The Energon Pub

[Sowndwave76]

After Swindle, another great Rook remold^^

I wouldn't really call that a great remold. All they did was give it a new head, slap treads and a drill on it, everything else is the same.

I mean, honestly, it does what it set out to do and accomplishes a very different silhouette. Nosecone has been the biggest thing to try and sway me from Hasbro's version because the molding is just so excellent; if I could get him individually I so would. It's easily one of the best uses of this mold.

Totally agree. No matter to what extent Nosecone has or hasn't been re-molded/re-tooled,
both modes look VERY different from Rook's (especially when you throw in the color differences). And that's the point.
Not sure how much more people should realistically expect, when it's common knowledge that some molds are going to be re-used a lot.
And no, I'm not saying this is my ideal situation when new figures are made...
Yes, 5 brand new molds for every member of every combiner team would be sweet.
But Hasbro's Comp is decent, and the UW version (imo) is outstanding.

[Hardnose Prime]

Oh man, this is awesome. Well played, Takara. Well played.

[william-james88]

After Swindle, another great Rook remold^^

I wouldn't really call that a great remold. All they did was give it a new head, slap treads and a drill on it, everything else is the same.

Isnt the entire top of the vehicle totally changed too? Is there any part of the vehicle that has remained the same?

And when I have time later I will do a comparison shot with the Hasbro ones (we are getting some official images soon). And I dont like Hasbro's strafe at all. That ship looks as aerial dynamic at a whale.

[Rainmaker]

After Swindle, another great Rook remold^^

I wouldn't really call that a great remold. All they did was give it a new head, slap treads and a drill on it, everything else is the same.

Isnt the entire top of the vehicle totally changed too? Is there any part of the vehicle that has remained the same?

And when I have time later I will do a comparison shot with the Hasbro ones (we are getting some official images soon). And I dont like Hasbro's strafe at all. That ship looks as aerial dynamic at a whale.

They retooled Nosecone so much it looks like a Swindle retool to me not Rook.

[william-james88]

Just in case anyone wanted some nice comparison of the fresh Hasbro and Takara stock photos:

[Agamemnon]

After Swindle, another great Rook remold^^

I wouldn't really call that a great remold. All they did was give it a new head, slap treads and a drill on it, everything else is the same.

Isnt the entire top of the vehicle totally changed too? Is there any part of the vehicle that has remained the same?

And when I have time later I will do a comparison shot with the Hasbro ones (we are getting some official images soon). And I dont like Hasbro's strafe at all. That ship looks as aerial dynamic at a whale.

The arms at the back look identical. Rook has that shell that covers the entire front-top of the vehicle, which I think makes it look like more of an extreme re-shell than it maybe is...

[Edit] Oh, and the chassis above the wheels/treads looks the same to me from the back all the way to the front. The paint also hides a lot of the similarities...

[Burn]

Takara is easily winning it for me. UW Nosecone simply smashes CW Nosecone. The only one I have trouble deciding between (because they're both fantastic looking figures) is Strafe.

All others I lean towards TT.

[Sowndwave76]

Thanks WJ88 for making those comparison pics.
Its really nice to get to see these side by side.

Here's some of my conclusions of these two versions.

Hasbro:
Afterburner alt mode has a couple too many colors; I don't get the green or the red...
A clear windshield and orange where the red is would make a HUGE difference.
I don't mind the creamish-white or the dark gray. Heck, if the windshield wasn't green, the red probably wouldn't bother me much.
Afterburner bot mode is actually pretty decent.

Lightyear: To sum it up quickly, this looks like it could be a completely different character...
Who? I don't know. But neither mode says "Lightyear" to me. At all.

Nosecone: Also could be some other character. Colors are a bit closer, but still appears to be a military tank.

Strafe: With this pic (angle-wise), all of the bot-kibble messes it up for me.
Not a huge deal, but if the windshield was either white, or at least a color much lighter than black, that would've helped.
The red-orange face in bot mode again makes this look like it could be some other character.

