Stern’s Transformers pinball Pro edition is shipping to arcades, and Brian learns his Limited edition does not include the $1,500 topper. The Overgear Optimus Prime transformation video turns out simpler than its premium look. In-hand photos of the Studio Series MTMTE Insecticons and the wall-hanging Icons Optimus Prime leave the crew cold. Plus a Blokees Shining wave with a clear chase Optimus Prime, Yolopark Beast Wars preorders and a rumored Siege Jetfire reissue.
News
Stern Transformers Pinball Now Shipping
Stern’s Transformers table comes in Pro, Premium and Limited trims, and the sturdier Pro version is already turning up in arcades. Brian’s Limited ships next, but he learned the topper is not included and costs $1,500. Brian figures the Star Wars topper is worth $500 at most. Brian will get it eventually, and the crew still calls Godzilla the best pinball machine in 20 years. [Source: Stern Pinball]
Overgear Optimus Prime Transformation Video
The Overgear OG-03 Optimus Prime transformation is simpler than Brian feared, in the vein of the JAXA Optimus Prime. Brian is not buying unless a repaint comes along. The crew likes that it folds away decorative parts instead of fighting tabs, and calls it Bayverse-like without the knifey engineering. [Source: TFW2005]
Studio Series MTMTE Insecticons In Hand
In-hand photos of the Studio Series MTMTE Insecticons three-pack look close to the earlier Decepticons set, with a gray Bombshell. Don and Brian prefer the purple Bombshell for a matching trio. The clear chest pieces for the Diaclone drivers and Kickback’s opaque wings are pluses, but the set feels nonessential. [Source: TFW2005]
Transformers Icons Optimus Prime In Hand
Brian calls Icons Optimus Prime, which turns into an Autobot symbol, the least necessary Transformer ever. One host notes it has a wall mount on the back but is not feeling it at over $50, and the crew compares it to MODOK. [Source: TFW2005]
Blokees Shining Eternal Rivalry Wave
The next Blokees Shining wave brings new Optimus Prime and Megatron molds, a Quintesson judge, Perceptor with Kup, Hot Rod and a clear chase Optimus Prime with an opening Matrix. Perceptor reportedly comes with a word balloon that reads “I fear the wounds are fatal.” Brian just divested his non-Defenders Blokees and is resisting. [Source: TFW2005]
Yolopark Beast Wars Megatron and Blackarachnia Preorders
Yolopark’s AMK Beast Wars Megatron and Blackarachnia are up for preorder on Yolopark’s site. Don’s Donanomics shows buying direct saves about $20 over Big Bad Toy Store, even with shipping. Brian orders his direct on air. [Source: TFW2005]
Siege Commander Jetfire Reissue Rumored
A Siege Commander Jetfire reissue is rumored. The crew guesses it may drop some blast effects to save cost, and Don wishes Hasbro would reissue the Shattered Glass version instead. [Source: TFW2005]
This Week in History
Five years ago this week in 2021, Paramount revealed the Beast Wars movie that became Rise of the Beasts. The crew calls it about 40 percent Beast Wars.
What We Got This Week
Diecast
Diecast had nothing this week.
Don
Don got Magic Square’s Legends-class Shockwave recolor, which turns into a gun for Magic Square Bruticus, for $25. He also got Super7’s prototype Unicron in alternate colors for $12 in a Big Bad Toy Store sale.
Matt
Matt got Studio Series Kranix and calls it spot-on screen accurate, with super tight joints. From Pulse’s 40 percent off sale he got the G2 Dinobots he was missing, Snarl and Slag. Slag’s green is fine, but Snarl’s washed-out red is a letdown.
Brian
Brian got the red Twin Mill repaint from Pulse. He stressed a part while transforming it in the car and fixed the mark with a heat gun. He also got the anime repaints of Missing Link Cliffjumper and Bumblebee, his least favorite Missing Link figures so far.