Rise of the Beasts Toyline Out in Canada at Toysrus

Saw a pallet of Rise of Beasts toys including Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, and Optimus Primal. Bought a couple for gifts.

Man that TRU has SOME older releases.

Don't forget this review has Prime and two of the three Battle Masters

You'd be surprised at how much news one gimmicky toy could have. Rise of the Beasts Smash and Change Optimus Primal was featured in a Japanese commercial for the toyline. In it, the main actress, Akiko Wada, transforms into Optimus Primal's bot mode BUT the toy they chose to superimpose her face upon is a yet to be revealed toy. It is not Smash and Change Primal, which we can tell due to the different details and articulated hands.

Speaking of articulation, if you are curious to know how articulated the real Smash and Change toy is, here is a review for you below (spoiler alert: it has 0 points of articulation). We do get a good size comparison though.

Enjoy all the videos!

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Man that TRU has SOME older releases.

Don't forget this review has Prime and two of the three Battle Masters

Haven't forgotten, it's gonna be in the battle masters review roundup

I know this line is meant for kids and kids often like gimmicks, but I really really hate them. It's almost always a sacrifice between the actual figure and it's "feature". I don't really think Hasbro realizes that even to kids these figures don't seem to sell as well as the mainline ones.

william-james88 wrote:

Welll... ok... uhmmm... well... that's.... a... uhhmm... a thing....

I am intrigued by the toy the chose to use for that though.... Leader Class SS?

Smash and change Primal looks so much better than the voyager version. Sad.

Siger wrote:Smash and change Primal looks so much better than the voyager version. Sad.

It's the colours, right?

ouraziel wrote:I know this line is meant for kids and kids often like gimmicks, but I really really hate them. It's almost always a sacrifice between the actual figure and it's "feature". I don't really think Hasbro realizes that even to kids these figures don't seem to sell as well as the mainline ones.

Well as with the Bumblebee film toyline, these gimmicks are the mainline. However, we also get voyagers and deluxes in this mainline, which we didn't last time. So it's a big improvement and that means that there's no sacrifice anymore since you have the unhindered figures sold side by side, so no one misses out or loses out. No sacrificing, just more product for everyone

Overcracker wrote:
Welll... ok... uhmmm... well... that's.... a... uhhmm... a thing....
I am intrigued by the toy the chose to use for that though.... Leader Class SS?

People thought that too but it looks too simplistic for a SS toy, plus I think the contrasting colours are more for a toy marketted just at kids. Apparently, the toy she turns into is Ultimate Optimus Primal, part of the mainline.

It's the colours, right?

Yeah, and proportions. Voyager's got a tiny head.

william-james88 wrote:

Overcracker wrote:
Welll... ok... uhmmm... well... that's.... a... uhhmm... a thing....
I am intrigued by the toy the chose to use for that though.... Leader Class SS?

People thought that too but it looks too simplistic for a SS toy, plus I think the contrasting colours are more for a toy marketted just at kids. Apparently, the toy she turns into is Ultimate Optimus Primal, part of the mainline.

I don't see them going to the trouble of giving it opening hands and wrist swivels just for a large toy for kids. But, I guess we'll have to wait an see what it turns out to be.

Overcracker wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

Overcracker wrote:
Welll... ok... uhmmm... well... that's.... a... uhhmm... a thing....
I am intrigued by the toy the chose to use for that though.... Leader Class SS?

People thought that too but it looks too simplistic for a SS toy, plus I think the contrasting colours are more for a toy marketted just at kids. Apparently, the toy she turns into is Ultimate Optimus Primal, part of the mainline.

I don't see them going to the trouble of giving it opening hands and wrist swivels just for a large toy for kids. But, I guess we'll have to wait an see what it turns out to be.

It'll likely be along the lines of the Ultimate class toy that were released in the Cyberverse line. Large and imposing, but basic and brick-like.

Siger wrote:

It's the colours, right?

Yeah, and proportions. Voyager's got a tiny head.

Ah, especially for the gorilla mode, yeah. I remember being put off by that profile shot of the gorilla mode, it does seem more cohesive as a whole with the smash and change toy.

