TRANSFORMERS TOYS AND MERCHANDISE SECTION

Robot Mode:

Alternate Mode:

Box Art:

Firestrider57's Review: Legends Class G1 Starscream

Name: Starscream
Allegiance: Decepticon
Function: Air Commander
Alt Mode: F-15 Strike Eagle
Subgroup: Seekers
Size Class: Legends Class

In 1984, we were introduced to two very interesting villains: Megatron and Starscream. Megatron was a power-hungry dictator wannabe, but Starscream was a misunderstood leader wannabe. Seriously. Starscream, of course, was the air commander for Megatron. He is ruthless, impetuous, and always thought he had a better idea than Megatron on how to lead the Decepticons. He does not believe that brute force wins wars, but rather cunning and diplomatic supremacy. He also thinks that there's room for only one leader of the Decepticons — namely, himself! Here are my thoughts on this newest figure for the Decepticons' number two 'bot.

Alt Mode
This is the best alt mode for a Legends-class Starscream since the repainted Cybertron-line Thundercracker in the Universe 2.0 line, although there Starscream was a Sukhoi Terminator jet instead of a F-15. Actually, come to think of it, because of the rivets on the top side, this is second best. The original Legends Class mold for Starscream in the Cybertron line was really nice, just over the top. I liked the gun and the sword, but I didn't like the figure (nor the Cybertron-era character) overall. This Classics Starscream had a way better jet mode. Because of the transformation sequence with the legs, the tail section isn't as clean as with the Universe 2.0 Starscream, nonetheless, this is a decent mold.

Robot Mode
The robot mode is the shining glory of this toy. It is rather imposing for a Legends figure. The wings are perched behind the shoulders in true G1 style (unlike the Thundercracker repaint's "downward-turned wings" in robot mode). The guns are ok. They look rather primitive next to Universe 2.0 or even Cybertron Legends Starscream. There's actually only a limited amount of articulation. The arms swivel, and it has knee movement. I don't like counting side movement as articulation, since most of us consider front-to -back movement as articulation. I think the detailing on the robot itself is better than any Legends class figure before it. The face is comical, but accurate. The transformation of the nosecone and cockpit sections are very G1. Its paint scheme is also very G1.

Overall:
It really depends on what you like about Starscream's character. My first acquaintance of this character, like most fans my age, is from G1. In almost every continuity after G1, Starscream is an under-appreciated, ambitious, ruthless villain who is constantly either demanding Megatron's attention, attempting to improve upon Megatron's model of conquest or just simply trying to depose Megatron as leader of the Decepticons.

Given that info, I am a die-hard G1 fan. I am NOT a fan of this Legends figure, however. I have studied all Legends figures that bear Starscream's name, and like some, I like the Cybertron Starscream for the figure's sake. It's a strong, sturdy, versatile figure—with proper weapons to boot! It has G1 colors, which is almost the ideal figure in robot mode. Universe 2.0 "G1" Starscream gets kudos for best (and most realistic) jet mode. In his alternate mode the downward pointing wings do look like the original G1 figure, but not the character. This RTS Legends figure falls somewhere in the middle of the road. It provides a decent representation (except the four rivets) of an F-15 Strike Eagle (Screamer's real G1 alt mode) with an ok robot mode (articulation notwithstanding). The facial features of this G1 is really a great touch. I suppose I am really hoping that someday, even this design will be improved upon. The worst ever Legends Class Screamer has to be the Movie versions in F-22 fatigues. I love the F-22, I hate the excessive kibble with the arms on this figure. Overall, I have to say that this version of G1 Starscream is ok—and only ok.

Marks out of ten for the following:

Transformation Design:7 Very G1 reminiscent with the exception of the legs. Imaginative .
Durability: 8Everything looks secure enough. The tailfins and the arm cannons might break over time. In terms of quality, again, most of this figure is pretty solid. Hasbro did a very good job on detail.
Aesthetics: 6/10Although he looks overall G1, yet the size of the wings in robot mode detract from the robot overall. The arm cannons look cheesy. The paint is first class, however.
Articulation: 4/10 A little underserved on what would be thought of as natural articulation.
Price/Value: 5/10Compared to Optimus, who was a steal at $4, This little guy cost me $7. Not impressed.
Fun: 8/10Although highly subjective, with all the extras on this figure, I think it's a good toy for fun, but not a particularly great one
Overall: 7/10 While there are more articulated figures, I think that robot mode more than just the trick.