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Post by mazfan on Aug 26, 2007 20:53:15 GMT -5
Okay, you guys have known me over the years stating that I would never buy non-SOC robots. Well, I just broke that rule and purchased the 20th Anniversary Edition of Optimus Prime for $50 at Walmart (it's strange not to buy my robots at special stores of BBTS). Actually, I was going to buy the $39.99 new version of Optimus Prime (the all plastic one but with the Advanced Automorph Technology--whatever that is...). However, I got lost and ended up at Walmart.
I was going to buy this old school version a few years ago but it cost over $100 and it was not an SOC. Plus, the movie was not out yet and the hype was not there yet (Transformers is my favorite movie this summer). Before I go on, do you guys know if there is a huge difference between this current 20th anniversary version and the one that came out in 2004? Also, is $50 a good price for this? I thought so because it supposed to contain decent amount of die cast. Heck, I paid close to $200 for my SOC Yamato and that barely has metal.
I am really excited to transform this baby (I'll give feedback soon). I am praying to god that I don't get hooked on this and start buying non-SOC's. I can't afford to expand my addiction and I have absolutely have no shelf space (I plan not to place this Transformer inside my Aikea shelf--no real estate left). I am so happy that this is the only new die-cast Transformer out there... And don't tell me if there are others!
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Post by lurkerx on Aug 26, 2007 21:28:00 GMT -5
between the US version & this 20th version? just its paint job
between the Jp takara version & this? just its paint job and its short smoke stacks.
Yes. $50 is a decent deal for it. You will realize its value as soon as you pick it up and feel its heft.
I actually bought the 1st release Jp takara version and was quite content with but I still got this version just because it was 1/3 of what I paid for the Jp Version.
Still..... I'd prefer the Jp version over this any day [because of its better cleaner paint job & longer more accurate smoke stacks whether its worth the extra $100 it really depends on how much the paint job and shortened smoke stacks bother you.
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Post by Steve Armstrong on Aug 27, 2007 1:33:21 GMT -5
The first US version...1. smoke stacks shorter compared to teh Takara version... 2. Paint job is the Battle damage...black paint in some parts to make it look like battle damage or dirty. 3. Has Chromed parts (silver/greay parts or white parts on anime colors)...
2nd US Version... 1. SMoke stacks are still short compared to Takara Version 2. NO Chromed parts 3. Paint JOb...I think it has some yellow accents? in some areas ...don't know where.
TAKARA VERSION: 1. Long smoke stacks (anime accurate).. 2. Clean/minty looking paint job as if fresh out of car detailing shop LOL! 3. Chrome parts as the first US Version.
I would like to think all 3 have the same DIECAST content...regardless of version? I have the first US version and teh Takara Version (2 of them actually)..and I like them! but the US version I have it in robot mode I made him "fake" chrome smoke stacks ( they are like stickers but really "chrome-y" looking)... and the Takara is in vehicle mode and I displa them side by side...the 3rd one is kept mint in Box :-) yeah I know I am crazy like that :-)
Before I forget the one of the 1st 2 versions has either a black gun or a grey gun...
And also I wanted to buy the $40 walmart OP TF but it is all plastic...so i did not buy it...although after I have seen the grey parts "repainted" with black/grey metallic paint it made the robot looked diecast and formidable...maybe I wll get that too ...maybe...that is if I still find some...
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Post by mazfan on Aug 27, 2007 6:39:06 GMT -5
Hello Steve Armstrong. Thanks for the feedback. Do you have a link to the Takara version? Or photos of your collection. By the way, were you refering to this $40 version? www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=HAS13510&mode=retailDo you guys have this new/movie version of Optimus Prime? If so, do you like it? I am debating whether to get it or not. Thanks.
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Post by megatroptimus on Aug 27, 2007 8:32:56 GMT -5
All 3 versions are identical save for the paint job and smokestacks. Really heavy in die-cast and great transformation. The other 2 MP figures (Starscream and Megatron) are more like Yamato stuff. Complex, but almost all plastic.
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Post by glane21 on Aug 27, 2007 10:37:51 GMT -5
I think this last US release also has some voice soundchips that none of the other versions had.
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Post by lurkerx on Aug 27, 2007 11:30:08 GMT -5
Its probably notable to mention that you can actually buy long metal smokestacks which you can replace the shortened ones with, for about $15.
Ofcourse, you'll still be stuck with one of the North America paint schemes rather than the Jp one which is G1 optimus Prime accurate.
