General Information
Release Date: August 2024
Price Point: $9.99 (depending on retailer)
Retailer: General Release (Amazon, Entertainment Earth, Target, Walmart etc.)
Accessories: None
Official images and text in italics are from Amazon:
- MOVIE-INSPIRED 2-IN-1 CONVERTING TRANSFORMERS TOY: Inspired by the Transformers One movie, this Optimus Prime/Orion Pax Transformers action figure converts from robot to Cybertronian truck mode for awesome 2-in-1 play
- COG CHANGER AUTOMATIC CONVERSION: Slide down the panel on the Transformers figure’s chest, press the cog, and the figure automatically converts in 1 step from a robot to a Cybertronian truck
- 4-INCH ROBOT ACTION FIGURE: In robot mode, Optimus Prime/Orion Pax action figure is 4 inches (10 cm) tall. Stage battles from the movie with other Transformers toys like this one! (Each sold separately, subject to availability)
- CYBERTRONIAN TRUCK MODE: Imagine epic battle scenes with this Transformers figure in Cybertronian truck mode! Great for kids who love toy cars, toy trucks, and other vehicle toys
- COG LOCKOUT: The figure has a cog lockout feature to limit its ability to convert
- TRANSFORMERS ACTION FIGURES: Transformers movie figures are great gifts for boys and girls age 6 and up who love robot toys. Look for more Transformers toys (each sold separately, subject to availability) to build your collection
- ICONIC TRANSFORMERS MOVIE CHARACTERS: Transformers One is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, once friends bonded like brothers, who changed the fate of Cybertron forever
Experience the epic origins of legendary Transformers robots with this Transformers One Cog Changer Optimus Prime/Orion Pax action figure! This 4-inch (10 cm) figure converts from robot to Cybertronian truck mode in 1 step. It has a cog lockout feature to limits its ability to convert until you unlock it. Slide down the panel on the Transformers figure’s chest, press the cog, and the figure automatically converts from a robot to alt mode. The simple conversion perfect for Transformers fans age 6 and up. The figure is inspired by the iconic character from the Transformers movie, Transformers One. Movie-inspired Interactive toys like this Optimus Prime/Orion Pax toy make cool gifts for boys and girls ages 6 and up. Transformers One is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, once friends bonded like brothers, who changed the fate of Cybertron forever. TRANSFORMERS and HASBRO and all related trademarks and logos are trademarks of Hasbro, Inc. Copyright 2024 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved
Background:
Transformers One is an animated theatrical film due to be released on September 18, 2024. The film features a core group of characters having an adventure before the beginning of the Great War during Cybertron's Golden Age. In the trailer, we see Alpha Trion provide our heroes with Transformation Cogs. This includes Orion Pax who will one day be known as Optimus Prime!
Packaging:
The Transformers One Cog Changers are packaged in similar cards/boxes (whatever you want to call them) as 1-Step Changers from lines like Cyberverse and EarthSpark. The packaging is made of cardboard with the figure attached to a cardboard backing in vehicle form. The cardboard then wraps around the vehicle in front. The graphics largely consist of the blue city background seen on other Transformers One boxes. Behind the figure is a close up of Orion's head, part of his chest and shoulder. To the right is the red, vertical Transformers logo. The panel in front shows the toy in robot mode and calls out the 1-Step transformation. Next to that is the Transformers One logo and his name.
The back of the packaging shows the figure in both modes and calls out its 1-Step transformation. It also shows off the Transformation Cog panel feature in robot mode.
Vehicle Mode:
In Transformers One Optimus Prime's vehicle mode is inspired by the classic G1 Prime's vehicle mode. It features a boxy front section with his legs forming the rear of the truck cab. Being a Cybertronian vehicle this design features some more fantastical design elements. This includes a thin strip serving as the windshield and curved wheel wells that are covered by armor. Being a Cog Changer, this vehicle is a simplified version of that design with some odd proportions. The front end is not quite as boxy as you'd expect. Because it forms a good chunk of the torso and head it is actually a bit flatter than you'd expect (but it's not a huge deal).
This figure is made of red, dark blue and silver plastic. Paint applications are done in light blue and silver. If you're wondering where the silver plastic is, it takes the form of the wheels on the bottom of the vehicle.
Transformation to Robot Mode: Lift up the top of the vehicle's front end, then push it down. When you do this, the waist/hip armor will swing back into place and the arms will move out to the sides. Press the torso panel down to lock it in place. Then slide the Transformation Cog panel up into the chest. Press the Transformation Cog to reverse the transformation. Sure this is a bit more than "one step" but the transformation movement is very smooth and frankly very different than most 1-Step Changers you'll find on the market. I love how smooth the action is and seeing the arms and waist piece all move into place does create some of the transformation "magic" that was always intended with 1-Step Changers.
Robot Mode:
Optimus' robot mode has many of the key features from the movie's animation model. Some are very classic Optimus Prime design elements such as the "helmet" on his head and the lower leg design while others are unique to this version of the character such as the curved shoulders and mid-body design. The Transformation Cog adds a nice detail to the figure and if you use your imagination you can have it do double duty as the Matrix of Leadership in his chest.
This mode carries over the same colors as the vehicle mode, but now we get to see a lot more silver paint on the torso, waist area, face and forearms. Light blue is found on his chest and eyes. The colors really contrast nicely in this form and I only wish that he had a bit of paint on his legs which wind up looking rather plain.
There is no articulation in this mode, but nowadays that is hardly surprising for 1-Step Changer type figures. In some ways this reminds me of the G1 days with figures like the Throttlebots who basically were designed around a gimmick that sacrified articulation in robot mode. That said, the whole transformation back to vehicle mode is fun to watch when you push the Transformation Cog. It's a fun idea and it is executed well.
Final Thoughts:
Of the first couple waves of Cog Changers from Transformers One Optimus may be my favorite so far. I love the way various parts move as you transform him into robot mode. The movement is smooth and transforming him back into vehicle mode has this element of "magic" to it that the 1-Step Changers have been meant to evoke since they first joined the Transformers toy line. If you're into 1-Step Changers at all, this is definitely worth a pick up. Recommended!
Pros:
- Good sculpt in both modes.
- Bright colors that pop nicely.
- Very fun transformation gimmicks.
Cons:
- Zero articulation.