The Transformers Rise of the Beasts toyline is out in most parts of the world and while it is very big with not every country getting every size class yet, the Beast Battle Master class seems to be one of the more commonly found ones. Those are the Targetmasters and so far we have Rhinox, Cheetor and Skullcruncher. These are also the toys within the gimmick line that have had the most excitement from fans since the Targetmaster gimmick is the same one we've had since G1 and lends well to a collection. Plus, as you'll see in the reviews, the detailing on the figures is very good.

For those still unsure whether or not they are worth a pick up, we have rounded up some reviews of these three toys. Enjoy!

Ah, especially for the gorilla mode, yeah. I remember being put off by that profile shot of the gorilla mode, it does seem more cohesive as a whole with the smash and change toy.

Yessir, gorillas have pretty big noggins IRL.

Just watched PrimeVsPrime's review of voyager Optimus Primal in 4K and it's a little better than I expected. But I'm still not picking it up due to the head size, color, and butt flap.

Sabrblade wrote:

Overcracker wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

Overcracker wrote:
Welll... ok... uhmmm... well... that's.... a... uhhmm... a thing....
I am intrigued by the toy the chose to use for that though.... Leader Class SS?

People thought that too but it looks too simplistic for a SS toy, plus I think the contrasting colours are more for a toy marketted just at kids. Apparently, the toy she turns into is Ultimate Optimus Primal, part of the mainline.

I don't see them going to the trouble of giving it opening hands and wrist swivels just for a large toy for kids. But, I guess we'll have to wait an see what it turns out to be.

It'll likely be along the lines of the Ultimate class toy that were released in the Cyberverse line. Large and imposing, but basic and brick-like.

Well, looking at the ad, it has opening fingers, wrist swivels, elbows, shoulder joints, what looks like a waist swivel. So not very brick like... but I get your point.

So I went to my Target, and there wasn't much there. All there was, was one BM Cheetor and the Beast Armor figures. Optimus Primal had the alligator removed and replaced with one of those cheap vinyl dinosaur figures, I'm not sure they're selling those at Target. So I came home and made a large order from Amazon. All I need now is the Voyagers and the one Alligator Battle Master. My question is, what else is out there? Do we have a rundown of waves 1 and 2? My gut tells me that due to the delay, both waves are going to be pushed out faster than we think and some things might get lost in the shuffle.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:So I went to my Target, and there wasn't much there. All there was, was one BM Cheetor and the Beast Armor figures. Optimus Primal had the alligator removed and replaced with one of those cheap vinyl dinosaur figures, I'm not sure they're selling those at Target. So I came home and made a large order from Amazon. All I need now is the Voyagers and the one Alligator Battle Master. My question is, what else is out there? Do we have a rundown of waves 1 and 2? My gut tells me that due to the delay, both waves are going to be pushed out faster than we think and some things might get lost in the shuffle.

Good question, I will make a list

chuckdawg1999 wrote:So I went to my Target, and there wasn't much there. All there was, was one BM Cheetor and the Beast Armor figures. Optimus Primal had the alligator removed and replaced with one of those cheap vinyl dinosaur figures, I'm not sure they're selling those at Target. So I came home and made a large order from Amazon. All I need now is the Voyagers and the one Alligator Battle Master. My question is, what else is out there? Do we have a rundown of waves 1 and 2? My gut tells me that due to the delay, both waves are going to be pushed out faster than we think and some things might get lost in the shuffle.

Here's what's in the line. Looking through it, the stuff that we didn't news yet that you should have access to are the converting masks and the remaining flex changers. I'm currently doing a round up of the beast combiners.

