Review Roundup for Rise of the Beasts Battle Masters Rhinox, Skullcruncher and Cheetor
Tuesday, April 11th, 2023 2:23PM CDT
Categories: Movie Related News, Toy News, ReviewsPosted by: william-james88 Views: 38,498
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For those still unsure whether or not they are worth a pick up, we have rounded up some reviews of these three toys. Enjoy!
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Posted by Siger on April 11th, 2023 @ 4:37pm CDT
Ah, especially for the gorilla mode, yeah. I remember being put off by that profile shot of the gorilla mode, it does seem more cohesive as a whole with the smash and change toy.
Yessir, gorillas have pretty big noggins IRL.
Posted by Siger on April 11th, 2023 @ 5:07pm CDT
Posted by Overcracker on April 11th, 2023 @ 5:40pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:It'll likely be along the lines of the Ultimate class toy that were released in the Cyberverse line. Large and imposing, but basic and brick-like.Overcracker wrote:william-james88 wrote:Overcracker wrote:
Welll... ok... uhmmm... well... that's.... a... uhhmm... a thing....![]()
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I am intrigued by the toy the chose to use for that though.... Leader Class SS?
People thought that too but it looks too simplistic for a SS toy, plus I think the contrasting colours are more for a toy marketted just at kids. Apparently, the toy she turns into is Ultimate Optimus Primal, part of the mainline.
I don't see them going to the trouble of giving it opening hands and wrist swivels just for a large toy for kids. But, I guess we'll have to wait an see what it turns out to be.
Well, looking at the ad, it has opening fingers, wrist swivels, elbows, shoulder joints, what looks like a waist swivel. So not very brick like... but I get your point.
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on April 11th, 2023 @ 7:53pm CDT
Posted by william-james88 on April 11th, 2023 @ 8:59pm CDT
chuckdawg1999 wrote:So I went to my Target, and there wasn't much there. All there was, was one BM Cheetor and the Beast Armor figures. Optimus Primal had the alligator removed and replaced with one of those cheap vinyl dinosaur figures, I'm not sure they're selling those at Target. So I came home and made a large order from Amazon. All I need now is the Voyagers and the one Alligator Battle Master. My question is, what else is out there? Do we have a rundown of waves 1 and 2? My gut tells me that due to the delay, both waves are going to be pushed out faster than we think and some things might get lost in the shuffle.
Good question, I will make a list
Posted by william-james88 on April 11th, 2023 @ 9:59pm CDT
chuckdawg1999 wrote:So I went to my Target, and there wasn't much there. All there was, was one BM Cheetor and the Beast Armor figures. Optimus Primal had the alligator removed and replaced with one of those cheap vinyl dinosaur figures, I'm not sure they're selling those at Target. So I came home and made a large order from Amazon. All I need now is the Voyagers and the one Alligator Battle Master. My question is, what else is out there? Do we have a rundown of waves 1 and 2? My gut tells me that due to the delay, both waves are going to be pushed out faster than we think and some things might get lost in the shuffle.
Here's what's in the line. Looking through it, the stuff that we didn't news yet that you should have access to are the converting masks and the remaining flex changers. I'm currently doing a round up of the beast combiners.
Core Deluxe (all out at once but not found in US yet)
Wave 1
Airazor
Bumblebee
Cheetor
Wave 2
Autobot Mirage
Nightbird
Wheeljack
Voyager Class (all at once but not found in US yet)
Wave 1
Optimus Primal
Optimus Prime
Wave 2
Rhinox
Beast Battle Masters (all released)
Wave 1
Cheetor
Rhinox
Skullcruncher
Battle Changers (the waves in this one are unclear, US got the first 3 listed)
Bumblebee
Optimus Prime
Rhinox
Autobot Mirage
Scourge
Beast Weaponizers (all at once, but only wave 1 has been found in US so far)
Wave 1
Optimus Primal & Arrowstripe
Optimus Prime & Chainclaw
Wave 2
Wheeljack & Rhinox
Beast Combiners (only wave 1 spotted anywhere)
Wave 1
Bumblebee & Snarlsaber
Arcee & Silverfang
Optimus Primal & Skullcruncher
Wave 2
Scourge & Predacon Scorponok
Blaster Optimus Prime Blaster (released)
Converting Masks Bumblebee Optimus Primal (released)
Smash Changer (released all at once but only wave 1 found in US)
Wave 1
Optimus Primal
Optimus Prime
Wave 2
Rhinox
Beast Mode (not released in US yet)
Beast Mode Bumblebee
Beast Mode Optimus Prime
Flex Changers (released in US)
Bumblebee
Cheetor
Nightbird
Titan Changers (released in US, only Cheetor is new)
Cheetor
Megatron
Optimus Prime
Exclusives
Deluxe Scorponok
2 Jungle Mission 3 packs
Smash Changer Scourge
Spark Racers Barricade Bumblebee Optimus Prime
Spark Chargers Battletrap Bumblebee Megatron
Larger toys (Nitro series) Starscream Optimus Prime
Posted by BIGGUY007 on April 12th, 2023 @ 12:02am CDT


