Transformers United Comparison Thread

[Vector Prime]

I thought I would start a thread for the discussion and comparison of TakTomy's United line (as they are released) versus their equivalent Hasbro (and/or previous TakTomy) releases (mods please relocate thread if I've posted it in the wrong section)

It's quite obvious looking from the pics that the latest United releases have superior paint apps, however, they may or may not be your cup of tea (like the bright pink highlights on WFC Prime for example).

United WFC Prime Vs Hasbro Generations WFC Prime:
http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/20101227015324c6f_1293414039.jpg

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/201012270203051eb_1293414004.jpg

United WFC Megatron Vs Hasbro Generations WFC Megatron
http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/1293516495_Megs4.jpg

United WFC Soundwave Vs Hasbro Generations WFC Soundwave
http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/201012272350056f6_1293485041.jpg

United WFC Bumblebee Vs Hasbro Generations WFC Bumblebee
http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/20101227231443b0d_1293485247.jpg

United WFC Cliffjumper Vs Hasbro Generations WFC Cliffjumper
http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/20101227233607f32_1293485151.jpg

United G1 Style Prime Vs Hasbro Universe Prime:
http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/201012270209108ae_1293413898.jpg

United Megatron Vs Henkei Megatron:
http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/20101226002914493_1293392290.jpg

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/20101226002844f64_1293392290.jpg

United Bumblebee Vs Henkei Bumblebee
http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/2010122800065436f_1293484958.jpg

United Drift Vs Hasbro Generations Drift:
http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/20101227022925a8d_1293414181.jpg

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/20101227023005c38_1293414181.jpg

United Straxus Vs Hasbro Generations Darkmount Straxus
http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/20101228003019f05_1293484854.jpg

United Jazz Vs Hasbro RTS Jazz
http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/201101300029509d7.jpg

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/201101300026075f3.jpg

United Tracks Vs Hasbro RTS Tracks
http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/20110130001820164.jpg

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/20110130000812216.jpg

United Blurr Vs Generations Blurr
http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/blurr1.jpg

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/blurr2.jpg

United Perceptor Vs RTS Perceptor
http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/perceptor1.jpg

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/perceptor2.jpg

United Wreck Gar Vs RTS Wreck Gar
http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/wreckgar1.jpg

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/wreckgar2.jpg

[kup]

First up is WFC Prime (United on left, Hasbro on right):
http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/20101227015324c6f_1293414039.jpg


G1 Style Prime (United on left, Hasbro on right):
http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/201012270209108ae_1293413898.jpg

Drift (United on left, Hasbro on right):
http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/20101227022925a8d_1293414181.jpg


There is absolutely no comparison between United WFC Prime and Hasbro's. The Hasbro one almost looks like a KO. I may actually get it and dispose of the Hasbro version.

When it comes to Drift, I though the Hasbro toy was good enough but it does look bad next to the United release.

[GoktimusPrime]

I really like the metallic reds on the Primes, and TOMY's logos are outstanding and crap all over Hasbro's as usual. The pink highlights on TOMY's WFC Prime are too pink for me though. And I prefer the darker blues and less yellows on Hasbro's Ultimate Battle Optimus Prime.

TOMY's Drift absolutely looks better, especially from a Japanese perspective as the colours more closely resemble those on the Japanese flag. The white looks more pure, which is more evocative of 'Yamato Damashii' (Japanese spirit), and the more vibrant red looks more "hino maru" - like the Japanese sunrise.

Megatron looks more G1-riffic, but otherwise kinda bland next to Henkei Megatron. But the lack of chrome means less stress about chippage (the chrome on my Henkei Megs chips easy :(). United Megatron looks less toylike, but the lack of paint apps on the fusion cannon insignia is disappointing.

[Zippo]

Prime is so so pretty, but the pink is maybe just a little to 'out there'
Drift is nice to see in pure white. I was keeping a USA Drift back just incase, but not I can toss it.

