General Information:
Release Date: November 2018
Price Point: $19.99 (depending on retailer)
Retailer: General (Toys R Us, Target, Wal-Mart etc.)
Accessories: Blasters x 2
Official images and text below in italics are from Amazon.com:
- BUILD THE ULTIMATE BATTLEFIELD - The Generations War for Cybertron trilogy introduces an expansive ecosystem of collectible figures. (Each sold separately. Subject to availability). Featuring classic G1 characters, War for Cybertron: Siege plunges fans into the epic fight to survive on the final day of the Autobot and Decepticon battle to control Cybertron. The time of peace is gone. Cybertron is a war-torn battlefield, overrun by the fighting between two factions: the Decepticon resistance army and the Autobot counter-resistance fighters.
- 5.5-INCH SCALE COG WEAPONIZER FIGURE - This articulated Deluxe Class WFC-S8 Cog action figure features classic conversion between robot and Cybertronian armored truck modes in 8 steps. This Weaponizer figures breaks apart into 6 weapons that can equip other Siege figures (sold separately. Subject to availability). The Siege line offers thrilling throwbacks to G1 and exciting new play patterns for all generations. Adult fans nostalgic for the original Transformers animation can explore a whole new chapter of Transformers lore, while young kids can discover classic characters for the first time.
- CUSTOMIZABLE WEAPONIZER WEAPONS WORK WITH OTHER SIEGE FIGURES – The highly technical Autobot mechanic, Cog, breaks apart into 6 weapons to equip other soldiers with customizable C.O.M.B.A.T. System weapons. Break apart the Deluxe Class WFC-S8 Cog figure to create larger mission loadouts for Deluxe, Voyager, and Leader Class Siege figures (sold separately. Subject to availability). Multiple C.O.M.B.A.T. System weapon ports enable fans to attach Weaponizer weapons to other Siege figures and their vehicle modes in custom configurations. The Cog figure also comes equipped with 2 additional weapons
- EXPANDABLE WEAPON SELECTION - War for Cybertron: Siege weapon accessories are compatible with figures across the line. Compile an arsenal of additional weapon accessories from other War for Cybertron figures, or use Battle Masters, Micromaster, and Deluxe Class Weaponizer figures to build bigger mission loadouts. (Each sold separately. Subject to availability). Battle Masters, Micromaster, and Deluxe Class Weaponizer figures convert, combine, or break apart to become weapons to equip all other War for Cybertron figures.
- ADD BATTLE EFFECTS WITH FIRE BLASTS ACCESSORIES - Attach Fire Blasts accessories to the ends of weapon accessories to simulate blasterfire or explosions firing from the weapons. (Not included. Included with Battle Masters figures. Each sold separately. Subject to availability) Multiple Fire Blasts ports on the figures and vehicle modes allow fans to enhance their battlefield with simulated battle damage. All figures and weapon accessories in the Siege line are compatible with Fire Blasts accessories.
The WFC-S8 Cog figure comes equipped with 2 RT-5 Circuit Welder weapon accessories. This Weaponizer figure is made up of 6 weapon accessories: 2 C-HV Electro-Scramblers, 2 C-M3 HF Spectrum Disruptors, a C-40 Neutron Synthesis Shield, and a C-LR Thermal Booster. The multiple C.O.M.B.A.T. System weapons ports in bot and vehicle modes on other Siege figures (sold separately, subject to availability) allow fans to attach Weaponizer weapons to figures in custom weapon configurations.
Note (4/4/20): I wrote this review and took the photos quite some time ago. At the time Cog was among the first Siege figures I owned so I did not have Blast Effects or Siege figures to use with it. To help show off ohw he works with other figures, I copied over a couple shots from my Hound and Chromia reviews to this review.
In 2018 the "Power of the Primes" line finished off the "Prime Wars Trilogy" which had begun with "Combiner Wars". To kick off a whole new G1 inspired series of "Generations" figures, a new line known as "War for Cybertron: Siege" started in late 2018 (with a planned wide release in 2019). The traditional Deluxe Class of figures continues in "Siege".
