Squeezeplay with Lokos and Browning [Legacy United 4-Pack/Deluxe Class]

Finishing up with our look at the Target Exclusive Transformers Legacy United 4-Pack is the main reason I wanted the set, Squeezeplay. I've got a real fondness towards the era of G1 he's from and the gimmicks they had. Admittedly I have a fondness for Transformers period, but it's like your longtime favorite restaurant. There's multiple things you like for multiple reasons. Squeezeplay is from the post movie G1 era where the Decepticons had fun colors and changed into more crazy alt modes like monsters and I love monsters. He's a Headmaster, I love partner figures and pilot figures.

His Japanese incarnation, Cancer (like the crab, I didn't name it), was heavily featured in Masterforce. A specific series I really like. Adding to that, this update is a reworked Titans Return mold, which is going down as one of my favorite Transformers series. Let's add one more specifically 'me' thing, he comes with a tiny gun mode Browning as a weapon... things like that are super awesome for me. This toy is like a bunch of beloved songs from my favorite band.

Squeezeplay uses Titans Return Mindwipe as a base mold. I most recently talked about this mold in it's use as Draculus, which was another clever use of it. Squeezeplay is pretty ingenious as they took a bat alt mode and turned it into a pretty convincing recreation of his reptile/crustation themed monster form. The entire toy is a pretty remarkable update of the original all things considered. I should probably talk about the actual toy more than just go on and on about how cool he is.

In robot mode Squeezeplay looks an awful lot like his original toy with Lokos transforming into his head. There's a little tail piece from alt mode that can be a shield or weapon and cleverly playing into the similarity of his original gun accessory is a gun mode Browning. Browning is another original series Transformer made from a Microman toy. Browning was also in Masterforce and tended to partner up with Cancer. Just so we're clear, there a character in Masterforce named Cancer whom was a child that worked with the Decepticons and was carrying around a gun that he was friends with.

Browning doesn't transform, but is a cool little extra. Robot mode is decently articulated and looks pretty good for a mold from 2016 compared to the other more recent molds in the 4-Pack. Transformation isn't difficult, but just involved enough that you need to pay attention. Lokos feels like a softer plastic, I popped his legs off accidentally bending his knees to sit him in the cockpit. I'm really impressed that his transforms mostly the same way as Mindwipe did, but now instead of wings there's arms. Alt mode looks pretty on par as an update to the original. I'm very surprised just how good this came off as, once again, the source mold turned into a bat. I think the only new parts here are the head and arms too. I'm always fascinated by design stuff like this. Ingenuity is really neat, you know? The monsters chest compartment opens up to become a cockpit for Lokos as I mentioned above and Browning can be stored on the tail... or just held. Man, imagine a monster packing heat. The really did an amazing job with Squeezeplay. The 4-Pack is a good set all around, but Squeezeplay is definitely the stand out toy of the set. So, so very good.

BIOS- Horri-Bull

"Smash all that stands and trample the rest."

Function: Ground Trooper

A snorting, belching bully with a nasty temper. Drips grease and oil from his mouth and emits billowing black clouds of noxious black smoke from his nostrils. Enjoys destroying anything that stands in his way, particularly Autobots. In robot Mode, uses flamethrower tail to incinerate his enemies. Also armed with a concussion blaster. Range: 12 miles. Binary-bonded to the nebulan, Kreb, a former talk show host with obnoxious manners.

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

Twincast with Rewind (Legacy Evolution)

I recently lucked up on Twincast and Rewind at my local Gamestop and eagerly purchased them. For the record, my local Gamestop is rather large, well run, and feels more like a small toy store than a traditional Gamestop. I'm quite aware others don't have that luxury... and find it kind of weird myself. Twincast happily came home with me and even though I have the Blaster and Eject this set is made from... they're sadly in a backlog of unopened toys. So this is my first time experiencing the mold in all it's glory. Twincast and Rewind are pretty much a straight repaint of the prior toys, thought Twincast does have a slight head remold. He's giving a slight wink, similar to his first appearance in the Headmasters cartoon. While I understand this incarnation's backstory is that of a failed clone by Shockwave... we all know who he's supposed to be.

