Starscream [Galaxy Version 07-One Wave 2]

I found a little time to assemble this Starscream kit amongst the hectic nature moving has me living currently. It's a very cool Blokees Transformers Galaxy Version kit that represents his appearance in the movie Transformers One.

As I mentioned while talking about the initial wave of Transformers One Galaxy Versions, I really like the combination of the Blokees style with the specific look of the Transformers One designs.

It's a nice combination of visual aesthetics that works very well together. Not to mention, Transformers One was pretty great and I'm all in for anything from it.

One thing I can say about Blokees is that they are always tinkering with their product. You'd think the Hero 10 scale, which seems to be their most popular size, would stay consistent in its builds, but that's not the case. They're always tinkering with it and there's constant change throughout the various series while still keeping them visually similar to each other.

I think the only visual difference I ever really notice is that kits from the early waves (and repaints of those molds) have that super obvious neck, while in the mid-to-later series they've made the necks look better. I haven't gotten a full case of Series 07, instead opting to pick up a blind box or two whenever I'm at Walmart.

One thing I've been noticing is another change to the standard body frame. This one has a ball-jointed waist as opposed to the standard waist from earlier releases, or the more jointed one from more recent series. I'm not sure which one I like better, though I may be leaning toward the more jointed version.

Another change I wasn't aware of involves the joints. They've been universal up until now, but there's now a smaller version meant for the upper arms and elbows. I wasn't aware of that. I just stuck them in out of habit and kept wondering why Starscream was off balance. After I put him away, I did a little looking and... you know those moments where you just stare at absolutely nothing while you realize something? I've got to remember to go back and swap his joints out now.

Starscream has a very sharp-looking design in Transformers One and that translates really well here, making him feel like a more deluxe kit. I'm particularly fond of the metallic silver they used. Initially, I thought I had lucked into one of the special versions from the series, but no, they just made him extra nice.

He's got lasers on the wings of what would be his jet mode if he transformed, along with his trademark Null Rays on his shoulders. Aside from those joints, you've also got to pay attention to his shoulder armor during assembly. It's easy to put it on backwards and not realize it. It's not a giant issue, but if you do, you'll hide some of the painted detail.

Of course he's got the standard closed and open hands and, for some reason, I really want to give him a sword. He's just so nice-looking that it feels like one would just... look great.

Basically, this is a really nice little kit that feels more premium than it is. I wonder if they're making other Seekers from it?

Gimme Monday... no wait... don't

Good morning Zone Base readers and welcome back for another week of robots, monsters, and misadventure! I've got a fun week ahead, but before that, let's talk about the past weekend. I hope yours was well, mine was busy. After a visit to Walmart with the Mrs and enjoying some pizza while watching Five Nights at Freddy's 2, I got to work assembling a new pantry for her. Our old one was a basic cabinet bought after we moved in and now that we've decided to stay for a little longer, it's time to upgrade some of our stuff. 

The new pantry is very nice, but with nice comes a lot of work taking 7 hours. I took an break around 3am to enjoy some Fruit Riot and wacth the TFCON West cosplay contest on YouTube with the Mrs before finally finishing the new pantry. It's in place and she's happy which in turn makes all the work worth it. Sunday, I slept in. After waking and enjoying some breakfast, I disassembled the old pantry and threw it away. Apparently we did it just in time as I was discovering all sorts of structural damage while doing so. Good grief. After a few more tasks, I started work on building some Blokees kits before dinner.

The Mrs made some excellent beef noodle and mashed potatoes. Mom came over and we watched Japanese camper van videos, a recent addiction of mine. I'm not an outdoorsman like my brother, but these are fascinating. Admittedly because I like the gadgets, but still. After dinner I finished the kits while watching paranormal videos with the Mrs. Went went to bed with her falling asleep before me. I watched the newest episode of Kamen Rider Zeztz which was very good as usual and also a little relieving. I was pretty concerned about the ongoing plot (no spoilers). I also updated my Evercade EXP-R as they finally resumed the Highlight of the Month program after a lengthy absence.

This months game is Biomenace Remastered, which as the name suggests is a remastered version of the game Biomenace. Biomenace is a old PC game I'd frankly never heard of before and was admittedly not excited about going in. I was pleasantly surprised to really like it and enjoy the first few levels I got in before calling it a night. I plan to play it a lot more before the Highlight resets next month. However next weekend Pragmata comes out and that's going to take up a lot of gaming time for the next few weeks.

As for toys I got this weekend, boy did I get a good haul. Walmart had a nice selection of Blokees. I got Transformers One related kits. From Galaxy Version series 7 wave 2, I got 2 blind boxes which resulted in Orion Pax (miner) and Soundwave! I also got a Classic Class Shockwave that I look forward to building. Last week I was happy to see that Walmart was now carrying Blokees Marvel kits, but this week noticed they also started carrying Jurrasic World Blokees! I grabbed a blind box egg which turned out to be the Indominus Rex!

