Classics Optimus is the Autobot leader with an alt mode of a tractor trailer. This is the second Voyager class piece I have been able to review.
Packaging
Optimus is part of the first wave of the "Classics" line, also part of the first wave to debut a new style packaging. Since he is a Voyager class he is a boxed figure rather than a carded one. The box features a large front window, a large side window, and a smaller top window.
The box features the now popular "flip-card" to showcase Prime's robot mode, this can be found at the bottom right hand corner of the front of the package. On the front of this flip-card, which features the alt mode, there is an Autobot symbol shown parallel to the door window. There is actually no Autobot symbol on the truck in this location and the rubsign is actually on the other side of the truck in a different location. There is no embossed faction symbol like found on the carded figures of this series. Where one side of the box features a window, the other side of the box showcases all other figures in this wave of Classics, including Megatron.
The back of the box, showcases both robot and alt modes, Optimus's bio, and his technical data. There is mention that his smokestacks become a laser cannon AND his wind vane becomes an ion blaster.
The bio reads as such:
Quote:
|
"No sacrifice is too great in the service of freedom." The greatest in a long line of AUTOBOT leaders, OPTIMUS PRIME is a beacon of hope to those who suffer under the tyranny of MEGATRON. He is devoted to the defense of weaker creatures, and has dedicated his life to fighting against MEGATRON wherever he goes. He is unwavering in his compassion, which sometimes allows his enemies to take advantage of him, but he is also utterly without fear in the face of overwhelming odds. Where freedom is threatened, he is an unstoppable force, and a mighty defender of justice and right.
|
Technical Data:
Strength: 10
Intelligence: 10
Speed: 6
Endurance: 10
Rank: 10
Courage: 10
Fireblast: 8
Skill: 10
Optimus is packed in truck mode. There are four twist-ties to remove and he only comes packed with instructions. I have made mention of some things that would have been great additions in my Astrotrain review so I won't repeat them here.
Tractor Trailer Mode
After removing the twist ties you can get Optimus to roll out. The smokestacks need to be added by inserting the pegs into corresponding holes on the back of the cab
Overall the truck mode is pretty solid, it rolls well, and looks good. The paint apps are not haphazardly applied as on Megatron, and there is a rubsign (something which was absent from Megatron for some reason). There is obviously no trailer, which is fine since I would rather leave Optimus in robot mode anyway. I think the removable smokestacks are pretty cool too.
I really think they made a pretty decent likeness with the truck mode, the addition of the weather vane and the silver paint apps on the side may throw some people, but I think it really works with this figure. I would have to say that I am quite pleased with truck mode.
Robot Mode
Now to robot mode. The transformation is much more complicated than the deluxe figure but not as bad as Megatron. Reiterating the instructions here will only confuse people (if my other reviews haven't) so I will spare you. I will just say that it is a little bit more complicated, but not impossible, just follow the instructions and you have the Autobot leader looking just prime.
As stated previously the smokestacks transform into a laser cannon, and I think it looks really good. I think it is a great idea to do for the gun and I am pleased in the results.
Another new look on this Optimus design that I am rather partial to is the side windows/doors which form the outsides of Prime's arms, kind of like shields. I think they look really good, and will help add an element for interesting poses. Optimus also has the clear plastic piece connecting his eyes to the back/top of his head to permit the "glowing eye" effect like Megatron, the problem is the plastic may be either too thick or too dark because the eyes just don't glow that well.
The weather vane moves to Prime's back, which we can clearly see part of it behind his head. This looked weird when I first saw it online, but in person it is not so bad. It looks like it could even serve as a jet pack if you used your imagination, but as stated previously this piece does indeed serve another purpose. The weather vane can detach from Optimus's back and transform into a second weapon, and ion blaster!
While the gun isn't overly impressive, it is still pretty cool. Now you can make Optimus fall backwards off of your coffee table firing both guns back into the air like out of the Matrix. Or you can use a Hard Boiled/The Killer reference if you feel so inclined, the point is Optimus can dual wield, and that is pretty fun to play with.
If you thought that was all, then you would just be so wrong that you would be voted off of the island. Optimus has a third mode of attack! The weather vane transforms back and re-attaches to Optimus, and then the laser cannon transforms back into smokestacks. Then the weather vane is rotated and the smokestacks are attached and the entire assembly is brought upwards and horizontal to form shoulder canon mode.
That is thrice the modes of ass-kickery for those keeping score at home. And although I didn't think that it would, this mode looks pretty cool too.
Overall
Overall I think this toy is fantastic. Optimus is a great likeness and throwback to G1 in both alt and robot modes. He has good balance and articulation which makes for excellent poses. With the ability for three different offensive styles makes for a neat changeup and interesting play.
What would I have done differently in the design of this figure? Not much. The absense of a trailer does not bother me one bit, but I would have maybe included a Matrix or at least made something visible inside the windows on his chest. Then again, G1 Prime didn't have that either, but it would have been a pretty cool extra. The one small issue was with the eye-glow piece that doesn't seem to allow the eyes to glow too well, but it still works a bit with some good light.
Overall I have to give the figure a
10 out of 10, and I am sure you knew that was coming. This is a real good Optimus, one of the better ones we have gotten in a long time in my opinion. And the eye-glow thing is not enough for me to dock his score.
This is a great visage of Optimus that I feel ANY Transformers fan should add to their collection.
