He actually has diecast in his toes, his smokestacks, and all of his wheels. His matrix on the original was also pure silver, meaning this one is fully painted.
Waiting on mine as we speak. My opinion, the BEST Prime out. I have the first one as well. From what I've been seeing, the die-cast in the feet helps it to be more stable and material feels better. Can't wait to receive mine!
All these moths later I have a love/hate relationship with this EX bot, I love the look of him and I hate that I don't own him yet. Really interestingly I see that Daniel Warren Johnson DDUBS is uses this bot as his reference for the upcoming Transformers Energon Universe comic.
@@jasonbari5997 yep it’s sold out but Botsmen have it up on preorder, I am hopeful they just bought the last stock. There is also a new Toy Version coming MS-02TC
I got both versions and I kind of regret it. This second version has more weight and I think looks great in bot mode. The extra head and jet pack actually sold me on it. It poses better with the heavier material. Still not a fan of the plastic but for the price I think it’s fine.
I bought him too. He's a great buy with minimal risk. If I have to replace him at some point I wouldn't lose my mind about it. I loved the die-cast and how clean both bot and alt modes are. I immediately put him on my shelf!!
I’m so glad YOU reviewed this toy! I’ve been waiting for the right Prime after selling all but my POTP version, and this thing looks really good. I wish the box was more g1 inspired, but I think it’s the best I’ve seen… can’t imagine anything in the future being much better.
I love the magic square prime. I have the 1st release and the 2nd. Definitely picking this one up too. I do have the te 01 also but, magic square is the one for me. Thank you for the review. 👍
I love my TE Prime and he will stay my Prime since it’s based off of my opinion but the more reviews i See on this one, which everyone is the review bandwagon, I almost want to check him out myself. Great review!
I have TE-01, MP-44 KO flat backpack, and now this one MS-02EX. This is the one to get. It’s just fun to pose and beautiful to look at from all angles. I like mp-44 mold but it’s way over engineered with too many gaps and moving/folding pieces. And the back is an absolute mess which pretty much ruins the entire figure. TE-01 is clean too, but way too blocky and stiff looking and back is less accurate to the cartoon. MS-02 definitely hits that Goldie locks zone.
Crazy how magic square, Newage, and another I can't remember are able to make FAR better looking in BOTH forms and vastly better functionality in BOTH forms at a tiny scale while in scale with their line transactions and for less money than any and all of the hasbro, tacara etc pieces ,including every size, price point, line etc!?
It's a good figure especially with that backpack. I am already happy with my diecast, O.S.K.O. Optimus Prime so I'll pass this one....hey, wait a sec, why is the M.A.S.K. theme played as your outro?
Sometimes when I see these nice 3rd party options so cheap I wonder if it was a good idea to pay $600 for my MP-44 on eBay. This was a good year or so after his release and prices were climbing and he had no competition other than MP-10 and 10 KO's at the time. I got a trailer at least. 😂 I got my MP-44 Jetpack hanging on my MP Sideswipe. 😂 It's supposed to be his right? 😆 Not many that I want duplicate characters but I'd rather have a old MP-10 for display as a semi and I actually do want a old MP-5 for Megatron in pistol mode. The worst looking Megatron is still the best looking Walther P-38. Buying the 3rd party extensions for him is what's going to cost me some money. 😂
I still feel MP44 wins because of that great paint and he looks like Prime! This one is really good though! Yes Mp05 has a bigger alt mode but I did not know it has 3p upgrades
Great video Mike! I really enjoyed seeing the comparisons from all of the Primes. I was waiting to see if you were going to bring out the Magic Square MP-10 version to compare. All good overall. I believe I will pick this MS-02EX version up.
Is it truly painted? Or is it more just a glaze added over the plastic? Because every video I see it looks more like it is just the original colors with glaze.
This guy by far is more accurate to the animated g1 model of prime with the front/back design and minimal to no kibble than all other g1 OPs out there - yes, even mp44. MP44 proportions are better, but gaps and back kibble (backpack) kills it for me big time.
