Review: Robot Mode
I finally got hold of the MP10 figure and only had the chance to check out the robot mode & the accessories. Didn't really get a chance to transform it yet or to even play around with the trailer.
My initial impression of MP10 is very good. The robot mode is the most aesthetically pleasing G1-inspired Optimus Prime to date. It looks great from every angle (much better than my MP01 which looks good only from the front). In fact, the Matrix chamber has been given a very nice facelift as well with very detailed molded internal circuitry.
Incidentally, the stability of this figure is the best I have seen from a transformer (well take it with a grain of salt since I don't own too many transformers). I'll try to take pics but MP10 can actually do the Michael Jackson 45 degrees foward lean and you can leave it like that without having the figure topple over.
In terms of the gimmicks, I can't say I really miss the moving mouth, vents and LED lights. Those were cool but really not as big of a deal as the absence of the flip-up screens which I thought takara should have included (it's not that hard!). That being said, I think the gun storage really makes up for that. Some people might think its pointless, but I think it is neat to have a figure that is able to store its accessories in it and yet look good.
The other apprehension I have about the figure is the finger articulation. I would have preferred full finger articulation like Rodimus Prime. But then again we have seen how well those hands are able to hold the guns so maybe its not a bad thing.
Overall, my opinion is that if Takara had really gone all out and added some extra cool features, this mold could have been the definitive Optimus Prime of all time. But as it stands, the MP10 doesn't quite make the MP01 obsolete. Instead it offers you something different. The MP10 does so many things well but I think it could have done a little bit more.
So in conclusion, my suggestion is that if you do not have a Masterpiece Optimus with a trailer, you need to seriously consider getting the MP10. If you already have a trailer and if you aren't that big of an Optimus Prime fan, then I think you probably might want to wait for the Hasbro release.
Eitherway, both the MP10 and MP01 warrants a place in your collection because they are both great figures for different reasons.
It depends on what you mean by value.Originally Posted by kup
In terms of quality control issues, the MP10s in general appear to be free of any major QC issues based on customer feedback. But it remains to be seen whether this is the result of Takara raising their game in response to the MP09 debacle or whether it is down to a possibility that not many collectors are buying the MP10s and so there simply isn't enough MP10s in collector's hands for any major defects in the MP10 mold to be uncovered.
In terms of value that the purchaser gets, this is really up to the person. I think it largely depends on how big of an Optimus Prime fan you are.
IMO, all the Hasbro masterpiece releases thus far have been inferior to the Takara releases (The only exception to this is the Hasbro Starscream release). So one has to ask whether they think it is worth it forking out a significantly larger amount of money for the slightly better features.
Reply With Quote