Masterpiece Convoy 3.0 Revealed

[micfox001]

So this happened....

https://www.facebook.com/ActionRobo/photos/a.323370134426625/1942901709140118/?type=3&theater

If this is true, the RRP prior to discounts will be 50,000¥!

Masterpiece collecting is starting to feel kinda like those awful mobile games that suck people in for free early on and then increasingly bleed them until people give up.

Don't know if I can keep ordering doubles of these.

Other news from this is that it's been designated as MP-44 and will be released in August 2019.


Did you order doubles of MP-10a? If you did, then ordering MP-44 double would not be an issue.

[ChlorHex]

We're now moving into the high end premium BANDAI Chogokin robot price range for this.

As much as I like this figure, Optimus has been overdone to death and I can't justify the purchase.

Glad I bailed early in the masterpiece range.
Time to focus on 3rd party bots (yes, much to the disdain of some. Lol).

[DaptoDog]

Did you order doubles of MP-10a? If you did, then ordering MP-44 double would not be an issue.

Nope don't have the elusive Green BAPE. Have doubles of grey BAPE but even that was way cheaper than this and was limited release so you expect to pay more. This is a retail release for crying out loud.

[Tha_Phantom]

Using the 10% discount and some store credit, I got mine down to $515aud from Robotoyz. I'm happy with that.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

... I’d like to know more about the quality of materials and paint apps before committing.

Yeah, and even then, a $500+ figure is no guarantee that it's going to be free from QC issues -- a la Dinobot's sh!tshow shoulders.

[KELPIE]

I still don't have MP10 so I may get this... I'm just sick of Prime though and would much rather many other characters to get their turn. Surely we don't need a new Prime every 3 years?

I really hope 3p's don't think they can push the price up on their items due to this.

On Prime mk3, while he looks impressive. If I may nitpick, I really don't like the heels. looks like he's wearing a pair of cowboy boots and on certain angles looks like the back heel is floating.

[TaZZerath]

If a Masterpiece Titan-class figure ever comes out, imagine what the price might be :D

Banks could start doing 'Toy Loans' as opposed to Home Loans :D:D:D

[GoktimusPrime]

I've never really wanted that level of cartoon devotion though but obviously a lot of people do and that's fine. Likely pass for me.
↑ Exactly this!

This toy isn't meant for everyone. If you don't want it or can't justify spending this much on it, then just don't get it. Just as many of us skipped toys like MP9 or G1 Fortress Maximus etc.

I've heard that at least one online retailer has already sold 8 of these on pre-order just today, so clearly there are people interested.

[kovert]

Banks could start doing 'Toy Loans' as opposed to Home Loans :D:D:D

A 'subprime loan' perhaps? ;)

Expensive but the promo shots look great.

[Kranix]

Great looking MP for those who love the "walked straight out of the toon look". I don't personally and prefer MP-10. Still, many are going to love this figure. I like a lot of the accessories too, especially the Jetpack and human figures. Not a fan of the Starscream bits though.

As unpopular as my opinion will be, I think MP-44 looks even more toon than MP-36. To me MP-36 can still work with MP-10 but there is a huge difference between MP-10 and MP-44. Just the general slide to 100% toon from MP-22 to MP-44. Either way, lots of people will love this figure, even with its hefty price tag.

[Robzy]

That is perfection!! :eek::eek:

[GoktimusPrime]

Banks could start doing 'Toy Loans' as opposed to Home Loans :D:D:D
Believe it or not, but there are some collectors who are actually spending well beyond their means, and in some cases, close to spending themselves out of house and home. You occasionally see people posting sales saying, "Need to pay bills." :eek: :eek: :eek:

I've heard stories about collectors who are financially struggling; many of whom even have families, then you hear about people having mad fights with spouses/partners or even hiding purchases in shame to avoid confrontations etc. Spending big is fine if you can afford it, but obviously if you can't then you need to spend less. In other news, water wet. :o

[Galvatran]

I'm gonna start a pyramid scheme & buy me one... two if enough people fall for support the scheme.



Believe it or not, but there are some collectors who are actually spending well beyond their means, and in some cases, close to spending themselves out of house and home. You occasionally see people posting sales saying, "Need to pay bills." :eek: :eek: :eek:

I've heard stories about collectors who are financially struggling; many of whom even have families, then you hear about people having mad fights with spouses/partners or even hiding purchases in shame to avoid confrontations etc. Spending big is fine if you can afford it, but obviously if you can't then you need to spend less. In other news, water wet. :o
Can we not judge others for there plastic crack addition.

[DELTAprime]

I had a thought. (I know that's dangerous:p)

Is Takara trying to make a play for the Hot Toys/Sideshow Collectables audience? Collectors of those lines routinely pay these kinds of prices for their Star Wars and Marvel figures. There's a 1/4 scale Sideshow Collectables Darth Vader sitting on TLTC for a little under $1000.

Just a thought.

[bowspearer]

Here's a thought re Hasbro. People have said that with no TRU, there's little chance of a Hasbro release, however depending on how Geoffrey's Toy Box does, it's possible it could be an exclusive there. I can imagine Hasbro releasing this at more the $200-300 mark.

[Nevac]

There's no denying he's a stunning looking bot but 600 Dollarydoos stunning? Still not sure on that point. They should really split him into 2 releases bot/cab as 44a and Trailer/Acc 44b, they would probably sell more overall as I'm sure there's few collector's that will buy 2 let alone 1 of these.

But looking at back of the cab/trailer hitch seems to be his weakest part and without the trailer to cover it up. I guess it'd look pretty ugly as a standalone cab unlike MP01 before him.

[DELTAprime]

The more I look at MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!'s posted pictures the more I think I'll be saving for 6 months to get a Convoy 3.0.

Danm you MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!

:p

Also, RK has preorders up. Only $370 USD instead of the MSRP of $450.

[theshape]

In the sneaker game. Adidas and Jordan brand increased RRP to try to curb reselling/scalping (ie $150 shoes selling for $250 so they increased rrp to $225)

I remeber MP-10 was selling for more than RRP back when it was released. Maybe its a similar tactic. If it works , its genious. And I personally think it will.

[GoktimusPrime]

I remeber MP-10 was selling for more than RRP back when it was released. Maybe its a similar tactic. If it works , its genious. And I personally think it will.
IIRC HLJ had MP10 available for roughly $50 less than RRP at earlybird preorder discount. There are some retailers currently offering this MP Convoy for $515, or about $85 cheaper than full RRP. And in all honesty, about $500-something is about as cheap as I'd expect for a pre-order discount price. Any cheaper than that and unless it's a trusted source, then I'd be suspicious.

Call it the "PC Reflex." ;) I'd rather pay even full RRP for a toy and be guaranteed to get the toy than pay a super generous discounted price and receive nothing.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

At Tokyo Comic Con 2018 (https://tformers.com/tokyo-comic-con-2018-transformers-masterpiece-display-with-mp-44-convoy-30-beast-wars-megatron-and-more/34464/news.html):

https://i.imgur.com/EbzgiGR.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/U5OSWR7.jpg

[micfox001]

Using the 10% discount and some store credit, I got mine down to $515aud from Robotoyz. I'm happy with that.

Since Robotoyz failed to fulfill my order of mp-711, I would never risk ordering from them.

[Magnus]

I just picked up my MP-10 to have a 'fresh' look at it, having seen the MP-44 photos, and MP-10 looks kind of... ungainly now. The arms (especially the forearms) are big and chunky, the lower legs are blocky, and the rifle looks even more weird (I never liked the look of MP-10's gun - I felt that the design was compromised for the sake of being able to stow in MP-10's back). MP-44 looks lean and elegant in comparison, even with the big backpack.

MP-44 looks amazing in colour. I would have preferred a very light silver-grey for the hips and thighs, but I understand that TakaraTOMY are aiming for the greatest screen accuracy possible. The articulation is incredible. I don't care for the Starscream parts, but the changes to the trailer - making the drone towable by Roller and using the drone's crane arm as a flight stand - are a nice touch.

Considering the engineering that is going into this figure - it looks like the main figure was almost designed from scratch, with the trailer being heavily modified if not also all-new, and the increased costs from both R&D and assembly of such a complex figure, as well as eight years of inflation since MP-10 was released, and I'm actually seeing why TakaraTOMY are charging so much for it. That's not to say I don't think it's too much - I do think it's getting too high for my liking. Perhaps if Hasbro could release a version that didn't have every single accessory - say, if they omitted the extra heads, the Starscream parts, and the jetpack - and cut the price accordingly...

I passed on MP-10 when it was released, regretted it, and went hunting on eBay before I found a listing that didn't have a ludicrously high scalper price. I'm not super keen on MP-44, I do have some concern that I'll be missing out and will have to pay even more once the first production run sells out.

Out of interest, I dug up this thread that Gok started a couple of years ago. (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=23682) It would be interesting to see if and how people's opinions have changed since then.

[philby]

I just picked up my MP-10 to have a 'fresh' look at it, having seen the MP-44 photos, and MP-10 looks kind of... ungainly now.

Haha, I looked at mine earlier today but came to the opposite conclusions 😄
The chest and overall proportions just look right to me on mp-10. When I look at the new version the long legs look odd and the groin area looks like a nappy to me.

Truck mode looks even weirder with that angle of the windscreen.

[drifand]

Mp-1 is still king for me.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Leaflet from Tokyo Comic Con 2018 (http://snakas.blog95.fc2.com/blog-entry-6831.html):

https://i.imgur.com/HU6eRgZ.jpg


So pricing is confirmed.

[Lord_Zed]

I tip my hat to Takara for getting the cartoon proportions right, but at that price I dunno, kinda wish there was a cheaper version with no trailer and just the gun, cause I mean he's smaller than BW Megatron. I must admit I'm intrigued by his transformation as it looks like the robot chest is hidden inside the truck mode, it looks really interesting, but that price is a bitter pill, especially when there are a plethora of options for Prime.


Haha, I looked at mine earlier today but came to the opposite conclusions 😄
The chest and overall proportions just look right to me on mp-10. When I look at the new version the long legs look odd and the groin area looks like a nappy to me.

Truck mode looks even weirder with that angle of the windscreen.

I dunno if I'd say MP 10 looks ungainly, so much as he looks like mecha inspired, he's got long arms and big legs, which are some of the hall marks of mechs, and that was kinda what they were going for in MP's back then.

The new MP's seem to be going for more humanoid proportions like those in the cartoon, and yeah that includes having really big under pants like Megatron did, but that is screen accurate for better or worse..

[drifand]

Stick to your guns, if you can't justify it don't buy it.
There are many who give themselves reason to buy at that price.

I have only paid for a toy at 37600jpy this year and had to think several times if it was a justified purchase. at 50,000jpy is a no for me. Just soley on price reason and knowing the quality of TT. Even if this was made by Bandai by the way, I have second thoughts placing an order.

This piece may be very well my last TF toy I will buy, but definitely not at this price.

[DaptoDog]

Pre-orders from Japan will be considerably cheaper than 50,000¥. MP-43 was a 33% discount at NY and I would expect it to be similar if not better on this one. Should bring it down to about 33,000¥ plus shipping. Also NY, RK and I'm sure others don't charge the GST. Ebay will also be a good option on release during 10% off sales and you can stack with discounted gift cards.

Or just wait and hope it shelfwarms then pick up on discount. I don't think there is any rush, many people are being priced out of this one.

[drifand]

Pre-orders from Japan will be considerably cheaper than 50,000¥. MP-43 was a 33% discount at NY and I would expect it to be similar if not better on this one. Should bring it down to about 33,000¥ plus shipping. Also NY, RK and I'm sure others don't charge the GST. Ebay will also be a good option on release during 10% off sales and you can stack with discounted gift cards.

Or just wait and hope it shelfwarms then pick up on discount. I don't think there is any rush, many people are being priced out of this one.

Agreed. I am guessing they will start pre orders very soon.

[CoRDS]

at that price im out

i'll wait to see if hasbro to a version

[djanscak]

Beautiful figure but too rich for my blood. $400 delivered is my arbitrary line in the sand. If it shelfwarms and drops to that price, I’ll consider it.

Anyone else find the cartoon accurate trailer deco a bit bland? I’m generally a toon guy but I need that blue stripe back.

[Magnus]

Ok, now I'm a bit torn. While I'm not pumped for this figure, I also have a bit of fear of missing out, so I'm seriously contemplating a preorder to try and avoid high prices on release.


Haha, I looked at mine earlier today but came to the opposite conclusions 😄
The chest and overall proportions just look right to me on mp-10. When I look at the new version the long legs look odd and the groin area looks like a nappy to me.

Truck mode looks even weirder with that angle of the windscreen.

I won't deny that the lower legs look pretty long. The hips have the same 'nappy' look that Ironhide and Megatron were criticised for having, but again, it's all faithful to the character model:

https://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/1/14/Charactermodeloptimusprimeg1.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/10/0e/48/100e48a88f5d5266a5648ed8e927214f.jpg

Ok, so I've got MP-10 now in a neutral pose, and the bigger arms and chunky lower legs seem to be slightly less prominent, but they're still there and stand out next to MP-44's leaner silhouette. Now it looks like MP-10 has forearms that are too long, though.

I transformed MP-10, and his windscreen is also angled back slightly. I suspect MP-44's windscreen angle looks more dramatic than MP-10's because the windscreens themselves are bigger.


Anyone else find the cartoon accurate trailer deco a bit bland? I’m generally a toon guy but I need that blue stripe back.

