Quote Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime View Post
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TakaraTOMY seems to be dipping their toes into the upper price ranges that we see with other transforming robot brands in Japan - initially with the high price of MP Sunstreaker and then with the whopping price of MP Dinobot. While these prices feel super-expensive for Transformers collectors, they're about average compared to TakaraTOMY's other collector-centric competitors' products. But I suppose time will tell if Transformers collectors are willing to meet TakTOM at the price range or not. What works for other transforming robot toys may not work for Transformers. <shrugs>
I got into Soul of Chogokin last year after a trip to Japan. I now have played with a few and own several SOCs, including Gunbuster and Saikyo Robo Daioja which have been praised as two of the best from the line engineering wise. Honestly, from what I've seen TT can kill Bandai engineering wise any day of the week imo. The SOC doesn't come even close to TT's Transformers Masterpiece in terms of transformation engineering. But Bandai's build quality and QC have always been top notch; quality plastic, crisp paint apps, die cast content (including die cast load bearing joints), and generous amount of accessories, etc. The SOCs just feel "premium" in hand and you just feel you've got your money's worth.

I've always felt Transformers are more difficult than other toys to budget as so many man hours go into making the design work. If it weren't for Takara, Hasbro would probably have to charge a lot more on their RRP just to have the engineering done locally.

I kinda see where TT want to go with what they're doing now, but they need to up their QC game a lot, and hope people come on board with the price increase vs. the extras we get.

Digression over.