New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review
Saturday, May 29th, 2010 5:43AM CDT
Categories: Toy News, ReviewsPosted by: Diem Views: 51,145
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A Seibertron exclusive: Board member Diem has been fortunate enough to get his hands on the Alternity Seekers, Starscream and Skywarp and has posted a review with videos!
Diem wrote:First up, the packaging. As usual, the packaging is excellent and fits in nicely with the other Alternities. The instruction sheet includes the Tech Specs and Power Plans for each character. It also includes a text-only story and information on the car mode, the Orochi.
Speaking of the Orochi it's certainly an unusual-looking car. Far less well-known than the Nissans or Suzuki, the car has a very streamlined and organic appearance. The various vents and lines make it look fairly jet-like by car standards. There are a lot of nice details like a tiny rubber radio antenna and the car's badge. Sadly, the opening parts aren't too exciting. Opening the doors reveals a steering wheel that turns and car seats but the rest of the interior is pretty obviously composed of robot parts. Even more tragically you can see through the floor of the car. Opening the bonnet reveals not even a fake engine but only the back of the robot head. Opening the boot reveals only more robot parts.
Intrestingly the figure has a second alt mode, sort of. The rear wheels can be folded up to reveal tiny wings. It's similar to G1 Tracks' flight mode but not as good. The Engrish instructions refer to this mode as "Flight From" which seems appropriate for Starscream.
The transformation from car to robot is sophisticated but not too complicated. His doors and door frames have a tendancy to fall off their ball joint and his number plate bends up to become a heel on one foot and also often falls off ( and it's annoyingly small). Other than that there are no real issues.
When it comes to Alternity Bumble I feel that his "G1-ness" was to the detrement of the figure but in this case it's impressive that Takara managed to force so much Seeker-osity into a carformer. The homage details are everywhere, whether it's the leg fins, the wings, the shoulders or the guns. The robot form is detailed, distinctive and posable, and makes a strange balance between blocky G1 designs and modern mecha aesthetics work well.
Skywarp is treated well here. His car mode is a homogenous purple but his robot mode adds some black and lilac to the mix and generally keeps his traditional colours. His head suffers from a small amount of Dull Surprise but is otherwise a nice sculpt.
Starscream however has a more unusual appearance. His pale grey has been totally replaced with white. This makes him look more like Jetfire than anything else. The other strangest point is his headsculpt which, as you've probably seen doesn't look very Starscream-y. Even a fan of originality like me thinks it's a bit too.
The robot has a couple of other flaws too. The wings look unsymmetrical, the figure when viewed from behind looks just plain ugly, the car doors end up as useless and obnoxious kibble that falls off easily, and his car mode antenna ends up on his inner leg which looks really bizarre.
That said, these figures are certainly not bad by any standards. I heartily recommend Skywarp, and Starscream is good if you can get over his non-traditional looks.
For the latest in Transformers news, stick with Seibertron.com!
Credit(s): Diem
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Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1079896)
Posted by Mykltron on May 29th, 2010 @ 7:24am CDT
Posted by Mykltron on May 29th, 2010 @ 7:24am CDT
Pretty good review Sir! You covered pretty much everything and it's funny to watch you retrieving bits from the floor!
My questions are:
-How stable is he and how firm are the joints? Prime falls over due to his heavy backpack and Megatron has weak ankles so how do these fare?
-Can you give us a pick of all four molds standing together for height comparison please?
My questions are:
-How stable is he and how firm are the joints? Prime falls over due to his heavy backpack and Megatron has weak ankles so how do these fare?
-Can you give us a pick of all four molds standing together for height comparison please?
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1079901)
Posted by Diem on May 29th, 2010 @ 7:41am CDT
I think Convoy's problem was more down to weight distribution than poor joints, they seemed pretty tight to me.
That said, this mold has a pretty good center of gravity and fantastically articulated feet so you can get some good poses with no falling over issues.
As for your second point:
Posted by Diem on May 29th, 2010 @ 7:41am CDT
Mykltron wrote:Pretty good review Sir! You covered pretty much everything and it's funny to watch you retrieving bits from the floor!
My questions are:
-How stable is he and how firm are the joints? Prime falls over due to his heavy backpack and Megatron has weak ankles so how do these fare?
-Can you give us a pick of all four molds standing together for height comparison please?
I think Convoy's problem was more down to weight distribution than poor joints, they seemed pretty tight to me.
That said, this mold has a pretty good center of gravity and fantastically articulated feet so you can get some good poses with no falling over issues.
As for your second point:
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1079917)
Posted by WolfDawg on May 29th, 2010 @ 8:27am CDT
Posted by WolfDawg on May 29th, 2010 @ 8:27am CDT
Awesome review Diem. Now all I have to do is be patient and wait for TFSource to get their shipment. Thanks for the pics too, I was wondering how all 4 molds would look together.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1079919)
Posted by Dead Metal on May 29th, 2010 @ 8:47am CDT
Posted by Dead Metal on May 29th, 2010 @ 8:47am CDT
Starscream has 4 eyes? 
Yea Skywarp looks way better, but damn the mold looks like it's a lot of fun. The alt-mode is awesome and the transformation looks very interesting, still too pricey for me at the moment.
Great reviews Diem, very informative and detailed!
Yea Skywarp looks way better, but damn the mold looks like it's a lot of fun. The alt-mode is awesome and the transformation looks very interesting, still too pricey for me at the moment.
Great reviews Diem, very informative and detailed!
