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Like some here i have pre ordered just as a fail safe but its like a year away so plenty of time to shop around for better prices closer to the date, it doesnt cost a cent to pre order with BBTS and can cancel without incident right up to release date.
As the Masterpiece whore that I am, I can not wait to get this...
Well done Takara you have made my year. :D:D:D:D:D
If the rumoured Galvatron comes true I think I am going to explode!!!
The vast majority are uber happy with Ultra Magnus being the latest installment in the MP line up. I'm happy for all of you. But that makes it 6 consecutive MP autobots without a Decepticon in sight. TakTom (& Hasbro) need to have a Decepticon for MP-23. I, for one, would like Trypicon. :D
YES! Finally! Ahahahaha!
Very excited by this announcement! MP-02 always felt a bit strange to me with the white optimus only robot mold and the cardboard trailer so it will be great to see a version released with trailer/armour.
I'd be a happier if we'd seen at least some prototype shots of MP Wheeljack and Bumblebee prior to this announcement, but this has definitely made my day!
I'll believe it when Japanese retailers put up their preorders for it; I'm still waiting on actual confirmation for Bumblebee & Wheeljack, if/when these all eventuate I'll only be too happy to add another Shogo Hasui-designed Masterpiece figure to my collection. ;):cool:
I imagine MP Trypticon is a while off yet. And since MP-10 the releases have beenQuote:
Originally Posted by Megatran
MP-11 - Decepticon
MP-11S - Decepticon
MP-12 - Autobot
MP-13 - Decepticon
MP-10B - Decepticon
MP-14 - Autobot
MP-15 - Decepticon x2
MP-16 - Decepticon x2
MP-17 - Autobot
MP-18 - Autobot
MP-19 - Autobot
MP-13B - Decepticon
MP-20 - Autobot (unconfirmed)
MP-21 - Autobot (unconfirmed)
MP-22 - Autobot (unconfirmed)
If you include MP-10, that's 9 Autobots and 9 Decepticons. They're hardly uneven.
And even then I'm not counting Lazerbeak and Ratbat.
Don't forget MP13B Soundblaster. ;)
& Although not TT, Acid Storm, as far as individual characters are concerned :)
Good point sir. And yes I was only counting Takara releases.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sinnertwin
Mp20 and mp21 is confirmed. Wheeljack and bumblebee
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trent
Very exciting indeed! :)
However I will go for caution. Even if this turns out to be true, I want to see pics as getting the armor right can be difficult on the base MP-10 mold.
I didn't like that fan-made Mark's Project armor for MP-02 from several years ago for example.
Link for those curious:
http://www.marksprojects.com/upum5.jpg
I don't want to believe it until I see pics, but please be true...
Have some belief.... in yourself.:D:D:DQuote:
Originally Posted by Magnus
What about the iterations of MP-12 (TigerTrack, Sideswipe & Lambor)? That would add two additional Autobots.Quote:
Originally Posted by Trent
On a pure count alone, that may be true. However, four of the nine Decepticons are cassettes, which doesn't really make for an 'even' comparison. You might already guessed I'm biased towards Decepticons.:)
This is something to be proud of. ;):DQuote:
Originally Posted by Megatran
They're listed ;) Lambor 12 & Alert 14.Quote:
Originally Posted by Megatran
Listed by mold usage in the new scale, both Hasbro & Takara:Quote:
On a pure count alone, that may be true. However, four of the nine Decepticons are cassettes, which doesn't really make for an 'even' comparison. You might already guessed I'm biased towards Decepticons.:)
12 Autobots:
Rodimus Convoy + Rodimus Prime (Hasbro)
Convoy + Optimus Prime (Hasbro)
Lambor + Alert + Tigertrack + G2 Lambor
Prowl + Streak + Smokescreen
Waiting on official images/prototypes:
*Wheeljack
*Bumblebee
*Ultra Magnus
14 Decepticons:
Black Convoy
Black Rodimus Convoy
Starscream + Sunstorm + Thundercracker (Hasbro) + Acid Storm (Hasbro)
Soundwave + Soundwave (Hasbro) + Soundblaster
Laserbeak + Laserbeak (Hasbro) + Buzzsaw + Buzzsaw (Hasbro)
Rumble + Rumble (Hasbro) + Frenzy + Frenzy (Hasbro)
Ravage + Ravage (Hasbro)
Ratbat
Why do you count Rodimus in the new scale but not Grimlock? The other Takara Seekers I can sorta understand.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sinnertwin
Ultra cool, but ultra pricey. I think I'll wait for the hasbro version
Grimlock should be a head or two taller than Optimus in robot mode. They're compared on the 3rd row of the cartoon scale guide here. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Tober
http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transf...ndwave-20.html
I would agree with this, basically mp01 and megatron were the only few out as they were scaled towards the binaltech series.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sinnertwin
Wished they had everything sorted from the start.
