New Video Review of Vintage Beast Wars Megatron Reissue

That is disappointing. I had really hoped they kept them faithful to the original. Guess it's time to start canceling preorders.

I remember how badly I wanted to own the old BW toys as a kid, now I can live without just fine. I mean sheesh they couldn't bother painting his chest this time.

Hmm. I already have the originals for all four of these re-releases, so this was going to be a skip from me either way. But I'm genuinely confused about who these are intended for. They made changes to the coloring and paint, so its not really for people who collect the original line. They didn't use the updated mold, and the paint changes still don't match the show, so its not for people who value show accuracy. So who are they expecting to pick this up?

Well to be fair, ever since reissues of the original Transformers toys started coming out (I think of the Commemorative Series starting back in 2002 and on), they haven't been 100% the same as the originals either.

It's likely for adults now, who grew up with BW, but haven't seen the toys in many years, same idea with most "G1" re-releases. Most hardcore fans can tell the differences, but many casual "fans-when-they-were-kids" wont really know the difference.

Heck, it's even been asserted at times, that modern-figures in retro packaging (ex. The Headmasters at Walmart) -some casual "fan-when-they-were-a-kid" might even think they ARE reproductions of the original toys .

could be for all those that paid the price tag on half an optimus prime toy compared to the price of the full reissue some years back

Looks like Megatron has the piece missing form it that the toysrus show version had removed too but cant be sure.

blackeyedprime wrote:Looks like Megatron has the piece missing form it that the toysrus show version had removed too but cant be sure.

What piece?

Spider5800 wrote:Hmm. I already have the originals for all four of these re-releases, so this was going to be a skip from me either way. But I'm genuinely confused about who these are intended for. They made changes to the coloring and paint, so its not really for people who collect the original line. They didn't use the updated mold, and the paint changes still don't match the show, so its not for people who value show accuracy. So who are they expecting to pick this up?

People like me who didn't have any of the originals. Toy or cartoon accuracy also isn't a huge stickler for me, these are close enough.

It seems the US will be first to get the Beast Wars reissues in hand. Right now, both Cheetor and Rattrap are in-stock on Walmart's site. Below are the links to buy these two toys, both priced just shy of $23 USD.

Transformers Toys Vintage Beast Wars Rattrap Collectible Action Figure
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Transformers?wmlspartner=FYAGeMjDX6c&=&affs=p&wid=5b6b4213e4b0bcb699adeb9f&u1=&oid=223073.10006940&sourceid=37141976172661509211&affillinktype=3&veh=aff ... /200598161

Transformers Toys Vintage Beast Wars Cheetor Collectible Action Figure
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Transformers?wmlspartner=FYAGeMjDX6c&=&affs=p&wid=5b6b4213e4b0bcb699adeb9f&u1=&oid=223073.10006940&sourceid=37141976172661509211&affillinktype=3&veh=aff ... /662391149

Let us know if your order works out, you never know with Walmart.

I ordered both. I never had a Rattrap and I'm curious to compare Cheetor to the Sonokong version from the early 2000s. Man, haven't thought of that company in a while.

I ordered both as well because walmart store toy aisles are a waste of time

They were supposed to be delivered today but Walmart sent an email early this morning saying both figures were delayed. My gut tells me they're going to cancel since the rest of the figures weren't up.

Has anyone had theirs ship yet? Mine are still delayed while the listings are currently listed as in stock and available for next day delivery. I'm debating whether to try placing a second order to see what happens.

Lore Keeper wrote:Has anyone had theirs ship yet? Mine are still delayed while the listings are currently listed as in stock and available for next day delivery. I'm debating whether to try placing a second order to see what happens.

The hold on the order has been released and I have the money back in my Paypal account. Don't know what to do.

Made a second-order that was just delayed today. Now it'll be a few days and the hold will probably be released. Don't know how they're getting reviews of them but the figures aren't being shipped out.

Let's face it, the only news of interest for these reissues is "where/when can I get it" and "how does it compare to the original release". Well now, I can at least answer that second part for everyone. My original Transformers Beast Wars Cheetor has been well played with so the spots are fading away and I no longer have his tail gun. But there's still enough of him to see how this reissue differs.