It's easy to automatically think Twincast uses Radi-Casse Robo's colors, but he's actually quite different. The blue does make me mentally think Mico Change and I find myself forgetting the differences as well. Actually, both Microman versions are similar enough to the Transformers toys that a straight homage would probably get a lot of criticism. That's a shame, it's an exclusive version I'd like to see. Especially using this mold as a basis, because it's a great update to Blaster/Twincast. Pleasantly larger than a standard figure being a Voyager class and well articulated. His transformation into a boombox is pretty easily done. There is a little bit of panel forming that can make the process a bit fiddly if you don't get everything lined up just right, but I found it pretty simple. Rewind is, of course, much smaller but feels pretty well done. Like with Eject before him, Rewind is mostly cast in translucent plastic. That's a sticking point for some as the stuff tends to get brittle and crack in time, but it does look nice. 

Rewind of course turns into a cassette tape that fits in Twincast's tape deck via pressing the player's buttons. Doing so will cause the door to pop open, allowing for Rewind or any other to scale tape bots to fit in. I do love my cassette robots, really with I could have scored that Siege two pack that got released with the Micromasters a few years ago. Oh well, hopefully some more will find their way out. Blaster and Twincast could use a Ramhorn and Steeljaw. Twincast comes with his Electro-Scrambler rifle as did Blaster. It can store on the back of the stereo or held in either hand. His right hand is posed with an outwards finger to simulate pulling the trigger or pressing his tape deck buttons. It's a cool touch. Twincast is an Evolution toy, which means he features some for of combination gimmick as does the rest of the Legacy Evolution figures. Though being a mold from a prior line they try to sell storing the gun in alt mode as his Evo-Fusion ability on the back of the box. Yep.

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

Bios: Snapdragon

"If it doesn't get you dirty, it's not worth doing."

Function: Interceptor

Wading up to his neck in grease is his idea of a good time. Lazy, difficult to motivate, but has a hair-trigger temper. Binary bonded to Krunk, the vicious, vile bodyguard to the Nebulan leader, Lord Zarak. In jet Mode, maximum speed 8800mph... has 2 independent booster fins. In reptile Mode, carbon-steel claws and teeth can cut through almost anything. Has 2 balance destroying gyro-guns in robot mode.

Strength: 10 Intelligence: 9 Speed: 9 Endurance: 8 Rank: 6 Courage: 7 Firepower: 7 Skill: 7

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.

Bios: Fangry

 

"Leaders are for fools who need to follow."

 

Function: Tracker

A fearsome, foul-mouthed nightstalker. Rebels against authority in any form. Lashes out at anyone who even suggests his next course of action. His Decepticon superiors have more difficulty controlling him than the Autobots have fighting him. Binary-bonded to Brisko, a former Nebulan cartographer with a photographic memory. Shoots semi-automatic ion pulse gun. Tail converts to compressed air cannon that produces 200 mph gale force winds. Able to fly short distances in wolf Mode.

Run toward the victory Soldier Boy

 

I've spoken of my love of Masterforce here before and dammit I'm going to again. Recently I've been re-watching it, mostly by myself, though the other day while my wife was napping on the couch. She woke up and asked me what I was watching. I just told her robots. We often just say robots in regards to Transformers. She then said 'no, really, what even is this', and I said 'it's my Transformers cartoons'. She still did not believe me and probably still doesn't now. Masterforce is just that different of a Transformers series that it takes people completely by surprise.

Why is it so different? During development, it was decided the ongoing story had reached a natural conclusion and a fresh start was needed. The show is still in continuity with the previous shows and following shows despite of that. It's a little out of place though as it went from the then future, to obviously the late 80's. Sometimes it's best not to dwell on that sort of thing as the show was great regardless. Initially focusing on Pretenders, the show later works in Headmasters and Godmasters/Powermasters into the mix. 