[kurdt_the_goat]

I always knew Drift wasn't quite white, but seeing it look so obviously not-white next to the United one is a bit shocking!

I'm considering a WFC Prime swapperooni as well, but am happy enough with Hasbro versions of the others this time.

[SharkyMcShark]

Why is United Megatron crying.

[5FDP]

The pink highlights on TOMY's WFC Prime are too pink for me though.



Prime is so so pretty, but the pink is maybe just a little to 'out there'


+1. I'm more than happy with the Hasbro versions. They don't feel / look KO'ish to me at all.

Since I can only afford to buy one of each toy, I'll continue to support their local release.

[liegeprime]

Wow, That United Drift looks like it's just got out from the dentist, while the Generations next to it suddenly needs dental appointment ..:D I like the United Megsy....

[griffin]

I don't like the two JP Optimus toys, as the shiny parts on only the red bits showing in vehicle makes it look half-assed in robot mode, and worse than Hasbro's mis-matching yellows. The poor colour integrity looks really obvious on the WFC Optimus, but is still noticeably annoying on the Gen1 Optimus as well, to me at least.

At least the colours on these four aren't different enough from the Hasbro ones for me to 'have' to buy them... :p

[Paulbot]

United Megatron looks better than Henkei Megatron. Not enough for me to rebuy it, but if I didn't have either I'd buy the United one. The bright pink on United WFC Prime makes me prefer the subtle pink on Hasbro version. Hasbro's Drift still looks fine to me.

I look forward to seeing comparisons of Blurr and Thunderwing (so I can decide if I will open my Hasbro ones).

[Vector Prime]

More comparison pics have surfaced.

I've decided to move the entire lot to the first post to make it easier to reference, however I have linked the individual pics below.


See the first post (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=212081&postcount=1)

WFC Soundwave (http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/201012272350056f6_1293485041.jpg), Cliffjumper (http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/20101227233607f32_1293485151.jpg) and BBee (http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/20101227231443b0d_1293485247.jpg) look awesome with their metallic paint look.

United Jazz (http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/99_88142_afbdff0cac087e5_1293488280.jpg) doesn't look that different (besides better paint apps in vehicle (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attach/7/1/5/9/0/99_88142_224f4022e8fb910_1293488280.jpg) mode (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attach/7/1/5/9/0/99_88142_53bd41e23a4f3c8_1293488280.jpg)) and Straxus (http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/20101228003019f05_1293484854.jpg) just looks way 'too blue' for my liking (which I suppose is better than Hasbro grey)

[5FDP]

The Hasbro version of Soundwave looks much better IMO. The gold / yellow trim around his 'tape deck' is more pronounced.

I also prefer Bumblebee in the Hasbro yellow. If I had the United version, I would be inclined to name him Goldbug instead ;)

[kup]

I am happy with the Hasbro WFC Bumblebee. I think the gold is too much for the character although it does look nice.

I am still shocked by the differences between the Drifts.

[Vector Prime]

I look forward to seeing comparisons of Blurr and Thunderwing (so I can decide if I will open my Hasbro ones).

I don't think Thunderwing will be popping up any time soon... at least not for the immediate future seeing as it hasn't been announced as having a United release yet (UN-22 G2 Prime is currently the last scheduled release which is due end of March 2011).


The Hasbro version of Soundwave looks much better IMO. The gold / yellow trim around his 'tape deck' is more pronounced

+1 Totally agree on this point - the subtle light gold on the United one doesn't do it justice - if only you could combine the metallic blue paint of the United one with the yellow/gold trim of the Hasbro one... ;)



I am still shocked by the differences between the Drifts.

As am I! :eek: United Drift is so so white! The Hasbro one is fine in my books, but seeing the United one makes me so tempted to upgrade.

There have been no comparison pics of the WFC Megatron yet, but from initial images, the United one also looks to be vastly different - with a gunmetal grey weathered finish as opposed to the light grey/white on the Hasbro release.

