Takara Transformers

[Mandingo Rex]

I loved dinosaurs and the Dinobots as a kid, but only ever got the 3 G2 figures, which were all stupidly colored. Blue Grimlock, green Slag and red Snarl, and I never got Swoop or Sludge... But boy did I want all. 5 in silver/gold.

I love MP Grimlock but he has his flaws... But I'll get the FT replacement, no doubt. I'm literally as excited for all 5, I don't think I have a preference. I'm even stoked for Grimlock, even though I already own MP-08.

 

[G.I.*EDDIE]

Did you see the oversized KO MP Grimlock MR?

I know I've said I don't have much love for the Dinobots (or any beast formers), but man, FPs dinos are really tempting!

 

[Mandingo Rex]

Did you see the oversized KO MP Grimlock MR?

I know I've said I don't have much love for the Dinobots (or any beast formers), but man, FPs dinos are really tempting!

Nope… But I'm all-in on FT's stuff now. I think their Grimlock will be significantly more impressive than an upsized MP-08, even if they were able to fix the gimmicks on the KO.

 

[Mandingo Rex]

"Brawny" just went up for preorder by himself…

Old Time Series - OTS-02 Brawny - Third Party Transforming Toys & Accessories BadCube

 

[nacho]

I saw that. At nearly a hundred bucks, it's still steep, but mildly tempting. I have iGear Hench, which makes the need for another MP-ish Brawn highly questionable, yet I do like this one. What to do, what to do...

 

[XOC2008]

All I can say is holy shit, this dude is big.

 

[nacho]

Which of the endless string of 3P Predakings is that? It does look nice.

I have multiple 3P combiners (TFC Aerialbots, Herc, FP Menasor), and they'e all been in the boxes until last week. I finally broke out the FP stunticons and started messing with them. Here's my pocket review:

-Beautiful Alt modes
-Fantastic G1-ish bot modes
-Stunning gestalt mode
-Horribly fidgety transformations (combined with terrible instructions) that required two evenings and a youtube video to get him into Menasor-mode. As such, I'll likely never transform him ever again.
Bottom line: As a display piece, the set is great; as a toy, it's terrible.

 

[XOC2008]

Which of the endless string of 3P Predakings is that? It does look nice.

I have multiple 3P combiners (TFC Aerialbots, Herc, FP Menasor), and they'e all been in the boxes until last week. I finally broke out the FP stunticons and started messing with them. Here's my pocket review:

-Beautiful Alt modes
-Fantastic G1-ish bot modes
-Stunning gestalt mode
-Horribly fidgety transformations (combined with terrible instructions) that required two evenings and a youtube video to get him into Menasor-mode. As such, I'll likely never transform him ever again.
Bottom line: As a display piece, the set is great; as a toy, it's terrible.

That's the TFC Ares that I posted. Eventually I plan to get Hercules at some point, and if I feel like buying an autobot maybe I'll grab Prometheus.

I have to agree with that review of Intimidator/M3. It's a GREAT display set, but FP went overboard on trying to hide everything with interesting transformations, that it leaves things hard to work into place, and hard to keep in place while putting him together. I DO want Eddie/EchoTFs upgrade set which I might get if it ever sees the light of day.

 

[pcsguy88]

I actually bought a toy. (preordered with months to cancel )

Masterpiece Optimus Prime at BigBadToyStore

 

[Vindicare86]

Ooooh, that's tempting. I'm still thinking of picking up one of the MP-01s, just because It'd look better scale-wise punching out my ML/ MU Sentinels

 

[nacho]

MP-01 is still probably my favorite toy I've purchased as an adult. I have three versions, MP-01, 20th Prime, and the DVD Prime... and I love them all.

 

[Vindicare86]

MP-01 is still probably my favorite toy I've purchased as an adult. I have three versions, MP-01, 20th Prime, and the DVD Prime... and I love them all.

Nice! I'm bidding on one right now with a little wear, hopefully I can get it without breaking the bank...

 

[Mandingo Rex]

I think as soon as I have an MP-2.0 Megs in hand, I'll jettison my MP-04 and MP-05, if only for space... Not 100% sure, but I'll have no real need for them anymore.

I guess I could always just display them separately from my MP-09-forward MPs?

 

[nacho]

I do. 20th Prime (w/ igear anime head) stands on my desk, next to my computer, away from my TF display. I keep him close, like a good luck charm. I just like looking at him, and he's been there so long, he's become a permanent fixture.

 

[G.I.*EDDIE]

-Horribly fidgety transformations (combined with terrible instructions) that required two evenings and a youtube video to get him into Menasor-mode. As such, I'll likely never transform him ever again.
Bottom line: As a display piece, the set is great; as a toy, it's terrible.

I have to agree with that review of Intimidator/M3. It's a GREAT display set, but FP went overboard on trying to hide everything with interesting transformations, that it leaves things hard to work into place, and hard to keep in place while putting him together.

