General Information:
Release Date: November 2022
Price Point: $33.99 (depending on retailer)
Retailer: General Release (Amazon, BigBadToyStore, Entertainment Earth etc.)
Accessories: Sword; Star Saber
Official images and text below in italics are from Amazon:
- TRANSFORMERS ARMADA-INSPIRED DESIGN: This Transformers: Legacy 7-inch Armada Universe Starscream robot toy is inspired by the animated series, Transformers: Armada, updated with a Generations-style design
- UNIVERSES COLLIDE: Universes collide with Transformers: Legacy! This epic line of Transformers toys brings together fan-favorite characters from across the Transformers multiverse
- 2 EPIC MODES: Action figure converts from robot to jet mode in 18 steps. Features articulated jet turbines and comes with a Star Saber sword accessory inside by the animated series
- HARNESS THE POWER OF ENERGON: Gear up with the most powerful substance on Cybertron: Energon! This Armada Universe Starscream figure comes with an Energon sword accessory that attaches with both modes
- SCAN THE CODE: Scan the code on each package to reveal character tech specs from across the multiverse! Collect other Legacy figures to reveal their character tech specs (each sold separately, subject to availability)
Harness the power of Energon with the Transformers: Legacy Voyager Armada Universe Starscream robot toy! Starscream demands respect and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to prove he’s worthy of it. Universes collide! Transformers: Legacy brings together fan-favorite characters from across the Transformers multiverse. Figures feature deco inspired by their universe with an updated Generations design. In honor of the almost 40-year legacy of Transformers entertainment, the fandoms come together from across the Transformers multiverse, all in one toy line. Transformers: Legacy action figures are great kids’ toys and exciting collectibles for fans of all ages. Transformers and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro.
Packaging:
"Armada Universe" Starscream is packaged in the standard Legacy packaging. This rectangular box features angles on the top and left side (if you are facing the box). As part of Hasbro's "plastic free" packaging there is a window in the front of the box showing off the figure from the chest but, but there is no plastic window. The Transformers logo is set vertically to the right and the Legacy logo is also on the front towards the bottom. The figure is sitting on a cardboard tray in robot mode with an illustration of Starscream in vehicle mode roaring across the skies underneath. The left side feaatures artwork of Starscream in robot mode. The back shows off Starscream in both modes calling out an 18 step transformation.
The background graphics look like purple and blue metal panels with everything else laid on top. The back of the box also features Starscream's QR code which leads you to the tech specs online (which I have screen capped and added to my album below).
Background:
When the Armada cartoon series aired it launched a new line (and universe) of Transformers. New characters were introduced alongside new versions of G1 characters including Starscream. However, instead of the scheming, treacherous Starscream from the G1 era, this Starscream was more of an independent thinker who would ally himself with whoever he felt was best, even befriending the human ally, Alexis. This is not the first time this Starscream has been made into a Generations figure. In 2014 a Deluxe Class figure was made using Armada Starscream's design. This time out Legacy has brought him back as a Voyager Class figure.
Accessories:
Armada Starscream includes two accessories:
- Sword: The original Armada Starscream figure allowed you to detach one wing and unfold it into a sword weapon. This figure does not have that ability, so instead the designers created a sword accessory that has a pointed "hook" at the end to simulate Starscream's wing. The handle at the bottom has a 5mm peg and there are two 5mm pegs on either side towards the hilt. The sword is grey plastic with no paint applications (despite what the official photos show).
- Star Saber: In the Armada series three Mini-Cons could combine to form an ancient weapon known as the Star Saber (sharing a name with the G1 character from Victory). The sword calls back to the original Armada toy by showing features of three aerial vehicles combined together and streamlined into the famous sword. The sword is made up of grey plastic with light blue paint on the sword "blade". I really appreciate the extra touch of working in the aerial vehicle details from the Armada Mini-Con toys. This sword has a 5mm peg handle and on either side at the hilt is a Mini-Con peg! Seeing as how the figure does not have any Mini-Con ports (Boooo!) this is a welcome sight.
Robot Mode:
Unlike Legacy figures such as Arcee or Bulkhead, this figure takes a past design and (mostly) sticks with it. Armada Starscream took design cues from the G1 Seekers, but also had a distinct design all its own. Here are some of the key features from the Armada version of the character that have carried over to this figure:
- Head: The head sculpt is very much an updated take on the Seeker head from G1 including vents on either side of the head and a crest in the center.
- Cannons: One distinctive feature of Armada were a pair of cannons that could swing forward and wind up flanking the head. This Starscream has these cannons. The cannons can swing back and forth individually or the entire section with the cannons can be swung back, allowing you to move the head.
