Ah, I see. Another reason why I'm ignoring that toyline.Quote:
Originally Posted by iceburn
http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/4739/thetorch.jpg
http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/the...pg/1/w1280.png
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Ah, I see. Another reason why I'm ignoring that toyline.Quote:
Originally Posted by iceburn
http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/4739/thetorch.jpg
http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/the...pg/1/w1280.png
ep 1,2 and 3 are out of season 3 have aired and it is called transwarped.(wink wink)
I recently purchased a bootlegged DVD of season 1 and 2 of Animated and to my suprise I really enjoy it.
I have to admit, after seeing the initial pics, I didn't like the animation style but it is so well written and actually quite enjoyable. I could never really get past only a handfull of the Unicron Trilogy episodes but TFA is way better
Which brings me to this. I was hoping I wouldn't be starting a new TF toyline. I only collect Universe/Classics but I just don't seem to be able to resist getting into the TFA toyline
I want to start off my collection but I'm not quite sure on who to get so I am after some suggestions. After reading this thread there seems to be a lot of QC issues so I don't want to be disappointed after I open the package
So far I am thinking of starting with Stealth Lockdown (I've read there is problems with his wrists?) and maybe Grimlock. Is this a good start? Is there any others which are highly recommended?
If you can track them down, go and get yourself a Cybertron Prime and Ratchet (both deluxes) I'd also suggest Prowl, but wait and get the Samurai version. Activator Bumblebee is a must buy, but good luck finding him.Quote:
Originally Posted by Raider
Voyager Bulkhead does not disappoint either, but you may prefer the leader class figure. Leader Megatron is a solid figure.
Of the newer figures, Jazz, Sentinel Prime and Oil Slick are all must haves IMO. Blurr, Wasp, Swindle and Wreck-Gar are all on my want list, but I cannot comment on them as I as yet do not have them. Depending on your love of other character, Snarl, Swoop, Black Arachnia, Lockdown and Soundwave are all decent buys.
While you may get a QC issue with Voyager Lugnut (of my two, one has the QC problem with the cockpit, the other does not), he is more than worth getting, one of the best figures to be released in any line from the past 5 years.
I would not start with Stealth Lockdown! (Unless you just want it for the Legends Optimus and Bumblebee). The clear plastic on Stealth Lockdown is completely inappropriate for the mould and so it's unlikely that it will even Transform cleanly into vehicle mode (and once it's there it will probably be jammed together and hard to prise apart.) Original Lockdown is a great toy, however. I completely agree with all Trunks's above comments and would also add the Starscream/Skywarp/Sunstorm mould as well as Ultra Magnus to the list as other good Animated Toys.Quote:
Originally Posted by Raider
I agree with all of Trunks assessments (I'm very partial to Voyager Bulkhead, but those who care about scale should avoid), and Sky Shadow's recommendation to avoid Stealth Lockdown.Quote:
Originally Posted by Raider
Why don't you give us an idea of what figures in other lines you DO like and why, as opinions are always so subjective. If we get an idea of your tastes, we can probably make better recommendations.
Today I found Animated Shockwave and he actually comes with Activators Bumblebee (in yellow - not the less-loved white version). Both are great toys - Shockwave/Longarm Prime is ingenious and heaps of fun - each mode has all sorts of subtle changes and takes a lot of thought to get right (particularly since he's packaged in Shockwave mode and the instructions start in tank mode and miss out several steps - already I've found that Shockwave's spine bends backwards and forwards and his neck pulls all the way in and out - neither of which are documented.) Longarm is so cute and Shockwave is imperious - everything that's long in Shockwave is (ironically) short in Longarm. The legs in tank and crane modes were the toughest bit to get right, but once they are, the vehicle modes are suitably solid. For me, everything that was wrong about Animated Blitzwing is right about Shockwave. I'm adding him to my Animated recommendations. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by i_amtrunks
So far I've got Swindle, Blitzwing, Starscream (voyager), Lugnut, Sentinel Prime, Jazz, and Ratchet, and plan on getting most of the more recent/upcoming characters.
