ENCORE #23 FORTRESS MAXIMUS BOX PICTURES! ETA MID TO LATE APRIL 2013!

10:41 AM in 1988 Headmaster, 2013 Reissue, ATTACK BASE, Big Robot, Encore, Fortress Maximus, Japanese G1, NOT YET RELEASED, Vintage

HI FOLKS, JUST ANOTHER SHORT POST TO UPDATE THOSE GENERATION ONE AFICIONADOS THAT TF:YUKI FROM TAKARATOMY'S OFFICIAL TWITTER PAGE HAS JUST REVEALED THE UPCOMING BOX DESIGN FOR NONE OTHER THAN ENCORE #23 FORTRESS MAXIMUS!  IT HEARKENS BACK TO THE DAYS OF THE ORIGINAL JAPANESE BOX/ GRID AUTOBOT DESIGN, RIGHT DOWN TO THE FONTS AND PICTURES USED! EXCITING TIMES, IS IT NOT?!  **ENCORE IS ON THE LEFT AND ORIGINAL ON THE RIGHT*

JUST A SIDE NOTE: SEEMS LIKE TAKARATOMY HAS OR IS TRYING TO TIGHTEN UP IT'S LAX QC ISSUES OF LATE BY DOUBLE-CHECKING THE CONTENTS OF THIS BEHEMOTH RELEASE. THUS, CHANCES ARE THAT YOUR FORT MAX BOXES MIGHT BE 'DOUBLE-TAPED' ON THE OPENING OF THE BOX FLAP. AS CONFIRMED BY TFW2005 MEMBER Joshua, HE HAS SENT AN INQUIRY TO TFSOURCE. COM, AND THE CONFIRMATION IS RELAYED AS FOLLOWS:-  

''Originally Posted by joshua 

From TFSource's Facebook page just now:

TFsource
Here is an Encore Fortress Maximus Update - be sure to read through! Preorder yours at TFsource here:
Encore #23 - Fortress Maximus
Encore #23 - Fortress Maximus - Early Release Air Shipment

Today Takara pulled back all of the Fort Max stock for a second QC inspection. Due to this some stock did not pass, and Takara has to do a new run. This will not be finished until the end of April. The good news - TFsource will receive all of our stock on schedule shipping out later this week. Many shops will not.

The bad news - all of the first run of Fort Max will be double-taped. Some collectors are very particular about this, so be aware all stock we receive will be double-taped. It's unavoidable due to the circumstances, but also a check to show that the product passed the QC check. Takara did not release any information on what the QC issues are that caused this.''

PERSONALLY, THIS IS GOOD NEWS TO ALL OF US WHO ARE PUTTING DOWN A FAIR BIT MORE OF OUR MONEY INTO SOMETHING AS HUGE AND IMPORTANT AS A FORTRESS MAXIMUS RE-RELEASE, NOT LEAST  FOR THE SHEER SIZE BUT AS A DISCERNING AND 'PICKY' COLLECTOR, THIS GIVE SOME SENSE OF RELIEVE. CANNOT WAIT TO ADD THIS TO MY COLLECTION, BTU AT THE SAME TIME, I AM SURE THAT SPACE- OR RATHER THERE LACK OF IT WILL BE AN ISSUE WHICH MANY OF US WILL FACE! 

ENCORE/ FORTRESS MAXIMUS/ HEADMASTER COPYRIGHT 1988/ 2013 TAKARATOMY , HASBRO

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THE SECOND COMING OF ENCORE #23 FORTRESS MAXIMUS!

11:24 PM in 1988 Headmaster, 2013 Reissue, ATTACK BASE, Big Robot, Encore, Fortress Maximus, Japanese G1, NOT YET RELEASED, Vintage

Hi guys! It's me again, Wing_Saber-X! Sorry for slacking off lately in updating my blog. Loads of awesome news in terms of Transformers releases lately that I can't even catch my breath! Well, to be perfectly honest I don't know where to start! It's all so overwhelming to say the least. All I can say is that some of the newer confirmed releases have gotten my head in a spin-- all giddy and light-headed- sort of like someone with a bad hangover....To all one true, hard core Transformers Generation one fans out there, you may already know that Encore # 23 is something special and one which was rumored - - the first inkling of a possible 'release't which as initially made out to be a hoax- by none other than uber G1 collector extraordinaire Heroic Decepticon- sometime back in April 2012, turned out to have been right on the money after all. So, does this mean this imminent release has been in the works for sometime?! Yes folks, I'm talking about the one and only Fortress Maximus! 

