Transformers Masterpiece Mp-56+ Riggorus
The set comes with some stickers for customizing Riggorus, particularly if you want him to go full Decepticon.
Opening front hood and car doors.
Engine block details.
A Decepticon combat surgeon who specializes in rescue, Riggorus was previously a part of the strategy division of the Decepticon army but decided to transfer after becoming disillusioned by the various failures of his division over the years. Although the thought of having to “save” others is strange function for a Decepticon, to say the least, Riggorus rationalizes he serves the Decepticon cause more by getting soldiers back on the battlefield so they can bust up more Autobots.
The figure is a retool using some parts from MP-56 Trailbreaker and MP-58 Hoist. Riggorus’ head and color design are modeled after the vintage Diaclone yellow variation of Trailbreaker, called the “4WD Hi-Lux”.
Riggorus stands roughly 9 inches tall and weighs 190 Grams.
As a closer reuse of the Hoist mold than the Trailbreaker mold, the figure shares Hoist’s telescoping arms gimmick.
Similar to his mold-mates, the figure is fun to pose.
Unique to Riggorus are two “Shoulder Cannons” that are homages to the vintage Diaclone-era Toyota Hi-lux figures. It’s too bad we didn’t get these accessories with Trailbreaker or Hoist.
He also comes with two twin-barreled guns that we also got with the vintage toy but not with the Masterpiece mold-mates.
Lastly, Riggorus comes with a “Force Barrier” accessory. Which is mounted on his chest to recreate a force field effect. I guess he shares the same ability as Trailbreaker?
Admittedly, it’s made from really thick and sturdy plastic. I was expecting some sort of thin, film-like material. Glad Takara Tomy didn’t skimp on this.
Sigh, we really should have gotten this accessory with Masterpiece Trailbreaker.
I kinda wish the circles were a bit more subtle, you can hardly make out Trailbreaker’s face in there. Also, isn’t the effect supposed to be colored yellow? Not green? The effect is specifically based on the episode “The Immobilizer” and it’s clearly yellow in that scene.
Comparison with MP-56 Trailbreaker.
Comparison with MP-58 Hoist.
Overall, not bad. A good addition to the Masterpiece line as a “unique” character with lots of new accessories. I think it’s somewhat acceptable that “missing accessories” that we never got with Hoist and Trailbreaker are finally included here. At least we finally got the said accessories.
My biggest problem with this figure is transforming the shoulders. Good grief, that was an ordeal! Unlike with Hoist which had some color patterns to match up, this one was all yellow, so getting to figure out where goes what in the shoulders was a huge pain. Thank goodness for video guides nowadays.
I was already half-expecting Takara to release this redeco/ retool ever since MP Trailbreaker was first announced, but for them to release this guy as a Decepticon instead of an Autobot was surprising. I guess one can always pair him up with MP-23 Exhaust and MP-25L Loudpedal for the heck of it, But I think I’ll put him in with Delta Magnus and other Diaclone-era bots for posterity (which reminds me, I should really do an update shot for that one day).
Gold
