The Energon Pub

by **HoosierDaddy** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 5:52 pm

OK, I have plenty of Bayformers. When they originally showed the designs before the first movie I was disappointed mainly because the faces are garbled up and you can't even make out a face in many of them. Then the whole stubby legs gorilla looking bots are killing me. Starscream and Devestator were disappointments because they look like gorillas and kinda awkward. My love for Starscream has helped me over come that. I have come to deal with the face problems.

Now, I am having problems with all the cycloptic eye "clone" looking bots. Shockwave is the only TF that I love the cyclpotic eye on. The others are just wearing me out and it feels like a cop out on the designers part. Why envision a face when you can just make a cycloptic eye and call it a day? On Shockwave it's cool because it's unique.

Also, I'm getting wore out on some of the alt modes. This "it's an alien jet or alien tank" is getting old. These alt modes just look like a junk pile stacked up to look like something remotley close to whatever it is that it's supposed to be. It just feels like laziness on the part of the designers.

Now, speaking of Shockwave, his DOTM figure is a must have for me. The robot mode looks great. BUT, again with the garbled up alt mode. Oh, I'll still buy it without even second guessing myself but only because it's Shockwave and his robot mode is awesome. If he comes packaged in robot mode I don't even think I'll ever even bother transforming him. Just display him in robot mode because hs vehicle mode looks like crap.

Sorry about the rant and please forgive me if I offended anyone. Am I being to picky or too harsh with this stuff?

News Credits: 217 · by **Diem** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 6:00 pm

HoosierDaddy wrote:OK, I have plenty of Bayformers. When they originally showed the designs before the first movie I was disappointed mainly because the faces are garbled up and you can't even make out a face in many of them. Then the whole stubby legs gorilla looking bots are killing me. Starscream and Devestator were disappointments because they look like gorillas and kinda awkward. My love for Starscream has helped me over come that. I have come to deal with the face problems.

Now, I am having problems with all the cycloptic eye "clone" looking bots. Shockwave is the only TF that I love the cyclpotic eye on. The others are just wearing me out and it feels like a cop out on the designers part. Why envision a face when you can just make a cycloptic eye and call it a day? On Shockwave it's cool because it's unique.

Also, I'm getting wore out on some of the alt modes. This "it's an alien jet or alien tank" is getting old. These alt modes just look like a junk pile stacked up to look like something remotley close to whatever it is that it's supposed to be. It just feels like laziness on the part of the designers.

Now, speaking of Shockwave, his DOTM figure is a must have for me. The robot mode looks great. BUT, again with the garbled up alt mode. Oh, I'll still buy it without even second guessing myself but only because it's Shockwave and his robot mode is awesome. If he comes packaged in robot mode I don't even think I'll ever even bother transforming him. Just display him in robot mode because hs vehicle mode looks like crap.

Sorry about the rant and please forgive me if I offended anyone. Am I being to picky or too harsh with this stuff?

I agree with you on a lot of this. But a lot of these things are staples of being a Transfan. Cyclopean lensfaces? G1 Shockwave wasn't even the only figure released that year to have that feature, Whirl did too.

Gorilla-looking bots? Just look at G1 Wheeljack. Garbled faces? Try to figure out how G1 Soundwave's ugly mug could work. Goofy-looking alien jets/cars? You couldn't swing a Ravage in 1986 without hitting a hundred of these.

Certainly the bayformers are not everyone's cup of tea but I can't pin it down to incompetence or laziness. They're going for a particular style and no matter how disagreeable that style may be they're going for it at least competently and imaginatively.

by **HoosierDaddy** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 6:10 pm

Oh, I agree with you. And I know G1 and other lines share some of this blame as well. It just didn't seem as pronounced as it does now. I'm a TF fan and I buy them anyway though. Just because of my love for the TF's. But I guess I just wanted to get some of my pet peeves off my chest. lol

News Credits: 5 · by **Mr O** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 7:11 pm

I can't ignore the fact that you complained about too many figures having the mono-eye and then said it was unique.

News Credits: 12 · by **robofreak** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 7:11 pm

I just like robots. The Gunpla term for cycloptic eye is monoeye and if you want to get burnt out on that, start buying Gunpla. Seriously, I'm tired of mono eye kits.

The movie figures work quite well for me. I love the highly stylized look and complexity of the design. Where some see unrecognizable faces, I see the detail and unique take on favorites.

I bought the ROTF Devastator when it first came out and I don't regret it. To me it was worth the $100, but I will admit that I'd rather that all the figures did have individual bot modes, but that really is only a minor complaint.

