Macross 7 X Transformers Basara Prime
This is a bit of an odd design. Not in that it's bad, but it just pulls from a lot. It takes elements from both Optimus and Rodimus and the VF-19 Kai Fire Valkyrie. It's also named after Basara Nekki, the protagonist of Macross 7, but doesn't seem to pull any elements from him other than he has a guitar? But I think that out-of-the-boxedness is part of why this drew me in more than something like the Shield Liger Prime, which a much more literal interpretation.
The Good: Does a lot. Its vehicle mode is based on the VF-19, and despite a small undercarriage, it pulls off the silhouette well. It's also capable of folding up into a... wheeled form? Not sure what else to call it. But it's capable of combining with the trailer to form a really wacky Winnebago. It has specific engineering for a gerwalk, and forms a fairly clean robot.
Basara has a fantastic range of posability. It has everything you'd expect, including 4 joints per hand. It comes with the typical Macross shield and blaster, a Matrix-themed guitar, and two alternate faces, all of which have storage in or under the Winnebago. Speaking of, the Winnebago expand into a small stage with a microphone. Very cute little package.
The Bad: While I appreciate the parts storage, you probably could have cut the Winnebago and the wheels in the legs and made this much more affordable for everyone. The leg plastic is thinner than usual to accommodate the silhouette, wheels, compressed legs. The knees are also very odd, and are hard to lock into place, especially the first time you do it. I wonder if they won't weaken in time? And while the modes are cool, the transformation isn't always. Vehicle to gerwalk/robot is fine, but going back to vehicle, or anything involving the wheels has heavy order-of-operations and tight squeezes.
Overall, while I like it, it's very akin to something like Shin Universe Robo, where it's a decent toy with a higher price tag due to the fusion of IPs. That isn't to say it's bad, it's just more expensive than it should be. Keep that in mind, maybe look for it on sale, and I think you'll walk away with a good experience.