Now in terms of how a big a deal this sudden but not shocking surprise release will affect the 'collector' market value for the original remains to be seen. One thing's for certain, I will put in a pre-order for this bad-boy as soon as my regular shop here where I'm at puts in an official order form. It's the second time that an out and out Fortress Maximus toy release has been announced within the span of a couple of month of this year alone, with the other being the Kabaya Gum version. Prices will vary depending on when you decide to buy the humongous toy. Some sites are reporting an early February 2013 release- i.e. via Hong-Kong based online toys company, Robotkingdom-  with a suggested retail price of only $299 USD, or wait till it reaches US shores via BBTS.com for $350- $400? Personally, I wont want to be the person paying the hefty shipping price for that giant toy.... and will be getting this locally, natch. :D But the problem will obviously be the issue of where the toy will be stored one I receive it...... :/

Okay so many of you who did't grow up with the original Transformers Generation One series might second guess or even question what the appeal of this huge chunk of giant plastic brick of a toy can possibly hold? Well, firstly it's a huge 2-meter robot which has three modes of pretty damn versatile modes of transformations. Add to the fact that during the 80's this was one of the most desired thing in the whole universe in the bleary eyes of then Saturday morning-cartoon addicted   kids who grew up watching Transformers, just adds a level of desire and appeal to want to own this important piece of Transformers  toy lore. I am personally glad to be finally be able to be one of the 'regular' - lol- vintage collector - to own my very own Fortress Maximus after so longingly desiring this from afar. Bottom line, just go out and get this bad boy or you might regret it and kick yourself later!

Fortress Maximus, Transformers Headmasters and Encore Copyright Takaratomy 1988, 2012

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WING SABER TOYZ SPOTLIGHT:- TRANSFORMERS ZONE SUPREME COMMANDER C-348 DAI ATLAS! THE LAST GENERAL!

11:59 PM in Big Robot, not in collection, Vintage

Hi there, folks, this is Adam aka WSX here to present yet another minor blog post about yet another obscure character to ever grace the whole of  Transformerdom. He is looked upon as being the last and final Commander for the Cybertrons/ Autobots  in their continuous struggle to defeat the new Decepticon menace.   Although the series was short-lived, the toys  have also become some of the most sought after and most expensive (aren't they all?!) to ever grace the collector scene. On a personal note, I have so far obtained a loose C8 Version of his  No. # 2 in command,  the one known as Sonic Bomber, and in addition, the indomitable and final of the BIG POWERED trio - an unused C-349 Roadfire. Dai Atlas, is for sure on my list in order to complete the collection circle, so to speak. I'm a patient man, in all y time as a collector, and  if there's another piece of advice for me to dish out to all those newbies seeking to attempt  to start their journey into the "holy Grail" aka Vintage Transformers scene, is that you need to bite your pride and stick with those who have been there, are seasoned, and those who have a mind-blowing amount in their collection to begin with. Short answer:- "Stick with the experts!" LOL! 

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A NEW SUPREME COMMANDER IS BORN! 

Dai Atlas (ダイアトラス Dai Atorasu) was rather thrusted upon to succeed the venerable Star Saber as Supreme Commander of the Autobot forces.  A skilled warrior, his prowess under extreme combat is considered almost equal to that of his predecessor. Dai Atlas has sworn to defeat the forces of the new  threat to the universe, the vile Decepticon Emperor of Destruction, Violent Jiger, and in addition, to protect the superfluous -(-exceeding what is sufficient or required!) "Zodiac" power no matter the consequences. 

Dai Atlas is a Powered Master who can combine with his partners. When combined with Sonic Bomber, they become Sky Powered. When combined with Road Fire, they become Land Powered. And finally, when combined with Sonic Bomber and Road Fire, the three form the massive Big Powered.

His "son" Speeder accompanies him in battle as his Micromaster partner.

