"Cyberverse" Deluxe Class Megatron Toy Review

11/05/21

General Information:
Release Date: December 2019
Price Point: $19.99 (Varies by retailer)
Retailer: General Release (Target, Walmart, Amazon etc.)
Accessories: Fusion Cannon, Missile Pods x 2, Blast Effects x 2, Maccadam Part (Torso)

*Images and text below from HasbroToyShop (via Walmart):
Transformers Toys Cyberverse Deluxe Class Megatron Action Figure, Fusion Mega Shot Attack Move and Build-A-Figure Piece, For Kids Ages 6 and Up, 5-inch

  • 5-INCH MEGATRON FIGURE: Megatron figure is an impressive 5 inches tall.
  • 2-IN-1 CONVERTING TOY: Easy Transformers conversion for kids 6 and up. Convert Megatron toy from robot to tank mode in 23 steps. Makes a great gift for kids!
  • INCLUDES BUILD-A-FIGURE PIECE: Each Deluxe Class figure comes with one build-a-figure piece. Combine all the pieces to build a figure of Maccadam, the beloved character from the show! (Maccadam figure does not convert)!
  • TRANSFORMERS CYBERVERSE CHARACTER: Classic grey Megatron toy robot inspired by the Decepticon ruthless leader from the Transformers Cyberverse cartoon, as seen on Cartoon Network and YouTube.
  • INSPIRED BY CARTOON NETWORK SHOW: In the G1-inspired Cyberverse series, giant Transformers robots from the planet Cybertron engage in epic battles, harnessing their powers to activate signature attack moves! Kids can imagine unleashing this new ability with this Deluxe Class figure!

The battle between heroic Autobots and evil Decepticons continues on the Cyberverse animated series! Discover the unique powers and skills of each Cyberverse character, and see how those powers will be used to defend Cybertron… or threaten it.

Easily convert and attack with Transformers Cyberverse Deluxe Class figures (Each sold separately)! Simply convert Megatron figure from robot to tank mode in 23 steps. The last step of conversion activates the figure’s Fusion Mega Shot attack in both robot and tank mode! Once converted, move can be repeated through easy reactivation steps.

Kids can collect other Deluxe Class figures, each sold separately, to discover the signature attack moves of favorite characters from the Cyberverse series -- one of the best ways to introduce young kids and new fans to the exciting world of Transformers!

Transformers and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro. Hasbro and all related terms are trademarks of Hasbro. Includes: figure, 2 accessories, build-a-figure part, and instructions. Figure scale: 5 inches Ages 6 and up Warning: Choking Hazard - Small parts may be generated. Not for children under 3 years. Maccadam figure does not convert. © 2019 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. Manufactured under license from TOMY Company, Ltd. Maccadam figure does not convert.

Revealed at New York Comic-Con 2019, the Deluxe Class of Cyberverse figures was a pleasant surprise. Most of the Cyberverse line has focused on gimmicks that would lead to design sacrifices that left some fans frustrated. Even the Warrior Class figures came short of being more traditional Transformers figures. The Deluxe Class seek to fill this need in the Cyberverse line offering traditional transformations from a robot to vehicle mode with Generations style articulation. Even better, each figure would include a part of a "Build-a-Figure" of Maccadam, the legendary bartender of a mysterious bar on Cybertron originally introduced in the UK Generation One comic books.

Megatron has had several representations in Cyberverse up until now. These include:

So he has been very well represented thus far, so this figure adds another to the pile in the form of a brand new sculpt.

Packaging:
The packaging for the Deluxe Class Cyberverse figures takes some thematic cues from Generations. Instead of a bubble card or open packaging these figures are packaged in boxes. The boxes are quite striking, featuring mostly a purple background with yellow borders. Interestingly, these boxes bear a logo that says "Transformers Bumblebee Cyberverse Adventures" which is quite a mouthful for a toy or show title. It has been said online that this is the international title for Cyberverse, which is possible and that is as good as an explanation as any.

The front of the box features a vertical Transformers logo on the right with a Decepticon symbol above it. There is a "wear pattern" running across the logo which gives the background a hand painted look. Also in the front is a diagram of the Maccadam Build-a-Figure singling out the part that comes with Megatron. One side of the box features Shockwave, Starscream and Megatron with the term "Deluxe Class" in four languages. The other side shows a rendering of Maccadam.

The back of the box features the figure in both modes, indicating a 24 step transformation. It also lists his function as "Ruthless Leader" in five languages. Towards the middle there is artwork calling out his "Fusion Mega Shot" feature, referencing his Blast Effects parts. Maccadam is also shown fully assembled with numbers next to his respective parts. These eight parts are spread out across eight figures in two waves. Wave one features Optimus Prime, Megatron, Shockwave and Bumblebee. Wave two will have Hot Rod, Grimlock, Arcee and Thunderhowl (a new character).