The overall vibe of the show is different too. It's clearly taking inspiration from traditional super robot shows as well as tokusatsu like Super Sentai and Ultraman. MetalHawk and Shuta Go remind me a lot of older Ultraman shows where the Ultra of the series would often serve as a mentor to a local child. The kids before becoming Headmaster Jr's make me think of the team from Hard Gumi. The Pretenders go from standard human disguises to armored mode in battle. Then release their inner robot mode as things get complicated when fighting the monstrous Decepticon Pretenders and Seacons. Which follows the standard fighting sequence of a Super Sentai/Power Rangers series. Godmasters/Powermasters are handled similarly as well.

Aside from the stark differences, the show is just fun. From the all out brutality of the Decepticons to moments like Shuta playing soccer at school. The show is a roller coaster ride, and that's just the first few minutes! Clearly as someone who likes monsters, spooky stuff, Pretenders and loves Powermaster Optimus Prime like I do would favor this show. Not just that, but Transformers every once and awhile needs a refreshing and this was the first major one. Not just a change of scenery or new characters, they practically reinvented the wheel while still staying true to it's roots. It's a real treat to watch the first time and again for the millionth.

Bios: Horri-Bull

Function: Ground Trooper 

"Smash all that stands and trample the rest."

A snorting, belching bully with a nasty temper. Drips grease and oil from his mouth and emits billowing black clouds of noxious black smoke from his nostrils. Enjoys destroying anything that stands in his way, particularly Autobots. In robot Mode, uses flamethrower tail to incinerate his enemies. Also armed with a concussion blaster. Range: 12 miles. Binary-bonded to the nebulan, Kreb, a former talk show host with obnoxious manners.

Bios: Fangry

Function: Tracker

"Leaders are for fools who need to follow."

A fearsome, foul-mouthed nightstalker. Rebels against authority in any form. Lashes out at anyone who even suggests his next course of action. His Decepticon superiors have more difficulty controlling him than the Autobots have fighting him. Binary-bonded to Brisko, a former Nebulan cartographer with a photographic memory. Shoots semi-automatic ion pulse gun. Tail converts to compressed air cannon that produces 200 mph gale force winds. Able to fly short distances in wolf Mode.

Head On... Over To Walmart

This past weekend I finally finished getting all of the wave 1 Headmasters at Walmart. I lucked up on Mindwipe in January, but was unable to find the rest until just now. Just in time as the second wave is popping up. I love this sort of thing.

The vintage style packaging really does it for me. It just looks great and while I understand the need for updated packaging- there's nothing quite like those old G1 style boxes. When Shokaract came in a Masterforce style box I was blown away. These toys would be ideal con exclusives.

I'm getting myself back into a con mindset, ToyLanta is just a few weeks away. I adjusted to the virtual/online con model really quickly since the pandemic started. Gone is haunting the dealers room between panels. Now I watch panels on my phone while going to Walmart. Getting these Headmasters during a online con would be just right.

Headmaster Horrorcons Run A Scary School

Apeface and Snapdragon. Decepticons, Headmasters, Headmaster Decepticons. I just said what they are three times. If you like what I do, please ... just kidding. Maybe because it's Halloween week I'm trying to do something spooky with every post. Maybe. Also I wanted to share this cool U.K version of their commercial with you.

These two specifically are the Headmaster Horrorcons, which leads me to believe they are in charge of a prestigious school for scary Transformers. I don't specifically know what makes them the Horrorcons and why Mindwipe isn't a member but... they're pretty cool toys non-the-less. If I put dashes in between those words spellcheck doesn't act up.

What's New Is Old Chromedome

After a few weeks/months of rumors about the new Walmart exclusive Headmasters line, when it was previewed on the latest Fans First Friday, I was ecstatic. I've been a fan of the 'vintage' G1 reissue exclusive line at Walmart, but felt like it was coming to an end with Blaster. 

While I understand these things don't last forever, it was the 'vintage' packaging I liked the most. These figures had been re-released multiple times before, but getting them in classic packaging on a Walmart shelf was a bit of a thrill for me. I generally don't have nostalgia for Transformers as I've been buying them through the lines life. But that did.

The replacement 'vintage' line is Titans Return figures in 'vintage' G1 packaging. The new Headmasters line is basically delivering on the nostalgia of the packaging with a newer mold. A happy middle ground for the concept. Considering Generations figures from the past years have been described as 'G1 with knees', it's a pretty good idea. Readers of the site know that I loved Titans Return, so obviously seeing the molds again is a welcome sight. 

