Takara Tomy TAV-21 Optimus Prime Video Review

Hellscream9999 wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

Hellscream9999 wrote:So I pre-ordered mine through bbts, do we have any idea when they'll be getting them?

The big optimus? I thought they should be shipping them now. unless they have to wait till its released in Japan for them to get it, which doesnt make much sense.

Naw, runabout, says they were supposed to get him in july

Yeah they just changed a couple days ago to now August 2015 as the date. Im pretty excited for this little guy. Are they still re-releasing the tank Rumble and Frenzy or was that just a rumor?

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail ... agecnt%3D1

TAV-21 still available guys!

Thadicon wrote: Are they still re-releasing the tank Rumble and Frenzy or was that just a rumor?

Not a rumour, it's happening:



http://tfsource.com/transformers-adventure/tav-32-rumble-frenzy/

Although I have read that these molds werent great. Of course, all the reviews take the really big price of back then into account so its hard to judge.

Runabout looks cool, but not the same without Runamuck by his side. As for Override, I really really want that figure. Looks awesome in those colors!

fenrir72 wrote:http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail?gcode=FIGURE-011306&page=top%2Fsearch%2Flist%3Fs_cate3%3D986%24s_maker%3DTakara+Tomy%24pagemax%3D40%24getcnt%3D0%24pagecnt%3D1

TAV-21 still available guys!

Aww dang it, I always assume Amiami is out of stock on everything ever, and with many of the regular stores like BBTS and TF Source already out of stock on this or not even carrying it at all I just dropped $74 shipped on it at Toy Arena.

I'm gonna go pretend the shipping from Japan would totally make that irrelevant even though I know better.

ScottyP wrote:
I'm gonna go pretend the shipping from Japan would totally make that irrelevant even though I know better.

I am sure the shipping from Japan would totally make the extra savings totally irrelevant

william-james88 wrote:Although I have read that these molds werent great. Of course, all the reviews take the really big price of back then into account so its hard to judge.

They're not bad, just a touch fiddly. Pretty ambitious design to have the tank treads try to double as piledrivers and, while they got close, the final outcome is not quite completely satisfying. I'd still recommend them as a pretty good Classics Rumble/Frenzy, but it might be worth waiting to see what Hasbro does next year (assuming Buzzsaw and the leaked Blaster image are bell-weathers for all the cassette characters)

Was going to submit this but somebody beat me to the punch.

TAV-21 is an okay figure. But something tells me that Hasbro designed the toy and Takara was able to release the mold first before Hasbro. Just speculating.

OptimalOptimus2 wrote:TAV-21 is an okay figure. But something tells me that Hasbro designed the toy and Takara was able to release the mold first before Hasbro. Just speculating.

Hasbro paid the TT engineers to design and TT to manufacture. Correct.

fenrir72 wrote:

OptimalOptimus2 wrote:TAV-21 is an okay figure. But something tells me that Hasbro designed the toy and Takara was able to release the mold first before Hasbro. Just speculating.

Hasbro paid the TT engineers to design and TT to manufacture. Correct.

Hmph, guess it shows that Takara's toy designers know how to make a simpler toy but preserve the interactive play value.

OptimalOptimus2 wrote:TAV-21 is an okay figure. But something tells me that Hasbro designed the toy and Takara was able to release the mold first before Hasbro. Just speculating.

Interesting speculation, what gives you that idea?

In any case, here is the proof that he was fully an in house design. It's an interview with the designer and you see him proudly holding holding the grey scale. He was introduced in the magazine similarly to how deluxe Groove was introduced:

Madeus Prime wrote:

fenrir72 wrote:

OptimalOptimus2 wrote:TAV-21 is an okay figure. But something tells me that Hasbro designed the toy and Takara was able to release the mold first before Hasbro. Just speculating.

Hasbro paid the TT engineers to design and TT to manufacture. Correct.

Hmph, guess it shows that Takara's toy designers know how to make a simpler toy but preserve the interactive play value.

