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Scorponok is back, minus the Headmaster ability. Nonethless, the figure is a large triple-changer that can go from scorpion/bulldozer mode to robot mode to hover-jet mode.
The robot mode approximately 7" tall at the shoulders, closer to 12" with the tail extended over it's head. The figure is mostly dark green and black with burnt-orange high-lights. In this mode, the scorpions pincers become giant arms, the tracks/legs fold out and extend to become the 'bots legs, and the scropions tails folds up and over Scorponok's head.
Hover-jet mode is a continueation of 'bot mode; the tail is extended straight out in line with the body to form the nose, the arms are folded against the sides for become 'wings', and the legs folk up to become the engines.
The figure also comes with a pair of large missile launchers in the claws and has three special-effects sounds.
Meat and Potatoes; 5.0
Perks; 5.0
Homer Factor; 5.0
Meat and potatoes are amazing on this one. Hasbro continues to show they can sculpt as well as anything Bandai slaps on to their Gundam pieces with their Energon work. ... ok, ok, it's not THAT good, but it's pretty dang close. The sculpt on the piece captures a ton of panel lines, vents, the gears and cylinders on the tracks, everything. In addition, the articulation on the piece kicks serious butt. Another nice touch with the sculpting are the tons of weapons the 'bot is covered in. There are two turrets on the 'bot's hips, the large cannons that pop-out on the tail, this thing is loaded for action. Scorponok's 'bot mode has 11 points of articulation in the arms and legs, and that's not including his tail. Lots and lots of posing possibilities.
The paint has taken a severe beating from fans, but personally it's not that bad. The piece is mostly dark green and black with some burnt orange here and there. Granted, it makes the thing look a bit like a construction machine... but that's basically what Scorponok is in this incarnation... just a biiiiiiiiiiiiiiig bad-ass one.
And along these lines, the size of the figure is almost perfect. It's a bit short compared to Energon Prime, but considering how hefty the figure is in 'bot mode, and having the giant tail over it's head, it's hard to notice.
The perks are very good over-all. The transformations in all three modes aren't all that difficult to get but create a huge range of appearances. The scorpion mode is really, well, I hate to say this, but it's basically a giant bulldozer. Ok, ok, calm down, this scorpion has tracks rather then legs, and it's two giant pincers are a lot like the shovels on a bulldozer. BUT, even with that form in mind, it's still a pretty intimidating piece of work. Hey, if Scavenger can work, so can this. Besides, the shovel/pincers both contain large missile launchers that are released when the claws are open. Very nice work. The plane/hover-jet mode is ok. The tail becomes the 'jet's nose, and you bend the limbs around to make the wings and tail. Ok, so it's sounds kinda lame, it honestly doesn't look bad when you have it in front of you. The 'bot mode, however, takes the cake. The giant claws become the 'bot's arms, and the tail can be positioned over Scorponok's head, giving this final mode a very intimidating appearance. Naturally, Scorponok comes with a sound chip. I could live with out this one, but that's just me.
Homer factor? Hey, you GOTTA have the bad guy. Unfortunately, Scorponok has always had to play second fiddle to the likes of Starscream and Shockwave in the comic. However, this toy has to take a back seat to no body!
In the end, this is a great piece to have along side your other transformers. Sure, the hover-jet mode is rather 'eh', but it's not HORRIBLE. Besides, the other two modes more then make up for it. The over-all craftsmanship on this piece is amazing. If Hasbro keeps this up, everyone will forget about Armada and sing the praises of Energon. And just think, toy-fans... Megatron is juuuuuuuuuust around the corner.