Packaging: Sideswipe's box is roughly the size of a BW/BM Mega's and is black with a red grid pattern and the Transformers: Universe logo. The clear plastic window is very flimsy, unfortunately, and can easily rip off when taking the toy out of the packaging. The front and top of the box feature character art by fan artist extraordinaire Dan Khanna. The sides and bottom have photos of the toy in both modes. And on the back, there's the now familiar TFU battle scene also by Mr. Khanna, along with Sideswipe's G1-style tech spec:

FUNCTION: WARRIOR
"I don't break the rules, I bend them -- a lot."

SIDESWIPE is nearly the equal of his twin brother SUNSTREAKER, in the combat arts, but far less cold blooded. Relishes a fight to the finish with an opponent, and isn't above using dirty, underhanded tactics to come out on top. In robot mode, his arms can act as powerful pile drivers and can deliver up to 4 tons of force per impact with five impacts per second. Double-barrelled multi-purpose launcher mounted on right arm fires duel incendiary missiles and doubles as melee weapon, which can create twin fiery sabers. Shoulder mounted weapons ports fire blinding magnesium-phosphorus flares visible for 18 miles. In car mode, rear mounted rocket boosters allow SIDESWIPE to reach speeds in excess of 450 mph for up to 2 minutes.

Car Mode: A recolour and slight remould of CR Mach Alert/RID Prowl, Sideswipe is a Lambourghini Diablo. From nose to tailpipes, he measures 12.5 cm(5") long. He's mainly a brilliant red with smoky translucent windows, orange, silver, and dark red lights, metallic gray panelling, metallic silver hubcaps, and a pale red and white Autobot symbol on his hood. His rubber tires all read "Transformers 2000." Note that there is a red sticker covering a white panel right behind his roof piece. Also note that the roof sirens Mach Alert/Prowl had have been removed.

Needless to say, this is one sweet-looking ride. Peering through the windshield, one can make out a couple of seats, as well as a bunch of robot parts. The sculpting on the hood makes it appear as though Sideswipe has flip-up headlights. The doors swing open similar to those on a real Diablo. And the tips of Sideswipe's spoiler flip up to allow for attaching his rocket boosters, which are white with white and yellow flame exhaust.

Transformation: Pretty complex. Lift up the roof and hood, flip out the robot legs, rotate the shins and feet, swing down the chest piece, and seperate the arms.

Robot Mode: As a robot, Sideswipe stands 13 cm(5.1") tall at the head. His main colours in this mode are red, white, and black, with metallic silver technobits, a red chromed Autobot symbol on his chest, and yellow spheres mounted in his shoulder pads that probably represent his flare launchers. His angular head is black and metallic silver with light blue eyes and a pointy chin. His rocket boosters attach to his right forearm to function as his multi-purpose launcher. The missiles are marble shooter types, and launch about a foot or so.

Like many Japanese TF moulds, Sideswipe is laden with alt mode kibble. He's got the car hood and roof on his back, enormous shoulder pads, a spoiler and roof section on his left forearm, and doors on his hips. Fortunately, however, this doesn't stop him from being very poseable. He's got joints at the head, shoulders (two joints), elbows (two joints), hips, knees, and ankles.

Overall, Susp Sez: Sideswipe was a great choice for a returned G1 character and 3H couldn't have picked a better mould for his new toy. Great car mode, complex but not frustrating transformation, good robot mode. 9/10

Susp

"I don't break the rules, I bend them -- a lot." -Sideswipe