The Energon Pub

[Burn]

Honestly, if they had just given us a new head for Computron, Nosecone, and Lightspeed, I would feel so much better about this guy. If there were a new head on him, I would have accepted Nosecone as is most likely, and I do want Scrounge. Just wish they had gone that little extra step

It's what is so frustrating about this set. They put a hell of a lot of effort into Strafe (and to an extent Nosecone and a smaller extent, Afterburner) but got incredibly lazy with the others.

[Kurona]

Honestly, if they had just given us a new head for Computron, Nosecone, and Lightspeed, I would feel so much better about this guy. If there were a new head on him, I would have accepted Nosecone as is most likely, and I do want Scrounge. Just wish they had gone that little extra step

It's what is so frustrating about this set. They put a hell of a lot of effort into Strafe (and to an extent Nosecone and a smaller extent, Afterburner) but got incredibly lazy with the others.

They put like, no effort into Nosecone. Especially when that drill part is also used for Botcon Ramhorn and Platinum Drillhorn. He doesn't even have a new head!

[Mr Skram]

I've mentioned it elsewhere, but the feet aren't good. They're hollow, slip easily on smooth surfaces, and simply raise the center of gravity.

My Comp can stand straight up, but the ankle tilts while very tight, are essentially useless.

I like the rest well enough. Strafe and Afterburner are my favs. I love the colors on Nosecone, flawed engineering aside. Scattershot is fine, and I really like the paint in jet mode for some reason. Lightspeed is meh other than the nice bright red plastic.

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Honestly, if they had just given us a new head for Computron, Nosecone, and Lightspeed, I would feel so much better about this guy. If there were a new head on him, I would have accepted Nosecone as is most likely, and I do want Scrounge. Just wish they had gone that little extra step

It's what is so frustrating about this set. They put a hell of a lot of effort into Strafe (and to an extent Nosecone and a smaller extent, Afterburner) but got incredibly lazy with the others.

It really truly is. Strafe basically got the entirety of the remolding done to him, with a bit on Afterburner and Nosecone (if you count the accessory).

It is aggravating that they are so close to being what I want, special arm and all

[SureShot18]

Since we're on the pros and cons of the sets I figure I'll throw in my two cents. If the Takara set wouldn't have happened I would have been super happy with the Combiner Wars offering. The heads on Lightspeed and Nosecone would have bothered me a lot though.

But we live in a world where the Unite Warriors one exists so yeah. Scrounge doesn't matter to me and I don't really need the hands and feet. Meanwhile the Takara has mounds of unique tooling with a great combined mode and excellent looking individual modes. The Hasbro one just sacrifices too much for with not enough gain (for me). The Takara one only lacks the hands and feet, which like I said doesn't bother me. And I find it well worth the money as well.

And that's why the Takara one is on preorder.

[Kurona]

Just had an actual look at the facebook page... the comments are scary. Don't go there.

[nycPrime]

So it sounds like more folks prefer Takara over Hasbro for Computron. I think I do too, especially since I don't have any attachment to Scrounge. I'm just not sure if it's $30 better for me. Maybe the Hasbro version won't sell well and lead to further discounts?

[Fox Thiagarajan]

So it sounds like more folks prefer Takara over Hasbro for Computron. I think I do too, especially since I don't have any attachment to Scrounge. I'm just not sure if it's $30 better for me. Maybe the Hasbro version won't sell well and lead to further discounts?

Hoping for the same thing.

[Jelze Bunnycat]

So it sounds like more folks prefer Takara over Hasbro for Computron. I think I do too, especially since I don't have any attachment to Scrounge. I'm just not sure if it's $30 better for me. Maybe the Hasbro version won't sell well and lead to further discounts?

Strangely, I'm more drawn to the Hasbro one, despite lack of funds (and sightings). I guess this means I don't really care how the set looks, or my imagination is filling in the gaps? I don't know... Even more confusing, I'm drawn to Nosecone and Lightsteed the most.

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Just had an actual look at the facebook page... the comments are scary. Don't go there.

I scan through there when I have less reliable service to catch up on things, like when I'm on vacation or break. The movie threads are scariest, just look at the TLK Megatron reveal...

