General Information:
Price Point/Size: Spychanger
Retailers: General (K-Mart, Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, Kay Bee)
Release Date: 2006
Transformation Difficulty Level: 1
Accessories: Gun
Tech Specs
Name: Autobot Camshaft
Function: Scout
"A sense of isolation inspires me."
A daring rogue, his joints have been specially designed to allow him to commit acrobatic feats impossible for other Transformers. He specializes in sneaking undetected into the most heavily guarded enemy strongholds. Using thermoptic and rightvision optical settings and a variety of unconventional hand-to-hand tactics, he is a grim shadow-warrior for Optimus Prime.
Starting last year, a few chains of discount stores (such as Dollar General and Family Dollar) began to carry cheaper Transformers product. This gave folks shopping at those stores the option of purchasing high quality toys for their kids while Hasbro benefited by expanding the line into new markets. As part of this expansion in 2006, three Spychangers from the past made a return to the shelves as part of Transformers Universe.
Like Hoist and Mirage, Autobot Camshaft is a re-release of a previous Transformers figure. Specifically he is a reissue of the Robots in Disguise 2003 Kay Bee exclusive W.A.R.S. figure. Like Hoist, the figure was given a new identity. However, instead of choosing another G1 Autobot character, Hasbro gave this character a whole new personality. While he bares a pre-existing name from G1, the personality and function indicate a whole new character.
The figure does not seem to have any problems inherent in reusing older tools (especially ones that have been reused as much as the Spychangers). The joints are tight and the transformation is smooth.
Final Thoughts:
You can refer to my original review on Robots in Disguise Kay Bee Ironhide for my thoughts on the figure. For the most part I don't mind this re-release considering the idea is to offer cheaper alternatives for those who may not be able to afford more expensive Transformers. I also think it is kind of neat that this is a new character being brought into the Transformers universe. $2 is very reasonable for a Spychanger as well. Recommended if you love your Spychangers and don't already own this particular figure (and love new characters).
