Haslab Victory Saber

[Krayt]

Just announced on the FFF livestream, Haslab Victory Saber is now up for funding

https://hasbropulse.com/collections/haslab/products/transformers-victory-saber

Hopefully it hits Zing for order soon, I think about $350 when comparing the price of Galactus

[1AZRAEL1]

I hope Zing gets in again.

[Handsprime]

If Zing does a pre-order, I'll grab one.
I skipped Unicron cause he was too big and expensive for my collection, but I can easily fit a Victory Saber into mine.

[Dimi194]

If Zing does a pre-order, I'll grab one.
I skipped Unicron cause he was too big and expensive for my collection, but I can easily fit a Victory Saber into mine.

Same, I LOVE a good combiner and this guy looks awesome!

[nalops]

It's up on Zing/EB now. $369 but only $10 deposit. Limit of 5.

https://www.ebgames.com.au/product/toys-and-collectibles/278088-transformers-haslab-victory-saber-action-figure-set

https://www.zingpopculture.com.au/product/collectibles/278088-transformers-haslab-victory-saber-action-figure-set

Reckon it may be a good idea to place a deposit for 5, hope it reaches its goal and then cancel the ones you don't need.

[SarhBear]

Looks great but he's maybe a hundo too rich for me

[doublespy]

Was there a cheaper avenue to back Unicron back then? Want this but am not prepared to pay EB’s price.

[Krayt]

Was there a cheaper avenue to back Unicron back then? Want this but am not prepared to pay EB’s price.

When you consider the exchange rate places it just over 250 aud, so some singapore sites might get it about that mark, you need to remember you still need shipping on top.

Postage would be about 100 from anywhere oversees, so 350ish is bang on target.

EDIT: it’s getting listed as 290sgd.... so 294 aud.... shipping would be more than 60ish....

[nalops]

Star Saber is 180 GBP (not sure shipping and tax included) on UK Hasbro Pulse which is around 340 AUD, so our price maybe isn't that bad.

[Trent]

Was there a cheaper avenue to back Unicron back then? Want this but am not prepared to pay EB’s price.

No. But EB/Zing price was just the US haslab price converted to AUD. Considering that in the US they had to pay extra for shipping, Australia ended up the cheapest place in the world for Unicron. It would seem this time around either Hasbro or EB/Zing aren’t feeling so generous.

[SarhBear]

No. But EB/Zing price was just the US haslab price converted to AUD.

Right now that'd be ~246aud for Star Saber which, like I said, if we were looking at 269 or so I'd be eager to grab this. Would be basically the US price+GST, or the RRP of a commander and a leader together plus a little premium. As things stand it's just a biiiit too much for me.

[nalops]

You'd have to factor in shipping and some other things so even 270 would be optimistic. Unicron is an outlier probably because they scrambled to get it here.

Remember you get like a year to pay it off unlike US who have to pay as soon as the campaign ends.

[griffin]

Screenshots of the reveal video (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/08/27/transformers-haslab-victory-saber-revealed-crowdfunding-campaign-live-440043).

The main elements...
- Saber as a robot is about Deluxe sized.
- Star Saber (Saber combined with rest of jet parts) is about Leader sized.
- Brainmaster (inside Saber) is smaller than a Titanmaster head, which seems a bit small to me.
- Victory Leo as a robot is about Voyager sized.
- Victory Saber (combined form) is probably about Commander sized.
(the American price of us$180 is the cost of a Titan (150) and Voyager (30) over there... so our price of au$370 isn't too far off the cost of a Titan and Voyager here, but we certainly didn't get the same great deal that we got for Unicron here, which was less than double the US price.)

11,000 units - Minimum number of backers by October 10th.
14,000 units - tier 1 bonus item - V-lock cannon and Blast effects.
17,000 units - tier 2 bonus item - unknown
20,000 units - tier 2 bonus item - unknown

Notes from the video...


Star Saber promotional video
* Brainmaster: Brain of Courage
* Autobot Saber
* Autobot Star Saber
* Victory Leo
* Victory Saber for $179.99


Brainmaster of Courage
* Inch tall, smaller than Titan Master
* Brain master goes into chest and transforms into face.

Autobot Saber (prototype slightly mistransformed due to fragility issues)
* Head is on a turret bucket so head can rotate
* Hound for robot mode comparison

Saber
* Brainmaster can sit in the cockpit
* There is a pivot where you can pop the brain out of the cockpit for the iconic transformation scene


Star Saber
* Evan can convert the Star Saber prototype
* Hound for robot mode comparison (would walk into his fists)
* Bunch of articulation, butterfly joints in the chest for the dynamic posing of the sword strikes
* Showing the rendered Star Saber alt mode
* Rendered Star Saber in the iconic sword pose
* Sword – Not on the current prototype ext revision will allow you to choose to change the direction of the blade to be anime or toy-accurate


Victory Leo
* Rendered alt mode
* Rendered robot in G1 box art
* Comparison to Hound again (would walk into his wings)
* Cannons are articulated
* Cannons can also come off
* Can go on fist or in hands, are 5mm port friendly

* No conversions today

Victory Saber
* Renders of giant space-jet thing
* Iconic render of the classic animation transformation scene
* Render of the front-facing Victory Saber

11,000 backers needed by Oct 10, 2021

T1 unlock – 14,000 – V-lock Cannon & Blast Effects
V-lock cannon (it’s big, taller than deluxe, can snap on to victory leo)

[Trent]

Right now that'd be ~246aud for Star Saber which, like I said, if we were looking at 269 or so I'd be eager to grab this. Would be basically the US price+GST, or the RRP of a commander and a leader together plus a little premium. As things stand it's just a biiiit too much for me.

That’s fair enough. They ain’t cheap and you have to draw the line on unnecessary plastic toys somewhere.


You'd have to factor in shipping and some other things so even 270 would be optimistic. Unicron is an outlier probably because they scrambled to get it here.

Remember you get like a year to pay it off unlike US who have to pay as soon as the campaign ends.

Considering these things aren’t made in the US they have to factor in shipping too. They don’t all get sent to the US then reshipped from there. They head to their destination countries straight from the factory.

[DELTAprime]

Looks nice. I'll be ordering him when my bills for the fortnight are all paid on Tuesday.

[griffin]

Just announced on the FFF livestream, Haslab Victory Saber is now up for funding

https://hasbropulse.com/collections/haslab/products/transformers-victory-saber

Hopefully it hits Zing for order soon, I think about $350 when comparing the price of Galactus

A mistake on the Haslab site (https://hasbropulse.com/products/transformers-victory-saber)...


Outside of Transformers Masterpiece, Star Saber has not had an action figure since 1989.

They are forgetting the Robotmasters Star Saber (https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Star_Saber_(Victory)/toys)in 2004, and I'd be inclined to claim the Mega SCF in 2002 has enough moving parts to be considered an Action figure.


Also, the EBGames site (https://www.ebgames.com.au/product/toys-and-collectibles/278088-transformers-haslab-victory-saber-action-figure-set) has included an odd date in its description, but includes the correct dates in the next sentence...


You have until August 30th so get your preorder in today! This HasLab project will run from August 28, 2021 to October 10, 2021.

[ComicGuy89]

Thinking of biting on this for the first time. With the $10 deposit, does that mean I don't need to commit beyond that? How does that work for the crowdfunding?

[nalops]

Thinking of biting on this for the first time. With the $10 deposit, does that mean I don't need to commit beyond that? How does that work for the crowdfunding?

Yea, just need to put $10. You can add money later otherwise you'll pay the rest off when it's in stock.

I assume they'll just give the numbers to Hasbro once it's ended.

[ComicGuy89]

Yea, just need to put $10. You can add money later otherwise you'll pay the rest off when it's in stock.

I assume they'll just give the numbers to Hasbro once it's ended.

Thanks nalops. Would I have the option to cancel my order later on? Not intending to, but just wanted to understand the pre-order process.

[1AZRAEL1]

And ordered. Hopefully it reaches its goal

[nalops]

Thanks nalops. Would I have the option to cancel my order later on? Not intending to, but just wanted to understand the pre-order process.

Yea, shouldn't be a problem. Could even cancel once it's in stock as there's no real obligation to buy and they'll just sell it to next person/list it on their website.

Happened with Unicron.

[MayzaPrime]

And ordered. Hopefully it reaches its goal

Same! Looking forward to getting this... :D

[JJJ]

I honestly did not expect a mere $10 deposit. That's crazy.

The toys look kinda nice. Not sure I'd have it in full combined mode much (the legs just don't work for me), but the two big chunks are good. That lion mode certainly puts Razorclaw to shame :p

3500 backers overnight is pretty good, too. Could be that JG1 isn't quite a niche as feared. Which is nice; I've been rather interested in Deathsaurus since IDW started using him (mind you, MTME's villain is why I like Star Saber in the first place...). Maybe when this thing funds they'll move onto him as well.

I've not seen any mention of the base mode from the original toy (the other mode of the V-Star jet that Saber combines with) - they will have incorporated that into this one, right?

[ComicGuy89]

Yea, shouldn't be a problem. Could even cancel once it's in stock as there's no real obligation to buy and they'll just sell it to next person/list it on their website.

Happened with Unicron.

Thanks heaps! I placed an order too. The deposit is too good to pass up.

[JJJ]

(the American price of us$180 is the cost of a Titan (150) and Voyager (30) over there... so our price of au$370 isn't too far off the cost of a Titan and Voyager here, but we certainly didn't get the same great deal that we got for Unicron here, which was less than double the US price.)

Do you reckon the price difference might be due to the thing you explained to me recently about how Hasbro Australia have to buy the ordinary toys from Hasbro US who need to make a profit from that transaction?

[doublespy]

Right now that'd be ~246aud for Star Saber which, like I said, if we were looking at 269 or so I'd be eager to grab this. Would be basically the US price+GST, or the RRP of a commander and a leader together plus a little premium. As things stand it's just a biiiit too much for me.

I’m kinda in the same boat. I’d bite straight away at equivalent of $180 USD and change plus shipping.

The more expensive the original US price is, the harder it is for me to accept this ‘doubling USD price is our AUD price’ practice.

Think I might even try preordering on Taobao for Star Saber.

[griffin]

Do you reckon the price difference might be due to the thing you explained to me recently about how Hasbro Australia have to buy the ordinary toys from Hasbro US who need to make a profit from that transaction?

Pretty much... as in America there is only two entities needing profit from items sold in America (the retailer and Hasbro America), while outside of America there are three entities needing profit from items sold outside of America (the retailer, Hasbro America and Hasbro in that country, to pay for their expenses, marketing and staff).

