mpchi

They should be the same toy. The Type-F was first released at a reduced price at 1900 something yen for the first batch. So now the reissue is just back to normal price, which is a tad more expensive than regular release. Though the toy does look quite massive when compared to the old, smaller Revoltechs. So maybe they tried to charge a little more to cover the material? Don't know. And its actually pretty cool. While I like EVA, I got tired of its merchandises through the past years. But I find this one a good one to have, and the only EVA in my Revoltech collection.

I agree with a lot of points you stated in your posts, but when it comes to MP Starscream specifically, I don't know who else Hasbro is trying to catering it to other than collectors, when its a toy that is an exclusive unreplenishable limited run (good luck finding one kids, if you don't drive a car & with lots of gas money), a toy most 10-year-old can destroy in minutes, and was marketed to adults only in Japan. Don't really see that as a good excuse for the black hinges.

I am not as bothered by the silver. Its just like the red and the blue on it, not something to help on the realism anyway. But the black hinges really bothers me. Its another example of how bad some of those guys at Hasbro are, when it comes to toy design. Is it that hard to mold those in the off white, just like the wing? How much common sense does it really need for that?

Just finished watching the DVD vol.1 of Pailsen Files. Have to say its a mixture of goods & bads. Bad: I am totally not digging the OP & ED songs, especially the ED. Just don't know if it fits the style, and the ED song sounding all happy and jumpy singing "Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!" when the screen is showing a bunch of soldiers carrying coffins of dead comrades is just wrong...its like they try to make the military theme more westernized, but don't think its that appropriate. The songs definitely lost the Votoms feel to it. The original songs are still the best, while the songs in The Defrost OVA is still pretty nice. Another bad part is the character design, especially on Chirico. In the old TV, and different OVAs, Chirico has a definite look, and a style of the main character designer's drawing. The style changes from series to series, but they are consistent within the series since the character deigner guy is also the key animator of the show on the episodes he work on, with The Defrost one looks the best. But in here, you can't see that definition of Chirico's face. He looks different in every freaking scene! And he doesn't look as good. Not even as good as the old TV series (compare to the well drawn episodes), and looks off very often. All other sub characters look better than him in this show. They are more defined than he is. Even Pailsen looks like someone else, and also not that accurate in different scenes. Took me a while to be sure thats him they are showing. So strange. Animation on the human characters side is only average. Nothing to write home about. Even feel a bit low budget at times. Which is a bit disappointing. Story start off with a good battle, then things gets slower and slower in episode 2. Good: Great detail in the battles showing a much more realistic side of Votoms in battles than any previous series. You see a lot of realistic 'mishap' in the battle that causes casualty, make you realise that its not all that cool piloting a scopedog, and there are way more things other than stray bullets that can take one's life. Thats very neat about the battle scene. And now that its CG, they can fill the screen full of them. You'll see the most dogs ever in a given single shot on screen. Animations on the CG & mechs are great. Convey a sense of heaviness when they move around slowly, but can dashes real fast once the gliding wheels on the feet kicks in. Textures on the CG are detailed, with a lot of wear on the scopedogs, which can't be done with cell animation alone. Though sometimes, the CG does look a bit too...CG. Not so much within the episode when all the action is going on, but more in the OP intro, when there are a lot of stills and slow motion. So its really a mix bag of some cool stuff with some very average stuff. Unfortunately not as kick ass as I would hope for. The story also takes its time, so not a whole lot had happened yet, and leaves a lot of room for story and character development in the coming 5 DVDs. Just hope that things do pick up soon in episode 3 (another battle), or it will be a pretty boring show that only gets good when it gets to the battle scenes. Hope its not one of those, as collecting these DVDs is going to cost me a lot. The DVD extra also showed a long trailer of the upcoming PS2 Votoms game. Looks the same without much different from things they've shown before, but the rendered detail CG opening looks kind of bad, with Chirico look like ass... The in-game low res Chirico actually look a lot better. The game sounds fun, but has some questionable art direction.

An update on the ebay Custom MP Prime Trailer I posted last month. There is now an awesome upgrade kit (comes with a price) that brings its look to a whole new level. Man. This upgrade kit is unreal! No more retro stickers. It literally made this custom trailer to be the best MP Prime trailer EVER! Now on par with Takara's MP-04 Trailer, but with the functions, gimmick and Roller that others want. Just ordered one. Can't wait for the kit to arrive! If you don't see one on ebay, contact the ebay seller sky_lynx1978 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...em=220160168482

Yeah. And it didn't got detached until the very end of the movie. I am kind of on the fence on this one. Really cool no doubt. But not sure how to prioritize this one on my BUY list, since I am not that attached to the movie/series. Yet it seems too cool to pass up.

Actually thats exactly how I feel. It would have been better to keep all that up to the audience imagination. Just some vague hints and pointers will do. They don't necessary need to explain it too much in episode 4, if they can't come up with something very good. Haha. Thats exactly what they used. Thats why I don't quite like how it turned out in regards of the Yurine. A bit cliche. Got the similar vibe when they try to explain the Force in Star Wars Episode I. Just that its not as bad in Karas.