Scattershot: No real issues imo, except for the "reds". Which are different from the Hasbro Scattershot I have right in front of me. Also, this photo has the gun as pink.
The one with the boxed figure I have is silver. Not to mention, both the visor and face are light blue. ???

Computron: Other than the colors on the torso (which again may not be completely accurate) and the lack of a new head sculpt, Nosecone just looks too much like a military tank. Even that large area of yellow-orange doesn't hide that.

Takara:
After looking at these comparison shots, I really have no complaints...
Yes, I do wish Afterburner was more Orange... At least a little more red-orange (he looks RED).
I'm hoping there's a chance the photo isn't quite accurate with his color, and maybe he is a little more red-orange.

This is a knockout by TT.

[Wolfman Jake]

Thanks WJ88 for making those comparison pics.
Its really nice to get to see these side by side.

Here's some of my conclusions of these two versions.

Hasbro:
Afterburner alt mode has a couple too many colors; I don't get the green or the red...
A clear windshield and orange where the red is would make a HUGE difference.
I don't mind the creamish-white or the dark gray. Heck, if the windshield wasn't green, the red probably wouldn't bother me much.
Afterburner bot mode is actually pretty decent.

Lightyear: To sum it up quickly, this looks like it could be a completely different character...
Who? I don't know. But neither mode says "Lightyear" to me. At all.

Nosecone: Also could be some other character. Colors are a bit closer, but still appears to be a military tank.

Strafe: With this pic (angle-wise), all of the bot-kibble messes it up for me.
Not a huge deal, but if the windshield was either white, or at least a color much lighter than black, that would've helped.
The red-orange face in bot mode again makes this look like it could be some other character.

Scattershot: No real issues imo, except for the "reds". Which are different from the Hasbro Scattershot I have right in front of me. Also, this photo has the gun as pink.
The one with the boxed figure I have is silver. Not to mention, both the visor and face are light blue. ???

Computron: Other than the colors on the torso (which again may not be completely accurate) and the lack of a new head sculpt, Nosecone just looks too much like a military tank. Even that large area of yellow-orange doesn't hide that.

Takara:
After looking at these comparison shots, I really have no complaints...
Yes, I do wish Afterburner was more Orange... At least a little more red-orange (he looks RED).
I'm hoping there's a chance the photo isn't quite accurate with his color, and maybe he is a little more red-orange.

This is a knockout by TT.

I agree, the only thing that would make Takara Tomy's version better would be a more orange-red color for Afterburner, which I'm hoping is a possibility as this won't be released for several more months yet. As for Hasbro's version, I too think the limbs all look like they could different/new characters altogether. The different head sculpts and paint decos make this easy to accept for me. I've already mentioned this in the Combiner Wars thread, but my working names for these "second stringer" Technobots are Reheat (Afterburner), Warpspeed (Lightspeed), Screwdrive (Nosecone), and Bombard (Strafe).

[Sowndwave76]

I agree, the only thing that would make Takara Tomy's version better would be a more orange-red color for Afterburner, which I'm hoping is a possibility as this won't be released for several more months yet. As for Hasbro's version, I too think the limbs all look like they could different/new characters altogether. The different head sculpts and paint decos make this easy to accept for me. I've already mentioned this in the Combiner Wars thread, but my working names for these "second stringer" Technobots are Reheat (Afterburner), Warpspeed (Lightspeed), Screwdrive (Nosecone), and Bombard (Strafe).

Yeah, considering this isn't coming out until August, I'd think there's definitely hope for a slightly different Afterburner color.
Nice job with those names... Sound legit to me.
Speaking of Hasbro's looking like different characers, I'd say minus the cycle tire and the two canons on the shoulders, the combined bot almost looks like it's some other character...
For me, the Superion head sculpt is a huge reason for this...
It wold almost be like replacing Scrapper's head with Scavenger's head and saying, "What, this is Scrapper-- the figure still has Scrapper's bot and alt modes. See? It's Scrapper".
And some people would be cool with that.
But considering there ARE quite a few similar alt modes between characters, decently accurate head sculpts are really important. To me anyway.

