Transformers Legacy – Wild Rider review

Time to hit the road with a new addition to one of my favorite Decepticons subgroups — the Stunticons — with Wild Rider. I loved that this crew was the antithesis of the Autobots and used their car alt modes to create all kinds of mayhem on the roads and streets.

Let’s see how this wild boy fares in the collection.

Packaging: It’s still taken some time to get used to this new non-plastic setup. This line has become a nightmare for MOC collectors because it’s going to be impossible to get a box that isn’t dented in and crushed in some areas.

Hasbro has ensured that it’s much harder to steal accessories thanks to everything being plastic tied to the back. I wish we could actually see more of Wild Rider, but it’s enough to see any top half paint flaws, which are the most important.

The new Legacy package setup is busy. I prefer the cleaner, more streamlined Kingdom setup with the action shot of the Transformer and its alt mode. There’s still some fun artwork although it’s competing against the bright purple, blues, reds, greens and pinks. And I still wish the Generations logo featured a Decepticon insignia instead of an Autobot one.

In a nice measure to make sure everything is clear, there’s a 2 of 5 logo on the top and rear to show Wild Rider is the second Stunticon needed to create Menasor. I love the QR code, which takes you to Wild Rider’s bio on Transformers.hasbro.com. The bio states:

Wild Rider lives up to his name. He’s a bit of a loose cannon. When he hits the road, he drives to destroy. Combines with other Stunticons to form Menasor. 

Likeness:   Wild Rider’s head sculpt is fantastic. It really conveys the attitude of a Decepticon about to erupt and go berserk on the streets chasing down Autobots.

His design is relatively sleek with the horn style ears, paneling along the chest and smooth incorporation of the car doors on his arms. He’s got a bit more kibble with the hood along his back. The shins are a little boxier as well.

Alt Mode:  Wild Rider’s alt mode is largely based on the Ferrari 308 GTB sports car. Branding aside, this is a sharp representation and is a nice looking car.

Beyond the car alt mode, Wild Rider also transforms into the left shin of Menasor. I clearly need to get Motormaster soon to have most of the frame for the second coolest Decepticon combiner.

Transformation: Even quicker than Dragstrip’s 17 steps, you can transform Wild Rider in 13 steps. His transformation is very clean and easy to follow. He’s a bit more work getting back into robot mode, but after I figured out the legs it made plenty of sense and was fun to change back and forth.

 

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Scale:  Before the third and fourth season where scale really went out the window with animators, there was simple consistency for the Combiners. The torso character was the leader and bigger than the rest of the squad.

Wild Rider fits in just fine with Dragstrip and I’m ready to further build out my Stunticons ranks.

Paint: Wild Rider is a stark departure from Dragstrip color wise. He’s in a more classic sinister dark grey and red color scheme.

There’s some blue and lighter grey to help brighten up the colors some.

Articulation: Wild Rider’s articulation is fun as he can move smoothly and hit some exciting poses.

Wild Rider has:

• neck
• bicep
• ball-jointed shoulders
• elbows
• wrists
• wrist hinge
• torso
• waist
• hips
• thighs
• knees (double-jointed)
• ankles

Accessories:  Wild Rider comes with his dual energon scattershot blasters. There’s nice detailing in them and the two-tone purple and black color scheme gives them an extra visual pop as well.

While they look similar, these are different from Dragstrip’s dual blasters, which have ribbed barrels. I appreciate mixing it up a bit.

He can hold them in his hands or attach them to the alt mode roof.

Worth it?  I got Wild Rider for $22 before these jump to $24. This is a tougher price for most lines, but I’ll give Transformers a minor pass considering the dual nature of the figures with the transformation engineering.

And in his case, the added bonus of being a Combiner that doesn’t feel shortchanged even if people just display him as Menasor.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

That’s two for two with Stunticons. Wild Rider is another terrific addition to the Decepticons ranks. Bring on Motor Master!

Where to get it?  You should be able to find Wild Rider pretty at retail. Or you could grab him from Amazon or Entertainment Earth.