Not all were models, Walmart finally had Masters of The Universe Mighty Masters! A new line of pleasantly vintage mini figures that I've been chomping at the bit for. I grabbed He-Man and Skeletor. Man-at-Arms and Beastman are left to find to complete the series, hopefully leading to more waves. Last, but not least is my first experimentation with Armorsaurs. Armorsaurs is a new figure line with a show on Disney +. It's a western adaption of the South Korean show Armored Saurus in the vein of Power Rangers. I haven't watched the show yet, but the toys have been a popular subject in Microfans latley. Considering the new Microman and Micronauts toys out, it's worth noting that something adjacent would gather so much attention.

Armorsaurs features armored heroes with dinosaur themed powers and mecha. The figures have snap on armor as well as dinosaurs available to use them with. The smaller dinos are mecha that the figures can ride that convert from dino to vehicles. There's larger armored dinosaurs also for the figures to ride as well. Right now I'm keeping it small as I dip my toes into the pool. I picked up Liam, who is the series Red Ranger equivalent.

I also got some chrome sticker paper to accompany the colored sheets I've been using for Zone Base stickers. They look cool and I can't wait to print off a batch. I'll be attending Rangerstop this May, so be sure to get one if you're there. Brett, the organizer of Toylanta has taken it over and invited myself to operate Transformers content there! It's been way too long since I've attended Rangerstop and helped it grow is something I'm excited to do!

Well, it's time to get this week started. I've got some site pics to take and stuff around the house to do before work this evening. Thank you all for reading Zone Base. Last Friday was the 10th anniversary of the sites first post and I'm really proud of it. It's super neat to watch it grow over the past decade and very flattering to see all of you come out and support it. Thank you so much. Please share the site with your friends and be excellent to each other.

B-127 [Studio Series/Deluxe Class]

It's a shame Transformers One didn't do as great in the theaters as it's been doing on streaming. Not only was it a great film, but it's got some great toys. I had been putting off getting the Studio Series B-127 for a little while now. Not because I didn't want to get one, but because there was always a lot of them at my stores. So I felt like I could take my time. That turned out to be a good idea as my local Target had him on sale for $12 (which is what a deluxe would have cost in 2012), which was the universe telling me to just buy the thing already. I'm glad I did, because not only was the price great, but the toy is pretty great too. That's the second time I've said something was great and great too. Sometimes you've just got to repeat yourself.

As you already know, this is the Studio Series version of B-127 from Transformers One. As a Studio Series figure, it's nicer than the Prime Changers one I talked about last year. Considering that was already a pretty good toy, nicer should say something. It's more detailed, more solid, more accessories, just better all the way around. Back in the day (and sometimes still today), you'd often see 'STD' and 'DX' on robot toys. It was there to clarify which one was the standard toy (STD) and which was the deluxe model (DX). Studio Series versions are pretty much the DX versions and I'm sure companies have thought twice about putting the term STD on a toy box. B-127 now has more accessories. Instead of just one hand blaster and knife hand attachment, there's two. He's also got a Tracker rifle, one of those generic guns I've been enjoying to talk about with the TF One Blokees. It's neat that he's got so many accessories, as most deluxe class Transformers only have one or two.

He transforms into his Cybertronian car pretty easily, though there is definitely some spots where everything has to be just right. There's just not much wiggle room for error. In car mode he looks as he should, like he did in the movie... which is the point of the figure and how it looks overall. I do like how the weapon storage in vehicle mode makes the car more heavy duty looking overall. It's small, but neat. I wonder who else they could make from this mold that would take advantage of that? I know that I make a lot of comparisons to Microman when talking about modern Transformers, but I feel like one is warranted here. This is another case of the family tree is very evident in the toys design.  I can honestly envision a Takara version using chromed colors (like they did with Transformers Animated) that would make the comparison even stronger. Out of the three B-127 toys I've talked about here, all have been winners. This one is definitely the most premium one of them so far... or should I say DX?

Sentinel Prime [Galaxy Version 05-One]

We've reached the end of the Transformers One themed Blokees case with the most elaborate kit, Sentinel Prime! He's the perfect bot to end our look on this series with. If you're bummed that we've reached the end, don't worry, there's a Galaxy Version 05 volume 2 out with even more bots from the movie. I hope to get it soon, but for now let's look at this extremely amazing AMK kit.

Sentinel feels like a much more deluxe figure than the rest of the bots from this case. He's got extra parts and nicer paint. Let's talk about that paint for a second. The armor bits are nice metallic colors that really pop against the naturally flat colors of the robot parts. He's a regal one and wants you to know it.