Yeah. If they haven't make it such a big deal for "no mass-shifting" in interviews, it wouldn't be much of an issue or point of discussion. Its when they claimed that they are not doing that because its only good for old cartoons, but now we see more and more info on 'cheats' they used, it kind of ruins their credibility. I also like the movie regardless there is mass-shifting or no. But feel that they are not that honest about their approach.

Watched the Manga DVD vol.2 last night. But before I comment on the show I need to rant a little...WHAT THE HELL WAS MANGA THINKING? The case cover looks pretty bad with the yellowish-brown Karas (he is not supposed to be yellowish brown) on a bright sky blue background. But when you look closer, its the same illustration as the one on the back of vol.1, which looks much better there with the correct dark grey & black. But worse, they photoshop in a super short sword into that image that does not meant to be holding a sword. So what they do? They push the 'sword holding' hand out to the left and have most of it cropped, hiding the flaws. I was like WTH?! Then, when I load up the DVD menu, it got worse. Not only did they lose all the nice circular layout, clipboard deteccive photo style chapter search(animated too) & the yellow font from vol.1, the layout is all jacked and they use pink bubbles and generic type for everything. I almost thought I accidentally bought a HK bootleg. Then when I was watching halfway through, Eko (the main villain guy) start talking in old English (art, thou, ye....etc.) all of a sudden in the subtitle, out of nowhere. WTH?!!! I have never been this pissed at a official DVD release. And its actually my first time complaining about any menus or cover. With a show this caliber, especially when they did a good job on the first volume, I really don't see why they can have vol.2 so jacked up and still let it got approved and made. This is just awful. The show is very good. Much more epic, good but quick Otoha back story, and awesome detailed explosions of all kinds. But feel like they could have done a better job on a couple things. One is on explaining the origins of the Yurine, or just leave it out to keep the suspense. Don't seem very convincing as is. Like they are all regional, each protecting different cities and not stepping into others territory, but yet they never show any sort of systems or higher command in terms of how that is set up or who set the rules. And if they are city based, what about smaller towns and suburbs? LOL. Having demons and spirits following man-made city boundaries seems a bit odd. And I felt that the lighting could be better. In vol. 1, they did a very nice job blending Karas's CG into the 2D, almost make them look cell shaded with nice cast shadows hiding/blending the CG. But in Vol.2, a lot of the fight is in brighter light areas, and sometimes a lot of glow, popping out a lot of the CG more than it should. But its still very good regardless, with some very memorable Otoha moments in there. Overall, more epic, more going on on the screen, but slightly less polished when compare to vol.1 (episode 1-3). Great show, crappy Manga release.

So LOL . Though it reminds me of the trick in SF2 arcade with Guile that freezes the game in that odd jumping pose.

Yeah. Most of the love went to the good guys. Pretty much any of the movie casdt Autobots are great in some ways. The Decepticons on the other hand not so great. The only figure I really like is Leader Brawl, while Megatron actually failed to impress...failed pretty miserably indeed.

The arms are a bit funny, like 2 flaps sandwiching the little hand instead of a solid limb. But I was surprised that I was not bothered by it as much as others after hearing so many complains. The sculpted detail under those arm flaps is amazing though. Too bad most of them got hidden. So a plain jane Jazz doesn't look like much (used to dislike him so much). But when painted, you'll see all the details popping everywhere. Thats what I end up liking about him. The designers actually put some love on the sculpt, regardless the physical constraint of the short Solstice that made him a bit chubby.

Aww...Jazz... ...how I've been so wrong about you. Deluxe Movie Jazz used to be one of my least favorite Movie character toy, and I am pretty dead on not getting it. He's fat, got bunny ears, plain, and the dull grey plastic didn't help one bit. The Solstice isn't someting I like much. When I saw the Final Battle Jazz packaged in robot mode, I wasn't convinced one bit either. Saw Target's G1 deco, passed as well. But now that I've seen the movie on DVD, and look back at my collection, he is the only one thats missing from the Autobots. So I thought what the heck, knowing there is one nearby Walmart that still have quite a few of him. I decided to get him, sort of a "might as well" purchase. Who would have thought, I like him almost as much as my 08 Bumblebee...after a paint job. Most of you already know what Jazz has to offer, so I won't go into details. While his articulation is limited, and don't quite like his gun's look & being an add on piece, I love the figure's sturdiness & balance. He stands really well, which is always something I look for in a figure. And I always lift up his shoulders to help him look a few pounds less. Love his clear visor, the only movie toy I have that actually works well with the light effect through it. But man, was I surprised by the sculpted details on this guy, especially on the neck/shoulder areas, inner torso, inner car panels, and the legs. Most of them you won't see as much normally, but once painted a wash, they pop right out. Level of detail is on par with 08 Bumblebee, and significantly more than the likes of Barricade (his legs are awfully simple). And a gloss clear coat really help the dull plastic no longer look so dull. Quite amazingly, this Jazz that I thought I would never get, now became my second favorite movie Deluxe. Guess Jazz just need to be 'jazzed up' a bit. Sweet little figure for $9.99 & a few hours of work. Now that they are all here, its time for "Autobots! Roll out!!!"

