Phil's Spychanger Ultra Magnus Review


Ultra Magnus

Spychanger Ultra Magnus (and his co sells Optimus Prime, Scourge & X-Brawn) are significant steps forward for the TF range. It's the first time a character has been specifically downsized and cast as a new mold in order to sell a toy at a lower price point (The BM Tank & Cycle drones are just that - drone versions of their leaders but are admittedly better likenesses while Night Slash Cheetor is an alternate version of that character - but again a better toy) These four are meant to be the same toy, no changes, just smaller.

Obviously there's been some simplification. And because Op & Magnus are large toys to start with their smaller versions are larger taking up the same shelf package space as 2 spychangers - approximately one basic although there's only five actual basic sized toy in RID - all recolours

In 2002 I wrote: "The head on the Magnus is so great, they've got it spot on likeness of the larger toy, something which isn't quite achieved in the Prime. It should be noted that both Prime and Magnus can swivel their heads which is articulation none of the spychangers have had till now - mainly I assume cos they're smaller. "

Doesn't really cover it does it ?

Ultra Magnus is a scaled down and simplified version of the larger toy. There's no internal space here, and the rack on the roof is just big enough to take one spychanger. Back doesn't fold down, there's no weapon included, no chrome at the front and the cab is painted grey instead of white.

TF: Oh what a nightmare ! Sorry that's the larger version. This toy is made for anyone who through RID Magnus out the windows in frustration. Look at the bottom of the toy and you can see the robot with the head at the front. Fold the front of the vehicle back, pull the legs down in true Gobot/Spychanger tradition, fold the ends of the ramp on the back of the robot up as wings and pull the arms to the sides. Job done.

Decent replica of the Magnus robot mode here, no complaints. Articulation is the same as Prime - The only meaningful articulation is bending shoulders and rotating head but for some reason he can also do the splits (Why ??? - not needed in the tf and it's a pretty useless pair of joint by themselves)

Spychanger Ultra Magnus cannot combine with Spychanger Optimus Prime

Good solid mini toy.


Ultra Magnus

This universe version - packaged with Ironhide - a recoloured Gobot Motormouth that looks more like Trailbreaker - comes in a colour scheme reminiscent of the larger Costco version painting all the grey black - including the cab ! It was different bits painted black on the Costco version though ! Looks decent enough.


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