The Energon Pub

[Hellscream9999]

Decepticon Alpha Bravo has been upgraded

Va'al will be pleased

[Microraptor]

I love how the background is basically an explosion.

[Hellscream9999]

I love how the background is basically an explosion.

Seems appropriate

[Shockwave7]

I admit - I want these Takara Blastoff/Vortex versions. Looking forward to them!

[Hellscream9999]

I admit - I want these Takara Blastoff/Vortex versions. Looking forward to them!

I must admit, I am interested in a Vortex that isn't an exact clone of A/B or Blades, wonder if they might change his cockpit shells too, it's easy enough

[SW's SilverHammer]

I admit - I want these Takara Blastoff/Vortex versions. Looking forward to them!

I must admit, I am interested in a Vortex that isn't an exact clone of A/B or Blades, wonder if they might change his cockpit shells too, it's easy enough

From the silhouette it looks like the only the rotor has been changes. The back is the same, the arms may be different, but the font looks to be the same, with the nose cone becoming the arm modes' Cocktail cuff.

[Hellscream9999]

I admit - I want these Takara Blastoff/Vortex versions. Looking forward to them!

I must admit, I am interested in a Vortex that isn't an exact clone of A/B or Blades, wonder if they might change his cockpit shells too, it's easy enough

From the silhouette it looks like the only the rotor has been changes. The back is the same, the arms may be different, but the font looks to be the same, with the nose cone becoming the arm modes' Cocktail cuff.

Yeah, I wasn't insinuating that they changed the transformation, rather, they mold new shells to look like a different helicopter and keep the transformation

[SW's SilverHammer]

I admit - I want these Takara Blastoff/Vortex versions. Looking forward to them!

I must admit, I am interested in a Vortex that isn't an exact clone of A/B or Blades, wonder if they might change his cockpit shells too, it's easy enough

From the silhouette it looks like the only the rotor has been changes. The back is the same, the arms may be different, but the font looks to be the same, with the nose cone becoming the arm modes' Cocktail cuff.

Yeah, I wasn't insinuating that they changed the transformation, rather, they mold new shells to look like a different helicopter and keep the transformation

I know allot about Alpha Bravo in arm mode, I was trying to argue that the silhouette, with the exception of rotor, matches those of Alpha Bravo. The standard arm mounted missiles can be seen on vortex's right arm, and it has the same rounded canopy cuffs.

[Hellscream9999]

I admit - I want these Takara Blastoff/Vortex versions. Looking forward to them!

I must admit, I am interested in a Vortex that isn't an exact clone of A/B or Blades, wonder if they might change his cockpit shells too, it's easy enough

From the silhouette it looks like the only the rotor has been changes. The back is the same, the arms may be different, but the font looks to be the same, with the nose cone becoming the arm modes' Cocktail cuff.

Yeah, I wasn't insinuating that they changed the transformation, rather, they mold new shells to look like a different helicopter and keep the transformation

I know allot about Alpha Bravo in arm mode, I was trying to argue that the silhouette, with the exception of rotor, matches those of Alpha Bravo. The standard arm mounted missiles can be seen on vortex's right arm, and it has the same rounded canopy cuffs.

Okay I'll take your word for it ; I haven't used my copter-bots since I got their replacements. I guess it's still possible the upper part of cockpit is different, but I'll just give up hope now.

Will watch this with interest

It's far enough out that they could also completely 'fix' Brawls torso too

[King Kuuga]

It's far enough out that they could also completely 'fix' Brawls torso too

I was going to say "You can't fix what isn't broken" but then I remembered Devastar.

[Warpstorm]

I can't wait to collect UW Bruticus as long as it's not an exclusive i don't want to pay extra just because of that, Blast Off should always be a shuttle hmm but any word on fixing Brawl though it would be nice if they did

[chuckdawg1999]

Put UW Defensor together tonight. Streetwise's hips are incredibly loose so my streak with that mold continues, and the torso suffers from some bad combiner lean when you raise the arms. At least the Hasbro version of Hot Spot lasted a day or two.

Try ratcheting up the hips one notch backwards, though that in turn gives him the backward lean syndrome.

