Post by Gane on Jun 30, 2010 11:58:53 GMT 8
Transformers Hunt for the Decepticons
Leader Class Starscream
Right off the bat, you will see all the glorioski detailing they made for this figure one big nasty figure of a Decepticon. Since they started the "Hunt for the Decepticons" line, Leader Class Starscream is now in the new packaging and not the "Revenge of the Fallen" box. Of all the Decepticons I love Starscream and Soundwave; so although you wouldn't find any Decepticon on my "wish list" I wouldn't pass a good figure when I see one, and this Leader Class version is one toy I could not resist getting; but no way in h*** will I get a satellite Soundwave.
The Box And What's Inside
It's a standard Hunt for the Decepticon box design for Voyager and Leader Class figures (yes size don't count) which has lesser clear plastic window than the Revenge of the Fallen line. The front however shows a CG rendering of the alt mode with a sticker "Hunt for the Decepticons" on top of Starscreams' name over the Transformers and Decepticon logo. The back shows the toy in both alt and bot modes and not the CG version with a list of features the toy can do. On the right side (when the box is facing you) of the packaging shows the pop-out weapons and spring loaded cannon while the left side shows an illustrated Starscream holding up the cannon on his left hand, a description of him of him and stats.
My toy is tightly locked in place with the tie wires by somebody in the packaging line department, as if he'll be moving and destroy everything on site when nobody's watching... like that other toy movie... Then we have the manual which I dind't use to see if I can transform Starscream straight out of the back, and you know what I did manage that task. The only time I glance over the manual was when I wanted to know where the cannon will go in alt mode.
Lastly, a small piece of paper was inserted into the manual with the "Hunt for the Decepticons" printer larger than everything else on it. You get to enter a 14-digit code into Transformers.com and complete a mission. Ok, I don't know if you have to get 3 Decepticons or a mix of Autobot along is allowed, but you have to have 3 different codes to complete 3 missions (mine says 3 Decepticon missions) and unlock a special Autobot Alliance Training Facility content. Don't fret if you only have 1 code for now like I do, the content is available until January 31, 2011; so I wonder if this is specific to "Hunt for the Decepticons" line or not...
My toy is tightly locked in place with the tie wires by somebody in the packaging line department, as if he'll be moving and destroy everything on site when nobody's watching... like that other toy movie... Then we have the manual which I dind't use to see if I can transform Starscream straight out of the back, and you know what I did manage that task. The only time I glance over the manual was when I wanted to know where the cannon will go in alt mode.
Lastly, a small piece of paper was inserted into the manual with the "Hunt for the Decepticons" printer larger than everything else on it. You get to enter a 14-digit code into Transformers.com and complete a mission. Ok, I don't know if you have to get 3 Decepticons or a mix of Autobot along is allowed, but you have to have 3 different codes to complete 3 missions (mine says 3 Decepticon missions) and unlock a special Autobot Alliance Training Facility content. Don't fret if you only have 1 code for now like I do, the content is available until January 31, 2011; so I wonder if this is specific to "Hunt for the Decepticons" line or not...
Starscream Bot Mode
Articulation galore... he's got lot's of them to handle lots of different poses you can think of. But then again there are those parts that you'd wish they have placed those much needed articulation like the three middle fingers that are extended but are connected at the bottom so you can't really move them separately and the wrist don't rotate because of the weapon pop-out features on both of his arms. And speaking of the pop-out weapons, the left missiles will always gat caught by the closing doors because of the rear tail jutting out on the sides, but it's no biggie and doesn't really affect the rest of the toy in a bad way.
Looking at him this time, I don't see a giant frog standing on it's hind legs anymore; I see a muscle bound warrior with lats (latissimus Dorsi or something... LOL) so wide it gives him quite a "V" taper like Arnold Schwarzeneger (?). He speaks (with a G1 similar voice but not the movie voice) when you pull out his cockpit using the red tab or press the button on his back with the following:
- No one can defeat Starscream...
- Decepticons will crush the Autobots...
Oddly enough when you press the same rear button in his alt mode, he will still replay the "No one can defeat Starscream" bit... but the button at the back of his right shoulder will always play the transformation tune.