^ this.Quote:
Originally Posted by drifand
They probably never expected the "one off" figure to spawn a series that has lasted 10 years now... as they number everything, but it doesn't mean they have plans to do more than xx-01.
The first one was supposed to be big and fancy, to be a centrepiece of people's collections... but as the demand spawned more and more moulds (after the first three moulds generated about 10 MP toys :p ), the cost factor started weighing in, prompting a rethink on the scale to be more affordable in the long run as costs keep going up (inflation & exchange rate fluctuations)... but realistically, do they need to? The original toyline was all over the place in terms of scale in either mode, but since TakaraTomy are focussing more on the cartoon versions, scale is a factor they are at least trying to factor in.
Yeah, I heard MP-10 Convoy basically represented a reboot of the MP line. They do indeed seem to be focusing on cartoon accuracy and taking scale from the cartoon's bot-height style guide. Pity Grimlock wasn't a bit bigger then.
well the reboot sort of back fired for me. Is like I wished they stayed on that scale and I be a happier person. Now I look at the cars and I know they would not be part of my display where all the Binaltech and alternators are.
What screws myself more is considering whether to buy mp10 which I gave up for now, I am quite confident a reissue may occur down the road.
But I avoided collecting all the cars just solely of that reason, in some ways "lucky" as it saves me money but at the same time disappointed because I would have jumped on it if they were bigger. But saying that, this started way back when Alternalty was introduced and they sized it smaller, so technically no surprises from there.
Apart from being the commemorative one off thing, the original MP01 was also an attempt to compete with Bandai's Soul of Chogokin figures(which were extremely successful with collectors). So Takara went full on with die cast parts/accessories/working pistons/air intakes, etc.
Personally the new design direction and scale feel more "Transformers-y" to me. And the new scale simply means they can make a lot of figures cheaper, which makes more obscure characters getting MP treatment possible. If the Autobot cars were done in the old scale a lot of people would definitely think twice to fork out 10000 yen to get, say an MP Smokescreen.
Hmm... nothing on Amazon JP yet. Hopefully they'll release some interesting exclusive bonus content. :o Hasbro should release a convention exclusive version where the cab-robot is repainted in a Minimus Ambus colour scheme (possibly w/ retooled head or an alternate head that fans can attach themselves). It'd be fully deserved. ;)
I've personally found the new smaller scale to be dearer, not cheaper when comparing the RRP of similar toys.Quote:
Originally Posted by doublespy
e.g.:
MP04 Convoy = AU$206 (18900JPY) vs MP10 Convoy = AU$251 (23100JPY)
MP03/MP06 = $112 (10290JPY)/MP07 = $114 (10500JPY), so let's say the avg. RRP for the old Seekers was $113 vs MP11 $141 (13000JPY)
So Optimus Prime has become $46 (4200JPY) more expensive; and I don't think the inclusion of Roller and Spike justifies that hike with the smaller scale and more simplistic core figure (as very nice as it is in its own right). Likewise the MP Seeker has seen a $28 (2605JPY) average price rise, and I don't feel the figure justifies that either (yes, the robot mode is improved, but the jet mode isn't as good; and IMO the coronation set doesn't feel worth paying nearly thirty bucks for).
IMHO the old MPs were (mostly*) worth paying full RRP for whereas the new ones aren't (which is why I'm more likely to either preorder and get at discounted prices, or just skip and hope for a Hasbro version). I've yet to see a new TakTOM MP and thought, "That's worth paying full RRP for." At best I'll think, "That's worth paying the discounted price for," but of course it's the RRP that represents the price that TakaraTOMY has set and is expecting most people to pay for these toys.
