Despite some gaps in the body, dinosaur mode is where I really enjoy this figure. I usually keep all my Transformers in bot mode, even the Dinobots, but this I would keep in dinosaur mode. Like the others, he has one photogenic side because of screw holes on the other. Although his body is about the same size as Neptune, his neck and tail are substantially longer and larger. His jaw can open fairly wide. His head is on a swivel and hinge. The neck has absolutely no articulation or range of movement. His flippers are on swivels and hinges. The ends of each flipper are also on hinges. There is no usable articulation in the tail; only the slightest of waggle in the detachable portion. The end can rotate like a propeller and is also detachable.
Transformation is very similar to Neptune. It should be no surprise that the legs, neck, and chest mechanics will give a sense of deja vu. I did have some clearance issues getting the front flippers out of the foot, but otherwise it is a fairly straight forward process.
I like the head sculpt - something about the mouth plate and light-piped eye visor. The chest piece has a different design from Neptune. Plenty of transparent plastic serve as highlights throughout the chest. He has the same design aesthetic as the previous figures so there is nothing that will win you over if you weren't already a fan.
The dinosaur head and neck are a bit larger and heavier than Neptune's so are prone to falling out of place, especially since the back flaps can't close around them. The neck could have used some slots for the flaps to hold it in place. There is also more kibble at the shoulders because of the fins.
His head is on a ball joint. His shoulders are on hinges and swivels. The hinges peg into his flanks, but detach far too easily. He swivels at the biceps, wrists, waist, and thighs. He has single jointed elbows and double jointed, ratcheted knees. The elbows really could have used some ratchets. Even loose ball joints would have been better than the pin joints used here. His hips are on ratcheted universals. His heel spurs can be angled to help keep him upright. They are more necessary than with Neptune because Triton is more top heavy in the back.
His accessories include two large cannons, his tail, a pair of swords for Caelus, and some screw hole covers. The cannons are tan and grey with red highlights. There is plenty of line work with a touch of red transparent plastic. They have flip-out pegs that sit firmly in his fists. Unfortunately, his elbow joints are too weak to support the cannons. I tried pegging the cannons to his flippers, but the ports are too small for either peg. The tail has the same attention to detail as the cannons. There is a peg on the inside for holding in his fists. The screw hole covers go on the shoulders, just behind the chest plate.
We finally get a pair of transparent swords for Caelus to match the aesthetic of the rest of the team. Unfortunately, the handles are too big for Caelus' fists. The fit is just too tight. I wouldn't want to damage Caelus or the swords by trying to force them in. They seem to be too large for Triton's fists, too. I guess I'll continue using Fall of Cybertron Grimlock's sword. I couldn't find a place to peg them in dinosaur mode.
Ultimately, Triton is a remold of Neptune. It's not a perfect figure and seems to take a couple of engineering steps backward. How much you need him in your collection really depends on your level of OCD. I, for one, am happy to have him, and only wished that Planet X would also do that other Dinobot that is in some of the game's promotional material. Although a majority of the official Cybertron deluxe figures have been a fair bit disappointing, it makes me glad that Planet X is continuing the line with Optimus Prime, Perceptor, and Starscream. My wish list includes an improved Megatron, Insecticons, and Trypticon.
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