| Megatron is the baddest Cybertronian that others emulate his villainy in the next iteration of the Transformers series. In Beast Wars, there was a new Megatron, though not as brutal as the original this one had personality and idolized him to the point taking the name meant more than just mere influence.
In the last part of the Unicron Trilogy there was also a Megatron, but this one was supposed to be taking the form of a “Beast Wars character” when the Decepticons reached the Jungle Planet. At that time Hasbro was set to celebrate Beast Wars 10th Anniversary by producing an all-new Beast Megatron, which resulted in this figure that didn't get notice only BW fans would know. |
This figure was a non-show character inspired its colors and aesthetics from another non-show character named Predacon that was released in the Armada series. The olive green color T-Rex reuses the Beast Wars Metals Megatron with minor alterations to have Minicon ports is some sort inspiration to the color scheme for this Megatron, which was released towards the tail end of the Cybertron series.
In case the Beast Wars Anniversary did not pan out this figure was added to the mainline of the current series as sort of ‘transformation’ of Cybertron Megatron to blend in with the locals of the Jungle planet. The same idea was used for the Optimus Primal mold as Cybetron Optimus Prime would take a nod to the original Primal.
But this Megatron was not popular with those getting into the Cybertron series, though long time Beast Wars fans who could not acquire the 10th Anniversary Edition at that time was thrilled enough to get their hands on this all-new version of Beast Megatron as sort of consolation as those anniversary editions did not make it to some markets. But only was exclusively available to special toy shops.
Beast Mode | Mean Green Killing Machine
Just like all the US released Cybertron Deluxe Class assortment, Megatron is packed in his beast mode while the others in their vehicle modes. He comes with instructions, Jungle Planet Key, and a missile that is stored in his tail. Of course, when you use the Jungle planet key it activates the gimmick that reveals the missile hidden inside its tail that is also removable in robot mode (more of this later).
But the key activation is not pleasantly placed what would be underneath the tail, which would be on Megatron’s butt in beast mode. It does look unpleasant and it leaves no explanation how the design team between Hasbro and Takara made this kind of an unexpected joke for it look this way.
However, the beast mode for a Deluxe Class figure looks menacingly look good. The aesthetics of Tyrannosaurus Rex with a balance of organic and cybernetic in appearance makes this beast looks like it’s ready to hunt for Autobots and Maximals. It doesn’t look like Megatron from the Cybertron series, but a modern take of the Beast Wars Megatron if he was more of a hunter than a lumbering dino.
Alternate Beast Mode Features:
- Opening Jaws
- Articulated T-Rex Head
- Pseudo-Techno Organic Features
- Jungle Planet Key can Activate Tail Weapon
Transformation | Old & New Concept
The original Ultra Class Megatron transforms as his chest rotates to brcom the belly of the t-rex and when you do it on reverse to turn him into that feisty Predacon it also follows this Deluxe Class version as you open up the halves of the beast to reveal the robot chest and popping up the head.
There’s not much complication in the flow of how the beast to robot mode process it still follow how the original Beast Megatron transforms. The only difference now is you can now remove his tail.
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Robot Mode | Menacing Decepticon
Cybertron Megatron is not bulky, but more athletic in robot mode with the design more like a Velociraptor that evolved into a T-Rex. The olive green matching the gold and maroon accent makes the new look more stands out. His head design still mimics the original Beast Megatron but doesn’t have the mutant head gimmick, though he takes design inspiration from the CG animation design with that grin in his face.
But this Megatron is not your BW Megs, but an inspiration from that popular character that David Kay has voiced. Thought, David did also voice this Megatron for this Cybertron series but not as posh as the one that takes a bath with a rubber ducky. This is one looks more of an entirely new character inspired from the BW Megs and incorporating a new identity that can be fleshed out in the comicbooks.
Just like the original BW Megs this Deluxe Class figure is articulated with more details like the removable tail revealing this Megs has a left hand with three fingers and the tail’s gimmick canal be activated by the Jungle planet key to reveal the spring loaded missile. There are no other accessories with this figure aside from that removable tail and planet key.
Featured Articulation:
- T-Rex Head as Right Hand
- Removable Tail to Reveal Left Hand
- Jungle Planet Key Activates Hidden Missle Launcher
- Limited Head Articualtion
- Swivel Waist & Knees
Overall this Megatron is an underrated figure hardly noticed by Transformers fans who like G1-ish characters than Beast Wars. But despite being a shelf warmer in some markets it is a nod to Beast Wars fans that this character is not completely forgotten that this figure exist although not the BW Megs you thought.
The modern take on Beast Wars with a pseudo-techno organic-style on the beast design is something that worked for this figure due to the time the Cybertron series was still airing internationally. It was never meant for it to be included in the series but as a modern creation to celebrate 10 years of Beast Wars along with Optimus Primal in case the popularity of Beast Wars has been forgotten.
But in the end, there are still BW fans out there if not for that series the Transformers brand won’t be in this stage of continued resurgence, and how the mythology has built it to become the franchise it has become. Even though there are still G1 fans out there you can still expect Hasbro will continue to produce memorable characters like Beast Megatron to be part of the series.
Transformers Cybertron | Deluxe Class Megatron was sold in Philippine retail in 2006.
Product Rating:
Transformation (Difficulty): 2
Aesthetics: 9
Quality: 8
Robot Points: 8.0
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Some of the Product Description Courtesy of TF Wiki
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