Generations Air Raid/Fireflight

(Robot Mode)

(Vehicle Mode)

(Accessories)

I picked this figure up at the same time as Ultra Magnus, and while I ultimately prefer that figure, Air Raid/Fireflight is still a very nice Deluxe (And I might as well get this out of the way first. When the figure was announced, he was called Fireflight, and both his bio on the package along with some elements of his design reinforce the link to the character of the same name from the original 80's toyline. However when he was released his name was changed to Air Raid, another character. As Air Raid is the toys official name, I'll be referring to him at that in here) Like Ultra Magnus, Air Raid is a Wave Three Deluxe from the Fall of Cybertron subline that shares a general mold with a Wave One figure, this one being the Evil Shockwave. The primary changes here are a new head and chest section, along with an altered gun/sword weapon that replaces Shockwave's own cannon. An additional sword (Pictured in the middle of the third picture) is also included. The new head and color scheme make for an effective and heroic appearance that really helps to set him apart from the mostly purple Shockwave. The addition of three weapons also increases his play value, as you can use them in a variety of manners. In the robot mode picture I have his twin-barreled gun pegged into his back while the two sword weapons are combined into an even larger sword.

Air Raid ultimately does not feature as much articulation as Ultra Magnus does, but just about every point of articulation is utilized when transforming him into his vehicle mode, which is some sort of flying weapons platform. All of his accessories are stored with him in vehicle mode and do a great job of blending in. Of the two deluxes I own from this wave right now, I would ultimately recommend Ultra Magnus more, but if you find Air Raid to be a much more appealing design, then by all means go for him!

Generations Ultra Magnus

(Robot Mode)

(Vehicle Mode)

(Accessories)

Part of the third wave of Deluxe-class figures from the tie-in 'Fall of Cybertron' subline, Ultra Magnus is effectively a re-release of the wave one Optimus Prime figure, only with a new color scheme, a new head mold and an additional sword weapon. While I generally like how the Optimus Prime figure looks, I owned the version of him from the War for Cybertron toyline a couple years ago and didn't feel like doubling up. However I feel that the Ultra Magnus version of this mold looks a lot nicer and has a very striking coloration. As well, the additional sword weapon looks great with him and can combine with the gun to create an even larger sword (Not pictured, though it can be seen HERE) which can be wielded in a variety of ways due to this figures articulation, which is pretty standard for most modern Transformers (Shoulders, biceps, wrists, head, waist, legs, knees and feet). 

This mold also features a much simpler transformation scheme than the War for Cybertron Optimus Prime mold (Which is not hard, since many Transformers fans will agree that WfC Optimus has one of the most difficult transformations ever seen on a Deluxe-class figure), which transforms him into a very neat looking alien truck.Both the gun and the sword can be displayed on the truck, though pegging the sword in too tightly will prevent the wheels from turning. I really cannot help but recommend him as he is a dead solid figure, though care should be taken with the sword, as at least one piece of it is rather small and is a choking hazard to small children.

A short introduction

Hey followers! In this blog I'm going to be talking about Transformers toys. While the idea of me talking about mere children's toys may sound boring or juvenile, one cannot but help but admire the designers of these toys! After all, designing something that can transform into two (Or more!) distinct modes while still  generally maintaining the same articulation as most action figures is a pretty impressive feat of engineering.

I should probably also point out that there are a lot of other reviewers for these toys out on the internet, and my own entries will not be nearly as in-depth. Rather all that should be expected is a few pictures (One of each mode, and a third showing off the accessories) as well as a blurb talking about my personal opinion on each figure.

That said, I hope you all enjoy what's to come!