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[william-james88]

Of anyone is curious, here are the aproximate shipping rates UW Bruticus box set will go for from japan to north america.

Amiami: 4,195 JPY for SAL Parcel

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Nippon Yassan:



I think I will take the boat option.

[Emerje]

Look away for two days and I come back to six more pages to dig through...

We are not too far off from what each of us are saying, and I think we agree on most points, just saying it differently.

I agree, I think we're basically coming to similar conclusions, but from different directions and that's fine.

And I also wanted to point out that while a TTMall exclusive may have a numbered limit of units, that number does not include the Asia release. Hence why I find the description on some sites kind of sleazy, confusing fans into thinking their product is more limited than it really is. TFSource writing they are selling a TTMall exclusive is like TRU in Canada writing on their Star Wars BB8 listing that its a Target exclusive.

Oh! This is where my experience as a Japanese toy writer comes in handy! You see, what the Takara Tomy Mall sells isn't figure "1 of 1000" or whatever, what they sell is a made-to-order figure. This is actually a common and popular practice in Japan that I would love to see take root over here and why the order window is so short. TT doesn't know how many figures they're going to make until the order window closes. Then four or five months later when they've finished making them they ship them out. TT then probably sets aside a certain amount for the Asian market as well, probably based on the number TTM orders. It's not like they state somewhere that only a certain number will be made while selling a bunch more beyond that number out the back door.

That was pretty much all I really meant in all this. You are welcome to reply as I love talking about the intricacies of how exclusive something is or not (and the economy behind that) but please know that we are on the same side here.

No worries, talking about this sort of thing is what I do.

Do you really believe "Takara Tomy Mall" is a brick and mortar store in Japan? Can someone show me a picture of this magical Disney-like store that only sells Takara products? How many of them are there? What are the names of the malls are they located in?

I dont think the term "Takara Tomy Mall" has anything to do with brick and mortar stores or even malls for that matter. I think its just a monkier they use in Japan that means only certain hobby stores will carry it, not toy stores. And of course the hobby stores are going to jack up the cost to collector prices and set the standard all online retailers will follow.

I think earlier one member nailed it when he pointed out "Hasbro Asia" made UW Defensor into a retail product and are doing the same thing with MP Ramjet. I wouldnt be suprised if the only difference between a "Takara Tomy Mall" exclusive and a "Hasbro Asia" release is the packaging in most cases. Remember the factory is in China, not Japan. So technically, the Japanese can choose to segregate whichever molds they please and label them as "exclusives" to jack up the cost when distributing them throughout Japan.

I think we as non-Japanese collectors loose a lot in translation when we try to interpret what they do and why they do it. This is my personal opinion on the difference between the two monkiers:

Takara: Available everywhere throughout Japan in brick and mortar stores.

Takara Tomy Mall: Only sold in Japanese hobby shops for collectors at collectors prices. (kind of like E-Hobby and Millions Publishing exclusives)

Wow. Just wow. I thought the way you complained about everything you had a little grasp on how things worked by clearly I was way off.

-Takara Tomy Mall is a Japanese web shop that sells only within Japan
-The MSRP on Unite Warriors is the same regardless of if they're sold through TTM or mass retail
-The only hobby shops in Japan selling TTM, e-Hobby, and Million Publishing (now Hero-X) exclusive figures are ones selling them on the aftermarket like Mandarake
-The factory is in Vietnam, not China

here....do you think Takara will give us a Shockwave repaint as Air Raid? the same way they did with the FOC figure!

now YES granted we've already got a CW Air Raid Arielbot! so it's a stretch asking them to give us the same character TWICE!

but it was just an idea.

Didn't Hasbro release the air raid version? But no, no I do not think they will do that

Yes, Hasbro released it. It was different for takara, shockwave was even in another totally different line (arms micron).

Actually...

