Transformers: Age of the Primes Slingshot A Review

Welcome back to the channel! Today, we're taking a look at the Transformers: Age of the Primes Deluxe Class Slingshot, the second of five Aerialbots that combine to form the mighty Superion. While the visual accuracy to the original G1 cartoon is impressive, some design choices leave something to be desired.

Combiners: A Mixed Bag?

With the Constructicons, Aerialbots, and soon, the Combaticons, three combiners are currently in play. While we can't speak for Vortex or Bruticus just yet, the other combiners have been a mixed bag. Scrapper looked the part, but wasn't a significant improvement over the Combiner Wars version for the Voyager price point. Bonecrusher was a disappointment, especially for a Studio Series figure. Air Raid was the best of the bunch so far, but how does Slingshot compare?

Robot Mode: Accuracy and Flaws

Visually, from the front, Slingshot is incredibly close to the original G1 cartoon. The upper torso and head sculpt are ripped straight from the animation, exceeding the accuracy of the Combiner Wars release. However, the legs are where the figure starts to falter. The oversized heel spurs are distracting and unsightly, no matter how you pose him. The large gaping hole in the legs is another minor issue.

These issues are particularly bothersome for two main reasons:

• Price Point: Deluxe figures now average around $25, which isn't cheap.
• Simplified Combining: Unlike past combiners, Slingshot doesn't have a proper combined mode. He splits down the middle to form armor for Superion, which should have allowed the design team to focus on the individual forms.

The back of the figure, excluding the heel spurs, is also very close to the animation model and cleans up well. Despite the flaws, the overall figure isn't terrible, but for the modern era and current prices, we should expect better.

Accessories and Poseability

Slingshot comes with two Cybertronian handheld blasters that look quite neat. These can be attached to the underside of the jet mode for added air support. It would have been a cool addition to include an attachable chest plate, as seen in the show, especially since the figure clearly has the slots to accommodate one.

Poseability is basic but functional. The head is balljointed with some rotation. Shoulders move forwards, backwards, and outwards. Biceps can spin, and elbows bend past 90 degrees. Wrist articulation is lacking, but the waist spins freely. Hips move in all directions, thighs spin, knees bend to 90 degrees, and the foot pivots downwards with a supreme ankle joint.

Comparisons

Slingshot was compared to figures like Studio Series 86 Optimus Prime, Legacy Motormaster, Studio Series 86 Iron Hide, Legacy Dragstrip, and Air Raid. Given the choice, Air Raid is a better individual figure than Dragstrip.

Transformation

The transformation is basic, almost coreclass level. Adding a few more steps could have helped iron out the leg issues. The steps involve spinning the head, rotating the biceps, deploying the landing gear, extending the nose cone, compressing the elbows, extending the shoulders, snapping the legs down the middle, popping the shins forward, sliding the thighs into the shins, snapping the legs back into place, deploying the tail fin, and folding down the side wings.

Jet Mode: A Clean Design

Slingshot's jet mode is incredible and appears to take inspiration from a Harrier jet. It has one of the cleanest undercarriages seen in a modern deluxe figure, surpassing Air Raid. The jet mode has a solid look with minimal exposed gaps. The details and paint apps are even better than the robot mode.

As mentioned earlier, his combined mode is to separate and become arm armor for Superion. You can mix and match Slingshot with Dragstrip for upper and lower body portions, similar to the G1 figures.

Jet Mode Comparisons

Comparisons were made to the same figures as the robot mode. While Air Raid was preferred in robot mode, Slingshot wins hands down in jet mode.

Final Thoughts

The Transformers: Age of the Primes Deluxe Class Slingshot is a decent figure. Visually, the robot mode looks great from the front, but the legs, especially the heel spurs, let it down. Since he isn't compromised by a complex combined mode, some issues could have been resolved. The jet mode is perfect, resembling the cartoon and boasting a clean design. If you're collecting the Aerialbots to complete Superion, you'll need to pick him up. However, if he wasn't part of a combiner, you might consider waiting for a sale.

What do you guys think? Thanks for watching, and until the next review, transform and roll out!