Core Deluxe (all out at once but not found in US yet)
Wave 1
Airazor
Bumblebee
Cheetor
Wave 2
Autobot Mirage
Nightbird
Wheeljack


Voyager Class (all at once but not found in US yet)
Wave 1
Optimus Primal
Optimus Prime
Wave 2
Rhinox

Beast Battle Masters (all released)
Wave 1
Cheetor
Rhinox
Skullcruncher

Battle Changers (the waves in this one are unclear, US got the first 3 listed)
Bumblebee
Optimus Prime
Rhinox
Autobot Mirage
Scourge

Beast Weaponizers (all at once, but only wave 1 has been found in US so far)
Wave 1
Optimus Primal & Arrowstripe
Optimus Prime & Chainclaw
Wave 2
Wheeljack & Rhinox

Beast Combiners (only wave 1 spotted anywhere)
Wave 1
Bumblebee & Snarlsaber
Arcee & Silverfang
Optimus Primal & Skullcruncher
Wave 2
Scourge & Predacon Scorponok


Blaster Optimus Prime Blaster (released)

Converting Masks Bumblebee Optimus Primal (released)

Smash Changer (released all at once but only wave 1 found in US)
Wave 1
Optimus Primal
Optimus Prime
Wave 2
Rhinox

Beast Mode (not released in US yet)
Beast Mode Bumblebee
Beast Mode Optimus Prime

Flex Changers (released in US)
Bumblebee
Cheetor
Nightbird

Titan Changers (released in US, only Cheetor is new)
Cheetor
Megatron
Optimus Prime

Exclusives
Deluxe Scorponok
2 Jungle Mission 3 packs
Smash Changer Scourge
Spark Racers Barricade Bumblebee Optimus Prime
Spark Chargers Battletrap Bumblebee Megatron
Larger toys (Nitro series) Starscream Optimus Prime

Man, I was so looking forward to getting ROTB Wheeljack. He would have been a bought on site figure, but looking at the pictures. I’m kinda let down. You would think Volkswagen would have given them permission to use an actual Samba Panel Van as Jackie’s toy Alt. Mode, seeing how Volkswagen owns Porsche. And since VW gave them permission with making a Beetle Bumblebee toy when the Bumblebee Movie came out. I hope there is a better looking Alt. Mode, because I’m not a fan of the toy’s vehicle form. After seeing those pictures, he’s going to be a clearance buy now. What a complete let down!

I think the Core figures aren't licensed.

BIGGUY007 wrote:Man, I was so looking forward to getting ROTB Wheeljack. He would have been a bought on site figure, but looking at the pictures. I’m kinda let down. You would think Volkswagen would have given them permission to use an actual Samba Panel Van as Jackie’s toy Alt. Mode, seeing how Volkswagen owns Porsche. And since VW gave them permission with making a Beetle Bumblebee toy when the Bumblebee Movie came out. I hope there is a better looking Alt. Mode, because I’m not a fan of the toy’s vehicle form. After seeing those pictures, he’s going to be a clearance buy now. What a complete let down!

The toy you posted is from the mainline where none of the cars look like their licensed selves. We have to wait for the reveal of Studio Series Wheeljack to see if he will get a licensed alt mode or not.

Also, just an FYI, one car company owning another has no bearing in the world of licensing since licensing agreements are solely with the individual company (car make).

william-james88 wrote:

Siger wrote:

It's the colours, right?

Yeah, and proportions. Voyager's got a tiny head.

Ah, especially for the gorilla mode, yeah. I remember being put off by that profile shot of the gorilla mode, it does seem more cohesive as a whole with the smash and change toy.

And for our fandom especially, Gorilla-formers + too-small-heads = ANIMORPHS flashbacks!





Doubly appropriate after that commercial.

My god you guys have awesome toys in your toyisles.

Here in Holland we have mego toys... 3 cyberverse figures and a tiny bit of mission fleet.

Besides that the marvel figures with the elastics in the limbs. ... we got nothing man.

I impulse bought the Smash Primal.
50$can total.
Why?
I tried to cancel that Amazon order.
I can't.
It's coming.

I'll now have to smash that ape.

For anyone wondering why I used Krok in that video review, well that Skullcruncher makes for an EXCELLENT Gatoraider.

