Transformers Cyberverse Skullcruncher Video Review

Just a retool, nothing to write home about.

DMSL wrote:Just a retool, nothing to write home about.

What retool? You don't mean Skullcruncher, do you? D-Max's pics showed it's a complete different, bigger mold from the Titans Return Deluxe.

Running errands today, I found this guy! Someone tried to hide him, but I found him, can't fool me!



Thunderhowl himself is a sort of lackluster toy. Both modes aren't bad, but so far nothing really to write home about. His transformation however is frikkin great. He quite literally folds in half in 2 separate areas. He's a lot like that type of calendar that is a cube that shows 6 months, and when you fold it around inside out and such you find the other 6 months. It's great



Now the more important part: Maccadam. Gosh i love this thing, he is great! Except for the ankle tilts, he is very posable, and his aesthetic is really nice. I love the headsculpt, and the colors are nice. I love how bulky he is, and the hammer weapon is great in his hands. He is far better than people give him credit for, he's great

It's so cool to have another toy of the Thirteen.

Heck, it's so cool that Cyberverse canonized the idea of Maccadam being Alchemist Prime when that connection was only a possibility, rather than a fact, in Fun Pub's Ask Vector Prime fiction.

Sabrblade wrote:It's so cool to have another toy of the Thirteen.

Heck, it's so cool that Cyberverse canonized the idea of Maccadam being Alchemist Prime when that connection was only a possibility, rather than a fact, in Fun Pub's Ask Vector Prime fiction.

You've reminded me to take a picture of the 13 Primes I have represented now thanks to Maccadam's completion. I'll need to pull all the bots together tonight for a picture

Thanks to Maccadam, we now have 8 of the 13 Primes in a canonical body in toy form



And depending on your creativity, you can have a full team of 13 Primes with Maccadam as well

Sabrblade wrote:It's so cool to have another toy of the Thirteen.

Heck, it's so cool that Cyberverse canonized the idea of Maccadam being Alchemist Prime when that connection was only a possibility, rather than a fact, in Fun Pub's Ask Vector Prime fiction.

Only the Cyberverse one, not the rest thanks to FunPub's handiwork at the end.

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:And depending on your creativity, you can have a full team of 13 Primes with Maccadam as well

I only see 12 in this pic.

Sabrblade wrote:

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:And depending on your creativity, you can have a full team of 13 Primes with Maccadam as well

I only see 12 in this pic.

Look on Nexus Prime's shoulder.

Emerje

Emerje wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:And depending on your creativity, you can have a full team of 13 Primes with Maccadam as well

I only see 12 in this pic.

Look on Nexus Prime's shoulder.

Emerje

Ah.

Though, why Movie Dropkick for Amalgamous?

Sabrblade wrote:

Emerje wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:And depending on your creativity, you can have a full team of 13 Primes with Maccadam as well

I only see 12 in this pic.

Look on Nexus Prime's shoulder.

Emerje

Ah.

Though, why Movie Dropkick for Amalgamous?

Quintessa is the one that has thrown everyone off

Honestly, Amalgamous does not have any figure that even sort of remotely looks like him, but movie Dropkick with his backwards knees and heavy upper torso that has so many parts sprawled in all directions, might be the closest figure i own to the appearance, so since he was the only of the 13 without a good standin, I figured why not?

I would not mind future TV shows following sort of what Cybertron started and Cyberverse continued: throwing in a new Prime complete with toy as we go until we have the full 13. They did Maccadam so well in the series and then gave him a pretty great toy. I would love to see Solus or Onyx next complete with a toy, and i still wish we had gotten a Micronus from RiD2015.

Funny enough, the monsterbots have faired the same way as the 13: RiD2015 gave us Twinferno, and then Cyberverse Repugnus. We need the next series to have a Grotusque and we will be golden!

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Honestly, Amalgamous does not have any figure that even sort of remotely looks like him, but movie Dropkick with his backwards knees and heavy upper torso that has so many parts sprawled in all directions, might be the closest figure i own to the appearance, so since he was the only of the 13 without a good standin, I figured why not?