On the plus side, with these Haslab pre-orders most countries charge the backers at the end of the pre-order period, while EBGames charges us when it is released... a year after almost everyone else in the world, which is a lot more time to save up (like with Unicron).

Speaking of Unicron, I think someone at Hasbro didn't convert it properly, and we got a better deal than we should have. Because most items here are double the US dollar amount, and anything above or below that is more to do with the retailer, or incentives by Hasbro Australia just to get a retailer to sign up to it.

[christalcase]

I will bite the Zing listing, it's pricier than I would like given the size of the toys, but being a Haslab figure, hopefully it doesn't have the excessive cheapening and hollowness of retail figures, which will make it more worth the price. I already have MP Star Saber but the inclusion of Victory Leo pushed me over the line and I look forward to getting it.

[JJJ]

A certain amount of hollowness has already been identifed (Sabre's inner arms, the underside of the guns, Leo's inner thighs, Star Sabre's sleeves). That's because this is just another Generations figure (or rather set of figures), and selling it via Haslab hasn't changed that; all it's done is enable the production of some toys that Hasbro did not think would sell via standard retail. It still has the modern HasTak budgetary concerns.

[DELTAprime]

I'm not too familiar with Victory Leo and Star Sabre beyond the MP I got back when it came out. Is image 2 on the Hasbro Pulse site of Victory Leo's robot mode?

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I'm not too familiar with Victory Leo and Star Sabre beyond the MP I got back when it came out. Is image 2 on the Hasbro Pulse site of Victory Leo's robot mode?

Yes.
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0169/6995/7440/products/PULSE_TF_VICTORY_PDP_11_2000x.jpg?v=1630068832
That is Victor Leo in robot mode.

I like Star Sabre and Victory was a good show. I dig my Masterpiece quite a bit, and while excited to see this guy, I am... unsure. Like Sabre, Star Sabre and Victory Leo are all cool and all, but Victory Sabre just looks naff. The platform shoes are just kinda stupid. He would probably look very flash next to my Legends Dai Atlus though
I'm gonna need some thinking time about this one.

[SarhBear]

Despite my initial price protestations, I'm considering putting a preorder down so that a year from now if I haven't decided I don't like him my family can put in as a joint Christmas present or whatever.

It isn't paying over what I would personally if it's not one person paying it *taps temple*

[nalops]

If it reaches more of its goals, it should be a lot better value in the end. You're only out $10 at this point so may as well.

[griffin]

EB Games in New Zealand have also listed it (https://www.ebgames.co.nz/product/toys-and-collectibles/278088-transformers-haslab-victory-saber-action-figure-set), at the same price as ours (in nz$) with a pre-order deposit of $100... which suggests that the EB Games Australia deposit amount is a typo, and was meant to be $100 as well.
Less risk for us, but the EB Games company isn't going to be too happy when they figure it out, as they would have been hoping to get a fair bit in the bank to sit on for a year (or pay to Hasbro, if they have to pay something beforehand as well)

In other words, if you are thinking about getting this figure, best get your pre-order in now, in case they fix it and start charging $100 deposit. After all, $10 isn't much of a risk, or hit to the budget, for something that is over a year away.

[DELTAprime]

EB Games in New Zealand have also listed it (https://www.ebgames.co.nz/product/toys-and-collectibles/278088-transformers-haslab-victory-saber-action-figure-set), at the same price as ours (in nz$) with a pre-order deposit of $100... which suggests that the EB Games Australia deposit amount is a typo, and was meant to be $100 as well.
Less risk for us, but the EB Games company isn't going to be too happy when they figure it out, as they would have been hoping to get a fair bit in the bank to sit on for a year (or pay to Hasbro, if they have to pay something beforehand as well)

In other words, if you are thinking about getting this figure, best get your pre-order in now, in case they fix it and start charging $100 deposit. After all, $10 isn't much of a risk, or hit to the budget, for something that is over a year away.

In the past when they make that mistake they have asked for the remaining amount. So be aware there is a chance they will ask for $90 to keep your preorder.

[christalcase]

In the past when they make that mistake they have asked for the remaining amount. So be aware there is a chance they will ask for $90 to keep your preorder.

Hopefully not, but if they do that, I am going to cancel the preorder. No way am I giving $100 (nearly a third of the price) to a company to hold for a product 1+ year from now. Would rather without the toy as it's something I would like to have, not a must have. Even Unicron only required $100 and that was a $848 product so it was more risk to the retailer.

[Krayt]

Hopefully not, but if they do that, I am going to cancel the preorder. No way am I giving $100 (nearly a third of the price) to a company to hold for a product 1+ year from now. Would rather without the toy as it's something I would like to have, not a must have. Even Unicron only required $100 and that was a $848 product so it was more risk to the retailer.

That is kinda strange mentality towards this…. Many of us enjoy the way zing can do the preorders. Sure it’s 10 now, but I’ll be putting 20 on each of mine at least every month. Will be paid off long before it arrives, so 10 or 100 down who really cares?

[Krayt]

That said…. Ark and Black Zara’s were 50 down for 300 products….

[christalcase]

That is kinda strange mentality towards this…. Many of us enjoy the way zing can do the preorders. Sure it’s 10 now, but I’ll be putting 20 on each of mine at least every month. Will be paid off long before it arrives, so 10 or 100 down who really cares?

I prefer keeping money in my own account if possible. Sure, the chances of Zing running away with your money is low, but it's still higher risk than me keeping it in my bank account and paying it at the end. I've seen many companies go bust and the people with gift cards or money on preorders always get the shaft and not getting it back (some are lucky with credit card chargeback). I also don't like a company holding my money when I can hold it myself and do whatever I want with it, and I will budget for the lump payment instead. My own personal preference.

[Tha_Phantom]

I wouldn't blame you if it was one of those amateur stores that sell Transformers, but EB/Zing are a pretty safe risk.

On that note, I placed my order with EB last night. Still can't say I'm super keen on Star Saber (never have been), but I don't want to regret it if I change my mind later.
That said, I do genuinely want to see this get funded for those who have been waiting for this to happen for a long time, like Vairn and Shadow Maru.

[Krayt]

I prefer keeping money in my own account if possible. Sure, the chances of Zing running away with your money is low, but it's still higher risk than me keeping it in my bank account and paying it at the end. I've seen many companies go bust and the people with gift cards or money on preorders always get the shaft and not getting it back (some are lucky with credit card chargeback). I also don't like a company holding my money when I can hold it myself and do whatever I want with it, and I will budget for the lump payment instead. My own personal preference.

Only time i've regretted for these reasons is the bloody Lego Starwars Skywalker Sage..... That things so MIA it's not funny!!!

[JJJ]

It's a true pre-order (as opposed to the vast majority of things that get called pre-order these days). I won't mind if EB wants that extra $90. I don't think I'd even mind if the full amount was required. We're kinda lucky to be getting it the way we are.

[DELTAprime]

Only time i've regretted for these reasons is the bloody Lego Starwars Skywalker Sage..... That things so MIA it's not funny!!!

Steam still is listing it as coming in 2021. From what I understand it's been stuck in development hell for technical reasons. Not sure what is different about this Lego game vs the million previous ones, but that's what I've heard.

[valkyrie_76]

Zing/EB taking the money and running away?

Wasnt these the same comments not long ago when Unicron came about when there was talk of EB US was going into receivership?

[griffin]

Considering the Americans, the English (and most likely again the Japanese) wanting this toy will have to pay the ENTIRE amount a year before release (like with Unicron), we are really really really lucky to not have to pay for 70% of it until next year (if they want to charge the rest of the $100).
There was no way I would have bought 1 Unicron, let alone 2, if we weren't able to spend 18 months slowly paying it off... something most other people now owning Unicron around the world were unable to do.

[christalcase]

Zing/EB taking the money and running away?

Wasnt these the same comments not long ago when Unicron came about when there was talk of EB US was going into receivership?

Just saying that there is always the risk no matter how strong financially the company may seem. I'm a pessimistic person, and since it is not something I must have or else, I'm okay to not get it than have the company hold onto my money for a while when I get no benefit for doing so (this is only my opinion and preference).

[griffin]

Some more grey prototype images (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/09/02/haslab-victory-saber-gray-prototype-new-images-prototype-to-be-revealed-at-fan-expo-boston-440443) from the Transformers instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/p/CTVQIDYrSaT/).

[Handsprime]

So it's been a week and we're already at the halfway point, so it's looking likely we'll be getting this figure.
Be interesting to see if the 3 tiers at hit.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Been most interesting to note that Takara haven't taken this up yet.

[DELTAprime]

Also, numbers from international retailers are likely not in that total yet.

[Seraphim Prime]

Also, numbers from international retailers are likely not in that total yet.

Everyone seems to be relying on that at this stage, but I wonder how accurate that statement is.

I am sure that there could been some streamlining since the Unicron project to have retail orders be more real time. But on the other hand, I can also imagine that retailers like EB Games only want to put in one order, rather than multiple single orders.

[griffin]

For Unicron, EB Games had to give their numbers weekly... as this was a new concept and Hasbro was very keen to keep track of what was going on with the pre-orders.
It wasn't until the very end that our numbers were being added to the Hasbro Pulse website numbers, and then the foreign numbers (from here and other countries doing pre-orders) were being added several times in the last few weeks.

[JJJ]

Speaking of Unicron, I recall you, Griffin, mentioning that Australia ordered a disproportionate amount of Unicrons (something like 700, was it? I can't locate your post via the search function). What do people reckon our share of Victory Saber might come to? Are we as JG1 mad as we were Unicron mad?

[griffin]

Speaking of Unicron, I recall you, Griffin, mentioning that Australia ordered a disproportionate amount of Unicrons (something like 700, was it? I can't locate your post via the search function). What do people reckon our share of Victory Saber might come to? Are we as JG1 mad as we were Unicron mad?

I think we had a higher than expected number here because our price was a lot less than it should have been. The US price was about us$570, which would usually mean about au$1100-1200... but since we got it here for about au$850, it was cheaper than importing it, something that isn't normally possible, so it was too tempting for those interested (and with about 18 months to save up or pay it off, compared to America and Japan that had to pre-pay the entire amount, we had a lot of people here able to "afford it" that couldn't afford it in America in their much shorter time frame).

[Krayt]

Tier 2 has been announced….

A clear flight stand.

[JJJ]

Tier 2 has been announced….

