I'm incredibly satisfied with my set. Got it on Friday from AmiAmi for just under $55 shipped and feel like I got my money's worth. The only problems I've had in my case are on Optimus, mostly on his shoulder balljoints. They lack friction, possibly because they're clear-plastic-on-clear-plastic. Rodimus avoids that on his major points of movement- his only downside is a lack of paint apps. But, well, he's a crystal version, so deal with it. I really like how despite being a crystal version, Optimus has what appear to be clear paint apps in order to accomplish the red on his axe and chest. And aside from being a ruby-red robot, Rodimus is a great preview of what is looking like one of the best Animated molds I've gotten to mess with. What's truly interesting to me is: unless I'm missing something, Sons of Cybertron is the debut of both Rodimus AND Deluxe Earth-mode Optimus in the Japanese TF:A line. While many of us are going "zomg, clear Rodimus is the first release", I believe BOTH of the toys in the set are debuting in crystal form over in Japan. Definitely recommended to hardcore fans of Animated, Rodimus, Optimus, or crystal variants. If none of those things heavily float your boat, you admittedly may not get as much enjoyment out of the set.
Have we heard anything/seen pics of Takara's Deluxe Earth mode Optimus? If it's non-battle damaged I am ALL OVER nabbing one.
Nope, they've said nothing about releasing it outside of this set. The mold is cursed to never be available in a normal deco.
Actually, I recall there was very recently a solicit for their version of the Battle Begins 2-pack. Oh no, wait, I was wrong! Nevermind! I've found out that it was the Cybertronian version all by myself through my own memory and life skills.
Damn, finances made me cancel my order for this. Hopefully I can pick it up in a few months. Thanks for the review and pics, Rodimus looks amazing.
I hate clear plastic with the passion and forgiveness of an angry god, but even I can see how fantastic that Animated Rodimus mold is.
Wasn't that a two-pack of Cybertron mode Optimus and Cybertron mode Megatron though? EDIT: Feralstorm is swift
I absolutely love this set. Both figures look great, and are fun as hell to transform, especially Rodimus, best Animated Transformation in the entire line. My only gripe is that I am absolutely terrified about putting the bow in his hand as I'm afraid of snapping off tiny clear plastic Rodimus thumb if I do it too much.
I've never been a Clear TF Fanboy, but damn I want the clear rodimus! Optimus is meh. However I'll wait for the US TRU release. Awesome pics Gog can't wait to see more.
The set is awesome. Of course Rodimus is the bread and butter since it's technically his first release, and Prime we've seen before. My only gripe as well is the loose ball joints on prime, and his shoulder and waist pins are loose. A little sealer in the ball joints took care of the wobble there, but I dare not mess with the pins. Even though the clear plastic seems a lot more durable than figures past, I won't take the chance on these.
I would love to buy this but I have to start saving up for 2010 Unicron. That Rodimus looks really good.
I have to agree, Rodimus is pretty damn sexy. Mine has a few minor imperfections in the paint apps but it's not a big deal. I didn't get the car mode sides to line up right but I'm guessing that was me rather than the mold. Optimus is much less impressive. This is my first time with the mold so maybe it's been covered, but in robot mode is feels pretty floppy. The waist joints a wobbly and the shoulder pieces (with the tires) really need to clip on to the torso, but don't. Also his pipes/cannons seem looser than they should be. It's a good looking figure, especially in clear plastic, just floppy. Yeah, the engine block is the same clear plastic as the pipes on the arms and legs.
If your vehicle sides aren't lining up right, look at the hands after you bend the wrist, make sure the hand is pushed towards the front of the car. They will flatten out a bit and the car's side panels should line up.
