Alpha Trion [Transformers One/Prime Changers]

Right out of the gate, Alpha Trion is a great figure. A real stand out of the Prime Changers size class and a all around solid toy. I've always liked Alpha Trion and enjoyed his beast era depiction from the 3H era BotCon comics. That's where his lion based form first appeared and it always worked well for me considering his character. Funnily enough, I had mentioned before that these new Prime Changers figures feel like a toy from around 20 years ago. This Alpha Trion REALLY feels like a lost Beast Machines design. Not just in the way a ReAction figure mimics an old Kenner Star Wars toy, as in I'm convinced this figures design was sitting in the Hasbro vault somewhere unused.

In robot mode Alpha Trion has a really pretty pearlescent purple color with some nicely contrasting grays. He has a good amount of meaningful articulation and some fun weapons. Like most beast warrior style Transformers, Alpa Trion uses his beast tail as a weapon. The tail forms some sort of an energy whip or sword. Not seeing the movie yet as of this writing, I can't tell for sure. It looks cool either way. In addition, his horn also serves as an energy dagger. A little detail that I really like is how the lion head from beast mode serves as a cape in robot mode. That's a clever way to deal with unavoidable kibble! Wait... lion head... horn? Yes, starting in Titans Return, Alpha Trion's lion beast mode had been given a unicorn style horn and that carries onto this toy. I don't know why this design choice was made, but I don't hate it. Makes him more magical looking, I guess.

Transformation is extremely easy, like a lot of beast modes the character essentially gets on all fours and some parts are rearranged. Some folks don't like this, but I don't think things to be needlessly complicated. Lion mode is well implemented with decently articulated legs. The head unfortunately doesn't move, but does feature a great sculpt. I love the expression Alpha Trion is making in this mode. It's very 90's, which once again goes back to my feeling that this is an unmade beast era figure. Obviously as a Beast Wars guy and a fan of Alpha Trion, I'm going to be happy with this toy. Add in that he's a well executed figure and there's nothing to complain about. I love the colors and am all around happy. If more Prime Changers are this good, I'll be sad if they don't continue on after Transformers One.