Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)First, let me just say that this is by far the coolest transformer ever made.
It's a little difficult to transform at first (because you're afraid of breaking something). It doesn't break easily, however. Most parts are designed to come off and then snap right back on. While this is a good idea, the only draw back to this is that some things come off too easily. Such as, for instance, the feet.
Here's a tip I got from someone else that works well if the joints (in this or any transformer) get too loose. Use clear nail polish on the inside of the joint, wait for it to dry and then put the leg/arm/foot etc. back on. It works really well. For the first time in years, my Grimlock stands properly. Woo-hoo.
A few comments about the two versions of this:
The one shown here is the Hasbro version. The other is the Japanese Takara version. The differences are that the Hasbro one has shorter smoke stacks, battle damage, and a black gun. The takara version has longer smoke stacks, no battle damage, and a grey gun. It also costs about $25 more than the U.S. Hasbro version.
Sounds like the Takara version should be better, right? Actually it isn't. I have them both, of course. When I first got the Hasbro version I didn't like the battle damage and wanted one without it. Now that I have one without battle damage, I have to say it looks more like plastic in certain areas, namely the shoulders, rists and knee joints in particular. The battle damage actually makes the Hasbro version look less like plastic.
The longer smoke stacks are definitely better, but the grey gun is a bummer. Don't these people know that Optimus has a BLACK gun, LONG smoke stacks, and is played by PETER CULLEN? Without those things, it's just not Optimus. (Do you know why he didn't do the voice of Optimus in Armada? Because they didn't ask him. Can you believe that?? i figured he just didn't want to do it, but nope. He said it was because they didn't ask him. I hope the people making the live action movie are listening... GET PETER CULLEN OR WE'RE GONNA RIOT! Get it?)
If you're looking for the Takara version, the U.S. amazon site doesn't have it. It's pretty easy to find with a simple web search, however.
Oh yes, I almost forgot. The Takara version comes with a trailer... sort of. The package folds into a surprisingly real looking trailer. With the exception of the wheels, that is. It's pretty cool, though.
To make a long story short, I think I like the Hasbro version better, despite the dinky smoke stacks.
And also, this is the Optimus that I waited 20 years for. Don't waste any money on the armada or energon toys if you don't have this one yet. If you end up like me, you'll be looking at passing trucks on the highway looking for the old style flat fronted Optimus trucks. Heh heh. Roll out.
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Transformers Optimus Prime 20th Anniversary Figure
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