Transformers is a franchise that has rarely left the shelves since their premier in 1984. Despite some hiccups with the franchise in the mid-90s, the toylines have carried multiple iterations of just about everyone’s favorite giant robots in disguise. Hasbro has even made sure the older fans have not been forgotten. By running, toy lines not just for the current show, but also specifically for older collectors with gimmicks fans have been clamoring for.

The newest iteration of the higher-priced Transformers is called War For Cybertron: Siege. The new defining items for this line is that everyone turns into a Cybertronian vehicle of some sort. With some old favorites returning, like Sideswipe and Red Alert come back. Or Sixgun, the Autobot made of guns. Also, everyone has ankle articulation, making for more dynamic poses.

Today, we’re looking at Megatron from the Siege line, Voyager size. Retailing for $29.99, Megatron comes from the first wave of toys alongside Optimus Prime. Unlike many recent Megatron toys, this one is modeled closely off his animated appearance back in the 1984 cartoon. It also comes with an additional sword/gun to re-create the chromed blade that came with the Japanese release of the character back in the day.

As with just about every other figure in the Siege line, Megatron is remarkably flexible compared to previous years. However, the ankles cannot slant forward, leaving the fig unable to walk forward or take certain dynamic angles. Combining this with a top-rear heavy center of balance, and this Megatron can fall over backward at a moment’s notice. This is balanced out by some extra foot, unfolded from the back of the foot itself… but it lacks weight or the ability to stay at any angle but flat. This is, honestly, the sole weakness of the figure.

Megatron’s alt-mode is not the handgun of the past, thanks entirely to toy regulations. Instead, he transforms into a slightly futuristic H-tread tank. The transformation isn’t too hard, outside of some fiddling with the thighs on the legs-into-tank-treads portion. The blade can transform into a cannon extension, but the blades on the gun extension can be hard to fit inside the tank mode without bending anything. While not “Generation 1” accurate, the tank mode is actually awesome.

Megatron also can be equipped with the various Battle Master, and Weaponizer units sold this time around, resulting in an even more overpowered Megatron.

While the figure is not perfect, it is a fantastically fun sample of Megatron, and a great addition for someone wanting a G1 accurate Megatron. Savvy fans should wait for the near-identical Cartoon-accurate Megatron figure coming soon to Walmart. This one will feature cel-shading at no extra cost and looks even more impressive.

Grade: B+