Masterpiece Soundwave and Acid Storm appearing a bit early at US TRU

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Originally Posted by canofwhoopass_87

BigTrev, the amount of time wasted and the sheer stress you put yourself through - you could've just forked out the extra $50 and got the complete Takara set. They just reissued it and it's not that much more expensive.

If other people are worried about not getting a Hasbro version here at TRU, I'd pickup the 2nd run of MP Takara Soundwave while it's cheap.

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Originally Posted by canofwhoopass_87

I too enjoy a good hunt, but it's not worth it when you've had to write a lengthy letter of complaint to TRU USA.

I see time as being valuable too. On top of that, the stress and frustration of having to deal with TRU has to be factored in. A simply click and buy of the second run of the Takara MP is just an alternative which I've suggested, given the difficulties with supply at the moment.

But if you believe what you've gone through is worth the $50 saving then go for your life.

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Originally Posted by canofwhoopass_87

Some people don't like dealing with the stress and frustration (i.e. the whole TRU USA thing with MP Soundwave) and value time as much as they do money. All I'm suggesting is that you can simply buy the Takara version instead and save yourself the time and hassle.

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Time? Well I don't think I have wasted a massive amount of time:



July 18th: Try to buy MP SW on TRUOnline to find out they do not ship overseas

July 19th: Write a letter of complaint to TRUOnline (while at work before the students showed up so not much else to do) asking for answers, didn't take me long and as a long time customer don't I deserve some answers? And if no-one ever complains to these companies, they never know they are doing anything wrong. As to your point that the Takara version had been reissued and I was wasting my time writing complaint letters, the reissue came out after I wrote the letter. You mention a few times the hassle I put myself through dealing with TRU, well it was really only one attempted purchase and one letter the next day. Not like I've had to deal with them on a daily basis.

July 19th: Put myself on UltraMarginals very genererous 'Proxy Pick-Up' thread in case he can find SW for me when he hits here. Put a shout-out on my FB Transformatorium page. Again, both took me a couple of minutes.

July 20th: Email my friend Pam in the USA to keep an eye out for me, have a great catch up with her.

August 17th: Pam comes through!



Not a massive amount of time wasted, got to chat to a bunch of friends, and I will end up with what I was after without spending an extra $50. All win-win in my book! And if TRU change their policies in the future because people like me complained, so much the better. :)

Not saying you don't have a point dude, after the hassle of getting the Wave 1 microchangers was determined to just buy wave 2 altogether online even if it cost a bit more so I do understand the mindset you propose (I lucked out though and found all of wave 2 in one go in Big W in Bathurst). Just saying that it wasn't the giant stress and hassle or time-sucking endeavor you describe it as and I saved $50 so don't really know what your problem is.

If you think you've done alright going through all that to secure a Hasbro version from the U.S then it's all good, but for all the complaining you did about the entire saga - I'm merely suggesting that there's a cheap second run of Takara MP Soundwave up for grabs right now

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Originally Posted by canofwhoopass_87

If you think you've done alright going through all that to secure a Hasbro version from the U.S then it's all good, but for all the complaining you did about the entire saga - I'm merely suggesting that there's a cheap second run of Takara MP Soundwave up for grabs right now

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Yeah, I had a massive whinge the night of the 18th and the morning of the 19th - guess what - I wasn't the only one! I was annoyed and I vented! A lot of folk did. A lot of folk are still annoyed! Why you are whinging about my actions which have never impacted upon you I'm not sure.

Going through all that?! All what? One attempted purchase, one letter & one email to a friend?! I've spent more time than that adding gypsum to my fruit tree's root systems just this morning! I'm starting to think it's actually going to be more time consuming defending my actions to you at this rate! :mad: You are the one turning this into a saga - why do you care so much anyway? Or is it just a matter of having to win the argument at this point? Way to suck all the fun out of what is otherwise an awesome find for me from a good friend :(. Think I'll go back and read Ultra Mackness' posts - they were more cheerful and fun :)

Go spend the extra $50 and buy your Takara version and enjoy it mate, I'll do the same with my Hasbro one and good luck to us both.