[Wolfman Jake]

Yeah, considering this isn't coming out until August, I'd think there's definitely hope for a slightly different Afterburner color.
Nice job with those names... Sound legit to me.
Speaking of Hasbro's looking like different characers, I'd say minus the cycle tire and the two canons on the shoulders, the combined bot almost looks like it's some other character...
For me, the Superion head sculpt is a huge reason for this...
It wold almost be like replacing Scrapper's head with Scavenger's head and saying, "What, this is Scrapper-- the figure still has Scrapper's bot and alt modes. See? It's Scrapper".
And some people would be cool with that.
But considering there ARE quite a few similar alt modes between characters, decently accurate head sculpts are really important. To me anyway.

Well, you could consider Hasbro's Computron to be "Betatron," based on their single release of Scattershot earlier this year. Different head, different combiner. Works for me.

[Hellscream9999]

Cancelled my pre-order... Before anyone asks, it's got nothing to do with anything other than that I'm worn out over having to buy whole combiners... I'm worn out on combiners.

I honestly can't wait to get back to just anticipating getting one or two awesome figures instead of whole waves...

WOLFWIRE FTW

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Cancelled my pre-order... Before anyone asks, it's got nothing to do with anything other than that I'm worn out over having to buy whole combiners... I'm worn out on combiners.

I honestly can't wait to get back to just anticipating getting one or two awesome figures instead of whole waves...

WOLFWIRE FTW

i too look forward to individuals again. Gives me some time to breath and enjoy one figure, not 6 at a time

[Sowndwave76]

Cancelled my pre-order... Before anyone asks, it's got nothing to do with anything other than that I'm worn out over having to buy whole combiners... I'm worn out on combiners.

I honestly can't wait to get back to just anticipating getting one or two awesome figures instead of whole waves...

WOLFWIRE FTW

Just wondering, how many combiners do you have from CW & UW?

[Hellscream9999]

Cancelled my pre-order... Before anyone asks, it's got nothing to do with anything other than that I'm worn out over having to buy whole combiners... I'm worn out on combiners.

I honestly can't wait to get back to just anticipating getting one or two awesome figures instead of whole waves...

WOLFWIRE FTW

Just wondering, how many combiners do you have from CW & UW?

Combiners are my favorite aspect of the franchise, so I wanted to get a lot. I got Menasor, galvy, Bruticus, Defensor, Superion, and sky lynx, Hound, the first round of '84 limbs, neck-brace and quickslinger. I will be getting cw Groove however, still excited for him

I tossed menasor into storage, got galvy using the stunti-limbs, silverbolt using the '84 limbs (or rook and hound + mirage and ironhide) and bruticus all on display, everyone else is mostly in storage.

They have balance issue's in general, cost a lot, and take up a decent bit of space. I'm just not excited by them anymore (mostly), I'm just excited for wolfwire and a couple others, and I'm relieved to get back to pickin' up a few figures here and there.

[Sowndwave76]

Cancelled my pre-order... Before anyone asks, it's got nothing to do with anything other than that I'm worn out over having to buy whole combiners... I'm worn out on combiners.

I honestly can't wait to get back to just anticipating getting one or two awesome figures instead of whole waves...

WOLFWIRE FTW

Just wondering, how many combiners do you have from CW & UW?

Combiners are my favorite aspect of the franchise, so I wanted to get a lot. I got Menasor, galvy, Bruticus, Defensor, Superion, and sky lynx, Hound, the first round of '84 limbs, neck-brace and quickslinger. I will be getting cw Groove however, still excited for him

I tossed menasor into storage, got galvy using the stunti-limbs, silverbolt using the '84 limbs (or rook and hound + mirage and ironhide) and bruticus all on display, everyone else is mostly in storage.