I believe they already worked on the problem with his legs which by now a lot of you may have seen the prototype on Youtube and the DVD/Blu-ray videos. Unlike Leader Class Jetfire, Starscream can stand on his legs without toppling over even if you push him forward just like Human Alliance Sideswipe (who just moves a bit forward because of the free wheeling *ahem* wheels). Starscream is top heavy but every time I push him forward he just bounce back and move a tiny bit backward, if you are planning to get one or if you already have one you'll know what I mean. The joints are a lot sturdier than that of Jetfires' so you won't have to worry of a wobbly figure.
Looking at him this time, I don't see a giant frog standing on it's hind legs anymore; I see a muscle bound warrior with lats (latissimus Dorsi or something... LOL) so wide it gives him quite a "V" taper like Arnold Schwarzeneger (?). He speaks (with a G1 similar voice but not the movie voice) when you pull out his cockpit using the red tab or press the button on his back with the following:
- No one can defeat Starscream...
- Decepticons will crush the Autobots...
Oddly enough when you press the same rear button in his alt mode, he will still replay the "No one can defeat Starscream" bit... but the button at the back of his right shoulder will always play the transformation tune.
I believe they already worked on the problem with his legs which by now a lot of you may have seen the prototype on Youtube and the DVD/Blu-ray videos. Unlike Leader Class Jetfire, Starscream can stand on his legs without toppling over even if you push him forward just like Human Alliance Sideswipe (who just moves a bit forward because of the free wheeling *ahem* wheels). Starscream is top heavy but every time I push him forward he just bounce back and move a tiny bit backward, if you are planning to get one or if you already have one you'll know what I mean. The joints are a lot sturdier than that of Jetfires' so you won't have to worry of a wobbly figure.
The red tab under his forearm is the Pop-out weapon switch (has 'em on both arms)
See that round indentation? That's where the cannon will form the tail... LOL (ok it's "storage" when not in use)
Starscream Alt Mode
At first glance, he's accurate to the real F22 Raptor although the bottom half have too much luggage space than the real thing. His legs form the bottom half which also adds the bulk in his size. But then again this is a Transformer toy, it's "not to scale" and some sacrifices has to be made. However the jet boosters are way too small to give him enough power to lift this bulky body... LOL
The unsightly screw holes are way too clear with the black screw heads. A bit of work and they should be invisible to the neaked eyes.
I don't care much about the "tattoos" but they look good on him anyway. I bet we'll see a clean version and probably even a G1 homage colors as well someday...
The rear button in his bot mode, which is now on top with the Decepticon logo, will play a short "fly by" sound the aforementioned "No one can defeat Starscream..." bit... So it's either I got a one in a hundred (or more) factory defect in the soundbyte section or the rest of the toy in their production have the same condition, no Air Combat Sound as mentioned in the box.
My only complaint is the flap covering Starscreams' head in Alt mode and locking the cockpit section in place; this is way too difficult to pop off that you will need to use something thin to pop it out without damaging the plastic or paintjob. So, if you're getting one be careful with this part.
The unsightly screw holes are way too clear with the black screw heads. A bit of work and they should be invisible to the neaked eyes.
I don't care much about the "tattoos" but they look good on him anyway. I bet we'll see a clean version and probably even a G1 homage colors as well someday...
The rear button in his bot mode, which is now on top with the Decepticon logo, will play a short "fly by" sound the aforementioned "No one can defeat Starscream..." bit... So it's either I got a one in a hundred (or more) factory defect in the soundbyte section or the rest of the toy in their production have the same condition, no Air Combat Sound as mentioned in the box.
My only complaint is the flap covering Starscreams' head in Alt mode and locking the cockpit section in place; this is way too difficult to pop off that you will need to use something thin to pop it out without damaging the plastic or paintjob. So, if you're getting one be careful with this part.
The Decepticon logo switch is on the left side so you can't see it here and my copy doesn't have the air combat sound... 
