For those of you considering importing Takara Tomy's Transformers Generations TG-01 Optimus Prime and TG-02 Jazz we have some images comparing them side by side with their Hasbro counterparts. As you can see in the images mirrored below from Alfes 2010's toy blog there are quite a few differences in deco between these guys.
What I like about these is the fact that Hasbro's version looks like they are made for kids... While TOMY's version look like they are made for collectors. However, I agree with those who say that the collection-based value of these pieces are low.
Here's to the thought that wave 2 and beyond will be a whole lot better.
As expected, the Takara ones have superior paint. They are, however, not perfect.
Like his WFC counterpart, the FOC Optimus Prime could have been shiny on the legs too. Also, his hubcaps should have been gray like the rest. I do love his shiny chest and the more vibrant neon-lines.
As for jazz, just being gray make him look less cheap than the original. The addition of a "side window" paint aps add a LOT for him. The only thing I dont really like is that they should have kept Hasbro's original brighter blue.
All in all, I'd like to have them. However, I dont want to pay 40$+ each for the Takara release. I may if there's ever a sale, but having already got the Hasbro ones for 10$ each will not justify spending 30-40$ MORE for EACH figures just to have fancier paint. Well, this apply for any Takare products.
Metallic paint on Prime aside, what I like most is that it helps make the Autobrand on his shoulders look more vibrant, as if they were glowing like the in-game model.
The loss of overall whiteness on Jazz seems to drop the resemblance to the essential look of the character. Had I the money to get the Takara version, I would repurpose him as FoC Bluestreak.
Jazz looks much better in the japanese version but the TakaraTomy FOC Optimus Prime version sure looks much detailed and so but I'm not so much the metalic friend.
I'm hoping that it's just an effect of the lighting on the shiny paint but Prime almost appears to have a slightly orange tint. Not a fan of that but like I said, probably just the lighting in the pic. I'm loving the extra detail though and the metallic appearance. Love the detail on Jazz too but I'm not a fan of the grey. So I guess, if I had to choose just based on the pics I'd have to go with the Takara Prime and the Hasbro Jazz. I already have the Hasbro FOC Prime and he looks positively bland now after seeing these pictures.