The Amazing Superstore on E-Bay has the latest Hasbro products available to order, many of which are not available at US retail yet. Of course, everything is at a hefty markup, but it does give us stock images for many toys that are yet to be revealed officially from Hasbro for the Transformers Rise of the Beasts line. We also have new stock images from the French site King Jouet. Out of all those images, there are two toys we have never seen before: Battle Master Optimus Primal and Beast Weaponizers Arcee, which is a new Arcee mold that comes with the Cheetor Battle Master. Here are the other toys whose images you can see below:

Rise Of The Beasts Nitro Starscream
Rise Of The Beasts Nitro Optimus Prime
Rise Of The Beasts Nitro Bumblebee
Rise Of The Beasts Power Plus Battletrap
Rise Of The Beasts Power Plus Megatron
Rise Of The Beasts Speed Barricade
Rise Of The Beasts Speed Optimus Prime
Rise Of The Beasts Speed Bumblebee
Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts Beast Weaponizers Arcee & Cheetor 2-Pack
Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts Beast Weaponizers Wheeljack & Rhinox 2-Pack
Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts Flex-Changers Cheetor
Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts Battle Master Optimus Primal

william-james88 wrote:For anyone wondering why I used Krok in that video review, well that Skullcruncher makes for an EXCELLENT Gatoraider.

I was thinking the same thing. Might have to go find myself a Krok.

Man I can usually easily wrap my head around all of the upcoming products for a line, but of all Transformers toy lines, this one got me. Way too much merchandise to keep track of. At this point, I think it'll just be a surprise to me when I find stuff at retail. I don't think most of it will be too difficult to find. Who knows though! Guess we'll all find out.

If you passed the first time then I highly recommend those Energon Igniters. They're really fun to race around and the transformations aren't that bad. I'm down for Battletrap and Starscream as the original Ironhide and Blitzwing were two of the best figures of the line.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:If you passed the first time then I highly recommend those Energon Igniters. They're really fun to race around and the transformations aren't that bad. I'm down for Battletrap and Starscream as the original Ironhide and Blitzwing were two of the best figures of the line.

I've got all of the original versions of the ones that are being redeco'ed. Just hard to keep track of what's coming out for this new movie line.

Super sleek cheetah mode there.

Seibertron wrote:

chuckdawg1999 wrote:If you passed the first time then I highly recommend those Energon Igniters. They're really fun to race around and the transformations aren't that bad. I'm down for Battletrap and Starscream as the original Ironhide and Blitzwing were two of the best figures of the line.

I've got all of the original versions of the ones that are being redeco'ed. Just hard to keep track of what's coming out for this new movie line.

Don't feel bad, I'm more confused than a baby in a topless club.

Whifflefire wrote:

william-james88 wrote:For anyone wondering why I used Krok in that video review, well that Skullcruncher makes for an EXCELLENT Gatoraider.

I was thinking the same thing. Might have to go find myself a Krok.

The mold layout completely works for a Gatoraider redeco too. I 100% expect one at some point.

The Rise of the Beasts toyline was released in full force this week across the globe. However, since we never got a press release from Hasbro detailing all the different classes within the line, it's a bit tough to make sense of it all. So we have compiled a list of the different classes within the toyline when it comes to the action figure segment of it, along with images to show you which is which. And remember, this is just the mainline, the line aimed at kids and collectors alike, rather than just kids, is the Studio Series line which will have all these same characters.

Core Deluxe: traditional deluxe class figures, not found in US yet.
Wave 1
Airazor
Bumblebee
Cheetor
Wave 2
Autobot Mirage
Nightbird
Wheeljack



Voyager Class: traditional voyager class figures, not found in US yet
Wave 1
Optimus Primal
Optimus Prime
Wave 2
Rhinox



Beast Battle Masters: targetmasters, which can work really well in other lines, only wave 1 released in US so far.
Wave 1
Cheetor
Rhinox
Skullcruncher
Wave 2
Optimus Primal
Airazor



Battle Changers: simplified figures between Scout and deluxe size, as you can see with Rhinox below. The waves in this one are unclear, the US got the first 3 listed so far.
Bumblebee
Optimus Prime
Rhinox
Autobot Mirage
Scourge



Beast Weaponizers: simple deluxe sized figures which come with a beast targetmaster, only wave 1 has been found in US so far.
Wave 1
Optimus Primal & Arrowstripe
Optimus Prime & Chainclaw
Wave 2
Wheeljack & Rhinox
Arcee & Cheetor



