Bumblebee/B-127 [Transformers One/Prime Changers]

I wasn't expecting to like this new Prime Changer Bumblebee toy as much as I did, but here I am about to tell you how much I liked it. As previously said, Prime Changers are slightly lesser class than a Deluxe for a slightly lower price. I say that knowing that the Deluxe Studio Series version of this Bumblebee will be more complex. However, in hand, this toy feels like a Deluxe. Aside from some slightly hollowed out parts... Bee feels like a much nicer figure than he's supposed to be. That's pretty impressive and once again makes me compare the Prime Changers size class to the Warrior Class of Robots in Disguise 2015. Many of those felt so much like a Deluxe Class that I often wondered if some of the classes were mislabeled.

This toy represents Bumblebee as he appears in the movie Transformers One. As of this writing, I haven't seen the movie yet, but thanks to the trailers know that the main cast are not able to transform until they receive Transformation Cogs. A Transformation Cog is a component of a Transformers body that is essential to their ability to transform. It was first introduced in the original cartoon series during the third season. Since then, they've made sporadic appearances in Transformers media, but seem to be returning in Transformers One as trailers and marketing material have clearly pointed out. You can flip up Bumblebee's chest to take a look at his Cog. That's a neat little addition they really didn't have to do, but did anyway.

Bee comes with some weapons as well. Included is a snap on energy blade and blaster that resembles the 'Mega Buster' style gun his arms form in the movies. Either weapon can be attached to either hand or combined together. In robot mode, Bee is fairly articulated with a good range of movement. To my understanding, there is ankle tilts that don't work thanks to a design flaw. I didn't really notice it, but am sure that'll drive some folks crazy. Bumblebee transforms into a sporty Cybertronian car that looks pretty neat. The transformation is mostly easy, though I found a few spots a little tough to work. I'm not sure if that's from another design flaw making things a little tight or just not doing things in either the correct order or being a little clumsy. The weapons can attach to the cars roof. Like I said at the beginning, I like this toy a lot. I'm not sure how well it translates in the pictures here, but there's a nice almost pearlescent sheen to the yellow colors and the figure is overall pleasant. He's oddly satisfying in hand in a way that I can't quite describe other than he's just a good Transformers toy. Admittedly, I'm generally a fan of Bumblebee and look forward to new toys of him as is... but was very pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up liking this one from One.