As for the Movie Prime... Its a decent plastic figure, well detailed with smooth transformation. Whether its a "must buy" or not depends on how big of a transformers fan you are.
I bought it, and overall I'm quite satisfied with it.
However, its highly possible somewhere down the line I may sell it along with all the other TF movie figures in exchange for more shelf space.
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Post by megatroptimus on Aug 27, 2007 11:31:11 GMT -5
Not a sound chip, it's just a talking base not even using the real voice actor. Worthless imo.
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Post by mpchi on Aug 27, 2007 15:48:33 GMT -5
The Leader Class TF Movie Prime ($40) is pretty much the best Prime toy made, only second to the Masterpiece Prime (the one you just got). In some way, the Movie Leader Prime actually has better toy engineering, with the automorph stuff, as well as the overall stability of the toy. The toy can pose a lot more stable than my Takara MP Prime. Awesome balance and tons of ratchet joints. So if its playability, Movie Prime actually wins among the two. However, Movie Prime do suffer from being a 'kids oriented toyline', so many sharp parts and details was rounded off or simplified. It also has no diecast. While the figure is filled with sculpted detail(busy movie design), it still have a less refined look and finish compare to MP Prime. Also, it does feel more clunky since it needs to have various parts hanging on the back, arm, legs...etc. So in terms of look, finish, and material, MP Prime wins. But for a $40 retail price, the Movie Leader Class Prime is pretty much the best Prime you can get, and very fun to transform. And one side note, Movie Prime won't look too hot by its self right out of the box, due to the strong bare plastic look. But just some paint wash or touch up (not much modeling skills needed), it can look superb. The problem right now is more on locating one without wasting a lot of gas or pay for stupid mark-up online.
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Post by mazfan on Aug 27, 2007 16:57:16 GMT -5
Hi mpchi. Wow, I love your photos. Okay, you are really making me want to get one... I am totally straying away and buying non-SOC's. I promised myself not to do this ever! Oh yeah, the only place I can find this robot here in through Newbury Comics for $60. Is that crazy expensive?
Here it is... My review of my new 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime:
PROS: - Well worth it for $50. It's heavy/feels solid, has some die-cast, and it has lots of cool effects. I guess what I really like about it is that I feel like I can play with it. Because it is so affordable (I know, this is all relative given the SOC context), I feel like I can take a risk and really explore it. I've already transformed it from robot to truck and back countless of times today. I typically don't do this with my SOC's. The only one I played with a lot was my color version of Combattler (I feel that this Combattler so poorly designed. Nothing really holds together and I've dropped parts of it already. This is my only SOC that has tons of battle woumbs). And so I highly recommend this Optimus Prime because it does not feel too precious. Buy it, buy it, buy it. Oh yeah, I am also really glad that I didn't buy the early versions of this toy for over $100! Expecially since they are almost identical to the one I got.
CONS: Poor/sloppy paint job, it's somewhat unstable (maybe I just need to pose him better) and the plastic parts (which is most of it), look really cheap. Currently, I have my Optimus Prime juxtoposed to my Ideon. Hands down, Optimus pales in comparrison. Anyone can tell which of the two robots is the more expensive one. Ideon's die cast blows Optimus away.
Overall, I am really happy. I am sure that I will have lots more to share since I have only been playing with it for a couple of hours. I am now dying to get the new movie version of Optimus--even though it is all plastic and I can only find it for $60. But heck, $60 is a bargain for all of what this bad boy can do. None of the SOC's have auto morph...
Thanks for all of the feedback you guys.
