|
Post by shaxper on Dec 10, 2002 12:31:18 GMT -5
Okay, so just about EVERY popular robot toy ever released in the US was designed (and often released) in Japan first. And we all know that, often times, the American versions were cheapened or somehow inferior. So my question is this:
Can you think of any circumstances in which the American version of a robot toy was better?
Here's my opinion:
Jumbo Machinder Great Mazinger/Shogun Warriors Mazinga: I'm gonna get shot for this one, but I LIKE the rocket launcher that Mazinga has on his left hand. It looks really cool to me.
Transformers RID: A few of these were improved for their American release. Railracer, for example, supposedly holds together better and is less fragile (though he lost the translucent windows), and Optimus Prime and Ultra Magnus got more needed Autobot stickers.
That's about it. Other than that, America always seems to either screw it up or copy it perfectly. Very little imagination added.
|
|
|
Post by admin1 aka Ed on Dec 10, 2002 13:56:14 GMT -5
How about the Iron Giant robot? I recall there being a REALLY Huge robo that was released in the US (and No Japanese equivalent). From what I have seen it looks great!
-And I happen to believe the new Jumbo-ish Gao Ranger robot is great. From what I have heard it is a US only release.
How about Robby the robot??
-Ed
|
|
|
Post by Rich on Dec 10, 2002 15:50:31 GMT -5
Syd Meade (sp) did the Turn A Gundam design. He's American I believe. Then we have Robocop and Terminator. Aaarrrnold ;D
|
|
|
Post by Giftedchild on Dec 10, 2002 15:55:46 GMT -5
MY AMERICAN DESIGN RULEZ! STEEL TECH!!
|
|
|
Post by JB on Dec 11, 2002 0:32:49 GMT -5
Ideal had their Zeroids.
|
|
|
Post by John on Dec 11, 2002 10:29:53 GMT -5
See discussions like this always motivate me to just produce my own d/c robots and do some original designs. Yes, I know I can't compete with the big boys and I know costs would be high. But I would [glow=red,2,300]have fun[/glow]!
I know I could do a hell of alot to detail a toy for $100, the retail price of 8+" of J-toys.
|
|
|
Post by Harvey on Dec 16, 2002 20:19:17 GMT -5
The first issue of the Shogun Warriors Jumbo Dragun was better than the Popy original since it was pretty much the identical toy but included an extra star shooter accessory. But other than that, just about every Japanese robot toy lost something in the importation to domestic release...from purely outrageous deletion of features and gimmicks to just lame box art.
|
|