Transformers Legacy Commander Class Motormaster - Pictorial Review

Finally back from holiday, got some time to write.

As far as 2022 goes, this is one of the most anticipated releases, seeing how far Hasbro has come since CW

In Package

The box following Legacy's theme of brightly colored neon artwork. No window but not surprising, it's a Commander Class.

Alt Mode

Transformers Legacy Evolution Leader Class Nova Prime - Pictorial Review

Legacy Evolution haven't really been on my radar recently sans few releases but this one caught my attention. 

He is the first official, mass release (well, he is mass releases exclusive though) Nova Prime and second after TFCC Nova Prime. 

In Package

Just like the other special releases, Nova Prime comes in a brown box with code F69595S00. 

The first thing that surprised me is he doesn't come in normal leader class box like previous Legacy Evo or Studio Series (see below). 

Transformers Legacy Leader Class Dragon Megatron - Pictorial Review

 I think this is a fairly awaited figure from Legacy. From my observation the appeal of Beast Wars characters not as good as the core G1 releases (by not much) but I've seen considerable interest for this.

With the release of BW Inferno, the original lineup for Predacons and Maximals are complete, understandable that they ventured further. But skipping Transmetal and going directly to Transmetal 2 seems a bit weird. Possibly due to 1) POTP already released his counterpart and 2) to venture farther away then 'another T-Rex' albeit it's not really the same.

Alt Mode

Personally I think Hasbro gave more attention in doing the BW characters in terms of detailing, more than characters from other series (the same case as MP). However, I'm still surprised by how good this turns out.

Age Of Extinction Platinum Edition Breakout Battle Rollbar - Pictorial Review

It's not uncommon to have a figure from a toyline to be released under different ones. Even in Transformers The Movie (TFTM) toyline, there are a lot of figures from the Unicron Trilogy being repainted and parked under that banner.

Even Universe 2.0 have a lot of non-original CHURG molds released under it. However, only Allspark Power Decepticon Fracture (Classics Mirage) and Classics Bumblebee of The Legacy of Bumblebee are the only characters that use CHURG's original mold to be released under non-CHURG toylines.

The Legacy Of Bumblebee
Pic Credit : Web

Allspark Power Decepticon Fracture
Pic Credit : Web

This year, we see another 2 sets that include CHURG's original molds. One would be AoE Evolution 2-Pack : Optimus Prime; and the other is AoE Platinum Edition Breakout Battle.

Evolution 2-Pack
Pic Credit : Web

Platinum Edition Breakout Battle
Pic Credit : Web

Just like The Legacy of Bumblebee set, I would only hunt the specific character, rather than getting the whole set. Hence for Breakout Battle, I hunt for Rollbar (and the same with Classics Optimus Prime from the 2-pack).

Transformers Legacy Titan Class (Galaxy Force) Metroplex - Pictorial Review

 It's time for the this year Titan. In my experience, he had a cold reception when it was revealed, almost the same as the Ark last year.

True, he may not be something for those who focused on G1 characters. But as a Titan, let's find out

In Package

In box, he's on the heavier side, compared to the Ark. The box art follows the theme of Legacy, with pictures of Kickback, BW Inferno (in pieces, of course) and what looks like Decepticon's ship, Nemesis. A hint?

3 Modes of Metroplex are shown. The less-popular mode, the "work" mode is shown in smaller size. 

Transformers Legacy Evolution Armada Hotshot - Pictorial Review

Buying by association.

One of my issues in collecting. I had kept 1 Legacy Armada Starscream since I have an extra unit but he'd be lonely. So I need to have Armada Hotshot.

Jokes aside though. This year we'll see the release of rebooted Armada figure, namely Armada Optimus Prime (Commander Class) and Armada Megatron (Leader Class).

Of the 3 Unicron-Trilogy series, Armada is the one that desperately need a reboot due to the poor execution despite cool concept.

Alt Mode

This is the 3rd mold for Armada Hotshot after the original release and Universe 2.0

I must say it looks to be underwhelming. Personally I preferred the Universe 2.0 Hotshot's alt mode better.

BUT, he definitely resembles his original toy better.

There is unmatching yellow color on the hood of the car due to being colored transparent plastics. The rims are unpainted which is something that Hasbro really need to stop doing. 

