Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products

Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 10:03AM CST

Category: Toy News
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In a fun change of pace, it is Takara who has revealed one of Hasbro's biggest Transformers releases of 2021.

This tweet posted images from Amazon Japan showing the upcoming Transformers War for Cybertron Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime. This will be a very detailed action figure with more articulation than usual, like double jointed hands, which are features more typical of Transformers Masterpiece figures. He comes with a trailer which converts into a battle station just like the original G1 toy. Unlike the original G1 toy, the robot component does become a decent looking car. This will be around the $80 USD mark when released. Commander Class Rodimus Prime can be pre-ordered currently on Amazon Japan.

Let us know if you think it's worth it and share your thoughts on our Energon Pub forums.

In addition to Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime, Takara also revealed a couple of other products that they will be releasing later this year. These products including the upcoming Studio Series ROTF Bumblebee as well as the Transformers X Top Gun Maverick crossover action figure.

Credit(s): figsoku on Twitter and Amazon Japan

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Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097563)
Posted by Sentinel_Primal on March 9th, 2021 @ 10:11am CST

I kinda like it. Look pretty much like my perfect Rodimus Prime
Though, wasn't he supposed to come with a fishing rod??

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097564)
Posted by blackeyedprime on March 9th, 2021 @ 10:12am CST

Easy pass on the Rodimus, not so sure I'd pay the same price I paid for the evil potp version but at least it's an option for those who want him. Trailer really doesnt look advanced or enough for the money and the front of the car/windshield still looks off along with awkward placement within the trailer.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097565)
Posted by FiddlerUndone on March 9th, 2021 @ 10:14am CST

Definitely an instant pre-order. And that will never show up around here.

I've been tempering my expectations for this and hoping he would clear the bar for a good figure. But he looks great. Maybe now I won't have to shed a tear on his behalf every time I look at the POTP abomination on my shelf.

And the trailer is way better than the SiegeRiseDom Optimus trailer.

-Fid

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097566)
Posted by Sabrblade on March 9th, 2021 @ 10:17am CST

Sentinel_Primal wrote:I kinda like it. Look pretty much like my perfect Rodimus Prime
Though, wasn't he supposed to come with a fishing rod??

I think it was said somewhere that the rod was replaced by the Sword of Primus.

Speaking of which, Primus redeco when, Takara? Please and thank you.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097567)
Posted by sol magnus on March 9th, 2021 @ 10:17am CST

Sabrblade wrote:
Sentinel_Primal wrote:I kinda like it. Look pretty much like my perfect Rodimus Prime
Though, wasn't he supposed to come with a fishing rod??
I think it was said somewhere that the rod was replaced by the Sword of Primus.

Speaking of which, Primus redeco when, Takara? Please and thank you.

Ha. I might even buy that.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097568)
Posted by RodimusConvoy13 on March 9th, 2021 @ 10:18am CST

He can do the "This is the end of the road, Galvatron!" finger pointing pose. I was in before, but now I'm all in. All for the fingers. :-D

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097569)
Posted by Mindmaster on March 9th, 2021 @ 10:18am CST

Definitely getting Rodimus now. We can only hope the rumored Galvatron won’t be ruined... :PRAY:

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097570)
Posted by AcademyofDrX on March 9th, 2021 @ 10:23am CST

I wish the car slotted back further into the trailer. As it is, the vehicle mode is much closer to the PotP design than to the G1 cartoon or toy. Since we got SS86 Hot Rod and the PotP also has a smaller car, I wish they had prioritized the combined vehicle mode over the other functions. Since I already have and intend to keep PotP Rodimus, I'm not as excited as I otherwise would be.

Setting aside those caveats, it's a nice looking bot. Looks like there's hand and index finger articulation. The colors and mold details are great. I'm not sure if it's worth $80, but I know I'll happily pay it.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097572)
Posted by sol magnus on March 9th, 2021 @ 10:27am CST

AcademyofDrX wrote:Setting aside those caveats, it's a nice looking bot. Looks like there's hand and index finger articulation. The colors and mold details are great. I'm not sure if it's worth $80, but I know I'll happily pay it.

