Transformers Legacy United Deluxe
Item No.: Asst. F2990 No. F8530 Manufacturer:Hasbro Includes:Blaster Action Feature:Transforms from robot to Jeep truck thing Retail:$24.99 Availability: April 2024 Other: M on back of head
One of the original characters! G1 Universe Autobot Gears is a a toy that remakes one of the earlier releases in Hasbro's Transformers line, and updated are far and few between. We got some reissues, some Kreons, and the last new update of the guy - which was the first update - since Thrilling 30 Gears [FOTD #1,004] way back in 2014. It was fine, but this is significantly better... and it should be for the price.
It's not too complicated, but it has some nice rolling shoulder joints in a design that's more or less the cartoon with some more toy elements. I assume we won't get another one until 2034.
Getting a tiny toy as a $25 Deluxe is kind of weird - but at least you see where the money went with Gears. He's not too gappy, he's got a lot of paint, and there's an exceptional amount of articulation for your money. He's got rotating wrists, but also double-jointed knees and elbows. The shoulders can roll forward and backward a bit, which is something we very rarely see in Transformers. It's so uncommon, I don't remember if I have another one with this particular kind of joint. There are rocker ankles and most of the joints are so nicely integrated in the 4 1/2-inch robot figure.
When it comes to sculpting, the toy departs from the 1984 original by giving him a real face with a mouth, nose, and eyes. It does, however, retain an M on the back of the head as a nod to the ill-fated Mysterians toy line. The colors and deco all look a lot like the old toy, with a chest that needs to be installed so you have sticker-like chest detail, with nice blue eyes and a silver face. I don't think I would ask for much more here - he looks as good as you might expect, although those wanting a "toy accurate" head will have to go to the aftermarket for parts. He has significantly more detail than such an obscure minicar deserves, which is good, as I can't imagine I'll still be collecting when the next revision gets made.
Transformation is easier, but I still like the instructions to make sure I have the pegs and sockets all aligned. It's not terribly complicated, and you get a nice truck that's mostly molded in color. So much of the truck tucks into the backpack, including the wheels - it's really impressive what they can hide away in here.
Complete with painted windows, this is a nice, sturdy truck with painted headlights, a red bumper, some junk in the trunk bed, and a perfectly nice blaster. The wheels roll, but not terribly well, and it's a vehicle with a lot of visible panels and 5mm holes. I wouldn't say it's amazing, but it's very good and you can mount stuff to it. A great robot usually means a vehicle has to make compromises, and this one is mostly excellent. Those arms and legs have to go somewhere, and most of the parts all fit together pretty well.
It's not a character you necessarily want (and certainly don't need) but you have to admire the rotating head, improved shoulders, and overall excellent construction. It's a good toy that really shows how Hasbro can make a small figure really good for $25. The last one came with a Micromaster buddy in 2014 for $10 ($13.27 adjusted for inflation in 2024) but this one seems like he has multiple figures' worth of parts and a tremendous amount of movement. Because of the obscurity of the character I assume it's only going to sell to adults who had the original as a child and G1-era completists - heck, if I didn't want all the Minicars I might've skipped it. But I am impressed by the build quality, so I would recommend buying it on sight at $25 if and only if you like his look. He does not disappoint.
16bit.com is best not viewed in Apple's Safari browser, we don't know why. All material on this site copyright their respective copyright holders. All materials appear hear for informative and entertainment purposes. 16bit.com is not to be held responsible for anything, ever. Photos taken by the 16bit.com staff. Site design, graphics, writing, and whatnot credited on the credits page. Be cool-- don't steal. We know where you live and we'll break your friggin' legs.
RSS 
