Transformers Constructbots Ultimate Optimus Prime and Megatron

First announced at Toy Fair 2013, Transformers Constructbots is Hasbro’s answer to Lego Hero Factory as they continue to try and get into Lego’s product categories.  When I first heard about these, I assumed they would be sold under the Kre-O name.  This seemed logical.  However, as they are not being sold under the Kre-O name, I can only assume this is due to the poor sales of Kre-O (as evidenced by Walmart and Target barely stocking Kre-O toys anymore) and Hasbro wanting to make sure that stores at least order the initial waves of these before the line fails completely as I expect it will.

Having said that, I am encouraged by these toys.  While the Triple Changers had a fairly significant flaw (the need to build the robots in two different ways) these Elites do not this problem.

Optimus Prime

They did a phenomenal job coloring Optimus Prime.  He looks very G1, with the exception of the silver feet and red hips.  They didn’t forget his smokestacks, which I thought they might.  His truck mode is pretty great too.  Optimus is probably the best toy in the line so far.  He comes with a bunch of extra parts for customization.  I suppose that would be great for kids, but I could do without the extra parts.

Megatron

Like Optimus, Megatron comes with extra customization parts.   I like Megatron, but his turret sits too far up on his back in robot mode.  I’m also not crazy about all the red parts on him.  The purple works, but all that red should have been changed to back, gray, silver, or purple.  I like his tank mode, but not as much as Optimus’s truck mode.

Thanks for reading!