Scorponok [Cyberworld/Strike Battle Set]

I've been meaning to get around to looking at the Transformers Cyberworld Scorponok Strike Battle Set here on the site ever since getting the big guy a few months ago. Despite often getting larger toys, I tend to focus on smaller robot toys here. So needless to say, it was a bit of a challenge for me to figure out how to work him into my posting rhythm. I also admittedly don't post about everything I get; however, as I've chosen to cover the entirety of Cyberworld here, these larger bots have to get figured in. Transformers Cyberworld is a very fun series to blog, so it's not a struggle — just a little bit of a challenge.

Being Thanksgiving week, the time feels right for a big robot post. Not to mention, I often find myself remembering the Thanksgiving Day Transformers Energon marathon in 2004. I didn't watch it all, but a good bit of time was spent tuned to Cartoon Network. I enjoyed Energon despite its issues. Speaking of Energon and the toy we're looking at today… this has a very similar design to that series' Scorponok mixed with the traditional character. It's pretty neat — just big robot monster energy all around.

Scorponok is wonderfully big and chonky, coming in at 14 inches tall, which is smaller than a Titan Class Transformer but in a good way. Cyberworld is intended to be a toy line for younger kids, and this is a toy all the way around. He's just big enough to be imposing, but not too large for a smaller body to move around. Honestly, he's still pretty large for me to handle. As the pictures show, I got down on the floor to play with him for this post. Like the other larger Cyberworld toys, he's full of Cyber Changer interaction and that is awesome.

I'm really reminded of Micromaster bases and the various interaction Mini-Cons had with Transformers Armada toys. Also, due to the upsized Legend/Legion Class nature of a Cyber Changer, it's similar to the Cyberverse toys from Dark of the Moon and Transformers Prime. I enjoyed those a lot, and I'm really starting to think Cyberworld is pretty much what would have happened if Action Masters were more successful. Scorponok is not very articulated in robot mode, but not a complete brick either. His arms have quite a decent amount of movement, though his legs are static. Also, his little visor can be moved up or down to cover or uncover his eyes. This is likely to bother some, but I'd think you'd be aware of what you're buying going in.

He's not a cheap toy, but fortunately not as expensive as others out there. Considering it's Thanksgiving week right now, there's likely some sales too. I'm sure you've seen more than your fair share of affiliate links by now. I'm quite fond of his bright colors. While Scorponok is normally a colorful bot, these are very bright and look great. It's a little reminiscent of the Scorponok from that G1 Micromaster commercial. He also lights up on his chest with some sound effects. That's obviously something the target audience would enjoy… but it is fun to see them go off on occasion no matter how old you are.

There's some big guns mounted on his shoulders that are similar to the ones from the G1 toy. Those can be placed in several spots and manned by a Cyber Changer figure, adding to his firepower. In addition, his lower arms can be disconnected and combined with a portion of the scorpion's tail, creating a motorcycle vehicle for a Cyber Changer to ride. There are some small handlebars that plug in that'd be easy to lose, so be careful. In addition, the big guns or his sword can also be  used. Or, if you're feeling wild, some of Grimlock's parts. There's a lot of modular play in use. The sword becomes the scorpion's stinger… but you could swap it out for any of these parts, creating some real creature chaos. Scorponok is something of a final boss character in the cartoon's video game world, so it's easy to imagine him having a variety of attacks.

Transformation to scorpion mode is pretty easy, and you pretty much just lay him down and arrange the arms and insect legs into place. Those big guns can be placed in a few different spots and once again can be manned by a Cyber Changer if you'd like. I didn't point out the handle on Scorponok's back. There's a handle — it's on his back. At first you'd think it's just for easy movement of the big bot, but there's actually a trigger that'll need to be squeezed to fully unfold his robot legs for beast mode. This creates a larger rear section with tank-like treads. The trigger on the handle also sets off various lights and sounds, as does pressing Scorponok's head down. There's a variety of sounds that play seemingly at random, including the classic transformation sound.

This is a great toy that's admittedly not going to be for everyone. Like I said, there's not a ton of articulation and he's definitely a kids' toy upon first glance. However, thanks to the old-school nature of Cyberworld, Scorponok can easily fit next to your older super robot toys on a shelf. I've actually seen pics of fans sticking him next to their G1 Scorponoks and Black Zarak toys. I could easily see him at home among a Brave toy or even some Shogun Warriors. I'd actually wager he's pretty appealing to the jumbo crowd. I like the bright colors and the fun big chonky robot toy nature he brings, and dammit if that saw blade hand isn't great. While the strength of Cyberworld is within the Cyber Changers that are flying off the shelves, giving them a giant playset like this is perfect. It's just hard not to love a big chaotic final boss monster, you know?

