I feel really tempted to get this guy as a G1 Blackout. I know he's meant to scale with Masterpiece figures but his size is perfect to stand in as Blackout in a CHUG lineup.
My guess is that ToyWorld wanted light-piping and had made the mold with the eyes with the other translucent pieces. After Zeta split they did not want light-piping, but the molds were already made so it was much cheaper to just paint the eyes real quick than to create a whole new piece to not have the translucent back of the head.
Thanks for doing the comparison by adding the two to Constructor. My God, it's going to be a beautiful Bruticus. So happy I went with this set, can't wait to see how they do with Superion.
I like the look of the kibble on this piece. It gives his body more character rather than the animation model. A word to the wise: Make sure to check the arms, especially the shoulder joint where it allows you to move the arm up and down. Out of the box, it was flipped upside down which didn't give enough clearance to plug into the combiner port. Unscrewed it and it worked like a charm!
I'm actually liking the look of these guys more than the Warbotron Bruticus, they're like an evolution of Cybertron era design, similar to TFC Hercules. Unique Toys definitely win on animation and MP styling, but it says something to me when I want to get a set without having a specific shelf for them and thats what Zeta Toys has done to me.
I wholeheartedly agree about the preference in design for the Bayverse films. These types of designs are FAAAAAAAR more preferable IMHO as well. Additionally, the kibble doesn't bother me in the slightest. It's not bad at all. DEFINITELY getting the whole set! Great review as always...
I don't have him yet (higher priorities came first), but it looked to me as someone with no in hand experience that your pods at the top of the helicopter may be on the wrong sides. Just looking at the video they looked upside down to me like they should be on the opposite sides.
It's a good looking alt mode, but I still think a Chinook transport copter is the wrong choice, vs a more Apache style attack helicopter like in Warbotron
I loved the look of their first release (especially its alt-mode) but I dismissed it when I realized it was a combiner. I hate having to wait for the rest too release. After this video I am convinced to order them. They look good enough as stand alone toys until the rest of their brethren are released.
If you compare them to the G1 toy versions they're pretty similar in terms of chunkiness/kibble. I guess it depends on what you want out of your figures aesthetically. Though based on how chunky Vortex is, I imagine Brawl will be a literal brick only with a plastic turret taped to it.
That is exactly why I'm buying them. If I want good looking individual boots, I'll buy the unique Toys or maybe even wait for FansToys... You know, when they get released in 2080...
i was putting the pins in the blades and i thought maybe it was best to do that on the floor so if i drop a pin it wouldnt roll to far. i dropped the figure and one of those engines snapped off. took me like an hour to fix it. this thing is def not a toy. it rolled off my lap and fell literally the legnth of my thumb.thats all it took.
One of my engines snapped off just from rotating it. The other reviews I've watched noted this same issue. Definitely seems like this is the most brittle of all the figures.
I just got mine today, and when I fold up the legs in order to transform him into a helicopter, he refuses to fold up entirely. There is a distance left of like 3 millimeters, which cause a problem in finishing the transformation, as I literally cannot fold the side panels into place. The head is also very lose on the balljoint, it literally moves like one of those bubbleheads you put on the dashboard of your car, I tried tightening the screw on the back of his head but that is not going anywhere. So I may need to return mine. Buyer beware.
I know he's *a lot* bigger than a Combiner Wars deluxe but if you have it still or have a knew one, could you tell me if the massive arm mode would fit into a Combiner wars torso (for the lols) or if it's just way to big to fit?
When I first saw concepts of this I was kind of excited thinking they were actually making a Bayverse style Bruticus, instead of Vortex we'd have Blackout, we'd get the updated Brawl, maybe someone like Bonecruncher or Crankcase in place of Swindle, and then perhaps something like Nitro Zeus or Starscream in place of Blastoff. I'm not crazy about the movie Onslaught, but he'd work for the combiner well enough.