Takara Tomy Generations Air Raid
Hasbro Generation Air Raid

In Takara Tomy's case it was a very rare instance of the same mold appearing in two simultaneous Transformers lines. In fact only months apart (SW in Dec '12, AR in Feb '13). But Legends Shockwave will probably be in Adventures like all of the other unused Legends, probably left as the same character, perhaps to rival Powerglide and his gun mode.

I think I will take the boat option.

You mean the one that says it'll take three months to arrive? Also here's what HLJ is shipping Superion and Menasor at.

Express Int'l Shipping
Usually ships by EMS (Trackable)
(averages 2-7 business days)
¥3,860

Express Int'l Courier
Usually ships by FedEx (Trackable)
(averages 2-5 business days)
¥4,960

Not too crazy, still totals cheaper than TFSource or BBTS.

As for what form Blastoff should be I say neither a shuttle or a Jet. The third parties making him into a military drone had the right idea. As a drone he can still keep his basic shuttle shape, but modernized without looking like and Aerialbot.

Emerje

[King Kuuga]

Of anyone is curious, here are the aproximate shipping rates UW Bruticus box set will go for from japan to north america.
Nippon Yassan:



I think I will take the boat option.

You must have the patience of the gods if you're willing to wait for the international ferry shipment. For big stuff like this I tend to just bite the bullet and go EMS. A few weeks is acceptable, but months? Egads no, I want my stuff sooner than THAT. And the other options are comparable in price so it makes more sense to just pay a little extra for EMS and have it here within a week.

[Burn]

Of anyone is curious, here are the aproximate shipping rates UW Bruticus box set will go for from japan to north america.
Nippon Yassan:



I think I will take the boat option.

You must have the patience of the gods if you're willing to wait for the international ferry shipment. For big stuff like this I tend to just bite the bullet and go EMS. A few weeks is acceptable, but months? Egads no, I want my stuff sooner than THAT. And the other options are comparable in price so it makes more sense to just pay a little extra for EMS and have it here within a week.

Far more reliable too.

[-Kanrabat-]

Not only that, but 3 months? In case of any problems, it will be pass the 45 days to make any Paypal claims so you'll get screwed.

Will, just bite the bullet and pay the extra 15$.

[xMXUx]

Should I preorder UW Bruticus now or is it safe to wait till color pictures show up?

[-Kanrabat-]

Should I preorder UW Bruticus now or is it safe to wait till color pictures show up?

If you really want it, don't waste any time and just preorder now. At the price of the link above, you can't go wrong.

Also, you can be confident that Takara will NEVER screw the colors up.

[Cyberpath]

ヒーローX！さんがそんな事を言い出す事を想定して、実は既にシミュレーション済みです(笑)　ラナマックとブレストオフの製品版が揃うのが楽しみです♪

[Va'al]

Also via fellow Seibertronian Cyberpath, we have a TFYuki tweet homaging the G1 cartoon and showing the prototype for the upcoming Takara Tomy Unite Warriors Blast-Off in shuttle mode, being ridden by TAV Runamuck! Check the image out below.

[MemphisR56]

Could be an interesting look into the direction they're going with the decco maybe?

[Shuttershock]

Cheeky. Wrong Battlecharger, but cheeky nonetheless.

[MemphisR56]

Cheeky. Wrong Battlecharger, but cheeky nonetheless.

I guess the Run-a-muck exclusive was too pricey even for Yuki to pull the trigger

[shajaki]

Y'know. The complaints about the arms in shuttle mode.... I don't get. They don't look that out of place to me. They're not at intrusive as say, a certain autobot helicopter.

I mean Blades of course.
(Primus praise Alpha Bravo)

[Noideaforaname]

They swapped the positions of the windows and circle vent thingies, making it look really un-shuttle-like.

[william-james88]

Y'know. The complaints about the arms in shuttle mode.... I don't get. They don't look that out of place to me. They're not at intrusive as say, a certain autobot helicopter.

