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).
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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.
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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.
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Just realized allowed the toy side of news to stack up. Guess was distracted by the Age of Extinction reviews. Still while AoE has been a bit underwhelming, that doesn't mean upcoming 3rd Party plans have slacked in their awesomeness with versions of not Metroplex, not Cy-Kill (yep the GoBot) and not Ultra Magnus. This isn't to say that Takara and Hasbro are not up to some none Extinction plans. Takara has revealed their 30th Anniversary plans that includes a new truck alt mode for Optimus, a look at Masterpiece Wheeljack, and agreements for a slew of products including statues, play sets and ties. In the not quite toy news department we have a look at G1 cartoon concept art and news that the entire "Unicron trilogy" is getting a DVD release. Of course no link fest is complete without a ton of reviews. The highlights include the wave 1 Generation deluxes, Masterpiece Ratbat, not Sharkticons, not Ultra Magnus, not Masterpiece Slag, first figure of a not Bruticus combiner, not Blaster and more. Basically a series of budget busting awesome. As always hit the links for more details and pictures.
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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.
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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.

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.
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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.
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Another review for a Transformers: Age of Extinction toy that will be released around mid-May. This one is for voyager class Evasion Mode Optimus Prime. The robot mode is the old dirty truck mode seen in the trailer for Prime only with his Generation One color scheme. The robot mode sorta matches his movie look but of course without the extensive detailing that CGI brings to the table. While not sure if like the robot look, it seems like it demonstrates the difficult dance between satisfying transformation sequence that isn't too easy but not too complex either.
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Normally I save video reviews for various linkfests, but this provides a first real look at the simplified transformation sequences that is being introduced with the Transformers: Age of Extinction toy line. We have seen it a touch with Beast Hunters and Generations but not at the Leader class scale. The result is a surprising good looking vehicle mode and not all that bad robot mode. The previous leader class transformations were often very complex and time consuming to transform. Basically not all ages could enjoy them. I agree with the reviewer's take. For collector's its "meh" but since it is aimed at kids then Hasbro can consider it mission accomplished. I am curious to see how it works line wide. The toy is available now at Amazon.com.
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Turns out that you do not have to wait until May to get one of the first toys from Transformers 4. Amazon has First Edition Optimus Prime available now for $59.99. The new design, officially revealed at the London Toy Fair, is Hasbro's new attempt at simplifying the transformation sequence to make the toys more enjoyable to play. A worthy goal, but does the final result retain its articulation and detail? According to a bunch of pictures and text review, it just might. Pics here, review here. Order now here. Press release from Hasbro below.
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Time to play catch-up on Transformers non-movie news. A few treats this month with the main one being a great video that from the 1983 Tokyo Toy Fair that introduces to the world what would become the Transformers. On the upcoming third party front, the theme this year is once again combiners with various companies doing their own take on the Protectobots, Combaticons, and another Predaking. Hasbro and Takara have their own non-TF4 news with MP Wheeljack tease, MP Prowl coming stateside, and new Rescue Bots inspired Transformers cartoon coming. In G1 news there is an interview with the guy that killed Optimus Prime, toy design art, official release of Transformers: The Movie score and a new TF book. Finally on the review front lots of great new toys with Warden (IDW Fortrest Maximus), Year of the Horse Prime, Mania King (Galvatron), Bii and Intimidator being on my to buy list. Hit the links and vids to learn more.

1983 Tokyo Toy Fair Video - A substantial piece of Transformers history is now available on YouTube with an old video that shows off the Generation One Transformers for the very first time. Taken at the 1983 Tokyo Toy Show, this was when Hasbro saw the concept and introduced it in 1984 to US audiences. So basically this show and a simple booth launched multi-billion dollar franchise.
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The end of 2013 is here with final toy linkfest of the year. Its been a good year in toys with Generations line, Takara's new additions to the Masterpiece line and most of the 3rd party makers knocking out some outstanding Transformers that often put Hasbro's and Takara's offerings to shame. As the the galleries show, 2014 is going to be the same, especially as Hasbro shifts to the Transformers 4 toyline. In 3rd party news we have a look at not Galvatron, not Menasor, not Ratch, and not IDW Fortress Maximus. Hasbro abd Takara are doing another repaint of MP Prime, more Generations coming, and few other official products. Other topics include Botcon 2014 has a location and time, Gingerbread Prime, new The Touch video, and movie statues. Per usual also have a bunch of new video reviews including look at latest Masterpiece Prowl, not Motormaster, not Brainstorm, new not Throttlebot, not Swoop and more.

