Friday, August 7, 2015

Transformers: Prime Robots In Disguise Arcee Part 1

More than just transformation for a Transformers figure

As part of the "Transformers: Prime" Arcee double feature review series started with the "First Edition" version in the previous posting, here's a look at the newer Robots in Disguise release. ^^


By newer I mean she was released six months after the "First Edition" version, but I also realize that she's a three-year-old Transformers figure by today's standard. ^^;

No worries, I have a couple other unopened Transformers that are much older than these two Arcees still waiting to be reviewed. ^^;

"Transformers: Prime" Robots In Disguise Arcee
Production company: Hasbro
Release date: April 2012
Price: US$14.99
Merchandise link

As mentioned in the previous posting, I initially gave this Robots in Disguise version a pass when it was first released. Besides the simplified transformation sequence, the design of having the front wheel hang on the robot mode's back very "outstandingly" really irked me at first glance. ^^; While that basic design is also present on her "First Edition" self, the head and windshield transform to integrate more with the body, so she doesn't appear as back heavy as this Robots in Disguise version.

I will save more of my comments about the two versions' comparison till another posting, but the bottom line is, I didn't like this "new" "Transformers: Prime" when it first came out. ^^;


It was much later when I went back and looked at more images and reviews on the figure that I slowly started to like her more. ^^ While the transformation design has been simplified, and the backpack still looks awkward (XD), she is a much more faithful representation of her cartoon series appearance than the "First Edition" version in my opinion. ^^ As I watched more episodes of "Transformers: Prime" and Arcee became a character that I really like in the show, I realized that I like her sport bike and robot mode look just as much as the involved transformation design of her "First Edition" self. That was when I decided not to miss out on this Robots in Disguise release. ^^

As with other releases in this Transformers toy line, Arcee received her "Beast Hunter" redesign prior to the airing of that TV season. I got the Japanese version of that redesigned Deluxe Class figure, named "Hunter Arcee" last year. While there's no "First Edition" for the "Beast Hunter" series, the Takara Tomy version of the same mold does feature obvious color difference as compared to her Hasbro counterpart, so even though the figure is exactly the same, one can do a double feature review comparing the two. ^^;

The Takara Tomy version is the only one I have, so said comparison isn't going to come from me. XD


Front view of the blister pack.


Like her "First Edition" self, this version of Arcee also came packaged in her alternate mode.


A large image of Arcee's 3D model occupies the top section of the package card.


The product label indicates that the transformation difficult is 2 - Intermediate for the figure.






Arcee in sport bike mode can be seen very easily and clearly through the clear shell.


Left and right side views of the blister pack.


Information about Arcee can be seen on the package's left hand side.



Top and bottom views of the package.


Preview for Cliffjumper, Ratchet, and Bumblebee from the same toy line on the bottom of the package.





A brief introduction of the character as well as images of the figure in robot and vehicle modes on the back of the package.


Optimus Prime and his Autobots comrades from the anime series.
This "promo shot" can be seen on "Transformers: Prime" figure packages since 2011, as evidenced from the box of "First Edition" Voyager Class Optimus Prime.


Comparison with the blister pack of her "First Edition" self


Comparison between the two 3D model illustrations.
Beside the obvious pink for the head crest and "sideburns", the pupils of the "First Edition" version are shown to have blue rings.


The main difference however, is the lighter shade of blue on this Robots in Disguise version as opposed to the "First Edition" version's darker shade.


The basic silhouette of the blade weapon is the same, but with different details and paint work.



Side views.


Rear view.


The package is carefully cut from its side in order for the content to be removed.


Arcee with her blade weapon and hand gun on the plastic tray.








Front view of the plastic tray that houses the sport bike.






Rear view of the tray.


The folded instruction sheet on Arcee's transformation.



Front page of the instruction sheet shows Arcee's bike-to-robot mode transformation.




Rear page shows the reverse, and weapon configuration.




The complete backdrop with the remaining edges of the cut plastic cover removed.


The cardboard label for the top, side and bottom faces of the plastic container.



Straight-out-of-box display of "Transformers: Prime" Robots In Disguise Arcee in sport bike mode. ^^

Back to the "First Edition" version with a closer look on her sport bike mode in the next posting. ^^

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