Seeing the Colossus awaken in the beginning really sent chills down my spine. This was the golden age of Third Party! So much creativity. These days it’s mostly about being insanely G1 toon accurate now.
Onslaught: "We need to take control of this ship! Combaticons, combine into bruticus!" *Transformation sequence* Bruticus: "Bruticus: online. Ready for action!
It's part of the lore Fansproject wrote for their figures. Basically, in the Fansprojectverse, Explorer (Blast Off) is a scientist who created a failed project (none too subtly implied to be the original Bruticus Maximus), and he went rogue, found a munitions expert, and decided to upgrade his project to take vengeance on society. Vangelus mostly used that as the basis for the intros. So, Blast Off isn't the leader of the Combaticons - Explorer is the leader of the Colossus team.
Nice to see another sharing my sentiment. Just came back to this thing after years just to watch the intro, stayed to see how cool the kit actually is :D it’s a quick 14 minutes I’ll tell you that
It might be silly to be commenting about this 8 years later, but this review is pretty much single-handedly responsible for me buying the Explorer/Munitioner set (during one of the rare periods I could actually afford a 3rd-party toy). Since mine came with a tiny not-Shockwave, I had to alter his weapon placement to get everything on there. I ended up moving Munitioner's gun to one of the tank's hand-holes and using Munitioner's turret-hole to store the rifle in collapsed mode. This made room in the back to stick not-Shockwave in the "slot" you use for the rifle.
holy asshat, I favourited this vid just after the combining part :D The whole thing is just amazing, but the reason you are my favourite reviewer is the style and epicness you find and provide in these items :)
I FINALLY GOT MINE IN THE MAIL :D SO AWESOME. Was also kinda surprised that the stuff from the skits at the start of each video were taken directly from the "Neat bit of fiction" in the instructions. And wonderfully done too! So happy to have my own now.
Wow! Impressive video. I've been watching brute reviews like crack recently waiting for mine to arrive in the mail. And I gotta say this is the best I've seen. Entertaining and informative! Now if only the postal workers on my route would mainline some caffeine I could stop fidgeting while waiting for this beast.
Holy shit, I remember collecting a bunch of transformers thanks to your reviews.. especially this one! I stopped a good 7 years ago, but have been starting back up with the Studio Series stuff that have been coming out... then I remembered this gem of a review! Fan-friggin-tastic even today, 9 years later.
The little extra videos at the begining are what make this video so fricking awsome. The voices and the motion animation are so cool can we see him kicking supirion and warbots rear ends
I have had the original Energon Barricade since it's release. Never got any of the other limbs. Then I saw this video. Then I found that every place was sold out of FansProjects X-Fire Guys. THEN I recently saw an ad for some new recolors of the molds, with all the Colossus equipment. So I got them, and 2 other limbs from the original Energon line. Can't wait for them all to get here! Technicolor Colossus!
Decided to break out my own copy of these guys as i rewatch this trilogy of reviews. The feet do NOT like to stay on Onslaught's shoulders, but that's cos those peg holes aren't really peg holes at all, they're just screw ports. The ball joints on my Munitioner/Explorer are also fairly loose as i used to play with them a lot.
I was debating on selling this set to afford some new combiners going up currently. This review reminded me of how awesome these guys are and how lucky I am to actually have all every piece.
Take note Vangelus was referencing the story Fansproject made for this toy.In the story "Not Blast Off" is the leader and the other "Not Combaticons" are just his team mates.Thank You
If you listen carefully, Vangelus mentioned that most of this figure is the Revenge of the Fallen release of Bruticus Maximus. As for how to get the two FansProject figures, they both go on TFSource for $129.99 (for both). They're only available for pre-order because there's none in stock currently.
You total motivated me to get this. I got it off ebay and it came today. He is so fuckin bad ass. I cant stop playing with it. You made me get MMC Cyclops too. Thanks V!
"I am assuming DIRECT CONTROL... COLOOSSSSUS...AWAAAAAKEENS!!!!!" Not gonna lie, I rewatch this video at lot, mostly for that part. It gives me chills and makes my inner child cry tears of joy that I was actually able to acquire this amazing piece of plastic
That was some amazing videos for this toy and one insane intro here. It also seems to me that Fansproject have learned a few things from the newer Gundam model kits when it comes to the hands.
this takes a hideous bruticus toy and makes it a dream come true. I so wish I had a job right now. I have always wanted a bruticus. he is my favorite combiner.
