Nightstrike's Thoughts: New 2020 Reveals! Kingdom, Selects, & More!

So, here’s the thing:I'd love to be writing more. I’d love nothing more than to be devoting time and energy to filling this space. Alas, I’ve been trying to squeeze 25 hours out of each day between summer schoolwork and my ongoing service project, so I don't have many large chunks of time in which I can sit down and invest some of my brain-power.

That being said, I have kept an eye on things, as I am one seriously obse-- DEDICATED Transformers fan. While current stuff has been typically catered towards the usual lot, namely fans of early G1 and Michael Bay’s films, this (nightmarish) year has seen some significant change. As part of Siege and Earthrise, the first two installments in the War For Cybertron Trilogy, we saw Micromasters and Weaponizers (new versions of Titan partners) as the key gimmicks. With the final part of the trilogy, Kingdom, we’re seeing a further departure from over-used ‘flagship’ characters, and delving into Beast Wars!

Now first and foremost, Kingdom is not going to be purely Beast Wars figures, as the general plot will involve some sort of time travelling, but according to several sources on TFW2005, namely their very own Apollux, the figures will focus less on show accuracy, though scale will play a factor, and more on anatomical accuracy. Most of the line has been leaked, but only a few images of production samples have surfaced.

While Kingdom is soon to come, Generations Selects has been plugging away at semi-obscure and unorthodox repaints/retools. Selects has seen a wide variety of figures, from the Dreamwave Centurion Drones to Galaxy Force Hotshot.

However, as there are a lot of reveals to cover, I’ll be brief in running through and giving my quick thoughts on each.

Generations Selects

King Poseidon (Piranacon) [Available]

Definitely glad that we finally have one, but I do have a few minor issues with it. Tentakil is a little odd, and probably has the weakest alt-mode, while Snaptrap is yet another Silverbolt retool. Mainly holding off because I’m working on my own take on Piranacon which I feel will give Snaptrap the heft he deserves.

God Neptune [Preorder]

Retool/Repaint of King Poseidon, and it looks much better. I will admit, I don’t have much attachment to the character, mainly because I have not watched the Japanese Beast Wars saga, but I will admit, this set is very tempting.

Star Convoy [Available]

Kind of a generic retool of POTP Evolution-class Optimus Prime. Not a huge fan, partly because very little work was done to differ the molds. Even the core figure, Convoy, still strongly evokes the slender appearance of his pretool, Orion Pax.

Super Megatron [Preorder]

Very impressive retool of TR Galvatron. If I could afford it, I’d absolutely get it, partly because I lack a Megatron, and partly because the engineering is very impressive. The only recognizable Galvatron bits are the legs, but even then, the coloring helps set them apart.

Soundwave Spy Patrol: 3rd Unit [Available]

Totalling at 4 cassette-icons, rather than 2, this set is composed of Frenzy (the blue one!), Wingthing, Knok, and Skar. Definitely intending to get this once I manage to locate Earthrise Doubledealer, and maybe a Soundwave. Patiently waiting for Buzzsaw, though, so the main team can be completed.

Decepticon Exhaust [Available]

The cooler Wheeljack. Definitely wears the mold well, though I was surprised at his being made. Passing because I am partial to non-land alt-modes.

Greasepit [Available]

Definitely getting this, mainly because there are only four Modulators. Between him and Ironworks, I get a strong Joker feeling from him. Very bright ‘con. He also has a gas pump and a billboard, which are nice touches.

Hubcap [Available, somewhat]

Limited availability, but an easy pass. Feels a lot like Bumblebee, but with an orange face.

G2 Megatron [Preorder]

Probably going to pass on this, but those of you Beast Wars fans can repurpose him as Megastorm for your collection.

Hot House [Preorder]

Again, likely getting this, though it’s not too impressive. It’s basically a repaint of Airwave that replaces the white with red. Hopefully, I’ll be able to pull off a more accurate fire station mode for him.

Bug Bite [Preorder]

Not as impressive as the Classics version, mainly because he lacks the ornate chest detail. He also is Cliffjumper, with Bumblebee’s head sculpt.

Autobot Tigertrack [Preorder]

Oh hey. It’s Sideswipe. In yellow. Not very exciting otherwise.

Rotorstorm [Preorder]

For fans of Euro-G2 or the Wreckers this is perfect. I’m passing because it’s not particularly worth it to me...

Decepticon Sandstorm [Preorder]

Packed with G2 Megatron, is this unreleased G2 Seeker. He looks pretty nice, but not quite my cup of tea. Definitely recommend it for anyone wanting something more obscure, though.

Black Roritchi [Preorder]

This one is basically a must for me. I have a lot of nostalgia for Masterforce, so I am more attached to Scorponok’s ominous counterpart, Black Zarak. I’m hoping the release of this figure is a promise for a future Black Zarak.

War For Cybertron: Kingdom

Cheetor [Leaked]

Very, very impressed with this figure. The cheetah actually looks real, and kinda’ cute, too. Waiting to see what the Shadowpanther repaint looks like, but I am also curious about future retools, mainly because this iteration comes with the Transmetal tail-scythe.

Blackarachnia [Leaked]

In terms of robot-mode accuracy, this one blows the other offerings out of the water. Still not sure on the beast mode, as it looks a little odd, but hey! It’s realistic.

Others:

A new take on the Weaponizer gimmick called Fossilizers will be making an appearance. These figures have beast modes, but they’re skeletal. The first two names were already leaked, being Wingfinger and Ractonite. Probably going to collect some of the Fossilizers because I like the gimmick, though I’m also curious about the scale. There’s going to be several Deluxes, as well as a few “core-class,” or Legends. Other more prominent characters will also be making an appearance, and Dinobot in particular is one I’d absolutely get.

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So, what do you think about these new offerings? Are any of these “must-haves” for your collection? Let me know in the comments or on the forum!