I highly recommend Jazz, Sentinel, and Lugnut, especially Jazz and Lugnut. Ratchet's pretty good, but not quite up there with Jazz etc - I really like the character so well worth it for me, but maybe check out someone else's before you buy. Starscream is great in robot mode but a bit of a let-down in fighter mode, and Blitzwing is a bit of a let-down in general. Swindle's alright, again, try before you buy.
Yes, Shockwave definitely rules. While I have all the neck movement, what do you mean by spine movement?Quote:
Originally Posted by Sky Shadow
When you turn him from Longarm to Shockwave his entire hips, belly and crotch section can click forward. You see the two stripes on either side just under his ribcage? When you click that section forward, the stripes go up into the ribcage. It's like some sort of latin thrusting dance move and gives Shockwave a different posture to Longarm. Try it - if my descriptions don't make sense I'll see if someone's put up pictures on the Internet...Quote:
Originally Posted by jaydisc
AWESOME. That is what I thought you meant, but mine was just nice 'n' stiff. Great find!
Ah, good. For those who don't understand my gibberish, I just went trawling on the Interwebs and found this visual aid:Quote:
Originally Posted by jaydisc
http://www.toyretard.com/wp-content/...81-500x332.jpg
@Raiden. For a good start, try Swoop. Granted, his beast mode may not be all that great (but it's pretty good), but robot mode is pure love. He's such a mass of ball joints that I reckon he might be one of the most poseble of the Animated toys.
Ratchet is pretty cool too, as is Blackarachnia.
I agree with your sentiment about Stealth Lockdown being hard to transform. He sticks together very well in car mode-so well that I snapped a peg when trying to transform him two weeks ago. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by Sky Shadow
Oil Slick Oil Slick Oil Slickkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
Yeah, sorry, I made a mistake. I meant Blazing Lockdown, not Stealth Lockdown (not enough sleep)Quote:
Originally Posted by Sky Shadow
Swoop has been in my sights as well as the other DinobotsQuote:
Originally Posted by SilverDragon
Thanks for all the input. I'm going to buy atleast one to give it a try but knowing me I will end up with more so I guess it will just be whoever looks cool when the purchasing starts :)
Thats a tough one. I don't know why I buy certain figures. I guess ones that look good in both modes and with enjoyable transformations.Quote:
Originally Posted by jaydisc
Pretty vague huh? :)
I reckon, start with Swoop. However I am a bad one to ask, coz I reckon they are all pretty good. Except for Blitzwing.
I was suprised at the level of mould changes made to Mr Happy Mods Prowl (I dont like calling him Samurai) main body to fit the side car on. Much sharper, its very close to a completely new mould.
Swindle is bags full of personality and even though Waspinator is very simple, he has lots too;)
So Blitzwing is pretty bad? Thats unfortunate because he is one of my favourite characters on the showQuote:
Originally Posted by Tetsuwan Convoy
I could be considered a biased one eyed aniamted fan, but I'll level with you, Blitzwing is pretty 'meh' and there have been mpore than a few instances of him having serious QA issues (just ask Goktimus), which is why I didnt recommend him in the first place. he is a fantastic character on the show, but not so great on the toy shelf.Quote:
Originally Posted by Raider
All the awesomesauce was taken out of Blitzwing and dumped into Lugnut and Oil Slick.
Start with the deluxes, like oil Slick, Cybertron Prime and Jazz, they are the meat and potatoes of the Animated Line.
It's sad because the toy looks so great and has such great gimmicks (triple-changer, multiple faces) but is physically a mess. If there was an empirical 'worst' Animated toy, Blitzwing would have to be it. It was an ambitious failure, and sadly - unlike so many of the other characters - it's the character's only toy incarnation. (Well... unless one bought a Happy Meal in France):Quote:
Originally Posted by i_amtrunks
http://tformers.net/g/albums/10409/Untitled-1.jpg
GRARGH! Animated Blitzwing is the bane of my existence!! I would absolutely recommend that you do **NOT** buy this toy unless you're a completist. :(
I bought Animated Blitzwing, its canopy tabs broke and the wing pegs were deformed. So I returned it and got a second one. Tabs broke. Got a third one, deformed pegs. Got a fourth one - canopy tabs are showing signs of stress after I tried transforming it in and out of tank mode a few times with extreme care... I just avoid locking the turret in now (i.e.: I never properly transform it into tank mode) because I'm terrified of breaking the canopy tabs again.
