(NOTE: Because this is a repaint, this is not a full-blown review. This mainly covers any changes made to the mold and the color scheme, and merely compares it to Autobot Alliance Perceptor. For a review on the mold itself, read the review of Autobot Alliance Perceptor here.)

    Magnificus is an updated version of an earlier e-Hobby exclusive of the same name, who was also a repaint (of the original) Perceptor. This version stays largely true to "G1 Magnficus" in terms of having the classic "evil" color scheme of black, gray, and red. The black is a pretty deep, pure black that looks fairly nice, and the light red is also quite eye-popping, particularly when it contrasts against the black. (That said, the front windows being a transparent red means that they have a rather different shade of the color than the windows that are merely painted.) The chrome also looks pretty snazzy, being the accent color that it is on the lower arms and chest. However, the light gray is the same dull milky shade that's used on far too many Transformers nowadays, and the milky dull bluish gray could've been a bit lighter to contrast with the black better-- honestly, it could've just as well have been silver like many of his other paint apps. The sole bit of light red plastic-- used for Magnificus' shoulder-mounted gun in robot mode-- is a bit too pale for my liking as well. In vehicle mode, Magnificus' license plate is a bit of nod to his bio, essentially spelling out "Mebion", where he was a military affairs advisor.
    Magnificus has a new head mold (not made specifically for this release, but made with the mold and never released with it until now); it's based off of the G1 Perceptor toy's faceplated head. It looks pretty well-sculpted and detailed here, and I particularly love the yellow eyes on Magnficus as well as the two silver lines running down the top of his head.
    Magnificus may not have all that original of a color scheme, but it works for the most part, with the silver, red, and black playing off of each other quite well. The gray is a bit boring, and there's a couple of minor places where I would've changed the color, but overall this is a pretty cool redeco. However, it's also rather expensive even for an exclusive like this, and I think Autobot Alliance Perceptor's colors are slightly better than Magnificus'-- thus, I think the recommended audience for this toy is definitely limited.

Review by Beastbot

Back to Botcon/OTFCC Exclusives Index