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Post by blueshift on Mar 21, 2014 22:15:05 GMT
When the MP line first started I snapped them up eagerly. But now I know what the line can 'do', in a way each new release isn't that exciting any more. It's more of a 'same old, same old'. They pretty much do what they say on the tin. I like to be surprised more by stuff.
I suspect part of that is the lack of die-cast. I know it makes the figures heavy and harder to transform, but I loved MP Prime as he was so big and heavy and screamed 'quality' at me.
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Post by Shockprowl on Mar 22, 2014 5:30:32 GMT
Reflector! Like it! 3 all the same? Or more toy accurate? I think I made this suggestion somewhere else, some talk of mega class toys I think, but MP Reflector should be on similar size to the exosuit with Bumblebee and packaged alongside 3 other MP Decepticons. I'm thinking with the 3 insecticons made to about the same size as Bumblebee. The combined camera mode would probably be a bit large but probably holdable by Soundwave in some way or another. Yes I remember you suggesting it now. I think it's an excellent idea. I can see it happening now we're getting that exo suit figure. |
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Post by Pinwig on Mar 22, 2014 12:40:05 GMT
Besides "look just like a very bad 30 year old cartoon," what do they do? What does that odd looking MP Bumblebee do that Classics doesn't? What would Jazz do that RTS Jazz doesn't? That thing is already about as good as a toy can get. Your reply here really made me think about this, because I totally see your perspective. I think it comes down to the different ways people define their perfect Transformer toys. RTS Jazz is a lovely looking figure, but in the Masterpiece line I'm looking for something closer to a display piece than a toy, but also something that gives me an ultimate version of the original character. Not necessarily toy, something that rolls the toy, comic and cartoon figure into one as a perfect representation - and at a collector scale. RTS Jazz is a great looking figure, I wish I had one, but he doesn't tick all those boxes for me. He's too small, looks more like a toy than a display piece, and is an interpretation of the spirit of Jazz, not a representation of him. MP Hotrod is terrible, and oversized even for it's own toyline. Doesn't hold together well in any mode, and has a horrible alt mode that doesn't look anything like him. Seriously, I'd rather have the actual G1 figure. At least it gets ground clearance. This is the only Masterpiece mould I don't have. I will eventually, I am just holding out to see if he gets an Asia reissue as there have been a few of those recently, or if he reappears when Magnus comes out. The sizing there is surely because at that point there was no scale in the MP line, they were all treated as individuals weren't they? Wasn't it only when MP10 arrived they shrunk Prime to reboot the line in an affordable consistent scale? MP09 is also about right as Rodimus. Sideswipe is a terrible representation of both sideswipe and the car. Blocky, inelegant, and lacking in any contours or details. It's just ugly. The original (i have in the form of G2) is a beautifully sculpted toy. Grimlock got given a serving tray and an apron. And I've made it clear the only worse dino mode in all of the franchise belongs to FoC Grimmy. I just don't see that at all. MP Sideswipe is all kinds of awesomeness. His square shoulders match his rugged sporty personality. The only difference I see is that the wheels aren't on the shoulders in the MP version, apart from that I adore the MP one. I adore the original too, but the G1 version is no less boxy. And MP Grimlock is just scaled up from the original, he to me seems one of the closest to looking like his G1 counterpart. Megatron was completely laughable with it's clown sized altmode. They were onto a loser with that from the start. The original Megs is a wobbly mess, and to keep the robot the right height to display with MP01 he had to be large. I think Megatron is the one concession I would make in the post MP10 line, a new one would need to be a tank. Gosh, did I really say that? Ooh that hurts. Other than because they blew out the original MP Optimus, I don't understand what the point behind the second one is. But I'll admit they did fix the two major flaws in the original: shrink it down to a better size, and get rid of the awful diecast. Primes come out regularly, and there was nigh on ten years between those two. I think the point with that figure was to signal intent that the line was being rebooted. I think you could see the MP line to that point as being experimental. With MP10 they knew this was an ongoing series of figures rather than random one offs. I just hope it continues that way now they've gone back to the old designer. The Magnus and fans' choice ones don't give me much hope of that though. It seems to be getting fragmented again. I think if they hadn't shrunk the figures slightly we wouldn't have as many as we do now. They'd still cost too much. And on a side note, I *really* don't comprehend the idea of taking the gorgeous and perfect MP Starscream mold and butchering it into that hideous monstrosity they put out now. This I think shows the difference in our perspectives  I look at MP03 and see an intricate robot with high detail in the surfaces and a perfect plane mode. It's a figure that does ooze class and is striking to look at. But it isn't Starscream because the colours are wrong and the panel detail is too high. No matter what you do with it, the hip kibble also destroys the streamlined aesthetic. It looks like a toy from another range. MP11 on the other hand fixes the kibble issue, puts him in the right colour scheme and tones down the intricacy of the detail so it comes back closer to the cartoon/G1 toy. In my eyes it's a better balance between a display model and Starscream's original character. But I do understand what you mean. The legs are a good example of that, MP03 is sleek and more Japanese looking, MP11 is back to being boxier (partly due to storing the kibble MP03 doesn't). I see where you're coming from, but I think bottom line for me the Masterpieces should retain a lot of the G1 original. The only thing I see wrong with MP11 is that the head is way too dark. It doesn't match the rest of the figure. The original US recolour did that better. |
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Post by Toph on Mar 22, 2014 15:46:50 GMT
But it's the hip kibble that's one of the things that makes Starscream so great in my eyes. It's at once elegant, and striking.
It calls to mind sword sheaths, which is the intended effect. Which makes him feel more like a general, to me.
As for colors, he's gotten his G1 colors, twice. Both by Hasbro and Takara. Along with a significantly better and more accurately colored Thundercracker than the "new" one.
So far, Optimus, and the first go of the Seeker are the only ones that have hit the marks, to me as the be-all, end-all version of the characters. The rest have better versions (or equal, making the MPs just an overglorified sidestep) elsewhere.
If they mean so much to you, that's brilliant, and I'm happy for that. But i still fail to see where they're so much better than classics.
And cause there's nowhere to address this tiny comment I have into the rest without being awkward and forced, I'll put it here.
RTS Jazz *is* the ultimate version of the character, imo. It only draws back at being an exact representation of the car, which to me is just nitpicky.
Something I realized as I was typing up about Jazz, I think I realized what doesn't click about the new MPs, from Rodimus on, save only for grimlock. They lack personality and character. They feel like bland homogenized cookiecutter versions of the character. Where as the first MP seeker had oodles of personality, they seemed to have rung it out of him.
To me, I guess it boils down that there's absolutely no cleverness or sense of fun to the line. Each release just seems like a completely boring figure.
I got my MP G2 Sideswipe almost at the same time I got Gen Armada Starscream. As much as I love G2, i dont even really feel a need to look at him. Put him on the "G2 classics" shelf, and haven't touched him sense. While i can't seem to bring myself to put Armadascream down, despite having flaws that the mp sideswipe doesnt.
It has so much more character to it and it's overall design that it screams "fiddle with me!" in ways the Sideswipe doesn't.
The first mp seeker mold also has this "fiddle with me" vibe. Optimus 1, and Grimlock, also. (Megatron just screams "look at me and I'll break")
While I could be wrong as I don't have them, judging by the pictures, the datsun, wheeljack, and Bumblebee also completely lack the fiddle vibe.
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Post by blueshift on Mar 22, 2014 15:52:02 GMT
Something I realized as I was typing up about Jazz, I think I realized what doesn't click about the new MPs, from Rodimus on, save only for grimlock. They lack personality and character. They feel like bland homogenized cookiecutter versions of the character. Where as the first MP seeker had oodles of personality, they seemed to have rung it out of him. To me, I guess it boils down that there's absolutely no cleverness or sense of fun to the line. Each release just seems like a completely boring figure. Yeah, that's how I feel. When I'm told now there's 'Masterpiece X' coming out, I'm not wondering how they'll do 'X' anymore, it'll just be totally obvious. Yup, that's a Sideswipe all right! I guess cars as a whole are less interesting, as most just don't have that interesting a transformation, and the all-plastic look kills it for me (I know, I know) I did like Rodimus for how he could change from Hot Rod to Rodimus Prime, that was so clever, just the poor build quality killed it for me. All those reports of figures having limbs broken straight out of the box due to dodgy spring placement or something. Not going to risk £200 on that!! |
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Post by Andy Turnbull on Mar 22, 2014 18:04:53 GMT
1 - Ratchet
2 - Impactor
3 - Thunder Clash
4 - Jhiaxus
5 - Liege Maximo.