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1079922)
Posted by Diem on May 29th, 2010 @ 8:58am CDT
It looks like four eyes in all the pictures but in person it looks more like two eyes with a horizontal slit, like Kermit the Frog. It's a really weird look. Hopefully I get time this weekend to translate his profile and/or fiction to see if it sheds any light on the matter.
Posted by Diem on May 29th, 2010 @ 8:58am CDT
Dead Metal wrote:Starscream has 4 eyes?
Yea Skywarp looks way better, but damn the mold looks like it's a lot of fun. The alt-mode is awesome and the transformation looks very interesting, still too pricey for me at the moment.
Great reviews Diem, very informative and detailed!
It looks like four eyes in all the pictures but in person it looks more like two eyes with a horizontal slit, like Kermit the Frog. It's a really weird look. Hopefully I get time this weekend to translate his profile and/or fiction to see if it sheds any light on the matter.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1079932)
Posted by ImperiaxPrime on May 29th, 2010 @ 10:03am CDT
Looks like a design flaw and an oversight in painting. Judging by the pictures I've seen it looks like the top set of eyes should actually be the top eyelid and someone forget to tell the paint department to slap some white on there. Could this be the truth of it Diem?
Posted by ImperiaxPrime on May 29th, 2010 @ 10:03am CDT
Diem wrote:Dead Metal wrote:Starscream has 4 eyes?
It looks like four eyes in all the pictures but in person it looks more like two eyes with a horizontal slit, like Kermit the Frog. It's a really weird look. Hopefully I get time this weekend to translate his profile and/or fiction to see if it sheds any light on the matter.
Looks like a design flaw and an oversight in painting. Judging by the pictures I've seen it looks like the top set of eyes should actually be the top eyelid and someone forget to tell the paint department to slap some white on there. Could this be the truth of it Diem?
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1079936)
Posted by Diem on May 29th, 2010 @ 10:13am CDT
It certainly looks that way, but given the long development time and high quality control for Alternities I'd be surprised if no-one spotted it on the prototypes.
Posted by Diem on May 29th, 2010 @ 10:13am CDT
ImperiaxPrime wrote:Diem wrote:Dead Metal wrote:Starscream has 4 eyes?
It looks like four eyes in all the pictures but in person it looks more like two eyes with a horizontal slit, like Kermit the Frog. It's a really weird look. Hopefully I get time this weekend to translate his profile and/or fiction to see if it sheds any light on the matter.
Looks like a design flaw and an oversight in painting. Judging by the pictures I've seen it looks like the top set of eyes should actually be the top eyelid and someone forget to tell the paint department to slap some white on there. Could this be the truth of it Diem?
It certainly looks that way, but given the long development time and high quality control for Alternities I'd be surprised if no-one spotted it on the prototypes.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1079941)
Posted by Darkclyde on May 29th, 2010 @ 10:43am CDT
Posted by Darkclyde on May 29th, 2010 @ 10:43am CDT
Excellent review Diem, I pre-ordered Skywarp after reading it (Starscream is a no go because of the paint and head sculpt).
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1079948)
Posted by Overcracker on May 29th, 2010 @ 11:11am CDT
Posted by Overcracker on May 29th, 2010 @ 11:11am CDT
I'm rather disappointed in these. I mean They went to all these lengths to make them a throw back to their jet modes, but decide to give them faux bonnet/hood chests?
If you are already going to be cheating out, making a fake chest, go the extra step and make it look like a jet cockpit instead. That would complete the look.
The Car roof, as wings not really a good design step either. Again you give the car mode Wings that serve no particular purpose, but cheat out on the ones that needed to work.
Prime and Megs were pretty good. Bumblebee was not bad, but these just don't work for me at all.
If you are already going to be cheating out, making a fake chest, go the extra step and make it look like a jet cockpit instead. That would complete the look.
The Car roof, as wings not really a good design step either. Again you give the car mode Wings that serve no particular purpose, but cheat out on the ones that needed to work.
Prime and Megs were pretty good. Bumblebee was not bad, but these just don't work for me at all.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1079951)
Posted by Mykltron on May 29th, 2010 @ 11:18am CDT
The hip joints aren't quite stiff enough on my Prime to support the weight of his back so the top half just topples sometimes. I need to superglue Meg's ankles but keep getting distracted by playing with him whenever I pick him up!
Thanks for the comparison shot - SW looks a lot taller than the others. I didn't know you had Cliffjumper as well as Bumblebee. I saw two Swifts the exact same colour as CJ last week - I was so stupidly excited!!!!!!!!
Posted by Mykltron on May 29th, 2010 @ 11:18am CDT
Diem wrote:Mykltron wrote:Pretty good review Sir! You covered pretty much everything and it's funny to watch you retrieving bits from the floor!
My questions are:
-How stable is he and how firm are the joints? Prime falls over due to his heavy backpack and Megatron has weak ankles so how do these fare?
-Can you give us a pick of all four molds standing together for height comparison please?
I think Convoy's problem was more down to weight distribution than poor joints, they seemed pretty tight to me.
That said, this mold has a pretty good center of gravity and fantastically articulated feet so you can get some good poses with no falling over issues.
As for your second point: [pic removed]
The hip joints aren't quite stiff enough on my Prime to support the weight of his back so the top half just topples sometimes. I need to superglue Meg's ankles but keep getting distracted by playing with him whenever I pick him up!
Thanks for the comparison shot - SW looks a lot taller than the others. I didn't know you had Cliffjumper as well as Bumblebee. I saw two Swifts the exact same colour as CJ last week - I was so stupidly excited!!!!!!!!