That's what I've had to do with every single torso bot I have. Some can last a day or two before leaning forward. This version of Hot Spot was really bad.

Devastator just came. And I think I just did too.

I only have ten minutes to check him out before I go to work. Almost there, baby. Soon.

I legit just fell out of my chair laughing. Good job!

Having the set for about a week now I have some more thoughts on Devastator:

1) Scrapper, Mixmaster, and Hook KILL IT. These are the best figures of the set. Long Haul, Bonecrusher, and Scavenger are nice but there's just something missing. Bonecrusher and Scavenger are the weakest basically due to a lanky design in the legs. The G1 weapons and extra joints DO make a major difference.

2) Long Haul, Scrapper, and Mixmaster combine super tight. There's been a few times where I forget where the legs end and Long Haul begins. Hook pegs in well but there's a gap, its covered by the chest plate, but it's there.

3) I'm concerned about how Scavenger and Bonecrusher attach to Hook as arms. There's no springs or a release for the clips so it's all friction. I'm concerned over time the ports or clips breaking. Scavenger doesn't peg in as tightly as it looks in the instructions, and without the chest piece securing things droops a tad.

Haven't gotten to merging Devastar yet. About the gap, compared to the 3rd party Devs (do you also own one?) might they also have that gap (feedback appreciated if you own a 3rd party to compare as I don't own any of them)?

Don't have a 3rd party one but from pics I've seen the gap is meant to be there.

A proper Blast-Off and an extra rotor on Vortex? With all that done I'll be OK if they don't fix Brawl and give a proper cannon back pack to Onslaught.

[fenrir72]

Not a new Vortex, but he has 4 rotors now.

Noticed that too. 4 rotors...please TT, also retool Vortex's cab to at least look like a HinD

There is a Primus!

Don't make him be a limited exclusive PLEASE!

[xMXUx]

UW Bruticus will be so mine!

[Va'al]

Decepticon Alpha Bravo has been upgraded

Va'al will be pleased

PRAISE THE CHOPPAH!

[ZeroWolf]

Interesting, blast off was always my favourite of the combaticons but sadly my g1 version never made it. So while final judgement will wait to the proper reveal, I like what I see so far.

[-Kanrabat-]

I do hope UW Bruticus is not a 200$ something-whatever exclusive.

[Evil Eye]

Awww yis. I think I may have to bite on this, provided I've cleared out some space and have the money by the time pre-orders go up.

[Rated X]

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!! New vortex and blast off!!!!

So glad I waited for the Takara version.

But now we wait to see if its exclusive or not.

Exclusive in what way ? Unite Warriors Defensor is in stock everywhere. I dont think there is a collector alive who wanted this set but couldnt obtain it. The only thing "exclusive" thing about the Defensor set was the higher price. Just cause they slap a "Takara Mall" monkier on it doesnt mean a thing. Its a mass release intended for those who dont mind spending an extra 30 bucks for a real Groove.

Ill be all over this takara bruticus no matter what monkier they slap on it. On a side note, the "work in progress" slapped on his chest leads me to believe they might be shooting for a cartoon accurate chest shield transformation that intergrates with blast offs shuttle wings. That would be so freaking awesome !

[Evil Eye]

I hope not. Bruticus' cartoon model was ugly as sin and completely inaccurate to the (far nicer looking) toys. Grey chest all the way.

[william-james88]

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!! New vortex and blast off!!!!

So glad I waited for the Takara version.

But now we wait to see if its exclusive or not.

Exclusive in what way ? Unite Warriors Defensor is in stock everywhere. I dont think there is a collector alive who wanted this set but couldnt obtain it. The only thing "exclusive" thing about the Defensor set was the higher price. Just cause they slap a "Takara Mall" monkier on it doesnt mean a thing. Its a mass release intended for those who dont mind spending an extra 30 bucks for a real Groove.

Ill be all over this takara bruticus no matter what monkier they slap on it. On a side note, the "work in progress" slapped on his chest leads me to believe they might be shooting for a cartoon accurate chest shield transformation that intergrates with blast offs shuttle wings. That would be so freaking awesome !

Exclusive meaning it would cost more to obtain it since we<d have to go through another party than a direct takara seller.