Not that I usually care to that degree, but Rodimus has no gaps that I can see in any of the current photos.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097573)
Posted by Sentinel_Primal on March 9th, 2021 @ 10:28am CST

AcademyofDrX wrote:I wish the car slotted back further into the trailer. As it is, the vehicle mode is much closer to the PotP design than to the G1 cartoon or toy. Since we got SS86 Hot Rod and the PotP also has a smaller car, I wish they had prioritized the combined vehicle mode over the other functions. Since I already have and intend to keep PotP Rodimus, I'm not as excited as I otherwise would be.

I'd genuinely thought that they might be doing something kinda new with him because he was said to be toy inspired, so I assumed his "cab" mode would have been more like Kup where it's a pickup truck with a unique front end, and that would allow them to have the trailer sit properly against the cab area, but instead they went off of some frames from vey specific episodes.

I don't hate it, and kinda like the car mode, but I definitrly agree that it could have been better

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097574)
Posted by Mindmaster on March 9th, 2021 @ 10:38am CST

Rodimus apparently comes with TEN blast effects and a Matrix.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097575)
Posted by Seibertron on March 9th, 2021 @ 10:40am CST

Rodimus Prime looks absolutely incredible except for the windshield and yellow spoiler placement. Is it mistransformed or just a new design aesthetic for Rodimus? Everything else looks amazing. I love that they included the G1 trailer features. This trailer looks much better than the one that came with Optimus!

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097576)
Posted by Sentinel_Primal on March 9th, 2021 @ 10:40am CST

Mindmaster wrote:Rodimus apparently comes with TEN blast effects and a Matrix.

Before anyone gets too excited, some people on TFW pointed out that he comes with Omega/Sky Lynx's effects, so that's 7 parts, plus the Matrix effect from SS86 Hot Rod, and likely the other two effects as well

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097577)
Posted by Tuned Agent on March 9th, 2021 @ 10:46am CST

The bot mode looks great, much better than Hot Rod. The full alt mode looks decent. I was expecting to be more impressed by his trailer though, it's kinda... underwhelming. There are probably a couple more features in it that aren't pictured, though, so I'm not making any final judgements yet.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097578)
Posted by sol magnus on March 9th, 2021 @ 10:47am CST

Seibertron wrote:Rodimus Prime looks absolutely incredible except for the windshield and yellow spoiler placement. Is it mistransformed or just a new design aesthetic for Rodimus? Everything else looks amazing. I love that they included the G1 trailer features. This trailer looks much better than the one that came with Optimus!

The position of the spoiler is correct, so I guess it's a new aesthetic. I'm okay with the 'discrepancy' because he nets a fully formed vehicle mode unlike the original.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097579)
Posted by o.supreme on March 9th, 2021 @ 10:55am CST

It's a great looking toy to be sure, but it's definitely no CC. Curse Hasbro for putting an Airlock on the Trailer. But I am going to stand my ground on this one. The only reason I would get it is for that, (and I've passed on a couple other Airlock TF's already) and I'm not paying $80 for it. If I can't get it for a considerable discount, then I'll pass. So be it.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097580)
Posted by Overcracker on March 9th, 2021 @ 11:03am CST

Well, I guess I'll have to set aside $80 bucks for the pre-order. He looks awesome in both modes. I now understand the car mode, and the battle platform looks good.

Assuming he comes with more accessories than just the sword and gun, (at least a Matrix is pretty much a given) the $80 is not that hard to swallow.

The only gripe is the lack of paint on the rims. But that is easily fixed with a silver sharpie.

At least I have time to save up the dough. Though shipping may be a bit painful for him. Hope Tracks and Tigatron show up at around the same time so I can ship the together.