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1079962)
Posted by Pyrostrata on May 29th, 2010 @ 12:03pm CDT
Posted by Pyrostrata on May 29th, 2010 @ 12:03pm CDT
Lovely video reviews! Thanks a lot! I now MUST have Skywarp! My one question is.....
.....Where's Alternity Thundercracker, dernit!?
Poor TC gets no love!
.....Where's Alternity Thundercracker, dernit!?
Poor TC gets no love!
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1079964)
Posted by WolfDawg on May 29th, 2010 @ 12:16pm CDT
Posted by WolfDawg on May 29th, 2010 @ 12:16pm CDT
Maybe I'm just this much of a seeker fanboy, but these are absolute works of art people! I LOVE how the hood of the car becomes the wings, I love the fact that Starscream's head mold looks like a snake (paying tribute to the fact that the car is based on a Chinese snake and that his G1 persona was "sneaky as a snake"). The transformation looks great, the seeker jet homages are handled extremely well considering these are freaking cars, and Starscream's headmold is REALLY starting to grow on me. The only thing I would have liked is some pinstripes or something on the vehicle mode to break up the solid colors. Red and Blue pinstripes on Starscream, black pinstripes on Skywarp.
I'm SO glad I preordered these and I'm absolutely psyched to add these to my seeker display. Now, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Thundercracker won't be some type of exclusive that I'll have to pay an arm and a leg for.
I'm SO glad I preordered these and I'm absolutely psyched to add these to my seeker display. Now, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Thundercracker won't be some type of exclusive that I'll have to pay an arm and a leg for.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1079965)
Posted by Nemesis251 on May 29th, 2010 @ 12:28pm CDT
Posted by Nemesis251 on May 29th, 2010 @ 12:28pm CDT
It looks like the seekers are larger than the rest of the Alternity line.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1079972)
Posted by Tigertrack on May 29th, 2010 @ 12:53pm CDT
Posted by Tigertrack on May 29th, 2010 @ 12:53pm CDT
I think they missed the boat in not painting Skywarp black. Maybe because they have a black repaint of Starscream planned? And a dark blue of Skywarp?
I can kind of see how they could paint SS black and call it BW Ravage or something.
I can kind of see how they could paint SS black and call it BW Ravage or something.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1080005)
Posted by Kibble on May 29th, 2010 @ 3:18pm CDT
If they do a black repaint, I hope they just keep it Skywarp. Well, I guess I don't care what they call him as long as it's black with purple accents...
Posted by Kibble on May 29th, 2010 @ 3:18pm CDT
tigertracks 24 wrote:I think they missed the boat in not painting Skywarp black. Maybe because they have a black repaint of Starscream planned? And a dark blue of Skywarp?
I can kind of see how they could paint SS black and call it BW Ravage or something.
If they do a black repaint, I hope they just keep it Skywarp. Well, I guess I don't care what they call him as long as it's black with purple accents...
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1080059)
Posted by kirbenvost on May 29th, 2010 @ 8:22pm CDT
Posted by kirbenvost on May 29th, 2010 @ 8:22pm CDT
Thanks for the review, Diem! I think I may end up getting Skywarp eventually, but the head is just too ugly on Starscream. I have way more Starscreams anyway. Maybe the third version will be something good.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1080083)
Posted by Skullcrunchberries on May 29th, 2010 @ 10:16pm CDT
Posted by Skullcrunchberries on May 29th, 2010 @ 10:16pm CDT
Aww, lookit that punum! It's good to finally put a face to the name. I like the departure from the usual chest-cannon-camera-style, makes it a bit more personal. There were some problems with the close-to-the-bottom shots, but I think that's more a fault of Youtube cutting off the top and bottom a bit than the actual video.
I'm still really undecided about these figures. I honestly think the white on SS looks nicer, but the look of SW (especially the head sculpt) is better; it seems they were trying to go for kind of a mix between Classic and Movie looks for SS's head, and it just ends up looking... Bugly? Ba dum bum ching!
*ahem* Moving right along, I do think they did a fantastic job taking a car and making it look seeker-ish. And I know everyone's clamoring for a Thundercracker repaint, and while I agree... quite frankly, I'd rather see small gun and head retool happen and a Tracks come from this.
Excellent review Diem, can't wait for more!
I'm still really undecided about these figures. I honestly think the white on SS looks nicer, but the look of SW (especially the head sculpt) is better; it seems they were trying to go for kind of a mix between Classic and Movie looks for SS's head, and it just ends up looking... Bugly? Ba dum bum ching!
*ahem* Moving right along, I do think they did a fantastic job taking a car and making it look seeker-ish. And I know everyone's clamoring for a Thundercracker repaint, and while I agree... quite frankly, I'd rather see small gun and head retool happen and a Tracks come from this.
Excellent review Diem, can't wait for more!
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1080096)
Posted by Diem on May 29th, 2010 @ 11:04pm CDT
Posted by Diem on May 29th, 2010 @ 11:04pm CDT
NOTE: This figure has an issue that I can't ignore. When you transform from car to robot, the part of the right wing that rotates up has a peg that holds it in place. When you transform him back into a car this little peg seems to break off easily. It doesn't affect the transformation at all but it does leave a small mar in the plastic.
It's not too easy to see but it's the small light purple rectangle.
It's not too easy to see but it's the small light purple rectangle.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1080126)
Posted by Mykltron on May 30th, 2010 @ 5:19am CDT
Is that true about the design? I think you're the only person who likes SS's head! I would have still bought SW if he had this terrible head design cos I like the overall look.
