Transformers Beast Hunters: Optimus Prime (Commander Class)

Presenting Optimus Prime from the Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Toyline - Commander Class. 

Anyone else notice that as Transformers series undergo changes that Optimus Prime undergoes changes as well? Almost as if he's insecure about his looks and has to change his chassis - but then again maybe he's just keeping up with the times. The Decepticons don't seem to mind keeping their old looks, but Prime? Nah, he has to go out and get a new look.

Just take a look at the War of Cybertron and Fall of Cybertron games. Prime changed looks somewhere in between. And now? Case in point, we have the new look of Optimus Prime as Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters rolls in (Spring, 2013).


Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters will - rumor has it - feature the rise of the Predacons - who were created by Shockwave but decided to go out and hunt every Transformer instead. I'm really looking forward to the rise of Predaking.

This probably explains why this new Optimus Prime transforms into a... modified heavy grade military hauler meant to carry dead Elephants.




Transformers Beast Hunters Commander Class Optimus Prime's blister card reads simply "Optimus Prime is carrying the mighty Star Saber and (is) ready to take on the Predacon threat!"

The Autobot leader's stats are listed as:

• Strength 10
• Intelligence 8
• Speed 7
• Endurance 10 
• Rank 10
• Courage 10
• Fireblast 9
• Skill 8

He also comes armed with a Star Saber and a mighty Thunder Lance.

What's to like about the Transformers Beast Hunters Optimus Prime (Commander Class)? 

I have to say that I'm in love with the new truck mode. There is some similarity between this new truck mode and that of the Transformers Cybertron Optimus Prime's truck mode. But the Beast Hunters Optimus Prime transforms not into something as utilitarian as a firetruck, but into a mean vehicle with spikes up front - that screams, "Get out of my way or I will kill you!"; and a very rough and spartan looking carrier rig on the back. 

Both the Thunder Lance and the Star Saber can be mounted onto the sides of Optimus Prime's truck mode and they both add to the... no-nonsense... almost villain look of Prime's truck mode. Personally I think it's about time somebody gave Optimus Prime a bad-boy look:

What's NOT to like about the Transformers Beast Hunters Optimus Prime (Commander Class)? 

Unfortunately that's all that I have to say about what makes the Beast Hunters Optimus Prime (Commander Class) worth having.

Don't get me wrong though, he still has his strong points. I'm fond of the way this design gives his legs a very "Heavy" look, and his articulation is quite decent for such a small figure - though you will find that his shoulder pauldrons tend to get into the way of everything - especially with this high wheels.

But that big-bad boy image disappears when you look at Optimus Prime from behind and gape and the empty chasms there - but then I may just be a tad bit too demanding of a toy that stands under four inches.

My biggest issue with this particular variation of Optimus Prime is his inability to turn his head. What good is having high articulation if you have him aiming to fire his gun to the right or left, but find out that he can't look right or left. He can nod though.

I know it may seem petty, but I do want an action figure that can look where he shoots. So if this doesn't bother you, then what you're looking at is a great toy. If it does, well then wait for the bigger brother version of the Transformers Beast Hunters Optimus Prime to hit the shelves.

The Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Commander Class Optimus Prime is available on Amazon for a mere US$ 8.99 (Roughly PhP368.59 plus shipping). This particular one was purchased from Toy Kingdom here in the Philippines - SM Megamall - for PhP 599.75 (Roughly US$ 14.62).

Peter Cullen should probably have a gruffer voice if they want this particular Prime to command "Roll Out!"