I'm gonna need a bigger shelf for the HotRod / Radius display now.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097581)
Posted by TF-fan kev777 on March 9th, 2021 @ 11:16am CST

o.supreme wrote:It's a great looking toy to be sure, but it's definitely no CC. Curse Hasbro for putting an Airlock on the Trailer. But I am going to stand my ground on this one. The only reason I would get it is for that, (and I've passed on a couple other Airlock TF's already) and I'm not paying $80 for it. If I can't get it for a considerable discount, then I'll pass. So be it.

This is where I am. For city building, the trailer actually really isn't that great. It would be a dead end for any road, at least that's what I'm telling myself now.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097582)
Posted by o.supreme on March 9th, 2021 @ 11:19am CST

From one City Builder to another, I totaly get that ;)^

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097583)
Posted by Razorbeast88 on March 9th, 2021 @ 11:25am CST

Not sure how I feel about this guy yet
I love the robot mode, especially the head sculpt
But the combined vehicle mode and battle platform just seem so underwhelming for a CC price point. I hope we get more info about accessories, features, and some size comparisons soon

I'm probably still gonna get him haha I just hope there's more bang for my buck

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097584)
Posted by TulioDude on March 9th, 2021 @ 11:38am CST

Looks nice,I'm happy for those that wanted an Rodimus that has the weapon plataform gimmick.

Day 434 of waiting for Transformers Armada Masterpiece news

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097585)
Posted by SGMLordMirage on March 9th, 2021 @ 11:39am CST

I happened to stopped by my local Walmart here in Nixa, Missouri and got lucky to find Dinobot and Inferno. Unfortunately, there was only one of each on the shelf.
SGM

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097587)
Posted by Immortal Starscream on March 9th, 2021 @ 11:48am CST

I do want roddy, make no mistake, but I am still not seeing anything justifying the commander class price point. I know less hollow parts and higher piece count really makes a lot of difference, I get that. But still :BANG_HEAD:

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097588)
Posted by o.supreme on March 9th, 2021 @ 11:55am CST

I'm willing to guess in terms of sheer dimensions this Rodimus Prime is very close in size to ER/Kingdom Optimus Prime. I'm sure the bot modes themselves will be almost identical in terms of height and parts count/transformation. It's just that while Prime's trailer is fairly simple and lightweight, Rodimus' Trailer has a much higher part count/plastic use/engineering so it will be heavier. That plus the accessories is where Hasbro tries to justify the CC price point. I think a very early comment about this release being "divisive" is quite appropriate. I mean it has nothing to do with whether you like Rodimus as a character or not (I think even among the oldest fans like myself, the idea of "hating" a character for an interpretation of a fictional event was dropped many years ago by most). The divisive part comes solely from the cost. Some are ok with it, and some are not.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097589)
Posted by ZeroWolf on March 9th, 2021 @ 11:56am CST

Immortal Starscream wrote:I do want roddy, make no mistake, but I am still not seeing anything justifying the commander class price point. I know less hollow parts and higher piece count really makes a lot of difference, I get that. But still

It was also the only place to put him really, with all the other slots filled, plus the plastic in the trailer alone would have pushed him further then Leader Class. Its far chunkier then Leader ops trailer. Plus looks like Rodimus got more plastic in him as well :-?

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097590)
Posted by Razorbeast88 on March 9th, 2021 @ 11:57am CST

I was on YouTube watching Rodimus Primal's reaction to Kingdom CC Roddie, and I started thinking about what Rodimus Primal's alt mode would be outside of the zoid looking lion

And considering he was a truck like prime in G1 I think its only right that he has an alt mode similar to Optimus primal. So I've arrived at the conclusion that Rodimus Primal should be an Orangutan hahahaha