I am not sure about that Fenrir, I dont think hasbro was involved with this Optimus although the design of the animation model was done before the toy (unlike the olden days) so technically, it is a Hasbro based design. But the toy was concieved by Takara, check proof above. So it remains, that Takara designed the toy.

Also, Madeus, from what I hear, this Prime isnt simple at all. I am assuming he is no less complex than the Animated or Cybertron Leaders.

Although what I find crazy is how it is the guy who made Masterpiece Sideswipe and MP 10 who came up with the Transformation for 3 step Bumblebee and 3 step Grimlock.

william-james88 wrote:Also, Madeus, from what I hear, this Prime isnt simple at all. I am assuming he is no less complex than the Animated or Cybertron Leaders.

No, I meant compared to the crap we're getting in general from the RID and TA (the one-steps, etc.). This guy I'd snap up for $40 bucks in the states, a purchase I wouldn't normally consider for something from the RID line, of which I own only one figure, Strongarm.

Madeus Prime wrote:

william-james88 wrote:Also, Madeus, from what I hear, this Prime isnt simple at all. I am assuming he is no less complex than the Animated or Cybertron Leaders.

No, I meant compared to the crap we're getting in general from the RID and TA (the one-steps, etc.). This guy I'd snap up for $40 bucks in the states, a purchase I wouldn't normally consider for something from the RID line, of which I own only one figure, Strongarm.

Oh I see. I would recomend Drift as well (maybe the Drift and Jazz takara exclusive set with IDW Drift colours), he is as complex/simple as any other TF and has a very nifty transformation and excellent Weapon storage.

william-james88 wrote:

Madeus Prime wrote:

fenrir72 wrote:

OptimalOptimus2 wrote:TAV-21 is an okay figure. But something tells me that Hasbro designed the toy and Takara was able to release the mold first before Hasbro. Just speculating.

Hasbro paid the TT engineers to design and TT to manufacture. Correct.

Hmph, guess it shows that Takara's toy designers know how to make a simpler toy but preserve the interactive play value.

I am not sure about that Fenrir, I dont think hasbro was involved with this Optimus although the design of the animation model was done before the toy (unlike the olden days) so technically, it is a Hasbro based design. But the toy was concieved by Takara, check proof above. So it remains, that Takara designed the toy.

Also, Madeus, from what I hear, this Prime isnt simple at all. I am assuming he is no less complex than the Animated or Cybertron Leaders.

Although what I find crazy is how it is the guy who made Masterpiece Sideswipe and MP 10 who came up with the Transformation for 3 step Bumblebee and 3 step Grimlock.

For this mold, TT did this on their own (all the leg work). Unless like the previous henkei where some designs were done by Hasbro's domestic team, most of the time Hasbro pays TT (and its engineers) to design a "box full of fun things" and manufacture the item in their Japan,China, Thailand and Viet Nam factories.

The original concept , Hasbro. Then those guys tell Hasui and the like, we want it like this yada yada yada.

Hasui or the other guy who designed those one step changers.....not surprising as they are just mechanical geniuses!
@ Optimal, you are kinda correct on some parts and some off the mark as TAV21 is indeed a TT exclusive. Don't hold your breath for a domestic release.

william-james88 wrote:

Thadicon wrote: Are they still re-releasing the tank Rumble and Frenzy or was that just a rumor?

Not a rumour, it's happening:



http://tfsource.com/transformers-adventure/tav-32-rumble-frenzy/

Although I have read that these molds werent great. Of course, all the reviews take the really big price of back then into account so its hard to judge.

Safe as. That's me dude I am preordering these chaps. I missed out last time not this time though.
I have seen some reviews but the only bad things I saw was the pile driver would always go off when they were transformed. Other than that the price was quite high and still is on the secondary market for 2 scout class trnaformers.

Do you know where the preorder for BBTS is? EDIT: Flag that just found it and preorder them now

william-james88 wrote:

OptimalOptimus2 wrote:TAV-21 is an okay figure. But something tells me that Hasbro designed the toy and Takara was able to release the mold first before Hasbro. Just speculating.

Interesting speculation, what gives you that idea?