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MISSED OPPORTUNITY?! 

Yes, IMHO, the abrupt decision by Takara and Toei to end the Transformers franchise with a "one off" OVA or "Original Video Animation" by putting up the protagonist that is the super-powerful Dai Atlas, has only served to achieve a discord in terms of how potentially awesome the series wold have been if it had been developed even further.  The toy was developed sometime during the end of the early 1990's, and incorporated the  Powered Mastered label, not to be confused with the binary-bonded humans from the Masterforce series which incorporated the  Godmaster theme to their transforming robots.  
The series was an adrenaline pumping, wham bam, thank you introduction to one of the most under-rated and sadly underdeveloped mighty warrior of an Autobot leader, and in my eyes, a far more capable and exciting character than some of the past Leaders who have led the great Cybertronian war. 

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BIG, BROODING AND AWESOME! 

^Picture of  the Dai Atlas' toy mode is linked & credited to www.allspark.com 

Let's face it,  the toy engineering really sucked during the earlier period of the decade, and I've touched on this minor issue for many a time now.  But there were some positives from that bygone era that, for me really stood out - the toys were built tough, and the materials used were much more study compared to the plastic in the toys of today. Dai Atlas was massive, heavy and most certainly built like a brick, but his transforming features of being  a triple-changer- Base, Space Drill & Robot, makes him one of the few stand out character from a rather limited (consisting mostly of Micromaster Combiners) - doomed toy line, is the highlight of  the decade when Takara decide to yank their famous franchise form the air. Most of you fans already knew that Dai Atlas' character model would have yet another shot to be rehashed again for Takara's  later Anime of Gian Sentient Transforming Robots, this time appearing for a final hurrah in the Yuusha / Brave series of robots- Might Gaine.  Appearing as the main Villain's Mecha "Goryu" , his color scheme was changed from his Zone blue, to a more sinister orange and black. It works better for the toy, in my opinion! Its important to note that there is two version of the "Goryu" toy out there, still one would assume, in limited quantities, as I for one have had absolutely NO luck finding the straight brick repaint of the Dai Atlas toy.  

Thanks to hobbylinkjapan & toyarena.com for the images 

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FINAL SAY:-

A NOVELTY CHARACTER IN THE FRANCHISE, DAI ATLAS DIDN'T GET TO SHINE ON THE BIG STAGE. ALTHOUGH HE SINGLE HANDEDLY PAWNED THE OVA SERIES (I WOULDN'T WANT TO SPOIL THE CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE SHOW FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNAWARE/ HAVE NOT SEEN THE OVA) ; BUT ITS ALSO ONE HECK OF AN UNFORGETTABLE CONTRIBUTION, I CAN TELL YOU THAT! HE IS CONSIDERED PRETTY RARE IN THE SECONDARY TRANSFORMERS MARKET, AND THE MAIN ISSUE FOR THIS TOY, AS IS ALL THAT ARE MADE WITH WHITE PLASTIC, IS THE SCOURGE OF OXIDISATION, WHERE THE PROMINENT "BONE WHITE" PARTS TURN INTO AN UNSIGHTLY YELLOW, DUE TO PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO HARMFUL ELEMENTS MAINLY SMOKE FROM TOBACCO, AND  DIRECT EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT. IF YOU ARE TO GET THIS GUY, BE PREPARED TO SHELL OUT ANYTHING FROM A COOL US $300 TO $600, DEPENDING ON HIS CONDITION. I VERY NEARLY BOUGHT HIM,  BUT 3 MONTHS AGO, I LUCKED OUT ON THE EBAY AUCTION. SIGH. OH WELL...NEXT TIME, THEN! A+++

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MULTI-ON!- TRANSFORMERS VICTORY DX MICROMASTER MULTIFORCE/LANDCROSS!!

10:52 PM in 2004 Reissue, Big Robot, Dashtacker, Machtackle, Multi-Gelstat Warrior, Multiforce, Rare, Transformers Victory, Wingwaver

Multi-On: Gattai Landcross!