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097591)
Posted by Immortal Starscream on March 9th, 2021 @ 12:05pm CST

o.supreme wrote:I'm willing to guess in terms of sheer dimensions this Rodimus Prime is very close in size to ER/Kingdom Optimus Prime. I'm sure the bot modes themselves will be almost identical in terms of height and parts count/transformation. It's just that while Prime's trailer is fairly simple and lightweight, Rodimus' Trailer has a much higher part count/plastic use/engineering so it will be heavier. That plus the accessories is where Hasbro tries to justify the CC price point. I think a very early comment about this release being "divisive" is quite appropriate. I mean it has nothing to do with whether you like Rodimus as a character or not (I think even among the oldest fans like myself, the idea of "hating" a character for an interpretation of a fictional event was dropped many years ago by most). The divisive part comes solely from the cost. Some are ok with it, and some are not.

yup. this. it's just waaaaay too much money for what we get imho, despite the cost probably being justified by the plastic quantity....which I am still going to be dropping on this guy because OMG LOOK AT HIM HE IS GLORIOUS.

never let it be said that I are smarts. :DANCE:

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097592)
Posted by alekese on March 9th, 2021 @ 12:10pm CST

Avoiding discussion on pricing, the figure's articulation looks amazing. It looks like the legs are the same articulation/transformation scheme as ss hotrod, just scaled up, which I have no complaints on because I was impressed with how clean and articulated it was there. But those arms. My god those arms. double jointed elbows, presumably with a swivel in the middle. what looks like a mushroom peg in the armpit to give it a butterfly joint. and those hands, with two points of articulation in the fingers, with a separate 2 point index. I'm pretty sure just the two arms have a higher parts count than some deluxes.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097594)
Posted by Seibertron on March 9th, 2021 @ 12:16pm CST

alekese wrote:Avoiding discussion on pricing, the figure's articulation looks amazing. It looks like the legs are the same articulation/transformation scheme as ss hotrod, just scaled up, which I have no complaints on because I was impressed with how clean and articulated it was there. But those arms. My god those arms. double jointed elbows, presumably with a swivel in the middle. what looks like a mushroom peg in the armpit to give it a butterfly joint. and those hands, with two points of articulation in the fingers, with a separate 2 point index. I'm pretty sure just the two arms have a higher parts count than some deluxes.

This is definitely where the cost of the figure is. I'd rather have something along these lines than hollow forearms and other things that are due to cost cutting.

Still not sure what to make of the top of the windshield / spoiler area. It's not cartoon accurate which is a bummer because the rest of the toy looks fantastic.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097597)
Posted by Notimus Crime on March 9th, 2021 @ 12:35pm CST

I do like the look of Rodimus, but I just don't care enough about the character to justify spending $80 on him. I was initially like "Oh well I want to get Galvatron from what we've heard of him, I should get Rodimus to go against him", but I think I'll be fine just not. There's been enough time travel shenanigan stories with Galvatron that I can just pretend that's what's going on there and why he's posed fighting alongside Megatron against Optimus and other '84 bots who died in the 1986 movie.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097599)
Posted by Seibertron on March 9th, 2021 @ 12:46pm CST

Here's a better comparison. It's missing the top design piece of the windshield ... which makes the windshield look much bigger than it should.

And here's the more detailed Studio Ox model as well which has the same design piece ...

And here is the G1 toy and the Masterpiece toy which both have that design element.

Transformers G1 1986 Rodimus Prime (Rodimus Convoy) Gallery

Transformers Masterpiece Rodimus Prime (MP-09) (Rodimus Convoy (MP-09)) Gallery

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097600)
Posted by Tuned Agent on March 9th, 2021 @ 12:53pm CST

alekese wrote:Avoiding discussion on pricing, the figure's articulation looks amazing. It looks like the legs are the same articulation/transformation scheme as ss hotrod, just scaled up, which I have no complaints on because I was impressed with how clean and articulated it was there. But those arms. My god those arms. double jointed elbows, presumably with a swivel in the middle. what looks like a mushroom peg in the armpit to give it a butterfly joint. and those hands, with two points of articulation in the fingers, with a separate 2 point index. I'm pretty sure just the two arms have a higher parts count than some deluxes.

