Review: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Rampage
The Clearance Bin has been in existence for a little over nine months now, and yet, to date, there's never been a Transformer reviewed. Honestly, I find that a little surprising, since I spent some time considering robots in disguise when I cobbled together the point system I use today.
Fortunately, a new movie and a surprising deal have conspired to remedy this situation. Today, we consider Rampage, a character those who see the recent movie won't likely remember. On some level, that's too bad, since Rampage appears not once but TWICE in the movie. In fact, there are two of him - one red and one yellow.
First, I'd like to say a few words about the movie. The critics have been pretty harsh on this one, and, truthfully, I don't blame them. Lets face it: Michael Bay isn't the world's best director, and this time, he's at his least coherent. Fortunately, he can handle effects and action, so the movie's certainly not a total loss. If you want more details, head over to The Middle Room and check out my full review.
According to Wikipedia (I may be a Transformers fan, but I'm no scholar), the name has been used by several different iterations of the character, who almost always transforms into a biological creature. They seem to have appropriated the name for the role usually given to Bonecrusher, who appeared in a different function in the first Transformers live action film. In the movie, the yellow Rampage transforms into one of Devestator's legs, while the red Rampage teams up with Ravage against Bumblebee.
Fortunately, a new movie and a surprising deal have conspired to remedy this situation. Today, we consider Rampage, a character those who see the recent movie won't likely remember. On some level, that's too bad, since Rampage appears not once but TWICE in the movie. In fact, there are two of him - one red and one yellow.
First, I'd like to say a few words about the movie. The critics have been pretty harsh on this one, and, truthfully, I don't blame them. Lets face it: Michael Bay isn't the world's best director, and this time, he's at his least coherent. Fortunately, he can handle effects and action, so the movie's certainly not a total loss. If you want more details, head over to The Middle Room and check out my full review.
According to Wikipedia (I may be a Transformers fan, but I'm no scholar), the name has been used by several different iterations of the character, who almost always transforms into a biological creature. They seem to have appropriated the name for the role usually given to Bonecrusher, who appeared in a different function in the first Transformers live action film. In the movie, the yellow Rampage transforms into one of Devestator's legs, while the red Rampage teams up with Ravage against Bumblebee.
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Lets turn back to the toys. Like pretty much every Transformers from the beginning of time, Rampage is produced by Hasbro. Since this is a tie-in with one of the biggest movies of the year, they're not hard to find. Just about any store selling toys has these right now. I found mine at Toys R Us, which had him marked down to six bucks. I guess no one loves a bulldozer. Or maybe they just knew something I didn't. Anyway, Rampage has has three modes, just like he does in the movie. Just be aware that they're not the same three modes. Oh, the toy will turn in a bulldozer and a pogo-stick, but rather than give us a "left leg" mode, they went with a robo-crab. Honestly, I'm kind of grateful. |
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Appearance: 5
Vehicle: 4 Alt Mode: 3 Robot: 6
Transformers are, by their nature, a little hard to score, because there are multiple modes, each with its pros and cons. It doesn't help that Rampage has three modes, one of which - lets be honest here - is pretty much worthless.
Let us start with his vehicle mode. I really liked this in the package - along with the price tag, it's pretty much what sold the toy - but once I got it in hand I was less impressed. It's not really that there's anything specifically wrong with Rampage; it's just that he's underwhelming overall. The proportions seem off to me, which isn't surprising, considering how much they had to consider. In addition, there's very little paint, which gives him a dull, generic appearance. Also, why I'm having a hard time putting my finger on what bothers me, there's something less than inspired about his plow. This mode isn't a total loss, mind you: I like the treads, the rake in back, and the clear red enclosure. But there's at least as much here to dislike as there is to like.
Let us start with his vehicle mode. I really liked this in the package - along with the price tag, it's pretty much what sold the toy - but once I got it in hand I was less impressed. It's not really that there's anything specifically wrong with Rampage; it's just that he's underwhelming overall. The proportions seem off to me, which isn't surprising, considering how much they had to consider. In addition, there's very little paint, which gives him a dull, generic appearance. Also, why I'm having a hard time putting my finger on what bothers me, there's something less than inspired about his plow. This mode isn't a total loss, mind you: I like the treads, the rake in back, and the clear red enclosure. But there's at least as much here to dislike as there is to like.
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If I was reviewing this mode alone, I'd go with a four out of ten. I've seen far better vehicles modes from Hasbro recently. Next up is Rampage's alt (or jackhammer) mode. This is, at least in theory, the mode he formed when he battled Bumblebee. It's also the mode which includes an action feature, which we'll discuss below. In this mode, Rampage turns into a bouncing robot - sort of a killer robo-kangeroo, or at least he did in the movie, which, thanks to some very expensive CG, was kind of cool. Here, however, it's kind of lame. |
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First of all, there's very little detailing on Rampage's sole leg in this mode. I appreciate that this was more or less unavoidable, but it doesn't change the fact he's more or less the epitome of pathetic. In this mode, Rampage is unable to stand. He can sit, in a manner of speaking, if you lean him back on his plow (which wasn't visible in this mode during the movie), but that's not the same thing. I suppose he bares a passing resemblance to the movie version, but it's not very close.