It's not just you. I get the prioritisation of screen accuracy, but I also think the trailer looks a little bland without the blue stripes.

[KELPIE]

https://i.imgur.com/U5OSWR7.jpg

I want that poster in the background.

Obviously that picture is everywhere on the net, however I've never seen a clean hi-res version. Especially one that could come out as crisp as that on a print.

gimmie, gimmie, gimmie!

[SharkyMcShark]

I hope for some of you that they do a bare bones version (ie the main figure and his gun). (EDIT: I'm aware that sounds pithy, like I'm hoping they do a figure for 'the poors'. To be clear, I'm not buying this, nor would I ever entertain spending this much on a non combiner figure due to my relatively normal life circumstances).

As much as I found their inclusion a cute novel touch at first, I'm generally against the price of these MP figures being inflated because they bundle them with screen accurate accessories that were used in one episode one time only (cf the basketball and Starscream bits etc that come with this Prime figure).


It'd be interesting if Hasbro released this figure just as the cab robot with the human figurines, and skipped the trailer and other accessories but sold it at a much cheaper price.

Similar to what they did with MP Rodimus Prime.

Its been a couple of years since Hasbro has had an ongoing G1 Masterpiece outlet, and without TRU I can't see it happening.

[Ralph Wiggum]

If past behaviour is a predictor of future behaviour, I think theres f-all chance of a budget version of Optimus Prime 3.0 (eg minus trailer) being released. At best we may get a Hasbro release minus most of the ridiculous accessories, but I really don’t think we’re going to see a significant price drop.

[Bidoofdude]

Nothing is more vivid to me in my childhood than Optimus Prime in the G1 cartoon. I always wanted an Optimus of my own, with his thick white bricky waist, the square shape of the upper torso, his big backpack thing and his head.

This fulfils 100% all my wants in a cartoon Optimus that I have wanted since. I remember seeing MP-10 and loving it, but this guy just takes it to perfect for me. It's always pretty amazing to think that even though the brand has been around for almost 35 years, it's taken only until really recently for spot on 100% screen accurate cartoon Autobots and Decepticons to be made. 5 year old me would be amazed.

That $600 or so is really steep, but I feel like it will mean a larger period of time where he is not hard to find, and I can probably save up for it quickly by setting aside a little weekly. Part of what made the Hasbro release of MP-10 and to a much lesser extent the Takara MP-10 was that it was a really good package for $150 at the time. Fingers crossed there might even be a price drop if he doesn't sell.

That said, if Hasbro release their own virtually identical release (maybe with a few of the more obscure accessories excluded, but definitely must have trailer and such), I would be happy too. Maybe an Amazon exclusive, as Amazon stuff like the Prime Wars exclusives really seem to work well there as niche exclusive items, rather than brick and mortar shelf items for anyone to peruse and have to sell to.

[GoktimusPrime]

That $600 or so is really steep, but I feel like it will mean a larger period of time where he is not hard to find, and I can probably save up for it quickly by setting aside a little weekly. Part of what made the Hasbro release of MP-10 and to a much lesser extent the Takara MP-10 was that it was a really good package for $150 at the time. Fingers crossed there might even be a price drop if he doesn't sell.
$600 is already steep for us adults with full time jobs and disposable incomes. If I were a student then this would be absolutely out of my league. It's why I initially skipped Car Robot Brave Maximus, but the Korean version was available when I started working so I got that one; and Brave Max is half the price of MP Convoy Mk 3! :eek: Seriously... the cost of this toy alone is equivalent to my average yearly expenditure on Transformers toys.

Anyway, there are 2 options I can think of for the more budget conscious:
* Pre-order now to get the early bird discount and use one of those services that allow you to pre-order first and then pay back in installments without a fee (Oxipay?). <-- recommend this if you have FOMO
* Wait until the toy is released and see if there are any sales if this toy shelfwarms. <-- recommend this if you accept the fact that you might miss out

[Tha_Phantom]

That $600 or so is really steep, but I feel like it will mean a larger period of time where he is not hard to find, and I can probably save up for it quickly by setting aside a little weekly.

Don't be so sure! Despite the price tag, two Aussie online store owners have said that MP44 is selling like hotcakes. MP Dinobot and BW Megs didn't struggle to sell out either.

As Gok said, get it on Afterpay/Zippay/Oxipay/Paypal Laybuy. Same difference as saving up except you secure your order in advance instead of risking missing out.

[Galvatran]

Don't be so sure! Despite the price tag, two Aussie online store owners have said that MP44 is selling like hotcakes.
Yes, yes. They would say that wouldn't they. Nothing like FOMO to get people off the fence.

[Raider]

Yes, yes. They would say that wouldn't they. Nothing like FOMO to get people off the fence.

I know one of them and I think it is very believable. Yes the price tag is high but there are a lot of us who are going to prioritise this over other purchases we may have made instead.

I for one pre-ordered two of them (first time I've purchased 2 of the same MP) as it just looks so good that I want to be able to display it in multiple ways. Demand will be high for this one imho.

[Galvatran]

I know one of them and I think it is very believable. Yes the price tag is high but there are a lot of us who are going to prioritise this over other purchases we may have made instead.
Scott Dwyer of Premium Collectables don't count. :p

I'd better hop off the fence then. I was just getting use to those cast iron pointy tips up my toosh.

[Tober]

Ehobbybaseshop (Hong Kong) has just listed it for $358 USD.


http://ehobbybaseshop.com/index.php?p=6&ev&id=1240&fbclid=IwAR2pefJk_6FZE_Zn3ayc01WtTi5WnBDMW0YqiOWqN 58_UVCKp2CNPOJFg7Q

[Bidoofdude]

$600 is already steep for us adults with full time jobs and disposable incomes. If I were a student then this would be absolutely out of my league. It's why I initially skipped Car Robot Brave Maximus, but the Korean version was available when I started working so I got that one; and Brave Max is half the price of MP Convoy Mk 3! :eek: Seriously... the cost of this toy alone is equivalent to my average yearly expenditure on Transformers toys.

Anyway, there are 2 options I can think of for the more budget conscious:
* Pre-order now to get the early bird discount and use one of those services that allow you to pre-order first and then pay back in installments without a fee (Oxipay?). <-- recommend this if you have FOMO
* Wait until the toy is released and see if there are any sales if this toy shelfwarms. <-- recommend this if you accept the fact that you might miss out

I am fortunately a student living at home, so although I would like to save, I can put more than usual on hobbies and objects of leisure, at least for now.

[Tober]

Or wait for the Hasbro release.

I know I won't. .. but, it's still an option.

[GoktimusPrime]

I am fortunately a student living at home, so although I would like to save, I can put more than usual on hobbies and objects of leisure, at least for now.
So were we all once. :) I would absolutely be skipping this toy if I were in your shoes.

Also, I know this doesn't apply to everyone, but for those who are currently in Japan or have access to a Japanese postal address, Amazon JP has this toy on preorder for just over $400 (https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B07L324QLS/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?fbclid=IwAR2iorgAQVuVQ2Fn eUfzH2-gdefT45Nt2IyVKxGuRJ-nx77nk_T1BKy5n3o&ie=UTF8&language=en_US&psc=1)

[Trent]

So were we all once. :) I would absolutely be skipping this toy if I were in your shoes.

Also, I know this doesn't apply to everyone, but for those who are currently in Japan or have access to a Japanese postal address, Amazon JP has this toy on preorder for just over $400 (https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B07L324QLS/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?fbclid=IwAR2iorgAQVuVQ2Fn eUfzH2-gdefT45Nt2IyVKxGuRJ-nx77nk_T1BKy5n3o&ie=UTF8&language=en_US&psc=1)

At today’s conversion rate that actually comes out at $448. Decent, but still too high

[DELTAprime]

Well, I can afford him and I want him. But do I really want to support such high prices for MPs?

[DaptoDog]

At today’s conversion rate that actually comes out at $448. Decent, but still too high

Yeh and if they allowed shipping to Australia it would be great since they only 1,200¥ shipping to the US. Can still ship to a Japanese proxy for free but then you would have to pay significant shipping to Australia. Still not happy with how Amazon packs these though.

Anime-Export has just put up pre-orders for 35,000¥. I reckon NY will come out at 33,500¥ since they like to outdo their competitors on the headline price. NY also allows you to pay around release whereas Anime-Export requires up front payment.

[DELTAprime]

Anime-Export has just put up pre-orders for 35,000¥.

I've only used them once a long time ago. Is AE still decent and pack their items well?

[DaptoDog]

I've only used them once a long time ago. Is AE still decent and pack their items well?

I've only used them for MP-711. Their packing was ok, not as good as RK or even NY but better than Amazon Japan.

[DELTAprime]

I've only used them for MP-711. Their packing was ok, not as good as RK or even NY but better than Amazon Japan.

Ok, I might just go with HLJ then. If I do get Convoy the packaging is going to be important to me and HLJ has never damaged my packaging with poor packing.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Up at HLJ:

https://hlj.com/transformers-masterpiece-mp-44-convoy-optimus-prime-ver-3-0-tkt87753

~AU$505.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Bigger pics:

https://i.imgur.com/SqfacpZ.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/flW8TXZ.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/a3DUG5Y.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/r3JvzMg.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/APbvh1Z.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/YqjiL9L.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/w7HDzHw.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/Qa6uD8r.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/lYjHJgQ.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/CVxyU2r.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/k9mdOxb.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/BpsUBxH.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/f1uEVoB.jpg

[M-bot]

One thing I loved about MP 10 was all the fabulous moulded details inside the trailer. I find it curious that there seems to be very few promo or prototype pics of the inside of the trailer of MP 44 (at least none that I have seen without MP cars inside it).

I mean, there’s a bit of detail there but perhaps not as much?

Is it maybe because the inside of the trailer was non-existent in the animation because the damned thing always vanished, and they are going for “show accuracy”? Does anyone remember seeing the inside of Prime’s trailer in the G1 cartoon?

[drifand]

I've only used them once a long time ago. Is AE still decent and pack their items well?

Nobody is perfect as far as I know items comes fine. Just stick to your order after you paid. If you don’t that’s where bad things happen. My two cents don’t message them when not required.

[CoRDS]

You know what i find disapointing at this price range, that it still has screw holes

Mastermind creations and their SD city bots are something they should look at, those things do not have any visibile screw holes and because of it they appear to be of such a high quality, also they feel high quality in the hand as well.

I raelly hope we get a hasbro version in the future without the extras at a more reasonable price point. At this stage this just seems to be TT trying to make up for their loss of the pokemon franchise

[drifand]

I have met people who don’t give two crap about what we think about 3p and will buy Takara Tomy because is Original. Is pretty sad

Is like he said if you buy Ferrari then you will stick by it.
I asked so if Ferrari decided to make plastic body and wheels and don’t paint your car you still stand by it? Meanwhile Lamborghini took similar design of Ferrari and made with quality you won’t buy them because is not original?

Sad to say some loyalty will still say yes regardless.

For someone like myself that look at the toy objectively. We lose regardless how much cheaper we pay for this piece.

[drifand]

They love to let you come up with your own justification and speculation while they just take your money is actually that simple.

[Bemblebuu]

I don't plan on getting MP-44, but it sure is one hell of a design! It looks almost perfect (the window tint could be lighter if it is aiming for cartoon accuracy). The body sculpt is amazing and I would say it is the first time that the legs on Optimus Prime have been given the attention required to achieve the cartoon look.

[spiderken17]

While cool, its way too much for another version of prime for me. I'm not a stickler for cartoon or toy accuracy. My MP10 still looks cool, its obviously Optimus Prime and i didn't have to pay a weeks wages for it. I get that others dig it but i reckon i will pass on this one.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

360 view in the following link:

https://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/products-lineup/tf_mp/mp-44

Plus more pics:

https://i.imgur.com/sRVGWDl.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/lh2AxUF.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/zUNSuzG.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/72EOouu.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/pfZx3Tl.jpg

[drifand]

Ny released.

[yoshi594]

nippon the cheapest by far.


36,850 yen shipped by sea :)

[doublespy]

So... is there still any Japanese e-tailer that doesn't charge GST yet...the GST on this thing alone is gonna be more than $50..

[DaptoDog]

I reckon NY will come out at 33,500¥ since they like to outdo their competitors on the headline price. NY also allows you to pay around release whereas Anime-Export requires up front payment.

I called it!

Edit: Was 100¥ out.

[yoshi594]

I called it!

Edit: Was 100¥ out.

yea, their shipping is higher than the rest right? I always go snail seamail with them :D

[DaptoDog]

yea, their shipping is higher than the rest right? I always go snail seamail with them :D

Yes the shipping is always higher than HLJ so you've got to add it all up. But HLJ is charging GST though right? NY isn't so that's a huge difference. I usually bundle a few things for NY and you can combine orders later on.

[yoshi594]

Yes the shipping is always higher than HLJ so you've got to add it all up. But HLJ is charging GST though right? NY isn't so that's a huge difference. I usually bundle a few things for NY and you can combine orders later on.

yea i love how u can combine orders. their seamail is decently priced and it's registered too!

[DaptoDog]

yea i love how u can combine orders. their seamail is decently priced and it's registered too!

I've never used the seamail. Does the box arrive all banged up? I figure the express shipping would be better for the packaging plus I don't think I could wait that long for a package!:D

[drifand]

I've never used the seamail. Does the box arrive all banged up? I figure the express shipping would be better for the packaging plus I don't think I could wait that long for a package!:D

My Bandai soc godsigma came with 1 month and half. Perfect condition

Speaking of which I think they will send me the carton as I ordered more than two. My mp-10 came in the Takara carton by ny.