A clear flight stand.

Pretty much what I was expecting. I am still gobsmacked by all the people demanding (at least) an extra deluxe-class figure.

[Paulbot]

Given the HasLab Galactus's tiers include three 6" Marvel Legends figures I'm not surprised people want a bit more than "a flight stand".

I still expect a Jan figure (likely a non-poseable figurine like that recent Sam figurine) to be a later inclusion, they could even throw in Siege's Stakeout and Red Heat and call them Holi and Fire!

[JJJ]

Given the HasLab Galactus's tiers include three 6" Marvel Legends figures I'm not surprised people want a bit more than "a flight stand".

I still expect a Jan figure (likely a non-poseable figurine like that recent Sam figurine) to be a later inclusion, they could even throw in Siege's Stakeout and Red Heat and call them Holi and Fire!

Well... There's a lot more work going into make a deluxe transformer than there is in making a Marvel Legends figure (where much of the work is done by paint).

And people have already blown up over the prospect of re-using the Siege figures because the colours are wrong.

The extra sales do drop the overall cost of each unit a bit (economy of scale and all), thus enabling the same unit price to be used to produce more stuff, but not by as much as lots of people seem to think. Sure, it's "just" a flight stand, but it still costs a pile to produce, because it'll be injection moulded.

[Paulbot]

I agree it's unlikely to be another Transformers (unless reusing existing toys)

I thought the Japanese releases of the Micromasters were the same toys? Repaints to make the Siege toys look more like the Victory ones would seem a rather easy win though?

[Tha_Phantom]

There seems to be some confusion about this. There's an extra gun and blast effects at 14k backers and the flight stand at 17k backers.
https://bwtf.com/news/haslab-stretch-goals?fbclid=IwAR31EBqpLapWHu8m-cNK036TOc1qucRMYM0ozbjzMfzt0Za4c09ULILMx0s

[Krayt]

There seems to be some confusion about this. There's an extra gun and blast effects at 14k backers and the flight stand at 17k backers.
https://bwtf.com/news/haslab-stretch-goals?fbclid=IwAR31EBqpLapWHu8m-cNK036TOc1qucRMYM0ozbjzMfzt0Za4c09ULILMx0s

What’s the confusion?

Tier 1 was announced from the start, but should not even be a tier at all…

Blast effects are stupid

The big gun should be included as it was with G1 figures. Victory Leo is incomplete without it.

So tier 1 we absolutely must hit to complete the set. A flight stand…. Meh

[griffin]

Tier 1 was announced from the start, but should not even be a tier at all…

The big gun should be included as it was with G1 figures. Victory Leo is incomplete without it.

So tier 1 we absolutely must hit to complete the set.

That's what I think as well... the first unlock bonus is a gun that should be with the toy (if it reaches minimum backers), as it was with the original toy. It would be like doing a crowd-funded Gen1 Optimus Prime toy, and only give us his iconic rifle if it reaches a certain level of backers on top of the minimum.

[JJJ]

I think Hasbro was entirely confident of getting 11,000 orders, and so considered the first tier to be entirely part of the basic package. Indeed, I have been sure from early on that they think they can get the 20,000 orders for all three tiers (and so I think that the third and final tier item will be another "boring" item that people will say should have been in the basic kit, most probably the blink-and-you'll-miss-it shield).

Given that we're only half-way through the order period and have over 8000 orders placed, with more yet to come from overseas affiliates such as EB and Zavvi and Robot Kingdom, and, more importantly still, there are all those orders yet to come from Japan when Takara opens it up there (never mind the predictable last-minute surge of orders), I don't think they will turn out to have been wrong.

[Seraphim Prime]

That's what I think as well... the first unlock bonus is a gun that should be with the toy (if it reaches minimum backers), as it was with the original toy. It would be like doing a crowd-funded Gen1 Optimus Prime toy, and only give us his iconic rifle if it reaches a certain level of backers on top of the minimum.

You mean the Centurion Drone Pack? :cool:

[Operative294]

https://www.ebgames.com.au/product/toys-and-collectibles/278088-transformers-haslab-victory-saber-action-figure-set
https://www.zingpopculture.com.au/product/collectibles/278088-transformers-haslab-victory-saber-action-figure-set

Looks like they have fixed the $10 deposit to $50 deposit now on both website.

[Tha_Phantom]

The big gun should be included as it was with G1 figures. Victory Leo is incomplete without it.

So tier 1 we absolutely must hit to complete the set. A flight stand…. Meh


That's what I think as well... the first unlock bonus is a gun that should be with the toy (if it reaches minimum backers), as it was with the original toy. It would be like doing a crowd-funded Gen1 Optimus Prime toy, and only give us his iconic rifle if it reaches a certain level of backers on top of the minimum.


I think Hasbro was entirely confident of getting 11,000 orders, and so considered the first tier to be entirely part of the basic package. Indeed, I have been sure from early on that they think they can get the 20,000 orders for all three tiers (and so I think that the third and final tier item will be another "boring" item that people will say should have been in the basic kit, most probably the blink-and-you'll-miss-it shield).

Given that we're only half-way through the order period and have over 8000 orders placed, with more yet to come from overseas affiliates such as EB and Zavvi and Robot Kingdom, and, more importantly still, there are all those orders yet to come from Japan when Takara opens it up there (never mind the predictable last-minute surge of orders), I don't think they will turn out to have been wrong.

Yeah, I don't doubt it will reach where it needs to. Splitting up the accessories as tiers just helps keeps the pressure on for people to back it now rather than wait for it later (where it will be more expensive anyway). Hasbro is just playing the game.

[Krayt]

Colour shots were released last night, along with some evidence of tier 3 being the shield (but not officially announced)

[DELTAprime]

I spoke to my local EB Games manager today about the price increase on the preorder. While it may have been their policy in the past to ask for extra when this happens, apparently they don't do that anymore and they have even had people put $5 down on items in recent times on items and they have still come in. So we should be fine with or $10 preorder.

On a related topic. I better start paying off Black Zarak so I don't have to find $250 right before Xmas.

[Dimi194]

Seeing the colour photos makes me far more excited for this guy - I know nothing about Star Saber, but I cannot go past a combiner that has a bunch of cool ship modes :D

[griffin]

Colour shots were released last night, along with some evidence of tier 3 being the shield (but not officially announced)

Link here has hosted about a dozen videos and dozens of screen caps (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/09/22/haslab-victory-saber-color-renders-revealed-by-the-prince-of-all-saiyans-441555)... which saves me doing any of the work. :p

I thought that the "special guest" was unusual, being a non-Transformers Japanese character voice actor that had to talk about other Japanese cartoons... as if Hasbro couldn't track down any of the thousands of even remotely related to Transformers.

And just as I was disappointed about them leaving off the gun to be a bonus item, it does look like the shield will also be a bonus item... and too bad if the numbers don't get up high enough, because it will be a point of anger from fans who will see it as being an incomplete homage to the 1980s toy if it doesn't have the gun and the shield.
At least with other Haslab items that I have seen, the bonus tier items are not part of the actual main toy... they are actual bonus items that can go with the main item, but are not require to complete it.

[griffin]

The number of countries that Hasbro is directly offering this is growing (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/09/24/transformers-haslab-victory-saber-pre-orders-available-in-taiwan-441725), now in Taiwan, which joins US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Germany, Ireland and Spain (as well as Asian online stores that get their stock from Hasbro)... and we still haven't seen it offered yet through the most obvious country - Japan (the country that this character comes from).

They are certainly trying to make sure that this not only passes the minimum, but gets significantly above it (the more units above minimum they make, the more profit they make per unit, as the set up costs, which are the most expensive, are spread across more units).

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Tamara posted the page earlier today. Bit it's the ripe old price oof 26000 yen. Seems a little bit rich.
Order window open until 10/10

Have to pay for it all if approved at the end of October. And wait until 2022 for release.

https://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g8202200211686/?mm210928tf

Man it's hard to post in mobile so giving it up for now.

[griffin]

Tamara posted the page earlier today. Bit it's the ripe old price oof 26000 yen. Seems a little bit rich.
Order window open until 10/10

Have to pay for it all if approved at the end of October. And wait until 2022 for release.

https://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g8202200211686/?mm210928tf

Man it's hard to post in mobile so giving it up for now.


26,000yen is about au$330, which is still cheaper than here.

That should help with the numbers, but their stats probably wont be added to the Pulse page total until at the end.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

26,000yen is about au$330, which is still cheaper than here.

That should help with the numbers, but their stats probably wont be added to the Pulse page total until at the end.

I was thinking about this and for 180 usd (~20k Yen) I would've bought it, but that extra 6k on top is a bit to steep.

I think if the price was closer to the USD equivalent for countries outside of America it'd be much more palatable. Do Takara have to pay Hasbro the 180 price as well? I often wonder about how they decide their procing policies for different territories.

[Sinnertwin]

Just look abroad
Roborobo has him for $260SGD/21350¥/$264AUD + post

[Operative294]

https://hasbropulse.com/products/transformers-victory-saber
Project has reach it 11,000 backers goal!!!!
As of this message, we're at 11,595 backers!

[JJJ]

Mmmm, 1400 overnight. Will have to visit the TFW2005 thread for some baseless speculation as to the source (because we have absolutely no way of knowing where they are from).

Whoops, it's actually a bit over 2100 overnight! It was at 9602 when I looked yesterday evening.

[DELTAprime]

Mmmm, 1400 overnight. Will have to visit the TFW2005 thread for some baseless speculation as to the source (because we have absolutely no way of knowing where they are from).

Whoops, it's actually a bit over 2100 overnight! It was at 9602 when I looked yesterday evening.

The same thing happened with Unicron when they added preorders from outside of Pulse. Only the preorders on Pulse are instantly added to the total, everything else is manually added.

[High_Q]

Am i the only one that's really distracted by the incorrect placement of the blade relative to the rest of the sword? :confused: The edges of the sword should be at the same angle as the guard. I hope this is a mistake in transforming the toy rather than a design choice.

[DELTAprime]

Am i the only one that's really distracted by the incorrect placement of the blade relative to the rest of the sword? :confused: The edges of the sword should be at the same angle as the guard. I hope this is a mistake in transforming the toy rather than a design choice.

The sword can be configured either as G1 toy accurate or JP G1 cartoon accurate. So you can flip the blade around 90 degrees meaning the flat side faces forward.

[High_Q]

The sword can be configured either as G1 toy accurate or JP G1 cartoon accurate. So you can flip the blade around 90 degrees meaning the flat side faces forward.