The Cybertronian form thing doesn't bug me much either. I like the crazy scifi stuff.

Also, as one who builds models, I can tell you that the crazy scifi jumble of mess parts that you are referring to is a lot harder to do than make a vehicle alt mode. At least when they have a vehicle they have a base to work with. When you get to the intricate scifi look like on the Megatron's and the new Shockwave, you get into some very intricate sculpting and detail work on the part of the artist. I can guarantee that more time was put into them than the other figures due to them having to come up with a completely original alt mode.

by **joesaysso** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 10:01 pm

Actually, I'm fine with the alien tank, alien jet thing because for the most part it makes sense. I mean, what kind of alt mode do you expect a transformer whose never been to Earth to have? My problem is where the story lets itself down. For example, Megatron going from alien jet to alien tank. The first movie made such a big deal about scanning alt modes, where did Megatron get this tank mode scanned from?

Subtle and not so subtle appearance changes bother me as well. I guess we are to assume that Bumblebee re-scans a new yellow camaro with black racing stripes every year because he just HAS to be the newest model. That Bee, he's so vain.

News Credits: 8 · by **LiKwid** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 11:28 pm

joesaysso wrote:Actually, I'm fine with the alien tank, alien jet thing because for the most part it makes sense. I mean, what kind of alt mode do you expect a transformer whose never been to Earth to have? My problem is where the story lets itself down. For example, Megatron going from alien jet to alien tank. The first movie made such a big deal about scanning alt modes, where did Megatron get this tank mode scanned from?

Subtle and not so subtle appearance changes bother me as well. I guess we are to assume that Bumblebee re-scans a new yellow camaro with black racing stripes every year because he just HAS to be the newest model. That Bee, he's so vain.

I think in the second movie after he was re-assembled by "the doctor" and the constructicons his alt mode was altered because of the repairs.

Im cool with most of the new trends, some of the newer figures are damn clever if you ask me. I'm still floored over how awesome wreckgar looks as well as perceptor but for the love all things smothered in cheese and bacon, please OH PLEASE give our beloved Tformers solid feet with heel spurs..Im tired of having to perfom a balancing act on mah toyZ dammiT!

by **funklizard** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 12:04 am

robofreak wrote:Also, as one who builds models, I can tell you that the crazy scifi jumble of mess parts that you are referring to is a lot harder to do than make a vehicle alt mode. At least when they have a vehicle they have a base to work with. When you get to the intricate scifi look like on the Megatron's and the new Shockwave, you get into some very intricate sculpting and detail work on the part of the artist. I can guarantee that more time was put into them than the other figures due to them having to come up with a completely original alt mode.

I don't buy it. "Alien and imagined" doesn't have to mean "it looks like a pile of parts".

WFC Megatron's alt mode, while by no means outstanding, does manage to look like a cohesive vehicle. However much time was spent on movie Megatron's and Shockwave's tank modes, it wasn't enough. Accurate or not, it certainly looks like the alt mode was achieved by working backward from the robot mode and seeing what it could be folded into--rather than starting from a fully conceptualized vehicle mode and tweaking bits to achieve it.

by **HoosierDaddy** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 2:24 am

Mr O wrote:I can't ignore the fact that you complained about too many figures having the mono-eye and then said it was unique.

It was unique on Shockwave is what i said. He was the first memorable TF to have it. Now it gets done so much that it just seems lazy. I mean, why does Ravage need a cycloptic eye? It just looks wrong. i just bought a legends Ravage because it is very cool but the first thing I'm doing is modifying it to look like a panther face like it should. I'm not interested in the deluxe Ravage. The legends one just fits better size wise to my collection.

by **HoosierDaddy** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 2:30 am

robofreak wrote:I just like robots. The Gunpla term for cycloptic eye is monoeye and if you want to get burnt out on that, start buying Gunpla. Seriously, I'm tired of mono eye kits.

The movie figures work quite well for me. I love the highly stylized look and complexity of the design. Where some see unrecognizable faces, I see the detail and unique take on favorites.

I bought the ROTF Devastator when it first came out and I don't regret it. To me it was worth the $100, but I will admit that I'd rather that all the figures did have individual bot modes, but that really is only a minor complaint.

The Cybertronian form thing doesn't bug me much either. I like the crazy scifi stuff.

