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Transformers Toy Review Archive (older series, 1984 to date)
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Firestrider57's Review: Legends Class G1 Megatron

Name: Megatron
Allegiance: Decepticon
Function: Leader
Alt Mode: Walther P-38
Size Class: Legends Class

"Peace through Tyranny"


Two characters have stood locked in mortal combat at least since 1984, or, as TF lore has it, millions of years: Optimus Prime and Megatron. Megatron is the power-hungry insurrectionist who got his start in the arenas of Cybertron. In some stories, he took his name from one of the original 13 transformers, and he always has his trademark fusion cannon to ensure victory for his side. He is the antithesis of Optimus Prime. He has uncanny powers and is resistant to most weaponry. He often mistakes compassion for weakness. He has no known weakness, even though his primary weakness is his lack of resolve and courage, even when he has the upper hand.

Robot Mode:
This is Megatron at his finest! He has a way of looking like G1 Megatron without transforming like him. This is one of the most ingenious transformations. The legs, still forming the pistol grip, transform differently compared to the G1 counterpart. This is also a tall figure for a Legends class. He's taller than Prime (as he should be) and has incredible detail -- down to the smirk on his face. He is the most articulated figure of this wave of legends. The only detractor to this figure is the "fusion cannon" , which I will discuss in the alt mode. He seems to stand up pretty well to the contortions I put him in. A minor drawback is that his head can't turn, which would be a truly nice touch to this figure.

Alt Mode:
G1 Megs was a WWII German Military issue Walther P-38. The complete weapon came with an arm-brace and a silencer. As with the trailer for Legends G1 Prime, these articles would be great if they were sold as a supply pack either for the aftermarket or original issue. Transforming into the gun is simplistic, yet ingenious, compared to the G1 "big gun". The arms don't transform quite the same way, nor do the legs. The only one constant is the chest-piece. I am not complaining, since G1 Megs was a nightmare to transform, along with the fact that it wasn't that durable.

I have a bone to pick with this version, though. I have the "Canadian" version of this toy, which means mine has an orange barrel-end due to 'security' reasons. This looks so much like a cap pistol that it's not funny! Why it wasn't at least painted black is beyond me. It looks totally cheesy! I will probably paint the barrel black myself, since that is the color of the fusion cannon on the G1 figure. This barrel doubles as a gun barrel and a fusion cannon, instead of the iconic scope.

Overall:
This figure lives up to all the hype it has received. It is the most articulated, best proportioned figure of the Legends line, and now beating out G2 Megatron as the best Legends class Megatron ever. Small accents such as the facial features, paint scheme, and authentic alt mode appearance (orange barrel notwithstanding) are all plusses for this figure.
Although it lacks in size compared to Cybertron Legends Megatron, due to articulation this toy beats it cold. We are approaching G.I. Joe articulation with the new legends figures. Not since G1 Jazz in 2009, has there been a Legends figure quite as articulated. My only question is that since now we have G1 Megs and G1 Screamer, will be see a G1 Soundwave or Shockwave? It would be a nice touch to this line.

Also, to be noted, the tech specs are Movie tech specs, not G1. G1 has Megs Speed stat as 4 and his Courage stat at 8.

Marks out of ten for the following:
Transformation Design: 8/10 This is an ingenious transformation, and especially for a legend. This is a new transformation sequence, yet it leaves you with a G1 appearance.
Durability: 8/10 This is overall a solid figure with one concern: the ball joints, chiefly in the arms. No toy is indestructible, and as I have already found out with small ball joints, They are the main reason for Legends becoming trash. Overall, for a Legends toy, this is well put-together.
Aesthetics: 8/10 This looks exactly like G1 Megs from the cartoon, the way he was supposed to look. The original figure actually looked pretty goofy with that high brow and the awkward legs. The only detractor to the appearance of this figure is the fusion cannon/gun barrel. The barrel looks a little too thin to be the fusion cannon, and the orange tip makes it look like a creamsickle shooter.
Articulation :8/10 It has the best articulation for the current wave, or for almost any wave. No moving elbows or turning head, though.
Price: 7/10 Well worth the $7 from Wal-Mart. This classic Transformer at its smallest and Finest.
Fun: 10/10 This is G1 Megatron. This is the Megatron everyone wants, yet never had. This is the Grand Poobah of robotic villains. Now he can conquer the universe in the palm of your hand.
Quality: 9/10 Very high quality here. Good paint, good fine details. Nothing out of place.
Overall:10 This is the best Legends figure bearing Megatron's name-- hands down! Authentic G1, although in miniature scale.
 
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