TakaraTomy TF Prime Deluxe and Voyager Arms Microns images

[FFN]

TakaraTomy have updated their website with some images of their version of the TF Prime Robots in Disguise toys.

http://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/toy/search/armsmicron/

As you can see, they're the same toys as the Hasbro releases in roughly the same paint decos, but with molded-on 5mm ports for the shiny new Targetmaster Min-Cons (who appear to have the sticker detailing mentioned in solicitations.)


Opinion Time
My problem is that unlike Armada, Energon and Dark of the Moon toys which were designed with add on Mini-Con partners and weapons in mind from the onset (and thus had proper clearance for the pegs and sockets as part of their designs), this seems like something TakTom created long after the toys had been designed, which is why the ports are recessed within newly-molded raised detailing - otherwise, they wouldn't be able to fit the Mini-Con's pegs there in vehicle mode.

[Tallestblue]

Well the clear draw here is the microns. Shame for all of us expecting something different. Oh well. It's just going to be First edtion core cast and RID for me then regarding Prime.

[Doubledealer]

:eek: Those Microns look sa-weet! Nice to see the little Autobot badge on Bumblebee too!

The pegs are a bit unfortunate but eh, can't have it all I suppose.

[griffin]

The ports remind me of the restraining bolts (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Restraining_bolt) on Droids in Star Wars... They look aweful. And yet, a lot of us are going to want the Microns, even if we won't have the JP toys to plug them into. :(

[griffin]

More details on the upcoming TakaraTomy Prime toys and Micron promotions here (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/takaratomy-updates-arms-micron-optimus-prime-and-bumblebee-official-images-and-new-campaign-microns-vector-oracle-and-firebolt-announced/24106/).
(shows two more LTD-ED redeco Microns)


They have also announced two new campaign Microns, Vector Oracle and Firebolt. Vector Oracle (http://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/toy/event/2012/micron/index.html) is a limited (4000 units) translucent green version of Nightstick (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/toys/classics-universe/nightstick/1675/) that will given away at Toys"R"Us locations in Japan for customers who spend 3000 Yen on Transformers products starting February 25th. Firebolt (http://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/toy/event/2012/prime/index.html) is a G1-ish redeco of PCC Pinpoint (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/toys/power-core-combiners/pinpoint/2184/) that can be acquired by pre-ordering TF: Prime Arms Micron Optimus Prime.

And names of some of the Prime Microns have been noted here (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/new-details-on-takaras-transformers-prime-arms-micron-line/24116/) from this site (http://snakas.blog95.fc2.com/).



AM-01 Optimus Prime with Ōpī
AM-02 Bumblebee with Bītsū
AM-03 Cliffjumper with Shieru
AM-04 Ratchet with Arue
AM-05 Megatron with Gora
AM-06 Skywarp with Baro

They are said to be included in an unassembled "model-kit" format on sprues, with stickers to add colour detailing. There will also be translucent parts included, for some future game tie-in.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Dammit, I should have gotten my United Unicron from TRU, but I forgot about Greenstick.:(
Looks like it'll be Hasbro Arcee for the Odieverse too.

[Doubledealer]

Finally, these are the pics I've been waiting to see. Cliffjumper and Megatron's Micron's are so freakin' badass! :eek: Note that all the toys have faction badges now and extra details like Ratchet's heart beat decal. Can't wait to see the packaging now, I think I heard somewhere they're all packaged in boxes?

http://www.seibertron.com/images/toys/uploads/1330160926_fk_092.jpg

http://www.seibertron.com/images/toys/uploads/1330160926_fk_093.jpg

http://www.seibertron.com/images/toys/uploads/1330160926_fk_094.jpg

http://www.seibertron.com/images/toys/uploads/1330160926_fk_095.jpg

[Sky Shadow]

That Masterpiece Starscream is so pretty.

[Hursticon]

Where's Soundwave DD!?! :eek::(
They do look really cool though, bit of a shame that the budget has called for lesser paint apps than that of even the Hasbro figures; Though, apparently stickers will be supplied so that could be cool. :o

[Doubledealer]

Where's Soundwave DD!?! :eek::(

Haha, too right! Reckon he'll have some kind of sticker for his face? Would be cool if they gave you a few different choices, or even randomised the stickers so you don't know which face you'll get! Ahh, I'm dreaming now I think. :p


They do look really cool though, bit of a shame that the budget has called for lesser paint apps than that of even the Hasbro figures; Though, apparently stickers will be supplied so that could be cool. :o

It's interesting isn't it, there are definitely pluses and minuses with both the Takara and Hasbro Prime toys. I think no matter which way you go, you're gonna get some awesome toys! Go for the cleaner looking, slightly more detailed (?) Hasbro releases with more standard weapons or go for the arguably more fun Takara releases with stickers, Minicons and Minicon ports. I love how they're both quite different as it gives collectors more choice and reason to invest in both releases.