Don't know about the other gears (Delta or Kaixa or the movie ones), but I do get a kick out of the Faiz ones, all in the suit case. Nothing fancy with the electronics, but sort of like your lightsaber toy, but for the Kamen Riders instead. Just a nice geeky collectable I guess. But now that I modified the belt, it doesn't fit in the suit case no more. So I just hang it on the wall vertically in my room, while all the other stuff goes into the case. Don't care for the Blaster though. Just the belt & accessories for me. Normally I don't buy this kind of toys, but I do wanted a henshin belt for a long while. After watching Faiz a few years back (really like the show, my favorite modern Rider series), I couldn't help but get myself the whole set up. Was eyeing on the Adult version back then, but 30000yen is just too much to ask for, especially when they took out some electronic gimmick on the adult version. It had diecast though. But nah, just the DX ones are fun enough.

From a post in Seibetron.com, the guy mentioned the 'battle damage' burnt mark airbrush can be easily wiped off with some alcohol. Though you do have to deal with the missing left head light (painted black instead of silver, as if its broken), and the silver scratch marks.

I for one am glad that they made Prime as the Dodge Pickup. Not too stoke about the red Prime, but love the Nemesis Prime I got out of that mold, and a great homage head they paid to the Ginrai. In Japan, it was originally meant to be a BT/Alt Ginrai rather than Prime. But they changed it back to Prime/Convoy, as its a more recognized character Japan or Overseas. But without this mold, we won't have the Nemesis.

From the little that I've seen, I do agree that Japanese TF anime shows in general are not that good. Too juvenille. They just don't seem to have the focus like they do on other anime shows. GaoGaiGar is a show with a lot of transfoming stuff, tailored for kids, but still very enjoyable and quite hot blooded for grown ups. The TF shows lacked that. However, I don't find the U.S. shows do exceptionally well either. Passable, but nothing to be glorified about. The animated movie back then was great when we were young, but don't seem so hot when rewatching it today. But when it comes to a big budget Hollywood movie, U.S. wins hands down. Japanese live action movies still don't quite match up in terms of quality and polish from what I've seen. But in terms of toy development, its obvious who is the winner.

Same here. Just did a custom paint job too. Its really awesome for $10. And thanks to the very good sculpted details on 08 BB, the dry brush on the limbs turn out really good with minimum amount of work. Very easy to do. My Barricade on the other hand didn't fair so well. The legs shapes and sculpt just doesn't look so hot even with the paint job. They are too big and plain. While 08BB made a big leap on looks with some paint, Barricade just improved a little bit. This really shows how much more love was put into designing the 08BB toy, versus Barricade.

Its pretty durable. Good thick plastic. Stands decently well on its own, since it has flip down feet that stays in place. I wouldn't get this set just for the transforming case & comic. But its pretty good extra if this is the only DVD version you'll get. Plus if you buy it with the Target Exclusive Deluxe Bumblebee 2 pack toy set ($15.99 this week instead of $19.99 normally), you also get a free $5 gift card, which also transfoms into Optimus Prime LOL. Its a pretty sweet deal.

Don't know if Bineltech was doing bad due to high price. 5000yen for a diecast detailed transforming toy is a pretty reasonable price. Even our $9.99 Movie Deluxe figures sells like 2500yen there, while any simple small scale PVC statues can cost just as much if not more than a BT as well. So 5000yen for a BT really isn't asking too much. Just that when we import, we got shafted on the mark-up and shipping, paying around $60-70 each. I think its just that TF was never that big in Japan, plus having no anime show support and lack variety (after 15-20 releases) hurts it in the long run. Definitely unfortunate, as it (with the Masterpiece line) is also my favorite TF line.

Haha I got those DX Faiz Gears & Belt in the DX suit case. Even modified the belt so its long enough for me to put on & henshin LOL.

That would very well be the case. I also got lucky and finally score the 08 Bumblebee, as well as the 2 pack Target set, both the last one at the Target I went. After played with the yellow guy a bit, I have to admit its the most impressive $10 TF I've ever come across. Barricade was pretty nice I thought a couple days ago. Then this new Bumblebee is like a totally different caliber. Automorph on legs and chest and gun. Sculpted detail way more than Barricade. Good joints all around (minus the missing ankle ball joint & the loose hip ball joints). If it ever get a BT upgrade & improvements, it will no doubt be the true "Ultimate Bee" for many years to come.

Highly doubted its true. Even the little display tag on those pics says Godmarz, not individual names. And its GX-41, not 41,42,43,44...etc. Besides, we already know GX-42 is Shin Jeeg.

Haha. I know. Just thought the lyrics applies to my situation on the Macross repaint. LOL.

Not too impressed by WHAM so far though, with Macross just being ok, and quite overpriced. Now that they re-released the "movie version', I don't really know what version I bought back then . So not sure if I'll go for another WHAM. "Do you really want to hurt me? Do you really want to make me cry...."