Transformers Masterpiece Mp-04 Optimus Prime Convoy Complete Ver. Die-cast Figure

I'm just going to start out by saying this was soooooooooooo expensive {$300+}, but it was worth every cent.PACKAGINGI obviously knew the packaging would be very large, but I was still a little surprised by its size.I absolutely love the photo on the front, from the gloss image to the chrome-foil letters that spell "Masterpiece" since it just gives an impressive look to Convoy. But, the back of the packaging i love even more. The intricate array of pictures makes it look even more impressive.VEHICLE MODEThe vehicle mode of this figure has gotten a lot of slack,and in my eyes, a little too much. Sure the front of the cab is aligned oddly, but at least the truck mode isn't as bad as classics deluxe prime. The rest of it is pretty good, the chrome is in only the correct places { the grill, bumper gas tanks etc.} and not just slapped onto random places on the figure. And then, the working suspensions are something the figure didn't even need, but was a nice addition.TRAILEROh,the trailer, the thing we all hated on mp01 done right. Like the figure, the trailer's wheels have suspensions {cuz they can, lol} and the wheel wells are in chrome {like on the figure}. I also really appreciate the rivets being molded in, it just gives that extra realistic touch, and the trailer is painted in a nice silver color. when opened up, it basically has every thing the one from '84 had, except...............ROLLER, though i don't really miss him i could understand why there would be complaints.ROBOT MODEThe robot mode is where this figure really shines. Though it isn't as cartoon accurate as mp10, the blockiness {at least in my eyes} kind of gives the sense of a blend between the g1 and cartoon appearances, {like the wheels on the legs, blockier chest, etc.}The die cast in the legs and chest really helps the expensive feel to the figure. And on a final note, I don't know why, but I think the head sculpt on mp04 is better than mp10's.ARTICULATIONThough not the most amount on any figure, mp04 has a decent amount of articulation.HEAD the head rotates 360 degrees on a ball joint, but does feel a little tight on my figure so I don't really do itBODY- due to the transformation, he has a 360 degree waist-spinARMS- the whole arm spins 360 degrees,if you pull on the shoulder, the joint will be exposed,allowing for the usage of a ratchet joint. There is a bicep swivel, and a bend at the elbow, activating a total of 4 pistons per arm. The wrist rotates 360 degrees, has a slight bend, and each finger bends individually, and the thumb is on a ball joint.LEGS-there is a thigh swivel, a double joint at the knee{exposing 4 more mini pistons in each joint}. The feet are attached onto ball joints allowing for some slight side-to-side movement. When you lift the panels on his waist, the leg can fully bend out to the side, back, and forth.GIMMICKS/FEATURESHEAD-On the back of his head, there's a button that, when pressed, makes his mouth plate move.ARMS-On his forearms, there are two small flaps. When lifted up, one of them depicts a picture of Grimlock, the other shows Megatron.BODY-When you open up the chest windows and flip up the panel inside the chest, you'll see a circle of gold with a blue center and silver handles connected by poles; otherwise known as the Matrix of Leadership. There is a small blue button on his shoulder which when pushed shines a light through the translucent center of the Matrix.LEGS-If you press down on the leg, the air vents on the bottom of the leg open up.WEAPONSStored inside his trailer are three weapons: his laser rifle (the gray gun), the Energon ax (the one in translucent orange), and a little replica of Megatron in his gun mode (the silver pistol with attachments). To equip the laser rifle, have four of his fingers folded out but thumb folded down. Slide the handle in between, curl the fingers around the handle, and fold up the thumb. To equip his Energon ax, make his hand into a fist, slide the hand back into the arm, and attach the clips on the Energon ax to where the hand was. To equip the Megatron gun, slide the handle down and follow the same process as the laser rifle.FINAL THOUGHTSI think this figure would be a very nice addition to any collection, but not for kids. Parents, if you want to get a child a similar figure, look for the 20th anniversary Hasbro Optimus Prime. Though it does not include the trailer, it would be a lot cheaper to replace if broken, and if the child is young, be prepared to help out with the transformation. Though MP-10 has been dubbed better by most of the fans, this figure is a great stand-alone figure to add to your collection, if you haven't already. It has such a history among Transformers that it is unlikely to be surpassed. Add a little bit of history to your collection by picking up MP-04 Masterpiece Convoy (Optimus Prime).