Transformers Encore 19 - Big Mission 3 Review

I finally managed to get my hands on Encore 19. This set includes rereleases of G1 toys Condor (Lazerbeak), Frenzy, Rumble and Overkill.

First up is Condor. This figure is probably not too lusted after since anyone who's bought a G1 Soundwave in the last decade has this guy. That said, his weapons seem to fit more snugly than Encore Buzzsaw who, for me at least, had loose pegs. Unfortunately, the sliding system at the base of his neck seems to be having a small problem, with the result being that this bird is looking off to the side the whole time. It's not drastic, but if you're buying this set just for him be aware of the issue.

Next up, Frenzy and Rumble, or to avoid RIBFIR incidents, Fremble and Runzy. They have the diecast elbows and toes, and their joints hold up just fine. Thankfully their sproingy head mechanisms stil work well, and their faces are painted silver rather than white, as someone (I forget who) was worrying about. Notably their thigh stickers, which appear on both the box photos and on the instructions, are absent. I t looks like there may have been a last-minute change,or maybe a factory problem that'll be sorted out on later releases.

People have been saying of the photos that Fremble (the blue guy) looks a slightly different colour to his original release. Sadly, my 1985 Fremble lives in the UK, so I can't check, but from memory he looks the same shade, or very similar. If anyone can give a good example of another blue TF to compare him to, I'll be happy to check.

I was pretty excited about Overkill, since he was the only mold here I didn't already own. And yeah, he's fine. His jaw isn't the tightest joint ever, but it isn't exactly loose. And his legs can still come apart, even though the instructions don't say it. Be careful though, his body starts to come apart a little too!

As per the other Encore cassette releases, they each come with a clear tape case.

I imagine that this may be the most popular set of cassettes so far, what with the first use of the Fremble mold since 1987 (I think) and with three popular characters...and Overkill included, I recommend this set. My prediction is that this set could well sell out, so get in fast guys!