Devastation Optimus Prime [Studio Series/Deluxe Class]

Transformers: Devastation was a pretty fun game and now that video game depictions are included in Studio Series, I'm glad to see it included. Admittedly I'm mostly glad to see it included for the character designs than the game itself. They had an almost Studio Ox look to them that I loved and feel like a counter part to the Studio Series 86 series I've been enjoying greatly. I am curious as to why the Devastation figures aren't given the 'Gamer Edition' title like the War for Cyberetron ones were, but I guess this is an easy way to keep them separated.

After all, there's multiple versions of the same character as a gamer edition in Studio Series is obviously going to be confusing. I've been critical of the naming in Transformers, so an attempt to stay simple it is appreciated. Once again, Devastation was a fun game, and the designs make for some nice looking figures. Especially with the cell shaded look from the game being carried over. I love cell shading, it's so pretty.

This Optimus has the unfortunate luck of coming out not long after the more higher end Commander Class Studio Series Optimus Prime, Missing Link Optimus Prime, and even the same price class Legacy Deluxe G1 Optimus Prime. After those toys meant to celebrate the 40th Anniversary, a regular figure is going to get some unfair comparison. Fortunately enough time has passed since those toys that I can look at it with some fresh eyes and appreciate it on it's own merits. Of course when it was announced, I was originally excited for it as I think it resembles a cab mode Ginrai/Powermaster Optimus Prime. That combined with that Studio Ox resemblance and I was sold right off the bat. In robot mode, this is a pretty great toy.

Lot's of articulation and the design just looks great. I appreciate that he has full smoke stacks. Toy safety laws usually have lead to the shortening of the stacks in the past 20 or so years. Obviously if it makes things safer for a child, I'm not taking any issue with it, but it is nice to see a full set. They are removable and look to be the right size to be safe if swallowed. Optimus also has a removable Matrix of Leadership in his chest. I'll never get tired of this gimmick no matter how many times its done. It's unpainted and the same color as the smoke stacks, so I assume they're molded from the same sprue. The Matrix cannot be held unfortunately, that's probably going to be an issue for someone I'm sure. While Optimus doesn't have his trademark Ion Blaster, he does have his Energy Axe. It has a molded in swoosh effect to resemble being swung in the game. It's a neat weapon. 

Transformation is pretty easy and... pretty much the same as other deluxe sized Optimus's. I guess there's no reason to overly complicate it. The truck is fine, though there's no ignoring the cab portion looking a little small compared to the rest of the truck. If there was a trailer, it'd probably look more proportionate. It doesn't bother me, but I'm sure that it gets under the skin of others.

Admittedly I mainly wanted the toy for the robot mode, so there's that. The energy axe can store on the area of the truck the trailer would fit over. I have no clue what that's called. Overall this is a pretty decent Optimus Prime toy. I was happy to see it in my Easter Basket from the Mrs. and have enjoyed it thoroughly. It's a good toy and it looks great. Once again, I really like it's overall visual. I also like Optimus Prime toys, he's a cool looking robot. Here's looking forward to the other Devatration figures.