Customer Reviews

Transformers Armada BTR Built to Rule Optimus Prime with Sparkplug Mini-Con, 101 Piece Set, 7056

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

As a Transformer fan/collector, I would say that for every step forward Hasbro takes this brand, they also end up taking another step backward. The upcoming Alternators line is considered a step forward; THIS would be the step backward. LEGOesque transforming robot sets is not really a new idea, but it's a good one. Unfortunately, somehow, Hasbro screwed up. In the first place, you have to build the BTR Transformers in vehicle mode, then TEAR THEM APART AND REBUILD THEM as robots! That 'trans-skeleton' doesn't help, either - at least with the competing Blok Bots (and some LEGO sets if you use your imagination) you can create ways to actually transform them. Secondly, the bricks don't even bind properly - nothing short of gluing them together will keep the model in one piece once built. And since it wouldn't transform anyway, even THAT doesn't make this set appealing to someone who loves both Transformers and LEGOs as much as I do - and I know because I've been an enthusiast for both since I was a kid. I've built actual transforming robots (including Transformers characters) that are more durable than this. I don't recommend this for kids at all, though more mature LEGO builders might find some use for the pieces. And if you must buy this, get it for cannibalization purposes only - most of the parts can probably be salvaged.

While the idea of a "lego" transformer was a good idea, in practice it is a disaster. The pieces do not stay together and for every stop you follow, you undo the three before. Even when transforming, you have to take it all apart, and then it won't stay or stand as indicated. A very disappointing toy ... glad we found out before the holidays.

This toy was a huge waste of money. The truck mode it very nice and does look the part of Optimus Prime being this tough tractor trailer but that's where it ends. The robot mode is awful and being that you have to disassemble it to transform it takes away from it being a "transformer". If you can look past that you still have this extremely fragile robot that doesn't like to stand under his own power. I'm an adult collector but between 2 grown adults we still had trouble with the directions which took away from the fun aspect of building it.

Look, this guy is a lego transformer. True he falls apart and you have to totally rebuild him as a robot or vehicle, but he's pieces are very sturdy and won't break, but don't try. Also take a look at his actions. He has two incredible missles. Both the missles and the launchers are ~3" long. Also this guy is huge, he's as tall as the Armada Prime's super mode. Imagine Megatron trying to stand up to this Optimus, why with one step Megatron would be flatter than his tank mode. Also look at the detail. His grille is so realistic, it appears to be one piece. The toy is manufactured well for legos, the pieces are a little reluctant to join at first, but with gentle coaxing and a little pressure they're inseparable.
Now for the downsides. Optimus can't combine with Jetfire, sigh, and he does not have a super mode, however his regular robot mode is like a super mode ;-). A younger kid be frusterated with Prime's complexity, but then again, these were designed for, um... five and up. Even in the commercial, see above, portrays older kids battling with these rugged sets. Also his robot mode is assymetrical. I don't know why I bothered telling you that, but I did.
What am I forgetting? Ah, educational value. Why the heck would anybody care about school at a time like this? You're not supposed to have "any toys on school grounds," but he does help you practice fire motor skills. All in all, y'all make the decision. I'm happy with my purchase, as soon as I find that !@#$ missle. It just goes to show how powerful those launchers are.

This toy is very disappointing. I'd like to see a 5 year old put this together and play with it. Its impossible. Nothing stays together. I will never buy another lego transformer for my son, he and both were so frustrated and now that we have it "together" he is even more frustrated because he can't play with it. The minute he touches it it falls apart. What a bummer.