3rd Party Galleries
Unique Toys Mania King - This 3rd party figure recreates the original G1 Galvatron but with a whole lot more detail and color scheme while keeping his Cybertronian alt mode. No estimated release date or price.
FansProject not Menasor - After a bit of a delay, the final piece of Fansproject's Intimidator combiner is coming next month. Diesel (aka not Motormaster) is set for release by the end of January for $150. Hit the link for the look at their final combiner and head below for a preview review of Diesel and Intimidator. Another gallery is here.
iGear not Ratchet - Hit the link for a re-release of iGear's not Ratchet release from early last year. This version is about $30 cheaper as they eliminated most of the unnecessary accessories that came with the figure. I got the first version and do recommend getting as it is a faithful re-creation of the G1 Ratchet robot and vehicle modes that fits with the Masterpiece line. Out now for $100. Read More »

Transformers 4 movie news remains light but the toys keeps coming be it official or otherwise. In this edition we have a look at Transformers: The Movie concept art and inspired 3rd party toys, look at upcoming 3rd party Masterpiece no Dinobot Slag, more headmasters, new waves of official Hasbro toys and lots of reviews. Also of interest is a fan made transforming papercraft cigarette box, an $1000 Optimus Prime, new DVD set, and official Nikes.

Transformers: The Movie Concept Art - Hit the link for a look at some of the concept art created by animation supervisor Floro Dery for the G1 cartoon and the 1986 movie. It has lots of details that did and did not eventually get used such as am early Junkion spacecraft, Cybertron's robot mode and more. It is really beautiful and detailed art that shows that a lot of thought and care went into designing the world of Transformers. Maybe Botcon should consider him for entry into the TF Hall of Fame.
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With Transformers: Age of Extinction filming news going mostly quiet as production heads to Chian, time for another link fest. In this addition we get an update on the fantastic masterpiece line (sadly all being repaints), news of a new Transformers comic, album, commercial spook and homage video. Of course this also means lots of links to video reviews of the latest Transformers including 3rd party releases of not Blackarachnia, not Brainstorm, not Uranos along with a look at the latest Masterpiece figure with MP-17 Prowl.

Masterpiece
MP-12G G2 Sideswipe - Another repaint of the MP-12 figure, but in the G2 style in new head mold and accessories. Release date is February, 2014 with average import price of $80.
MP-13B Soundblaster with Ratbat - Look at the Masterpiece Soundwave repaint with new MP version of Ratbat. While Hasbro has released MP Soundwave stateside, even though finding it in Toys R Us has been difficult, it doesn't come with Ratbat. The foy is set for release in March 2014, average import price is around $160.
MP-18 Bluestreak and MP-19 Smokescreen - Repaints of MP-17 Prowl (out now and review below), these two additions to the line will becoming out in the next two months for average price of $80 each. As a G1 fan and abiding love of the MP line, despite being repaints, definitely going to get both.
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With all the Transformers 4 news, got a bit behind on the toy links. Now that we seem to be in a bit of a mini-TF4 news drought (at least until TF4 hits Chicago on Friday), it seems like a good time to play catch-up. Most of the upcoming toys were revealed at cons over the summer but there a lot of cool stuff being planned like a 3rd party version of Nova Prime, not Bruticus and more. Also have a ton of reviews for already released or about to be released toys from Hasbro, Takara and others. Also news from comics, Hasbro and more.