I seriously doubt his arms have that high of a parts count, but their articulation is definitely impressive, especially the hands. I'm curious to see how well his hands work at this size, because those point fingers are going to be tiny.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097601)
Posted by Sabrblade on March 9th, 2021 @ 12:57pm CST

The one Rodimus image missing from the news post:

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097605)
Posted by bluecatcinema on March 9th, 2021 @ 1:22pm CST

Kingdom Rodimus looks great!

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097606)
Posted by Overcracker on March 9th, 2021 @ 1:30pm CST

His Transformation looks quote involved. More complex than most figures so far. There's also a ton of hinges and swivels which add to the parts count.

A few more accessories and yes, he certainly seems intricate enough for Commander Class.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097609)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on March 9th, 2021 @ 1:47pm CST

The lone car look like HotRod on steroids. Way better than the OG G1 where it was a HotRod skeleton.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097610)
Posted by Nemesis Destron on March 9th, 2021 @ 1:48pm CST

Mindmaster wrote:Definitely getting Rodimus now. We can only hope the rumored Galvatron won’t be ruined...

Freakin' A!!!

I'm laughing at how I mentioned his dual cannon in the trailer gimmick days ago and look what they gave us! :))

Either way I will be parting ways with POTP Rodimus for this impressive looking version. Even if the Hot Rod piece doesn't look very good I don't plan on displaying Rodimus out of his RV mode when in alt-mode...'nuff said! :VEHI:

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097615)
Posted by TF-fan kev777 on March 9th, 2021 @ 2:28pm CST

Overcracker wrote:His Transformation looks quote involved. More complex than most figures so far. There's also a ton of hinges and swivels which add to the parts count.

A few more accessories and yes, he certainly seems intricate enough for Commander Class.

I think that is part of the whole problem for some fans though. A super nice version with lots of details and some extras may fit the complexity and price point of commander class, but it comes at the expense of another bot or figure that could only work at commander class such as Star Sabre, Deathsaurus or Tidal Wave. There were other options for doing a pretty good Rodimus Prime, but using commander class takes that slot away from someone that could only fit as commander class and pushing bots that really need an update further into the future.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097616)
Posted by Wolfman Jake on March 9th, 2021 @ 2:57pm CST

TF-fan kev777 wrote:
Overcracker wrote:His Transformation looks quote involved. More complex than most figures so far. There's also a ton of hinges and swivels which add to the parts count.

A few more accessories and yes, he certainly seems intricate enough for Commander Class.

I think that is part of the whole problem for some fans though. A super nice version with lots of details and some extras may fit the complexity and price point of commander class, but it comes at the expense of another bot or figure that could only work at commander class such as Star Sabre, Deathsaurus or Tidal Wave. There were other options for doing a pretty good Rodimus Prime, but using commander class takes that slot away from someone that could only fit as commander class and pushing bots that really need an update further into the future.

Well, on the other hand, starting next year, we're reportedly getting TWO Commander Class figures and NO Titan Class figure at all. So, that's another slot opened up. Maybe it will be Star Saber and Deathsaurus? I also now want a Commander Class Optimus Prime based on the Earthrise design, but with more articulation, more paint apps, and a much bigger and more interactive trailer.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097617)
Posted by jtanimator on March 9th, 2021 @ 3:02pm CST

I want to comment on how this doesn't match up to the value of the past 2 commander class figures, but then I realized we have no idea how tall this figure is in the first place. that'll also tell us just how big this trailer actually is. I'll go ahead and wait til that's revealed to make my judgement.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097618)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on March 9th, 2021 @ 3:08pm CST

Wolfman Jake wrote:
TF-fan kev777 wrote:
Overcracker wrote:His Transformation looks quote involved. More complex than most figures so far. There's also a ton of hinges and swivels which add to the parts count.

A few more accessories and yes, he certainly seems intricate enough for Commander Class.