Diem, your reviews are great but your photography skills leave a little to be desired! Are there supposed to be two peg-thingies and the left one has broken? If not, then I have no idea what you mean! It's not necessary is it? Surely the joint is stiff enough to hold the piece in place, though obviously I understand the complaint of bits snapping off.
Posted by Mykltron on May 30th, 2010 @ 5:19am CDT
WolfDawg wrote:Maybe I'm just this much of a seeker fanboy, but these are absolute works of art people! I LOVE how the hood of the car becomes the wings, I love the fact that Starscream's head mold looks like a snake (paying tribute to the fact that the car is based on a Chinese snake and that his G1 persona was "sneaky as a snake").
Is that true about the design? I think you're the only person who likes SS's head! I would have still bought SW if he had this terrible head design cos I like the overall look.
Diem wrote:NOTE: This figure has an issue that I can't ignore. When you transform from car to robot, the part of the right wing that rotates up has a peg that holds it in place. When you transform him back into a car this little peg seems to break off easily. It doesn't affect the transformation at all but it does leave a small mar in the plastic.
[img]
It's not too easy to see but it's the small light purple rectangle.
Diem, your reviews are great but your photography skills leave a little to be desired! Are there supposed to be two peg-thingies and the left one has broken? If not, then I have no idea what you mean! It's not necessary is it? Surely the joint is stiff enough to hold the piece in place, though obviously I understand the complaint of bits snapping off.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1080132)
Posted by Autobot032 on May 30th, 2010 @ 6:16am CDT
I immediately saw what he was pointing to. I've circled it and uploaded that picture, so you could see it better.
As for the toy itself, I'm extremely disappointed. I love the vehicle mode, I still love the main bot body (Skywarp), but I cannot stand the wings kibble. Or the steering wheel.
The hip kibble and the antenna in the leg bother me immensely, and the cheats of the chest and hood/roof/trunk are a constant bother to me. They'd drive me nuts if I had that figure.
I fail to see, with that level of engineering, why TT couldn't have found a way to make the hood of the car actually become his chest. Make the wings fold out like the fins on his legs, something.
I think he could've been designed far better than he is.
Plus pieces breaking off? No. Just no.
That being said, Skywarp, from the front, looks fantastic, simply fantastic.
Posted by Autobot032 on May 30th, 2010 @ 6:16am CDT
Mykltron wrote:WolfDawg wrote:Maybe I'm just this much of a seeker fanboy, but these are absolute works of art people! I LOVE how the hood of the car becomes the wings, I love the fact that Starscream's head mold looks like a snake (paying tribute to the fact that the car is based on a Chinese snake and that his G1 persona was "sneaky as a snake").
Is that true about the design? I think you're the only person who likes SS's head! I would have still bought SW if he had this terrible head design cos I like the overall look.Diem wrote:NOTE: This figure has an issue that I can't ignore. When you transform from car to robot, the part of the right wing that rotates up has a peg that holds it in place. When you transform him back into a car this little peg seems to break off easily. It doesn't affect the transformation at all but it does leave a small mar in the plastic.
[img]
It's not too easy to see but it's the small light purple rectangle.
Diem, your reviews are great but your photography skills leave a little to be desired! Are there supposed to be two peg-thingies and the left one has broken? If not, then I have no idea what you mean! It's not necessary is it? Surely the joint is stiff enough to hold the piece in place, though obviously I understand the complaint of bits snapping off.
I immediately saw what he was pointing to. I've circled it and uploaded that picture, so you could see it better.
As for the toy itself, I'm extremely disappointed. I love the vehicle mode, I still love the main bot body (Skywarp), but I cannot stand the wings kibble. Or the steering wheel.
The hip kibble and the antenna in the leg bother me immensely, and the cheats of the chest and hood/roof/trunk are a constant bother to me. They'd drive me nuts if I had that figure.
I fail to see, with that level of engineering, why TT couldn't have found a way to make the hood of the car actually become his chest. Make the wings fold out like the fins on his legs, something.
I think he could've been designed far better than he is.
Plus pieces breaking off? No. Just no.
That being said, Skywarp, from the front, looks fantastic, simply fantastic.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1080145)
Posted by guarayakha on May 30th, 2010 @ 8:01am CDT
No, definitely not a design flaw. They were the Quadruple Evil Optics; says so right in his profile. Good news is, one can simply paint black over his upper eyes to kill the bug-looking face, like this simple photoshop:
Posted by guarayakha on May 30th, 2010 @ 8:01am CDT
Diem wrote:ImperiaxPrime wrote:Diem wrote:Dead Metal wrote:Starscream has 4 eyes?
It looks like four eyes in all the pictures but in person it looks more like two eyes with a horizontal slit, like Kermit the Frog. It's a really weird look. Hopefully I get time this weekend to translate his profile and/or fiction to see if it sheds any light on the matter.
Looks like a design flaw and an oversight in painting. Judging by the pictures I've seen it looks like the top set of eyes should actually be the top eyelid and someone forget to tell the paint department to slap some white on there. Could this be the truth of it Diem?
It certainly looks that way, but given the long development time and high quality control for Alternities I'd be surprised if no-one spotted it on the prototypes.
No, definitely not a design flaw. They were the Quadruple Evil Optics; says so right in his profile. Good news is, one can simply paint black over his upper eyes to kill the bug-looking face, like this simple photoshop:
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1080161)
Posted by Diem on May 30th, 2010 @ 9:01am CDT
Exactly right, yes. My camera sucks when it comes to close-ups. Or long shots. Or middle distances.