On topic though, If the Hasbro set would go on Clearance enough (like, maybe below $70 or so) and the funds are there, maybe I will double dip on the set. But I agree with Sureshot: had the Takara one not come along, I would have been content if a bit disappointed. Baaahhhhhhhhhh

[nycPrime]

So it sounds like more folks prefer Takara over Hasbro for Computron. I think I do too, especially since I don't have any attachment to Scrounge. I'm just not sure if it's $30 better for me. Maybe the Hasbro version won't sell well and lead to further discounts?

Strangely, I'm more drawn to the Hasbro one, despite lack of funds (and sightings). I guess this means I don't really care how the set looks, or my imagination is filling in the gaps? I don't know... Even more confusing, I'm drawn to Nosecone the most.

Wow that is surprising to hear! Don't get me wrong, the Hasbro one is growing on me. Those hands and feet look awesome. Overall I think I can live with Hasbro's, and I would probably pounce on it if it were to drop in price, especially if it's anywhere near the $72 Victorion goes for on Amazon. But the thing that bothers me most is nosecone lol.

[SureShot18]

Wow that is surprising to hear! Don't get me wrong, the Hasbro one is growing on me. Those hands and feet look awesome. Overall I think I can live with Hasbro's, and I would probably pounce on it if it were to drop in price, especially if it's anywhere near the $72 Victorion goes for on Amazon. But the thing that bothers me most is nosecone lol.

You're not the only one, I'm pretty sure Nosecone bothers everybody the most. It certainly bothers me most.

[Sowndwave76]

Now that I've read some of the previous posts, I have a question...
Does no one else think that the individual bots AND the combined figure of the UW set are BOTH better??

I'm with Sureshot-- for the most part, this set will remain combined.
But for me, between the UW's headsculpt, new chest design, and overall colors (even if this used the exact same molds as Hasbro's set), the combined figure also looks a ton better...

I'll admit, the subject of price isn't an issue for me. But only because I only buy figures that I truly want. For a long time now, if I'm not 100% sold, I 100% don't bite.
There's a really good chance I'm not buying anything from TR, so the PE hands and feet set for Computron is an easy decision.

I'll end with this... Considering how much different the whole set looks- both individuals and combined figures- I still say UW Computron is not to be missed.

[D-Maximal_Primal]

See, that is a tough question wholly down to personal taste. I know Autobot N is all down for the Hasbro one, as are many others (just read his thread, hence my thought there). The Hasbro Nosecone makes for a better leg without the massive knee-drill, and the new hands and feet are a good thing for some. But for me, I like the HFG. Victorion's feet just are not stable for me and I cannot use the cars as legs due to the fact that they wobble and lean so badly. I also like my combiners to stand out from one another (new heads/chest, that sort of thing), so UW really nails it by making the basic torso that much more separable from the others, unlike the reused Hasbro one.

Again, all down to personal taste, but Takara to me wins with the 5 main bots, it's the extra bots that make me want Hasbro (and the 2 totally unique Strafes that work equally nicely in my eyes)

[Burn]

I put Computron together today. He looks good, he really does. The big problem for me though is again, Scattorshot. That torso is just Superion in a different colour.

The limbs though all look fantastic.

[frogbat]

I drew a line with bruticus - i never had that lust for computron and Abominus sets as a kid. Perhaps it was combiner fatigue as I was more interested in the new headmaster and target master gimmicks. History repeating i guess?

The other issues involve the fact that scattershot was already released solo and those who bought him now have a white elephant...
He is already the 4th use of the mould too so that plays against him.

I must admit that he is looking much better than I thought he would and the hasbro set's introduction of the new hands and feet has my interest piqued - who knows if this goes on heavy discount one day...

The takara version tho, with the new head and different nosecone especially, makes it the better set imho in spite of the hands and feet.

[Insurgent]

Now that I've read some of the previous posts, I have a question...
Does no one else think that the individual bots AND the combined figure of the UW set are BOTH better??

I'm with Sureshot-- for the most part, this set will remain combined.
But for me, between the UW's headsculpt, new chest design, and overall colors (even if this used the exact same molds as Hasbro's set), the combined figure also looks a ton better...

I'll admit, the subject of price isn't an issue for me. But only because I only buy figures that I truly want. For a long time now, if I'm not 100% sold, I 100% don't bite.
There's a really good chance I'm not buying anything from TR, so the PE hands and feet set for Computron is an easy decision.

I'll end with this... Considering how much different the whole set looks- both individuals and combined figures- I still say UW Computron is not to be missed.