Andy
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Post by Shockprowl on Mar 22, 2014 19:24:10 GMT
Megatron was completely laughable with it's clown sized altmode. They were onto a loser with that from the start. The original Megs is a wobbly mess, and to keep the robot the right height to display with MP01 he had to be large. I think Megatron is the one concession I would make in the post MP10 line, a new one would need to be a tank. Gosh, did I really say that? Ooh that hurts. It's a tough one, a new MP Megatron! On the one hand, the gun alt mode is so iconic! Yet on the other, it's, well, stupid. We've discussed the possibilities on here more than once, but a G1 cartoon accurate robot mode, and a tank alt mode is what I'd like to see. Glad I'm not a Transformers designer! Hopefully Takara are pondering these same problems. |
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Post by Shockprowl on Mar 22, 2014 19:29:31 GMT
Besides "look just like a very bad 30 year old cartoon," what do they do? What does that odd looking MP Bumblebee do that Classics doesn't? What would Jazz do that RTS Jazz doesn't? That thing is already about as good as a toy can get. Your reply here really made me think about this, because I totally see your perspective. I think it comes down to the different ways people define their perfect Transformer toys. RTS Jazz is a lovely looking figure, but in the Masterpiece line I'm looking for something closer to a display piece than a toy, but also something that gives me an ultimate version of the original character. Not necessarily toy, something that rolls the toy, comic and cartoon figure into one as a perfect representation - and at a collector scale. RTS Jazz is a great looking figure, I wish I had one, but he doesn't tick all those boxes for me. He's too small, looks more like a toy than a display piece, and is an interpretation of the spirit of Jazz, not a representation of him. RTS/'Classics' Jazz is a great GREAT toy. I love mine, he's fantastic. But compare his 'styling' with MP Prowl? No contest, MP wins. I think Pinwig's right, Jazz is a great toy, but he is a toy, where a MP Jazz, like MP Prowl, would be a display piece. It really does come down to personal opinion, and that's what's so great about Transformers, everyone takes from it different perspectives. |
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Jim
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Post by Jim on Mar 22, 2014 23:21:54 GMT
I'm with Pinwig on this, for me the MPs win. United Jazz is a great toy, but an MP which turns into a Porsche 935? Easy choice! I'd keep the arguably more interesting Stepper and Kick-Off repaints to still have that mould. And in all honesty, the MPs I have experience of definitely have fiddle factor - Streak has not been put back in the box yet, Grimlock has remained on the desk for almost 3 years, and not gathering dust.
As for top 5, they're fairly obvious and will most likely turn up in the next few years (at least the top 4):
1. Skids
2. Tracks
3. Hoist
4. Jazz
5. Blaster + tapes
Bubbling under: Huffer, more Dinobots, Galvatron, Kup, Grapple. I could go for a Goldbug rejig of BB to partner up with Blaster.
-Jim
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Post by Pinwig on Mar 22, 2014 23:30:10 GMT
Okay, so two lists:
The 'Practical' list based on the existing release pattern:
5 Jazz, essential and noticeably missing atm
4 Hound, another unique car to round out the lineup
3 Galvatron, to go with Magnus
2 Shockwave, would love to see Quakewave bettered
1 Blaster, scaled to Soundwave's height and with cassettes
Also can't leave out the Insecticons. I don't see why they aren't possible and would love them. Same for Ratchet if a cartoon version is mechanically possible. Warpath, Gears, Windcharger if we're now doing minibots. Tank Megatron. I'll leave the Dinobots to 3P.
The 'fantasy' list:
5 Jetfire
4 Sixshot
3 Devastator set
2 Hardhead or Highbrow
1 Omega Supreme
Also rans: gun Megatron. Might be the right size scaled to MP10. Wreck-Gar. The rest of the headmasters.
