Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter

Robot Mode: To put the most important thing first: Vader manages to look like Vader, hands down. The head is, of course, identical, the chest area also works, the arms and legs are different but not so much that they ruin the look. Using one of the TIE wings as a cape works as well. All in all he reminds me a lot of Vector Prime. The robot is pretty posable to boot, though the joints are a bit loose. Not sure if that is a general problem or just with mine. Anyway, Vader can be armed with one or two light sabers, either holding them in his hand or using them as missiles for his gauntlets. He can also use one or both of the TIE wings as a shield. Alternatively he can use the shield as a kind of hoverboard, though I don't think that is an intentioned use for it. Bottom line, a very nice Darth Vader robot.

Alternate Mode: Vader transforms into his signature starcraft from the first movie, the TIE Advanced. The vehicle looks completely authentic, the only small clue that it might be something other is when you look at the belly, where you can guess the legs and arms, but not too much. The TIE can use the light sabers as missiles, but that is pretty much the extent of gimmicks here. It comes with a small Darth Vader figure as a pilot, but if there is some way to squeeze the figure into the cockpit I haven't found it yet. All in all a decent, if unspectacular vehicle mode.

Remarks: The Star Wars Transformers are a nifty idea and unlike some of the more human-looking figures such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Vader readily lends himself to a robotic design easily. Transforming Vader into his TIE fighter isn't much of a stretch and the execution of the idea is good. I'm not sure if I'm gonna go and buy more figures from the Star Wars Transformers line, but Vader was definitely worth the money. Recommended to all Star Wars and Transformers fans.

Rating: B+