The Legacy Evolution line is a step up from the regular Legacy line in my opinion. Between how much more respect the TFP Skyquake/Dreadwing design and Animated Prowl got compared to the previous year's TFP figures, continuing the trend of Beasties and Armada, and expanding the cast of Junkions beyond the frequent reuses of the Studio Series 86 Wreck-Gar mold, it's great to have more effort put into the Generations line this time. Also great is the addition of a mini Dinobot set that does things entirely differently from the SS86 Leaders. What this line provided puts a smile on my face, and I am so excited to explore the United line from here. With all that said, let's rank the Evolution subline of Legacy! As always, we'll be covering Cores first, and any repaints for new molds will be included with the original use of a specific mold if it came out as such. I won't cover any other repaints from past lines since their molds were previously covered in a specific rank.
Let's cover the Core Class figures first, which mostly consisted of Dinobots that formed Volcanicus in a very Monstructor/Dinoking way. As stated before, I wouldn't mind seeing either character get a repaint from these guys if a Commander-Class combiner isn't on the table. With that said, the repaints that were made in this line will also be included, but I won't cover any package refreshes such as Bomb-Burst. Besides, the other two PRs, Optimus and Starscream, are already repainted in the subline.
9. Sludge: This guy got it pretty rough out of the entire team. A weird set of proportions that just make him awkward in robot mode with the strangest hip joints I have ever seen on a Core Class figure, wider than normal proportions, and pretty compromised articulation. Now obviously, the Dinobots were going to get shafted in terms of looks and articulation, but none got it badly like Sludge with how the arms don't move out too well in addition to how the hips work in the regular robot mode.
8. Scarr: For a first attempt at a new character for the Dinobots, this guy is pretty okay. He's like a mix between Slag and Snarl but with oversized shoulders and an arm mode that looks rather standard for this scale. I will have to take points off for the way the hand doesn't stay in that well on its peg, so it can be rather annoying as well as how the shoulder joint for the combined mode doesn't really hold its weight up. So better than Sludge but not by much.
7. Grimlock: I kind of feel like this guy could be on the mixed-negative side from being in the middle ground of the Core Class Dinobots. He comes off as rather blocky in both modes, but while his robot mode doesn't look too bad, his dino mode ends up looking disproportionate thanks to the way the legs and tail look oversized compared to the upper body where the stomach starts. His back kibble in dino mode is either in the correct orientation but barely visible or is upside down yet more prominent. His leg mode is fairly compact and decent in terms of how compact it can get, but the asymmetry with the winglet halves not being in the same spot is stupid.
6. Slug: On the contrary, this guy could be on the mixed-positive side from residing in the middle of the ground for the Core Class Dinobots. He is similar to Grimlock when it comes to the points of articulation present, yet I feel both modes look proportionately better than with Grimlock. Dino mode is decent apart from the skinny hindlegs, transformation is accurate, and robot mode looks mostly right, the only oddity is how the hood of the Triceratop head is stuck on his robot head. Otherwise, he is alright in the ranking.
5. Snarl: The one Dinobot who completed Volcanicus, but ranks second place in his team, this guy compliments his larger SS86 counterpart. Faithful transformation apart from the partsforming, better articulation other than the elbows not being ball joints, and a decent lower leg compared to Grimlock, I feel happy getting this guy to complete the six Dinobots in the line-up to make Volcanicus. He is good, but there is another Dinobot who wins the ranking.
4. Nemesis Prime: The first of three Kingdom repaints we've had in the line, Nemesis Prime is, of course, a black repaint of Optimus Prime, only he comes with an axe instead of a gun while his rims are nicely painted in contrast to the lack of paint on Optimus. This figure still retains the sea strengths and weaknesses that were present in the original version. This means the truck mode and robot mode both look similar to the Earthrise toy, only with different proportions. Remember when Nemesis Prime was going to be reformatted by Unicron? I bet the planet hogger shrank him while Galvatron remained the same size.
3. Thundercracker: We finally completed the Seeker trio in Core Class form, and it was thankfully easy to get all three of them in spite of the yearly release date. Thundercracker brings us back to not just having the proper null rays originally missing on Skywarp (since he had a dumb tuning fork on some sword that wasn't even expanded on), but also being much easier to obtain like the Siege version and unlike the Earthrise version that came with Skywarp. This figure is still better than the Earthrise version in terms of creativity, and I am happy to get another repaint of this Kingdom Core Seeker.
2. Soundblaster: Aye, we got a long-overdue repaint of this figure in lovely black with a clear purple chest door. While the Siege version comes off more like a bit of a Universe Nemesis Prime influence with its orangy chest door trim and red tint, this one feels more lush and reminiscent of how Takara does black repaints at times. It feels like going from a standard sedan to a luxurious counterpart just by observing the trims in the market. I would be more than happy to see these colors on the Netflix version...if only to also get us a proper Buzzsaw and maybe some other character to reuse from Ravage.
