Encore #21 and #22 and Transformers United 28-31 released this week

[Sky Shadow]

Soundblaster shots are here: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10165114.

I just paid for my two sets at Amiami - Nightstalker, Stripes, Wingthing and Enemy are the most intelligent cassette releases in 24 years. It's just a minor shame that the final Wingthing's black chrome isn't as black-chromey as in the original shots.

[griffin]

The next four United toys have been shown off here and here, covering:
UN-28 Axalon
UN-29 Ark Unicron
UN-30 Optimus Primal
UN-31 Beast Megatron

And heaps of pics here of both Encore toys, compared with their previous versions (I think the other reissue, but someone may correct me there, as I don't have the originals).

Twincast has lost detailing on the yellow cassette door, has a gold face, and different Autobot symbol... as the more noticeable differences.

Soundblaster has lost the turning volume dial (leaving an ugly hole in the side), a different coloured face, and added a Decepticon symbol to the chest, decos on the knees, and red/black stripes to the wrists and guns.

Interesting to note that the cassettes have the "Headmasters weaknesses" gimmick sticker on them (the pink and white square sticker showing an outline of the opposing leader). It may well be a nod to that one-off gimmick used on a couple toys in the late 80s in Japan, but now just detracts from the look of the toys. If they wanted the homage, they probably would have been better having them on a sticker sheet as an optional gimmick.

[Quickstrike]

Axalon is a damn nice looking toy.

I love those cassettes so much. Shame I don't really want Soundblaster and Twincast.

[Paulbot]

I'm hoping those stickers on the tapes are easily removed. It is Soundblaster and Twincast's main gimmick but they look ugly.

[zerorobotpoints]

More in hand images of the new Encore releases... here

[UltraMagnus]

I picked them up last night. Love them. Very impressed by the artwork

Heaps of United 23-31s around. I dont think beast wars is that popular

[Zippo]

Glad I preordered the Encores back in October last year
Decided against the United - decided overpriced repaints that aren't CHUG related weren't worth it.

[kup]

Heaps of United 23-31s around. I dont think beast wars is that popular

I think it's more to do with the horrible 'Cyber key' mold repaints than them being Beast Wars. The price also doesn't help in the least.

I wouldn't dare buy those things and this is coming from a huge BW fan.

[Sky Shadow]

Heaps of United 23-31s around. I dont think beast wars is that popular

Considering two thirds of United 23-31 is G1 characters, I don't get how that reflects anything about the popularity of Beast Wars. Only 28, 30 and 31 have anything to do with Beast Wars, all of those are recolours and none of them were originally Beast-era moulds.