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New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review

Posted by D-Maximal_Primal Jan 3, 2019 at 9:48pm CST 28,860 views
With the acclaimed Studio Series line marching onward triumphantly into 2019, we have just received a new review of the line’s latest offering, Battle-Damaged Megatron, which most of us know emulates Megatron’s appearance following the climactic final showdown between him, Optimus Prime and the Fallen in the second film. The review comes courtesy of YouTuber PrimeVs.Prime, who has thus far extensively catalogued the line beyond today’s subject. He goes into detail regarding the detailing of the figure, and gives a side-by-side comparison between the new edition and it's predecessor.

Primevs.Prime’s Review:



What do you think of this new Megatron? Are the alterations enough to justify a second purchase of the same mold, or are you skipping out on both versions entirely? Share your thoughts in the Energon Pub below, and stay tuned for further Transformers News and Reviews here on Seibertron!
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Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by Acolyte Jan 4, 2019
Sigh... this smacks of what they did to Bumblebee last year:

1. Camaro Bumblebee
2. VW Beetle Bumblebee
3. Retro Rock Garage Vol. 1
4. Retro Rock Garage Vol. 2
5. Charlie's Garage (extra parts and a Charlie)
6. Clunker Bumblebee

Six, SIX repaints... and 2 molds. Two greatly flawed molds, I might add. Megatron is no different. A greatly flawed mold (if still a definitive look for the figure) that we really don't need a repaint of. This should have been the original color scheme, with the face intact given that this damaged condition lasts for all of maybe 20 seconds of screen time out of the entire cinematic universe (somewhere somebody said, "We're not going to call the DotM Megatron our 'battle damage' Megatron?"). I mean WWII bee was more established!

He's an ugly dude, I'll give him that. Absolutely nothing is attracting me to double dip on this mold though. What a mess. Should've thrown in another "minicon" for good measure, like the "Kill zee little one!" dude or something.
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by Actar Jan 4, 2019
Alrighty! Just got my hands on the latest SS Voyagers and Leaders. However, the one that has won me over the most is Jetfire.

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So, I was rather hesitant and critical about Jetfire when I first saw him, but after having him in hand for a day, I'm absolutely convinced. Jetfire is everything I wanted in the original Leader (albeit in a smaller package). Overall, he's much easier to transform than the previous Leader and everything but those two central panels that tab into the shoulders and engines hold together solidly. I'd even argue that the kibble is much better on this one.

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While the fit and finish are subpar as per other figures in the Studio Series line, the bot mode is excellent. The transformation is really fun, smooth and impressive. I love how the jet mode folds in on itself multiple times to create the bulk of the body and I adore the fact that the thighs are actually formed from the jet mode engines unlike the previous Leader (they even sit accurately within the nacelle!). I'm still not that big of a fan of the faux cockpit head, but after knowing that Jetfire accurately parts-forms to combine with Optimus, it softens the blow somewhat.

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Speaking of which, yes! Jetfire does indeed combine with SS Voyager Prime!

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...and it's amazing. Thank heavens they decided to go with parts-forming. Not only is it accurate to the movie, the combination gimmick does not take away from either figure much at all. The locks that secure Jetfire's limbs together when he's his own figure are brilliant. It's a clip system that holds all the parts together in bot/jet mode solidly but is still easy enough to disconnect for parts-forming when needed. In Jet Power Prime mode, everything is just as solid, though I'm slightly worried that Prime's leg joints (hip and knees) will not hold up over time as they aren't ratcheted. As for now, they're rock solid and almost too tight for when posing him alone. While the articulation in combined mode is mostly unhindered, it kinda sucks that the ankle tilts are opposite as Jetfire's legs are reversed for the combination.

Note that the instructions are utter garbage. Not only does it not tell you how to transform the cannon at all, but you can tweak the figure a little to get it looking much, much better. For instance, the bar behind Prime's head can be angled back. This not only tidies up the silhouette, but it also holds the rear wings/fins in place. Speaking of those fins, as can be seen from the above pictures, they can also be splayed open for a far more dynamic and movie-accurate look. It's a pretty nice touch that Prime's back kibble form secondary fins.

