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Evaluating the existence behind Armada Anniversary figures

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Evaluating the existence behind Armada Anniversary figures

Postby Blurrz » Wed Jul 31, 2013 3:25 pm

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As a fan that has been collecting Transformers Armada / Micron Legend since the beginning and as one who appreciates that era of Transformers more than anything else, I find it odd that I always find myself scratching my head in confusion when Armada Anniversary Figures are announced. This hasn't always been the case. Before Classics Hot Shot was released, I was so adamant about how all of my favorite Armada characters should get redone in Masterpiece like fashion. It is only now that I realize just how flawed that opinion is.

Case #1 - Hot Shot

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Armada Hot Shot isn't the best figure. Honestly, I'd have to say that many think that the figure is a turd. Fair enough. So when Classics Hot Shot was about to be released in 2008, I think the reoccurring theme in every collector's mind is that, wow this figure is going to be awesome. Sadly, much like his wave partner, the Classics rendition of Beast Wars Dinobot, the figure sort of ended up being a letdown. If we look at the Classics figure, it is obviously flawed without the guns and missiles that are included in the sister Henkei version. Classics or Henkei, there are two questions I start to ask myself when it comes to new figures that are supposed to be updated renditions of old characters;

  • Is this going to replace my old figure of this character?
  • If not, can this character fit in other continuity collections?

I feel like these questions are important for these Armada homages, because outside of what G1 -> Classics (aka neo-G1) has, there isn't some neo-Armada, neo-RID, or neo-Energon collection that exists yet. As much as I would like it, by the time we'd get a big roster of neo-Armada figures, something like Classics Hot Shot would be outdated technology-wise. As a collector, I really have to ask myself whether a figure fits somewhere, especially if it is smaller figures like Hot Shot.

As much as I like what was done for the C/H Hot Shot, personally I don't feel that it replaces Armada Hot Shot within my Armada collection. It doesn't have the axel rocket. The C/H figure is flimsy in robot mode and it is not fun to transform. It sticks out in a collection of rather blocky figures. However, atleast for me, Hot Shot does fit within the 'Classics' part of my collection, so the figure's existence is still justified. Personally, I could see this rendition of Hot Shot going either way of replacing or not replacing Armada Hot Shot in someone else's Armada collection. Plus, Classics Jolt is still a cool guy.

Verdict:Pass


Case #2 - Starscream

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I look at the two questions I presented and apply them to this new rendition of Armada Starscream. Both questions end up in disappointment. I do not see this Generations Starscream replacing Armada Starscream in anyone's Armada collection. Points that come to mind are;

  • Toy height
  • His wings aren't his swords
  • Where's Swindle?

Starscream should atleast be a Voyager if this were to be part of an Armada collection. The wing turning into a sword is Starscream's trademark.. and Armada's main theme was mini-cons, so where is an updated version of Swindle? Worst part is that there is powerlink points and the figure doesn't even come with mini-cons! Even if this figure was repainted into Thundercracker and Skywarp (although it probably will happen), I still can't justify it.

If we move on to the second question, and we try to find a new home for Generations Starsacream outside of his Armada upbringing - there is absolutely no justification of this figure fitting in CHUG or Gen or whatever people call it! Starscream already exists and he damn well exists in every continuity too. No thanks.

Verdict: Fail


Case #3: (The potential) Masterpiece Optimus Prime

Image

Although Star Saber is likely going to win Takara's fan choice vote, it is apparent that Armada Optimus Prime will be sometime in the future too. If MP Armada Optimus Prime wants to replace his leader class predecessor, it needs to go above the Hot Shot and Starscream attempts. It needs to do exactly what the original Armada figure did (transform from regular to super mode), and go beyond (better articulation, powerlink points that actually do something). It really needs to aim to replace LC Armada Optimus Prime, or else I just don't see it being much of a sell at all for anyone.

Verdict:TBD



Ultimately, as a fan I do appreciate the nods to the fact that Armada was a series, and it did exist. But if the homages are going to be done, then its go big or go home. Unless the ~20 or so Armada characters are done proper (which, if it ever does happen, won't be for another two decades), I just don't see any of the original figures being replaced in my collection. Of all the characters, Starscream really didn't need something new, unlike Megatron, Side Swipe or Scavenger. I really think Hasbro should just continue Generations for G1 characters, and just complete the darn roster before third parties do everything. Or focus more heavily on Beast Wars or RID before you tackle Armada. But alas, I probably shouldn't be complaining. I'll just stick with my pure 2002-2003 era Armada/ML collection and talk about those 'good old days'

-Fin.
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Re: Evaluating the existence behind Armada Anniversary figures

Postby RAcast » Wed Jul 31, 2013 3:39 pm

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Blurrz wrote:If we move on to the second question, and we try to find a new home for Generations Starsacream outside of his Armada upbringing - there is absolutely no justification of this figure fitting in CHUG or Gen or whatever people call it! Starscream already exists and he damn well exists in every continuity too. No thanks.

IDW G1 Starscream is getting an upgrade in the near future, into the Armada-esque body (probably). Also, his swords do store in the underside of his wings, as near as I can tell.
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Re: Evaluating the existence behind Armada Anniversary figures

Postby Arctorro » Wed Jul 31, 2013 8:10 pm

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That is really well thought out.

