Hasbro's Construct-Bots: Transformers With Interchangeable Parts

[Megatron]

So Bumblebee is a triple changer now?

Hasblow are doing everything they can to make him as expensive as they can. Some of the robot modes look alright, but what on earth are Megatron and prime meant to turn into? I do not mind some of the smaller figures, their prices are comparible to Bionicles and Hero Factory, but only at their US$ prices, Australian markups will make them overpriced so they'll shelfwarm.

I wonder why Hasblow is so adamant on trying to take Lego on?

...a monster-truck/tank thingie? lol

[llamatron]

People have been desperate for a triple changing Blitzwing...

Hasbro are master trolls.

[griffin]

They do look very bionicle-ish...

It certainly won't appeal to established fans, but then, it's not us they are marketing this to. Young kids will love these.
Hasbro will still be producing a lot of "traditional" Transformers for our demographic, but as they've been saying for a few years on their marketing materials (at BotCon and ToyFairs), they are endeavouring to capture other demographics. Because traditional Transformers has quite a narrow demographic. We are still their core demographic, but they are trying to expand more to sustain the Brand if any of the Core series has a downturn (like they have in the last couple years). And I think they acknowledge that these won't appeal to established fans, but do get the Brand in the subconscious of adjacent demographics... like getting a foot in the door with Crossovers or toddler toys (Rescue Bots), to which those people may become fans of the Core lines we support.

I can understand the need to be creative with the TFs brand though, as the basic concept can only go so far before the general public get bored and need a break from it. Toylines suffer if they last too long in Western Markets (due to Western retailers demanding fast turnover of new stock, and new concepts), so can often come back with success after a hiatus.
Western retailers (led by Walmart) are the catalyst for killing off successful toy brands, because they prefer to have something "new" on the shelf next week/month/year, no matter how successful it is... because they have no interest in supporting someone else's Brands.
If it succeeds, they made money for that financial year and move onto next year's products to keep the shelves looking new.
If it fails, there are plenty of other Toy companies with product to then buy.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

...a monster-truck/tank thingie? lol

That's been the classification for Megatron for a while now. Well a "Something/something thingie" anyway

They do look very bionicle-ish...

It certainly won't appeal to established fans, but then, it's not us they are marketing this to. Young kids will love these.
Hasbro will still be producing a lot of "traditional" Transformers for our demographic, but as they've been saying for a few years on their marketing materials (at BotCon and ToyFairs), they are endeavouring to capture other demographics. Because traditional Transformers has quite a narrow demographic. We are still their core demographic, but they are trying to expand more to sustain the Brand if any of the Core series has a downturn (like they have in the last couple years). And I think they acknowledge that these won't appeal to established fans, but do get the Brand in the subconscious of adjacent demographics... like getting a foot in the door with Crossovers or toddler toys (Rescue Bots), to which those people may become fans of the Core lines we support.

That' very true and if they can keep the brand in the minds, despite the slow sale of 'proper' Transformers, at least we should still see the market for t-shirts and other random Merchandise.

Although I am STILL waiting for a TFPrime Coffee mug. Come on people, get on with it!!@@

[kup]

Did kids 'love' Kreo?

[Megatron]

That's been the classification for Megatron for a while now. Well a "Something/something thingie" anyway

Yup. He's just experimenting.

[SMHFConvoy]

Actually I like the look of the heavily photoshopped SS and Ironhide. I do see a gold mine of parts for customs.

[i_amtrunks]

Did kids 'love' Kreo?

Not sure how the stock/ordering situation of the kreo sets went in Australian retail, but I'd say not. I know I didnt get half my sets until they were heavily reduced. That is what strikes me as odd about the decision, kreo must have been popular/ a good seller in Walmart at some point for them to tell Hasbro they want more similar products.

Or perhaps Hasblow is going down more of a "minifig" and bionicle style lego competitor path.

[The_Damned]

Did kids 'love' Kreo?

my kids did

[The_Damned]

Damn you hasbro how dare you try something new with Transformers.