Transformers G1 Perceptor review

Perceptor is another example of Hasbro going crazy over a new toy that they could use for their Transformers line back in the 80s, where it was a Micro Change item that was repurposed like Megatron, Soundwave, and Blaster. Perceptor's choice of an alternate mode made sense in the cartoon, given how every 80s show needed a scientist who would progress the plot in favor of the heroes or against it if things went wrong. There were some instances where the Autobot microscope got involved, though, most notably in Microbots or The Face of the Nijika. I previously looked at his alright SS86 figure so let's see how the original fares. 

Here we have Perceptor in his alternate mode, the signature microscope that made him stand out amongst the usual cars and jets of the Transformers line. It's quite an interesting alternate mode to choose if you ask me, especially considering how unlike anything else we have gotten in the franchise. While not particularly used for offense, it is at least meant to showcase the variety of alt modes a Transformer can have. The chrome dials especially add to the look, making it feel like a proper microscope in a way. Two of them simply rotate in their 5mm posts but one can extend or retract the silver front bit of the scope. On his left thigh is a rubsign that denotes he is an Autobot.

Here he is next to his SS86 counterpart. I think the original works better as a microscope than the more modern toy since that one definitely prioritized being made to look like the cartoon model moreso than the old toy. Obviously, because the old toy was made before the cartoon and other media. The way the scope is connected to both arms shows this, too.

As for the tank mode, you simply hinge the scope all the way down and bring the legs around so they can form tank treads of sorts. You also have wheels to pull out from within the legs so they can add a bit of justification to Japan's trend of making random configurations and calling them modes. This does add a bit of combat versatility to Perceptor, not to mention that it was something that the Micromen could pilot like with the weaponry associated with G1 Megatron. In essence, this is less of a proper tank and more of a mode Perceptor came up with on the spot.

Here it is next to the SS86 version once again. I wasn't a big fan of how the tank turned out for the newer toy, but the original has it work a little better. Is it because it actually has wheels, or is it due to it not prioritizing cartoon-accuracy? Who knows.

Transformation into the robot mode is quite simple: you straighten the legs, have the side on the thighs with the stickers facing forward, pull out the arms, bring them down while extending the fists, hinge the scope into a shoulder cannon, and bring the head out via a gear in the back. The resulting robot mode isn't really anything to write home about, given how Perceptor is quite a blocky and chunky toy with a wheel in-between his ass plates, but I do like the colors of red and teal...or is it turquoise? Definitely not a traditional blue. The chrome accents are what make this toy pop on a shelf like with many G1 Transformers, such as on the chestplate and dials we saw earlier. Being an older G1 toy, I am happy to say he is holding up quite well in terms of overall condition. I also have to say that the cannon could be placed on the left shoulder, though it won't stay as flush.

His head sculpt is more like your traditional Japanese robo flare, something the mouthplate and yellow eyes aren't design traits associated with Perceptor. The left eye looks like it isn't painted properly, so he looks like he's got an eyebrow lowered somewhat. His articulation only consists of shoulders that can "ratchet" in spots between 90 degrees (which is annoying since it's I'd like to have them stop at 45 degrees sometimes), the elbows bend at 90 degrees, the legs move outwards, the thighs have rotation below the hips and above the knees, and the knees bend 90 degrees. He comes with his missile launcher and gun, the former not being able to launch either because it was glued in by a previous user or Hasbro didn't think twice that maybe launchable missiles for G1 reissues would be okay.

The original Perceptor toy had a few uses, with the original in its purest form found in a Universe 2008 reissue exclusive to Toys R Us (probably meant to be for the Commemorative Series) while another was included in a 2-pack with Blaster for the Autobot Intel Ops set; while Blaster came with Ramhorn, Eject, and Steeljaw (no Rewind for some reason even though he was a prominent character for the IDW comics), Perceptor came with little microscope slides and a slide holder meant for added playability that I don't think the Micro Change version ever came with.

After that, we have the duality of reuses for this mold. On the left is Magnificus, a Decepticon redeco that came with Ga'made to showcase a bit of Microman play features, and the Transformers Retro version of Perceptor, which only made a de-chromed and more cartoon-accurate deco for the character. Which is cool but is honestly boring.

For a robot mode size comparison, here he is next to his SS86 counterpart, just barely the same height as the old toy we have here. I'm surprised at how washed out the newer figure looks compared to the old toy, especially given how it looks more like a retraux or bathroom color scheme vibe to it compared to the old toy's richer colors. Maybe the rumored SS86 Voyager Perceptor that'll come with Ramhorn and Rewind will give him richer colors. I'd love to see it come with chrome like the Reveal the Shield figure did. I mean, if Hasbro can do it before, who's to say they can't do it again to justify their usual trope of making slightly nicer redecos of older toys? Anyways, G1 Perceptor is neat other than the annoying indents of the shoulder joints and the missile launcher not working.

Final ranking: ⭐⭐⭐ and a half out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