Thanks. :D
My impressions of Star Saber are from the G1 box art and MP-24. I didn't know that the G1 toy's blades were placed the same way as the Haslab promo shots. It's nice that the designers have given the fans both options.

[Handsprime]

Tier 3 has been announced, with it featuring his shield, and Micromasters Holi and Fire. (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/10/01/haslab-reveals-transformers-victory-saber-tier-3-stretch-goal-shield-holi-and-fire-442082) I would've preferred if they did Pipo and Boater (Aka Fixit and Seawatch) since they are only slight redecos of characters who were already based off Micromasters we already have.

[griffin]

Some of the images from that link...

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/news/2021/100301.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/news/2021/100302.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/news/2021/100303.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/news/2021/100304.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/news/2021/100305.jpg

The two Micromasters/Microns are Holi (https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Holi) (police car) and Fire (https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Fire) (the fire truck), which the original Japanese toys were very similar to the Hasbro versions of the Rescue Patrol.... so you would expect that these two Victory toys would look the same as the Siege Micromaster toys, but Holi is being coloured to resemble the Japanese cartoon, which was mostly white instead of black. Fire was the same in the cartoon though, so this Victory version might just end up being a lighter "anime" colour.

[griffin]

Am I the only one who thinks that the line between Generations and Masterpiece is getting really blurred?

Probably due to the better computer programs being used these days designing Transformers toys, the engineering and sculpting for Generations toys is surpassing many of the earlier Masterpiece toys... and when it comes to character toys like Victory Saber and Trainbots, the toys could go in either category... to the extent that if they had done a Masterpiece Victory Leo toy, would there really be a need for this Haslab version? It's size, complexity and detailing is Masterpiece quality... so why not just call it a Masterpiece.
It almost feels like it just comes down to the type of plastic being used (hard/glossy for MPs vs soft/dull for Generations) to differentiate Masterpiece from the more complex Generations toys.

[Bidoofdude]

I think the styling of this Star Sabre is quite different to the MP, the vibe is different. I think the quality of Generations toys has gone way up, as has the attention to cartoon accuracy, but there is still a vibe difference to the modern MPs. They still look and feel ultimately like toys.

Given the higher frequency of characters in CHUG and the surprisingly not uncommon occurrence of major QC problems in recent MP releases, I wouldn’t be shocked if more and more people are jumping ship. They’ve been turning the price dial for MPs up to a pretty ridiculous level too. I still think both have their place, but MP is being outpaced at an alarming rate.

[Sinnertwin]

Am I the only one who thinks that the line between Generations and Masterpiece is getting really blurred?

Probably due to the better computer programs being used these days designing Transformers toys, the engineering and sculpting for Generations toys is surpassing many of the earlier Masterpiece toys... and when it comes to character toys like Victory Saber and Trainbots, the toys could go in either category... to the extent that if they had done a Masterpiece Victory Leo toy, would there really be a need for this Haslab version? It's size, complexity and detailing is Masterpiece quality... so why not just call it a Masterpiece.
It almost feels like it just comes down to the type of plastic being used (hard/glossy for MPs vs soft/dull for Generations) to differentiate Masterpiece from the more complex Generations toys.

No, I'm of the same opinion
The bread and butter figures being released today put some of the MP's to shame, like SS86 Hot Rod vs his MP incarnation. As Bidoofdude pointed out price is another factor which makes the retail releases even more desirable.

[1AZRAEL1]

I seen a few people selling their MP collections because these new releases are pretty much mini masterpieces. And I tend to agree.

[DELTAprime]

Why do I get the feeling the Micromosters will turn up in another pack in the future if they don't get included with Star Saber?


I have seen a few people selling their MP collections because these new releases are pretty much mini masterpieces. And I tend to agree.

I'm thinking of doing exactly that. MPs have become so complex, expensive and fragile that I really don't like the line anymore.

[1AZRAEL1]

It's especially evident with the BW MP, I love the look of them, but they feel too fragile and we've seen damage to Megatrons hips. I don't think I'll sell my MPs, but with the new expensive rehash of characters of late, I'm less and less buying MP

[philby]

I've been feeling like that for a while now, that maybe some MP these days are basically a bit larger and more expensive prototypes for a generations figure

I was surprised when they announced this, I thought the character was from the Japan only series originally? Not something I thought would have a lot of appeal but it's cool they could crowd fund it and it worked

[philby]

Why do I get the feeling the Micromosters will turn up in another pack in the future if they don't get included with Star Saber?



I'm thinking of doing exactly that. MPs have become so complex, expensive and fragile that I really don't like the line anymore.

I still haven't tried transforming Hound I feel too worried about cracks and it would be so fiddly. Sunstreaker and Megatron were annoying enough at times.

[griffin]

With less than 3 days to go, the number has passed 14,000 which means the toy will have its iconic big gun (https://hasbropulse.com/collections/haslab/products/transformers-victory-saber)... but still needs a little over 5,000 to get the rest of the extras, most of which the toy needs to be considered complete (specifically the gun and shield).

I would imagine that the numbers in Japan will be added at the end, and will push it past 20,000... but other countries like ours would already be added weekly.

[griffin]

On youtube is a video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TGXJ0qrB1s) about the designer of this version of Victory Saber, who happens to be the one who designed the Masterpiece Star Saber toy... and no surprisingly is a big fan of the original character and toy.

Some bits that were typed up here (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/10/05/interview-with-transformers-haslab-victory-saber-designer-hisashi-yuki-442256)...




Some short clips of both Star Saber and Victory Leo, explaining their origins in the G1 Japan Transformers Victory cartoon and their popularity in Japan.
The scale plan was to make Star Saber as a Leader Class toy and Victory Leo as a Voyager class figure.
The combined Victory Saber mode should be as tall as Masterpiece Star Saber.
Yuki-san gives a brief explanation about why Star Saber design looks like a traditional Japanese “Super Robot”.
The first original G1 Star Saber sketches are shown (designed by Takarshi Kunihiro) which was leaning more towards a Diaclone design.
Then, we appreciate the second Star Saber sketches, revised by Kunio Okawara who was the Mech art director of the show. He modified the design to a more heroic anime robot style.
Yuki-san was impressed with Star Saber when he was a kid, so he was excited when he was assigned to design Masterpiece Star Saber, and now HasLab Victory Saber.
He mentioned he regretted that a Masterpiece Victory Leo was not released in the Masterpiece line.

[DELTAprime]

I wonder how many international orders they have added so far to the HasLab total? I hope there are a few thousand still to add so I can get the Micromasters, because I love Micromasters.

[Sinnertwin]

I wonder how many international orders they have added so far to the HasLab total? I hope there are a few thousand still to add so I can get the Micromasters, because I love Micromasters.

We'll all be getting the Micromasters etc regardless of the numbers

[JJJ]

I can't imagine how we could get less than 5 or 6 thousand from Japan (I expect somewhat more, too), and they've not been added yet. Probably most of the affiliate / retailer orders are still to come as well (orders are still open on the web sites of Asian retailers), even with the several dumps so far. So 20,000 has definitely been cracked.

And even without them, I fully expect the last minute surge (which took off overnight - this morning and up until say midnight LA time the orders were coming in at about one per minute) to take us over 20,000 - I mean, we need less than 1600 orders as I type this, and there's still a day and half to go.

[DELTAprime]

When I checked it earlier this evening it was almost at 18500.

[Tha_Phantom]

Hate to get the tin foil hat on, as there's enough of that as it is, but I have a feeling Hasbro has been holding back on reporting the full numbers.
I don't doubt it'll get fully funded, tiers and all.

[DELTAprime]

Hate to get the tin foil hat on, as there's enough of that as it is, but I have a feeling Hasbro has been holding back on reporting the full numbers.
I don't doubt it'll get fully funded, tiers and all.

You can see the current number here. They just need 803 more backers on Haslab to unlock the third and final unlock. Plus they don't have final numbers from many of the non-Haslab sellers yet. I can't see how it won't get funded. That said, I'd still feel better about it if another couple of thousand people backed it right now.\\

https://hasbropulse.com/products/transformers-victory-saber

[popculturepooka]

Still 22 hours remaining and the EBganes/Zing links no longer work.

[Tha_Phantom]

You can see the current number here. They just need 803 more backers on Haslab to unlock the third and final unlock. Plus they don't have final numbers from many of the non-Haslab sellers yet. I can't see how it won't get funded. That said, I'd still feel better about it if another couple of thousand people backed it right now.\\

https://hasbropulse.com/products/transformers-victory-saber

From what I know, the online stores have had to report their numbers weekly to Hasbro, but they haven't been added to the public numbers, hence my skepticism.
Anyway, with what we do know it's extremely close to being fully funded for all tiers. So yay!

[JJJ]

Australians bought 700-odd Unicrons.

It isn't too much to think that at this point (758 sales remaining) the Australian orders from EB & Zing alone can take it over the top :)

[Handsprime]

I don't know if the TakaraTomy Mall orders have been included, because if they haven't that will most certainly put the orders at over 20,000.

[popculturepooka]

So... given the Eb/Zing links no longer work, and cant be found on google, Aussies cant order in the last day??

[Sinnertwin]

Hate to get the tin foil hat on, as there's enough of that as it is, but I have a feeling Hasbro has been holding back on reporting the full numbers.
I don't doubt it'll get fully funded, tiers and all.

What do you reckon? 23k total?

[Ultra Mackness]

So... given the Eb/Zing links no longer work, and cant be found on google, Aussies cant order in the last day??

I finally convinced myself on Friday night and went to order via eb or zing on Saturday morning with no luck as the page had been taken down.

I was able to order via ohmyprimus today though at $230SD with $52SD postage. Not sure how that will compare to the eb games price though.

[nalops]

290-300 AUD (assuming dollar tanks or something) at most vs 369 at EB. Seems like you did alright.

[Swordmaster543]

Also just ordered on ohmyprimus, shipping was way more reasonable than other sites

[DELTAprime]

From what I know, the online stores have had to report their numbers weekly to Hasbro, but they haven't been added to the public numbers, hence my skepticism.
Anyway, with what we do know it's extremely close to being fully funded for all tiers. So yay!

So you are saying that you are sceptical and wearing a tinfoil hat, but you also are happy it will hit 20000? Humans are strange. I've never felt more like an alien robot.

[Handsprime]

Look I'll be suprised if we haven't hit 20k by tomorrow morning.

