OK, here we go: Transformation! Transformers have come a long way since I was a kid in the 80’s. The engineering feats that Hasbro and Takara have developed for some of these figures are downright amazing. Unfortunately Lazerback doesn’t seem to have any of them. A lot of you may disagree with me, but even as a kid I never felt that simply standing up on your back legs is actually “transforming”. Although I might feel a bit more accomplished in life if I “transformed” out of bed around noon instead of just getting up.
The other issue I have with this figure’s transformation is the use of a yellow piece of plastic that is attached to both heads and also holds Lazerback’s gun. While this piece can plug into the figure’s back, it’s really just a loose piece of plastic that slides around so you can adjust the heads. The piece would fall off easily if it wasn’t being held loosely in place by his body frame. This bit of construction seems a lazy, but it does allow for some nice posing with his weapon.
Lazerback comes with two accessories. The first is the inspiration of his name: a segment of his back that can removed to be his gun. As goofy as it is, I actually like this spring fired weapon. It fits snugly into the body but can be raised up over both robot and beast head. The red part of the gun can be opened up like a rib cage. It doesn’t really serve a purpose, but it does look cool.
Lazerback’s tail can be detached for a second weapon: a very short spiked whip. I wish it were a bit longer, it’s a decent looking weapon.
Lazerback is one of those figures that I think kids will love, but the older fan may find a bit too simple. Even though I like his robot head, I hate his transformation. So he’s probably not going to see that form very often. Besides, his beast form is just too fun to play around with and definitely lends itself to terrorizing the other figures on my desk.
-Vault
Great review and pics, but I think I’ll pass on the toy. As you say, just standing on your hind legs and putting your head down isn’t much of a transformation. But at least he looks nicely articulated.
Thought I heard this was a fembot?
That’s Ripclaw. She’s in Wave 2.
Ah okay man, gonna be an interesting new subline.
Psst! You guys remember they still make MOTU toys, right? DC too! 😀
Fun and informative review! I’m totally back into Transformers again (I really like some of the TF Prime transformations. Very innovative) though I do cherry pick based on the reviews I read. I think I’m going to pass on this one. I might go with the Wheeljack toy, but this one doesn’t really do it for me. Keep up the great work!
Saw these at TRU the other day and all I could think was “I’m sure Vault is going to be showing all these off soon”
I always love a TransFormers review!
I can’t say that I really like this guy, but he sure looks fun to play with!
Not to be a downer, but the Beast Hunters toys are a complete turn-off for me. They seem to be going into Beast Machines territory of spindly robots with eye-searing color schemes.
TransFormers: Chaos Effect! (Please tell me I’m not the only one that remembers that Jurassic Park subline.)
I’m only planning on getting Soundwave out of this subline because I’m a sucker for Soundwave and have been since 1984.
Neon colored dinosaurs! OUTTA SIGHT! I had several of the abominations…. ;D
I was holding out for the all-new Triceratops, but the line got cancelled before it was released. Shame, because bizarre colour scheme aside, it was an amazing sculpt.
the alt-mode looks kinda cool, and I can see the Chinese Dragon influence. I’d have to see it in person to decide if I want this character, tho. I’ve only seen 1-2 eps each of Prime and TFA, and don’t even have the game systems, so I have no clue for any current TF storylines these are coming from.
I would agree that “stand up, flip/extend 1-2 things” is NOT really a Transformer, tho. It did bug me in previous waves/figures where a cool alt mode was ruined because of this. We should call it “Go-Bot-ing” or something! LOL
btw, is that the WFC Soundwave (grey/red redeco of blue tank) in the first line-up? When did that come out?
If you’re in the US, voyager Soundblaster is indeed out as part of wave 1 of the Generations/FoC voyager wave. He and Buzzsaw are the shortpacked variant, with Soundwave and Laserbeak taking up most of the the case. I highly recommend both, especially if you never got him as a deluxe.
ok, thanks, OP!
I too chose this as my only grab of this wave. I’m a bit conflicted by him. While I do like the return of some beast modes (all respect to Marshawn Lynch), I too wish his reptilian head was more flexible. I’ll bet that movement was sacrificed since it tucks away so well into his bot chest. I love the bot visage, but wish the paint was applied more carefully. The edges of his beard are pretty rough on mine.
Actually, I wouldn’t pass on the Beast Hunters Bumblebee. He is far better than the regular prime Bumblebee. The addition of more black details and wicked new face sculpt make what I thought was another wasted space into an awesome figure. Beasthunters Wheeljack is also definitely a great figure.