ALL THINGS TRANSFORMERS!!!!

[Spiderwebb13]

Wow that is an amazing pic. Makes me want the vans too.

 

[YoNoSe]

do it. the iGear "KO's" Look AMAZING with Sideswipe

Is that Faith Leader? He looks great with them.

 

[lerath666]

Indeed it is

 

[karamazov80]

The more I see those vans, the more I want them. . .and the more I see my TFC Hercules, the less I wanna keep him

 

[lerath666]

I love my TFC Herc.... I just worry about his hip joints :/

 

[Solid_Slug]

Jay...I got my Sideswipe today

 

[Solid_Slug]

Eh, apparently I can't do reviews so I could post my thoughts here;


So, here is a little review of Transformers Masterpiece MP-12 Lambor or Sideswipe. Now that I have him in hands, I'm really happy that I decided to get him. At first I wasn't that exited about Sideswipe, but after I saw more pictures I kind of changed my mind. This actually is a really cool looking toy and small for MP-line, but really cool. You can actually see how small the package is, if you check picture 1 where it is sitting with a Binaltech box.

Pic1

Opening the box reveals that Sideswipe comes in his alt mode, which is Lamborghini Countach. You can actually see a small Lamborghini logo and name Countach imprinted to a car. So it is official. Overall, the alt mode looks really nice. Some people hoped for detailed interiors and opening doors, but I'm not one of those. Alternators/binaltch are cool, but detailed interiors usually meant more back kibble and complex transformation. Other thing that have been mentioned, is the lack of rubber tires. IMO it isn't a problem, for these plastic ones look cool enough and at least they don't crack like rubber tires might do. One noticeable thing is the painted roof and panels around side windows. Those areas look more dark red than the rest of the car. I also noticed that the paint job isn't the best possible. This is something that many have complained and yet some may have versions with no paint flaws whatsoever. It is kind of a lottery. You can see these defect from pictures 2 and 3 to judge by yourself. I find those a bit annoying, but those aren't that terrible. In a bot mode you barely notice anything. Transforming him from car to a robot is fairly simple and actually quite pleasant experience. Only thing that might cause some slight operating are those side windows that are folded to fit nicely to his back. Nothing to worry about though. I never had that feeling that something could actually broke when transforming him.

Pic2

Pic3

In a pic 4 you can see him with all the stuff he comes with. There isn't much Just those pile drivers, that most likely no one will use anyways. You can also see some size comparison with deluxe size generations Sideswipe. Yes, MP-12 is rather small. However his bot mode is really great. He stands well and is well articulated. You can give him action poses if you like and unlike some larger MP-toys, this one can stand really well. It is not back heavy etc. There isn't actually that much of a back kibble, if you watch pic 6. I'm also not sure why his face looked a bit awry in some of those first pictures, but it actually looks great IRL. So IMO in bot mode this toy is a near perfect representation of Sideswipe. He looks nice with Prime and hopefully they will do more autobot car robots in scale with this one.

Pic4

Pic5

Pic6

Pic7

I suppose now there is this one important question left; is it really worth the money. I would say yes, though there are some slight paint issues. But like I said, you might get version with no defects at all. There roof area is IMO the only issue here and just because they painted that, and they painted red paint on top of a black layer. For some people the smaller size is also a problem. But now he is in scale with MP-10 and at least he doesn't take much room. Even the box is very compact and easy to store. I hope that this review as many others might help you to decide if this is worth your money in the end. It is not that cheap (then again what high end collectible toy is), but for some people even the Hasbro's version of fully loaded MP-10 is too expensive when it costs about 100 dollars (takara version is about 250-300$) You can always wait for Hasbro version of this, but it might never happen for Hasbro apparently doesn't have licence to Lambo, or that is what I heard. Like I said, IMO this toy is now the best representation of this character and it earns its masterpiece status.

Using scale 1 to 5, I give MP-12:
4-/5

 

[thecorsair]

Don't wait too long. By the time you realize Takara won't ever be able to do all the Season 1/2 characters in MP form, and will have passed up on the vanbots because they're "boring" compared to Lamborghinis, Fairlady Zs, Ultra Magnus, Galvatron, Shockwave, Dinobots, a new Megatron, Thundercracker and Skywarp (there's 3-4 years worth of MPs right there), these will be fetching a lot of money on Ebay.

Just like the Conehead Seekers...

Honestly, I think iGear's our best chance for an MP-style Trailbreaker and Hoist, for the reasons I've given above. Just not sexy enough for MP treatment.

