Transformers: Rescue Bots, Playskool has released their latest from the “Transformers Rescue Bots” line and these offerings provide no shortage of Optimus Prime! The “Transformers Rescue Bots Optimus Primal” and “Transformers Rescue Bots Epic Optimus Prime” figures are sure to be big hits this upcoming holiday season.
“Optimus Primal” is easily one of the coolest bots available for preschoolers. Standing over 8 inches tall, Primal transforms from Autobot to Tyrannosaurus Rex with just a twist! Then, converts right back to bot with the press of a button. These transformations are simple enough for kids ages 3-7 to master. The figure features very limited articulation to keep it manageable for the recommended age group. There is still plenty to enjoy with this Transformer as kids can activate twenty different phrases and sounds with the press of a button. And the nice thing is that the button is large and sensitive enough for kids to activate it with ease. And one has to love such great lines as “Better drill faster to prevent disaster,” “Let’s stomp, chomp and rescue” and “Good job, team, this threat is now… extinct.” Primal also has a translucent blue Energize Hide activation panels that light up while the phrases/sounds play.
Additionally, Primal’s rescue tool is a drill at the end of his left hand that spins at the press of a button. That is another great aspect of this toy for young kids as it is all one piece. No accessories to worry about being lost or swallowed. Then, when in T-Rex mode, Primal only makes stomping noises and snarls a combination of a dinosaur growl and truck engine that represents a cool synergy between Optimus Prime’s most popular forms. Primal’s mouth also opens and closes when the sounds are played as the T-Rex. Oh, possibly the greatest feature of this already fun toy is that, when Primal transforms to either form, it makes the classic “transforming” sound from the cartoons.
Now, after the multitude of features that the “Rescue Bots Optimus Primal” figure comes with, the “Transformers Rescue Bots Epic Optimus Prime” figure may seem anything but epic. Standing at twenty-two inches tall, yes, almost two feet high, the Epic Optimus Prime is, essentially, a storage case for a child’s two-inch “Rescue Bots” characters (sold separately). With articulation at the neck, waist, shoulders and wrists, Epic Optimus sports a number of cubbies to store smaller figures in. Note that these slots are open shelves, so this figure will not serve well as a carrying case. However, Epic Optimus’s chest does open to reveal a command center for the mini-figures, so a few figures can be securely stored for travel. Prime also has a number of slots on his upper body that are compatible with the rescue tools of “Rescue Bots Energize” figures (also sold separately). As the packaging notes, Epic Optimus Prime “does not convert,” as in, it does not transform out of robot form.
The sheer size of the Epic Optimus Prime is its main attraction. Any time a kid can play with an action figure that is almost his or her own size, they will have a blast. Epic Optimus Prime will tower over all other figures, giving Optimus the final word in all disputes and disasters, as it should be.
“Transformers Rescue Bots Optimus Primal” and “Transformers Rescue Bots Epic Optimus Prime” are available now at toy stores around the country and www.HasbroToyShop.com, just in time for the November 1 Season 3 premiere of the “Transformers Rescue Bots” animated series on Discovery Family and, of course, the upcoming holiday season. Rescue Bots, assemble!
