For every Yin, there is a Yang. For almost every Optimus there is a Megatron. Transformers: Armada is no exception to the rule. Megatron is back and this time no amount of gimmicks will stop him.
Tech Specs (Courtesy of Transformers.com)
Decepticon: Megatron
"My power is your doom!"
Megatron commands the Decepticons by being the strongest and most terrifying warrior of them all. He can use his massive firepower for maximum devastation, enabling him to level a battlefield to the ground. There can be only one ruler of the universe, and Megatron intends to be that ruler. He will not stop until he has the Mini-Cons because they will give him unimaginable abilities and power. Will he achieve his goal to become ruler and destroy the Earth in his quest to posses the Mini-Cons?
Strength: 10.0 Intelligence: 10.0 Speed: 10.0 Endurance: 10.0
Rank: 10.0 Courage: 10.0 Fireblast: 10.0 Skill: 10.0
This marks the first time that I can think of where Megatron was given tens in all stats. I do have to question a tank Transformer with a speed of 10 though.
Tank Mode
Megatron is 10" in length from the tip of his cannon barrel to the end tips of his rear treads, simply massive compared to most of the Armada toys released to date. He is primarily dark green with blue-gray paneling in places, yellow painted fog lights, some purple highlights and bright orange for the missiles and various other parts. Four wheels under the treads keep him rolling and he is loaded with gimmicks.
Megatron starts out with eight Powerlinx points: one on the side of each front tread, one on the rear right tread, two on top of the rear treads, one on top of the right tread and two atop his turret. Only the two atop his turret activate any functions, the rest are static. The one right behind the clear windowed Decepticon insignia moves back and locks into place. This flips the dual missile launcher on the left side of the turret up and forward, activating a missile-launching sound effect. The missiles can be fires be pressing the black buttons behind them. The second Powerlinx on the turret activates a machine gun sound. Move the Minicon to the right for one burst of fire or move to the left for continuous fire. The main cannon also fires a ball-ended missile and creates a different firing sound. Turning the turret approximately 45 degrees from the front facing position in either direction activates another series of sound effects. Megatron orders, "Decepticons, attack!" followed by the cannon, missile and machine gun sounds. All these effects light up the Decepticon symbol when activated.
The claws in-between the front treads can be made to grasp Minicons. On the right rear tread, a panel lowers to reveal a flip-out ramp and retractable claws. The claws can grab Minicons foolish enough to drive up the ramp. The compartment on the left rear tread extends outward to reveal a compartment to hold Minicons. I haven't found one that will actually fit in there while closed, however. Atop the right front tread is a ramp that folds up and forward. You can pretend to launch jet Minicons from here as well as add an additional static Powerlinx point. Flip the small switch on the left front tread to reveal three more static Powerlinx points. So, in an optimal configuration, Megatron can hold twelve Minicons in tank mode. That's more power than Zordar could ever obtain. "Where did they get such power?"
Transformation
Transformation is rather easy, likely due to the amount of gimmicks in play on Megatron. Extend the rear treads back and flip up the feet and stabilizers. Rotate the waist 180 degrees and stand him up. Rotate the turret so that the cannon is facing to the left or right of the robot and push the cannon so it faces forward. Open the panels on the front treads and pull down the arms. Close the panels and push the small button on the chest down to reveal the robot face.
Robot Mode
Megatron stands at 7 ½" at the top of his head, 9 ½" to the top of the claws on either side of his head, or 10" to the tip of his treads when positioned straight up. He can look Starscream eye-to-eye, yet maintains a more massive and powerful look. There is gray more visible in robot mode, primarily on his forearms and torso with some silver highlighting his abdomen. He features shoulder joints enabling him to move his arms forward, back, and out. His elbows bend and swivel and his right wrist turns as well. The left hand features an opening hand with the four fingers and thumbs connected to springs. Sadly, his hips can only move outward and his knees inward. Megatron can also turn at the neck and waist.
On his left forearm, moving the Powerlinx peg forward reveals a small knife blade protruding from his left hand. That's a neat feature should Megatron find himself in hand-to-hand combat. There are another six Powerlinx pegs that are static in robot mode in addition to the ones from tank mode on his back. The three missiles can be placed in the left tread housing. The ball-ended on fits into the top notch just below the first green section of the hinge, while the other two missiles fit snuggly in the notches near the second green hinge. Close the hatch and Megatron now has a missile launcher on his left shoulder. Configure the Leader-1 Minicon into weapon mode "A" (extend the legs down at an angle), and he fits nicely into the slot on the right tread housing. Closing the hatch secures him in place. Leader-1 can also function as a hand-held gun in configuration "B" (extend the legs straight back and move either arm down to form the handle). The turret cannon can also be fired in this mode on either side.
One last gimmick involves raising his upper torso and positioning his turret in front of him. Face the cannon and missile launcher forward and configure Leader-1 so that his cannons face up. Lower the upper torso and using the crank now located on the right side, you can turn the turret around and around, blasting the Autobots all the while.
Leader-1
An odd name for a Transformer, Leader-1 is a cross between a cannon truck and a dune buggy. He is mostly light gray with yellow windows, dark gray front wheel housings and orange cannons. Leader-1 features three weapon configurations, though one is not mentioned anywhere on the instructions outside of transforming him to that point. To transform into robot mode, swing the legs back and hold the cannons into them. He features hip, knee, and shoulder articulation. There are some black painted highlights on his torso and his eye visor is painted yellow.
Overall
By far, Megatron is my favorite toy in the Armada line thus far. His simple transformation makes him fun to fiddle with and all the different gimmicks and their configurations are a blast to play around with. And to top it off, Leader-1 is a lot of fun to play with as well. Whether you pay $25 or $30, you'll get your money's worth. All hail Megatron!
| Reviewer | ViceGripX |
| Date | August 1st 2002 |
| Score |  (10 out of 10) |
| Reads | 17982 |
