I really don't get all the distaste for this figure. Everyone keeps saying he doesn't look enough like the original figure but all of the design elements are identical (the flames, the head, everything). It's just not as bulky looking. The vehicle mode does have the mismatched cab, and the bright orange side windows should've been transparent like the rest. But it still looks a lot better then the exposed fists and feet the original had.

The transformation on this figure is great. All you did with the original was extend the feet, split and lower the shoulders, and reveal the head. The truck windshields actually form the chest peice rather then the cheap faux truck features on the original. The legs have a surprisingly detailed transformation. Extra panels folding out, the tires turning and receeding, even the way the feet fold out is original. Plus the transforming sword with a perfect spot for vehicle mode is a very nice touch.

The robot mode is a perfect update to the original. He's got more articulation in every single area and he has the most articulated wrists I've ever seen, a ball joint with a swivel so he can stab! That's something Drift and Bludgeon should've had, too. The detailing is exquisit, there's something going on everywhere but it isn't as busy looking as the movie figures. And the color scheme is spot on with the original, and still looks good. His joints are right and the kibble stays out of the way (except for that orange peg inside his shoulder, of course). His head is on a ball joint and raised high enough to give it a really good range of movement.

Hasbro did screw up on his size, though. Not that I think he should be a voyager, but because they scaled him by his larger mode, the truck. They do this a lot, and we've gotten many a figure that was priced as a voyager or even ultimate that is really the size of a deluxe in robot mode. If they made his robot mode to deluxe scale his vehicle mode would've been a bit bigger then your average deluxe, but that would've made sense since he's a semi and all. They did **** up there.

On a personal note, I love the look of this guy. His edgy aesthetics and darker color scheme makes this version of Optimus Prime look like he's all business. Given his smaller scale and mismatched color scheme, I could see this as a rebuilt Optimus (much as his G2 bio stated) who had to be patched together with limited resources. I could see Ratchet and Wheeljack giving him greater mobility to compensate. Best of all I could see him going straight after he decepticons to bring swift and terrible retribution. He may be smaller, but he's a badass.

 

I love this guys poseability. One thing I did notice is that the rod that connects the wrists to the ball on the end of the rod is SCARY small. I can see that breaking very easily.

 

That is true it is tiny. Like I asked before and nobody responded, does anyone elses backpack not fold down all the way in truck mode? On mine if you fold down the grey backpack that becomes the sword holster in truck mode it doesnt go down 90 degrees so it sits at an angle above the back wheels and looks stupid.

Anyone else have this problem? I want to get a replacement if so.

 

I havent had that problem, although the first time I tf'd him back into alt mode I noticed that the grey parts wouldnt go down all the way. I found there were two little posts sticking out of it that aligned with two slots on the legs. Fit those in and everything lined up just fine.

 

On mine they drove the pin through that grey assembly when pushing it in too far. So it cannot become level. Crap have to go find another lol.

 

I did the same   Sometimes I wish they just stuck with the standard closed hands. I really don't mind big chunky fists.

I like this toy overall though. The head mould is alright, I appreciate the uniqueness.

 

Looks ok but probably my least favourite of the RtS 2nd wave... Still I'm tossing up whether to get him simply to pair him with G2 Megatron.

 

if you haven't gotten him how can you say he's your least favorite?

 

Probably the one he is looking forward to/wants least.

 

How is the orange plastic on this guy? the combination of the blue cab (should have been black) and the orange plastic (clear would have been better) have stopped me picking up this guy.

 

Well, on mine it doesn't want to stay in when I push them into the slots. I wonder if I have to shave the posts or add some glue to reduce the slots.

That's what nailed the fact that I wanted him. I hate faux elements in transformers. This one is honestat least.

Anybody tried to shave a little that orange peg ? It really bothers me but I'm affraid it wouldn't hold the frond end together in alt mode if I cut it shorter.

I don't know if his transformation sheme could allow him to be bigger than that with that vehicule size. Maybe with extenting legs ? Hasbro (or I'd better say the designers at Takara) had no real other choices. But I have to admit that I was a little disapointed to see he was even smaller than the deluxe Classics Prime while the alt modes are roughtly on scale. I feel the G2 update of Prime should always be bigger than the G1. But hey, you can't expect magic. They did what they could. At least, he fits wonderfully with the scouts.

 

if you cut off half of it, it still does what its supposed to in vehicle mode and will stop hindering the right arm. I've done it on two figures and its a huge improvement.

 

Thanks !
I'll do that as soon as I'm back at home  

 

I had no idea the orange plastic on his shoulder was a peg. Thought something happened to mine after transforming it. Or just a qc problem. Thanks for helping to clear that up herugrim. Completely agree that it can be a hindrance especially when posing.

 

I cut it completely off and it didn't affect the alt mode any at all. The big red tab closer to the front of the hood section is more than strong enough (on mine anyway) to hold the whole thing together.

 

Pretty much. On mine, the peg was too small for the hole so it wasn't a friction peg, and there's no notch on it to catch anywhere. Really, it seems completely pointless.

 

I've done it too, and theres no issue in alt mode at all

it is an improvement for posing the shoulder

 

Thanks to you all for confirming that this modification is harmless.
I know a peg that has few minutes to live.

 

i really reeeaaallly love how he also has shoulder smokestacks in robot mode next to his huge-ass shoulder pauldrons

 

All the complaints about this guy seem valid, but he's just too much fun. My favorite of the wave for sure.

The clear orange peg n the right shoulder gets in the way a bit. Has anyone clipped it off? Want to know if the cab is still solid in alt mode without it before chopping.