The Robots in Disguise(15) toyline continues, despite being wound down somewhat to accommodate shelf space in shops for the upcoming TF5 toys. Today we will be looking at the latest wave which oddly does not involve semi-creature modes in any form. No, this wave consists of new versions of much loved (in two cases anyway) classic characters. Despite being part of the Combiner Force subline these figures do not combine, but rather try to seduce you with a mixture of new alt-modes and nostalgia. So let’s take a look at the Warrior-class Robots in Disguise: Combiner Force Blurr, Windblade and Soundwave.
Blurr – Robot Mode
Seems to be a nice amalgamation of Blurr’s look from Rescue Bots (which RID does do crossover episodes with) with the look he has been sporting in the Generations line. He has the more rounded head with the large goggles that he has in the RB cartoon/toyline but the lighter colours and high shoulder pads one associates with Generations/G1 Blurr. The proportions are quite nice and he is able to be posed in a number of positions due to the ankle, knee, elbow and shoulder joints. The head is quite maneuverable too, tilting in pretty much any angle you desire. Being from RID instead of RB, this Blurr is now sporting a blaster as well.
Blurr – Vehicle Mode
Almost a cross between the first and second Generations Blurr toys. Most definitely a stylized Earth vehicle however with the distinctive pointiness that the latest Titans Return version has. Quite a sexy futuristic sportscar with its spoiler, big wheels and dome. The blaster can be put on either side of the vehicle or on top, giving you different battle options when at play.
Windblade – Robot Mode
Windblade is sporting here her battle mask and due to her having such a distinctive face it is a shame it cannot be removed, detracting somewhat from the figure overall. A nice touch I found was the different options you have with the sword and sheath. You can either have her holding her sword with the sheath on her hip (as pictured) or the sheath can act as a giant second sword. Also the sheath splits in two so you can have half on each hip if that is the look you like. The way her wings affix to her body looks far superior to the Generations version with which she shares the more lithe arms with. If it wasn’t for the head, overall I would say this is actually superior to the Generations version but as it is that one will have to go to the judges.
Windblade – Vehicle Mode
What is disappointing is that her wind turbines are covered by caps on the top in her VTOL jet mode. With the Generations version you could actually blow on the turbines and make them spin, here they are not even visible in her vehicle mode. It’s not a badly proportioned jet and is very indicative of the screen character. Her sword sheath can be affixed underneath but I only recommend this as a way to not lose the piece – otherwise it looks simply terrible and certainly ruins the aerodynamic look of the jet which is somewhat already hampered by the way the robot arms jut out from the sides, much like many of the Combiner Wars figures.
Soundwave – Robot Mode
Like Blurr being an amalgamation of RB and Generations Blurr figures, this Soundwave seems to be an amalgamation of the TFPrime and Fall of Cybertron Soundwave toys. The head sculpt is most definitely a carry over from TFPRime (the precursor cartoon to the current RID series) and the proportions are very in line with most of the other RID figures. However with the added shoulder cannon, distinctive chest and bulkier limbs he is certainly as shout out to the Soundwave figures of old. The light piping in the back of the head can make for some good effects and the shoulder cannon can be removed to be used as a handgun.
Soundwave – Vehicle Mode
This is where the toy really calls out to the Fall of Cybertron figure. Ruby translucent wheels along with a roof cannon and a bulky blue Cybertronian-armored car is the flavor here and the flavor is good! He has a more distinctive cockpit which is a definite plus, but the peg that holds the roof cannon in is way too long, it makes it look ungainly sitting on top. Despite this I couldn’t bring myself to remove it as it seems intrinsic to an otherwise odd alt-mode. This peg flaw is made up for somewhat by the fact that the cannon can not only be swiveled 360 degrees but also be tilted up and down.
Overall
Well I’d say Blurr is a definite must-grab if you like the character and fits in well with the other multiverse versions of him. Windblade has her pros and cons and it will really be decided on whether you like the character and whether you already have the previous RID version of her. Soundwave… well… it’s damn hard to pass up a new Soundwave figure! However there is another SW RID figure on the horizon which, whilst looking inferior, will come with Laserbeak so it may be worth waiting for that toy to be released and then compare before making your purchase.
Related Post: Multiverse Blurr Toys Gallery
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