When we came home a few weeks back to find Optimus Prime peering from within an obviously-Dinobot ravaged crate of TRANSFORMERS goodies sent to Rock Father HQ direct from Hasbro, it was a surprise. Now, as we’ve been trying out the different assortments represented within the sampling, we’re knee-deep in Autobot Vs. Decepticon action… and it’s glorious. With TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION opening Friday, today we’re featuring the POWER BATTLERS (aka POWER ATTACKERS) and FLIP & CHANGE toys, right here on THE ROCK FATHER as part of #TRANSFORMERSweek!
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TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION POWER BATTLERS Assortment
Reporting for Duty: Crosshairs | Autobot
Before Crosshairs was even out of his package, Addie swore to me that he is “a garbage man.” Now, other than the fact that he’s green like the Waste Management trucks that pick up our trash, I couldn’t figure out why, exactly, she zeroed in on that – he’s based on a Chevrolet Corvette, one of several vehicles worked into the TRANSFORMERS world through the folks at General Motors. Weird thing is, there actually is a TRANSFORMERS Waste Management truck – a Decepticon called Junkheap… but to the best of my knowledge, Addie’s never seen it. Now we may have to have it… but Crosshairs?
Her favorite of all of our TRANSFORMERS, hands-down.
She loves him in robot mode, and his Power Battle function is a mighty punch with the twist of his torso. This year alone, Hasbro is planning 15 figures in this assortment, and the first batch is on-shelves now, with characters such as Optimus Prime, Duke, Lockdown, Strafe, Scorn, Drift and Bumblebee out there and ready to rock.
The more traditional transformations here are pretty cool, but this assortment limits the steps to ten or less. Cool for beginners.
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TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION FLIP & CHANGE Assortment
Reporting for Duty: Optimus Prime | Autobot Leader
Now, while the name of this line may be “Flip & Change,” they don’t all “flip,” and the prime example (yes, a pun!) is Optimus Prime himself – with “Smash & Change” action. Essentially a larger-scale spin on the One-Step Changer concept that we reviewed previously, these toys are geared toward younger fans ages 5 and up, and allow that “instant” transformation like the kids are used to seeing on-screen. She might be younger than the target, but even my Little Finley digs the way you can old Optimus’ “handle” for vehicle mode play, then bash him for immediate robot action. Hearing her call Optimus both “robot” and “friend” warms my heart.
This assortment also includes Bumblebee, Grimlock, Drift and Lockdown, each sold separately.
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BONUS: WHAT IS LOCKDOWN DOING… STILL LURKING AT ROCK FATHER HQ? STAY TUNED…