This toy is nine colours of Sugar-Honey-Ice-Tea... do not waste your money on it! Animated Blitzwing would have to be the poster boy for Animated's poor quality control. :( (T_T)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...g_qcmondai.jpg
I love Animated Blitzwing. He's always been pretty divisive though. I woudn't rule out buying, I'd just recommend trying first (got any collector mates?)
I've never had a problem with any of my TF's and my kids play rough as guts with them. Are you sure you're transforming Blitzwing correctly?
Yup. I followed the instructions. I brought him along to the Megatron Club AGM and kup also had a go transforming him really carefully too, like neurosurgical level of care. I was able to transform it a few times that way, but after a few times stress marks appeared so I've given up now.
If you do get Blitzwing do make sure you keep the receipt.
Ok, I ended u getting Soundwave and Blazing Lockdown.
I was so excited before I opened them but it just seemed a bit of a let down after I transformed them
Soundwave was pretty good, very short and stocky. No real problems but I just thought it would be better for some reason
Lockdown was the one I wanted more and I think this is the one that was the bigger letdown. The Chainsaw really had to be forced into position on the hood and I thought I was going to break it.
Are the hands supposed to go at a 45 degree angle from the wrists?
I've read there were issues with the hands breaking so I didn't want to force them in place incase they weren't supposed to go
I might pick up another couple of figs just to make sure if I like these or not but at this stage I am not convinced I will
Quote:
Originally Posted by Raider
@ Raider with Lockdowns hands thats as far as they will go out without breaking them but there is a small modification you can do to the hands so that they do go all the way out but i cant remember what you need to do or where to find a how to guide :(
Lockdown's hands are supposed to be like that. It's annoying, but it's the way it is.
Just the regular Lockdown for me thanks. Won't bother getting repaints of Blazing and Stealth. One of each figure will do for now.
Omega Spreem!
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PX0o2_aJqt...megaSpreem.jpg
(Derrick Wyatt is a legend.)
I'm not a fan of this figure either! I love the character, but the toy really let me down. I got this guy for $22 at Target (their mistake!) and I still feel ripped off.Quote:
Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime
Still, he's a character I really like, so I just keep him standing there in robot mode - like a statue - doomed, never to be transformed ever again!
Love the Omega Spreem picture. Actually spoiler it did look like they were building more than one "Guardian Robot" in Transwarped...
Mine transforms into jet mode just fine. Too bad it sucks. The tank mode's not that much better either really. :/Quote:
Originally Posted by Robzy
Yeah, that's what I mean. Mine transforms fine, but IMO the best "mode" is robot. I think the others look rather underwhelming to say the least!Quote:
Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime
I decided to give Animated another chance. This time I bought Oil Slick and Grimlock
To be quite honest these are not too bad. Aside from the obvious with Grimlock and his gaping chest wound, his robot mode is very nice. My favourite so far.
Oil Slick also has a good robot mode but I could've sworn his head in the proto pics looked like he had some kind of fluid in his helmet, but it wasn't to be found in the finished product
After some more playing around with all my Animated TF's I have to say I am pretty happy with the purchases I have made (Lockdown, Soundwave, Grimlock, Oil Slick)
I think I will buy the rest of the Dinobots and Swindle and that will just about do it for my Animated collection, unless I find Atomic Lugnut and Sunstorm
Orignally the plans for Oilslick were to have some liquid in his noggin, but Hasbro changed their minds due to safety concerns about water quality from China and what would happen if the helmet broke. Fair enough in my mind. I have never been a fan of liquid and toys, unless they are designed to go in the water.
The only reason to get a Blazing Lockdown IMO is for the chainsaw....
Blurr is pretty awesome as well. If you want to get something larger, Magnus and Megatron are great too.
Snarl (Slag) and Swoop are very good toys, you won't be disappointed with them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Raider
And good call on Atomic Lugnut, it's one fine looking specimen.
Blurr has a nice sleek car mode that holds together well. The switching the position of the arms and legs during the transformation works great. The tall lithe robot mode looks like a runner. Very pleased with the toy.