1. Swoop: He hasn't had a Studio Series Leader Class figure yet, but Swoop makes up for it by being the best Core Class Dinobot in the entire set. He's very faithful to the character design in a shrunken form, the articulation is all present, including ball-joined elbows and thigh swivels, his Volcanicus hand can split into two guns that proportionally fit well with his design, and who could say no to having a figure that is clearly meant to be part of a set stand on its own fine enough? He's almost comparable to all the third-party Legends Dinobots figures out there.
Deluxes & Beyond
Honestly, compared to the first year of Legacy, I was quite content with how everything turned out from start to finish, what with us getting closer to finishing our G1 CHUG displays made since Siege while the representation for Animated, Beast Wars II, and Armada is getting stronger than before. And the TFP representation we have with Skyquake is much better done than with Arcee, Bulkhead, and Knock Out, being able to represent his TFP design nicely while still having some of the obligatory G1 influences that are not so bad on him vs the aforementioned examples. But what are we waiting for? Let's rank this series! Disclaimer as always: Any repaints put in a subline will be included with the original use of a figure
Honorable Mention - Detritus: An Earth mode retool of Siege Hound, we have quite a discussion to go over when it comes to how this figure got to pop up initially as a CG render as Buzzworthy Bumblebee Hound intended for the SS86 series. You have what is an easy-to-market version of an '84 bot that has not yet received an Earth mode like the rest of the characters have in Siege. Why haven't we seen this right away? Is it because it would be much easier to make the less-enticing version before we get Hound? In any case, he better pop up WITH Hatchet.
20. Cyberverse Shadow Striker - I feel bad on a hating this figure since it has quite a bit going for it. Combining elements of the Cyberverse character with the Universe 2003 design that was recolored from RID Side Burn is cool, but I can't really say she's that great to begin with considering how weird the arm articulation is, the wonky proportions not matching either design of hers, and the odd approach towards the gun/knife weapon combo. And the altmode is a strange hodge podge of aesthetics. I doubt the Side Burn retool would be any better so I may get his original toy.
19/18. Bombshell & Shrapnel - These two practically function similarly to one another. They're both black and purple bugs, they're mold mades, and they work differently from Kickback. They're the part of a G1 CHUG display where you would be fine with them filling in a gap without needing to fill any high expectations. They're fine as they are and aren't mindblowing. And hey, it's cool Shrapnel got a toy after not having one made from losing in a 2019 fan poll.
17. Needlenose - Speaking of, this contestant finally got to receive a toy after losing TWICE, even though he comes off as pretty plain. The transformation is no different from any of the Aerialbots, mostly Silverbolt, so it makes sense that his non-Battle Master Targetmasters as well as his interactivity with Prime Skyquake make him more noteworthy.
16. Beachcomber - Another Season 2 Minibot, this one manages to not feel too similar to the Titans Return version by virtue of being slightly more articulated, having a better-proportioned bot mode, and coming with a gun as well as the Paradise Parakeet. Again, not a particularly mind blowing Deluxe, but he at least has rubber tires and rolls beautifully.
15. Devcon - After we had a handful of various retools associated with Blurr, we get a very heavy one this time around with an entirely different altmode and character associated with him. While Devcon has had a few figures in the past, this one feels the most faithful to the cartoon, and the fact that he isn't just a head swap of another guy makes him worth getting with Earthrise Smokescreen
14. Scraphook (ft. RID01 Tow-Line) - A Junkion that is a small tow-truck feels appropriate, and it is interesting how we have him and Battletrap this year. The transformation is also unique for a truckformer, though I have to admit that while the ability to split apart is appropriate, I don't like how easily the forearms come off, especially if the bicep swivels are too tight. The ankle joints can feel a bit off on some copies, and I know not everyone will like how deviated the robot mode is on Tow-Line, but at least with him, I don't mind if he was given a fiction-inaccurate design since he at least is a Deluxe and not a Scout, in addition to him fitting in better with the Autobot Brothers if I ever get them.
13. Origins Jazz -Made 2 years after Origin Bumblebee, this version of Jazz feels like both a step-up and a step-down from the yellow fellow. Firstly, the plastic quality is much nicer on Jazz versus how cheap Bumblebee felt. In addition, Jazz has better proportions than his Studio Series 86 form, especially with the chest. That being said, the clear plastic is still a concern as we've seen with the last two Deluxe Jazz figures. And his transformation isn't quite as inventive as Bumblebee's. Perhaps we'll see the rumored Wheeljack in the Voyager scale be a winner for 2024?
12. RID15 Strongarm - Certainly an unexpected release when it comes to how well it reuses last year's Elita-One mold. While skinnier in bot mode and flatter in truck mode, she at least feels much closer to the RID15 series' aesthetics moreso than the Year 1 Legacy Prime characters ever did. It does make me wonder how they'll handle other characters, though.
11. Crashbar - A Junkion motorcycle that isn't Wreck-Gar?! And he has a unique transformation that is fairly symmetrical?! Crashbar is definitely junior version of Wreck-Gar, with a similar name, design influence, and somewhat of a Viking motif. I hope we get more reuses out of this guy, since be is pretty cool in terms of design.
