When Gokin met Transformers and made my heart sing!
Producer: Action Toys
Price: $959.99 USD
Release: February 2015
Height: Approx. 16.75″
WHERE TO BUY – TFSOURCE
So, when Ultimetal Optimus Prime came in the other day, I was stunned at how big the packaging was even. Even the presentation of the packaging goes along with the “Larger than life” aspect of this product. The video review covers a lot, but here’s a written list of pros and cons I’ve come up with for this piece.
Pros:
– This thing is HUGE: I know it goes without saying, but man when you get it in hand, it’s mind blowing! Even the box took up damned near my whole back seat picking it up from the P.O.!
– The Armor is easy to assemble: Everything uses tabs and magnets to tab and lock into place. There’s enough clearances in the pieces that tab to make them slide on and feel snug without feeling like tabs are going to break or anything with the slightest wrong press.
– The diecast content is wonderful: At 17″, I figured that there’d be less diecast in this piece, but as a collector of art storm’s Fewture Models line, I should have known better. The heft is incredible, and the ratchet joints are incredibly strong to compliment the extra weight throughout.
– Moving pistons: I really like that there are actual, moving pistons in the wrists, ankles, and even ribs… Even though the paint apps and aesthetic of the inner “skeleton” are incredible, the moving parts make it feel much less like a gimmick.
– Locking joints: the thighs and knees have locking ratchets that need buttons pressed in order to move. This is a heavy piece so it takes the worth for wear in these areas down to zero!
– Lights and sounds galore: I don’t think this one needs to be expounded on much, but it’s awesome and I love that none of the electronics are intrusive to the toy’s poseability. I hate when electronics turn a toy into a glorified statue.
Cons:
– As strong as the magnets holding the panels on are, the ratcheting joints are even more so. Sometimes when posing, the clicks of the ratchets give such a strong shake, that the panels can fall off.
It doesn’t tansform: although I’m personally OK with this, I know that it’s an aspect that will deter a lot of collectors that may now know or understand the value and pricing on diecast collectibles.
This thing is pricey, but absolutely INCREDIBLE! I implore that any Transformers or diecast/gokin collectibles fan who has the means to purchase this one to do so. I don’t know if I’ve been this floored by a Transformers toy purchase since I’ve began collecting.
Overall Score: 25/10 – YEP!