The kit uses the new sturdier body as a base and it comes with the two sets of hands and base as you'd expect. Once the main body is assembled, there's some extra parts to put on. His wings most noticeably. Then there's the matching chest and knee ornamentation. I appreciate the double bladed sword as the standard release came with another weapon. I don't have the Studio Series toy yet, so having his movie weapon represented is nice. It's actually two swords that can be held separately if you choose. The wings pop into place with some little pegs and are decently articulated. He's very expressive, so I imagine many scenes from the movie could be replicated.

I'm very impressed with this one, everything just feels so extra. Transformers Blokees heads all assemble pretty much the same. There's the little eye color piece that the neck joint attaches to inside the head. The face piece connects through the eyes and the helmet is in two halves that fit over this. Sentinel does all this the same, but with his helmet being closed off at the bottom and not open... it just feels nicer. There's little peg holes in his forearms that you can attach those arm lasers from Death Tracker of you chose. That doesn't even need to be there and it is. It feels like the designers really chose this kit to show off a little and it certainly impressed me. Good job Blokees.

Orion Pax [Galaxy Version 05-One]

Talking about Transformers One toys over the past year has meant talking about Orion Pax a lot... and there's still several more toys I haven't even touched! That's to be expected when you've got the main character of a franchise. Of course Orion is the earlier form of Optimus Prime who gets talked about often too. Main characters, it's going to happen. Orion Pax was really likable in the movie and has had a good bit of good merchandise, but it's been mostly hybrids of him and Optimus Prime.

Model kits, like today's Blokees, have been the main source for direct representations of Orion. I really appreciate that. In this kit, Orion appears as he before receiving a Transformation Cog. The classic Optimus colors look good on just about anything. To be honest, Orion Pax from Transformers One kinda reminds me of Biotron/Robotman. That's probably just a coincidence, but also it's something I can't unsee.

Once again the Blokees style works excellently with the TF One designs and we've got a great little figure once the build is complete. The build is simple and satisfying. The newer style (no, I will not stop praising it) and Orion's design really form one solid toy. This is one of those times someone would think this was a normal action figure, not a model kit. With all the articulation and the standard set of hands, the kit is expressive enough to match several onscreen scenes. He's got the laser pistol and display stand. That's to be expected. This is a solid kit and a nice representation of Orion Pax as you see him in most of the movie. Series-05 really is great.

Hound [Galaxy Version 05-One]

I've made my fondness for Hound known here before (I've got a lot of soft spots for a lot of characters), so you can imagine my pleasure in seeing his inclusion in this Blokees wave. Transformers One had a large cast of background characters that featured many bots from the 40 years of the franchise. Being an original cast member, of course Hound was there. A minor role as one of the miners (there's no avoiding that pun), he was mainly in the background. But here was there!

Representing his Cog-less form, he looks great as a Blokees. True, we're talking about a basic looking robot... but that signature Blokees style works well with it. Not to mention, Army green just looks great. I wish they'd use it more often. There's a lot of small details in Hound that I really appreciate. I initially assumed he'd be a recolor of Ironhide, but no, there's various sculpted details and details added in with tampos. For a simple bot, he looks sharp.

Of course he's pretty sturdy being the new Blokees build, though his shoulder pads didn't want to stay in place. I've had that trouble with the older style kits before, but this is the first time with the new ones. Not a big deal, but disappointing. Might just be a random instance from the factory. He's got the standard set of open and closed hands and base. Like the others from this set, Hound has one of the generic guns used during the Miners uprising. Like I've said, I kinda like these generic guns. With Hound, however, I wish it could mount to his shoulder as it's similar looking to his original toys rocket launcher. I'm of course smitten with anything Blokees and Transformers One, so of course I'm happy with a character like Hound getting a kit. He looks great and these are just all around good little models. Nice things are nice.

Monday Burst

It's the start of an new week of robots, monsters, and misadventure here on Zone Base. I hope you all had a great weekend, mine was pretty good... and went by way too fast. The Mrs and I did our weekend shopping and even checked out some early Halloween stock in our local At Home and Cracker Barrel. We got some great spooky stuff and had a lot of fun. 

Ealier in the week my Godzilla Megatron came in and I didn't expect my happiness to be that high. I knew I had it on the way and that it was real. But actually holding it in my hand... wow. I'm not sure when the MechaGodzilla Optimus Prime will ship, I guess it's coming later as it doesn't look like anyone has gotten theirs yet either. Speaking of Godzilla, the Mrs picked me up some fun Godzilla stuff while on a shopping trip with her friend. She got me a bag full of Godzilla blind boxes and bags along with some Ultraman, Kamen Rider, Stranger Things, and Shin-Chan stuff. That was super nice of her while they were in Popmart heaven.

