Having made it through 2023, the Year of the Gui Mao Rabbit, the year of the Dragon—2024, the Year of the Jia Chen—has finally arrived. Here's wishing all you toy collectors a Happy New Year, and may all the fun Transformers toys come your way!
At the end of 2022, the new Transformers game "Transformers: Reactivate", developed by the British game company "Splash Damage," released a trailer at "The Game Awards." Although the video didn't reveal much information, considering Splash Damage's expertise in multiplayer first-person shooter game modes, we can likely infer that this will be an exhilarating Transformers-themed FPS combat game. With the release of the game's trailer, the parent company of Transformers and internationally renowned toy giant, "Hasbro," has naturally designed spectacular toys for the game's key characters. The first wave of two-packs gives players a first glimpse at the art style and design, making both the game and the physical toys highly anticipated and watched by Transformers fans!
▼The official trailer for "Transformers: Reactivate." The clearest shots are mostly of the humans, though.
In addition to a great game worth waiting for, the commemorative zodiac Transformers, which have been on hiatus for several years, have finally made a comeback! In response to the 2024 zodiac sign, Hasbro has also released a dragon-themed Transformer as a 2024 exclusive. So let's soak in some of the good fortune in this unboxing and welcome a year of soaring dragons and dancing phoenixes!
▼The stars of this unboxing report, including two "Transformers: Reactivate" 2-packs and one 2024 Year of the Dragon commemorative figure.
▼The "Transformers: Reactivate" "Optimus Prime" and "Soundwave" 2-pack. The box features CG portraits of the characters, giving players a sneak peek at their in-game models.
▼"Optimus Prime," the commander-in-chief who is deeply trusted by his subordinates, a figure of courage and wisdom. He leads the Autobots in building a bridge of cooperation with humanity to jointly resist the plunder and invasion of the Decepticons. The design is based on the new game, using the classic G1 color scheme as a foundation and adding realistic details. He comes with his two most classic weapons—the Ion Blaster and the Energon Axe—both of which can be stored on his back.
▼A close-up of the head. Upon closer inspection, the detail is quite meticulous.
▼The chest compartment can be opened to reveal Cybertron's greatest treasure—the "Matrix of Leadership," a symbol of his command.
▼It can also be removed from his chest, but it can only be placed in his hand and cannot be held via a peg.
▼Not only is the sculpt cool, but the articulation is also quite good this time, allowing for easy posing in all of Optimus Prime's classic leadership stances.
▼The Energon Axe is made of translucent plastic with partial paint application, creating a beautiful visual effect!
▼Vehicle mode is an original yet intensely realistic truck cab design. Both weapons can be mounted on the sides of the rear.
▼The front fenders of the truck have a dirt weathering effect printed on them.
▼The transformation of the rear and tail sections is anything but sloppy. It's a very well-integrated vehicle mode design—highly recommended!
▼"Soundwave," the Decepticon spymaster who controls battlefield intelligence. His skills in information gathering and processing are highly valued by Megatron, making him one of his most trusted lieutenants. This design is also taken from "Transformers: Reactivate," transforming between robot and SUV modes. He comes with his signature shoulder cannon and rifle.
▼The head and chest sculpts still pay homage to the G1 design, but this toy lacks the chest-opening gimmick or cassette storage feature, which is a bit of a shame.
▼At first glance, the proportions of the upper and lower body seem a bit off (especially when compared to the concept art), but you get used to it after a while. It's still very cool, no problem!
▼The articulation design is also quite functional, generally allowing for a variety of dynamic battlefield poses.
▼The vehicle mode is essentially an armored-up SUV. Both weapons can be mounted on the roof, and it doesn't look out of place at all, does it?
▼The detailing on the front of the vehicle, the windows, and other areas is still quite impressive and worth appreciating up close.
▼The two stars of the first 2-pack. Both are great toys worth checking out!
▼The "Transformers: Reactivate" "Bumblebee" and "Starscream" 2-pack.
▼"Bumblebee," the young scout deeply trusted by Optimus Prime. His courageous spirit will drive him to become an even better Autobot warrior. This design also comes from the "Transformers: Reactivate" concept, transforming from robot mode into an Earth off-road vehicle. The color scheme features some asymmetrical design elements. He comes with a pair of pistols as weapons.
▼The head sculpt. Compared to the blockbuster movie version, this design is much closer to the original G1 flavor.
▼The pistols can be stored on the back of his lower arms.
▼He can also dual-wield them.
▼Or use them as shoulder cannons.
▼The articulation is also excellent. This toy really gets more exciting the more you play with it. I really hope we can play the game soon!
▼The new golden duo of the Autobots, reunited once again!
▼Vehicle mode retains Bumblebee's classic yellow and black color scheme. Note the asymmetrical decal designs on the side doors.
▼Does the rear section feature some kind of alien technology not found on Earth?
▼Race down the highways of Earth and heroically thwart the Decepticons' evil plans!
▼"Starscream," the Decepticon second-in-command who leads the aerial assault unit, the "Seekers," to suppress the Autobots. However, this ambitious warrior has never given up on his dream of seizing power, eagerly awaiting the day he can overthrow Megatron. This design is also from "Transformers: Reactivate," transforming between a fighter jet and a robot. The asymmetrical color design is quite striking. He comes with two differently styled weapons.
▼The head sculpt. Intricate details outline Starscream's handsome and sharp face.
▼The asymmetrical black and red color blocking is a really rare design choice (not counting combiners). What do you all think? Does it look good?
▼In addition to being mounted on his arms, the weapons can also be held in his hands.
▼The two Decepticon lieutenants have arrived. You absolutely have to make a Megatron now!
▼Vehicle mode is, as always, a fighter jet. The color scheme, of course, inherits the classic red, white, and blue.
▼In jet mode, he embodies the elegant yet ruthless presence of a Seeker!
▼Let the multiplayer melee begin! I hope more "Transformers: Reactivate" toys are released in the future!
▼"Crimsonflame," an original character created for the 2024 Year of the Dragon. It uses a retool of Steelbane from the 2017 film "Transformers: The Last Knight," transforming freely between a fire dragon and a robot. The yellow and red box is full of Lunar New Year cheer, making it perfect for celebrating the holiday!
▼Robot mode. The changes to the parts and the new color scheme have transformed him from a Western-style knight into a Ming Dynasty-style Chinese general. The visual design is truly ingenious!
▼The head sculpt, the very soul of its Chinese-inspired design.
▼Clad in crimson armor interspersed with bright yellow blocks, seeing it during the New Year almost makes you want to break out in festive celebration.
▼The rich array of original weapons and effect parts, such as the shield and the three-barreled gun, further enhance the Chinese-style image.
▼It also includes a dedicated display base, which can not only store surplus weapons but also support Crimsonflame in both modes.
▼The articulation is largely inherited from Steelbane. The asymmetrical transformation engineering is something you have to experience firsthand!
▼The ability to freely combine and accessorize the weapons is a huge selling point!
▼Fire dragon mode. Although structural limitations prevent it from having the long body of a traditional Chinese dragon, the color scheme and head sculpt still score a lot of points.
▼The dragon head cleverly incorporates translucent parts for a visually stunning effect. The jaw is articulated and can be fitted with a flame effect to depict a fire-breathing moment.
▼An auspicious dragon celebrates a fortunate year! Soaring to the heavens on auspicious clouds!
▼Wishing everyone a Year of the Dragon filled with great toys every day! May every day be a "dragon-ly" happy day!
▼That's all for this Transformers unboxing report. We'll see you at the next unboxing. Happy New Year~!