Well said Trev... Almost everyone was/is on their toes about another MP-10 fiasco with SW (myself included), so one of us securing him overseas via an old friend, in turn rekindling the friendship is a good thing, I don't see why this should be derailed because it doesn't suit whoops personal preference of acquisition.

BigAngryTrev has managed to obtain MP Soundwave:
1) At the equivalent of AU RRP; a good price and considerable saving (which is particularly important when you have a family).
2) Obtained the toy 3 months ahead of local retail release. This will also save him time/hassle otherwise spent trying to obtain a local version, especially considering his remote location.
3) Rekindled an old friendship <--- priceless.

I don't see any disadvantage for Trev here. I wish I paid $150 for my MP Soundwave/Cassettes instead of $200! But this just seems like a complete win-win-win situation for BAT! :)

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Originally Posted by Lint

As for more points in favour of the TRU release: While Hasbro's traditional 'display' boxes are great for MISB collectors, as someone who likes to liberate but then re-box due to lack of display space, I am pretty happy with Hasbro's smart looking box. I'd be all over this if I didn't already fork out $200+ myself for the Takara release.

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^Agree.

I don't like the look of Hasbro's MP boxes at all. They just look cheap and tacky... they're more like big rectangular carded toys than a boxed toy -- essentially this big boxy bubbles with a card and tray inside. I've gotten rid of all my Hasbro MP boxes except for MP10. Although the tray for it sits on the back of my wife's car as a display and is totally sun-faded. :p Yeah, that's how much I care about Hasbro's MP packaging </sarcasm> ;)

Tak(TOM)'s MP boxes look quite nice and I've kept them all. Hasbro's new MP boxes, from the look of it, doesn't look as nice as TakTOM's MP boxes to me - but the fact that it's actually a proper box and not a rectangular bubble already makes it a better box! :D

...I still can't believe Hasbro used Generations Thundercracker's card art for their MP Thundercracker box^card inside a bubble. :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime

...I still can't believe Hasbro used Generations Thundercracker's card art for their MP Thundercracker box^card inside a bubble. :rolleyes:

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It's Ha$bro, what's not to believe? =oP

But yes, very valid summary of Trevs aquisition =o)

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Originally Posted by Jaisun

Well said Trev... Almost everyone was/is on their toes about another MP-10 fiasco with SW (myself included), so one of us securing him overseas via an old friend, in turn rekindling the friendship is a good thing, I don't see why this should be derailed because it doesn't suit whoops personal preference of acquisition.

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Don't recall saying anything about Trev picking up a MP SW from a friend being a bad thing - it worked out well, no doubt about it. Geez, all I did was suggest Takara's second run of MP SW as an alternative to the Hasbro version and ya get crucified for it.

I'm waiting up on the local TRU release too, so what the heck are you on about Jaisun?

If people want to discuss their acquisitions, their personal purchasing priorities, or comment on other's, please direct it to the discussion section.
If people want to discuss the original news posting or any updates, or want to post an update, please continue here.

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Originally Posted by canofwhoopass_87

Don't recall saying anything about Trev picking up a MP SW from a friend being a bad thing - it worked out well, no doubt about it. Geez, all I did was suggest Takara's second run of MP SW as an alternative to the Hasbro version and ya get crucified for it.

I'm waiting up on the local TRU release too, so what the heck are you on about Jaisun?

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Okay...

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Originally Posted by canofwhoopass_87

BigTrev, the amount of time wasted and the sheer stress you put yourself through - you could've just forked out the extra $50 and got the complete Takara set. They just reissued it and it's not that much more expensive.

If other people are worried about not getting a Hasbro version here at TRU, I'd pickup the 2nd run of MP Takara Soundwave while it's cheap.

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Originally Posted by canofwhoopass_87

I too enjoy a good hunt, but it's not worth it when you've had to write a lengthy letter of complaint to TRU USA.

I see time as being valuable too. On top of that, the stress and frustration of having to deal with TRU has to be factored in. A simply click and buy of the second run of the Takara MP is just an alternative which I've suggested, given the difficulties with supply at the moment.

But if you believe what you've gone through is worth the $50 saving then go for your life.