The video is great, especially the poses (I tried to gave mine a decent two handed grip on the rifle for a while now). I found another way to store the rifle more solidly on the back, simply rotate the handle/clip on the back 180° (assuming the position used for the lauch platform mode) and store it by the stock with the barrel folded. This way it's almost completly hidden behind the back and the added thickness of the barrel held i in place against the handle.
Uh...uh...uh...Holy...You know, the first time I was introduced to the Combaticons was their appearance as the Commandos in RiD...I was enamored with their original combination stock footage...and you just blew that right the frag out of the water.
That really is beautiful. So beautiful I think I want a "Vaneguls Review 114-E - Fansproject XFire-02 Vaneguls Plays With This Toy". I am also now thinking those crazy ideas for Fans Project to create a similar G1 Devastator themed kit for Constructicon Maximus aren't so crazy.
I have six sets of ROTF Bruticus maximus sitting around for a year. This set of reviews were terrifying, insightful, and fun ; and it makes us vange1us fans want to go out and get a haul of plastic crack. This dude is going to blow up lots of tiny robots before they hit the ground.
Really wish I knew where my copy was. I've got the three Energon components sitting on my shelf all lonely and I'm not happy about that. If anybody else still has theirs, you can also mount the knife on the arm while extended and give him an arm blade (or assassin blade if you attach it to the other side). The spot you used for the rifle I ended up using for the tiny not!Shockwave that came with mine, so instead I store the rifle folded up on Munitioner (after moving his gun to one of the tank's fist holes).
I haven’t seen this review in a long time, but it was cool to see again! But the reason why I was leaving a post though is that V was mentioning that the pegs for the backpack don’t like to line up right. I’ve got an Energon Barricade, & it’s the same problem with him too. Not just the ROTF release.
Now revisiting this figure after quite some years, figured that the plastics they used back in the days were kinda cheap. Parts and joints broke on its' own, especially the rachets on the connectors. But anyhow, it did fulfil what it was meant to do. Now I'm just hoping for a new Classic sized Bruticus to replace it's place, then unfortunately, companies are no longer planning to wintheir way through this route and are competing in the MP size combiner area. Even for the best of hope, Maketoys, ain't planning on continuing their combiner line besides of the worse QC plus materials used issues lately.
Well, I might just have to pick this up now...thank you for the review sir, it was epic...and PS: I also think the shot guns are the better weapons for him!
Congratulations! But dont forget to twist the legs on your Onslaught too so you get the minicon ports on the side of the hips, it helps in mobility and you dont loose any motion thingy on it
sooooo....up til this point I was kinda pissed that you broke this review intoso many parts.....then I see this...now I must humbly apologize, because my impatience and ignorance almost caused me to miss out on possibly the BEST VIDEO REVIEW OF ALL TIME !! So, great job on a great review, and sorry for my impatience and my doubting your genius, I do not think that will happen again
@Vange1us when in combined mode, you can rotate onslaught's legs so that the minicon ports are off to the side. It helps with poseability and helps make his legs look bulkier.
I personally rotate the upper legs 90 degrees outward so that the Mini-Con ports form weapons holsters. It doesn't affect the poseability at all and adds some functionality.
I did actually. I've had all six figures and the upgrade kit pre-ordered for about a month now, but those (and all the other ones I watched before making my order) helped to reassure me that the insane cost is really worth it haha. Doesn't help that I'm a sucker for combiners/gestalt figures, especially when they're done well. I can't wait to see @Vange1us ' reviews for Hercules considering how good the Colossus ones are
Epic intro is epic! The Xfire set is probably one of the best sets I have ever spent money on. Oh, if those mini-con pegs re bothersome, just rotate then outward. Great series of vids on this set. I was hoping you had got it so I could hear your thoughts on it. And Subtitles, I do have that toy XD.
Seeing the Colossus awaken in the beginning really sent chills down my spine. This was the golden age of Third Party! So much creativity. These days it’s mostly about being insanely G1 toon accurate now.
Onslaught: "We need to take control of this ship! Combaticons, combine into bruticus!"
*Transformation sequence*
Bruticus: "Bruticus: online. Ready for action!
Nice reference.
i loved that game... still do
i commented on this?
onslaught: since when do you give orders!? Blastoff: oh sorry, got caught up in the moment...
