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From the Game: War for Cybertron Optimus Prime and Bumblebee

This was inevitable. Hot on the tails of the surprisingly good Transformers: War for Cybertron video game, Hasbro has released Transformers toys based on the game. The game that was based on the cartoons and comics. That were based on the toy. I love it when things come full-circle. Hasbro eventually plans to release Megatron and Soundwave, but until the next wave comes, we'll have to make due with the heroes of the Autobots, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. They've been part of the mythos since the beginning, and their latest incarnations are surprisingly awesome.

These figures are "Deluxe" class, which means they measure about six inches all and retail for $10-15. For the price, you get figures with great robot forms, great vehicle forms, and surprisingly complex transformations. The toys are based very close to the War for Cybertron game models, and so are more alien than the usual Transformers based on Earth vehicles (though they're less alien and less stupid-looking than the horrible Michael Bay Transformers).

Optimus is a "heavy rig," and appropriately looks like an alien robot semi truck. Bumblebee is a Cybertronian courier, looking more than a little like his classic VW Beetle form. Their wheels work well, and in vehicle form they roll pretty well on most surfaces.

Transforming the figures it like assembling a Rubik's cube blindfolded. There are so many small hinges and joints that need to be arranged just so, and neither Transformer's process is particularly intuitive. These toys are complicated, especially for Deluxe-class Transformers.

In robot mode, both Transformers are unmistakable as Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, but with some great Cybertronian flourishes. Bumblebee has flip-out daggers, just like his melee attack in the game. Optimus doesn't come with his axe, but he does have his trust ion blaster from the game, which can fold and store on his back when in truck mode.

If you dig Transformers and you enjoyed War for Cybertron, you need to pick these toys up. If you're not a big toy fan but still enjoyed War for Cybertron because of the nostalgia factor, they might still be worth a buy. They're available now at Toys R Us, Amazon, and other stores and sites.