The Universe incarnation of Ironhide is a quantum leap from his Generation One version, with the biggest addition being HE ACTUALLY HAS A HEAD THIS TIME! But being serious here, Hasbro has taken what the G1 toy had and amplified it to create a much more articulate and aesthetically-pleasing toy. But what makes this version of the Autobot tough-guy so great?
VEHICLE:
Ironhide's Universe vehicle mode does conjure up memories of the Chevrolet Vanette mode from Generation One; this version however is modeled after a modern SUV of some fashion, as unlike G1, Universe (as well as Classics to a point) figures do not have a specific model of car body (such as Prowl as a Datsun Z or Ironhide's Chevy Vanette). This mode is a great design, rolls really well and definately fits the attitude of the robot within. However, there is one tiny flaw I hate about it.
Take a good look at these photos and see if there is anything peculiar. Give up? Ironhide's vehicle mode has 32 (yes, I counted) dividing lines. What is a dividing line you ask? I define it as a place where two pieces of the Transformer connects. (like for example, where a foot tabs into a body piece.) This is a major flaw in the design as it makes Ironhide look like he was in a horrific crash and was pulled back into shape. I will admit it does also fit Ironhide's personality, it is a horrible cosmetic flaw to have.
Ironhide also has windows of two different hues. This is a minor peev, and if it were me designing this toy, I'd have at least made the back windows a blue that is a little closer to the translucent plastic windshield. But again, this is a minor detail. Otherwise, Ironhide's vehicle mode is quite good and worth picking up in itself.
One final note to make is his license plate...
As you can tell, it reads "OREGON". This is a reference to a small factoid from the G1 show; when the Autobots crashed into a volcano on pre-historic Earth, it was in what would become the state of Oregon. It is also where the Witwitchy family resides. (Thank you Teletran I1: The Transformers wiki!)
Vehicle: 22/25
ROBOT:
What more can I really say about this mode other than "HELL YEAH". Not only does he have a god damned head, but he is articulate, stands quite well and is a great overall design; I really like how this new and improved Ironhide looks! One thing I must point out is his face...
The things are wrong with it. Firstly, the light piping for the eyes is blocked by the back panel, and only work when his head is turned to the left or right. I'm sure that if Hasbro had known of this design mistake, they'd have made the eyes opaque (however this is Hasbro, so you never know.). The other thing I feel was done wrong was the face colour. I'm pretty sure in Generation One, Ironhide's face wasn't a nice shade of sky blue. The Japanese Henkai Ironhide has fixed this, but yet again we in North America seem to get shafted. Still, both are ignorable unless you are a nit-pick like myself.
ARTICULATION:
Ironhide has a great deal of articulation, which would - I suppose - give him a partial excuse for the huge amount of dividing lines in his vehicle mode. First off, his head can rotate 90 degrees to the left or right. His shoulders can rotate 90 degrees forward and back, as well as 90 degrees up due to transformation. His arms can bend at the elbow and his hands are on ball joints (which is helpful with the gimmick I shall explain in a minute). As for his legs, he can rotate 360 degrees at the waist, move his leg 90 degrees (or until he's doing the splits basically), can bend and rotate at the knee, and his feet are on ball joints to allow for added stability in awkward and/or epic battle poses. This adds up to a very articulate toy that one can put in a variety of poses for all occassionas.
Articulation: 20/25
GIMMICK:
Ironhide's one gimmick involves his weapon, which is a very unique one (not counting remolds...damn Universe Ratchet.) When you first get the weapon, it is a six-barreled cannon, and seems pretty solid. However, this is not the case as you are able to choose whether the weapon is the cannon, or an energon "sword". (I put sword in quotations as one could consider an energon scalpel in the hands of Ratchet.)
To attach said weapon (on either side), there are two methods. The first way is to fold back one of the hands as they were when you transform Ironhide to robot mode. There is a small set of two grooves on his forearm, so all you need to do is slip the weapon into those grooves. This works, but it is quite loose and prone to falling off. The other way to put the weapon into the hands of Ironhide is to careful slip it over one of his hands and then lock it into the grooves; this makes the fit a lot tighter.
In truth, this gimmick is cool, but isn't all that spactacular. However, Hasbro is trying, and like I said many times before, that does count in my books.
Gimmick: 18/25
FUN FACTOR:
If we were to compare old and new Ironhide's fun factors using a child, he'd more than likely play with new Ironhide as he isn't a brick. Universe Ironhide is able to be put into numerous positions and also doesn't have any small pieces to him, which is an added safety feature when used about younger children. Sadly, his transformation is a tad finiky, which might frustrate some kids. So it is really a toss-up here; Ironhide is a great toy, but not overally easy to change from mode to mode.
Fun Factor: 19/25
OVERVIEW:
Universe Ironhide is a great update of the figure that had little-to-no features in the 1980s. It also is a "chase figure", which means that with each shipment of Wave 3 Universe figures, there is one to two Ironhide figures. So if you want to add Universe Ironhide to your collection, you can either check your local toy store or eBay (ah eBay, you are such a life-saver).
My Score for Universe Ironhide: 79/100
Universe Ironhide is a nice toy to add to your collection or to give to a child to play with. However, due to its slightly finiky transformation, there may be a bit of frustration that goes along with it. But he is still a worthy addition to your Universe collection, and is a fitting tribute to how Hasbro can - in fact - fix some of the issues caused by purchasing molds from other toy lines.
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