Having seen the United WFC releases (bar Megs), I think I'll be ordering myself a set of them to display in their plastic prisons. :D

[griffin]

The new ones suffer the same problem that I mentioned above (only selective shiny bits for their vehicle mode). At least the JP Animated toys had shiny colouring all over the applicable coloured bits, so that it was consistent in both modes (which I loved) - but the different yellow parts on these Bumblebees, different blue parts on Soundwave, and the different red bits on Cliffjumper, just bug me too much to want to double up on these ones (like I did with the main cast of Animated).

[Zippo]

Man, I do love the metalic paint on the WFC characters - and although it doesn't cover all the areas they do look nicer to me than the Hasbro. As griffin said, if I had the American ones first then I wouldn't double up either. And as much as I loathe to say it, the darker gray on the Hasbro Bee and Jumper looks nicer.

Jazz - amazing what a few extra paint apps on the rear of the car will do, The Hasbro one looks so so plain now.

Perfer Generations Darkmount over Straxus though

[kaiden]

Actually United WFC Megatron pics have been out for a week now? he's a much darker shade of grey and looks more sinister and evil.

these are the newest ones posted today

http://www.seibertron.com/images/toys/uploads/1293516495_Megs.jpg

http://www.seibertron.com/images/toys/uploads/1293516495_Megs2.jpg

http://www.seibertron.com/images/toys/uploads/1293516495_Megs3.jpg

http://www.seibertron.com/images/toys/uploads/1293516495_Megs4.jpg

http://www.seibertron.com/images/toys/uploads/1293516495_Megs5.jpg

[Zippo]

All of these come from this toy blog: http://higekumatoytoy.blog60.fc2.com/

Looking at 2006 Bee, he now matches the small amounts of chrome they put on the Henkei release, and now looks like a contender to get.

Hrm, while Megatron in the darker colors looks fantastic I wonder what is up with the symbol. Error?

[Vector Prime]

Actually United WFC Megatron pics have been out for a week now?

Oh cool... I hadn't seen those. I'll save and host one of the pics and add it to the first post so other people can reference it.




Hrm, while Megatron in the darker colors looks fantastic I wonder what is up with the symbol. Error?

Yeah that does look very weird :confused:

[Hursticon]

Well,
Judging by these pics (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/new-images-of-united-un12-autobot-jazz/20492/):


http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/1293487237_Jazz.jpg
United|Generations


I know which one I want. ;):D

[SharkyMcShark]

I feel Takara may ha e missed a trick with th WFC megatron - the darker looks nice but it shield have been paired with the bright neon highlights that looked kind of tacky on the Takara WFC Prime - the contrast here would have made them pop

[tinyJazz]

Why is United Megatron crying.

Because noboby will ever love him.
I'm disappointed with his lack of monobrow.


Well,
Judging by these pics (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/new-images-of-united-un12-autobot-jazz/20492/):

I know which one I want. ;):D

Both, right? :p

[Vector Prime]

I know which one I want. ;):D

I'm guessing the United one? Not a fan of black rims and stealth tail lights I take it? :p


I'm disappointed with his lack of monobrow.


Yes, it's just not Megs without the monobrow! :D

[Lordy]

There are pictures around for TFU Tracks, who has the proper G1 Tracks flame sticker on his bonnet. Well worth getting the TFU version.

[5FDP]

There are pictures around for TFU Tracks, who has the proper G1 Tracks flame sticker on his bonnet. Well worth getting the TFU version.

Yeah, I've seen him as well. If I only get one United toy, it will be Tracks. I might also get Jazz at the same time since their both released on the 29th of Jan.

[Vector Prime]

More comparison pics of United WFC Megatron Vs Generations WFC Megatron

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/014-1_1294202436.jpg

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/016-1_1294202436.jpg

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/032-1_1294202436.jpg

[kaiden]

More comparison pics of United WFC Megatron Vs Generations WFC Megatron

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/014-1_1294202436.jpg

Those are nice. Personally I like to think that the TakaraTomy version is the Dark Energon corrupted version of Megatron.

