Griffion

Griffion is another one of the DX web nights, part of Takara’s Web Diver Line.

The main idea of Web Diver is that Gradion, the train robot, is also a video game. You can plug him into a TV set to get 16-bit videogame fun.

The video game is pretty rudimentary. In train mode, you drive a train through a slalom course that reminds me of Zaxxon. In robot mode, you fight an enemy from across a chasm. There are also a few puzzle games and assorted screens.

But wait, there’s more! You can attach other DX Web Knights to the front of Gradion, and they become power-ups. The infra-red sensor on Gradion’s chest detects the other toy, and then it materializes on screen.

Griffion can connect to the front of Gradion in vehicle mode. Honestly, this is my least-favorite of the Web Knights. It is awkward in robot mode, with odd legs that don’t really seem to support the weight. The arms are kind of lanky as well. The smoky translucent missiles on the shoulders launch, and a button activates the LED on his chest.

In Jet mode, he has landing gear, and that’s about it. Transformation is simple, and it just looks OK.

Not a bad toy, not a great toy. Good if you have Gradion to connect him to.