I have to agree that the set was a HUGE pita to transform originally...but having transformed the set countless times, it's like second nature now...I can probably transform them all into all modes within a half hour taking my time...

I DO want Eddie/EchoTFs upgrade set which I might get if it ever sees the light of day.

:lmao: I feel the same way! I want a production kit just as much (or more) than anyone else...I'll say this much, it IS happening...a contract has been signed, we've been payed and the designs have been transferred to DMY...we're (echo and I) hoping end of the year/early next year...how fast it actually happens though, is kind of out of our hands at this point...

And I don't think our little TF corner here is a hot TF spot, so I'm not worried about anyone stumbling upon this...but maybe don't go spreading that "info" around

 

[pcsguy88]

New Prime is the same height as Soundwave, MP3 seekers and Grimlock?

 

[Mandingo Rex]

New Prime is the same height as Soundwave, MP3 seekers and Grimlock?

I think he's the same size as Soundwave… The Seekers are a tad shorter, and Grimlock is too. But around that size, yes. Those are all the larger bots. (I have all of them, just not lined up at the moment so I can easily tell.)

He's exactly the same size as MP-09 Rodimus Prime.

 

[pcsguy88]

Thanks!

 

[pcsguy88]

Really nice box even if it is a waste of space.

 

[pcsguy88]

Broke down and ordered the 2nd run of KO MP-10 and KO MP Sideswipe for less than the reissue of MP-10 from bbts. I would rather have a Lambo than a trailer.

 

[nacho]

Yeah, the trailer is a waste of space.

 

[Goldbug]

Broke down and ordered the 2nd run of KO MP-10 and KO MP Sideswipe for less than the reissue of MP-10 from bbts. I would rather have a Lambo than a trailer.

Where did you get the KO Sideswipe? How much?
I think I will get those KO Lambos too. The real ones are always too expensive.
TfSource has Prime at the same price but with free shipping.

 

[Bravestarr]

Where did you get the KO Sideswipe? How much?
I think I will get those KO Lambos too. The real ones are always too expensive.
TfSource has Prime at the same price but with free shipping.

KO's are available on Ebay.

What is the quality of a KO MP Prowl versus a Takara MP Prowl?

 

[pcsguy88]

I ordered both from TF-Direct.com Sideswipe was $29, Prime was $109, but the combined shipping was $48, so it equals bbts' price for Prime shipped.

 

[Bravestarr]

I have to agree that the set was a HUGE pita to transform originally...but having transformed the set countless times, it's like second nature now...I can probably transform them all into all modes within a half hour taking my time...



:lmao: I feel the same way! I want a production kit just as much (or more) than anyone else...I'll say this much, it IS happening...a contract has been signed, we've been payed and the designs have been transferred to DMY...we're (echo and I) hoping end of the year/early next year...how fast it actually happens though, is kind of out of our hands at this point...

And I don't think our little TF corner here is a hot TF spot, so I'm not worried about anyone stumbling upon this...but maybe don't go spreading that "info" around

I really wanted to order the 3rd Party Stunticons, I really did.

But, I have seen that they are smaller than the 3rd Party Devastator (Hercules) and 3rd Party Bruticus (Warbotron), so I held off.

I understand that 3rd Party Computron and Menasor are about the same size?

Am proud to say that I have finally finished getting all 5 Aerialbots from the Uranos set, and they are fantastic. Also have 2 of the "Warbotron" Combaticons, and they too are amazing.

The dream is to see Menasor released someday in the same scale as "Warbotron" and "Hercules."

 

[nacho]

Well, there are two different 3P computrons. One is the same size as the FP stunticons, but the Warbotron version is much larger, presumably on par with warbotron's bruticus and slightly larger than the TFC combiners.

I assume our resident scale-freak (Eddie) would be really happy about the stunticon's size, as in theory the sports cars would be much smaller than jets or heavy construction vehicles. Using real-world logic (a dangerous thing in the TF world, I know) Menasor "should" be the most diminutive combiner... until you start putting the beasts and futuristic vehicles in the discussion, and then all bets are off because you don't really know what size they "should" be. I simply don't know the proper scale of an orange and black metal rhino that isn't disguised to anyone...

I previously cancelled all my warbotron pre-orders, but if the reviews are good when they all come out, I'll likely get bruticus and computron. I'm skipping Quantron (the small computron) because of my general dislike of the FP stunticons. Again, really nice to look at, but terrible toys IMO. If Quantron was the only Computron option, I'd still get it in a heartbeat, but given a larger and potentially less frustrating option, I'll likely jump on it, barring major QC problems.

 

[Bravestarr]

Awesome points, Nacho. I especially like the parts about Menasor technically being the smallest due to scale of cars compared to construction vehicles and jet aircraft.

Of the two Computrons coming out, which company is producing the larger one? Obviously the FP Computron is the smaller version.

