Toy Review: Transformers Power Core Combiners Two-Pack

Back in the waning days of the original 1984 Transformers cartoon and toy line, the robot characters began augmenting themselves with weaponry and even their heads that transformed into miniature robot suited humans. The practice returned in Tranformers Armada where the main robot characters looked for miniature transforming robots to unlock new features in themselves and their toy representations. Now the Mini-Cons are back in the two-pack boxes of Transfomers Power Core Combiners. Currently three are available in the first wave: The whiny Autobot Huffer from the original cartoon and relative newcomers Decepticon Smolder and Autobot Searchlight. All three convert from robot to vehicle and each includes a Mini-Con figure that can attach to the robot in various configurations.

This review focuses on Huffer and Smolder.

Robot Mode

As robots, these Scout Class figures are not really much to write home about. They stand short and usually have a lot of excess vehicle kibble on the shoulders. Smolder's shoulders really suffer from that kibble. Sky blue ports tend to be visible around the limbs and detract from the general aesthetic of the robot. Huffer does bear resemblance to his 1980s self in mustard yellow and navy blue color scheme. Mini-Cons can enhance the playability of the robot by converting into weapons-Huffer's Caliburst becomes a handcannon while Smolder's Chopster becomes an orange fire axe. Additionally, the Mini-Cons also unfold into some sort of chest armor that mounts on a peg in the center of the robot. Mini-Con weapons and armor are interchangeable.

Alternate/Vehicle Mode

Conversion between robot to vehicle is easy and formulaic for both figures. The toys do look better as vehicles as more detailed paneling and colors are visible. The burning Decepticon logo on Smolder's fire department brush truck is a nice touch. Huffer resembles a semi rig like he did in the cartoon though he will not be towing anything like Optimus Prime's trailer any time soon. Instead, both and all Combiner Power Core vehicles can take on a Mini-Con vehicular weapon. The Mini-Cons can fold into cannons usually and attach themselves on the indicated mount. The weapons are interchangeable though some folding and rearranging is needed to fit. Some mounts seem to incorporate better than others. While Huffer's swivel turret fits well on the back of his truck, Smolder's cannon and two mini-guns just sticks on the roof like a giant ornament.

Power Core Combiner Mode

Like all Combiners in this line, these robot toys also can combine with the drones included in the five-pack toys to merge into a giant robot. They even have larger heads hidden away to use for such occasions. Just attach the drones on the previously mentioned blue ports to provide the arms and legs. They share the same posing limitations as well but are a great gimmick and excuse to collect more of the toys to create interesting combinations.

Mini-Cons

The included Min-Cons add lots of play with its combinations of transformations-miniature robot, vehicle weapon, accessory for the larger robot, and robot armor and the interchanging qualities among the toy line. They fit among previous toys that use Mini-Con or Powerlinx ports as well as the current toy line. The translucent plastic gives them a shimmering look of power compared to the opaque masters. Their joints do get a little loose from all of that conversion while playing.

So these toys are fun have lots of playing opportunities and are only $9.99 in retail stores. It is quite a bargain.