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Originally Posted by canofwhoopass_87

Some people don't like dealing with the stress and frustration (i.e. the whole TRU USA thing with MP Soundwave) and value time as much as they do money. All I'm suggesting is that you can simply buy the Takara version instead and save yourself the time and hassle.

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Originally Posted by canofwhoopass_87

If you think you've done alright going through all that to secure a Hasbro version from the U.S then it's all good, but for all the complaining you did about the entire saga - I'm merely suggesting that there's a cheap second run of Takara MP Soundwave up for grabs right now

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TakTom suggestion mentioned 5 times in 5 posts when Trev had already confirmed the acquisition... Who are you trying to convince? If you too are waiting for the local release, then why are you repeatedly bringing up the TakTom option that is irrelevant to everyone else waiting for the same thing? Your approach to Trevs acquisition sounds like you're bitter from a previous burn and can't be happy for him. You may not have said it's a bad thing, but you haven't said anything good about it either. Your suggestion alone is fine and could help some decide between waiting and going for it now, but you surrounded it with negativity (stress, complaining, time wasted, frustration) making Trev sound like a big sook, when everyone else was happy for him. That's what I'm on about...

Sorry for replying here griffin, I wasn't sure exactly where you wanted this sort of thing to be continued.

Ur....I have the takara version on order but I am missing some tapes? have anyone missed the thought? I have not seen the reissue of the cassettes.

Honestly though, I would prefer getting the Hasbro version.

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Originally Posted by drifand

Ur....I have the takara version on order but I am missing some tapes? have anyone missed the thought? I have not seen the reissue of the cassettes.

Honestly though, I would prefer getting the Hasbro version.

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Yeah, the TakTOM version doesn't come w/ the Cassettes*. I did manage to get my TakTOM Soundwave and all Cassettes for $200 all up, but that's cos I preordered and got discounts. But even then, the Hasbro price still wins.

If it weren't for the fact that I'd already purchased the TakTOM version before news of the Hasbro version came out, I would have absolutely skipped it and be waiting for the local release right now. The only thing I prefer about the TakTOM version is the darker blue -- I actually prefer the yellow visor on Hasbro's -- and the extra Energon cubes (through Amazon; I think the Asian market version also comes w/ them + coin). But none of that is worth paying an extra $50 (the cost of an MP Autobot car on preorder) for! :eek:

Smiles all round for anyone getting Hasbro MP Soundwave IMO. :)

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*Also some MP Rumbles came with mismatching pairs of Piledrivers (as mine did). Getting replacement parts from overseas is a greater hassle than being potentially able to get an exchange locally, or possibly contacting Hasbro AU to source replacement parts. I haven't heard any reports of Hasbro Rumble^Frenzy^the Red Cassette Robot (:p) being packaged with mismatching piledrivers though.

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Originally Posted by drifand

Ur....I have the takara version on order but I am missing some tapes? have anyone missed the thought? I have not seen the reissue of the cassettes.

Honestly though, I would prefer getting the Hasbro version.

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You haven't missed anything. The casettes haven't been reissued... yet. But considering that Soundwave's had a second run, hopefully we'll see then soon

My brother in-law is been sent to NY by his work for a week, whilst on his travels he is going to keep an eye out for a SW for me,

fingers crossed

Goodluck! I've been looking for TRU online for stores that have stock for in-store pickup but I can't find one near SF. I did find one for acid storm and they have 15% discount last weekend but I do not want to hassle my contact there.

Jaison - it just seemed like Trev went through quite a bit of trouble to get his Hasbro MP Soundwave.

In future, when people are having a hard time sourcing a tf figure, I'll try not to post up any suggestions or alternatives. For some reason it makes people like you angry.

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Originally Posted by Sinnertwin

You haven't missed anything. The casettes haven't been reissued... yet. But considering that Soundwave's had a second run, hopefully we'll see then soon

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They've reissued Prime, Sideswipe and Grimlock so hopefully there will be enough demand for a second run of the tapes (and Starscream too)

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Originally Posted by drifand

Ur....I have the takara version on order but I am missing some tapes? have anyone missed the thought? I have not seen the reissue of the cassettes.