[Tha_Phantom]

So you are saying that you are sceptical and wearing a tinfoil hat, but you also are happy it will hit 20000? Humans are strange. I've never felt more like an alien robot.

Yes I'm skeptical in that I believe it has MORE backers than what we are being told. Sorry if I was in any way unclear about that.

[Tha_Phantom]

What do you reckon? 23k total?

Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised. Unicron jumped from 8,000 to over 11,000 backers in the last day.

[Handsprime]

Well whatever the final amount is, all the tiers have been met! (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/10/10/total-victory-haslab-victory-saber-v-shield-micromasters-unlocked-all-tiers-achieved-442640)

[JJJ]

Yes I'm skeptical in that I believe it has MORE backers than what we are being told. Sorry if I was in any way unclear about that.

So you mean the orders from affiliates and retailers (EB, Zavvi, Takara), or are you saying that the actual Haslab counter is borked?

If the former, well, yeah.

[Tha_Phantom]

Yes, the former.
I don't believe Hasbro has been updating the numbers as quickly as they've come in.

Just checked and now it's at 22k. Looks like Sinn was on the money. :p

[Seraphim Prime]

This is also how a lot of these kickstarter type projects go - a final surge of backers on the final day.

Some versions try to offset this by offering early uptake discounts but it appears Hasbro hasn't wanted to add that extra complexity to the process at this stage.

[JJJ]

Yes, the former.
I don't believe Hasbro has been updating the numbers as quickly as they've come in.

Just checked and now it's at 22k. Looks like Sinn was on the money. :p

Well yes, it's reasonably well established that the vast majority of those orders have not yet been added, and will be added as or just after the order period closes, because that's exactly what happened with Unicron. It just makes like so much easier, rather than having to check how many orders you added to the counter the other day for EB, and how many cancellations did they have again, and so on.

[DELTAprime]

Some versions try to offset this by offering early uptake discounts but it appears Hasbro hasn't wanted to add that extra complexity to the process at this stage.

Given how many angry and upset people that creates in tech Kickstarter, it would probably not be worth it for Hasbro to try it.

[griffin]

The Hasbro Pulse website (https://hasbropulse.com/collections/haslab/products/transformers-victory-saber) has added a 360 degree turnaround video of Victory Saber and its components. It is at the top among the still picture slides, so you have to find it... if you can't see it or it won't play, a mirror can be seen here, along with screencaps (https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/10/13/transformers-haslab-victory-saber-new-official-color-prototype-360-video-442862).

The current number (which is 5,000 more than what I thought I saw on the day it closed), is 27,353... so maybe some other countries were still submitting their numbers in the couple of days after it closed.

The estimated release date is now saying Winter 2022... but since Winter in the northern hemisphere is at both ends of the calendar year, I think that would be the end part of 2022, as this would need to have already been in production if it was to come out in the first part of the year.

[JJJ]

The extra 5000-odd orders were added Tuesday or Wednesday, and have been dropping every now and then since that point (and were also dropping when the total was only 22,000-odd at the end of the order period). I presume this is as a result of people whose payment hasn't gone through when charged; Pulse must be cancelling their orders when that happens.

[griffin]

Hasbro have added some images to their Victory Saber page (https://hasbropulse.com/blogs/haslab-preview/transformers-victory-saber-haslab-backer-update-onward-to-victory) of the mould layouts of the parts for the toy.

[griffin]

The packaging hasn't been revealed yet, but some of the artwork that should be on it has been posted on the Pulse website (https://hasbropulse.com/blogs/hasbro-pulse-premium-previews/haslab-transformers-victory-saber-backer-update-packaging-art-sneak-peek), by Guido Guidi.

[griffin]

It looks like the toy is at pre-production testing phase now, as Hasbro has been posting up pictures of some early test shots.

This image on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/p/CdnqqKWufIo/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=) shows that Victory Saber is the same size as the Leader sized God Ginrai.

While on the main Pulse blog page (https://hasbropulse.com/blogs/haslab-preview/haslab-victory-saber-first-look-video?_kx=66ZbDGirK5twx2zaVoN99Wrwq_kSsAvnD3DoG37Q yRA%3D.LqpvWS), a video has been added showing off the set, the various modes and accessories. Screenshots can be seen here (https://news.tfw2005.com/2022/05/13/transformers-haslab-victory-saber-first-look-video-456012) if you have trouble accessing the video, as it looks like it could be members-only, but for now it can be directly accessed.

[griffin]

From the newly released Generations 2022 book, scans of two pages that has Victory Saber. (https://news.tfw2005.com/2022/08/02/transformers-haslab-victory-saber-new-official-images-information-462605)

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/news/2022/080304.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/news/2022/080305.jpg

[Autocon]

Hah splits mode, yogaforium

[Dimi194]

I have 0 connection to this character, but I am beyond excited for this figure - he looks awesome, so glad I jumped on the preorder.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I have 0 connection to this character, but I am beyond excited for this figure - he looks awesome, so glad I jumped on the preorder.

I have the MP and the price for this guy(Haslab) felt like an overcharge here in Japan, but I gotta admit, it looks pretty awesome! If the price was similar to his American cost, I would've nabbed one for sure!
I recommend watching Victory by the way, I really enjoyed it and would watch again (don't let The Headmasters out you off, both Victory and Masterforce are good fun!!)

[Tha_Phantom]

I have 0 connection to this character, but I am beyond excited for this figure - he looks awesome, so glad I jumped on the preorder.

Same here. I have bought some vintage JG1 toys but was never into Star Saber despite all the love he gets so I skipped him.
This set does look pretty awesome though and glad I preordered it.

[griffin]

Recently from the American Hasbro designers, the Haslab Victory Saber is aiming to be in fans hands before the end of the Deathsuarus campaign (December 12th), so if they can meet that date, prepare your wallets in four weeks time (if you haven't paid it off yet).

We saw an unboxing at SDCC, but here are some more images of the completed product in and out of box (https://news.tfw2005.com/2022/11/09/transformers-haslab-victory-saber-in-hand-images-2-469855).

[ComicGuy89]

Recently from the American Hasbro designers, the Haslab Victory Saber is aiming to be in fans hands before the end of the Deathsuarus campaign (December 12th), so if they can meet that date, prepare your wallets in four weeks time (if you haven't paid it off yet).

We saw an unboxing at SDCC, but here are some more images of the completed product in and out of box (https://news.tfw2005.com/2022/11/09/transformers-haslab-victory-saber-in-hand-images-2-469855).

I saw that emails are being sent out asking people to confirm their address by 28 November for shipping purposes. I wonder how long it will take to make it to our shores?

[MrTrick]

I hope there's some cancelled preorder stock. Didn't plan on getting this since I have the MP edition with 3P Leo and now they're doing Deathsaurus (whom I've yet to find a good MP scale one available) so this would make a perfect combo

[JJJ]

I hope there's some cancelled preorder stock. Didn't plan on getting this since I have the MP edition with 3P Leo and now they're doing Deathsaurus (whom I've yet to find a good MP scale one available) so this would make a perfect combo

If there were cancellations, then there were less items made. There is no pool of un-allocated items floating about on the off-chance of someone to sell them to turning up (there will be extras for replacements, but that's it).

If you didn't order this at the time, then you'll be buying it at painful prices from someone who bought extra.

[Tha_Phantom]

If there were cancellations, then there were less items made. There is no pool of un-allocated items floating about on the off-chance of someone to sell them to turning up (there will be extras for replacements, but that's it).

That's not quite how it works. It depends on when the cancellation is made.
If someone cancels their EB order just before it's in, the stock doesn't magically vanish from existence. EB will still have it available on their site as a preorder/order, but that said, there's no guarantee you'll happen to catch one fluttering from unavailable to available before someone else does. This happened with Unicron also. [so you're telling me there's a chance.gif]

But more than likely, it's going to be this:


If you didn't order this at the time, then you'll be buying it at painful prices from someone who bought extra.

[JJJ]

Well, yes, EB would have an extra one at that point (I'm still surprised they permit cancellations of these things, to be honest). But they won't be selling it for $370 (which is probably why they permit cancellations :) ). But EB orders are the rare odd-one-out - the vast majority of cancellations would have resulted in fewer toys made.

[JJJ]

Interesting. There's a Kiwi over on TFW who has received his Victory Sabre from EB Games. (https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/transformers-haslab-victory-saber-revealed-crowdfunding-campaign-live.1219492/page-1047#post-20810770) What might this mean for us, I wonder? My order on the EB site hasn't changed at all...

[griffin]

I guess it is possible, as the stock should have made its way into the country by now through Hasbro Australia... and since these don't have an official release date, they should be on their way to people and stores now.

[Tha_Phantom]

Got a call from EB about an hour ago saying my Victory Saber is in their warehouse.
Now to go and fix up the balance.

[DELTAprime]

Got a call from EB about an hour ago saying my Victory Saber is in their warehouse.
Now to go and fix up the balance.

I called my local store today. I paid him off a little while ago because I knew about their stupid policy of it must be paid in full before it gets sent to a store. They said he should still be out on the 1st of December.

[JJJ]

Yup, was told this afternoon I need to pay the remainder before they send it out. Interestingly that was not the case with Unicron... Nor anything else I've paid a depost on with them.

And when I paid just now, they mentioned that the whole sending out on the 1st is just a placeholder. They do at least expect to receive it in December...

[griffin]

Just had the same call (I have $100 left on it that I was going to pau when picking g it up), but told that I have to pay it off before it gets sent to the store.
The store manager said it was a new policy from head office, and that he didn't agree with it but had to enforce it.
If I had know, I would have paid it off while I was there yesterday so that it would be on its way out already.

[DELTAprime]

Just had the same call (I have $100 left on it that I was going to pau when picking g it up), but told that I have to pay it off before it gets sent to the store.
The store manager said it was a new policy from head office, and that he didn't agree with it but had to enforce it.
If I had know, I would have paid it off while I was there yesterday so that it would be on its way out already.

It's been the policy for at least a year. I had to pay the remainder on Black Zarak.

[Tranceblade]

It's because of Unicron basically, since they were shipped out to stores without full payment and people decided to not go into their store and collect

[robwin1974]

Hi

It's been awhile since i logged on but i have a couple of spares on pre-order in Sydney (Chatswood). I put a deposit last year but just forgot about it until just now. Would anyone be interested in these? I can see what can be done but for Unicron, I met people at the Chatswood store. Not looking to make any money so its $369 all up (EB games said I owe $359 on top of the $10 deposit) - just want to make sure these end up at a good home.

regards
Robert

[valkyrie_76]

Hi

It's been awhile since i logged on but i have a couple of spares on pre-order in Sydney (Chatswood). I put a deposit last year but just forgot about it until just now. Would anyone be interested in these? I can see what can be done but for Unicron, I met people at the Chatswood store. Not looking to make any money so its $369 all up (EB games said I owe $359 on top of the $10 deposit) - just want to make sure these end up at a good home.

regards
Robert

I wouldnt mind if your happy in posting it across.