I think that is part of the whole problem for some fans though. A super nice version with lots of details and some extras may fit the complexity and price point of commander class, but it comes at the expense of another bot or figure that could only work at commander class such as Star Sabre, Deathsaurus or Tidal Wave. There were other options for doing a pretty good Rodimus Prime, but using commander class takes that slot away from someone that could only fit as commander class and pushing bots that really need an update further into the future.

Well, on the other hand, starting next year, we're reportedly getting TWO Commander Class figures and NO Titan Class figure at all. So, that's another slot opened up. Maybe it will be Star Saber and Deathsaurus? I also now want a Commander Class Optimus Prime based on the Earthrise design, but with more articulation, more paint apps, and a much bigger and more interactive trailer.

Overquoting to ask for Commander Star Saber and Commander Victory Leo. Still, Victory Leo could work as a Leader so it would free Commander #2 for Deathsaurus.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097619)
Posted by Cyberpath on March 9th, 2021 @ 3:09pm CST

That Rodimus Prime looks pretty good. This whole trilogy is rad. Darn it, HasTak, why you gotta up your game just when I'm cutting way back? Couldn't you have released these like ten years ago? There're just too many great-looking figures not enough space.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097621)
Posted by ZeroWolf on March 9th, 2021 @ 3:10pm CST

TF-fan kev777 wrote:
Overcracker wrote:His Transformation looks quote involved. More complex than most figures so far. There's also a ton of hinges and swivels which add to the parts count.

A few more accessories and yes, he certainly seems intricate enough for Commander Class.

I think that is part of the whole problem for some fans though. A super nice version with lots of details and some extras may fit the complexity and price point of commander class, but it comes at the expense of another bot or figure that could only work at commander class such as Star Sabre, Deathsaurus or Tidal Wave. There were other options for doing a pretty good Rodimus Prime, but using commander class takes that slot away from someone that could only fit as commander class and pushing bots that really need an update further into the future.

Except they wanted to make sure Rodimus Prime came out this year for the anniversary, and all the other slots were taken (oy a few Leader Class slots available) so commander class was the only option. That and recent leakers said that its likely we'll be waiting a long while for Star Saber and Deathsarus (I still prefer the Dezeras name, despite being incorrect!). Hasbro doesn't seem bothered about using them. I'd wager that it's more likely that Tidal Wave got the commander class treatment next.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097624)
Posted by Sabrblade on March 9th, 2021 @ 3:37pm CST

Cyberpath wrote:Couldn't you have released these like ten years ago?

We all wish that, man. But ten years ago was a different Hasbro team with a different mindset. That team believed 80s altmodes wouldn't sell in today's market and that everything had to be changed, updated, and different in order to be appealing (hence their constant refusal to make Soundwave a tape deck again). In their minds, making new toys based directly on the old character designs was "backwards thinking", and that the toys' real future lay in the live action movies.

The current Hasbro team that's been giving us these proper G1 updates didn't form until around 2014, with their first Generations offerings coming in 2015's Combiner Wars, a mere six years ago instead of ten.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097625)
Posted by Overcracker on March 9th, 2021 @ 3:41pm CST

As much as I like Star Saber and Deathsaurus, that's not something Hasbro is likely to do. Nor would they have been considered for a Hasbro line at all. So no Rodimus is not taking up a slot for them. Not sure there's any other character that would fit a Commander class that is not a Japan only character.

They are Japan only characters, and Hasbro has not been very interested in those.

Unless Takara decides to go it alone on them, like they did with Star Convoy and Big Powered I don't see them happening at all in a Hasbro controlled line.

If they were to do them like they did those two, as heavy retools of an existing figure, I'm not entirely sure what figure they'd use for them anyway.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097626)
Posted by TF-fan kev777 on March 9th, 2021 @ 3:50pm CST

Overcracker wrote:As much as I like Star Saber and Deathsaurus, that's not something Hasbro is likely to do. Nor would they have been considered for a Hasbro line at all.

