Review – Transformers: Power of the Primes “Windcharger”

Following the incredible Titans Return, Hasbro’s Power of the Primes (find at Amazon.com*) is turning out to be every bit as fun as Titans Return. Classic Transformers characters in modern toy designs, with transformation designs that are more about fun than complexity, I can happily report that the toys are every bit as fantastic as the previous series. Hurray!

Today we’re looking at Windcharger*, both a new Power of the Primes toy and, more importantly to me, an update of the very first Transformers toy that I owned back in 1984. That original Windcharger was so very fun, with a transformation design that was pretty basic, and this new update of the toy is far superior to the Windcharger released earlier this decade (last mentioned here).

Alt Mode

Great work, Hasbro! This new Windcharger* is clearly inspired by the classic toy (reviewed here) even if the new toy is more realistic in its proportions. Would have been great to see over-sized wheels/tires on this guy, but the addition of the seat for Titan Masters has me instantly forgetting that this new toy isn’t quite the superdeformed fun of the original. Also, as a bonus, the wheels roll well and the toy can actually roll across the desk or floor with no problems.

Robot Mode

And this is where Windcharger* really stands up and shines. What a spectacular update on a classic character design! The improved transformation design — which I transformed right out of the package without touching the instructions — pulls the hood from the head, giving the character a look that is even closer to his original cartoon appearance. And while the articulation is limited relative to larger Transformers toys, Windcharger* has enough going on to be highly playable and fun:

• Head – Swivel neck.
  
• Torso – No articulation.
  
• Arms – Ball-hinge shoulders, ball-jointed elbows.
  
• Legs – Ball-jointed hips, hinged knees.

That may be all, but I am not joking when I say that this toy is fun. Seriously, Hasbro, I’d love to take your designers out for a drink because the Titans Return and Power of the Primes (find at Amazon.com*) are giving me everything I want in a Transformers series!

Closing Thoughts

I know a toy is awesome when I instantly want more from the line after playing with one, and Windcharger* here leaves me wishing I had more time to open up new Transformers toys and play with them. I will, but not until I get back from New York Toy Fair. Until then, I suggest running out and finding a Windcharger of your own. I love this little guy!