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Post by mpchi on Aug 27, 2007 19:20:00 GMT -5
Hi mpchi. Wow, I love your photos. Okay, you are really making me want to get one... I am totally straying away and buying non-SOC's. I promised myself not to do this ever! Oh yeah, the only place I can find this robot here in through Newbury Comics for $60. Is that crazy expensive? Movie Leader Prime for $60 is a bit steep. Given that its likely Hasbro will restock him sooner or later (but not sure about your location). I haven't seen him on shelves for a couple months now, until this pass weekend, there was only 1 at a Target, where I picked up the only Leader Megatron deserted on a pile of discounted paper towel LOL (not to mention the only Leader Megatron I saw in person). Aside of that pair, haven't seen them anywhere, and I go TF hunting every now and then for the 08 Bumblebee. So really can't tell you if it justifies the extra $20. But yeah, I agree that MP Prime while well made, especially Takara's first MP-01 with very good QC and paint job, is a bit unstable when stand. The whole guy is very solid when you handle and move its parts, just the weight and the way the ankle joint is made is not very good with poses. Tend to lean forward a little even when stand perfectly straight. Movie Prime on the other hand, stand like a brick. Action pose or not. The hips are strong ratchets in both ways, as well as shoulders, elbows and knees, and the ankle ball joint is very sturdy, as if it has some spring mechanism inside to reinforce its tightness. So basically, Movie Prime will not topple. Period. Some cons on Movie Leader Prime: - Overall proportion is not as close to the real Movie Prime proportion. - The head could be sculpted better. Everything got a bit stupidfied on the head (nothing poking kids), and only sideway movement on neck. - No wrist joints, even though it has articulated fingers just like MP Prime. - No waist joint. - Wheels on the back of the thigh needs to be detached from the thigh securing peg (but still hangs to the figure on the hip hinge) in order to allow more thigh movement and dynamic poses. So kind of like having big swinging flaps with giant wheels, when you want to allow the hip and knees to bend at more extreme angles. - LED lights used for the light & sound gimmick should have been blue LEDs instead of the yellow thats there, doesn't match the blue clear plastic at all. - Headlights of the truck could use some color separation instead of one clear plastic piece. As you can see, all these are mostly small gripes. Nothing big at all. With this guy around, you may not play with your 'playable' MP Prime as much. ;D But Overall, I think MP Prime (Takara) is still a better Prime. Though Movie Leader Prime wins in terms of fun factor.
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Post by mazfan on Aug 27, 2007 20:45:35 GMT -5
It's amazing how mass production can really bring prices down. As I mentioned, the first time I saw the 20th Anniversary version of Optimus Prime, it was going for over $100. Now, it's only $50 at Walmart. Is this the cheapest price for this?
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Post by mpchi on Aug 27, 2007 21:27:46 GMT -5
It's amazing how mass production can really bring prices down. As I mentioned, the first time I saw the 20th Anniversary version of Optimus Prime, it was going for over $100. Now, it's only $50 at Walmart. Is this the cheapest price for this? Its the lowest I've seen. But I haven't been looking it up (since I already owned one from long ago).
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Post by mazfan on Aug 27, 2007 21:32:30 GMT -5
Yeah, $50 seems amazing. I was expecting more die-cast though. It's just the chest and bottom legs that are metal, right? Okay, I am not complaining. This is a bargain in comparrison to SOC's.
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Post by megatroptimus on Aug 27, 2007 21:32:35 GMT -5
I don't like the paint of the new 20th Prime, it makes it look cheap. The blue gun is especially terrible. The original deco is much classier and glossier (and the grey parts are chromed) and is on par with SOC figures.
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Post by mazfan on Aug 27, 2007 21:44:06 GMT -5
Are the chrome parts on the original just painted or are they of different material overall?
It's funny how they included the talking base for more appeal. I don't mind it, it's kinda cheesey though.
I am now playing with a whole bunch of my SOC's. Optimus Prime is part of the fun. Wow, my first non-SOC mingling with with my "pure" collection. It will end here. Okay... After I get the movie version of Optimus. The new gian Bumble Bee is looking cool though... Oh no, what is happening to me?
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Post by lurkerx on Aug 28, 2007 8:21:21 GMT -5
Oh no, what is happening to me? Evolution dude Don't fight it its inevitable ;D Before you know it you'll be branching out to aoshimas & CM's
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Post by mazfan on Aug 28, 2007 8:36:01 GMT -5
Noooohhhh... But you know what? I am really enjoying being able to play with my Optimus Prime. I don't have that concern of breaking "an expensive" toy kind of feel. OP feels like a real toy that should be played with. The SOC's are great, don't get me wrong. But in comparrison to OP, they are more like just toys "to look at and not handle." Okay, I'll just have two non-SOC's (OP 20th and the movie version)--I'll stop from there.
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Post by Gold on Aug 28, 2007 9:55:27 GMT -5
Just wondering guys, are the communicators for the US versions of MPC Prime the same? In the Japanese MP01 and MP04, the communication "stickers" on Prime are different, with Starscream and Bumblebee on MP01 and Grimlock and Megatron on the MP04. I was curious if the 20th Anniversary version had any changes to the stickers as well?
Gold
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Post by mazfan on Aug 29, 2007 21:13:57 GMT -5
Know what's interesting? After 2 days of playing with my Optimus Prime... I am now sort of tired of it. Okay, maybe because I am not a 9 year old boy anymore or SOC's are just that more exciting. I think it's the latter...
I guess the cost behind the SOC's makes them more precious. Okay, it's the excellent design and nostalgia. What do you guys think?
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