Firstly, unlike what some naysayers can say, this reissue's plastic quality is as good as the original 1996 toy. My OG Cheetor's joints have gotten really loose over time so it's nice to have a Cheetor with nice tight joints (but not too tight). This is a quality reissue, nothing feels cheap.

Mold wise, this is not the same mold used for the original Cheetor. It becomes more obvious when looking at the fur and the gut gun. The details are not the same with the fur curling in a different direction and the gut gun's innards pattern looks more organic and misshapen around the edges in the original, while more even on the reissue.

In terms of deco, I am impressed at how they used a yellow plastic that is very close to the original. I thought my OG Cheetor had faded since he wasn't bright yellow but as it turns out, that is indeed his original colour.

The blue paint on the reissue is of a brighter blue, similar to the MP and the Netflix toy, while the original looks more navy (well that's what it looks like now). Also, and this could simply be due to the passage of time, the bronze parts are much nicer on the reissue while mine look more brownish.

But these are all just slight differences, and could be due to age. The main difference is in the three sets of eyes, the beast eyes, robot eyes and mutant eyes. On my OG toy, they are all the same 90s rad fluo green. It gives it a nice uniformity from one mode to the next. In the reissue, all three sets have a different deco. The eyes on the beast mode are a darker forest green, the eyes for the robot mode are bright salmon and the eyes for the mutant head are bronze.

Overall, the quality is as good as you could hope on this reissue and I am glad to have a fresh new "OG" Cheetor in my collection.

Not sure if it's just my monitor, but is that the "newer" green eyed variant of the Original Cheetor, Compared to the 'first edition' blue eyed one? Has anyone ever done a comparison between the the various Cheetor runs? (I'd just always assumed it was *just* eye color).

SpikeyTigertron wrote:Not sure if it's just my monitor, but is that the "newer" green eyed variant of the Original Cheetor, Compared to the 'first edition' blue eyed one? Has anyone ever done a comparison between the the various Cheetor runs? (I'd just always assumed it was *just* eye color).

Yeah, just eye colour, but of the Cheetah and robot mode. Cheetah eyes went from blue, to red to green and robot mode eyes went from gold to green. Not sure where this reissue's red eyes come from.

william-james88 wrote:

SpikeyTigertron wrote:Not sure if it's just my monitor, but is that the "newer" green eyed variant of the Original Cheetor, Compared to the 'first edition' blue eyed one? Has anyone ever done a comparison between the the various Cheetor runs? (I'd just always assumed it was *just* eye color).

Yeah, just eye colour, but of the Cheetah and robot mode. Cheetah eyes went from blue, to red to green and robot mode eyes went from gold to green. Not sure where this reissue's red eyes come from.

One of Takara's variants of Cheetus: Cheetus on TFU.info

Still waiting for Walmart.com to just ship mine.

While the cheetor figure us of great quality the Rattrap feels cheaper than I remember. It has that lighter plastic feel, similar to T30 Rattrap. The price being charged for Rattrap is ridiculous.

have these been found in the US yet or not?

william-james88 wrote:have these been found in the US yet or not?

Not yet, but at least my local Walmarts are resetting the toy sections, that's when new assortments are usually introduced. Shouldn't be too long.

My order is still pending from the Walmart website, even though it was supposed to be delivered in two days. That was like two months ago. I've given up all hope.

Jelze Bunnycat wrote:

william-james88 wrote:have these been found in the US yet or not?

Not yet, but at least my local Walmarts are resetting the toy sections, that's when new assortments are usually introduced. Shouldn't be too long.

One of my local Walmarts just reset and didn't have space set aside fore these.

Emerje

Did we know that Japan would be getting these too? As exclusives to TakaraTomy Mall and the Cybertron Satellite?

https://takaratomymall.jp/shop/c/cTFbwv/

They've also slightly renamed the line as "Transformers: Beast Wars Vintage".

Well, I got them. Both orders acctually. Not sure if the Cheetor I had all these years is a Takara reissue or a Sonokong release.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Well, I got them. Both orders acctually. Not sure if the Cheetor I had all these years is a Takara reissue or a Sonokong release.

So both shipped from Walmart?

william-james88 wrote:

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Well, I got them. Both orders acctually. Not sure if the Cheetor I had all these years is a Takara reissue or a Sonokong release.

So both shipped from Walmart?

