Since the very beginning, we’ve had unofficial releases of
transformable robots. Some were similar in theme while others were
actual knock-offs of the official toys. In that spirit, I present a
review of several recent KO TF toys...
WHEELJACK
Wheeljack’s package is quite similar to the original G1 toy. Almost
identical, except for a couple of issues. One, he’s attached to a
cardboard backing in a plastic bubble (the original toy was encased in
styrofoam to keep it stable). Interestingly, Wheeljack's profile says
his function is "Mechanical Engineerp". This is the first time I've
seen one of these with a really obvious typo on the package. Otherwise,
Wheeljack's package is in iffy shape. The toy is off the cardboard
package inside the box (I've had this before with the KOs. The glue
isn't strong enough to keep them attached all the time. The original
toys largely used styrofoam and didn't have this problem). Also, the
Wheeljack box window is loose (again, bad glue). I'm not too bothered
by it though.
Wheeljack's stuff (missiles, weapons, stickers,
instructions) were in a re-sealable bag instead of the usual style
(i.e. open ended bag, one side folded over with a piece of tape). It
made me wonder if someone had opened this toy before (the tape on the
ends looked good, but...)
Wheeljack's right fist and his right car doors is a
bit loose (for something that should be new). The other side is a bit
tight by comparison. I did manage to transform him okay... Also, his
missile launchers work just fine. I've found previous KOs to be hit and
miss in this department. Wheeljack has all his stickers (no rub symbol
though). The toy has some diecast metal as well. Also, the toy has some
trouble standing up straight--although this may be a design flaw (I
never had an original, so I'm not sure). Verdict:
All
in
all, kind of middle of the road as these toys go.
SUNSTREAKER
As far as Sunstreaker goes... the box was in perfect shape with nothing
loose. The toy also has die-cast metal, also has no rub sign but all
his stickers are included (as well as accessories). He transformed a
bit better then Wheeljack. His arms were folded quite tight in car mode
and I was worried I might force them and snap them off when I changed
him to robot mode but I managed to do it okay. His arm launchers also
work fine. All in all, I would say Sunstreaker is an improvement over
Wheeljack Verdict:
I'd rank him among the best of these KOs.
SPRINGER
Springer came in a box with a cardboard backing as well (instead of
styrofoam). Like his G1 counterpart this toy has a metal chest and
diecast parts. He was a breeze to transform and his part and weapons
seem to work like they should. Top heavy toy (design problem, I guess). Verdict:
Definitely one of the best KOs of recent years.
SHOCKWAVE
Shockwave actually did come
in a styrofoam insert. He also has a sticker that looks like the
traditional rub symbol–but doesn’t work ironically! His parts are snug
and he transforms with no problems. The plastic and diecast parts on
him feel pretty thick and well engineered. Even better, his electronics
actually work! (I also have an original Shackwave and his sound chip is
dead). His trigger is slightly different then Shackwave’s–Shackwave has
a standard trigger but Knockwave has a flat piece on top of his (but
who cares, really?) Verdict: A very nice
KO toy!
Shackwave on the left, Knockwave on the right.
METROTITAN
A fairly sturdy toy in general–I can see and feel no structural
problems on the fake. One major difference between the original
Metrotitan and the KO is that the knock-off’s red parts are more of a
hot pink instead (no idea why). One also needs to understand that this
Metrotitan is just the KO Metroplex with new colors and it doesn’t
completely replicate the original Metrotitan. For example, while the
stickers are correct for Metrotitan, the instructions are for
Metroplex’s stickers instead which can lead to confusion (the stickers
don’t correspond so some of my sticker placement was guess-work). Also,
KO Metrotitan doesn’t have the original toy’s Micromaster (Metrobomb–a
recolor of MM Skystalker). He does have the other stuff though, such as
Metrodash (Scamper), Metrotank (Slammer) and Metroshot (Six-Gun) in
their correct Japanese colors. My Metrotitan’s left chest piece that
folds out doesn’t stay down tight completely (however, I think this is
a common problem for this mold–my old Metroplex did the same thing but
my newer one doesn’t. So it’s not because it’s a KO specifically).
Also, my Metrotitan came in a box decorated up as a G1 Metroplex toy
(instead of being changed to look like a Metrotitan box). The toy was
packed in styrofoam inside the box. (I've seen very few of this KO
around on the internet--it came out shortly before Takara officially
reissued their Metroplex toy. Could this actually be a *rare*
knock-off?) Verdict: Despite my
concerns, a pretty good toy overall.