Transformers Legacy Deluxe Class Tarantulas - Pictorial Review

Let's continue with our Legacy releases, this time with another Beast Wars character. Getting closer to the completion of the main Predacon, Tarantulas.

Alt Mode

First and foremost, he's not a retool of Blackarachnia. Clear!

The tarantula mode is solid, unlike Blackarachnia, without any loose parts. 

Transformers Legacy Evolution Comic Universe Voyager Tarn - Pictorial Review

It seems like Hasbro is not letting the TF Fans rest, despite there's only few days left till new year. When you thought that Haslab Victory Saber was supposed to be last, BOOM came Legacy Evolution, Wave 1.

For this wave, the most sought after are 2 release, Deluxe Breakdown (for obvious reason) and Voyager Tarn, which we'll be looking at now

Alt Mode

Tarn, named after one of the fallen cities, is the leader of the Decepticon Justice Division, appearing in the 2005 IDW continuity.

Just like the source material, Voyager Tarn transform into a cybertronian tank. It's safe to say that the base of the design is considerably accurate to the comic.

Transformers Legacy Leader Class G2 Laser Optimus Prime

Been quite busy recently, can't seem to find time to take pictures despite having few new releases. But I think this deserves a review

So far, I've been avoiding Legacy releases (core, deluxe, voyager) and I intended to do the same about him. But I figured I try and give him a chance

In Package

The artwork is gorgeous and very 80s-neon poster vibes. The box is just like recent SS86 Leader where it doesn't have a window. But unlike SS86, the box itself is made out of more solid material 

Transformers Legacy Evolution Titan Class Decepticon Nemesis - Pictorial Review

Sorry for the lack of review recently, June and July had been a crazy month, both at work and personal life.

But I think I don't want to miss the chance of reviewing her.

Yes, her.

The 2nd G1, yet not G1 per say, Titan. The most powerful warship the Decepticons had ever built. The Nemesis

Alt Mode

A new milestone

I've been collecting 'full time' for just about 5-6 years now and have lost count on how many time I've been asked about my rule of collecting. Well, I've had quite a few actually

1 - Once I only collect Hasbro version of CHURG molds.
2 - Bend that rule when I started collecting any Takara version of CHURG molds that were repainted into a new character, like Henkei Strafe from Cyclonus mold
3 - Bend the rule again when I made exception due to 3rd Pary releases. For example, I went for both Henkei and Classics Optimus Prime due to the release of FP DIA Commander, bought both Henkei and RTS Bumblebee to be used with Not-Bumper and Not-Hubcap MGS add on.
4 - Also bend the rule when I went for a repetitive release of the same character when the repaints are good like e-Hobby Decepticon Set where I've already had all the 3 mold (Hasbro version)
5 - Went ahead and start collecting Botcon and TFCC figures if they are using CHURG molds
6 - Due to the fact that with all of this 'exception', I ended up having at least 70%-90% of the variants for each mold, leaving behind only Henkei/United version of the molds
7 - Ended up deciding to collect every single variants ever (officially) release of CHURG molds

Quite happy thinking that I've almost completed pre-2014 releases of CHURG mold


Bumblebee w/ Wave Crusher (Classics )
Cliffjumper (Classic)  
Bumblebee (Henkei)  
Bugbite (Botcon 2007's Game Of Deception)  
Bumblebee (Reveal The Shield)  
Bumblebee (Legacy Of Bumblebee)  
Bumblebee (United)

Inferno    (Classics)
Spark/Pyro (Botcon 2010 G2 Redux)   
Solar Storm Grapple (Reveal The Shield)   
Artfire (Million Publishing Exclusive)   
Hotspot    Inferno (Henkei)   
Solar Storm Grapple (United)

Jetfire    (Classics)   
Dreadwind (Botcon 2007's Games Of Deception)   
Dark Skyfire (Henkei eHobby Exclusive)   
Treadbolt (Universe)   
Skyfire (Henkei)   
Jetfire (United)

Onslaught (Universe)
Hardhead (Universe Walmart Exclusive)   
Clench (Botcon 2012 G2 Redux)   
Onslaught (Henkei US)