[Hursticon]

Haha, too right! Reckon he'll have some kind of sticker for his face? Would be cool if they gave you a few different choices, or even randomised the stickers so you don't know which face you'll get! Ahh, I'm dreaming now I think. :p

That's certainly a possiblity :); though I think it might be seen as a little too difficult for younger kids but also if one was to lose the stickers (Or get the figure wet) then the toy would end up faceless and whilst that would make him more accurate than MOTUC's version of The Faceless One (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77ieTvRl7bw) :p, I think marketing would likely nix it for that fact. :o


It's interesting isn't it, there are definitely pluses and minuses with both the Takara and Hasbro Prime toys. I think no matter which way you go, you're gonna get some awesome toys! Go for the cleaner looking, slightly more detailed (?) Hasbro releases with more standard weapons or go for the arguably more fun Takara releases with stickers, Minicons and Minicon ports. I love how they're both quite different as it gives collectors more choice and reason to invest in both releases.

That's a very good way of putting it and it certainly does give a reason to consider picking up one or the other or even both, depending on how the stickers are tackled it could also play into the hands of older G1 collectors who like that sort of thing too; we'll have to wait for some 'in-hand' pics I reckon but Ireally want to know what's going on with Soundwave! :p

[1orion2many]

I can't get past the peg posts:eek:, I enjoy Pokeminicons but not enough to buy the Takara Prime toys. If they release the minis seperate I'd look at getting them. What size is the Starscream pictures as I much prefer the Hasbro one over that one as far as colouring goes.

[Sky Shadow]

hat size is the Starscream pictures as I much prefer the Hasbro one over that one as far as colouring goes.

Masterpiece? It's the new Masterpiece Seeker mould - slightly different to the old mould (which was probably falling apart after so many redecos.)

[FFN]

Rather, it was the original Masterpiece Starscream design before Kawamori asked for changes to make the plane more realistically streamlined and the robot mode more Macross-y. I believe he said he would have gone further if it wouldn't have significantly altered Starscream's robot mode.

I'm not sure what to think of making a Skywarp out of Prime Starscream. Prime Starscream's one of those *very* character-infused designs we've seen in recent years (the sort of thing TakaraTomy designers mention as being an American design style, and said that Japanese designers tend to make a base robot on which equipment is added onto them). Assuming this Skywarp toy is meant to be a dimwitted thug like G1 Skywarp, he would probably benefit from a beefier design, like Skyquake.

[reillyd]

It isn't clear WHERE to pre-order Optimus AM to get the Firebolt mini-con. Or is that the one that ships with him? I'm preordered for HLJ, but it certainly didn't mention a preorder bonus.

[Zippo]

Er, Takara! What has happened to you!
I love the Micron idea, and its cerntinally interesting that you have ditched the regular Hasbro weapons for another Transforming part in the toyline .. but why did you have to ruin perfectly ok alt molds with those extra ports randomly added to the toy.

ARGH

[Doubledealer]

Er, Takara! What has happened to you!
I love the Micron idea, and its cerntinally interesting that you have ditched the regular Hasbro weapons for another Transforming part in the toyline .. but why did you have to ruin perfectly ok alt molds with those extra ports randomly added to the toy.

ARGH

It would appear that a lot of people aren't happy about it! I remember looking at my 9 Arms Micron pre-orders on HLJ a few weeks back, at least 4 of which had the status Order Stop. Looking today, only 1 shows this status (Knockout) so I'm assuming there's been quite a few pre-order cancellations.

[griffin]

Images of the green JP Micron "Vector Oracle" can be seen here (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/takara-campaign-micron-vector-oracle-inhand-images/24122/), using the Classicverse Nightstick gun. People had to spend 3000 yen at JP TRU stores to get it.

[Hursticon]

Images of the green JP Micron "Vector Oracle" can be seen here (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/takara-campaign-micron-vector-oracle-inhand-images/24122/), using the Classicverse Nightstick gun. People had to spend 3000 yen at JP TRU stores to get it.

That green is entrancing... I'm not in the slightest bit interested in it but my eyes love looking at it for some reason. :confused::p

[1orion2many]

That green is entrancing... I'm not in the slightest bit interested in it but my eyes love looking at it for some reason. :confused::p

It's a Lolly:D

[Hursticon]

It's a Lolly:D

Good thing it's out of my reach then. :p

[Doubledealer]

Here are the latest pics highlighting new paint apps on Ratchet and a closer look at some of the Micron's alt modes. The wait for these is killing me!

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/primetoys-1.jpg

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/prime2.jpg

[sideswipes brother]

Ratchet, Soundwave and Vehicon will be mine :D

[kaiden]

i hate this. why must the takara and hasbro releases be different? i... i need them all.

