|
Post by fenris72 on Jan 31, 2010 10:05:35 GMT -5
Over the top game play(have the USA version as well). Good clean fun and a lot of fan wank for Capcom and Tatsunoko. Agree with the controller....it sucks! I'm searching for a gamecube controller......maybe improve the the interface.
|
|
|
Post by fenris72 on Jan 30, 2010 23:24:01 GMT -5
Blaster/Broadcasts' pose (Eject,Rewind,Rosanna and Flipside) Finally o finally, Takara has decided to release the official Eject and Rewind in their original colors.........End of Review Contents: Box Blister case 4 bio cards 4 clear cassette cases 4 Cybertron chromed weapons 4 Destron chromed weapons 4 transformer cassettes 1 instruction manual Eject/Rewind: Basically the same (like Rosanna/Flipsides). very simple transformations with nary a label sheet complementing its robot mode (Rumble/Frenzy has simulated shin guards FYI) Unlike the classic 80's versions (which came with both stamp marked labels and adhesive labels) this version comes with adhesive pseudo labels plus a tiny Cybertron symbol on the groin The faces are painted red orange (the original was bright orange) plus noticed that the chrome gold markings on their chest is drab not glossy like their weapons or the originals. Also, the chromed weapons are silver without nary a tinge of gold like that of Steeljaw. Just like the casseticons, they are a pain to stand (with the exception of Laserbeak/Buzzsaw) so prepare to pose them at your peril. Unlike the casseticons though, Eject and Rewind "can" bend on their knees.......all in all. I count 8 POA. One thing that sticks out like a sore thumb, mold degradation. it release is quite noticeable especially on Rewind/Ejects thigh section. Looks almost like a knock off, heck the whole plastic structure looks like a knock off. Seriously......Encore #15 for a completist it comes out as a mixed bag (the Jaguar and Buzzsaw component anyway)..........just how much can you milk a mold for Primus' sake?!. IIRC since year 2000, Takara has released like TFC Soundblaster, Soundwave, E-hobby Cobalt sentry, Kiss players and Encore..............so I'm skipping my review on those two Destrons. Eject Rewind (take a look at the mold degradation in his left arm) Duo shot Comparative shots of mold degradation: Rewind's back: Flipside's back: Eject's thighs: Rosanna and Flipside's thighs: (R) (F) Family(?) shot So how do I rate the set: out of Reasons: Ravage/Jaguar and Buzzsaw.....too many versions and the lack of gold on Eject and Rewind's weapons. Plus mold degradation on Eject/Rewind
|
|
|
Post by fenris72 on Jan 30, 2010 23:19:58 GMT -5
G-1 Devastator(high -end K.O.) In honor of the "gorilla" like mech of the upcoming movie, I am presenting this review of the original (sort off) D-man himself. Remember that booming voice in Transformers: the Movie? The set(based on the USA gift set so long ago) that I couldn't resist getting. Box: G1 art style complete with oh so environmentally friendly styrofoam A lot of spelling errors(intentional?) in the box(mostly in the instruction manual) Contents: 6 "Contructicons" 1 tech spec decoder Accessories(fists, drills,missiles,guns,etc) 2 big label sheets 6 rub signs Description: Mold: a near perfect copy of the original, smooth and not cruddy compared the G2 re-issue which was a pack of sh#t mold wise. In fact, I believe the manufacturers used the "Diaclone" mold for Longhaul. Why you may ask?, Checked the numerous pics and held an orig G1 version, the front fender has a rectangular hole which should have supported his "V" wing chest guard. Colors are a cool "avocado" green, though certain parts (Scavenger's steam shovel, Scrapper's and Bonecrusher's roof, Hook's hook and Longhaul's hip guard and "missiles") are a tad bit lighter avocado yellow. His purple is neat (comparing Mixmaster's chest though, my orig japanese version had his chest painted over with a glossy purple, this version), this version, all are just molded purple. Die-cast: Yes(!) for Hook and Scavenger Chrome: smooth and shiny( unlike the G2 re-isse which was again a POS!) Front view: Back view: Right view: Left view: Close up: Accesories: Everything fits right. Though his missile/fist holders tend to fire a lot. Now the negatives: Scavenger's foot is loose.....as in very. Not sure if it's just in my version Label sheet a mix bag. Let me elaborate, the original Transformers, some labels are already applied, this one...................nada! So it is provided separately and printed on a metallic like label, trouble is, not all are printed on this label. Two pieces (one on Hook and Longhaul) are printed on uber cheapo paper label The label sheet for each individual 'cons are also printed on this cruddy label(the originals are printed on a metallic type sheet.) Why the company didn't print it on the same type of paper is beyond me........... Paint apps: Spot on and very neat, no smudging on his face. Trademark: The made in Japan/Takara stamp are non existent on some of the 'cons, only the "Hasbro" prints. Overall, should we buy it? A knock-off? The quality is really good, if you aren't familiar with this unit, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference (besides the box which has a different print quality) The molds are really neat, not like the KO's found in various Malls Price? A C9 Devastator would cost around US$ 200.00( ? )(you're not event sure if the quality of the plastic which might break due to aging) so this is the next best thing to the real one (so long as you don't pull a fast one and sell it as an original) Overall(labels aside ) satisfaction 4/5. Get one if you don't have one or at least until Takara decides to release one.
