Barricade '07
TRANSFORMERS REVIEW
Barricade represents a first in the Transformers
universe. In a moment of sheer
why-hasn't-it-been-done-before inspiration, the
Decepticon forces have at last allowed one of their own
to transform into a police car.
Not since the days of Soundwave and his cassettes has a Decepticon taken such a human friendly alternate form.
The very idea is moustache-twistingly delicious. If the threat of an ASBO isn't going to put a disorderly individual on the straight and narrow, then a ride in the back seat of this enforcer should do the job. "To punish and enslave", indeed!
Barricade transforms into a modified Saleen Mustang, decorated in a standard "Police" colour scheme. Measuring at just 14 cm from bumper to bumper, the authenticity and detailing on the vehicle is astounding. Equally impressive are the screen printed details such as the "to punish and enslave" motto and the police shield doctored to contain the Decepticon logo.
It's the subtle touches like this that give real character to the vehicle. Kept in vehicle mode, Barricade would certainly not look out of place amongst actual model cars. In keeping with the Decepticon-cum-police-car theme, no one would suspect a thing.
After twenty-plus years of cars transforming to robots, you would think the concept would have become stale by now. Not so. Barricade's transformation is inventive and natural. There's no "automorph technology" as with the other Transformers from this range. Care should be taken though, the shoulder struts and car windows are a little on the fragile side.
There's one word for Barricade's robot mode: menacing. This is police brutality given robot form. Everything from the clawed arms and poised stance to the broken glass facial features (careful children, Hasbro must have thought this face was so sharp, they've made it out of rubber!) suits the character like a balaclava suits a cat burglar.
The "automorph" feature has been eschewed in favour of a spring-loaded extending arm. The mechanism is flimsy and there isn't much punch when the catch is released. It's not so good for punching but perhaps handy for grabbing at any slippery humans that are trying to escape. A small mini-figure of Frenzy comes stored within Barricade's chest, which can be removed and unfolded into robot mode. It's best left where it is, to be honest.
All in all, Barricade makes for an excellent addition to the Decepticon ranks. The choice of vehicle mode, the unique transformation, and the stature of the robot mode are all the evidence you need. Take him away, boys!
Barricade was released worldwide in 2007 as part of the line based on the characters from the live-action "Transformers" feature film.
Not since the days of Soundwave and his cassettes has a Decepticon taken such a human friendly alternate form.
The very idea is moustache-twistingly delicious. If the threat of an ASBO isn't going to put a disorderly individual on the straight and narrow, then a ride in the back seat of this enforcer should do the job. "To punish and enslave", indeed!
Barricade transforms into a modified Saleen Mustang, decorated in a standard "Police" colour scheme. Measuring at just 14 cm from bumper to bumper, the authenticity and detailing on the vehicle is astounding. Equally impressive are the screen printed details such as the "to punish and enslave" motto and the police shield doctored to contain the Decepticon logo.
It's the subtle touches like this that give real character to the vehicle. Kept in vehicle mode, Barricade would certainly not look out of place amongst actual model cars. In keeping with the Decepticon-cum-police-car theme, no one would suspect a thing.
After twenty-plus years of cars transforming to robots, you would think the concept would have become stale by now. Not so. Barricade's transformation is inventive and natural. There's no "automorph technology" as with the other Transformers from this range. Care should be taken though, the shoulder struts and car windows are a little on the fragile side.
There's one word for Barricade's robot mode: menacing. This is police brutality given robot form. Everything from the clawed arms and poised stance to the broken glass facial features (careful children, Hasbro must have thought this face was so sharp, they've made it out of rubber!) suits the character like a balaclava suits a cat burglar.
The "automorph" feature has been eschewed in favour of a spring-loaded extending arm. The mechanism is flimsy and there isn't much punch when the catch is released. It's not so good for punching but perhaps handy for grabbing at any slippery humans that are trying to escape. A small mini-figure of Frenzy comes stored within Barricade's chest, which can be removed and unfolded into robot mode. It's best left where it is, to be honest.
All in all, Barricade makes for an excellent addition to the Decepticon ranks. The choice of vehicle mode, the unique transformation, and the stature of the robot mode are all the evidence you need. Take him away, boys!
VERDICT:
Barricade was released worldwide in 2007 as part of the line based on the characters from the live-action "Transformers" feature film.