Post by grahamthomson on Mar 17, 2009 21:01:44 GMT
Transformers Alternity
Nissan GT-R Vibrant Red Convoy (2009)
Review and photographs by Graham Thomson
"Nissan GT-R Convoy" is the first release from Tomy Takara's 2009 Transformers Alternity range. Much like the recent Binaltech range, the Alternity line promises realistic vehicle modes, high end construction, complex transformation mechanisms and articulated robot modes. When announced, I felt both moderated glee and no small amount of cynicism. The Binaltech range was far from perfect, which had flaws outweighing its merits. And so, with the arrival of the first of the Alternity range, we'll find out if Nissan GT-R Convoy is nothing more than an evolution of the Binaltech line or, indeed, the start of something great.
As to be guessed from its very name, Nissan GT-R Convoy assumes a vehicle mode of, wait for it, a Nissan GT-R sports car. As with the Binaltech Transformers, this is a fully licensed scale model version of the real thing. Unlike Binaltech, the scale here is significantly smaller, 1/32 instead of 1/24. Actually more in keeping with the scales of the original Autobot cars from the original Transformers line. This new, more compact scale works much better. There's no compromise on the lack of detail either, every nook and wind tunnel hewn cranny is reproduced faithfully. All the right badges, features and details are exactly where they should be. Despite possessing die-cast construction, the outer shell pieces of the vehicle mode are entirely plastic. In something of a reversal of Binaltech, the vehicle itself is plastic, not painted metal. This is better for two reasons; no paint chipping and no mismatching of colours. The plastic itself is cast in a high gloss "vibrant" red, giving a die-cast like sheen. Thus, a compact, durable and authentically detailed vehicle mode. Fantastic, all told.
The Nissan GT-R can transform into a robot that looks suspiciously like Optimus Prime. Wait, what? Optimus was never a red sports car, was he? Actually, yes; back in 1995. At that time Hasbro were desperate to sell Transformers so were happy to slap Pop Op's name on any toy that was red. Looks like the same thing's happened here. But, perhaps it's forgivable here: Tomy-Takara want strong sales for their first release in their new range, so no wonder they've opted to use the Transformers brand's most recognisable character.
Whereas a lot of the transformation mechanisms for the Binaltechs were fussy and frustrating, here it's fluid and coherent. And, finally, it seems like the designers have found way to get the back half of a realistic car to form articulated legs that aren't clumsy and conspicuous. There's also a rather adroit auto-transforming sequence involving the shoulders, chest, head and waist. Alternity Convoy does come together quite nicely.
Alternity Convoy, in robot mode, is highly polished and, if I may say so, rather suave. While the car mode's front portion does form the chest, it compresses in such a way to look streamlined and well proportioned, resulting in a lithe and athletic looking robot. This could very well be Optimus Prime from his "State Games" days. The robot mode is as detailed as the vehicle mode, a cross between Hybrid Style and Binaltech; a happy medium between both. The core (or spine, if you will) of the robot is solid die-cast construction, providing the weight of the figure. It's set a little far back, however, resulting in a slightly off centre of gravity and a tendency for falling backwards. Aside from the car doors as wings, articulation of the robot is free and dynamic, especially, and refreshingly, the lower half.
There are no separate weapons or accessories. There's no removable engine block-cum-weapon as seen with the Binaltech Transformers. Instead, the backs of Convoy's seats (mounted on the forearms) can unfold to deploy "Anti-Hytherion Spacetime-piercing Techyon Blasters". Wow. I didn't make that up, by the way, as the reverse of the instruction sheet includes Action Master style Power Plans! (The doors are actually "Timestorm Detector Arrays".) So, there you go.
Nissan GT-R Convoy seems to have taken on board the last five years' worth of lessons taught by the Binaltech range and really done its homework. If this is any indication of things to come, then count me in for future releases. (I hear it's a Megatron, as a silver sports car... just like 1995!) Alternity is how Binaltech should have been: smaller, more collectable, more fun and more durable. It's taken a while to get to this point, and here's hoping it continues.
Verdict: four stars out of five.