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Post by Shockprowl on Mar 23, 2014 5:35:38 GMT
2 Shockwave, would love to see Quakewave bettered. Surely, you don't think that's possible?! |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2014 8:48:42 GMT
There's an interesting conundrum coming out of this regarding 3P figures. With such excellent efforts for Shockwave, Sixshot and even Omega Supreme, do you think Takara actually consider 3P so-called Masterpieces? I've always imagined they couldn't care less and if they did, they'd just start suing them.
I'd really like to see the triple changers in MP scale but I'd like Mastermind Creations to make them with the same expertise as Sixshot.
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Post by Toph on Mar 23, 2014 9:43:49 GMT
Actually most 3Ps are in china, which is virtually impossible to pursue litigation against knockoff companies in there.
Apple and Microsoft can't manage it, and if anyone could, it'd be them.
So the lack of lawsuit isn't because they don't care. They care a great deal. It's that they can't. The only muscle they can flex is forcing stores with litigation if they sell, and sometimes that's more trouble than it's worth in terms of publicity and PR. Hasbro/Takara would come off as bullies, and not as the rightful victims of genuine criminal activity.
So, the only course of action left to them is ignoring it, and doing what they would do anyway, or trying to beat them to the punch. In this case, if takara does or doesn't do an MP Shockwave, it's nothing to do with Quakewave.
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Post by blueshift on Mar 23, 2014 9:56:19 GMT
Actually most 3Ps are in china, which is virtually impossible to pursue litigation against knockoff companies in there. Apple and Microsoft can't manage it, and if anyone could, it'd be them. So the lack of lawsuit isn't because they don't care. They care a great deal. It's that they can't. The only muscle they can flex is forcing stores with litigation if they sell, and sometimes that's more trouble than it's worth in terms of publicity and PR. Hasbro/Takara would come off as bullies, and not as the rightful victims of genuine criminal activity. So, the only course of action left to them is ignoring it, and doing what they would do anyway, or trying to beat them to the punch. In this case, if takara does or doesn't do an MP Shockwave, it's nothing to do with Quakewave. There must be some sort of Western/Japanese component to these 3P companies though. I didn't think Transformers was that big in CHina to encourage such care and attention over 3P figures. |
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Post by Toph on Mar 23, 2014 11:30:27 GMT
Look at where the majority of their market is. America, uk, europe, austrailia, japan. They're making this stuff for us. If chinese customers buy it, more's the better, but they don't need them.
And those that aren't chinese probably hide behind chinese law, as most (if not all) seem to be manufactured there.
Hasbro can't even bring litigation up against those who physically steal hasbro's own merch, to sell on ebay.
Even if I'm wrong on the simantics, they obviously are hiding behind some international lack of law that makes it virtually impossible for hasbro or takara to go after. It's not like a profitable business to turn a blind eye on someone literaly stealing their stuff.
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Post by blueshift on Mar 23, 2014 12:37:00 GMT
Look at where the majority of their market is. America, uk, europe, austrailia, japan. They're making this stuff for us. If chinese customers buy it, more's the better, but they don't need them. And those that aren't chinese probably hide behind chinese law, as most (if not all) seem to be manufactured there. Hasbro can't even bring litigation up against those who physically steal hasbro's own merch, to sell on ebay. Even if I'm wrong on the simantics, they obviously are hiding behind some international lack of law that makes it virtually impossible for hasbro or takara to go after. It's not like a profitable business to turn a blind eye on someone literaly stealing their stuff. Its more the motivation to make super accurate, cleverly engineered third party Transformers in the first place |
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Post by Llama God on Mar 23, 2014 14:56:56 GMT
I've been pondering the original question for a few days now (what? I've been busy), and it seems that a lot of other people have been asking the same thing about that question that has been troubling me: What exactly *does* make a "Masterpiece"?
If we go back to the beginning of the line, and take a look at MP-01, then there's no question that that was a Masterpiece. You can argue all you like about whether MP-10 is better or not, but you really need to examine MP-01 in context. At the time we had Armada and Energon toys (I think - it was roughly around that era), which, whilst being fun toys, weren't the cleverest or best engineered. And then MP-01 was revealed - a toy that was aimed at collectors, that could transform from a (kinda) realistic vehicle mode into a cartoon-accurate toy, hiding all the vehicle mode kibble whilst it did so. MP-01 was a clever toy, and at the time definitely deserved to be described as a "Masterpiece".
