Megatron

Let's face it. Megatron thus far has gotten a pretty bad rap when it comes to movie appearances in the Bayverse. While his alt mode in the first movie had some likability to it, the ROTF design was pretty much panned. Megatron therefore gets yet another redesign for Dark of the Moon.

Bio

Megatron has lost battles, but he has never been truly defeated. Even after his near total destruction by the Allspark, he returned. This latest loss is nothing to him. He has plans thousands of years in the making that are finally coming to fruition. This time, nothing will stop him from annihilating the Autobots completely.

Strength     

Intelligence 

Speed        

Endurance    

Rank         

Courage      

Fireblast    

Skill        

Robot Mode

Aesthetics

At first glance, he has a sort of Dr Doom look to him with the hood and cape treatment. Kind of airs of that 'mysterious' motif. The hood and cape are both soft rubber, and the hood can be worn without the cape if you so desire. Also, both 'clothing' items can be unhooked.

Doing so doesn't take away from the overall blandness. The khaki and PVC gray colors make him look to monochromatic. Only the black shoulder plates and wheels break things up. To show that Megatron still gets no love, he gets a pygmy sized head to boot. Which is probably a good thing for him, since he's still showing damage to his right optic. Perhaps that's why he wore the hood in the first place. It's a bummer he looks so bland, because he otherwise makes for the best Bayverse Megs yet.

Score:

Articulation

Feet:Stationary
Knees:Rivet pin, 135 degree bend. Pinned above knee for unlimited lower leg rotation.
Hips:Pinned for 150 degree bend, rivet pin for 45 degree spread.
Waist:Pinned above abdomen for unlimited rotation.
Shoulders:Pinned for unlimited rotation, screw hinge for 90 degree spread.
Elbows:Dual rivet pins for 180 degree bend.
Hands:Rivet pin for 180 degree inward bend
Head:Ball joint for unlimited rotation and 90 degree tilt

Joints are set up rather well. While it's odd that his rib cage pivots how it does, that's due more to the transformation process than accurate anatomy.

Score:

Playability

Besides the hood and cape, Megatron packs a mean punch with his arm cannon. The MechTech weapon can peg to either arm, even if purists demand it only stay to the right. Pushing on the ladder will extend the barrel out. Unlike the previous 2 Voyagers reviewed, the MechTech gimmick does NOT lock in place here. That's rather unfortunate.

Score:


Robot Mode Summary:(out of 9pts total)
Definitely needs more color. I'm sure customizers will heed that call.

Robot Mode Specs

Height:6.88in/174.8mm
Width:4in/101.6mm
Depth:2in/50.8mm
Supplied accessories:(1)hood, (1) cape and (1) MechTech weapon.

Transformation

Complexity

The transformation process has a perfect blend of ease and complexity. Nothing about it will leave you scratching your head, but at the same time you'll find yourself converting modes again and again. It's refreshing to see that Tf figures, at least on some aspects, have seem to find a perfect balance with Voyager modes.

Score:

Fluidity

Hand in hand with the balance of complexity and ease, the fluidness of the transformation is also top notch. Nothing really gets in your way when you don't want it to, and everything fits into place without much fuss.

Score:

Transformation Summary:(out of 6pts total)
With transformations like this, who needs a Leader class?

Alt Mode

Aesthetics

Though the coloration doesn't liven up any in alt mode, it is more fitting of a military type tanker transport. There are even section of the PVC area on the tanks and fenders where you can see sunburn. The windows are a translucent blood red. The black hard rubber brush bar is also a nice touch. Chrome applications would have went a long way here.

Score:

Realism

The alt mode is based off the Mack Granite tractor cab with a tanker trailer. The eagle eye can spot loads of detail in the molded plastics, including storage boxes, the tanker trailer controls and even the illusion that the trailer can separate (it can't). Unlike Optimus Prime, Hasbro went to great lengths to cover up any gaps. Their work paid off, which might frustrate one further about Optimus.

Score:

Playability

Although there's no place for the hood, you can attach the cape to the back of the tanker to partially conceal your cargo. The front half of the tanker is actually the MechTech weapon. This can be detached and pegged to the roof of the cab. However, there is also a peg on the weapon, suggesting you can mount other MechTech weapons on it and retain the clean look of the tractor/trailer.

Score:


Alt Mode Summary:(out of 9pts total)
Again, flat coloring is the only bad spot here.

Alt Mode Specs

Length:7.63in/193.8mm
(including trailer) Wheelbase:3.25in/82.6mm (Front wheels to rearward cab wheels only)
Width:2in/50.8mm
Height:2.25in/57.2mm
Scale Ratio:40:1 (est)
Wheels:6 rotating and 4 static on cab, 4 rotating on trailer
Detailed cockpit:N/A

Value

Durability

The only real durability issues would be with the rubber appliques, such as the brush bar and the hood/cape combo. Besides that, there's really nothing that can easily pop off Megs other than the head. Which is a good thing, because I can completely see him being redone as a Scourge.

Score:

Fun to Dollar Ratio

He's a blast just for the transformation alone. He has possibilities in the MechTech department and, besides the lack of color, he looks pretty darn sweet. An easy justification for paying $20.

Score:


Value Summary:(out of 6pts total)
Should hold up well over the years, both in durability and fun factor.

Final Summary

It can be easily said that this is the best Bayverse Megatron out there bar none. The alt mode is exceptionally well done and the robot mode, for the most part, gives Megs the respect he's longed to have. However, it's sad that they say to not apply much paint to this mold. Some chrome in the right places would do absolute wonders for how he looks. Other detail touches would make this a masterpiece. I suppose that's where the customizers come in.

Final Verdict:
Class:Voyager

MSRP:$20

Reviewer	Blitzwing
Date	May 17th 2011
Score	(9 out of 10)
Reads	13364
Link	Megatron via Movie Database

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