Full Flickr Gallery: www.flickr.com/photos/the-hub/sets/72157615507101604/
Nissan GT-R Vibrant Red Convoy (2009)
Review and photographs by Graham Thomson
"Nissan GT-R Convoy" is the first release from Tomy Takara's 2009 Transformers Alternity range. Much like the recent Binaltech range, the Alternity line promises realistic vehicle modes, high end construction, complex transformation mechanisms and articulated robot modes. When announced, I felt both moderated glee and no small amount of cynicism. The Binaltech range was far from perfect, which had flaws outweighing its merits. And so, with the arrival of the first of the Alternity range, we'll find out if Nissan GT-R Convoy is nothing more than an evolution of the Binaltech line or, indeed, the start of something great.
As to be guessed from its very name, Nissan GT-R Convoy assumes a vehicle mode of, wait for it, a Nissan GT-R sports car. As with the Binaltech Transformers, this is a fully licensed scale model version of the real thing. Unlike Binaltech, the scale here is significantly smaller, 1/32 instead of 1/24. Actually more in keeping with the scales of the original Autobot cars from the original Transformers line. This new, more compact scale works much better. There's no compromise on the lack of detail either, every nook and wind tunnel hewn cranny is reproduced faithfully. All the right badges, features and details are exactly where they should be. Despite possessing die-cast construction, the outer shell pieces of the vehicle mode are entirely plastic. In something of a reversal of Binaltech, the vehicle itself is plastic, not painted metal. This is better for two reasons; no paint chipping and no mismatching of colours. The plastic itself is cast in a high gloss "vibrant" red, giving a die-cast like sheen. Thus, a compact, durable and authentically detailed vehicle mode. Fantastic, all told.
The Nissan GT-R can transform into a robot that looks suspiciously like Optimus Prime. Wait, what? Optimus was never a red sports car, was he? Actually, yes; back in 1995. At that time Hasbro were desperate to sell Transformers so were happy to slap Pop Op's name on any toy that was red. Looks like the same thing's happened here. But, perhaps it's forgivable here: Tomy-Takara want strong sales for their first release in their new range, so no wonder they've opted to use the Transformers brand's most recognisable character.
Whereas a lot of the transformation mechanisms for the Binaltechs were fussy and frustrating, here it's fluid and coherent. And, finally, it seems like the designers have found way to get the back half of a realistic car to form articulated legs that aren't clumsy and conspicuous. There's also a rather adroit auto-transforming sequence involving the shoulders, chest, head and waist. Alternity Convoy does come together quite nicely.
Alternity Convoy, in robot mode, is highly polished and, if I may say so, rather suave. While the car mode's front portion does form the chest, it compresses in such a way to look streamlined and well proportioned, resulting in a lithe and athletic looking robot. This could very well be Optimus Prime from his "State Games" days. The robot mode is as detailed as the vehicle mode, a cross between Hybrid Style and Binaltech; a happy medium between both. The core (or spine, if you will) of the robot is solid die-cast construction, providing the weight of the figure. It's set a little far back, however, resulting in a slightly off centre of gravity and a tendency for falling backwards. Aside from the car doors as wings, articulation of the robot is free and dynamic, especially, and refreshingly, the lower half.
There are no separate weapons or accessories. There's no removable engine block-cum-weapon as seen with the Binaltech Transformers. Instead, the backs of Convoy's seats (mounted on the forearms) can unfold to deploy "Anti-Hytherion Spacetime-piercing Techyon Blasters". Wow. I didn't make that up, by the way, as the reverse of the instruction sheet includes Action Master style Power Plans! (The doors are actually "Timestorm Detector Arrays".) So, there you go.
Nissan GT-R Convoy seems to have taken on board the last five years' worth of lessons taught by the Binaltech range and really done its homework. If this is any indication of things to come, then count me in for future releases. (I hear it's a Megatron, as a silver sports car... just like 1995!) Alternity is how Binaltech should have been: smaller, more collectable, more fun and more durable. It's taken a while to get to this point, and here's hoping it continues.
Verdict: four stars out of five.
Full Flickr Gallery: www.flickr.com/photos/the-hub/sets/72157615507101604/
