Fall Of Cybertron:  Optimus Prime

I have no plans nor whatsoever on picking this one.. I didn't like it's simplistic transformation, limb proportions and size.. I judged too early by basing my decisions on pictures and videos I saw online..

But  I was wrong - and it never felt better to be proven wrong.  This figure is awesome in every good and bad way..

This figure is small, hollow and simplistic.. But the thing is - It Works!

It's kinda weird in a sense that it's weakness are his strong point.. let me enumerate it this way:

Pro's of the Con's:

1.  The figure is small                 - But it makes a compact Alternate and Robot mode
2.  It's hollow                            - And yet the toy is sturdy and solid
3.  Simplistic Transformation      - But the process is fun and super enjoyable
4.  No weapon gimmick            - But offers you great articulation, worthy to be marketed as it's gimmick


ALTERNATE MODE:

When I first saw this, the first thing came in my mind was "Titanium  War Within Optimus Prime"..  But unlike it's infamous counterpart, this one so much better in every way..

Yes, length wise it is small.. But the height of the alt mode makes up for it.. Was about to gripe about it until I took these pictures and realize it.. ;)

It has paint detailing on it's shoulders, rims, windows, elbows, shins, and knee cap.. And with all the fantastic grooves this figure has, it's only natural for me to take advantage of it by lining them with a hobby pen to bring those lost details back to life..


ROBOT MODE:

The trick to appreciate the proportion of the bot mode is to get the proper stance..  This is one of the common issues I have with the photos I saw online, making FOC prime look short and squish..

Unfortunately, the back part is hollow specially on the legs.. I know hasbro is trying to make a way to keep the price point low, but a little plastic panel to cover the legs doesn't hurt much..   

And the only accessories comes with the package.. A weird and somewhat hollowed gun..

And it stores at the back of FOC prime or on top of the alt mode..

ARTICULATION:

This is where the figure shines.. Thanks to it's well balanced POA's, you can have FOC prime in almost every position you want.. Standing pose, ground pose, launching pose - you name it!

 Gotta be one of the best prime head mold out there..

How many transforming primes can effectively do this?!  Even my well articulated gundams have issues doing the flying kick stand, but not FOC prime.. :)

CONCLUSION:

The package doesn't give you much when it comes to accessories and transforming gimmicks.. But makes up with great articulation and playability..  Also, take advantage of all the fantastic grooves and panel linings to bring out the details of the figures..  

Overall, this figure surprised me! And i'm very glad I was wrong on my early assessment because this toy is pure fun.. It is still not hard to get one so make sure to grab it while you still can.. CHEERS!!!

Now for something different.. Of all the toy lines I have played and enjoyed when I was a kid, Transformers is the closest to my heart..  It is the reason why I got into toy collecting in the first place.. 

So despite my hiatus on hauling TFs for almost 2 years, it's time to seek my true love again.. hehe

Here I present you:

Transformers Prime: First Edition Cliffjumper

I got this as a SET from a fellow collector and I can say it's more like an impulse buy - but in a good way..

I was watching Peaugh's take and was very impressed on it.. So after learning more about the difference between the TFP first Edition and RID version.. I decided to spend my cash on the FE instead.. And boy I was not wrong... :)

This is by far the best CJ toy ever released, and will be on my "All-Time TF Toy" favorite list..

Let me enumerate the pros and cons:

PROS:

1.  The transformation process is clever and unique

2.  Great integration of car parts to robot mode

3.  Articulation

4.  Weapon Gimmick

5.  Not a repaint nor a remold of an existing figure

CONS:

1.  Lack of paint detail on Bot mode

2.  and that's it......... :)

CJ was based on the same concept as bumblebee, a minibot within a tiny car.. That's why when Bee was later changed into a Muscle type car, so is CJ's bot and alt mode.. 

But this time CJ got itself a new mold.. And I love it!!

ALTERNATE MODE:

 CJ's alt mode is based on a Dodge Challenger muscle car.. There are few paint detailings on car mode - headlight, rear and front bumper, side exhaust pipe, tires and a little autobot insignia..

It's under side is impressive. Aside from the semi exposed head, robot parts are well meshed..

ROBOT MODE:

CJ's robot mode is beefy and boxy.. It has the right masses on the right places.. Making him look 

fierce and powerful.. Something you don't want to mess with..

WEAPON GIMMICK:

Another cool thing is the integrated weapon.. You just need open the flap on both side of his forearms, rotate the hands, closed the panel. Then voila - Triple Barrel Gun!!!

ARTICULATION:

CJ has a great range of articulation.. It's POAs can do basic dynamic posses which some normal deluxes can't.. And with a little tinkering on it's joints, you'll be able to do more dramatic posses.. 

1.  Head, shoulders, hips and ankles are on a Ball Joint

2.  Biceps, elbows, wrists and Knees are on a Hinge/Swivel Joint

Tip:  Due to its transformation, you can utilize the hip and neck joint for added articulation.. 

CONCLUSION:

I can't believe it took me this long to realize how great this figure is.. Everything on it was fun and spot on.. I won't be surprise if I end up getting the Terrorcon version and the GDO since I'm so SOLD on this mold.. 

If you're planning to have your first Cliffjumper - Get this!

If you're into transformers - Get This!

If you have nothing to do with your money, spend it wisely and - Get This!

If you have no money for whatever reason, do something about it and - Get This!   (LOL!!)

Seriously, do yourself a favor and get this.. Cheers!!! :) :D