Hi guys, this is [Wing_Saber-X] once again, writing to add another interesting review of more Transformer goodness to my blog! This time its another nostalgic and ingenious piece of multi-combiner type of function. The concept is similar to that of the Superlink/ Energon of Two Part "Power-Linx" combination. Essentially, there will be two robots which will swap being the top part or bottom part, and the second robot will have the similar ability to combine both ways. The combiners which such ability which will be featured, came from none other than the very famous and now (the best- in terms of story and characters, in my humble opinion) Transformers Victory or 戦え!超ロボット生命体 トランスフォーマーV, cartoon series and subsequent toys which were released from the late 80's till the early 1990's. The group of bots here which I will highlight is none other than the Multiforce/ (マルチ戦隊 Multisentai) which, when under extreme danger, can merge and transform into the one and only tough and speedy warrior, the Super-Multi Gestalt : LandCross!

Multiforce Set of Six Individual Boxes, Reissued in 2004

Back of the Individual Boxes

The internet is quite scarce when it came to the original 1989 released Giftset version, so as usual, the next best thing to do , is to naturally and hunt for the exclusive once only reissued set of all SIX (6) members. It was somehow re-released exclusively only for the Takara Micromasters DX Line, and therefore the entire figures were updated with more paint-applications to replace stickers, --PLUS, : NEWER- ANIME ACCURATE HEADS!!-AWESOME-- most notably on the individual faces of the Multiforce Team Members. It is also noted that the members are individually numbered via a small port-hole with numerals assigned for each member, for e.g. #1 depicts the box is containing the "Wing" figure, and so on.

Side View of Boxes

Multiforce is one of the very first line in the Transformers Franchise which utilizes the ability to combine into one bigger robot from two distinct smaller ones. Here, as usual it would be the quick and easy review which is unbiased but also uncomplicated for your reading pleasure! (I wont bother to write a detailed list or show all 37 types of transformation and Multi-combination process, as there are already some decently written ones already out there on the internet) :-P

Takara Giftset, released 1992 and copyrighted 1989-

The Original 1989 Instruction Sheet!

Okay guys, ill just give a brief run through on all the individual members of the Multiforce, starting with the youngest Team Leader which goes by the name of Wing. He transforms into a "Fighter-Jet", and also forms the mid-section and torso of Landcross. The spare parts which he comes packaged with include a single gun and the head of Landcross. He is also the top-half of the double combination together with his multi-force partner "Waver", to combine into the Air & Sea Warrior: Wingwaver.


His plane and robot mode is essentially molded in a light grey plastic, a black cockpit coupled with a pair of red wings, with white and silver paint applications. The differences between the original and the reissue highlighted here is once again the paint application touch-ups to Wing's face. Whereas the original issue had just the yellow painted face, the reissue gave him a silver face with light yellow colored eyes. He comes with a hand-gun and the Giant combined Landcross head, which attaches to the bottom of his legs .

Wing: Transformers Victory Self

Wing: Old Face, 1989


Wing: New Face, 2004

Wing: Wingwaver Face Close-Up, 2004

Wing: Attack Plane Mode

Wing: Robot Mode

Wing: Torso Combined-part mode

Okay, after just giving a brief view of the Multiforce Leader, "Wing" , we shall move on to his combining partner, which is known as the 'Sea Warrior' and goes by the name of Waver! Waver is the deputy-leader of the Multiforce, and transforms into a hydro-foil speed boat. His Hydrofoil mode is essentially molded in a white plastic, a blue cockpit coupled with a pair of red hydro-engine and speed-boat skies. The differences between the original and the reissue highlighted here is once again the paint application touch-ups to Waver's face.


Whereas the original issue had just the light blue painted, the reissue gave him a silver face with light yellow colored green eyes. In robot mode, Waver shares almost the similar colour scheme as his commander and Leader Wing. Red and silver accents, a giant "boat" feet compliment his robot mode well. He is usually the bottom half of the Wingwaver combination, as well as also serving as the lower body / mid section area and thigh when combining into Landcross.

.

Waver: Transformers Victory Self


Waver: Old Face, 1989

Waver: Face close-up, 2004


Waver: Hydro-foil Speed Boat Mode


Waver: Robot Mode

Waver: Lower part or thigh area mode


Multi-On!: Wiiing-Waverrr!!


Wing Waver: Multi-On Combined mode!

