Transformers Evasion Mode Optimus Prime - Platinum Edition

Presenting the Platinum Edition Evasion Mode Optimus Prime from the Transformers Age of Extinction Toyline.

This Voyager class Optimus Prime is part of a two-pack Platinum Edition that includes a just as Chromed up Voyager edition of Grimlock.

From the trailers and the blister pack, we can already surmise that the Autobots in the Age of Extinction movie are going through the break-up of the "Human Alliance", and as such have transmorphed into other vehicles in an attempt to stay as incognito as possible - specifically "junkers" (In the same way that Bumblebee kept a low profile in the first movie by transforming into a beat-up 1977 Chevrolet Camaro).

Optimus Prime has chosen to abandon his 1997 Peterbuilt body sported in the Transformers, ROTF and DOTM movies, sample of which you can see here (Jetwing), here(Striker), here (Modified Striker) and here (JetPower Upgrade), in favor of a 1973 Marmon Cab-Over-Engine which is quite similar to the Freightliner Cab-Over-Engine Class 8 truck he transforms into in the original cartoon series (Later on in the movie, Optimus Prime adopts the appearance of a Western Star semi-truck that you can see here).


As mentioned, the TF AOE Evasion Mode Optimus Prime comes with a Voyager Class Grimlock which we won't be reviewing here because we're not fans of the Shredder - and we're actually doing a TMNT Shredder review quite soon.

The Platinum Edition Evasion Mode Optimus Prime's blister card reads: "Optimus Prime and the Autobots are faced with a new kind of war. Alliance that once were strong now stand in doubt. Nevertheless, Earth needs their protection more than ever. Optimus Prime adapts, redesigning his alternate mode so he can move unrecognized. If he cannot fight the battle with the firepower on the front line, he can fight it with covert maneuvers from the edge."

You know? We understand how Prime can shift forms. Hell he can adopt to any form he wants! But where would he shunt mass? There has to be a physical limit to how much he can either compress or expand and a 1973 Marmon Cab-Over looks way smaller and lighter than a Western Star Semi-truck. Hell it looks waaay smaller and lighter than a Peterbuilt. So where did Prime's mass go?


What's to like about the TF Evasion Mode Optimus Prime - Platinum Edition? 

We're going to go out on a limb and say that, as a Voyager class Transformers, this is one of the best, if not THE best Optimus Prime in the market today (Though we still love you YOTH Optimus Prime).

Why?

First off: it's a very nicely thought of, modern rendition of Optimus Prime that is based upon his original incarnation from the 80s cartoons.

Here he is with his modded G1 counterpart:

Okay, maybe they don't look exactly alike, but you can see where the Platinum Edition Evasion Mode Optimus Prime was inspired from: same front grill up front, position of tires, fueltanks, chest pieces, and color schemes. You can even see on his back that eventually someone will come up with a jetpack for him.

And when you transform him - which isn't simple by the way despite what they claim, quite a challenge there which we appreciate as we found it mentally stimulating - the two look almost identical save for the missing smokestacks (We forgot to raise the Evasion Mode Prime's single smokestack:

Second: He's so close in appearance to the G1 Optimus Prime in terms of size that the Platinum Edition Evasion Mode Optimus Prime can be placed into the 3rd Party Xovergen Armor:

His chassis may jut out a tad bit more than a G1's would, but it fits and the front grill almost looks like it's outlined in advance for Hi-Q.

Third: His truck mode is solid and is jut begging for a third party upgrade (Other than Xovergen I guess). There are more "cracks" than the Takara AD01 WesternStar, but then he's far more complex to transform - you can even see underneath where we missed a few pegs:

Fourth: ARTICULATION!!!! We can't stress this quite enough. The Transformers Evasion Mode Platinum Edition Optimus Prime is practically an action figure. There have been some people that claimed that his elbow articulation is a cheat, but it's a wonderful cheat and a wonderful solution to give him articulation. We love it. We tried to have him pose in come classic Optimus Prime poses found on the internet:

And he does them all! Love the waist twist ability:

Yes, the Platinum Evation Mode Optimus Prime can kneel:

His articulation is sooo good, that the Evasion Mode Optimus Prime can do this:

Did you see how the front of his leg popped forward to do this, but it still looks like a full leg? Incredible!

There have been some complaints about his Ion Cannon (Which looks like the shotgun used by Megatron in DOTM), and I have to agree that the Ion Cannon is a weak point. But it can be dual wielded and it can be made to look good in his hands:

Just have to get creative. 

The Platinum Edition Evasion Mode Optimus Prime differs from his regular AD02 Takara Voyager counterpart in terms of the lack of Chrome bits, a few changes in the paint, a darker Ion-Cannon, and the missing face plate:

But they are essentially the same.

What's NOT to like about the TF Evasion Mode Optimus Prime - Platinum Edition? 

Well, as with the Takara AD01 Optimus Prime, the Platinum Edition Evasion Mode Optimus Prime is small for a Voyager class Transformer. He also has those spindly arms that we did not like about the AD01.

And of course, he could use a better weapon.

Also Chrome joints - specifically his hands - tend to be difficult to move (they feel like they are about to break).

Other than that? Nothing. He's practically perfect and one of the best additions to the Dark Lord Dungeon EVER!!!.

As mentioned this was part of a two pack - of yeah, Grimlock looks like crap, that's a downer - Platinum Edition set that was purchased during the Transformers Age of Extinction toy line launch by ToyKingdom in Megamall for PhP 3,499.75 (Roughly US$ 77.77). He is not available on Amazon as of this writing and Toy Kingdom will revert to it's regular selling price of PhP 4,499.75 (Roughly US$ 99.99) after the Toy launch.

So get one now.