TFC Prometheus [Project Prometheus] - Pictorial Review

*Just noticed that the setup of my camera went haywire, sorry for the quality of the pictures*

It has been almost a year since Gumball was released, and now; Project Prometheus is reaching it's end. For those who missed, below are the reviews of the 5 members of Prometheus chronologically.

• Gumball (Not-Streetwise)
• Warning Line (Not-Groove)
• Hydrant (Not-Hotspot)
• Red Cross (Not-First Aid)
• Verti-Aid (Not-Blade)

Pic Credit: TFWiki

Defensor's existence revolves around the safety of others, specifically to safeguard human life. Yet, in return it becomes his weakness, taken advantage of by his rival, Bruticus and the Decepticons. 

G1 Defensor
Pic Credit : TFWiki

Group Shots

To recap, the journey so far;-

TFC Verti-Aid [Project Prometheus] - Pictorial Review

A figure that I've been looking forward to, but mostly because he's the last component of TFC Prometheus. To be frank, when TFC revealed their version of First Aid and Blades months back, only Red Cross (First Aid) really caught my attention while Verti-Aid seemed a bit underwhelming. So, we'll find out whether my first thought of him justified.

Pic Credit : Web

In IDW Generation 1 Continuity, Blade was part of Autobot security force, on duty in the city of Kaon. The force was given task of hunting down the renegade operators of the gladiatorial contests held in the slum areas of Cybertron, which they succeeded. Among the captives, the soon-to-be-known-as Megatron.

Pic Credit : Web

Blade's G1 toy transform into a rescue helicopter that really looks like a Bell UH-1V Iroquois. Despite being a Scramble City-style combiner limb, Blade normally form Defensor's right arm.

Previous TFC Not-Protectobots' reviews can be found below

• Gumball (Not-Streetwise)
• Warning Line (Not-Groove)
• Hydrant (Not-Hotspot)
• Red Cross (Not-First Aid) 

In Package

The last release of TFC that will be using this design. Personally, I like that every TFC combiners has their own theme but keeping the overall look and feel of the packaging.

Unlike other members of Prometheus, I don't really like the artwork of Verti-Aid as I don't really feel the connection between him and Blade.

Back View

TFC Red Cross [Project Prometheus] - Pictorial Review

I know it's late but still, Happy New Year!

This will be my first review for 2015, another release by TFC, the fourth member of Project Prometheus, Red Cross (Not-First Aid)

Pic Credit : Web

First Aid in general appeared togather with the rest of the Protectobots in Generation 1 cartoon, rather then just by himself. It's actually a common fate shared by almost all combiner team members. Aside from that, First Aid also played the role of Autobot's doctor from time to time, healing both his comrades and also aiding their human allies.

G1 First Aid
Pic Credit : Remy

Other TFC Not-Defensor reviews can be found below :

• Gumball (Not-Streetwise)
• Warning Line (Not-Groove)
• Hydrant (Not-Hotspot) 

In Package

Red Cross's packaging follows the same design as the rest of his team members, following TFC way of doing specific design for each combiner team.

TFC Hydrant [Project Prometheus] - Pictorial Review

Another combiner review, coming up! Let's take a break from Maketoys Quantron for awhile and proceed with TFC latest offering, Hydrant (Hotspot) of Prometheus (Protectobot).

Pic Credit : http://www.transformers-universe.com

Hotspot and the Protectobots are closer to the human than any other Autobots, giving their all in protecting them. However, it doesn't mean that they are not natural fighters. Countless time has the Protectobots become the opposing force battling the Decepticons, especially, the Combaticons.

Other TFC Not-Defensor reviews can be found below :

• Gumball (Not-Streetwise)
• Warning Line (Not-Groove)

In Package

TFC Ares [Project Ares] - Pictorial Review

And finally, another project completed, the inevitable review after TFC Phobus, Ares himself. But first, let's recap

Project Ares : Team Members

Project Ares : Alt Mode

Project Ares : Robot Mode

With Mastermind Creations Feralcons

Not-Rampage

Not-Divebomb

Not-Headstrong

Not-Tantrum

Not-Razorclaw

Quite surprising to see that both versions of Not-Predacons has almost the exact same shades of orange, red and yellow.