Let's talk about Predaking for a second.

I have lost count of how many different versions of Predaking there are nowadays.

Which company produced the largest one?

I like the detail of Unique Toys' version of Predaking. What do you think of him?

Size comparison seem accurate here with 3rd Party Superion?

 

[Bravestarr]

Well, well, well.

This looks promising!

 

[Mandingo Rex]

I just can't get into the later year Gestalts. I think I maaaay count Defensor because the Autobots basically have just Superion, but I couldn't care less about the Seacons, Predaking, or Computron.

 

[Bravestarr]

I just can't get into the later year Gestalts. I think I maaaay count Defensor because the Autobots basically have just Superion, but I couldn't care less about the Seacons, Predaking, or Computron.

I hear you.

Computron looks like something straight out of Cybertron, and I will probably order the Warbotron version of him.

The Seacons and Predacons were never my cup of tea as a kid, but I do like the Unique Toys version of Predaking.

PS...

There is a 3rd party version of the Protectobots/Defensor on the way. I believe "Hydrant" is already available for pre-order.

 

[Bravestarr]

 

[Mandingo Rex]

Yeah, I saw it. I have skipped all but Hercules simply due to space, and the hope/fear that Takara may tackle a combiner in the near future for the MP line. I'd love to have Superion and Bruticus, along with a matching-size Menasor, but I just can't shell out that cash for something I don't have room for storing. I'm packed to the brim with boxes already.

 

[Bravestarr]

Also, anyone here a fan of "Year of the Snake" Omega Supreme?

I see there is an add-on kit for him to give him more of a G1 look.

 

[nacho]

Of the two Computrons coming out, which company is producing the larger one? Obviously the FP Computron is the smaller version.

Let's talk about Predaking for a second.

I have lost count of how many different versions of Predaking there are nowadays.

Which company produced the largest one?

I like the detail of Unique Toys' version of Predaking. What do you think of him?

Warbotron is making the larger of the two Computrons. So assuming the quality holds, I'll be getting two Warbo combiners eventually... I think the UT Predaking is the smallest, and iirc, the most "G1" in appearance. It seems Feral Rex has the most fans... but none of them blow my skirt up.

But I've determined that there is no benefit to buying up front. You take the risk that it never gets finished, you risk QC issues (especially on a new company), and there is no cost benefit. I could buy Herc or Uranos right now as a set for less than I paid as they were released. What was the point of buying them up front? I'd rather wait for reviews, wait for all the fixes, all the rev 2.0 figures, and determine who else is making a different version of the same combiner that might be better.

Really late combiners like Seacons & Terrorcons do nothing for me. I wouldn't display them if I got them for free. Predaking is useless in my TF world because they are beastformers with alt-modes that aren't disguises (kinda defeats the Robots-In-Disguise tagline...).

Computron is tolerable because 1) he looks cool, 2) the autobots don't have many combiners to begin with, and 3) yeah, he has futuristic vehicles, but in the toon, he was created some 20 years in the future of the G1 mythos... so it makes a little more sense. Plus, as much as I dislike dinobots because they are f#$%ing morons with the IQ of Corkey, I liked Computron for the opposite reason. I like my heroes smart.

I'm torn on defensor. Again, on one hand, the autobots don't have many combiners, but he is the most boring of them all. Jets? No. Tanks? No. Fast cars? No. Futuristic vehicles? No. An ambulance, a blue firetruck, and the motorcycle from CHiPs. Ring-a-ding-ding.

 

[XOC2008]

I think I could dig a well done Abominus set, but I liked the Terrorcons.

 

[pcsguy88]

I lucked out. Apparently KO MP-10 was confirmed released today and will ship Wednesday with my Lambo. Perfect timing. :word:

 

[G.I.*EDDIE]

PS...

There is a 3rd party version of the Protectobots/Defensor on the way. I believe "Hydrant" is already available for pre-order.

There are actually 2 Defensors coming out...one is Warbotrons, and the other is Maketoys...

Small - The Maketoys version (Guardia) is the same size/height as their Devastator (Giant), their Computron (Quantron) and Fansprojects Menasor...

Medium - TFC Hercules, Uranos, Prometheus (Defensor) and Ares (Predaking) should all be around the same height...I think MMCs Feral Rex and UTs Warlord fit here too...

Large - Warbotrons Bruticus, Computron and Menasor will likely all be the same height as each other...

 

[pcsguy88]

This little gem from my shipping notice of KO Prime:

https://m.facebook.com/tfdashdirectdotcom?_rdr

 

[pcsguy88]

MP-08X KO Preorder | TF-DIRECT

 

[Mandingo Rex]

Looks good, I guess? Seems to be the right size, but I don't know if I want a larger MP-08 after transforming him and Scoria in the same window. Scoria was solid, and MP-08 was fiddly as fuck.

But I think I'll take my chances with the FT Grimlock.