Hasbro designed the Transformers: Age of Extinction toys. Age of Extinction is the worst Transformers toyline (in my opinion) due to cheap plastic and terrible quality control, plus, the lack of variety. Hasbro introduces the toys to Takara, so they could release their very own versions. Takara Tomy, in both Age of Extinction and Robots In Disguise, repainted and retooled molds from previous and current Transformers series into new toys. Or, Takara would manufacture new toys for the series. (For example: The great quality Three Step Lost Age Optimus Prime.) Takara's history of Transformers toys is quite phenomenal due to the control in the quality. The fact that TAV-21 has thin plastic and hollow parts gives me the conclusion that Hasbro designed the Optimus mold first, introduced it to Takara, then Takara releases it before Hasbro could announce their version of the toy. Hardly, if not never, has Takara released poorly designed Transformers toys exclusive to their company.

OptimalOptimus2 wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

OptimalOptimus2 wrote:TAV-21 is an okay figure. But something tells me that Hasbro designed the toy and Takara was able to release the mold first before Hasbro. Just speculating.

Interesting speculation, what gives you that idea?

Or, Takara would manufacture new toys for the series. (For example: The great quality Three Step Lost Age Optimus Prime.) Takara's history of Transformers toys is quite phenomenal due to the control in the quality. The fact that TAV-21 has thin plastic and hollow parts gives me the conclusion that Hasbro designed the Optimus mold first, introduced it to Takara, then Takara releases it before Hasbro could announce their version of the toy. Hardly, if not never, has Takara released poorly designed Transformers toys exclusive to their company.

Actually that 3 step aoe takara exclusive prime you mention was the example i was going to give to show that it is common foe takara to make their own designs amidst a toyline with mainly hasbro designs. Sadly, this rid optimus is confirmed to be a takara design and not a hasbro one. Although i didnt know it had cheap plastic. And i didmt find aoe plastic or design that bad. I feel its thr best movie line so far in terms of general aesthetics and transformation. And thr plastic was leagues ahead of the aweful garbage plastic usef in thr foc line. Now THAT was bad (and all hasbro).

OptimalOptimus2 wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

OptimalOptimus2 wrote:TAV-21 is an okay figure. But something tells me that Hasbro designed the toy and Takara was able to release the mold first before Hasbro. Just speculating.

Interesting speculation, what gives you that idea?

Hasbro designed the Transformers: Age of Extinction toys. Age of Extinction is the worst Transformers toyline (in my opinion) due to cheap plastic and terrible quality control, plus, the lack of variety. Hasbro introduces the toys to Takara, so they could release their very own versions. Takara Tomy, in both Age of Extinction and Robots In Disguise, repainted and retooled molds from previous and current Transformers series into new toys. Or, Takara would manufacture new toys for the series. (For example: The great quality Three Step Lost Age Optimus Prime.) Takara's history of Transformers toys is quite phenomenal due to the control in the quality. The fact that TAV-21 has thin plastic and hollow parts gives me the conclusion that Hasbro designed the Optimus mold first, introduced it to Takara, then Takara releases it before Hasbro could announce their version of the toy. Hardly, if not never, has Takara released poorly designed Transformers toys exclusive to their company.

Hasbro works together with TT. Either the concept comes from Hasbro then is sent to TT to be tranlated into toy form or vice versa or a little of both. Hasbro holds the patents. So if TT wants to release an "exclusive', the too pay Hasbro the rights of the TF brand.

AoE was designed by those self same designers of the MP line. How it turns out depends on the cost hasbro is willing to release them. If Hasbro wants it cheap, then TT releases them cheap.

Hasbro works together with TT. Either the concept comes from Hasbro then is sent to TT to be tranlated into toy form or vice versa or a little of both.

AoE was designed by those self same designers of the MP line. How it turns out depends on the cost hasbro is willing to release them. If Hasbro wants it cheap, then TT releases them cheap.

Wait a sec.. or vice versa!? No toy designed by takara was ever engineered by Hasbro. If you have an example, please let me know since it seems i am clearly missing an interesting part of the toys' history.