Posted by Diem on May 30th, 2010 @ 9:01am CDT
Mykltron wrote:
Diem, your reviews are great but your photography skills leave a little to be desired! Are there supposed to be two peg-thingies and the left one has broken? If not, then I have no idea what you mean! It's not necessary is it? Surely the joint is stiff enough to hold the piece in place, though obviously I understand the complaint of bits snapping off.
Exactly right, yes. My camera sucks when it comes to close-ups. Or long shots. Or middle distances.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1080181)
Posted by Forgotten on May 30th, 2010 @ 10:32am CDT
Bravo, Diem. Excellent, entertaining & informative as always. I guess maybe the plastic they're using for these Alternity figures is a might fragile, considering the cracking/breaking issues on Convoy's rear window/leg panels, & the internal gear mechanism on Megatron's chest(automorph gear) & the knees on Cliff are kinda iffy. All in all i'm still happy to welcome Screamer into my collection(I'm just going to try to convince myself the face is an homage to Bugly). When you get the bio translated please do upload, i'd love to know what it says. I find the Alternity fiction to be quite interesting.
Posted by Forgotten on May 30th, 2010 @ 10:32am CDT
Bravo, Diem. Excellent, entertaining & informative as always. I guess maybe the plastic they're using for these Alternity figures is a might fragile, considering the cracking/breaking issues on Convoy's rear window/leg panels, & the internal gear mechanism on Megatron's chest(automorph gear) & the knees on Cliff are kinda iffy. All in all i'm still happy to welcome Screamer into my collection(I'm just going to try to convince myself the face is an homage to Bugly). When you get the bio translated please do upload, i'd love to know what it says. I find the Alternity fiction to be quite interesting.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1080189)
Posted by Convotron on May 30th, 2010 @ 11:10am CDT
Posted by Convotron on May 30th, 2010 @ 11:10am CDT
Thanks for reviewing the figures, Diem. Great job!
I like the head sculpt for SS but I must say SW's looks better to me.
I like the head sculpt for SS but I must say SW's looks better to me.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1080233)
Posted by primebot96 on May 30th, 2010 @ 3:08pm CDT
I like it but they could've done his robot form a lttle different. It looks to classic, we need something new from Starscream if he's finally a land vehicle
Posted by primebot96 on May 30th, 2010 @ 3:08pm CDT
I like it but they could've done his robot form a lttle different. It looks to classic, we need something new from Starscream if he's finally a land vehicle
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1080254)
Posted by Tigertrack on May 30th, 2010 @ 4:13pm CDT
Of all Starscream's produced, this is the one that refers back to his bot mode the least. The chest and legs, the head... I think it's different enough. But you know... not everyone likes everything.
Posted by Tigertrack on May 30th, 2010 @ 4:13pm CDT
primebot96 wrote::BOT: I like it but they could've done his robot form a lttle different. It looks to classic, we need something new from Starscream if he's finally a land vehicle
Of all Starscream's produced, this is the one that refers back to his bot mode the least. The chest and legs, the head... I think it's different enough. But you know... not everyone likes everything.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1080258)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on May 30th, 2010 @ 4:17pm CDT
Machine Wars Starscream nonewithstanding...
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on May 30th, 2010 @ 4:17pm CDT
tigertracks 24 wrote:primebot96 wrote::BOT: I like it but they could've done his robot form a lttle different. It looks to classic, we need something new from Starscream if he's finally a land vehicle
Of all Starscream's produced, this is the one that refers back to his bot mode the least. The chest and legs, the head... I think it's different enough. But you know... not everyone likes everything.
Machine Wars Starscream nonewithstanding...
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1080260)
Posted by Tigertrack on May 30th, 2010 @ 4:19pm CDT
I suppose, but MW SS was is a jet still.
Maybe the face on this is related to that (minus the bug eyes).
Posted by Tigertrack on May 30th, 2010 @ 4:19pm CDT
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:tigertracks 24 wrote:primebot96 wrote::BOT: I like it but they could've done his robot form a lttle different. It looks to classic, we need something new from Starscream if he's finally a land vehicle
Of all Starscream's produced, this is the one that refers back to his bot mode the least. The chest and legs, the head... I think it's different enough. But you know... not everyone likes everything.
Machine Wars Starscream nonewithstanding...
I suppose, but MW SS was is a jet still.
Maybe the face on this is related to that (minus the bug eyes).
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1080268)
Posted by LiKwid on May 30th, 2010 @ 4:53pm CDT
Posted by LiKwid on May 30th, 2010 @ 4:53pm CDT
I decided to go ahead and get Skywarp.. Gonna hold off on starscream atm..Just something about his colors that don't tickle my fancy..I had a horrible day and ebay so I decided to make up for it by scoopin up SW..The review helped in alot of ways since BBTS likes to post pictures from like 50ft away..
I utterly hate ebay btw......
I utterly hate ebay btw......
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1081347)
Posted by Mykltron on June 2nd, 2010 @ 3:53pm CDT
Posted by Mykltron on June 2nd, 2010 @ 3:53pm CDT
I got an email to say my SW is on the way!
Diem, thanks for your review - it was so much better than Peaugh's!
Diem, thanks for your review - it was so much better than Peaugh's!
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1081363)
Posted by WolfDawg on June 2nd, 2010 @ 4:24pm CDT
Posted by WolfDawg on June 2nd, 2010 @ 4:24pm CDT
TFSource finally shipped mine out today as well. I'm eagerly waiting these figures.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1081421)
Posted by Convotron on June 2nd, 2010 @ 6:04pm CDT
Posted by Convotron on June 2nd, 2010 @ 6:04pm CDT
I just picked up Alternity Skywarp for an even $40. I can't wait for it to arrive!
