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El Duque wrote:

Trikeboy wrote:

Fixed your YouTube code.

Thanks, what did I do wrong, for future reference?

Gonna grab my paint thinner and metallic red paint when I get this one. Reprolabels must be rubbing their hands in delight at this paint job. Hopefully I can make it look like the on screen character. I also hope to pose Arcee on top of him like this .

Trikeboy wrote:Thanks, what did I do wrong, for future reference?

You only want the video identified between the YouTube codes. In the case of this video it's 9RvQ3bhQsjQ. You had the whole embed address, which was http://youtu.be/9RvQ3bhQsjQ. No worries, common mistake.

I like it. Barely. I think it was always going to be a hard figure to pull off so I'll let some of the niggles slide.

I really like the mold, but (as the choir has been singing) that is some lousy-looking paint. It's a real shame it's extremely unlikely that this will see a nice metallic Takara paintjob like on United Tracks or First Edition Bulkhead. *le sigh*

Argh, it's SO close to being perfect... but those shoulders just kill it for me. One thing I always notice about Knockout is how much his shoulders stick up, and that perfect slant they're on. If they had managed to make the toy's shoulder pieces close together at the front it totally would make it (and not make his torso look so blocky and weird), I don't even mind all that weird grey jointage at the back because I accept that some sacrifices must be made for what will probably be a smaller figure. But without those shoulders having a forward angle... he may be a Clearance buy.

this has to be a prototype..hopefully
the figure its self looks great it would look better
without that paint job than with
if its for real that's the most laziest crappy jobs
i have seen on a deluxe figure
i don't recall any deluxe size TF paint app that sucked this bad

Do not want.

I actually don't like his forearms or lower legs. and the figure as a whole doesn't sell the character to me. Paintjob aside.

The chest looks far better how it's transformed here than what we've seen in the past though. :/

When I get this, i might just strip the paint and turn him into Dawn of Futures Past Terrorsaur. I know in the fiction he is based on Energon Skyblast but I think it would look nice next to the rest of the set.

Counterpunch wrote:I can't understand the positive reactions to this.

I actually can't understand all the negative. The only real problems I see are a)the paint deco on the doors is wrong and a bit strange and b)the magenta is a strange hue that doesn't blend as well as I'd prefer. It could stand to be darker. You have to know Reprolabels will do something about the door decos. The rest I can live with. The bot mode and weapon are clean and uncluttered. I'm quite surprised to see this response from you considering how positive you've been with much of the current domestic stuff. Just my two cents, bud.

The torso is actually decent in these pics, although the hips look weird and the two-tone colors are horrendous.

The mold itself looks good enough, though.

I guess I'll have to wait for the Takara imports for better paint--... [remembers the stickers on Takara's PRID figs].

[Sighs] Nevermind. Seems like I'll have to skip this one. Fixing the red is no problem with a rattle can of spray, but the silver accents are way beyond my beginner level modeling skills.

Flux Convoy wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:I can't understand the positive reactions to this.

I actually can't understand all the negative. The only real problems I see are a)the paint deco on the doors is wrong and a bit strange and b)the magenta is a strange hue that doesn't blend as well as I'd prefer. It could stand to be darker. You have to know Reprolabels will do something about the door decos. The rest I can live with. The bot mode and weapon are clean and uncluttered. I'm quite surprised to see this response from you considering how positive you've been with much of the current domestic stuff. Just my two cents, bud.

Then you know I'm not just spouting off here.

The robot mode is suffering from several hollow points that had this figure been done a year ago, we would not be seeing. His shoulder pads are not right in their position, angle, or color. The arms do the same trick that pRID Cliffjumper does so poorly.

The deco of the car speaks poorly of itself. I don't have to say much. The fact that we're all hoping Reprolabels fixes this before we even have it in hand speaks volumes.

Here's the real issue. This is a character who is supposed to look good. He's supposed to be the best looking alt mode going. I could forgive some of the bot mode issues if I could look at this and say, "Hey, they really understand the character...look at those alt mode paint aps."

What this figure tells me is a confirmation of a somewhat sneaking suspicion I've had about this line...it's not a priority. When I see stuff like this, I know Hasbro has learned the wrong lesson from the success of selling toys in the movie line.

Knockout should be fantastic. He should get the lion's share of paint aps in a given assortment. His appearance should be over the top. At the very least it should be the best in the assortment. Frankly, Hot Shot has more care given to him and he's not even a show character.

Why are they bothering to do such a good show with intricate character designs only to push out inferior product to anything that's come through in the past two years?