My local stores are still pretty barren. I've still not gotten the rest of the Turtles of Grayskull figures and that's causing me some distress. I really want to complete the line and feel so close to my goal. Not to mention,  not a single new Transformer in some time. I haven't gotten the Studio Series B-127 yet... and that's all they seem to have other than leftover TF One stock. It wouldn't be so bad if I wasn't anticipating Cyberworld so much. I really can't wait to get my hands on those! Considering the show is premiering July 12th, I'm hoping they'll be on shelves soon. I did order a case of Blokees. I sure do love them... I just wish they were easier to get!

July the 4th is Friday and I'm gearing up for the holiday weekend. It's going to be a short work week and probably a hard one too. I'm looking forward to the break though and getting some rest. Well, we've got a fun holiday week in store for you all. Thank you for reading Zone Base. I really appreciate your support and just ask that you share the site with your friends. Mutual High Fives everyone, let's get this Monday started!

Optimus Prime [Galaxy Version 05-One]

Being the main character of my main subject matter, I talk about a lot of different Optimus Prime toys. I don't even talk about all of them and there's still a lot of Optimus talk around here. Fortunately he gets some really cool toys. In Transformers One, we got another version of his origin that was pretty great with some pretty great toys as well. I've been praising these Blokees takes on the Transformers One characters and Optimus is no different. Peanut butter and jelly, Blokess and Transformers One. Some things just go great together. .

In addition to the parts that your standard Galaxy Version kit offers is that way cool take on his energy axe. It's always looked good, but was downright awesome the way they used it. Because of that, it stands out to me more here than the normal inclusion would. He's also got that cool generic rifle the various Trackers carry around. It's dumb, but for some reason I just like these generic guns. Of course there's the standard set of hands and display base to stand on. Don't forget that new Galaxy Version build that debuted in this series. It's so much sturdier and better. I can't express just how much better it is. So much. One thing I enjoy is his smoke stacks. Thanks to the way they attach, you can flip them around to simulate when he used them as a flamethrower.

It's just a coincidence, but a cool accident is still cool. I mainly liked that part as when I was a kid and playing with the original Optimus Prime toy, his smoke stacks often got turned around to be used as little gun turrets. Newer editions lack that ability, but my 1984 one could do it. Optimus has a standard Optimus color set, but it's a good color set. So of course it looks great here. Of note is the Matrix shining through his chest windows, which is a nice touch. I like it when there's something going on in those vehicle windows in robot mode. In the end, this is another Optimus... but not just another Optimus. It's a good Optimus. Nice things are nice.

Ironhide [Galaxy Version 05-One]

I've been mentioning how much the blending of Blokees and Transformers One visual styles remind me of Megaman X, and I think Ironhide just might be my best example. Just look at him, he literally looks like Megaman X. Equipped with Rising Fire, maybe. It's a good look. To be fair, I've been comparing Ironhide to Megaman ever since his old SCF toy. I'm not saying he always looks like him, but in some instances he does. That being said, we've got another fantastic Blokees kit from this series with the new sturdier builds.

You know, I really liked Transformers One, but these have really reawakened my fandom for it. TF One was such a good movie, it's good to bask in it some more. Blokees are quickly becoming one of my current favorite TF things to do and this series has been specifically fun. Good times. This is Ironhide in his miner body without a Cog, and it looks pretty great. I appreciate how the characters are getting toys of both forms as they spend most of the movie without Cogs and it's actually a pretty big plot point.

Of course being a Galaxy Version Blokees, Ironhide has the standard open and closed hands and a display base. He's also got that generic laser pistol that looks a lot like his G1 cartoon characters laser. While I'm used to most characters having personalized weapons, I do enjoy the generic guns from TF One. They're not bad looking and represent the uprising which included taking weapons from the look-alike Trackers. See, these Blokees are more than blind boxed models. They're a fun way to enjoy the world of Transformers.

D-16 [Galaxy Version 05-One]

This Blokee of D-16 represents him shortly after getting a Cog, getting his worldview shattered, and bordering on his eventually heel turn into the Megatron we all know. Kinda heavy for a blind boxed model kit, but hey... pretty awesome too. Once again, the Blokees style really fits Transformers One and D-16 looks great. The newer construction style I've been talking about with this series is present and I'm assuming is the new standard going forward.

I can't help but to bring it up so often as it really improves what was already a positive experience. It's always a good time assembling these little bots despite the fingertip pain. No matter how many smaller modular toys you assemble, it'll always hurt. Thankfully this new design negates a little of that pain now that the joints come pre-assembled. It's also super satisfying when the parts click into place. What was always fun now feels a little therapeutic. Put on a little lofi and enjoy yourself.

