The original Generation 2 Streetwise never saw release-- he was meant to be a 1990s repaint of a 1980s toy, and part of the combiner team Defensor. Hasbro made a few samples as the line was winding down, but it was never sold to the public at large. In 2010, Hasbro and the Collector's Convention got together to give you Streetstar, named as such due to name clearance issues but meant to be a remake of the 1980s character Streetwise. ("Streetstar" was previously used for an all-white Japanese repaint in the 1990s.)
While most G2 toys are remembered for enhanced articulation and garish paint, this one actually looks pretty normal. The blue windows set nicely against a black vehicle and robot, with other little details splattered all over him. The police shield on his doors is modeled after the G2 Autobot sigil, and for whatever reason the deco on his crotch matches that of his lightbar in car mode. Why does he need red and blue "lights" around his happy robot spot? I really have no idea, but it unquestionably looks distinctive. Hasbro also gave him painted red feet, the G2 Autobot logo with the word "Autobot" on his windshield, and 95-4 on the roof of his car. I have no idea what this is supposed to mean, it's probably significant to something as the original 1994 (unreleased) G2 Streetwise also has it.
In addition to his handheld fold-out pistol, the character has a pair of flip-out shoulder cannons which are totally optional. It's nice to see Hasbro engineer a cosmetic extra which you can use-- or not use-- as you see fit, especially with so many toys sharing the same basic construction. Remember, it's important for a robot to have as many guns as possible, otherwise they'll get in trouble and nobody wants that.
With no wacky license plate and a color scheme which is effectively the token "black repaint" which some fans love and others dread, this toy may be the least exciting of the bunch. Spark and Pyro have maddeningly bright colors, Breakdown is a remake of a legend, Sky-Bite is a popular fan character, and Streetstar... well, he's a cop car, and he's black. A lack of character history probably hurts enthusiasm for the toy, despite it being slightly better made than his retail siblings which shared the same basic mold.
The low edition size of 1,400 sets ensures that the toy is a pretty low-run item. Low runs don't always mean they're worth a lot, though-- at press time it looks like the going rate is about $50 on eBay, which isn't terrible. Depending on your stores you may still be able to find previous releases of the toy at food or drug stores, as 2009 Smokescreen still can be found in some cities. All three previous uses of the mold-- Smokescreen, Prowl, or Silverstreak-- sell for $10-$20 on the secondary market, but for whatever reason Streetstar seems to hold together better with fewer parts popping off during transformation. I'd be inclined to say that this may be the best version of the mold to get just as far as it being fun to play with goes, which is a shame given it's the most expensive. The body was also used for 2010's Rapido Botcon toy.
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 
