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Titans Return Deluxe Windblade with Scorchfire Review


I've been a big fan of Windblade since her inception as a fan-made bot in the Generations line. Now she's had numerous incarnations, retools and recolors; including a NuRID form and being made into Airazor and Slipstream; among others.

Now her newest form is part of the Titans Return line, as a Titan Master. And so, this is the review for TR Windblade:






In package:

Image

Windblade comes in the standard Titans Return style packaging; which is very similar to the previous line, Combiner Wars, packaging. The layout is not too bad; it shows everything that needs to be shown with a nice close-up of Windblade's head being attached in art form.

Back of package:

Image

The back of the package shows how to transform Windblade into her modes, as well as the number of steps to do so. Also it mentions the series gimmick of Titan Master head-swapping as well.

It also includes a very brief bio for Windblade and shows how the Titan Master Scorchfire interacts with her as well.

Tech Spec Card:

Image

Windblade comes with a Tech Spec card; instead of the old 'Bio and Tech Spec' combo either on the card or on the back of the package.

The front of the card simply has a full view of her package art from the front of the box as well as her name (and Titan Master's name).

Image

The back gives the tech specs for both characters; shown in different colors.

Instructions:

Image

The instructions are really large when folded out; so large I couldn't fit it easily into my scanner...so I took photos instead.

The front side has the name and small image of the figure and her Titan Master, as well as how to transform her from robot to jet mode.

Image

The back side has how to transform her Titan Master, where to store the Titan Master in vehicle mode, how to mount her swords in vehicle mode, and how to create a vehicle for the Titan Master.

Robot Mode:

Image

Out of the package Windblade comes ready to go. Her head is already attached as well.

Image

Windblade has good articulation; basically the standard range of motion for most Transformers.

She can move her head in any direction, but it is hindered a bit by the Titan Master gimmick. Her shoulders have a lot of motion; moving in a circle, bending up and down as well as rotating up and down a bit due to the transformation.

Also she has no waist articulation; and her legs, knees and feet only have one bending point. She does have rotation in her thighs to help with more dynamic poses.

Her wings can be bent backwards and the turbines on the wings can rotate 360 degrees all the way around.

Scorchfire, Head Mode:

Image

Like the Headmasters of past; the Titan Masters don't have much to offer due to their small size.

Scorchfire, like all Titan Masters, lacks the folding plate to cover the head when in robot mode; but this allows for a better looking head mode. The sculpt on the head is really good; looking really accurate to Generations/comics Windblade!

Scorchfire, Robot Mode:

Image

As a robot, Scorchfire has even less articulation than the old Headmasters! This is because of the legs; which are now one solid pair of legs; instead of two legs. But the detail of the robot mode is much better compared to the older Headmasters.

As far as I know, this character's face and body isn't based upon anything...but I could be wrong, as I'm not really knowledgeable on modern TF lore.





To be continued in Part 2!

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8/5/2017, 2:27 pm Link to this post Send Email to MetalSamamon   Send PM to MetalSamamon
 
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Re: Titans Return Deluxe Windblade with Scorchfire Review


Continued from Part 1!





Windblade, Robot Mode, alternate weapon storage:

Image

Windblade comes with two weapons: Two yellow and silver swords.

Each of these have several ways to be held by Windblade: They can be held separately, as two weapons, in her hands.

They can also be mounted onto her wings when not held in her hands, as seen above.

In addition, they can be mounted to her back by way of two small ports on her back.

Image

They have one final form; which is combined together. This actually acts as a small vehicle for Scorchfire instead of as a weapon:

Image

Jet Mode:

Image

Windblade transforms into a jet, naturally; as her other variations have in the past; with a similar color scheme and design.

Transformation is very simple, for a deluxe. It's nowhere near as complex as her NuRID or Generations forms.

Image

Scorchfire can ride either in the cockpit (which does close when Scorchfire is inside) or on the two swords together as a small vehicle. The swords don't attach back onto Windblade when they are combined as a vehicle for Scorchfire, however.

Swapping Heads:

Image

Of course, like all Titan Masters, Windblade can swap heads with other Titan Masters figures (in this case, with Nautica). This is really easy too; with the only issue being pushing the head in sometimes if it's not lined up properly.

Compared to NuRID and Generations forms, Robot Mode:

Image

There are a bunch of different color variations to the NuRID and Generations molds (including SDCC versions, US versions and Japanese versions) and retools; but for simplicity sake; I am just comparing the most accurate Japanese, original versions only.

This version of Windblade most closely resembles her Generations form; but there are considerable differences:

- The wings don't have any ability to angle up or down; they are locked in place.
- The turbines aren't colored in at all.
- She has two swords in her TR form instead of one.
- She no longer has the sheath for either sword.
- The sword(s)'s color is now yellow instead of red.

But, of course, this is a new mold and an homage rather than a perfect copy of the original, so these changes/differences are perfectly OK.

Compared to NuRID and Generations forms, Jet Mode:

Image

For the vehicle mode; TR Windblade doesn't really closely resemble either previous version of her. There are some major differences between all 3 versions; including (but not limited to):

- The swords, which are now stored under the wings instead of under the jet chassis.
- No rear tail fin.
- Wings that are bent forward, instead of being straight to the sides.
- Yellow cockpit instead of black.
- Black nosecone instead of silver/white.

