Hunt for the Decepticons Hailstorm

Robot Mode: Hailstorm is rather short for a Deluxe-class figure, but makes up for it in stockiness. He’s the big, powerhouse type, not the lean acrobat. His arms, comprised of the folded tank threads from his vehicle mode, hang almost down to the floor. A bit longer and his nicely sculpted (though not articulate) hands would drag on the floor. Makes for an ape-like image, but there’s nothing bad about that at all. Posability is pretty good for this figure, though one needs a moment to get used to the way the elbows are put together.

Depending on your personal preferences, there are two different ways to position Hailstorm’s head. The first one is the one you see in the pictures, with the head sitting on top of the shoulders (this is also the official version as seen on the back of the package). You can also position the head down and forward, though, giving Hailstorm a hunchback look, which also increases his already strong resemblance to Energon Demolishor.

In terms of weapons Hailstorm has two huge missile launchers on his shoulders, each capable of firing four red missiles. No spring mechanism for the missiles, though there is the kind of pressure-launch system that dates all the way back to the G2 Cyberjets and works just as well. The missiles are pretty long, meaning they stick way out back. I’d have gone for shorter missiles, but there’s probably safety laws or something forcing them to be this long. It’s not a flaw as such, just something worth mentioning. Hailstorm also has handles on his launchers were clip-on weapons from other figures (such as Darkmount) can be attached to give him even more firepower.

All in all a good-looking, well-put together figure. No complaints except for the missile thing.

Alternate Mode: Hailstorm transforms into a mobile missile launcher, somewhat similar to the vehicle mode of Cybertron Defense Scattorshot. Not sure what the official name of this vehicle is and I’m too lazy to find out, but given my fairly limited knowledge of military vehicles I deem it quite realistic-looking, especially with the military-green coloring, broken up by white camouflage patterns. Detailing is pretty good and the missile launcher (the long tails of the missiles now housed inside a cage-like box-thing) can turn a full 360 degrees, as well as angle upwards. So all in all not the most spectacular vehicle mode ever, but a good, solid showing.

Remarks: Not much in the way of a back story for Hailstorm. Didn’t appear in any movie, series or comic book I know of. His profile text is kind of interesting, though, describing him as a clumsy weapons genius. Definitely offers possibilities for future stories. Anyway, the figure itself is pretty good. I would have preferred shorter missiles, but apart from that I have little to complain about. He’s missing that certain something extra or outstanding to get an A-rating from me, but if you’re looking for a good, solid Deluxe toy to bolster your Decepticon ranks, Hailstorm is definitely worth a look or two.

Rating: B