In vehicle mode, the bucket raises and lowers as you push it back and forth. You can insert the Mini-Con that comes with it (Rollbar) into the cab. Doing so properly will cause a nice "start-up" engine noise follwed by a few seconds of "running" noise. This running noise can also be triggered by pushing the vehicle around (so that the back roller rotates). So the sound effects more than make-up for the irregular vehicle design (I alsways preffered my Transformers to have more "realistic" vehicle mode). Another detail I liked was the actual rubber tank treads. A small plastic bar keeps them on but still allow them to turn, which is nice- I broke three sets of treads on one of my old toys because said treads kept slipping off. This too helps make the toy feel more "real". Finally (at least for the vehicle mode) the green color harkens back to the old "Constructicons" of G1, which is nice for nostalgic purposes.

The robot mode is a mixed blessing, but in the end is good. The way it transforms gives it a twistable "waist", which is something lacking in some of its fellows. Another benefit from it's transformation is hands that can open up. This let's it actually grab, again a feature not possesd by all of its siblings. It has a limited elbow joint (due to the treads), and lacks "true" legs: the bucket splits and flips around in front of the roller to give the appearance of legs. They also attach to the roller, however, have a joint so that they may bend. You can then push the robot to make it look like its stomping around Godzilla-style, a worthwhile trade-off. In this mode you can fire a missle from it's hip. Not a stupendous feature, but its there, and it works well.

Educational value is higher than normal. First, they have a new comic in them (I assume they are chaning them with the new waves). So it gives some exposure to other languages and of course encourages reading. Again, there is a simple but good moral lesson in the little comic book. Finally, since the toy has a construction them, it seems a little more educational to me (I used to "build" with the Constructicons I owned when I was young). In fact, that may be part of this toys strong points: while I have no problem with the miliary aspect of Transformers, it is nice to see ones that have more peacible uses.

This toy comes with the Mini-Con Rollbar. Rollbar is an excellent Mini-con. It is a small jeep and looks the part. It's tranformation is a bit tricky (some pegs have to line themselves up juuuuust right), but are worth it in the end.
If you want a fun toy to play with, this is it. Most people say I act like a three-year-old, so I feel my opinion is valid. ;) Serously, all the things I loved as a child are present, and it's still a reasonable likeness (at least to its Dreamwave comic-book counter-part). If you are a Transformer fan of any age it's a great toy. Basically, unless you hate robots, construction vehicles, or sound effects, get it!

4 of 4 found the following review helpful:


Frankenstein's Constructicon  Mar 31, 2003 By E. Schwartz
It's curious to see a toy like this as a good guy, because the name, the colors, and a lot of the look come from the evil Constructions from the original Transformers line. This is a great toy for kids, it's large, makes a lot of noises, and is built like a brick. In bulldozer mode, it can be rolled along on its tracks and it makes a clattering noise. Pushing it along in robot mode makes the legs move, with a stomping noise to match. There are other sounds too, in fact doing almost anything with this toy causes some kind of sound to go off, though that may be a point off for some parents. The Robot mode has a massive look, almost like the Frankenstein Monster. Comes with the Mini-con Rollbar, a nice little buggy that can sit in Scavenger's driver's seat (which also sets off another sound, of course). This toy is a lot more fun than photos might make it look.

4 of 4 found the following review helpful:


HOURS OF FUN!!  Mar 08, 2003 By Jean Reimer
I purchased this toy for my five year old grandson. He has ADHD, so I look for toys that will keep his interest and that will last. Well, he sits with his transformers for hours! Scavenger is one of the best as far as it's durability and fun. Educationally I think it rates high because my grandson will sit and look at the magazine and find ways of rearranging the toys on his own. Personally I think it was a great purchase!!!

2 of 3 found the following review helpful:


not owned  Mar 19, 2003
i love this toy even though its not owned by me. it transforms into a construction thing thats all i know byebye


robot mode is laughable!  Jan 06, 2011 By Will and/or Caroline C.
This transformer is about as half-hearted an attempt at making a transfomrer as I can find. The robot mode looks OK at first but you soon realize it does not have any legs... there is no transforming parts below the waist. The legs are the bulldozer plow that flip to the "feet" and attach to 2 pegs on the sides of the grinder wheel. These 2 pegs move with the wheel and give the appearance it's walking when you push it along.

Other than that the vehicle mode looks fantastic. The treads roll & it has a mechanism that pushes the bulldozer plow up & down a little. It has a few noise effects set off by different switches. And it comes with a minicon that can sit in the driver seat & hooks to his side to launch a missile.

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