[Lord_Zed]

Damn United WFC Megs is awesome, I still like the Hasbro version, but he looks more like a cell shaded animation character, while the United one evokes the Megatron from the game more for me.

[kaiden]

http://www.seibertron.com/news/view.php?id=20612

From Seibertron - Amazon.jp has put up official pics of United Blurr, Kup, Wreck-Gar and Perceptor.

[autobreadticon]

Takara United Perceptor

Changes to Perceptor
#White insignia on chest (Robot mode) , from RTS rub sign
#Chrome app. replaced by 'bone white' paint (dials on hand,launcher & missle)
#Windscreen white from yellow
#Targeting screen white from yellow
#Front headlights and headlight on top of vehicle (shoulder scope) coloured white from yellow
#Bumperbar & edges of exterior of vehicle highlighted with silver paint from plain red
#Red Autobot symbol on front air intake in robot mode, inside vents of air intake coloured silver from black
#red paint app. on chest replaced with silver paint
#diamond shape on rear of vehicle, symbols on leg different paint app.
#Sports a shiny red metallic paint, it is two tone , more vibrant and darker colors


http://i511.photobucket.com/albums/s358/catman-begins/perceptor.jpg
http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/attach/4/0/5/9/7/Perceptor-Robot-2_1292759986.jpg

Overall i will buy the Hasbro version for the Chrome bits and hopefully i can take that and the yellow targeting screen and place it on the United version.

United version has superior paint apps but im not too sure how the shiny paint app will fit in with the henkeis and FP toys

[kaiden]

Overall i will buy the Hasbro version for the Chrome bits and hopefully i can take that and the yellow targeting screen and place it on the United version.

I'm of the same opinion. its disappointing that the TT version loses the chrome from the hasbro version :/

[autobreadticon]

i like how now there are three different versions of the Wreck Gar mold, if HeadRobots can make another Junkion head, there are effectively three different characters.

big differences in the United version is brown coloured nether regions, removed flame decos and less Hasbro grey showing

[Vector Prime]

First post has been updated with the following:

United Jazz Vs RTS Jazz

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/201101300029509d7.jpg

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/201101300026075f3.jpg

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/2011013000263946a.jpg

United Tracks Vs RTS Tracks

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/20110130001820164.jpg

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/20110130000812216.jpg

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/20110130000841a55.jpg

[Zippo]

Its like night and day between the american and japanese releases of those two.

[5FDP]

Thanks for posting these pics VP. I have now seen the light and have just bought and paid for both United Tracks and Jazz.

I gave up hope that Hasbro will release these locally but thanks to them, I have been forced to buy these online. Given the differences (or rather lack of paint apps on the Hasbro versions), it looks like I have come out a winner anyway :D

The flames on Tracks is also what sold me on these :cool:

[Vector Prime]

Thanks for posting these pics VP. I have now seen the light and have just bought and paid for both United Tracks and Jazz.

I gave up hope that Hasbro will release these locally but thanks to them, I have been forced to buy these online. Given the differences (or rather lack of paint apps on the Hasbro versions), it looks like I have come out a winner anyway :D

The flames on Tracks is also what sold me on these :cool:

No worries mate... I think the United versions look great in their alt modes (better and increased number of paint apps), but they're both pretty much the same in bot mode IMO.

As I already have the RTS ones and I display my figures in bot mode anyway, I don't think I'll bother getting the United versions - but for those that don't already have the RTS ones (or live in fear that Wave 1 has/will bypass Oz), United's the way to go.

[Lord_Zed]

Wow! Hasbro's idea of white sure pales in comparison to TakTomy's!

[kaiden]

at the moment the problem for me is my collection is basically henkei with the exception of ultra magnus and skywarp and the 2 recent generations coneheads and the pending thundercracker.

looking at united grapple compared to henkei inferno leaves me with a bitter feeling when i see that there isnt too much of a difference between the united/rts versions and that i might prefer the black head of rts and the price difference is something to think about.

i havent seen comparison pics of lugnut yet, hopefully i can see the difference side by side soon.