[yoshi594]

My Bandai soc godsigma came with 1 month and half. Perfect condition

Speaking of which I think they will send me the carton as I ordered more than two. My mp-10 came in the Takara carton by ny.

Wouldn’t u get hit with import tax as more than 2 will hit over 1000 aud

[yoshi594]

I've never used the seamail. Does the box arrive all banged up? I figure the express shipping would be better for the packaging plus I don't think I could wait that long for a package!:D

U save like ~30 aud haha. I haven’t received any banged up boxes

[griffin]

Ehobbybaseshop (Hong Kong) has just listed it for $358 USD.


http://ehobbybaseshop.com/index.php?p=6&ev&id=1240&fbclid=IwAR2pefJk_6FZE_Zn3ayc01WtTi5WnBDMW0YqiOWqN 58_UVCKp2CNPOJFg7Q

I actually thought that they had closed up, as they didn't have anything new listed since the end of last year with pre-orders of the JP Legends Grand Max and Greatshot - both of which I pre-ordered, but they didn't fulfil... which I assumed was because they has stopped doing business by the time those two came out (in March/April I think). As such, I probably wouldn't recommend risking them... even if they are still in business, there is no guarantee that you'll get anything when it is released, which is a shame, because they were my go-to "non Robotkingdom" option for JP TTM exclusives.

[drifand]

Wouldn’t u get hit with import tax as more than 2 will hit over 1000 aud

Be smart about it :) order in twos

[yoshi594]

Be smart about it :) order in twos

Yea I thought that was the case :)

[Tha_Phantom]

I have met people who don’t give two crap about what we think about 3p and will buy Takara Tomy because is Original.

Yep, I'm one of them.

[Jetfire in the sky]

I've never used the seamail. Does the box arrive all banged up? I figure the express shipping would be better for the packaging plus I don't think I could wait that long for a package!:D

I've had mixed experience with sea mail, when it's bad it's like a forklift ran over it, other times only minor issues, rarely came through unscathed and that's with double boxing and super padding that I packed myself. That being said they were big boxes so may have always been at the bottom of the pile in the shipper.

[DaptoDog]

Thanks guys for the feedback. I think I'll stick with EMS or Registered Airmail.

[dsphatlite]

Thanks for the responses. Where have you preordered from?

Been looking at some reputable places like HLJ, AmiAmi etc. But scoping for cheapest price if possible.

One thing that I am happy with this is the August 2019 delivery date. I have nine months to think of a story for my wife why I need another Optimus.

[drifand]

Thanks for the responses. Where have you preordered from?

Been looking at some reputable places like HLJ, AmiAmi etc. But scoping for cheapest price if possible.

One thing that I am happy with this is the August 2019 delivery date. I have nine months to think of a story for my wife why I need another Optimus.

No it depends on where you order payment is required or not. Plus gst depends on where you ordered. Do some homework as people have post where are the cheapest. Like less than 2 pages.

[drifand]

Yep, I'm one of them.

I feel sorry for you. Not because you are loyal etc but because you been taken advantage and solely in the hands of a company that’s not making toys that they were once great.

I was one like you boy I am happy I stepped out of that box. Mind you I am selective when comes to 3p.

[Tha_Phantom]

Hate it or love it, MP-44 is a hit.
https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/the-most-expensive-transformers-toy-from-takara-mp44-optimus-prime-is-1-best-seller-on-amazon/42530/

[DaptoDog]

I saw that it was the best on Amazon Japan for the hobbies category. Were Megatron, Sunstreaker etc also as successful? That would be the litmus test for me.

[drifand]

Until on hand is hard to say is the best Optimus.
You would hope so for the amount you paid.

[DELTAprime]

It's probably selling that well on Amazon JP because sites like Seibertron have been reporting it as the lowest price. I'd be curious to know if Amazon JP is getting customers that would normally use other sites like HLJ, RK and AmiAmi.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

It's probably selling that well on Amazon JP because sites like Seibertron have been reporting it as the lowest price. I'd be curious to know if Amazon JP is getting customers that would normally use other sites like HLJ, RK and AmiAmi.IIRC you need a Japanese address to be able to use Amazon Japan. I could be wrong.

It's just one of the many reasons I miss living in Osaka... :(

[graza78]

IIRC you need a Japanese address to be able to use Amazon Japan. I could be wrong.

It's just one of the many reasons I miss living in Osaka... :(

Those in the UK, Canada and USA can purchase from amazon Japan. Australia is completely excluded.

[CoRDS]

Those in the UK, Canada and USA can purchase from amazon Japan. Australia is completely excluded.


thats weird by mp sunstorm came from amazon.jp i just clicked the buttons that were in the same place as they were on the American site.

but this was many years back

[dsphatlite]

No it depends on where you order payment is required or not. Plus gst depends on where you ordered. Do some homework as people have post where are the cheapest. Like less than 2 pages.
I have done my homework... read back 5 pages and thus was asking the question, to see if someone else had another opinion. The usual suspects were listed. So don’t assume that I didn’t.

Ended up with Amiami due no payment until product is available, reliable and I know they package items securely.

Tried Amazon.co.jp (Had to sign up) but doesn’t ship to Australia.

RobotKingdom USD price at current forex rates moves it above $500 before shipping costs.

HLJ was ¥2000 yen more than AmiAmi.

Didn’t bother with TfSource and BBTS.

Couldn’t find an Australian based supplier that had available for preorder (hence asking the original question if a local could get it cheaper bulk wise).

GST is a fact of life so didn’t bother me too much if a site charged it, although if there was one that didn’t it would be considered.

[graza78]

thats weird by mp sunstorm came from amazon.jp i just clicked the buttons that were in the same place as they were on the American site.

but this was many years back

Not sure if it changed when amazon US geoblocked us, but adding items sold by amazon jp just gives you the 'Cannot ship to your (Australian) address' error. A real bummer since the shipping is super cheap (for large items) and the price is unbeatable.

[DELTAprime]

IIRC you need a Japanese address to be able to use Amazon Japan. I could be wrong.

It's just one of the many reasons I miss living in Osaka... :(


Those in the UK, Canada and USA can purchase from amazon Japan. Australia is completely excluded.

Yeah, Amazon JP's toys are accessible to much of the world. And before Amazon's hissy fit over the GST, we could by from there also.

I'm going to try and buy this year's Generations book from Amazon JP next week when I get paid. Hopefully, they still allow us to buy books from them.

[DELTAprime]

Couldn’t find an Australian based supplier that had available for preorder (hence asking the original question if a local could get it cheaper bulk wise).


TLTC has him listed. $545 + shipping. However, there are those of us that have had issues with TLTC, so caveat emptor.

https://thelittletoycompany.com.au/collections/masterpiece/products/transformers-takara-masterpiece-optimus-prime-convoy-mp-44-pre-order

[drifand]

I have done my homework... read back 5 pages and thus was asking the question, to see if someone else had another opinion. The usual suspects were listed. So don’t assume that I didn’t.

Ended up with Amiami due no payment until product is available, reliable and I know they package items securely.

Tried Amazon.co.jp (Had to sign up) but doesn’t ship to Australia.

RobotKingdom USD price at current forex rates moves it above $500 before shipping costs.

HLJ was ¥2000 yen more than AmiAmi.

Didn’t bother with TfSource and BBTS.

Couldn’t find an Australian based supplier that had available for preorder (hence asking the original question if a local could get it cheaper bulk wise).

GST is a fact of life so didn’t bother me too much if a site charged it, although if there was one that didn’t it would be considered.

Never bothered with NY ? There no gst. Ae no gst, hobbysearch no gst.

Sigh

[DaptoDog]

Never bothered with NY ? There no gst. Ae no gst, hobbysearch no gst.

Sigh

Yep we discussed NY on page 32 of this thread but Amiami is still a fine choice. Just tested Amiami and it doesn't seem like they were charging GST during the checkout process either, though the base price was 4,700¥ ($58) more than NY.

[drifand]

Yep we discussed NY on page 32 of this thread but Amiami is still a fine choice. Just tested Amiami and it doesn't seem like they were charging GST during the checkout process, though the base price was 4,700¥ ($58) more than NY.

Amiami charges you gst when is time to pay, I just bought something a while back.

[DaptoDog]

Amiami charges you gst when is time to pay, I just bought something a while back.

Ah right that's good to know thanks.

[drifand]

Ah right that's good to know thanks.

The give away mate is because the box! It gave the Australia Gov recognition that the company is doing well enough so gst. Hobbysearch, ny, and ae uses plain box unlike hlj and amiami . So is harder to trace.

Even Tenso is charged so no point buying amazon jp and sending via Tenso. You be charged gst.

[dsphatlite]

Never bothered with NY ? There no gst. Ae no gst, hobbysearch no gst.

Sigh
Never bought from those before so didn’t know what the shop name acronyms meant. I did ask in a roundabout way. So went with what I knew.

Have now found out NY is Nippon Yasan.

[DaptoDog]

Never bought from those before so didn’t know what the shop name acronyms meant. I did ask in a roundabout way. So went with what I knew.

Have now found out NY is Nippon Yasan.

Sorry about that, we shouldn't assume that everyone knows the acronym.

[drifand]

Just be careful of ny as they have bad reputation as well. But they are mostly for limited items.

[kovert]

TLTC has him listed. $545 + shipping. However, there are those of us that have had issues with TLTC, so caveat emptor.

Has TLTC reduced their price to $544.99 ($545)? It was 'live' as early as Monday morning and seem to remember it was originally priced at $559.99 or $569.99. The dollar units ended with the number '9'. Anyone else see it on Monday?

The Optimus 3.0 shooting pose - could that be from the episode 'War Dawn'? There's a scene where he takes out a whole bunch of generic Decepticons without taking any damage*.

(*yes, that happens a lot throughout the series)

[Tha_Phantom]

The Optimus 3.0 shooting pose - could that be from the episode 'War Dawn'? There's a scene where he takes out a whole bunch of generic Decepticons without taking any damage*.

It's that part in the '86 movie where he transforms from truck mode and leaps into the air shooting Ramjet and a bunch of Decepticons.

[bowspearer]

So much for the cheaper Hasbro version.

From Tformers.com (https://tformers.com/hasbro-usa-edition-mp-44-optimus-prime-transformers-masterpiece-announced/34492/news.html):

There has been much soul and wallet searching over the recent announcement of the MP-44 Optimus Ptims Version 3 for at a retail price of $440 USD. Arguably, there are many justifiable reasons for the price that have been gone over thoroughly elsewhere.

What some may have wondered, and hoped, was Hasbro would offer their own, more affordable MP-44 release stateside, as they have in the past with other Masterpiece releases. The answer is not good according to a new listing on Entertainment Earth. The USA will get theirs in November 2019 for a one cent lower price, at $439.99 USD.

Read on to see the full details and what we assume are Hasbro product images showing that the USA edition will likely be the exact same production as Takara Tomy's.


Transformers Masterpiece Edition MP-44 Optimus Prime (Convoy)

Coming in November 2019

The most complete Optimus Prime toy ever!

Redesigned to better match his appearances in media from the 1980s.

Transforms from truck to robot and back again.

Comes with an Ion Blaster, an Energon Axe, Starscream head and shoulders, hoses, blast effects, and much more!

The Transformers Masterpiece Edition Optimus Prime has been reformatted! The beloved original leader of the Autobots has been redesigned from head to toe to better match his appearances in media from the 1980s. The former Orion Pax transforms from truck to robot and back again, and he comes with an Ion Blaster and an amazing Energon Axe. With cartoon-specific detailing, Optimus looks incredible and includes more accessories than ever before. This Transformers Masterpiece Edition MP-44 Optimus Prime (Convoy) is the most complete Optimus Prime toy ever!

Prime also includes a cargo container, a Starscream head, a set of Starscream shoulders, nozzles, hoses, Spike, Sparkplug, a display stand, blast effects, Roller, variant damage parts, an instruction sheet, a character card, and so much more. Don't miss this one!

[GoktimusPrime]

Sorry about that, we shouldn't assume that everyone knows the acronym.
I must admit that I didn't know either, but admittedly I'm the least knowledgeable person around about online shopping stuff. :p

Has TLTC reduced their price to $544.99 ($545)? It was 'live' as early as Monday morning and seem to remember it was originally priced at $559.99 or $569.99. The dollar units ended with the number '9'. Anyone else see it on Monday?
I personally don't trust TLTC with preorders (but if you're happy to go with them then more power to you :))

The Optimus 3.0 shooting pose - could that be from the episode 'War Dawn'? There's a scene where he takes out a whole bunch of generic Decepticons without taking any damage*.
You are literally the first TF fan that I've encountered who doesn't seemingly have the entire 1986 movie memorised in their brain. ;) :p :D

[kovert]

Very funny! The jumping pose is indeed in the movie.:)

However, the MP Convoy 3.0 shooting pose promo shot I was referring to is this one (https://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/wpadmin/wp-content/themes/tf/img/products/tf_mp/item_tf_mp-44_02.jpg). It may take a few seconds to load.

I was referring to this scene in 'War Dawn' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzN1TEnN7-Y). The bit I'm referring to starts at 1:08 in the video.

[drifand]

So much for the cheaper Hasbro version.

From Tformers.com (https://tformers.com/hasbro-usa-edition-mp-44-optimus-prime-transformers-masterpiece-announced/34492/news.html):

I don’t rely on hasbro nowadays, there is no word about sunstreaker even.