I missed out on Classics Hotshot and have been thinking about tracking him down, but now am glad I haven't got around to it yet.

I'm not a comic fan, so SS would have to be good enough to replace the original, and he just isn't. The only issue I've ever had with Armada SS is that the missiles don't flip down.

As for a Masterpiece Armada Optimus Prime, I'm not that interested tbh. OP is one of the few Armada figures I would like to see upgraded, well the trailer anyway, but not at MP prices. I'm really only interested in getting G1 show characters at MP prices.
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Re: Evaluating the existence behind Armada Anniversary figures

Postby Mykltron » Thu Aug 01, 2013 5:25 am

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Interesting points, although the Henkei Hot Shot is really the BROTHER release, not the sister!

Hot Shot doesn't fit into my Classics collection. I thought he would when I bought him but then I watched the series and that alienated him from my Classics because he's so obviously Hot Shot. I didn't enjoy the cartoon so I have no intention of getting any updated figures of that line so I'm stuck with a Henkei Hot Shot that I like but fits in nowhere...
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Re: Evaluating the existence behind Armada Anniversary figures

Postby ScottyP » Thu Aug 01, 2013 9:27 am

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I like the idea of upgrades to Armada toys, unfortunately, the execution has not yet been there.

Although, a MP Super Pants Prime? Sign me up for three*!


*Since they'll probably blind pack random campaign microns in them -_-
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Re: Evaluating the existence behind Armada Anniversary figures

Postby Cyber Bishop » Thu Aug 01, 2013 11:54 am

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I got sucked Into getting the "generations" hot shot and I kick myself in the behind every time I look at him on my shelf. I have transformef him once due to the issues with his arms in bot mode. He (imoh) is just as bad as Galvatron. So much potential and so much fail when delivered.
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Re: Evaluating the existence behind Armada Anniversary figures

Postby Dead Metal » Fri Aug 02, 2013 3:39 am

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I have the Dion version of the Hot-Shot mold, and apart from FunPub screwing up with the pins in production I love that mold.

As for MP Armada Optimus Prime, all they have to do is put more effort into it than the LC version, damn that toy blows.
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Re: Evaluating the existence behind Armada Anniversary figures

Postby RhA » Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:14 am

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Anyone here remember ithe crapstorm Superpant Prime got back then? And now people want a Masterpiece.

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Re: Evaluating the existence behind Armada Anniversary figures

Postby Mykltron » Fri Aug 02, 2013 4:14 am

Motto: "If I win again I'm still the champion. If you win HAH! that's just impossible.

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Cyber Bishop wrote:I got sucked Into getting the "generations" hot shot and I kick myself in the behind every time I look at him on my shelf. I have transformef him once due to the issues with his arms in bot mode. He (imoh) is just as bad as Galvatron. So much potential and so much fail when delivered.


There's a knack to Hot Shot's transformation. Once in robot mode he's rather poseable. Galvatron can barely stand up.
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Re: Evaluating the existence behind Armada Anniversary figures

Postby RiddlerJ » Fri Aug 02, 2013 3:35 pm

I pretty much place Universe Hot Shot with the rest of my Classics as if he was a G1 version of Hot Shot. If I picked up Starscream I would probably do the same for him though he would have to explain to the other Starscream why he has the same name.
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Re: Evaluating the existence behind Armada Anniversary figures

Postby TK415 » Fri Aug 02, 2013 8:09 pm

Very interesting perspective and it all makes sense. I agree that 4 out of 20 characters really won’t help your collection and like you said they will look out of place. Now that I think about it, that is how it was for me and my Beast Wars collection. I have a lot of BW figures. When they released the Universe versions I really didn’t need a new Megatron, Primal, or Cheetor, and they didn’t necessarily look to be improvements. The Transmetal Beast Wars (BW Season 2) figures are really well articulated and look good. There is a Dinobot II, but that is a different Character from Dinobot I (season I). And Dinobot I needed a new toy. While the Universe version isn’t perfect it is pretty nice. BW, Universe, and Generations do look close enough to sit on the same shelf. I know what you mean that the Generations Armada toys don’t look right with the originals.

The Generations Armada toys may not be Targeted towards you. If you already have a complete collection then they won’t help you, or like you said, they won’t help for 10 years or so if they even make enough. But for me, I played the video game but never bought the toys or watched the show. Now that I am buying more figures then I used to I want some Armada figures. I was actually debating getting Amada Starscream. Not to collect Armada but just as a sample and to have a cool looking figure. Now that Generations is coming out I will just get the Generations version. So maybe these are targeted to people who aren’t trying to complete Armada. They are targeted to people who are reading the comics, the parent who just pulls anything from the shelf, Armada fans who don’t have a large Armada collection, and people like me, a collector who enjoys different toys. Additionally, many people who started buying Generations for G1 will probably buy Armada Starscream because he fits with Generations. Sorry to hear that these have been and may continue to be a disappointment to you.

I have been thinking, once they remake all of G1 in Generations they won’t make as much profit. So they will want to stretch it out as much as possible. Sure they make a ton from the movies and they will have a new show on TV, but they don’t want to run out of figures for Generations and so this helps continue the line.
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