Adam Luther I was incredibly opposed to the idea Bruticus possibly being in TLK when things were early in production. Like, I absolutely hated the idea. I just don't want my son to be made out of a damn tow truck. Call me a Geewunner but I couldn't stand for that.
After the abomination that was Devastator in RotF, I really should know better than to hope for a faithful interpretation of Bruticus. Still, I would argue the Infernicus combiner in the movie turned out quite nice, actually.
I got mine today and honestly, I'm not going to bother installing the rotor blades. It's not even worth the hassle to put them together. Since I'm just going to transform him one time into limb mode, it's kind of a waste of time. I like the combined look, but the bots are all garbage, and the vehicles are just OK. This is really a set to just get the combiner. I'm fine with that.
He looks ok and i can see why people like him but with all that kibble it's a bit meh. I imagine he'll look awesome once he's combined but with hasblow announcing a leader class blackout i might just wait to see what that looks like, plus ironfactory are getting ready to drop war giant an that figure looks incredible
This one is the worst of the bunch! Im ready to throw the f’ing thing off the 9th floor!!! The feet don’t rotate properly and one of mine popped off and is nearly impossible to get back on.
I'm the kinda guy that's gonna alternate how he displays his Combaticons every couple of months, changing from gestalt to individual bot modes. And I gotta say, I don't care how good the combined mode is gonna be. Their robot modes just don't cut it for me for what is supposed to be a "Masterpiece style" release. The kibble is atrocious. Going to stick with Unique Toys as their bot modes are fantastic and even if their Bruticus isn't as good as Zeta's, it's not like it's gonna be rubbish.
Actually Swindle's alternate mode is a "third-party not-Humvee" developed by Chrysler in the early 70s. The military only ordered ten of them, making his "disguise" only slightly less ridiculous than Wheeljack's.
I feel really tempted to get this guy as a G1 Blackout. I know he's meant to scale with Masterpiece figures but his size is perfect to stand in as Blackout in a CHUG lineup.
That pointy thing sticking out the front isn't a weapon. It's an air to air refuelling attachment. Great review as always buddy
My guess is that ToyWorld wanted light-piping and had made the mold with the eyes with the other translucent pieces. After Zeta split they did not want light-piping, but the molds were already made so it was much cheaper to just paint the eyes real quick than to create a whole new piece to not have the translucent back of the head.
I can't help but feel that building the rotors is the modern version of applying your own stickers
I'm ok with it
Completely agree with Ben's assessment of the style: A nod to the G1 character, but a modern take. I LOVE it!
Thanks for doing the comparison by adding the two to Constructor. My God, it's going to be a beautiful Bruticus. So happy I went with this set, can't wait to see how they do with Superion.
For some reason looking at his back makes me REALLY want a Movie Masterpiece Blackout.
Will Studio Series suffice?
SonicCam04 I would have wanted Blackout to have a shield or some such just so that there is a bottom to the helicopter.
Get the Oversized Studio Series Blackout lol
I’m just using this figure as a g1-ified blackout for my WFC/G1 looking collection
Man, his alt mode is very Blackout-esk. Surprised they made Vortex's alt mode look like Bayverse Blackout.
Pretty sure it's based on the same model of helicopter (chopper)
I like the look of the kibble on this piece. It gives his body more character rather than the animation model.
A word to the wise: Make sure to check the arms, especially the shoulder joint where it allows you to move the arm up and down. Out of the box, it was flipped upside down which didn't give enough clearance to plug into the combiner port. Unscrewed it and it worked like a charm!
It's nice to see a masterpiece style vortex. He was always my favourite combaticon.
Besides the cockpit, it makes a real good looking CH-53A/C/D!
what leader class brawl toy and leader knightmare megatron toy along with the arm upgrade is that at 12:14? thanks
He looks awesome! I think that bulky stocky looks good. Great review!