I guess.

Had it been me, I would have used the Car Robots Gigatron mold in some freakishly bizarre configuration with all his limbs approximating the orientation of Amalgamous's limbs seen in his main artwork.

Sabrblade wrote:

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Honestly, Amalgamous does not have any figure that even sort of remotely looks like him, but movie Dropkick with his backwards knees and heavy upper torso that has so many parts sprawled in all directions, might be the closest figure i own to the appearance, so since he was the only of the 13 without a good standin, I figured why not?

I guess.

Had it been me, I would have used the Car Robots Gigatron mold in some freakishly bizarre configuration with all his limbs approximating the orientation of Amalgamous's limbs seen in his main artwork.

I guess that one could work, I have both regular and Devil Gigatrons.

So Thunderhowl then, this toy isn't really good. The best part about this toy is the transformation, it's great, but neither resting mode is particularly good. The Ultra class figure is the better Thunderhowl, no doubt in my mind.

And of the deluxes, I think Bumblebee ended up being the best one. I'd rank them:

1) Bumblebee
2) Grimlock
3) Arcee
4) Optimus Prime
5) Hot Rod
6) Megatron
7) Thunderhowl
Shockwave

My newly updated Cyberverse shelf, most likely completed now.

We have quite a bit of Thunderhowl news. Firstly, we've been getting sightings of this new deluxe figure since early October and it seems he is becoming easier to find at Targets across the US as the days pass.

Him being found means we now have a good look at him. Below you will find plenty of images from fellow Seibertronian D-Maximus primal along with a video review by Emgo. The images show a comparison with the Ultra class figure, which is the same price. You'll let us know which onw you like best. D-Max also has a written review posted on our boards if you want another opinion.

We also have shots of the now fully built Maccadam.

We have quite a bit of Cyberverse news to get through. Firstly, below you will find video reviews from Chuckdawg for the following figures:

Battle Call Officer Class Bumblebee

1 step Cybertronian Megatron

Ultra Class Skullcruncher

Those are all below but before we get to them we also have some sightings. Officer Class Bumblebee (the giant one that has a face that looks like Gypsy Danger) was found at Canadian Walmarts. In Australia, the Warrior Starscream/Hammerbyte wave was found at Toyworld, which is a more collector oriented store that also got their hands on the exclusive Slipstream figure. That came from Ozformers on Facebook and they also posted that Ultra Class Thunderhowl was found at BigW.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Battle Call Officer Class Bumblebee is a complex figure, kids will like it for a while until the same sound clips bore them, but not until it drives parents nuts. Transformation is relatively simple, just make sure the panels line up, and vehicle mode unlocks more lights and sounds, but you'll miss the lights since the chest faces down. There isn't any cross-play with the Trooper Class which is a shame, the Trooper sized figures are now that much harder to recommend. Overall, at the price point, I just can't recommend buying the figure.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:We all know the deal with 1-step figures so I won't go through it again. Megatron is fun and a great representation of its Cybertron design. As always I appreciate how Hasbro has been able to work an action feature into such a small and simple figure.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:When first revealed some months ago Skullcruncher was a pleasant surprise, then nothing; no leaked in-hand images, no early reviews, nothing. So it was a pleasant surprise when the figure showed up in-stock on Amazon. The figure really doesn't disappoint, transformation is fun and the armor gimmick is one of the best I've seen. If you're a fan of the Cyberverse line this is a definite pick up, for those who might want to try something new with their Transformers, give this figure a shot too.

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:So Thunderhowl then, this toy isn't really good. The best part about this toy is the transformation, it's great, but neither resting mode is particularly good. The Ultra class figure is the better Thunderhowl, no doubt in my mind.

