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: Mirage
Function: Spy
"Who and what I am, I hide from the enemy"
Mirage is not thrilled about being an Autobot freedomfighter. Prefers hunting turbofoxes on Cybertron with his high-priced friends. Effective fighter, more effective intelligence gatherer. Electro-disrupter can cast illusions alterning his physical placement and appearance for up to 6 minutes. Expert marksman with armor-piercing rocket-dart hunting rifle. Unsure of Autobot cause; can't be fully trusted.
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.
Unlike the other two Spychangers released in this set (Hoist and Autobot Camshaft), this is pretty much a direct re-release of a Spychanger. Specifically this is a re-release of the 2003 Kay Bee exclusive Robots in Disguise Mirage.
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. $2 is very reasonable for a Spychanger as well. Recommended if you love your Spychangers and don't already own this particular figure.