Also, as one who builds models, I can tell you that the crazy scifi jumble of mess parts that you are referring to is a lot harder to do than make a vehicle alt mode. At least when they have a vehicle they have a base to work with. When you get to the intricate scifi look like on the Megatron's and the new Shockwave, you get into some very intricate sculpting and detail work on the part of the artist. I can guarantee that more time was put into them than the other figures due to them having to come up with a completely original alt mode.

i agree with funklizard that it still seems like it's just garbled together with some alt modes. By the time they get to Earth they should have Earth alt modes anyway if not, what's the sense because they would stand out like a sore thumb and that is no "disguise". But I think you are right, I'm sure it does take time and imagination to make them look unique. It just doesn't appear that way. Don't get me wrong, 'm not here trying to argue or anything. Just stating my opinion and people see things from their own perspective. I respect everyone's opinion because it is their own. I'm sure there are certain things I love about TF's that many people hate. It's all in the eye of the beholder.

by **joesaysso** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 4:29 am

LiKwid wrote:I think in the second movie after he was re-assembled by "the doctor" and the constructicons his alt mode was altered because of the repairs.

Yes, I saw the movie. I get how it happened. What I meant though is that its totally lame that it did happen. I mean, that high tech "scan" technology is pretty much pointless now, right? A couple spare Earth parts, a "doctor", a dose of all spark, and about 11 seconds is all you need to have any alt mode in the universe, apparently.

News Credits: 9 · by **Mykltron** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 4:50 am

The only part I agree with is the alien alt mode gripe. I've never liked that sort of design.

I disagree about the cyclops thing - they still have a face under the mono-eye. I think Skystalker's head is cool.

News Credits: 5 · by **Mr O** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 5:54 am

HoosierDaddy wrote:
Mr O wrote:I can't ignore the fact that you complained about too many figures having the mono-eye and then said it was unique.

It was unique on Shockwave is what i said. He was the first memorable TF to have it. Now it gets done so much that it just seems lazy. I mean, why does Ravage need a cycloptic eye? It just looks wrong. i just bought a legends Ravage because it is very cool but the first thing I'm doing is modifying it to look like a panther face like it should. I'm not interested in the deluxe Ravage. The legends one just fits better size wise to my collection.

Yeah, not unique though was it? As for Legends Ravage I quite agree and damn, I wish I'd picked that one up when I had the chance.

by **SN95 Cobra R** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 7:27 am

I think my first post here said the same thing and the community came down on my hard. Of course that counterpunch dude did his typical "this doesn't add anything to the site" comment.

I didn't see the first movie until a year later. I couldn't. I still can't tell you who anybody but Prime and Bee are. The characters faces and bodies are so cluttered and in action sequences they become a blur.

For the latest movie I do find shockwave and the truck Megatron to be interesting. I hate shockwaves ribs but his overall torso and shape is nice. The shroud/cover thing on Megatron is different but I took notice. I just hope Fansproject doesn't sell a 45 dollar softgoods kit for a 4 inch swatch of cloth.

News Credits: 3 · by **Fistful of Energon** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 9:00 am

SN95 Cobra R wrote:I think my first post here said the same thing and the community came down on my hard. Of course that counterpunch dude did his typical "this doesn't add anything to the site" comment.

I didn't see the first movie until a year later. I couldn't. I still can't tell you who anybody but Prime and Bee are. The characters faces and bodies are so cluttered and in action sequences they become a blur.

For the latest movie I do find shockwave and the truck Megatron to be interesting. I hate shockwaves ribs but his overall torso and shape is nice. The shroud/cover thing on Megatron is different but I took notice. I just hope Fansproject doesn't sell a 45 dollar softgoods kit for a 4 inch swatch of cloth.

I think you have FansProject confused with CrazyDevy :lol:

by **SN95 Cobra R** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 9:02 am

CrazyDevy, that's right!

by **Screamfleet** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 9:05 am

Nothing wrong with being picky. Either you like it or you don't. It certainly is upsetting when you've liked something for a while and then it makes a radical change.

News Credits: 7 · by **TulioDude** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 1:20 pm

There is no problem in giving your opinion,just dont say like its a fact.Whats cool can vary to between people.

by **HoosierDaddy** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 5:34 pm

TulioDude wrote:There is no problem in giving your opinion,just dont say like its a fact.Whats cool can vary to between people.

I certainly didn't intend to pose my opinion as fact and went out of my way to try to state my posts in a way that it was just my opinion, Even in the thread title I said what bothers me and asked "what about you guys?". I apologize if I came across that way because it was not at all my intention.

