[TAO: It's time for another review from Updatedude, and now he's taking a look at the Transformers Cybertron Galaxy Force Vector Prime as a part of Transformers Week. Read on to see if Hasbro created a figure worthy to add to your collection or if this is one you should just pass by. ]
Name: Galaxy Force Vector Prime
Line: Transformers Cybertron, Voyager Class
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Released: 2007
Price: Online: $12.99-$15.99
Accessories: Cyber Planet Key, sword, and Minicon (Safeguard)
8 / 10 - When prototypes for Vector Prime first came out, I think everyone was duly impressed. Veccy's one of the most detailed Transformers in recent times.
First of all, prior to Galaxy Force/Cybertron, the last couple of lines for Transformers had weirdly proportioned robots with relatively few detailed surfaces. Then the pics for Galaxy Force/Cybertron leaked out, and they showed a less... quirky... aesthetic. Instead, the toys were more along the lines of the animation models for the original Transformers cartoons (such as the likes of Transformers: Victory or even Takara's Brave series.). Veccy's no exception, he looked cool and well proportioned.
Second of all, this guy is absolutely covered in details. From alien angles and curls and panel lining on his main body, to the little details such as the multitude of gears and mechanics, there isn't a smooth surface on this guy. Not only that, it's all to enhance Veccy's character of being an ancient and powerful transformer. Even his solar panels end up looking like a cape in robot mode, furthering his antiquated, knightly presence.
Thirdly, his alt-mode is a Sith Infiltrator. The kind Darth Maul liked to pilot. How is that not cool?
Oh, and he's big for Voyager, about Ultra size, and even comes with electronics.
On the flip side, his sword and solar panels are made of a soft plastic. The solar panel wings are liable to be warped out of the box while the sword will droop over time, depending on how you display it.
5 / 10 - Transformers typically don't have lots of paint apps. What they do have tends to be cleanly applied. Thankfully, Galaxy Force Vector Prime's no exception. Paint apps are minimal, but what few there are does add to the figure. I'll have to dock a point for a paint QC issue though. There's a little strip on the left side of my Galaxy Force Vector Prime's chest which should have some silver paint apps. It doesn't.
I didn't realize it was missing that paint app till I took a closer look at the other GFVPs on sale. Alas, I had already bought mine, so too little too late.
6 / 10 - Alas, the Vector Prime mold is not exactly the most articulated figure ever. He's actually pretty simplistic. The joints are all nice and tight rachety joints, but he's missing a few swivels here and there to let him really strike a pose. Actually, he's about on par with Classics Jetfire. Although he has the advantage of large, conventionally shaped feet. Allowing him to do a couple kung fu poses.
8 / 10 - Despite all the limitations of an ultimately simplistic mold, I quite love my Galaxy Force Vector Prime. He's a terrific looking toy with plenty of presence, and good playability. This is a toy that's very easily on the imagination. Kids'll love him, although adults like me will likely nitpick.
With his size and decent articulation, and his ancient knightly looks, this guy will fit in nicely with any variety of dio stories. His Sith Infiltrator mode is also vague enough that scale isn't an issue for those with a little imagination. Just pretend he's a big ol' droid or B.A.T. if you wanna put him with your Star Wars or G.I.Joe.
Of course, he's a powerful presence amongst your TFs.
9 / 10 - I think GFVP here is only the second Voyager and higher priced item I've bought. And one major consideration was due to his size. He may be classed as a Voyager, but he's the size of an Ultra. Add in the electronics and the free Minicon, this guy's a steal at retail or lower.
Overall Score: 76 / 100 - This is a Good Toy
Another solid offering from the Transformers cash cow. While Vector Prime isn't perfect on a technical level, there's enough good points to make this a nice addition to your collection. He's not a must have, but for a good price, he should be a hard one to pass up. Recommended if you can find him for original retail or less. The original Galaxy Force version is nice, but I'd give the original Hasbro release a miss. Get either this Hasbro Cybertron: Galaxy Force version, or the recently released Universe version.
[P.S. Leave a comment on this review for a chance to win a toy at battlegrip.com. Comment must be received by midnight on June 27th to be eligible. -TAO]
-Updatedude
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