Transformers Retro G1 Perceptor
Please note that his accessories are packed in the back of the cardboard tray.
Do note that Perceptor’s telescope can be shifted to either side of his shoulders. But the correct “show-accurate” orientation should be on the left.
The Autobot’s chief Science Officer, Perceptor is extremely smart, with scientific specialties in metallurgy, molecular chemistry, electrical engineering. He best serves the Autobots by helping them find ways to adapt to Earth and other planets’ environments.
For some reason, Hasbro decided to make the lenses on his scope opaque, making it harder to view when he’s in microscope mode.
Similar to the vintage figure and its subsequent reissues, the figure’s torso features diecast metal parts.
For weaponry, “Percy” here comes with his iconic Concussion Rifle.
He also comes with his classic rocket launcher
Due to modern safety standards, the launcher no longer has its spring gimmick, so it can no longer fire its missiles, just like with most US-release G1 Perceptors, unlike the vintage Takara version figures, which maintained the firing gimmick.
Microscope mode
Originally, Perceptor’s microscope mode would work as an actual microscope and allow one to magnify an object under its lenses up to 14x. This feature is a bit wonky now thanks to the opaque lenses in his scope.
Mortar Cannon mode
In the original toy, Perceptor could also change into a mortar cannon emplacement. While the manual totally doesn’t show this in this version, it is still totally doable.
Overall, pretty decent. It always bothered me back in the day how different the colors were for Perceptor when compared to his animation models. Similar to Hot Rod, I’m glad to finally get a figure with the right colors for this guy.
Coming across this fella at the recently concluded Toycon at ridiculously low prices really surprised me. The box condition was really good too! I’m glad I didn’t go after him at full SRP when he first came out.
It’s a shame, but it seems as though this cartoon-deco G1 reissue sub-line is now dead after only a handful of figures. I’m now deciding if I want to track down the Seekers and Insecticons from this line as they’re the two main subgroups that are more or less “complete” under this series. Starscream seems to be the hardest one to backtrack…
Perceptor was a Walmart Exclusive in the US back in 2023.
Gold