Posted by chuckdawg1999 on April 12th, 2023 @ 12:11am CDT
Posted by william-james88 on April 12th, 2023 @ 12:16am CDT
BIGGUY007 wrote:Man, I was so looking forward to getting ROTB Wheeljack. He would have been a bought on site figure, but looking at the pictures. I’m kinda let down. You would think Volkswagen would have given them permission to use an actual Samba Panel Van as Jackie’s toy Alt. Mode, seeing how Volkswagen owns Porsche. And since VW gave them permission with making a Beetle Bumblebee toy when the Bumblebee Movie came out. I hope there is a better looking Alt. Mode, because I’m not a fan of the toy’s vehicle form. After seeing those pictures, he’s going to be a clearance buy now. What a complete let down!
The toy you posted is from the mainline where none of the cars look like their licensed selves. We have to wait for the reveal of Studio Series Wheeljack to see if he will get a licensed alt mode or not.
Also, just an FYI, one car company owning another has no bearing in the world of licensing since licensing agreements are solely with the individual company (car make).
Posted by Bumblevivisector on April 12th, 2023 @ 12:45am CDT
william-james88 wrote:Siger wrote:It's the colours, right?
Yeah, and proportions. Voyager's got a tiny head.
Ah, especially for the gorilla mode, yeah. I remember being put off by that profile shot of the gorilla mode, it does seem more cohesive as a whole with the smash and change toy.
And for our fandom especially, Gorilla-formers + too-small-heads = ANIMORPHS flashbacks!


Doubly appropriate after that commercial.
Posted by noctorro on April 12th, 2023 @ 4:41am CDT
Here in Holland we have mego toys... 3 cyberverse figures and a tiny bit of mission fleet.
Besides that the marvel figures with the elastics in the limbs. ... we got nothing man.
Posted by -Kanrabat- on April 12th, 2023 @ 8:42am CDT
50$can total.
Why?
I tried to cancel that Amazon order.
I can't.
It's coming.
I'll now have to smash that ape.

Posted by william-james88 on April 12th, 2023 @ 2:51pm CDT


Posted by william-james88 on April 12th, 2023 @ 3:33pm CDT
Rise Of The Beasts Nitro Starscream
Rise Of The Beasts Nitro Optimus Prime
Rise Of The Beasts Nitro Bumblebee
Rise Of The Beasts Power Plus Battletrap
Rise Of The Beasts Power Plus Megatron
Rise Of The Beasts Speed Barricade
Rise Of The Beasts Speed Optimus Prime
Rise Of The Beasts Speed Bumblebee
Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts Beast Weaponizers Arcee & Cheetor 2-Pack
Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts Beast Weaponizers Wheeljack & Rhinox 2-Pack
Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts Flex-Changers Cheetor
Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts Battle Master Optimus Primal

























