There's the Decepticon logo and the jet engine which I doubt could even help him maneuver against the real F22s
Even if it's in storage, the cannon will not affect the wheels nor any part of Strascreams' underbelly touch the ground
Conclusion
All parts are snug in place both in bot and alt mode. Details in both forms are impressive as well, although you may want to apply panel lining to reveal them. Although accuracy to the real deal is not the main priority in the designing of this toy, the transformation however is quite movie accurate in a way. He's heavy like the rest of the Leader Class line so a little kid may have fatigue lifting him up a lot during playtime, that is, if you will let them play with your toys... mwah ha ha ha ha
You should take note of the tiny nubs that lock the arms together for alt mode, they are way too flimsy and although some pulling and tugging when you forget their existence will make it seem sturdy; it is wise to remember that they could fall off someday. This doesn't really affect the area in alt mode but it's wise to take note of it.
Aside from the aforementioned cons, Leader Class Starscream will always look great in any collection. The leg problem seen in the prototype is solved and even then he's already a great looking toy.
Compared to LC Optimus Prime v2 and LC Jetfire; LC Starscream is the easiest to transform in both modes with a slight snag on the foot locking them on the body in alt mode. Jetfire however is still the biggest pain to transform even if he seems to have a simple transformation, the big plastic panels that make up the planes' outer shell pops out a lot while the forward section attached to his arms always pop off on a slightest touch. I will post a few pics soon (need to edit them first) for size comparison, but for starters he is longer than LC Optimus Prime in alt mode but a bit shorter in bot mode. LC Jetfire is the longest in alt mode while he is also the shortest in bot mode because of his posture.
Whether you're a Starscream fan or not, you may not want to pass this toy out... the accuracy and engineering Tomy and Hasbro devoted in making the new line of toys are amazing, I can only dream of having my Human Alliance Jazz already...
Anyhoo enjoy if you already have him and check your budget if you haven't yet if you want one too... Oh, if you really need a leeway on this part, you may want to check out Robinson's Department Store for a good deal...
I give this toy 4 out of 5.
You should take note of the tiny nubs that lock the arms together for alt mode, they are way too flimsy and although some pulling and tugging when you forget their existence will make it seem sturdy; it is wise to remember that they could fall off someday. This doesn't really affect the area in alt mode but it's wise to take note of it.
Aside from the aforementioned cons, Leader Class Starscream will always look great in any collection. The leg problem seen in the prototype is solved and even then he's already a great looking toy.
Compared to LC Optimus Prime v2 and LC Jetfire; LC Starscream is the easiest to transform in both modes with a slight snag on the foot locking them on the body in alt mode. Jetfire however is still the biggest pain to transform even if he seems to have a simple transformation, the big plastic panels that make up the planes' outer shell pops out a lot while the forward section attached to his arms always pop off on a slightest touch. I will post a few pics soon (need to edit them first) for size comparison, but for starters he is longer than LC Optimus Prime in alt mode but a bit shorter in bot mode. LC Jetfire is the longest in alt mode while he is also the shortest in bot mode because of his posture.
Whether you're a Starscream fan or not, you may not want to pass this toy out... the accuracy and engineering Tomy and Hasbro devoted in making the new line of toys are amazing, I can only dream of having my Human Alliance Jazz already...
Anyhoo enjoy if you already have him and check your budget if you haven't yet if you want one too... Oh, if you really need a leeway on this part, you may want to check out Robinson's Department Store for a good deal...
I give this toy 4 out of 5.
I'm a Macross buff and just for the heck of it, I love getting the Transformers toys in their Gerwalk mode whenever possible... don't you think they should also travel that way? ;D
For those who want to see the Leader Class size comparison:
As you can see Jetfire is the longest in alt mode while Optimus is the shortest (I don't know about Megs, because I refuse to buy one by personal preference)
Jetfire is shorter in height because of his arthritis and old age posture... I bet he'd be the tallest if he could just strighten those legs... ;D
A bit shorter than Optimus so he should be right in scale from the movie which I couldn't verify because my DVD player is annoying me during playback...
Btw, there is no real guarantee you'll be getting the combat sound fx on any purchase of this HftD packaging because you cannot reach the buttons locate behind him in bot mode or even the one on his shoulder...
. Willing to trade Takara TFA Skywarp plus cash for it. 
keeping the site active as a place to dump info for easier backtracking. 