Rapid Run - Energon - Figure


A lackluster Armada toy finds itself with a garish color scheme and gutted gimmicks in the Energon line where he really has no place being. Hopefully, further adventures into repainting Armada toys into Energon won't continue past wave one if this is an indication of how they'll be done.


Review

Set Includes

Primarily yellow with black, gray, and purple highlights, Rapid Run vehicle mode is an unknown model of motorcycle. He is 5 ½" long. 1 ½" wide and 3" high. There are tabs along the center of the bike that can be used to seat Nightcruz and Nightscream at the same time. There are also two static Mini-Con hard points on either side of the rear of the bike. The red headlights help give the front of the cycle a face, reminiscent of Thrust from Beast Machines.

Start-Change-Finish

Swing the seat back and separate the rear of the motorcycle. Push the sections of the seat into the legs and straighten the seats out to form the feet. Swing the windshield and handlebar section around to form the chest. Bring the undercarriage of the cycle around on either side and rotate the forearms around. Rotate the wheels so that they are parallel to the ground and bring each one up. Pull up on the handlebars to reveal the robot head.

Robot Mode

Standing at 5 ½" to the top of his cylindrical head, Rapid Run is now ready to battle the Autobots. He features hip and elbow rotation and can flip his wrists up 90 degrees. His shoulders also function similar to a ball-socket joints, though they do not lock in nearly as well as they did on Sideways. His handlebars can be positioned in either mode and, to be honest, they look rather goofy hanging off either side of his head like they do. Attaching a Mini-Con to the hard points on either arm and pressing them forward launches the missiles.

Mini-Cons

The mostly gray Mini-Con of the set is the Nightscream. He stands 2 ½" high and features shoulder rotation and ball-socket-swivel joints on his hips and knees making him very fun to pose. The more colorful Mini-Con is Nightcruz. Measuring at 2 ¼" tall, Nightcruz has rotating shoulders, ball-socket hips and ball-socket-swivel knees.

Mini-Con Combined Mode

Rotate Nightcruz’ arms back and turn his lower legs so they face backwards. Do likewise with Nightscream’s arms and bring his legs up to form the arms. Push Nightscream’s head in to reveal the combined mode’s head. Plug Nightcruz’s head into the cavity near Nightscream’s head and flip Nightcruz’ chest panel up.

Standing at 3 ¼" high, the combined mode, for which there is no name given, is a very well articulated robot. He has Nightscream’s leg articulation for his arms and Nightcruz’s legs articulation for the legs. Although, not a very pretty robot, it’s a nice concept considering the size of the toys.

Mini-Con & Rapid Run Combined Modes

Each Mini-Con can become a different head for Rapid Run. First, you have to push Rapid Run’s robot head down. Unlike Sideways, there is no choice in allegiance as the holes that the Mini-Con arms once fit into have been sealed off, thus giving Rapid Run no insignias at all in either mode.

On either Mini-Con, simply slide the panel on their chest down, fold the arms back, similar to what you would do for the combined mode, and position the legs out to the sides as antennae.

Overall

While Rapid Run, Nightscream, and Nightcruz each have their problems in terms of articulation or appearance, the novelty of a dual Headmaster-style Transformers toy is still pretty cool. Unfortunately, the color scheme leaves a lot to be desired and the paint applications were a little sloppy in spots on my copy. Also, it was disappointing to have the swapping faction insignias taken away for this release. So, unless you are a completist, really like this toy, or missed out on the original, I'd avoid Rapid Run. Your $10 are better spent on the new-mold Energon toys.

Final Grade: C

ReviewerRichard C. Mistron  
DateDecember 29th 2003  
Score 4 stars (4 out of 10)  
Reads6833


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