Linkfest - Dinobots and More

If last few years seemed like 3rd parties focused heavily on combiners, it seems this year has become about the Dinobots as at least three or so companies are prepping their own Dinobot homages. In that realm we have galleries for not Computron, not Swindle, not Sky-Byte, and early look at the not Throttlebots combiner. On the official products front, Takara is working on their take of the Sega Genesis Transformer and a new paint job for Evasion Mode Prime. Hasbro has released images of some of their Angry Birds Transformers line and a look at some TF4 exclusives. In the licensed products realm, Hot Toys is releasing their take on Optimus Prime while Prime 1 Studio has movie inspired busts in the works along with a large and expensive Starscream statue, and Kubrick is releasing their own Bearbrick Transformers. In addition have a look at apartments that kind of transform through creative use of space. On the review front, a look at 28+ toys that have been released or about too. A few favorites include a look at Generations Jetfire, iGears new design of the Seekers, not Skullcruncher, Guardian, not Sludge and a Dinobot combiner.

Video Review of Transformers 4 Toys Lockdown

Below is a video review of Transformers: Age of Extinction deluxe Lockdown which I am have yet to see on store shelves. One of the interesting aspects is the head gun gimmick. Sadly his head doesn't transform into a gun but instead of hand gun fits over his head so can re-create those moments from the trailers and TV spots.

Botcon 2014

Botcon 2014 was held this weekend in Pasadena, California. Like previous one, it was a chance to get a look at some of Hasbro's plans for the Transformers line for the next year. No major news was revealed but Hasbro is continuing the lines along the same paths as this year. For Age of Extinction they showed off a bunch of upcoming one-step changers and multi-packs that use existing molds. The most interesting toy news was on the Generations front with plans for a G1 inspired designs for Megatron and Optimus Prime, official return of the headmasters with Brainstorm. Part of that is two firsts - after nearly 30 years getting a true G1 Transformers: The Movie inspired version of Arcee along with for the first time to my knowledge having a Chromia figure that isn't simply a repaint of Arcee but an actually new mold (Cybertronian motorcycle). IDW revealed a few of their upcoming mini-series plans involving Windblade and Drift. Below are highlights from each of the panels. After that are links to a ton of official photos along with galleries from the floor. Last but not least is a video of Hasbro's toy display. Basically the news looked good but I also get the impression that Hasbro was holding back for San Diego Comic-Con.

Linkfest - Masterpiece Kre-O

Botcon is this weekend so figured better push this out as has been a while. As usual 3rd party releases dominate as they are constantly announcing something including two different versions of not Computron, a take on G1 Jetfire, Metroplex, repaints, and more. Takara has revealed their repaint of Evasion Mode Prime, a look at Masterpiece Bumblebee, Wheeljack, MP Ultra Magnus and yet another repaint of MP-10 Optimus Prime. Hasbro also is planning to release their own official take of Jetfire for the Generations line. On the cartoon front, no news on the new series but Shout Factory is planning something for Botcon along with the release of Transformers Animated and Beast Machines box sets. As usual, lots of video reviews including generations toys, not Cy-Kill, not Blaster, a $2000 statue and more. To start though is this cool Kre-O take on the classic Generations One line.

SDCC Exclusive: Transformers 4 Dinobots in G1 Colors

Hasbro has revealed what will likely be the must have set of the San Diego Comic-Con 2014. Which means it will sell out almost immediately. At a cost of a whopping $160 dollars you can get a repaint with TF4 mold versions of Voyager Grimlock, deluxe Snarl, Strafe and Slug in their gold, red and chrome look from the Generation One days. It includes a unique packaging of the Autobots G1 Ark base with Teletraan-1. Full gallery of images here. Always annoying how SDCC brings out the best stuff from toy companies for a limited window that the regular public can't enjoy or afford.

Video Reviews of Transformers 4 Dinobots and Dispensor

Below are five video reviews from the Transformers: Age of Extinction toy line. Three of them are for the deluxe sized Dinobots Slash, Strafe, and Slug. Over all they are solid additions that have some problems due to the simplified transformation sequence but manage to have solid robot and alt modes. The last video is a review of Dispensor, which is currently a Japan only release. It is sorta based on the first Transformers soda machine that became a robot due to the Allspark only the alt mode is a soda truck. It has a rather odd gimmick that took what would have been an overall great mold and made it not worth whatever the import price probably is.

Transformers 4 Toy Line Hurt By Action-Figure Fatigue?

An article from the not really reputable NY Post (basically rumor magazine pretending to be a hard news type newspaper) suggests that various toy lines, including Transformers: Age of Extinction, are experiencing "action-figure fatigue." The basic idea is that too much product from too many action movies, especially all being sequels, has resulted in movie licensed toys not doing well on shelves causing retailers to start discounting them heavier and sooner than normal. “You’ve got all these action figures chasing mind-share, and they’ve all got the same backstory and the same characters,” [BMO Capital Markets Gerrick] Johnson told The Post. “Every kid already has Spider-Man and Captain America.”