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1081428)
Posted by Forgotten on June 2nd, 2010 @ 6:42pm CDT
if that includes shipping I would love to know that place so I can order one.
Posted by Forgotten on June 2nd, 2010 @ 6:42pm CDT
Convotron wrote:I just picked up Alternity Skywarp for an even $40. I can't wait for it to arrive!
if that includes shipping I would love to know that place so I can order one.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1081442)
Posted by Convotron on June 2nd, 2010 @ 7:20pm CDT
That includes shipping, though I had a discount of a few dollars through the point/credit system the store uses for previously purchased items. At full price plus shipping, I think it would have been around $45(I chose the SAL shipping option, which is cheaper and takes a week or two to arrive.). I bought the figure from HWJapan.com.
Posted by Convotron on June 2nd, 2010 @ 7:20pm CDT
Forgotten wrote:Convotron wrote:I just picked up Alternity Skywarp for an even $40. I can't wait for it to arrive!
if that includes shipping I would love to know that place so I can order one.
That includes shipping, though I had a discount of a few dollars through the point/credit system the store uses for previously purchased items. At full price plus shipping, I think it would have been around $45(I chose the SAL shipping option, which is cheaper and takes a week or two to arrive.). I bought the figure from HWJapan.com.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1081587)
Posted by Forgotten on June 3rd, 2010 @ 5:54am CDT
Thanks a bunch, I'm gonna have to grab him later.
Posted by Forgotten on June 3rd, 2010 @ 5:54am CDT
Convotron wrote:Forgotten wrote:Convotron wrote:I just picked up Alternity Skywarp for an even $40. I can't wait for it to arrive!
if that includes shipping I would love to know that place so I can order one.
That includes shipping, though I had a discount of a few dollars through the point/credit system the store uses for previously purchased items. At full price plus shipping, I think it would have been around $45(I chose the SAL shipping option, which is cheaper and takes a week or two to arrive.). I bought the figure from HWJapan.com.
Thanks a bunch, I'm gonna have to grab him later.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1083652)
Posted by Mykltron on June 8th, 2010 @ 10:09am CDT
Posted by Mykltron on June 8th, 2010 @ 10:09am CDT
Skywarp arrived today. I think he's really great - possibly my favourite of the line so far but I need more play time to be sure.
Car mode: doesn't feel as solid as the others, doesn't roll forwards very well but reverses fine!
Transformation: Intricate and innovative. Getting the shin wheels in place is tricky but they *do* lock in place so there's hardly any gap there. A tab that locks the left wing tip in place shot off on the first transformation into car mode but the joint is stiff enough that you won't miss it. I don't think the automorph will be prone to problems like the first three molds.
WARNING: THE LICENSE PLATE CAN BE LAUNCHED OUT VERY EASILY AND LOST SO TAKE CARE.
Robot mode poseability: he's not very good at standing to attention without leaning forward (staggering the feet slightly helps) but he's really good at poses.
Proportions: thighs and body are too short.
Height: a few millimetres taller than Prime.
Look: I think he's really cool and aside from the doors popping off easily I like the look of them there. Yes, he looks like he's wearing a car FROM BEHIND but who displays them that way? Besides, Prime and Megatron aren't much better from that angle. The seats-on-arms are much more discreet than the first two molds. The fake bonnet/hood as chest is better than having the real thing there as his bot mode is sleeker and more poseable as a result but perhaps they should have gone with something that looks different all together...
All in all I think they've done a great job and I recommend this figure, so long as you don't want to display him facing towards your wall! I applaud them trying out new ideas and designs.
Edit:
I have just discovered this is not the case. He's the lightest of the set but I have just discovered that everthing locks into place nicely. The backs of the elbows have grooves that slot on to tabs on the hip hinges that hold the doors. There is a tiny peg on the tab. You slide the elbow groove on to the tab and twist slightly to push the peg into a place et voila, arms don't flop. Make sure you twist the elbows to release them when transforming to robot.
Car mode: doesn't feel as solid as the others, doesn't roll forwards very well but reverses fine!
Transformation: Intricate and innovative. Getting the shin wheels in place is tricky but they *do* lock in place so there's hardly any gap there. A tab that locks the left wing tip in place shot off on the first transformation into car mode but the joint is stiff enough that you won't miss it. I don't think the automorph will be prone to problems like the first three molds.
WARNING: THE LICENSE PLATE CAN BE LAUNCHED OUT VERY EASILY AND LOST SO TAKE CARE.
Robot mode poseability: he's not very good at standing to attention without leaning forward (staggering the feet slightly helps) but he's really good at poses.
Proportions: thighs and body are too short.
Height: a few millimetres taller than Prime.
Look: I think he's really cool and aside from the doors popping off easily I like the look of them there. Yes, he looks like he's wearing a car FROM BEHIND but who displays them that way? Besides, Prime and Megatron aren't much better from that angle. The seats-on-arms are much more discreet than the first two molds. The fake bonnet/hood as chest is better than having the real thing there as his bot mode is sleeker and more poseable as a result but perhaps they should have gone with something that looks different all together...
All in all I think they've done a great job and I recommend this figure, so long as you don't want to display him facing towards your wall! I applaud them trying out new ideas and designs.