News Credits: 668 · by **Autobot032** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 7:05 pm

I love the Bayformer designs. I still have Leader Class Megatron from the first movie and I think he's fantastic. Flawed, but fanfastic. I'd like more of the designs, actually. Not DOTM toy designs though....

by **HoosierDaddy** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 9:22 pm

Autobot032 wrote:I love the Bayformer designs. I still have Leader Class Megatron from the first movie and I think he's fantastic. Flawed, but fanfastic. I'd like more of the designs, actually. Not DOTM toy designs though....

I do like most of them as well. The faces bother me but I'm getting over that part. Maybe some fine detailed paint on the faces could make them show a little better and I'm thinking about doing that. The thing that bugs me the most is how Starscream and Devestator look like gorillas. The short stumpy legs, wide chest and long gangaly arms. I haven't bought any devastators yet. Don't know if I will. They have the TRU exclusive one for $30 and I've considered it. I'll never pay $100 for the big one though. Starscream is my favorite all time character so i own a leader and several others of those. I'm trying to force myself to like the design better. But, obviously i don't hate it so bad that I didn't buy them. He's still starscream and the leader class screamer is a great figure. Bottom line is, I have some gripes but I still love them in spite of those gripes and Hasbro/Takara is still getting my money so at the end of the day, my gripes are only minor because I'm still buying. :lol:

by **Evil_the_Nub** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 9:46 pm

I think the gorilla look works for Devastator. He is a big dumb brute after all.

by **Windsweeper** » Sun Apr 03, 2011 6:23 pm

I do agree about the faces. Prime got the G1 helmet look and his face was fine. Why couldn't Starscream, Ironhide and Ratchet have too? Especially Ironhide. His face reminds me of a dog and I'm not a fan of animalistic heads on humanoid bots.

The deluxe cars have been bugging me for years. They look out of place with the Diaclones and the deluxe jets. Even as a kid, I hated the fact that Prowl and the Stunticon cars were not in scale with each other. It just looked stupid.

The Laser Rods, Generations Windcharger and Energon Strongarm are all proof that you can have cool Scout size cars with great articulation. Plus the Rods and Strongarm have cool weapons, especially Strongarm.

They release the same characters in various size classes so why not give the cars a scout class as well.

Legends also really bug me. They're small and cheap looking. Noone can tell me Legends Hound is a good figure. Plus they get cool redecoes that their larger counterparts don't like Blades, Perceptor and Trypticon.

I will admit to liking Animated Prowl and ROTF Ravage though. I'm not attacking other people's preferences just airing my own grievances.

by **HoosierDaddy** » Sun Apr 03, 2011 7:19 pm

Windsweeper wrote:I do agree about the faces. Prime got the G1 helmet look and his face was fine. Why couldn't Starscream, Ironhide and Ratchet have too? Especially Ironhide. His face reminds me of a dog and I'm not a fan of animalistic heads on humanoid bots.

The deluxe cars have been bugging me for years. They look out of place with the Diaclones and the deluxe jets. Even as a kid, I hated the fact that Prowl and the Stunticon cars were not in scale with each other. It just looked stupid.

The Laser Rods, Generations Windcharger and Energon Strongarm are all proof that you can have cool Scout size cars with great articulation. Plus the Rods and Strongarm have cool weapons, especially Strongarm.

They release the same characters in various size classes so why not give the cars a scout class as well.

Legends also really bug me. They're small and cheap looking. Noone can tell me Legends Hound is a good figure. Plus they get cool redecoes that their larger counterparts don't like Blades, Perceptor and Trypticon.

I will admit to liking Animated Prowl and ROTF Ravage though. I'm not attacking other people's preferences just airing my own grievances.

I bought the legends Ravage because it looks awesome with great details and stuff and it fits waaay better in my collection for the scale. But that mono-eye thing was killing me so first thing I did was puttied over the eye, gave shape to the head and did a repaint on the whole figure. I still have to finish the details on the eyes yet but the rest is done. He is now matte black with silver claws and his hip guns are silver. His teeth are white. All the other painted details are a silver-metallic purple. This pic doesn't do it justice, it looks very nice in person though. Just have to get to work finishing the eye detailing but at least he has two eyes now!

News Credits: 4 · by **SnapTrap** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 10:43 pm

I do hafta say that the designers on the movie figs have done a really good job taking the horrible Bay designs and turning them into pretty decent figs. I agree that the faces are a mess and alien alt modes seem cheap due to their simplistic transformations. Just look at the non movie filler figures (like ROTF Brawn or Breacher) in both movies to find some pretty good figures that look great in both modes.