I'm not even like a huge Knockout fan or anything. I'm not trying to be confrontational with anyone who likes this toy and I'm not trying to be a dick to other fans here.

I've never gone around saying that toys are getting worse or that "it used to be better way back when".

That being said...I really am starting to think that we've peaked. If this is the best Hasbro can do, then we've entered a whole new age of compromise. And if that's the case, my collecting dollars really will go to other places that do not cut corners.

Counterpunch wrote:

Flux Convoy wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:I can't understand the positive reactions to this.

I actually can't understand all the negative. The only real problems I see are a)the paint deco on the doors is wrong and a bit strange and b)the magenta is a strange hue that doesn't blend as well as I'd prefer. It could stand to be darker. You have to know Reprolabels will do something about the door decos. The rest I can live with. The bot mode and weapon are clean and uncluttered. I'm quite surprised to see this response from you considering how positive you've been with much of the current domestic stuff. Just my two cents, bud.

Then you know I'm not just spouting off here.

The robot mode is suffering from several hollow points that had this figure been done a year ago, we would not be seeing. His shoulder pads are not right in their position, angle, or color. The arms do the same trick that pRID Cliffjumper does so poorly.

The deco of the car speaks poorly of itself. I don't have to say much. The fact that we're all hoping Reprolabels fixes this before we even have it in hand speaks volumes.

Here's the real issue. This is a character who is supposed to look good. He's supposed to be the best looking alt mode going. I could forgive some of the bot mode issues if I could look at this and say, "Hey, they really understand the character...look at those alt mode paint aps."

What this figure tells me is a confirmation of a somewhat sneaking suspicion I've had about this line...it's not a priority. When I see stuff like this, I know Hasbro has learned the wrong lesson from the success of selling toys in the movie line.

Knockout should be fantastic. He should get the lion's share of paint aps in a given assortment. His appearance should be over the top. At the very least it should be the best in the assortment. Frankly, Hot Shot has more care given to him and he's not even a show character.

Why are they bothering to do such a good show with intricate character designs only to push out inferior product to anything that's come through in the past two years?

I'm not even like a huge Knockout fan or anything. I'm not trying to be confrontational with anyone who likes this toy and I'm not trying to be a dick to other fans here.

I've never gone around saying that toys are getting worse or that "it used to be better way back when".

That being said...I really am starting to think that we've peaked. If this is the best Hasbro can do, then we've entered a whole new age of compromise. And if that's the case, my collecting dollars really will go to other places that do not cut corners.

The real issue IMO is the hollowness of the mold. He looks like a bunch of panels folded up to look like he's a solid robot. All the rest is a matter of taste, really.

RhA wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:

Flux Convoy wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:I can't understand the positive reactions to this.

I actually can't understand all the negative. The only real problems I see are a)the paint deco on the doors is wrong and a bit strange and b)the magenta is a strange hue that doesn't blend as well as I'd prefer. It could stand to be darker. You have to know Reprolabels will do something about the door decos. The rest I can live with. The bot mode and weapon are clean and uncluttered. I'm quite surprised to see this response from you considering how positive you've been with much of the current domestic stuff. Just my two cents, bud.

Then you know I'm not just spouting off here.

The robot mode is suffering from several hollow points that had this figure been done a year ago, we would not be seeing. His shoulder pads are not right in their position, angle, or color. The arms do the same trick that pRID Cliffjumper does so poorly.

The deco of the car speaks poorly of itself. I don't have to say much. The fact that we're all hoping Reprolabels fixes this before we even have it in hand speaks volumes.

Here's the real issue. This is a character who is supposed to look good. He's supposed to be the best looking alt mode going. I could forgive some of the bot mode issues if I could look at this and say, "Hey, they really understand the character...look at those alt mode paint aps."

What this figure tells me is a confirmation of a somewhat sneaking suspicion I've had about this line...it's not a priority. When I see stuff like this, I know Hasbro has learned the wrong lesson from the success of selling toys in the movie line.

Knockout should be fantastic. He should get the lion's share of paint aps in a given assortment. His appearance should be over the top. At the very least it should be the best in the assortment. Frankly, Hot Shot has more care given to him and he's not even a show character.

Why are they bothering to do such a good show with intricate character designs only to push out inferior product to anything that's come through in the past two years?

I'm not even like a huge Knockout fan or anything. I'm not trying to be confrontational with anyone who likes this toy and I'm not trying to be a dick to other fans here.