Once assembled you have a very well done D-16. These little kits don't transform, so there's always that one mouth breather who'll make an Action Master joke. As if Action Masters are a bad thing... and to be frank, these newer designed Blokees really feel like upgraded Action Masters. Many make that comparison with the ReAction Transformers figures, but these feel like they could be sold under the banner. Updated for the modern age with better articulation. All that's missing is an O-Ring, and modern articulation removes the need for those anyway. Galaxy Version is a cool name, but could you imagine if these were called Action Masters? I clearly have.

D-16 looks great, as I said. He's got his fusion cannon and that secondary gun his One design sports. Not Megatron yet, so the details aren't quite as hard. When he swaps out his Cog for Megatronus's though, the look get a little more severe. D-16 is still a good guy here, even if he's on the edge. A nice detail is the carved in Megatronus (he hasn't dubbed them Decepticons yet) symbol on his chest. That little bit of violence inflicted upon him by Sentinel Prime was a good bit of story telling in the movie and I like it's inclusion here. Of course he has the set of open/closed hands and display stand. Though I think D-16 is clearly in a closed first sort of mood at this point. I don't think I've ever had a negative experience with a Blokees and that's the case still with this guy. Great looking, fun build, and overall awesome. What's not to like about that?

Death Tracker [Galaxy Version 05-One]

One of the Blokees kits I was most looking forward to in this series was Death Tracker. Trackers are Sentinel Primes personal guard, with the Death Trackers as the members that work with Airachnid. The Trackers look a lot like the version of Vehicons from Transformers Prime, whom were a very popular bunch of generic soldiers in the Transformers fan community at the time. I honestly thought these generics in Transformers One were Vehicons until learning of their names. Death Trackers, as I said above, are Airachnid's group.

In the movie they're darker colored (to match her, I presume), As a Blokees, they're mostly a dark blue color. It's pretty sharp. Using the new base engineering, the Death Tracker is one solid figure once built. Everything snaps into place and feels pretty solid. The Tracker's wings are included and can be articulated a little for dramatic poses. Death Trackers have some red stripes markings on their shoulder pad... that I now realize was put on the wrong shoulder... whoops. It stands out nicely on the dark blue body and chromed face.  The kit comes with the standard set of hand options, forearm guns, and base as well as the laser rifle seen often in the movie. I like these generic guns, it makes sense... you know? Thankfully Death Tracker features plenty of articulation so that the gun can be used in cool poses. I hope the other color variations show up in future series as it's such a cool looking solder.

Wheeljack [Galaxy Version 05-One]

Wheeljack may have been one of the background characters in Transformers One, but like several of the greater Transformers cast of characters... he's there. That's a good thing as not only does it give us a large cast of with cool designs, but provides toy companies with all sorts of characters to make toys of! Blokees seem like the perfect choice for TF One characters as both styles meet in fabulous ways. Wheeljack is the first kit I assembled from my case and damn looks great!

I've always been a fan of Wheeljack and have always thought he looked cool, but this is a new level of appreciation. I mentioned in my B-127 post how these kits seem like characters out of Megaman X and Wheeljack has me mentally imagining it. Being the mad scientist of the Autobots, he'd would totally be the character that would tell you about all the great upgrades you've gotten between levels!

Wheeljack features that new sturdier design that's seemingly been introduced in this One series. If he had an 'O' ring, you could easily mistake him for a newer Action Master with improved articulation. He's got the two hands that are standard with most Blokees kits and the same laser B-127 has. It's a solid generic gun, so I don't mind. This version of Wheeljack is a miner and doesn't have a Transformation Cog yet, so he doesn't have the wings you normally associate with him. That's perfectly ok, because we're talking about storytelling and TF One told a great ... one. I really like how this kit came out, he just looks so good! The white and gray colors really pop as well. Dang, Blokees just makes good things.

B-127 [Galaxy Version 05-One]

It's time to look at another series of Blokees here on Zone Base. Specifically Galaxy Version 05- One, which by the name should clue you in that we're talking a series based on Transformers One. TF One was very popular among the Transformers fan base and so are Blokees. This is a match made in heaven! I was very thankful to find the case on Easter Morning as a gift from the Mrs. She had put each kit inside a large egg and hid them through the house! Not only was it fun finding the eggs, but it was a big surprise to see what was inside! We're going to begin out exploration of this new case with B-127, which of course is Bumbelee's name prior to his arrival to Earth in newer fictional settings. This kit features B (or Badassatron) without his Cog, which had a really strong resemblance to Megaman X the more I look at it. Maybe I'll get an extra and do a custom one day.

