It’s a double throwback because this Optimus is over a decade old and he’s a slavish throwback to the old G1 Optimus.

Actually, this is a triple throwback since I did a quick review of this mold a long time ago.

Well, now I’ve got a complete and non-customised version of this mold. It’s the G1 redeco that was released in the AllSpark Power subline of the original movie toyline. Let’s take a full look at it now!

Vehicle mode

Optimus has the Bayverse Optimus truck mode but is painted in the colours of G1 Optimus.

First Strike Optimus Prime did it before Prime Optimus Prime did.

Anyway, Optimus looks good in these colours. There’s plenty of detail that’s nicely picked out by the generous amount of paint apps. Also, I feel as though this is a more realistic colour scheme than the flame details that Bayverse Optimus actually got.

There’s a lot of playability in truck mode which really impresses me since Bayverse figures tend to be quite light in this department these days.

Starting with the basics, all six of Optimus’s wheels can roll well enough. Next, Optimus has a detailed vehicle interior with an actual miniature driver inside it. Last up, Optimus has an attack mode where you point his smokestacks/missile launchers forward so that the spring loaded missiles can be used.

Transformation

This mold has an interesting and unique transformation that I don’t think any other Optimus really follows. It’s a trip even if it necessitates the use of some faux parts. Interesting and unique transformations are real selling points for Transformers that are outdated in other ways.

Robot mode

Optimus… looks very bright in robot mode. The colours that looked great in truck mode don’t look bad in robot mode… they’re just kind of searing on the eyes.  It’s not just the bright red that burns your eyes because all the AllSpark blue the figure has to offer is up on display as well!

There’s almost no kibble in robot mode which is incredibly impressive for a figure way back from 2007. That is until you look at Optimus’s back and realise he has the whole front of his truck mode on his back. That said, it doesn’t get in the way of anything and can be used to store his two massive missile launchers.

While there’s a lot of molded detail on display, I really like how nice his head and hands look. His eyes have really nice blue light piping too.

Optimus has a lot of posability. Like a really surprising amount of joints and range for a Transformer from 2007. He’s really only missing a waist joint and up/down movement in the head.

Optimus’s head can rotate a full 360. His arms can rotate as well as go in and out at the shoulders. He has bicep swivels and bending elbows. His hands are on ball joints. His legs can rotate as well as go in and out at the hips. He has thigh swivels and bending knees.

Gimmicks

This mold is loaded with some really neat gimmicks. Seriously, Optimus has a lot going on.

Let’s start off with the main one; the Automorph gimmick. When you push Optimus’s feet into position for either robot mode or vehicle mode, the whole leg from the knee below transforms automatically. It’s one of the more impressive Automorph gimmicks because a lot of parts visibly move at once.

Aside from that, Optimus comes with two missile launchers that can be used in a number of interesting ways. You can make him dual wield them in his hands, you can put them on his back then make them aim over his shoulder and you have his vehicle attack mode mentioned earlier. Also, the weapons actually transform and look like actual weapons.

They look like humongous rifles with bayonets on them!

The last trick Optimus has up his sleeve is the smallest gimmick but it’s also my favorite. In truck mode, there’s a detailed  interior that has an actual tiny driver that’s wearing a cowboy hat in it. If you open the driver’s side door, he flips away and out of sight.

A tiny driver with a cowboy hat that disappears when you open the driver’s side door.

That’s incredible and I don’t care what anyone else thinks.

Toy or collectible?

Collectible.

While this mold is quite common and easy to get your hands on in general, this version is not. First Strike Optimus is hard to come by and this is especially true if you’re looking for him boxed.

When First Strike Optimus pops up for sale, he’s expensive. Come to think of it, so is his other Allspark Power buddy, Offroad Ironhide. Be prepared to pay about RM100 ($25) for him loose and up to RM250 ($60) new.

Huh, actually with the way prices for Transformers are going now and how much you’re getting with this mold, the price doesn’t seem too bad. Optimus is about the same size as a Siege Leader and about as heavy as a POTP Leader Transformer.

Closing

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. Everyone should give this mold a shot. This mold has been beat down in terms of accuracy by many other Optimus figures but is still great enough to warrant a purchase.

Which is what makes this Optimus great. He’s not even trying to be accurate and that makes him unique. First Strike Optimus Prime is a well done repaint of a greatly underrated mold that should have a place in every Bayverse fan’s collection.