General Information:
Release Date: November 2018
Price Point: $19.99 (depending on retailer)
Retailer: General (Toys R Us, Target, Wal-Mart etc.)
Accessories: Blaster; Shoulder cannon/weapon
Official images and text below in italics are from Amazon.com:
- Build the ultimate battlefield - the generations War for Cyber Tron trilogy introduces an expansive ecosystem of collectible figures. (Each sold separately. Subject to availability). featuring classic G1 characters, War for Cyber Tron: Siege plunges fans into the epic fight to survive on the final day of the Autobot and deception battle to control Cyber Tron. The time of peace is gone. Cyber Tron is a war-torn battlefield, overrun by the Fighting between two factions: the deception resistance Army and the Autobot counter-resistance fighters
- 5.5-Inch scale Sideswipe figure - this articulated deluxe class wfc-s10 Sideswipe action figure features classic conversion between robot and cybertronian car modes in 16 steps. Perfect for fans looking for a more advanced converting figure. 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. Share the experience across Generations by uncovering the epic story of War for Cybertron.
- Customizable weapon load out – the bold Autobot Infantry soldier, Sideswipe, gears up for battle with the customizable C.O.M.B.A.T. System. The deluxe class wfc-s10 Sideswipe figure features multiple C.O.M.B.A.T. System weapon ports to attach weapons, enabling custom weapon configurations in Bot and vehicle modes. The figure comes equipped with 2 weapons accessories. The 2 weapons combine to form a larger weapon.
- Expandable weapon selection - War for Cyber Tron: Siege weapon accessories are compatible with figures across the line. Compile an arsenal of additional weapon accessories from other War for Cyber Tron figures, or use battle Masters, micro master, and Deluxe class weaponizer figures to build bigger mission loadouts. (Each sold separately. Subject to availability). battle Masters, micro master, and Deluxe class weaponizer figures convert, combine, or break apart to become weapons to equip all other War for Cyber Tron figures.
- Add battle effects with Fire blasts accessories - attach fire blasts accessories to the ends of weapon accessories to simulate blaster fire 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.
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 Sideswipe, who has not received the Deluxe Class treatment for a while. Sideswipe was one of the original Autobots in Optimus Prime's crew in G1, and over the years he has popped up here and there in the Transformers toy line. This includes his Universe 2.0 release, a "Generations" version and even a "Cyber Battalion" version released this year. Some fans have been waiting for Sideswipe to reappear as a G1 based Deluxe for a while now, so Sideswipe's inclusion in "Siege" makes perfect sense.
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 Sideswipe running into battle. 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 Sideswipe in both modes indicating a 16 step transformation. Off to the side are Blowpipe and Firedrive in weapon mode. This section shows off their compatability with Sideswipe as weapons including the use of Fire Blast effects.
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 Sideswipe's case his glyphs translate to "Sunstreaker", the name of his twin brother (and perhaps a clue as to a potential future release?). This is a neat little feature and I think it's really neat.
Accessories:
Sideswipe includes two accessories. One is a small, cone shaped blaster known as the "W-5 Gyro Blaster" and a more cylindrical weapon known as the "W-10 Photo-Pulser Proton Launcher". The two pieces can be connected to form the "RR Gyrofuse Axleswitch Hyper-Blaster". I love these names as they recall some of the cooler (and frankly, goofier) names for weapons in G1. The "Proton Launcher" is actually based on G1 Sideswipe's rocket launcher. It has a similar shape to that accessory and it is sculpted in black, like the G1 weapon.
The "Gyro Blaster" is modeled after the rocket that would be fired from G1 Sideswipe's launcher. The beauty of having these two accessories as separate pieces is they can be used as separate weapons, allowing you to connect the tabs on the "Proton Launcher" to the slots on either side of the robot head near the shoulders. You can then insert the blaster into the launcher as a "rocket". The "Proton Launcher" also has 5mm peg so Sideswipe can hold it in his hand as well. Many recent Sideswipe figures have lacked this combination of a handheld weapon and a shoulder launcher and it is great that the designers found a way to give this figure both.
Robot Mode:
Every year there is a bit of a reset with the sizes of the classes of Transformers figures. Sideswipe stands around 5.25 inches tall (around 13.3 centimeters) tall. This is about a head shorter than say, Sergeant Kup. That said, when weighing the two figures, they actually came out to about the same weight: 2.7 ounces. So there is not necesarily less plastic being used, it is just being distributed differently when constructing the figure.
Sideswipe's sculpt is heavily based on his Generation One appearance, with some changes that both streamline him a bit and keep Hasbro from having to play Lamborghini licensing fees (since the original transformed into one). The cool part is that the result is one of the most "G1" looking Sideswipe figures in years. Here is a rundown of some of the key G1 design elements on this figure:
- The head sculpt looks like it came right out from the cartoon series including "horns" on the sides, a thick central crest and vent-like designs on the sides.
- The torso section is is formed from the front of the vehicle. This sleek section angles downward towards the waist area.
- The arms are composed of blocky, rectangular sections. This includes three lines on each forearm based on similar designs from G1 Sideswipe.
- The thighs also have a series of three lines on them based on similar details from the G1 figure.
- The lower legs have the rear wheels from the vehicle mode on the sides. The front panels feature a vent-like section that is based on the stickers from G1 Sideswipe's legs.