Edit:
Mykltron wrote:Car mode: doesn't feel as solid as the others
I have just discovered this is not the case. He's the lightest of the set but I have just discovered that everthing locks into place nicely. The backs of the elbows have grooves that slot on to tabs on the hip hinges that hold the doors. There is a tiny peg on the tab. You slide the elbow groove on to the tab and twist slightly to push the peg into a place et voila, arms don't flop. Make sure you twist the elbows to release them when transforming to robot.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1083721)
Posted by Kibble on June 8th, 2010 @ 12:34pm CDT
Is this the piece Diem mentioned above in the pic or a different piece? If different, does it re-attach? I haven't yet opened mine, but based on all these fragile, breaking pieces being mentioned, I'm kinda glad I didn't get to it yet.
Posted by Kibble on June 8th, 2010 @ 12:34pm CDT
Mykltron wrote:A tab that locks the left wing tip in place shot off on the first transformation into car mode but the joint is stiff enough that you won't miss it.
Is this the piece Diem mentioned above in the pic or a different piece? If different, does it re-attach? I haven't yet opened mine, but based on all these fragile, breaking pieces being mentioned, I'm kinda glad I didn't get to it yet.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1083754)
Posted by Mykltron on June 8th, 2010 @ 1:32pm CDT
He mentioned a tab on the right wing, this was on the left. Seriously, don't worry about snapping them off, they're TOTALLY unnecessary. I've avoided breaking the right wing by lifting the tip-extension over it slightly, you can probably do that with the left also. Seriously, they needn't have bothered with them. Their only purpose was to pop the extension into exactly the right position. Without the tabs the joints are mare than stiff enough to hold them without droop.
Oh yeah, as for reattaching, it's about as big as an ant's bum so good luck finding it and holding it in place with micro-tweezers while the glue dries!
Open it, dammit!
Posted by Mykltron on June 8th, 2010 @ 1:32pm CDT
Kibble wrote:Mykltron wrote:A tab that locks the left wing tip in place shot off on the first transformation into car mode but the joint is stiff enough that you won't miss it.
Is this the piece Diem mentioned above in the pic or a different piece? If different, does it re-attach? I haven't yet opened mine, but based on all these fragile, breaking pieces being mentioned, I'm kinda glad I didn't get to it yet.
He mentioned a tab on the right wing, this was on the left. Seriously, don't worry about snapping them off, they're TOTALLY unnecessary. I've avoided breaking the right wing by lifting the tip-extension over it slightly, you can probably do that with the left also. Seriously, they needn't have bothered with them. Their only purpose was to pop the extension into exactly the right position. Without the tabs the joints are mare than stiff enough to hold them without droop.
Oh yeah, as for reattaching, it's about as big as an ant's bum so good luck finding it and holding it in place with micro-tweezers while the glue dries!
Open it, dammit!
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1083762)
Posted by Kibble on June 8th, 2010 @ 1:58pm CDT
I fully intend to, I just like to spread out the excitement...and the WFC figs came this weekend and they won out. But I'll get to Starscream tonight or tomorrow.
Posted by Kibble on June 8th, 2010 @ 1:58pm CDT
Mykltron wrote:Open it, dammit!
I fully intend to, I just like to spread out the excitement...and the WFC figs came this weekend and they won out. But I'll get to Starscream tonight or tomorrow.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1083809)
Posted by Mykltron on June 8th, 2010 @ 4:30pm CDT
That's alright then, I'll let you off! I keep figures, sometimes for months, but they always get opened eventually.
Posted by Mykltron on June 8th, 2010 @ 4:30pm CDT
Kibble wrote:Mykltron wrote:Open it, dammit!
I fully intend to, I just like to spread out the excitement...and the WFC figs came this weekend and they won out. But I'll get to Starscream tonight or tomorrow.
That's alright then, I'll let you off! I keep figures, sometimes for months, but they always get opened eventually.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1083925)
Posted by Mykltron on June 8th, 2010 @ 11:11pm CDT
I can now confirm that he is my favourite!
I have just discovered this is not the case. He's the lightest of the set but I have just discovered that everthing locks into place nicely. The backs of the elbows have grooves that slot on to tabs on the hip hinges that hold the doors. There is a tiny peg on the tab. You slide the elbow groove on to the tab and twist slightly to push the peg into a place et voila, arms don't flop. Make sure you twist the elbows to release them when transforming to robot.
Posted by Mykltron on June 8th, 2010 @ 11:11pm CDT
Mykltron wrote:Skywarp arrived today. I think he's really great - possibly my favourite of the line so far but I need more play time to be sure.
I can now confirm that he is my favourite!
Mykltron wrote:Car mode: doesn't feel as solid as the others
I have just discovered this is not the case. He's the lightest of the set but I have just discovered that everthing locks into place nicely. The backs of the elbows have grooves that slot on to tabs on the hip hinges that hold the doors. There is a tiny peg on the tab. You slide the elbow groove on to the tab and twist slightly to push the peg into a place et voila, arms don't flop. Make sure you twist the elbows to release them when transforming to robot.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1084346)
Posted by Kibble on June 9th, 2010 @ 10:14pm CDT
I opened it and I like it. And luckily nothing broke and no paint got scratched up as some other review mentioned. And Starscream's head doesn't look nearly as terrible in person as it does in pics so that's good. The only question now is whether I want to blow another $100 on Skywarp and Thundercracker... Haven't bit on any of the other repaints of the other molds in the line (they're just too damn expensive) so I don't know if I should start now.
Posted by Kibble on June 9th, 2010 @ 10:14pm CDT
Mykltron wrote:Open it, dammit!
