Cliffjumper [Legacy United 4-Pack/Deluxe Class]

I thought a good way to end out the year and start the new one would be taking a look at the Target Exclusive Legacy United 4-Pack released this past summer. I got one as soon as they were available on the Target app as these exclusive sets of theirs are usually pretty great. While this one didn't get a catchy name, it sure does have a great set of toys inside. I also figured with Christmas being this week, somebody red would be a good choice to cover. This Cliffjumper toy is a representation of how he appeared in the Transformers Prime cartoon. Like the other characters from Prime in Legacy, he ditches some of the signature style from that series to blend in with a more traditional Transformers aesthetic. It works out pretty well for Cliffjumper who looks a lot like a his on screen counter part. So much so that it's hard to believe he's a repaint and retool of a prior toy.

Cliffjumper used the Chase mold as a base that works pretty well. New to the mold is the bull like robot head that Prime Cliffjumper had as well as a pair of bullhorns attached to his car mode hood. Chase's light bar is removed, but that's to be expected. Cliffjumper was initially voiced by the Rock and they really worked The Brahma Bull into his design. It looks great and natural on a muscle car. I can see some Texan driving this in a Cannonball Run movie. Like with Chase, the transformation is easy, albeit a little involved. In robot mode the figure looks great as Cliffjumper, I really like the red. There's plenty of articulation and he retains Chase's weapons that are now in a pleasant translucent black. I liked Chase quite a bit, so it's probably to no surprise that like this Cliffjumper. I say on the site a lot that nice things are nice. Seeing as I'm posting this on Christmas Eve, nice things tend to be favored by another guy in red. This Cliffjumper definitely isn't getting any coal in his stocking.

Thundertron [Legacy United/Voyager Class]

Shimber me timbers and do something with rum, there be pirates attacking and booty afoot. Thundertron, the leader of the Star Seekers has received a glorious update in Legacy United! Not to be outdone, his crew will be making a showing later at Walmart stores. For now, let's take a look at his newest toy. Thundertron is a space pirate who transforms into a lion. If you've noticed that the lion is specifically robotic, that's because he scanned the alt mode while on Planet Zi. You know, the home of Zoids. Thundertron's name is a combination of Thundercats and Voltron, this guy is chock full of homages. Like the original, this is one cool toy.

Thundertron comes with a cutlass and features claws on his fists. His right leg can be converted to a peg leg by removing the foot. Said foot can attach to the cutlass for a more imposing looking sword as well give you a place to store it. I left the foot on in the pics because he kept falling over. That foot is a rear foot for the lion, so try not to lose yours. Speaking of the lion, transformation is fairly easy. There is a few points you'll have to get exactly right... which is just Transformers design these days. Specifically the robot mode arms fold up into the lion's neck and the exact positioning of them isn't immediately obvious. The way the rear legs unfold isn't tricky, but it took me a minute to unfold them correctly. They don't transform from robot legs to lion legs the way my brain told me they would after millions of Cheetors. The sword can store on the lions back pretty well and doesn't stand out. Thundertron's cool pirate coat folds into cool Zoid like armor in beast mode. It's a really cool design touch that I loved. In fact, I loved this whole toy. There's nothing I can find to complain about. Considering a repaint of him will come out during the Star Raiders collection later this year, that's a good thing. Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.

Bios: Prowl

This powerful Autobot enforcer is cool under pressure, but hot on the tail of the Predacons!

Firelance Missile:
- Warhead is specifically tuned to track down Predacon energy signatures.
- Even a near miss can short out flight systems, causing Predacons to crash to the ground.
- Allows Prowl to also fire a short-range burst of fire from his grille.

Strength: 7 Intelligence: 9 Speed: 8 Endurance: 7

Rank: 8 Courage: 10 Fireblast: 6 Skill: 9

 

*Prowl's bio was included with Chapter 10 of Tales of the Beast Hunters*

Big Mac Masters

I like McDonald's for the most part. I say most part because there's been times that I didn't care so much for it, but I do like it. Always have. For some reason, I'm extremely fond of their Beast Wars Happy Meals. I like kids meal toys as is, they're fun. Aside from those wonderful Beast Wars Happy Meal toys, there's been some pretty neat Transformers items from McDonald's. Today I feel like talking about the Foodstrap figures. 

These Foodstrap figures were fairly simple little toys of McDonald's food (with straps, get it?). By pushing a button, a Transformers character would pop out of the food. Just a little silly toy, ideal for a fast food promotion. What made them extra neat though was the integration of them into a regular Transformers toy. If you had a Transformers Chronicle Optimus Prime, there was a specific storage compartment in the trailer for these little toys. That's an odd feature... but a cool one.

Bios: Dead End

 

Long exposure to the radiation of Dark Energon has changed Dead End. The formerly talkative Decepticon mercenary now broods quietly in the shadows, staring hungrily at the power cores of his fellow warriors. He's always freaked out the Autobots, but now even his friends think he is scary.

