Product Line / Transformers Generations – Legacy
Scale & Class / Commander Class-Scaled Transformers Figure
Manufacturer / Hasbro & Takara Tomy
Release Date / 2022
Appearances / Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory
For the longest time, characters from the Japanese-exclusive Transformers series remained an untapped pool for potential figure releases. But thanks to Transformers Legacy, floodgates have been opened for these characters to get mainline releases. However, some of them are limited with the engineering allowed within the constraints of existing price points. Which is the reason Hasbro’s HasLab crowdfunding platform would be perfect for a character like Victory Saber from Transformers: Victory.
To those unfamiliar, HasLab allows the production of collectibles that might be too niche for a mainstream release but has high potential within a specific audience. HasLab also allows certain figures to be designed without the constraints of existing price points. With Victory Saber, it includes fully featured and combining figures of both Star Saber and Victory Leo. Star Saber is the form Saber takes after docking with the mobile battle platform V-Star.
Star Saber’s design is a product of its time, and this rendition is an excellent balance between the features of the original and the expectations from a modern figure. This includes Fire Base Mode which is alright, but the shield connection can be a lot better. V-Star, and Star Saber in vehicle mode looks great despite those obvious screw holes. Fortunately, the sculpted detail helps camouflage them to an extent. It also feels great with the tabs and locks that keep everything in place. Conversion to robot mode is very familiar, and stable thanks to its modern engineering. Though the locking tabs on the legs can get dislodged because of the strong hip and knee ratchet joints. Star Saber is articulated and has all the joints to facilitate them, except some are hindered by its heavier design. Lastly, it can use Saber’s blaster as its main ranged weapon, along with the shield that you can either clip to the forearm or hold via the handle. And of course, there’s the Saber Blade that can finally be held correctly as the blade itself can be attached with either the edge facing front, or with the broad side for those who prefer accuracy to the original.
