Age of Extinction Optimus Prime

Age of Extinction - It is a guilty pleasure when I saw this figure that was selling for half price. I really can't resist to pick up this figure instead of Grimlock (I hate those bony Dinobots). Anyway; I really felt as a leader class, this figure really shrink almost to a voyager level. I still remember holding my RoTF Optimus Prime and RVS Leader Class Starscream. Those were heavy and was almost difficult to transform. This felt almost like a blown up voyager class. Now here is my review for this figure.

Bio

Optimus Prime has long believed that freedom is the right of all sentient beings. He has never wavered from his belief, no matter what has befallen him in battle. Once again ready to defend the people of his adopted planet, the unyielding Autobot Commander prepares for the battle that will allow the Autobots to reclaim their role as Earth's honored preotectors. Sources: TFU.info

Vehicle Mode

The truck mode is gorgeous. I really love it very much. Beautiful flame decal and very sturdy. I still remember the scene where the Freightliner WFT Optimus transcan the passing by Western Star 5700 Concept and changed immediately. That was really awesome (who need Teletran 1 anyway). You can hide the sword below the vehicle mode by inserting it into the sheath. But not so much with the shield. It can be mounted on the rear but it looks pretty awkward no matter how many time you look at it (skip it).

Transformation

I am surprise that the level of difficulty for a leader class drop down to a more voyager class transformation. It is quite simple without giving you a major headache. There are certain issue that needs to be dealt with especially when transforming the chest. There were rumor that the spring loaded inside the chest will pop out so strong that the head were flown. AND that did really happen to me. I was surprise and lucky that it did not hit my eyes or something. I still felt that RoTF leader class is one hell of a figure to transform. Transforming this figure is like a breeze.

Robot Mode

First of all; I really don't get why M. Bay Transformers design is getting complicated and looks more like the Power Ranger. As a fan for so long; I remember that Transformers were either more mechanical, boxy looking or aerodynamic. But this was too much like a rubber suit to me. The design maybe awesome but as for most of the toyline; it is not like a robot in disguise but a robot in a box shell. To me the only part that worth the transformation was the leg. It felt empty and not that too much of a challenge. And for a modern Transformers toy; this one had the worst articulation. I could only do less than 5 pose with this figure. Luckily; Takara Tomy came up with the new DMK-03 kit. And that one was not everybody's favorite either as it contain water decal sticker.

Conclusion

I have to be honest that if it were not for the cheap sale price, I would skip buying this. And most of AoE toy are now shelves warmer at our local store due to certain surplus. Only those hard to find figure such as voyager Hound, Drift and Slog were quite rare here. So if you considered a fan of this Optimus; I might suggest to get the Takara Tomy AD31 that got more accurate movie color and a new interchangeable face plate. And forget the big First Edition AoE Optimus. That one is crappy as hell for its size (unless you like Optimus with big backpack).