How To Ride Your Dinobot

Below is a cute three-part short cartoon video done kind of Looney Tunes style to show Bumblebee, Optimus Prime and Drift learning to ride, walk and fight with Dinobots. The vids are official releases from Hasbro and not fan creations.

Video, Images from Singapore's Transformers 4 Release Event

Last week Singapore Toys R Us held their Transformers: Age of Extinction Toy Madness event to mark the release of the new toy line. Part of that includes a special gold chromed version of various new toys including leader class Optimus Prime available to Star card members only. From r3load.net is the below video that shows of the special edition figure while their are a few picture here from the event.

Transformers 4 Hound and Galvatron Video Reviews

Two more video reviews for those looking start their Transformers: Age of Extinction toy line collection. The first review is for Voyager Hound that might just be the first toy in the line that I might consider getting with a two great modes despite the simplified transformation. In the second review Voyager Galvatron looks good in truck mode but the robot mode is meh. Might be more interested depending on how the repaint looks (and there is always a repaint, just a matter of when).

Transformers 4 Officially Released Online, Two Video Reviews (Updated)

The wait is over as "Cybertron Monday" (as christened by Hasbro) has essentially marked the official launch of the Transformers: Age of Extinction toyline for online stores including HasbroToyShop.com. However it seems once you add shipping costs and the average 5-10 days to get it, might be better off waiting until May 15th (17th I forget which) for the store side release date. Still keep an eye out at your local favorite toy store as I would be surprised if most stores stick to the official date considering Hasbro is essentially giving online competition the illusion of an advance release (once add shipping times not really).

On a related note, below are video reviews to two of the leader class figures from the line with Optimus Prime and Grimlock. For me I intend to skip the entire line and just stick with Generation releases as really have seen nothing that grabs my interest. Update: Added Hasbro's press release announcing Cybertron Monday.

First Look at Slog and Snarl

Via a Frito-Lay's Transformers 4 tie-in campaign in Turkey, we now have the first look at Slog (not a typo for Slug) and Snarl along with a look at Strafe's robot mode. I assume these are based on the CGI models for the film but so far Grimlock and Strafe are the only confirmed Dinobots in the film. The rest of the campaign images for other characters including Crosshairs, Hound and Lockdown can be found here.

Transformers 4 Toys Designers Desk Video

Hasbro has posted a new video on their YouTube page that discusses the design of the Transformers: Age of Extinction toys with designers John Warden and Bill Paukert. It gives a broad overview of the process probably year long process that ends with the toys on the shelf. Maybe one of these days, perhaps as an extra on the home video release (hint, hint), Hasbro might provide an almost documentary type video that follows a Transformers toy from concept to shelf.

First Toy Commercial for Transformers: Age of Extinction Toy Line

Below is the first toy commercial seen for the Transformers: Age of Extinction toy line coming May 17. While from Poland, I don't imagine the localized versions will be much different. It doesn't really have any movie moments but it does have a "ride em cowboy" moment with Optimus Prime hopping on Flip and Change Grimlock. (via TFW2005)

Video Reviews for Age of Extinction One Step Grimlock and Optimus

Below are video reviews of two Transformers: Age of Extinction toys. These are the one-step changers that really is the very definition of simply that Hasbro is shooting for with the new line. These are really designed for younger kids to make Transformers as simple and easy to play with as possible. The result is a work in progress that isn't worth buying. The first video is for Flip and Change Grimlock, the other is Smash and Change Optimus Prime.

Hasbro Character Art for Transformers: Age of Extinction Toys

Hasbro has released 13 pieces of character art for the upcoming Transformers: Age of Extinction toy line. The art is what is being used on the various toy packages for each. Over all it looks good even if the same running (or roar) pose is a bit too redundant. Rest of the art after the break. Thanks to Feris O. for the heads-up.

Video Review of Transformers 4 Deluxe High Octane Bumblebee

Below is the video review of deluxe High Octane Bumblebee (the 1967 Chevy Camaro SS alt mode). He is the 4th figure from the wave one deluxes for Transformers: Age of Extinction toy line coming in about a month or so. Really, like all previous movie Bumblebee deluxes, once you have one you basically have all of them. Other maybe because like the alt mode color, it doesn't seem different enough from previous versions to be worth buying.

Video Review of Transformers 4 Deluxe Crosshairs

Here is another toy review from the Transformers: Age of Extinction toy line coming in mid-May. This one gives us a look at deluxe class Crosshairs. The character is a very simple transformation that reminds me of the legion class figures (or G1 for that matter). The end result is a character that I suspect will be a future peg warmer.

Video Review of Transformers 4 Deluxe Slug

Another Dinobot toy video review is up. Before it was Scorn, now its Slug. In the G1 days the character was called Slag but it turns out in the UK that Slag = slut hence the name change. Again this one has not been confirmed if in the movie (but I assume he is) and if he is as colorful as the toy is. Very simple but surprisingly effective transformation.

Video Review of Transformers 4 Deluxe Scorn

Yep another video review of a Transformers: Age of Extinction toy. This one is for the Dinobot Scorn which I assume will be in the movie but that hasn't been really confirmed. Maybe in a future trailer. The deluxe sized figure looks pretty solid over all with a good transformations sequence.