I had an idea for marketing Combiner teams....

 

What if they were sold like Marvel Legends has been the last few years?

 

Specifically, what if each figure, instead of changing into all three modes (alt, robot, body part) came as a regular Transformer with two modes--BUT--packaged with a second "version" of himself permanently TF'd into his "Body Part" mode? And upon collecting all the figures who make up a certain set, you simply assemble all the parts into one, permanent, fully-articulated and detailed Gestalt warrior?

 

My reasoning is this: In order to make a combiner figure in the traditional manner, a lot of compromises have to be made somewhere. Energon certainly proves this with several suck-tastic (IMO) Autobots whose robot modes lack articulation or have funky proportions in order to incorporate the Powerlinx feature. And, the Energon combiner teams (at least the ones I bought), while a nice throwback to the old days, had all kinds of problems beyond just using only three molds each. On mine, the limbs never seem to want to stay together, the articulation is lacking, and even what there is of it is next to impossible to take full advantage of because, again, the limbs fall off but also because the weight distribution is a little weird.

 

Figures designed to combine with other figues have to make a sacrifice somewhere, losing something from one mode or another (sometimes all three). The combined monster they form is usually lacking in a number of areas.

 

Personally, I would rather have six deluxe-sized Constructicons who each have a regular alt/robot mode, fully detailed and articulated, and a separate, massive, fully-detailed 20-inch Devastator with a full range of movement. For the later teams who use five characters, make four Deluxes and one Voyager, but otherwise the concept is the same. Better toys, less compromise. Hasbro could even use some figures that already exist (not like they've never done THAT before) like Energon Demolishor for Long Haul, and pack him up with a "Devastator Part" version, saving production costs over designing all-new figures. I'd even pay an extra $5 over regular price-point retail, but that's me.

 

So that's my big idea. Not likely Hasbro would ever go for it (unless they specifically made a TF line aimed at longtime fans like Marvel Legends) but I think it's a good one.

 

What say you?

no

no

 

Care to expand on that at all?

the product may not market very well

Actually it would probably market the same way the marvel legends do. Bonus build a figure.

 

But personally I prefer the gestalts that three modes and combine. Yeah compromises are involved, but they have always been my favorite part of TFs. And honestly I can't say i've had any of those problems with my energon figures. The lack of hands is my only complaint with them other then I would have prefered five molds each versus three. But I understand the economics behind enough to accept the decision.

But, then the novelty would be gone, and I wouldn't care anyway. >.> The reason we like Transformers is because they transform, the gimmick rocks. And the reason we like combiners is that they combine and such, taking that away is kind of like stealing the gimmick. And I'm sure it would sell and be cool, but it wouldn't be as cool.

But, then the novelty would be gone, and I wouldn't care anyway. >.> The reason we like Transformers is because they transform, the gimmick rocks. And the reason we like combiners is that they combine and such, taking that away is kind of like stealing the gimmick. And I'm sure it would sell and be cool, but it wouldn't be as cool.

 

Yeah, I see what you guys are saying, BUT, you're not really "losing" anything. You still get the characters that transform normally; they just don't change into the big guy--he's like a separate figure.

 

My reasoning for it is, I like a good representation of the character, and I want that to have the best appearance in all modes, the best articulation possible, and as few compromises as possible. I want a Devastator that has full poseability, stands up without support and doesn't fall to pieces if I look at him wrong, and it wouldn't bother me to have him locked in as Devastator.

See i don't buy transformers figures that don't TF. Thats why I'm not a fan of the Action Masters, the Revolotech guys, or any of the little PVC figures. I even sold off Transmutate when I bought the reissue BW figures.

I didn't vote, because I'm kinda middle of the road on it. It's not an inherently bad idea, but the execution would have to be flawless for me to pick it up.

I didn't vote, because I'm kinda middle of the road on it. It's not an inherently bad idea, but the execution would have to be flawless for me to pick it up.

 

Feeling the same way.

 

If I'm understanding this right AB you are proposing each gestalt member only have two molds while the third is an already transformed section/limb. Interesting but why wouldn't Hasbro just incorporate a third mode on the existing figure. I know it can be done Hasbro just needs to step up design a bit from their Energon attempt.

 

After seiing the imagination/complexity of what's been done with the movie designs compared to the simplistic A/E/C/C designs I'd say the company's well on their way. That is if the trend continues. :thumb