12.16.03 
Transformers:Energon - Starscream
  
    Found at Wal-Mart in Carbondale Il, they weren't in the action figure section. Pics 
later, probably. Certainly an improvement over Armada. Review originally posted to 
alt.toys.tranformers
  
Vehicle Mode
  
    At six inches long and 4.5 inches wide, Starscream looks considerably better than 
Skyblast as a jet. This is certainly one of the darker Starscream's I can think of. 
Machine Wars SS was all black I guess. This Starscream is mostly Dark gray and black 
with red detailing. There are a few light gray parts on the leg undercarriage and the 
arms at the rear of the plane. Speaking of undercarriage, there is some but it's less 
obtrusive than most undercarriage. Basically, the legs are pretty visible but they 
blend in well. There is a lot of silver detailing on the upper part of the plane, and 
quite a bit of asymmetry. One wing looks to have a large chunk of exposed internal 
parts. The wings are actually clear green plastic, it gives the impression that they 
are glowing.
  
    There is a silver Decepticon spark crystal on the backside of the place as well. 
Starscream also comes with two Energon weapons that can peg onto Minicon plugs on the 
undersides of his wings. One weapon is a large rifle, the other is a bulky sword. 
Starscream's wings can also fold down to allow access to the trigger for the missile 
launchers. Both wings are equipped with spring loaded missiles. One last note, the 
cockpit actually has an empty seat visible in it. Pretty nice.
  
Transformation Notes
  
    The first time I transformed this guy I popped one of his toes off, I haven't had 
that problem again though, just remember there are two there and they fold opposite 
ways. The arms aren't really built to allow a Gerwalk mode, though the transformation 
is vaguely "Veritech like". The arms fit really tightly. I couldn't figure out how to 
work the arms just guessing and even after consulting the instructions I was wary. 
They will fit through the gap though.
  
Robot Mode
  
    Starscream stands about 5.5 inches to the top of his head and 6 inches to the top 
of his shoulder things. Now that I look at it, the jet nose section is more of a dark 
blue than a dark gray, though the rear section is still dark gray. Guess splitting the 
up for Robot mode makes the color difference more noticeable. Or better lighting maybe. 
The robot mode does a great job of blending G1 Starscream with Energon Starscream. The 
articulation is great as well, hinged and swiveling shoulders, hinged elbows, neck, ball 
jointed hips, and ratcheting hinged knees. The knees and upper legs also swivel.
  
    The Energon weapons also function in this mode in a few ways. The rifle and sword 
can each be held in a useful manner, or they can combine into a huge sword. Well, it's 
only sword of a sword really, there is no additional blade length added and most of the 
weapon is pretty bulky. The sword is around 7 inches long with 2.2 inches of blade on 
the end. It still looks pretty cool. There is also a screw hole on the back that can be 
used to store the sword or gun, which is pretty cool though probably not intentional. 
On the other hand, the peg that the sword used in this hole has no other use. The 
missile launcher can still be used though not in any useful manner. The minicon pegs 
on his wings are still accessible as well.
  
Minicon Compatibility
  
    Starscream has two Minicon pegs on each of his wings. The launchers come a little 
close to them however so I imagine he is somewhat limited on which minicons will work.
  
Overall
  
    Starscream is pretty awesome. He is very awesome actually. Especially after the 
abysmal Armada. I certainly hope the rest of the deluxes are close to this good. Heck 
the rest of Energon in general. Strongly Recommended.