As cool as B-127 looks, he's also a good starting point for this series as he's as good example of the newer construction this series has. This series seems to be the start of a new design for the Galaxy Version that results in a sturdier finished product. As much as I've loved what came before, this feels like a much more solid figure after the kit had been built. Not to mention two specific points I've never enjoyed. In prior sets, the connector joints had to be assembled, while they've already come assembled here. It was never a gripe of mine, but man they'd kill my fingertips pushing them together. The other is the shoulder pads fit much better. I've popped off others very easily, while these snap on and stay put. I guess they've adjusted the connections. The upper body of the figures frame has some adjustments too. Now the ball joint for the heads is molded in and there's some additional peg holes in the body that the armor bits have additional pegs to insert into. I've never complained about the fit before, but it feels much more solid now. B-127 is like an action figure I bought already assembled from the factory as opposed to a small model kit.

Of course he has the standard open and closed hands you expect and a laser pistol to hold with them. The base is present, though the additional Autobot and Decepticon symbols are gone. Oh well. B-127 looks great. I've always liked yellow and black colors together. They really pop on the cool sculpting that's unmistakably Bumblebee before coming to Earth. While Bumblebee has always been a cute character, this figure is downright adorable. The signature Blokees visual just blends so well with the TF One aesthetic. This just might be a perfect meeting of the two styles. I mentioned Megaman X up above... but yeah, they feel a little out of that universe. B-127 is a completely pleasurable kit that I was happy to build and being the general admiration for Bumblebee around the site... the perfect starting point for another case of Blokees posts.

Smol Week, Big Smile

Another week is beginning here on Zone Base and with it robots, monsters, and misadventure! I'm sad to see the weekend end, but thankful to see you reading my nonsense. Not much really happened this weekend, spent time with the Mrs and played Kirby games. I should have worked on organizing toys... but ever just enjoy a lazy day? Maybe next weekend. I did find some toys on a shopping trip. Apparently my Walmart had gotten some Transformers One Blokees in during the week that had been cleared out by the time I got there. Fortunately, I found a lone box sitting on a shelf. Add that to the case of Galaxy Version Defender kits I ordered and I've got a whole lot of fun coming! The TF One kit was Orion Pax btw, I look forward to building him soon... and hopefully finding more. These little shits move fast!

I also picked up Age of the Primes Waspinator. The Mrs suprised me with Age of the Primes Slingshot and a Turtles of Grayskull Rattlor! The Reptile Wars have begun! Not to be outdone, the Mrs cooked a fantastic chicken dinner Sunday night that was enjoyed while we watched IF. Who'd of thought that would have been as good of a movie as it was? Well, I've got a fun little week in store for you all... we're going to focus on some smaller toys. I sure do love them and considering the site is named after a Micromaster base... it's time to get back to the little guys. Thank you all for reading Zone Base, please don't forget to share with your friends!

Sentinel Prime [Transformers One/Prime Changers]

Despite usually being just the worst guy ever, Sentinel Prime generally has some cool designs. This continues with his Transformers One appearance where he appears as a statuesque winged warrior. I was really looking forward to this toy as I just love this design. Sentinel seems to be the last Prime Changer released for Transformers One as of right now. Hopefully there will be more, they're great. Also, Sentinel is a solid figure, meaning each one of this class has been pretty good. That's really cool for an entire assortment to not have a single turd in the batch. Opinions may vary of course, but this one's mine. Sentinel, like the other Prime Changers, feels like a design from around 20 years ago. This is another example of why I enjoy the more 'simple' Transformers figures, it's like a trip back in time for me.

Sentinel is decently articulated in robot mode. Even his wings can be maneuvered into different positions. You can attach his guns to the wings and pose them in a dramatic fashion if you like. I chose to have them mounted on his shoulders and held in his hands. There's a certain Technobot quality to his sculpt that I can't ignore, so I just wanted this figure to have all the guns to replicate that old aesthetic more. I had fun with it. One complaint I do have is the thickness of his hands. They're a little small due to transformation and it sticks out. Not a deal breaker, but a little more substance would be great. Speaking of those guns, Sentinel has two larger guns meant to be placed on his shoulders, two smaller ones that serve as pistols, and a dual bladed melee weapon that looks like a shield. Considering he carries a different dual bladed weapon in the movie, I assume this toy was based on an earlier design.

Transformation is fairly easy. Arms fold up to become the jet's nosecone and cockpit area while his upper body and wings form the bulk of the mode. His legs fold up onto themselves and firmly become the bottom of the Cybertronian Jet. The shoulder guns attach alongside the cockpit while the smaller guns fit under his wings. The dual bladed weapon becomes something of a tail fin and the whole thing really comes together in one neat looking package that once again gives me Technobot vibes. I really want a red version of this toy now. If I were on the board that created convention exclusives, I'd push for a Technotbot inspired figure based on this toy. I'd like to think it'd be a success because it's my idea and that's how this sort of thing works. Duh. In all, this is another good toy from a movie I really liked. Nothing but euphoria and enthusiasm from me.