Aside from the ones we've talked about in the past that probably won't happen officially due to licensing issues I also think the following are unlikely,

Skids
Grapple
Inferno
Hound

Of those I think Hound would have the best chance and if he did get made I reckon Takara would include a cage for MP Ravage as one of the extras which would be extremely cool.

Outside of the cars I think the other Dinobots are more likely to get a 3rd party release as they aren't as popular in Japan as they are elsewhere.

Now Takara seem to have got the hang of scaling the MP line properly I would love to see Takara have a go at Skyfire.

They can't base it on the original Jetfire toy as it was a rebranded VF1-Valkyrie from the Macross line but they'll be able to do a cartoon accurate Skyfire which should be one of the tallest Autobots.

As for the 'cons the main characters I want are,

1.Megatron V2
( Note to Takara, rip off as much of Hegemon's design as you can and improve where possible. )

2.Shockwave
( Licensing issues have prevented a rerelease of the original toy so again, it may be down to a 3rd party to make a Masterpiece. Rumors are that Fans Toys are making one so they'll either get stopped in their tracks by Takara again or they'll get this one released...either way collectors win.)

3.Insecticons
( FP's are nice but not really G1 accurate enough to be considered definitive. )

4.Cyclonus

5.Scourge

( I'd be much more likely to buy the rumored MP Galvatron if his buddies were made as well. )

EDIT
Solid_Slug,
Nice review!

Sideswipe cost me the equivalent of about $120 and I think it was well worth it.

The smaller scale, lack of diecast, lack of a proper car interior or rubber tyres doesn't mean **** to me, Sideswipe is one of the best representations of a G1 character ever and is in my top 2 Transformers of all time ( MP Grimlock being no 1. )

Bring on Red Alert and the new mold for Sunstreaker!

 

[DPrime]

The more I see those vans, the more I want them. . .and the more I see my TFC Hercules, the less I wanna keep him

Oh really? Why do you say that?

snip

Good review!

Seeing him side by side makes me wonder if I want to keep my Universe version anymore... Hmm.

I got a Henkei Prime in a trade, along with City Commander armor (though I need a Magnus). Not sure if I should just go with an all-out Classics collection, assuming we're starting to get straight-up G1 MP figures now, whether through the official companies or third parties.

Aside from the ones we've talked about in the past that probably won't happen officially due to licensing issues I also think the following are unlikely,

Skids
Grapple
Inferno
Hound

Yeah, I think you're probably right on those. Maybe not Hound, as you say...

It might be easier just to name the ones we're somewhat likely to get. In terms of the Autobot cars, I would say:

Sunstreaker
Prowl
Bluestreak
Smokescreen (if they can't get a license for the race car stuff, they'll just dumb it down, cartoon style)
Hot Rod (a real one)

MAYBE likely, but less so due to copyrights:
Jazz
Mirage
Wheeljack

Not sure if they're going to tackle Minibot characters. Bumblebee and Cliffjumper are iconic enough, but their alt modes are pretty deformed... and of course there's that VW issue.

If they go with the "deformed" alt mode, like back in G1, it shouldn't be a problem - and quite frankly, they'd be more accurate. But somehow I don't see them doing this... I think we'll have to rely on iGear for 'em, in the end.

Outside of the cars I think the other Dinobots are more likely to get a 3rd party release as they aren't as popular in Japan as they are elsewhere.

Now Takara seem to have got the hang of scaling the MP line properly I would love to see Takara have a go at Skyfire.

I hear you on the Dinobots. If we're lucky enough to get any, it'll probably be Swoop and that's it.

And as for all the people wanting ANOTHER MP Grimlock, pretty much the same but an inch or two taller... ugh. Just get Faith Leader if it bothers you that much.

Skyfire would be awesome, I agree.

As for the 'cons the main characters I want are,

1.Megatron V2
( Note to Takara, rip off as much of Hegemon's design as you can and improve where possible. )

2.Shockwave
( Licensing issues have prevented a rerelease of the original toy so again, it may be down to a 3rd party to make a Masterpiece. Rumors are that Fans Toys are making one so they'll either get stopped in their tracks by Takara again or they'll get this one released...either way collectors win.)

3.Insecticons
( FP's are nice but not really G1 accurate enough to be considered definitive. )

4.Cyclonus

5.Scourge

( I'd be much more likely to buy the rumored MP Galvatron if his buddies were made as well. )

I think all of those are pretty likely, except maybe Scourge, since he's... kind of weird.

