Sunday 26 June 2011

Review: Transformers Twin Twist & Topspin

~£5 each from ebay and specialist shops

Twin Twist, left, and Topspin, right.
Topspin & Twin Twist are the Jedward of the Transformers world. You either love them or hate them. Their incredibly simple transformation results in some siding against them, but to them there was always something special about them. The pull-back action? Maybe. In truth, I really can't put my finger on it.

Of course these days the pair have been written as part of the Wreckers (I think I'm safe in saying this is a fairly recent development in the comics). No one (well, at least not any Transformers fans) could ever deny that the Wreckers are anything other then Cool.

I'd go so far as to say the Wreckers are the coolest faction of Transformers. Maybe even hitting a temperature so low as to challenge the mighty Dinobots themselves. 

You may be wondering why Transformers keep getting individual reviews, unlike all the other 'classic' toys which are all lumped together.

Honestly, I don't know. It's just worked out that way.

I can tell you the reason why this pair are getting reviewed is because they've just received fancy new stickers, thanks to the people at Reprolabels (I say 'thanks' but I did hand over money for them, so I guess in part Reprolabels were just doing their job). As their name implies Reprolabels produce reproduction stickers for all toys to replace the heavily worn/missing ones on your old toys.

It's amazing the difference new stickers makes - suddenly a 25+ year old toy looks brand new again!

Whereas Twin Twist is a newish purchase, I've had Topspin since I was small. He's always been one of my favourites. His transformation couldn't get any simpler - you fold him in half. Maybe this is why I like him so much: a quick transformation means that he's great for playing with when you're small.

As a 'jumpstarter', the transformation back to robot is supposed to done by pulling back the vehicle and then letting it go. The vehicle will then zoom forward and 'jump' to robot byitself.

This doesn't really work. Not any more.

The years have taken their toll on poor Topspin. So while he looks all shiny-new, he's really not and these days you have to transform him by hand.

Twin Twist is slightly better - I assume his previous owner was either a little more gentle or didn't love him as much as I loved Topspin.


These are pretty cheap to buy on the secondary market, relatively sturdy (if you're not bothered about the 'jumpstarting') and my children like playing with them since they're so simple.

Really this review is just about spreading the love. If you're one of those jumpstarter-haters then pick up Last Stand of the Wreckers and let it change your opinion.

On the other hand, it's still perfectly acceptable to hate Jedward.

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