Beast Combiners: simple deluxe sized figures which come with a beast partner which turns into armour. Only wave 1 spotted so far in the US.
Wave 1
Bumblebee & Snarlsaber
Arcee & Silverfang
Optimus Primal & Skullcruncher
Wave 2
Scourge & Predacon Scorponok



Blaster Optimus Prime Blaster (released)

Converting Masks Bumblebee, Optimus Primal (released)



Smash Changer: 3 step automorph figures and only wave 1 was found in the US so far.
Wave 1
Optimus Primal
Optimus Prime
Wave 2
Rhinox



Beast Mode: leader sized figures with electronics that have a third super mode which has beast elements (not released in US yet)
Beast Mode Bumblebee
Beast Mode Optimus Prime

Flex Changers: one step toys, all released in the US
Bumblebee
Cheetor
Nightbird



Titan Changers: leader sized figures with very simple conversions. All were released in the US but only Cheetor is a new mold.
Cheetor
Megatron
Optimus Prime



Exclusives
Deluxe Scorponok
2 Jungle Mission 3 packs
Smash Changer Scourge
Autobots Unite Speed Series Barricade, Bumblebee, Optimus Prime
Autobots Unite Power Plus Series Battletrap Bumblebee Megatron
Autobots Unite Nitro Series Starscream, Optimus Prime

While these toys have been around for a couple of weeks, we haven't had the time to post all the reviews for every toy found in the Rise of the Beasts toyline, but we'll get to them all. Here are reviews for the two other Beast Combiners, Arcee and Bumblebee. Both are simplified deluxe figures which have a rather large animal friend that turns into armor. Hopefully these reviews help you see what is in store for those curious about the figures.

Bumblebee



Arcee



And we also have another review of both those sets from Chuckdawg1999 who also had this to say about them:

chuckdawg1999 wrote:If you liked Optimus Primal then there's more of the same here with Arcee and Bumblebee, literally, their beast partners share tooling. Obviously, Arcee and Bee are far more involved with their transformations than Primal. Each set offers its own positives and negatives so it's ultimately up to you which character you like the best.

Transformers reviewers are hard at work covering all the new releases in the Transformers Rise of the Beasts line. Here are some reviews for toys we had not covered yet, voyager class Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime, as well as Smash and Change Rhinox. All of these reviews come from Prime vs Prime. Optimus Primal has been really tough to get a good read on since his deco looks really drab when seen through a camera lens. Hopefully this review sheds some proper light on the figure.

Remember, these toys are all in the mainline. In Studio Series, we will get a leader class Optimus Primal, a voyager class Rhinox and a voyager class Optimus Prime but that last one will be a Target exclusive.

Voyager Prime looks good will get soon.

Disappointed the Smash Changer of Optimus is just a repackage from Spark series?

I have all five of the Battle Masters toys available so far. Just need Primal, Airrazor, and the Target exclusive Scorponok Beast Weaponizer two-pack. I'm not planning to double dip with the second wave of Beast Weaponizer two-packs.

Fortress_Maximus wrote:Voyager Prime looks good will get soon.

Disappointed the Smash Changer of Optimus is just a repackage from Spark series?

More like the Cyberverse release was a "pre-package" of this one, since Hasbro did that because the original plan was to sell ROTB toys in Cyberverse packaging last year, but only that one figure saw release.

Since Wave 2 of the Weaponizer 2 Packs have the Wave 1 Battle Masters, would it be logical to assume the Wave 1 Weaponizer Battle Masters will be released on their own at some point?

I don't think so, we already have leaks of a second wave of Battle Masters that are new figures, but who knows for sure.

MeGrimlock78 wrote:Since Wave 2 of the Weaponizer 2 Packs have the Wave 1 Battle Masters, would it be logical to assume the Wave 1 Weaponizer Battle Masters will be released on their own at some point?

Maybe a later wave, I'd really love that

william-james88 wrote:

MeGrimlock78 wrote:Since Wave 2 of the Weaponizer 2 Packs have the Wave 1 Battle Masters, would it be logical to assume the Wave 1 Weaponizer Battle Masters will be released on their own at some point?

