The "Transformers" brand of transforming robots, under the banner of the internationally renowned toy company Hasbro, is about to celebrate its 40th birthday this year. Since 1984, with the powerful support of physical transforming toys combined with multimedia like cartoons, comics, movies, and games, Transformers has grown and thrived over these four decades, becoming a cherished memory for many long-time fans. The continuous release of new products also allows new players to experience the endless charm of flipping and transforming these physical toys in their hands. The 40th anniversary is a glorious milestone and most certainly a new starting point, leading fans to continue moving forward and exploring the future of Transformers.
This unboxing will bring our fellow toy enthusiasts several recently released Transformers products, including the Studio Series and its sub-series "Gamer Edition" (hereinafter referred to as GE), as well as the grand deluxe release of the year from the "Legacy United" series. Before we officially begin, let's have a quick review and reacquaint ourselves with these two lines!
☞ "Studio Series": Since 2018, the Studio Series has been dedicated to creating figures of characters from the movies. From the numerous live-action films to the 1986 animated classic "The Transformers: The Movie," and now to the new video game sub-line GE launched in 2023, the series has impressively surpassed one hundred releases. What kind of works will be included in the future truly piques the curiosity and anticipation of fans.
☞ "Legacy United Series": The latest series from Generations, it focuses on remaking popular characters from G1 and various classic series with new technology, paying homage to well-known figures and endowing them with new mechanics. It can be described as the ultimate bridge connecting loyal old fans with new players.
▼The stars of today's unboxing, including two Deluxe Class figures, one Voyager Class figure, and one Commander Class figure, from the Studio Series and Legacy United lines respectively.
▼The side of the box features the series number and a portrait of the character, making it easy for collectors to identify and organize.
▼No. +07 Sideswipe, a brave and skilled Autobot warrior. This figure is based on his appearance in the game "Transformers: War for Cybertron" (hereinafter referred to as WFC). He transforms into a red alien sports car and comes with a Photon Burst Rifle as his weapon.
▼Includes a "Save Zeta Prime" scene backdrop.
▼The robot mode attempts to recreate his appearance from the game. The bright red car shell is incredibly eye-catching. The weapon can be stored on his back via a peg.
▼The head sculpt meticulously reproduces Sideswipe's handsome facial features, with all his signature head details present.
▼As with previous GE series figures, the right forearm can be detached and replaced with the weapon.
▼In robot mode, the articulation is quite standard and respectable.
▼Vehicle mode is a Cybertronian sports car that combines a sense of sci-fi and speed. The weapon can be mounted on the roof in this mode.
▼Do you all like Sideswipe's cool sports car look from the game?
▼No. 111 Concept Art Sunstreaker, based on a concept version that did not actually appear in the spin-off movie "Bumblebee." He is Sideswipe's twin brother, an Autobot warrior who is very particular about his paint job. Although he didn't appear in the film, the toy does its best to faithfully bring the concept art to life. He can transform between robot and a yellow alien sports car and comes with two double-barreled rifles as weapons.
▼Includes a "Cybertron Falls" scene backdrop from the movie's opening.
▼The robot mode is a fusion of Sunstreaker's classic G1 image and the heavy mechanical style of the live-action movies. The weapons can be combined and stored on his back.
▼The head sculpt is absolutely packed with detail.
▼The articulation is also quite impressive, capable of holding both dynamic and static poses with great results.
▼Brothers united are an unstoppable force! Even though they come from different works, putting these twins together like this doesn't feel out of place at all, does it?
▼Cybertronian sports car mode. The dual guns offer two mounting points, so you can choose your favorite configuration!
▼In addition to the windows, all four wheels are made of gorgeous transparent parts—a delightful little detail.
▼A sports car is strong, but not as strong as... family! Family!
▼Shockwave, based on his fleeting appearance in the opening of "Bumblebee." He is the logic-driven Decepticon scientist who, along with Starscream and Soundwave, pursues Optimus Prime and the Autobots. Unlike the previously released Core Class version, this one is a Voyager Class figure, a medium size that captures Shockwave's presence from the movie's opening. And of course, he can transform into his alien tank mode.
▼It also comes with a dedicated "Cybertron Falls" scene backdrop.