+Sir Grim Locksmith VIII what about scrapper being the leg of devastator
It's part of the lore Fansproject wrote for their figures. Basically, in the Fansprojectverse, Explorer (Blast Off) is a scientist who created a failed project (none too subtly implied to be the original Bruticus Maximus), and he went rogue, found a munitions expert, and decided to upgrade his project to take vengeance on society. Vangelus mostly used that as the basis for the intros.
So, Blast Off isn't the leader of the Combaticons - Explorer is the leader of the Colossus team.
“I am assuming DIRECT CONTROL...COLOSSUS AWAKENS!!!” I get chills every time I here those lines😤😤👌🏽👌🏽
That first two minutes was epic!
still one of the coolest mech tools i have ever seen
by god this opening was just plan awesome, the voice of this just made my jaw drop and my eyes bulge, wicked opening man and awesome review.
still love watching this 10 years later ~~
I can't find these guys anywhere. It's driving me nuts how much you made me want this set.
I know and understand this
I still remember being a lil 12-13 year old when this video came out and being so MINDBLOWN by that intro. STILL sends chills down my spine
Nice to see another sharing my sentiment. Just came back to this thing after years just to watch the intro, stayed to see how cool the kit actually is :D it’s a quick 14 minutes I’ll tell you that
That intro deserves subs by itself
This is my comfort video, even 13 years later
That intro is so friggin badass!
It might be silly to be commenting about this 8 years later, but this review is pretty much single-handedly responsible for me buying the Explorer/Munitioner set (during one of the rare periods I could actually afford a 3rd-party toy). Since mine came with a tiny not-Shockwave, I had to alter his weapon placement to get everything on there. I ended up moving Munitioner's gun to one of the tank's hand-holes and using Munitioner's turret-hole to store the rifle in collapsed mode. This made room in the back to stick not-Shockwave in the "slot" you use for the rifle.
I still come back and watch this from time to time. I can’t believe it’s been 12 years since Fansproject’s coolest upgrade kit.
"𝓲 𝓪𝓶 𝓪𝓼𝓼𝓾𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓰 D̴̘͊̀̂̒͐̅̏̾͠İ̷͇̝̳̻̀R̶̡͓̩̥͕͚͕͓̩̠̍̾̆̇̏̄͛E̸̪̱̙̿Ḉ̸̛͍̒̾͛̔̍T̸̡͖̀̍̉̏̏̈͆̈ ̵̬̟̲̙͚̑̄͂̿͆͒͌̕C̵̙̤̟͔͚̫̈͐͌̊͌̍̆͘̚͝O̴̦̪̼̜̊͋͜N̶̡̙̫̪̝̎T̵̟̙̙͊̈́̿͝R̴͓̯͈̫͔̻͗͌O̸͎̗̅̀̇͠͝Ļ̷̖̬̻͔͙͎̗̀̾̃͑͘"
Man, the days when this was big
The first part of this by itself made me want to get this Transformer.
Well done!
God damn, the voice work was incredible!
years ago you made me want this badly! received mine today! finally! what a beast even to this day
congrats! 🎉
The little extra videos at the begining are what make this video so fricking awsome. The voices and the motion animation are so cool
No body does any entertaining worth the watch review like you Van. thanks dude
This was AWESOME! I've only been waiting all day for this very review....
holy asshat, I favourited this vid just after the combining part :D
The whole thing is just amazing, but the reason you are my favourite reviewer is the style and epicness you find and provide in these items :)
This is the first review of yours I've seen. I think I'm in love.
I FINALLY GOT MINE IN THE MAIL :D
SO AWESOME.
Was also kinda surprised that the stuff from the skits at the start of each video were taken directly from the "Neat bit of fiction" in the instructions. And wonderfully done too! So happy to have my own now.
Wow! Impressive video. I've been watching brute reviews like crack recently waiting for mine to arrive in the mail. And I gotta say this is the best I've seen. Entertaining and informative! Now if only the postal workers on my route would mainline some caffeine I could stop fidgeting while waiting for this beast.
This was the first TF review I ever saw
You so make me want this figure. You covered a lot of nice points in this and the other reviews. Totally loving it.
That intro was so epic, my nose started bleeding shortly thereafter watching it.
great opening im so happy to have this guy . awsome
Bruticus Online! Ready for Action!
this makes foc bruticus look pathetic (which it is)
Until you get the microblaze pack.
This was so worth the wait!
This was more than worth the wait!
'Specially for that intro!
I wanna see this guy fight with Gaogaigar!