Predacon Scorponok (Studio Series/Deluxe Class)

I don't know if it's obvious, but I liked the Scorponok named soldiers from Rise of the Beasts. Considering this is the third toy of one I'm covering on this site, I feel like it might be noticeable. This time we'll be looking at the Studio Series edition of Scorponok, a toy that is a complete upgrade from the prior figures. Scorponok is screen accurate aside from deco, which is a black and purple color scheme more akin to a classic Insection. While that doesn't adhere to the screen accuracy idea of Studio Series... it looks great. It actually looks so good that I wish that these were the onscreen colors.  Scorponok looks extra villainous in this toy. While I enjoyed his Beast Alliance figures... this is clearly the better of his toys. It's just really impressive and I'm very happy with it.

Scorponok is a very freaky Monster Gobot looking robot whom turns into a weird scorpion inspired insectoid. I like to presume that Scorponok represents one of the many Predacons that worked with Scourge's Terrorcons in the movie. It's not really defined, so they all could be a drone type names Scorponok. Characterize them as you will, I liked the movie, but these guys were basically cannon fodder soldiers. They transform into a gnarly scorpion themed insectoid with monstrous pincers. Said pincers contain guns. The scorpion tail is articulated and can be used as a weapon in robot mode. There is a small port on the top of the beast mode back. I wonder of another accessory was planned and left out? Bot modes are fairly articulated and specifically cool looking.

Transformation from robot to beast mode is not very complex, but pretty neat. Scorponok essentially lays down and the set of legs on his robot back fold out. His upper robot legs fold inside the main body, while the lower legs unfold into more insect legs. What's interesting is his pincers. The robot arms fold up with the hands going into the shoulders. You then unfold the pincer arms our from the robots upper torso. I found this to be pretty creative and was pretty impressed with the ingenuity of it all. Neatly enough, Scoponok uses the same head in bot modes, but due to positioning, it manages to look different from itself in either configuration.  I've liked all the Scorponok toys from ROTB, but this is definitely the best. It was a great birthday gift from the Mrs and an absolute pleasure to play around with.

Scourge w/ Predacon Scorponok (Beast Alliance/Beast Combiners)

Coming back to the Beast Alliance figures from Rise of the Beasts is Scourge with Scorponok. This set is a nice departure from the other Beast Combiner. There's something about Scourge rocking the beast armor that just works. Like other Beast Combiner main bots, he is a more simpler figure. That doesn't take away from the pleasantness of him. He's a satisfying toy of the movie incarnation of Scourge with a little more color. In the movie Scourge is really dark while this toy gives us a little visual variety with a mainly copper/brown body. It makes for a good looking departure. He turns into a Mad Max style truck like other Scourge toys.

Scorponok is a pleasantly large partner figure. A scorpion (duh) that combines with Scourge (or any other Beast Combiner) easily by fitting over the base robots head and shoulders. His tail becomes a melee weapon that I like to think is a whip. Combined mode really stands out as it gives Scourge an extra set of arms and an overall gnarly look. It's worth noting that Scorponok fits onto Scourge facing forward as opposed to sideways across the shoulders like the other Beast Combiners. Thanks to Scorponok and Scourge's dirtier colors combined with the more monstrous looks... we get a pretty unique looking robot. There's a definite fantasy flavor to the super robot styling of this toy. I like it. This is a pretty unique Beast Combiner and so far the best looking one I've covered so far. We've got one more Beast Combiner to look at soon, but until then, let's appreciate this mutant freak.

Scorponok (Creatures Collide/Deluxe Class)

Down the hall contained a fright, a once thought dead scorpion who's bark is definitely not worse than it's bite.

Listen, I'm going to give it to you straight. I love Beast Wars Scorponok. So when I saw that his Kingdom toy (that I love) was getting released in the Creatures Collide box set (that I already wanted) in original toy colors... I was sold. I mean, I was already sold... but like extra sold. In addition to the colors, Scorponok also comes with his extra head, you know the one Sandstorm uses. This is a throwback to the Mutant heads of original Beast Wars. So really, this is a pretty great update of that original beast Scorponok. I made my thoughts pretty clear on my Kingdom Scorponok post... I like this toy. I like Beast Wars Scorponok in general. I have Sandstorm too, though I haven't talked bout him here just yet. 