You are dead on with your talk of quality though. If ever there was doubt, the recent interview on devastator revealed that the reason the Hasbro release had less articulation was because of a strict parts count demanded by hasbro. Takara themselves didnt have as many restrictions and thus improved upon what they had done for hasbro for their own release. Both devys are engineered by takara and both stem from the same design. But hasbro's is made cheaper.

william-james88 wrote:

Hasbro works together with TT. Either the concept comes from Hasbro then is sent to TT to be tranlated into toy form or vice versa or a little of both.

AoE was designed by those self same designers of the MP line. How it turns out depends on the cost hasbro is willing to release them. If Hasbro wants it cheap, then TT releases them cheap.

Wait a sec.. or vice versa!? No toy designed by takara was ever engineered by Hasbro. If you have an example, please let me know since it seems i am clearly missing an interesting part of the toys' history.

You are dead on with your talk of quality though. If ever there was doubt, the recent interview on devastator revealed that the reason the Hasbro release had less articulation was because of a strict parts count demanded by hasbro. Takara themselves didnt have as many restrictions and thus improved upon what they had done for hasbro for their own release. Both devys are engineered by takara and both stem from the same design. But hasbro's is made cheaper.

A lot of the henkei figures were designed by the Hasbro team, not the Takara guys. Mirage, Hound, Seekers (though that seems to be a joint effort). MP hands down purely TT.Vice versa meaning, Hasbro does designs, so does TT. Manufacturing, well it's all TT if that's what you mean to clarify if you misunderstood.

In case you wanted more red on black (with a bit of purple or teal) Decepticon plastic robots, TFYuki has provided a side by side shot of Takara Tomy Transformers Adventures TAV26 Runabout with Legends Black Convoy, sweltering in the heat. Additionally, we also get an image making sure we know just what faction Runabout belongs to. Check them out mirrored below!

Damn that colour scheme looks good I will be amped if we get a runamuck too.

Runamuck is quite prideful to be a Decepticon.

Runabout sure ain't shy. Whatever happened to "deception". He's like a walking bulleye

First picture makes me think of the Salt planet from Armada, when they fought Nemesis Prime / Scourge.

Second picture, decepticon bass cannon mode.
"Hear me, 'fore you see me, I got King Kong in the trunk."

OptimalOptimus2 wrote:Runamuck is quite prideful to be a Decepticon.

That's because he's

MINISTER OF PROPAGANDA

Wolfman Jake wrote:Well, I just got my TAV-21 Optimus Prime this morning, and...he's all right. I'm surprised that much of the plastic is of the rather soft and thin variety. To those who say Hasbro has been the driving force behind these changes in Transformer plastic quality over the past several years, I submit to you this product completely of Takara's own design, not solicited by Hasbro. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy I got this figure. He's massive, Warrior class cars fit inside him like a glove, and his Transformation does some neat things, but at the same time, a lot of the steps are fiddly, some things don't want to tab in securely, and there are some odd engineering choices that leave some unfortunate gapping in parts of the figure (and I'm not even talking about the hollow legs). Overall, it's a nice, BIG figure, but for something that surpasses the size of recent Leader class toys, it doesn't quite surpass them in Leader class quality.

Just receive TAV-21 just a few minutes ago. Do you mean the soft plastic parts as the weapon accessories? 'cause the figure's plastics itself feels harder than the TF Prime Optimus Maximus.

And he's just biggyliciious awesome. Jazz too is great with all the new paint apps. Can't wait for Runaboutto arrive.

fenrir72 wrote:
Just receive TAV-21 just a few minutes ago. Do you mean the soft plastic parts as the weapon accessories? 'cause the figure's plastics itself feels harder than the TF Prime Optimus Maximus.

And he's just biggyliciious awesome. Jazz too is great with all the new paint apps. Can't wait for Runaboutto arrive.

What he probably meant was that he's not ROCK SOLID as what TFs used to be like. For example, in ROTF or Cybertron. Most TFs nowadays are made out of this kinda soft, semi transparent plastic. I don't know if it's because it's cheaper to make and/or they are less likely to snap and break.