I opened it and I like it. And luckily nothing broke and no paint got scratched up as some other review mentioned. And Starscream's head doesn't look nearly as terrible in person as it does in pics so that's good. The only question now is whether I want to blow another $100 on Skywarp and Thundercracker... Haven't bit on any of the other repaints of the other molds in the line (they're just too damn expensive) so I don't know if I should start now.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1084354)
Posted by LOST Cybertronian on June 9th, 2010 @ 10:34pm CDT
The Starscream head really grows on you after a while and now I really like it. It has a definite Japanese feel to it. I wasn't sure about getting Skywarp but having the different head really sold it for me. I will surely get Thundercracker if he is more than just a straight repaint of Skywarp. Hopefully they will give thundercracker his own head.
Posted by LOST Cybertronian on June 9th, 2010 @ 10:34pm CDT
Kibble wrote:Mykltron wrote:Open it, dammit!
I opened it and I like it. And luckily nothing broke and no paint got scratched up as some other review mentioned. And Starscream's head doesn't look nearly as terrible in person as it does in pics so that's good. The only question now is whether I want to blow another $100 on Skywarp and Thundercracker... Haven't bit on any of the other repaints of the other molds in the line (they're just too damn expensive) so I don't know if I should start now.
The Starscream head really grows on you after a while and now I really like it. It has a definite Japanese feel to it. I wasn't sure about getting Skywarp but having the different head really sold it for me. I will surely get Thundercracker if he is more than just a straight repaint of Skywarp. Hopefully they will give thundercracker his own head.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1084383)
Posted by Mykltron on June 10th, 2010 @ 4:44am CDT
I'd like to have all three seekers, even though I'm against buying duplicates. I won't buy them because I don't have enough money to throw it away like that. There will be new molds to splash out on. Besides, I need to save up for Alternity 5!
Posted by Mykltron on June 10th, 2010 @ 4:44am CDT
Kibble wrote:Mykltron wrote:Open it, dammit!
I opened it and I like it. And luckily nothing broke and no paint got scratched up as some other review mentioned. And Starscream's head doesn't look nearly as terrible in person as it does in pics so that's good. The only question now is whether I want to blow another $100 on Skywarp and Thundercracker... Haven't bit on any of the other repaints of the other molds in the line (they're just too damn expensive) so I don't know if I should start now.
I'd like to have all three seekers, even though I'm against buying duplicates. I won't buy them because I don't have enough money to throw it away like that. There will be new molds to splash out on. Besides, I need to save up for Alternity 5!
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1084437)
Posted by Stockade on June 10th, 2010 @ 8:06am CDT
Posted by Stockade on June 10th, 2010 @ 8:06am CDT
I just pre-ordered Alternity Thundercracker and Red Convoy from TFsource and these will be my first Alternity figures and i hope i dont get disappointed with this line.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1084479)
Posted by Forgotten on June 10th, 2010 @ 9:37am CDT
You won't. Alternity is an awesome line. Great complexity & design.
Posted by Forgotten on June 10th, 2010 @ 9:37am CDT
Stockade wrote:I just pre-ordered Alternity Thundercracker and Red Convoy from TFsource and these will be my first Alternity figures and i hope i dont get disappointed with this line.
You won't. Alternity is an awesome line. Great complexity & design.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1084481)
Posted by El Duque on June 10th, 2010 @ 9:47am CDT
Posted by El Duque on June 10th, 2010 @ 9:47am CDT
My Starscream and Skywarp are scheduled to arrive today! 
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1084597)
Posted by Stockade on June 10th, 2010 @ 1:48pm CDT
Thanks for the positive feedback about this line Forgotten, now im hyped about it and can't wait. Oh yeah, i'll be ordering alternity Megatron this weekend as well. I'm hearing thumbs up about him and black Convoy too. Thanks again...
Posted by Stockade on June 10th, 2010 @ 1:48pm CDT
Forgotten wrote:Stockade wrote:I just pre-ordered Alternity Thundercracker and Red Convoy from TFsource and these will be my first Alternity figures and i hope i dont get disappointed with this line.
You won't. Alternity is an awesome line. Great complexity & design.
Thanks for the positive feedback about this line Forgotten, now im hyped about it and can't wait. Oh yeah, i'll be ordering alternity Megatron this weekend as well. I'm hearing thumbs up about him and black Convoy too. Thanks again...
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1084880)
Posted by Mykltron on June 11th, 2010 @ 4:45am CDT
I was disappointed with Prime/Convoy (stumpy arms, shoulders too far back, not easy to stand) but he grew on me. Just thought I'd warn you to ease any disappointment if you don't like him. I don't regret buying Prime but Megatron is much better.
Posted by Mykltron on June 11th, 2010 @ 4:45am CDT
Stockade wrote:Forgotten wrote:Stockade wrote:I just pre-ordered Alternity Thundercracker and Red Convoy from TFsource and these will be my first Alternity figures and i hope i dont get disappointed with this line.
You won't. Alternity is an awesome line. Great complexity & design.
Thanks for the positive feedback about this line Forgotten, now im hyped about it and can't wait. Oh yeah, i'll be ordering alternity Megatron this weekend as well. I'm hearing thumbs up about him and black Convoy too. Thanks again...
I was disappointed with Prime/Convoy (stumpy arms, shoulders too far back, not easy to stand) but he grew on me. Just thought I'd warn you to ease any disappointment if you don't like him. I don't regret buying Prime but Megatron is much better.
Re: New Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video and Review (1084921)
Posted by Kibble on June 11th, 2010 @ 8:04am CDT
Posted by Kibble on June 11th, 2010 @ 8:04am CDT
The only thing I've found to really be disappointing about any opf them is the price tag. Other than that they're pretty sweet. I wish they were the same size as Alts/BTs, though. I'd also feel better about their price then...
