The "Transformers" series, a toy line spearheaded by the internationally renowned toy manufacturer Hasbro, is proudly approaching its 40th anniversary in 2024! Since its inception in 1984, Transformers has consistently deepened fan engagement with its characters through the release of physical toys combined with multimedia works like animation, comics, and films. Over these four decades, it has spawned a rich tapestry of classic stories and iconic characters.
Of course, the spectacular physical toys have always been widely beloved by collectors and fans. Among these, the "Generations" series, which focuses on "reinterpreting existing characters with new technology," has garnered immense popularity among Transformers enthusiasts. Whether you're a veteran collector seeking characters from your childhood memories or a newcomer just stepping into this world, you're sure to find something to enjoy. This, undoubtedly, is the enduring appeal that makes the Transformers Generations series so captivating!
Moving beyond the "War for Cybertron trilogy" comprised of "Siege," "Earthrise," and "Kingdom," this year's Generations series finally introduces a brand-new chapter: the "Legacy" series! While previous Generations selections often re-created characters primarily from the G1 animation, the Legacy series boldly crosses into more diverse universes and storylines. For instance, the first wave includes characters from the "Transformers: Prime" series, which premiered in 2010, reinterpreted in a "Generations-style" aesthetic.
Additionally, the Legacy series highlights "Energon-infused Weapons" made from clear plastic and retains the "Cybertronian Omnifunctional Modular Battlefield Assault Tech" (C.O.M.B.A.T.) system from the War for Cybertron trilogy, allowing for expanded play with 3mm and 5mm ports.
Furthermore, a unique QR code is included on the back of the Legacy series packaging or in the instruction manuals. Scanning this code with various devices connects you to the official website, where you can view character ability introductions. With its rich and diverse playability and the allure of encompassing a multiverse, the Legacy series is set to inject completely new life into the Generations line. Transformers fans, are you ready to embrace the legacy of this generation?
▼ The stars of this unboxing report, ranging from smallest to largest, include three Core Class figures, four Deluxe Class figures, one Voyager Class figure, and one Leader Class figure.
▼ Characters from both factions feature distinct artwork on the side of their boxes, which can be arranged side-by-side to form a larger illustration.
▼ In response to the global trend of plastic reduction, the Legacy series significantly reduces plastic usage in its packaging. It eliminates external clear windows and internal plastic clamshells, instead using cardboard and clear plastic ties to secure the figures.
▼ Want to learn more about your figures? No problem! Just scan the QR code! While Core Class figures have their QR codes in the instruction manuals, all other classes feature the code on the back of the box. Simply scan with your phone to access character bios!
▼ After scanning, you'll automatically be directed to a webpage. The official site thoughtfully provides character profiles in various languages, tailored to different regions, helping fans learn more in-depth.
Transformers Legacy Core Class Hot Rod Reissue Arrives with New Packaging
Hot Rod, the young and courageous Autobot warrior, is a born adventurer who never shies away from a challenge. He transforms into a vibrant orange and red hot rod sports car. Later, he was chosen by the Matrix of Leadership to become the new Autobot leader, Rodimus Prime.
This Legacy Series release is a reissue of the Kingdom Core Class Hot Rod. It includes his original long sword and features updated packaging that matches the style of the Studio Series Core Class figures.
Core Class figures are known for their compact size and ease of handling, while still faithfully reproducing key character features. This makes them an ideal entry point for new collectors.
The figure boasts solid basic articulation, with ball joints throughout the body allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses.
As a Transformer, a robust transformation mechanism is, of course, essential. Hot Rod’s iconic sports car mode can be achieved in just eight easy steps, and his long sword can be stored on the vehicle’s roof. Notably, this transformation scheme deviates from previous iterations: the vehicle's front section folds into the legs in robot mode, rather than forming the robot's chest. Collectors will undoubtedly enjoy discovering the unique engineering of this transformation firsthand.
Transformers Legacy Core Class Skywarp Joins the Decepticon Seekers
Skywarp, a core member of the Decepticon Seekers air command, is renowned for his ability to execute instantaneous teleportation attacks via space warping. This Legacy Series Skywarp is a direct repaint of the Kingdom Core Class Starscream, transforming into a striking black and purple jet fighter. He comes equipped with an original fork-shaped weapon.
For veteran collectors, this long-anticipated repaint is finally here, making Skywarp an indispensable addition for anyone looking to complete their mini Seeker squad.
Interestingly, this Legacy release does not include his standard shoulder cannons, opting instead for this unique, original weapon.
In jet fighter mode, the weapon can be stored beneath the nosecone. Now, we can all eagerly await the arrival of Thundercracker to complete the trio!
Transformers Legacy Core Class Iguanus Blends G1 Pretender Homage with New Weapon Combo
Iguanus, named after the G1 Decepticon Pretender, is obsessed with his iguana shell, which he uses for concealment. This Legacy Core Class figure cleverly combines the original inner robot's motorcycle mode with the Pretender's iguana shell, allowing for seamless transformation between two distinct modes. He includes an original new weapon that can combine with the weapons from Hot Rod and Skywarp to form a more powerful greatsword.