Holy shit, I remember collecting a bunch of transformers thanks to your reviews.. especially this one! I stopped a good 7 years ago, but have been starting back up with the Studio Series stuff that have been coming out... then I remembered this gem of a review! Fan-friggin-tastic even today, 9 years later.
The little extra videos at the begining are what make this video so fricking awsome. The voices and the motion animation are so cool can we see him kicking supirion and warbots rear ends
Just want to say, thanks to your set of Crossfire videos I bit the bullet and picked this set up.
Awesome opening! Awesome review! Awesome subtitles! Just awesome!
I have had the original Energon Barricade since it's release. Never got any of the other limbs. Then I saw this video. Then I found that every place was sold out of FansProjects X-Fire Guys. THEN I recently saw an ad for some new recolors of the molds, with all the Colossus equipment. So I got them, and 2 other limbs from the original Energon line. Can't wait for them all to get here! Technicolor Colossus!
best intro to any review EVERR!!!
What a Great EPIC Review for such an epic figure w/the add on set!!!
Just ordered the Add-on set today. Beyond excited to finally have all of the pieces for this guy. Awesome review as always!
Now that's THE ULTIMATE COMBINER IS PERFECT BEYOND WORDS !!!! I'mma soo getting him now !!!!! Wick'd sick awesome review V !!!!
Impressive stuff. I'm also liking the gradual creep your videos are making to short-films--the transformation sequence was way cool.
Decided to break out my own copy of these guys as i rewatch this trilogy of reviews.
The feet do NOT like to stay on Onslaught's shoulders, but that's cos those peg holes aren't really peg holes at all, they're just screw ports.
The ball joints on my Munitioner/Explorer are also fairly loose as i used to play with them a lot.
I come back here nearly weekly to watch this opening....
that intro is like poetry in motion!
That was the coolest intro ever...
even the introduction itself deserves a subscription
Best review ever. Well worth the wait.
That opening was....great
I'm Commander Shepard, and this is my favorite Gattai on the Citadel.
(loved the "Assuming direct control" bit!)
dude what an awsome review. great lighting and review.
I was debating on selling this set to afford some new combiners going up currently. This review reminded me of how awesome these guys are and how lucky I am to actually have all every piece.
Take note Vangelus was referencing the story Fansproject made for this toy.In the story "Not Blast Off" is the leader and the other "Not Combaticons" are just his team mates.Thank You
that beginning bit was EPIC!
As old as this review is I still love watching it for the little scene at the start.
I'd love it if you did more little vids like that
If you listen carefully, Vangelus mentioned that most of this figure is the Revenge of the Fallen release of Bruticus Maximus. As for how to get the two FansProject figures, they both go on TFSource for $129.99 (for both). They're only available for pre-order because there's none in stock currently.
You total motivated me to get this. I got it off ebay and it came today. He is so fuckin bad ass. I cant stop playing with it. You made me get MMC Cyclops too. Thanks V!
wow. iliked the biggining were u combined them. that was awesome!!!
"I am assuming DIRECT CONTROL...
COLOOSSSSUS...AWAAAAAKEENS!!!!!"
Not gonna lie, I rewatch this video at lot, mostly for that part. It gives me chills and makes my inner child cry tears of joy that I was actually able to acquire this amazing piece of plastic
That was some amazing videos for this toy and one insane intro here.
It also seems to me that Fansproject have learned a few things from the newer Gundam model kits when it comes to the hands.
though it has been a while since this review post, I found the intro highly amusing!
this takes a hideous bruticus toy and makes it a dream come true. I so wish I had a job right now. I have always wanted a bruticus. he is my favorite combiner.
Absolutely a stunning figure. By far one of the BEST figures I've seen in a VERY VERY long time
Man, Vangelus your poses are awesome.
The video is great, especially the poses (I tried to gave mine a decent two handed grip on the rifle for a while now).
I found another way to store the rifle more solidly on the back, simply rotate the handle/clip on the back 180° (assuming the position used for the lauch platform mode) and store it by the stock with the barrel folded. This way it's almost completly hidden behind the back and the added thickness of the barrel held i in place against the handle.
Effing love the opening sequence.
Uh...uh...uh...Holy...You know, the first time I was introduced to the Combaticons was their appearance as the Commandos in RiD...I was enamored with their original combination stock footage...and you just blew that right the frag out of the water.
Epic INTRO Van!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The reason for peashooter on the leg is maybe its for avoiding those pesky autobots man hug.
