Fortress Maximus gets extra love in the form of his SDCC/STGCC release, which comes with an extra Master Sword. He also has more stickers, but the best part is that his stickers come already applied, meaning that you don’t have to angst over whether you have stuck them in the correct place!
So in Part 1 (only 2 parts, I promise!), I look at the packaging, starship and city modes of Fortress Maximus. For those just joining us, Fortress Maximus is from the Titans Returns line and is a giant force of nature in the Titans Return continuity. In G1 continuity, he’s the Headmaster Autobot Commander, and for Japanese cartoon continuity, he serves as the Third Supreme Commander of the Autobots.
SDCC Fortress Maximus retails for SGD $349.90. If you didn’t catch him at STGCC this year, you can pick him up from Simply Toys. Thanks Hasbro for sending him over!
Packaging
SDCC Fortress Maximus comes with a cover over his box, designed in the shape of his head. It’s a little ominous looking since he stares directly at you with shiny red eyes. It’s wrap around art because the sides of the box show you his ears. If you didn’t notice, it’s a head because he’s a Headmaster (or Titan Master). And at the back, the logo for Fortress Maximus is a city because he transforms into a city. All bases covered (pun intended) with this design!
It’s window packaging for Fortress Maximus, which allows you to see the most important part of him – his Master Sword! He also comes with wrap around packaging but it’s only on one side, with the back of the box showing his leg cannons. However the art is a bit different from the actual cannon itself (the blue strip has the black on different ends). The box is definitely a keeper because it reminds you that Fortress Maximus is huge, and it isn’t as difficult to open as the SDCC Metroplex 2 years back.
The paper ties come off easily, thankfully.
Starship mode
In starship mode, SDCC Fortress Maximus has a more distinct bridge area since it’s now white (it corresponds to his chest in robot mode) as opposed to the grey of the original. It helps the windows stand out better. It also has the effect of making it look like it’s a completely removable section, although that’s not the case la.
His runway arms also look more futuristic thanks to the addition of Cybertronian sigils (does anyone know what these mean?) that help guide smaller ships on and off him.
Overall, I like it better since the important sections stand out more. Also I’m more a fan of anime accuracy and homages than realism – YMMV though!
City mode
City mode is where the stickers really help. The additional blue stickers give the sense that there are multiple roads or lanes on Fortress Maximus, enhancing that city feel (how come we didn’t get a map this time :p) (maybe for the Brave Maximus recolour).
See what I mean about the road effect? The bird’s eye view really shows it here.
So if you’re on the fence, then yes, there is a visible difference to the naked eye! Even from afar you can spot the difference between both Fortress Maximuses (or is that Fortress Maximii?).
Stay tuned for Part 2 where I check out SDCC Fortress Maximus in robot mode, and compare Cerebros/Fortresses!
Check out my other Fortress Maximus posts here!
SDCC/STGCC Fortress Maximus is discernibly different in starship and city modes (Part 1 of 2)
SDCC/STGCC Fortress Maximus in robot mode revealed! (Part 2 of 2)
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