william-james88 wrote:Madeus Prime wrote:fenrir72 wrote:OptimalOptimus2 wrote:TAV-21 is an okay figure. But something tells me that Hasbro designed the toy and Takara was able to release the mold first before Hasbro. Just speculating.
Hasbro paid the TT engineers to design and TT to manufacture. Correct.
Hmph, guess it shows that Takara's toy designers know how to make a simpler toy but preserve the interactive play value.
I am not sure about that Fenrir, I dont think hasbro was involved with this Optimus although the design of the animation model was done before the toy (unlike the olden days) so technically, it is a Hasbro based design. But the toy was concieved by Takara, check proof above. So it remains, that Takara designed the toy.
Also, Madeus, from what I hear, this Prime isnt simple at all. I am assuming he is no less complex than the Animated or Cybertron Leaders.
Although what I find crazy is how it is the guy who made Masterpiece Sideswipe and MP 10 who came up with the Transformation for 3 step Bumblebee and 3 step Grimlock.
For this mold, TT did this on their own (all the leg work). Unless like the previous henkei where some designs were done by Hasbro's domestic team, most of the time Hasbro pays TT (and its engineers) to design a "box full of fun things" and manufacture the item in their Japan,China, Thailand and Viet Nam factories.
The original concept , Hasbro. Then those guys tell Hasui and the like, we want it like this yada yada yada.
Hasui or the other guy who designed those one step changers.....not surprising as they are just mechanical geniuses!
@ Optimal, you are kinda correct on some parts and some off the mark as TAV21 is indeed a TT exclusive. Don't hold your breath for a domestic release.