Maybe a later wave, I'd really love that

Are we sure there will be a later wave? I believe the Bee movie line was just a single wave, and we are already past that. I would have preferred to get the 2 weaponizer 2-pack battle masters on their own, but didn't want to chance missing out if a future wave doesn't happen.

MeGrimlock78 wrote:Since Wave 2 of the Weaponizer 2 Packs have the Wave 1 Battle Masters, would it be logical to assume the Wave 1 Weaponizer Battle Masters will be released on their own at some point?

Maybe, depends on how well the line sells and if they need more product to sell.

TF-fan kev777 wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

MeGrimlock78 wrote:Since Wave 2 of the Weaponizer 2 Packs have the Wave 1 Battle Masters, would it be logical to assume the Wave 1 Weaponizer Battle Masters will be released on their own at some point?

Maybe a later wave, I'd really love that

Are we sure there will be a later wave? I believe the Bee movie line was just a single wave, and we are already past that. I would have preferred to get the 2 weaponizer 2-pack battle masters on their own, but didn't want to chance missing out if a future wave doesn't happen.

I know there is a second wave, with Primal and Airazor, but I don't know beyond that. Though if I had to wager, I would think those won't get released individually.

Hey, since you have these toys, can you take some images of Prime and Primal next to deluxes from the legacy line (or any other generations line) just to get an idea of their size?

You probably have seen the transforming masks of Rise of the Beasts Bumblebee and Optimus Primal in stores by now. If you wanted to know more about them, we have a review of them both below.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:When the masks were first revealed I was intrigued with them and had a few questions; how would they work, fit, and feel? Well, I'm happy with both of them but I really enjoy the Optimus Primal mask that much more. Transformation is relatively simple, any issues might come from the ratcheting joints having to be worked into the right positions. Surprisingly the straps don't really get in the way and tuck nicely into the back of the figures. The price might be a little off-putting so if you can only get one, Primal is the way to go.

We were sent new stock images for two yet to be revealed toys in the Transformers Rise of the Beasts line: Battle Master Optimus Primal and the Weapoinizer Arcee 2 pack. We saw both toys before but these images give us a better look at them, and for Arcee we can see the robot mode. Some say it looks better than the Studio Series version. While that may be the case for the bot mode, it does come at a cost of an alt mode where the fake chest is not hidden in bike mode, resulting in a very awkward looking motorcycle.

Let us know what you think.

FYI the weaponizer figures are deluxe-ish in height compared to Generations, but on the small side. Here's a Cyberverse deluxe for comparison too since I already had Arcee out.

Beast Combiners Arcee and Silverfang is the only ROTB toy I've bought so far (a week ago, Target holiday sale), and I was as pleasantly surprised as the reviewer. Making the armor-bots animals makes it feel like more of a powerup than the unfolding Spark Armor vehicles of Cyberverse, for starters. And her bike mode feels like it's going to be a mess of robo-yoga-ed parts until you click that last tab in and...it's suddenly a solid alt mode!

I'll probably buy every Arcee in this movie line, partly because each one seems to have a different transformation despite all apparently being the same design. And while some may see the hands hanging off the back of and pseudo-kibble chest on top of Weaponizer Arcee's cycle mode as deal breakers that ruin the motorcycle aesthetic, I see exactly what I was considering customizing them into all along: female Junkions! Here's hoping they all clearance in enough quantity to army-build, but I'll probably buy one of each at full price.

But since an out-of-place chest on the newly revealed Arcee did come up, I have to note something about BC ROTB Arcee that might not have come through in the video: This has got to be the most stacked official Arcee toy we've ever gotten. I can't even think of a 3P Arcee with a bust that huge relative to the rest of her body. And considering the color scheme follows the example of her Earthspark design in making her pelvis and thighs the same medium-dark shade of pink to avoid the panty-line effect of her traditional G1 design, presumably to desexualize her a tad from the waist down, giving her a rack that doubles the radius of her torso in 3 out of 4 directions from her midriff adds up to an...interesting design choice.

Certainly not complaining though. HasTak, find ways to reuse ALL of these Arcee molds, preferably in rusty orange and brown so I won't have to repaint them as much.