|
Post by Gane on Dec 19, 2011 11:35:18 GMT 8
It's official, Transformers Prime will return on the Hub next year February 2012... thanks to Seibertron.com for the heads up
|
|
|
Post by Gane on Dec 18, 2011 11:54:29 GMT 8
Mario!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by Gane on Dec 18, 2011 11:46:17 GMT 8
Transformers Prime Voyager Class Optimus Prime and BulkheadFor those who may have waited in line in the first day of the Hasbro Toy Fair in SM Megamall, you may have been waiting in line just to get your hands on Transformers Prime Voyager Class Bulkhead as he was not in the regular "for sale" selections probably because of supply. Nevertheless, it was one painful (to my feet for a second day of going here and there) wait as GI Joe Renegades and Marvel collectors get their stuff through the crowd. I'm not bashing on GI Joe Renegades but I deem it too late to come out with the toys especially when the animated series is cancelled, if they do return to TV then kudos. Oki doki on with the short review (per toy not the whole post)... The PackagingThe box is one thick clear plastic which is probably thicker than any other Transformers packaging. Just opening the top will give you access to the figure and the blister backing without having to remove the backing board or any other part inside, you know what I mean based on the previous toys. Turn it upside down to remove the cardboard stand or you can grab the "title" flap because underneath it is the instructions manual. I suggest you pop the display stand back inside and the blister backing so you can use it again as a sealed display. The box itself is a piece of art, so that's one reason to keep it. Transformers Prime Voyager Class Optimus Prime #001Transformers Prime Voyager Class Optimus Prime is not the size I have in mind to collect, but chances of having a Leader Class in the horizon seems a bit of wishful thinking. But if Hasbro does come out with one then, hello Leader Class. Remember, Hasbro did not come out with the toys until halfway through the CGI TV series. With the lack of any Transformer movie in the near future, this is probably the only Transformers series to tidy up fan boys for the time being after all who isn't waiting to see the second season premier. The ToyPeaugh probably has the best review of this toy online you may have seen before so my version of Transformers Prime Voyager Class Optimus Prime review will be on what I encountered. This is almost an easy transformation, or so I thought, I didn't memorize Peaugh's notes so I have to admit I used the manual to see how the hood/arms are transformed to finish the transformation from robot to alt mode. I don't have anything negative on the bot mode because compared to the series, it is spot on with only chrome detailing on parts made out of grey plastic, however the alt mode is a different story. In alt mode my copy has some gaps on the top of the cab (the ankle of his foot) which pops off a lot because it doesn't have a lock to keep it in place. The rear/leg section tends to raise the rear most wheels when not in proper alignment because there's nothing to prevent it from moving up and down compared to the Voyager Class Transformers Animated Optimus Prime. The paints on his alt mode need some additional details if you're up to it like the lights on the top of his windshield, his wheels and so on... Probably due to the limitations in space they opted not to include the side mirrors in alt mode as well. Anyway, it is still an exciting version to grab. The only downside when Hasbro does come out with a Leader Class is when they make a not so flattering version like that of Animated Prime (probably not LC but you get my point)... I wish they'd come out with a show accurate transformation that doesn't have faux windshield chest and not a rehash of the deluxe transformation. I still give this a good 4.5 out of 5. Transformers Prime Voyager Class Bulkhead #002Compared to Transformers Prime Voyager Class Optimus Prime and Transformers Prime Deluxe Class Arcee, Bulkhead fits in the Deluxe and Voyager set quite nicely. A Leader Class would be out of scale already so I wouldn't get one if they do come out with one. The ToyAs with Transformers Prime Voyager Class Optimus Prime, I did look into the manual mainly because of his legs. Otherwise I would have broke it off similar to some of the Transformers toys they have for guests at the toy fair. Other than some paint differences the only noticeable bulk in Bulkhead is the undercarriage. His legs and arms are visible from the bottom. In bot mode he is show accurate from the front, the back however is a different story but no hollow parts there so that's a plus. Expect a lot of gaps on his alt mode because some parts are just too bulky to position properly thus NEVER press down on the rear of the vehicle in alt mode to avoid splitting them open. The back of the cab however keeps them locked in place so this is minimized. I'm happy with Bulkhead so I give him a 4.75 out of 5.
