Transformers Studio Series Gamer Edition Ratchet review

The Gamer Edition line has had a fairly rough 2023, and 2024 was not as generous either when it comes to the offerings; including Ratchet, the only new molds we got were Starscream and Sideswipe as well as a heavy retool of Barricade into the Decepticon Soldier. Some may include Reactivate Bumblebee, but he's a solo release variant from a 2-pack tied to a possibly canceled game. The Deluxes we got and Voyager Starscream were given decent ratings, but how will Ratchet fare? Let's find out.

Here we have Ratchet in his vehicle mode, which is a Cybertronic emergency vehicle that has a bit of a hatchback look. It continues the trend that the Autobots so far have in having an almost rounded profile, though there are flatter surfaces and harder angles as we go to the fenders for a somewhat blocky look. Being an emergency vehicle, the use of red and white is an obligatory color scheme (with the front section being a bit orangey), though the lifeline circles near what resemble the doors is one of the very few hints one would expect; the white plastic could use a wash to make it feel less toyish than it already is, both to better match the game's gritty visuals and to possibly reduce the plastic from yellowing just in case. One positive is that the wheels are pinned compared to the rest of the Autobots apart from Bumblebee, whose wheels don't really roll that well.

The weapon storage is typical for the Gamer Edition figures, with an axe slapped on the top and the weapon stuck in the rear bumper.

For an altmode size comparison, here he is alongside Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Sideswipe. Ratchet's scale is almost comparable to that or an older Deluxe from 2010, which would make him about the same size as the WFC Deluxes we got in that year. 

Transformation is surprisingly involved for a Gamer Edition figure, with a great amount of vehicle parts integration within the engineering to rival that of Optimus from last year. He's neither fiddly like the Bumblejumper mold, nor does he feel panely like the way Sideswipe's leg transformation turned out. While some could argue that the backpack, shoulder pads, and I guess the lower legs have hints of shell forming, but this robot mode feels robust thanks to how filled in the parts are. The only issue I have with the way Ratchet turned out would have to be the arms hanging rather low, especially if you remember that the actual shoulders start somewhat below the shoulder pads. Beyond that, the rest of the figure captures his game design better than everyone else, even Optimus Prime (to the point where Prime ends up feeling lighter by comparison). He still has a backpack, but it's at least nothing too unsightly and bare-minimum. Once again, the deco has the usual red and white where they need to be, though some weathering might help that sculpted details pop more as well as reduce any yellowing. Oh, and be sure to reveal the Autobot insignia on his chest.

His head sculpt is marvelously done, with a great level of detail etched into the face and forehead chevron that is surprisingly not lost with the white paint. Articulation consists of a ball joint at the neck, rotation for the shoulders and hips (moving front and back) as well as the biceps, wrists, waist, and thighs, and hinges for the shoulders and hips ,(moving in and out), elbows, knees, and ankles. His battle axe, which can be held in his hand if you first disassemble it, is decently sculpted and color-matches him like some weird fashion accessory. 

His other weapon, the Energon Repair Ray, swaps with his right arm as seen on other Transformers in the Gamer Edition line. It could double as an EMP generator if you're not a fan of how it worked in the game. Additionally, the at's nozzle can rotate as well as plug into other figures with their forearms removed to simulate them undergoing repairs.

The usual Gamer Edition weapon storage around the butt cliche is still present, though Ratchet now has a clever trick in storing the right forearm whenever his weapon replaces it instead. I wish ALL Gamer Edition figures could do that since their lack of storage has been a major issue for me among other problems.

Here he is sandwiched in-between last year's Optimus Prime and this year's Sideswipe (since the previous photo showcased the unlucky Bumblebee). Ratchet manages to be surprisingly great for a Gamer Edition mold, though the current reputation with the line has made this feel more like an exception rather than the norm. Apart from the slightly longer arms and the white plastic possibly worrying me if whether it'll yellow or not, I have very few complaints with this guy compared to prior molds, and I know he's going to make a kickass Ironhide for next year...though can we PLEASE have another Gamer Edition Autobot that ISN'T red, Hasbro? With Prime and Sideswipe as well as Cliffjumper, only Ratchet and Bumblebee stand out the most in spite of our medic having red accents. If we're going to still stick with the first game, can we have Jazz and Scattershot soon, especially since the former's FOC toy sucks dick?

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