[Magnus]

It seems to me that the Entertainment Earth listing is for the TakaraTOMY version, and they're just releasing it under the Hasbro section of their website since they don't have a Takara section.

[Other]

It seems to me that the Entertainment Earth listing is for the TakaraTOMY version, and they're just releasing it under the Hasbro section of their website since they don't have a Takara section.

Or they're getting it from Hasbro Asia

[DELTAprime]

It was mentioned some time ago on the US fan sites Hasbro US is supplying Entertainment Earth with Takara MPs. That probably means Hasbro US is buying from Takara or Hasbro Asia and then selling onto EE acting as a middleman.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Scans (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/takara-tomy-masterpiece-mp-44-convoy-optimus-prime-ver-3.1143396/page-723#post-16395895) from the 2019 Generations book:

https://i.imgur.com/UcoZWV7.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/VW9JbH2.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/oNmhIRs.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/XZV3nUr.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Lao7hh3.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/eE9BuNE.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/YZWsX7w.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/UxD3Vxw.jpg


Transformation sequence below (i've left it just as a link in case anyone doesn't want to see it):

https://i.imgur.com/hKH9RId.jpg

[bowspearer]

I'm trying to recall a situation where Masterpiece figures were this hyped and this much information had been released this far out from a release. I can't recall one. That says to me that retailers are nervous and Takara is trying to do all they can to max out preorders.

[CoRDS]

that figure has quite a lot of paint chips on it, i really hope that's not indicative of the paint finish for the final version

[Jazzman]

that figure has quite a lot of paint chips on it, i really hope that's not indicative of the paint finish for the final version

Surely just a test figure?

12 step transformation is at least fairly simple and true to form for an Optimus figure.

[Bidoofdude]

God that is one perfect looking Optimus. The price sure is high, but I’ll be damned if that isn’t the cartoon hero I loved.

[drifand]

Surely just a test figure?

12 step transformation is at least fairly simple and true to form for an Optimus figure.

Normally means final.
I kid you not.

Just hope the 12 steps isn't over complicated.

[Jazzman]

Normally means final.
I kid you not.

Just hope the 12 steps isn't over complicated.

I think both MP Megs set the bar for complicated transformations, didn't they??? :D

On a side note... woohoo, 300 posts!!! :cool:

[griffin]

The toy looks to have some soundclips too, with three quotes voiced by the original Convoy voice actor Genda Tesho (https://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/products/tf_mp/mp44_m).


And over on TFW (http://news.tfw2005.com/2018/12/15/transformers-generations-book-2019-mp-44-optimus-prime-ver-3-0-designer-team-interview-translation-378910), there is translation of the interview with the design team for the new MP Optimus.



1: When did the project planning start?
We normally start planning for an MP project a long time in advance, this was started from back in December 2016. At that time we still thought MP10 (Convoy 2.0) was the best/definitive OP

3: It’d be difficult to recreate a cartoon accurate Optimus?
For example the truck wind shield and the ‘bot mode chest. The angle and height-width ratio are both different. In the past we would find a middle ground between truck and bot then achieve a balanced look by detail design. But this time around, we really wanted to recreate this difference in physical form. Although MP 10 has quite an involved transformation, the parts placement actually follows the G1 toy. But in order to create the definitive Optimus, we were willing to change it up this time around. If it couldn’t surpass OP 2.0 this project would be pointless.


(proportions being off between the two modes)

5： How did you solve this?
We had a flash of genius to move the mass as solution, so that in ‘bot mode the volume in the legs is increased and volume in the chest decreased. So we came up with the transformation to move some of mass on the side of the cab to the lower half of ‘bot mode. We used to have to put a lot of effort into concealing the arms seamlessly into the cab, with this design it’s automatically solved as well.



7: The tires have finally disappeared
The rear tires are narrow and rotate to conceal inside the legs. We felt this is a must.


9: The double knee joint gives off an action figure impression
This is a modern construction we only started to pay attention to recently. The friction resistance in the the two joints is different, so only when the first joint is bent to a certain degree then would the second joint engage. So that in normal posing only one joint is engaged to keep the body proportions. Because MP 36 has incredible articulation, this Optimus definitely needs to be able to match up with that.


10: The trailer has several new gimmicks, a lot more play value
We thought if the trailer isn’t re-made properly, it wouldn’t be called Optimus 3.0, so we can’t have a similar trailer to MP 10’s. So we thought about what gimmicks hadn’t been done before. For example the mobile artillery in “Fire in the Sky”. We thought it could be formed from the battle station with wheels added.

[drifand]

I'm trying to recall a situation where Masterpiece figures were this hyped and this much information had been released this far out from a release. I can't recall one. That says to me that retailers are nervous and Takara is trying to do all they can to max out preorders.

I am not sure about ALL of you guys here in OCTA, but I have a couple of friends and myself are TIRED, FED UP of PRE ORDERS that go so far out. And I say this isn't just for Takara Tomy but Bandai and others.

THIS IMO should be BANNED.
Is unfair to consumers or the retailer actually to list an item which is not going to happen within six months.

We all know this is worse if you are required to pay UPFRONT and I think is a very dangerous thing.

Imagine if you are suddenly gone (touch wood, but we cant predict the future). your partner, or anyone would have no knowledge you PO this and paid but did not pay shipping. And what happens? money is gone.

I am wondering is there a way we can internationally not allow this? Its ridiculous and those who knew what happened in PC days we got screwed big time! Example Fantoys berserk? that has been like nearly two years!

All credit card disputes would be quite useless, not to mention Paypal would not cared.

If the retailer is not asking for money thats fine, but whenever is ask for it, I really worry about how much time advance we are paying.

[drifand]

I think both MP Megs set the bar for complicated transformations, didn't they??? :D

On a side note... woohoo, 300 posts!!! :cool:

OMG MP-36 made me slept at 3am! I didn't realise how much time it took to transform and back. While is cool it was sure wasn't fun.

[Raider]

That interview was really interesting. Great to get some insight into the process for this design. Starting to feel better about the cost now given the clear amount of work that has gone into it.

[Jellico]

OMG MP-36 made me slept at 3am! I didn't realise how much time it took to transform and back. While is cool it was sure wasn't fun.

It was the overt care that I took to prevent paint chips which slowed him down for me. I have come to enjoy complex transfomations if they have a rhythm and sense to them. It is depressing how often I take down a certain 3rd party fembot just to transform her. Sunstreaker is another one. Carbots seem to be a good size for me.

But yeah, that interview has got me thinking seriously about MP44 to the point that I asked the wife if I should do it. I got a "grunt" so that is good? But the dollars. For a toy. I think I will be waiting to see some reviews.

[drifand]

It’s always difficult to judge until on hand. However many seem to enjoy putting their justification and then say it’s worth every penny.

I like to say I sucked it up and wasn’t happy that it cost that much.
Compare to a Bandai chogokin like voltron or gao gai gar which does have good engineering, metal parts and high quality paint. I am unsure mp44 delivers the same quality as at least sunstreaker. I am hoping it is but still the justification is crazy.

Here’s the thing who cares about the starscream head? $20 here?
The broken Optimus head while accurate it should be of the grey prime imo.? Another $15 here

The rest of the accessories are okay.

I don’t see how much real involvement is the trailer. It does basically the same thing.

I can see 3p already doing a different sound chip for it. I think while is cool is not necessary or important but these gimmicks add cost.

I can see tt is still holding back hound, maybe trying not to piss off fans by adding another 15,000jpy figure which I will not be supporting.

[Bemblebuu]

Here’s the thing who cares about the starscream head? $20 here?
The broken Optimus head while accurate it should be of the grey prime imo.? Another $15 here

The rest of the accessories are okay.

Pretty much agree with you. I feel they added all the questionable accessories to justify the ridiculously high price.

It would be great if the figure alone justified the price. While I love the cartoon accuracy of MP44, there's no way I would pay $500+ for it.

[danny-boy]

The Starscream head is one of the best parts of this release. They’re teasing a V3. I wish they did this more often. It makes the line much more exciting. They absolutely nailed the face/head sculpt.

[Deonasis]

Sound chips that were worth placing in the main body and didn't compromise the transformer I can count on one hand.


Best figures with sound chip* thread?


*Not annoyingly triggered, sounds make sense and does not hinder the toy (much)

[GoktimusPrime]

First thing that came to mind when I heard the first voice clip :D
https://i.ibb.co/MMQ8BML/meme-cunningplan.jpg"I have a cunning plan."

[doublespy]

It’s always difficult to judge until on hand. However many seem to enjoy putting their justification and then say it’s worth every penny.

I like to say I sucked it up and wasn’t happy that it cost that much.
Compare to a Bandai chogokin like voltron or gao gai gar which does have good engineering, metal parts and high quality paint. I am unsure mp44 delivers the same quality as at least sunstreaker. I am hoping it is but still the justification is crazy.

Here’s the thing who cares about the starscream head? $20 here?
The broken Optimus head while accurate it should be of the grey prime imo.? Another $15 here

The rest of the accessories are okay.

I don’t see how much real involvement is the trailer. It does basically the same thing.

I can see 3p already doing a different sound chip for it. I think while is cool is not necessary or important but these gimmicks add cost.

I can see tt is still holding back hound, maybe trying not to piss off fans by adding another 15,000jpy figure which I will not be supporting.

SOC have excellent build quality across the board, but engineering wise it’s not even close to TT’s Masterpiece. I own/have played with the best of the SOC line and its engineering is great for diecast robots, and that’s it. The costs of MPs going up like this is of course not ideal, but engineering wise, it’s really in its own league now. To me, that’s where the money’s worth.

[drifand]

SOC have excellent build quality across the board, but engineering wise it’s not even close to TT’s Masterpiece. I own/have played with the best of the SOC line and its engineering is great for diecast robots, and that’s it. The costs of MPs going up like this is of course not ideal, but engineering wise, it’s really in its own league now. To me, that’s where the money’s worth.

What not even close? Sorry I dont agree with that statement at all and what you mean that's it? Masterpiece is nowhere even on par with Bandai's chogokin SOC or DX chogokin.

Are you saying that is worth it as long as the Engineering is nuts enough? But I don't care about paint and materials for the toy or the quality?

For me, TT can make a reduced sized MP-1 and colour it toon style. I think I be fine with that. I am surprised nobody did this.

[Trent]

SOC have excellent build quality across the board, but engineering wise it’s not even close to TT’s Masterpiece. I own/have played with the best of the SOC line and its engineering is great for diecast robots, and that’s it. The costs of MPs going up like this is of course not ideal, but engineering wise, it’s really in its own league now. To me, that’s where the money’s worth.

I agree. I have a few SOCs and they are no where near MP for engineering and durability. Even the best engineered Bandai Macross Valkyrie, the VF-31, isn’t on par with anything from the MP line.

[drifand]

I agree. I have a few SOCs and they are no where near MP for engineering and durability. Even the best engineered Bandai Macross Valkyrie, the VF-31, isn’t on par with anything from the MP line.

Dinobot broke. That’s durability there.

I can see people thinking just because it transform it doesn’t mean it’s great engineering.

Mp-9 doesn’t hold the gun, knee joint breaks, it can’t catch on for spoiler to back pack. You sure Bandai didn’t win this piece?

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

You can have the best design and engineering in the world, but if it's not executed properly because your labour workforce is sloppy (for whatever reason, whether it's negligence, or having to meet an insane quota) and the materials used are of questionable quality and durability, then design and engineering are meaningless.

What are people going to do if Prime 3.0 has a major endemic issue like Dinobot's shoulders? Or a retailer has to issue a PSA (https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/warning-of-breakage-and-heavy-paint-chipping-on-mp-36-masterpiece-megatron/37710/) warning people not to use some of the features?

[FruitBuyer]

Comparing Transformers with other high-end figure brands is not a fair comparison because Transformers are a magnitude more difficult in complexity.

This isn't to say other brands aren't creating high-quality and well designed figures, only that they have a considerably lower complexity to design.

Other brands are doing a 100M sprint. Transformers is a 100M sprint with hurdles, triple-jump into the pole-vault. The person doing the 100M will ace it more often than the one doing the second race but the second race is way more difficult.

[Tha_Phantom]

Other brands are doing a 100M sprint. Transformers is a 100M sprint with hurdles, triple-jump into the pole-vault

THANK YOU!

[KELPIE]

In regards to the damaged head, I was disappointed to see it was movie damaged head and not this one:

https://i.imgur.com/eLbkqrf.gif

[drifand]

In regards to the damaged head, I was disappointed to see it was movie damaged head and not this one:

https://i.imgur.com/eLbkqrf.gif

I think they gave priority to Movie focused.

[DELTAprime]

In regards to the damaged head, I was disappointed to see it was movie damaged head and not this one:

https://i.imgur.com/eLbkqrf.gif

Yeah but that damage was retconned out the very next episode.

[Lord_Zed]

Yeah but that damage was retconned out the very next episode.

Yeah bit that was season 3, the crummy season that gave us accessories like Grimlocks apron. :D

[High_Q]

We've seen photos of MP-44 Roller towing the detachable repair module, but has it been confirmed whether MP-44's Roller is able to tow the trailer itself?

MP-10 Roller was able to do that.

[Bidoofdude]

In regards to the damaged head, I was disappointed to see it was movie damaged head and not this one:



I know he already has heaps of accessories, but I really wish they included a white version of the backpack from S3/S4 as well. The dark awakening damaged parts too.

[Trent]

I know he already has heaps of accessories, but I really wish they included a white version of the backpack from S3/S4 as well. The dark awakening damaged parts too.