Next, we shall move on to the Space Shuttle-warrior, which is known as the 'Moon Guardian' who goes by the name of Mach of the Multiforce, which is able to transform into a the Left-Arm unit of Landcross. His Space-Shuttle mode is essentially also molded in a white plastic, a blue cockpit/ windows coupled with a pair of black wing attachments. These will form the main chest-piece for Landcross, and also act as as a weapon in Flight-Attack Mode. The differences between the original and the reissue highlighted here is once again the paint application touch-ups to Mach's face.

Whereas the original issue had just a generic re-painted face, the reissue gave him a much streamlined face by breaking up the red and adding a touch of silver apps on his mouth guard. Minor alterations can been seen below. In robot mode, Mach consists of a white (body) and blue (arms and head) colour scheme. He is usually the top half of the Machtackle combination, as well as also serving as the lower body / mid section area and thigh area when combining into Landcross.

Mach: Victory Self

Old-Head Sculpt, 1989

More Anime Accurate
Head-sculpt, 2004


Mach: Space Shuttle Mode


Mach: robot Mode


Chest-piece


Left-Arm Mode


Machtackle Head

Without further ado, we shall move on partner in-crime, 'Earth-warrior,' who goes by the name of Tackle, which is able to transform into a the Left-Leg unit of Landcross. His Jeep mode is essentially molded in a orange plastic, dark-blue windows/ jeep bed, and coupled with a foot-piece attachment for Landcross, and also act as as a weapon. The differences between the original and the reissue is once again highlighted here, is that there are slight paint application touch-ups to Tackle's face.

Whereas the original issue had just a generic blue re-painted face, and dark-orange helmet, the reissue gave him a much streamlined face by breaking up the blue splodge and adding a touch of silver apps on his lower face and red visor. Minor alterations can been seen below. In robot mode, Tackle consists of a orange (body) and blue chest colour scheme. He is usually the bottom half of the Machtackle combination, as well as also serving as the upper body / mid section when combining into "Tacklemach".

Tackle: Old Face, 1989

Reissue Face, 2004


Jeep Mode


Tackle: Robot Mode


Tackle's super Multi-on head


Multi-On!: Machtackle!


Tackle: Left Leg Mode

Left: Machtackle Right: Tackemach

Okay, folks-- if you've managed to make it this far to this part of the review, then we are onto our last and final Multiforce Duo! The next to be featured is none other than the super-speedster of the bunch : Dash! His alternate mode is a Japanese 80's Sports Car, and he becomes the Right-Arm piece of the super warrior Gestalt Landcross. Primarily red and silver in Robot mode, he also carries the right-hand fist/rifle for the combined Landcross. As with the other reissues from 2004, what id admire the most from Takara is the ability to add a touch of simple yet effective paint changes or plastic colour choices. Here, as seen below, i like the way his visor is painted a light blue, much like the cartoon series, and also the lighter gray plastic used for his whole head. Brilliant. Sure makes a hell of a lot of difference, no?! Also, its slightly neater overall and doesn't look half-cheaply done.

Tacker: Original Release , 1989

Tacker, 2004 Reissue


Dash: Sports Car mode


Dash: Robot Mode


Dashtacker Multi-on head


Multi-On! Dashhtackerrr!


Dashtacker, Robot Mode


Dash, right-Arm Mode

We now move swiftly on to the last but not least member of the Multiforce, whose alternate mode is somewhat bears a resemblance to that of an army tank and a truck . He is none other than : Tacker! Nevermind that he also sports the green army-colored paintwork, he also has the attitude to boot! A no-nonsense army strategist, and all round tough guy! Tacker transforms and adds the final component to combine into Landcross, that of the Right-Leg component. Obvious changes are to the face area again, and in the case of the blue uneven painted face for the original 1989 release, compared to a more uniformed colour scheme for the 2004 reissue.

Tacker, 1989


Tacker, 2004


Tacker Army-vehicle mode


Tacker, robot mode


Tacker, right Leg mode



Tackerdash multi on mode, head


Tackerdash multi-on robot mode

Okay, now for the moment you've ALL been waiting for! The six young members of the Multiforce can utilize the Multi-On abilities bestowed to transform and combine into the
Multi-Gestalt Warrior : Landcross!

