Bot Mode vs Alt Mode (in packaging)

[5FDP]

Something that I have been thinking about (not too hard though) for a while now and with the new Generations range released with Thrust and Drift packaged in their alt modes and Prime and Bumblebee in bot modes, which method of packaging appeals to you more?

This poll is nice and simple – do you prefer seeing toys packaged in bot mode or alt mode?

Please try and steer away from statements such as “doesn’t bother me because I open it up anyway” as there are other discussions that cover sealed / opened toys. This is more to discuss the aesthetics of the overall packaging and whether or not you would be more drawn to a toy displayed in either mode.

[SharkyMcShark]

doesn’t bother me because I open it up anyway

[SofaMan]

I find that I prefer the 'mystery' of exposing the robot mode after opening the package. Disgusing a robot never thrilled me quite as much.

Accordingly, I prefer alt mode in package.

[Vector Prime]

I prefer alt mode in package.

+1

[kup]

Robot mode does have the practical purpose of allowing you to inspect for any bad QC much more thorough than in alt mode.

However this is from the perspective of someone who opens their toys so I am not sure what an MISB collector would look for.

[Autocon]

the mode that takes less twisty ties to hold the figure in

i prefer the mode that shows the most paint apps

[SuspectimusPrime]

Robot mode does have the practical purpose of allowing you to inspect for any bad QC much more thorough than in alt mode.

However this is from the perspective of someone who opens their toys so I am not sure what an MISB collector would look for.

I'd prefer alt. mode, but also from a QC perspective.

TFs like the Movie and ROTF (and don't forget Alternators Grimlock) line are quite fiddly to transform; transforming from robot to alt. mode for the first time might not be easy (especially with the odd ways to tuck in robot arms, and getting them aligned with the kibbly bits). Having the robot displayed in package in its disguise tells me that it's been done right, and if I can't transform it back into alt. mode later then it's not QC, but my incompetence

Also it's odd, but if a transformer is displayed in robot mode then it feels like someone else has played with it before. Like it's unraveled. Or that the puzzle has been solved. Maybe its from growing up with official Transformers always being purchased in alt. modes?

The robot has to be in its disguise!

[SuspectimusPrime]

the mode that takes less twisty ties to hold the figure in

i prefer the mode that shows the most paint apps

Best way of getting around the twisty ties: unethically purchasing leaked Transformers from Chinese factory workers

[griffin]

I prefer packaged in vehicle mode for 2 reasons:

- it sells better to parents (and kids) who can see exactly what the (generic) robot turns into, in 3D.

- I find it is easier to work out how to unfold a toy into its robot mode first, than trying to fold it up and lock everything into place in its alt-mode. You know that a (generic) robot has 2 arms, 2 legs and a head, but the alt-mode configuration of panels and parts can often be less obvious without looking at packaging pics or instructions.

[tinyJazz]

I agree with sofaman.

I think the challenge is more rewarding going from alt mode to bot mode, because I want to play with the bot mode.

As for MISB, I find Alt modes are generally quite sleek, with less visual clutter to distract the eye (tiny faces, limbs, kibble etc). If you display them together It's going to look a lot neater with them in alt mode. I'm pretty sure cars and jets only have one line of action Also, it's their disguise!

Hey that reminds me! Somehting from the new lines - scouts or pcc - has forwards and backwards insructions.