I remember playing the old Beast Wars video game online. There was a PS1 and PC version... I ended up with both somehow. It wasn't the best game ever made, but I had fun playing it. The PC version could be played online in death matches and I'd usually play Scorponok. I almost always got beaten, but had fun. The gaming hub had little chat rooms and for a while it was a pretty decent place to talk Transformers. I usually don't get nostalgic with Transformers, they're something that's never went away for me. An ongoing thing, you know. However, I guess something like this Scorponok toy makes me a little nostalgic for an older, forgotten time. It's funny how Transformers fandom has changed over the years. It's a million light years from what it was in the beast era... but still good.

Scorponok with Sandspear (Beast Weaponizers/Beast Alliance)

Beast Weaponizers are my favorites from Beast Alliance with the individual Beast battle Masters coming in second. I love a good partner figure and love one even better when they turn into a weapon. I was really looking forward to Scorponok with Sandspear ever since the set was announced. Currently, as I don't own the Arcee or Wheeljack Beast Weaponizers yet. It's my 2nd favorite after Optimus Primal. Scorponok just has one glaring problem that I'm going to focus on now before I spend the rest of the post talking about everything I like about it.

His upper body is ridiculously hollow. I expect some hollowness in my Transformers. That's a reality of the line. Either from engineering or keeping the toy on budget, it's just something to expect. Sometimes it can be ignored or is hidden... not with Scorponok. His upper body is literally just the front, there's no back. One can be argued that this is due to the transformation... it feels cheap here and seems like it could of been done better.

With that out of the way... this is a great toy. Scorponok and Sandspear are both scorpions as seen in Rise of the Beasts. Sandspear turns onto a bladed melee weapon that works oddly well. In addition to Sandspear, Scorponok's tail can be wielded as a sword. Clearly he's a melee fighter. The weapons look cool and give an air of menace. Both toys are primarily brown with some accent colors. Scorponok features some green giving him a Rocks Bugs & and Things vibe. If I'm comparing to other toys though and to be honest, this looks like a Gobot. Scorponok's robot head and overall look make me wish Scorponok was a Monster Gobot... because he looks like one. This design feels more like a Bandai toy than a Takara toy.

I really wish a version of this toy in Scorp or Creepy's colors would be released. Sandspear could be one of the alternate colors... or hey McDonald's Scorponok. Whoa. Either way... this is a spiritual Monster Gobot or Devil Invader in my opinion. Scorponok is well articulated and is a really pleasant figure (outside of that back issue) that transforms into a gnarly looking scorpion with some viscous claws. It's a simple toy... but a really cool one. I do hope for some future recolors. It just such a cool set that I want to buy it over and over again in various decoes. I really like it... as you can probably tell. Scorponok with Sandspear is released as part of the Buzzworthy Bumblebee line. That adds to it's uniqueness I think... I don't know how to end this. I just keep wishing he was a Monster Gobot. 

Bios: Black Zarak

Function: Dark Emperor

Abilities: The secret weapon of the Destrons possessing the rebuilt body of the former Mega Zarak using ultra-weight metal. His size is smaller than before, but his weight is heavier. Does he hold a black hole within him? Leaving destruction in his wake wherever he goes, he is the ultimate weapon of mass destruction!

Weapons: Black Hole Cannon, Blacking Cannons, Tyrant Spear, Black Scissors, Golden Scissors.

Final Attack: "Black Thunder."- He utilizes his super-soul power at maximum strength creating a strain on the surrounding fabric of space, swallowing everything like a black hole.

Strength: 10 Intelligence: 10 Speed: 9 Endurance: 10 Rank: 10

Courage: 9 Firepower: 10 Skill: 10

Scorponok the 13th

 

It's Friday the 13th and a pretty good time to enjoy some of the more spooky side of things. I could point out how various talent from Transformers and Friday the 13th have worked on both franchises again, but I thought it'd be a good day to look at a more forgotten member of the scary robot crew. Dark Scorponok! Now, Scorponok is hardly forgotten and generally a featured character, but in the case of Dark Scorponok he was literally just a repaint used to fill out some gaps in Cybertron when the line was just releasing.  With a Black Zarak inspired deco (I'm regretting skipping that Legacy one now, dangit) Dark Scorponok was a pretty good looking update to the Energon Scorponok toy mold. I strongly recall many of us in the Transformers fandom speculating that he was going to be a BotCon exclusive based on early leaks.

This was when Fun Publications first took over and nobody knew what to expect yet. He wasn't a BotCon exclusive, but a normal retail release! However, his characterization was solely in Fun Publications fiction. During Cybertron, the fan club magazine's comic was a side story to the Cybertron cartoon with a variety of exclusives and non-show toys led by Vector Prime addressing the problem on Cybertron. I quite liked the comic and had fun seeing all these toys get some form of life. Dark Scorponok was among the bad guys. As he died in Energon, Scorponok was resurrected as Dark Scorponok on this wasteland of Cybertron that's being destroyed by Unicron's evil.