And of the deluxes, I think Bumblebee ended up being the best one. I'd rank them:

1) Bumblebee
2) Grimlock
3) Arcee
4) Optimus Prime
5) Hot Rod
6) Megatron
7) Thunderhowl
Shockwave

Wow, I thought you liked Shockwave. I havent come up with my list but I know that my number 1 is Bumblebee and the one I like least is Hot Rod. I like Arcee a lot too, she's just so cute all around and wonderfully show accurate, right size too.

I know we have another line of Cyberverse deluxe class toys coming out since the line and the show are not over after all. But so far, the contenders for a top 5 list for me would be, Deluxe Bumblebee and Arcee, Ultimate Grimlock, Ultra Thunderhowl and Warrior Hammerbyte.

I love the engineering on Thunderhowl, but I think there's just too much going on for a Cyberverse figure compared to a Generations deluxe. Mine has little issues I haven't experienced in that line: for example, the wolf jaw is prone to falling out. I also wish the blast effect didn't have a unique port. You can use it on his sword or mouth, but not on any other figure, as far as I can tell. He looks good in both modes and has good poseability, so even with my complaints he's probably the best of the Cyberverse Deluxe line. I just can't help but think he would be a better fit as a Generations build.

I also don't have the Ultra class figure so I can't compare. I don't doubt it's better, as I've really enjoyed others in that class like Clobber and Rack 'n Ruin.

AcademyofDrX wrote:I love the engineering on Thunderhowl, but I think there's just too much going on for a Cyberverse figure compared to a Generations deluxe. Mine has little issues I haven't experienced in that line: for example, the wolf jaw is prone to falling out. I also wish the blast effect didn't have a unique port. You can use it on his sword or mouth, but not on any other figure, as far as I can tell. He looks good in both modes and has good poseability, so even with my complaints he's probably the best of the Cyberverse Deluxe line. I just can't help but think he would be a better fit as a Generations build.

Earlier,i said this:

"Some display advice for Dreadwing BH:his epaulettes and wings should be painted in black,don't open them.

Thunderhowl is basically a beasty version of Skyququake."

He's simpler than a PRIME figure,like if he has been delayed for very long.
And there is Thundertron who is a lion out of nowhere.

From looks alone, Ultra Thunderhowl is the clear winner. In both modes. Deluxe pose better, but my money would be on the Ultra.

AcademyofDrX wrote:I also don't have the Ultra class figure so I can't compare. I don't doubt it's better, as I've really enjoyed others in that class like Clobber and Rack 'n Ruin.

The funny thing is, thanks to the way they both transform and share limbs between modes, the only way the new deluxe is more posable is his head can rotate a little bit while the ultras head cannot rotate at all. But the ultra also has a movable cape and full range of leg movement with nothing to impede it going in either direction, so it sort of makes up for no head movement with unrestricted legs. It even has all the swivels and the wrist as well. Neither have waists.

william-james88 wrote:

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:So Thunderhowl then, this toy isn't really good. The best part about this toy is the transformation, it's great, but neither resting mode is particularly good. The Ultra class figure is the better Thunderhowl, no doubt in my mind.

And of the deluxes, I think Bumblebee ended up being the best one. I'd rank them:

1) Bumblebee
2) Grimlock
3) Arcee
4) Optimus Prime
5) Hot Rod
6) Megatron
7) Thunderhowl
Shockwave

Wow, I thought you liked Shockwave. I havent come up with my list but I know that my number 1 is Bumblebee and the one I like least is Hot Rod. I like Arcee a lot too, she's just so cute all around and wonderfully show accurate, right size too.

I know we have another line of Cyberverse deluxe class toys coming out since the line and the show are not over after all. But so far, the contenders for a top 5 list for me would be, Deluxe Bumblebee and Arcee, Ultimate Grimlock, Ultra Thunderhowl and Warrior Hammerbyte.

No, I always found shockwave to be mediocre at best. And his tube thingy is just a royal pain to work with.

I still like Hot Rod, his main weakness was utter lack of paint. Megatron's sort of wonky arms and occasional legs giving out/falling off put him below Hot Rod.

