This was the first Optimus Prime toy to deviate radically from his standard body type and alt mode. Not a whole lot, though, as you can see: https://rapido-online.net/g2archive/us/thecomic/images/12_page35.jpg
Vehicle Mode: Optimus Prime is now a Kenworth T600B cab with a missile trailer. 17.5 cm(7") long, the trailer section is red with a blue and black missile launcher while the can section is white with red, orange, and yellow stripes, blue exhaust stacks, transparent light blue windows, and chrome headlights and grille. The ten wheels are black with chrome hubcaps, the air
bellows behind the cab is neon yellow, and the twin air pressure missiles, which store in slots on the trailer, are white with red tips. A little too bright for my tastes, but a good contrast to the dark purple and black of Hero Megatron.
Prime rolls along very nicely on most surfaces. His missile launcher elevates to a 30 degree angle, can pivot a full 180 degrees in a counter-clockwise direction, and has a hole on top for attaching Prime's small gun. Sliding a missile onto the launcher, detaching the bellows, and then slamming your palm down on it causes the missile to travel a distance of more than two feet.
Transformation: Fold in the front bumper, flip the legs out, and unfold the arms. Be sure to note exactly how the arms fold up, since it can be a bit confusing when changing him back to trailer mode.
Robot Mode: Prime stands 15.5 cm(6.1") tall in robot mode. He's considerably more bulky and powerful-looking than all the G1 Prime toys, with wide shoulders, massive forearms and shins, and the big launcher on his right arm. He has all the essential Prime features: a red upper body, a silver grille and windshields with stickers that read "OPTIMUS PRIME" on his chest, and of course, a blue head with a silver crest and face plate. His eyes are transparent light blue and glow heroically before a strong light. His small gun fits into either fist.
Like his counterpart Meggy, Prime boasts great articulation: head, shoulders(universal joints), upper arms, elbows, waist, hips(ratchet joints), and knees. He's a little backheavy though, and his hollowed-out shins don't help his balance any.
A midnight blue, red, and black "Combat Hero" Optimus Prime was planned at one point, with at least six toy actually made, but was never officially released: https://rapido-online.net/g2archive/misc/unreleased/heroes.shtml . In addition, a black and gray version named Scourge is slated for release this year as part of RID.
Overall, Susp Sez: Kind of a shame that this guy is overshadowed by the undeniably awesome Laser Optimus Prime, seeing as how he's such a great toy in his own right. Good trailer mode, fun gimmick, very poseable, badass-looking robot mode. A toy worthy of the Prime title. 9/10
Susp
"Freedom is the right of all sentient beings." -G2 Optimus Prime
Thanks to Jose "Rapido" Negron for the pics and Cybertronian #6 for the info about the Combat Hero versions.
Reviewer | Suspsy |
Date | February 21st 2003 |
Score | (9 out of 10) |
Reads | 8341 |
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