- Shoulders: This seems like an odd part to focus on, but Armada Starscream did not have blocky shoulders like his G1 animated counterpart. Instead, his look like sleek, angled vents.
- Wings: The wings are set on the back and stick out to the sides behind the shoulders. This is inspired by the G1 Seekers but also matches how they looked on Armada Starscream.
- Torso: The chest features two thin vents on either side of the vehicle mode cockpit. The cockpit itself makes up most of the torso section. Like the wings, this is a G1 inspired feature that Armada put a distinct spin on.
- Legs: Starscream's lower legs have distinct angles on the sides and the rear stabilizer fins are attached to the front, giving them a very unique appearance.
Overall, this sculpt is great. The silhouette is instantly recognizable as Armada Starscream and there is a ton of detail. However, there is one thing about the sculpt I'm not crazy about: how can you create a figure you're calling Armada Starscream but not give him one of Armada's most distinctive features: Mini-Con pegs?! I was really surprised that there is not one Mini-Con peg on the entire figure. The designers clearly knew people would want to attach Mini-Cons from Armada to this figure as they put those pegs on the Star Saber accessory. This is a weird omission and unfortunately knocks this figure down a few points in my book.
There are twenty eight point of articulation on this figure. This includes five in each arm and six in each leg. I am also counting the ability of the cannons to swing forward and the hinged wings. Also, despite having the vehicle mode cockpit and nosecone making up much of the torso, he does have waist articulation. There are nine 5mm ports in this mode to attach accessories including the ones under the feet, the sides of the legs, the forearms and the one on each wing. The end of each cannon has a port that can accommodate Blast Effects (though none are included with the figure).
Starscream is mostly made up of red, grey and black plastic, all of which were key colors from the original Armada Starscream. Paint colors on the figure include an off-white on the crest and face, orange on the eyes and a combination of gold, black and red used on various parts of the figure including the torso and shoulders. The cockpit cover is painted a beautiful metallic blue. Purple is used for small Decepticon symbols on the wings. The deco looks great and is very true to the 2002 Armada Starscream.
Transformation to Vehicle Mode:
- Detach all accessories and set them aside for now.
- Straighten out the arms and legs.
- On each forearm, open up the panel on the back, swing the fist in then close the panel.
- Swing the cannons back.
- Swing the red piece in the middle of the back up.
- Rotate each wing back so it lines up with the shoulders.
- On each foot swing the heels into the front part of the foot.
- Point the robot feet down.
- Swing the cockpit section up.
- Swing each red panel on the back of the lower legs out.
- Lift up the section with the cannons (assuming it is swung down).
- Swing each lower leg over the thighs, then swing the red panel from the back of the lower legs into the center. One will wind up on the top, the other on the bottom of this section.
- Swing the entire lower body section up.
- Tuck the arms under the wings. Each has a tab that fits into a corresponding slot under the wings.
- Push the robot head in.
- Swing up the fins on the cockpit section.
- Each weapon can be attached to the ports of your choice. I tend to put mine under the wings.
Vehicle Mode:
The classic G1 Seekers transformed into F-15 fighter jets, but in the case of the Armada Seekers their alt-forms were more scifi looking jet fighters. This figure captures the look of Armada Starscream's vehicle mode very well. Distinctive features include the angled fins on either side of the cockpit, the large cannons on top of the vehicle and the shape of the horizontal stabilizer fins in the back. Even the robot arms tucked under the wings call back nicely to Armada Starscream's design.
All the colors from the robot mode carry over here, but the grey parts that make up the wings and cannons are concentrated more on the center area of the jet. This also gives us a nice look at the red on the horizontal stabilizer fins. Overall the deco is eye catching and manages to call back to G1 Starscream while being distinctive in its own way.
The cannons on top of the vehicle can swing forward and back. There are also seven 5mm ports to attach accessories in this form. There is a lost opportunity here: the lack of a Mini-Con peg means there is no way to attach Armada Starscream's Mini-Con partner, Swindle directly to this figure and that is a darn shame.
Final Thoughts:
Armada Starscream is a really cool figure that calls back to an era of Transformers that is not mined nearly as much as say, G1 or the Beast Era. The design is unique, yet familiar at the same time for long time fans. I only wish there were Mini-Con pegs somewhere on the figure itself. Recommended!
Pros:
- Fantastic sculpt except for its lack of Mini-Con pegs.
- Excellent deco.
- Good articulation.
- I appreciate the inclusion of the Star Saber as an accessory.
Cons:
- No Mini-Con pegs?!