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For the cannon, there is indeed a proper way to transform it. Upon close examination, the arms and flaps both have places to peg into.

All in all, thus far, Jetfire is my undisputed favorite Studio Series figure. So poseable, so much more accurate than the previous Leader figure and so full of character! All that on top of a much-improved combining gimmick! Now I only wished that they had put more effort into the Voyager Prime. I still don't get the necessity for the inaccurate leg transformation and the faux chest. In addition to being inaccurate, in my opinion, it's needlessly complex and fiddly for a Movie Prime and is as light as a feather. If you ask me, I'd only buy Prime solely to maximize Jetfire's playability. That's how great Jetfire is.
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by Rodimus Prime Jan 4, 2019
Very nice review! Love the pictures! ;)^

Initially I was going to pass on this figure, as I'm in the minority of those who like the original leader. But since I already have SS Prime, I might as well get Jetfire, if only for the combination.
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by -Kanrabat- Jan 4, 2019
Very detailed review! You should news it.

This may make me want to have that new Optimus and Jetfire even if I already have the Takara DOTM Buster 2 pack. :-?
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by ZeldaTheSwordsman Jan 4, 2019
Partsforming or no, that combination isn't any more accurate than the combined ROTF Leaders. It's just inaccurate in different ways. Having a Jetfire that also transforms into accurate Jetpower armor is [b]impossible[b]. Getting anywhere even close would require such an extreme degree of partsforming that Jetfire would practically be a Lego set.
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by -Kanrabat- Jan 4, 2019
ZeldaTheSwordsman wrote:Partsforming or no, that combination isn't any more accurate than the combined ROTF Leaders. It's just inaccurate in different ways. Having a Jetfire that also transforms into accurate Jetpower armor is [b]impossible[b]. Getting anywhere even close would require such an extreme degree of partsforming that Jetfire would practically be a Lego set.


ANY Movie Transformers cannot and will never be 100% screen accurate. The only ones are the non-transforming 1000$ articulated "statues" from 3A and the like.
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by ZeroWolf Jan 4, 2019
Actar wrote:Alrighty! Just got my hands on the latest SS Voyagers and Leaders. However, the one that has won me over the most is Jetfire.

Image
Image
Image
Image

So, I was rather hesitant and critical about Jetfire when I first saw him, but after having him in hand for a day, I'm absolutely convinced. Jetfire is everything I wanted in the original Leader (albeit in a smaller package). Overall, he's much easier to transform than the previous Leader and everything but those two central panels that tab into the shoulders and engines hold together solidly. I'd even argue that the kibble is much better on this one.

Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

While the fit and finish are subpar as per other figures in the Studio Series line, the bot mode is excellent. The transformation is really fun, smooth and impressive. I love how the jet mode folds in on itself multiple times to create the bulk of the body and I adore the fact that the thighs are actually formed from the jet mode engines unlike the previous Leader (they even sit accurately within the nacelle!). I'm still not that big of a fan of the faux cockpit head, but after knowing that Jetfire accurately parts-forms to combine with Optimus, it softens the blow somewhat.

Image

Speaking of which, yes! Jetfire does indeed combine with SS Voyager Prime!

Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

...and it's amazing. Thank heavens they decided to go with parts-forming. Not only is it accurate to the movie, the combination gimmick does not take away from either figure much at all. The locks that secure Jetfire's limbs together when he's his own figure are brilliant. It's a clip system that holds all the parts together in bot/jet mode solidly but is still easy enough to disconnect for parts-forming when needed. In Jet Power Prime mode, everything is just as solid, though I'm slightly worried that Prime's leg joints (hip and knees) will not hold up over time as they aren't ratcheted. As for now, they're rock solid and almost too tight for when posing him alone. While the articulation in combined mode is mostly unhindered, it kinda sucks that the ankle tilts are opposite as Jetfire's legs are reversed for the combination.