Posted by Whifflefire on April 12th, 2023 @ 4:46pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:For anyone wondering why I used Krok in that video review, well that Skullcruncher makes for an EXCELLENT Gatoraider.
I was thinking the same thing. Might have to go find myself a Krok.
Posted by Seibertron on April 12th, 2023 @ 4:55pm CDT
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on April 12th, 2023 @ 4:55pm CDT
Posted by Seibertron on April 12th, 2023 @ 5:32pm CDT
chuckdawg1999 wrote:If you passed the first time then I highly recommend those Energon Igniters. They're really fun to race around and the transformations aren't that bad. I'm down for Battletrap and Starscream as the original Ironhide and Blitzwing were two of the best figures of the line.
I've got all of the original versions of the ones that are being redeco'ed. Just hard to keep track of what's coming out for this new movie line.
Posted by Overcracker on April 12th, 2023 @ 5:41pm CDT

Super sleek cheetah mode there.




Posted by chuckdawg1999 on April 12th, 2023 @ 6:01pm CDT
Seibertron wrote:chuckdawg1999 wrote:If you passed the first time then I highly recommend those Energon Igniters. They're really fun to race around and the transformations aren't that bad. I'm down for Battletrap and Starscream as the original Ironhide and Blitzwing were two of the best figures of the line.
I've got all of the original versions of the ones that are being redeco'ed. Just hard to keep track of what's coming out for this new movie line.
Don't feel bad, I'm more confused than a baby in a topless club.
Posted by TF-fan kev777 on April 12th, 2023 @ 7:42pm CDT
Whifflefire wrote:william-james88 wrote:For anyone wondering why I used Krok in that video review, well that Skullcruncher makes for an EXCELLENT Gatoraider.
I was thinking the same thing. Might have to go find myself a Krok.
The mold layout completely works for a Gatoraider redeco too. I 100% expect one at some point.
Posted by william-james88 on April 12th, 2023 @ 11:00pm CDT
Core Deluxe: traditional deluxe class figures, not found in US yet.
Wave 1
Airazor
Bumblebee
Cheetor
Wave 2
Autobot Mirage
Nightbird
Wheeljack

Voyager Class: traditional voyager class figures, not found in US yet
Wave 1
Optimus Primal
Optimus Prime
Wave 2
Rhinox
Beast Battle Masters: targetmasters, which can work really well in other lines, only wave 1 released in US so far.
Wave 1
Cheetor
Rhinox
Skullcruncher
Wave 2
Optimus Primal
Airazor
Battle Changers: simplified figures between Scout and deluxe size, as you can see with Rhinox below. The waves in this one are unclear, the US got the first 3 listed so far.
Bumblebee
Optimus Prime
Rhinox
Autobot Mirage
Scourge
Beast Weaponizers: simple deluxe sized figures which come with a beast targetmaster, only wave 1 has been found in US so far.
Wave 1
Optimus Primal & Arrowstripe
Optimus Prime & Chainclaw
Wave 2
Wheeljack & Rhinox
Arcee & Cheetor
Beast Combiners: simple deluxe sized figures which come with a beast partner which turns into armour. Only wave 1 spotted so far in the US.
Wave 1
Bumblebee & Snarlsaber
Arcee & Silverfang
Optimus Primal & Skullcruncher
Wave 2
Scourge & Predacon Scorponok
Blaster Optimus Prime Blaster (released)
Converting Masks Bumblebee, Optimus Primal (released)