TFC Phobus [Project Ares] - Pictorial Review

Finally, roughly 10 months after the release of TFC Nemean, Ares is now complete with the arrival of the last piece, Phobus (Not Divebomb). A little back story of Divebomb and the review of Phobus's MMC counterpart, Talon, can be found here.

So, let us begin.

In Package

Phobus's first surprised is the size of the box he came in. It was first hinted by RobotKingdom that Phobus will have the same shipping cost as TFC Nemean (Not-Razorclaw) and SR-71 Blackbird (Not-Silverbolt) however, having it in hand, was quite shocked with the size and the weight.

TFC Warning Line [Project Prometheus] - Pictorial Review

Time for another one! TFC has been releasing their product almost non-stop for few months now. Coming up in September is Hydrant (Not-Hot Spot) and Phobos (Not-Divebomb) on October. Wonder if we'll see a prototype of their new combiner around October or November. But first thing first, this review is about Groove of the Protectobots.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Before we start, I must say this. Groove is a member of the Protectobots and he transform into a motorcycle which can be seen clearly from the picture above....

Despite being in the never-ending war of good and evil, Groove is one of those who hate combat or conflict. A free-spirited bot, Groove find serene in the open highway. However, Groove won't disappoint. Whenever someone needs him, be it the Autobots, the Protectobots or humans, he'll be there

Pic Credit : TFW2005

Other TFC Not-Defensor reviews can be found below :

• Gumball (Not-Streetwise)
• Hydrant (Not-Hotspot)

TFC Aethon [Project Ares] - Pictorial Review

Now, for something that's I've been waiting for. The 4th component of Ares, Aethon (Not-Tantrm)! Can't believe that Ares is almost complete, with Not-Divebomb coming in August/September.

Short backstory of Tantrum can be found at MMC Bovis Pictorial Review.

TFC Conabus [Project Ares] - Pictorial Review

TFC seems to be a a roll recently. They were fairly quite after the release of Nemean but starting with Phlogeus, it's been one after another. Conabus was released not one month after Phlogeus and from what I gathered, Atheo will be arriving at my doorstep in 2-3 weeks time.

For a brief description about Headstrong, please proceed to MMC R-05 Fortis Review

TFC Gumball [Project Prometheus] - Pictorial Review

TFC seems to be on a roll lately. They were on a break after Nemean was released and now, they have Phlogues and Gumball released closely (with Conabus and Not-Groove coming in soon).

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Streetwise is part of Protectobot team that made a fair number of appearance throughout the series, as either as individual, team or combined form. As the team name implies, Streetwise and the rest of the Protectobots (usually First Aid and Groove) spend a lot of their time in rescue missions, helping the human that are affected by Decepticon's evil plan.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

Other TFC Not-Defensor reviews can be found below :

• Warning Line (Not-Groove)
• Hydrant (Not-Hotspot)

TFC Phlogeus [Project Ares] - Pictorial Review

It seems that it's all about the Predacons lately. After Leo Dux of Feral Rex, here's a review of TFC Phlogeus (Not-Rampage) of TFC Ares.

Pic Credit : TFWiki

He wasn't named Rampage for nothing. Pure rage, blazing fury and destructive nature pretty much sums Rampage up. During the Generation 1 cartoon, the Predacons appeared in numerous occasions but more as a group rather than as individuals so it's kind of hard to tell Rampage's role in the cartoon series (at least as far as I remember).

Pic Credit : TFWiki

TFC-008 Wings Of Uranos [Project Uranos] - Pictorial Review

Now, for the last piece of the puzzle. Sorry for the delay I had a slight problem with the supplier that causes the delay and hectic end of 2013 doesn't help.

Years before, during the time of Hercules, TFC decided to release an add on set after his [near] completion, answering to fans request [demand] of a more G1-Devastator-ish aesthetic for Hercules. And TFC answers with the Rage of Hercules set. And I applauded them for that.

