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.

With sleeve remove 

Back View

Side View

The inside of the inner box cover comes with a beautifully made artwork of Dino Megazord VS Goldar.

The zord compartments are covered by a really creative looking design of the power coins of each Rangers/Zords.

Individual Zords

In general, all the individual Zords follow the aesthetic of the original version, without much change (except for Tyrannosaurus's head)

Built wise, Mastodon is solid and everything pegs together securely.

The overall deco and finishing are well made, without smudges etc. The surfaces are also texturize.

The trunk and tusks are made out of soft plastic which don't really bend easily

All the Zords also comes with miniature accompanying Ranger. Sadly, there's no paint or detailing whatsoever. The back cover (with the ridges) can be removed and double up as hell support in Megazord mode.

All the Zords also have compartment on the Dinos' head, with sculpted Ranger inside. Again, no paint.

The Pterodactyl, again following the original design. My issue with this is how thin the wings are, maybe due to clearance issue when they're folded in Megazord mode.

Given the Dino mode, it would've been better if it comes with a basic stand for flight mode.

With miniature Pink Ranger

Ranger's compartment

Just like Mastodon, I really like the deco and finishing of the Triceratops. I don't know how it was design for other releases (SOC etc) but for ZAP, the sides of Triceratops can be pulled out giving it a wider look. The horns are made out soft plastics.

The Triceratops head can be tilted upwards at the neck, swivel for the head and comes with movable jaw.

With miniature Ranger

Ranger's compartment

Sabretooth, to me is a bit disappointing. I get that they wanted to stay true to the design but unlike other individual Zords, it would've benefited more from better leg joints.

The overall deco and finishing are nicely done and clean. Hollowness can be seen on the inside of the legs.

Just like Triceratops, Sabretooth Tiger's mouth can be open and the head also came with some basic articulation.

Ranger's compartment 

And the last one, Tyrannosaurus. I really like the silver color used on it, with the red highlights.

It is quite stable despite not having ankle rocker. The waist comes with a swivel, the Dino hands is almost without any articulation aside from upwards closer to body (for Megazord mode)

The jaw is movable. At certain angles, the Megazord head can be seen from the inside or the mouth or at the neck (minor nitpick)

with miniature Ranger 

Ranger's compartment 

Assemble!

The Zords look really good together. The overall finishing does have a bit of premium looks to them, despite without any diecast parts.

Tank Mode

Looks okay, not much to comment on overall design as they follow the original Tank Mode design.

Everything pegs together securely but it took me some time to get attach the Mastodon head to T-Rex chest.

Personally I would've preferred Sabertooth's paws to be able to tilt downward in this mode.

Dino Megazord 

Finally, my one and only Dino Megazord. 

Combining the Zords are quite straightforward. 2 biggest issues that I had were 1) Attaching Pterodactyl to chest as it tends to pop off; and 2) Megazord's horn were uneven. I'm not sure whether one right side had warped or there are excessive room that allow the horns to move around.

I really like the proportion, not too bulky.

2 design choices that impressed me are 1) the heel supports that comes from Mastodon and 2) T-Rex's tail break into 2 parts, to allow waist swivel in Megazord mode without breaking the sculpt too much 

While the individual zords' finishing are clean, there are uneven and patchy paint jobs on the head which from what I gathered, is a common problem.

Ranger's Control Room

One thing that I'm glad is the Master sword is not made out of soft plastic. Even better that it is chromed. But I'm curious to see how long chrome parts will last nowadays.

The Megazord that suits almost most of my criteria

1 - Transforming (as opposed to SRC non transforming version)

2 - Fully articulated (as opposed to Legacy version)

3 - Fully posable. This is usually the issue with large figure with heavy build. Despite having great articulation, heavy build usually made it hard to pose and even worse, will worn out the joint faster 

Another nitpick is that the hands are not articulated but instead just another pair of hands for open fist

The overall articulation is good, you can get most poses in except for some extreme ones 

The fact that the T-Rex leg cant be locked bothers me quite a bit. It's easy for the thigh assembly to come undone when getting into a pose. You have hold the thigh and the T-Rex leg together when moving the legs.

Final thoughts. It's a commendable project by Hasbro. The packaging gives a premium feel to it, as I think that's what they're aiming for.

But is it worth the price? Let's talk some issues

1 - Finishing. Not totally bad. Most are clean, just few smudges especially on the face

2 - Weight. The weight that you feel before opening is the weight of the box, not the figure. The figure is considerably light. It's both a pro and con to me. But the light weight makes it easier to pose. But there's such a thing as TOO LIGHT.

3 - Weak/Non-existent tabbing. The Pterodactyl easily pop off. The T-Rex legs aren't secured. 

While ZAP is a new project, for a company that also releases a full line of transforming robot, it's not an excuse. And it seems the box quality and presentation jacked up the overall price of the release. Premium box is great, no doubt, for the novelty of it. But the figure itself is the main focus.

Would've I bought it if I had known beforehand? Yes. But the price VS quality is not something that I'm comfortable with.