner or later.

SS 1986 Devastator anyone? Especially if they go the SS ROTF Devastator route, making something clearly superior from the substandard CW/UW versions.

News Credits: 458 · by **Sabrblade** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 7:03 pm

Perceptor was in the whole movie. First he alerted Ultra Magnus to the Decepticons' arrival at Autobot City, then he informed Blaster to contact Optimus Prime on Moonbase One, then he boarded the Autobot Shuttle captained by Ultra Magnus and directed its crew to touch down on the Plant of Junk for repairs, then help work on the ship's repairs until Galvatron showed up, then he joined in the "Dare to be Stupid" battle and dance party with the Junkions, then he took part in the battle against Unicron aboard the Junkions' ship, and finally he stood triumphant with the other Autobots at the end of the movie.

News Credits: 4 · by **King Kuuga** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 8:32 pm

-Kanrabat- wrote:But it's a certainty that anyone who appeared in the movie just a bit will have a SS figure sooner or later.

No, no it's not.

-Kanrabat- wrote:SS 1986 Devastator anyone? Especially if they go the SS ROTF Devastator route, making something clearly superior from the substandard CW/UW versions.

Am I the only one around here that is quite satisfied with the Unite Warriors release? The only things I would fix are stronger shoulder and elbow joints, maybe put the Combiner head on a ball joint.

by **Jeddostotle7** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 9:03 pm

-Kanrabat- wrote:That's mostly more a cameo than anything else though. The main characters will be the first ones to be made for sure. But it's a certainty that anyone who appeared in the movie just a bit will have a SS figure sooner or later.

It very much is not, especially considering the prominent Movie characters that are getting new figures in Kingdom.

-Kanrabat- wrote:SS 1986 Devastator anyone? Especially if they go the SS ROTF Devastator route, making something clearly superior from the substandard CW/UW versions.

According to the leaker Pixelmaster over on TFW, Hasbro considered an SS86 Devastator at one point, but shelved it and decided to reissue the CW one instead.

MyFigureCollection.net collection · by **Emerje** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 10:32 pm

Sabrblade wrote:Perceptor was in the whole movie. First he alerted Ultra Magnus to the Decepticons' arrival at Autobot City, then he informed Blaster to contact Optimus Prime on Moonbase One, then he boarded the Autobot Shuttle captained by Ultra Magnus and directed its crew to touch down on the Plant of Junk for repairs, then help work on the ship's repairs until Galvatron showed up, then he joined in the "Dare to be Stupid" battle and dance party with the Junkions, then he took part in the battle against Unicron aboard the Junkions' ship, and finally he stood triumphant with the other Autobots at the end of the movie.

How is it everyone is forgetting probably his most important role in the movie!? :shock:

Emerje

News Credits: 101 · by **-Kanrabat-** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 10:40 pm

Jeddostotle7 wrote:
-Kanrabat- wrote:SS 1986 Devastator anyone? Especially if they go the SS ROTF Devastator route, making something clearly superior from the substandard CW/UW versions.

According to the leaker Pixelmaster over on TFW, Hasbro considered an SS86 Devastator at one point, but shelved it and decided to reissue the CW one instead.

That's lazy.
Still, never say never. A "High quality" G1 Devastator will come sooner or later. One that have proper articulation points, is at the proper scale, dosen't feel like it's made out of margarine countainers, and is not full of hollow spots everywhere.