Rodimus    (Classics)   
Rodimus (3-packs/2pack)   
Shattered Glass Rodimus (Botcon 2008)   
Wildrider (Henkei)   
Sideburn (TFCC 2010)   
Rodimus (Henkei)   
Rodimus (United)

Silverbolt (Universe)   
Darkwing (Universe)   
Skyfall (Universe Wallmart Exclusive)   
Silverbolt (Henkei US)           

Sunstreaker (Universe)   
Sideswipe (Universe)   
Red Alert (Generations)   
Punch Counterpunch (TFCC 2010)   
G2 Breakdown (Botcon 2011 G2 Redux)   
Breakdown (TFCC 2013)   
Sunstreaker (Henkei)   
Lambor (Henkei)   
Red Alert (Henkei)

Darkmount (Generations)
Skullgrin (Generations)   
SG Straxus (Botcon 2012)   
Darkmount (United)

Dirge (Generations)   
Dirge (United)   
Dirge (Henkei)   

Jazz (Generations)   
Stepper (Million Publishing Exclusive)   
Kick-Out/Kick-Off (Botcon 2012)   
Wheelie    (Generations)
Shattered Glass Treadshot (Botcon 2012)   
G2 Jazz(Ultimate Giftset)   
Jazz (United)

Thunderwing (Generations)   
Skyshadow (Generation)   
Metalhawk (Botcon 2012)   
Thunderwing (United)

Windcharger (Generations)
Windcharger (United)   
Wipe-out (United)               

Wreck-Gar (Generations)
Junkheap (Generation)   
Scrapheap (eHobby Set)   
SG Wreck-Gar (Botcon)   
SG Junkheap (Botcon 2012)   
SG Scrapheap (Botcon)   
Wreck-Gar (United)

* in no particular order of releases
**  name might not be accurate
*** first name (underlined and bolded) are also part of the releases

Still, have a lot of backdated figures on my list right now

Classics       
Megatron (Deluxe)       
Megatron (Deluxe Special Edition)       
Optimus Prime (Deluxe)       
Optimus Prime (Deluxe Special Edition)       
       
Universe 2.0       
Cyclonus (2 Pack)/(3 Pack)       
Powerglide (Universe Walmart Exclusive)       
       
Henkei       
Dinobot (Henkei)       
Cheetor (Henkei)       
Hound (Henkei)       
Smokescreen (Henkei)       
Octane (Henkei)       
       
United       
Megatron (United)       
Perceptor (United)       
       
Generations 3.0       
Crosscut       
Scoop       
Minicon Assault Team       
Armada Starscream       
Rattrap       
BM Tankor       
Crosscut       
       
Exclusives       
Shattered Glass Grimlock (Botcon 2008)       
Scorch (Botcon 2010 G2 Redux)       
Shattered Glass Soundwave (Botcon 2012)       
Dirge (Botcon 2007)       
Shattered Glass Thundercracker (Botcon 2011 G2 Redux)       
Shattered Glass Drift (TFCC 2012 Exclusive)       
Electron (Botcon 2013)       
Thrust (Botcon 2007)       
Shattered Glass Tracks (Botcon 2012)       
Strika (Botcon 2013)       
SG G2 Optimus Prime (Botcon 2012)       
SG Ultra Magnus (Botcon 2012)       
Scourge (TFCC 2013)       
Metroplex (SDCC)       
Ferak (Botcon 2014)       
Devcon (Botcon 2014)       
Astrotrain (Asia Exclusive)       
Galvatron (Asia Exclusive)       
Octane (Asia Exclusive)
Ironhide (Asia Exclusive)       
Hound (Asia Exclusive)       
Mirage (Asia Exclusive)       
       
Takara Generations       
Skids (Takara)       
Rhinox (Takara)       
Waspinator (Takara)       
Hoist (Takara)       
Trailcutter (Takara)       
IDW Orion Pax (Takara)       
IDW Megatron (Takara)       
IDW Bumblebee (Takara)       
Springer (Takara)       
Blitzwing (Takara)       
Sandstorm (Takara)       
Minicon Assault Team (Takara)       
Armada Starscream (Takara)       
       
Transformers Cloud       
Starscream (Takara Cloud)       
Convoy (Takara Cloud)       


*few of the figures haven't been released yet
*some figures are speculation as there's no official news from Takara yet

Basically, still along way to go for pre-2014 figures. But now, my main priority is the 2007 Games Of Deception Box set!