CW titant Devastator is made out of that, along the RID Prime and FOC figures.

I personally think they feel cheap, but it dosent mean they actually are.

-Kanrabat- wrote:

fenrir72 wrote:
Just receive TAV-21 just a few minutes ago. Do you mean the soft plastic parts as the weapon accessories? 'cause the figure's plastics itself feels harder than the TF Prime Optimus Maximus.

And he's just biggyliciious awesome. Jazz too is great with all the new paint apps. Can't wait for Runaboutto arrive.

What he probably meant was that he's not ROCK SOLID as what TFs used to be like. For example, in ROTF or Cybertron. Most TFs nowadays are made out of this kinda soft, semi transparent plastic. I don't know if it's because it's cheaper to make and/or they are less likely to snap and break.

CW titant Devastator is made out of that, along the RID Prime and FOC figures.

I personally think they feel cheap, but it dosent mean they actually are.

So it's the oomph factor then? Btw, the soft part I DID notice were the folding pannels that held his wheels.That was a bit soft. Cybertron? Now tTHAT to me was the end of an era. The big@ss Firetruck Optimus was a solid beotch!

I do really miss those days. The solid ones I last held were from Art storm Roadbuster and MP Starsaber (his arms and legs that is).

Yes, the panels that hold TAV-21's wheels, both for the cab and the trailer, are VERY soft, pliable plastic pieces. But the bigger bummer is simply that the figure could have been a little bit better overall. For instance, I don't like how the truck cab just kind of softly sets into place in vehicle mode. It feels like it should pop and "click" in just a bit more when fully extended, but it doesn't, and you can see hollow gaps where the panels swivel past one another. The wheels on the trailer don't like to stay locked in place either, and even when they are, they're not in perfectly parallel lines, but angled ever so slightly.

Wolfman Jake wrote:Yes, the panels that hold TAV-21's wheels, both for the cab and the trailer, are VERY soft, pliable plastic pieces. But the bigger bummer is simply that the figure could have been a little bit better overall. For instance, I don't like how the truck cab just kind of softly sets into place in vehicle mode. It feels like it should pop and "click" in just a bit more when fully extended, but it doesn't, and you can see hollow gaps where the panels swivel past one another. The wheels on the trailer don't like to stay locked in place either, and even when they are, they're not in perfectly parallel lines, but angled ever so slightly.

I noticed too that the cab panel that folds out to his back won't lock in lock in. Maybe that's how he was designed.. Slightly softer than the main parts too but still harder than Optimus Maximus (that figure also had a somewhat awesome yet simple design but waaaaay too soft. Myabe if that d@mn battery sound effect was dropped and focused on more sturdy a material. Yup....really am teed off at these battery powered gimmickry.

I just opened up my TAV-21 this morning and messed with it. I love it. Takes a little work getting things set straight but everything does set into place just fine in both modes for me. The rear wheels were weird until I figured out exactly how that clip works, and haven't had any problem getting the cab to stick.

You know what I really like about it? It's an Optimus that does more than "front of the cab is torso and arms, back and/or trailer are the legs". The feet are the top of the cab! My mind was blown by that touch, really unique among all the gillions of Optimus molds for that, I think.

ScottyP wrote:I just opened up my TAV-21 this morning and messed with it. I love it. Takes a little work getting things set straight but everything does set into place just fine in both modes for me. The rear wheels were weird until I figured out exactly how that clip works, and haven't had any problem getting the cab to stick.

You know what I really like about it? It's an Optimus that does more than "front of the cab is torso and arms, back and/or trailer are the legs". The feet are the top of the cab! My mind was blown by that touch, really unique among all the gillions of Optimus molds for that, I think.

Prime First Edition Optimus Prime did it too. Both the deluxe and voyager!

-Kanrabat- wrote:

ScottyP wrote:I just opened up my TAV-21 this morning and messed with it. I love it. Takes a little work getting things set straight but everything does set into place just fine in both modes for me. The rear wheels were weird until I figured out exactly how that clip works, and haven't had any problem getting the cab to stick.

