If you're like me, you noticed Hasbro/Playskool's Transformers Rescue Bots a couple of months ago. They appeared around the same time as the Playskool Star Wars figures did. I haven't succumbed to many of those Star Wars offerings, though I'll admit that the ships look pretty amazing to me. These Transformers seemed to pale in comparison. They were blocky, chunky, simplistic, and most of them weren't even characters I'd ever heard of. The Hub aired a preview of the Rescue Bots show in mid-December, and neither I or my 5 year old were particularly impressed. So, why is this review being posted? Because, I've got to admit that I was wrong: for all their un-articulated and simplistic designs, these guys are an absolute blast to play with! Let's start with the packaging. The designs are colorful and eye-catching cardbacks, with some personalized animation designs that include the robot's human counterpart (apparently, smaller, non-transforming sets include a human and a tool that can also be the robot's "weapon" or whatever). There's only a little wasted space along the "1 Easy Step!" fold-out, and the robot is held in place by 3 easy-to-snip twine ties. You'd figure some possible damage to the toy without a clamshell to protect it, but that isn't at all the case with any I've seen- they are all sturdy enough to withstand peg punishment relatively well (I won't say the same for the card backs, many of which have been bent or dented, but these guys really aren't for MIP collection anyway).
The card backs include a little personalization in the form of the robot pictures and teammates, along with some generic background above the robot's head. Other figures from the line can be found under the bottom edge. The figures are billed for children ages 3-6, but these should be easy enough to handle that younger kids won't have a problem, and they are fun enough for kids (and adults) older than 6, as well. A small instruction booklet is included, which shows the transformation "process". I say process, but these guys all seem to transform in 1 easy step, which usually involves more of a "mechanism": Optimus transforms when his cab is tilted forward, Bumblebee transforms when his "top" is slid forward, Blades changes at the twist of a button atop his propeller, and Heatwave slides open when his fire ladder is raised. They all work well, are simple to accomplish, and are tons of fun- I've been switching them back and forth for days now.
So, how in the world did I end up with these guys when I never cared to give them a second glance? It all comes down to my kids. We've been messing around with Transformers since we got into the Transformers Prime show. Unfortunately, most of the toys we've gotten a hold of are pure torture for me and the kids. They don't stand up well, or fall apart at the joints, and most are way too difficult for the kids to transform. Many of them even frustrate me to no end. The kids were due for a report card reward, and my son pointed to some of the Dark of the Moon Transformers. The last thing I wanted was to deal with another one of those, so I "re-directed" him to the Playskool Rescue Bots. He grudgingly settled on Optimus Prime, and once we got home and realized how cool he is, the rest became history.
So, let's begin with Optimus Prime. The robot mode is what you see in the package, so his look is no surprise. The overall look, and detailing are both good, though I'm not a big fan of the flat back of his head (though it's necessary due to the toy's design). There's plenty of paint detail to enhance the look, and he's got the stacks and barrels included. Note that NOTHING on any of these figures is articulated. They do NOT pose, there are NO joints. What you see is what you get. That said, it isn't a terrible static pose: the fists and bent elbows add a little personality. But that's about it. As far as the transformation goes- it's truly simple. Push the legs together, elbows in and fold the head down while tilting the cab up, and you're done. Well, not quite. The feet can be tilted up to complete the back end. And that's it.
In truck mode, Optimus looks like...well, Optimus. He's readily recognizable, as you can tell from the pictures. The wheels spin freely and it's a great overall look. We had some issues initially with the head not staying closed, or the elbows popping out, but I discovered that raising the back end fully pops a couple of pins (the blue ones in the picture) right behind the cab into place. These pins, in turn, extend hooks that clasp everything into place. So, if you're having trouble keeping Optimus intact as a truck, check to make sure that the bed is fully locked in place, and you should be good to go!
I'm including a few turn-around shots of Optimus in both Truck and Robot modes to show the details and overall look. My 5-year old wanted to add some words of his own, so I'm including them here: "Do you know what Transformers is? Which Transformer is your favorite? Do you know who Optimus Prime is? This is a picture of my three Primes (below: Rescue Bot Optimus with Kree-O and Animated Activator Optimus Primes). My dad has two Primes. I have one. Animated Optimus one Rescue Bot Optimus and one Kree-O Optimus. My rescue bot Optimus is about 7 inches. The paint is a little scratched off the fists."
That about rounds it up as far as Orion Pax, aka Optimus Prime, goes.
Blades is even simpler to transform: just twist the orange button at the top, where the "blades" meet, clockwise, and the legs separate, the forearms fold down, and the helmet folds up to reveal the face. Turn the button the other way, and the process reverses. Blades looks good in both modes, but the hands are very visible as the landing gear of the coptor, and the lack of articulation makes this robot feel especially "statuesque". I've seen where some folks have had an issue getting the legs to click back together again tightly, and I can see how that's a problem which is likely to develop- there doesn't seem to be anything locking them in place.
Heatwave the firetruck is my favorite of the bunch so far. He looks great as a truck, and as a robot, and the conversion is very cool: his ladder acts as a lever. Lift the lever one way, and he transforms. Pull it back the other way, and the transformation reverses. That simple. The only added step is to fold down the feet. The truck is stout and sturdy, with easy-rolling wheels. Like Optimus, the robot mode includes bent elbows, which I think add some life to the pose.
I must say, I've been very pleasantly surprised by the Transformers Rescue Bots. They are well-made, thoughtfully designed, simple to transform and loads of fun. They run just under $11 a pop at Wal-mart, which is the best price I've found. Now, we're on the lookout for Bumblebee, Chase the Police Car and Boulder the Construction Bot!
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