|
|
|
Post by fenris72 on Jan 30, 2010 23:08:14 GMT -5
Thanks for the kind words. More to come.
|
|
|
Post by fenris72 on Jan 29, 2010 4:02:59 GMT -5
Cybertron Bad Boys Sideswipe and Sunstreaker Quote:Sideswipe:"I don't break rules;I bend them...a lot" Sunstreaker:"You can't beat the best" Contents:Sideswipe aka Lambor (Sideswipe sounds better....SS as initials in their "twins" nature.) : Lamborghini Countach "Super car" Sideswipe : #3 "Flare" missiles : #1 shoulder mounted flare gun launcher : #1 photon rifle Sunstreaker : Lamborghini Countach custom super car Sunstreaker :#2 shoulder missiles :#2 fists :#3 electron pulse missiles Background:If Rumble and Frenzy are the Destron bad boys, well the Cybertrons too have their own "Bad boys". Their bio indicated they were twins......as in unidentical twins (at least in robot mode) In the anime, I remember seeing the two recklessly charging up against the Destrons with their "jet judo". What about their brush against the Insectrons? Or how Sunstreaker knocked out one of the Seeker pursuers of Trailbreaker in the MTMTE pilot episode? Anyway enough of the nostalgia.....................Sideswipe and Sunstreaker. (Please note: Sidesipe is the Takara version while Sunstreaker is the USA version...........the Japanese version was released as a versus pack with Skids and Buzzsaw) Side by sideAt all sides: Sideswipe the good natured trouble seeker Face shotFlare missileHis chest (note the copyright infringing logo)Lamborghini radialsHis shinsHis soles (copyright infr....you get my point) Sunstreaker The egoistic/sociopath at all anglesFace shot (He is handsome for a 'bot)Chest shotDetails: "shoulder missiles"his "matrix chamber"...........diaclone influencesShouldersPulse missiles (the Japanese version could actually launch) his shins his feet Brother's fight together! The Rant:G1 Season one deluxe cars were just that, 'bots with car parts sticking out. But boy, do they kick @ss or what? Die-cast and copyright infringing labels notwithstanding........the details were outstanding by 80's standards. Transformation were simple , a twist here, pivot there and voila instant robot warrior. In Sideswipe's case though, he looked kind of weird with the rear part of his legs looking like well the back of a car. Sunstreaker on the other hand, despite the foot basically the front part of the car looked more, well robotic.....proportioned. Another thing that kind of bothered me were their bios. Sideswipe was said to have "pile drivers" for hands and is equipped with a "rocket pack". Well, he don't look like he had any on. "rocket pack?" Sunstreaker on the other hand is said to be equipped with a pulse rifle. Well, no rifle here. Just as the great tech spec switcheroo on Starscream and Skywarp and the never ending debate of Rumble and Frenzy, some quarters indicate that there was another mix up between these two. (Take a look at Sunstreakers' shoulders. It's red, a hold over from his diaclone incarnation (another was a black and white fire chief custom Countach).............he could have been red for all we know........... Anyway it must have been for the best that is. I just can't imagine Sunstreaker looking otherwise, same as Sideswipe, again I blame Marvel/Sunbow for their excellent character development of the two (for it's time bro's for it's time...... ) Despite being stellar pieces of mid 80's pop culture, this figs are really showing their age. Sideswipe and Sunstreakers' paint has started to chip and the horror yellow plastic syndrome on Sideswipe(same with Red Alert but that is for another review) The rubber tires though are still whole thank Primus. Fault's aside (they can't change their nature of die-cast, white ABS/PVC plastic ) these boys really gave me many an enjoyable time in recreating their classic fight scenes. Who would have know, the transform mode already was great, their robot mode was even more awesome! Rating: Nostalgia: 5/5 Fun factor: 5/5 Fragility: 5/5 (tough alright but paint chipping and yellowing is a nightmare Availability: 2/5 (TFC series anyway....originals are HTF)
|
|
|
Post by fenris72 on Jan 27, 2010 9:14:45 GMT -5
