TRANSFORMERS TOYS AND MERCHANDISE SECTION

Robot Mode:
Alternate Mode:
Additional Image:
Box Art:
Technical Specifications:
STR
INT
SPD
END
RNK
CRG
FPR
SKL

Seerus Nalaius' review of: Tow-line

Name: Tow-line
Allegiance: Autobot
Function: Warrior/Medic
Sub-Group: NA
"A soldier's greatest asset are his comrades."

Tow-Line's devotion to the Autobot cause and his loyalty to his teammates make him one of Optimus Prime's most trusted soldiers. What Tow-Line lacks in strength, he makes up for in intelligence and endurance. He has been known to outwit many Decepticons in battle and has proven to be an extremely valuable Autobot in the war with Megatron. Towline would prefer to avoid combat whenever possible but does not hesitate to jump into a fight in aid of a fallen comrade. Megatron has warned his warriors never to underestimate Tow-Line.

The Energon distribution problems seem to have slowly stopped in my area. I found at least 6 new Powerlinx Battle products, 6! Sadly, I only had enough for two of them, so I choose the best of the 6 present and had no regrets. So here begins my review of Tow-Line.

Vehicle Mode:
Tow-Line starts off as a very nicely done van. The paint job is similar to Skids however, since his primary colors are blue, red, a little light blue for the roof, and some white for the front. The Energon Radar/Weapon is detachable and can be placed on either side of the van or on the roof. The sensors array is capable of 360 degree motion as well, so you are able to spin it like a radar dish. All in all, this is one of the best vehicle modes in the Energon line to date. However, this is only a third of the fun...

Robot Mode:
It's time to transform this guy. First remove the Energon Sensor/Weapon from his roof. Then we pull on the van side until they lay flat. Now pull on the upper part of the van until Tow-Line is separated from the base. Lift the front doors up until they are at a 90 degree angle. Next, swing his arms out from under the roof, and turn them until they face the right way. Grip the roof right where it touches the front of Tow-Line and pull back then up to form his legs. Push back on the tips to form his feet. Now fold the waist and torso together so that the Powerlinx plugs slid into the notch at the waist to complete the body. Finally, slide the blue portion of the van front up, fold it back, and bring it forward to get Tow-Line's head out. Now that he's transformed, lets take a good look at him. Tow-Line really looks like he is in one really bad mood, judging by the look on his face. He might just tear a Decepticon's arm off and beat them to death with it with how he is built, and I would be surprised if he did. Though, we still have one more bit of fun left in this wonderful toy...

Base Mode:
When we last left the bottom half of Tow-Line's vehicle mode, the side were folded down and Tow-Line himself had been separated from it. The bottom part is what becomes the base, and here's how its done. With the sides folded down, when then fold the back door of the van down until it lays upon the base. At that back end of the van, swing out the tank tread legs, and fold the the tread until the wheels touch the ground. Now, swing the front wheels back until the base is balanced on the treads and the 'back' wheels. Now take the Energon sensor and fold the radar dish down to the side. Next, grab the sensor array and pull up, then out until it becomes the barrel of the gun. Then just rotate the array 45 degrees and you'll have created the Energon gun. Place it in the front two pegs of the van base, and you've completes Tow-Line's mobile base. This thing is very, very similar to the original Ironhide toy's weapon base, the only difference is that unlike Ironhide, Tow-Line is half of the toy, and the base is the second half. That and Tow-Line actually has a head, unlike the original Ironhide.

Transformation: 4 - A little complicated, but I didn't have to check the directions once so he isn't that bad
Durability: 8 - The only small weak spot on Tow-Line would be the sensor array that forms the front of his gun. I find it pops out a little too easily, so it can and will get lost if you aren't careful. Otherwise this guy is very tough.
Fun: 10 - Great vehicle, great robot, great base, FUN FUN FUN! I won't be setting this guy on the shelf for a long time
Price: $10, good price, and well worth it for what you get
Summary: 9 - Cheap, easy to change, and incredibly fun. If you can find Tow-Line, BUY him! I have no regrets at all, and I am very certain you won't either.