Voltron Legendary Defender (Combined)

Review by JoshB

Although not sold as a set, the combined Voltron Legendary Defender deserves a review all its own. If you need to catch up, check out the individual reviews of each lion:

• Green Lion
• Blue Lion
• Red Lion
• Yellow Lion
• Black Lion

In order to assemble Voltron, each lion needs to be transformed

When you combine, start with the Blue Lion. This starts the combination sound effect process. You will then get prompts for which Lion to add to the body next. It's a really cool feature. It will also know when you remove a lion from the body as well.

The combined Voltron is impressive at about 16 inches tall. I found it initially hard to balance until I figured out that I can help stabilize it with the use of the legs for the blue and yellow lions. The swivel joints in the thigh really help stabilize Voltron.

The wings on the back can be spread out for an impressive wingspan. Of course this can make it hard to display among your other toys, so they fold easily out of the way.

Pressing the button on the side of the torso activates the chest light and a variety of sound effects. There are both voice clips from the show and weapons effects.

Both shoulders rotate forward at the black section on the shoulders of the black lion. The joint is strong and supports the large arms well.

There are elbow joints, and a bicep swivel, but the movement of the elbows are hampered by the large leg assemblies on the shoulders. They move out of place easily, allowing more movement, but it looks a bit odd.

The legs have a great range of motion, with hips that rotate and splay out, thigh swivels, and double jointed knees. The only real limitation is the lack of any kind of ankle joint. The heads on the feet do swivel a little, but as I said earlier, moving the legs of the lions assists in stabilizing Volton. With a little patience you can get some great poses.

Voltron's Blazing Sword can be held in either hand by the spring-loaded jaws. The hands can rotate at the wrists.

The shield is a bit undersized. It can be stored on the green lion's shoulder or loosely grabbed by the spring loaded jaws of the lion. I wish Playmates could have figured out a way to allow for the wings to form into a shield like in the show.

As a completed toy, Voltron is amazing. It manages to be a great toy that appeals to both kids and collectors alike. It's solid construction, ample gimmicks, great play value and relative low cost make it welcome addition to any toy collection.

Only one problem: disassembly. You need to be hercules to remove the red and green lions. If there's a trick to it I haven't found it yet. I end up pulling so hard that when it does release the rest of the toy flies across the room. Good thing the toy is durable, because this has happened a few times.

Still totally worth it.