If you have two, I can ask someone else if they want the other one.

[robwin1974]

I wouldnt mind if your happy in posting it across.

If you have two, I can ask someone else if they want the other one.

Hi

I sent you a response to your message.

Cheers
Robert

[valkyrie_76]

Hi

I sent you a response to your message.

Cheers
Robert

Just had Zing ring me this morning about the set as they have approval in ordering another on for the store.

Thanks robwin.

[christalcase]

I just got the call from Zing to say mine has arrived and is ready to pick up. So quick, I had just paid the balance last night.

[JJJ]

I have a sneaking suspicion that they were sending them to individual shops regardless of the official line that they would not do so until anything outstanding was paid...

[valkyrie_76]

I have a sneaking suspicion that they were sending them to individual shops regardless of the official line that they would not do so until anything outstanding was paid...

That what it seems when I was talking to the staff member at Zing.

[DELTAprime]

I just got mine. FYI for anyone that has ordered him. If the EB Games staff have opened the shipping box all the contents will be exposed as there are no seals other than the shipping box. Make sure nothing is missing.

Fortunately for me unlike usual, my local store didn't open the shipping box as they didn't have time. The girl actually apologised for not opening the shipping box. /facepalm.

[Dimi194]

I just got an email and tracking number (I ordered home delivery) and the charge is pending on my CC :cool:

[JJJ]

I just got mine. FYI for anyone that has ordered him. If the EB Games staff have opened the shipping box all the contents will be exposed as there are no seals other than the shipping box. Make sure nothing is missing.

Fortunately for me unlike usual, my local store didn't open the shipping box as they didn't have time. The girl actually apologised for not opening the shipping box. /facepalm.


Hang on, what happened to the fancy slip-case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWons1-BPWo)?

[DELTAprime]

Hang on, what happened to the fancy slip-case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWons1-BPWo)?

The cardboard slipcase thing is not a seal around the contents. As you can see in that video it comes off very easy.

[JJJ]

It appears to tabbed together, and seemed to fit reasonably snugly. Is that not the case?

[christalcase]

It appears to tabbed together, and seemed to fit reasonably snugly. Is that not the case?

I picked mine up today, to be fair, it does slip off quite easily on mine (it slipped off when I took it out of the shipping box so the inserts went everywhere). Not a huge issue, all the accessories are securely tied to the plastic insert so it is easy to see if anything was missing. The thing is awesome though.

And they are shipping it to stores without it being fully paid, mine was shipped to the store in the morning on Thu based on the shipping details on the box, but I paid at night on Thu (again, not an issue, just inconsistent with what they are telling people).

[griffin]

The Garden City store said that they didn't have theirs, and when I was there on Thursday (December 1st), they said that the warehouse will process the order the next day, and maybe ship it out to the store in the first few days of this week. (I still haven't had a call yet, so it hasn't arrived at the store yet)
Maybe some stores have been burnt more in the past and their store managers are less keen to have the risk of expensive items sent to their stores, in case they get cancelled at the last minute, and they are then stuck with expensive "niche" stock that is harder to sell.

[TilAllAreOne]

I got that call yesterday that my Zing store on the Gold Coast had got it in. So maybe QLD took longer to receive?

[DELTAprime]

I got that call yesterday that my Zing store on the Gold Coast had got it in. So maybe QLD took longer to receive?

EB Games is based in Brisbane and uses Star Track overnight delivery, for the most part, Queensland store should be the first to get everything from EB's warehouse.

After talking with EB Games head office on Thursday after my Victory Saber didn't show up, I was told there was a slight delay in shipping them. 24 hours later I got my Victory Saber.

Also note that you might not get a text from your local store as that seems broken at the moment, or at least it was last week.

[JJJ]

I got that phone call this afternoon. Oh, that's one gorgeous toy, and the best is yet to come, because I think Deathsaurus looks even better :)

[Golden Phoenix]

I got the call as well this afternoon. Got it after work. Will need to play later have too much on tonight

I used a voucher I had gotten through works discount program thing to pay the balance so I got 8% off too.

[KELPIE]

I got a confirmation from Robot Kingdom with an invoice for shipping - $150USD. Ouch.

Oh well, looking forward to the big guy arriving.

[Tha_Phantom]

FYI for anyone that has ordered him. If the EB Games staff have opened the shipping box all the contents will be exposed as there are no seals other than the shipping box. Make sure nothing is missing.

Thanks for the heads up on this. Luckily they gave me mine in the shipper case too.

This is something to keep in mind for the MISB collectors too. There is no proper seal once it's out of the shipper, so you might want to consider leaving it in there - as boring as it looks.
I guess it depends how OCD you are about the term sealed. :p Anyway, not my problem. You guys will work it out.

[zaneiken]

Anyone in Perth got theirs yet?

[snaketales]

Anyone in Perth got theirs yet?

I paid mine off last week and was told it'd be here in a "couple of weeks".

[Shadowgeist]

I paid mine off last week and was told it'd be here in a "couple of weeks".

Also got the "Expect it after christmas/in the new year" line from EB.

[zaneiken]

I wasn't even given an ETA when I paid off mine last week.

[SarhBear]

Got my pickup text today, grabbing the lad tomorrow. Not looking forward to how scuffed up my chrome will be given how poorly I fared on the Motormaster yellowing

[Shadowgeist]

After reading about all the different QC issues people are having with theirs, I'm sort of not looking forward to collecting mine when it gets here.

[Skyfire]

The listings at EB Games (https://www.ebgames.com.au/stores/find-stock/278088) and Zing (https://www.zingpopculture.com.au/stores/find-stock/278088) have appeared again, showing stock at Coffs Harbour NSW, Gracemere QLD, Helensvale QLD, Bendigo VIC, and Northgate TAS. Click and Collect only. If you missed the preorder, maybe keep an eye out for random ones showing near you.

[Shadowgeist]

Just got the SMS to say he's ready for pickup. Hopefully that means everyone in WA should be able to get theirs soon!

[griffin]

I got a message to pick up mine yesterday... a week after I had paid it off (despite being in the same city as the main warehouse).


I also agree whole-heartedly about this needing to remain sealed in its shipping carton until you get home... and if the store had removed it from the brown shipper box, check to make sure nothing is missing before you accept it and walk out of the store.
When I got mine home and cut open the brown shipper box, I carefully slid out the Victory Saber box, and out fell the sword blade, which was already loose out of the plastic accessory tray. That sort of thing could have been easily lost in a store if it wasn't noticed.
It is very disappointing that they would put so much into the presentation, only to fail protecting the entire package from falling apart during handling and transport.

[TilAllAreOne]

Picked mine up this arvo. The box is both the best and worst designed in recent memory. The poor girl putting it in the bag for me had the inner box sliding out into the bag and the look of terror on her face worrying that she had just destroyed the whole thing.

And just after reading Griffins post about the sword falling out. Mine is missing the sword. I really hope the store finds it for me. I didn’t even notice it missing in the tray when I checked it in the car. Why didn’t they put a band around it to hold it in place.

HOLD THE PHONE!!! Third and final edit. I FOUND THE SWORD BLADE!!! After searching the car, I came in and started to take the box apart just incase it had slid under part of the box fold overs. I pulled out star sabers plastic insert and there lodged under the cardboard at the bottom was the sword. The euphoric wave of relief I’m experiencing is making all my worries go away.

[Tranceblade]

I also agree whole-heartedly about this needing to remain sealed in its shipping carton until you get home... and if the store had removed it from the brown shipper box, check to make sure nothing is missing before you accept it and walk out of the store.
Retailers just don't get the whole SIOC (ships in own container) thing, this is just Amazon all over again... These containers really need to be made more clear

I'd be tempted to say the item arrived incomplete or not as new if the SIOC carton was discarded

[Jaxius._]

Got mine on Thursday, missing a chip of plastic on the leg and has some paint issues
Contacted both Hasbro australia and Zing, hasbro said they can’t supply parts or a replacement and zing is yet to reply
It’s such a tease having that box there and not opening it more

[SarhBear]

One of the slots where the nose cone is meant to plug in to Saber is filled in with plastic on my copy. Love paying 370 bucks for an action master

[Tranceblade]

That's been raised as a common defect unfortunately

---

Collected mine today, they had slit the shipper open to check the contents but I asked to check it in store before finalising the order anyway. It was when I saw the boxcutter mark across the top of the inner box that I made it clear that I wasn't happy over the non sealed, not as new condition given the limited and exclusive nature of the product.

No concessions over it from the staff at all

Not entirely hung up over the experience since it's just the top, however it brings me back to the SIOC boxes being a half baked idea; I'm really surprised they didn't print any product name on this one, it's just the SKU on it but really I think that staff should be informed on how to process products like these instead of being so boxcutter happy

[Skyfire]

One of the slots where the nose cone is meant to plug in to Saber is filled in with plastic on my copy. Love paying 370 bucks for an action master

Sorry to hear that SarhBear. Does the fault mean you can't transform or combine? If so, I would expect a refund as it's not fit for purpose due to manufacturing error. It's these times when I'm glad I have a pretty limited range of figures I want to collect (and Japanese G1 are not essential for me). There's only so much bittersweetness I can stand with expensive figures (looking at you MP57 Skyfire :rolleyes:).

[SarhBear]

That's been raised as a common defect unfortunately
happy

Yeah, that's why I went and checked mine. I'd just been fiddling around with the robots and hadn't actually gone to transform them yet and then seeing that stuff it was like "well I should go and check that, actually."


Sorry to hear that SarhBear. Does the fault mean you can't transform or combine? If so, I would expect a refund as it's not fit for purpose due to manufacturing error. It's these times when I'm glad I have a pretty limited range of figures I want to collect (and Japanese G1 are not essential for me). There's only so much bittersweetness I can stand with expensive figures (looking at you MP57 Skyfire :rolleyes:).

