Review – Transformers Rescue Bots Optimus Prime

Line: Transformers * Manufacturer: Hasbro * Year: 2011

Are you a Transformers Generation One fan? If you are then drop everything and run out right now because you need this Transformers Rescue Bot Optimus Prime* in your collection. This may be intended for little kids, but it’s an awesome addition to any Transformers collection and looks amazing next to any number of other Optimus Prime toys. And I promise that I won’t say a word if you end up buying any other Transformers Rescue Bots* toys.

A Simple Package

I’ve gotta say that even though the box is fairly simplistic it was the open design that actually led to me buying the Optimus Prime. Getting the chance to feel the plastic and take a really close look at the actual toy took me from “that’s cute” to dropping the $13 on the toy. In my book that’s an effective package.

Truck Mode

Even though Optimus Prime comes in robot mode I wanted to start with his truck mode, shown above. It’s not an exact match for the Generation One Optimus Prime, but we can clearly see where this Prime got his inspiration. I love how Hasbro created such a soft design, with the edges and corners rounded (no doubt for child safety reasons) and the result is one great vehicle mode.

Transform!

I shot the above video to give an idea of how the toy transforms between modes. It’s a pretty simple transformation process; just push the cab forward and the head, arms, and legs all pop into position. Once you swing the two feet up into position the Rescue Bot Optimus Prime* is ready for battle. Or, I guess, ready to rescue. Changing back to truck mode is about as easy; I suspect little kids can’t get the head and arms in place with one hand but I also expect that they won’t have any real problems.

Robot Mode

Standing almost 7-inches tall, and about 5-inches wide at his elbows, this is one beefy Optimus Prime toy. Everything about the toy feels pretty durable, with the plastic suitably thick and the toy having a decent heft. I worry that the various springs used in the transformation process may wear out — especially with one of these being played with by a kid — but I’m hoping that Hasbro ran the design through appropriate stress tests because I’d hate for this to fall apart on a kid just because he transformed it too many times.

Sculpt, Articulation, and Paint

I personally like the rounded, soft design approach taken with this Optimus Prime because it keeps that basic Prime style and makes it feel like something for younger kids. The wide face is also a nice touch and I just know that this Optimus Prime is gonna be one that really stands out from the others in my collection for many years to come.

There’s no articulation to speak of. Every joint is designed around the simple transformation process so what you see in these pics is what you get when it comes to articulation. This is the one negative about the toy, but it’s minor since I can see where this design is great for the younger kids.

The paint is simple and clean, even if it’s spotty in a few places. It’s not the best job we’ve ever seen, but since the open package design lets you take a really close look at the toy before purchase I suggest studying the detail work before buying. My Prime has a few marks on the lights, but nothing all that noticeable from a reasonable distance.

Closing Thoughts

Transformers Rescue Bot Optimus Prime* really surprised me. When I saw this on the shelf at Target I smiled and was ready to just pass it by. But getting a close look at the toy led to me bringing it home, and I am glad that I did because this is actually a very well crafted toy. And I think it’s a fun Transformers collectible both because of the styling and the Generation One influence in the design.

Great work, Hasbro! And I know you did an excellent job because I’m now wondering if I should grab Charlie Burns — the smaller human toy that interacts with this Prime — because it kinda feels like I should have the two together on my shelf.

I am just a sad, sad geek.

Philip Reed now wishes that Hasbro would create a Transformers Rescue Bots Shockwave. That’s probably unlikely, though, since Shockwave isn’t likely to be rescuing anyone.