They have balance issue's in general, cost a lot, and take up a decent bit of space. I'm just not excited by them anymore (mostly), I'm just excited for wolfwire and a couple others, and I'm relieved to get back to pickin' up a few figures here and there.

I hear ya. Combiners are my favorites as well, but not knowing how far CW or UW was going to go,
I really pumped the brakes and waited.
Only have Devastator and Menasor (both versions) right now. I think Menasor with the PE kits is a huge improvement.
Have UW Bruticus and UW Computron on preorder, and will be getting UW Superion soon. Despite the fact I really liked Defensor as a kid, he's my least favorite in terms of appearance (of the toys) and will skip him for now.
Did pick up Hotspot and First Aid, but skipped all other Autobots.
Totally understand looking forward to getting some individual figures. Which reminds me I did just order CW Cyclonus a few days ago.
But I do hope they can throw us a few more combiners in the next 2-3 years with a beastformer type of line.

[Hellscream9999]

Cancelled my pre-order... Before anyone asks, it's got nothing to do with anything other than that I'm worn out over having to buy whole combiners... I'm worn out on combiners.

I honestly can't wait to get back to just anticipating getting one or two awesome figures instead of whole waves...

WOLFWIRE FTW

Just wondering, how many combiners do you have from CW & UW?

Combiners are my favorite aspect of the franchise, so I wanted to get a lot. I got Menasor, galvy, Bruticus, Defensor, Superion, and sky lynx, Hound, the first round of '84 limbs, neck-brace and quickslinger. I will be getting cw Groove however, still excited for him

I tossed menasor into storage, got galvy using the stunti-limbs, silverbolt using the '84 limbs (or rook and hound + mirage and ironhide) and bruticus all on display, everyone else is mostly in storage.

They have balance issue's in general, cost a lot, and take up a decent bit of space. I'm just not excited by them anymore (mostly), I'm just excited for wolfwire and a couple others, and I'm relieved to get back to pickin' up a few figures here and there.

I hear ya. Combiners are my favorites as well, but not knowing how far CW or UW was going to go,
I really pumped the brakes and waited.
Only have Devastator and Menasor (both versions) right now. I think Menasor with the PE kits is a huge improvement.
Have UW Bruticus and UW Computron on preorder, and will be getting UW Superion soon. Despite the fact I really liked Defensor as a kid, he's my least favorite in terms of appearance (of the toys) and will skip him for now.
Did pick up Hotspot and First Aid, but skipped all other Autobots.
Totally understand looking forward to getting some individual figures. Which reminds me I did just order CW Cyclonus a few days ago.
But I do hope they can throw us a few more combiners in the next 2-3 years with a beastformer type of line.

We'll probably get blast-off at some point. Unless they start creating new combiners, I think we'll have seen the last of them for a bit.

But I'm glad you're getting cyclonus, galvy is a seriously underrated combiner torso, he wears all of the -limbs well, you're going to really like him I bet

Same goes for Rook; he's a fun little guy bristling with character, and the hand ports are so much fun to mess around with

[Sowndwave76]

We'll probably get blast-off at some point. Unless they start creating new combiners, I think we'll have seen the last of them for a bit.

But I'm glad you're getting cyclonus, galvy is a seriously underrated combiner torso, he wears all of the -limbs well, you're going to really like him I bet

Same goes for Rook; he's a fun little guy bristling with character, and the hand ports are so much fun to mess around with

It is going to be interesting to see when (and if) we get anyone like Abominus or Piranacon...
I don't doubt it will be a while. Plus it just doesn't seem likely that Hasbro will ever do a full-on beast themed line. If not, hopefully a future Generations line will deliver.

I remember hearing good things about Cyclonus, so that should be a nice addition.
Same about Rook, although for whatever reason, I'm just not a fan of how he looks. Either mode.
May go ahead and get Groove though.
Just looked through a bunch of the TR photos, and right now it looks like I'm going to pass on a bunch; so maybe Groove, Streetwise, and Blades are in the cards this summer.
Never had Defensor as a kid... Maybe it's time.

