Review- Transformers Combiner Wars Bruticus

I think of all the combiners released so far, the Combaticons, or Bruticus, seemed to receive the most positive feedback. Yes, some parts were just repaint. For the most part of this combiner, we do see heavy retool to create an entire different feel to the combiners! I think Hasbro did a great job in giving us what the fans want. A lesson from the Fall of Cybertron Bruticus tells us that you cannot have the figure forming the main body of the combiner to be the same size as the limbs. Without anymore rambling, we will look at the Combaticons!

  

Vortex  

 

Vortex Vehicle Mode    

                                       

Vortex Robot Mode  

This is a repaint. Period. Nah, what's a review without some thoughts?  I like the colour of this figure and the attempt to ensure that the colours are close to the G1 figure. The colours provide ample warning that we are dealing with a Decepticon here. Not a rescue or peacekeeping vehicle!  

 

 

Blast Off   

Blast Off Vehicle Mode      

                                    

Blast Off Robot Mode  

I think this is the figure that received the most flak. Other than the fact that it is a straight-up repaint, there were fans who did not like the representation of Blast Off as a fighter jet. Many preferred him as a space shuttle, and we know this is possible from Sky Lynx. Truth be told, scale is a problem and will always be a problem. A space shuttle just doesn't scale well with other smaller vehicles that form the limbs and main body of the combiner. I know the counter argument is that scale has always been thrown out of the window in the Transformers universe. That's true! Looks like the designers can't please all the fans. Just a good move to save on the cost by giving us a repaint that still fits the scale.

 

 

Swindle 

  

Swindle Vehicle Mode      

                                    

Swindle Robot Mode  

Man, I love this figure! The IDW comics had me with how they portrayed him in the Combiner Wars arc. He always stirring trouble, trying to profit from the conflict, only to find himself at the shorter end of the deal. Great retool of Rook to give us this big jeep. Awesome poseability! I just find the small head a bit of an eyesore as it doesn't go well with the beefy look. Still loving this mold! 

 

 

Brawl  

 

  

Brawl Vehicle Mode     
 
                           

Brawl Robot Mode

 

We got a new mold in this wave through Brawl! The vehicle mode is simply neat as everything rotates and squeezes in nicely into a compact tank. The robot mode is badass and I like the broad feet with ankle tilt. The major flaw in this figure is the waist of the robot! He looks good from the front. The proper angle is needed or you will notice the gaps and flimsy waist that kind of folds on itself. A tad disappointing knowing that it could have been fixed at the design process!   

 

 

Onslaught  

 

    

Onslaught Vehicle Mode    

                                    

Onslaught Robot Mode  

This retool from Hotspot is just what we need of the Combaticon leader! In my opinion, he is a highly accurate representation of the G1 design and he definitely scales well in the team shot. I am gushing over this figure as Hasbro has given what the fans need since the Fall of Cybertron Bruticus.    

  

Team Vehicle Shot!      
 
               

Team Bot Shot!          
 
         

Bruticus Himself!  

For the 1827462947th time, I agree that he needs the PE upgrade for the hands and feet. Moving on, my biggest gripe this round is that he is really unstable in the combiner form. No, I don't mean mentally. He is difficult to pose and has a tendency to lean forward. I sincerely wish you the very best in displaying him on the shelf with other bots right in front of him. Jokes aside, he does look good!  

Bonus round: Shockwave!   

Logic rules!      

            

Guys, just chill and make peace!    

        

There you go! Much better!  

Mentioned about Shockwave on my Instagram (Sgtoydude). He is probably the best Legend class figure so far! While people complained that he is too small, he does what he is supposed to do. To be a blaster for the combiners! Want something bigger, get a bigger version of this character! 

Summary

I am happy to find this set early and cheap. Probably the first, if not the first few, to have him in Singapore. Ok, enough bragging! Hehe! You won't regret adding him to your combiner collection and Deception shelf. For some reason, I also found the paint work to be very crisp. Maybe they tightened the quality control? As always, check out this blog for more toy reviews and my Instagram if you want quick and lazy shots of toys :)