Starscream/Vector Prime two-pack comparison, with pics

As you may or may not know, both Vector Prime and Starscream have already been released in Cybertron - Vector Prime was released as a recolored version of the Galaxy Force toy, but Starscream, originally a Voyager class-sized toy in Galaxy Force, ended up as the huge Supreme size, standing twice as tall as the Galaxy Force version and making him the largest Cybertron figure (at least until Primus comes out).

The two-pack features the previously-released Vector Prime and Starscream. Vector Prime has been released with virtually no changes from his previous Cybertron release, but the Starscream released here is the smaller Japanese mold, and with a spanking-new color scheme!

This isn't really a typical review, as both toys have been released - it will do more of comparing them to the previous same-sized releases.

Vector Prime
(All pictures, left to right, feature the original Cybertron release VP, Galaxy Force VP, and the two-pack Cybertron VP.)
Robot Mode

As you can see, there are virtually no differences between the two Cybertron releases - if there are, I didn't see it.

You'll notice the swords are sagging on the Cybertron VPs. Considering I've had the two-pack less than 12 hours, that's pretty sad. I was wondering why till I took a better look.

Vector Prime's sword

GF VP's sword seems to be a different color, and there's a reason - it's a different plastic - less flexible and MUCH stronger. The Cybertron swords are a much flimsier and transparent plastic than the GF version, and as you can see, they're VERY prone to warping.

Flight Mode

More lack of changes here. Get the idea?

Safeguard - Jet Mode
Safeguard - Robot Mode
Planet Keys

Let's spell it out - there is no difference between the two. None whatsoever. Even the codes on the Planet Keys are identical. Enough time spent here - on to Starscream.

Starscream
(Even though it should be obvious, two-pack Starscream is on the left, and Galaxy Force Starscream is on the right.)
Robot Mode
Flight Mode

As you can see, the color scheme on C.Starscream is MUCH different than the GF version - the light gray is exchanged for a dark, nearly maroon color, with the previous red being replaced by mostly silver. It's a very striking color scheme, and reminds me more of Ramjet (G1 Ramjet, not the white repaint "herald of Unicron" we got at BotCon).

Planet Keys

All three keys - including the Supreme Starscream - are identical, except for GF Starscream's not having the special code. The codes on the Cybertron Starscream keys are the same.


(Clockwise from upper right: LOC Ramjet, GF Starscream, LOC Starscream, two-pack Starscream, LOC Skywarp, Supreme Starscream)

Final Verdict: If you don't have Vector Prime or GF Starscream, I'd get it - the smaller Starscream mold is hard to pass up. You should DEFINITELY have a Starscream mold, whether it be Supreme or Voyager size, and Vector Prime's cool. If you already have Vector Prime, and ESPECIALLY the Cybertron version, it depends if you want the Starscream mold badly enough to have two identical toys.

Mike

 

Loving the Thrust colorscheme... But I really don't want CYB VP...

 

You know the more I see "Ramjet" the more I'm liking him better then SC.

 

Thank you for posting those pics. I now have a idea on the colors for the "Bizarro" Starscream and I too like it. I will have to buy the two pack when I feel better after recovering from a flu.

 

I know getting the extra VP may be a pain, but ask yourself how much you would (or did) pay for GF Starscream, or how much you would pay if this was a Takara exclusive repaint. IT certainly doesn't make the logic of this two pack any better, but it could

I really do prefer the Cyb colors to GF (save for the lack of trim on the wings). One advantage of this VP over standard C-VP is that his wings look straight. Having a second gives you the chance to try customizing - experiment with a wash or using pens to bring out the details.

 

They're not.

Mike

 

I saw them, and with the TRU buy 20 bucks or more and get a free basic, it was pretty tempting.

The problem is that I don't want either figure, really. They were my first two GF figures I got, way back when in January, so there isn't any need for me to get them.

The temptation lays solely with customizing them. Starscream into Skywarp, and VP with a blackwash to bring out his details and to darken some areas. So, the question is do I want to do it? So far, I've been on the fence. I know I won't have forever, but it's a tough choice.

