Topspin

Review by quinncat

As Transformers Titans Return continues, it seems that every wave has a figure that is seen as one of the best deluxe class figure in recent years or something like that, only for it to get surpassed a few months later by a different figure. First there was Hardhead, then Triggerhappy, and now the newest best deluxe of the year candidate: Topspin.

Topspin's robot mode is close to perfect. It gives the original design a much needed update without changing that much of the original. Part of this is achieved by Topspin's sheer width and bulk when compared to other deluxe figures even from the same wave! Topspin's Titan Master looks, as customary for Titans return, just fine. He has no paint of his own, but makes up for it with a great head mode! Articulation is more than standard, as Topspin features a waist swivel, and some double jointed elbows!

Accessories come in the form of two silver double barreled guns that look pretty good but are hard for me to photograph without them looking kinda blurry! Maybe the pictures are too bright? Both guns combine like many other figures in the line but with one improvement that I'm surprised wasn't implemented sooner: Topspin doesn't have to hold it sideways! As with all other Titans Return figures, the Titan Master can be seated on this combined weapon, but it doesn't stay very well. The combined gun itself looks awesome with its completely overkill four barrels and the added versatility it's new third handle grants it is great.

Size is actually pretty atypically large in both height and width for a deluxe, which just elevates the overall coolness of Topspin's design for me.

Topspin's transformation is probably my favorite part, as it takes a character whose almost lack of Transformation was it's gimmick, and gives it a beautifully executed conversion with some great engineering. The lower legs open up like Dead end but stay that way, as the rest of the leg collapses into them like an aerialbot. The body rotates around like Triggerhappy, but tops it by having the arms open up, and collapse into themselves to complete a tight, dense alt mode that is the result of a perfect Transformation. It's intuitive, creative and, fun while not being complicated.

In Vehicle mode, Topspin is a possibly cybertronian jet of sorts, either that or this is just what jets will look like in 2005. The actual design incorporates elements of the original Topspin's G1 lying down mode and makes it look like a more cohesive, thoughtful alt mode. One interesting factor is the cockpit, where his Titan Master lays down as opposed to sitting. Simultaneously two more Titan Masters can be seated on the jet's huge back thrusters, but how they would stay sitting at the high speeds those huge thrusters would allow for beats me. Topspin's two guns can also fit under the wings via two small tabs, or attached to the back by their handles. Finally, the mode has one landing strut on the front that can be a little tricky to get out, but it's a welcome addition nonetheless.

Overall, what can I say? Transformers Titans Return Topspin is just great! Both the robot and vehicle modes are close to perfect, and the transformation that bridges them is one of Hasbro/Takara's best in recent years. Even the accessories, which I think are a little lackluster on other Titans Return figures, are actually really good! This figure is good enough that you more than owe it to yourself to add Topspin to your collection.