While the previous incarnation of Animated Prime was based around his Cybertron Mode (which appears primarily in the pilot episode and in related flashback sequences), this new toy design is inspired by Optimus' Earth Mode (which he will probably keep using for the rest of the series).
OOHH! I wanna see him turn into a fire truck! Can I? Can I?!?!
Optimus chose to scan a 21st-century firetruck to blend in on his erstwhile home world. The vehicle continues to maintain traditional "Optimus" characteristics- red & blue primary colors, signature cab design, and an ambiguous "trailer." In its own way, it works.
Transformation is almost exactly like the legendary "GeeWun" counterpart, except that the fists remain permanently attached (maybe a little TOO attached; they seemed to be on a stiff joint when I first got him open).
Robot Mode again continues to uphold traditional Optimus characteristics, such as window-panel chest and blue-horned head. This new Voyager has something that die-hard fans will greatly appreciate- a faceplate, which means that anyone who dislikes the Animated facial structure can flip a switch at the back of his head and go to the "classic" Prime face.
Articulation is tremendous. He has a kind of gimmick that allows for 360 degree waist movement. It doesn't work all that well but doesn't interfere with anything either. Prime is again armed with an axe and has upgraded to carry one new weapon- a water blaster (which, I believe, actually shoots water!)
I'm already incredibly fond of this new mold. It seems like a great Autobot and it fixes nearly all the problems I had with the Cybertron Mode Prime. A-.