I think the UW looks better in all modes. When I look at the seperate Hasbro guys, I don't see the Technobots. When I look at the UW ones, I do. And I like to cchange and vary my display, so combiners I will display in seperate modes almost as much as combined.

Put it this way. I don't care about the Technobots. I have no interest in owning them. But the Takara one looks so good, and so fun, I've actually gone and pre-ordered it. I don't care about the new HFG, it means Computron won't match the other combiners. And anyway, I've got the nonnef feet when they were on half price sale. And the HFG hands look fine to me.

[william-james88]

Guys I am seriously considering just getting this version instead of the takara. The selling points on the takara version just don't seem as important to me ATM. Like, I can do more with that extra $40. uuuugh. what do!

Can you though? Because if you go spending that difference on an upgrade kit then it becomes a zero sum gain and you are stuck with partforming along with an unoficial way to get the perfect looking Computron. I gladly spent that extra cost to vote with my wallet and show takara that I appreciate the effort they did and that I would rather have a good looking computron from an official venue rather than accept mediocrity and fix it through a 3p company that exists because of the mediocrity.

I think Takara has the individual bot modes down. they are by far the superior of the two...but I will not be displaying this like that. Probably not ever...so Hasbro is inching closer to a yes for me.

I thought the individual bots was all Hasbro had on Takara. Because its there that you can see their Strafe, Scrounge and how Scattershot is different to Silverbolt. In combined mode, all those differences dissapear and you are left with a Superion repaint who chose a different set of limbs. Just think about it, if posing it on the shelf in combined mode next to Superion and G2 Superion, what stops this from looking anything else than the Superion torso again in another funky colour?
Or better yet, take a Silverbolt and combine scramble city style him with Brawl and streetwise as legs and you've got most of your combined Computron look but as a redeco.

Not only does Takara give us a new head but we get the entire chest retooled, giving this combiner its own visible identity. Plus you get new guns which combine into a new gun for Computron so you dont have to have the same long narrow rifle once again.

Pics will explain what I mean

So it sounds like more folks prefer Takara over Hasbro for Computron. I think I do too, especially since I don't have any attachment to Scrounge. I'm just not sure if it's $30 better for me. Maybe the Hasbro version won't sell well and lead to further discounts?

Everything I wrote only deals with the idea of getting these toys now at full price. Takara might go down in price, but I cant guarantee it. I am pretty sure Hasbro will go down in price and it will be a different ball game then. None of what I wrote applies to getting him at a good discount since the bang for your buck is a big part of satisfaction and I can totally see how someone can reap as much fun and satisfaction in this Hasbro version if gotten at the right price.

[Giant Purple Griffin]

For me it's really close, but the edge goes to Hasbro. I see pluses and minuses in both, so it really comes down to Scrounge and the price pushing it just to the Hasbro side (I can't justify buying two Computrons haha). Here's how my personal analysis goes:

Afterburner/breaker--slight edge Hasbro (colors give the edge to Hasbro)
Lightspeed/steed--Takara by a landslide (just says Lightspeed more, plus I don't have Wheeljack vehicle remold)
Strafe--tie (I like Hasbro's robot and Takara's vehicle)
Nosecone--tie (I like Hasbro's colors and robot a lot more--except the head--and Takara's head and vehicle a little more)
Scattershot--slight edge Hasbro (I like Hasbro's colors better, except on the nose/cannon in vehicle mode).
Computron--slight edge Takara (I like Hasbro's colors and more toy-like chest, but the faceplate is a big negative; the hands and feet both have their benefits, but I actually prefer the HFGs by a little bit)
Scrounge--Hasbro (I'm really looking forward to having a toy of him, plus all my other teams have six guys)
Price--Hasbro
________________

[RAR]

I'm glad some people don't like the hand-foot-guns as it enabled me to pick some up at a Car boot sale of all places. So when I do get the likes of Victorion or Computron I now have the option to tool them up as normal - not to mention I can give specific hands and feet to the combinations of Cyclonus or Grand Scourge, or (red) Optimus Prime now too rather than use the colour that came with the limbs that they borrowed. I t can make a big difference changing the hand and foot colour.

For example if you have G2 Superion they'd make quite complementary hand-feet for red Optimus when he's acting as a Torso Being blue. And Menasors Purple hands and feet are at least an interesting change when used with Cyclonus - even if the shades do not match.