Lego
Nintendo 64 Transformers - Very cool Lego creations that uses Nintendo 64 and is peripherals as alt modes that transform into robots and other objects.
Lego Ratchet and Ironhide - Hit link for fan made Lego creations that actually transform and look remarkably like their Generation One inspired source.
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With all the Transformers 4 movie news, I allowed the toy related links to stack up so this is my attempt to clear them out. Also trying out a new format to see if it is easier to read and use. Let me know what you think. As for what the links cover, we have the usual 3rd party lineup that includes lots of combiners, a look at Beast Hunters Abominus, more Generations toys with more images of IDW wave, Metroplex and possible re-release of Grimlock that never seemed to make it to toy shelves in the states. A new and expensive book is coming at the end of the year that might actually explain the 13 Primes was mentioned in Revenge of the Fallen and teased for the comic books before going nowhere.  The Masterpiece line continues with a look at the Hasbro Soundwave and upcoming new figures.  Last week the Tokyo Toy Show was held and it showed off most of the various toys covered in these links including the Super GT line (Alternity repaints), teased the Transformers Go (Takara name for Beast Hunters line) cartoon DVD that focuses on their Samurai combiner team. And last but not least is reviews including not The Fallen, not Sixshot and many Beast Hunters and Generations figures. Update: Added a video review of Generations Titan class Metroplex at the bottom of the post.
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This round of links on the latest in Transformers toys both official and not is just full of reviews. We reviews of Beast Hunters toys, latest MP release, and 3rd party upcoming releases like Tetra Squadron, not STunticons, and more. Also have reviews of past releases like a 30 year old Gobot gestault and God Ginrai. Not reviews include a look at the lastest addition to the Super GT line, encore Fortress Maximus, a new Megatron statue and Transformers Go comparisons.

Super GT Galleries - GTR Maximus | GTR Megatron
Takara has released a few more official images of their successors to the Binal-Tech line for Super GT racing. Four molds now are planned with Optimus Prime (GTR-01), Saber (GTR-02), Megatron (GTR-03) and now Maximus (GTR-04). I think its the same mold but with color differences and different heads molds for each character but not 100% on that. The average price of each is around $120 each with the first two coming out in the next month or so.
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More Transformers are coming, official or otherwise. For 3rd party makers, combiners seems to be the main theme while Takara has truly embraced the Masterpiece line and Hasbro is moving ahead with a full Beast Hunters line despite the short final season of Transformers Prime.  Hasbro finally revealed what Masterpiece Acid Storm looks like while Takara shows off blurry images of MP Prowl and Bluestreak.  Add to that lots of reviews of upcoming Beast Hunters toys, two members of TFC Toys Uranos combiner, next Throttlebot combiner member, and more.

Masterpiece Update - Hasbro MP Acid Storm | Hasbro MP Soundwave | Takara Prowl and Bluestreak
This year is just chock full of Masterpiece releases once include by the Takara and Hasbro plans. Already this year has seen the release of Takara's Soundwave toy with two of his cassettes (review below). On top of that have MP-10B Nemesis Prime 2.0 cab (March), MP-12T Tigertrack (July), MP-16 Frenzy and Rumble (April), and now a look at MP-17 Prowl (August), MP-18 Bluestreak (October) and later MP-19 Smokescreen (September). On top of that can add Hasbro's official images Masterpiece Acid Storm which is a repaint of Starscream 2.0 in a military green and black look while Soundwave is identical to the Takara release only it will come with all five cassettes instead of separate two pack releases.
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Toy Fair showed us a great upcoming line up of toys coming out months from now but time to focus on the more immediate future with lots of new Beast Hunters and 3rd part offering in the pipeline along with a few interesting tie in products. More Beast Hunters products are starting to hit shelves so lots of reviews to look at for them. On the third party front we have a look at a not Stunticons line-up, review of not Shockwave, not Jumpstarters, not Fall of Cybertron Omega Supreme and more. Masterpiece Soundwave is out so a review for him. New not toy products include a expensive coin set from New Zealand and a Optimus Hockey Jersey. Basically as the links and reviews show, the next year is going to be a wallet buster.

Causality not Stunticons - T-Bone
From Fansproject, their next series is the not Stunticons of CA-09 Car Crash, CA-10 T-Bone, CA-11 Down Force and CA-12 Last Chance. Apparently they are designed to merge into not Menasor but have not seen that gestalt form or what these four look like in appendage mode. Even if don't merge, each looks like be great additions to a collection. The average prices is $60 with Car Crash out in February, T-Bone in March and no dates on the rest.
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