2000s medicine.

We’ve taken a look at Ironhide already but I’ve got a complete version of the mold now.

Actually, I’ve had Ratchet long before I got Ironhide. I just didn’t get around to reviewing Ratchet.

Well I’m doing it now! Universe 2.0 Deluxe Ratchet review time!

Vehicle mode

A wrecked ambulance. Now that is a morbid joke. Since this is the same mold as Universe 2.0 Ironhide, the vehicle mode is still questionable at best.

Ratchet’s an ambulance, so he’s white with red detailing. The red stripe on the sides really make the cracked look of the vehicle stand out. Aside from the paint, Ratchet has been retooled. He’s got a light bar on top of his roof.

All four wheels roll well on Ratchet, which is nice. Also, the weapon pegs in and hides away neatly on the underside.

Transformation

The transformation of this mold is infamous for being needlessly complex. That being said, it’s actually really fun to do. It’s oddly satisfying to get the everything lined up and moving just right. Lining up the arms and legs first and then doing the head reveal is just great.

Also, the rising inner chest piece is a nice bit of extra detail and it’s over-engineering done right.

Robot mode

Ratchet looks great in robot mode and doesn’t look horrifyingly lifeless like the Universe 2.0 Prowl brothers. Also, the new head looks nicer than Ironhide’s. It’s also painted cleaner, at least on my copy.

Seriously, I can forgive the over-engineered transformation and bad ambulance mode because I love the robot mode. The neatly folded up backpack and lack of kibble really tickle my fancy.

Most Universe 2.0 Transformers feel a bit dated with their posability but Ratchet still holds up. First, his head swivels. His arms rotate as well as go in and out at the shoulders. He bends at the elbows as moves out to the side at a joint just above the elbow. He can rotate his arm below the elbows. His hands are ball-jointed and jointed to move in towards him. Ratchet has a waist swivel. His legs rotate as well as go in and out at the hips. He has thigh swivels and bending knees. His feet are ball-jointed.

Gimmicks

Ratchet has the obligatory dramatic head reveal on top of the chest panel reveal. Putting down his… spine into position lifts up his head from his chest. Yeah, it’s cool but describing it is a bit gross.

Almost forgot, Ratchet has blue light piping in his eyes.

Ratchet also has a transforming weapon. It transforms from Gatling gun to scalpel depending on which end you use. It looks good in either mode but I usually leave it as a scalpel since Ratchet’s a doctor.

Toy or collectible?

More collectible than toy.

Even then though, it’s a bit questionable. Siege Ratchet is out and by all accounts seems to be the superior figure. Still, Universe 2.0 Ratchet is great in robot mode. That counts for something.

Closing

Ratchet is actually a fun Transformer and his robot mode still holds up 11 years later. But that vehicle mode was bad then and it’s bad now.

I love Ratchet but use your own judgement on this.

PS: Oddly enough, while Ironhide is usually available pretty cheap, Ratchet seems to be kinda pricey. He’s not that expensive but the price gap between Ironhide and Ratchet is still noticeable.