Next on the line is MTCM-04B Rover, 2nd member of Maketoys Guardia combiner (Not-Defensor). Maketoys has been on the roll and keep raising the bar for every releases. The Axle, that i previously reviewed here, was a testament to Maketoys's commitment to make the best product while maintaining the outstanding quality and enjoyment. Their price is usually on the high side. But with Maketoys, the money spent will be worth it.
Rover is based on Streetwise character, and it will form as one of the leg for Guardia.
Packaging
Rover has the same packaging material and similar box-art presentation/design like Axle. The only difference with Axle is the complexity sign that shows 2 out of 5 (Axle was 4 out of 5).
Similar to Axle, Rover is kept securely within the plastic clamshell and it comes with standard instruction manual, 2 guns (that can combine together) and small silver-foiled sticker sheet. The sticker will be used to add some detail to Rover. At the writing of this review, i haven't applied the sticker to Rover yet.
Other than that, there is really no difference in terms of packaging with Axle.
Presentation
Rover feels good in hand, and it felt just as good as Axle. The robot is filled with details and various paint applications. There are white, black, translucent red, translucent blue, red, dark gray, and silver. The black color is a matt black, hence it is not glossy at all. The wheel of the car is made out of plastic (not rubber).
I like the headsculpt on Rover, with red headplate, light blue eyes, and silver face.
Just like Axle, here we are comparing looks of the same character but from different companies, which is TFC Gumbal and Takara Unite Warriors Streetwise in robot form.
Minor complaints about Rover is that, if you turn and see Rover from the back you will see that the back of thigh of Rover is hollow plastic (aka, like Hastak). Thankfully the plastic quality is great, but to me, it's not supposed to be hollow like that.
Transformation
Rover transform to a sherrif/police car for his alt-mode. The instruction manual is as good as always and should help you transforming to alt mode or combined mode with problem.
The only few problems that i encountered during transformation was that for Rover, we have few clearance issue. Sometimes you just don't have enough clearance for some part of transformation.
For example: i was juggling with Rover for quite some time when i try to fold both arms to form the back of the card. I have yet to find a sweet spot or angle for smoother transformation for this part. Thankfully, i was able to get to the car mode with a little help from official instruction video that Maketoys kindly put it up on their official website. Overall, that part of transformation was not very fun at all.
Word of advice, if you are stuck during transformation, do not hesitate to go look for video instruction (official or from youtube reviewer) to help you with. Its better to be on the safe side and the last thing that you want to do is that you break something during forceful transformation. So, seek help when in doubt.
Once transformed, the car looks and feels great. It is small, but not small enough that you can carry it around when you go somewhere during weekend :). I know its strange, but sometimes i do bring toys during weekend when i'm outside my home.
Even though the box said that the complexity for Axle is 2 bar higher than Rover, i personally feels that Rover was more difficult than Axle. Probably due to clearance issue that i mentioned above. But the lack of clearance issue is understandable given that the car mode looks stunning, everything locks in nicely, and packed with detail.
Here's the comparison with TFC Gumbal and Takara Streetwise for comparison sake.
Articulation
Unlike Axle, Rover has one ratcheting joint on its knees. This ratchet joins really boost the stability and sturdiness of Rover. You will have no problem posing Rover as it does capable a few dramatic poses.
Head and shoulder is on ball joint. Arms is capable for full rotation, supported by bicep and arms rotation, as well as full elbow joint. Also unlike Axle, Rover has a waist rotation which helps for more articulation point.
You can play Rover just like an action figure without problem. It is just that good.
My Thoughts
I try to keep my review simple and i like to keep my thought simple as well for the benefit of reader. For simplicity, let me just say it now that both Axle and Rover really an excellent robot.
The transformation may not be as smooth as Axle (due to some points i highlighted above), and some people may get frustrated by it. But with patience and perseverance it is possible to transform it. The card mode looks awesome and articulation is top notch.
Some people dislike Maketoys because of how small Maketoys combiners compared to other company's combiners. But i could care less about size. Yes bigger sometimes means better, but quality, design, articulation plays a big part too. To me, Maketoys combiner size is acceptable and happy with it.
Cheers,
Epen
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