Optimus Prime '07
TRANSFORMERS REVIEW
You know the old saying: "A change is as good as a
cardiac arrest". I am sure that was the reaction of a
lot of people when they first saw the designs for the
Optimus Prime that appeared in the Transformers
(2007). But not me.
After over twenty years and over thirty Optimus Prime toys, all variations of the same theme, I am glad of a bit of an update, a bit of something that's sur le feu. Optimus Prime is now a long-nosed "Peterbilt" truck decorated with flames. Optimus has, indeed, pimped his rig.
In vehicle mode, Optimus Prime is a behemoth. Aside from the Masterpiece version, this is the largest cab-only version of the character ever released. Even at a RRP of £40, you get a lot of truck for your buck. With rubber tyres, a working electronic horn and a lot of attention to detail, this vehicle makes a wonderful display piece.
One let down, however, is a noticeable lack of chrome silver that should have been painted on the dull grey plastic. The original Prime had it in spades, and so too does the real-life version of the Peterbilt truck. But it's a detail (or lack thereof) easily understood, since the front grille will become the feet in robot mode. So, no chrome is better than chipped chrome.
The proverbial icing on the cake is the grille-mounted Autobot logo that adorns the top of the truck's nose. All the Autobots from the film wear subtle logos upon themselves, which in Prime's case is a wonderful detail.
The transformation from truck to robot is a complicated yet logical affair. Of all the Optimus Primes, this is the first time that the front of the truck becomes the legs without cheating with the cab-becomes-chest requisite. The "automorph" features make for nice little touches, with the front grille forming the feet and the spring-loaded button that splits the cab to form the chest, pushes up the robot head and activates bright lights and happy noises.
Once in robot mode, Optimus Prime is nothing short of impressive. He is stacked, well-built and well-proportioned. For his size, he has fantastic articulation, and the jointed ankles and wide-spreading feet allow him to maintain balance in all manner of poses. One shall stand, and stay standing.
A lever on his right forearm can swing out his missile launcher that fits comfortably over his hand. Okay, his weapon isn't quite as innovative as his arch-nemesis Megatron's, but everything else about Optimus Prime lubricates all over that.
Without doubt, Optimus Prime is the best of the first wave of Transformers (2007) figures. Pricey, he might be, but considering the electronics, engineering and detail he contains, I think he's worth it. Recommended to all sentient beings.
Optimus Prime was released worldwide in 2007 as part of the line based on the characters from the live-action "Transformers" feature film.
After over twenty years and over thirty Optimus Prime toys, all variations of the same theme, I am glad of a bit of an update, a bit of something that's sur le feu. Optimus Prime is now a long-nosed "Peterbilt" truck decorated with flames. Optimus has, indeed, pimped his rig.
In vehicle mode, Optimus Prime is a behemoth. Aside from the Masterpiece version, this is the largest cab-only version of the character ever released. Even at a RRP of £40, you get a lot of truck for your buck. With rubber tyres, a working electronic horn and a lot of attention to detail, this vehicle makes a wonderful display piece.
One let down, however, is a noticeable lack of chrome silver that should have been painted on the dull grey plastic. The original Prime had it in spades, and so too does the real-life version of the Peterbilt truck. But it's a detail (or lack thereof) easily understood, since the front grille will become the feet in robot mode. So, no chrome is better than chipped chrome.
The proverbial icing on the cake is the grille-mounted Autobot logo that adorns the top of the truck's nose. All the Autobots from the film wear subtle logos upon themselves, which in Prime's case is a wonderful detail.
The transformation from truck to robot is a complicated yet logical affair. Of all the Optimus Primes, this is the first time that the front of the truck becomes the legs without cheating with the cab-becomes-chest requisite. The "automorph" features make for nice little touches, with the front grille forming the feet and the spring-loaded button that splits the cab to form the chest, pushes up the robot head and activates bright lights and happy noises.
Once in robot mode, Optimus Prime is nothing short of impressive. He is stacked, well-built and well-proportioned. For his size, he has fantastic articulation, and the jointed ankles and wide-spreading feet allow him to maintain balance in all manner of poses. One shall stand, and stay standing.
A lever on his right forearm can swing out his missile launcher that fits comfortably over his hand. Okay, his weapon isn't quite as innovative as his arch-nemesis Megatron's, but everything else about Optimus Prime lubricates all over that.
Without doubt, Optimus Prime is the best of the first wave of Transformers (2007) figures. Pricey, he might be, but considering the electronics, engineering and detail he contains, I think he's worth it. Recommended to all sentient beings.
VERDICT:
Optimus Prime was released worldwide in 2007 as part of the line based on the characters from the live-action "Transformers" feature film.