Overload is a remake of the Dropshot mold and a reissue of the “red giant” Armada figure. In the Armada series, Overload was LITERALLY the flattest character (reference in literary theory to a character that is undeveloped and/or devoid of personality) in the whole series – he was either on his back or a weapon system that Optimus Prime Super Mode (or Powerlinx with Jetfire) strapped on to himself. In this incarnation, Overload has a more existential quest to discover himself apart from being Optimus Prime’s version of “Say ‘hello’ to my little friend” as well his true origins. In short, he’s become a knee-jerk reaction to being a “flat” character in the Armada series to become a stand-on-his-own type of guy. He’s also cast as a loner, taking down any Decepticons he runs into.
Overload also has some impressive Tech Specs that are as is follows:
Strength: 7/Exceptional
Intelligence: 6/Good
Speed : 3/Average
Endurance: 9/Superb
Rank: 4/Good
Courage: 8/Exceptional
Fireblast: 9/Superb
Skill: 3/Average
With Tech Specs like this, we can probably assume a few things such as these:
1. Overload is very strong (i.e., Exceptional range Strength Stat) and extremely powerful in long-range combat (i.e., Superb range Fireblast Stat). He does have a handicap in getting these attacks to hit his foes with his low Skill Stat (i.e., Average range).
2. Overload is also cast as being more of a meandering movement with his low Speed Stat (i.e., Average range), but unlike Dropshot he can take the punishment with his Superb range Endurance Stat.
3. Overall from a Tech Specs perspective, Overload’s challenge in combat will be hitting his targets. He has the staying power through his high Endurance and Courage Stats (the later is in the Exceptional range), but that Skill Stat necessitates him putting a lot of ordinance down range.
Aesthetically, he is also beautiful figure and fun to shoot (w/ camera). He is easy enough to morph into his alt mode (and back) and seems pretty durable as though all that back and forth isn’t going to affect him much. While I do not enjoy this coloration as much as Dropshot’s, it has grown on me. However, I’m considering switching their heavy blaster rifles on them as the brown looks much better on Overload (the green isn’t bad though). See more under Dropshot to understand where I’m coming from with this…
The figure also has great articulation at the knees, elbows, waist, and head as well as leg-hip joints and the shoulders. His bulky tread-calves did make impossible for me to put him in a kneeling shooting position, but then again imagine doing even this with a G1! This is great figure that you can find on the cheap in this market. At a local chain store where I live (i.e., Meijer), they’ve knocked down all Universe Classic 2.0 Voyagers to $14 – ooh! I already have them all!!!
Terrain piece conceptualization, design, and construction by Terrain Engineer William Foreman. Bill has some exciting existing pieces in stock as well as being open to make custom/made to order pieces, from small odds and ends to complete dioramas minus your figures! Only your imagination is the limit!
To see other pieces by Bill and/or to contact him, please visit:
Miniatures Unlimited - Creator of War Game Scenery and Terrain. or at Photobucket:
battletable pictures by scuzime - Photobucket or Youtube:
YouTube - terrainaholic's Channel