But what of the follow-ups? Megatron was a difficult one, to be sure, but I wouldn't say it was a disaster - there was some very clever engineering in there to make it collapse into the thin (if oversized) gun mode, so there was definitely something master-ful in the design. But Starscream? Yeah, he's got a great jet mode, but it wasn't cartoon accurate. So... what does that mean? Is it a Masterpiece, or just an interesting toy?
In my mind, the "Masterpiece" range has become, really, a line of "very interesting and well-designed toys", but they lack a special something that makes them stand out as being proper "Masterpieces". Maybe this is just me being jaded, and wanting to see more, wanting to get the same kind of feeling that I first got when I saw MP-01, and maybe I'm just being unfair, but it does just feel like a collector's line. (A collector's line of very good toys, though - don't get me wrong, I think they're brilliant. I'm just being pedantic now.)
Personally, I think a lot of toys from the other lines could also be considered to be "Masterpieces". The one that immediately (and always) springs to mind is RotF "Buster" Optimus Prime. He transforms from a good-looking truck to as close as a movie-accuracte robot as we could ever get, and it's a very clever transformation too. But he's not considered a "Masterpiece", because... he wasn't released under that label.
For me, I think, a true "Masterpiece" is a toy that's clever, looks good, and does something that interests me. Which means that I'd consider Masterpiece Lazerbeak to be a "Masterpiece" because of the funky, integrated transformation, but not Soundwave, since that's just a slightly-better realised version of the original.
What? I ask for too much? Yeah. Probably.
The other problem that I have with the Masterpiece line at the moment is that they're pandering to the G1 cartoon crowd (although the forth-coming Star Saber is going to be a welcome breath of fresh air). For me Transformers was always about the G1 comic, and I'd like to see more designs influenced by that. Even though - I know - the cartoon and the comic shared the same basic character models.
So all that said, I should probably go back to the original question, and state the five that I'd want to see:
1. Megatron/Galvatron. I'd really like to see a detailed, transforming version of Megatron that could be re-skinned into Galvatron. Like in the movie. That kind of gimmick would make it a "Masterpiece" to me.
2. Ratchet. G1, of course, and naturally there'd be no distinction between cartoon and comic, but I'd like to see him come with some of the accessories from the comic, a MARB, and a teeny Buster Witwicky. In the comics, this guy was Megatron's nemesis - he deserves a Masterpiece.
3. Scorponok. Not a city-former, but a more comic-accurate version of the character, complete with a morally-questioned Lord Zarak Headmaster companion. Scorponok ended up being pretty important in the comics, and he deserves his moment.
4. Cloudburst. Yes, really. I'd love to see what the Masterpiece team could do with a Pretender. And I've picked Cloudburst because I always had a thing for the red jet. Failing that, there's the obvious choice of Bludgeon - there'd be so much to work with for him.
5. War Within Optimus Prime/IDW Orion Pax. Because it's a great design and it still hasn't been realised properly as a toy.
Close runners up would be characters like Jetfire (again with a Buster Witwicky figure), Shockwave (maybe with an Optimus Prime head - and an electrocuted Buster Witwicky figure), Straxus (without Buster Witwicky but with a removable head and fishbowl), Jhiaxus... and more.
So yeah, this is pretty much a dream list. But these are all things that would make me sit up and go "Ooooh!"
