TRANSFORMERS TOYS AND MERCHANDISE SECTION

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

Ultimate Weapon's review of: Barricade

Name: Barricade
Allegiance: Decepticon
Function: Combaticon Leader
Sub-Group: Combaticons

Hasbro continues its Energon combiner line with the Destruction Team, lead by Bruticus Maximus. The main component in this gestalt is Barricade, a take off on G1 Onslaught, or some other variation that has seen the light of day more times than a Paris Hilton sex tape. So, as Energon winds down we will begin to see more of these guys warming the shelves. This figure was confirmed released on 12/28/05, just 3 days after X-mas.

Vehicle Mode:
Barricade is not named because he provides a valuable service to the community by keeping protestors at bay. His alt mode is that of a mobile surface to air missile strike vehicle. I suppose he could create a barricade with a barrage of missiles. Hey, now that I think of it, Barrage would have been a better name.

The alt mode rolls around on eight wheels. The missile launcher can move around and that's about it. Don't expect him to fire any of his missiles. No, those are only for show, and scare tactics. You see, the Decepticons have decided to use psychological warfare and intimidation, rather than waste energy in manufacturing weapons of war.

Robot Mode:
The robot mode has articulation at the shoulders and elbow, which can pivot 360 degrees, and sway back and forth at the armpit to punch opponents. The legs also pivot at the knee, and can swing out at the hip and move back and forth for ninja kick action! The paint job is kind of an eyesore; it's purple, gray, and tarnished yellow. I think the Japanese version had a better scheme with the black. Also, the figure is completely helpless in this mode, as he has no weapon of any kind other than his trusty fists. Looks like this is one 'con that will be patrolling the bars for fights instead of the battlefield.

Transformation: 6 - The transformation is annoying at first, but you get used to it after several tries.
Durability: 8 - Some parts do come off during changing, like the Bruticus head. Other than that, he is a stiff customer.
Fun: 5 - Okay for an Energon, I guess. I can't really see it capturing a child's imagination for too long, unless the combiner pieces are attached.
Price: 9 - Not a bad price if you shop at Wal-Mart. It only cost $8. However, Target has him on sale for $9.99, so shop around.
Summary: 6 - I'm not overly thrilled with Energon anymore. The line is coming to the end and there are better things to come. But if you are a completist nut than by all means. Otherwise, I would say pass.