I just couldn't get over the extra block holes over the body of the vehicle modes of the Japanese ones, I do like their partners but not enough to damage my bank account for a second figure just for the micron.
I'm not really fussed on whether I'm consistent with getting the Hasbro or TakTom releases for one series of Toys. I'm more fussed with availability, sometimes Hasbro doesn't even get the figures that TakTom gets - e.g. Deluxe Leadfoot. So long as I have the toy, I'm not that fussed. Though I do prefer Hasbro as they are cheaper, but as for PRIME toys - unless you really love the show I say go for the Hasbro releases as you wouldn't be missing much by getting the Takara releases.
I really love the show and I'll be getting the hasbro releases.
The mechtech ports are Uuugly, the minicons aren't in the show and don't really fit the aesthetic.
Because there are minicons, you don't get the normal weapons that come with the hasbro toys and, Ratchet especially, the hasbro toy has far superior weapons.
Over time the stickers just aren't going to look as good as the paint.
I say go for whichever version you personally prefer and can get for a good price.![]()
I tend to second this.
Only thing I would mention about takara's version that in Hong Kong the price is only marginally more expensive.
The key thing about the takara packaging is that you can happily put it back and keep the MIB feel.
The issue collectors in HK have with the Takara are the stickers and putting the weapons together... but I tell them to stop bitching and moaning because you didn't complain at G1 when we did this
If you haven't started collecting yet, its a great time to start. I have a feeling this series will be one of the most popular and will be hard to find toys in a year or so time.
(except bumblebee - there THOUSANDS of that toy around...)
Yeah but there were a lot of things in G1 that we didn't complain about as much that we would be up in arms about if it happened with TF toys today.
e.g.:
+ Lack of articulation/poseability in robot mode
+ Lack of durability (G1/G2 TFs are much more fragile than most post-G2 TFs - many post-G2 TFs have parts that are designed to pop back on if they become detached - if a part of a G1 TF came off, you were usually screwed)
+ Lack of incorporation or self-containment of robot parts/accessories in alt mode. e.g. fists, weapons etc. that we had to set aside -- and were easier to lose. Imagine if they released TFs today with detachable fists that had nowhere to go in alt mode! That'd SUCK!