I mean Blades of course.
(Primus praise Alpha Bravo)

And even then, I dont find those side arms on the helicopter intrusive at all. They are totally covered by side weapons (side arms ) and that means there is less robot parts to interfere with the smooth sleek helicopter body. I wrote about that at length here.

[william-james88]

Not only that, but 3 months? In case of any problems, it will be pass the 45 days to make any Paypal claims so you'll get screwed.

Will, just bite the bullet and pay the extra 15$.

You didnt read the new policy, Paypal now changed it from 45 days to 6 months.

The way I see it is this, I am gonna have to wait for this guy anyways. If I am not part of the people who get him (the Hasbro version) at the begining, then I cant join in on the conversation of 4/5 molds. So if I miss out on that, then waiting till fall insed of summer to get him makes no difference to me. Plus the boat is registered too.

[Agamemnon]

Y'know. The complaints about the arms in shuttle mode.... I don't get. They don't look that out of place to me. They're not at intrusive as say, a certain autobot helicopter.

I mean Blades of course.
(Primus praise Alpha Bravo)

I think it might have been disappointment at not having the arms as part of the shuttle nose, like early art showed. At least, that was part of my disappointment...

They swapped the positions of the windows and circle vent thingies, making it look really un-shuttle-like.

Yeah, I noticed that too. The reaction control thrusters on the nose are now above the cabin windows. That wouldn't work well for the shuttle as that space us actually used for windows to look out the top of the shuttle. It's especially helpful when using the remote arm to deal with payloads and such. I'm actually surprised at this lack of attention to detail. I've come to expect more from Takara, I guess...

[hinomars19]

Y'know. The complaints about the arms in shuttle mode.... I don't get. They don't look that out of place to me. They're not at intrusive as say, a certain autobot helicopter.

I mean Blades of course.
(Primus praise Alpha Bravo)

I think it might have been disappointment at not having the arms as part of the shuttle nose, like early art showed. At least, that was part of my disappointment...

They swapped the positions of the windows and circle vent thingies, making it look really un-shuttle-like.

Yeah, I noticed that too. The reaction control thrusters on the nose are now above the cabin windows. That wouldn't work well for the shuttle as that space us actually used for windows to look out the top of the shuttle. It's especially helpful when using the remote arm to deal with payloads and such. I'm actually surprised at this lack of attention to detail. I've come to expect more from Takara, I guess...

I think it's a compromise to achieve the accurate look of the robot chest. It is a bit silly, but that's the sad thing about many of the G1 toy to animation model conversions-the 'engineering' of the transformation was ignored. I'd personaly also prefer a more toy accurate Blast-Off, but I admire TT for giving us the very first 'toon accurate combaticon They've done quite a lot of work for something that isn't in the MP line, imo

[megatronus]

Y'know. The complaints about the arms in shuttle mode.... I don't get. They don't look that out of place to me. They're not at intrusive as say, a certain autobot helicopter.

I mean Blades of course.
(Primus praise Alpha Bravo)

I think it might have been disappointment at not having the arms as part of the shuttle nose, like early art showed. At least, that was part of my disappointment...

They swapped the positions of the windows and circle vent thingies, making it look really un-shuttle-like.

Yeah, I noticed that too. The reaction control thrusters on the nose are now above the cabin windows. That wouldn't work well for the shuttle as that space us actually used for windows to look out the top of the shuttle. It's especially helpful when using the remote arm to deal with payloads and such. I'm actually surprised at this lack of attention to detail. I've come to expect more from Takara, I guess...

I think it's a compromise to achieve the accurate look of the robot chest. It is a bit silly, but that's the sad thing about many of the G1 toy to animation model conversions-the 'engineering' of the transformation was ignored. I'd personaly also prefer a more toy accurate Blast-Off, but I admire TT for giving us the very first 'toon accurate combaticon They've done quite a lot of work for something that isn't in the MP line, imo

Agreed!

