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Transformers Toy Review Archive (older series, 1984 to date)
Robot Mode:
Alternate Mode:
Box Art:

zeoman4.5's review: Hound

Name: Hound
Allegiance: Autobot
Function: Scout
Group: Universe Legends of Cybertron (LOC)

Hound was one of the original G1 season 1 Autobots who arrived on earth with Optimus Prime in Ark. He was well known for his ability to use holograms for such purposes as creating a replica rocket base to trick Decepticons or a giant scary Autobot to prevent Devastator from finishing of the Dinobots. He was one of the few Earth loving Autobots and even secretly wanted to become human so he could fit in with life on Earth.

In all of G1 I don't think there is a more underestimated Autobot. Seriously, he didn't even get a second toy appearance until the Alternators line – which was his first original mold. His G1 form was a reused Diaclone Jeep robot. As far as show/comic appearances go, he was in G1 up until season 3, in the G1 comics, the G2 comics and now he appears in the current IDW line. This was one of the cooler G1 characters, but unlike Cliffjumper, Mirage, and many of his other contemporaries he remains left in obscurity. However Hasbro has finally decided to dust of ol' Hound and give him a shot with this Legends class figure and the Deluxe figure set to appear in the following year.

So let’s get this going with, of course...


Robot Mode:

Like I do in pretty much every LOC figure review I've written, I shall start with the robot mode. The first thing that comes to my mind when I see this 'bot is "wow, he looks just like the G1." The body is perfectly proportioned to the G1 TV show appearance of Hound, which is simply awesome. He is about the standard height for a Legends class figure and is well detailed. He is mostly green, but the colour scheme uses two different shades. A dark green is used for the arms, upper legs, feet, and wheels, while the chest lower legs, and helmet are a forest green. He has lots of little details, including a silver engine block on his chest along with a pair of white head lights and a single yellow star on his right wheel arch flare. The Jeep bed forms the lower legs resulting in the charcoal seen on the front of his legs. His mid section is black with a pair of yellow vents. His face looks good, very authentic right down to the G1 style blue eyes.

Hound is fairly well articulated, with ball and socket joints at his shoulders and hips. His knees and feet are movable and add to poseability. Unfortunately because of how large his chest is with the attached wheels, his range of arm motion is somewhat limited.

Alas, Hound lacks his hologram emitter and gun, but is still rather fun to play around with. He is a definite display piece. The only thing I'd complain about cosmetically is that his head stretches back a little to far (it’s quite deep), but other than that he's a perfect copy of the original.


Alternate Mode:

Hound transformers into a military Jeep. Since most Legends are made with size and space in mind he is lacking the machine gun on the back that the original G1 figure had.

The predominant color, once again, is green. More of the forest green is visible in this mode, but the darker green is still there on the seats, running boards / side steps and wheels. I was originally worried when I figured out his arms became the running boards / side steps, but they look good and the robot hands are not showing so one wouldn't even be able to tell. Hasbro did a really good job on this guy's vehicle form. All of the robot parts are well hidden and he really looks like a Jeep. This has got to be one of the best LOC vehicles I've ever laid eyes on. The wheels roll well and make him fun to play with as well as look at.

The only complaints I have with this mode is that the windshield piece is quite loose and that without the gun he looses some of his authenticity. Still, he is quite nice and very fun.


Marks out of ten for the following:

Transformation: 2 – For difficulty, but 8 for fun.
Durability: 9 – Very sturdy – it will take a lot to brake this guy.
Fun: 8 – Very fun to play with or to display.
Price: 7 – $4.99 is cheaper than most Transformers nowadays, but it’s still kinda steep for such a small figure.
Overall: 8 – He is a great little Transformer. A fitting homage to the Autobot Hound and G1 style. A must have for collectors of small figures or serious G1 fans.
 
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