With the arrival of Transformers Energon were given fantastic G1 homage's such as Shockwave and Galvatron but another fantastic G1 homage character is Scorponok. Energon Scorponok is full of homage's to the original G1 toy and best of all is the fact that he is a triple changer just like the original toy, however the third mode isn't a base mode.

Scorponok's Scorpion mode look rather strange because it look like a cross between a Scorpion and a construction vehicle. While this mode still has the G1 look of the original toy it seem almost like the concept was based off the old 'TransTech' line which was then later cancelled. The Scorpion mode looks fantastic and does have a lot of qualities that the original toy had such as the look of the Scorpions claws which now seem to look almost as if there meant to be a diggers claw. The Scorpion also has a Scorpion tail which now has a hook connected to the end which also acts as the Scorpions sting, the tail also has the added option for two extra support weapons to come out and use against opponents.

Rather difficult to be sure if this mode was meant to look like a construction vehicle or if it was meant to look like a robotic Scorpion much like how the original was designed to look, this just leaves the impression that the design for Scorponok's Scorpion mode is based off the 'TransTech' designs.

Instead of Scorpion legs like the original had we see that the Energon version has been given tank tracks instead and at the front of the tracks it appears as if there are plows. The main section of the Scorpion mode has a cock-pit type area with clear yellow plastic for the windows. The front of the Scorpion has fangs that can move up and down while the arms can reach out and grab and then bring forward what prey Scorponok has found to devour.

A great homage to this mode is the fact it really resembles the looks of the G1 characters Scorpion mode and this really shows if the way the arms have been designed. While the new Energon look isn't the same color or design of the original toy it doesn't stop the fact that they both move and act very much the same way. Another great homage is that on the hips of Energon Scorponok there are two small double barrel guns which can act the same way as the original G1 Scorponok's double barrel guns did.

Energon Scorponok also has a 'Jet' mode which seriously resembles Beast Machines Ultra Jetstorm in appearance. The basic shape and look of the Jet mode looks a lot like Beast Machines Jetstorm's design by the way that the cock-pit section reaches out and that the wings are placed at the very back with the Jets boosters. The tail section of Scorponok forms the cock-pit while the body section forms the main structure of Jet mode holding the rest of the areas in place. The legs form the wings and the feet create the Jet modes rocket boosters while the arms and fists create this modes wings and basic design look.

These two modes also have the added extra of Sound Effects, press the button on the back of the tail to hear a rapid firing noise. Pull the cock-pit section of the tail backwards and then press the lower button to hear a different type of firing sound effect and when moving the Scorpions tail you will hear the sound effect of the tail moving/transforming.

Robot mode is by far were this figure shines and stands out above the rest. Firstly the main transformation itself is very much the same as the G1 figures transformation, secondly Energon Scorponok has a visor that he can pull down much like how the original G1 character has, thirdly Energon Scorponok's chest section acts much the same way as the originals except that since Energon Scorponok isn't a Headmaster he instead uses this section to conceal his robot head when transformed.

Energon Scorponok is full of articulation but the only real point were this figure fails is in his hip area because while Scorponok can bend his legs at the knee joints it seems as if his movement to his hip areas are restricted slightly. This isn't to much of a serious downfall or anything and truth be told its hardly noticeable since the fact the knee and elbow sections move perfectly then this makes up for any downfall on the hip areas.

Scorponok also comes backed with some serious weaponry because hidden in his hands are two firing missile launchers while on his fists are two sharp ramming spikes. The tail is also packed with two blasters and the added effect of the Scorpion tail itself, there's also Scorponok's feet which have very sharp edges to them as well and don't forget Scorponok's gigantic claws which are his main choice of destruction against any Autobot.

The paintwork for Energon Scorponok is beautiful but again it seems as if some idiot as Hasbro must be color blind or just plain lazy. Firstly when you compare the colors of the toy to the colors of the toy on the back of the box then your just left with the feeling Hasbro have become lazy. On the box Scorponok has sections which are colored light purple yet on the actual toy these colors are just plain black, there are several other small color differences but it just seems lazy of Hasbro to not use a final designed product on the box.

Packaging for Scorponok is the basic sized box for characters in this range. The front of the box has a small image of a drawn picture of Scorponok while the front plastic window has the character displayed in his Scorpion mode. The back of the box has images of the figure in all of his three modes while one side of the box has the story line of the Energon series and the other has a bigger image of the cartoon picture of the character. Inside the figure has his instructions and a product catalog and Scorponok also comes with his very own data card.

Another fantastic edition to the Energon series and another fantastic homage to a G1 legendary character we all know and love. An amazing toy and a serious bad-ass of a character worth a place in any fans collection. Energon Scorponok is a must own for Transformer fans and collectors and even if your not a fan of the Energon series then this figure might just change your mind.