General Information:
Release Date: March 2025
Price Point: $27.99 (depending on retailer)
Retailer: General Release (Amazon, BigBadToyStore, Entertainment Earth, Target, Walmart etc.)
Accessories: Energon Axe, Matrix of Leadership
Official images and product description in italics below are from Amazon:
- TRANSFORMERS STUDIO SERIES: Transformers Studio Series is expanding into the video game universe! These collectible Transformers action figures are based on the Transformers video games
- TRANSFORMERS: DEVASTATION OPTIMUS PRIME: This Transformers Studio Series Optimus Prime action figure is highly articulated for posability and features video game-inspired deco and details
- TRANSFORMERS TOYS STUDIO SERIES DELUXE CLASS: This 4.5-inch (11.5 cm) collectible action figure is inspired by the Transformers video game and designed with specs and details to reflect the Transformers video game universe
- 2 ICONIC MODES: This Studio Series Transformers toy features conversion between robot and truck modes in 21 steps
- AWESOME ACCESSORIES: Transformers figure comes with an attachable Energon Axe and Matrix of Leadership accessories that attach in both modes
- ARTICULATED FOR PLAY AND DISPLAY: Transformers figures feature articulated heads, arms, and legs for action poses
- GIFT TRANSFORMERS COLLECTIBLES: This Studio Series Transformers action figure toy makes a great collectible figure gift for any Transformers fan
Bring the epic action from the Transformers video games into your collection with the Transformers Studio Series Deluxe Class Optimus Prime action figure, inspired by the Transformers: Devastation video game! Transformers Studio Series toys are collectible action figures that feature video game-inspired details and accessories. Convert the Studio Series Transformers action figure from robot to truck mode in 21 steps. Look for more Transformers Studio Series collectible figures to build a video game-inspired collection (each sold separately, subject to availability)! TRANSFORMERS and HASBRO and all related trademarks and logos are trademarks of Hasbro, Inc.
Background:
In October of 2015, PlayStation and Activision released "Transformers: Devastation" on the PlayStation & XBox. This game was intended to be a "lost adventure" from the G1 cartoon era and featured several G1 voice actors returning to voice Autobots and Decepticons. G1 voice actors Peter Cullen, Frank Welker, Dan Gilvezan, Gregg Berger and Michael Bell all returned for this game. With its G1 designs and retro-sensibilities the game was a hit with fans and many fans have expressed a desire for a remaster on modern platforms. While no remaster is on the horizon, we are getting action figures inspired by the game. Previously we had the Elita Seeker and Ground Solider and more recently Sideswipe and Wheeljack. Going back to March 2025, Hasbro released a Deluxe Class Optimus Prime figure based on his appearance in the game (trailer below).
Packaging:
Optimus Prime is packaged in a standard rectangular Studio Series box. The background is black and the red "Transformers" logo is now set horizontally towards the bottom of the box with the "Studio Series" logo under it with a light blue background. Under that is the "Transformers: Devastation" logo and an Autobot symbol with the name "Devastation Optimus Prime" next to it. The right side features artwork of Optimus Prime in both modes. To the left is a series of symbols showing an Autobot symbol, a 21 conversion from robot to truck mode and the 8+ age recommendation. Optimus is in the middle. Thanks to the plastic window now protecting the figure the cutout in the front shows off almost the entire figure in box.
The back of the box has a screenshot of Optimus Prime from the game and next to that his description says "Optimus Prime stops the Decepticons from turning Earth into a new Cybertron". Below that he is shown in both modes calling out his 21 step transformation. Below that he is shown with his Matrix Chamber open and holding the Matrix.
Accessories:
Optimus Prime includes two accessories:
Energon Axe
The Energon Axe is one of Optimus Prime's "standard" weapons nowadays. The front part is the axe blade and behind that are "streaks" of sculpted detail intended to be the visualization of the axe's energy as Optimus swings it. The sculpt is...okay. Optimus' Energon Axe has been done many times before (such as the one included with Legacy "G1" Optimus Prime) and I think previous versions were better. Part of what works against this accessory's appearance is that it is made out of solid red plastic with yellow paint on it. Making it solid in appearance takes away from the appearance of an "energy weapon" and that is unfortunate. The weapon features a 5mm port to attach to Optimus' hands and there is a tab on the side that allows you to attach it to his back in robot mode.
Matrix of Leadership
It has become common for Optimus Prime toys to include Matrix of Leadership accessories nowadays and this figure is no different. As you'd expect, this Matrix has a ball in the center with handles that extend out to the sides. This is not a reuse of a previous Matrix. This Matrix is new sculpt with tabs on either side of the handle. These fit into slots on the inside of his fists, allowing him to hold it in the traditional fashion with both hands. It also features a port in the back that allows it to fit into the chamber inside Optimus' chest. The sculpt of the Matrix is fine (not my favorite) but it's really tiny. Also, it is made out of white plastic with no paint details so it looks unfinished. The one that came with Legacy "G1" Optimus Prime was much nicer looking.
I think it is a real bummer that no rifle is included with this figure. Just having the axe really feels like something is missing with this set. Also, the smokestacks come separated from the arms and you can push them right into the slots on the shoulders.
