On my third and final preview post for the new Transformers: Age of Extinction toys, I bring you Leader Optimus Prime. You’ve already seen me dish about Drift, Slag and Grimlock, so what did I think about the latest incarnation of the leader of the heroic Autobots? Read on to find out!
Optimus Prime
Package Bio: OPTIMUS PRIME has long believed that freedom is the right of all sentient beings. He has never wavered from his belief, no matter what has befallen him in battle. Once again ready to defend the people of his adopted planet, the unyielding AUTOBOT Commander prepares for the battle that will allow the AUTOBOTS to reclaim their role as Earth’s honored protectors.
Everything that I’ve already said in my other preview pieces about the excellent and bold packaging and the benefits of easier transformations still apply to Optimus Prime. While his transformation is still “easier” he didn’t pass the “no instructions” test, but in this case, I’m glad considering his class and price point…a large Transformers with an easy transformation is a bit boring. And standing at over 9″ tall, Optimus is one sizable bot who feels very sturdy in both robot and truck mode.
The designers at Hasbro did a great job with both of Prime’s modes – they’re both excellent. As a Leader class figure, he’s not just big, but there’s some higher end features at work here. Optimus Prime features some vac-metal tailpipes, chest panel and on his grille. The grille is where it works the best…I felt like driving Prime around and crashing him into Decepticons as they see their own reflections. There’s also some great paint aps on this figure – Prime’s fire deco continues and looks fantastic. Two other higher end features that I noticed (and appreciated) where rubber tires and a slightly glitter plastic used on the cab that really mimic’s a modern car appearance. The addition of these “higher end” features really helps make Leader class Optimus Prime more than just a bigger version of other Optimus Primes.
As I’ve spent time with the new Transformers: Age of Extinction toys, I’ve been surprised at how much more I’ve enjoyed these toys over my previous forays into the movie lines. The team at Hasbro seems to have found a great balance between maintaining the movie aesthetic while keeping both modes looking good and having an interesting, yet not frustrating, transformation between the two modes. That’s a pretty tall order, but based on my experiences with Optimus Prime, Grimlock, Drift and Slug it looks like they’ve pulled it off. Be sure to check out Optimus Prime and the other Transformers: Age of Extinction toys out in stores everywhere May 17th! Thanks again to Hasbro and HunterPR for providing these early samples for review…I’ve had a blast.
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