It also looks (just looks - I don't know for certain) that Blast Off's engineering is at least partially based on other CW deluxe figures, which saves on costs but pigeonholes them a bit.

Someone please correct me if I'm completely off about that.

[william-james88]

Agreed!

It also looks (just looks - I don't know for certain) that Blast Off's engineering is at least partially based on other CW deluxe figures, which saves on costs but pigeonholes them a bit.

Someone please correct me if I'm completely off about that.

Oh I am sur of that. There seems to be some Rook in there and some Alpha Bravo. All deluxes must conform to certain specifications to end up being both and arm and a leg so the transformation is similar to an extent amongts all of them.

Yeah, I noticed that too. The reaction control thrusters on the nose are now above the cabin windows. That wouldn't work well for the shuttle as that space us actually used for windows to look out the top of the shuttle. It's especially helpful when using the remote arm to deal with payloads and such. I'm actually surprised at this lack of attention to detail. I've come to expect more from Takara, I guess...

I think this just got personal, the Canadarm is one of Canada's most important contributions to the space age.

[gothsaurus]

It's just cool to get a different CW transformation with connector peg on the back.

I'm sad the connector chest botches the Autobot car characters — from Prowl and Mirage's car-front chest to Ironhide's window-chest, etc. The WAY a figure transforms is a huge part of their personality.

BUT, knowing those are "bonus" repaints of the Stunticons, I can roll with it. It's fun getting some bonus season 1 cars in the mix as long as they stick to their guns regarding the primary character's transformation and sculpt. And I have to say the head sculpts have been primo for this entire line.

I hope there is someone at Hasbro making a big "Bible" of what makes each character iconic... listing whether has faceplate, goggles, car-hood-chest, etc.

I know I'll be buying the Takara set just for that reason. I do want Blast Off's actual head sculpt with face plate.

[shajaki]

They've done quite a lot of work for something that isn't in the MP line, imo

[Genericon #378]

I'm sick of Hasbro because they force you into their web of deceit. Price points have gone up; quality went down. Hasbro is ok for a kid who's parent(s) doesn't know better and sees "collect all 5" to make big robot.

Now here I come, a collector. What do I see, I nanny brown jet...NO WAY?!?! Another repaint without even a remolded head sculpt? Seriously damn man how many times you gonna use the jet mold now.

In the past I have given Hasbro credit for most of CHUG, with exceptions for Megatron and Astrotrain, I like what they had to offer. Only think Takara id was improve on paint and details so most changes were minor at best, exceptions again for Megatron and Astrotrain.

We get here and the Aerialbots and Stunticons were bascially the blueprint for the entire line...you see what they did now.

Also after owning Hasbro Aerialbots and owning Takars's version at the same time, the quality is just plain better.

Since we're on cost if you bought the Hasbro Aerialbot 5 minus Quickslinger, you spent $91. If you blinked and missed the release of Quickslinger, you are spending an additional $35 for him. So if you're not a fan of Alpha Bravo the better choice is Takara. The paints are a matte finish over the gloss so the details stand out more. I admit when I first got the Hasbro set I thought it was a pretty good job, but the paint apps on Takara are just right.

Again molding aside, Takara wins for value and price. As they say you get what you pay for this time around.

So if they do release right now Deluxe Groove, you know he's gonna sell out and then he's gonna go up in price if you missed the release you're going to be paying more in a sense to have accuracy for you Hasbro set.

Just like CW Devastator if you want accuracy you have to spend at least $70 for two upgrade sets to complete the look. This is just bad comedy. Takara FTW!!

This is what separates the men from the crying boys.

Exactly what the hell is a nanny brown jet?

[DedicatedGhostArt]

I'm sick of Hasbro because they force you into their web of deceit. Price points have gone up; quality went down. Hasbro is ok for a kid who's parent(s) doesn't know better and sees "collect all 5" to make big robot.
Now here I come, a collector. What do I see, I nanny brown jet...NO WAY?!?! Another repaint without even a remolded head sculpt? Seriously damn man how many times you gonna use the jet mold now.

