Transformers Legacy Transmetal 2 Megatron Review: A Fire-Breathing Beast Wars Dragon

Hasbro’s 2022 Transformers: Legacy Transmetal 2 Megatron makes a strong case as the defining toy version of the character. Its huge dragon mode, vivid colors and wide range of movement capture the menace of the Beast Wars figure, while the involved transformation gives collectors a substantial two-mode display piece. The transformation takes patience, but the finished robot and dragon forms both have plenty of character.

A character shaped by three beast forms

In Beast Wars, Megatron stands out for his cunning and talent for manipulation as much as for his strength. His plans often put other characters at risk, and the series gives him a sly charm alongside his cruelty. That mix makes the character’s progression through several beast forms especially memorable.

His first toy depicted a green crocodile. For Season 1 of the 1996 CGI animated series, he became a Tyrannosaurus rex, followed by a toy of that version. In Season 2, in 1998, he took on a Transmetal T. rex form. The Season 3 change in 1999 brought a fire-spewing Transmetal dragon. The earlier dragon toy had its appeal, but the reviewer found it less impressive than expected and reports that it eventually broke apart at the hips.

The 2022 Legacy release revisits that dragon design with newer toy-making techniques and a higher price than its predecessors. It also marks the reviewer’s 50th Monster Toy Blog review, returning to Transformers figures after years focused on prehistoric toys. That personal milestone adds another layer to the review, but the assessment rests on the toy itself: the reviewer calls it the best representation of this Megatron they have owned.

A large, richly detailed dragon

In beast mode, the figure measures about 40 cm long, spans 36.5 cm across the wings, and reaches up to 31.5 cm tall when posed upright with its neck raised. Those dimensions make it one of the larger toys in its Leader class price point. Its mechanical construction remains visible, yet the sculpt avoids a boxy look. Chest and belly scutes, armored neck and tail plates, and varied scale textures help the dragon read as a flowing creature.

The color scheme sets the tone immediately: blood red and gold, with purple and metallic gold details, translucent orange wings, and a translucent orange dome on the torso. That dome represents Megatron’s spark crystal, though the reviewer notes that no Predacon insignia can be seen inside it. The combination feels theatrical and threatening, well matched to a fire-breathing villain.

Megatron has the familiar long torso and broad chest of a fantasy dragon, paired with relatively small, sinewy arms and huge legs. Curved arm claws and long straight claws on the feet sharpen the silhouette. His head sits at the end of a long neck, with antler-like horns, pointed ears, a short mane and chin beard. Two tusks project from the snout above a mouth full of sharp teeth. The oversized batlike wings have jagged edges and numerous openings, while the comparatively short tail ends in a wicked-looking pincer.

Articulation and dragon accessories

The dragon mode’s articulation supports a wide range of expressive poses. A hinge lets the lower jaw open, although it cannot close completely because the flameblast accessory fits into the mouth. The head connects to the neck with a hinge, and the neck itself combines four ball joints with a universal joint at its base. The wings hinge at their roots and each consists of five sections that fold inward or spread wide; the claws also move.

The arms use universal shoulder joints, rotating upper arms, and hinged elbows and hands. The legs have universal joints at the hips, rotating thighs, and hinges at the knees, ankles and feet. The tail turns slightly from side to side, swings at its base, and has three ball joints. Together, these joints make it possible to pose the dragon with a convincing sense of motion.

A large translucent orange flameblast plugs securely into Megatron’s mouth. It looks effective in the dragon’s jaws, though the reviewer would have liked an ice effect as well: in the episode “Master Blaster,” Megatron demonstrates that he can shoot ice as well as fire. The included flame piece is the only effect accessory described in the review.

Robot mode keeps the dragon’s attitude

Converting Megatron is a fairly involved sequence of folding parts, flipping panels and securing tabs. As with his two T. rex versions, the dragon legs become the robot legs. The most troublesome step is fastening the robot head securely to the chest and shoulders. Once that connection is made, the figure holds together well.

Robot mode stands about 21 cm tall to the head. The red, gold, purple and orange palette carries over, with the arms and chest bringing more purple into view. The right arm has patches of scales and two gold spikes on the forearm. The left arm is formed from the dragon’s head and neck, a fitting echo of Megatron’s earlier T. rex incarnation, whose right arm was a dinosaur head and neck. It’s a fearsome battle limb, though not one designed for delicate handling.

The dragon head retains a little personality while attached as an arm. In the series, it behaves with a kind of petlike intelligence, looking around and responding positively to being stroked. That detail gives the unusual limb a playful edge amid the figure’s otherwise menacing appearance.

Megatron’s robot chest centers on a large translucent orange dome, framed by gold trim made from the dragon’s foreclaws. His dark gray head has a metallic silver face, gold vents, purple eyes and a toothy snarl. A translucent orange helmet covers the top, with a circular light-piped detail above it. The reviewer reads that circle as a possible energy weapon, recalling the spring-loaded projectile launcher on the original Transmetal 2 Megatron toy. The dragon tail hangs down his back like a headdress, and the chest plate remains visible behind him.

The robot head turns from side to side, though the tail limits its movement. The right elbow has two hinges, the upper arm rotates, and the shoulder uses a universal joint. The legs, dragon head, neck and wings retain their movement, and the waist rotates. The result is another highly poseable mode. The flameblast can return to the dragon’s mouth or sit in Megatron’s fist like a flaming club; the reviewer prefers it in the mouth. Other Transformer weapons can also be held when their handles are long enough for a secure grip.

For collectors drawn to Beast Wars, this Legacy release brings together the dragon’s scale, theatrical sculpting and expressive poseability in one imposing figure. Its transformation has a tricky connection to manage, but once assembled, both modes deliver a rewarding display presence. The reviewer’s verdict is emphatic: this is a favorite Transformer and the strongest Megatron representation they have owned.