Pic Credit : Web

But, with Uranos, TFC decision to release add on even before the combiner was finished was a bit disappointing, considering they were still at the stage where amendment can be made. Okay, that's the end of that. Moving forward, having completed 5 members of Not-Aerialbots team, do you need the upgrade set?
Without further ado, I present to you Wings of Uranos

TFC Nemean [Project Ares] - Pictorial Review

Year of Predaking, no doubt about it. In 2013, Hasbro releases Platinum Edition Predaking and on top of that, 3 companies releases their own version of Predaking. I did a review before on one of MMC Not-Predaking's component, MMC R-03 Bovis

Now, let's see my choice of Not-Predaking, TFC Project Ares, Nemean

Pic Credit : Web

The King of the Beasts, the most fierce and savage among the Predacons. Leading the Autobots hunts, Razorclaw is a dedicated predator, commited with drop of fuel in his system. Forming the most dangerous combiner, Predaking, the Predacons formidable force can only be rivaled by Skylynx

Pic Credit : Seibertron.com

Preda-What?

I feel compelled to post this as never had I have as much doubt on choosing which version should I buy. For official figures, I just follow my CHURG-mold-only rule, simple as that.

Even for 3rd Party releases, I usually made my decision whenenver the product was revealed albeit a few impulse buy like PE Motobot for instance, sold my iGear Delicate Warrior for her. Deciding on TFC Hercules, TFC Uranos, Toyworld Hardbone and Brainwave, all of them were simple choices. But now, there are 3 companies that set to release 3 entirely different Not-Predaking

1 - Unique Toys War Lord

War Lord was never in my consideration. The fact that the individual bots are too small and they looked more like a custom of G1 toys (which they initially were) as opposed to a 'REAL' 3rd Party release

2 - MMC Feral Rex

 This guy is awesome! Had a chance of reviewing R-03 Bovis before and I must say, the quality is superb! The plastics are solid and the joints are tight. All the individual bots look great though not a fan of Not-Razorclaw.

3 - TFC Project Ares

Found the picture today, combining Nemean (Not-Razorclaw) with prototype limbs. There are much to be tweeked as these are only for test shots but i really like them, aesthetic wise. Saw a review of Nemean, clearly showed that the joints and plastics are getting better on him compared to Uranos and Hercules.

I've been back and forth on which is my 'ultimate' Predaking. After weighing a lot of factors like design, quality and price, I will opt with TFC Project Ares.

However, I'll make sure to do MMC Feral Rex review as I already started with Bovis and maybe one day, Unique Toys War Lord

TFC Uranos [Project Uranos] - Pictorial Review

The first of many, the Aerialbots, consist of Silverbolt, Skydive, Slingshot, Air Raid and Fireflight, formed the first Autobots combiners (in the G1 US Continuity), Superion.

Pic Credit : Web

Despite being one of the most popular Autobots combiner ever, Superion is far from perfect, really far. In theory, the combining process of gestalts often results in insanity and instability due to the meshing of disparate personalities into one mismatched whole.

Overcoming this issue, Superion chose not to meld it together, instead shutting all out, the conflicting personalities of the Aerialbots. Deprieved from all that, Superion was left with sole purpose of destroying the Decepticons,  with Menasor at the top of his list, other than protecting the earth and human.

Pic Credit : Web

Superion's design was depicted in the cartoon having a mouth plate however it wasn't the case for his G1 toy nor most of the media, comic etc

IDW's The Transformers:Robot In Disguise #9 Night and the City
Pic Credit : Web

Before we move on, below are the links for the previous Project Uranos's review

TFC Phantom
TFC Eagle
TFC Blackbird
TFC Harrier
TFC Falcon

TFC F-16 Falcon [Project Uranos] - Pictorial Review

Finally, nearing the end of Project Uranos however, despite the long wait, I dreaded the fact that it arrived simultaneously with ACG-HK Metroplex... I'm broke...

