The G2 Powermaster Gimmick:
The Powermasters of Generation 2 have nothing really in common with the original Powermasters outside of the name. Each toy has a pull-back-and-go feature similar to the Throttlebots or Battlechargers, but with a twist. Inserting one of the weapons into the left hole in the back of the vehicle will unlock the motor mechanism and allow the Powermaster to zip forward. If you don’t put the weapon in place, the vehicle will not go. The same effect can be achieved in robot mode, though it looks a little silly.
Tech Specs:
Autobot: Ironhide
Function: Military Strategist
"I grind Decepticons into garbage any way I can!"
He's a military machine fueled by gasoline and guts! A battle-tested veteran, he's endured dozens of Decepticon missile attacks. As tough on the outside as he is within, this stubborn survivor has incredible strength. Extensive, heavily-armored plating makes him easy to track...but impossible to destroy!
Strength: 10 Intelligence: 6 Speed: 3 Endurance: 9
Rank: 7 Courage: 9 Firepower: 7 Skill: 7
I honestly cannot comment on these tech specs. As with most of the G2 tech specs, it’s poorly written and lacking almost anything of value. Is this the same Ironhide from long ago? Being a battle-tested veteran would seem to indicate so, but there is also no hint of any of the things associated with the original Ironhide.
Vehicle Mode:
Packaged in vehicle mode, Ironhide measures approximately 3 ¼” in length. This time around, our Auto-Buddy’s alt mode is a grayish Hummer, with fluorescent-green windows and blue-green camouflage splotches either side of the rear of his vehicle mode. The Autobot name and symbol are stamped on the middle of his roof and the hood sticker proudly displays his name and the PM2 designation.
Transformation:
The G2 Powermaster transformation is a simple one. Lift the front of the vehicle up and back so that the headlights face upwards, rotate the arms forward and lift the head up.
Robot Mode:
Ironhide now stands at 3 ¾” and ready to take on the Decepticons with his two points of articulation (the shoulders). Okay, he can bend at the waist too, but that’s cheating. His face, arms and upper torso are black with the same gray dominating the colorscheme for the rest of his body. His guns can be placed in either hand or in the holes from his vehicle mode. His feet are, to say the least, huge. That is, if you can call them feet. He has a sincere lack of anything remotely resembling feet. I almost want to cry. Poor Ironhide just doesn’t seem to be able to get a decent toy, no matter what generation he’s in.
Some points to ponder:
In looking over the G2 Powermasters toys, I cannot find anything stamped on them regarding Takara. Both state the following: “© 1994 Hasbro, Inc., All Rights Reserved, Made In China.” However, the packaging does have the standard, “Manufactured and licensed by Takara Co., Ltd.,” statement in the legal block. So, did Takara make these or not?
In playing with Ironhide and Meanstreak, I have come to the conclusion that these toys would have been better suited during the G1 days. Especially since these guys came out after the Laser Rods and Cyberjets. The G2 Powermasters seem to be a step back on the evolutionary side of toy design. They are unposable brick-like robots with halfway decent alt modes. I do like the gimmick though I can’t help but wonder if keeping the motor wound up would be good for the toy. I rather doubt it.
Overall:
I can’t really say I recommend Ironhide unless you have to have one of everything made or are just curious.
| Reviewer | ViceGripX |
| Date | June 19th 2002 |
| Score |  (5 out of 10) |
| Reads | 10482 |
