Combiner Wars is the kinda toy line that grabs that damn inner child and won’t let go, like a… actually, let’s forgo the analogy there. I don’t think there’s any good way to finish that.
My point is that it’s damn good fun. And while it might not make for the best “collector” figures every time, it does make some fun figures that also happen to combine into other, bigger figures. Some are certainly better than others, though.
Where does Cyclonus fit in? Well, first it’s worth noting that the original Transformers Generations figure is one of the finest deluxe-class figures ever made. He balanced the newer style elements with his classic modes excellently, and if Hasbro were to double him up, call him a Masterpiece figure, and charge $80, I’d be all about it. ‘Bout it, ’bout it, even.
His only folly in my collection was the size. I just don’t do a lot of deluxe class figs anymore, unless it’s a minibot. So, I’ve been in the market for a bigger Cyclonus for a bit. I may end up going third party, it’s just a tough call these days.
So Combiner Wars does Cyclonus up with a clever repurposing of Silverbolt. I haven’t picked him up, so Cyclonus is my first introduction to the mold, and I can’t say as I love it. Where Combiner Wars Prime surprised me with his fun toyetic transformation, style, and articulation, Cyclonus is more fiddly in both modes, well articulated but with some flaws, and it’s somewhat the opposite- my expectations were higher, and the reality less so.
He comes packaged in his bot mode, and let me echo the sentiments of the other reviews- the packaging is great looking. I especially like the artwork — which I think is carried over from the Transformers Legends game. The figure looks pretty slick as well, first blush. The purple is very electric, and the new parts — head, chest, wings, etc. — are really effective in changing his look dramatically from Silverbolt’s. The design is still boxy, owing to the necessity of the mold, but it’s not a bad look. Still, if it’s a reuse they were looking for, why not forgo the combiner element and retool somebody like Brainstorm?
When we talk about the articulation, the truth is most of it works very well. It just comes down to those knees. They have excellent range, owing to the other two transformations, but they lack the ratcheting of the others, making him kind of a bugger to keep posed. The pre-posed angled feet on Cyclonus aren’t as solid as Prime’s, so they are more hindrance here. Some ratcheting joints and some real ankles would’ve been a big improvement.
The vehicle mode is a similar experience — really impressive on the surface, and a bit less when you get into it. The transformation is extremely simple, and yet it’s somewhat of a pain to get everything lined up and snapped in properly- I like simple transformations just fine, but when they’re fiddly like this one, they take some of the fun out of that. There’s no denying the top of the jet is excellent looking, though — classic Cyclonus. But, that simple transformation means his robot mode is just giving a piggyback to the jet mode. It’s a common feature/issue with the transformer jets, so that might be a little unfair, but compared to the fluidity of the deluxe, it’s hard to overlook. There is a bit of parts-forming, but I really don’t mind it — the small canards plug into his fists from the arm pegs in bot mode — but I know that does drive some people nuts.
Being a Combiner Wars figure, there is the added benefit of him being able to function as a torso for a hodge-podge combiner. According to the bio, this Cyclonus is some kind of combiner… ah… rapist? That’s not very comfortable — damn, what’s with this review? Anyway, the Galvatronus torso is actually very cool looking, with a great Galvatron head.
As for combined mode… ah, sorry guys. I don’t have any Combiner Wars deluxes as of yet. I know, I know, bad reviewer. It’s been an expensive month. But it’s pretty clear this feature definitely adds significantly to the fun factor, and like the rest of the line, that’s not a bad thing. If we were to get, say, four Sweeps to combine him with, that would be damn cool.
Overall, I feel like Cyclonus is a fine addition if you’re already getting into Combiner Wars, but if you’re just looking for a Cyclonus himself, I would probably steer you to the Generations version. As for me, the search continues…
