Transformers Cyberverse was such as fun series to watch, especially in the second and third seasons. Between the proper ways of making G1 updated yet worth watching combined with the awesome storytelling, they made what could have been a generic filler show into an outstanding entry to the franchise. Sadly, it's not getting as much attention due to its status as a YT-only channel without the same level of promotion or reach that TFP got, but at least its audience was happy with what it presented. And it's quite fascinating how not a single figure was a repaint or remold; everyone is a brand new mold! So from familiar faces to uncommon cast members to the new guy Thunderhowl, let's see what the Cyberverse line has to offer in its ranking list!
13. Grimlock: For such a remarkable character in the show, it's disappointing that the figure doesn't do him any justice. Both modes look accurate, and the leg transformation is a little unique, but they each share a problem and each mode has a problem of its own. The dino mode doesn't have any proper knee bend because of how the arms work, the transformation tends to have the legs pop off, and the robot mode has no proper weapons so to speak nor is there a proper way to add the crown without the risk of chipping the paint of the head or breaking the horns. While we're at it, apart from lacking paint in some areas, which is understandable, he's prone to having his plastic yellow on the forearms as well as the robot leg panels. That shouldn't happen on a toy made recently! Perhaps making them out of a different plastic color would have prevented that, because the gray that Slug has looks so much better than the gray on Grimlock.
12. Hot Rod: Not 100% better than Grimlock, mainly with the arm kibble and the somewhat restricted arm articulation, but he at least doesn't have any concerning yellowing on his gray parts. He could use some more paint, especially with how pajama-like he is right now. And his vehicle mode is very polygonial, but I do appreciate the spoiler transformation as well as the use of the fire pieces doubling for both of his modes to make up for his lack of a weapon.
11. Soundwave: Some say that the Warrior Class figure isn't worth getting, but I think that the Deluxe isn't 100% perfect either. The backpack is hollow, the figure doesn't really stand that well, and it feels weird to pose him because of how his ankles work. I do like the addition of a Laserbeak that his chest can store, and the blast effect is my favorite for how character-specific it is, but I'mma be honest and say that it's not as great as the previous waves and the ones that came after him.
10. Starscream: This guy may be screen accurate all around, but the robot mode is the stronger mode of the two. His crotch being orange instead of red is weird. That being said, I do like his transformation as well as the articulation present to him. Even the effect pieces are cool. The jet mode still looks like ass, even if it's meant to look like that.
9. Thunderhowl: While he might seem like an out-of-nowhere addition at first, and some people did hope he'd be the same Thunderhoof from RID15 (which I can't blame fans for that), this gut wasn't too shabby. Apart from his lack of a waist swivel due to his transformation, I do enjoy the design and the articulation present to him, especially if you can keep everything locked solidly. I do wish he'd have a more screen-accurate color scheme and head but those may be from him being a later addition to the team.
8. Prowl: The Autocop of the Transformers brand (though not 1:1 to Robocop), this gut gets a new figure around the same time his G1 counterpart got attention in the WFC Trilogy. I'll be honest and say that this figure might be easier to obtain than the Earthrise version, but I do find him to be weird in the line. While his Warrior counterpart does look like a generic Transformer who's repurposed to be Prowl, this guy feels like he has some Barricade influences for the front while the colors feel a little unusual in terms of how pearlescent they are as well as his head sculpt feeling a little ghostly.
7. Arcee: This figure manages to be kind of surprising as far as the execution is concerned. While she's not 100% the best Arcee figure, I appreciate that she has a spirit that feels adventurous and enthusiastic on top of how better she handles her kibble than the Earthrise version by feeling a little more integrated and doesn't have any stupidass partsforming. There are a few things I'd improve, like the tight ankles or the parts that could yellow, but she's a solid figure to have, and it's cool that she's reissued alongside her possible lover, Grimlock! If only they fixed the yellowing issue.
6. Megatron: This guy might have some kibble issues as well as some awkward shoulder movement, but I at least dig the unique transformation that he has for the figure, which has the front of the tank become the legs instead of rinse and repeating the WFC guy. He might need some paint to make the face sculpt pop more, but he makes for a solid base figure. I think he'd look even better if he was in the Megatron-X colors.
5. Cheetor: This guy finally exists! The colors he has may not 100% be accurate to the show, but that doesn't matter when he's still a solid take on the guy. The best show-accurate version of the character, with more articulation than the Spark Armor version on top of looking better overall! Instead of blast effects, he has armor pieces that mostly accentuate the beast mode. I'll be honest and say that they're not the best, but they do at least add a different display option that makes me think of Beast Machines. The mask being a shield is stupid, though. Otherwise, a good take on the guy, even if he's not entirely perfect.
4. Slug: This guy's better than Grimlock in plenty of areas: better colors, no chance of yellowing, good weapons, and a fairly unique transformation that is a little distinct from the SS86 version! Apart from the missing bicep swivels, and the general limitations of the articulation of the beast mode, but this guy makes for a nicely done entry in the line overall. And sadly is the last one we've gotten. I'm considering getting the other Dinobots to complete the team and maybe the Warriors and Ultras?
3. Optimus Prime: This is the same sort of song and dance we've come to expect with Optimus Primes that do the G1 route. Faux chest, arms from the sides, legs from the rear, etc. But the aesthetics help him feel a little more interesting. Since Cyberverse has that sort of brand unification influence you see on licensed Transformers merchandise, this guy has a design similar to the Evergreen toy more commonly seen with the Authentics figure. However, this figure wins not just in overall quality but by using that same sort of trope element in making a strong figure overall. Yeah, the bumper may be a little thicker, and the hip articulation is a little limited, but he takes advantage of the Deluxe budget in making a solid enough figure that captures his design and character in a way that is rivaled by only the Battle Call version that's the size of an old Leader. Also, the chest opens up and can use the blast piece with its integrated Matrix!
2. Shockwave: Shockwave's toys in the line have already been good overall. The Warrior figure is solid enough, the Ultra Class guy was done quite well in spite of having no elbow bend at the left arm, and the Spark Armor version is a nice miniature version of the guy. So what can the Deluxe version do to not feel as redundant? He has the hose, a new gun accessory, and a more striking silhouette that better captures his design very well in the show without looking too wide or too stretched. In any case, he is a good entry in an otherwise consistently good selection of Shockwave toys.
1. Bumblebee: I'm surprised that the guy who had his name on the series for Season 3 is on the number 1 spot. BTW, Why did they name it Transformers Bumblebee: Cyberverse Adventures? Was it because it was to get people's attention with the addition of the scout's name? Anyways, the character design is done so well for this guy. No awkward proportions, no compromised left or right arm for a gimmick, the main selling point is that he's on-par with the WFC Deluxes. I love the transformation he has, even if it might be a little similar to the Thrilling 30 mold. At least he doesn't have shitty knees and weirdly cumbersome shoulders. My favorite part of this Bee is his stinger and its effect piece; it's so character-specific that it stands out compared to the average blaster he's known for.
And that covers the list! I'm still bummed out we don't have a Deluxe version of actually prominent characters like Windblade, Slipstream, Jetfire, Shadow Striker, Sky-Byte, Clobber, Dead End, Wildwheel, and plenty of other Bots and Cons that deserve more merchandise. Hopefully, the next Transformers show can provide a Deluxe line-up like this and keep fans happy, but first, we'll see if the show can be good.
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