[Doubledealer]

at the moment the problem for me is my collection is basically henkei with the exception of ultra magnus and skywarp and the 2 recent generations coneheads and the pending thundercracker.

looking at united grapple compared to henkei inferno leaves me with a bitter feeling when i see that there isnt too much of a difference between the united/rts versions and that i might prefer the black head of rts and the price difference is something to think about.

i havent seen comparison pics of lugnut yet, hopefully i can see the difference side by side soon.

My classics collection is mainly Hasbro but I went for United Lugnut and Grapple...Much prefer the Japanese releases, especially for Lugnut. :)

[Vector Prime]

More side by side comparison pics.

United Blurr and Wreck Gar look great in both bot and alt modes, but I'm not a fan of Perceptor in either mode.

For once I think the TakTomy release is inferior to the Hasbro version, at least IMO.

Blurr

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/blurr1.jpg

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/blurr2.jpg

Perceptor

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/perceptor1.jpg

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/perceptor2.jpg

Wreck Gar

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/wreckgar1.jpg

http://i954.photobucket.com/albums/ae21/phuynh1979/wreckgar2.jpg

[Lint]

Yeuch, not a fan of United Gar at all. I have to say the metallic blue on United Blurr is really pretty! A total buy if I didn't have the generations one already.

[5FDP]

Hasbro Wreck-Gar wipes the floor with the United version.

[kup]

United Blurr certainly looks better but character wise I still prefer Hasbro's as it's more suitable to the IDW Blurr which this toy is representing.

When it comes to Perceptor, each release has it's pros and cons. United Perceptor lacks chrome on it's dial and shoulder canon while Hasbro's looks real plain and cheap in vehicle mode. Both have aspects that I like and dislike so I think that I will buy the two releases and build a single one out of the best parts from both.

Both United and Hasbro's Wreckgar have that horrible Hasbro grey but overall, United has the best paint job although I am not sure about the silver face.

[Tallestblue]

Hmm. How odd Hasbro Perceptor has the Chrome parts, and United Perceptor doesn't. It feels like a weird mistake.

[gdmetro]

I have to actually agree with most of the hasbro proponents this time around. Having experienced the awesomeness of Henkei I was eager on getting all the generations/RTS moulds in united form- but most have just disappointed.

United Perceptor has been disappointing not only because of the lack of chrome, but the scope/chest and dials are simply crap. Where is the metallic paint they love so much? Oh I see.. they put it on figures that don't need it like Wheeljack with the metallic green stripes.

Grapple is another example of united failure- just simply doesn't compare to Henkei inferno and not enough improvements from the RTS version. The lack of silver paint on the hook really put it down imo- and its simple things like that which in the past made me pay the extra for the Takara versions, but this time round.. just falls too short.

I seriously wonder why Takara couldn't have continued with Henkei 2.0 and just added chrome detailing to parts that needed it!! Just was dreaming if they added a bit of henkei style chrome to united jazz or tracks-would have been so nice.

On a brighter note, I ordered 1 united blurr for completion sake, but the pics have totally changed my opinion- he looks really awesome!!

[Zippo]

After the awesomeness of Henkei, it is such a shame to not have the perfect version of the figure .. and yes, Hasbro versions seem better in some aspects.

Love the colour difference of Blurr in alt mode and while the silver on his chest and waist looks great, the rest is just to plain.

I don't see what all the issues with WG are .. both have too much Hasbro grey and are different enough that I do have to get one of each.

Very very odd that United Percetor looses the chrome, and I hate the mix of shiny paint and plain plastic in alt mode.

Don't have Generations Kup to look at, though the mix of paint and plastic again is annoying.

[kup]

Hmm. How odd Hasbro Perceptor has the Chrome parts, and United Perceptor doesn't. It feels like a weird mistake.

Shattered Glass Hasbro and Takara-Tomy!

