(Isn't that picture just awesome?)
Starscream could be described the best as a role model for every usurper to follow; he's sneaky, he's devious and at times, he's even won. But usually, he's just cowardly and to some degree Megatron's robotic bitch. Despite this, Starscream's charismatic attitude and constant appearance beside his leader has made him one of the most recognisable Transformers in history. He's so good, he's got not one, but TWO Classics models in North America alone.
Starscream is also a seeker. What is a seeker? Basically, seekers (as they were dubbed by fans) were the Decepticon Cybertronian air force. There are two main known groups of seekers that are seen throughout the Transformers series (Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker = Seekers; Dirge, Ramjet and Thrust = Coneheads). There are also numerous other seekers that make small cameos in the show, but back to the topic at hand.
Since the 2006 Classics line release of the mold, Starscream's body has been used for other seekers; Classics Skywarp and Ramjet, Botcon Thundercracker, Thrust and Dirge, as well as Henkai (Japanese toy line) of all major seekers. There has even been a Universe release of an little known Decepticon known as "Acid Storm". But let's focus on the newest remold from this Starscream mold.
VEHICLE:
Starscream's vehicle mode doesn't have much to really say that has been already. He's firstly a combat jet that is painted bright white, with red and blue splashes here and there (because Starscream is about as subtle and stealthy as Darth Vader on Hoth). This does give him a different look among your other Transformers, and makes him stand out. He also has a spring-loaded missile on either wing, which can launch the missile at least a good 2 feet. Finally, there are two landing gear that flip out of the chest area, which is a nice little touch. For a remold, this mode definately doesn't disappoint.
Vehicle: 21/25
ROBOT:
Starscream's robot mode shares a similar robot mode the the majority of Classics/Universe line seekers currently on the market or in households everywhere. It is a nice update from the Generation One style, fixing certain problems such as the fact that most of the pieces had to be attached after transformation, all the while creating a totally different Starscream. The paint scheme is also very G1-ish and isn't super crazy like his Classics version. The onyl major issue is that he is looser than most of the other seeker remolds as this is the fifth or sixth use of the mold, so the tools might be a tad worn.
ARTICULATION:
Starscream is quite posable with ball jointed legs, bendable and rotatable knees and pivoting feet. His arms are double jointed at the shoulder and can bend at the elbow. Finally, his head can rotate side to side, but this is only within a 90 degree angle due to the two ventilation ducts beside it. Basically, Starscream suffers from both physical and mental tunnelvision.
Articulation: 18/25
GIMMICK:
Starscream's gimmick is similar to Hound's as his weapons can be held in two different ways. Firstly, his hands are designed to hold the photon cannons as though they were rifles. This is okay, but come on; this is Starscream. There can be no other way he can use his weapons other than by attaching them to his arms. And Hasbro has encorporated that option into each remold. So basically, you can either have rifles or shoulder cannons that both fire missiles. Not a bad deal if I do say so myself.
Gimmick: 19/25
FUN FACTOR:
Starscream's mold is firstly a jet. I can't think of many youngsters you hate planes in general, let alone a supersonic fighter jet. And he has pretty colours as well. (hey, I'm trying to find an overall appeal here.) And then there's those missile launchers; if little kids are entertained by the missile launchers at least, this toy has done its job. And plus being extra posable does allow for more playability.
Fun factor: 20/25
OVERVIEW:
For being a remold, Universe Starscream was still worth the deluxe class price. His joints are looser than those of Universe Acid Storm, and if you are a stickler for that, then this might not be the best figure to buy. But if you are not, and you are looking for a good Starscream toy for a cheap price, look no further. This figure has good possability, good vehicle mode, great gimmick and a famous name to tie it all together. What a great Transformer!
My score for Universe Starscream: 78/100
This mold is still a remold, but if I had to chose between Classics Starscream and this version, if Hasbro had tightened up the joints a bit more, this one would be mine in a heartbeat.
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