I've never gone around saying that toys are getting worse or that "it used to be better way back when".

That being said...I really am starting to think that we've peaked. If this is the best Hasbro can do, then we've entered a whole new age of compromise. And if that's the case, my collecting dollars really will go to other places that do not cut corners.

The real issue IMO is the hollowness of the mold. He looks like a bunch of panels folded up to look like he's a solid robot. All the rest is a matter of taste, really.

Are you saying that it's a matter of taste as to whether or not a toy and the character it represents should reflect the fictional portrayal?

I think he looks okay, but not okay enough to justify the probable price tag. I'm with Counterpunch on this one, Knockout should look awesome if only because that's how the character is portrayed and it would have been super-easy to make it happen. Sorry if I seem to be putting words in your mouth CP, not my intention.

Counterpunch wrote:

RhA wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:

Flux Convoy wrote:

Counterpunch wrote:I can't understand the positive reactions to this.

I actually can't understand all the negative. The only real problems I see are a)the paint deco on the doors is wrong and a bit strange and b)the magenta is a strange hue that doesn't blend as well as I'd prefer. It could stand to be darker. You have to know Reprolabels will do something about the door decos. The rest I can live with. The bot mode and weapon are clean and uncluttered. I'm quite surprised to see this response from you considering how positive you've been with much of the current domestic stuff. Just my two cents, bud.

Then you know I'm not just spouting off here.

The robot mode is suffering from several hollow points that had this figure been done a year ago, we would not be seeing. His shoulder pads are not right in their position, angle, or color. The arms do the same trick that pRID Cliffjumper does so poorly.

The deco of the car speaks poorly of itself. I don't have to say much. The fact that we're all hoping Reprolabels fixes this before we even have it in hand speaks volumes.

Here's the real issue. This is a character who is supposed to look good. He's supposed to be the best looking alt mode going. I could forgive some of the bot mode issues if I could look at this and say, "Hey, they really understand the character...look at those alt mode paint aps."

What this figure tells me is a confirmation of a somewhat sneaking suspicion I've had about this line...it's not a priority. When I see stuff like this, I know Hasbro has learned the wrong lesson from the success of selling toys in the movie line.

Knockout should be fantastic. He should get the lion's share of paint aps in a given assortment. His appearance should be over the top. At the very least it should be the best in the assortment. Frankly, Hot Shot has more care given to him and he's not even a show character.

Why are they bothering to do such a good show with intricate character designs only to push out inferior product to anything that's come through in the past two years?

I'm not even like a huge Knockout fan or anything. I'm not trying to be confrontational with anyone who likes this toy and I'm not trying to be a dick to other fans here.

I've never gone around saying that toys are getting worse or that "it used to be better way back when".

That being said...I really am starting to think that we've peaked. If this is the best Hasbro can do, then we've entered a whole new age of compromise. And if that's the case, my collecting dollars really will go to other places that do not cut corners.

The real issue IMO is the hollowness of the mold. He looks like a bunch of panels folded up to look like he's a solid robot. All the rest is a matter of taste, really.

Are you saying that it's a matter of taste as to whether or not a toy and the character it represents should reflect the fictional portrayal?

As much as I agree with the obvious quality issues, I really don't think the kids are going to give a rat's patootie about it.

I think the figure looks pretty cool. We need more Decepticons in the Transformers Prime line. The paint job is kind of weird but I still want one.

Sorry I accidently posted twice.

I think the R\C version of him is much cooler


The attention to detail for the R\C version is over the top and will most likely sit on shelves. The deluxe version has the potential to sell much better, but will drive people away with what looks like a disaster.

DISCHARGE wrote:I think the R\C version of him is much cooler


The attention to detail for the R\C version is over the top and will most likely sit on shelves. The deluxe version has the potential to sell much better, but will drive people away with what looks like a disaster.

Which people would those be? The collectors? Or the 7 years olds yelling "GIMME GIMME GIMME" at their parents who could really care less about if a paint app is off?

We as collectors have been spoiled by the third-party companies, and we will miss them when they are gone. But the average kid- at whom these toys are aimed- and their parents- who could care less what the toy looks like as long as it shuts up the kids- will not care. It is about the character to them, and let's face it...the kids are going to beat the crap out of the toy anyways. If the kids want it, the parents will buy it. If Breakdown or Wheeljack or Dreadwing are their favorites, then no amount of damage or bad paint will deter them from getting that figure as long as the character is recognizable.

I wonder if and when they repaint this mold who will be that TF?

