Devastator [Defender Version]

Today we’ll be looking at the Blokees Defender Version of Devastator, which was a bit of a project to take on. The vehicle mode Constructicons were released across Defender Version series 01–03. These are blind boxes, so that could be a challenge unless you buy the entire case — which is what I try to do. Then you’re required to buy the combining parts kit to merge the vehicles into Devastator. That doesn’t sound like a lot here as I’m typing it, but explaining it can be confusing for some folks.

People get hung up on the whole Defender Version vs Galaxy Version thing, too. The devil’s in the details, and somewhere somebody’s so confused they’re trying to buy hot dogs at Arby’s and getting really pissed off in the process.

One thing to be mindful of when buying the parts kit is that it’s only $4.99 from Blokees themselves. I’ve seen shady dealers trying to pass it off for a lot more — in some cases around $50. I’ve also seen various sources claiming Blokees isn’t allowed to sell it in America or other countries. That isn’t true for the U.S. anymore, as I easily bought it. Just be careful out there and make good decisions. Some of these assholes are trying to rip you off. 

Once you have all the needed parts, you can assemble the MIGHTY DEVASTATOR!

Before we do that, let’s take a quick look at the individual Constructicons themselves. Some of the characters are available in robot mode as either Defender or Galaxy Versions. They’re really neat, but I feel like the vehicles are pretty great too. They’re about the size of a Mini-Con in alt mode, and there’s just something undeniably charming about a set of six little construction vehicles. They’re fun to push around all on their own. I’m particularly fond of Mixmaster’s tiny mixing drum.

The parts kit comes with an instruction manual that I ended up using more than I thought I would. Some parts need to be removed and will not get reused in the final product, so make sure you store them somewhere safe for later. For the most part, the arm guys (Bonecrusher and Scavenger) plug right into place with the lower arms attaching. Scrapper and Mixmaster form the lower legs and it’s not super difficult. Scrapper’s combined mode is fairly reminiscent of the G1 toy, which I liked. You’ll have to remove Mixmaster’s front wheels for Devastator’s stability — you can leave them on, but it creates an uneven foot.

The thighs plug into the leg guys and then into the hips. Devastator’s torso is formed from Hook and Long Haul… really the whole process is very similar to combining the G1 toy. You’ll have to assemble Devastator’s Solar Energy Beam Rifle. Transformers fans of a certain age probably see this weapon when their eyes are closed. I’m glad it was included — sometimes these older weapons get replaced with a generic blaster, and this one is an unmistakable shape.

When assembling Devastator’s head, you get two choices: a static toy-style face or an angry RAWR face. I went with the latter, but you can swap them out as you please. Once assembled, Devastator is AWESOME. He forms a much larger kit than you’d assume given the smaller components — around Voyager-size — and has plenty of articulation. It’s pretty impressive just how expressive he is… especially with the angry face. Normally combiners are a mixed bag when it comes to movement. Classic ones were pretty basic due to their construction. Newer ones have a decent range of motion, but stability tends to negate that. This version, however, is basically an action figure that can hit all sorts of poses. Neat!

I doubt I’ll ever stop singing the praises of Blokees, and considering they’ve got a team of Combaticons coming next… the music is probably never ending. I’m really impressed by this set, and completing it feels like an achievement. Feels good man.