Top 5 of the line so far for me would include deluxe Bee, ultimate Grimlock, ultra Rack n' Ruin, BAF Maccadam, and 1-step Whirl.

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Top 5 of the line so far for me would include deluxe Bee, ultimate Grimlock, ultra Rack n' Ruin, BAF Maccadam, and 1-step Whirl.

You find one step Whirl better than Hammerbyte?

william-james88 wrote:

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Top 5 of the line so far for me would include deluxe Bee, ultimate Grimlock, ultra Rack n' Ruin, BAF Maccadam, and 1-step Whirl.

You find one step Whirl better than Hammerbyte?

I do, I think he is better, though Hammerbyte is a really good figure, but I'm not sure I could accept him knocking anyone out of that top 5 except maybe Rack n' Ruin, but that's also both a good figure and a long awaited one

william-james88 wrote:In Australia, the Warrior Starscream/Hammerbyte wave was found at Toyworld, which is a more collector oriented store

Toyworld is not collector oriented. They're a plain ol toy store franchise but are limited in number throughout the country, far from collector oriented.

Burn wrote:

william-james88 wrote:In Australia, the Warrior Starscream/Hammerbyte wave was found at Toyworld, which is a more collector oriented store

Toyworld is not collector oriented. They're a plain ol toy store franchise but are limited in number throughout the country, far from collector oriented.

I see, thanks.

We have news that the latest (last?) wave of Transformers Cyberverse trooper class figures have been found in Canada. Yours fellow news editor found them at Walmart in the Montreal area.

These are Transformers Cyberverse Battle Call Megatron and Starscream.

These Trooper class figures are 5.5 inches tall and convert from vehicle to robot mode in six easy steps.

This is our first sighting of these toys in North America, if you find them in the US, let us know.

And remember, for Transformers toys, you can share your sightings with our community in the sightings section and on our boards in your region related thread.

Remember those tiny Sharkticons that came with one step Hot Rod in the retailer exclusive set? Well those were actually Tuny Turbo Changers from series 4, which we didn't know existed at the time. That series has been found in Canada at Toysrus and Walmart now, with the specific sighting below from a Walmart in the Montreal area. You can see the full list of characters along with the codes and images of both Thunderhowl and Shockwave (the two I brought home). Regarding the code, each blind bag comes with a code that begins with a letter and it is that letter, which we list below, that helps identify them.

A – Gnaw (Redeco of the mold included in the Cyberverse Sharkticons Attack pack)
B – Kup
C – Wildwheel
D – Skybyte
E – Alpha Strike (Strika)
F – Thunderhowl
G – Ironhide
H – Slipstream
I – Energon Prime
J – Stealth Bumblebee
K – Dark Energon Shockwave
L – Wheeljack

Weird that they added a space to Alphastrike's name.

Also, "Dark Energon" Shockwave? We haven't heard of that stuff in anything for a while.

Thunderhowl and Wildwheel don't look too bad, as far as the new molds go, but Wheeljack? I don't know; it was one thing to re-use the Hot Rod mold for Sideswipe. Using it for Wheeljack seems like a stretch now.



... I'll probably still buy it, though.

Glarryg

Would like to find Series 3 somewhere.

I wasn't willing to pay MSRP for Cyberverse Sharkticons Attack set. I saw them at Ross for for less, and still didn't want it. I don't know any kids that'd like a 1 Step Changer and all i wanted was teeny tiny Sharks. Now this is a better deal, even if they aren't G1 colors.

Rodimus Knight wrote:Would like to find Series 3 somewhere.

I just bought series 4 from this ebay seller, they still have one of those and a set of the 8 series 3 figs: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?siteid=0&pub=5574891718&campid=5336631220&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fwecango88%2Fm.html%3F_nkw%26_armrs%3D1%26_ipg%26_from%26

Price isn't ideal but I have no faith these are going to show up anywhere in the US, which is too bad because I'd love more tiny Sharkticons.