Thanks for the video! Can you confirm if they added die cast to the joints? I'm not getting an answer from MS or any other reviewer I've asked. So far from what I can see, the parts that make the joints still look like the same plastic. All I've seen confirmed is the wheels and toe pieces are die cast. I've been holding back since that's not enough to double dip....yet. I think I might wait and see if it goes on sale, but if I miss it, no loss. Much like others have said, getting these repaints/minor upgrades back to back with no forewarning is a shit move, so I'm torn😒
Well the first version was pretty good and this feels like a minor upgrade. I did see a few bits of diecast in a few joints but not all and in the bottom of the foot
Just from looking at him, as I haven't really played with it yet, there's very minimal diecasts as I just see it in the toes, the bottom smokestacks, the piece on his back is diecasts and I think someone mentioned the wheels are as well. What is better than the first, and you'll notice it right away, is the plastics used as it's a lot studier and because of this, everything tabs in better and isn't loose. It also looks way nicer because of the added paint, which I really like but, if they add a metallic paint scheme, like their first offering, I'll buy him again. Magic Square also makes the best G1 Megatron so if they upscale him, it's an instant buy.
@@saysoun752 Thanks, I forgot about the smokestacks are a die cast part too. I just don't see any of the joints being die cast though. Of course I can't tell perfectly from pics and video, but there are plenty of very clear shots that show them. The wheels and toes are a dead giveaway, they have the texture and casting marks that just don't happen with plastic. The knees look smooth like the original plastic and so do the shoulders. The elbows are definitely not die cast, so that leaves the hips or ab crunch possibly having something. Of course paint feels better than plain plastic, and it gives the overall feel of the plastic a better feel even though its the exact same as the first version. I don't love or hate die cast, but appreciate when its well applied so I'm trying to figure out if this is worth buying again. I was all set to paint my original when this was announced and wondering if I should follow through or add another Prime to my collection.
@@stevecriscione1567 It's a different plastic used as Magic Square did tell me that when I asked them about it. It's even on their website that they used a different type of plastic. This plastic is much harder than the original and feels more like what Hasbro uses. I sold my old version because I hated the plastic so much so this was worth the upgrade as it also comes with the jetpack. So, if you look at the minimal paint, jetpack and diecasts, I think it's worth the $15 - $20 upgrade charge. However, if you like the old version, it might not be. I loved the old version but really hated the plastic and how it's not painted so this was nice for me. I even bought two as I wanted to see which site was cheaper, ShowZstore or Magic Square themselves and it was Magic Square but a couple of dollars but, given the points from ShowZstore, I'll be buying from them as the points can be added for future purchases to lower the cost of an item.
All that MP-44 has is better paint apps, but the mold is broken due to completely inaccurate and hideous backpack and back overall. It’s also way over engineered to the point where transforming it is totally tedious and more of a chore. MS-02 in bot mode looks so clean all around that it almost seems like a non transforming statue compared to mp-44. There absolutely no way I would ever come close to spending $500 + on Takara version when this exists. It’s almost laughable
TE most accurate??? 😂 have you seen the cartoon? I have both and no way is TE more toon accurate. It’s a nice figure but it’s too blocky and stiff-articulation wise-when compared to MS-02.
He actually has diecast in his toes, his smokestacks, and all of his wheels. His matrix on the original was also pure silver, meaning this one is fully painted.
Source: I own the figure
@@tusk1026good one!!
Waiting on mine as we speak. My opinion, the BEST Prime out. I have the first one as well. From what I've been seeing, the die-cast in the feet helps it to be more stable and material feels better. Can't wait to receive mine!
Not gonna lie, this is JUST SLIGHTLY better than the bumblebee movie prime figure
One cannot have too many Optimus Primes.
You are right about Megatron.
Its time for a more cartoon acurate one!
All these moths later I have a love/hate relationship with this EX bot, I love the look of him and I hate that I don't own him yet. Really interestingly I see that Daniel Warren Johnson DDUBS is uses this bot as his reference for the upcoming Transformers Energon Universe comic.