 

Yeah, that's what I was thinking - I'd LOVE to make a Skywarp but man, $35 for the figure and ending up with ANOTHER Vector Prime hurts.   And getting the GF figure is more.

Mike

 

I like the giftset "starscream" more because it doesn't look like Starsceam.

 

Starscream is definitely the stud of the set even with the non-show colors. Vector Prime is the dud. I like VPs mold, but if they're going to rerelease him at least put in some line detail or something like the pic on the package. Still $35 for 2 voyager size figures isn't bad.

 

Wait so the big Starscream with a crown doesn't have a cape?

 

Nope, no cape.

I like the New Starscream colors much better than the original. Granted the original are based on the G1 colors, but those darker colors are really nice. IMO it makes him look like a Decepticon, not like one of the good guys that got transfered into a new line as a bad guy. Oh yea, that did happen didn't it.

 

This in a nice summery of the set and your comparison pics are very helpful. 
And I love the last picture. Has a nice family feeling to it.

 

This is the ONLY reason why I'm purchasing this 2 pack.  

 

I picked this up from my local TRU today. Exactly why I don't know, since I already have the Galaxy Force versions of both Starscream and Vector. I really wasn't going to bother. But Starscream looked soooo cool in those colours...

And the good news is, it looks just as cool out of the box... even though it looks nothing like Starscream. The figure is mainly dark red - much darker than the red trimmings on GF Starscream - with silver and gold trimming. The upper legs and fists are black. He looks much more menacing than GF Starscream in vehicle mode.

I'm calling him Ramjet. Or Thrust. Or something.

The figure seems just as well constructed as its GF counterpart although it feels lighter in the hand. Presumably this is down to the type of plastic Hasbro used, which might also account for the different texture.

Aside from the arms being slightly looser on the Hasbro version, there's no discernable difference in articulation.

Suitably different from either the Cybertron Supreme monster or its Voyager-sized GF counterpart, this toy is well worth the cost.

Or at least it would be if it didn't come with Vector Prime.

The differences between the Hasbro and Takara versions have been well-documented, but there's nothing like seeing it for yourself.

It's not the colour scheme (which I like) or the added Autobot insignia that makes this an inferior toy, it's that damn rubber plastic stuff Hasbro used for the wings and the sword. It's so damn BENDY! Hasbro has produced many other transformers with equally pointy bits in recent years. They didn't make those out of stuff that bends if you look at it the wrong way, so why start now?

The wings on my Hasbro VP are so distorted that one of them won't fold out properly. Plus looking at it from the top, you can tell there isn't a straight line in them. Same story with the sword. Worse, having been bent this way, they refuse to bend back.

I'd have happily shelled out the money for two versions of that Starscream mold, but as it is, I'm feeling a little bit ripped off. Hasbro's VP isn't a bad figure by any means, but it's difficult thinking positively about it when you put it side to side with its Japanese counterpart. The wasted potential just leaps out at you.

 

Man, well if Hasbro wasn't cheap and atleast did the full paint job I think I would get it yet I still will to get the right size Starscream. ( I honestly should order them from someplace online.) The cheap plastic for the wings and sword though, ugh that's a bootlegger thought in my book. What did Hasbro do higher one to handle VP.

Okay though yeah Starscream would indeed be worth it. I choose not to buy that oversized thing. Specially when I will never see the end of the series now. Damn local cable company getting rid of the WB a few years ago.

 

Go to Hasbro.com to see them, or wait till CN shows them in Jan.

 

Seen the first half (minus the real first episodes) but I doubt will be on again on CN. Well at a viewable time anyway. OH well been enjoying Galaxy Force more.

 

I got this set as well. Only real gripe is the fact they used Vector Prime as the pack in! Now I have 2! :-( The should have recolored another figure and packed it in! Or at least recolor VP!

 

he is re-coloured isnt he? or at least "less-coloured"