As mentioned, the robot mode directly adopts the lizard beast-man shell form of the original G1 Pretender. Sculpted details on the chest and other areas pay direct homage to the vintage toy.
Articulation points across the figure also utilize ball joints, providing a good balance between moderate poseability and the transformation mechanism.
By combining the three weapons included with these Core Class figures, you can assemble this more powerful, original long sword!
The purple motorcycle vehicle mode is inspired by the original inner robot, with the weapon storing neatly above the windshield.
And of course, for those who enjoy having other characters ride, the Core Class size remains perfectly suited!
Transformers Legacy United Prime Universe Arcee Debuts with All-New Mold
Prime Universe Arcee, hailing from "Transformers: Prime," is the sole female Autobot and a fiercely loyal and reliable partner to her comrades, while proving to be a formidable warrior against her enemies. On Earth, she scanned a blue sports motorcycle as her disguise and formed an unbreakable bond with human teenager Jack Darby. This Arcee is not just an entirely new mold; it imbues this tenacious warrior with the classic mainline style, making this refreshed interpretation highly anticipated.
Transformers Legacy Arcee Brings Prime-Inspired Style and Versatile Weaponry
She comes equipped with dual energy blades, a direct homage to her iconic dual-wielding style from "Transformers: Prime." Her eyes feature clear parts, allowing for stunning light piping when illuminated from behind her head. However, the figure's feminine sculpt is somewhat understated.
The blades offer versatile attachment options and can even be combined to form an energy shield. Additionally, the front wheel detaches and transforms into an energy blaster, or can be mounted on her back as a flight pack. This high degree of customization makes for surprisingly fun playability.
In motorcycle mode, the transformation process is more engaging than initially expected. The vehicle mode bears a resemblance to a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R, and the energy blades can be stored in two different configurations.
In terms of scale, Core Class figures seem to be the most suitable for riding her.
Transformers Legacy Deluxe Kickback Unleashes G1 Insecticon Menace
Kickback, a member of the Decepticon Insecticons, excels at extorting benefits and information from his "friends," leveraging inadvertently revealed secrets for blackmail until they're no longer useful. He transforms into a mechanical locust, utilizing powerful leaps for reconnaissance and combat. This Legacy release marks the first time Hasbro has reinterpreted his classic G1 design in the Deluxe Class size since his Legends Class figure six years ago.
He comes with his signature rifle and two clear purple plastic energy blades. The figure faithfully recreates the Insecticon's iconic black, purple, and gold triple color scheme. Additionally, the finely sculpted wings, made from clear parts, are particularly striking.
His pair of energy blades can be wielded, attached to his arms as fist blades, or combined to form a larger double-bladed sword.
In his mechanical insect mode, the transformation mechanism is straightforward. The energy blades can also be stored on his wings, with the vibrant purple accents adding to his allure.
When mounted on his wings, they can be interpreted as powerful twin cannons.
They can also be combined and attached here to fill out the insect mode's abdomen! (This seems like the designer's original intent, though the instructions don't explicitly show this method.)
Transformers Legacy Deluxe Skids Drives In with G1 Accuracy and Triple Weapon Power
Skids, a G1 Autobot warrior, possesses an innate ability to rapidly absorb vast amounts of theory and knowledge, integrating it into his combat skills. On Earth, he scanned a Honda City Turbo as his alternate mode. Also part of the Generations line, this Legacy release offers a more animation-accurate G1 sculpt compared to the 2013 Thrilling 30 version.
He comes with his original G1 armaments: the Liquid Nitrogen Rifle and the Twin Electron Blaster, plus an additional original energy axe-gun.
Beyond the G1-accurate option of mounting them separately on his arms or combining the two, all three weapons can be combined into a powerful triple weapon. Furthermore, effect parts from the War for Cybertron Trilogy can be freely integrated for enhanced play.
His vehicle mode, resembling the original Honda City Turbo, is a solid representation. The hood emblem and body racing stripes are faithfully reproduced with tampographs. All three weapons can be equipped onto the 5mm ports on the vehicle body.
The clear window parts significantly enhance the visual appeal. What do you think of this classic Japanese compact car, collectors?
Transformers Legacy Deluxe Dragstrip Speeds Towards Menasor Completion
Dragstrip, a G1 Decepticon Stunticon member, relishes victory and revels in its spoils, even if achieved through dirty and despicable means. On Earth, he scanned a Tyrrell P34 F1 six-wheeled race car as his disguise. Along with the other Stunticons, he combines to form the mighty gestalt Menasor.
▼See that symbol? That's right, Hasbro isn't letting us down. That insignia is straight from Menasor's head! It looks like once you collect all five members, you'll be able to form the new Legacy combiner!
