When Hasbro revealed the Gamer Edition subline of the Transformers Studio Series line, everyone was immediately hyped by the possibility of game-exclusive designs finally getting much needed action figure treatment. Things started with Optimus Prime from the much-loved Transformers: War for Cybertron game. I am in the camp that the original very much holds up, and even surpasses, a respectable number of modern releases, but it’s still an excellent choice to kick off the line.
Unfortunately, I am also in the camp that the succeeding releases have been lackluster for a variety of reasons. But it appears that there’s light at the end of this particular tunnel. And that’s in the form of the figures from the Transformers: Reactivate game, previously referred to as Transformers: Rise. It is widely suggested that given the game has been in development for a good while now, including a change of development studio, the figures have been sitting in some warehouse supposedly since 2020 and now we’re getting leaks as the official reveals would supposed to be around mid-November.
So, let’s take the opportunity given to us and dish out some unsolicited opinions on this version of Optimus Prime, a figure I’ll be buying regardless.
One point of contention people mention in the arguments against recent and upcoming Gamer Edition releases is their supposed inaccuracy to the game models. Case in point being the recent preview for the Voyager class War for Cybertron Starscream. So, one argument in favor of Reactivate Optimus Prime is its accuracy to the game model. To illustrate this further, here’s the aforementioned model.
Outside of some paint applications, the sculpt and proportions are spot on! Admittedly the back section has some kibble stored there, but I can totally ignore that with how good this figure looks. Now I haven’t really put some thought into the design itself but it’s a more battle-hardened version of Optimus Prime and fortunately, they didn’t place battle damage paint to the figure like what they did with the Siege figures.
Let’s check out the vehicle mode where we have multiple shots for multiple perspectives as well.
Again, the very first thing we’ll immediately notice, besides the aforementioned accuracy to the game model, is just how clean the truck mode is. Coming from unfortunate cases like the Studio Series Rise of the Beasts Optimus Prime, this one is a definite change of pace. Also noticeable is what appears to be a reinforced front bumper with spikes and obvious weathering paint work done, which is again something I don’t mind keeping and won’t be removing with paint thinner.
It’s just a great-looking truck overall. To further reinforce the accuracy of the figure to the game model, here are photos of both in a similar perspective.
A very cool thing about the vehicle mode is that most of the silver or gray areas are not really painted but some sort of steel plating to reinforce the vehicle. You can see the front where there are more on the right side. The toy keeps the symmetry, but it does try its best to be close to how the game model looks.
Poseability and articulation aren’t the greatest, but it’s quite decent, with both elbows and knees appearing to have 90-degree bends. And yes, there’s a waist swivel though there’s no mid-section crunch, but you can still pull good poses, with the assistance of the accessories it comes with.
Much like other Optimus Prime figures, this one comes with both the Ion Blaster and Energon Axe. Do note that based on some reviews already out there, the handle of the Ion Blaster seems to be too short, and it won’t take much to dislodge the weapon out of Optimus’ hand. On the other hand, the Energon Axe looks to go over the entire hand and hopefully will stay better than the blaster. The axe also has the details touched up with black paint to give a more weathered and physical look than just a pure energy weapon.
No Optimus Prime will be complete nowadays without an opening chest feature with a Matrix of Leadership inside. You can see this feature in the photo at the top of the post.
Lastly, here are a couple of size comparisons along with two recent Optimus Prime releases in the Studio Series line. On the left is the Rise of the Beasts version while on the right is the War for Cybertron version. Reactivate Optimus Prime is a little taller but is within the average Voyager class size range.
As I mentioned earlier, I’m very much sold on this figure on the get go. And I do hope we get more information as Hasbro makes the official reveal of this guy, at least based on what I’ve read online. Transformers: Reactivate Optimus Prime will be sold in a two-pack along with Shockwave. Earlier in October, we got a leak of the Bumblebee and Starscream two-pack shown in the now-outdated Transformers: Rise packaging. This will obviously be updated though it begs the question on whether it will be included in the Studio Series – Gamer Edition line.
