Transformers Rise of the Beasts Smash Changers, 2-in-1 Masks, and Beast-Mode Bumblebee Review
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Editor's 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!
Price Check
Should I get it?
We recommend any of these disparate products. A wide range of play styles and interests are covered by these toys. Young fans of more traditional transformers with multiple steps will enjoy Beast Mode Bumblebee. Younger Transformers novices will enjoy the ease of play with the Smash Changers. The 2-in-1 Masks are the biggest wildcard, with the novel concept offering broad appeal.
Pros
- Beast Mode Bumblebee has a very nice bot mode, has lights and sounds, and a modest amount of articulation.
- The Smash Changers Optimus Prime and Optimus Primal both have excellent alt modes, great sculpt and paint, and the smash transformation gimmick is satisfying to do.
- The 2-in-1 Bumblebee and Optimus Prime Masks hold together really well in both mask and bot modes, feel generally comfortable to wear, surprisingly, and have nice paint apps and sculpt.
Cons
- Beast Mode Bumblebee has a lack of paint apps on some details, and the obvious kibble in alt mode.
- Optimus Prime is sort of boxy in bot mode, and and both Smash Changers generally lack of articulation.
- The bot modes on the 2-in-1 masks are more on the abstract side.