Smash Changer: 3 step automorph figures and only wave 1 was found in the US so far.
Wave 1
Optimus Primal
Optimus Prime
Wave 2
Rhinox
Beast Mode: leader sized figures with electronics that have a third super mode which has beast elements (not released in US yet)
Beast Mode Bumblebee
Beast Mode Optimus Prime
Flex Changers: one step toys, all released in the US
Bumblebee
Cheetor
Nightbird
Titan Changers: leader sized figures with very simple conversions. All were released in the US but only Cheetor is a new mold.
Cheetor
Megatron
Optimus Prime
Exclusives
Deluxe Scorponok
2 Jungle Mission 3 packs
Smash Changer Scourge
Autobots Unite Speed Series Barricade, Bumblebee, Optimus Prime
Autobots Unite Power Plus Series Battletrap Bumblebee Megatron
Autobots Unite Nitro Series Starscream, Optimus Prime
Posted by william-james88 on April 12th, 2023 @ 11:30pm CDT
Bumblebee
Arcee
And we also have another review of both those sets from Chuckdawg1999 who also had this to say about them:
chuckdawg1999 wrote:If you liked Optimus Primal then there's more of the same here with Arcee and Bumblebee, literally, their beast partners share tooling. Obviously, Arcee and Bee are far more involved with their transformations than Primal. Each set offers its own positives and negatives so it's ultimately up to you which character you like the best.
Posted by william-james88 on April 12th, 2023 @ 11:48pm CDT
Remember, these toys are all in the mainline. In Studio Series, we will get a leader class Optimus Primal, a voyager class Rhinox and a voyager class Optimus Prime but that last one will be a Target exclusive.
Posted by Fortress_Maximus on April 13th, 2023 @ 2:28am CDT
Disappointed the Smash Changer of Optimus is just a repackage from Spark series?
Posted by AcademyofDrX on April 13th, 2023 @ 9:37am CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on April 13th, 2023 @ 11:20am CDT
More like the Cyberverse release was a "pre-package" of this one, since Hasbro did that because the original plan was to sell ROTB toys in Cyberverse packaging last year, but only that one figure saw release.Fortress_Maximus wrote:Voyager Prime looks good will get soon.
Disappointed the Smash Changer of Optimus is just a repackage from Spark series?
Posted by MeGrimlock78 on April 13th, 2023 @ 2:06pm CDT
Posted by AcademyofDrX on April 13th, 2023 @ 2:57pm CDT
Posted by william-james88 on April 13th, 2023 @ 5:23pm CDT
MeGrimlock78 wrote:Since Wave 2 of the Weaponizer 2 Packs have the Wave 1 Battle Masters, would it be logical to assume the Wave 1 Weaponizer Battle Masters will be released on their own at some point?
Maybe a later wave, I'd really love that
Posted by TF-fan kev777 on April 13th, 2023 @ 5:39pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:MeGrimlock78 wrote:Since Wave 2 of the Weaponizer 2 Packs have the Wave 1 Battle Masters, would it be logical to assume the Wave 1 Weaponizer Battle Masters will be released on their own at some point?
Maybe a later wave, I'd really love that
Are we sure there will be a later wave? I believe the Bee movie line was just a single wave, and we are already past that. I would have preferred to get the 2 weaponizer 2-pack battle masters on their own, but didn't want to chance missing out if a future wave doesn't happen.
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on April 13th, 2023 @ 6:09pm CDT
MeGrimlock78 wrote:Since Wave 2 of the Weaponizer 2 Packs have the Wave 1 Battle Masters, would it be logical to assume the Wave 1 Weaponizer Battle Masters will be released on their own at some point?
Maybe, depends on how well the line sells and if they need more product to sell.
Posted by william-james88 on April 13th, 2023 @ 6:09pm CDT
TF-fan kev777 wrote:william-james88 wrote:MeGrimlock78 wrote:Since Wave 2 of the Weaponizer 2 Packs have the Wave 1 Battle Masters, would it be logical to assume the Wave 1 Weaponizer Battle Masters will be released on their own at some point?
Maybe a later wave, I'd really love that
Are we sure there will be a later wave? I believe the Bee movie line was just a single wave, and we are already past that. I would have preferred to get the 2 weaponizer 2-pack battle masters on their own, but didn't want to chance missing out if a future wave doesn't happen.
I know there is a second wave, with Primal and Airazor, but I don't know beyond that. Though if I had to wager, I would think those won't get released individually.
Hey, since you have these toys, can you take some images of Prime and Primal next to deluxes from the legacy line (or any other generations line) just to get an idea of their size?
Posted by william-james88 on April 13th, 2023 @ 7:47pm CDT
chuckdawg1999 wrote:When the masks were first revealed I was intrigued with them and had a few questions; how would they work, fit, and feel? Well, I'm happy with both of them but I really enjoy the Optimus Primal mask that much more. Transformation is relatively simple, any issues might come from the ratcheting joints having to be worked into the right positions. Surprisingly the straps don't really get in the way and tuck nicely into the back of the figures. The price might be a little off-putting so if you can only get one, Primal is the way to go.
Posted by william-james88 on April 13th, 2023 @ 7:59pm CDT
Let us know what you think.