But, again, these are acceptable changes. In the end; both modes do look like Windblade, despite the changes.

Compared to all other versions of Windblade; Robot Mode:

Image

There are a grand total of 15 different Windblade figures currently released; including 2 unofficial ones:

- Generations Windblade
- Legends Windblade
- SDCC Generations Windblade
- BotCon Airazor
- Legends Slipstream
- NuRID Deluxe Windblade (Original)
- NuRID Deluxe Windblade (Combiner Force)
- SDCC NuRID Windblade
- Adventure Deluxe Windblade
- Titans Return Windblade
- NuRID Legion Windblade
- Adventure Legion Windblade
- Tiny Titans Windblade
- "Windsaber" (Regular Colors)
- "Windsaber" (Translucent Color)

It's especially hard to get a group shot of all of them, since the Generations/Legends versions really love to fall over easily... emoticon

Overall:

Image

Windblade's newest incarnation is not too bad. She's rather stiff, especially in the elbows; and has a lot of differences from her previous forms.

But she also has a lot of good aspects, including her Titan Master's vehicle mode made from her swords, multiple sword storage points and overall design. Also the lack of her sheath is a great change, as the sheath was hard to store in any place on the other two forms of her.

Overall I'd say she's worth getting. A nice new form of Windblade. emoticon

Now to see if there is a Japanese release for this mold and what, if anything, is different on it...

Last edited by MetalSamamon, 8/6/2017, 2:57 pm


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Re: Titans Return Deluxe Windblade with Scorchfire Review


Good review MS.

I wasn't too sold on her but I think Im going to get her to replace my Thrilling 30 version mainly due to the aforementioned standing issue. Only drawbacks are her bulky elbows and the swords (dont like the gaps for TM slots). Thankfully Ive seen that the sword and sheath from 30th Windblade will work on the TR version...just no storage in vehicle mode.

Last edited by iacon45, 8/5/2017, 4:46 pm
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Re: Titans Return Deluxe Windblade with Scorchfire Review


I already replaced my Thrilling 30 with the NuRiD Windy. (A little pain on her and I say she[s superior in every way to the original.)

However jet mode aside, I SWEAR, this HAD to have been intended for Nautica.

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Re: Titans Return Deluxe Windblade with Scorchfire Review


quote:

MachSabre wrote:

I already replaced my Thrilling 30 with the NuRiD Windy. (A little pain on her and I say she[s superior in every way to the original.)

However jet mode aside, I SWEAR, this HAD to have been intended for Nautica.



I was going to get the Takara release of NuRID Windblade but ultimately cancelled. Now the only NuRID Windy in stores has that silly battle mask.
8/14/2017, 12:40 am Link to this post Send Email to iacon45   Send PM to iacon45
 
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Re: Titans Return Deluxe Windblade with Scorchfire Review


quote:

iacon45 wrote:

quote:

MachSabre wrote:

I already replaced my Thrilling 30 with the NuRiD Windy. (A little pain on her and I say she[s superior in every way to the original.)

However jet mode aside, I SWEAR, this HAD to have been intended for Nautica.



I was going to get the Takara release of NuRID Windblade but ultimately cancelled. Now the only NuRID Windy in stores has that silly battle mask.



The Takara version of NuRID Windblade from Adventure is the best of the NuRID mold Windblade figures. She's not perfect in paint apps; but easily the best of the 4 made.

Hopefully you can find either the regular NuRID Windblade or the Adventure version of her, Iacon. Good luck with that!

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Re: Titans Return Deluxe Windblade with Scorchfire Review


quote:

MetalSamamon wrote:

quote:

iacon45 wrote:

quote:

MachSabre wrote:

I already replaced my Thrilling 30 with the NuRiD Windy. (A little pain on her and I say she[s superior in every way to the original.)

However jet mode aside, I SWEAR, this HAD to have been intended for Nautica.



I was going to get the Takara release of NuRID Windblade but ultimately cancelled. Now the only NuRID Windy in stores has that silly battle mask.



The Takara version of NuRID Windblade from Adventure is the best of the NuRID mold Windblade figures. She's not perfect in paint apps; but easily the best of the 4 made.

Hopefully you can find either the regular NuRID Windblade or the Adventure version of her, Iacon. Good luck with that!



I think Im just going to go the hopefully easier route and get the TR version and just use the sword and sheath from thrilling 30.
8/14/2017, 11:59 pm Link to this post Send Email to iacon45   Send PM to iacon45
 
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Re: Titans Return Deluxe Windblade with Scorchfire Review


....and picked up TR Windblade earlier today. I've heard others give mixed reviews on her but I think she's absolutely amazing despite the bulky elbows. The only nitpick is I hate is how the blocky part of the TM takes away from the shape of WB's face sculpt.
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MetalSamamon Profile
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Re: Titans Return Deluxe Windblade with Scorchfire Review


quote:

iacon45 wrote:

....and picked up TR Windblade earlier today. I've heard others give mixed reviews on her but I think she's absolutely amazing despite the bulky elbows. The only nitpick is I hate is how the blocky part of the TM takes away from the shape of WB's face sculpt.



Yeah, that's true, I agree. Glad you were able to get her!

I'm going to get the Japanese Targetmaster version of her too and do a review on that when it comes in. emoticon

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