Note that the instructions are utter garbage. Not only does it not tell you how to transform the cannon at all, but you can tweak the figure a little to get it looking much, much better. For instance, the bar behind Prime's head can be angled back. This not only tidies up the silhouette, but it also holds the rear wings/fins in place. Speaking of those fins, as can be seen from the above pictures, they can also be splayed open for a far more dynamic and movie-accurate look. It's a pretty nice touch that Prime's back kibble form secondary fins.

Image
Image
Image

For the cannon, there is indeed a proper way to transform it. Upon close examination, the arms and flaps both have places to peg into.

All in all, thus far, Jetfire is my undisputed favorite Studio Series figure. So poseable, so much more accurate than the previous Leader figure and so full of character! All that on top of a much-improved combining gimmick! Now I only wished that they had put more effort into the Voyager Prime. I still don't get the necessity for the inaccurate leg transformation and the faux chest. In addition to being inaccurate, in my opinion, it's needlessly complex and fiddly for a Movie Prime and is as light as a feather. If you ask me, I'd only buy Prime solely to maximize Jetfire's playability. That's how great Jetfire is. (^o^)

This is a great review! Thank you for taking the time to do it :)
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by Hellscream9999 Jan 4, 2019
Rodimus Prime wrote:Very nice review! Love the pictures! ;)^

Initially I was going to pass on this figure, as I'm in the minority of those who like the original leader. But since I already have SS Prime, I might as well get Jetfire, if only for the combination.

Just so you know, he only combines with the upcoming ss prime as far as I know
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by SpikeyTigertron Jan 4, 2019
Hellscream9999 wrote:
Rodimus Prime wrote:Very nice review! Love the pictures! ;)^

Initially I was going to pass on this figure, as I'm in the minority of those who like the original leader. But since I already have SS Prime, I might as well get Jetfire, if only for the combination.

Just so you know, he only combines with the upcoming ss prime as far as I know


I'm not sure if the new voyager comes with the wrists swords though.... so like Starscream… you need both ;)
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by SpikeyTigertron Jan 4, 2019
(I know its old news but for the sake of discussion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO7Te_myti8) Man... so much part swapping and repainting wants between the two of them....To a certain degree, and Megatron and Starscream re-enforced this.... can't they "get it right" the *first* time for a "definitive" figure. I feel like if Hasbro and Takara weren't doing the same run.... Takara would be touching up/full accessorizing their releases.... But it's a brave new world.

With all the Siege goodness and the new Diaclone rabbit hole i've fallen it (send help!) I try to stay away from studio series... but the Bumblee movie was soo good I kinda want Shatter and Dropkick (car versions) and I'm really curious about that Devastator.
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by SpikeyTigertron Jan 4, 2019
I still think Jetfire's face is TOO big... but I guess he's also practically doubled over. Does it "scale" or at least make sense if you were to "stand" him up?
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by william-james88 Jan 4, 2019
Rodimus Prime wrote:Very nice review! Love the pictures! ;)^

Initially I was going to pass on this figure, as I'm in the minority of those who like the original leader. But since I already have SS Prime, I might as well get Jetfire, if only for the combination.

You got the new 2019 ss prime? How?
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by Rodimus Prime Jan 4, 2019
william-james88 wrote:
Rodimus Prime wrote:Very nice review! Love the pictures! ;)^

Initially I was going to pass on this figure, as I'm in the minority of those who like the original leader. But since I already have SS Prime, I might as well get Jetfire, if only for the combination.

You got the new 2019 ss prime? How?
No, I didn't. I mixed up the new Prime with the one that already came out.
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by o.supreme Jan 4, 2019
Actar wrote:Alrighty! Just got my hands on the latest SS Voyagers and Leaders. However, the one that has won me over the most is Jetfire....

Speaking of which, yes! Jetfire does indeed combine with SS Voyager Prime!

Image


So..Just to confirm (because I'm not familiar enough with some of these toys to recognize them on their own)...

