So you're complaining about a clinical/unbiased point of view that some may have? Do you think your post adds value in any way?

But to maybe explain why it's better to not have a raving "review" that's pink coloured glasses oriented: It allows people to be aware of the pros and cons of a figure/set, even the difficulties, and make their choice/assessment regarding if they are fine with getting it "anyways". At least they have an idea to what they are getting and less surprise and hopefully kills the usual 10,000 "hey, my copy is like this, does anyone else has such issue?" posts.

We already all know (or should) that these two are reuses of previous molds and are not going to bring much new aside their esthetics, and possible quality issues.

Didn't know that one existed, but looks like it's from an exclusive/special set that I've never seen.

I do like that Kup mold and while I have others, that's been my main Kup to "beat"... The only thing about the Orion Pax version is that I feel that they should have done some changes to really differentiate it from Kup a bit more.

 

I thought giving this Orion a new head, a new chest , new forearms, new legs from the knees down was a lot of changes. All the major parts are new.

 

The Titans Return one (which is what that comment was about)? I looked at pictures and a video and didn't see really much of a difference aside colours and face.

 

You’re right, I misread.

 

Reviews are valid even if they’re negative.

 

Honestly Alpha Trion should've been a mainstream release with Orion being Buzzworthy release.

 

Arrived early about a week ago thanks to Gerrutcamaro. I've been fiddling with the set for quite some time, and I have to say I don't agree with the negative reactions.
One thing I've noticed is that the plastic, especially on Orion's leg panels and front wheel fenders, but also on Alpha's wing panels, is much more softer than on the original releases. Plus, of course Orion inherits the various shortcomings of the SS86 Kup mold, especially in the shoulder area l, which again has unsightly proportions. Finally, the repurposed accessories from the original releases (the two guns and the energon goodies dispenser) make no sense at all.
That said, I don't think the two figures are overpainted, they look gorgeous and have a distinctly premium feel (more Alpha than Orion, to be honest). They look and pose great and the Vector Sigma accessory is really a fine addition. In short, it is one of the exclusives/retool sets that I've enjoyed more since the Quintesson set, and I'm very happy that, also because of the opening of Pulse Europe, it is widely accessible (even though it is costly) also to fans in continental Europe.

 

Good Primus do I love this set.

Part of the reason is that I didn't really give the set much of a look when it was announced. Just saw the colors and was happy enough with the original molds that I was in. I knew there would be remolded parts, but thought it'd be pretty much just the head. Really love the couple other extra mold changes they made especially on Alpha Trion which really tickles my personal spark. Heh, definitely have bias here. Currently have the back cape fully extended so it's both sides of the ship mode and am really liking that configuration.

The head molds are the signature parts of the remolding here and I'm extremely happy with what's been delivered.

Posting some pics comparing it to the Botcon exclusive.

 

I'm personally glad to have the set. It's clear that they plan for alpha trying to pretty much be just displayed in robot mode as they didn't do much at all with the vehicle mode to make it any different than scourge. That said it still looks really good and I like the design of him rather well. As for Orion packs the accessories are odd but I just took the extra blaster I had from my Siege optimus, since he wields the one from the accessory pack, and gave that to him so that he would have his classic blaster.

Included next to alpha trion is his original release from Titan's return but the head has been painted to make him a different character.

 

Question for you guys, is anyone else’s Alpha Trion’s right arm like very loose at the shoulder swivel?? I mean, he can kind of hold his own gun, but nothing heavier than that…

Pretty disappointed but not sure it’s worth buying a second or not. I’m sure this will get an eventual Japanese release, so I’ll probably just wait for that.

 

I was really looking forward to this set and finally got it in today. Sadly the QC bug got mine. Paint chips, a few warped pieces, but the worst part is my Alpha Trion is missing an engine on one of his wings.

I'm planning to contact Hasbro on Monday but I've heard horror stories about their return/exchange process.

 

Pros:
* Both figures add a good deal of remolding to differentiate them significantly from their base toy designs in both modes.
* Paint work is nice and rather screen-accurate, at least on mine
* Vector Sigma and key accessories are basic, but very effective. Avoid the temptation to plug the key all the in the slot in VS.
* Joints on both figures are decent - at least on mine.

Cons:
* The plastic comes off as bendy and lesser quality compared to previous releases. The red on Orion Pax borders on translucent.
* The key accessory can be held by Alpha Trion, but it's not held snugly in the hand. It could use a 5mm peg or some such to be held easily by others
* The dark indigo blue on Pax's fists and crotch looks out of place to me, BUT apparently that's the was the cartoon model colors were.
* Scourge's wing kibble is obtrusive on Alpha Trion,but I appreciate the attempt to make it more capelike.
* weapons & accessories left over from Scourge and Kup seem out of place with Pax & Trion, but you can safely ignore them.

Overall:
* Comparing with the Orion Pax core of POTP Optimus Prime, It's hard to say which makes a better Pax. The plusses and minuses kind of even out. POTP doesn't have to deal with being a remold of Kup (or being in an exclusive pack), but This version doesn't have to deal with combining with the trailer, or having a G1-ish Optimus truck mode. Personally, despite being remolds of other toys, these two are close to best you can get for a representation of the cartoon characters (that can transform into something), and the Vector Sigma and key are solid additions. If you want the characters, and are maybe more interested in displaying than playing with them, I don't think you'll be too disappointed.

 

Yes, avoid plugging the key all the way into VS. I did *once*. Not doing that again. Thought for a second it didn't have a stopping point and would fall inside, but it does have a stopping point. It's just a real pain to pull back out and it's just a much too firm grip anyway.

 

The left arm on mine was too loose at the bicep and wouldn't survive transformation. Even fitting the left arm on the right was a better fit, and Kups right arm also. I suspect the QC on the detachable arm itself was the problem.

With my loose arm, I contacted Pulse and they were on it quickly with a fully prepaid return structure and collection from my home and free replacement.

On quick inspection, my replacement pack seems to have no major QC issues, the arms are both OK and no paint chips. I have not yet removed Alpha Trion nor the accessories.

I think the retools have some flaws, such as Orions new shins don't actually plug-in, but they're not loose, so I'm happy it's just a small design flaw and not a QC problem.

 

Hmm... interesting. Unfortunately, I can't use PULSE returns as I am in Japan and imported it through RobotKingdom--who is usually good about returns, but idk, this would be returning the whole item and I have a feeling they may not help out this time. I guess I'll wait and see what Japan does, as often times, by the time Japan releases, they've usually tweaked the mold tolerances a little bit (the only good thing about getting everything last...)

 

I expected the set to have sold out by now, but still seems in ready supply. You may have good fortune in finding a replacement 

 

The shoulder is only secured by some screws. Try tightening them up.

 

Alpha Trion is pretty good. I've got no desire to transform him so he'll be a glorified action master in my collection. I tried out the 3rd Party (Dr. Wu) accessories and the staff looks good with him. The sword however is ridiculously oversized and doesn't fit with his style imo.


Orion Pax would be good if it didnt use the Studio Series Kup mold, but at least on my copy the arms like to pop off when posing. Not sure if I like POTP Pax more or not, but at least the new one has an alt mode.

Overall a nice set and I'd recommend it.

 

Scourge's kibble actually makes more sense on Trion.
I let the kibble untransformed and painted the rest of the underside magenta (among other additional paint jobs) to make the cape longer.

 

Should have this set at the end of the week. Looks great especially alpha trion