The following mini review is by Aussie Trans fan who goes by the name of
Cliffbee.com. Many Thanks goes out to him, and here's hoping that he will allow me to kind of "tweak" the review to suit it to my style, and of course the verdict and final say will definitely defer from his won views! A very humbling thank-you, mate!




COMBINED ROBOT MODE Height: 23cm Width: 18cm

A huge , impressive and not to mention imposing, Gestalt considering the size of his individual components, Landcross is a lanky combination of six small components, or a blend of three larger components, depending on how you look at it. Including Landcross himself and the individual small robots, there are thirty-seven different permutations, but I'll concentrate on the combined mode here. Incidentally, the six components combine to form Landcross in a fixed scheme. You can interchange the leg components, but it wont look right.


Multiforce Vehicular modes!


Multiforce Group shot!


Landcross "default" Multi-on combinations

From L-R : Wingwaver, Dashtacker & Machtackle




Landcross fits the standard six member configuration, with Dash as the right arm, Mach as the left, Tacker as the right leg and Tackle as the left leg, white Wing is the central torso and Waver the lower torso and thighs. There aren't any connecting pieces, the components all connect to each other, but Landcross does have add on pieces - the fists, footplates, head and chestplate are all black (dark charcoal on the reissue), the hip/thigh plate is a dark blue. The gun is actually formed from the six component handguns which is an added touch, and the chestplate is Mach's shuttle attack mode wings. The super-robot is silver with yellow eyes and has a nice black helmet and sculpt, complete with the "generic" serious looking robot mug. The eyes are a richer yellow on the reissue, the original has a greenish tinge.


Tacker and Tackle become both legs

The chestplate has twin Autobot logos on either side, which are on gold stickers (with white outline) on the original and on yellow stickers (no outline) on the reissue. The center of the chest is painted gold, the reissue has a lighter gold paint and there's some chrome red present also.

Waver attaches to both legs and becomes the thigh/waist area

MachTackle effectively becomes the left side, DashTacker the right and WingWaver the central section, although both Wing and Waver are hidden behind the plates - Wing is almost totally hidden. The overall colour scheme works quite well, although the switch from vermilion to orange plastic on Tackle for the reissue hurts a little. Still, the fact they've avoided any weird colours and allow white and black to dominate means he looks good overall. He shares a similar body shape with Superion, aside from being lanky like Superion, he also has the broad shoulders that the Aerialbot Gestalt has. In fact, Landcross has big shoulder-pads formed from the front sides of Dash's car mode and Mach's shuttle mode.


Mach and Dash become Landcross's arms and fists


Almost done.... Hey! Where did my Head Go?!!


Poseability is limited because of the way they are designed. The arms rotate on two axes at the elbows, but since they effectively connect to the torso at the elbows (with unmovable shoulders detached from forearms), you can't do much other than lift the forearms without making the arms look weird. The hips also rotate on two axes, the first means he can do the splits, the second allows his legs to swing, which does give some poseability, although the lack of knee joints and big flat feet mean stable standing poses are limited. Still, the fact he _has_ leg poseability is better than most Gestalts.









VARIATIONS


As mentioned, he has been reissued. The original release was in 1989, the reissue in 2004 is most easily identified by the switch from vermilion to orange for Tackle's primary colour, as well as stamped Autobot symbols being added to the paint masks for the individual toys. For a more complete rundown on differences, see my reviews of the three component sets.





- As mentioned in the beginning, The reissue was sold as individual toys in trading boxes, which included chase black versions - which are almost entirely black save for most of the gestalt parts - all but the groin are a charcoal colour. The black version has gold eyes on an unpainted face, and red Autobot logo stickers on the chest.



OVERALL


Landcross really fits the original meaning of the word Gestalt - greater than the sum of parts. His combined robot mode itself is nice, - and although there are better Gestalts out there, his real strong playability and nostalgic factor is when you figure out how and which one of his six components fits or combines together. The mixing and matching of the components is fun, and provides for some interesting combinations - with my both favorite two combinations being Dashwaver and Dashwing. None of the individual toys are awesome, but when you bring together the entire Multiforce, forming Landcross is only part of the fun - 9/10

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