It means you can't actually clip the nose cone in so you have to just kind of let it hang there with a big gap in the front of the jet where it isn't actually connected. I assume the rest of the functionality is probably unaffected by the issue

Calling it an Action Master was a bit overly dramatic but it's still a right pain for something that I can't just easily go exchange to arrive in this state

https://i.imgur.com/dGTmPW9.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/PBaXDht.jpg

[JJJ]

Well, fortunately that looks like something that can be easily rectified with a dremel or similar tool.

[snaketales]

Picked up mine today, no sign of the shipping container. I had read earlier posts so checked the accessories were there. I can see how the sword could be misplaced: it's one of the few not held down by a plastic tie.
The box art looks nice but it doesn't feel very sturdy. Driving home the inner box managed to slide out of the outer covering (or maybe I take corners too fast :) ).
The guy who served me offered to tape it shut for me but I kindly declined.

[SarhBear]

If I wanted to contact someone about rectifying the issue am I looking at emailing Hasbro or do I go through EB since they're the seller here or am I just kinda out of luck?

If it was just some splotchy paint or whatever I'd be unhappy but leave it be but since it affects the actual functionality of the toy like that it's kind of a different matter


Well, fortunately that looks like something that can be easily rectified with a dremel or similar tool.

I don't have a dremel and can't say as I feel confident taking to a toy like this with a drill. Moreover, I shouldn't really have to

[Trent]

Yeah, that's why I went and checked mine. I'd just been fiddling around with the robots and hadn't actually gone to transform them yet and then seeing that stuff it was like "well I should go and check that, actually."



It means you can't actually clip the nose cone in so you have to just kind of let it hang there with a big gap in the front of the jet where it isn't actually connected. I assume the rest of the functionality is probably unaffected by the issue

Calling it an Action Master was a bit overly dramatic but it's still a right pain for something that I can't just easily go exchange to arrive in this state

https://i.imgur.com/dGTmPW9.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/PBaXDht.jpg

The one of mine I opened had the same issue. I was able to drill it out with a 2mm drill bit and clean it up with a hobby knife and now it looks and works just like normal.

[zaneiken]

If I wanted to contact someone about rectifying the issue am I looking at emailing Hasbro or do I go through EB since they're the seller here or am I just kinda out of luck?


Hit up EB Games. I had an issue with my Robosen Optimus Prime, and they were able to order a replacement in from their distribution centre. Better than sending it overseas to Robosen.

Speaking of EB Games, I'm still waiting for the call/text to pick mine up.

[JJJ]

Speaking of EB Games, I'm still waiting for the call/text to pick mine up.

I wouldn't wait; I'd be calling your store to check.

[griffin]

If I wanted to contact someone about rectifying the issue am I looking at emailing Hasbro or do I go through EB since they're the seller here or am I just kinda out of luck?

If it was just some splotchy paint or whatever I'd be unhappy but leave it be but since it affects the actual functionality of the toy like that it's kind of a different matter


As noted by someone else already, contact the retailer. If they won't help, then contact Hasbro Australia and tell them that EBGames won't rectify your problem, as it is required by law in Australia if a product bought in Australia is defective, that retailer must provide a replacement, a refund or repair.

[KELPIE]

Two minti-sealed shippers arrived from Robot Kingdom.

Haven't opened yet so no idea if the product is good, however there won't be any issues of box cut marks or lost pieces here I imagine. Still.... Pretty pricy shipping for the privilege :(

[zaneiken]

My Saber's left arm keeps popping off at the shoulder ball-joint. Fire's ladder barely stays attached.
I also have two left tail-fins on Star Saber. Will be going to see EB Games tomorrow to see if they can get a replacement in.

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

https://i.imgur.com/ad9a0FJ.jpg

[griffin]

Remember that scam a few months back that tried to convince people who pre-ordered Victory Saber in Taiwan that their toys were destroyed in transit and to get them to voluntarily cancel their order if they wanted to get a bonus item with their refund?
Well, apparently people in Europe are actually being contacted by Zavvi (yes, that same company that sells to Australians, but is not actually located in Australia), to tell them that they are short on stock, and have been refunding some people.
https://news.tfw2005.com/2022/12/23/zavvi-canceling-european-orders-for-haslab-victory-saber-set-472828

I don't know the numbers or percentages, but it has affected people in several countries in Europe, because Zavvi (located in the UK) was the only authorised outlet to take pre-orders for Hasbro in all of Europe.
As such, there also seems to be no local backup option for those European fans without now having to purchase one online at twice the price.
And since no other outlet taking pre-orders in any other country has been noted to have had supply problems, it seems that this is just something going wrong at Zavvi - either they gave the wrong total to Hasbro, or they kept taking pre-orders after the cut-off date without realising that they couldn't order more.

It is also puzzling to hear that there was obviously something wrong with the numbers not matching what was pre-ordered, and yet no one noticed it during the last year... when it would have been cheaper for fans to secure one from elsewhere before the prices when up after its release.

I guess we just have to be glad that EB and Hasbro Australia did a good job with Unicron and Victory Saber in making sure that we got the right number ordered for Australian fans, and had the right number delivered to Australia.

[Firestorm]

I got a call a couple of weeks back from EB telling me I'd need to come in and pay off the remaining balance for my Victory Saber before they'd send it from the warehouse to the store for pickup.
I went in a few days later and paid it off.
after a few weeks, I hadn't heard back from them. but figured delivery may have been slow due to the Christmas period so a bit of a wait wasn't a big surprise.
I stopped by the store the other day and figured I'd ask if it had come in just in case they had forgotten to contact me. And was told it had somehow been pushed back till MID FEBRUARY because their shipment was delayed?

so I had to come in and pay for it because it was in their warehouse waiting to be sent to me.
but now it hasn't even arrived from hasbro TO their warehouse yet?
I hope there is an actual delayed shipment of Victory Sabers and mine hasn't just somehow been lost...

[Tranceblade]

That doesn't sound right, because everyone who I've seen order from EB had definitely gotten theirs in hand

[griffin]

Like unicron there would have only been one shipment... and I haven't heard of anyone else yet not getting theirs already, so I'd he contacting their head office customer service number AND email. Because that's not right and they need to investigate why your store has lost yours.

[Firestorm]

Yeah. I'll be sending them an email to try and figure out what has happened. since it definitely doesn't make any sense.
hopefully chasing things up will result in things turning out ok and my VS isn't just lost to the aether.

[Trent]

So there’s a rumour going around that because of the orders for Europe that Zavvi cancelled as well all the QC issues, Hasbro will be making more VS to replace the ones with issues. Don’t know how true it is but people on TFW are saying that Hasbro has stopped sending out replacement parts and started asking people to return for refunds. Has anyone reached out to EB to ascertain if there is any truth to it and if so, how that will work for Aus buyers?

[JJJ]

The rumour that allegedly a Hasbro customer support person told someone that there was a second run of VS being made?

I won't put any stock in that until I see a statement directly from Hasbro. And I'll state right now that I firmly expect never to see such a statement. It'd be great, would be delighted to be wrong here, but I just don't see Hasbro doing it, especially not for the tiny numbers involved.

[Trent]

I’ve read people say they did something similar for the Jabba’s sail barge Haslab because it had a few issues.

[JJJ]

I’ve read people say they did something similar for the Jabba’s sail barge Haslab because it had a few issues.

Ask one of these people to point to a source for this. No Haslab project has had more than the initial production run. I expect they've all produced more units than were ordered, yes, because that's standard - you allow for bad castings, and you also make more as spare parts for a certain amount of customer service.

[Trent]

Ask one of these people to point to a source for this. No Haslab project has had more than the initial production run. I expect they've all produced more units than were ordered, yes, because that's standard - you allow for bad castings, and you also make more as spare parts for a certain amount of customer service.

Calm down. I’m merely repeating the rumour I read. There does seem to be a higher than normal rate of QC issues for VS. Unicron didn’t have anywhere the problems and I’ve hardly heard anything about galactus. The rest I’ve not paid attention to so can’t say. But it’s not beyond the realms of possibility. But equally it might not happen. I don’t really care either way. The spare VS I bought from EB has a little blemish in the SS chest paint that if there’s a way to get it rectified, then great. Otherwise it’s hardly the end of the world for me. And the one I opened had the issue with the nose cone not plugging in but 5 minutes with a drill bit and a knife fixed that so overall I’m happy. But it would be nice for others that have had far more serious issues if they could have it sorted.

[Tranceblade]

Yeah. I'll be sending them an email to try and figure out what has happened. since it definitely doesn't make any sense.
hopefully chasing things up will result in things turning out ok and my VS isn't just lost to the aether.

How did you go with this, any response from them?

[Firestorm]

How did you go with this, any response from them?

Was actually coming to this thread to provide an update.

I got my first response on Friday which was to the effect of "we don't know what's happening here, we'll chase it up with the buying team on Monday and let you know when we have more information"

I got another email today with the follow up. Apparently the buying team confirmed there have been some shipping issues that they are currently looking into, and that February is the current ETA until they have more information and that the next contact I should receive should be my selected store confirming that it has arrived.

(They didn't say if that delay was from hasbro to their warehouse, or from the warehouse to my selected store. I may message them again to clarify)

So... I guess I just keep playing the waiting game... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Given everything I'm hearing about Victory Saber having QC issues, and the rumours of a replacement run. I'm hoping that it doesn't actually take until sometime in Feb to show up, in case it needs to be returned/replaced.
I kind of regret ordering Deathsaurus now since this is making me not want to do any expensive crowdfunded purchases again.

[Tranceblade]

Yeah that's weird, because the agent I'm speaking to currently just offered me one from warehouse to replace the one the store staff cut open, with the language they used implying that there are actually some.

Fwiw, I'm not seeking a replacement, but I thought it was an interesting observation. Overall it seems nobody there has a complete idea of what is actually happening.

[Firestorm]

Hmm, that's definitely strange then...

Maybe the delay they're speaking of with me IS from warehouse to store. In which case, where the heck has it ended up?

I guess on the one hand it is good to know they may actually still have some in the warehouse.

[Starscream Gaga]

I'm in the same position as you. I never got notified from eBGames about Victory Saber so I assumed Australia was just getting it late. Last week get called up and told I need to pay it all off to receive it, so I do so.

A week later (today) I call up to check its status and they say it doesn't say anything at all but "they're sure it'll come and they'll let me know when they get an update". The guy really didn't sound confident at all and he asked his supervisor if they knew more and they didn't seem confident either, but said that it's probably in the warehouse still. Spoke to my friend that works at a different store and she was surprised that it wasn't sent from the warehouse already.

Come on here to see if I'm alone and am really nervous about the fact that Australia has had it since December and I haven't realised... I'm panicked I won't receive mine at all, because I simply cannot afford aftermarket prices.