Quintesson High Commander [Transformers One/Prime Changers]

The Quintessons are some of the villains from Transformers that have remained interesting and cool ever since their introduction in the 1986 movie. While I haven't seen Transformers One as of this writing (but will have by the time you read this), the trailers have portrayed them to still be quite a threat. It's nice to see that they've managed to not only stick around all this time, but essentially remain the same threat that they've always posed. I've been a fan of the Quintessons ever since the 3rd grade when I first saw them in the theater. They're cool villains, you know? This figure, Quintesson High Commander (well call him QHC for the rest of the post, that's a lot of words) is another excellent toy in the Prime Changers price class.

I said above that Quintessons haven't changed much since their introduction, however their appearance sometimes does depending on the medium. QHC reflects a new look for the classic baddies while still somewhat similar. For the record, he's not a Judge. Those are the five faced Quintessons that people are the most familiar with. I say that as it's probably a question that several have by this point. The other Quintessons tend to have a singular face with tentacles. Similar to Alpha Trion, QHC feels like an unused Beast Machines design that was recently discovered. It's a really unique toys that thanks to it's alien design that comes off really bizarre compared to a normal Transformer.

QHC is a mass of tentacles attached to a torso with a base formed from the vehicle modes kibble. Vehicle mode is a Quintesson spacecraft that looks both weird and neat. I don't know if any of the Quintessons transform in the movie yet, but am sure this is for the sake of the toy. QHC comes with a tiny Energon Cube that can be stored within his body in both modes. Energon Cubes are forever neat, so this is a welcome addition. Transformation is relatively simple, though I did fiddle some with a few spots to get everything in the right place.

QHC is fairly articulated, though obviously not to the degree of a more traditional figure. Overall it's a pretty neat toy. To my understanding it's exclusive to Walmart here in the states, not sure about other countries though. I like his weird alien looks and overall creepiness. Hopefully more Quintessons from the movie will make their way to the toy line.

Much thanks to Hasbro and Paramount Pictures for providing Zone Base with this review sample. It's an honer and a privilege. Thank you.

Wind-Up the Week

Monday has risen from it's grave cursing us with another work week. Hopefully Zone Base can help chase away those responsibilities with another week of robots, monsters, and misadventure! I hope everyone had a great weekend, mine was a bit of a blur. Thursday there was a hurricane that led to several trees falling in our backyard a little too close for comfort. We ended up staying at a hotel to ride out the storm. Everything was safe when we got back thankfully, but what a random mid-week adventure. I spent the weekend mostly around the house afterwards.

I stayed up all night Saturday assembling a new shoe rack for the Mrs and spent a good bit of time decorating the yard for Halloween Sunday. The inside of the house has been decorated since Labor Day, but we generally let it get closer to the holiday for the yard. A shopping trip lead to Terroar from MOTU and a Core Class Nemesis Prime. Both are figures I'd missed out on prior and happy to get. I also downloaded the Transformers DLC for Minecraft. It's pretty fun, but to be honest, I've been so focused on Astro Bot that playing anything else has taken a back seat for the time being. I'll put some time into it this week though. I really appreciate how similar it is to the G1 cartoon (within reason). It's been a long time since I've played Minecraft, so the controls are taking a little time to get familiar with again. 

We've got another month of the Halloween party to go and I hope everyone is having fun. I'm personally a little disappointed that it's almost over. I love this so much! Thank you all for celebrating Halloween with me! We're going to make this last month one for the record books and really blow the spooky season out! I have a fun week of content coming, please look forward to it. Thank you all for reading. Please share the site with your friends!

Optimus Prime [Studio Series/Deluxe Class]

Of all the Optimus Prime toys from Transformers One I've been talking about lately, this one has to be the nicest. Before getting it, I was convinced that the Prime Changer was the better toy. I'm fully admitting how wrong I was. As much as I liked that Prime Changer version, this is one impressive Optimus Prime. After 40 years of buying the guy, you'd think it'd be just another one. I honestly felt as though I had gotten a much more premium toy. All gushing aside, this is a Deluxe Class price point version of Optimus Prime as he appears in Transformers One. Being a Studio Series toy, he of course is much more screen accurate and is intended to represent Optimus Prime proper and not Orion Pax. As I was taking him out of the box, there was an audible 'oh wow' and a couple of those moments where you just hold something and approvingly shake your head. It's hard for me to say anything else, I'm very enamored by this toy.