Are these pics showing Jetfire combined with the previous SS-05 Optimus Prime?, Or is this the new SS-32 (Movie 1) Optimus?

That would be awesome if they made it so Jetfire could work with both.
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by Sabrblade Jan 4, 2019
o.supreme wrote:
Actar wrote:Alrighty! Just got my hands on the latest SS Voyagers and Leaders. However, the one that has won me over the most is Jetfire....

Speaking of which, yes! Jetfire does indeed combine with SS Voyager Prime!

Image


So..Just to confirm (because I'm not familiar enough with some of these toys to recognize them on their own)...

Are these pics showing Jetfire combined with the previous SS-05 Optimus Prime?, Or is this the new SS-32 (Movie 1) Optimus?

That would be awesome if they made it so Jetfire could work with both.
That's the newer Optimus. Bright red and correct-looking chest. The older one had dark red and an inaccurate-looking chest.
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by Overcracker Jan 4, 2019
o.supreme wrote:
Actar wrote:Alrighty! Just got my hands on the latest SS Voyagers and Leaders. However, the one that has won me over the most is Jetfire....

Speaking of which, yes! Jetfire does indeed combine with SS Voyager Prime!

Image


So..Just to confirm (because I'm not familiar enough with some of these toys to recognize them on their own)...

Are these pics showing Jetfire combined with the previous SS-05 Optimus Prime?, Or is this the new SS-32 (Movie 1) Optimus?

That would be awesome if they made it so Jetfire could work with both.



It's the new SS-32 Prime. The old SS-05 Prime has a completely different torso, and lacks the ports and tabs required for combination as far as I know.

SS-32 left, SS-05 Right
ssprimes.jpg
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by o.supreme Jan 4, 2019
Sabrblade wrote:That's the newer Optimus. Bright red and correct-looking chest. The older one had dark red and an inaccurate-looking chest.


darn...thanks for the confirmation though. So, I guess there is no chance that Jetfire can combine with SS-05? I mean I know it has it's flaws, but it is from the 2nd film after all. Then again, was there really any changes in Prime between Movie 1 and Movie 2, I never thought so...they probably just slapped the movie 1 logo on the box to signify it is a different toy.

*edit* -yes I understand the toys are different, just speaking in terms of "in-movie"
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by william-james88 Jan 4, 2019
o.supreme wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:That's the newer Optimus. Bright red and correct-looking chest. The older one had dark red and an inaccurate-looking chest.


darn...thanks for the confirmation though. So, I guess there is no chance that Jetfire can combine with SS-05? I mean I know it has it's flaws, but it is from the 2nd film after all. Then again, was there really any changes in Prime between Movie 1 and Movie 2, I never thought so...they probably just slapped the movie 1 logo on the box to signify it is a different toy.

*edit* -yes I understand the toys are different, just speaking in terms of "in-movie"

Sadly there is no chance it combines with the previous one. And in movie, there was no difference between prime's design from the first to seconds film. That means this new prime works for both and thus the previous Prime is rendered obsolete. I sold mine already since it felt absolutely worthless in my collection.
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by o.supreme Jan 4, 2019
william-james88 wrote:And in movie, there was no difference between prime's design from the first to seconds film. That means this new prime works for both and thus the previous Prime is rendered obsolete. I sold mine already since it felt absolutely worthless in my collection.


Perfect. That's where my mind was going ;)^ , glad to know despite the packaging SS-35 can be Movie 1 or 2 Prime for all intents and purposes.
Re: New Studio Series Battle-Damaged Megatron Review (view post)
Comment by Deadput Jan 4, 2019
william-james88 wrote:Sadly there is no chance it combines with the previous one. And in movie, there was no difference between prime's design from the first to seconds film. That means this new prime works for both and thus the previous Prime is rendered obsolete. I sold mine already since it felt absolutely worthless in my collection.


I feel like the ROTF SS Prime is actually meant to be the DOTM version where he did have actual physical changes, mostly the abs.

First 2 movies
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Dotm:
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