Universe Sideswipe

Remarks: Not surprisingly Sideswipe is a repaint and slight remold of Universe Sunstreaker, so see there for the full review of this figure. Just some words on the differences here. The Sunstreaker/Sideswipe mold was intentionally designed to feature an interchangable chest. The robot could have either the car's roof as a chest (as Sunstreaker does it) or the car's hood (see Sideswipe). The only visible clue as to which robot is supposed to go which way around is that both have their respective Autobot logo on the car part in question, Sideswipe on the hood, Sunstreaker on the roof. Both work the other way around, too, of course, but look a bit incomplete doing it.

Sideswipe has a different head than Sunstreaker, getting rid of the large 'ears' in favour of smaller ones. He's all-red in car mode and features black and white robot parts. Apart from that (and the placement of his Autobot crest) there really is no difference between the two figures. Which means, of course, that Sideswipe is as excellent a figure as Sunstreaker and I think I like him a bit more even, as I have a thing for red cars (just call me Sideburn).

Sideswipe and Sunstreaker were the so-called Lambo-twins in Generation 1. They had different molds there, but seeing them share the same one for the Universe series makes sense and the changing chest-thing gives them great individual looks despite being the same mold. So to cut a long story short: Get Sideswipe. Even if you already have Sunstreaker. They're a great-looking pair.

Rating: A

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Update: November 16, 2009

Fansproject included a weapon set with its G3 Trailer, which included a shoulder cannon for Sideswipe.