10. Metalhawk - Despite my issues with the gold and gray looking cheap in contrast to the more lush red and blue, this figure works so well as a heavy retool of Cyclonus. Given how character-specific his design is, it's a surprise that Hasbro was able to make this figure into an entirely different identity. The figure is also able to transform slightly differently, mostly with the arms and the cannons being extra stabilizer fins, and the design overall matches the inner robot design from Masterforce rather than the Pretender shell we've seen on past toys.
9. Trashmaster - This figure is so underrated. It's like someone asked "What if Optimus Prime was a Junkion?" and we get a figure that feels reminiscent of the Classics Voyager, down to the similar transformation. Admittedly, the bumper butt is annoying if it couldn't be flush, and parts of the figure do feel a bit cheap, but it is cool to see this guy be in an identity of its own that isn't trying to be Wreck-Gar. And on top of that, you could combine him with other Junkions if you so choose, a cool idea overall.
8. Armada Hot Shot - TJOmega probably got triggered upon seeing this figure get announced, but I was happy to see a new Hot Shot toy that isn't flawed like the Universe version. The proportions are correct, the transformation is faithful, and the articulation is handled much better this time around. My only biggest issues are how loose the visor is and how the knee articulation works if you don't move the back pieces out of the way. But beyond that, it's a great figure and logically the first to receive a repaint with the Powerlinx deco in glorious Hot Rod colors with a bonus Jolt!
7. Leo Prime (ft Nemesis Leo Prime) - The lion leader of Beast Wars II getting a non-MP update is a win in my book, and it also is great to have the evil recolor in proper anime colors that no prior version was able to nail. The beast mode heads look dumb, but I appreciate how it manages to be reminiscent of the Kingdom characters in terms of maintaining a sense of show-accuracy with realistic beast modes, and at least most of the features the original toy has are still present here, albeit manually done.
6. Animated Prowl - I'm sure many sighed a breath of relief when it turns out that Animated Prowl is going to stick with being much closer to the cartoon aesthetics than the Prime characters were in 2022. Sure, he's not as slim as the others are, but I am at least happy to see he maintains that character influence that made this guy feel unique amongst other versions of Prowl. Like, even he felt more original than both RID and Energon Prowl were, and certainly moreso than in Cyberverse. The shuriken not staying in right is annoying, though.
5. Armada Megatron - Sure, he traded in his plethora of gimmicks for more articulation, but I did expect that when I got this figure. It is nice to see that he is at least faithful to the original Armada series and is set to likely utilize a combination of some sort in the near future with Tidal Wave. We don't know how that will work. So some may find him to be a Voyager with Benefits, but he is a little more than that. However, the David Kaye Megatron streak is broken as he didn't win 1st place.
4. Tarn - YES, a great IDW character gets a proper figure. I'll admit I'm not a big IDW guy myself, but I can at least say that Tarn is one of the characters I actually like. Loyalty towards Megatron that rivals Soundwave's, a unique transformation, and a badass tank mode with plethora of different purple shades that make him look rather attractive for a Decepticon menace. Sure, his mask doesn't come off, but at least he's a well-made figure that will wonderfully go well with an evil Megatron and not an Autobot one.
3. The Nemesis - I'll admit, this one has a few issues with the arm articulation, and the kibble is also problematic. I also don't like how hollow the wing/tailfin halves tend to look hollow on the shins, but man is it nice to see some imagination be implemented for this giant flagship. Between the unique transformation, the character design going well with the shape of the ship, and the magnificent contrast to that of the Ark overall, this is the perfect companion piece for the Autobots' home, even if I like the Ark a little more.
2. TFP Skyquake/Dreadwing - These brothers may not be 100% closer to the Prime cartoon's aesthetics, but they are much better done than Bulkhead, Knock Out, and especially Arcee. The G1-style fits better for these designs, the size is much more appropriate for them compared to their old Voyager toys, and they manage to fit in much better with a Prime display when it comes to their scale versus what they originally had. And I also have to commend them for the different insignia designs and the slightly different nozzles for the cannons.
1. Armada Optimus Prime - This is the best Commander Class figure we've had of all time. Surpassing even Sky Lynx, it feels great to see a design that was long neglected by Hasbro finally receive the massive upgrade it deserves, and I look forward to seeing more Armada updates, especially for ones that include Jetfire and Overload with future combinations. I also have to give a shout out towards Baltmatrix for how stupid his story is on his old Armada Prime for being set on fire, especially given how he handles his toys poorly like a dumbass man child. This Armada Prime, on the other hand, is the GOAT.
And that covers the Evolution side of the Transformers Legacy line. What a massive glow-up when it comes to character choices and reuses. I hope we get to see this continue forward with the United chapter of the Legacy series. The return of more Beast Wars, more Animated, additions of Rescue Bots and a better Cyberverse release with Windblade, not to mention we get a new Thundertron and Rock Lords?! SIGN ME THE FUCK UP!!!!!!
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