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Post by Pinwig on Mar 23, 2014 18:27:57 GMT
But it's the hip kibble that's one of the things that makes Starscream so great in my eyes. It's at once elegant, and striking. It calls to mind sword sheaths, which is the intended effect. Which makes him feel more like a general, to me. As for colors, he's gotten his G1 colors, twice. Both by Hasbro and Takara. Along with a significantly better and more accurately colored Thundercracker than the "new" one. Oh right, yes I thought you were specifically talking about the original rather than the recolours. I do see what you mean, I have the older mould in the guise of Skywarp. I'd not thought about the kibble acting as sword sheaths, that's a nice idea. I just think side by side the revision for MP11 works better. I get your idea that the Masterpiece line should be something beyond a refined version of the G1 toys, I'm just not sure that's what I want out of them. I'm just looking for a more detailed larger scale figure that retains as much as possible of the original, and I think most of the MPs do that. I'm not looking for something that takes that and pushes it into a new dimension. MP03 to me just doesn't look like Starscream. I am all for updates to designs and new ideas, but I'm happy to see that play out in the Generations line. I know the FoC figures aren't a good example of that, but at least there you have familiar names being looked at in a new way or reimagined. I love those ideas, like I loved Animated. I can understand that. In fact I don't fiddle with the Masterpieces, they're display figures. In that regard I suppose I personally don't class them as toys. That I think is the difference between our perspectives here, I can see how RTS Jazz is an outstanding toy - a new version of the original that keeps everything about the character and gives it size, articulation and draws out more of the personality from the comics and cartoons - actually I've almost persuaded myself to buy one here - but I don't think that makes him a Masterpiece, that makes him a better modern toy. The Masterpiece line is more about providing a highly detailed homage to the original figure. I think. -Rich |
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Post by Pinwig on Mar 23, 2014 18:32:17 GMT
2 Shockwave, would love to see Quakewave bettered. Surely, you don't think that's possible?! I don't think it is, but Shockwave's in my elite top tier of most loved Transformers, so I'd like to see what Takara could do with him. Can't have too many Shockwaves. -Rich |
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Post by Bogatan on Mar 23, 2014 18:55:31 GMT
But it's the hip kibble that's one of the things that makes Starscream so great in my eyes. It's at once elegant, and striking. It calls to mind sword sheaths, which is the intended effect. Which makes him feel more like a general, to me. As for colors, he's gotten his G1 colors, twice. Both by Hasbro and Takara. Along with a significantly better and more accurately colored Thundercracker than the "new" one. I think the simple explanation is that most people dont want a Masterpiece toy to introduce something new to the character. It's usually about getting a definitive version of the character they know. Also there's those of us that simply dont like them and think they get in the way. And personally I've always like the bits attached to legs and arms or kibble on the back when they look stylish. One of my only issues with MP Grimlock is the removal of the tail sections to me they are part of the character, just as the almost wing like kibble on the back. The strike jets are the same so the change just annoyed me. So far, Optimus, and the first go of the Seeker are the only ones that have hit the marks, to me as the be-all, end-all version of the characters. The rest have better versions (or equal, making the MPs just an overglorified sidestep) elsewhere. If they mean so much to you, that's brilliant, and I'm happy for that. But i still fail to see where they're so much better than classics. Same as above, most classics are bringing something new to the table, in some cases brilliantly, instead of attempting to incorporate and perfect all the existing elements that make G1 Bumblebee in people minds. And cause there's nowhere to address this tiny comment I have into the rest without being awkward and forced, I'll put it here. RTS Jazz *is* the ultimate version of the character, imo. It only draws back at being an exact representation of the car, which to me is just nitpicky. I mostly agree with you. RTS Jazz is one of my favourite moulds of all time. But it isn't to me the perfect representation of Jazz as I knew the character in the 1980s. It might well prove to be the ultimate version certainly taking in to account that it cost £10 any MP Jazz will have to be very good to beat it on value or to improve the transformation, but it can beat the RTS by being more G1 looking in robot mode and though like you I don't worry much about it a closer vehicle mode. Something I realized as I was typing up about Jazz, I think I realized what doesn't click about the new MPs, from Rodimus on, save only for grimlock. They lack personality and character. They feel like bland homogenized cookiecutter versions of the character. Where as the first MP seeker had oodles of personality, they seemed to have rung it out of him. To me, I guess it boils down that there's absolutely no cleverness or sense of fun to the line. Each release just seems like a completely boring figure. I got my MP G2 Sideswipe almost at the same time I got Gen Armada Starscream. As much as I love G2, i dont even really feel a need to look at him. Put him on the "G2 classics" shelf, and haven't touched him sense. While i can't seem to bring myself to put Armadascream down, despite having flaws that the mp sideswipe doesnt. It has so much more character to it and it's overall design that it screams "fiddle with me!" in ways the Sideswipe doesn't. The first mp seeker mold also has this "fiddle with me" vibe. Optimus 1, and Grimlock, also. (Megatron just screams "look at me and I'll break") While I could be wrong as I don't have them, judging by the pictures, the datsun, wheeljack, and Bumblebee also completely lack the fiddle vibe. Were I find the slightly simplified MPs so much more fun to fiddle with. Especially the tapes. As to lack of character I mostly disagree, the exception is Sideswipe, I do find the face a little generic which is another reason to love G2 Sideswipe. |
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Post by Bogatan on Mar 23, 2014 19:00:31 GMT
I've also been thinking about the licenses vehicle modes. I've been against it for the most part, but reading this thread it has occurred to me that one positive is that it forces a level of detail that the focus on cartoon accurate robot modes doesnt require. Being licensed ensure theres lots of detail even in robot mode that might not end up there if the designers didn't have to include it and because of the car mode details the robot only parts need a certain level of detail on them in order to blend in with the licensed parts.