Robot Mode:
The "Devastation" game used the G1 animated series as the design reference for many of its characters. This is definitely true for Optimus Prime. This figure looks very much like both his G1 animated appearance and how he looked in the game. Overall Prime's design is very blocky, with lots of squares and rectangles making up the torso, arms, waist and legs. His head sculpt features a rounded helmet section with the iconic "antennae", central crest and mouth plate. Smaller details like the lights on top of his chest, the triangles on his forearms and the distinct shapes under his grille are all present as well. That said there are some bits that I'm not crazy about. The wheels in his lower legs are very obvious in robot mode, sticking out the sides a bit. Also the drums from the vehicle mode are meant to be on the sides of the lower legs but here they are basically just flat panels which looks almost like the drums are missing or something. The other unfortunate design element are the feet. If you use the ankle tilt at an "extreme" angle, he looks like an entire chunk of his feet are missing. Overall the sculpt is good but it has some flaws.
One critique I have about this figure is its size. Hasbro has commented that the figure was sized to be roughly in scale with Studio Series 86 Devastator, so it winds up being about 4.5 inches (about 11.43cm) tall, which is pretty small for a Deluxe Class figure even nowadays.
Aside from his sculpt, the deco on this figure is what is meant to make this "Devastation" Optimus Prime. There is an honest attempt made here, but unfortunately the deco doesn't go as far as it should. This figure is made up of red, white, blue and black plastic. The colors are all shades that give the figure an animated look. The red is a very bright shade and the blue is a nice dark contrast. The white is not bright, but kind of an off-white. Paint colors include grey, light blue and yellow. The light blue is used on his eyes, which looks great. The grey is found on his mouth plate, nose and the "stripes" on his sides. The "game inspired" deco is found on the chest windows, featuring light blue and white designs that look like they came right out of the game. Unfortunately that is the only part of this deco that features a deco like this. The rest of him just looks rather plain. On the plus side, there is a nice Autobot symbol on his left shoulder.
I know the deco is a matter of budget, but when you look at the version included in the recently announced 3-Pack you see what this figure could have looked like and one cannot help but feel that more could have been done. I know that figure is part of a premium pack, but if they had just added a bit more deco on the legs and arms it would have been so much better.
There are twenty two points of articulation on this figure. This includes five on each arm and leg. His waist articulation is partially blocked by the wheels on his back and I'm being generous by counting the fists swinging in (which is really part of the transformation). His fists have 5mm ports so he can hold his axe (or a rifle from Legacy "G1" Optimus Prime).
Transformation to Vehicle Mode:
- Detach the axe and set it aside for now.
- Straighten out the arms and legs.
- Swing the head (and the panel it rests on) back.
- On the back, swing each wheel out to the sides.
- Turn the upper body around.
- Swing the side panels with the grey lines back.
- Pull the grille forward.
- On each leg swing the front and back halves of the feet down.
- Swing the "drum" panels out.
- On the inside of each lower leg, swing up the curved parts (these form the halves of the truck hitch).
- Rotate the sections with the wheels into the lower legs so the wheels are out to the sides.
- Swing the legs back and push the lower legs together.
- Swing the panels with the grey lines on them back. There are notches on them that connect to tabs on the top of the thighs.
- Swing the lower arms up.
- Swing the shoulders back.
- Swing the forearms forward.
- Swing the "drum" panels forward.
- The axe can be tabbed into the slot on the back of the vehicle.
Vehicle Mode:
Optimus' vehicle mode is the cab of his truck mode. Like the one featured in the game the front is cube shaped with three wheels on either side and a section that sticks out the back. Many details carry over from both the G1 cartoon and the "Devastation" game. These include the grille piece, the bumper under it and the smokestacks are on the back of the cab section. Unfortunately given the size and price point, there are limitations to the sculpt. For one, there is a very obvious tab showing right under the grille. On either side there are no drums, just flat panels with some openings in the middle. The front wheel wells also look like they're missing a chunk due to the way the transformation works out. I understand the reasoning behind making this a Deluxe, but it works against it in this mode.
There are no color surprises in this mode. All the colors from the robot mode show through here, though we do get a better look at the silver on the sides of the wheels.
The hitch in the back is designed to work with Earthrise Optimus Prime's trailer, which is a nice touch.
Final Thoughts:
Full disclosure - I only paid about $15 for "Devastation" Optimus Prime thanks to a friend who found an online sale. For that price, I'm okay with this figure. I don't love it, I don't hate it, it's just...fine. If you just want a Deluxe Class Optimus Prime as a deskbot this will do nicely. I just think the deco needed a lot of work and the accessories left me less than impressed. If you can get this figure at a big discount, it is mildly recommended but I wouldn't pick it up at full price unless you're a completist.
Pros:
- The sculpt looks good in robot mode, with a lot of cartoon/game-like design elements.
- Good articulation.
- Intuitive transformation.
- Being able to connect to the Earthrise trailer is a nice touch.
Cons:
- The ankle tilt is really ugly when used for wider stances.
- The Matrix accessory is really unfinished looking. It needed some deco (and possibly needed to be made of different plastic to do so).
- The "drum panels" on the sides of the legs look sad.
- The axe weapon doesn't look great.
- This set should have included a rifle.