Honestly though, I would prefer getting the Hasbro version.

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If you prefer it, consider dropping the Takara version and picking up the Hasbro one instead. Mine cost US$200 is sitting in my PoL and seriously tempting me to ship it.

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Originally Posted by canofwhoopass_87

Jaison - it just seemed like Trev went through quite a bit of trouble to get his Hasbro MP Soundwave.

In future, when people are having a hard time sourcing a tf figure, I'll try not to post up any suggestions or alternatives. For some reason it makes people like you angry.

They've reissued Prime, Sideswipe and Grimlock so hopefully there will be enough demand for a second run of the tapes (and Starscream too)

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*hugs* don't let it get to ya, i'm always appreciative of the help the community provides and i would not want anyone to be discouraged to offer advice to everyone here.

hopefully they reissue Red Alert too as i still have one with the wrong head but don't actually want to swap it. unfortunately cant get another one with the correct head at rrp, and they're now all $100+

Maybe after the run of Datsuns Takara will reissue the tapes and Lamborghinis. They have said they were surprised by the high level of demand for the MP line, and adjusted their production run for Prowl etc accordingly, so I think it's possible.

I am a bit surprise there isn't any indication of Hasbro versions for the cars?

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Originally Posted by Sinnertwin

You haven't missed anything. The casettes haven't been reissued... yet. But considering that Soundwave's had a second run, hopefully we'll see then soon

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Yeah, I am thinking it might be more worth buying the Hasbro Soundwave and I get best of both worlds. Anyway, is more of a waiting game for me and reading up here for updates.

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Originally Posted by drifand

I am a bit surprise there isn't any indication of Hasbro versions for the cars?

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This was discussed at SDCC/Botcon, Hasbro currently have no intention of releasing the Autobot cars because of licensing issues.

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Originally Posted by tinyJazz

This was discussed at SDCC/Botcon, Hasbro currently have no intention of releasing the Autobot cars because of licensing issues.

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I am under the impression that Takara has the licensing so this would not be an issue. I am surprised that there are issues, as it wouldn't be made if that was the case. Pretty sure Nissan wouldn't be an issue. but oh well I am not going into this as the cars are not my priority anyway.

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Originally Posted by drifand

I am under the impression that Takara has the licensing so this would not be an issue. I am surprised that there are issues, as it wouldn't be made if that was the case. Pretty sure Nissan wouldn't be an issue. but oh well I am not going into this as the cars are not my priority anyway.

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TakTom have the licenses yes, but Hasbro would need to obtain the licenses too to be able to release their versions of the MP.

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Originally Posted by 1AZRAEL1

TakTom have the licenses yes, but Hasbro would need to obtain the licenses too to be able to release their versions of the MP.

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I thought is kind of obvious what is next Hasbro's step. btw I am not into company's politics here, but since a transformer toy has been made, I find it hard to believe if Hasbro decides to pass it up. But anyway, I got my answers.

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Originally Posted by drifand

I thought is kind of obvious what is next Hasbro's step. btw I am not into company's politics here, but since a transformer toy has been made, I find it hard to believe if Hasbro decides to pass it up. But anyway, I got my answers.

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They did originally say they weren't gonna do Grimlock, then they did. Never know though, they may end up doing them eventually.

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Originally Posted by drifand

I am under the impression that Takara has the licensing so this would not be an issue. I am surprised that there are issues, as it wouldn't be made if that was the case. Pretty sure Nissan wouldn't be an issue. but oh well I am not going into this as the cars are not my priority anyway.

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Different companies. Takara obtaining a vehicle licence has nothing to do with Hasbro. Hasbro need to obtain their own licence. And because that will cost them money, they are not interested.

Trent is absolutely correct. Different legal issues for Hasbro and TakTOM. And this isn't the first time either -- e.g. Car Robot Wild Ride was modified for RiD X-Brawn -- the Mercedes logo was changed to whatever company does that vehicle in the US. BT Prowl also had its Honda logo changed to Acura for the Alternators version. And of course, Hasbro cannot release any G1 Megatron reissue or Masterpiece because of the replica firearm alt mode.

