jamarmiller wrote:I think making the deluxes transformations more simple is definitely a plus. As long as the pose-ability isn't affected, that is.
I gave some deluxes to my boy and he threw the toys down in frustration from them being too difficult to transform quickly enough.
Hasbro is right by making the transformations easier.
Kids want to transform the stuff quickly and easily while playing. I know I did. and I know my boy does at least
Did you try the Rescue Bots line? Easy transformations, big and bright, sturdy and capable of withstanding more abuse.
The problem with "simplified deluxes" is that they're cheaper to make and will cost the same as regular deluxes. I'm not convinced it's as simple as "kids want simpler transformers", but rather more along the lines of, "we can make these toys even more CHEAPLY if we just simplify and reduce on manufacturing/building costs!" If you don't believe me, take a look at the most recent Hasbro releases: the new 3.75 inch Hulk (in the Avengers line) has slightly carved out feet (grab the toy in the aisle and flip over the packaging). The carved out feet are barely cut out... but obviously, even the tiniest bit of less plastic-per-figure is financially prudent enough for Hasbro to look into.
To put it simply: yes, your toys will be simpler to transform, but they'll also be cheaper builds, less material, and coming soon: less paint apps.
Bumblevivisector wrote:But Henry921 brought the enlarged legion guys up, so he went off on a relevant tangent. For all the understandable disdain the up-sizing plan got when it was announced, I have to agree because there are a few Prime guys I still need to break out the instructions for out of fear of breaking something, so I can imagine how frustrated a 6-year old would feel.
IDR which Commanders are actually getting Voyager-sized, but Hardshell should be first and foremost, so I too hope Hasbro's far from done with this mold. Its transformation's intricate enough, Voyager would be about the right size for show accuracy, and even if army-building is far more for collectors than kids, Voyager Insecticons would surely move faster than all of Skyquake's case-mates.
I sincerely doubt we will EVER see a larger Insecticon. I mean, don't count on it. Not to be TOO cynical, but Hasbro is NOT in the habit of listening to those types of requests, and I'm sure it didn't escape even their notice that people might want a larger Insecticon, when they chose to release the Cyberverse one.
Most likely, we'll be seeing a decline in Deluxes/Voyagers (over time), not an increase. From the time frame left between Prime and TF4, I doubt we'll see more than the handful of simplified deluxes already shown. Maybe the cheaper TFs just sell better? And thus far, it seems Hasbro is altogether hesitant to release any form of "troop-builder" set, save for the rare Marvel 3-packs. I think a lot of us would be interested in troop-builder sets, but I guess we don't spend quite enough on the brand to really grab Hasbro's attention and get them on such a project.