Accessories:
Megatron includes four accessories:

  • Fusion Cannon: Taking cues from G1 Megatron's iconic weapon, this cannon has a barrel featuring lots of detailed lines running along its length. Unlike the G1 version, the back of this weapon is a more angled piece instead of a thruster like detail. The bottom has one 5mm peg while there are two on the sides set at angles. This piece is grey plastic with black paint details.
  • Missile Pods: These missile pods are thin and feature six missile details in front. They are a simple design that looks sleek and futuristic. These are featured in the animation model so it is nice to see them here. Each is grey plastic with black and red in front. Each pod features a 5mm peg.
  • Blast Effects: These pink Blast Effects simulate an energy burst and a blast (presumably) coming out from Megatron's cannon. They look fantastic and are compatible with Siege figures too!
  • Macaddam Torso: More on this once I have the fully assembled figure.

Robot Mode:
The Deluxe Class is new to Cyberverse so some fans may be curious about how it measures up to the Deluxe Class in Generations. Like current day War for Cybertron Deluxe Class and Cyberverse Warrior Class figures Megatron is about 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) tall. To give a weight comparison, Megatron (including all accessories) weighs in around 2.9 ounces while the Warrior Class Megatron is 2.5. In contrast, Siege Mirage is about 2.6 ounces (while other Siege Deluxes can weigh a bit more).

Weight and height aside, the actual outline of this figure winds up looking rather...thin compared to how bulky some of the other Megatron figures in Cyberverse look. This is most noticable at the shoulders, which look too thin and slightly out of proportion with the rest of the figure. This is especially true if you put him next to the Warrior Class figure, which has the bulk appropriate to the character. From a visual standpoint this is the biggest weakness in the figure. The actual sculpted details are great and match up nicely with the animation model. I'm particularly fond of the details on the mid-body, which are intricate and call back to G1 Megatron's design.

Megatron is mostly cast in grey plastic with some black parts. Paint colors include black, red, yellow and blue. These colors are distributed in a pretty traditional way except for the black in the front of the lower legs. The most intricate deco is in the middle section, where all the various lights or buttons on his mid-body are painted individually. This is quite intricate and looks great. The finishing touch is a tampographed Decepticon symbol on the chest in purple and white.

There are eighteen points of articulation on this figure. This includes three in each arm and five in each leg. Two of the points of articulation on the arms are ball joints, allowing for a good range of movement. Suprisingly, his feet not only move forward and back, they also have ankle tilts! This was quite a surprise since up until now this has largely been reserved for Siege figures. Unfortunately none of the joints are particularly tight. He is not floppy, but he also needs a bit of adjustment to pose. The worst offender is the head, which rests on a ball joint and is very loose.

Megatron has 5mm ports in his fists and on the sides of his forearms. There are also ports on his legs. In this mode this is mainly to attach his missile pods to match the look of the animation model. Sadly, Megatron does not have any pegs to attach Blast Effects, which seems to be an odd omission if you contrast him to Shockwave who has four. That said, the Blast Effects connect to his Fusion Cannon just fine and they look great.

Transformation to Vehicle Mode:

  1. Detach the accessories and set them aside for now.
  2. Straighten out the arms and legs.
  3. Pull each of the arms forward at the shoulders.
  4. Swing the shoulder armor up and swing out the triangular panels inside.
  5. Swing the arms up into the shoulder armor, then bend them at the elbows to connect the fists together.
  6. Swing the "back pack" out and fold out all the panels to begin forming the turret.
  7. Connect the triangular panels on the arms the turret parts on the "back pack".
  8. Swing the panels on the inner legs out.
  9. Point the feet down, which will tuck the heels into the back of the lower legs.
  10. Rotate the lower body around.
  11. Swing the legs in and connect the two inner leg panels.
  12. Attach the missile pods to the ports on the sides of the tank or on the turret.
  13. Attach the Fusion Cannon in the middle.

Be warned, as you transform this figure it is likely the arms and legs may pop off at the ball joints. This happened to me about three times as I transformed it. They snap back on, but this is rather frustrating.

Vehicle Mode:
Megatron's vehicle mode is a rather futuristic looking tank. While the other versions of him in the Cyberverse line have all had tank modes, they were not all quite as cohesive as this one. Since this mode is basically made up largely of the turret "shell" covering parts up, the vehicle doesn't look like Megatron is just sitting down on tank treads or doing some type of odd stretching position. I really like the detailing in this mode, especially those on the treads and behind the Fusion Cannon.

Like the robot mode, grey plastic makes up most of this form. Black paint is used for many details including triangles on the turret and the front panels of the lower legs. Behind the Fusion Cannon are red details on the turret.

Sadly, due to the transformation design the turret cannon turn, nor can the Fusion Cannon point up or down. It is pretty much stuck pointing forward. You can however attach additional weapons since there are four 5mm ports in this form but only two missile pods. The Fusion Cannon accomodates Blast Effects to add some dramatic visual effect to the figure.

Final Thoughts:
I really want to love this figure, but I do not. The figure looks off to me in terms of bulkiness and proportions. The arms and legs popping off during transformation are rather frustrating and the looseness of the joints is cumbersome. I think there were some great ideas at the start of this design process, but somewhere along the way they did not come together good enough to make this a great figure. Mildly recommended if you can get it at a discount.

Pros:

  • While the proportions of this figure may be off, the actual sculpting is nice and detailed.
  • Good articulation.
  • Nice deco.
  • Good potential play value (if you find one without loose joints).

Cons:

  • Loose ball joints make him difficult to pose and/or display.
  • Parts popping off during transformation is never good.
  • The proportions are all off. Megatron should look bigger and bulkier.

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