I can also now double wield the cannons, or have a spare set for the Unite Warrior Bruticus and his oddly coloured hands/feet.

That said I may still over time pick up some alternative feet for Combiner Wars Characters if only to get the ankle tilts - as the standard ones can look a little small on some limbs the look fine on Blades/Alpha Bravo or Vortex though.

I do hope that Hasbro will consider some 2 pack giftsets using Combiner Wars mould -even if they have been repainted to a loopy degree there is still a desire in me to have the option of a few more limbs if only so as to give them to the likes of Cyclonus & Grand Scourge.

[william-james88]

Price--Hasbro

You mean cost and only for you. The price istself is the same. I preordered my Takara Computron for $104 right here: http://www.anime-export.com/product/31053

Both Takara and Hasbro are retailing this figure for the same $100 US price point in their respective markets (exchange rate variations do come into effect). Any extra money you may pay for the Takara is only because you dont live in japan and need importers to get it to you, but thats not the price of the actual toy. People in Japan will have to pay $200 for the Hasbro version, thats how much they had to pay for the G2 redecos that Japan hasnt released. If that sounds irrelevant, then that goes both ways for the price of these figures in the US. So that point is irrelevant in judging the toy. In making one's choice yes, but not in judging the toy, it would be the reverse actually.

Think of it this way guys, the companies (Hasbro and Takara) are getting the exact same amount of money from selling this toy and yet Takara had a much higher budget, so their profit margin is less on this particular toy. Takara is giving us much more and expecting the same amount of money in return, and I cant ignore that. Judging these toys while ignoring their price in their specific markets wrongly diminishes the effort Takara has done and how much of a bargain they are giving us.

Also people are ignoring the weapons here in the pros and cons. Remember that Takara is giving new weapons for their individual bots which combine to give their Computron a nice big weapon (along wtih a possible drill hand). Instead of getting the same silverbolt weapon again, we get these two guns for scattershot that add to the alt mode by turning into extra boosters. Here are some pics for those who had not seen or realized that yet.

[Giant Purple Griffin]

That's a good point on the difference between cost to me and price. If I were in Japan, I'd have a different opinion!

I also prefer Scrounge and Cybaxx to the extra Takara accessories (as nice as they are).

In the words of Computron: "Conclusion: Hasbro 50.9%"

(no offense to Computron fans, but I'm very surprised Computron of all characters has generated so much anticipation and discussion--I'm caught up in the Computron fever too. Now I'll just need Abominus...)

[nycPrime]

So it sounds like more folks prefer Takara over Hasbro for Computron. I think I do too, especially since I don't have any attachment to Scrounge. I'm just not sure if it's $30 better for me. Maybe the Hasbro version won't sell well and lead to further discounts?

Everything I wrote only deals with the idea of getting these toys now at full price. Takara might go down in price, but I cant guarantee it. I am pretty sure Hasbro will go down in price and it will be a different ball game then. None of what I wrote applies to getting him at a good discount since the bang for your buck is a big part of satisfaction and I can totally see how someone can reap as much fun and satisfaction in this Hasbro version if gotten at the right price.[/quote]

You're exactly right. Unfortunately for me, UW Computron is sold out. I would probably jump on it at $130 if available at this moment. CW Computron is readily available at $100, but I don't like it at that price. I do think (hope) the price will go down. Even if it were to drop to $85, I might bite and live with the flaws. In a way, there isn't anything I can do but hope that one of the online shops has excess stock when it arrives.

[william-james88]

You're exactly right. Unfortunately for me, UW Computron is sold out. I would probably jump on it at $130 if available at this moment. CW Computron is readily available at $100, but I don't like it at that price. I do think (hope) the price will go down. Even if it were to drop to $85, I might bite and live with the flaws. In a way, there isn't anything I can do but hope that one of the online shops has excess stock when it arrives.

They might. Keep an eye out here:

https://www.nippon-yasan.com/figures/16 ... utron.html

That site usually ends up getting more in stock once it gets reelased. I know its japanese but you end up paying the same price as 135+ shipping at BBTS. You can put e-mail there to be told when it gets back in stock.

[SureShot18]

Yeah those weapons in the Takara set are a huge plus for me. Scattershot's and Afterburner's are particularly cool.