For what it’s costing they should damn well include EVERY accessory.

[doublespy]

You can have the best design and engineering in the world, but if it's not executed properly because your labour workforce is sloppy (for whatever reason, whether it's negligence, or having to meet an insane quota) and the materials used are of questionable quality and durability, then design and engineering are meaningless.

What are people going to do if Prime 3.0 has a major endemic issue like Dinobot's shoulders? Or a retailer has to issue a PSA (https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/warning-of-breakage-and-heavy-paint-chipping-on-mp-36-masterpiece-megatron/37710/) warning people not to use some of the features?

Agreed. TT need to up their QC game for sure. But honestly, I have every MP 2.0 mold and it’s only the recent ones (Mp 36 And 41) that have Qc issues; this is already a far better track record than some of the other high end toy lines.

Also agree with Fruitbuyer, that comparing Transformers with any other brand isn’t fair. But because of the price range Mp’s at right now, people automatically start to compare MP with Japanese high end toy lines like Bandai’s SOC, when they don’t realize how much man hour/money is spent on the transformation engineering alone for MP. Design is not everything, but it’s something that’s much harder to emulate.

So yeah, please TT sort out your production and don’t let the designers hard work go to waste.

[Sinnertwin]

That head sculpt is divine.

[GoktimusPrime]

FruitBuyer wins this thread :)

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Agreed. TT need to up their QC game for sure. But honestly, I have every MP 2.0 mold and it’s only the recent ones (Mp 36 And 41) that have Qc issues; this is already a far better track record than some of the other high end toy lines.

There were more figures with widely reported QC issues though, for instance: Ramjet's reversed shoulders; Thrust's wobbly waist; flaking chrome on Ironhide and Hot Rod; paint flake on Ratchet, also misaligned head and reversed shoulders; paint transfer on the tops of Inferno's shoulders; paint flake on Primal; Cheetor's arm socket prone to breaking (same deal with the lever system on his forearms), paint also prone to flaking.

And that's off the top of my head as I stopped following the MP line (with the exception of BW MPs and big name ones like Prime).

[doublespy]

There were more figures with widely reported QC issues though, for instance: Ramjet's reversed shoulders; Thrust's wobbly waist; flaking chrome on Ironhide and Hot Rod; paint flake on Ratchet, also misaligned head and reversed shoulders; paint transfer on the tops of Inferno's shoulders; paint flake on Primal; Cheetor's arm socket prone to breaking (same deal with the lever system on his forearms), paint also prone to flaking.

And that's off the top of my head as I stopped following the MP line (with the exception of BW MPs and big name ones like Prime).

Then me and my collector friends definitely got lucky cause I didn’t have any of the above. Didn’t bother getting the cone heads as I thought they’d update that seeker mold which was technically from MP1.0 sooner or later..

Now that you mention it, I’d have similar level of complaint (paint chipping, loose joint, etc) about pretty much all my SOCs, but I still love’ em lol.

[drifand]

My SOC toys are great, they feel what you paid for. I am not sure I will feel the same for MP-44. Hopefully minimum it should be of what Sunstreaker is as standard.

You dont see Bandai cut corners on SOC line and not paint, the standard remain consistent. I can't say the same for MP line. I compare the toys is because this is what I collect.

[bowspearer]

Then me and my collector friends definitely got lucky cause I didn’t have any of the above. Didn’t bother getting the cone heads as I thought they’d update that seeker mold which was technically from MP1.0 sooner or later..

Now that you mention it, I’d have similar level of complaint (paint chipping, loose joint, etc) about pretty much all my SOCs, but I still love’ em lol.


My SOC toys are great, they feel what you paid for. I am not sure I will feel the same for MP-44. Hopefully minimum it should be of what Sunstreaker is as standard.

You dont see Bandai cut corners on SOC line and not paint, the standard remain consistent. I can't say the same for MP line. I compare the toys is because this is what I collect.

Is it too late to nominate these for the best forum posts for 2018?

[bowspearer]

At this point, I actually think that Takara have massively miscalculated and it's going to heavily come back and bite them in the tail. Even before the price surfaced, people were interested in the Magic Squares 3rd Party offering. I don't just mean the odd person - I mean at least a third of the vocal members of facebook groups I was on.

Now it turns out the price for the Magic Squares offering is out the price is oly $135USD on it as compared to $449 for MP-44 - less than a third of the price. Admittedly while the MS offering comes with a rifle, axe and battle damaged parts, there's no trailer, trio of humans, jetpack or starscream parts. However are those extra pieces really worth the extra $314USD???

That's a question I think a lot of fans are now going to be asking themselves and I think it's one which many people will answer with their wallets.

By no means am I advocating that people here should buy the offering; I'm simply pointing out that this pricing level call could wind up badly hurting Takara with their MP-44 sales and that it appears that not only are 3rd party companies conscious of this, but they're all too quick to capitalise on it.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Even before the price surfaced, people were interested in the Magic Squares 3rd Party offering. I don't just mean the odd person - I mean at least a third of the vocal members of facebook groups I was on.

Interesting poll (and thread) over on TFW:

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/element-te-01-vs-ms-01-vs-mp-optimus-v3.1164055/

Interest in both the TE and MS 3P's are high, and taken together are ahead of the official.

[Tha_Phantom]

Interest in both the TE and MS 3P's are high, and taken together are ahead of the official.

Well the 3P is significantly cheaper. I'm sure if you did a poll asking whether more people are going to buy the Siege Voyager Prime vs MP-44 the Siege would win also.
If anything, this shows both how impressive MP-44 actually is and how strong brand loyalty is among fans considering half the people who participated in the poll will pay 2-3 times what third parties are offering.

[Sinnertwin]

Im more impressed at the fact that we have 3 similar looking Primes being offered.
If I didn't know any better, I'd swear that TT were leaking out or auctioning off a few files here and there.

[CoRDS]

i got my MS version a few days ago and its quite a nice figure. i have the TE one on pre-order as well.

that said, i am also looking forward to the v3 Takara MP, however there is no way in hell I am paying that insane price. i will either wait for Hasbro to release it in the west at hopefully a lower price, if they dont eventually lower the price to something reasonable i will skip it.


as nice as this V3 is , that price is ridiculous

[GoktimusPrime]

as nice as this V3 is , that price is ridiculous
Not nearly as ridiculous as the Wal Mart G1 Optimus Prime reissue that's just the cab robot for US$50 (especially considering that Encore Convoy sold for nearly the same price with everything).

As I've said before, each time an MP toy does a tech level jump, the RRP tends to roughly double. MP10 was about twice the price of MP01 and MP44 is about twice the price of MP10. MP Sunstreaker was about twice the price of MP Lambor, and MP36 was about twice the price of MP05. Obviously if a toy is going to do more then it will cost more.

Wal Mart G1 Optimus Prime has had no real improvements; the most significant appears to be the front axle being shortened to its original length (rather than having G1 Ultra Magnus' longer axle). They've gutted the toy by removing the trailer and Roller car, nullifying its play set value as a mobile HQ and yet have the audacity to charge US$50 for it.

[bowspearer]

Well the 3P is significantly cheaper.

That's a massive understatement. Usually there's a price difference to some extent, but this much of a jump is crazy.

The reason I made that post was because traditionally I've well and truly been in the anti-ko and anti-3p camp when it came to koing either figures or likenesses (as an aside, I do own a full Retro Future set as with the exception of using G1 combiner joints, they're original figures to my knowledge). Heck, a few years back I even tracked down KOtoys's server location and when I found it was in the US, called Hasbro US by phone and notified them.

Yet when I look at this much of a price jump, I'm having a very hard time justifying such a price difference.

If 3P can do this so cheaply, given there typically hasn't been such a massive price jump between 3P and Takara Tomy, why can't TT have MP-44 priced more around the $350USD mark?

[Tha_Phantom]

Yet when I look at this much of a price jump, I'm having a very hard time justifying such a price difference.

I'm not.

Official superior, 3P inferior. :D

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Well the 3P is significantly cheaper.

Some people prefer the aesthetics of the 3P, the cheaper price is just the bonus.



I'm not.

Official superior, 3P inferior. :D

Except you have a designer like this guy who has worked on both official and 3P products:

http://designdecode.org/article.php?p=alexander-kubalsky

Do his designs suddenly lose or gain value depending upon his employer?

[Tha_Phantom]

Do his designs suddenly lose or gain value depending upon his employer?

Actually, they do.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Actually, they do.

A design is assessed on its own merit, not who pays for it.

[Tha_Phantom]

A design is assessed on its own merit, not who pays for it.

Sure and Takara always beat 3P for me when there are products of the same characters.
In this instance, MP-44 is more cartoon accurate than the other two. Not saying they aren't cartoon accurate at all, but MP-44 does it better. It also has more features and accessories.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Sure and Takara always beat 3P for me when there are products of the same characters.
In this instance, MP-44 is more cartoon accurate than the other two. Not saying they aren't cartoon accurate at all, but MP-44 does it better. It also has more features and accessories.

You already have your brand loyalty (or brand fanaticism), so TT will always beat 3P for you because of that regardless.

For others that don't have that brand loyalty or fanaticism, other criteria will be used to assess which design and which figure is right for them.

If you think MP-44 is "the best", then congratulations, give yourself a cookie! I'm happy that there is a market big enough to provide multiple choices, not just one.

[Tha_Phantom]

If you think MP-44 is "the best", then congratulations, give yourself a cookie!

Consider it done.

[bowspearer]

I'm not.

Official superior, 3P inferior. :D

And while you're entitled to your opinion, I can genuinely see a shift on the horizon where your opinion becomes the minority.

It was one thing when you had, say, a 10-20% difference in price, and you had sufficient QC issues where you you could argue that the price difference comes from materials quality and QC. Then you had an argument where you could easily justify ignoring the 3P design for an official TT design. Plus you have other things like brand loyalty for example. I'm not even going into the KO situation because they're absolute leeches whichever way you slice it.

But now we're not talking about a 10-20% difference in price, but a 69.93% (135/449) difference in price.

As for what you get on MP-44 that you don't get on MS-01, you get:


Electronic Voice Clips
Trailer
Removable Combat Deck
Rover (Roller)
Spike
Sparkplug
Carly
Jet pack
Energy spikes (x2)
Starscream head
Starscream's shoulder parts
Energon pump with hose and nozzle


With that price difference (issues like QC aside), you're essentially paying $314USD (or $435.52USD based on current real time exchange rates (https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/)) for those extra features.

It should also be noted that the battle damaged windows MS-01 is said to include, may not just even out the battle damage feature, but actually be a point to MS-01.

Now even if you were to argue that materials differences and QC differences account for $100USD (or $138.72AUD) of that price hike, you're still talking about a $214USD (or $296.52 AUD) price difference for those features. Even then, comparing MS-01 at $234 USD for the sake of equivalency, to MP-44 at $449USD, you're still talking about a 47.88% (234/449) difference in price in other words, practically double the price.

Tha_Phantom, you're clearly a die hard Takara fan and hey, more power to you for being one - normally they have their finger on the pulse and they do right by their fans; heck, up until the shared global branding thing, I happily paid more for the Takara version of a figure and only bought Hasbro when there wasn't a Takara version. The problem is that being in the "die hard fan" category, you're in one of the two extremes and your position isn't where the moderate majority will be.

This massive gulf in pricing wont affect you personally, however it is going to affect the moderate mainstream. Many who aren't so die hard are going to go the third party, costing Takara tens of thousands, and possibly even hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales (1000 units of MS-01 sold for example, are $134,000USD in turnover for example), while those who have previously defended Takara are having an increasingly difficult time doing so. All of that means less of the moderate majority giving Takara their business, which makes the line less profitable.

If Takara were trying to differentiate themselves from 3P brands and take sales from 3P, this was honestly about the worst way they could have gone about it.

[DaptoDog]

I am sure Takara are well aware of the elasticity of demand for its products, we have no idea. It's being strategic with its pricing, it obviously thinks it will maximize profit even if units for this and future figures are lower.

How about we wait until these figures are in people's hands before definitive statements are made?

[Tha_Phantom]

And while you're entitled to your opinion, I can genuinely see a shift on the horizon where your opinion becomes the minority.

It was one thing when you had, say, a 10-20% difference in price, and you had sufficient QC issues where you you could argue that the price difference comes from materials quality and QC. Then you had an argument where you could easily justify ignoring the 3P design for an official TT design. Plus you have other things like brand loyalty for example. I'm not even going into the KO situation because they're absolute leeches whichever way you slice it.

But now we're not talking about a 10-20% difference in price, but a 69.93% (135/449) difference in price.

As for what you get on MP-44 that you don't get on MS-01, you get:


Electronic Voice Clips
Trailer
Removable Combat Deck
Rover (Roller)
Spike
Sparkplug
Carly
Jet pack
Energy spikes (x2)
Starscream head
Starscream's shoulder parts
Energon pump with hose and nozzle


With that price difference (issues like QC aside), you're essentially paying $314USD (or $435.52USD based on current real time exchange rates (https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/)) for those extra features.

It should also be noted that the battle damaged windows MS-01 is said to include, may not just even out the battle damage feature, but actually be a point to MS-01.

Now even if you were to argue that materials differences and QC differences account for $100USD (or $138.72AUD) of that price hike, you're still talking about a $214USD (or $296.52 AUD) price difference for those features. Even then, comparing MS-01 at $234 USD for the sake of equivalency, to MP-44 at $449USD, you're still talking about a 47.88% (234/449) difference in price in other words, practically double the price.

