Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are my opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found
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Top 5 Best Optimus Primal Transformers ToysOptimus Primal was the leader for a new generation, which also happens to be mine. He was as noble as his predecessor and as badass when the time came for it. He also had several toys available and his legacy continues to this day. We will now look back at his best toys.
5. Transformers Beast Wars Transmetals Optimal OptimusI really love the presence of this toy. While I always found the Transformation from beast to bot to be a bit lack luster, this is toy is really reminiscent of an era where it was all about playability. It has four modes for you to have fun with plus missiles, exploding forearms and lights, with some lovely chrome making it all pop. Basically, everything a growing kid needs.
4. Throne of the PrimesBecause of how big and bold that original Optimal Optimus was, the Power of the primes version felt quite underwhelming. Sure, it did a lot that the original did and more (due to the evolution gimmick) but it did't have the heft nor presence. It just didn't do enough different to feel worthwhile. Enter throne of the primes which gave us a deco no one expected, but that everyone welcomed. A big disappointment from the first release of this mold was a lack of a gorilla mode for the smaller primal. No black and grey gorilla. Well Throne of the Primes gives us that gorilla but for the bigger bot. This ends up being a super version of Season 1 Primal instead, which is one of those fun things where we are given something we didn't even know we wanted. Plus we get a throne where Primal can be the king of the jungle, resting on the etched faces of contestants that just weren't good enough. Add to that an awesome scepter containing all the remaining primes you need for your Prime Master collection, all in one go. The only thing holding this toy back from the rest is that it's still based on a rather lackluster mold.
3. Transformers Legends Optimus Primal (Beast Convoy)/ Beast Wars 10th Anniversary Optimus PrimalThis is simply the best version (so far) of that original Optimus primal toy we all know and love. The bot mode is super cool and it's fun to have a synergy between the transformation you see on screen and the way the toy transforms. The best part is most probably the weapon storage with swords, missiles and a skull mace!
2. Transformers Beast Machines (RID) Air Attack Optimus Primal (Beast Convoy)This was my number 1 primal for a long time. I just really loved the transformation and how smart it was in terms of recreating the character model from the show. The gauntlets becoming shoulder pads is quite smart and really changes the look of the arms from one mode to the next. Plus you have Gary Chalk voicing the toy and the best electronic gimmicks we have ever gotten with a belly disc blast (I really like just spamming that sound effect) and the backpack that changes sound depending on how you hold the toy.
1. Masterpiece Optimus PrimalFor about the same price as the Throne of the Primes mentioned above, you can get a much nicer toy in the form of this Masterpiece Optimus Primal. I remember seeing a non transforming version of his when he was first shown thinking there was no way they could pull this off (and also thinking, "oh right, his defacto stance was on two feet, totally forgot about that"), but they did. While the original toy used a lot of similar parts for both modes, we realize here that a full inversion was necessary to get from a gorilla that is more bottom heavy to a robot which is more top heavy with it's more heroic proportions. And they do exactly that with the transformation. My favourite part is actually the beast hip transformation where the same part acts as a completely different part in robot mode and yet feels like it belongs as much for each mode. It's a genius step. there is a lot of genius at play here inorder to minimize the extraneous kibble to keep both modes as lean as they should be, and aside from a problem with the back of the feet in beast mode, I would call it a success.
Honourable Mention:
Transformers Beast Machines Deluxe Optimus PrimalThis toy gets an F for screen accuracy and for a long time, that put me off on it. But after experiencing the toy I think it has a lot to offer. I always feared the toy would have an ultra lame transformation where there isn't much in terms of transformation aside from a head swap and making the figure stand differently (which was the case for lots of Cheetor toys of the era). But this is not the case here. The robot mode and techno-organic gorilla have two totally different proportions and even different parts. I really love the shape of the gorilla mode where it has a really elegant curve in the back, making this a cool take on a gorilla mode. A gorilla is already more humanoid than any other beast mode so it's cool to see the distinguishable beast proportions at play. In the end it's no different than the Bat Primal toys out there, meaning a cool take on a character in a form we will never see on screen.
I feel the same with MP they’re hard to beat for sure. The original Primal has so many play features it was nuuuuuuts at the time. What a piece of toy art.
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