Thursday, May 7, 2015

Transformers: Generations Fall of Cybertron Deluxe Class Starscream Part 7 [Final]

Trust me, I'm not a Macross Valkyrie

Another round of action poses to kick off this final posting of the review on Transformers: Generations Fall of Cybertron Deluxe Class Starscream. ^^


Supported using Soul Stage Act 5 Action Support Type for Mechanics Clear Ver.















A quick "summary" of Starscream's jet to robot mode transformation: ^^






Comparison with the "First Edition" Deluxe Class version from "Transformers: Prime", which was featured in Part 2 of this review series:




In vehicle mode.





In robot mode.

Interestingly, the two seem to share many similarities in their transformation designs, for example, the entire lower body is stored beneath the jet, with the legs folded to the back to form the jet thrusters, and the arms compressed as part of their respective jet mode's back end. However, the comparison with its "Transformers: Prime" incarnation really highlighted Starscream's bulk I think. ^^ It's shorter but heftier in both jet and robot modes when compared to the "Transformers: Prime" version.

Then again, that revelation isn't too surprising I suppose. There is an obvious difference between the two versions' aesthetics, which is being reflected in their action figure design. I just find it interesting that even though it lacks the character's iconic and conventional color scheme, the evil, cowardly, and very much twisted personalities of Starscream are instantly recognizable on the "Transformers: Prime" version, the same isn't that visible on the Fall of Cybertron design, even though it does feature Starscream's red on light gray and black head color pattern. ^^ The rather odd combinations of similarities and differences between the two versions for the same character is very interesting to observe in my opinion.

On the other hand, despite the many differences, there's one very unique similarity between the two. ^^


Starscream has a couple of special tricks up his sleeves in jet mode. ^^


Using their hip swivels, the detached legs can be rotated so that their knee hinges are facing the front side of the jet.


The knee is bent, and the toe flipped out.


Supported using Soul Stage Act 5 Action Support Type for Mechanics Clear Ver, Starscream can show off a pretty convincing-looking Gerwalk mode. ^^




Without the legs folded downward, the condensed forearms now have more room to mount the combined Gatling cannons.


Starscream in Gerwalk mode with an underslung cannon.




This configuration is not possible with the "Transformers: Prime" version since it features no handheld weapon.


As you may expect, the arms can be folded outward to show off another Gerwalk configuration. ^^






Besides having high posability in Gerwalk mode, thanks to Starscream's own amazing articulation design, I'm very impressed with the ability of the head to remain hidden in all three of these bonus configurations. ^^

Just like its weapon configurations, there are a whole range of possibilities for Starscream to transform into a "mid-state" jet mode that resembles a Macross Valkyrie in Gerwalk mode. ^^ This bonus feature is obviously not mentioned in the instruction sheet (XD), but I think it really makes the figure a lot more interesting and fun to play with. ^^

Overall, the jet mode of Starscream too bulky for my liking, but the robot mode's details and posability make it a pretty impressive figure for display and to play with. The transformation design is a little on the simple side, but is still pretty enjoyable in my opinion - at least the steps involved are a lot more straightforward than the transformation of Transformers Specialist Decepticons Galvatron. ^^

All reviews on Transformers: Generations Fall of Cybertron Deluxe Class Starscream:
Part 1: Characteristic design elements on a new look
Part 2: Not bulky enough? Let's bulk him up even more
Part 3: So many many hinges
Part 4: Great sculpt details and light piping
Part 5: Generic design, but still incredibly flexible
Part 6: Starscream and his Gatling firepower
Part 7 [Final]: Trust me, I'm not a Macross Valkyrie

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Transformers: Generations Fall of Cybertron Deluxe Class Starscream

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