Destron Bad Boys Rumble and Frenzy Rumble is black while Frenzy is blue or is it the other way around? This review is in honor of Encore#19. I thank Primus with all my spark for even considering the release of this HTF figs. Quote:"Sow panic and surrender will bloom" Frenzy "Destroy what's below and what's above will follow" Rumble Contents:# 2 micro cassette Rumble and Frenzy # 2 clear cassette case # 2 pairs of winged laser rifles Background:Two of the most meanest, baddest punks in the destron army. Fiercely loyal to the Emperor of Destruction, these two have harmed many an autobot who underestimated them for their short stature. In this review I will refer to their figure name/color reference and not to the switcheroo in the anime. Fyi my figs actually represent two generations............my Frenzy is a Takara vintage while Rumble is the latest "re-issue" the figs:Rumble is the one on the right while Frenzy is to the leftFrenzy full body shotRumble full body shotThe transition of the past two decades have been very kind to the casseticon mold. Unlike Eject/Rewind/Rosanna/Flipside which have uber defects, this one is null. Though the gloss finish of Frenzy isn't as evident as that of Rumble, the molding is fine and smooth Rumble's torsoFrenzy's torso*please note, I have applied some custom "gold" labels on frenzy to make him look like his box photosThe original Frenzy didn't have any sigils on him. Encore Rumble on the other hand has metalized sigils (Eject/Rewind were stamp graphed) One horror for us vintage owners of the casseticon bad boys were the "cassette" label sheets applied, post transformation, they just fall apart Encore did away with that See the shin labels? Frenzy had labels, Rumble...stamp graphed (Btw, both have die-cast feet) So this time no danger of the labels getting ripped One nasty wrinkle on that shift is that Rumble's thigh labels were removed (I applied custom labels) Frenzy's on the other hand......... Both share the "silver "colored wing laser rifles. Wished it was gold for frenzy though, to distinguish him from his brother as seen in his box art. The Rant:In this day and age, them microcassetes seem obsolete but waaaaaaay back in the 80's, everyone was pining for one. Heck we had to be thankful to be able to purchase the K.O. Micros version. Enjoyable as they were, constant transformation made them all loose and woobly (my frenzy in fact is quite loose despite my transforming him only twice in it's lifetime). The Encore version on the other hand is veryyyyyyyy tight (both the head and legs). And of course, those d@mn labels kept on falling off. Now, the labels don't fall but Takara dropped the thigh labels la...........well you win some and you loose some. Just like their Cybertron foes, both are back heavy and prone to falling, what was nice with Eject/Rewind, you could adjust their feet outward for more balance, this one....nadahhh. Mass shifting aside, these two are one of my fan faves, especially how they massacred the english language ("unchrasimatic" hehehe) Chalk it to Marvel/Sunbow's excellent character development for the show). I highly recommend getting them while supply lasts. IIRC The Eject/Rewind combo is all sold out and every fence sitter are now banging their sorry heads on the wall. Rating:Fun Factor: 5/5 Nostalgia: 5/5 (these guys can kick ROTF's robo@ss anytime Fragility: 2/5 for the vintage......3/5 for Encore Availability:: 5/5 while supply last (Encore that is)
|
|
|
Post by fenris72 on Jan 26, 2010 5:33:07 GMT -5