 Strength: 6 Intelligence: 5 Speed: 8 Endurance: 6 Rank: 4 Courage: 8 Fireblast: 6 Skill: 6 

Shattering Prime's Glass

 

Sticking with the concepts that never became a reality subject, Hayato Sakamoto also pitched a pretty simple, fun idea around the same time as Bravemasters. Transformers Prime: Shattered Glass was exactly what it sounded like, a Shattered Glass version of Transformers Prime. It makes perfect sense for an exclusive to E-Hobby line as the Prime toys were winding down around this time. Prime itself was a very popular series.

Providing Prime fans another outlet was a no brainer, not to mention, Shattered Glass itself has been pretty popular. So much that it's found it's influenced other properties. Personally, I really liked the Prime toys and would have enjoyed the new decos on the toys. While the concept of a mirror universe is fun, the cool colors have been my favorite part of Shattered Glass. Seeing that idea on Prime toys would have been pretty great.

Bios: Rumble

Chaos and destruction are all that Decepticon Rumble lives for. His powerful pile drivers send shuddering shockwaves through the earth, strong enough to knock Autobots from their feet, collapse buildings and open chasms in the ground.

Strength: 5  Intelligence: 3  Speed: 8  Endurance: 6  Rank:4  Courage: 7  Fireblast:6  Skill: 4

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 24: Prowl

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 24

The moment Megatron fires the first blast, Prowl has his tactical subroutines run an analysis, but it's not until he sees the Predacons surging into the sky to attack the Decepticon leader that he really understands what's happening. Even Megatron fears the consequences should Predaking learn that the other beasts are still alive. So he's taking the most direct route, hoping to destroy the Predacons before their existence ever becomes a problem. Bumblebee converts to robot mode and moves to charge towards the action, but Prowl stops him. Why commit themselves to a battle when they can sit back and watch Megatron and the Predacons tear each other apart?

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 23: Night Shadow Bumblebee

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 23

After the injuries he suffered in the raid on the derelict starship, Bumblebee understands why Autobot Ratchet has him on light duty. That doesn't make patrol alongside Prowl any less frustrating. He feels fine! So why can't he be out with the rest of his team kicking Predacon tail? With Predaking defeated, the Autobots are free to chase down the rest of the beasts, and hopefully neutralize them before their leader even realizes they're alive. And yet here Bumblebee is, driving down remote backcountry roads alongside Prowl, who wouldn't know action if it raced up and dented his fender. Just as Bumblebee decides he's in for the most boring mission ever, there is a crack like thunder from the sky. Then Megatron streaks down out of the stratosphere, his cannon firing a pulse of energy that blasts the top off a nearby mountain.

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 22: Sharkticon Megatron

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 22

Trapped in a tangle of ancient wreckage, his comm unit so damaged that he can monitor what is happening on Earth but cannot transmit, Megatron seethes with rage. He gropes around in the pitch black silence of the ancient wreck, but he feels nothing but rubble. Until suddenly, his hand happens upon something new. It is the grip of a weapon - unclaimed by the Autobot raid - one that is familiar, though he never thought he would hold it again. He feels memories stir deep within his data banks, and remembers a time long ago on a world consumed by savage hunger. His damaged systems surge to life. The jagged metal pinning him shifts, then twists and warps, bonding itself with his body, repairing damage, but also changing him. His nightvision systems restored, he looks down at the weapon in his hand. It is an object of incredible power - enough, perhaps, to bring the Predacons under control, and do away with the Autobots for good.

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 21: Vertebreak

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 21

Vertebreak can't sense much from the murky interior of the Hyperevolution Chamber in which he waits, half-awake, to be reborn. But he knows that he is being moved. The steady flow of information into his mind from the data connections installed by Shockwave ceases first, and then there is a sensation as the chamber is lifted. He cares little for any of this. All he wants is to be free of the little chamber - to be free to hunt, to fight, and to destroy. He longs to feel the rush of battle. Luckily, he doesn't have long to wait. After a short time in darkness, the chamber opens and Vertebreak smells the familiar air of Cybertron.

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 20: Knock Out

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 20

With Megatron missing, Predaking running wild, and the other Predacons wreaking havoc all over Earth, Knock Out begins to think it might be high time to vacate the planet in favor of somewhere less occupied by dragons. Lucky for him, Shockwave seems to have the same idea. The Decepticon scientist comes to Knock Out looking for his expert help in packing up what remains of the destroyed cloning lab - including the final two Hyperevolution Chambers. Knock Out isn't entirely certain it's wise to be bringing cargo this dangerous with them - but he doesn't really care as long as Shockwave pays for his help by getting him off the planet.

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 19: Arcee

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 19

Arcee has been watching the pattern of attacks on her fellow Autobots with great interest. They are savage and devastating, yes, but they are also random. What's more, the Decepticons have been no where to be seen. Her tactical processors tell her that the Decepticon forces are in chaos - and just as concerned about the Predacon threat as the Autobots are. That's why, when she finds herself tracking Ripclaw to a hidden cave deep in the Canadian Rockies, she transmits the location directly to the Decepticons. Why should the Autobots risk themselves against the Predacons when the Decepticons are probably more than willing to do it for them!