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Originally Posted by kaiden

hopefully they reissue Red Alert too as i still have one with the wrong head but don't actually want to swap it. unfortunately cant get another one with the correct head at rrp, and they're now all $100+

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I'm surprised you haven't done an exchange, or at very least submitted a request for a replacement head, as you clearly feel that they've provided you with a product that does not match its description.

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Originally Posted by tinyJazz

Maybe after the run of Datsuns Takara will reissue the tapes and Lamborghinis. They have said they were surprised by the high level of demand for the MP line, and adjusted their production run for Prowl etc accordingly, so I think it's possible.

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Hmm... that would be good news. I'd get an MP Red Alert if they did another production run. No way I'd pay inflated secondary market prices for it.

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Originally Posted by drifand

Yeah, I am thinking it might be more worth buying the Hasbro Soundwave and I get best of both worlds.

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I don't see any reason to get the TakTOM version unless the colours bug you that much and you're willing to fork out an extra fifty bucks for a cosmetic difference! :rolleyes: It might be different if the Hasbro version's colours were bad, but they're not bad -- they're just different (and technically more G1 accurate, since the G1 toy came before the cartoon).

I reckon TakTOM should release a limited exclusive G1 US comic coloured MP Soundwave -- replace the blue with purple -- similar to the US comic coloured MP Grimlock they did. Ditch the Energon cubes and hand scanner and replace it with a spare head that has a mouth instead of faceplate. ;) Maybe even retool Laserbeak as Ratbat. I personally wouldn't get this toy, but considering the popularity of Comic MP Grimlock, I reckon it'd work for TakTOM to do the same for Soundwave.

Not indicating Hasbro is wrong, just find it a waste product on the side lines. After all is an old design car not looking at the current Lambors or Nissans. This isn't the first time Hasbro had asked Lamborghini for copy rights before either. But again is not my call. I only felt is a waste.

As for Soundwave, I can afford both, it doesn't bother me as long as they are at correct prices and not paying inflated pricing. Anything above the $250 mark would be something I start considering on my funds before spending. I am a collector after all.

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Originally Posted by tinyJazz

This was discussed at SDCC/Botcon, Hasbro currently have no intention of releasing the Autobot cars because of licensing issues.

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Can you provide a source of a Hasbro rep actually saying licensing issues is the reason?

I've followed all the info I could find from the recent conventions and haven't come across anything suggesting this.

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Originally Posted by Thorns2010

Can you provide a source of a Hasbro rep actually saying licensing issues is the reason?

I've followed all the info I could find from the recent conventions and haven't come across anything suggesting this.

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If i may, TJ

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Seibertron.com / Ryan:*"Then again with the Takara Masterpieces, it seems like the smaller scale might be more appealing to American retailers such as Walmart and Target. Are you working with Takara on that or is that too far down the road?"*

Hasbro / Aaron:*"No we work with them on concept with "here's the next one we're thinking about", "what do you think?" so we do discuss it even though we know on the offset that it's for their market. Doing the smaller cars has helped but it's really about the market for Jerry. Do we do a non-connected high end item as an exclusive or where does it fit?"*

Hasbro / Jerry:*"The other thing with Sideswipe too is we have to get the Lamborghini license, which they have, which they were able to secure for the Japanese market. We have not [secured that]. If we're going to do that, we're going to need to approach Lamborghini and setup a licensing deal with them to do that.But we've seen them, we love them, we'd love to bring them to the US, there's no plans exactly yet but Masterpiece will continue. You've got Optimus Prime and Thundercracker this year, so we definitely see the value in bringing them over because fans love them."

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You can read the SDCC 2012 interview here
Doesn't look like Hasbro have made any inroads towards licensing since.

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Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime

I'm surprised you haven't done an exchange, or at very least submitted a request for a replacement head, as you clearly feel that they've provided you with a product that does not match its description.

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i have. with RobotKingdom. in May.

it took them a month to reply and then they asked for my address which i gave and a month later i sent another email asking what had happened? and this is after the whole issue with them sending it to the wrong address in the first place.