I'm actually liking the look of these guys more than the Warbotron Bruticus, they're like an evolution of Cybertron era design, similar to TFC Hercules. Unique Toys definitely win on animation and MP styling, but it says something to me when I want to get a set without having a specific shelf for them and thats what Zeta Toys has done to me.
I wholeheartedly agree about the preference in design for the Bayverse films. These types of designs are FAAAAAAAR more preferable IMHO as well.
Additionally, the kibble doesn't bother me in the slightest. It's not bad at all.
DEFINITELY getting the whole set!
Great review as always...
Get the Upscaled Studio Series Blackout
I don't have him yet (higher priorities came first), but it looked to me as someone with no in hand experience that your pods at the top of the helicopter may be on the wrong sides. Just looking at the video they looked upside down to me like they should be on the opposite sides.
Awesome video. I used it as a video instruction to transform my Whirlblade!
Just waiting for mine to be shipped and as always, awesome review mate 👍🏼
Awesome MH-53 Pave Low alt mode, don't mean to nit pick but the rotars are on backwards other than that good job.
We all wish some of these characters appeared in the movies. Sadly, that comes with the added danger of Bay fucking them up spectacularly.
kira64 brawl and onslaught did and then just died so i doubt swindle blast off and vortex in the movies would go very well
benscollectables what leader class brawl custom toy is that, like where you get htat paint job, it is very nice, thanks again
It's a good looking alt mode, but I still think a Chinook transport copter is the wrong choice, vs a more Apache style attack helicopter like in Warbotron
I loved the look of their first release (especially its alt-mode) but I dismissed it when I realized it was a combiner. I hate having to wait for the rest too release. After this video I am convinced to order them. They look good enough as stand alone toys until the rest of their brethren are released.
His MH-53M Pave Low mode is Realistic and Blackouts Helicopter mode which is also the MH-53M Pave Low lV as well they are both completely realistic
If you compare them to the G1 toy versions they're pretty similar in terms of chunkiness/kibble. I guess it depends on what you want out of your figures aesthetically.
Though based on how chunky Vortex is, I imagine Brawl will be a literal brick only with a plastic turret taped to it.
Whirlblade aka Vortex is my Favorite Transformer and his Helicopter mode is A MH-53M Pave Low lll
Sorry ave Low lV
Pave Low lV
I like this figure but I don't see why they could not have had his forearms on a slider to slide down and make the bicep area longer.
7:33 Those are air intakes/filters :3
No swing forwards and back in arm mode?
The tail folds in on itself in robot mode
IT'LL BE POSSIBLE TO DO THE PROPELLER SHIELD!
May I ask where the diecast is? I can't seem to find it om my figure
Maybe people should look at it like they are getting a 20" Bruticus with bot modes as an added bonus. I was waiting for a vid review, thanks Ben.
Anthony Ortiz I enjoy that specific perspective
That is exactly why I'm buying them. If I want good looking individual boots, I'll buy the unique Toys or maybe even wait for FansToys... You know, when they get released in 2080...
@@cthuludreams1 😂🤣
I agree. I plan to use them for combined mode only.
Is it grindor or blackout
i was putting the pins in the blades and i thought maybe it was best to do that on the floor so if i drop a pin it wouldnt roll to far. i dropped the figure and one of those engines snapped off. took me like an hour to fix it. this thing is def not a toy. it rolled off my lap and fell literally the legnth of my thumb.thats all it took.
One of my engines snapped off just from rotating it. The other reviews I've watched noted this same issue. Definitely seems like this is the most brittle of all the figures.
In vehicle mode Vortex looks a lot like Blackout in his vehicle mode
the alt mode is the same as blackouts alt mode in the 2007 moviee
Decepticon Shadows of coarse both of there Helicopter modes are the MH-53M Pave Low lll
With a paint job, that would make a nice Blackout.