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The bad news is that, were I reviewing this mode on it's own, I'd hand it a pitiful three. Rampage looks far more like he's taking a dump than wreaking havoc. The good news is that this score won't impact the final grade. Transformers, so far as I'm concerned, are only required to switch between two forms. If you want a version that matches up to the movie, though, this is all you get. However, if you just want a cool robot... Rampage's robo-crab form is far and above the highpoint here. It still has several problems, mind you, but it's quite a bit better than the other modes. Really, the main issue is a lack of paint. Take a minute to compare these pictures with those on the back of the box: there's a huge difference. If he looked anything like he's presented, he'd have scored much higher. This problem is most noticeable on the pistons and gears, which really need something to differentiate them from the rest. As it is, the pinchers and head look pretty good. The front legs work far better in this mode than the alternate, too, though the hind legs are a bit underwhelming. The high point is the "whips", which capture the look in the film well. This could also be said for the last mode, too, but nothing's saving that mess. |
On its own, I'd hand this mode six points. It easily could have been eight with some paint, but Hasbro didn't want to spend the money. Averaged with the vehicle mode, the overall appearance is a five. Once more, just be aware this doesn't consider the jackhammer mode, which is the one most relevant to the movie.
Packaging and Extras: ----
The design on the packaging is fine, tying into the movie and catching the eye. What really caught my eye was the giant clearance price tag, but you may or may not find a similar one on yours.
I only wish the text on the back were more legible. "The stink of diesel fumes and hot tar follows Rampage wherever he goes." Poetry, really. The whips are attacked, so there are no real extras beyond instructions for putting him together. Lets take a look at those:
Yeesh. Witwicky thought he had it tough with some hieroglyphics? He should have given these a shot. Seriously, Hasbro needs to work on making these things comprehensible. I've had a lot of experience putting toys together, and Rampage gave me a headache.
As for the lack of accessories, there's nothing he's really missing, so there's no real issue.
As for the lack of accessories, there's nothing he's really missing, so there's no real issue.
Play and Display: ----
Rampage's features vary from mode to mode, so lets start with the bulldozer. In order to allow the treads to function as whips, Hasbro had to sacrifice any chance of them turning or even containing wheels. This makes the bulldozer feel less like a mode in its own right and more like a contrived way the pieces go together.
The jackhammer mode has an action feature, but don't get too excited. If you push his leg up, it snaps back. Like a jackhammer. I guess.
Moving on. Once again, the robot mode is where the figure gets interesting. The legs don't provide you the range you'll want, but they give you room to work. The hands are really there to hold the whips, but you can fine tune how they do this. My only major issue with the robot mode is with the arms. While there's a shoulder joint, there's nothing on the elbows, which is a lost opportunity.
In addition, be aware that the plow section has a tendency of popping off in any mode. It's easy to put back on, but it's still irritating.
Ultimately, there's not a great deal of articulation, but the legs give you some options, as do the shoulders. This is a figure you'll most likely want to display in robot mode.
Normally, I'd give a Transformer a bonus point simply for the transformation, but here I just can't. Neither the vehicle nor jackhammer have any real value, and the transformation takes a lot of effort. As to the "action feature..." forget it. All it really does is make the legs less articulated in robot mode.
The jackhammer mode has an action feature, but don't get too excited. If you push his leg up, it snaps back. Like a jackhammer. I guess.
Moving on. Once again, the robot mode is where the figure gets interesting. The legs don't provide you the range you'll want, but they give you room to work. The hands are really there to hold the whips, but you can fine tune how they do this. My only major issue with the robot mode is with the arms. While there's a shoulder joint, there's nothing on the elbows, which is a lost opportunity.
In addition, be aware that the plow section has a tendency of popping off in any mode. It's easy to put back on, but it's still irritating.
Ultimately, there's not a great deal of articulation, but the legs give you some options, as do the shoulders. This is a figure you'll most likely want to display in robot mode.
Normally, I'd give a Transformer a bonus point simply for the transformation, but here I just can't. Neither the vehicle nor jackhammer have any real value, and the transformation takes a lot of effort. As to the "action feature..." forget it. All it really does is make the legs less articulated in robot mode.
Price Tag and Final Analysis: 5/10
Ultimately, I was a little disappointed with Rampage. He looks cool in crab-bot mode, so he's not a total loss, but I really expected something better.
Like I said, after tax I paid a few pennies less than six bucks, thanks to the markdown along with an additional 20% discount that came off all their clearance. Honestly, if I'd have paid much more, I'd have felt ripped off.
Given how much luck I had with Bumblebee and Barricade from the first movie, I have to say that I'm a little surprised. But I guess they're not all winners.
If you're into customizing toys, I think Rampage does have some potential. With some touch-ups, you could conceivably get a nice looking figure. Of course, that's assuming you'll want to bother with a version of the toy that wasn't in the movie.
Like I said, after tax I paid a few pennies less than six bucks, thanks to the markdown along with an additional 20% discount that came off all their clearance. Honestly, if I'd have paid much more, I'd have felt ripped off.
Given how much luck I had with Bumblebee and Barricade from the first movie, I have to say that I'm a little surprised. But I guess they're not all winners.
If you're into customizing toys, I think Rampage does have some potential. With some touch-ups, you could conceivably get a nice looking figure. Of course, that's assuming you'll want to bother with a version of the toy that wasn't in the movie.
