Seriously, this thing is CLEAN. Look at it from any angle and it doesn't look like it transforms. But it does! And it's fun to do! And it's tiny! Absolute wizardry, and I've already got their Jetfire and Sentinel Prime pre-ordered.

(Images nicked from ShowZ because I forgot to take more than one)

Third party #1, and my favourite toy of the year: Bailan Toys Roadmaster, aka Bayverse Prime

Me, putting a Bayverse toy at the top of my list? What happened? But this thing is a genuine miracle. A legends scale Bayverse toy with no kibble AND a fun transformation? Impossible! And yet, here it is.

Official #1: Studio Series 86 Megatron

Look, I maintain this shouldn't have been released in Studio Series, but put that (and the rubbish cannon) aside and this is just a stupendous toy. Possibly my favourite transformation of any official figure. I even like the tank mode! Take THAT, haters!

Third party #2: Craftsman Toys Tacticlord, aka Computron

I had a G1 Computron as a kid, and so have a soft spot for him even though he's no-one's favourite combiner. This set somehow manages keep the feel of the character, but actually make him look cool. Like turning Urkel into the Fonz.

Official #2: Missing Link Arcees

Overall I don't care much about Missing Link: "G1 toys but now they have knees" does little for me. But use it as an opportunity to give us something we never actually got before? NOW you have my interest.

Fun, well made glimpses of a past we never quite got.

Third party #3: Newage Romulus, aka Megatron

I feel sorry for Newage because so much of the conversation about this toy is about the size, and it's drowned out the fact that this is arguably the best G1 gun mode Megatron we've ever got, from any company, at any scale. So good I bought 3!

Official #3: Studio Series AOE Optimus Prime

A late entry here, one I only picked this up a few days ago. OK, obvious complaint: jesus Hasbro, bare gray plastic is NOT a substitute for silver, but once I got past that this is a helluva toy, with a fun and clever transformation I can't stop doing.

Third party #4: Siyang Cultural Greenland and Mountain Serial (Seizan & Suiken)

The first set of Siyang's trainbots also came out this year, but this second set was a significant step up in terms of quality. The plastic and paint are better all around, and I can't wait to complete the set.

Official #4: Megatronus / The Fallen

This was a toy I was sure I'd love from the first images, and it doesn't disappoint. Alt mode is a bit weak, sure, but this guy wins you over with sheer presence in bot mode. It feels like Hasbro gave half of the budget for the whole line just to this guy.

Third party #5: Newage Lincoln (Trailbreaker) EX version

I got the toon and toy decos of this mould, but IMO the toy version wins out by a country mile. The glossy black plastic, the shiny chrome, he's gorgeous. Just wish the weapons weren't partsforming pieces!

Official #5: Hearts of Steel Megatron

Is this a great toy? No, it's a bit flimsy, the legs are hollow and the plastic feels kinda cheap.

BUT

It looks fantastic, turns into an olde tyme cannon, and overall is fun and unique. I really hope Hasbro does more unusual stuff like this going forwards.

honestly I'd settle for a simple reissue

Real "you may disagree with slavery, but it was legal at the time" energy

Hi, quick question: are you a collaborator or just incredibly stupid? I want to make sure my contempt is accurate. Thanks in advance!