If Takara did change Transformers over to being mechs, would that definitely cause increased interest in Japan? While Gundams may be more popular, being a follower could mean that they would lose the people in Japan who like the TFs the way they are. So while it may be less popular, maybe it is at least a niche.

 

Perhaps they could simply introduce a few human-piloted Transformers into the series. They don't need to be the main focus, but I don't see any reason why it couldn't be something along the lines of a very large exo-suit.

Worst idea ever!

 

Transformers are sentient robots and should remain that way. If the Japanese do not like that then they can kiss my skidplate!

 

Perhaps Transformers are not doing well over there but the same applies here. The Japanese take on Transformers just does not work! So Hasbro should just split up and do their own cartoon without annoying humans and with good characters and plots.

 

That it will sell hugely over here. :tftongue

 

The toys we should be able to make ourselves as well. We could use the Japanese toys but we do need our own storyline. The Energon comics kicked ass! :thumb

you know its funny, i was just thinking to myself earlier that the next "evolution" in TF series would be human pilots. all i can say is, the second i hear that North America is getting an original series and isnt set for the 4-8 age range, but more towards the 10-13 age range (BW/BM) that is when TF's will do A LOT better in my eyes. Just seems like at the current state that TF's are in, both sides are losing, so i dont get why not just go back to when TF's were at their prime (no pun intended) but dare i say when that was? yes i do....DURING THE BEAST WARS!!!! CHARACTER DEVOLOPMENT PEOPLE!!!!! NOT 30 MIN LONG COMMERCIALS!!!!

 

 

thats just my 2 Cents...

I totally agree. It would probably give Transformers another boost. I mean, do kids really want to watch a 30 minute commercial for a toy? ESPECIALLY when the 'commercial' is 'lame'?

 

Give us Beast Wars style story telling again.

you know its funny, i was just thinking to myself earlier that the next "evolution" in TF series would be human pilots.  all i can say is, the second i hear that North America is getting an original series and isnt set for the 4-8 age range, but more towards the 10-13 age range (BW/BM) that is when TF's will do A LOT better in my eyes.  Just seems like at the current state that TF's are in, both sides are losing, so i dont get why not just go back to when TF's were at their prime (no pun intended) but dare i say when that was? yes i do....DURING THE BEAST WARS!!!! CHARACTER DEVOLOPMENT PEOPLE!!!!! NOT 30 MIN LONG COMMERCIALS!!!!

 

 

thats just my 2 Cents...

I totally agree. It would probably give Transformers another boost. I mean, do kids really want to watch a 30 minute commercial for a toy? ESPECIALLY when the 'commercial' is 'lame'?

 

Give us Beast Wars style story telling again.

i agree with the BW stlye toon

 

if they want a human hero just bring back headmaster's and targit master's as TF partner's. i myself hate headmasters but if it would help the fandom i could live with it also more adults in main roles or at least late teen's

 

as for takara hasbro split it will never happen hasbro pays takara to come up with them so why should they stop

 

and they did try human pilots e.g. Master Force and it never got a squal or one with the god master/head master concept any way

Victory had Brainmasters, does that count as a Sequal?

In a stroke of luck I was able to obtain the European version of the Brainmasters- the Motorvators.

 

I simply treat the smaller figure as a robot who is tired of being bossed around and built himself an exosuit.

 

What would help Transformers above all is a good storyline. And to lose the humans because for me the humans wrecked the last 2 Transformers shows. The Armada kids are annoying and Kicker actually manages to be more annoying than all the Armada kids put together.

 

I say give it a try and people will like it a lot better. :tftongue

In a stroke of luck I was able to obtain the European version of the Brainmasters- the Motorvators.

 

I simply treat the smaller figure as a robot who is tired of being bossed around and built himself an exosuit.

thats exactly what the Brainmasters are

Takara shouldn't be doing too bad. There are several people here in this forum and across the world buy Takara TF products. I own quite a few Takara TF.

So instead of the human pilot thing, why dont we help out and keep buying their stuff. How can a toy line be called transformers if the mech aren't sentient?

I am sorry. I can't believe that Transformers are not at all popular or at least moderately sucessful for Takara. If TFs were not, they would streamline the brand. Takara makes TONS of TFs that never come to the US. Robot Masters, World Smallest, Reissues, not to mention the large assortment of other things here and there. If TFs were not selling, why would they keep developing new molds and lines?

 

I think that it is an over simplification to say that the Japanese only like there TFs to be nonsentient. Yes Gundum is more popular in Japan. I have heard it described as the Japanese Star Wars. Yes there have been a lot of nock off series, some good, some bad. I think that quanity of these series and toy lines for that matter, is more about people trying to cash in on Gundum's 20+ years of success and less about if TFs (or giant mechs for that matter) ar sentient or not.

 

All of that being said, Hastak is not going to break up anytime soon! In terms of the show, Galaxy Force is less a 22 minute toy commerical than pervious incarnations. Through the first 10 eps, the kids are less annoying, and the TFs themselves seem to have a lot more emotion and such. Having Gonzo do the series is a BIG improvement. Now if the dub we get is even remotely watchable, Cybertron is going to be a good series!

If Japan dosn't like "Living Robots" why are Zoids, Super Sentai Mech, and even some gundams considered "alive"?