[griffin]

More images of the first release JP TFPrime toys in the April issue of Dengeki Hobby magazine. (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/dengeki-hobby-magazine-april-scans/24162/)
A fair bit of artwork of the characters too.

[griffin]

And official pics of the first six Microns have now been put up on Takara's website, which have been mirrored here (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/official-images-takara-transformers-prime-micron-arms-figures/24161/)... plus a TV commercial from Japan (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/tv-commercial-of-takara-transformers-prime-am01-to-am06/24160/).

[Hursticon]

That TV commercial is long but rather cool, as with those Microns - I love how Megatron's is a little Lugnut-esque Gorilla and Prime's is clearly Shockwave! :eek::cool:

[Doubledealer]

I love how Megatron's is a little Lugnut-esque Gorilla and Prime's is clearly Shockwave! :eek::cool:

On both accounts, that's exactly what I thought too! A little apey Lugnut Micron, who better to serve Megatron in his time of need? :D Shockwave and Prime is an odd pairing but damnit don't Takara know how to get us wanting a figure we might otherwise dismiss insantly. RiD Prime alone? Meh...Prime and Shockwave? Like ZOMG. :p

[Hursticon]

On both accounts, that's exactly what I thought too! A little apey Lugnut Micron, who better to serve Megatron in his time of need? :D Shockwave and Prime is an odd pairing but damnit don't Takara know how to get us wanting a figure we might otherwise dismiss insantly. RiD Prime alone? Meh...Prime and Shockwave? Like ZOMG. :p

The Ape-iness of Lugnut seems to fit with the Decepticons apparently having more Animal-esque based Microns where as the Autobots have more Bot styled ones - It's not making my Prime collecting decisions any easier either, that's for sure. :p

[Sky Shadow]

Most of the Japanese Prime toys are back up for preorder at HLJ (http://www.hlj.com/scripts/hljlist?SeriesID=5092&DisplayMode=images&Dis=2&Sort=std&qid=3QR55IVT6DGZ&set=1&Page=1) (they were 'Order Stop' for a while there). I just ordered and Arms Micron Megatron, Skywarp and Terrorcon Cliffjumper. (I love the Decepticons' animal partners.)

[1orion2many]

Can you order the little fellas by themselves?

[kristofferrer]

does anyone know if this is based on the first release version of the tf prime toys? i saw Hasbro's RID version and they're not ..... well they're a little small.

[Paulbot]

does anyone know if this is based on the first release version of the tf prime toys? i saw Hasbro's RID version and they're not ..... well they're a little small.

These would be the same size as Hasbro's as they are the same base figures. I think the TakaraTomy toys have the Microns to compensate for the reduction in size without a reduction in price.

[kristofferrer]

These would be the same size as Hasbro's as they are the same base figures. I think the TakaraTomy toys have the Microns to compensate for the reduction in size without a reduction in price.

GAH i'm gutted!
:(

[UltraMarginal]

I've got to say I'm not particularly impressed.

The minicons will only have any meaning to me if they turn up in the show and I sincerely hope they don't, I just don't think they'd fit.

the vehicle mode ports are UUUGLY.

I do like the weapon mode of Ratchets minicon and the fact that they can all join together to make a BFG but that's about it. I'd rather chase down FE toys than the Takara version of PRIDE.

[Sky Shadow]

Can you order the little fellas by themselves?

I'm not sure - there is a preorder for 'Transformer Prime Arms Micron: 1 Box (10pcs) (http://www.hlj.com/product/TTA99608)' which will be some kind of 'blind box' release of Microns (probably recolours), but I think that's just Zad the lizard, Gob the cobra, and a gun Micron and sword Micron.

[Doubledealer]

I just ordered and Arms Micron Megatron, Skywarp and Terrorcon Cliffjumper. (I love the Decepticons' animal partners.)

Good on you. :) Nice to hear someone else is looking forward to these toys.

[kristofferrer]

Good on you. :) Nice to hear someone else is looking forward to these toys.

The toys are not bad... i just think it's predecessors were better.

[reillyd]

Its interestsing to see such a mixed reaction. People either love it, or hate it. Orders had been cut off for many of these at HLJ, but the reopened as someone pointed out earlier. They're now stopped again, so it looks like they're going to sell well at least.

[griffin]

A very short JP commercial for them (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/new-transformers-prime-arms-micron-commercial/24197/), posted up by TakaraTomy on their youtube channel.

[Hursticon]

A very short JP commercial for them (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/new-transformers-prime-arms-micron-commercial/24197/), posted up by TakaraTomy on their youtube channel.

Man I love how TakTom stick with their tried-and-true 'Stop-Motion' animated TF Toy ads, if Hasbro ever advertised their products in Aus nowadays they should consider these for sure! - It'll never happen I know but, you know, dreamin' and such... :p