Dark Scorponok is a almost mindless monster who's main focus is devouring the sparks of other Transformers. He's a pretty big threat whom is eventually dealt with by the Autobots. As a toy, Dark Scorponok is mainly a repaint of the Energon toy with a remolded tail piece. Now instead of a lever to control his 'Hyper Mode' guns, there is a slot to insert a Planet Key matching Cybertron's toy line gimmick.

Bios: Scorponok

 

"Kindness is no virtue... and cruelty is no vice."

Function: Headmaster Commander

Despair and isolation are all that remain in his wake. Believes the poor should be exploited, the weak oppressed, and the noble corrupted. Others' pain is his sole pleasure. In scorpion Mode, tail shoots 100,000 volt electric bursts, has twin pulse blasters, claws can crush mountains. In defense base Mode, has over-the-horizon radar, communications center, anti-aircraft sonic cannon, repair bay, construction bay; semi-autonomous armored interceptor with dual photon cannons that patrols the base perimeter. In robot Mode, has fusion-powered anti-gravity gun. Binary-bonded to Lord Zarak, leader of the evil Nebulans.

What's Your Sign? He's A Scorponok.

This past weekend I lucked up upon the newest Scorponok figure at my local Walmart. I've always liked the Beast Wars Scorponok and getting this newest version of him was something I wanted to do. His original toy is pretty fragile and I keep mine in storage wrapped up in bubble wrap to hopefully preserve the toy. Though time wrecks havoc on older translucent plastic and the figure is mostly composed of it. Definitely having a newer figure if most welcome. Of course I have countless copies of the McDonald's toy as well but you know what I mean. Not to mention, that's a figure of Creepy with the wrong name, I'm convinced. 

Scorponok looks like he walked off the TV from an episode of Beast Wars, the CGI wasn't that bad give it up. It's a really solid representation of him, but admittedly a little squat. That doesn't bother me though, there's bound the be a little leeway to make that design work in a real world object. The show model wasn't super toy accurate mind you. The transformation wasn't my favorite though. Not necessarily horrible, just a little less than stellar when it comes to his hips and chest. Basically the legs both fold up into his tail and the hips fit up with his robot mode into his chest. It's not hard, just a little fiddly. It was for me anyway, I also had a little trouble getting his beast mode head in and out of position. I pinched the shit out of my finger, so it was probably me being fat fingered.

Scorponok comes with his missile pods and infamous Cyberbee. They store neatly in his claws, so you don't really have to take them out. In all honestly, the implementation of these wasn't something super amazing to pull off. I was so happy to see them that you'd think it was. Love that damn cyberbee. I can see a Quickstrike being made from the engineering and hope that happens. That's another toy I'm a little nervous about. I'd gladly welcome Sandstorm or Double Punch... but would want a Double Punch more. I can't help but to want a Scorp made from the toy, you guys know I love my Gobots. Scorponok is a good toy and a great update of a classic character. I was initially stoked to see that he was getting a new figure and had a great time playing with him in my living room. Like a grown ass man would.

Creepy Cousins

The other day I was pondering things to look for at Toylanta. Gobots are pretty high on the list. I always get one or two there. I love the little guys and thanks to their unfair 'poor mans Transformers' reputation, can usually get them pretty cheap. I decided to keep an eye out for Monster Gobots as I love them, but especially for Creepy. While I'd love to get the special mail away version as seen in the awesome commercial above... I'm not betting to hard on sucess with that. However, a standard version might not be impossible. He's mainly purple and black. Which brings a mental comparison I made years ago come to mind.

Look familiar? That's Transmetal Scorponok from the McDonald's Beast Wars Transmetals Happy Meals. It's not exact, but man they sure do look alike. Considering the first Beast Wars Happy Meal toys were all original characters, I wonder just how close it could have been to the Transmetal ones doing the same? Or perhaps using some other names not on shelves like one from the purchase of Tonka? Like... what if we were pretty close to Creepy as a Beast Wars character available with a kids meal? Probably not at all, but that similarity is super close.

Poor Scorponok

Thanks to this commercial I was convinced nothing could stop Micromasters for awhile. I mean, they just hand Scorponok his butt there. Thing is, I was right. Nothing can stop Micromasters, they keep reusing elements of their gimmicks to this day. Which I love. Might I add, I love the animation they used in these old commercials.