08.17.04 - Transformers Binaltech - Tracks -
Jon
I was going to do my Super Beaker figure I got from Palisades next but then, like the monkey I am, I got distracted by something shiny and it completely diverted my attention. None the less I bet people will not have a quarrel with me doing a review on the newest BT release from Takara,
Tracks.
Sure I may have sworn myself up and down that I would never fall for the incredibly expensive Binaltech line, however, I gave up waiting out the darn Alternators. They take too long to get to me so I say screw em' and bring on the quick service and die cast parts. Afterall I am part of this internet generation that needs everything now. Just imagine if we didn't have the internet, I would probably be paying the upwards of hundreds of dollars to some smelly guy at a flea market. At least with the internet, the only smelly guy is me.
Tracks -
Tracks is the first Chevy Corvette in the line. We now have a Subaru, Dodge, Jeep, and Chevy in our line of licensed Transformers. And on the horizon we have a Ford and Mazda. All good news for you people who were lured in by the possibility of a Transformer car actually being real. So now we have ourselves here Tracks, which is a completely new transformation, which brings some variety to the collection of figures that already includes to repaints and minor resculpts.
Sure I may come under fire for critiquing a toy that I do not know the entire history on, after all those "trans-fans" are a rough crowd that wont let you get away with a lot of hogwash. I am proud to know nothing about the third season of Transformers, and even more proud to know absolutely zero about the character I am reviewing. So as many politicians try to avoid, I will stick to the issues...
First of all his robot form is rather nice. I like it because it looks cool and is very functional. His feet extend outward in the heels so that he can easily stand up and you will have no fear of him taking a dive off your shelf. This guy also actually has guns that can come out of his arms, and if he feels like hiding them, they can retract back into him. Unfortunately his head has the least articulation of any of the past releases, it really only moves from side to side as opposed to sitting on a true ball joint. His arms take a bit of hit in articulation because they are not nearly as posable as his legs. The transformation process is fairly easy and it is not too hard to follow the instructions they give you.
I really dig the book and package you get in the Takara release. Hasbro's fold out poster of instructions is large and takes up space. The Binaltech figures get color manuals that are very informative and detailed.
He comes with one removable accessory, which is his engine. It doubles up as a gun so truly everything in this set can transform. You can place the engine in his hood when he is in car mode. Speaking of car mode, he looks exactly like a corvette. If I was displaying actual cars I bet I could fool a few people. Apparently the Alternator version will be blue because that is Track's actual color. Sounds good to me, if I ever find that version I may pick it up.
Now as far as value this figure is no value whatsoever. Almost sixty dollars shipped for him is what you will pay, unless of course you find some lowly man down on his luck, pawning off his Binaltech collection. Really when it comes down to it, if you want a gleaming figure, you want it first, and you like Takara, then pick these up. If you are all about value, then the alternators are for you.
Tracks -
Articulation - 92%
Sculpt - 95%
Accessories - 80%
Paint - 92%
Price - 60%
Fun Factor - 95%
Final Score - 86%
Sorry I am so late in getting you lovely people a new review, but I was busy watching 24 between work and stuff. Thus after watching Chappelle killed I had to sit back, take it all in, and then do a review on a transforming car. Check back cause I got Dead-End and Super Beaker lined up and ready to attack.