[Lord_Zed]

Hasbro Wreck-Gar wipes the floor with the United version.

I'd have to say closer to the other way around for me, mainly cause Hasbro's has that annoying rubsticker on the windshield. Overall with these three fellows I don't think there are any clear winners though, while I like bits of one toy, I then look at the other option and find something that one does better. I'll just go with whichever is easiest i guess. Unlike united Tracks and Jazz these guys are all much of a muchness.

[Eazy D]

I really like the united wreckgar. The red chest is far more anime accurate. He also has less of the crappy grey. To be honest there seem to be enough differences between hasbro and united wreckgar to justify getting both and passing them off as a junkion army.

Hasbro perceptor easily outdoes the united one. Looks cheap in vehicle mode but the chrome in robot mode is really sweet

[dirge]

I prefer the look of United Wreck-Gar but prefer Hasbro's Perceptor & Blurr.

[autobreadticon]

RK has the united targetmasters Fracas and Haywire, somehow still not interested in them, but if Rk does put up Recoil def. getting it, i saw the image of TM Recoil mounted on Kup in vehicle mode , really nice

[jaydisc]

I haven't received my latest United orders yet, but overall, it's pretty disappointing:

1. No Chrome
2. Inconsistent metallics - Look at Perceptor's alt mode's roof. Why didn't they complete the metallics?
3. Plenty of Hasbro gray

I still think Hasbro releases universally look cheaper and more like kids toys (as designed) than their Japanese counterparts, but unfortunately, United ain't no Henkei.

[Doubledealer]

RK has the united targetmasters Fracas and Haywire, somehow still not interested in them, but if Rk does put up Recoil def. getting it, i saw the image of TM Recoil mounted on Kup in vehicle mode , really nice

Was quite excited about these until I saw the price...US$50 before shipping. Ouch. :(

[lcz128]

I haven't received my latest United orders yet, but overall, it's pretty disappointing:

1. No Chrome
2. Inconsistent metallics - Look at Perceptor's alt mode's roof. Why didn't they complete the metallics?
3. Plenty of Hasbro gray

I still think Hasbro releases universally look cheaper and more like kids toys (as designed) than their Japanese counterparts, but unfortunately, United ain't no Henkei.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/lcz128_photos/Transformers/c6706ddf.jpg
As I posted in the Henkei United Showcase thread, there is a quick and easy (and if you pick a Perceptor up during the sale..not too expensive) way of Henkei-fying Perceptor :D BEST OF BOTH WORLDS! United's metallic (albeit imperfect due to the whole chunk of unpainted red on the top of perceptor's alt mode) and Henkei's chrome-ness :D

[GoktimusPrime]

I got my first United toy (Tracks) yesterday (well technically Fracas was my first United toy, but he's just a repaint of PCC Chainclaw)... was kinda disappointed that it didn't come with a catalogue. :( Although his tech specs profile is much better written IMO compared to RtS and Generations. :)

[GoktimusPrime]

This conversation comes from the Generations Warpath thread (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=10325), but I thought it would be more appropriate to continue it here in a thread that compares United with Generations/RtS.

---------------------------------------------------------


Well as you well know the old tech spechs were written by an established comic writter, the new ones are written by Fred in marketing, at least that's my guess.
I'd say that's true. The G1 tech specs were written by Marvel Comic writers like Bob Budiansky... whereas today's tech specs are written by toy marketers who wouldn't necessarily know the first thing about writing an interesting bio. But having said that, when it comes to writing up bios for Classicsverse characters, the bios already exist. All they need to do is look at the existing bios for the G1 characters that they're based on and just re-write it.