Posted by AcademyofDrX on April 13th, 2023 @ 9:48pm CDT
Posted by Bumblevivisector on April 14th, 2023 @ 2:42am CDT
I'll probably buy every Arcee in this movie line, partly because each one seems to have a different transformation despite all apparently being the same design. And while some may see the hands hanging off the back of and pseudo-kibble chest on top of Weaponizer Arcee's cycle mode as deal breakers that ruin the motorcycle aesthetic, I see exactly what I was considering customizing them into all along: female Junkions! Here's hoping they all clearance in enough quantity to army-build, but I'll probably buy one of each at full price.
But since an out-of-place chest on the newly revealed Arcee did come up, I have to note something about BC ROTB Arcee that might not have come through in the video: This has got to be the most stacked official Arcee toy we've ever gotten. I can't even think of a 3P Arcee with a bust that huge relative to the rest of her body. And considering the color scheme follows the example of her Earthspark design in making her pelvis and thighs the same medium-dark shade of pink to avoid the panty-line effect of her traditional G1 design, presumably to desexualize her a tad from the waist down, giving her a rack that doubles the radius of her torso in 3 out of 4 directions from her midriff adds up to an...interesting design choice.
Certainly not complaining though. HasTak, find ways to reuse ALL of these Arcee molds, preferably in rusty orange and brown so I won't have to repaint them as much.
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 14th, 2023 @ 11:03am CDT
I ended up finding all of the RotB toys minus the wave 1 single pack deluxes this week, and it was such a joy to see the toy aisles all movie-fied and ready to go (see below).



I myself ended up picking up all 3 Battlemasters, both of the battlemaster/larger figure packs, the voyagers, the Buzzworthy 3 pack, and the Primal mask. I passed on the beast combiner things because I am not really a fan of how unbalanced these ones look, and the price, and I passed on the flex changers for the price too.


Here is a group shot with all of the RotB toys I have so far, including the SS figures