Except, both were in the fan poll for Power of the Primes. Now, maybe that was it, just a tease from Hasbro knowing (praying) neither would win, but they were at least on the radar of the design team in some form. They were also the only 2 that haven't gotten a toy since then, so maybe their absence since then is as close to confirmation they are out of the picture as we will get directly.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097628)
Posted by Wolfman Jake on March 9th, 2021 @ 3:55pm CST

Commander Class Rodimus Prime looks pretty good so far! I wish the chest were a little cleaner. It looks like the "slope" near the "collar bone" is achieved with two different pieces at an obtuse angle, instead of one solid piece of plastic, but I'm otherwise quite pleased with the result, even if it is missing a few G1 toy/cartoon accurate touches like painted rims for the wheels and more maroon paint on the canopy. I also like that it's still more or less a car when you take the trailer off, unlike the original G1 toy. The car component itself looks like a convincing enough upgrade from Hot Rod to Rodimus Prime on its own. It's nice to have multiple options.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097630)
Posted by Overcracker on March 9th, 2021 @ 4:02pm CST

TF-fan kev777 wrote:
Overcracker wrote:As much as I like Star Saber and Deathsaurus, that's not something Hasbro is likely to do. Nor would they have been considered for a Hasbro line at all.

Except, both were in the fan poll for Power of the Primes. Now, maybe that was it, just a tease from Hasbro knowing (praying) neither would win, but they were at least on the radar of the design team in some form. They were also the only 2 that haven't gotten a toy since then, so maybe their absence since then is as close to confirmation they are out of the picture as we will get directly.

As you say, likely just a tease. Though Star Saber was a dead ringer for the Evolution gimmick in PotP. Deathsaurus not so much.

The last time we got a nod to ol' Deathy was the Botcon retool by FunPubin 2005:

I just don't see them being given slots by Hasbro now.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097632)
Posted by Sabrblade on March 9th, 2021 @ 4:04pm CST

Overcracker wrote:They are Japan only characters, and Hasbro has not been very interested in those.

Combiner Wars Liokaiser, Titans Return Sawback (Lione), Titans Return Shuffler, Titans Return Stripes, Titans Return Twinferno's Titan Master Daburu (based on White Leo), Titans Return Blaster's Titan Master Twin Cast, Titans Return Soundwave's Titan Master Soundblaster, Titans Return Sixshot's Titan Master Revolver (based on Jack), Titans Return Sky Shadow (Black Shadow) and his Titan Master Ominus (based on Mega), Titans Return Overlord and his Titan Master Dreadnaut (based on Giga), Titans Return Metalhawk and his Titan Master Professor Go, Titans Return Grotusque's Titan Master Fengul (based on Platinum Tiger), Special Edition Titans Return Repugnus's Titan Master Dastard (based on Hedgehog), Power of the Primes Vector Prime's Metalhawk Decoy Armor, Siege Micromaster Road Police, Siege 35th Anniversary Soundblaster, Earthrise Scorponok's mid-sized Headmaster, and Selects Black Roritchi were all Hasbro-initiated toys of Japanese-originals.

Re: Takara reveals Kingdom Commander Class Rodimus Prime and other products (2097634)
Posted by Sowndwave76 on March 9th, 2021 @ 4:08pm CST

I am torn about Rodimus... Although for the most part, I am leaning towards getting him, I'm with those who are considering the steep price.
And for me personally, I don't see keeping an $80 figure sealed, and at the same time, that trailer is going to be kept in the box (or a container of some sort with other sealed figures) 99% of the time. I already know that thing will never ever be displayed.
As always, the possibility of this purchase is tied to how many other figures I'm going to be buying in the near future (summer and into fall).
There are at least a few such as Sweeps, Wreck-gar, Gnaw, and even ER Sideswipe that seem likely...
But passing on 2, 3 or more of those- since we haven't seen them yet-- and I'll buy Rodimus in a heartbeat.
At this point I'll say he tops my "Maybe List"... I'll probably get Kingdom Inferno when I see him, and keep him sealed until we see more from my Maybe List.

Oh, and I thought, why 10 blast effects? Give us 6 and paint those wheels!!

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