MP-2 MP-4 Commander Package


These days, third-party (unlicensed/unofficial) Transformers toys and accessories are all the rage. For some, their impending release and news on what’s coming up is just as exciting and anticipated as any official product. Count me on that list. Seems like the scene is only getting better with every passing year. And while the focus today is more on complete figures, there are still some interesting accessories to be had, even going back to 2009 in the olden times with this little set.

RollerRS01
RollerRS05

I love the explicit notice stating that MP-04 is not included. You can never be too careful these days, in a world where one person or entity won’t hesitate to sue or extort another for even the slightest of slights, real, perceived, or otherwise. And that’s definitely MP-04, Optimus Prime AKA Convoy, featured all over this packaging. Included or not, he definitely looks like these goodies were made for him. As I’ve said before, the one glaring miss with MP-04 is that Roller is not included. But that’s okay because one-&-done 3rd-party company Artist stepped in to close the gap. No one’s heard from them since this came out, but for what it’s worth, I appreciate the effort. There are five pieces in this box, and the one that most people probably care about is Roller.

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It’s an MP-scale update to the original G1 toy mostly in size, but also in detail and material. The headlights are sculpted and painted. The front end is distinctly adorned with lines and panels. And the rear seats are facing the rear. Every part feels strong, dense, like it was made from the same stuff that went into MP-04’s Combat Deck. Which is a great thing for the price. What isn’t too different are the wheels, the rear pegs, the rear mount, and those side indents in the middle.
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The least enticing aspect of this set is the gas pump, hose, and dispenser. They’re also well made, and the hose is actually hollow, which is a nice touch. But none of these are exciting beyond the fact that the original Roller used some similar gear.

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RollerRS15
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And the last piece here that might also motivate people to get this set is the gun. Every other piece is for MP-04 specifically, but this is here because of MP-02, Ultra Magnus, which is an albino repaint of MP-01/04. Being a repaint and released so early in the Masterpiece line, Magnus didn’t get any original accessories. So swanky then is this gun, which is an MP-style update on his original gun from the G1 toy and cartoon. I don’t have MP-02 or MP-22 (don’t know if he can even hold it), but Optimus will be happy to keep it warm till that day comes.

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Back to Roller, who looks right at home inside Combat Deck. And though a blue G1 Roller isn’t the best comparison, it still works.

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Another convenience about this set is your options, because it comes in multiple colors. The packaging is the same for each, save a sticker on the back like the one above. Good news is retailers were good about letting you choose, and the same goes for the aftermarket. You can go with silver (which I got for my MP-04), black (which I got for my MP-04S), gold, blue, transparent, and transparent blue. Be sure to confirm the contents if you can though, because not every set comes with the gun.

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The only thing I don’t like about this set is that neither the included weapon nor Prime’s laser rifle can be mounted by Roller. Seems like it’d have been easy to do, but then again, maybe that would have brought the price up. Which brings us to the best part. Most anything 3rd-party comes with a price tag high enough that makes some people question and doubt, even just say no, regardless of how good the product is. But this set went for $15 at release, and even now can be found for $20. At those prices, I’d have been fine with this set being dinky and so-so quality, but everything is solid and well made. And it’s five pieces! Most 3rd-party accessories go for $15 for one or more parts. So yeah, you can’t go wrong if you want to tune up your MP-02 or MP-04, or hey, just even have a larger Roller lying around for whatever your imagination can come up with.