First-Aid wrote:Which people would those be? The collectors? Or the 7 years olds yelling "GIMME GIMME GIMME" at their parents who could really care less about if a paint app is off?

We as collectors have been spoiled by the third-party companies, and we will miss them when they are gone. But the average kid- at whom these toys are aimed- and their parents- who could care less what the toy looks like as long as it shuts up the kids- will not care. It is about the character to them, and let's face it...the kids are going to beat the crap out of the toy anyways. If the kids want it, the parents will buy it. If Breakdown or Wheeljack or Dreadwing are their favorites, then no amount of damage or bad paint will deter them from getting that figure as long as the character is recognizable.

Well, I won't miss the 3rd party stuff, I haven't bought much of any of it.

Parents do care what the toys they give their kids look like, I say no to my daughter all the time if I don't think what she wants is quality(unless she spends her own money on it).

I took pretty good care of my toys even though I played with them as a kid.
I've had Dead Eye since I was a kid. He's missing his accessories, but he's in pretty good shape. I played with that thing every blam day for a long time.

I didn't baby that thing thinking it would have value some day, it was just a toy. But it is a quality toy.
But toys do get played with, your right, they'll get beaten up. But does that mean it should look that way out of the package?

You like the looks of him, fine. I think the deluxe looks like an unfinished POS. It looks like they tried to copy the basic aesthetics of Terradive in making him lean, I don't think it works for KNockout. I think he looks boring and generic.

If you pay any attention to toys like the R\C stuff for Transformers(I'm sure you do) you've probably noticed they sit on shelves. They dedicated a lot of thought and energy into developing a very good looking Knockout in the R\C division(yellow rims, shiny\clean\sharp lined paint) and the
Deluxe(dull colored plastic, sloppy\lazy paint scheme, Stikfas looking body) is sorely lacking in love.

As much as people try to yell that the kids drive the toy market, collectors play a huge role in it, probably more than the market research people get off spouting. Walk into the toy aisle and tell me you don't often see potential collectors buying toys more often than kids with their parents. Odds are the kids are gonna get one toy each, while the collector is gonna snatch up several just for him\herself.

DISCHARGE wrote:As much as people try to yell that the kids drive the toy market, collectors play a huge role in it, probably more than the market research people get off spouting. Walk into the toy aisle and tell me you don't often see potential collectors buying toys more often than kids with their parents. Odds are the kids are gonna get one toy each, while the collector is gonna snatch up several just for him\herself.

If that were the case, then Hasbro would have gone after the third party companies a LONG time ago for stealing market share, as profit is more important than intellectual property in many cases. The fact that they haven't done so speaks volumes about how much of the market share collectors have. A second point would be the Generations line: if the collectors contributed so much to the bottome line, this would be a permanent, stand-alone line that would not need to be supported by Prime, movieverse, etc., and Hasbro would build their line around it rather than vice versa...because the collectors want this line more than any other and support it more than the others, but they don't. Note that most of the figures produced for that line have counterparts in the more recent OTHER TF lines. As such, if a kid buys a Generations toy, it is more from either name recognition from a previous recent line, or the figure appeals to them (it's cool, Mom!). Estimates over the last few years for the actual collector's market share have been anywhere between 0.5-3%. I'd love to see some actual figures but I don't know if anyone has ever produced those numbers. But I can say that, as big as we tend to puff ourselves up to be, compared to the childrens market we're rabbit droppings. And that's the simple dollars and cents of it, from a strictly business standpoint. I can accept that. We are the 1%.

Don't go about crapping this thread up with third party talk.

First and final warning on the matter.

Follow up:

Look what someone on TFW posted for when you transform that toy properly (Instructions are even wrong):

The simple fact that they can produce multiple lines (Prime, Generations,Encore, Commemorative) at the same time says that the collectors do play a larger part than 1%. Hasbro has been offering multiple Transformers lines
in duality for quite a while now. Why because they had plastic to sell and they knew there was a market for it.
They are ingenious for deciding to develop FOC toys and labeling them in the Generations line. Kids will play the video game, want the figures and say "Well, Bruticus was in the Generations line and so is this guy I know nothing about, but he looks cool." Sale made!

In that respect Hasbro knows that collectors are gonna get all upset about the smallest thing. Geez, they could have omitted the body paint and painted the rims yellow and the thing would look x10 better.
Why make a toy where, in your opinion kids will just want it regardless of what it looks like, when the smallest amount of effort can be made to make that extra sale to sell it to discriminating collectors too?