Still more from Transformers One, we also got a couple of the mainline toys revealed besides the one Studio Series Optimus Prime figure. Contrary to what happened with Rise of the Beasts where we got the gimmick toys and the “core” series figures, it looks like Transformers One will just have one mainline, with the usual subset of gimmick toys.
One of these subsets are the “Prime Changers” who do seem to be similar to Warrior class offerings from Cyberverse or EarthSpark. While these are more basic figures, they appear to have ample articulation and paint that would suffice collectors. What’s more interesting is that Prime Changer Optimus Prime sort of looks better than its Studio Series counterpart. But we’ll check that out later as we first look at Alpha Trion.
We’ve already seen the moss-covered Alpha Trion from the trailer as he gives our core cast of ‘bots their “Transformation Cogs” or T-Cogs. While we’ve yet to see Alpha Trion himself transform, we now have an idea of what he’ll transform into thanks to his Prime Changer figure. As seen above, he will transform into a lion which is a deep homage to his cancelled 2001 BotCon-exclusive figure. This is the second figure of Alpha Trion transforming into a lion as the 2016 Titans Return version also did the same, with likely having the same homage to the 2001 cancelled figure.
In robot mode, Alpha Trion has essential articulation (except for wrist swivels?) and a decent paint job, not to mention a couple of weapons in that ‘Allspark blue’ Hasbro likes to use.
Then there’s Optimus Prime who, like Alpha Trion, looks really decent with the paint work and articulation. He doesn’t appear to have angle joints, but that’s serviceable with you’re getting at this price point. He also has an implementation of the Energon Axe seen in the Studio Series version although this one is also in that ‘Allspark blue’. What’s interesting is that unlike the Studio Series figure, the Prime Changer still has his fingers molded on the axe, and even painted in different colors. This gives a different impression of how the axe is formed.
But the more notable difference is how they used a more neutral gray color for some parts instead of that yellowed tone they went for the Studio Series. Here’s a comparison to better show the difference.
As I mentioned in another post, I believe this is meant to look like the armor with a shimmering glow as seen in some parts of the trailer. However, it just comes across as yellowed plastic.
Looks like this is another case of Rise of the Beasts where I’ll get both the Studio Series and mainline releases for select characters. The Transformers One Prime Changers will be available starting Summer 2024 for $19.99 each.