Lightning Collection Zord Ascension Project (ZAP) Dino Megazord (MZ-0101) - Pictorial Review

This is something a bit different than usual. Hasbro announced Zord Ascension Project Dino Megazord and people went mad. They had try-and-error release before, of Dino Megazord (simple version) and Zeo Megazord (non transforming), and while the reception was quite okay, the complain was that it's not at the level of adults collectors

The ZAP announced however, was really well received. In fact I'm curious why is it not under HasLab banner 

Any who, let's see how good it is

In Package

The box really have a lot of weight to it, I kid you not. And the design is really premium, something that I don't usually see on Hasbro releases. In fact, I think it's better than Haslab Sentinel packaging.

Perfect Effect PE DX01 Motobot RC (Pink Version) - Pictorial Review

This time, the choice of review would be a tad bit different than usual. But first, let us see the background of this important Transformers character.

This bot first made an appearance in the 1986's Transformers The Movie, and stayed all throughout the franchise till this day, keep on being updated and reimagined. Although not always great (and there were worst time), the bot have a special place in every TF fans all around.

The bot....she, is Arcee

Not the first female Robot (Fembot) being introduced but she became a regular and can be seen in most of Transformers continuity (maybe not all). Not to be fooled by her appearance, Arcee was an excellent gunner and marksman. During Season 3 and Season 4 of Transformers G1, she can be seen joining missions with Rodimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, Springer and others.

With a female character, there's bound to be love story. Although not much (nor apparent), Arcee was said to have feelings for Hot Rod which withered with his transformation to Rodimus Prime in which she grew closer with Springer.

In Season 1 and Season 2 of Transformers G1, we have our human friend, Spike, being taken cared of by Bumblebee, Arcee somewhat held the same responsibility with Spike's son, Daniel, especially in the last 3 episode of US G1 where Daniel became Arcee's Headmaster partner (although the 3 episodes were ignored during the Transformers Headmasters continuity)

It's interesting to note that there's several version of 'explanation' on where fembots came from. In the animation, it was made clear that there were fembot even before Arcee. In Marvel UK, Arcee came to being as a respond by the Autobots to the human accusation of them being Sexist (WTF?).

But the worst of all.....the origin introduced in the IDW comic....

Yes....I understand...
Pic Credit : Web

Transformers Energon
Pic Credit : Web

Arcee made recurrent appearance in other series such as Headmasters, Energon, Animated, Prime as well as the second movie, Revenge of The Fallen, also in vast amount of publications.

Let's get back to G1 Arcee. Despite being popular, Arcee was damned to never have her G1 toy. There's a lot of rumors as to why this happened, some said the popularity of a female character to not be appealing to boys and another was the abomination of the prototype design.

There was an effort to release a G1 Arcee toy under the Titanium Line but it stop with the death of the line.








There's a few versions of Arcee toys post-G1 in which mostly depicting Arcee as either a motorcycle or car. But one of the most popular of all would be iGear MGT-01 Delicate Warrior

Pic Credit : Web

Yes, the fan rejoice! The G1-accurate incarnation of Arcee. I was fortunate enough to own her and I was pleased. However....the release used her G1-accuracy to make people forget...it was an overly expensive release with crappy quality. "Delicate Warrior" was not just a name I guess.

Despite all that, to each their own i guess. I could understand fans wanted a G1-accurate version of her in which, Delicate Warrior is the way to go.

PE-11 Scouting Force

Now, let me go ahead to the main event. Perfect Effect, a company that is known for releasing an updated version of Frenzy, Rumble and also other G1 cassettes.

However, their breakthrough release would be PE-11 Scouting Force, their take on G1's Reflector.






On August 2011, Perfect Effect release a concept images of what seems to be a homage of G1 Arcee (in robot mode) and prototype of it next to some Classics-verse figures. Many fans (myself included) hold judgement for her due to the fact that her alt mode is a futuristic motorcycle rather than car. But due to my dissapointment with Delicate Warrior, I opted for her on a whim and found myself really happy.