Found a couple of these guys tonight at the local JCPennys. I didn't get one, but they are out there

Yeah, I've seen X at Walmart.

Sabrblade wrote:Yeah, I've seen X at Walmart.

Same here, couldn't remember if he was new or if my brain was mixing him up with the regular gray version before when I saw a few of him on the shelf the other day.

Emerje

Cyberverse Deluxe class Wave 5!

Greetings Seibertronians! Thanks to a tip off from fellow Seibertron users, Mindmaster and Sabrblade, we've learned that the Transformers Cyberverse Deluxe line continues with Wave 5! These photos were posted by Twitter user Hot Convoy, and show Deluxe Class Prowl, Soundwave and Starscream!







Unlike the last two waves, there's no Build a Figure this time but the figures do come with more effect parts it seems to recreate their signature attacks. We only have the front of the packages to go from at the moment with no look at their alt modes.

What do you think of these? Are you getting these for your Cyberverse shelf? Let us know in the Energon Pub and stay tuned to Seibertron for all the latest news and reviews!

Honestly Prowl and Starscream both look kind of promising. Lot of personality and I like the "gear" they come with.

Proper deluxe Soundwave and Starscream are VERY interesting. Let's hope both have a clean vehicle mode and an interesting transformation like all the rest.

I’m definitely down for these, Soundwave and Starscream in particular. Unlikely as it seems but lowkey kinda hope that Soundwave is compatible with the War for Cybertron tapes since it kinda looks like Laserbeak is of a similar size but I could be wrong. I’m just happy there’s actually good (from what I can tell anyway) Cyberverse Starscream that isn’t burdened by some wonky gimmick (but then again it wouldn’t be hard to beat the prior ones). Unlikely at this point but I’d like to see them make some Seekers out of this, though if not I’d be okay with the Target four-pack as a makeshift Seeker squadron since that mold actually isn’t too bad, the lack of outward shoulder motion being the only thing stopping it from being really good.

Nice! I'm not sure about prowl, but soundwave and starscream definitely tipping toward "yes" to me. Neat that they added laserbeak on soundwave too.

If they are smart they will do a running color change on Soundwave to do the different versions from the finale.

Cyberverse, the little line full of surprises.

You know, I get that they did Prowl because he's one of the "classic" characters from G1, but I'd have really preferred someone who had a bigger role in the actual Cyberverse cartoon. If they wanted to stick to G1 guys, why not Wheeljack or Perceptor?

I just played with Deluxe Arcee and here's my mini review.

The bot mode is fantastic, despite having her ENTIRE vehicle as her backpack. Seriously, that's no longer a shellformer. She's a G1 Pretender but with her vehicle shell attached to her back. I should hate it. But somehow, they managed to make her backpack look like... and actual backpack instead of a cancerous growth.

I struggled with the transformation because I didn't wanted to used the instructions. Everything came together once I realised that the "tabs" on her arms are meant to go OUTSIDE.

Only glaring flaw and it must only be my copy. It was impossible to plug the gun under her vehicle, the hexagonal port being too small. I had to drill it a bit. It's not appearant at all and the gun now fit.

As for the Macadam parts, in the parts bin they go, except the hammer. It suit Arcee well.

Overall, very impressive figure, well worth the full price.

Very nice they are continuing the deluxes, but come on, Prowl? Why not someone who did 50 times what he did in the show, like Shadow Striker, or Slipstream, or Clobber, or a blind Perceptor?

I'm really hoping Soundwave has his show head, unlike the other figures have had. He will be the one of these 3 I buy

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Very nice they are continuing the deluxes, but come on, Prowl? Why not someone who did 50 times what he did in the show, like Shadow Striker, or Slipstream, or Clobber, or a blind Perceptor?

I'm really hoping Soundwave has his show head, unlike the other figures have had. He will be the one of these 3 I buy

I agree, I want a proper Shadow Striker Darn it!

Windblade?