▼In robot mode, the V-class size solidly reproduces the bulk and detail that Shockwave deserves. It's worth savoring from every angle. The cannon on his left arm also uses soft plastic to represent the iconic energy tube.
▼The head features light-piping; shining a light from above will make his single eye glow.
▼Additionally, a printed paint-chipping and weathering effect has been applied from his chest and waist all the way down to his thighs, greatly enhancing the texture!
▼The articulation is, of course, top-notch, allowing him to strike all sorts of cool poses with ease.
▼"Destroy the launchpad. Let none escape!"
▼The vehicle mode is a twin-barreled tank, with a general structure very similar to his version from the third movie.
▼The turret is articulated and can rotate.
▼Do all you Shockwave fans like this tank mode?
▼Beast Wars Universe Magmatron. Hailing from the Japan-exclusive series "Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo," he is the product of three wild dinosaurs combining after being enhanced by Angolmois Energy, subsequently becoming the new Emperor of Destruction for the Destron army. This Legacy United Magmatron is a brand-new mold, produced at the massive Commander Class scale. Not only does it reinterpret the original design with the latest technology, but its appearance is also more aligned with modern aesthetics. The announcement of this figure garnered immense attention from fans, so let's see how it performs today!
Note: "Beast Wars" was previously translated as "百變金剛" (Bǎibiàn Jīngāng) when it aired in Taiwan, but is now more commonly known as "野獸大戰" (Yěshòu Dàzhàn). The name of its Japanese spin-off, "新百變金剛" (Xīn Bǎibiàn Jīngāng), was adopted from the manga drawn by Im木商事 and translated by Ching Win Publishing.
▼In robot mode, the immense, intimidating presence is simply undeniable. Representing him at this scale was absolutely the right choice.
▼The head sculpt perfectly captures Magmatron's ferocious, teeth-gritting expression.
▼Just like the original toy, transparent parts are used on the head, left shoulder, and the large sword to replicate his emblems.
▼The fingers are articulated to accommodate the transformation, with one joint for the thumb and one for the four fingers together.
▼It also includes semi-transparent purple effect parts.
▼The effect part can be attached to the middle of the Magma Blade to make it look even more fiery! On a side note, the spring-loaded missile-firing gimmick from the original toy has been removed.
▼The small blades on the head wings can be removed and used as handheld weapons.
▼"Come, Big Convoy! Let's have a glorious battle!"
▼The stability and ankle pivot on both legs are excellent, more than enough to support this considerably heavy body.
▼The transformation, like the original, involves disassembling him into three dinosaurs. First, let's look at the one that forms the robot mode's lower body, Landsaurus, whose design is based on the real-world Giganotosaurus.
▼The jaw is articulated, though the range is not very wide. The texture of the dinosaur skin is sculpted quite well.
▼Basic articulation is no problem at all. With a proper center of gravity, it can still strike dynamic poses.
▼The tail articulation is also a pleasant surprise, which is very helpful for posing.
▼Containing the robot's arms and shield is Seasaurus, based on the Elasmosaurus.
▼It also features an opening and closing mouth, with the teeth painted silver.
▼The long neck has multiple joints, so I don't think I need to elaborate on its incredible flexibility.
▼Finally, we have the one that forms the head, Skysaurus, based on the appearance of the Quetzalcoatlus. The gradient paint on the back of the wings is beautiful.
▼It also features an opening and closing beak design.
▼Not only do the wings have multiple joints, but the legs also possess a high degree of articulation, which is rare for a pterosaur-type Transformer!
▼And last but not least, the three dinosaurs can combine into the gigantic Magmasaurus, just like in the original toy and animation. As for whether it looks good, I think that's a matter of personal taste, but I can tell you that when I was a kid, the first time I saw it, I was truly blown away...
▼Triple the firepower, triple the beastly fury! I have to ask, with a dinosaur Transformer like this, what time are you coming home?
▼Come on, everyone, hurry up and bring this trio home!
That concludes this Transformers unboxing report. After playing with them, they are all incredibly exciting and fun masterpieces. Whether in terms of appearance, articulation, or transformation mechanics, they are worth experiencing firsthand. Fellow toy enthusiasts, don't miss out on these great items! Well then, see you in the next unboxing report!