Bumblebee (Devastation) [Studio Series/Deluxe Class]

Transformers: Devastation was one of those games that came in hot, got a ton of fanfare, and then kind of slipped into obscurity. Lately it’s been getting a bit more attention again, and I’m pretty happy to see that version of Bumblebee finally get a toy.

Admittedly, it’s still your standard Bumblebee at its core—but I like this variation a lot.

Instead of the classic VW Bug, he’s got that sporty hatchback look, which I’ve always felt was a great modern equivalent. Add in the cell-shaded style deco, and it ends up being a pretty slick take on a familiar design.

A big part of why I like this one is how much it resembles the 2006 Transformers Classics Bumblebee, which served as a base for his design in the game. Even 20 years later, Classics is still a high point for me, so that connection goes a long way.

I initially thought this might be a retool of the Studio Series 86 Bumblebee, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. In robot mode, he’s armed with twin blasters like in the game, along with a larger vehicle-mode blaster mounted on his back. It gives him a much more aggressive look than you’d normally expect from a “kid appeal” character.

Transformation is pretty straightforward, though some of the parts fit a bit tight. Be careful when folding the head into place—I’ve seen reports that the molded copyright info can scrape the paint on his nose.

In vehicle mode, he turns into a clean little hatchback. The large blaster mounts on the roof, with the smaller ones on the sides for a bit of vehicular combat flair.

Overall, this is a simple, solid figure. Good articulation, decent firepower, and a really nice-looking alt mode. The cel-shaded deco does a lot of the heavy lifting, and I’m just happy to have a strong take on Bumblebee from a game that deserves a little more love.

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.

Nova Prime (Legacy: Evolution/Leader Class)

Nova Prime is a former Prime who lost his way and became a very bad guy that resides in the Dead Universe. Instead of the 'Autobot Matrix of Leadership', he wields 'The Darkness'- an evil counterpart of the famed magic relic. Wielding The Darkness transformed him into another variation of Nemesis Prime and into a really powerful being. It goes without saying he'd be pretty awesome looking. This cool new figure of Nova Prime was another Christmas gift from the Mrs and dang it is impressive. The toy is based on his appearance from the Transformers: Devastation video game. I really like that as not only was I a fan of that game, but I'm more of a cartoon guy than a comic guy and Devastation is more cartoon flavored. 

Nova Prime is a retool and repaint of the Siege Galaxy Upgrade Optimus Prime toy. That toy was a retool and repaint of the Siege Ultra Magnus. All were toys I really liked and using it as a base for this figure really works. It's a mixture of that traditional Transformers 'big important guy' design and Super Robot looks. Nova Prime feels more like a prestigious award than an action figure and definitely a more premium item than your standard fare. I'm legitimately proud to own this. 

Nova Prime transforms from armored truck to robot mode via parts forming. The trailer separates allowing the cab to form his standard mode robot mode. This is similar to the original Powered Convoy toy and the idea has been replicated in most Ultra Magnus and Optimus Prime with super mode toys ever since. I absolutely love it's use here as I'm a fan of this style of Transformer and appreciate a bad guy Convoy using it. The trailer pieces can be re-arranged into armor for Nova Prime's super mode which makes him much larger, more imposing, and extra badass. Super mode has big guns, big wings, and a much grander look over all. He looks awesome. I'm mostly gushing about this toy because that's my honest take away. It's IMPRESSIVE and COOL. I also like the white color pattern for such an evil character, especially an evil Prime. It's a nice contrast and not as predictable as an all black deco. Sometimes if you want darkness, you've got to portray it brightly. Nova Prime has a cool 'Evil Knight' appearance and this figure just represents that well. I can't say enough good things about it... it's awesome.