▼The design is incredibly faithful to his original G1 animation model. Unlike many other figures in the Legacy line, Drag Strip doesn't include a clear Energon weapon. Instead, he comes with two compact Gravito-Guns.
▼The two Gravito-Guns can be equipped in each hand or combined into a double-barreled rifle.
▼His vehicle mode is a fantastic homage to his G1 Formula 1 race car form, perfectly recreating the yellow body and red stripes. The blasters can be stored on either side of the engine.
▼The detailed engine sculpt, highlighted with silver paint, really emphasizes his incredible sense of speed.
▼Additionally, there's a hidden feature on the car's underside. By pressing the spot indicated by the arrow with a flat tool, you can split the car's body in two...
▼That's right, this is the mechanism for the full combination! Unlike the 2015 Combiner Wars version, it looks like the arm joints are handled by a separate component and aren't integrated into Drag Strip himself. We can look forward to a combination method that's much more faithful to the animation!
▼All four Deluxe Class figures have their own unique appeal. Which one is your favorite, Transfans?
▼"Prime Universe Bulkhead" is based on his appearance in "Transformers: Prime". This big green bruiser first appeared in 2008's "Transformers: Animated" as an expert in Space Bridge construction. That aspect was dropped for "Transformers: Prime", where he was reimagined as a loyal, gentle, and somewhat clumsy giant. Despite being a former member of the Autobot's elite commando unit, the Wreckers, his compassion for life kept him from becoming a heartless killing machine, making him an indispensable and loyal comrade to Optimus Prime. This new Legacy version reinterprets Bulkhead's design in the classic G1 aesthetic, transforming his original streamlined look into a more angular, real-world style that converts into a six-wheeled military truck similar to a Rába H18.
▼As mentioned, you can still see clear traces of Bulkhead in the head sculpt, color scheme, and his signature mace hand. However, his body has been redesigned to be taller and more powerfully built, and he comes equipped with an all-new Energon gatling gun and a riot shield.
▼The gatling gun can be used as a shoulder cannon or wielded by hand. The mace can be freely attached to his fist or combined with the shield to change its angle, allowing for a wide variety of display and play combinations.
▼This first wave remakes two Autobots from "Transformers: Prime" right off the bat. Here's hoping we see even more characters from the Prime universe get the Legacy treatment in the future!
▼His vehicle mode has shades of the live-action movie version of Hound. While it might take some getting used to seeing him change from a rounded armored vehicle to a blocky military truck, the brilliant transformation engineering more than makes up for it. We highly recommend experiencing the designer's ingenuity for yourself!
▼The weapons can be stored away neatly in the rear compartment. This kind of fully concealed storage is the true essence of Transformers' "More than meets the eye" philosophy!
▼Of course, you can also mount the gatling gun externally for a battle-ready look. The various 5mm ports all over the vehicle body also allow for a fully weaponized vehicle mode!
▼ Here's Laser Optimus Prime, a design straight out of the G2 universe. As the most respected leader and eternal commander of the Autobots, he possesses unparalleled strength and wisdom. Wielding his massive Energon sword, he battles the tyranny of Megatron and the Decepticons, vowing to protect his friends and allies on Earth. His chosen disguise is a Western Star 4964EX truck. This new Legacy version not only faithfully recreates the classic long-nose cab but also includes his iconic tanker trailer, which converts into a battle base.
▼ In robot mode, Laser Prime's most signature features are the massive shoulder pauldrons formed from the truck's cab. Eagle-eyed fans will also notice that his lower body looks a bit familiar—it's a retool and repaint of the Earthrise Optimus Prime mold (specifically the front of the lower legs). For armaments, he comes with a translucent Energon sword and an all-new battle axe.
▼ The chest can be flipped up to reveal the storage chamber for the Matrix of Leadership, which can also be removed and held in his hands.
▼ The front of both shoulders can be opened to reveal missile pods molded in clear plastic. The double-barreled cannon from the top of the tanker can also be wielded in robot mode. Not only can the two Energon weapons be held separately, but they can also be combined into a more powerful super-Energon greatsword!
▼ Vehicle mode perfectly captures the tanker truck module that made its debut at the height of the G2 era!
▼ The scorching flame deco on the truck's body is like the unquenchable fire of justice burning within Optimus Prime's spark.
▼ The two Energon weapons can be stored on the top and bottom of the truck cab.
▼ The rear tanker trailer features incredibly fine and detailed sculpting, giving it a high-quality feel.
▼ The transformation mechanism has been retained and enhanced. When deployed, the trailer becomes a service and repair base, complete with weapon storage.
▼ It can also serve as a mobile command turret for Optimus in his robot mode, offering multiple layers of interactive play for collectors to discover!
▼ And that wraps up our unboxing report of the brand-new Transformers: Legacy series. While we eagerly await the completion of the Menasor combiner, it's also incredibly exciting to see the line break free from the G1 mold to remake characters from across the multiverse. What other characters will join the Legacy lineup in the future? We'll be waiting right alongside you to find out!