Yes, both. Two orders actually as I thought the first one was canceled.

Did any of you opt for the Walmart preorders for the retro Beast Wars figures? I know that preorders at big box stores have been hit or miss but it seems to be a hit here this time. Fellow Seibertronian chuckdawg1999 got his orders the other day and had the time to do a quick review of Cheetor and Rattrap if anyone wanted to see a video review of these. They have yet to appear in store, but should be doing so soon.

Galvatron002 wrote:I found the reissues of Cheetor and Megatron at Walmart in Halifax, NS last week.

They've been found in Canada for months now, as well as other parts of the world. It's in the US that they are still MIA and that happens a lot with these retro releases.

The UK of all places has had these for a while now, though the on-site reviews are bad. Optimus Primal in particular is apparently light, brittle and any paintwork comes off like condensation from a window.

ID Toys has already reduced them, so I'm getting him anyway.

Mistaken_Table wrote:Optimus Primal in particular is apparently light, brittle and any paintwork comes off like condensation from a window.

The original one had the same problem with paint apps, particularly on the beast mode chest. Can you elaborate more about the flaws that people are experiencing with the reissue? I'm curious if it's just people not being familiar with the original toy.

Mistaken_Table wrote:
Optimus Primal in particular is apparently light, brittle and any paintwork comes off like condensation from a window.


The original one had the same problem with paint apps, particularly on the beast mode chest. Can you elaborate more about the flaws that people are experiencing with the reissue? I'm curious if it's just people not being familiar with the original toy.

Tried to check Smyth's reviews again. They've all been removed apart from a single 5-star review! From what I remember it was the red on the knees and upper arms. The cannon/buttcheek flaps snapped after a few swings and the back of the shoulder pads didn't have the flex to get over the tabs.

Yeah, the toy had its flaws, and even my childhood one has lost the cannon flaps, but the paint and plastic is still stellar. Even the arm flapping/rotating gimmick is still going strong after 25 years!

Granted it may have been a few QC hiccups with the 1st production of the re-issues, but to be broken that quickly by adult collectors?

Of course, I'm getting one (I collect Optimus Primals) and I can do my own comparisons.

Mistaken_Table wrote:From what I remember it was the red on the knees and upper arms.

I'm fairly certain that's a problem with the original as well. I've got about a dozen in my store in varying degrees of condition and can post pics of what a larger sample size of the original toy looks like in used condition.

Mistaken_Table wrote:The cannon/buttcheek flaps snapped after a few swings

Those pop off easily, if I recall correctly (and is one of the pieces often missing from loose samples in collections I purchase), and the gorilla head pops off easily on the original. If this is from reviews on a website, regular consumer comments might say "snapped off" but really means "popped off" and possibly doesn't realize that the piece can be popped back in.

Mistaken_Table wrote:and the back of the shoulder pads didn't have the flex to get over the tabs.

This could be something as simple as extra plastic on the pegs that just needs to be cleaned up a little or something simple like that.

Mistaken_Table wrote:Yeah, the toy had its flaws, and even my childhood one has lost the cannon flaps, but the paint and plastic is still stellar. Even the arm flapping/rotating gimmick is still going strong after 25 years!

Sounds like you took good enough care of yours to keep the paint in good condition. Even mine has paint scrapes on the beast mode chest which I've oddly never bothered to replace for some reason or another (or I upgraded it to one with less marks on it maybe).

Granted it may have been a few QC hiccups with the 1st production of the re-issues, but to be broken that quickly by adult collectors?

Of course, I'm getting one (I collect Optimus Primals) and I can do my own comparisons.[/quote]

I've got the reissues (all of the reissues) and the originals. This is making me really want to do some quick galleries for comparisons.

I'm loving the reissues, got all from this line so far. I actually did a video opening the Primal and Megatron
https://youtu.be/XSh9Vvg668E

Right, that's me finally folded and ordered the Optimus. Re-read my posts from last night and realised I was taking reviews as face-value. Even the best figures get bad reviews, right?

Also, didn't realise I was chewing the fat with the boss around here! Galleries for the re-issues would be great.

Lastly, how does the re-issue compare with the 10th anniversary Optimus from the 2-pack with Megatron? I remember him being way lighter but still a quality figure.