Thanks for the review Ben
I just got mine today, and when I fold up the legs in order to transform him into a helicopter, he refuses to fold up entirely. There is a distance left of like 3 millimeters, which cause a problem in finishing the transformation, as I literally cannot fold the side panels into place. The head is also very lose on the balljoint, it literally moves like one of those bubbleheads you put on the dashboard of your car, I tried tightening the screw on the back of his head but that is not going anywhere.
So I may need to return mine. Buyer beware.
I know he's *a lot* bigger than a Combiner Wars deluxe but if you have it still or have a knew one, could you tell me if the massive arm mode would fit into a Combiner wars torso (for the lols) or if it's just way to big to fit?
When I first saw concepts of this I was kind of excited thinking they were actually making a Bayverse style Bruticus, instead of Vortex we'd have Blackout, we'd get the updated Brawl, maybe someone like Bonecruncher or Crankcase in place of Swindle, and then perhaps something like Nitro Zeus or Starscream in place of Blastoff. I'm not crazy about the movie Onslaught, but he'd work for the combiner well enough.
Adam Luther I was incredibly opposed to the idea Bruticus possibly being in TLK when things were early in production. Like, I absolutely hated the idea. I just don't want my son to be made out of a damn tow truck. Call me a Geewunner but I couldn't stand for that.
After the abomination that was Devastator in RotF, I really should know better than to hope for a faithful interpretation of Bruticus. Still, I would argue the Infernicus combiner in the movie turned out quite nice, actually.
I'm getting some serious movie black...out vibes... Wait, what's that noise?... ah FU- LEFT CHEEK, LEFT CHEEK, LEFT CHEEK!!!
I got mine today and honestly, I'm not going to bother installing the rotor blades. It's not even worth the hassle to put them together. Since I'm just going to transform him one time into limb mode, it's kind of a waste of time. I like the combined look, but the bots are all garbage, and the vehicles are just OK. This is really a set to just get the combiner. I'm fine with that.
He looks ok and i can see why people like him but with all that kibble it's a bit meh. I imagine he'll look awesome once he's combined but with hasblow announcing a leader class blackout i might just wait to see what that looks like, plus ironfactory are getting ready to drop war giant an that figure looks incredible
The back kinda reminds of Blackout.
This one is the worst of the bunch! Im ready to throw the f’ing thing off the 9th floor!!! The feet don’t rotate properly and one of mine popped off and is nearly impossible to get back on.
I'm the kinda guy that's gonna alternate how he displays his Combaticons every couple of months, changing from gestalt to individual bot modes. And I gotta say, I don't care how good the combined mode is gonna be. Their robot modes just don't cut it for me for what is supposed to be a "Masterpiece style" release. The kibble is atrocious. Going to stick with Unique Toys as their bot modes are fantastic and even if their Bruticus isn't as good as Zeta's, it's not like it's gonna be rubbish.
Mark Atkinson Except most of the finished combined mode reviews for UT prove that it's not great
this is the only toy you've reviewed that i think it's cool and awesome
Yea I am going with it over this build a mess.
Those aren’t thrusters those are Engines and also engine exhaust
You can't have a g1 style Bruticus with a hummer for a leg. Swindle is a jeep.
mcfilmmakers hummer is owned by GM not jeep.
But still blast off is a freaking space shuttle
Actually Swindle's alternate mode is a "third-party not-Humvee" developed by Chrysler in the early 70s. The military only ordered ten of them, making his "disguise" only slightly less ridiculous than Wheeljack's.
Still not as bad as Rodimus, who decided to be a bright red batmobile.
Actually, you have a point about Wheeljack's vehicle mode. Seriously, only about two of those babies like, ever.
I just bought take off
Why does everyone think think that the thing in the front is a weapon it’s not it’s a Refueling Probe so stupid this really annoys me
I mean it makes sense......military helicopter!
If kibble were gold, this guy would be Fort Knox. what a mess that alt mode is.
I like the look and size, its just that the forearms are too thick and that huge piece at the side of the leg..
1st