Among the figures in the first wave of Deluxes is Cog. Based on the G1 character of the same name, Cog was originally included with the G1 Fortress Maximus set. He was comprised of two vehicles: Gasket and Grommet. The two mini vehicles would then combine into Cog. Since "Siege" bases a lot of its play pattern around weaponry combinations, Cog made for an ideal foundation for a Deluxe Class figure in the line. On top of that, the release of this figure helps fans "complete" their modern day Fortress Maximus set if they pair this guy up with "Generations" Fortress Maximus!
Packaging:
Taking a cue from "Studio Series", the Deluxe figures in "Siege" are packaged in boxes instead of the traditional bubble card used for Deluxe Class figures. These boxes are beautiful featuring an unusual shape with one flat side and one angled side. While elements of previous packaging are still found on the boxes (ex: the vertical Transformers logo, the "Generations" logo, a largely black background etc.) there is a lot more added on. First, the background is not solid black. There are designs on it that look like sparks or perhaps embers from flames On the angled side is the character's package art. In this case it shows Cog split up into his two respective vehicles. The figure itself is in robot mode behind a clear plastic window. To the left is a chevron with the character name. Below that is the "War for Cybertron: Siege" logo.
The back of the box features Cog in both modes and broken up into weaponry, indicating an 8 step transformation. Off to the side is Sideswipe with Cog weaponry attached to him.
In a fun extra, shining a black light on the packaging will reveal Cybertronian glyphs. Input them on Hasbro's "Teletraan-1" web site and you get a translation. In Cog's case his glyphs translate to "FORTRESSMAXIMUS". This is a neat little feature and I think it's really neat. Enter that into the Teletraan-1 site and you get a brief profile for Cog (including his last location being the "Manganese Mountains") and a video featuring the figure.
Accessories:
It is a bit funny to talk about Cog's accessories since he breaks apart to form accessories. For the purposes of this review I will just consider the two blasters included with the figure as his accessories. Cog's two blasters are referred to in the instructions as "RT-5 Circuit Welders". Each is based on the blaster that as originally held by Cerebros in the G1 Fortress Maximus. The blaster has a distinctive design, featuring a circular section towards the back, a small targeting scope on top and a larger barrel under it. Both weapons are cast in gunmetal grey plastic and are identical in design. For some reason, both weapons have flattened sides on the 5mm pegs, causing them to hold a bit loose in Cog's fists.
Robot Mode:
G1 Cog's design was a rather simple one. One vehicle was basically his chest and arms (Gasket) and the other was formed by his legs (Grommet). Gasket had four wheels while Grommet had treads. The two then combined to form Cog. This modern day design sticks very closely to the originals. The robot mode is a combination of his "Gasket" and "Grommet" halves, so you wind up having many of the key design elements from G1 Cog appearing on this figure. These include:
- The head sculpt is based on the G1 animation model, which is actually the head used for Cerebros in the animated series and comic book (designs were a bit more loosely applied back then).
- The head is flanked by panels with wheels attached to them.
- Each arm features the end of a weapon barrel sticking up at the shoulders.
- There are two ports on his chest where his arms attach in vehicle mode.
- The center of the chest features a distinct, sculpted design based on one of Cog's stickers.
- Each lower leg features treads on the back.
In addition to these classic design elements, the designers added a lot of detail that G1 Cog did not have. We're talking tiny details from the head down to the feet that give the figure a rich visual texture. On top of that he also has extra weaponry in the form of blasters mounted on his forearms!
Cog is made up of blue, silver and black plastic. Blue makes up most of the figure, with silver making up the top half. Black is used on smaller bits like his wheels. A huge amount of silver paint is used on the torso section with a little bit on the arms and eyes. Fans who are not fond of the "Siege" battle damage paint applications can rejoice. Aside from a few flecks here and there, he barely has any. Black paint is used on the blasters on his arms. Red paint is used to paint the shoulder area and the middle of his lower legs. Given that G1 Cog was basically just two blue accessories with a bunch of stickers on them, this looks fantastic.
There are sixteen points of articulation on this figure. While some of this is thanks to parts that can pop off (like his arms and legs) others are traditional joints such as the swivels on his arms. Some fans have reported that Cog's legs have a tendency to fall off easily. I own two copies of this figure. On one if I wiggle the figure a bit, the right leg pops off consistently. However on the second one, this does not happen at all, so your mileage will vary.