Is it true they discontinued this figure? Someone on a fb group had mentioned it. Dunno if it’s a valid claim
@@jasonbari5997 yep it’s sold out but Botsmen have it up on preorder, I am hopeful they just bought the last stock. There is also a new Toy Version coming MS-02TC
I got both versions and I kind of regret it. This second version has more weight and I think looks great in bot mode. The extra head and jet pack actually sold me on it. It poses better with the heavier material. Still not a fan of the plastic but for the price I think it’s fine.
I bought him too. He's a great buy with minimal risk. If I have to replace him at some point I wouldn't lose my mind about it. I loved the die-cast and how clean both bot and alt modes are. I immediately put him on my shelf!!
I’m so glad YOU reviewed this toy! I’ve been waiting for the right Prime after selling all but my POTP version, and this thing looks really good. I wish the box was more g1 inspired, but I think it’s the best I’ve seen… can’t imagine anything in the future being much better.
I love the magic square prime. I have the 1st release and the 2nd. Definitely picking this one up too. I do have the te 01 also but, magic square is the one for me. Thank you for the review. 👍
I love my TE Prime and he will stay my Prime since it’s based off of my opinion but the more reviews i See on this one, which everyone is the review bandwagon, I almost want to check him out myself. Great review!
I have TE-01, MP-44 KO flat backpack, and now this one MS-02EX. This is the one to get. It’s just fun to pose and beautiful to look at from all angles. I like mp-44 mold but it’s way over engineered with too many gaps and moving/folding pieces. And the back is an absolute mess which pretty much ruins the entire figure. TE-01 is clean too, but way too blocky and stiff looking and back is less accurate to the cartoon. MS-02 definitely hits that Goldie locks zone.
The second kinda reminds me of MP10, I really look forward into buying this Optimus 🤘😎
Crazy how magic square, Newage, and another I can't remember are able to make FAR better looking in BOTH forms and vastly better functionality in BOTH forms at a tiny scale while in scale with their line transactions and for less money than any and all of the hasbro, tacara etc pieces ,including every size, price point, line etc!?
I have that original EX and I love the paint on it,
I like the jet pack, Mando-Prime!
It's a good figure especially with that backpack. I am already happy with my diecast, O.S.K.O. Optimus Prime so I'll pass this one....hey, wait a sec, why is the M.A.S.K. theme played as your outro?
Sometimes when I see these nice 3rd party options so cheap I wonder if it was a good idea to pay $600 for my MP-44 on eBay. This was a good year or so after his release and prices were climbing and he had no competition other than MP-10 and 10 KO's at the time. I got a trailer at least. 😂
I got my MP-44 Jetpack hanging on my MP Sideswipe. 😂 It's supposed to be his right? 😆
Not many that I want duplicate characters but I'd rather have a old MP-10 for display as a semi and I actually do want a old MP-5 for Megatron in pistol mode. The worst looking Megatron is still the best looking Walther P-38. Buying the 3rd party extensions for him is what's going to cost me some money. 😂
I still feel MP44 wins because of that great paint and he looks like Prime! This one is really good though! Yes Mp05 has a bigger alt mode but I did not know it has 3p upgrades
Oh i missed this on BBTS....damn... and this was supposed to be my first G1 Optimus transformers, well first transformers figure period 😭
At 12:58 you didnt transform under the wheels correctly, that why its not rolling smoothly
Glad you were able to tighten up that hip and make it work. As they say, loose hips sink ships...
Great video Mike! I really enjoyed seeing the comparisons from all of the Primes. I was waiting to see if you were going to bring out the Magic Square MP-10 version to compare. All good overall. I believe I will pick this MS-02EX version up.
This is a great looking prime and works well in both modes
Good review as always and I loved the m.a.s.k theme at the end of the vid 😂😂
Are they going to make a trailer for this?
Is it truly painted? Or is it more just a glaze added over the plastic? Because every video I see it looks more like it is just the original colors with glaze.
I'm considering making this my first masterpiece style g1 optimus, would you say it's worth it?
It was my first Optimus I’m happy with it
Please make a video on how to swap out smoke stack. I still haven't done it yet.
it really looks like the cartoon more than the mp-44 optimus prime
Shoulder ratchets don't work on my copy, I don't hear them on your copy when you rotate arms 360
Looks good. Needs a stripe.