-----------------------------------------
*I didn't think MP04 Convoy Perfect Ed. or MP09 Rodimus Convoy were worth paying RRP for.
Can you see if "Wheeljack" and "Bumblebee" are on Amazon JP?Quote:
Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime
You can't compare the RRP of MP01 and MP10 as an equal comparison. It's been close to 10 years and a hell of a lot of change in the economy, strength of currency, and price of oil and other supplies, and shipping costs.
Not to mention that little thing called inflation, I just hope that it's true we're getting a real Ultra Magnus would love to have one. It'd make sense to release him since we're getting all these MP cars be great to have a car carrier to put them on. Anyone here take pics of which cars fit on G1 Ultra Magnus? I only have Magnus and Hotrod is slightly too wide to drive into his car carrier. I wondered if many of the S3 cars could actually use him. I'm sure the G1 Datsuns can fit but never had them to try them out.
Gok, don't forget plastics nowadays may cost more than metal as it is dependent on Oil prices/production so this may be the one reason for the price hike. There could be labor costs as well - prolly why they moved some production to Vietnam rather than all of it to China. If it was cheaper in production cost I don't think they'd have removed the light up gimmick for the matrix as you know how they are with big TFs and gimmicks. As it is, I guess the current MPs are growing on me. MP Prime 01 and 04 and Megs are for me always were in line more with the Alts/BTs. Although Im thankful I can still consider the earlier Seeker to be in tune with the newer ones sizewise.
But considering all this, our pockets and wallets take a big hit. I agree you get little bang for our buck now with the new MP line... SO every little additional accessory or bonus or saving helps.
As bad as it sounds (hey Im a basement resident anyways:p) Im waiting for somebody to KO that exclusive rocket launcher freebie they get from JP for MP Prowl. Ill most likely get four - just so Bluestreak can have them as well.
Inflation alone makes the costs pretty much dead-on equal.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nevac
I got Ultra Magnus for my 8th Birthday (I still have him :D) I used to put the Autobot cars in his trailer and drive them around the house along side was Optimus Prime.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nevac
According to the RBA's inflation calculator:
MP-04 RRP was $206 in 2006(ish), is equivalent to $242 in 2012.
MP-03 mould seekers at Gok's $113 in 2006(when the first one came out, is equivalent to $132.86 in 2012.
MP-08's $163 RRP in 2009 is equivalent to $176.35 in 2012.
So Gok, the price difference between MP-04 and MP-10 is $9 not $46. And the seeker mould has increased by $9 too, not $28 And as others have said, that is purely inflation. It doesn't take into account material and labour cost increases above inflation.
So at best case scenario (as we don't know how many external factors have affected costs and to what degree) we are paying equivalent prices.
Dr. Wu apparently has a set of optional launchers coming. But I''m sure we'll see actual KO launchers coming soon.Quote:
Originally Posted by liegeprime
I think he means that they are cheaper to manufacture which I believe to be the case. Yeah there is inflation to take into account that's for sure but one should not dismiss contemporary corporate greed either. If it is cheaper to make and they can charge more for it then the profit margin increases. This is specially so if sales continue to be strong as they can charge more for 'less'.Quote:
Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime
On what evidence are you basing your comment that they are cheaper to manufacture now Kup? I worked in a global manufacturing market for 8 years (2002-2010) and in that time, costs did nothing but go up. Look at manufacturing markets in every industry across the world, costs are rising as people's wages and the cost of raw materials increase.Quote:
Originally Posted by kup
I have no doubt that TT are trying to increase their profit margins. As a publically listed company that is the responsibility the have to their shareholders. But to apply a blanket statement that that is the primary reason that MPs cost what they do today is a stretch, to say the least.
No evidence, just what I think given the way the corporate world works hence the "I think" and "I believe". I thought this was a discussion, not an official inquiry where I have to provide 'evidence' for any comment I say ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Trent
To me, makes perfect corporate sense for them to minimize manufacturing costs and sell for more if the demand is still willing to pay it.