Optimus is well articulated in robot mode. With all sorts of joints and ankle tilts, you could probably roll him into a ball. BALL MODE! One bit that impressed me was his crotch piece and there is no better way to say that without it sounding weird. There is an additional layer of it that moves with his upper thighs that adds to the visual appearance. Most toys just have a crotch and you can see the legs joined to it. Optimus has that little piece on top that adds to the illusion. That's neat. As for accessories, he's got quite a few. His trademark Energon Axe is here that can be plugged into either hand for that signature look. The axe can also be stored on his back and between legs in vehicle mode similar to the Prime Changer. Also similar is the smoke stacks that can be used as pistols. They're more detailed, so I don't think these are reused parts. Additionally Optimus has a removable Matrix of Autobot Leadership and dual blasters that mount on the front of his truck mode providing some extra firepower. The Matrix cannot be held, but looks extra nice through his chest window. The vehicle mode dual blasters store in Optimus's backpack in robot mode. I like to think of them as a jet pack.

Transformation is pretty similar to the Prime Changer with some extra work. Seeing as both are similar toys released at the same time, I wouldn't doubt that there's shared engineering. This being the nicer toy, there's a little more involvement in the pieces. This results in a more impressive looking truck. A common complaint I've seen is that his hands are exposed in vehicle mode. This is true, though if you have them positioned with the outer sides of them pointing out, they blend better. Those dual blasters I mentioned earlier can be plugged into the trucks grill providing a battle mode. It looks great and adds to Optimus's offense capabilities. I really appreciate the extra detailing in. Truck mode is very impressive looking and is just cool. This is a very neat Cybertronian variation of the classic Convoy design. I'm very pleased with this toy overall. Considering the Prime Changer is sitting next to it at local stores right now for a little less money, it's really the more premium of the two. Both are solid figures and great Optimus prime toys. This Studio Series version however, really sells the difference between the price classes. They did a great job.

Much thanks to Hasbro and Paramount Pictures for providing Zone Base with this review sample. It's an honer and a privilege. Thank you.

Transform Squadron 57- Dial One for Terrorcon

LISTEN NOW!

Rob’s gushes over Transformers One and the promotional box Hasbro sent Zone Base! Also, the Halloween episodes continue with talks of Terror... Terrorcons that is!

Megatron [Studio Series/Deluxe Class]

Transformers One was a very special movie that no doubt has already found it's way deep into the hearts of many a Transformers fan. I was fortunate enough to be included in receiving a special promotional box from Hasbro and Paramount Pictures. Inside the box was several Transformers One figures including this early release of the Studio Series Megatron figure from the movie. I've never gotten one of these boxes before or a pre-release figure, so to say I'm honored would be an understatement. Not to mention, I'm fresh from the movie and full of pure euphoria. While he's D-16 through most of the movie, the bad guy we all know as Megatron is born by the end and that's who this figure represents.

I would give a spoiler warning for that last line, but it's literally the marketed premise of the movie. The Studio Series figures are intended to be a more screen accurate toy intended for a collector. In the case of this Megatron and his Optimus Prime counterpart (I'll get to him a little later), they outright feel like a premium offering. This is a nice toy. I really enjoy Cybertonian versions of Transformers characters, especially on someone like Megatron whose traditional design really benefits from a little extra flair. He looks great here, mostly resembling his traditional appearance.

There's a few weapons attachments for firepower. His signature Fusion Cannon is present as is another smaller gun that can mount on his left forearm similar to it's appearance in the movie. This weapon attaches to the tip of the Fusion Cannon in tank mode. There's also two smaller tank mode guns that store on his back that you could get creative with in robot mode. Megatron is decently articulated and features some long legs. They looked longer in pictures than in person to me, but there's no denying he didn't miss leg day. Out of the package the knees are locked into place with a connection point. Mine was really stiff to free from this. Be careful as to not break your figure.

Transformation was pretty easy, but did find maneuvering the legs just right a little tricky. That was due to my misunderstanding of how it they work. Once understood it just went into place. Aside from that everything just goes into place where it should. You do have to get everything just right. Take your time and be patient. Alt mode is a Cybertronian Tank like Megatron forms into in the movie. It's similar to an H-Tank and a pretty neat design. One thing about the Cybertronian designs from the movie I liked was the wheels and tank treads. Often guys like Megatron get 'hover' variations of vehicle ideas. Which I suppose works for a sci fi design... but what's the point of having aerial and ground units then? It's clear Cybertron has gravity, so a big guy like Megatron probably isn't leaving the ground very often. A little realism in fantasy isn't a bad thing in my mind. This is a great new Megatron figure that represents his appearance in a wonderful movie. It's hard for me as a long time fan to not be full of happiness right now and I hope you like you Megatron figure when you get one.

Much thanks to Hasbro and Paramount Pictures for providing Zone Base with this review sample. It's an honer and a privilege. Thank you.