Review- Transformers Combiner Wars Sky Reign

With the Enigma of Combination, it seems almost any cybertronian can become part of a greater whole, a part of a gestalt, a part of a combiner! In a seemingly clever move, Hasbro has provided Transformers fans with official combiners at much lower prices than the third party toy makers. But what it also meant is the use of the same or similar molds for the production of different characters that can combine with one another. It is a good way for fans to get their hands on different characters, but over time, it becomes tedious for collectors as these toys seem repetitive and lacked imagination. I wasn't ready to go into Sky Reign but as mentioned earlier, I got these guys off Taobao and got them at a fraction of retail prices. They were too good to be true, too good to pass. So here we are, looking at these boys before they hit the shelves! 

 

  Skylynx    

Skylynx Robot Mode    
    

Close up on Skylynx's head

 

                                Skylynx's full body- from head to tail                                    

 

Skylynx's alt-mode  
                                                         

I think this is the figure that most people are curious about, and rightly so! This is the only new mould of the wave and something that set the Internet abuzz. Skylynx is compact in the alt-mode as the neck, legs and tail are nicely folded. The transformation to robot mode is simple as it comprises of simple steps of extending the neck and tail, opening the mouth, twisting and extending the legs. You can figure all these without images or guide. The problem is with the transformation into the main body of Sky Reign. As I had very little information on Sky Reign, I relied heavily on the images from botcon/toy fair. But if I can figure it out, I am very sure the rest of you guys won't have any problem at all!  

 

This toy does have its flaws. The plastic, while sturdy, is quite thin. Scale is something thrown out of the design process as Skylynx has to form the main body of the combiner. It is out of scale when placed together with its wave-mates. I personally prefer the G1 toy as I feel that the G1 toy has already done the character justice. This figure also cannot separate like the G1 toy and the play value is just not as good as it should be. But for those of us who fancy the IDW design, this toy serves that purpose well!    

 

Trailcutter    

Trailcutter Vehicle Mode

Trailcutter Robot Mode

This figure is easily the weakest of the wave. The Generations line has done such a great job with the Trailcutter mold that I felt disappointed with this mold. It shares the same mold as the recently released Combiner Wars Ironhide with the exception of the colour, head sculpt and cannon arm. 

Wheeljack

 

 

Wheeljack Vehicle Mode    
                       

Wheeljack Robot Mode

He shares the same mold as Sunstreaker with the exception of colour and head sculpt. Remember what I said earlier about the overuse of the same mold? This figure is lackluster too. Considering the recent release of Masterpiece Wheeljack and the earlier CHUG Wheeljack mold,  this figure is an easy pass. Sighs. Even the Wheeljack from the QT series did a better job.

*Edit: A kind user on Instagram has pointed out to me that Wheeljack and Sunstreaker have different molds in vehicle mode. He is right about that and you can check out on @sgtoydude to see for yourself! :)

Smokescreen

Smokescreen Vehicle Mode      
              

Smokescreen Robot Mode

Things are picking up here. In terms of colour, this is my favorite of the mold! The colors are striking and I am deeply drawn by the colour even though this is the exact same mold as Combiner Wars Prowl. I will pick this over Prowl without a doubt! Not much to say except that it is aesthetically pleasing! 

Hound  

Hound Vehicle Mode

 

Hound Robot Mode

If you own the previous wave, Bruticus Maximus, you will know this is the exact same mold as Combiner Wars Swindle. The mold is an easy win as the beefy figure with broad shoulders and ankle joints has captivated me. It is comparable with Swindle and I like this updated look from the CHUG design. Yes, I know. This may not be a close representation of the cartoon character but it looks good as a mecha and it is highly poseable.

Sky Reign  

 

Team shot! Scale is an obvious problem!

Had problems with the transformation until images from the Internet saved me...
                

Sky Reign!

Close up on the torso and head

Looks good even from the side!

I am pleasantly surprised by the combiner form. The colors go well together and the creative use of Skylynx as the main body came out well. The first beast head we are getting in the combiner series, it breaks the monotony of the combiners we have so far. I know this is not everyone's cup of tea. It was really cheaper to get this as a set than just getting Skylynx alone, especially when we are considering the shipping cost. If you are not looking to complete the combiners, just pass on the limbs as the CHUG lines are good enough. If you are not caught in the craze, pick up Skylynx on clearance discount? I am just happy to get them cheaply and early to share these photos and thoughts with you. While we are at it, I just want to wish you a blessed new year! :)