Bumble B/Bumble Function: Espionage Quote:: "The least likely can be the most dangerous" The rant:Who couldn't forget the first two transformers ever to be exposed to our young and innocent minds back in 1984? Remember.............Wheeljack and Bumble B scrounging for energon in the most hard to find places? And boy was I disappointed when I first purchase my Bumble B because................. he didn't look at all like his animated version Ever since then it was a great mystery until the advent of the Internet where all the explanation about how Floro Dery "humanized" their faces etc. Who wouldn't like Bumble B? He was cute, friendly, always clumsy(he sucked at espionage his current function) but had an X-factor that clicked with all of us (heck even now, in Bay's movie, Bumble B almost eclipse Optimus in screen time). This review btw is based on the original 1985 G1 version (which also includes Takara's TFC edition and Encore) Beginning from his design, this "fender bending beetle" to quote "Buster" Witwicky was based on one of Takara's pre TF line Microchange series. More in synch with Choro-Q (their wheels are compatible btw), all he lacks are the motorized pull back action. Anyway back to the face design. It took Don Figueroa to "explain" that the original face is actually a "battle mask"that he puts on prior to battle (See War Within #6 and MTMTE#4 and #6) Thankfully, Takara released the "anime" face sculpt back in 2004 for the TFC mini-bot set. * Please note: I applied my own "blue" color optics, added black paint applications on the rear fender and reprolabels' recreation of Bumble B's chest patterns on his box pic. Aside from that, he is virtually identical to his 1984 release (The 1984 and G2 chrome release btw had "Dunlop" rubber tires) Also note that the two latest incarnation of Bumble B, his rub symbol is located on the back of the head with the propeller like pattern removed. See the difference? (the TFC version is prone to paint chipping) The latest version of the G1 Bumble B as presented in the Encore version, he looks more "realistic" in a sense that he's got chromed fenders, painted headlights and this time stamp graphed blue optics. His autobot symbol too is stamped graphed. Overall, even for his time, he was very high tech . A very simple transformation sequence (why IDW changed his transform mode is beyond me ) of a Volkwagon bug to a robot........priceless. One thing I noticed though, my G1 1985 version is as loose as heck. It was like that way back then when I purchased him so maybe the mold was already degrading(?) Bumble B need not be high tech to enjoy. His design though simple is really well kid friendly. Maybe that's why we all love him. Maybe once I get Alternity Bumble I might change my mind .........get him now as in the Encore version(and don't throw away his other mini-bot colleagues, they also have feelings you know ) Rating:Fun factor: 5/5 Nostalgia: 5/5 (Rotf, eat your heart out!) Fragility: 3/5 (arms are the weak point and his die-cast back paint is prone to chipping Availability: Anime face version is really HTF, beware of K.O's of the 1984 version
|
|
|
Post by fenris72 on Jan 26, 2010 5:32:16 GMT -5
Thanks for the clarification bro'
|
|
|
Post by fenris72 on Jan 25, 2010 10:05:34 GMT -5
G1 Cybertron Spy: MIrage Beginning of my walk through nostalgia..................G1 series really is something else. Blocky, zero articulation and down right expensive. Quote:" Who and what I am I hide from the enemy" Transforms into: F-1 Race car Accessories: Electro disruptor shoulder gun and armor piercing dart gun + 3 missiles Note: Posting only robot mode images due to fragility of my 20 years + old figs. (see the rub symbol) Pose at all anglesMirage's blingTakara logoThe Rant:Remember the fight in Hoover Dam?(oopsie wrong generation) Sherman dam where this kick @ss bot fought 2 seekers and won? What about the way he sabotaged Nemesis 2? Or got the Insecticons bashing the Decepticons for the electro cell? Or even his faking "Dragstrip's appearance in "Masquerade"? Anyway enough of the P.R. Mirage is one of the fan fav bots of G1 who had a very complex characterization (which we rarely see now in todays shows) More like the "Green Arrow" of the Autobots. He comes from a rich background, loves the good life and somewhat unsure of the cause he fights in. But fight for the cause he does............... Transforming into an F-1 racer (even sporting it's Cigar themed sponsor logo...............poor Malbor Wheeljack hehehe) we get to see him first in the G1 shows opening credits. Coming in navy blue and white with a face sculpt looking like an Egyptian warrior and decked with every tf collectors' nightmare..........chrome and white