- The middle of the hip/waist area has a series of lines with an arrow at the bottom. These sculpted details are based on a sticker in the same place on G1 Sideswipe.
- In a very subtle G1-esque detail, the windshield from the vehicle mode winds up sticking up behind the robot head a bit.
The end result of these details is a fantastic looking Sideswipe that pays homage to the original while looking modern at the same time.
Sideswipe is cast in deep red, off-white and black plastic. There is a lot of silver paint used on this figure. The face and waist area all have solid silver sections. However, silver is also used for one of the key elements of the "Siege" figure designs: battle damage. The hip area, lower leg panels and feet all have silver paint brushed onto them to look like wear and tear on the character, adding a "gritty" level of detail. These details all look great, but the effect is somewhat blunted by parts of the figure that do not have any silver on them. Instead of all the silver on the lower legs for instance, I would have preferred the same amount of silver "wear" details being distributed more evenly among the various robot limbs. That said, it is important to understand that the "wear" details are not applied in the exact same manner on every figure. I have one Sideswipe in box, and the way the silver is applied on it favors the hip area and is more subtle on the lower legs while the one I photographed for this release is the opposite. The finishing touch is a tampographed Autobot symbol on the chest, calling back to the sticker from G1 Sideswipe's torso.
There are twenty one points of articulation on this figure, which is above average nowadays. Even better? There is not one loose joint on this entire figure. He is solid. On top of all that, his key joints such as the wrists and feet are pinned in, meaning you will not run into the issue where bits go popping off during transformation because they are only held in with small bumps (this is very common now in the "Studio Series" line). I am very impressed by how well put together this figure is and the lack of quality control issues.
Sideswipe features several connection points for weapons with 5mm pegs. There are nine of these points altogether. This includes four on the arms, one on the back and one on each leg. Finally there are two on the bottom of the feet. The ports on his feet are specifically meant for use with the Weaponizers such as Cog. If you combine the weapons formed by Micromasters and/or Battle Masters you can really load up Sideswipe with some seriously heavy weaponry. But that's not all! Additional connection points are found on the top of the chest and the left shoulder. These small circles are for use with the "Fire Blast" effects included with the Battle Master figures such as Firedrive. Attaching these accessories makes it look like Sideswipe is getting hit with weaponry. The end result is both dramatic looking and very cool.
Transformation to Vehicle Mode:
- Detach the accessories and set them aside for now.
- Straighten out the arms and legs.
- Swing open the front panels on the lower legs.
- Swing the feet up into the lower legs.
- Rotate the waist around.
- Swing the front of the vehicle mode up.
- Swing the arms up.
- Swing the small panels on the back panel out.
- Swing the lower legs up over the thighs, then swing the lower leg panels back into place.
- Swing the arms down, then swing them up at the elbow.
- Swing the fists inward (but not all the way).
- Swing the arms into the bottom of the vehicle.
- Swing the flaps on the sides down.
- Swing the panel from the mid-body of the robot mode down.
- The weapons can be attached to the ports on the sides and top of the vehicle.
Vehicle Mode:
In G1 Sideswipe transformed into a Lamborghini Countach sports car. Over the years new versions of the character have continued to transform into sleek sports cars, but they have strayed away from the Lamborghini design. The 2008 figure for instance transformed into a generic, modern sports car. In "Dark of the Moon" he transformed into a Corvette Stingray. This time out he is meant to be a Cybertronian vehicle, but the designers still kept enough details (like wheels) to allow audiences to make the connection with an Earth based vehicle to recognize what Sideswipe would transform into. The result? A vehicle that looks a lot like a classic Lamborghini!
The front of the vehicle looks heavily based on the LP 400, which had a front end curving downward with raised sections above the area with the headlights. This vehicle has a similarly shaped front end, but key details were changed including the shape of the headlights and the inclusion of several horizontal vent lines in the front. The rear half of the vehicle also looks like it was based right off the L500's rear section. This includes raised vent-like sections on either side with overlapping panel details in the middle. Even the rear lights kind of look like Lamborghini rear lights.
The middle section is the one that most differentiates this vehicle mode from a Lamborghini. There is a large window over the cabin section that extends to the sides. Also, the side panels do not really look like doors but instead they just look like sleek, layered armor panels.
This mode mostly shows off red and dark translucent grey plastic. Silver paint is used to add detailing on the headlights and the sides of the wheels. Gunmetal grey is used for the front of the vents. Metallic black detailing can be found on the sides. Overall the vehicle mode looks fantastic. I love the sculpt and the deco is terrific!
This mode features a 5mm port on either side near the rear wheel well, allowing you to arm up Sideswipe's vehicle form. He also has a port on top. Loading up Sideswipe with weaponry is fun and definitely adds to the "War for Cybertron" concept.
Final Thoughts:
Sideswipe is an awesome figure. There has been a definite bump up in quality control and the construction is also a step up from other figures in the line. On top of that the deco is great and the accessories are cool. The ability to interact with the Battle Masters, Micromasters and Weaponizers is awesome. Highly recommended!
Pros:
- Excellent sculpt in both modes paying homage to G1 Sideswipe.
- Good deco.
- Ability to interact with Battle Masters, Micromasters and Weaponizers is a huge plus.
- Excellent Q/C with tight joints and plenty of pinned in parts.
Cons:
- The "wear" paint detail is very uneven from figure to figure so you may want to look it over carefully in store if possible before purchasing.