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Originally Posted by Sinnertwin

If i may, TJ



You can read the SDCC 2012 interview here
Doesn't look like Hasbro have made any inroads towards licensing since.

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I wasn't thinking of 2012, my bad. Just the 2013 ones where there was sadly no comments one way or the other.

Although I will say, to me it just sounds like they were commenting that Hasbro have to get a separate license than Takara, but not that they had tried to get it and got shot down.

Maybe its just me, but I view it as Hasbro hasn't put any major effort or plans into releasing the car MP's, rather than they can't or aren't able to.

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Originally Posted by Thorns2010

Hasbro hasn't put any major effort or plans into releasing the car MP's, rather than they can't or aren't able to.

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well takara only needed to get a license for the japanese market which most people imported from anyway whereas hasbro would have to get a worldwide license which i think would cost more.

any sane person would say hey! those MP cars are awesome and have a tonne of redeco potential but then you go to your local stores and see all those wave 1/2 Transformers shelf warming and go 'ohhh..... yeah -_-'

hasbro just don't know (or want to) how to create demand like the japanese market does.

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Originally Posted by Thorns2010

Maybe its just me, but I view it as Hasbro hasn't put any major effort or plans into releasing the car MP's, rather than they can't or aren't able to.

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Hasbro don't put a major effort into releasing any Masterpieces at all -- at least, not in terms of developing new moulds. Essentially all they do is adapt Tak(TOM) MPs for their market; it's more of a reactive rather than proactive approach. Ditto G1 reissues.

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Originally Posted by drifand

I am under the impression that Takara has the licensing so this would not be an issue. I am surprised that there are issues, as it wouldn't be made if that was the case. Pretty sure Nissan wouldn't be an issue. but oh well I am not going into this as the cars are not my priority anyway.

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Originally Posted by Trent

Different companies. Takara obtaining a vehicle licence has nothing to do with Hasbro. Hasbro need to obtain their own licence. And because that will cost them money, they are not interested.

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Yeah, but just wait for an MP Tracks, I would think Chevrolet would be all over that. (I would too, come on takara)

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Originally Posted by Sinnertwin

If i may, TJ



You can read the SDCC 2012 interview here
Doesn't look like Hasbro have made any inroads towards licensing since.

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Appreciated muchly, thank you. :cool:

[QUOTE=tinyJazz;371074]Yeah, but just wait for an MP Tracks, I would think Chevrolet would be all over that. (I would too, come on takara)
QUOTE]

I wouldn't think is hard, from the view that I seen Binaltech series.
In honestly they are asking for old design car copyrights, not the current cars. I am surprised that VW will allow bumble bee and turned down in earlier binaltech series.

Then again, is all money, I wouldn't have a clue.

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Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime

Hasbro don't put a major effort into releasing any Masterpieces at all -- at least, not in terms of developing new moulds. Essentially all they do is adapt Tak(TOM) MPs for their market; it's more of a reactive rather than proactive approach. Ditto G1 reissues.

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Found it strange when there is Acid Storm and Takara doesn't have.

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Originally Posted by Thorns2010

I wasn't thinking of 2012, my bad. Just the 2013 ones where there was sadly no comments one way or the other.

Although I will say, to me it just sounds like they were commenting that Hasbro have to get a separate license than Takara, but not that they had tried to get it and got shot down.

Maybe its just me, but I view it as Hasbro hasn't put any major effort or plans into releasing the car MP's, rather than they can't or aren't able to.

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You are with me dude, from my view, the toy is made and ready, just needed a new box and permission to sell.

If you technically ask me, I think this is one that Hasbro and Takara should have worked hand in hand, thus making the mould more useful than only a one sided product. Again, not my call, and is just a productive view of a toy which I felt it was shared between the two companies. after all it is Transformers.

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Originally Posted by drifand

Found it strange when there is Acid Storm and Takara doesn't have.

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Hasbro doesn't have a Sunstorm & Takara doesn't have a Thundercracker in the new moulds either :)

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Originally Posted by drifand

Found it strange when there is Acid Storm and Takara doesn't have.

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That's not a new mould as Gok said. All Hasbro do are repaints and accessories.