Top 5 Generations, RTS & United toys?

[optimus1]

I also forgot to make an honourable mention to: RTS Legends class Megatron.

Finally a Hasbro release G1 style Megatron

[5FDP]

My top 5 (based on the ones I have) would be -

United Jazz
United Tracks
RtS Megatron
RtS Optimus Prime / RtS Windcharger (tied)
RtS Wreck Gar

I hope to add Generations Wheeljack and Scourge when they are released locally *fingers crossed*

[kristofferrer]

5. Redalert/Thundercracker - I never get sick of these figures. The seeker was what first turned my head to the "Classics" series (thanks leige). Being one of my favourite designs, I've always been impressed with the lambo mold. That said, I'm going to put the spot light on the other toy designs.

4. Wreck-Gar - there's no mistaking it's wreckgar in his robot or vehicle form. The figure even manages to incoorporate the nipple lasers . The toy appears to be wearing some sort of supportive bra'ish device as the lasers are mounted higher up on his chest compared to the cartoon). Lastly, let's not forget that buying him more than one of this figure adds to his appeal ...

3. United Grapple - I loved the inferno mold. Being the successor of the inferno mold, I also love this figure. Looking at Inferno and Grappel ... is like looking at my favourite chocolate snack .... i really like yellow flavour

2. United Jazz - when i look at:
this,
then this,
then this....
then i looked at the figure: ... they captured the art style in the figure *** tear ***
I also like to think there's a little bonus in his transformation sequence; his head mechanically pops up when transforming from car to robot.

**** drum roll ****

1. United Tracks - ... i was very impressed with the detail and enginuity of this figure... they captured tracks in this clever design! it's unique and i like it a lot ... I know it received some criticisim. Those who have the mold could argue that his bum (from car mode) makes him look fatter? but c'mon... you gotta give them credit for all the things they did right. It's so clever that they (hasbro/takara) were able to reused the mold for Wheeljack (and he looks different!)... hats off (if i were wearing a one).

[GoktimusPrime]

It's also interesting how you seem to be the only person that takes into account the core function of the toy itself -- i.e. playability.

The majority of adult collectors couldn't care less and are only interested in the display value and how accurate the representation of a classic character the figure is.

I think playability is pretty subjective issue, I don't see those two toys as having features that impede playability myself. Maybe for the Gok brand of playability but for me they suffice. Jazz is my absolute favourite of United and I have no problems with his torso, it doesn't hinder me from posing and reposing him to fight the Decepticons. Preceptor I find similar, though he' not in my top 5.

Putting adult collector bias aside, the primary demographic for these toys are children. They are intended to be play things for kids. And kids typically engage in fantasy play. You may say that the majority of adult collectors may not engage in active play with these toys, but children are the majority consumer demographic for these products.

I think when appraising/reviewing a product (or service), we need to be mindful of the context of what the primary target market is and how well the product/service caters for its target consumers. In order to objectively appraise a toy, we need to look beyond our personal tastes and see how the toy can appeal or not appeal to different kinds of people, and particularly the majority demographic... which in the terms of Transformer toys, is children.

It's like say collecting those awful Keepers Trilogy Transformer novels. I only read the first book - hated it and didn't bother reading the rest of the trilogy. Now someone might buy that book purely to collect it as a piece of Transformers memorabilia and have no intention of ever reading it. They may say that the cover art looks really nice - which I agree, it is a pretty nice cover. And since they have no intention of reading it, they might say that as a display piece it looks beautiful, and therefore give it a positive book review. But the primary function of a book is to be read - to deliver a decent story, which IMO the book epically fails to deliver. Or some people may love Revenge of the Fallen because it has really great looking special effects and kick-bum fight scenes, which I'd agree with too - and because they have no interest in watching Transformers for the story, give ROTF a rave review. But visual effects are merely a story telling tool... the majority of audiences will appreciate movies with better written stories even if the visual effects aren't as fancy -- look at the way a lot of fans see the Star Wars Original Trilogy vs the Prequel Trilogy. Even in it's pre-mastered form with the visible strings and matte-lines etc., The Empire Strikes Back is widely regarded as a better film than the special effects bonanza that is Revenge of the Sith (though I personally like RotS, but I admit that TESB is gooder ).

Likewise it's a basic expectation for a toy to be able to be played with. It totally sucks for anyone playing with RtS/United Jazz (child or adult) if say each time he moves his arms his bloody chest springs up (and head swings down as a result of the automorph gimmick). It completely RUINS the moment of the toy play.

Jazz: "See how you like my mighty punch, Decepticon!"
<deforms>
Cyclonus: "WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Deformed Jazz: "Shut up! As soon as I get myself together, you're so dead!"
Cyclonus: "wateva"
<kicks Jazz over, transforms and flies away>

So whether you actually actively play with the toy or not, it doesn't change the fact that the toy is meant to be played with and that play is a core function of what the product is meant to do.

[gamblor916]

Using the above criteria narrows it quite a bit but here are my faves:

1 United Wheeljack - both modes are great and the paint job is very nice. If I could count Tracks then it would be a close second.
2 Gen Warpath - Strange tank mode but the bot mode is so sweet. Posability and design is fantastic.
3 RTS Wreck Gar - There's not enough bike toys that have decent bot modes but this guy looks great. Only crit would be the horrible gray plastic used. Some chrome or even paint would have made this a winner. Haven't got the United version to compare but I'd say the ranking would still be the same.
4 United Jazz - Chest section aside this is a great looking toy. The head sculpt is great and posability is good. The rear spoiler is a bit pointless though.
5 RTS Legends Megatron - For such a small toy the design for both modes is excellent. A nice homage to G1.

[SkyWarp91]

1. Tracks
2. Tracks
3. Tracks
4. Tracks
5. Tracks

That car is goddamn sexy...

[GoktimusPrime]

You sure have a one Tracks mind!

<tumbleweed>

[SharkyMcShark]

1. Generations WFC Optimus
2. Generations WFC Soundwave
3. Generations Blurr
4. Generations Drift
5. Generations WFC Cliffjumper

[Vector Prime]

1. Generations WFC Optimus
2. Generations WFC Soundwave
3. Generations Blurr
4. Generations Drift
5. Generations WFC Cliffjumper

Big fan of WFC I take it?

(Either that or you haven't bought any of the other releases )

[SkyWarp91]

You sure have a one Tracks mind!

<tumbleweed>

I'd pay to see Gok do a 1 hour stand up with plenty of TF puns...