plastic (btw thank Primus mine hasn't shown any yellowing yet) plus with an uber heavy die-cast metal base. That hold over btw from the "diaclone series" allowed Mirage to interface with Convoy's/Optimus Prime Roller/Buggy launcher. Speaking of which, need I mention that the 1984 Season one deluxe cars were all rolling on rubber tires? Who makes ruber tires thses days? Binaltech/Alternators, Masterpiece and Alternity. Besides that...........nothing anymore (if you don't include Encore Anyway one design flaw I have to warn about for Mirage owners is the swivel connector at his hip. Said to be easily breakable and all that. Rating: Throw out all references of articulation okay Fun Factor: 5/5 Nostalgia: 5/5 Fragility: 4/5 (Meaning very fragile at his hips) Availability:Good luck finding an original (Mine btw seems to be the Euro version by MB as in Milton Bradley)
|
|
|
Post by fenris72 on Jan 25, 2010 10:04:27 GMT -5
Soundwave: Destron Communicator Quote: "Cries and Screams are Music to my Ears" Designed by: Shinji Aramaki Content:#1 Soundwave "micro cassette" player #2 "batteries" (one is spring powered) #1 back cover/clip #3 har.p.o.on. like missiles #1 Buzzsaw or Rumble (depending on where you got him) #1 label sheet Poses:The Rant:Scientist(a retcon), blackmailer, opportunist, boot licker and nerd. Said to be the power behind the Decepticon throne. This guy ranks about second to the most famous G1 characters of all time. Great characterization by Sunbow/Marvel. Especially the vocoder effect (which Michael Bay flagrantly omitted ) Back to the fig. My review is based on the 1985 Euro version. As in the one with a slightly different face sculpt from the Soundblaster mold. Not to mention his buttons are also molded differently, plus a different mechanism on his chest chamber. His face design is so bad@ss. That being said, Hasbro used it as the basis for the Decepticon sigil. One more thing, you will notice that I have also applied some custom labels on Soundwave to make him a bit "anime" accurate so please don't be surprised to have a slightly differently looking product. Soundwave was advanced for his time. For a standing brick, I count 9 points of articulation (except that his knees do it in reverse). You want bling? Well he's got them. His simulated batteries turn to one concussion shoulder canon and a harp.o.on. launcher (the launch mechanism of the recent Hasbro versions have been gutted) and a clip holder/back cover if you want to simulate the "walkman effect". Early Japanese versions had a simulated earphone accessory ( oh the Japanese...........it all boils down to presentation ) Aside from that did I mention he's got die-cast parts? 2 on his shoulders, 2 on his thighs and 2 more on his black feet. My version hasn't aged smoothly though (the black paint has gotten a lot of chipping ). Again, the recent Universe and Hasbro release aren't painted so well and good. Over all Soundwave is a real treasure lo this past 2 decades. Shinji Aramaki really did number on him. As in bad@ss in badness. Or should that honor be given to the writers of the show? Rating:Fun Factor: 5/5 (especially when used in conjunction with his casseticons.) Fragility: 1 being uber fragile with 5 being tough, he is surprisingly tough so 5/5 Availability: Good luck again.............he's always sold out regardless of whatever version you get. Coming next: Rumble is Black and Frenzy is Blue............... No Transformer was ever harmed in the making of this review (that's why they're all presented in robot mode)
|
|
|
Post by fenris72 on Nov 14, 2009 9:45:46 GMT -5
Rider, KosMos, Bubblegum Crisis 2032, Queen's Blade(hopefully better than Revotech)
|
|
|
Post by fenris72 on Jul 5, 2009 3:33:40 GMT -5
CMS had quite sometime ago a Mirya figure that goes well with the Yamato Quaedlum Rao and from another company a 12" figure of Hikaru Ichijo.
|
|
|
Post by fenris72 on Mar 15, 2009 8:24:02 GMT -5
The floppiness ain't all that bad. Its the paint chips that sucks!. Should have been a Henkei Voyager.
|
|
|
Post by fenris72 on Nov 15, 2008 8:44:14 GMT -5
Does it come with a biocard? Mine doesn't.
|
|