Post by shaxper on Aug 9, 2005 14:53:14 GMT -5
www.greattoys.net gave a highly thorough review (far moreso than mine), but I have some opposing views that I think are worth noting.
Cybertron Starscream
Overview: An enormous reincarnation of the legendary G1 character, Starscream transforms from a 18” tall robot into a futuristic fighter spaceship. Starscream is the third largest transformer ever to be made. Relative scale issues and lack of detail and articulation suggest that Starscream was designed to be produced at a much smaller scale, but was then enlarged in order to make fan-boys drool and shell out $60-80 bucks.
Robot mode: With a superficial glance, Starscream appears to be a TF collector’s dream. His face is stunning, his physical design is impressive, and he’s gigantic. However, closer inspection reveals that Starscream is a veritable brick with stubby arms. In general, most of the larger Cybertron robots tend to have a lot of articulation and attention to detail, but both of these are lacking in Starscream. He’s nice to look at from afar, but doesn’t have it where it counts when you get up close.
Vehicle mode: While the vehicle mode is both original and interesting to look at, it’s quite simply too big. It’s awkward to handle and too large to display with a collection. The trade-off should be that a ship of this size would have an amazing amount of miniature details that would somehow justify the size, but Starscream has none. This ship could easily have been reproduced at 1/4th scale without losing any detail whatsoever. In fact, this is probably what was intended, as is revealed by Starscream’s enormous single-pilot cockpit, which is far too large for the people that would fit inside of Optimus Prime or Megatron. There’s just no reason for the vehicle to be this big.
Transformation: Starscream’s transformation is uncomplicated, yet surprisingly difficult. Getting Starscream’s legs to collapse into place for vehicle mode is difficult, frustrating, and usually results in one of his wings popping off. Poor design all around. While it’s impressive that Starscream’s robot mode barely resembles his vehicle mode, the process involved in changing him from one to another is highly annoying.
To conclude: A Starscream/Vector Prime two-pack has already been announced and, judging from the suggested retail price, Starscream will probably be shrunk down for this release. If you’re looking for a great transforming toy, I recommend waiting for the smaller two-pack version. However, if you’re looking for an enormous, awesome-looking display piece, Starscream’s robot mode is certainly an excellent one.
C+
Cybertron Starscream
Overview: An enormous reincarnation of the legendary G1 character, Starscream transforms from a 18” tall robot into a futuristic fighter spaceship. Starscream is the third largest transformer ever to be made. Relative scale issues and lack of detail and articulation suggest that Starscream was designed to be produced at a much smaller scale, but was then enlarged in order to make fan-boys drool and shell out $60-80 bucks.
Robot mode: With a superficial glance, Starscream appears to be a TF collector’s dream. His face is stunning, his physical design is impressive, and he’s gigantic. However, closer inspection reveals that Starscream is a veritable brick with stubby arms. In general, most of the larger Cybertron robots tend to have a lot of articulation and attention to detail, but both of these are lacking in Starscream. He’s nice to look at from afar, but doesn’t have it where it counts when you get up close.
Vehicle mode: While the vehicle mode is both original and interesting to look at, it’s quite simply too big. It’s awkward to handle and too large to display with a collection. The trade-off should be that a ship of this size would have an amazing amount of miniature details that would somehow justify the size, but Starscream has none. This ship could easily have been reproduced at 1/4th scale without losing any detail whatsoever. In fact, this is probably what was intended, as is revealed by Starscream’s enormous single-pilot cockpit, which is far too large for the people that would fit inside of Optimus Prime or Megatron. There’s just no reason for the vehicle to be this big.
Transformation: Starscream’s transformation is uncomplicated, yet surprisingly difficult. Getting Starscream’s legs to collapse into place for vehicle mode is difficult, frustrating, and usually results in one of his wings popping off. Poor design all around. While it’s impressive that Starscream’s robot mode barely resembles his vehicle mode, the process involved in changing him from one to another is highly annoying.
To conclude: A Starscream/Vector Prime two-pack has already been announced and, judging from the suggested retail price, Starscream will probably be shrunk down for this release. If you’re looking for a great transforming toy, I recommend waiting for the smaller two-pack version. However, if you’re looking for an enormous, awesome-looking display piece, Starscream’s robot mode is certainly an excellent one.
C+