Tha_Phantom, you're clearly a die hard Takara fan and hey, more power to you for being one - normally they have their finger on the pulse and they do right by their fans; heck, up until the shared global branding thing, I happily paid more for the Takara version of a figure and only bought Hasbro when there wasn't a Takara version. The problem is that being in the "die hard fan" category, you're in one of the two extremes and your position isn't where the moderate majority will be.

This massive gulf in pricing wont affect you personally, however it is going to affect the moderate mainstream. Many who aren't so die hard are going to go the third party, costing Takara tens of thousands, and possibly even hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales (1000 units of MS-01 sold for example, are $134,000USD in turnover for example), while those who have previously defended Takara are having an increasingly difficult time doing so. All of that means less of the moderate majority giving Takara their business, which makes the line less profitable.

If Takara were trying to differentiate themselves from 3P brands and take sales from 3P, this was honestly about the worst way they could have gone about it.

Hey if you want to argue that MP-44 is overpriced, then sure I can accept that argument. I'm sure I heard my wallet shriek when I hit that preorder button. :p
However, price aside, I do believe it is the best version of a Masterpiece Prime to date - at least if cartoon accuracy is your thing and clearly these other 2 3P Primes are going for that goal as well.

I never said MP-44 was good value for money, I never said it wasn't overpriced, but I will happily argue it is better than the competition.

[bowspearer]

I am sure Takara are well aware of the elasticity of demand for its products, we have no idea. It's being strategic with its pricing, it obviously thinks it will maximize profit even if volume for this and future figures is lower.

In a long term brand health sense, I would suggest that the use of the word "strategic" by you is ironic, regardless of whether you intended it to be used in that manner. In fact I might even go so far as to suggest that its use in this context is an oxymoron (as in a contradiction in terms in and of itself - not to be confused with oxmoron for anyone reading this who might have done so).

The strategy of maximising profits on a smaller production run makes sense in the short term, but in the long term, it's a lousy strategy that skates dangerously close to financial suicide.

If Third Party offerings weren't around and HAsTak were the only game in town, then sure, you're talking about a monopoly and so monopoly based business strategies will have no long term effects on the health of the brand.

Unfortunately for HasTak, this isn't the case. Third Party offerings do exist and every single time someone buys a 3P offering over an official HasTak one, that's revenue lost, but more importantly, it's loss of brand loyalty.

It's now not even an open secret that it costs companies money to gain a customer and so that is lost money when they lose one, not including the extra money spent if they get them back.

Previously HasTak has balanced this out well - making the costs of figures higher than 3P, but keeping the price difference low enough that people internally justified it with things like QC issues and materials quality. In movie terms, they maintained a suspension of disbelief enough that they were able to sell their product at a higher price and maintain brand loyalty.

This price jump destroys that suspension of disbelief, harms brand loyalty within the customer and sends someone on the fence off to buy the 3P offering, where the 3P company then has a chance to retain them as a customer.

That's a terrible way for a business to do business, from any perspective which looks at the long term profitability of a business.


How about we wait until these figures are in people's hands before definitive statements are made?

Except that we don't need all the figures figures in hand to make a call, unless heaven forbid, MP-44 turns out to be a QC trainwreck and nightmare, which I highly doubt. The only question which needs to be answered to make a definitive statement, is whether the 3P offerings are a QC nightmare and made of dodgy quality plastic.

We wont have to wait that long at all. MS-01 is already in some people's hands already and at least one well known online retailer has it slated for release this month (I'm not sure what the release date for the other offering is). In the next few weeks we'll know what these figures are like and if the QC and quality of plastic are up there with recent MP releases, then it puts TT in a very precarious position with the fan community and one where serious questions need to be asked of and answered by them.

[bowspearer]

I never said MP-44 was good value for money, I never said it wasn't overpriced, but I will happily argue it is better than the competition.

To be clear, I wasn't saying you were saying this, my comment was more to do with how common this sentiment is going to be as this trend continues:


I'm not.

Official superior, 3P inferior. :D

"Superior" arguably implies value for money. Say there's a 2% difference in quality between 2 near identical products, but a 20% difference in price - no one is going to say that for all intents and purposes the product that costs 20% more is superior, because par for par, they were 18% more expensive for the same level of quality, meaning they were less effective and therefore inferior.

You're saying that it's superior to the competition, but what if it isn't? What if when, say, Magic Square release their offerings (which is happening this month), the plastic quality, QC and engineering are on par with recent Masterpieces and therefore presumably MP-44? What makes it better then? Features that come with it? If so, are those features worth paying 333% more for the Takara version? You might make that call, but given how divisive the price has been, do you honestly think that the more moderate, less invested fans in Takara will?

I'll mention something at this juncture. I met the guy who designed Omnigonix Spinout in person one day in a chance happening. He told me that a fair chunk of the Third Party designers, are either current or former HasTak employees who moonlight. That means that the engineering and design of Third Party figures is in many cases, on par with that of HasTak in house. Iirc he also mentioned that the big issue was with QC in Chinese factories, but even that has been something which has been steadily improving.

The days when HasTak could trade off the argument of "Official superior, 3P inferior," are increasingly coming to an end. As others have noted, while they can wipe out KOs easily, unless they trademark every single likeness of every single TF in every media they have officially appeared in, which has been argued to be more of a headache than it's worth for them, then HasTak cannot shut Third Party companies down.

If HasTak aren't careful, their own hubris is going to bite them in the butt in a very damaging way.

[yoshi594]

Those numbers on tfw don't mean anything as the numbers of voters are soo low! At the end of the day we're the minority posting on the net.

The other offerings are far from perfect and 3rd parties will try to one up each other and the official, so there will be plenty of options later.

I have a feeling that MP-44 will end up like EVA prime/Beast wars Dinobot.

[GoktimusPrime]

How about we wait until these figures are in people's hands before definitive statements are made?
You dare bring logic and reason into this discussion?! *shakes fist at you* :p

[Trent]

Oh look! Generalisations, jumping to conclusions and arguing with people that have different collecting preferences.

I must be on TFW.


And speaking of, I love that TFW poll. You people are ready to burn MP-44 at the stake because a poll, located in the 3rd party sub forum with 600 votes has only half going to MP-44?

You guys are hilarious. You could do polling predictions for the Liberal Party :rolleyes:

[Nevac]

One thing about both the 3rd party offerings is they are not unique transformations like MP44. They just use MP10 as a base and improve on it, they didn't design a new Optimus from the ground up like MP44.

Takara already put the work in to make MP10 years ago and these are just minor upgrades to Takara's own efforts. I feel praising their efforts on copying something Takara already did is a huge dis-service to Takara.

As everyone has said yes MP44 is expensive and that is a valid concern but price aside MP44 is superior in every other aspect to both 3rd party primes.

Magic square prime also has larger legs which translate to a large trailer hitch to the point where mounting MP10's trailer makes it sit askew.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

You people are ready to burn MP-44 at the stake because a poll, located in the 3rd party sub forum with 600 votes has only half going to MP-44?:

Look from page 40 backwards -- people have been critical of MP-44 long before the poll was posted.

[bowspearer]

Oh look! Generalisations, jumping to conclusions and arguing with people that have different collecting preferences.

I must be on TFW.

So you're attacking a generalisation by making generalisations? How's that working out for you?

How is anyone jumping to conclusions here? MS-01 is out, the pricing difference is known and the differences in features are known. The "you're jumping to conclusions" argument is a good month out of date at this point - unless you're claiming that people are definitely saying that the material and QC on MP-44 are going to be utterly crappy - and I've seen no one make that call.

Also where exactly has anyone here abused anyone for having different collecting preferences?


And speaking of, I love that TFW poll. You people are ready to burn MP-44 at the stake because a poll, located in the 3rd party sub forum with 600 votes has only half going to MP-44?

I wont speak for others, but speaking for myself, what in my arguments about price, quality control and materials even directly referenced the TFW poll? Truth be told, when I couldn't see it without logging on, I decided to ignore it as far as my stance on this goes.

And when you use language like "You people are ready to burn MP-44 at the stake" it really does come across as you being so heavily invested in it that you're practically accusing anyone who sees an issue here and a bad decision that will probably bite TT in the rear in the long term, as practically engaging in secular heresy (of the kind committed by someone wearing an "I support 2 teams: _______ and whoever's playing Manly" when walking up the steps into the Manly Warringah Leagues club - oh and Sea Eagles fans, offence intended as someone who was a Norths supporter as a kid :P ).

Did it occur to you that at least some of the critical commentary is rooted in the flow-on effects this decision might have on the future of the entire Masterpiece line?


You guys are hilarious. You could do polling predictions for the Liberal Party :rolleyes:

Weren't partisan party politics off limits according to the board rules? ;)

[bowspearer]

One thing about both the 3rd party offerings is they are not unique transformations like MP44. They just use MP10 as a base and improve on it, they didn't design a new Optimus from the ground up like MP44.

Even if you take that argument, you're still talking about massive changes, such as completely re-engineered legs on MS-01, which were arguably the biggest thing which needed updating from MP-10 and MP-01.


As everyone has said yes MP44 is expensive and that is a valid concern but price aside MP44 is superior in every other aspect to both 3rd party primes.

Given what's happened, I don't think you can ignore it. I've never seen a situation like this in the entirety of the Masterpiece line. Ordinarily it's a "shut up and take my money" situation and cost isn't a factor. Ordinarily, the transformation is kept under wraps so as not to give anything away - this time Takara have spoilered the hell out of this. Ordinarily retailers aren't nervous about preorders; this time HLJ was making people confirm they would honour preorders when people ordered them.

This whole situation has been bad PR for Takara and at best, the reaction has been far more lukewarm than usual.

Honestly, I wonder how much of the price is the cost of MP-44 and how much of this is them trying to make up for the losses in projected earnings due to the loss of Pokémon to Bandai.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

One thing about both the 3rd party offerings is they are not unique transformations like MP44. They just use MP10 as a base and improve on it, they didn't design a new Optimus from the ground up like MP44.

Takara already put the work in to make MP10 years ago and these are just minor upgrades to Takara's own efforts. I feel praising their efforts on copying something Takara already did is a huge dis-service to Takara.

As everyone has said yes MP44 is expensive and that is a valid concern but price aside MP44 is superior in every other aspect to both 3rd party primes.

Magic square prime also has larger legs which translate to a large trailer hitch to the point where mounting MP10's trailer makes it sit askew..

While MS-01 does borrow from MP-10, TE-01 is a unique design.

Here's the transformation:

https://youtu.be/GNgPvlhR4RA?t=6m53s

It looks nothing like the transformation of MP-10, and is a lot more complex.

TE-01 is also compatible with MP-10's trailer:

https://youtu.be/GNgPvlhR4RA?t=20m59s

Until MP-44 is in-hand, no one can say that it is superior. But if you think it's superior for your needs, then fine.

[DaptoDog]

Points have been made, I really don't see the need to continue discussing 3P figures in this thread. Not trying to shoot down the discussion of these alternative Optimus Prime figures, just feel it would be best discussed in the unauthorised area.

[bowspearer]

While MS-01 does borrow from MP-10, TE-01, is a unique design.

Here's the transformation:

https://youtu.be/GNgPvlhR4RA?t=6m53s

It looks nothing like the transformation of MP-10, and is a lot more complex

I think you just obliterated that complexity difference argument so much that it's worse off than Starscream's body after Galvatron was done with it in the 1986 movie ;).

There are certainly some looseness issues I can see here, but the plastic looks sturdy. Like I said, I think Takara is going to find they've massively miscalculated. I just hope that there's some massive course correction with MP-45 or there could be dark clouds on the horizon for the future of the MP line.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

There are certainly some looseness issues I can see here, but the plastic looks sturdy.

It's a pre-production sample that's been doing the rounds with the Chinese reviewers, so that's probably contributed to the looseness.

[bowspearer]

It's a pre-production sample that's been doing the rounds with the Chinese reviewers, so that's probably contributed to the looseness.

Honestly, this all just makes me really sad. I was watching that TE-01 video and I'm having reactions of "that's so awesome" and "shut up and take my money" and a second later, I'm mindful that I'm not getting the same reactions from MP-44 - not because the complexity isn't there, but because the price is such a turn off.

It deeply troubles me in terms of the future of the Masterpiece line. If the trend is increasingly going to be more expensive figures with more limited runs, then how long is it before a run becomes so high priced and so limited that they can't justify it?

Heck for that matter, does it mean that our chances of seeing the rest of the minicars is somewhere between a snowball's change in hell and sweet bugger all?

What happens then? Do we end up with Third Party companies essentially tying up the entire market share of the Masterpiece market?

And for those who say this is over-reacting, just look at the exponential jumps in pricing.

Seriously, what's next, a $300 MP-45 hound?

And from there, where does it stop?

[Tha_Phantom]

Points have been made, I really don't see the need to continue discussing 3P figures in this thread. Not trying to shoot down the discussion of these alternative Optimus Prime figures, just feel it would be best discussed in the unauthorised area.

Agreed. It would be nice if the thread about MP-44 could stay being about MP-44.
I thought promotion of 3P toys outside their dedicated section was a violation of the rules, or am I interpreting them wrong?