The two most recent Classicsverse toys I've picked up recently have been RtS Special Ops Jazz and United Autobot Tracks. RtS Jazz's tech specs makes him out to be some kind of xeno-anthropologist; and while G1 Jazz's tech specs does say that Jazz love and knowledge of Earth culture makes him an indispensable asset, it also paints Jazz out to be a special agent trusted to take on especially dangerous missions. Hence why his function was Special Operations Agent. RtS Jazz's name is "Special Ops" Jazz, but nothing in the bio itself talks about his role as spec ops. Jazz's profile almost reads more like Glyph's. RtS Jazz's tech specs also completely glosses over all of his abilities... the toy comes with deploy-able speakers but the bio doesn't mention what they're for. If one didn't know better they might just think he's just some doof-doof junkie, unaware of his ability to disorient opponents with lights and sounds. And of course, RtS Jazz's profiles - like most Hasbro bios, ignores the character's quirks or weaknesses, in the case of Jazz, the susceptibility to being distracted.


Compare this with United Tracks' tech specs on the other hand. It mentions:
+ UTD Tracks loves Earth more than any other Autobot and prefers his vehicle mode over his robot mode. G1 Tracks' bio states that other Autobots call him "lousy Earth lover" because he prefers his Earth car form over his robot form.
+ UTD Tracks' preference for his alt mode comes from his love for Earth mechanical designs, esp. from New York. While this isn't mentioned in G1 Tracks' bio it's reminiscent of G1 Tracks' appearance in the G1 cartoon and his adventures in New York (with his human chum Raoul).
+ G1 Tracks' tech specs states that he thinks others who criticise him are just jealous of his beauty and his G1 TFU profile (also written by Marvel) does state that his vanity is his greatest weakness / UTD Track's tech specs states that Tracks is incredibly self-confident and believes that others are just jealous of his ability to fight in vehicular mode. Note: the wording of UTD Tracks' tech specs here is more similar to G1 Tracks' Japanese tech specs.
+ G1 Tracks' bio states that he is armed with a blinding black beam gun / UTD Track's bio states that he carries a black beam gun which robs opponents of their sight.
+ G1 Tracks' bio states that he can launch heat-seeking missiles for up to 60 miles (97km) / UTD Tracks' states that he has dual shoulder mounted homing missiles which can track opponents up to 100km.
+ G1 Tracks' bio states that he can achieve sub-sonic flight / UTD Tracks' bio states he can fly to close to the speed of sound (sonic speed).

Now let's compare their stats...

(G1 Tracks / UTD Tracks)
STR: 6 / 6
INT: 6 / 6
SPD: 7 / 7
END: 8 / 8
RNK: 5 / 5
CRG: 6 / 6
FPR: 8 / 8
SKL: 8 / 8

(G1 Jazz / RtS Jazz)
STR: 5 / 6
INT: 9 / 6
SPD: 7 / 9
END: 7 / 7
RNK: 8 / 8
CRG: 9 / 9
FPR: 5 / 6
SKL: 10 / 5

Now I don't know if TakaraTOMY are hiring professional writers to write their tech spec bios... I don't think they are. But IMO tech specs based on G1 characters are easier to write up because the groundwork's already been done by Marvel comic writers from the 1980s -- all they need to do is do a simple re-write. It's easy enough to find G1 tech specs and TFU profiles online. :/

-------------------

References
G1 Jazz tech specs (http://www.botchthecrab.com/archive/decoder.asp?CharName=Jazz&ImgURL=/archive/techspecs/autobot/1984/ts_jazz.jpg)
RtS Jazz tech specs (http://tfu.info/2011/Autobot/Jazz/jazz.htm)
G1 Tracks tech specs (English) (http://www.botchthecrab.com/archive/decoder.asp?CharName=Tracks&ImgURL=/archive/techspecs/autobot/1985/ts_tracks.jpg)
G1 Tracks tech specs (Japanese) (http://sig-yan.web.infoseek.co.jp/japaspe/trf/t44.html)
G1 Tracks TFU profile (http://www.seibertron.com/comics/universe/original/index.php?tf_id=tracks)
United Tracks tech specs (http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/TF/products/united/un13.html)

[Lord_Zed]

Yeah I noticed on United Jazz's techspechs that he had a severe skill reduction and intelligence too, maybe Jazz did become a doof-doof junkie.:p

I'm still waiting for Tracks to arrive, he's very late it's not good. :(

[Eazy D]

I noticed that as well.

