Springer.
(art by Dan-the-artguy; http://dan-the-artguy.deviantart.com/art/Springer-126471378 )
Not much is really known about Springer's past prior to the events of the 1986 film, but it is safe to assume that he - like many of the new characters that make their debut sduch as Hot Rod and Kup - was only stationed at Autobot City. According to the storyline of the IDW and Dreanware comics, he is the leader of the Wreckers; a sub-group of the Autobots who took on Ratbat and his Ultracons. As for his personality, Springer is the stereotypicial macho-man hero; he's the type who is effective in any battle scenario, and isn't afraid to let you know it. Another interesting note is that he was named to be Rodimus Prime's successor for leadership of the Autobots (yeah, because Springerous Prime is such a great name for a leader ).
The Universe toy version of Springer (which is a repaint of the Cybertron Evac mold) does away with Springer's original gimmick of being a triple-changer, but does keep his most used form from the G1 cartoon; his helicopter form. And I must say that this remake does do his character justice in the fact that it is a very accurate representation of a rescue chopper, and matches the colour scheme of G1 cartoon Springer quite well. Also, he has his swords; what more do you want?
VEHICLE:
The first thing you notice about this mode is that it's bigger than normal two-pack vehicle modes. This is because Evac was a Voyager-class figure in the Cybertron line, and as such Springer is a "Voyager-class" figure as well. To add to this mode, there is a button that - when pushed - spins the rotor blades for a few seconds. (it is possible to get the blades spinning fast enough for it to mimic a real helicopter should you wish to do that.) There is also a recovery crane that can be pulled out and retracted with the push of a button. Finally, using any cyber-key, the vehicle mode is given a set of two missile launchers. In total, I am quite impressed with this mode and this rank will reflect it.
Vehicle: 25/25
ROBOT:
This robot mode fits Springer's character so well it's scary. He's tall, strong and just generally appears like he could beat you to a pulp without actually needing to prove it. He has replaced his rotor swords from his G1 figure with a spinning arm-mounted weapon, which can double as a shield is need be. The colour scheme is also well done, making your believe that this is an original mold for Springer and not a repaint.
ARTICULATION:
Head: 360 degree rotation
Shoulders: ~360 degree rotation, 180 degree pivot
Elbows: 360 degree rotation, 90 degree pivot
Hands: n/a
Wasit: 360 degree rotation
Thighs: 180 degree pivot (forward/backward), 90 degree pivot (outward)
Knees: 360 degree rotation, 90 degree pivot
Feet: n/a
Other: Tail pieces can rotate 90 degrees, grappling hook rotates 360 degrees.
Articulation: 22.5/25
GIMMICK:
Universe Springer has a lot of nice gimmicks available, and I shall start with the most simplistic first. Like in vehicle mode, Springer possesses a rescue crane, but this can be turned into a grappling hook that can rotate to suit (rotating 180 degrees to store away). It contains an internal mechanism that allows the user to pull out the rope and retract it quickly with the push of a button.
The second gimmick is the same one that allows his rotor blades to spin in vehicle mode. By pressing the yellow button on the side of his arm, you can make Springer's dual-bladed weapon rotate quite fast; this can make it into both an offensive and defensive weapon, deflecting blows while dealing out serious damage at the exact same time. The only drawback is that you have to constantly push the button to make the blades spin.
The final - and by far most "advanced" - gimmick has to do with the cyber-planet key. As Springer is a repaint of a Cybertron figure, he possesses the same cyber-key gimmick, which also works in vehicle mode. By pushing in the cyber-key, you unlock the two missile launchers, which swing forward by means of springs. (Springer having springs....wow, how totally not funny.) The missiles themselves do have a bit of power behind them, but using them in this mode, unless you have them facing forward at any point is about as useful as the Fan in Super Smash Bros. Points go off because of this; I want missile launchers that I can actually use.
Gimmick: 22/25
FUN FACTOR:
Springer is firstly a helicopter, which uses to his advantage a child's love of flight. Planes, jets, helicopters; all of these things are fascinating to a child and as such they would at least over Springer's vehicle mode with the spinning blades and rescue crane. However, the blades have a tendency to pop off, and could hurt if going at a high speed and hitting a child in the face. The hook and cyber-key are also dangerous, but not as much. I would advice telling your children to be careful with the crane as it is a thin rope and plastic gearing, all of which can easily break.
Fun factor: 20/25
OVERVIEW:
For a repaint, this is definity worthy in my books. Hasbro made a good choice of the Evac mold for Springer (they also made Protectorbot Blades out of Evac, but that's aside from the point.) He has a lot of cool and nifty gimmicks, a kick-ass vehicle mode, a robot mode that isn't that half-bad either and truly is a nice upgrade from his one and only other toy. (the green face....why.....)
My score for Universe Springer: 89.5/100
Universe Springer has firstly achieved the highest score of all the figures I've reviewed, including my favourite figure Soundwave (guess it's true what they say; expect the unexpected.) But being truthful, Springer deserves the score. It is a real shame that he is simply labelled as a repaint and not given the time of day. If it were me, I'd buy the Springer and Evac molds (Blades can suck it). If you can still find it, pick up the Springer and Ratbat two-pack as both figures are worth it.
No comments:
Post a Comment