18 - Unauthorised "third party" items and Knock Off item restrictions
Posting about (or selling) Unauthorised toys and accessories that specifically target the Transformers Brand and/or established Characters, is only permitted in the Unauthorised Products section. Sale of Counterfeit (Knock Off) Transformers toys or merchandise is prohibited here. Limited awareness of Counterfeit Transformers is allowed, to help other fans identify a fake when trying to purchase a legit figure, and should be contained within the Knock Off ID section.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Agreed. It would be nice if the thread about MP-44 could stay being about MP-44.
I thought promotion of 3P toys outside their dedicated section was a violation of the rules, or am I interpreting them wrong?

18 - Unauthorised "third party" items and Knock Off item restrictions
Posting about (or selling) Unauthorised toys and accessories that specifically target the Transformers Brand and/or established Characters, is only permitted in the Unauthorised Products section. Sale of Counterfeit (Knock Off) Transformers toys or merchandise is prohibited here. Limited awareness of Counterfeit Transformers is allowed, to help other fans identify a fake when trying to purchase a legit figure, and should be contained within the Knock Off ID section.

A similar issue has already come up earlier in the thread, and the site owner responded in post #157:

http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=594563&postcount=157


Since this matter was reported by one of the members (which was the right thing to do for the staff to review the matter), I wanted to respond to it in regards to the board's rules.

The individual isn't telling people to buy KOs (which is against the rules here), so, the posts were not a promotion of them.
It was a very small comment about KOs that was actually using them as a way to highlight a negative element of the legit toys (over-pricing for poor QC). There is no other objective way to do that, as any other toy or toyline would be apples to oranges. The point raised here was that IF an exact version of a toy can be done cheaper (setting aside development costs) and yet sometimes have better QC, why can't the legit version have better QC.

Also, if we don't have moderate, constructive discussions or comments on how they relate/compare/differ from the legal toys (that doesn't advocate fans to buy them), we would be oblivious to why they appeal to some people, and it would be difficult to debate/contest their pros from a position of being in the dark about them.

It's just unfortunate that we've had such a bad run of quality issues with Masterpiece toys, that we are expecting future toys to have something wrong with them... and distract ourselves from the actual news in these topics by debating it before it even exists.
As such... back to talking about what we do know about this toy.

No one in this thread has told anyone to buy any of the 3P figures, it's just the same old issue about price being rehashed, with the added discussion over desirability and design; and given that 3P companies are in the midst of releasing their figures, it was only natural that comparisons would arise. When the inevitable KOs appear, it will also be inevitable that comparisons will arise.

If you think a post has contravened the rules, then you are within your rights to report the post.

[bowspearer]

The other thing is that trying to censor a reasonable discussion just because you don't like what is being said, isn't going to make things go away.

I honestly don't think anyone wanted the situation with MP-44 to be like this- I certainly didn't - and it deeply saddens me that this figure release, which should have been divided between opions of "I'm happy with MP-10" and "shut up and take my money" has instead turned into a painful experience on the wallet, a financial turn-off and a spouler fest by Takara, whwn ordinarily they keep transformations top secret. It's not just the price that irks me, it's that this experience is so different from the hypefest that past MP releases have been. Then to make matters worse, the price gulf between TT and 3P has now gotten so large that 3P actually looks like it's a way better deal. And I'm saying that as someone who's been opposed to KO and 3P alternatives.

And no, I'm not saying I want the 3P option; I'm saying I want my Masterpiece golden era back dammit!

[Tha_Phantom]

The other thing is that trying to censor a reasonable discussion just because you don't like what is being said, isn't going to make things go away.


Don't get carried away, nobody is trying to censor you. I have not reported any posts and Daptodog explicitly said he didn't want to shut down discussion either, but said perhaps there are more relevant areas of the forum to discuss 3P.


A similar issue has already come up earlier in the thread, and the site owner responded in post #157:


Well if Griffin is cool with it being mentioned in this area then I won't bring it up again. In future I'll just keep scrolling.

[Sinnertwin]

You need your eyes checked Sinner. Looks nothin' like Divine Brown. Perhaps it's those sexy lips... oh wait that's the mouth plate.

You've got to admit, as far as head sculpts go, it's damn sexy.

[drifand]

If you guys don't compare and contrast with 3p figures then you never know whats good or bad with the MP-44. I am not going to object to comparisons, but just make sure the focus is still MP-44 and not go overboard.

IMO, the 3p of both MS and TE doesn't cut it for me.
1. Both lacked paint on red
2. TE has a not great sculpt on the head

Price wise they are great but ultimately comes down to design and finish.
Too early to praise MP-44 as I wont know if the red is painted or bare red plastic.

There are consequences for this move by TT. I might have bought my last MP and call it quits. For me, I only will wait for a Jazz MP if it ever happens, but anything else, I lost interest in supporting.

The argument for which is better 3p or TT, is not a topic in this thread. There are a lot of issues on both and it will derail the topic.

Overall I am very disappointed in the pricing and is more like a suck it up.
Rather than being negative I just hope TT does a good job on this piece.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

From Figure King No. 252: (https://www.facebook.com/loopaza/posts/2202856669775836?__xts__[0]=68.ARBwTIEXhCd3nNiDaToGKlBa9vJaH-ZIYcq0sBpFTij_5_eMsyVg2TNQLUdqUeMdQQnGVbFco1CBCo2I 6b-Qd95RkbWE1ryQbPlNKIWOgVgUHZbhGt6-FnImlBWb5F9ExNqH5IXB0tVEfDYGgEeyWr1OeLYhvNTOVHNIZb 4rrA2b2k_UM5YK0XmAQa1ChjykIdg8NAXep58QX5tm0FYHdYVx 2FrBy0-xiuHWq5jSEb-XUo-_YmIbfCJjAwOUEMGf60-kiHjGy73NX3uzZYwj9nG5Zi5dRlXd8twv20CJ9SmRzNu5D3ysQ MDermGFriAnJ_uqVPSCy-6wH2GLO0nZ8QmL5A&__tn__=-R)

https://i.imgur.com/T1UnnqP.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/0TBfUn7.jpg

[Jazzman]

From Figure King No. 252: (https://www.facebook.com/loopaza/posts/2202856669775836?__xts__[0]=68.ARBwTIEXhCd3nNiDaToGKlBa9vJaH-ZIYcq0sBpFTij_5_eMsyVg2TNQLUdqUeMdQQnGVbFco1CBCo2I 6b-Qd95RkbWE1ryQbPlNKIWOgVgUHZbhGt6-FnImlBWb5F9ExNqH5IXB0tVEfDYGgEeyWr1OeLYhvNTOVHNIZb 4rrA2b2k_UM5YK0XmAQa1ChjykIdg8NAXep58QX5tm0FYHdYVx 2FrBy0-xiuHWq5jSEb-XUo-_YmIbfCJjAwOUEMGf60-kiHjGy73NX3uzZYwj9nG5Zi5dRlXd8twv20CJ9SmRzNu5D3ysQ MDermGFriAnJ_uqVPSCy-6wH2GLO0nZ8QmL5A&__tn__=-R)

https://i.imgur.com/T1UnnqP.jpghttps://i.imgur.com/0TBfUn7.jpg

Have to admit, he's looking better and better all the time... that price is still killer, though. :(

[Sinnertwin]

It's beautiful.

[reillyd]

It's beautiful.

It really is, isn't it?

I largely agreed with many of Bowspearer's arguments about the jetpack and extras being too expensive. Then Megatron HAD to go and post those damn pictures..... and now I'm in love. I desperately want it, I crave it, I needs it my precious! Yessss.....

But I don't know how I'm going to afford it, I really don't. And the voice clips wouldn't be Peter Cullen in English either, would it? Maybe I should just wait for Hasbro to do it, IF they ever do it. I still have a stand though with voice clips..... really on the fence with this one.

[Jellico]

Electric. Straddled.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

It really is, isn't it?

I largely agreed with many of Bowspearer's arguments about the jetpack and extras being too expensive. Then Megatron HAD to go and post those damn pictures..... and now I'm in love. I desperately want it, I crave it, I needs it my precious! Yessss.....

But I don't know how I'm going to afford it, I really don't. And the voice clips wouldn't be Peter Cullen in English either, would it? Maybe I should just wait for Hasbro to do it, IF they ever do it. I still have a stand though with voice clips..... really on the fence with this one.


Sorry! :(

I think there's no harm in sitting out this first run -- maybe Takara (or Hasbro Asia) will release a stripped down version in the future. I can definitely see Hasbro Asia doing something like that (like what happened with their Soundwave and five included tapes).

Plus this a Prime figure, and it's not as if it won't be re-released in the future multiple times.

[griffin]

It looks like the new MP Optimus/Convoy will be released through Diamond/Previews (as well as Entertainment Earth I think), in the first week of September (https://news.tfw2005.com/2019/01/29/transformers-masterpiece-optimus-prime-mp-44-u-s-and-canada-release-news-381893), for..... US$450 !!! :eek:
As with most toys through Diamond, this might only be for domestic US comic stores, which means we might not see it available through comic stores here... but at that price (about AU$650), who would want to?


From Hasbro Toy Group. Making a third appearance into the Transformers Masterpiece line is the brave leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime. This version of Optimus will feature a more cartoon accurate styling. Set includes: Optimus‘ Trailer, Rifle, Energy axe, Jet pack, Rover (Rollar), 2 Energy spikes, 3 Heads, Matrix of Leadership, Starscream’s shoulder pieces, Battle damaged piece, and an Energon pump with hose and nozzle. In Shops: Sep 04, 2019 SRP: $450.00
People who buy those really expensive licensed statues and non-convertible figures that are highly poseable, would be who this is aimed at. At this price, this is not a playable toy... it is essentially a poseable statue, with the ability to transform basically being a bonus.


Just to put that US retail price in perspective, the Generations Titans Fort Max, Trypticon and Devastator were all US$150 each.... which means this one toy will cost the same as three Titan size figures (three Fort Max toys will equal the cost of a toy that is Leader class size, with a hollow box trailer).


There is no way this toy will come here... not if we would be seeing a retail price here that is about AU$800-900 (based on US prices being about half our prices). If we did see it here, I think it would end up being special import stores that stock those expensive licensed statues (selling it for about a grand), like Zing or the bigger Toyworld stores.

[DELTAprime]

Soundwaves Oblivion has translated the 2019 Generations Guidebook article on Convoy for all of us that don't speak Japanese.

Beware transformation spoilers.

https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-generations-2019-mp44-article-translation/42833/

[griffin]

Also, the word from the American fan sites, is that this "US" release is just an import of the Japanese toy, so it is being claimed that the voice chip will still be the Japanese one... but I would expect some sort of repacking or stickering of the Japanese box, as it will be called Convoy in Japan, but would need to be called Optimus Prime in America.
(I haven't found a reliable source of this claim yet, so for now, it could be either an import, or a separate US version.)

[Jellico]

Soundwaves Oblivion has translated the 2019 Generations Guidebook article on Convoy for all of us that don't speak Japanese.

Beware transformation spoilers.

https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-generations-2019-mp44-article-translation/42833/

Gawd Demit. Stop being so pretty MP44.

[drifand]

English voice chip will only come from 3p

You can dream on for hasbro as they didn’t touch Megatron. Plus with the on going mpm releases. This is definitely not on the cards as hasbro priority. Expect nothing from hasbro as they have left the masterpiece g1 scene.

Ask yourself what was the last hasbro masterpiece g1? How many tt release and hasbro has done zip?

[Tha_Phantom]

You can dream on for hasbro as they didn’t touch Megatron.

Hasbro would never touch Megatron, being a gunformer and all. But they have done their own versions of MP-1 and MP-10, so there is precedent for Primes.

[UltraMarginal]

Not nearly as ridiculous as the Wal Mart G1 Optimus Prime reissue that's just the cab robot for US$50 (especially considering that Encore Convoy sold for nearly the same price with everything).


It's perfectly normal for reissues to be unreasonably overpriced. I recall when the Reissue/encore toys got to TRU here I passed on Grapple at TRU because he was $75. Back whenever that was a thing, maybe 15 years ago. The parts count between that and Prime can't be too dissimilar. I'm not saying that US$50 for the Prime reissue without a trailer is a good price, I'm just saying it's not a surprise. I'm sure they price these reissues at a high profit margin so they can then make high profits early and then discount them to clear and still make some profit.

The parts count on this MP prime is going to be very high, much like dinobot, sure that's where a lot of the manufacturing expense comes from. But the whole point of manufacturing product like this is to amortise production and design cost over many units. Perhaps in this specific case they are expecting to sell less anyway because it is the 3rd version of a prime. (4th if you include MP-04) and so they are pricing accordingly.

It looks amazing, and has some great accessories that I might use once or twice. But I have 3 MP primes, for this money I can buy so many other transformers. If they make a 'toy' version with more highlight on realistic truck details, and how they would translate in the bot mode, and it's competitively cheaper than this version and I have the money at the time, I'll most likely get it.

It's beautiful, and the engineering has me really fascinated. but no.

[drifand]

Hasbro would never touch Megatron, being a gunformer and all. But they have done their own versions of MP-1 and MP-10, so there is precedent for Primes.

It’s just not that, they not even touching what skywarp thundercracker,inferno, grapple. Sunstreaker, ironhide, and ratchet.

I going to just say it, is not happening in any time soon.

[Sinnertwin]

And so they shouldnt, because apart from when the dollar was on parity, MP prices in store have been stupid expensive. Why would people pay more for the same thing, since this Global Unification business?

I want to say they've learnt their lesson, but then there is word of an MP44 US release coming in at inflated prices. Have fun with those shelf warmers.

[drifand]

And so they shouldnt, because apart from when the dollar was on parity, MP prices in store have been stupid expensive. Why would people pay more for the same thing, since this Global Unification business?