In the past I have given Hasbro credit for most of CHUG, with exceptions for Megatron and Astrotrain, I like what they had to offer. Only think Takara id was improve on paint and details so most changes were minor at best, exceptions again for Megatron and Astrotrain.

We get here and the Aerialbots and Stunticons were bascially the blueprint for the entire line...you see what they did now.

Also after owning Hasbro Aerialbots and owning Takars's version at the same time, the quality is just plain better.

Since we're on cost if you bought the Hasbro Aerialbot 5 minus Quickslinger, you spent $91. If you blinked and missed the release of Quickslinger, you are spending an additional $35 for him. So if you're not a fan of Alpha Bravo the better choice is Takara. The paints are a matte finish over the gloss so the details stand out more. I admit when I first got the Hasbro set I thought it was a pretty good job, but the paint apps on Takara are just right.

Again molding aside, Takara wins for value and price. As they say you get what you pay for this time around.

So if they do release right now Deluxe Groove, you know he's gonna sell out and then he's gonna go up in price if you missed the release you're going to be paying more in a sense to have accuracy for you Hasbro set.

Just like CW Devastator if you want accuracy you have to spend at least $70 for two upgrade sets to complete the look. This is just bad comedy. Takara FTW!!

This is what separates the men from the crying boys.

Please do not put me on your hit list bvzxa, but I personally like the Hasbro version of Blastoff better than the Takara version.

Exactly what the hell is a nanny brown jet?

The "nanny brown jet" is probably the version I'd get. Why spend the extra money?

[Genericon #378]

While I am completely happy to see everyone liking Combiner Wars, objectively speaking this is not Hasbro's best line in terms of quality and value for your buck. For the same prices (counting inflation), the RID 2001 line gave us some insane engineering, heavy use of clear plastic, lots of paint, rubber wheels and projectiles. There was also the animated line which gave us amazing designs and very unique transformations. Then there was the Cybertron/Galaxy Force line which is probably the peak for style and simplicity for toys, making the toys perfect for both collectors and kids. Simple without it sacrificing anything, and loads of details (plus projectiles, clear plastic, nice paint jobs, big heavy toys, sounds and electronics ect).

There are lots more lines like this and the year 2010 was just insane. I cant believe that 6 years ago you could get HFTD Leader Starscream for the same price people are getting Leader Megatron or Ultra Magnus today, it feels like another era. Hell, forget Magnus, he cost the same as CW Leader Starscream. I think I am going to start a fit, call the men in the white coats!

While CW is a super fun line with an excellent combiner port system, there is less value when looking at the diversity in designs and materials, plus the lack of added value for the leader class toys. Doesnt mean its a bad line at all, it is leagues better than FOC. But I would not call this the golden age either. It was discussed more in depth here: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=105951&p=1747589&hilit=golden+age#p1747479

In short, think about it guys, Classics Prime is a better voyager Prime figure than CW Prime and that toy came out 10 years ago.

You are speaking of RID, that was all Takara designs from one year before with Car Robots or "Transformers 2000" as it was unofficially dubbed on the internet because Car Robots would show up with Carrots in searches.

The RID versions of X-Brawn, Prowl , and Sideburn differ from their Takara counterparts. With X-Brawn he lacked tailights and headlights in car mode. The paints were ok but not quite as clean as the Takara versions. I was pissed. Fire Convoy and RID Prime are the same except the reds are darker on Fire Convoy, but they filled in the hole on the matirx for RID Prime.

CW is a repaint fest of the same 10 molds for the deluxes, and the same 4 voyager molds also share the same. Takara has made the line a bit more enjoyable with all the proper characters and added paint apps.

I don't want to start a war or anything, but......Takara does use the Combiner Wars molds. More then once.