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 18: Beast Fire Predaking

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 18

Even as his blasters spew nova-hot flame across the quickly melting walls of the ancient starship, Predaking scans the cargo hold for signs of the powerful weapons the Autobots have come to find. So focused is he on holding off Optimus Prime and accomplishing his goal that he does not see the skulking form of Lazerback, flitting from shadow to shadow. No one does, in fact, and even as battle rages, the Predacon saboteur manages to plant enough explosives to utterly annihilate the derelict ship. When the charges detonate, all of the combatants are caught off guard. Predaking watches as his Autobot opponents escape with a precious few of the weapon crates in their possession. Only when he turns o make his on escape from the disintegrating starship does he see Megatron, surrounded by fire, plunge helplessly through the damaged floor, followed by hundreds of tons of debris.

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 17: Beast Hunter Optimus Prime

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 17

With Ultra Magnus the latest casualty of the Predacon assault, Optimus Prime decides that enough is enough. Whether the new weaponry discovered by Bumblebee is ready or not, the Predacons must be stopped. Donning the heavy Firebreath Cyclocannons, Optimus Prime steps outside into the hot desert air, determined to find Predaking and bring him down one way or another. He doesn't have far to look. The Predacon leader has come looking for him, armed to the teeth and ready to destroy every last Autobot. That's when Optimus Prime receives a transmission from Autobot Ratchet. "Sir," says the scientist, "I've figured out how to activate our new weaponry. Sending the information to you now." Within moments, the Autobot leader feels power flowing through him, and he knows even before it begins that the fight against Predaking can only end in victory.

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 16: Ultra Magnus

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 16

Ultra Magnus sees the massive Predacon coming from a mile away. He doesn't know who the big dragon is, and he doesn't care. All he knows is that the dragons are dangerous, and must be defeated. He converts to robot mode and leaps into the air, bringing the Forge of Solus around in a shattering blow that would destroy a lesser robot. Grimwing takes the blow, and is only momentarily fazed. The battle is short, violent, and never in doubt. It ends with Ultra Magnus on the ground, disarmed and barely functional. Grimwing stands over him. "Pathetic," he says. "I hoped to learn something from you, but this new race of Cybertronians must all be liars and savages." He leans down to look into the optics of his Autobot opponent, "Be warned. This world is in grave danger from my fellow Predacons. I will restrain them. You and your fellows stay out of my way or be destroyed." And then he is gone, leaving Ultra Magnus dented and smoking in the dust.
 

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 15: Grimwing

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 15

The higher he soars into the unfamiliar sky, the more his mind clears. Grimwing remembers his time in the Hyperevolution Chamber. He remembers the "lessons" fed directly into his brain by Shockwave. But he also knows there must be more to the world into which he has been reborn, and he is determined to discover it. That's when his highly sensitive optics spot a Cybertronian signature on the ground below. Judging by the size and power of the stranger, he knows it must be a brother warrior - a kindred spirit. "Yes! Fight!" screeches Blackbeak, but Grimwing shakes his head. "No. We seek knowledge, not battle. For now," he says, and banks, descending towards the distant stranger.

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 14: Dreadwing

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 14

Dreadwing has known Starscream for too long for the cowardly Seeker to hide from him. Still, when he smashes into his former commander's hiding place, he expects a vicious fight, and is surprised to instead find Starscream with his weapons lowered. "Listen!" Starscream says. "Since when do I flee the moment Megatron is out of the picture? If he was deactivated because of me, I'd take command! As is my destiny!" Dreadwing aches to blast his fellow air warrior to atoms, but he knows Starscream is telling the truth. He levels a finger at the other Decepticon. "You will help me find Megatron then. Find him and bring him back."

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 13: Ratchet

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 13

Autobot Ratchet scowls at the data discs recovered from the Decepticon lab by Smokescreen. Most of them are useless - charred or cracked by the same plasma blasts that had rendered the Autobot warrior himself nearly unable to return to base. But a few have shocking information on them. Information that not only reveals much about the cloning process used to bring the Predacons back to life, but also about the secrets of the powerful new weapons recovered by Bumblebee.

Tales Of The Beast Hunters - Chapter 12: Skystalker

Tales of the Beast Hunters - Chapter 12

Skystalker slides from the murky numbness of his Hyperevolution Chamber and into the heat of battle. His Spark aches to join the battle, but his instincts tell him to wait, to understand where he is. Even as the battle between Smokescreen and Shockwave continues to rage, he takes a moment to look around. He stands in a room full of unfamiliar equipment - a room he nonetheless recognizes as a laboratory. A laboratory in which he - and possibly other Predacons - have been experimented on. His cold, calculating mind is suddenly submerged in anger. His wings spread, and a devastating barrage of white-hot discs fly, burning, blasting, and melting all around him.