Transformers Rise of the Beasts Smash Changers, 2-in-1 Masks, and Beast-Mode Bumblebee Review

Starting with the most “classic” transformer on the docket, we have Beast Mode Bumblebee. The sculpt on this guy is great, and the paint reasonably accentuates the details. A few areas of wiring and gears aren’t painted silver, but it’s not the end of the world, since you’ll be transforming this often. In bot mode, press down on these two buttons to get lights and sounds, and squeeze his legs together to activate beast mode. The bird head in the chest is translucent and lights up. You can flip out claws in the articulated arms, too. The transformation is both easy and a teeny bit tricky to get everything lined up juuuust right, but when you do, it rolls pretty well on its wheels. The kibble is…noticeable, but it’s the price you pay for having a simpler transformation! 

Next up are the Smash Changers Optimus Prime and Optimus Primal. The paint and sculpt on the alt modes is impressive, with tons of detail and small paint apps in just the right places. For Prime, press on the button twice, then smash down by the feet to turn into bot mode. Sometimes all you need to do is press the button twice. I love Primal’s transformation! Just smash down on the legs three times to convert to bot mode. The bot modes are also painted quite well, but I prefer the look of Primal here, the kibble is far less noticeable. At least Prime has bendable elbows, unlike Primal. But they can both swivel their heads.

Last up we have the 2-in-1 Masks of Optimus Primal and Bumblebee. These masks, like the prior two items heave great sculpt and paint, and they’re decked out with elastic straps and a nose rest to make wearing them as easy as possible. Transformation is easy, but we recommend reading the instructions once or twice to familiarize yourself with how the parts connect together, and thus not accidentally strain any parts. The bot modes feel like a really cool bonus, rather than a faithful rendition of the screen counterparts. That isn’t a knock, we think this idea is brilliant, and we’re impressed they got them to look this good!