So, let's roll on some thoughts:
Let's start with the individual battlemasters. I think all 3 are great fun. Cheetor makes a nice sword that goes quite well with the mainline deluxe. Rhinox is my favorite, i love his minigun mode. I may need to get more of him, and i am glad that the 2-pack Wheeljack includes another one of him, i have no problems getting that set. Skullcruncher is also pretty awesome, I like how spiky a gun he forms. All 3 are wings, well done there!
The battlemaster 2 packs are also pretty fun. Prime/Chainclaw is a fun set, I like that we have a chainsaw battlemaster at last, and the Prime is a pretty decent toy too. Surprisingly posable for the kids line. The set is a joy, I do love it. the Primal/Arrowstripe set is also pretty neat, a crossbow was a nice weapon choice, and Primal is good and chunky. I think that all Primal needed was head articulation, and this set would probably have been a big winner for me out of all of the toys.
The Primal mask was a bit of an impulse purchase, as the first store i visited only had the masks, and I was uncertain with my area if stuff would be stocked soon. I really like it. It's actually comfy to wear, and the fact that it transforms without anything really being compromised or getting in the way is fun. It's fun! I like it!
The deluxe 3 pack is next, and it is a decent pack. For one thing, $55 for 3 deluxes, essentially $18 per deluxe, is nice, and they are mostly good. Wheeljack for me is pretty nice, I like how posable he is, and he ends up with almost no kibble. Plus he looks good with the Rhinox battlemaster. cheetor is also pretty tight, I like the robot mode a lot, and the Cheetah mode was obviously compromised some for colors and the gut gun, but it's still nice, and I think both wheeljack and Cheetor could be full priced deluxes by themselves. nightbird is the one weak spot, she feels really light and flimsy compared to all the other figures I have bought. She isn't bad, but she feels the weakest of the group, and for now she gets Skullcruncher.
Finally, the voyagers. I got really lucky with these, found 1 of each on the very top of the walmart shelves. they were $34, which kind of hurts after the deluxes, and to be honest, I am not sure either is worth that cost. These feel more like ~$28 voyagers. Prime is good, but he just feels small and compromised in the paint a little more than I'd like for the price. Primal feels chonkier and bigger, but the simple transformation should have allowed for some more paint, and he sorely needs it. He has so much detail, but a lot of it is lost. also, he needed green eyes. These voyagers aren't bad, i enjoy them! they just feel like they needed to be cheaper.







Posted by chuckdawg1999 on April 14th, 2023 @ 12:15pm CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on April 14th, 2023 @ 12:50pm CDT
Cute, but, for the whole second half of the video, your masked face is completely blocked, Mike Wazowski style, by the in-video link to another video.chuckdawg1999 wrote:
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on April 14th, 2023 @ 12:57pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:Cute, but, for the whole second half of the video, your masked face is completely blocked, Mike Wazowski style, by the in-video link to another video.chuckdawg1999 wrote:
I'm getting rid of it! Nothing ruins my work!
Posted by william-james88 on April 14th, 2023 @ 11:03pm CDT
In other ROTB news, we have some in hand images of deluxe class Mirage.
Enjoy and let us know what you think about all this.












Posted by Siger on April 14th, 2023 @ 11:26pm CDT
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on April 14th, 2023 @ 11:33pm CDT
Posted by william-james88 on April 14th, 2023 @ 11:47pm CDT
chuckdawg1999 wrote:Scorponok is a Target exclusive in the US, right?
yes
Posted by Bumblevivisector on April 15th, 2023 @ 12:33am CDT
BC Scourgepinok on the other hand makes me glad I do most of my TF shopping at Target anyway. Coolest Beast Combiner I've seen to date.
Posted by -Kanrabat- on April 15th, 2023 @ 1:02am CDT
TC Scourge looks like a frame from the Distorted Cat meme video.
GIMME ALL THE SCORPIONS! Those looks bad-ass, including that tiny rusty Scourge. Too bad it's a Target exclusive because my local TrU doesn't have a good track record in carrying those.
Posted by william-james88 on April 15th, 2023 @ 1:16am CDT
-Kanrabat- wrote:Mirage looks very, very basic. It's good and bad at the same time.
TC Scourge looks like a frame from the Distorted Cat meme video.
GIMME ALL THE SCORPIONS! Those looks bad-ass, including that tiny rusty Scourge. Too bad it's a Target exclusive because my local TrU doesn't have a good track record in carrying those.
I don't know if the combiner one is exclusive. Just sure about the weaponizer one.
Posted by Emerje on April 15th, 2023 @ 5:16am CDT
Emerje
Posted by -Kanrabat- on April 15th, 2023 @ 7:50pm CDT
First the one that have the Targetmaster. He's simple fun but holy crap that poor tiger got a grisly fate...
Next is the Smash Changer. Sure he's a brick, but he's pretty fun overall.
Finally, the one with poor Skullcruncher. I man, how BARBARIC AND METAL this set is! I wish this will be a scene in the movie.