Seibertron wrote:

Mistaken_Table wrote:Optimus Primal in particular is apparently light, brittle and any paintwork comes off like condensation from a window.

The original one had the same problem with paint apps, particularly on the beast mode chest. Can you elaborate more about the flaws that people are experiencing with the reissue? I'm curious if it's just people not being familiar with the original toy.

I got this Primal reissue and I have the original, they both feel the same. I still preffer the Legends reissue simply for the headsculpt but quality wise and plastic wise, it's all very similar to me.

I found Cheetor, Rattrap, and Megatron in Victoria BC about a month ago. Still haven’t been able to find Primal, alas. Granted it’s been a few years since I’ve had the original Megatron and Cheetor in-hand (lost in a move about five years ago), but the reissues feel pretty much identical to me. Paint jobs are different, but other than Megatron’s head now being black instead of silver and purple, I think they’re an improvement. I especially like the darker purple of Meg’s beast mode. Cheetor has never looked better all around.

As with the G1 rerelases, it has taken a while for Walmart stores in the US to put these on shelves. And we know they've had them for a while since Hasbro had shipped these off to North America for a few months now. They appeared in Canada, then they were shipping from Walmart.com and now they are finally on actual shelves. The image below comes from a Walmart in California (Mountain View Walmart. specifically) where we can see all 4 releases: Rarrtap, Cheetor, Optimus Primal and Megatron.

This sighting is from TF Fan clonemanager who posted this on the TFW2005 message boards.

I know this isn't the point, but those are some sad looking shelves. Then again, its the same for every shelf in every shop in the UK. Brexit feels more like an embargo at the moment.

As for figures, loved them growing up and the reissues are a good alternative to the originals. *hums Beast Wars theme*

In the UK, Pulse is the only way to get these figures

In the UK, Pulse is the only way to get these figures

I'm not an 'um, actually...' kinda a guy, but IDToys, Kapow and Smyths all have them too. For cheaper in some cases. I paid £35 for the Optimus from IDToys. When the prices inevitably plummet, I'll get the Megs too.

Smyths! Argh how could I forget that one! Gah, though in my post I was talking physical stock in Shops as us UK'ers have generally had to rely more and more on online ordering as times went on. Still, i shouldn't have forgotten that smyths had gotten hold of the UK non-online release

Mistaken_Table wrote:I know this isn't the point, but those are some sad looking shelves. Then again, its the same for every shelf in every shop in the UK. Brexit feels more like an embargo at the moment.

I think that's perfectly in line with a discussion many are having. Those are indeed sad looking shelves, it's the first thing I thought of. BUT I am unsure if that is in the Transformers section or some other section since these are specialty type toys. I know in some of my stores, I found them in a different area.

We have been sent a list of upcoming toys for 2022 and we are breaking them down per line. Of course, since we only have listed names from ordering sheets and no actual listings, you should take these with a grain of salt.

This list below is for the Beast Wars vintage line which is remaining Walmart exclusive for the next year. What is absolutely amazing about the list of toys below is that unlike the ones form this year, some of these were never rereleased and, more importantly, they all come with accessories that have been easy to lose (like Tarantulas' leg missiles and K-9's spinal missiles). It also includes one of the greatest Transformers toys ever made, BW Cybershark. The list is below followed by gallery links for you to see the toys.

Tra Gen BW vintage Terrorsaur x6
Tra Gen BW vintage Tarantulas x6
Tra Gen BW vintage Cybershark x6
Tra Gen BW vintage K-9 x6


Transformers Beast Wars Tarantulas (Tarans) Gallery


Transformers Beast Wars Cybershark Gallery


Transformers Beast Wars Terrorsaur (Terrorsaurer) Gallery


Transformers Beast Wars K-9 (Max-B) Gallery

Coming to you Live from Left Field!

Cyber shark and K9? Welcome figures because unlike the others I don’t have multiple versions, but boy are those left field

Cool, I have K9 and would love to get the other 3 for my collection.

Emerje

Cybershark is my #1 favorite Beast Wars character but I wanted a new version with updated articulation. I obviously have the original. So I was disappointed to see it's just a reissue.

But it's totally awesome to see him on the list & mentioned again after all these years. The stupid fans would never choose a non-show character for anything. Just being honest. Most fans try to erase anything that wasn't in the toon.