Let's continue, with the last member of TFC's Project Uranos (but not the last release, waiting for Wing Of Uranos), F-16 Falcon, Not-Skydive

Pic Credit : Web

Being the geek of the group, Skydive enjoys reading, a lot, before the hobby was destroyed with the release of Twilight Saga (LOL). However, foes are not to take him lightly, as he's capable of mimicking any flight patterns, any aerial tactics thanks to his filled up databank through his 'geeky' hobby. Just as his team members were, except for Silverbolt, Skydive was not, initially, bound to the whole Autobots cause.

TFC AV-8B Harrier II [Project Uranos] - Pictorial Review

It's been 4 months since the last update on Project Uranos. It might be old news already for some, I've just received the 4th member, AV-8B Harrier II (Not-Slingshot)

Pic Credit : Web

A selfish jerk! That pretty much summed him up. Slingshot, along with other members of the Aerialbots, was created as countermeasure and answer to The Stunticons threats. However, Slingshot made it clear that the safety of the earth, human and fellow Autobots are none of his concerns. Not to mention his zero respect to his commander, Silverbolt.

Despite having his opinion about the Autobots and protecting the innocence changed, Slingshot admired the Decepticons Jets and more, Megatron himself. It didn't last as Slingshot and the rest of the Aerialbots went back in time to Cybertron's pre-war era and watched with their own optics as past-Megatron casually destroy past-Orion Pax.

Pic Credit : Web

With that, he declared that Megatron will never be able to run from the Aerialbots ever again! Which Megatron did...over and over again...

The Not-Combiners

It's a cruel time for Transformers collectors, it really is. Generations 3.0 has given us a promising debut with the releases of awesome characters especially Titan Class Metroplex. However, one thing that still lacking, the Combiners, where up until now, there's still no news of HasTak taking the wheel on this and delivering fair combiners to the fans. And so, we turn to 3rd Party companies. After the succesfull release of many ie Fansproject Crossfires, Maketoys Giant, TFC Hercules and Uranos, more combiners are shoved to us ie Maketoys Not-Computron, MMC Feral Rex (Not-Predaking), another from TFC yet to be named and of course, Fansproject Not-Menasor as apart of the Causality line.

Take note that there's 2 scale of combiners, one being the TFC's scale where we have Uranos, Hercules and MMC's Feral Rex. The other one being Fansproject Crossfires (Not-Bruticus and Not-Superion), Maketoys Giant and Not-Computron, etc. I choose the larger ones being that for combiners, I opt to the biggest scale available.

Reference, not accurately scaled
Pic Credit : Web

*Wishing for more combiners in TFC's scale*

TFC SR-71 Blackbird & X-47 Phantom Ray [Project Uranos] - Pictorial Review

Been waiting for quite sometime for him considering that he's going to be the last new mold of Project Uranos (the last 2 are re-tooled of the the first 2 figures). But came across few hick-up with the supplier which resulted in a short delay.

Pic Credit : Web

Created alongside with his comrades of Aerialbots, Silverbolt is the commander of the air team that act as a counter-measure for Decepticons' Stunticons. Built from a low-flying cargo transport vessel, Silverbolt face with an uncanny weakness, height which is laughable considering his role. He fight against it, overcoming his fear and become a great commander leading his strike team

Pic Credit : Web

His first toy in the 80's is proven to be having (at least proportional and) a great design, especially when comparing him with other Gestalts Commander

Pic Credit : Web

In 2008, Hasbro surprised fans with the release of Universe 2.0 Ultra Class Silverbolt with a mold that worthy of the name. It's a shame though him and Onslaught (and Hotspot, in 2012) were released as a non-combiner robot

Project Uranos - Mix & Match

Well, this isn't neseccary but just for fun, here's Eagle and Phantom with Hercules

Mutation?

As you can see, leg that's form by Eagle is abit more longer than of Hercules (thus the thigh is away from each other to match the height). And extending Fireflight's arm mode can match up Hercules's Rage of Hercules set (although a bit skinny)

It's to early to judge, can't wait for the rest of the team

Whose are theseeee???!!!