When I heard “die cast” I thought it would be all die cast. I would have bought it if it was die cast.
Oh oh, are the going to come out with a metallic version next?! 😮😆
They might but they usually wait about a year for the really good paint version
This guy by far is more accurate to the animated g1 model of prime with the front/back design and minimal to no kibble than all other g1 OPs out there - yes, even mp44. MP44 proportions are better, but gaps and back kibble (backpack) kills it for me big time.
Thanks for the video! Can you confirm if they added die cast to the joints? I'm not getting an answer from MS or any other reviewer I've asked. So far from what I can see, the parts that make the joints still look like the same plastic. All I've seen confirmed is the wheels and toe pieces are die cast. I've been holding back since that's not enough to double dip....yet. I think I might wait and see if it goes on sale, but if I miss it, no loss. Much like others have said, getting these repaints/minor upgrades back to back with no forewarning is a shit move, so I'm torn😒
Well the first version was pretty good and this feels like a minor upgrade. I did see a few bits of diecast in a few joints but not all and in the bottom of the foot
Just from looking at him, as I haven't really played with it yet, there's very minimal diecasts as I just see it in the toes, the bottom smokestacks, the piece on his back is diecasts and I think someone mentioned the wheels are as well. What is better than the first, and you'll notice it right away, is the plastics used as it's a lot studier and because of this, everything tabs in better and isn't loose. It also looks way nicer because of the added paint, which I really like but, if they add a metallic paint scheme, like their first offering, I'll buy him again. Magic Square also makes the best G1 Megatron so if they upscale him, it's an instant buy.
@@saysoun752 Thanks, I forgot about the smokestacks are a die cast part too. I just don't see any of the joints being die cast though. Of course I can't tell perfectly from pics and video, but there are plenty of very clear shots that show them. The wheels and toes are a dead giveaway, they have the texture and casting marks that just don't happen with plastic. The knees look smooth like the original plastic and so do the shoulders. The elbows are definitely not die cast, so that leaves the hips or ab crunch possibly having something. Of course paint feels better than plain plastic, and it gives the overall feel of the plastic a better feel even though its the exact same as the first version. I don't love or hate die cast, but appreciate when its well applied so I'm trying to figure out if this is worth buying again. I was all set to paint my original when this was announced and wondering if I should follow through or add another Prime to my collection.
@@stevecriscione1567 It's a different plastic used as Magic Square did tell me that when I asked them about it. It's even on their website that they used a different type of plastic. This plastic is much harder than the original and feels more like what Hasbro uses. I sold my old version because I hated the plastic so much so this was worth the upgrade as it also comes with the jetpack. So, if you look at the minimal paint, jetpack and diecasts, I think it's worth the $15 - $20 upgrade charge. However, if you like the old version, it might not be. I loved the old version but really hated the plastic and how it's not painted so this was nice for me. I even bought two as I wanted to see which site was cheaper, ShowZstore or Magic Square themselves and it was Magic Square but a couple of dollars but, given the points from ShowZstore, I'll be buying from them as the points can be added for future purchases to lower the cost of an item.
EX is not all that. I do agree. But nice try. Wish mp-44 would be redesigned. Hard to beat it’s look - easy to beat it’s price….
All that MP-44 has is better paint apps, but the mold is broken due to completely inaccurate and hideous backpack and back overall. It’s also way over engineered to the point where transforming it is totally tedious and more of a chore. MS-02 in bot mode looks so clean all around that it almost seems like a non transforming statue compared to mp-44. There absolutely no way I would ever come close to spending $500 + on Takara version when this exists. It’s almost laughable
Definitely less of a difference then their first EX Prime.
TE is the best, he´s the cleanest, best proportioned, best built and most accurate by far.
TE most accurate??? 😂 have you seen the cartoon? I have both and no way is TE more toon accurate. It’s a nice figure but it’s too blocky and stiff-articulation wise-when compared to MS-02.
Purchase defense mode: activated.
Lol doors to nowhere
Damn..I think it’s time to retire the TE prime.