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Post by Shockprowl on Mar 23, 2014 19:43:20 GMT
Surely, you don't think that's possible?! I don't think it is, but Shockwave's in my elite top tier of most loved Transformers, so I'd like to see what Takara could do with him. Can't have too many Shockwaves. -Rich Wise words, chumb, there can never be too many. |
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Post by The Doctor on Mar 23, 2014 21:30:15 GMT
Llama God has pretty much already echoed my feelings on the 'what is an MP?' line of thought! We seem to think as one! All I would add is that personally I've never had an interest in collector items designed mostly for display. I'm really only interested in toys I can pick up and play with, especially if it's expensive. I don't see the point in spending lots of money on a Transformer that sits on a shelf and is never touched as that does not give me enjoyment. Just comes down to personal taste really. A lot of the Transformers MP line past and present look very clever and interesting. I find a lot to admire in them though very little urge to own as they feel more like collector pieces than toys. An exception for me is MP Grimlock which I do own as it feels like a toy to me and is dug out from the cupboard for adventures from time to time!
-Ralph
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Post by Pinwig on Mar 23, 2014 22:22:22 GMT
I think the simple explanation is that most people dont want a Masterpiece toy to introduce something new to the character. It's usually about getting a definitive version of the character they know. There we go, I spent half an hour trying to work that out and you've done it perfectly in a sentence. Nail firmly hit on head. |
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Post by Toph on Mar 23, 2014 22:43:49 GMT
I gotta side with llama and the doc on this. If I'm paying $80-$100+ a pop for a toy, it has to do a lot more than sit there and look pretty. Otherwise I may as well buy a statue or bust, for a display piece.
Original MP Starscream, Grimlock, Optimus, and G2 Sideswipe all offer things I can't get better versions of for much more cheaply.
And as soon as they finally give us a decent G1 Optimus in the deluxe or voyager range, MP will lose it's only appeal.
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Post by Llama God on Mar 24, 2014 10:09:12 GMT
I gotta side with llama and the doc on this. If I'm paying $80-$100+ a pop for a toy, it has to do a lot more than sit there and look pretty. Otherwise I may as well buy a statue or bust, for a display piece. A very good point that, and one that I completely forgot to mention. Transformers are for... well... transforming. If I can't fiddle with it then it's no use to me. (That's what-) So yeah, that's one of the other components that make something a Masterpiece, and why MP Megatron fails - that thing's too damned fiddly and fragile. MP-10, on the other hand, seems to be quite robust and play-with-a-ble. And yes, so's Soundwave, but see above. Basically, it's a combination of lots of things. And playability is another of those. Sorry Takara - you don't get off that easily. ;-) |
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Post by Marc Graham on Mar 24, 2014 11:58:43 GMT
Hmmm.. (ignored announced ones like Ultra Magnus and BB)
Jazz
Shockwave
Ratchet
Ruckus
Scorponok
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Post by Benn on Mar 24, 2014 16:12:45 GMT
Actually, thinking about it, I could go for a Masterpiece Knock-Out. The Prime guy, not any other fellas with the name.
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Post by Shockprowl on Mar 25, 2014 8:07:21 GMT
Here's a question, chaps. Starscream. MP3 vs MP11 (11?). New version vs old version. How do they compare? Does anyone have or has haved, both versions? If so, please Go Compare(.com)!
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Post by Shockprowl on Mar 25, 2014 8:09:56 GMT
I have all three original Strike Planes in the old MP3 style. I display them without their hip fins attached. I love them! I love Starscream's grin. Surely, the newer mold isn't that improved on the older mold?
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