The alternators scale are definitely more appealing for me and definitely a better approach. Perhaps some of you think this whole thing is a good thing to scale down but personally it wouldn't have deter me at all and I would buy the entire car range. as it is I have skipped the lot.
If scale isn't a factor, you wouldn't have worried you if they stayed the same binaltech size. This is why I don't CARE about Starscream sizes nor Soundwave. However being I have almost the entire Binaltech sitting nicely with Mp01 and Megatron, I do care about what cars I be interested and also it be a different part of my display.
Chances is, if they had stayed all the same scale and increased price by $20 you ALL will still have bought it. Unfortunately I do not blame the mp scaling but the Alterninty range were the first to start and that put me off entirely.
With everything else, aren't you curious if you EVER going to get a proper scaled down Megatron against you mp10? My point exactly, we are all screwed in some ways.
I will stick to characters that I like and buy selective due to this, I could very well miss the entire car robots, but that's life.
Unfortunately Got's point is valid, if the whole idea was keeping cost down, it hasn't and we are all sucked in thinking it has if we comparing price to size ratio for these new mp cars.
TAKARA almost went bankrupt towards the end of BINALTECH (allegedly). That's why they merged with TOMY, to keep shared costs down.
One of their last moves was to release the BINALTECH ASTERISK line with a little figure at a 500jpy cost rise. Then came Kiss Players, plastic instead of diecast with a 1000jpy price hike again.
And now we have Transformers GT for about 8500jpy. Bless 'em. :)
Paulbot: no sign of MP Bumblebee or Wheeljack on Amazon JP.
I'm still not entirely convinced that inflation can satisfactorily explain the sudden price hike of MPs around the time of the 'reboot.' Let's compare the prices of Deluxe Class Bumblebees released in the same years.
* MA-10 New Bumblebee (1st movie Deluxe 2009 Camaro Bumblebee), 2007; same year as MP-6 Skywarp (same RRP as MP-3 Starscream), RRP 2310JPY
* C-02 Bumble (Henkei Bumblebee) 2008; same year as MP-7 Thundercracker (210JPY (AU$2.30) more expensive than MP-3 & MP-6), RRP 2100JPY
* AM-02 Bumblebee (Arms Micron Bumblebee), 2012; same year as MP11 Starscream (2605JPY/$28 dearer than previous MP Seekers), RRP 2100JPY
So we can see that the price of Deluxe Bumblebees has remained fairly stable and has actually become a little bit cheaper (by about $2.30). I'd say if we looked at the prices of similarly comparable Transformers across the same years, we'd find that there hasn't been any significant fluctuation in prices. I don't quite understand why it's only been the price of Masterpieces that's risen (and only in Japan), while the Japanese prices for other Transformers has remained relatively constant. Even in Australia where we notoriously pay through the nose for Transformers, our prices have remained relatively constant too. The first Hasbro TRU MP Starscream sold for $99 in late 2007, and Acid Storm is listed at selling for the same price in late 2013.
I don't know the reasons why TakaraTOMY have increased the price of MPs so much since the "reboot", and I'm not going to speculate. But as an end consumer, I know that these products have become a lot more expensive than they were just a few years ago, and as such I do not feel that they are worth paying full price for. So I'll either:
* Pre-order it and get it at a discounted price
* Skip it and hope for a Hasbro release
How many people here are doing the same thing, or are we all happily paying full RRP for TakaraTOMY MPs? Because I remember when the old Takara MPs came out, we were all happy to pay full RRP for those toys. I know I was, and I felt that they were worth it and offered superior value for money to the local Hasbro releases (I'm so glad I got MP-1 over Hasbro's version w/ the shortened smoke stacks and ridiculous looking attempt at "battle damage" (that just makes him look pre-smudged); the only thing I think the Hasbro version did better was the black rifle). Now I feel it's the other way around (I wish that I'd skipped TakTOM Soundwave & Cassettes and waited for the Hasbro version instead).
Yeah, I didn't bother collecting the KISS Players BTs as I felt they were a rip off. And Alternity similarly felt like inferior value for money too, and I've only collected a small number of them; whereas I went nuts collecting almost all of Binaltech. ;) Perhaps the price hike has only occured to the high end collector lines but not the mainstream lines aimed at children.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tober
Either way, I'm not a fan of paying more for less.