Takara Tomy Transformers Unite Warriors Defensor aka Guardian UW-03 featuring the exclusive Groove review, part I! New site: iamterenceho@blogspot.com

At long last, Takara Tomy released their own version of Defensor aka Guardian featuring Groove, who had been omitted from the U.S. Combiner wars release. I ordered this on TFSource.com and it was shipped on the 16th of Dec, 2015, though it stayed a week in California before getting shipped to me on the 29th. I was a little surprised to get the box casing which housed the Defensor figure and display box. All for $159 shipped (free shipping at TFSource for orders over $150). The contents came neatly packaged though it was tightly fitted that it took me a while to get the box out. The figure also came with the Defensor collector coin. Anyways, let's get to the:

Packaging: 

 

 

 

 

 So you get all G1-colored Protectobots, collectors coin, instruction manual with an artwork of the Protectobots playing baseball with Nul-A watching on the sidelines; Nul-A appeared only in one episode in the original G1 TF episode: The Ultimate Weapon.

Hot Spot 

 

 

 Besides the addition of Groove, Takara had once again focused on making the Voyagers different from their western counterparts.  According to some TF fans, he is a hit and miss in this version. His color scheme looks much better than his combiner war version. Basically, he looks less washed out. However, he is missing his shoulder stripes which most TF fans liked about the Hasbro version. Most fans like his alt mode better in Takara whilst liking his robot mode better in the Hasbro version. I can't argue much since I only own the Takara version. As for his transformation, he was easy to fiddle with though initially I had a little trouble on how to store away his ladder on robot mode. In addition, I had trouble standing this guy up due to the heavy ladder (tail) on his back. Overall, I didn't play with him much though he is easy on the eyes. I really love the color scheme in this version.

First Aid

 

 

Next up is First Aid. Also known as the autobot Pacifist in the Episode: "The Ultimate Weapon." And notoriously famous for being the missing arm after Ultra Magnus called for all 5 of them to merge into Defensor in "The Return of Optimus Prime part 1." Perfect time for him to disappear after a row call. I mean you really have to see that scene. As for the figure, First Aid is easy to transform to robot or alt mode without much difficulty. Joints are very tight and not wobbly at all. Apparently, he fights with an axe according to the manual and he looks good in it. A basic but good figure. If I had to complain, I'm not a big fan of the light blue paint on the windows, it's been done and used a lot. I guess better than nothing.

Here is the missing arm scene: The Protectobots are called on 0:32. Credit goes to AeonMagnus.

Blades 

 

 

 Blades is pretty much your fighter in the group. He has missiles on his arm that resembles claws (Wolverine anyone?) The Blades mold is borrowed from the western release of Alpha Bravo. This is the first time I dealt with the mold since I don't own the western releases of the combiners. Blades is another easy figure to fiddle with until I had trouble removing the tail off his head. After some struggle and a prayer, it finally came loose. I don't know why it gave me a hard time. Anyways, he is very skinny and light. Blades looks fully loaded if you decide to give him handguns or weapons due to the missiles on his forearms. You can also place a weapon underneath his belly during alt mode, but I didn't do it for this shoot. I figure it would look better maybe if I invest in a toy stand one day. All in all, I had fun with this guy despite his thin appearance.

Streetwise

 

Perhaps another big change in the Unite warriors line-up. In the Hasbro release, Streetwise has a nice looking decal in his front hood while this version is devoid of it due to G1 continuity appearance. However, he is grey like his G1 itinerary while the Hasbro version is white colored. He is molded after Wild-rider or Dead-End of the Stunticons. Very easy figure to toy around with if you are already familiar with the two Stunticons I just mentioned. Since Streetwise is the police inspired figure, the shotgun goes very great with him. It's usually the fourth guy I don't have to say much about. Plain and simple, Streetwise looks fantastic, no qualms about that. 

Groove 

 

 

 The figure that everyone is talking about because Groove is, and for the time being, a Takara Tomy exclusive. Hasbro omitted Groove's inclusion in favor of Rook.  Though Hasbro did release a legends size of him , it just doesn't feel right. However, many fans are somewhat furious because they can't justify spending $160 just to get Groove. The Unite Warriors line is all boxed-set. It's a package deal you can say. As for my thoughts? Groove is fantastic. I'm glad Takara is going the G1 route. Groove feels as light and skinny like Blades, but overall, the mold is fantastic. Tight like usual, can do an array of poses, looks great, and most importantly, very easy to play and transform with. I love the bright white color Takara placed on him, not to mention the cool aqua blue translucent window for his motorcycle. The only sad thing about him is that he is deluxe size, and judging by the picture that I have Streetwise riding him, I wish he was a little bit bigger in his alt mode. Even RTS Windcharger just barely felt right riding on top of him. On his alt mode, I wish Takara gave him pegs to have him stay put. I always used his arms to stabilize him. So I guess even an exclusive isn't without its problems. If Hasbro does decide to release a western version of him, and for those who own the Combiner war releases, I say he is a must own.

*Edit* Heehee, I actually found the peg. Can't believe I missed it. Groove is even more awesome in his Motorcycle mode. Thanks Takara. You guys rock!

 Final group pics

 

Thanks for stopping by folks. Combined mode is coming soon. Happy New Year folks!

Part 2 here: Unite Warriors UW-03 part 2