Transformers: EarthSpark - Swindle (1-Step)

1-Step Changers aren't new within the Transformers family of toys, however I don't think I've ever bothered with them. They aren't exactly aimed at my age group (i.e. old) and the simplistic designs don't usually catch my eye. However I recently ran across Swindle, a figure I've yet to see at local retail. I've not watched any of the show so I had no idea the classic G1 Combaticon character was even in the show, let alone had a new toy. I have been curious however about these new EarthSpark 1-Step Changers so I figured, "why not"?

Swindle has traditionally been portrayed as a jeep, but this version is some sort of military vehicle. He does retain his traditional color scheme of a muted mustard yellow with black and purple highlights. Being of the lower price point, paint apps are limited. The windshield is painted teal, but the side windows remain unpainted. The grill and front bumper are painted black and purple respectively. The rear of the vehicle is unpainted gray plastic.

Before I move on I wanted to point out one flaw of this toy. If you look at the front grill you'll see that it's split in two and there is already a small gap. This is part of the transformation and I'm afraid that the more this toy is played with/transformed the gap in the grill will just get worse.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but once I freed this toy from it's plastic free packaging I was impressed...in simple way. There aren't a lot of frills here, but the vehicle form seems pretty solid, it rolls well on a smooth surface and despite the front not holding together super tight it's still a decent vehicle.

This being a one step transformation, you simple grab the cab of the vehicle and pull it back to trigger the transformation into robot mode. When you're ready to go from robot to vehicle, just simple drop the robot forward and watch it transform before your eyes. Simple, gimmicky, but still little satisfying. I can see kids really enjoying these because they don't have to worry about figuring out how to go from one form to another, rather they can just play with their toy.

The robot mode is where this toy shines. Swindle has a great head sculpt and while it's not a 1:1 with his original G1 self, it still looks like Swindle. The robot mode is lacking a Decepticon symbol, but I believe I've from some Toy Hax labels lying around somewhere I can use to spruce him up a bit. 

Paint apps are again limited. His face is painted white and the crest on his head is purple. His chest has a few places that use the same teal paint as the vehicle windows. Everything else is molded plastic. Being a simple toy, articulation is basically non-existent. His head, arms and legs are in a fix position so don't purchase this thinking you'll be able to snap pictures in dynamic poses. It's basically a small brick, but that's part of it's charm. Growing up in the G1 era I also don't mind bricks!

I'm not sure if I'd buy another one of these 1-Step toys or not, but sometimes curiosity just gets the best of you and you have to try something different. I believe Swindle is part of the 2nd wave and as of this post is just now hitting retail shelves and I'm sure online retailers as well.