RTS Jazz's tech spec really lets him down in what should be two of his forefront areas - intelligence and skill.

I liv=ke the bios on the reveal the shild and generations figures but some of the stats are way out.

[GoktimusPrime]

I don't dislike the RtS tech spec bios per se, but I'm not thrilled with them either - and judging from United Tracks' tech specs, I prefer it over my RtS profiles. As I was saying in the Generations Warpath thread, one thing I really liked about G1 tech specs was that they tried to balance characters out - not just with cool abilities and strengths, but also with quirks and weaknesses. RtS tech specs tend to gloss over the abilities but don't delve into the quirks or weaknesses. For example RtS Perceptor's tech specs goes on about how smart he is and how a lot of Cybertronian technology is based off his research -- but G1 Perceptor's tech specs was more fleshed out... it spoke about his unquenchable thirst for knowledge, but also looked at his quirk (i.e. absent minded) and weakness (i.e. fragile lens).

As Lord Zed was saying, one advantage G1 had was that the tech spec bios were written by Marvel comic writers, hence why the characters are more fleshed and balanced out, whereas tech specs today are probably written by toy marketing staff. So when it comes to original characters not based on G1, I could perhaps understand a lack of depth in the profile. But when it comes to Classicsverse, which are (for the most part) based on classic G1 characters, then there's less original creativity required so to speak, at least from the fiction POV. All they would need to do is look at the original G1 bios already written by Marvel writers, and just adapt it for RtS or Generations bios.

From what I can observe, it seems that this is what TakaraTOMY have done with United since Tracks' tech specs is pretty similar to his G1 bio. But I don't see the same level of fidelity with the RtS and Generations bio. When I saw Generations Thundercracker's bio I was pretty irritated that they omitted the part about him being not totally convinced of the Decepticon cause, because that's really the one defining feature of his character. It'd be like making a toy based on the G1 Starscream character, but not mentioning his desire to lead the Decepticons.

[STL]

Who gives a stuff?

Not like anyone flicks through their box packaging everyday anyway, right? If anything, everyone just chucks it away.

[Eazy D]

Who gives a stuff?

Not like anyone flicks through their box packaging everyday anyway, right? If anything, everyone just chucks it away.

Dude! If you're chucking your classics/universe/generations/rts packaging out you gotta chuck it my way! :D

[Lord_Zed]

Who gives a stuff?

Not like anyone flicks through their box packaging everyday anyway, right? If anything, everyone just chucks it away.

Well its hardly a big issue, but a memorable profile makes a figure more endearing, and feel like a better product overall. I kept techspechs up to the Best Wars era, but after that they became so crummy that yes it all became rubbish.

[kaiden]

can anyone point me to comparison pics for Wheeljack and Rumble/Frenzy?

[gdmetro]

Comparison of United and Generations Wheeljack vid posted from TFW2005:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtLNl6SPMpE&feature=player_embedded

Summary:

-United version is much whiter next to Generations (which looks slightly creamier).
-Generations has a rear windshield (painted) whereas United has none.
-Generations Head has clear light piping and clear ears, where United has blue light piped eyes and silver painted ears.
-Generations Deco looks more g1 accurate (I guess) but compare side by side to the awesome apps of United. The latter has more metallic dark green. (The vid is not as great as in person).

-Id say I prefer the United a bit more due to the more regal nature/ high quality of the deco/paint apps (the one I will have on display), but either version is still awesome- I will have personally own both.

-Long story short- get the one that is most convenient for you/ the one you prefer.

[sideswipes brother]

Where did all the pics go? I was really excited i found this thread as i'm currently collecting united figures and love looking at comparisons.:(

[KalEl]

Where did all the pics go? I was really excited i found this thread as i'm currently collecting united figures and love looking at comparisons.:(

yeah i just found this too (because you did) and yeah no pics :( sad panda