Swindle's shortness doesn't bother me, he's compact but full of character. The thing I love most about Swindle though is his gun and the way it changes colour ("lighting up") when loaded and ready to fire. It's such a nice little extra touch that surprised me and made me smile.
Comparison between regular and Samurai Prowl:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...wl_compar1.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...wl_compar2.jpg
And yes, I know I made a transformation mistake with Samurai Prowl in those pics - the waist wasn't turned around correctly. I can't be bothered redoing the shots. :p
Overall I think the original Prowl is a better toy.
Sidecar attachments aside, Samurai Prowl is a retool and slight repaint of the original toy. Here's a list of differences that I've noticed and which one I think is better...
+ Windows are blue with "tech" sculpt deco on the front windscreen on Samurai Prowl. On the original they're a grey tint with no "tech" decos. I prefer the original.
+ Original Prowl's front windscreen is "U" shaped whereas Samurai Prowl's is "W" shaped. I don't like/dislike either over the other.
+ Headlights on original Prowl are black whereas Samurai Prowl's are clear blue. While I'm not fond of the blue, the effect is nice because it makes the headlights stand out whereas original Prowl's are barely noticeable. So I'm gonna give the point to Samurai Prowl in this department.
+ Samurai Prowl's head crest is made from the same transparent blue that his eyes are with the crest painted over with gold and grey. Unfortunately the paint apps on the crest is sloppy allowing for a lot of blue piped light to "bleed" from around the crest. The eyes and crest is also smaller which doesn't look as nice as on the original to me. Original Prowl's eyes are metallic sky blue with a gold and grey painted crest. The paint apps on the original are also sloppy, but doesn't look as bad since there's no light bleeding (as there is no light pipe gimmick). So while the basic execution isn't inherently better or worse on either toy, the result looks worse on Samurai Prowl so I'm giving the point to the original toy here.
+ The gold arrows on Prowl's gauntlets are pointing upward on Samurai Prowl but downward on the original. I don't think either looks better or worse than the other, but Samurai Prowl's arrows is obscured by large black tabs which are required for attaching his Samurai armour. Because it's a reasonable part of the gimmick I can forgive it. So equal points here.
+ Original Prowl's engine block has grey painted accents and his fingers and thumbs are painted beige. Samurai Prowl's engine and fingers are unpainted which makes it look very dull. Original Prowl wins here hands down (sic).
+ The vents on the outer thighs are gold on original Prowl but black on Samurai Prowl. While both work to break up the beige of the upper legs, I think the gold works better on the original toy whereas the black just looks dull on Samurai Prowl, especially given the unpainted black fingers and engine. Preference for the original here.
+ The ninja stars on original Prowl are entirely gold whereas on Samurai Prowl they're a combination of gold, grey and black - which is a nice touch. Unfortunately this is undone by the fact that - for some reason that eludes me - the ninja star gimmick has been REMOVED from Samurai Prowl! The teeth for on the cogs that allow the shurikens' blades to extend and retract have been removed - resculpted so that they're smooth. I pulled hard to get the blade to come out but they wouldn't budge. I don't see why Hasbro has done this... surely it wouldn't save them any money since the existing mould already has toothed cogs - and it would still be the same number of parts. Odd. So I'm gonna give the point to the original toy here.
+ The strobe lights are red and blue on the original, whereas they're both blue on Samurai Prowl which looks dull. Original is better here.
Overall the original version of Animated Prowl is a better toy IMO. I'd only recommend Samurai Prowl if you're a fan of the show and you really want a version of the toy with the armour/weapon. Otherwise don't lose any sleep over it. Unfortunately the armour cannot attach to the original Prowl toy.
I'm also not a fan of them calling this toy "Samurai" Prowl considering that he's meant to be a freaking ninja. But it seems that TF Animated has blended the concepts of Samurai and ninja together... which irks me... but it's clearly something not restricted to Prowl since his master Yoketron also had armour. The original Prowl toy is better in terms of capturing a more authentic essence of a ninja.
+ Samurai Prowl doesn't come with a traffic light on a string.Quote:
Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime
= Automatic win for Samurai Prowl.
Haha, yes that is true. :)