Cybertron Hot Shot is a favorite amongst the fandom, what with the blue color scheme and the overall robot mode design homaging prior Transformers in G1 like Springer, Blurr, and Hot Rod; others point out a transformation similar to Dran from the Brave series. As for me, I reviewed the original Deluxe way early on when the site was newish, but with the Legacy Unites version taking the spotlight, we shall see if this new guy not only makes replacing the old toy worth it, but also justifies skipping over Energon.
Here we have Hot Shot in his vehicle mode. Based on a Chrysler ME Four-Twelve, this was one of the best altmodes that we got from the Cybertron line. The shade of blue, combined with the yellow accents and the overall aesthetics that the vehicle mode is based on, results in a striking alternate mode compared to the more familiar yellow and red from the Armada Hot Shot design (though Energon Hot Shot could be seen as a midway point between the coloring of the first and third designs). There are some missing paint apps on the toy, such as the rims, and the vents on the hood look slightly incomplete because of the way the shoulder joints disrupt the tooling, but the alternate mode is just as good here as it was in 2005. The gun can peg on the 5mm port as before, though there is no missile-launching gimmick. The Cyber Planet Key can slide into the back, but it is not only smaller but also requires deploying the wings manually.
For a vehicle mode size comparison, here he is with Galaxy Upgrade Optimus Prime and Override. The scale between the characters works quite well, though Optimus Prime could be a larger-scale figure if you ask me. Maybe we'll see that next year since Hasbro wants to go all-out on Cybertron more than the other Unicron Trilogy.
Here he is with his old self from the Cybertron line. The size for the vehicle mode is slightly smaller than the original, but a lot of the details are carried over, albeit with the Autobot insignia missing on the hood and the lack of clear plastic for the spoiler and headlights. The back is sculpted differently, which is not accurate.
And here we have him next to his Generations Selects toy, which is upgraded with the unofficial armor that the old toy never had because it was a repaint of Siege Hound with a retooled head. The size difference makes sense for the kind of altmode we got with the older toy, but wait till you see how the robot mode will turn out.
The transformation is about the same as the original, only now with a tab that keeps the backpack in place as well as unique joints that extend the legs without utilizing the sliding joints that were common back then. The feet transform slightly differently, and the head can be hidden away without requiring neck rotation. The robot mode is similar to the old toy, which is expected given how the Cybertron line was known for not being super held back by gimmicks and retaining a great level of articulation. The design remaining faithful is everything one would want from this toy, though we'll have to compare this to the old toy.
His head sculpt is slightly bigger than on the original, but it still looks great regardless. I also like how the forehead crest is now painted rather than left translucent. It helps match the animation model better. His articulation consists of a ball-jointed neck, shoulder rotation, outward hinges for the transformation, bicep rotation, elbow hinges, wrist rotation, waist rotation, hip movement on swivels for front and back motion as well as hinges going in and out, thigh rotation, knee hinges, and ankle rockers.
Weirdly, the doors can be removed from the forearms, revealing additional 5mm ports. Why this is done is beyond me.
For a robot mode size comparison, here he is with his Siege counterpart, and you can laugh at the size difference and pray Hasbro makes a proper Cybertron Defense Hot Shot.
For a comparison with his old toy, the heights are about the same if you exclude the backpacks. Dadly, the Hot Rod spoiler detail is less noticeable, and I wish it wasn't red since the yellow strengthened the look.
And here he is with his Cybertron gang. Two retools, two new molds, and I am hungry for more. Outside of a few missing details, Legacy United Cybertron Hot Shot is a great addition to any collection, even if you have the original toy.
Final ranking: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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