Colossus...AWAKENS! >D
dear lord Vangelus, that intro just oozed awesome! :D
Thanks for the reminder! I will do make sure to do that.
That quote from Colossus would make Harbinger soil himself.
That really is beautiful. So beautiful I think I want a "Vaneguls Review 114-E - Fansproject XFire-02 Vaneguls Plays With This Toy".
I am also now thinking those crazy ideas for Fans Project to create a similar G1 Devastator themed kit for Constructicon Maximus aren't so crazy.
Best Crossfire02 review on youtube!
I have six sets of ROTF Bruticus maximus sitting around for a year.
This set of reviews were terrifying, insightful, and fun ; and it makes us vange1us fans want to go out and get a haul of plastic crack.
This dude is going to blow up lots of tiny robots before they hit the ground.
BADASS BEGINNING!!!
Really wish I knew where my copy was. I've got the three Energon components sitting on my shelf all lonely and I'm not happy about that.
If anybody else still has theirs, you can also mount the knife on the arm while extended and give him an arm blade (or assassin blade if you attach it to the other side). The spot you used for the rifle I ended up using for the tiny not!Shockwave that came with mine, so instead I store the rifle folded up on Munitioner (after moving his gun to one of the tank's fist holes).
I haven’t seen this review in a long time, but it was cool to see again!
But the reason why I was leaving a post though is that V was mentioning that the pegs for the backpack don’t like to line up right. I’ve got an Energon Barricade, & it’s the same problem with him too. Not just the ROTF release.
I've watched the beginning of this video like 30 times. Its just so badass. "collosus...AWAKEN"
I only wish toy commercials were as entertaining as your opening. XD
getting mine soon!!!!! xD nice review, was looking forward to it great job.
This is definitely one of the best Third Party Add-ons available. Anybody thinking of getting it absolutely should.
Very very nice Bruticus. Awesome combination sequence.
It makes me wish Fansproject would do a Devastator.
Now revisiting this figure after quite some years, figured that the plastics they used back in the days were kinda cheap. Parts and joints broke on its' own, especially the rachets on the connectors.
But anyhow, it did fulfil what it was meant to do. Now I'm just hoping for a new Classic sized Bruticus to replace it's place, then unfortunately, companies are no longer planning to wintheir way through this route and are competing in the MP size combiner area. Even for the best of hope, Maketoys, ain't planning on continuing their combiner line besides of the worse QC plus materials used issues lately.
Dude, That Intro Was BOSS
review perfection. Entertaining. Love the cometary. Nice.
Ever since i saw this a week ago, I've been coming back each night to hear "COLOOOOSUSSS, AWWAAAAAAAAKEEEENNNNNN"
This, is the coolest thing ever.
13:23, freaking hilarious!
"You now know why Vangelus should never play with your toys OR babysit your children"
holy shit that was the most epic opening i've ever seen. *like* *favorite*
Well, I might just have to pick this up now...thank you for the review sir, it was epic...and PS: I also think the shot guns are the better weapons for him!
Congratulations!
But dont forget to twist the legs on your Onslaught too so you get the minicon ports on the side of the hips, it helps in mobility and you dont loose any motion thingy on it
Nice one Vangelus i am glad that my bruticus in the post
sooooo....up til this point I was kinda pissed that you broke this review intoso many parts.....then I see this...now I must humbly apologize, because my impatience and ignorance almost caused me to miss out on possibly the BEST VIDEO REVIEW OF ALL TIME !! So, great job on a great review, and sorry for my impatience and my doubting your genius, I do not think that will happen again
@Vange1us when in combined mode, you can rotate onslaught's legs so that the minicon ports are off to the side. It helps with poseability and helps make his legs look bulkier.
I personally rotate the upper legs 90 degrees outward so that the Mini-Con ports form weapons holsters. It doesn't affect the poseability at all and adds some functionality.
I did actually. I've had all six figures and the upgrade kit pre-ordered for about a month now, but those (and all the other ones I watched before making my order) helped to reassure me that the insane cost is really worth it haha. Doesn't help that I'm a sucker for combiners/gestalt figures, especially when they're done well. I can't wait to see @Vange1us ' reviews for Hercules considering how good the Colossus ones are
Epic intro is epic! The Xfire set is probably one of the best sets I have ever spent money on. Oh, if those mini-con pegs re bothersome, just rotate then outward. Great series of vids on this set. I was hoping you had got it so I could hear your thoughts on it. And Subtitles, I do have that toy XD.
Awesome !!!