[Trent]

I'm in the same position as you. I never got notified from eBGames about Victory Saber so I assumed Australia was just getting it late. Last week get called up and told I need to pay it all off to receive it, so I do so.

A week later (today) I call up to check its status and they say it doesn't say anything at all but "they're sure it'll come and they'll let me know when they get an update". The guy really didn't sound confident at all and he asked his supervisor if they knew more and they didn't seem confident either, but said that it's probably in the warehouse still. Spoke to my friend that works at a different store and she was surprised that it wasn't sent from the warehouse already.

Come on here to see if I'm alone and am really nervous about the fact that Australia has had it since December and I haven't realised... I'm panicked I won't receive mine at all, because I simply cannot afford aftermarket prices.

Call EB head office would be my suggestion

[Tranceblade]

I'm in the same position as you. I never got notified from eBGames about Victory Saber so I assumed Australia was just getting it late. Last week get called up and told I need to pay it all off to receive it, so I do so.

A week later (today) I call up to check its status and they say it doesn't say anything at all but "they're sure it'll come and they'll let me know when they get an update". The guy really didn't sound confident at all and he asked his supervisor if they knew more and they didn't seem confident either, but said that it's probably in the warehouse still. Spoke to my friend that works at a different store and she was surprised that it wasn't sent from the warehouse already.

Come on here to see if I'm alone and am really nervous about the fact that Australia has had it since December and I haven't realised... I'm panicked I won't receive mine at all, because I simply cannot afford aftermarket prices.

Which store did you order at? Mine was at Rundle EB/Zing and I collected it almost straight away, so maybe your store is small enough to have to wait for stock to come with other loads?

[Starscream Gaga]

Which store did you order at? Mine was at Rundle EB/Zing and I collected it almost straight away, so maybe your store is small enough to have to wait for stock to come with other loads?

Tea Tree Plaza. Did you get yours December or did they contact you recently?

[Tranceblade]

December 10th or 11th I think is when I collected mine

[Starscream Gaga]

December 10th or 11th I think is when I collected mine

I’m losing confidence I’m ever getting mine with every second…

Rang customer care, they said they’d look into it and give me an update by Tuesday night. What they didn’t do is guarantee that they’ve got one for me.

Wondering if mine was sent to TTP and they didn’t process it correctly and sold it… I’d be absolutely devastated.

[JJJ]

I've just noticed that Saviers Toys (https://www.tftoys.com.au/shop/hasbro/haslab/haslab-victory-saber/) in Melbourne has some available for order (but marked as incoming, not in stock - but at least that flag means that they believe stock is literally about to arrive for them). Guess they bought a few, or someone has cancelled their order. No final price listed (nor any indication of how many there might be), so I'd say contact them ASAP if you're interested.

[Starscream Gaga]

Made another call today and they’re saying they’ve located it and I’m definitely getting it. But I’m not going to be confident until I actually have it in my hands.

Allegedly they have extra stock for stores to sell once all preorders are fulfilled and “accidentally mixed my order up with the store stock”. Whole thing sounds really hokey.

[Tranceblade]

Having stock to sell in store sounds like a nightmare if anyone wants one in a decent condition...

It most definitely could not be sold as MISB if that happened

[Ottomatic Transporter]

I completely forgot about this until last night. Just checked online and it says processed but I haven't heard anything from the store (ingle farm)

[Starscream Gaga]

Another week with no news, so rang Customer Service for a third time.

Story has changed, now “stock was sent out in cases of 4 so if there was only 1 preorder at my store then it’d be sent to another store with three others and that store then have to send it back to the warehouse and then sent to my store”. Which, again, sounds completely BS. They then said that “they’re sure I’ll get it but can’t 100% guarantee I’ll get it”.

Became a bit of a heated angel on the phone, but got hopefully good news in my email later that day:

“ Hi James,

Thank you for contacting us.

Our allocations team has recently informed us that our warehouse currently has the Transformers HasLab Victory Saber Action Figure Set preorder stock and is looking to have those shipped to the relevant stores next week. We have also alerted the Tea Tree Plaza store so that they are aware of this new update.

We do apologise for any inconvenience this has caused; if you require anything else, please get in contact again.”

So hopefully that means I’ll have it next week, but I still won’t be convinced til it’s in my hands.

[DELTAprime]

I have my own issue with EB Games at the moment. The one saving grace is that it's for a PS5 DualSense Edge controller, not a Transformer that was manufactured to order.

I ordered a week ago and the release date was the 26th of January. I've just checked and my release date has been changed to the 10th of March. Apparently, I got moved to a second shipment preorder despite my confirmation email saying it was the 26th of January.

[Tranceblade]

Unless something has changed they are cases of ONE, in the sense that they are packed and ready to go in their own individual SIOC (Ship In Own Container) cartons. Unless they are in outer cases of four..

All they needed to do was slap on a shipping label addressed to store, I don't understand why they are making you work for it.

[Starscream Gaga]

It finally arrived, I finally own it, I can die in peace.

I am still convinced if I hadn't caused a fuss and constantly called Customer Care it'd have just quietly been refunded. Overall this has been unnecessarily stressful, but I'm glad its over.

Can't wait to go through this again with Deathsaurus!

[Firestorm]

Glad you finally managed to get yours, Gaga.

An update on my own Victory Saber Saga.

I went in to EB on Tuesday to pick up a different order and decided to ask them if there was an update to the ETA of my Victory Saber.
And was told "it was never sent."

The manager ended up putting in some calls and sourced one for me and supposedly I should have it within a week.
But at this point, I'm not holding my breath.

[Firestorm]

Within a week my FOOT!

Still waiting on hearing back from EB about Victory Saber
If i don't hear back from them by mid-next week I'll be going back there and raising a fuss again.

At this point it's starting to feel like a refund is inevitable...

[Firestorm]

Here we are again with another update to my Victory Saber Saga.
But this time, finally with some good news.

Got a call on Tuesday telling me that my Victory Saber had (miraculously) finally turned up at EB and was ready to be picked up.
"Within the week", 3 weeks, same things I guess.
just like "Mid Feb" and literally the last day of Feb are the same thing. :rolleyes:

Picked it up today. and will be opening it later tonight.
fingers crossed that after 2 and a half months of trying to get this thing in hand, it won't have any major QC issues.

[JJJ]

Congrats!

[Firestorm]

Any congratulations are unfortunately pre-mature.
Went to open it up just then to make sure everything was there and... it wasn't.

I'm missing the poster, stickers for Victory Leo's wings, and the instructions.

Haven't even taken the figures out of the packaging to check on them just yet. but from a cursory glance I didn't see any major defects to paint or missing parts for the figures themselves.


Am I better off contacting EB Games or Hasbro about my missing instructions/poster/stickers?
or, given it's been 2 and a half months since release, am I just out of luck?

[JJJ]

Well shit.

If you want them, you'll have to take it back to EB. And then wait, and probably not get a replacement.

On the bright side :(, you might not actually miss some of that stuff. The poster isn't really a poster, more just a bit of card with a picture on it. The stickers, well, they're stickers, and I am choosing paint in their place. The instructions would be nice though.

So let me guess, this didn't come in an outer box - you received it in just the slipcase, right? Cos otherwise I can't see how those parts came loose.

[Firestorm]

Well shit.

If you want them, you'll have to take it back to EB. And then wait, and probably not get a replacement.

On the bright side :(, you might not actually miss some of that stuff. The poster isn't really a poster, more just a bit of card with a picture on it. The stickers, well, they're stickers, and I am choosing paint in their place. The instructions would be nice though.

So let me guess, this didn't come in an outer box - you received it in just the slipcase, right? Cos otherwise I can't see how those parts came loose.

Yep. That’s right. No outer box. Just a (slightly banged up) slip case.

I’m not too fussed about not getting the “poster” and I hate stickers, so I wouldn’t have applied them anyway.
Not having instructions is the biggest issue

Mostly I’m just frustrated that after chasing this thing up for 2 and a half months, I get it incomplete.

I guess I should probably check and make sure there’s nothing wrong with the figures. Since if they’re defective, that’s a much bigger issue and one I would be more inclined to seek replacements/refunds for.

EDIT: I opened up the figures themselves and had a look at them, and did my best to transform them without instructions. and happy to say the only figure that has any issues is Fire. (the legs/ front of vehicle mode refuse to stay together)
Brain of courage, Holi, Saber, Star Saber and Victory Leo are all seemingly QC issue free. with the only issue I could find being that Leo's wrists and the beast mode foreleg hinge are very tight.
So at least the main attraction of the set (Star Saber and Victory Leo) are ok.

[Tranceblade]

Yep. That’s right. No outer box. Just a (slightly banged up) slip case.

I’m not too fussed about not getting the “poster” and I hate stickers, so I wouldn’t have applied them anyway.
Not having instructions is the biggest issue

So they basically fell out at some point, in which case EB lost them.

If you don't return it, at least request a partial refund or credit from them.

[Firestorm]

So they basically fell out at some point, in which case EB lost them.

If you don't return it, at least request a partial refund or credit from them.

Yeah, I'll be asking EB about some form of compensation for losing the instructions.
But given Victory Saber has no QC issues. I'd rather not return it outright.
since there's no guarantee I'd be able to get another one. and even if I did. it may have QC issues.

[GoktimusPrime]

Firestorm: There's a dude in Melbourne selling a Victory Saber at below RRP; pickup only, which should be doable for you since you're also in Melb :)
https://www.facebook.com/commerce/listing/512556764179578/
The toy has been opened, so you can even inspect it upon pickup.

If I were you, I'd buy this one and refund the one you got from EB.

[Firestorm]

That could be a good idea, If I really want the complete package.
However, for some reason, the link you posted doesn't show me anything.

[GoktimusPrime]

That could be a good idea, If I really want the complete package.
However, for some reason, the link you posted doesn't show me anything.
Unfortunately it's already been sold now. :( It was a seller on TCCA BST (https://www.facebook.com/groups/tccasales); I recommend joining up if you haven't already and keep your eyes out for a bargain. :)

[Firestorm]

Unfortunately it's already been sold now. :( It was a seller on TCCA BST (https://www.facebook.com/groups/tccasales); I recommend joining up if you haven't already and keep your eyes out for a bargain. :)

Oh well. not surprising it didn't stay available for long haha.
Thank for pointing me towards it anyway.
And I'll try joining up for that group, maybe another one will pop up soon. Thanks