General Information:
Release Date: June 2019
Price Point: $5.99 (depending on retailer)
Retailer: General (Toys R Us, Target, Wal-Mart etc.)
Accessories: Fire Blast accessory (orange), Hammer handle
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 and weapon accessories. (Each sold separately. Subject to availability).
- Features classic G1 characters: adult fans nostalgic for the original Transformers animation and kids discovering classic characters for the first time can share and experience exciting play patterns for all generations.
- Awesome weapon mode: 1.5-Inch wfc-s31 smashdown battle Masters figure converts to hammer mode in 6 easy steps. Simple conversion for kids and adults 8 years old and up!
- Compatible weapon mode works with all other Siege figures: Siege figures have multiple weapon ports that enable fans to attach the weapon mode of wfc-s31 smashdown (additional Siege figures sold separately).
- Add battle effects: The wfc-s31 smashdown figure comes with a fire blasts accessory. Attach accessory to the end of the figure while in hammer mode to simulate impact of a hammer hitting its target.
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). This line introduced new Classes of Transformers figures into the mix seen the last three years. In place of the "Master" price point at $5.99 USD MSRP, Titan Masters and Prime Masters have been replaced with Battle Masters. Each Battle Master also includes a soft plastic "Fire Blast" effect that can attach to the weapon modes, bringing the figures to life in a new way in "Generations".
Most of the Battle Masters in "Siege" are based on characters from G1 such as Blowpipe and Lionizer. However, Smashdown is an all new character. Some have suggested that Smashdown's design is a possible homage to "Battle Beasts" and I can totally see it.
Update (3/27/20): As part of the first wave of Battle Masters in the Earthrise line, Smashdown was reissued in new packaging. The figure is exactly the same. I have added the official on card photo and scans of the packaging above.
Packaging:
Similar to the Titan Masters and Prime Masters, Blowpipe is packaged on a small bubble card. However, Hasbro has stepped up the artwork to deliver a stronger visual punch. The card itself has artwork for the individual characters against a Cybertronian backdrop. Blowpipe's art features several Decepticon jets flying in the sky behind him as he yells into a walkie talkie. Below him is a large symbol which represents his rank (As of early December 2018, Hasbro has not yet released a comprehensive guide to what symbols correspond to what rank). The name "Smashdown" and his rank symbol appear in a vertical chevron on the left. The figure is packaged in robot mode with the weapon handle separated from the main figure. His "Fire Blast" effect is on the right side. Under him is the package insert featuring the word "Siege" in giant letters and the "War for Cybertron Trilogy" logo under it. The "Transformers" logo is on top in a much smaller font. Under all that is the term "Battle Masters" next to the age recommendation and Hasbro logo. On the right is a black strip with the vertical "Transformers" logo seen on most "Generations" packaging, the "Generations" logo above it and the Takara Tomy log above that.
The back of the card features Smashdown in both modes, indicating a six step transform.
Robot Mode:
Smashdown looks like a robotic Minotaur in his robot mode. He has the head of a bull-like creature instead of a more conventional Transformers robot head. His body has bulky limbs and feet that look a bit like robotic hooves (I'm mostly getting this from the indentations in the front of each foot). There are some cool details including a patch of ridges on each forearm and raised armor panels on the legs. He looks quite unusual and cool at the same time.
This figure is made up of red and grey plastic. Red makes up the limbs and head while grey makes up the rest. Silver paint is used for details on the arms and legs. Blue is used to paint the eyes and the front of the horns. This combination of colors looks great and the blue adds a nice "energy glow" to the figure.
There are five points of articulation on this figure. This includes four ball joints for the arms and legs. There are not a lot of poses you can get him into but the range of motion is nice and the parts do not pop off easily. Smashdown includes a handle for his hammer mode. This can be attached to the slot on the back to create a "tail". Traditionally Minotaurs have the head and tail of a bull so this works with the theme. On the sides of each leg you'll see four small pegs. These are mostly intended to look like bolts or rivets, but they are sized perfectly to attach Blast Effects from "Siege" Battle Master figures.
Transformation to Weapon Mode:
- Push the head down onto the chest.
- Swing the pelvic area up.
- Raise the arms up to the sides, then rotate them around so the insides of the arms are facing front.
- Swing the legs out to the sides.
- Rotate each leg around.
- Attach the legs to the arms.
- Attach the handle.
- The Blast Effect can attach to either end of the hammer.
Weapon Mode:
Smashdown's weapon mode is the powerful looking "Airquake Hammerclaw". Each end has a very blunt looking head and the bull head showing in the middle is a potent symbol of power. I do wish the handle was longer so this would be more of a sledgehammer, but it works just fine with larger figures.
The red and grey plastic make up most of the colors in this mode. A bit of silver shows on top and the blue paint on the robot head is visible as well.
The handle on this weapon is 5mm, allowing most figures in the "Siege" line to hold it. Each end of the hammer head has a port allowing you to attach Smashdown's own Blast Effect and those included with other figures. I really like attaching one of the "firing" Blast Effects on one side to look like a Smashdown is a rocket hammer! Interestingly, the end of the handle also has a peg for Blast Effects. However, there is no 5mm peg (that I can find) that would allow another figure to hold this as a blaster. Instead, Smashdown seems to be more of a gun emplacement. I dig the balance between having melee and ballistic weapons in the Battle Master assortments, and it is fun having such an unusual weapon in the assortment.
Final Thoughts:
Smashdown is super cool. He's not a perfect figure, but he has a fun, unusual robot mode and an uncommon weapon mode. Recommended!
Pros:
- Fun robot mode "Minotaur" design.
- Nice deco.
- Fun weapon mode.
Cons:
- I would have liked a peg on the side in weapon mode so he could be held as a Targetmaster-esque weapon.
- It would have been cool if the hammer handle was longer.