 

The figures aren't just straight reissues of the toys. Instead the new releases have G1 accurate decos and the show accurate heads used in the Takara releases. Needless to say, I think this is awesome.

I've always liked Chromedome. Getting this neat version of him will be a lot of fun. You can't always say shades of brown and red make for a good looking car, but it does. The robot mode is pretty sharp too. Nothing about it is really standout or new, but it just works.

Let's Take This New Week Head On!

Heads Up Zone Base readers, we've got a whole new week ahead of us! I've got a week of posts planned following all the news from Hasbro's Fans First Friday! After they sent me the press release, I felt instead of just doing the copypasta routine, I'd use the image assets for individual posts relating to the new toys. I'm really excited about the new Headmasters 'vintage' line for Walmart. Even though they're reissues of Titans Returns toys, putting the Takara show accurate versions in those classic G1 boxes really makes them special. It's the perfect follow up to the Walmart reissue line!

I'm out to try and go to early voting again. Wish me luck, I had car trouble last week which was completely resolved and all repairs and even the towing was free of charge the following day. Sometimes the universe has a weird way of things. I'll take good fortune any day. Thanks for continuing to read Zone Base!

Cold Slitherfang

One of the neat things about the smaller 'master' figures in recent Generations lines is their revisiting older Transformers ideas. Slitherfang his an unused concept for the Autobot Master Warriors from Headmasters. Like Titanmaster Sawback and Ramhorn, Slitherfang here found himself reborn. 

The Titanmasters were based on released toys though. This is Slitherfang's first time being an official Transformer toy after being conceived over 30 years ago. Better late than never huh?

Despite being originally designed as a Headmaster, Slitherfang now is a Battle Master. As an Earthrise Battle Master he can turn into a shield or a connector piece/dock plate for Micromaster bases.  His robot mode as you can tell is a snake. There's bound to be some generic 'beast crap' complaints about this, but animals was a somewhat regular design choice for bot mode back in G1.

I always liked it for the variety and thought it went well with the monster themed Decepticons post movie. Add in the purples and teals of that time and you've got some sharp looking robots.

Slitherfang is mostly translucent purple with a gray tail. There's some black and red detail paint in there that really makes the simple colors look great. Small touches can make a big difference. 

Speaking of little touches, the tank treads on his tail. I love those little old school robot toy details. He almost looks like a little Starriors toy and that's a good thing. Tomy and Takara merged in 2005. Even if coincidental, it seems intended. Did that make sense? 

His shield mode looks pretty good thanks to the cobra's hood carrying over to it's general shape. Included is one of those little blast mark things that has one place to be plugged on. If you're display minded, that's exactly where somebody should be aiming at. 

There's not much fictionally for Slitherfang as of this writing. I'm assuming he'll get worked into Takara's ongoing web manga at some point. I'd like to think it would be more related to Headmasters, but you never know. He'd make a good Selector too.

In Earthrise he's aligned with the Quintessons, which is a pretty good fit. I could see him slithering up during an attack and being used by one of the bailiffs to guard a judge when all hell eventually breaks loose. 

What if he was a Selector that aligned himself with the Quintessons? 

That'd be a neat parallel.

There's not much to say about the connector/dock plate mode. It's a ramp or connector for Micromaster bases. You can plug that blasty thing into this though for dramatic dock plate action.

In all, Slitherfang is a pretty good Battle Master. With these little guys the best part is the bot mode. The shield and dock plate are all pretty similar with small cosmetic differences. But a little purple snake sells itself.

Bios-Chromedome

A battle plan is only as good as its programmer.

Spent several thousand years crunching numbers at Cybertron's Institute for Higher Programming before a Decepticon attack reduced it to a pile of smoking microchips. Binary-bonded to Stylor, an egotistical Nebulan more concerned with personal appearance than warfare. In car mode, maximum speed: 478 mph. Range: 630 miles. Hood-mounted infra-red range finder automatically targets roof-mounted dual lasers.