Quote Originally Posted by FatalityPitt View Post
I've read on some threads where people mentioned that a lot of the Titans Return characters (who aren't original Headmasters) don't need the Titanmaster gimmick and they're be better off without it. For some characters (like Galvatron), I agree; but (respectfully) I think a lot of non-original-Headmasters benefited from it too, because it gave the vehicle modes cockpits, and the Titanmasters gave those cockpits a purpose.

I think the types of Transformers that don't need the Titanmaster gimmick are those that become realistic vehicles, and the ones that DO need the gimmick are the ones that become less realistic-looking vehicles. For example, if we look at Universe/Henkei Prowl, he doesn't need a Titanmaster/driver and cockpit, because I can see he obviously becomes a police car (there's the wheels, doors, light-bar, etc). On the other hand, if we take Titans Return Blurr (which is basically G1 Blurr), most people unfamiliar with the character/design would wonder "What is that?? It can't be an automobile, there's no wheels!" But when the cockpit opens and they can see the driver, then it becomes apparent that it's meant to be a futuristic hovercar. A similar case with other characters like Kup, Scourge and Topspin. Without the cockpits and pilots/drivers, it's more difficult to think of their alt-modes as modes of transport. Without the cockpits and pilots, they're just weird shapes with wheels and/or wings attached to them.

Sure, the Titanmaster gimmick doesn't add to their looks in robot mode, but in alt-mode; it drives home the notion that these are meant to be vehicles. So I think the Titanmaster gimmick is good, and even necessary for sci-fi/fantasy/futuristic alt-modes because it makes them more believable as vehicles.
Interesting points, but I have to disagree. Titan Masters are completely unnecessary. It's regressing into the played-out piloted mech genre, which, to me, is the polar opposite of what makes Transformers great.

I really don't think you need a driver to make sense of a toy having a cockpit. Especially if you already know it transforms into a robot and that the vehicle with a cockpit is just its disguise. If people have trouble seeing "sci-fi vehicle" when looking at Blurr's alt-mode they probably have a limited imagination and aren't the target audience for an action figure.

Also, I've always thought headmasters was the dumbest transformers gimmick ever and I was genuinely surprised that hasbro decided to resurrect it. I do think they improved on it though by adding the playset/base concept for the little dudes to run around in.