The Fans Hobby armada grows with the latest release in their Master Builder series; MB-20 X-Load. An homage to the Transformers Armada character Overload, X-Load takes on all his tasks and more with a dedicated shuttle transport mode, base mode combination with Power Commander, Small and Armour up! robot modes, and an artillery combination with Power Commander’s super mode!

A review sample of MB-20 X-Load was provided by Fans Hobby for this photo gallery and review.

Vehicle Mode

Forget what you know about scale. X-Load’s tiny truck mode and oversized trailer make for an imposing combination. Despite the initial impression, this vehicle mode is not made for combat, but rather for transport. MB-20 X-Load will be a companion piece to the upcoming MB-22 and provide the shuttle with a terrestrial method of transportation.

There is a clever mounting system in place that allows the small truck to haul the shuttle carrier trailer with ease, and provides a turning axis for realistic towing action. The truck can also disconnect and the trailer can connect to the cab of MB-15 Power Commander, or to the rear of the trailer as well for an armoured convoy look. The treads are functional and made of a flexible rubber material the same as Power Commander and they roll well on most surfaces.

Robot Mode

X-Loads cab can turn into a mini robot that looks like a mini version of the armoured mode. Articulation is pretty good for his size, and you can deploy his powered up head for a chibi look if that’s your thing.

He can also convert into twin barrelled targetmaster mode, which can be held by Power Commander or other Fans Hobby bots with their usual tab/slot mounting system.

When you’re done playing with the little guy, convert him back into truck mode with the combined head deployed, and place him into the chest of the transformed armour for a powered up mode! Before you lock him in, be sure to activate the magnetic LED switch in his head by tapping it against his chest to activate his brilliant yellow LED eyes.

X-Load is the king of chonk in his imposing armoured robot mode. He’s a bruiser and a brawler with no weapons, just fists. He is surprisingly limber considering he’s a giant made of cubes and blocky shapes. Fans Hobby’s usual suite of articulation applies; double elbows, double knees, articulated fingers and more. There is a little bit of collision in the hip area so you’ve got to be careful there.

Combined Mode

X-Load can convert into a backpack with twin cannons that can be mounted on the Super Mode of MB-15 Power Commander and its variants. The cannon clips on using 4 different mounting points and fits incredibly securely.

The figure itself becomes quite large and unwieldy but still balances surprisingly well even with the cannons extended all the way forward. The included projectiles can be loaded into the spring loaded cannons and fired at unsuspecting evildoers. Just be careful not to lose them as there are no spares included.

Base Mode

The artillery cannon mode can also be combined with the trailer/base mode of MB-15. There are dedicated clips and slots to allow the cannons to sit in a firing position and be manned by any of the smaller mini robots.

Final Thoughts

X-Load is a big, blocky, bruiser of a bot. He’s got some really neat tricks to allow for surprising articulation and a ton of heroic presence even if he’s just standing there on your shelf. The added crossplay with MB-15 as well as the upcoming MB-22 make X-Load an absolute must have if you’re investing in the Fans Hobby take on Armada, but as a single release you may be missing out on some of the fun. Another solid release from Fans Hobby that is well built, but may not contain quite as many features and gimmicks as we are used to.