Optimus Prime - Ultimate Battle

Optimus' Deluxe alt form harkens back to his G1 semi look. The color scheme is also the same as with the G1 version, with a red cab and blue rear end. Unfortunately, it doesn't come across as very clean. A lot of this has to do with the fact that his legs don't retract into themselves, creating an absurdly long back end. The short cab on the front end doesn't help the figure seem proportionate, either. The cab windows (which show a semi-detailed cockpit) protrude out farther than the grille or headlights, further ruining the aesthetics. Then there is the exposed head on the roof.

Optimus has a cannon mounted on the back of him. I suppose this could be used as a mobile cannon platform, due to the design. The gun itself is decently detailed, complete with scope and ability to rotate and on it's mount. I suppose this could be the one highlight of the alt mode. Note the black lever at the back of the cab. This serves no purpose in Alt mode, but has a purpose later. Transformation is rather simple and comparative to the Voyager version, albeit simpler than that.

Fortunately, Prime's robot mode comes off looking MUCH better. The detail in this mode is surprisingly good. The gun that was on his rear end now becomes his hand weapon. It's a nice weapon, similar to a tommy gun. Optimus' eyes have lightpiping, which is a lighter shade of blue. The effect is somewhat eeiry, especially with the bugeyes Optimus seems to have. Here also Prime retains his coloring, with the red chest and blue legs. Gold also shows up near his wrists as well as the waist and legs.

If this Prime has one strength, it's in his poseability. The joints are very tight and have alot of bendability. If you like to give your figures various stances, this Prime makes it simple with fully bendable knees, hips, shoulders, elbows and head. Earlier, I mentioned the black lever on the back of his cab. If you press this button in Robot Mode, it gives Prime punching action, much like the Supercon Optimus Prime figure from Armada/Cybertron. The lever seems jammed but it takes effort to activate the punch feature. Be warned that once the chest is unlocked, it spins uncontrollably. However, you can now use the punching gimmick to no end.... kinda weak. If you pull the lever back again (it takes a little force to pull back), it will relock his chest.