I would add Blitzwing and Astrotrain to that list, too.

 

[thecorsair]

If MP Smokescreen's alt mode gets the same deco as the Henkei version I'd be fine with that.

A bigger Grimlock definitely isn't needed and I'd sooner the money go on another new character....Sludge is my next most wanted Dinobot as he'd be even bulkier in dino mode than Grimlock.

I think Kup & Blurr could also be added to the "possible" list as they were very prominent in the original movie and latter series of the cartoon and there's no licensing issue to worry about either.

A fully licensed Tracks would also be plausible as GM/Chevy allowed them to use a Corvette for the BT/Alternators lines as well as several different vehicles for Bayformers.

Triple Changer alt modes tend to be so out of scale with themselves that it'd be nigh impossible to make Masterpieces and still have them work properly within the scale Takara have been using since MP10.

Springer = Might work using the "alt modes are futuristic/Cybertronian" get out of jail card.

Broadside = The scale issue to end all scale issues. Would likely cause the poor designer to have a nervous breakdown

Sandstorm = Military transport chopper & a dune buggy

Blitzwing = The jet mode would have to be at least as big as the Seeker mold, which would make the tank mode look off but oversized tanks are cool....so it has potential.

Astrotrain = Space Shuttle & a steam locomotive

Octane = Gas tanker and a 747

 

[TD-0488]

Well, I now I want this more after this review. What is a good price to get the Sideswipe and Ratchet?

 

[DPrime]

So... should I get rid of my CHUGs or what?

Maybe I'm just feeling weird today.

 

[thecorsair]

So... should I get rid of my CHUGs or what?

Maybe I'm just feeling weird today.

Do it!

The money you'll raise will help pay for more Masterpieces & 3rd party stuff!

I was in my local TRU yesterday and happened to notice FoC Jazz and Optimus Prime on the pegs....I shook my head and quickly moved on to the Star Wars aisle

EDIT
New pics of MP Red Alert & Soundwave on Takara's site,
https://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/toy/search/masterpiece/mp13/
https://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/toy/search/masterpiece/mp14/

Seeing how good Starscream & Soundwave look together is what finally sold me on both molds....Soundwave is pre-ordered and MP11 will be bought once I've got all my Christmas shopping done.

 

[Spiderwebb13]

Yeah I can't wait to get Soundwave! He looks fantastic.

 

[Boba Ben]

MP Soundwave is my dream Transformer come true. I might even buy the Takara version instead of waiting for a Hasbro release.

 

[soundwave]

Wow been away from the thread for a while...alot of reading to do but in the meantime some of you may remember a few pages back I mentioned I got Faith Leader & was complaing about how fiddly he is & how mine was falling apart & I couldn't transform him...well tonight I finally grew some & decided to try again.

So as before a few bits fell off but I thought screw it & carried on regardless...decided I could fit them on again at the end & at last I freaking did it!!!!!!!!!!!

He looks great now & apart from being unsteady on his feet he displays fine & I'm glad I finally got him.
I will get an MP10 when Toys R Us in the UK finally start stocking him but until then he's my bestest Prime ever.

I know you've all seen a gazillion pics but I don't car I'm so pleased with finally getting him Robot mode that you are going to be forced to view mine now as well

More to follow in the next post...

 

[soundwave]

Continued...

And then I had been in 2 minds for a while about MP12 but after seeing so many pics on here I decided I did need him & so Kapow Toys came up trumps & on Monday he arrived safe & sound with the Coin & Pile Driver add on's so was really chuffed that I hadn't missed out on them

But by god is he awesome...looks sweet in Alt & robot modes poses great & scales perfectly with PP01 & I'm sure MP10 as well.

So just to do more of the same here are my pics...

And still more in the next one...

 

[soundwave]

And lastly just for the sake of it & to pimp my stuff even more here's the pair together

So yeah for the first time in a long time I've had some Transformer stuffs

Now I just need Red Alert & Soundwave to hurry up.

Oh & Corsair...I haven't forgotten I will get round to that PM soon lol

Neil

 

[Gipetto0812]

if anyone is interested in saving a couple bucks on iGear Ratchet, BBTS has him for $105 until monday as part of their Black Friday/Cyber Monday Event. Unfortunately they don't have Ironhide instock as well.

https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=IGR10020&mode=retail

 

[thecorsair]

Soundwave,
No worries on the PM and congrats on getting MP12 and transforming Faith Leader.

When my latest ebay auctions finish I've got at least £65 coming which I'll use towards MP Soundwave's tapes