Exclusive these days doesnt mean we cant get, just that it would end up costing more. And of course, we<d always preffer for it to cost less. So more like UW Superion and less like UW Defensor.

And its not an extra 30$ for everyone.

UW Superion cost me 116$ US shipped (from Japan to canada)
UW Defensor would cost me 212$US shipped (from BBTS to canada)

So It being TTMall exclusive ends up costing me 100$ more US. I would VERY MUCH want to avoid that since I cant afford spending 100$ extra for this.

[fenrir72]

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!! New vortex and blast off!!!!

So glad I waited for the Takara version.

But now we wait to see if its exclusive or not.

Exclusive in what way ? Unite Warriors Defensor is in stock everywhere. I dont think there is a collector alive who wanted this set but couldnt obtain it. The only thing "exclusive" thing about the Defensor set was the higher price. Just cause they slap a "Takara Mall" monkier on it doesnt mean a thing. Its a mass release intended for those who dont mind spending an extra 30 bucks for a real Groove.

Ill be all over this takara bruticus no matter what monkier they slap on it. On a side note, the "work in progress" slapped on his chest leads me to believe they might be shooting for a cartoon accurate chest shield transformation that intergrates with blast offs shuttle wings. That would be so freaking awesome !

Exclusive meaning it would cost more to obtain it since we<d have to go through another party than a direct takara seller.

Exclusive these days doesnt mean we cant get, just that it would end up costing more. And of course, we<d always preffer for it to cost less. So more like UW Superion and less like UW Defensor.

And its not an extra 30$ for everyone.

UW Superion cost me 116$ US shipped (from Japan to canada)
UW Defensor would cost me 212$US shipped (from BBTS to canada)

So It being TTMall exclusive ends up costing me 100$ more US. I would VERY MUCH want to avoid that since I cant afford spending 100$ extra for this.

It's that time of the year again.........

Back to Bruticus, I was just checking the propeller clearance for Blades in Guardian. Two blades have enough clearance in limb mode but if the silhouette of Vortex is indeed accurate with "four" blades, then TT might be adding an extra "mm" on the connector to allow for clearance. That might mean a major re-tool and not just the typical TT pimping of the mold. Here's hoping this also applies to the cockpit too

[-Kanrabat-]

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!! New vortex and blast off!!!!

So glad I waited for the Takara version.

But now we wait to see if its exclusive or not.

Exclusive in what way ? Unite Warriors Defensor is in stock everywhere. I dont think there is a collector alive who wanted this set but couldnt obtain it. The only thing "exclusive" thing about the Defensor set was the higher price. Just cause they slap a "Takara Mall" monkier on it doesnt mean a thing. Its a mass release intended for those who dont mind spending an extra 30 bucks for a real Groove.

Ill be all over this takara bruticus no matter what monkier they slap on it. On a side note, the "work in progress" slapped on his chest leads me to believe they might be shooting for a cartoon accurate chest shield transformation that intergrates with blast offs shuttle wings. That would be so freaking awesome !

Exclusive meaning it would cost more to obtain it since we<d have to go through another party than a direct takara seller.

Exclusive these days doesnt mean we cant get, just that it would end up costing more. And of course, we<d always preffer for it to cost less. So more like UW Superion and less like UW Defensor.

And its not an extra 30$ for everyone.

UW Superion cost me 116$ US shipped (from Japan to canada)
UW Defensor would cost me 212$US shipped (from BBTS to canada)

So It being TTMall exclusive ends up costing me 100$ more US. I would VERY MUCH want to avoid that since I cant afford spending 100$ extra for this.

It's that time of the year again.........

Indeed. Where X is a billionaire and think every TF collector is.

[Glarryg]

I totally understand the nostalgia factor involved with this, but I never in my adulthood got on board with Blast Off being a space shuttle. Sure, it fits the character's name, but not the theme of the group. I know it's a rather unpopular opinion to have, but that and the obvious scale issue made me welcome the jet version for CW Brute, just like Legends class Groove with CW Defensor (although I still like the design of Deluxe Groove, and I hope it gets retooled for Afterburner, who can be any size he wants as an alien motorcycle).

Glarryg

[Agamemnon]

I hope Takara goes for something like this: