Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos - Machine Build Rod Drill #01 (Megahouse)

In late 2022, a new series of Machine Robo toys were released overseas. Based on the Revenge of Cronos anime, this new line of figures by Megahouse is more than just another line of transformable robots. With their new Build Series, you get to build the figure...or partially build the figure.

        

   

The packaging is done really nice and even captures the look of the original 80's Machine Robo series. One side of the box shows the included contents, but more on that in a bit.

Upon opening the box and removing the inner tray you are greeted with the body of the figure as well as the additional pieces and parts. All of these pieces have to be removed from their plastic frames, which was easy enough to do without having to resort to having to use any type of knife or scissors.

   

The body of the figure was "built" more than I anticipated, however as you can see the head and hands are missing, along with a few other small parts. Assembling the final pieces (head, hands, forearms and knee/shins) was easy and the included instructions were easy to follow. The end results once fully assembled was very satisfying.

For a model kit, I was surprised at the level of articulation. Both the arms and legs are attached to the body via ball joints so this allows a wide range of motion for the limbs. Since the head is interchangeable and also attaches using a ball joint, you can move the head a full 360 degrees. You don't get much movement up or down however.

Transformation from robot to vehicle is rather simple and straightforward, not all that different from the original toy. Turn the head 180 degrees, the arms fold over onto the chest, fold the legs up in half and onto the back, finally folding down the toes.

One of the included accessories is this longer, more slender drill bit. Switching out he drill bits is the same as switching out the head, simply give it a slight tug and it pops off the body. The tip of this bit can be a little sharp so be careful!

I was immediately curious to see how this Megahouse Rod Drill figure looked side by the side the previous Machine Robo Revenge of Cronos series of toys by Action Toys. I didn't buy near as many toys from that series as I wanted, but I did have Rod Drill so let's take a look at how these two versions of the character stack up against each other.

Both are great toys, however I think I like the slightly larger size of the Megahouse version. It retains a little more look of the vintage toy while the Action Toys version has a little more modern look. Overall you can't go wrong with either version.

Priced at around $45 USD (at the time of this post) is a generous price. There isn't much Machine Robo merchandise on the market so I would imagine if you are a fan then you may have already purchased this, if not, what are you waiting for? Megahouse has a good product on their hands and I eagerly look forward to their next release, Bike Robo (aka Gobots Cy-Kill).