You know what I really like about it? It's an Optimus that does more than "front of the cab is torso and arms, back and/or trailer are the legs". The feet are the top of the cab! My mind was blown by that touch, really unique among all the gillions of Optimus molds for that, I think.

Prime First Edition Optimus Prime did it too. Both the deluxe and voyager!

Ah, that's right! Makes it even better that this one does in that case since they're technically the same character.

ScottyP wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:

ScottyP wrote:I just opened up my TAV-21 this morning and messed with it. I love it. Takes a little work getting things set straight but everything does set into place just fine in both modes for me. The rear wheels were weird until I figured out exactly how that clip works, and haven't had any problem getting the cab to stick.

You know what I really like about it? It's an Optimus that does more than "front of the cab is torso and arms, back and/or trailer are the legs". The feet are the top of the cab! My mind was blown by that touch, really unique among all the gillions of Optimus molds for that, I think.

Prime First Edition Optimus Prime did it too. Both the deluxe and voyager!

Ah, that's right! Makes it even better that this one does in that case since they're technically the same character.

And it's a callback to one of the best Optimusesssisieisesei of the past five years.
(Along with EMOP.)

Va'al wrote:
And it's a callback to one of the best Optimusesssisieisesei of the past five years.
(Along with EMOP.)

Evasion mode prime is one of my favorites. that thing pulls off both modes so well and very cleanly. Love it

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail ... agecnt%3D1

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail ... agecnt%3D1

Jazz es still availabel at amiami fer those who are ztill interested.Same with Optimus.

I can't recommend TAV Jazz enough. He's a great figure, solidly constructed, with an easy but satisfying and fun to transform, and the Takara paint apps bring out the detail where the Hasbro version sadly lacks. Get him while you can!

After our very own Seibertronians sent us a good look at Takara Tomy Transformers Adventure TAV-23 Jazz, the Higekuma Toy blog also added their take on the toy, along with TAV-22 Sideswipe from the same line! Check out the mirrored images below, and head here to find out more from the source.

And we finally know how Sideswipe can store his sword

Lol look at how much dust is on Sideswipe in those pictures!

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:And we finally know how Sideswipe can store his sword

And he can whisper sweet nothings into the hilt's ear. Adorable!

I like their added details on Sideswipe, but I think he's in an upcoming Vs pack, yes? Can just wait for that and get the random re-deco packed in as a bonus.

ScottyP wrote:I like their added details on Sideswipe, but I think he's in an upcoming Vs pack, yes? Can just wait for that and get the random re-deco packed in as a bonus.

Ironically, the VS pack he'll be in will be with another Autobot: Stepper.

Sabrblade wrote:

ScottyP wrote:I like their added details on Sideswipe, but I think he's in an upcoming Vs pack, yes? Can just wait for that and get the random re-deco packed in as a bonus.

Ironically, the VS pack he'll be in will be with another Autobot: Stepper.

Would that be the mysterious TAV-VS04 that we haven't got listings for yet, despite having them for VS05 and 06?

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:And we finally know how Sideswipe can store his sword

I wanna say I tried shoving the sword there when I first got mine. The way I had it made his flip down chest piece drag the ground worse. I will have to try again when I get a chance. I wonder if Takara made any modifications to allow the sword to store there more easily?

carytheone wrote:

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:And we finally know how Sideswipe can store his sword

I wanna say I tried shoving the sword there when I first got mine. The way I had it made his flip down chest piece drag the ground worse. I will have to try again when I get a chance. I wonder if Takara made any modifications to allow the sword to store there more easily?

would be nice. that sword storage looks very nice. and now we know to turn his head to prevent dragging

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:

carytheone wrote:

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:And we finally know how Sideswipe can store his sword

I wanna say I tried shoving the sword there when I first got mine. The way I had it made his flip down chest piece drag the ground worse. I will have to try again when I get a chance. I wonder if Takara made any modifications to allow the sword to store there more easily?

would be nice. that sword storage looks very nice. and now we know to turn his head to prevent dragging

His head wasnt the main problem for dragging, it was that folding chest piece. The only way for him to no be dragging is to remove it and turn his head that way.