I want to say they've learnt their lesson, but then there is word of an MP44 US release coming in at inflated prices. Have fun with those shelf warmers.

I heard the reports saying is just an imported version of TT I think.

[Tha_Phantom]

I heard the reports saying is just an imported version of TT I think.

Yeah I don't think it's a "proper" Hasbro release.

If Hasbro could strip down the accessories, electronics and most importantly the price tag, they could be on a winner for those who want an MP-44 for their display but won't pay the current asking price.

[Sinnertwin]

What's retail? $450 USD?
You'd have to strip panels off the toy along with the voice box and plastic trinkets to get it down to a reasonable price.

[DELTAprime]

Seibertron has some new images of MP44 up courtesy of Dengeki Hobby.

https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/first-images-of-box-and-card-for-masterpiece-mp44-optimus-prime-30/43354/

I kinda think he looks better in the stock photos rather than these in hand images.

[Jazzman]

Seibertron has some new images of MP44 up courtesy of Dengeki Hobby.

https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/first-images-of-box-and-card-for-masterpiece-mp44-optimus-prime-30/43354/

I kinda think he looks better in the stock photos rather than these in hand images.

He must've had some giant-robot-crotch itch as he's got some nasty paint chipping in that area :eek:

[Tober]

Is there an official release date for Convoy v3 ? Amazon Japan is saying August 31st.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Not that I know of, most places I look at just say August 2019.

I ended up selling some stuff in order to make room for MP44. Bit the bullet and pre-ordered through Oh My Primus.

[Tober]

Thanks.

Masterpieces are usually released on the last Saturday of the month, which would be the 31st anyway, so I'll go with that for now. :)

[danny-boy]

It begins!!! Just got a shipping notice from Nippon Yasan. If I?m lucky I?ll have this in hand on Friday. If not I?m okay with Monday. I didn?t expect NY to ship it out so fast.

[DaptoDog]

It begins!!! Just got a shipping notice from Nippon Yasan. If I?m lucky I?ll have this in hand on Friday. If not I?m okay with Monday. I didn?t expect NY to ship it out so fast.

Congrats! I ordered from them too but combined with MP-45 so need to wait another month.

[danny-boy]

Congrats! I ordered from them too but combined with MP-45 so need to wait another month.

I also have MP-45 with NY but didn't have the will power to hold off and save on shipping. It's a bit surprising that the cheapest option (that I found) to purchase MP-44 is also the quickest to ship.

[philby]

i think i saw robot kingdom on FB say they will be shipping on 31st august

[Tober]

I got charged by HLJ a few hours ago, along with MPM-8 Movie Megatron. Damn that hurt!! :(

[Ralph Wiggum]

Payment request received from OhMyPrimus, so will probably receive in about a week. Can?t wait!

Also, it appears the voice chip also plays Peter Cullens? voicelines! :eek:

[griffin]

The new toy in-hand (https://news.tfw2005.com/2019/08/29/takara-tomy-transformers-masterpiece-mp-44-convoy-optimus-v3-extra-in-hand-images-transformation-sequence-extra-accessories-and-articulation-395761) (for those like me who couldn't justify a third MP Optimus at over AU$400)... and a video of the electronic recordings, including bonus English recordings by Peter Cullen.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7uF8vwYPes

[danny-boy]

Received mine from Nippon Yasan this morning. I?ve spent most of the day with it. Absolutely gorgeous figure. Transformation wasn?t bad at all, just scary in some places, especially that last click to get the torso tabbed into the waist. I prefer the S1 head but they made it too small, looks like a pin head next to Megatron. I?ll stick with the S2 head. Paint is good on both copies.

[drifand]

thanks for the update, are the joints tight enough? To me the figure just pops, the red just feels correct.

[griffin]

Looks like MP-44 has earned a recognition for excellence award at a Japanese Toy Awards in the high end category (https://news.tfw2005.com/2019/09/02/masterpiece-mp-44-convoy-optimus-prime-ver-3-received-a-japan-toy-awards-2019-recognition-395984).
I'm not sure what that means, or who was responsible for choosing that toy for the award (if it is even an award, as it just seems to be an official industry acknowledgement of it being a well designed expensive toy).

[danny-boy]

thanks for the update, are the joints tight enough? To me the figure just pops, the red just feels correct.

The joints are tight, there's a little wiggle room in between ratchets but overall it gives the figure a bit more flexibility when posing.

I'll be honest though. I'm a huge Takara Tomy fan but this isn't worth $500 Aussie dollars. I thought at that price point this figure would be flawless with strong plastic and die cast. It's not. It's just another figure in their MP line. There's nothing new here besides a more advanced transformation. The figure is still easily prone to scratches from transformation and breakage from weak materials. This is worth $350 AUD max.

On the other hand, the figure is drop dead gorgeous with the painted red, blue, grey, white, and yellow. Absolutely stunning. The back pack isn't noticeable in hand. There is so much play value with the trailer and accessories. I got tired at looking through all the options in the manual. There's just so much to see and do.

I don't know, yeah I'm happy with it but that price still cuts. It feels like I got shafted but at the end of the day, this is the Optimus Prime I always wanted. I just wish it was more of a premium product to match the premium price.

[drifand]

Apparently there is a cautionary video on the knee joint of possibility of breaking.
I honestly hope it isn?t the case.
Imo if not for price factor I think is the best looking one out of the new primes.
But of course some people will prefer the other.

https://www.facebook.com/DaimChocReports/videos/720011591793266/

[Sinnertwin]

Even if it's built from a titanium super alloy, some banana will still find a way to break it.
Then the sky will fall.

[drifand]

Bad news it is a defect that the knee part will break but it doesn?t seem like it will destroy the figure at all just no ratchet joint.

[Nevac]

Hmm just popped batteries in mine and he only says about 3 or 4 phrases all in Japanese no English at all. ok figuired it out, you need to long press to change modes seems to have about 6 with english being on the last mode.

Still like MP36 better with it's physical switch but each seem to lack their iconic blaster sounds from the cartoon. At least Megatron has a blaster sound but it's not like the cartoon sound at all.

[danny-boy]

mine are fine. if you?re going to bend the knee utilise the upper ratchet before the lower ratchet and it?ll be fine. khai from kool kollectibles put up a good vid on how to do it.

The more time I spend with this figure the more I love it. This is easily the best Transformers figure I?ve ever purchased. I?ve done a full 180 on the price. This is worth every cent.

[Tha_Phantom]

The more time I spend with this figure the more I love it. This is easily the best Transformers figure I?ve ever purchased. I?ve done a full 180 on the price. This is worth every cent.

Heh, I had a similar reaction to MP-43. Just need to get a feel for some figures before you can really pass judgement I guess.
Looking forward to getting my MP-44 next week. :)

[drifand]

To summarise bend the upper knee first till the point it release and allow you to further bend the lower knee.
I hope that is the only problem.

Hope everyone enjoyed their purchase

[Ralph Wiggum]

Still waiting on mine from Oh My Primus but will be extra careful with this knee issue.

[TaZZerath]

Seibertron are reporting (https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/reviews-breakage-reports-and-fixes-for-takara-masterpiece-mp-44-optimus-prime/43897/) some other concerns along with the knees including the head antennas and some general overall reactions.

I think this is why I just can't bring myself to be a Masterpiece collector. The risk vs reward is too high for me. Shelling out that amount of money to have these sorts of issues just astounds me.

[Tha_Phantom]

I think this is why I just can't bring myself to be a Masterpiece collector. The risk vs reward is too high for me. Shelling out that amount of money to have these sorts of issues just astounds me.

To each their own, but I love the Masterpiece line. The bent antenna is something I probably wouldn't think twice about, we've had this sort of thing on many figures over the decades.
As for the knees, from what I've seen on videos there are two ratchets and you just have to move them the right way. It seems you'd know if you were forcing it to move beyond what it's meant to, but people did so anyway and broke theirs. *shrugs*

[drifand]

You have to be fair though, the knee imo should not be an issue in the first place. Most people who broke it didn?t even know they broke it.

https://youtu.be/lCVZuJnIrqU

This Chinese guy basically snapped the issue off and glued the ratchet down and to me imo should have been what Takara should have done. Rather than overthinking it.

[Sinnertwin]

It's predictable at this point
New MP is released
5 people break it because they over torque the thing to an inch of it's life
Internet lights up
TaKaRA iZ gOiNG DowNHILL. 3P iZ So MucH beTtaH

Wait until Hound is released. I bet someone will manage to snap his head off and we'll go through it all over again

[drifand]

Well at least the remaining folks here will be careful if they read the threads.
I am sure some will complain paint chips as well.

[graza78]

It's predictable at this point
New MP is released
5 people break it because they over torque the thing to an inch of it's life
Internet lights up
TaKaRA iZ gOiNG DowNHILL. 3P iZ So MucH beTtaH

Wait until Hound is released. I bet someone will manage to snap his head off and we'll go through it all over again

They didn't over-torque these knees though. The lower knee ratchet breaks during normal operation because
1. The ratchet is soft
2. There is a blue piece that needs to slide into a channel to engage the lower knee ratchet but in many figures the piece is too big to actually go into the channel insta-breaking it. Takara design fail this time, not human error.

[GoktimusPrime]

Still like MP36 better with it's physical switch but each seem to lack their iconic blaster sounds from the cartoon. At least Megatron has a blaster sound but it's not like the cartoon sound at all.
At least this chip has new voices on it. MP36's sound chip is nothing more than the same chip that they used on the Galvatron reissue.

[Tha_Phantom]

I am sure some will complain paint chips as well.

Well if nobody else does we can always count on you. ;)

[Nevac]

At least this chip has new voices on it. MP36's sound chip is nothing more than the same chip that they used on the Galvatron reissue.

Yeah you're right, I've never heard the Galvatron reissue. After playing with MP44 a lot I found a lot more voices, Japanese ones but a lot more. So seems it's a better one then Megatron just bummed I didn't get Primes iconic blaster sound. Has anyone translated all the voice lines he says yet?

[Sinnertwin]

They didn't over-torque these knees though. The lower knee ratchet breaks during normal operation because
1. The ratchet is soft
2. There is a blue piece that needs to slide into a channel to engage the lower knee ratchet but in many figures the piece is too big to actually go into the channel insta-breaking it. Takara design fail this time, not human error.

Yeah... nah. I've seen quite a few videos where people have no issues transforming MP44, so it is human error.
Like I've said, new MP, heavy hands, another break/design flaw blah blah blah

[Tha_Phantom]

I got to mess with someone else's MP-44 today. Bent the knees and.... Absolutely nothing bad happened. It's not a thing, unless you're really trying to force something.

[drifand]

I think the consensus is it should not have to be that careful over a simple movement.
I mean if we have no idea about this issue we be just bending it without thinking anything about it.

The design could have been simpler. I still think overall the figure looks good.

[graza78]

Even people who are aware of the knee issue and properly fold the upper knee joint all 5 clicks, then engage the lower another 3 have had theirs break over time. Check the tfw2005 boards and even amazon japans reviews for more info.

[danny-boy]

nah been bending mine back and forth the correct way and no issue. The people breaking their knee ratchet just aren?t doing it right. There?s a tab behind the knee, when the upper ratchet has been engaged first a slot appears, then bend the lower ratchet and the tab fits perfectly into the slot.

[hYpNoS]

I think its funny once an issue is found out everyone claims its just user error and nothing of the sort ever happens again, to me it sounds like people just being aware and subconsciously being cautious.

I just honestly wish my mp dinobot was like that, damn ratchets, no break but its going to, I was even fully aware and as I was handling it "oh I see what people are taking about it".

[Nevac]

My hip ratchets on MP44 sound different on both legs but both function fine. The left makes a very loud clicking and the other is much quieter, not sure why. Haven't had any problems with the knee ratchets they both sound and function the same.

[Tober]

https://youtu.be/yVyugaCmtVI

[Tha_Phantom]

https://youtu.be/yVyugaCmtVI

Thanks for that, will come in handy when I transform mine for the first time. Transformation looks tough, but then again so is MP36 and I have that transformation down to 10 minutes (from 40) now, so this will no doubt become easier over time as well.

[drifand]

I don?t think is as hard as megatron, just some precautionary things like the waist area to avoid paint scratches.

[Tober]

Movie showing how to 'fix' the knee problem with super glue:


https://youtu.be/glGUux2O0As

As we know it's a design flaw that shouldn't have happened, but it has. And will probably be fixed for the considerably cheaper Hasbro release...

[danny-boy]

There won?t be a considerably cheaper Hasbro release......they?ve already released it.

https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/hasbro-releasing-transformers-masterpiece-mp44-optimus-prime-ver-3-for-440-usd/42539/

[Tober]

There won?t be a considerably cheaper Hasbro release......they?ve already released it.

https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/hasbro-releasing-transformers-masterpiece-mp44-optimus-prime-ver-3-for-440-usd/42539/

Thanks. That will be interesting.

[GoktimusPrime]

There won?t be a considerably cheaper Hasbro release......they?ve already released it.

https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/hasbro-releasing-transformers-masterpiece-mp44-optimus-prime-ver-3-for-440-usd/42539/
$36 cheaper doesn't seem to be that significant a saving, especially given the cost of shipping from USA vs JP to AU.
Even if a local chain here (e.g. EB/Zing) picks it up, it wouldn't be a huge difference. And for those who got pre-order discounts for the Japanese version it might actually work out to be a bit dearer. So in all it seems that it would be roughly on par with TakaraTOMY's RRP.