[Hellscream9999]

We'll probably get blast-off at some point. Unless they start creating new combiners, I think we'll have seen the last of them for a bit.

But I'm glad you're getting cyclonus, galvy is a seriously underrated combiner torso, he wears all of the -limbs well, you're going to really like him I bet

Same goes for Rook; he's a fun little guy bristling with character, and the hand ports are so much fun to mess around with

It is going to be interesting to see when (and if) we get anyone like Abominus or Piranacon...
I don't doubt it will be a while. Plus it just doesn't seem likely that Hasbro will ever do a full-on beast themed line. If not, hopefully a future Generations line will deliver.

I remember hearing good things about Cyclonus, so that should be a nice addition.
Same about Rook, although for whatever reason, I'm just not a fan of how he looks. Either mode.
May go ahead and get Groove though.
Just looked through a bunch of the TR photos, and right now it looks like I'm going to pass on a bunch; so maybe Groove, Streetwise, and Blades are in the cards this summer.
Never had Defensor as a kid... Maybe it's time.

You'll like Galvatronus, Defensor is a lot of fun to transform; I love Hotspot, he fulfills an inner child love of articulated vehicles, plus, that blue is sublime

[Sowndwave76]

We'll probably get blast-off at some point. Unless they start creating new combiners, I think we'll have seen the last of them for a bit.

But I'm glad you're getting cyclonus, galvy is a seriously underrated combiner torso, he wears all of the -limbs well, you're going to really like him I bet

Same goes for Rook; he's a fun little guy bristling with character, and the hand ports are so much fun to mess around with

It is going to be interesting to see when (and if) we get anyone like Abominus or Piranacon...
I don't doubt it will be a while. Plus it just doesn't seem likely that Hasbro will ever do a full-on beast themed line. If not, hopefully a future Generations line will deliver.

I remember hearing good things about Cyclonus, so that should be a nice addition.
Same about Rook, although for whatever reason, I'm just not a fan of how he looks. Either mode.
May go ahead and get Groove though.
Just looked through a bunch of the TR photos, and right now it looks like I'm going to pass on a bunch; so maybe Groove, Streetwise, and Blades are in the cards this summer.
Never had Defensor as a kid... Maybe it's time.

You'll like Galvatronus, Defensor is a lot of fun to transform; I love Hotspot, he fulfills an inner child love of articulated vehicles, plus, that blue is sublime

Nice to hear he's worth it, especially since TFSource had him for $18.
Sounds like I will give in, get Groove next month, and the other Protectobots this summer.
I always knew I was getting Hotspot no matter what. And I liked the look of FirstAid more than any of the other limbs.
Between Defensor, UW Brut, UW Superion, and UW Comp, still some good stuff to look forward to!

[Sigma Magnus]

I'm gone for one day and now I have to sift through the chaos...well, at least now it's official. Takara Technobots with the PE hands and feet, that is what shall be on my shelf.

[MemphisR56]

^This.

I've really soul searched over this one. It comes down to what is the most iconic looking of the 2 for me, which would be the more show accurate takara one.

It'll probably get me lynched to say this, but I also have absolutely zero attachment to scrounge. I never knew he existed until recently, and he wouldn't really fit into my collection anywhere.

Takara's delivered the 1-2 punch of interesting remoulding and show accurate paint jobs, and hasbro is out for the count.

[Insurgent]

I'm with you about Scrounge. He was an interesting guy, and if he was sold individually, I'd probably pick him up as I don't have that mould, but he is pretty much 'eh' to me. But pleased that those who do love the guy can finally get him in plastic form.

[Agamemnon]

But, he transforms into a wheel!

[william-james88]

But, he transforms into a wheel!

I feel the same way. Though nothing is stopping anyone from posing him against a wall as a wheel and playing with him that way