Dino Charge Megazord
Dino Charge is the 22nd installment of Power Rangers based on Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger. Bandai of America’s Dino Charge Megazord forgoes Kyorujin’s sound functions while retaining some of the Zyudenchi/Dino Charger gimmick. As far as BoA Megazords, the Dino Charge Megazord seems to keep true to the original without sacrificing functionality to the Zord builder ports. Unfortunately I do not own Koyrujin so I will be using SentaiSeiya’s review for reference.
The Megazord comes packaged in a simple window box showing off the functions and some additional Zords available. While I usually throw out the boxes for American releases, there is something I really like about the box and have decided to keep it.
Comprising of three dinosaurs, the T-Rex Zord is the largest of the three Dino Charge Megazord components and transforms into everything except the arms. There is a lot of molded detail but paint applications are a lot scarcer compared to its Japanese counterpart. The legs, arms and jaw are articulated; though don’t expect any fancy poses with the T-Rex. There are Zord Builder ports on either side of the legs, and removing the head and tail sections reveal two additional Zord Builder ports.
Inserting the Dino Charger and closing the jaw will cause the spikes pop up from the head.
The helmet of the Dino Charge Megazord is hidden between the legs of the T-Rex and head folds up from the middle section. The tail is removable and folds open when attaching to the back of the Megazord. Transformation to Megazord is simple and involves flipping the legs down and rotating the body.
The Tricera Zord comes in a shade of pink a bit darker than the Japanese version and has the most functions a bit differently. Lifting the head and inserting the Dino Charger will cause the spring loaded tail to extend, though a lever on the bottom can also be used for the same function. Unlike the Japanese version, the two horns do not flip back though the entire pack and tail can be removed and exchanged for the Stego Zord’s sword.
The Stego Zord shares the exact same body as the Tricera Zord. The only differences are the head and a little pin that pushes out with the lever to extend the Tricera Zord’s tail is lacking on the Stego Zord. Inserting the Dino Charger or sliding the lever forward causes a blade to pop up from the back. Unlike Japanese version, the back/sword section does not fold up as a shield and only functions as a sword.
I don’t have any Zyudenchi for comparison, but the Dino Charger’s do seem slightly larger and roughly the size of an AA battery. Clicking the button on the side causes the T-Rex image in the center to revolve between four images. There is also a QR code at one end of the Dino Charger for use with the App though I didn’t bother checking it out. Clicking the Dino Charger is surprisingly fun and I find myself fiddling around with it often.
The Dino Charge Megazord looks fairly similar to Kyoryujin and probably one of the better, if not the best Bandai of American interpretations over the last few years. Articulation seems above average for a Megazord, with a rotating hips, arms and legs. While the arms are interchangeable, the Tricera Zord’s horns actually get in the way of the T-Rex head, so the only way to swap the two arms is by swapping the Zord Builder sections in the T-Rex head and tail.
I’ve generally been put off by most of Bandai of America’s Megazord offerings, but was pleasantly surprised by the Dino Charge Megazord. The fairly accurate design and unobtrusive Zord Builder ports makes this a pretty great toy. Opinions of the actual design are probably still varied like most recent Sentai designs but I do enjoy the dinosaur theme. The only thing that bothers me a bit is how long and large the arms are in proportion to the body. At 40 dollars, the retail price is worthwhile for most Power Ranger fans, though Target had this on sale for 20 dollars during the holidays. Combined with a 5 dollar off coupon from the DIno Charge app, there was no way I could pass it up for 15 dollars.