Cog has a bunch of attachment points for weaponry in this mode. There are ten 5mm ports (two in front, two in back, one on each forearm, one on each lower leg and one on the bottom of each foot). Add to that two 5mm pegs on each lower leg and you can imagine there is a lot of potential for attaching extra weapons and armor. On the chest and the left side pylon-like piece next to the head you will find small pegs for Blast Effects from Battle Master figures so it looks like he is being hit with weapons fire.
Transformation to Vehicle Mode:
- Separate the top half from the bottom half.
- Turn the robot head around.
- Push the robot head down into the back.
- Detach the arms and straighten them out.
- Attach to the arms to the ports on the robot chest.
- Attach the blasters to the ports on the lower legs facing up.
- Swing the waist/hip piece forward and down. There are tabs on the legs that clip to grooves on the waist hip section.
- Push the tab in the front of the leg section into the corresponding slot in the front section.
*Note: If you want to replicate the G1 "Gasket and Grommet" transformations, just don't combine the two halves.
Vehicle Mode:
One of the complaints some fans have had about "Siege" is that the vehicle modes are intended to be Cybertronian forms from millions of years ago, but some heavily resemble Earth vehicles (one example being Sideswipe). From a marketing standpoint it makes sense. You don't want to make a vehicle so alien kids don't want to pick it up. Still, the line could benefit from more "alien" looking vehicles, and Cog delivers in that respect. His vehicle form looks like a Cybertroian ATV built for war. He is loaded with weaponry (six barrel's worth before you attach any extra weapons!) and his shape looks like a form for an Autobot to roll into the battlefield with and not a vehicle intended to house passengers. Even better, both halves of this vehicle form take key design elements from their G1 counterparts. The front half has Cog's arms on top while the rear section features treads and feet sticking up in the back. Overall I love the look of this vehicle. It looks very industrial, powerful and cool all at the same time.
This mode mostly shows off all the same parts as the robot mode, so there are no real deco surprises. I will say the silver, black, blue and red colors all come together well to form a beautiful deco that echoes Fortress Maximus' colors.
There are eight 5mm ports in this mode to attach additional weaponry. As part of his transformation, you attach the blasters into two of these ports in the back, but you can of course use other weapons here. He also has two pegs on the sides (on the tread sections), allowing you to attach even more weapons! On top of all that, you can attach Blast Effects to the tips of the cannon barrels on top and the ones embedded into the front end of the vehicle. This makes it look like Cog is really letting loose with his firepower.
Weapon Mode(s):
It is a bit of a misnomer to refer to Cog's "weapon mode" since he essentially just breaks apart into pieces that can be reformed into whatever your imagination dictates. Here's the breakdown of parts:
- C-HV Electro Scrambler: Refers to the arms. Each features three 5mm ports and one 5mm peg.
- C-M3 HF Spectrum Disruptor: Refers to the legs. Each features three 5mm ports and two 5mm pegs.
- C-40 Neutron Synthesis Shield: The upper body of the robot mode forms a shield by swinging in the silver panels. This has a peg on each side to attach it to another figure along with four 5mm ports.
- C-LR Thermal Booster: Refers to the hip/waist piece that has a 5mm peg and the hip pegs. This is most useful to attach to the back of another figure and having other weapons attach over the shoulders.
Unlike your more traditional Transformers figure, this mode has no strict forms to follow. You can use the parts however you like. Perhaps the most common uses are attaching the leg pieces as a pair of armed treads for characters to ride on while the hip piece gets attached to the back with the arms serving as over-the-shoulder cannons. The shield is super useful, especially for Voyager Class figures.
Final Thoughts:
For some fans, Cog is a bit of an oddity to be included in the Deluxe assortment (some felt he should have been a small Legends Class figure). Personally I think it's great to finally have him to hang out with Cerebros and Fortress Maximus. He also adds a lot of fun to other figures, essentially acting as a glorified (but cool) accessory pack! Recommended.
Pros:
- Sculpt is a nice homage and update of the G1 character.
- Lots of play value.
- Good deco.
- Good articulation.
Cons:
- Due to Q/C issues some Cog figures hold together better than others. Your mileage may vary.