|
|
|
Post by Gane on Dec 15, 2011 11:50:26 GMT 8
Note: Due to the availability of clearer pictures of this model online I will only include what I deem necessary... you're a big boy/girl now you can do a Google search... Real Grade 05 1/144 Freedom GundamZ.A.F.T. Mobile Suit ZGMF-X10A Freedom GundamArmaments: "Lacerta" Beam Saber, "Lupus" Beam Rifle, Armor Shield, "Xiphias" Rail Guns and "Balaena" Plasma Beam Cannon (thanks to MAHQ for some names, because I can't translate the Japanese in the manual) Box Cover Bandai maintained the style on the box design with the CG head of the mobile suit with the same font used for the name as the rest of the line. Just like the RG Aile Strike Gundam model kit, the Freedom Gundam box doesn’t have any visible logo or anything that pertains to where or what anime series the mobile suit came from but surely it is mentioned in the Japanese text printed all over the manual although the faction where the Gundam belongs is printed below its name. Parts The Freedom sports a lot of raised and engraved panel lines and details that are very crisp. A good handle on a piece of paper towel should leave the panels cleanly applied, if you’re lucky you can even get it as thin as you can. I opted to not panel line this time... and with the stickers installed it's a little too late for that anyway. It's seven pieces more parts than the RG Aile Strike but looking inside and during construction you'd think there's more than that, probably because of the big chunks of plastic on the Aile Striker while the Freedom has more internal parts hidden. Having said that, this is the second fastest RG build I did. The Gundam Second to the Aile Strike Gundam, I'd recommend this for easy build. BUT, once finished this Gundam requires a good handling because it is back heavy and a stand would definitely be required. Articulation wise, Freedom Gundam has all the available joints to make him pose those shown in the anime and all the photo reviews you can find online. The additional panel movements on the front and back of the shin (lower leg) and the back of the forearm are there. The thigh still has moving panel covers as the rest of the line but the Freedom’s front shin have the interiors visible when these knee armor move. The Freedom tends to have some parts popping off like that on it's forearms, but if you're applying cement this wouldn't be a problem. Making him pose in a certain way will be a little challenge specially on the wings but if you've done the Aile Strike then this is nothing... The more moving armors a Gundam has, the more stuff you have to check out before finishing any pose. The Good Just like the rest of the RG kits, this model kit is chockfull of details and tiny parts that need attention during build to avoid losing them. Easier and faster build straight out of the box. Lots of extra stickers you can use on other 144s as in "Pimp my Gundam". Obviously, Bandai has improved the detailing on this kit over the RX-78-2 and the Zaku. The engraved and raised panel lines should tidy up your need to panel line kits until you get to the next Gundam you want to build. The Bad The Freedom Gundam is back heavy in any scale including the RG even with the stiffer joint on the legs compared to the RG Aile Strike kit it doesn’t help much when you want to pose it without any stand. Somebody must have told Bandai that the ball joint for the head is a too loose on the RG Aile Strike kit so this time they actually remedied the situation. The pegs are not are snug as previous RG kits so you may encounter some popping open during build. Bandai put the limit on the amount of bronze and silver chrome stickers, and they didn't include a single gold either to any part of the Freedom. You'll notice this when during build the first sticker you apply will be when you get to the arms which is the second to the last part of the main Gundams body to finish before the head. After applying the eye stickers, the rest are applied after everything has been put together, yes even the weapons. My main gripe is the white face plate armor. It was probably a good idea in planning but the plastic couldn't handle thinness on the grills. My copy actually broke to two parts, my only consolation is that the grill didn't break into smaller/tinier pieces that applying cement wouldn't repair. So let this be a caution to those who want to build this RG Freedom, take extra precaution on removing the face plate. Conclusion For new Real Grade Gundam modelers, this kit is an easy build and should have been the first in the line because of the ease and straight forward construction. Coming from a very popular anime series that spawned a lot of model kits from different scales and grades, this iteration will not disappoint but will never excite you unless you have that kinky side… The Freedom Gundam... I got this one since I didn't have one from before and even though I prefer the Strike Freedom, this is good enough. Although the build was easy, the final product is quite fragile and that bit of situation with the face plate, so I wouldn't recommend this to new modelers who haven't built anything intricate as the RG Aile Strike or other RG kits. As this review is partially a rehash of the Aile Strike review (yes I got lazy, LOL), I included the notes I made before about the possible RG kits that Bandai might produce. And so... I don’t know if Bandai would be brazen enough to spawn the different attachments for this mobile suit in different boxes of the same kit. Personally, I’d rather they come out with an RG Sky Grasper with the different weapon attachments instead of filling the RG series with too many Aile Strike Gundams. Amen. Bandai actually came out with a color variant and will be coming out with the RG Sky Grasper next year to compliment the RG Aile Strike... so booya!
|
|
|
Post by Gane on Dec 11, 2011 12:20:20 GMT 8
Wondering where you can update your console without a hassle when you are within Ortigas and Mandaluyong (along EDSA)? - Mc Donald's - not the ones inside the malls... - Robinso's Galleria EDSA - head over to the cyberzone and look for the mall wifi... the strongest connection would be from CDR-King to Yoshinoya (I waited there...) - WiFi ready hotels (Sogo) - I am told that you can access fast WiFi in these establishments along with doing what you came here for... For first timers like myself here's what you can expect during the updating process: - you will experience breaks or errors but since the 3DS resumes the download, no worries... - when the 3DS restarts, repeat the process immediately otherwise it will take longer to connect to the system, - don't close the 3DS while updating, you are not in a personally controlled connection and you are not alone in the connection which can stop your update anytime. - The updates you've acquired before the error will show as a jump on resume so nothing is lost... - A deidicated wifi connection will take only a few seconds or minutes to download, so you may want to look for one...
|
|
|
Post by Gane on Dec 7, 2011 11:56:15 GMT 8
Nintendo 3DS The only gaming handheld console to allow 3D gaming and others without using 3D glasses. I know this is not your usual buy for a person my age, but it really piqued my curiosity specially with the latest update... This thread is for those who own this unit and share anything they want... and please no comparing to Sony's PSP or flaming... I myself am waiting for the PS Vita next year, so to each (console) his own...So here's the deal I got for P 8,500 + P 1K (for 3 second hand original titles sans the packaging and all): - A Cosmo Black Nintendo 3DS - because it's the only stock they have even though I preferred to get the Flame Red version. - R4i TT with 8Gb Micro SD - I wasn't really going to use this but I could transfer the games so I can play them in my emulator... but the 8Gb Micro SD was quite a surprise since most retailers I went to only give you 4Gb memory. - Legend Of Zelda Ocarina Of Time - with an additional 1K I got this along with 2 other original titles... whahaha this is already a P 3500+ difference from buying a brand new title even if I don't get to have a manual or the packaging, - Super Street Fighter 4 3D Edition - not really my cup of tea but it's a nice diversion, - Resident Evil: Mercenaries - awesome visuals but controls need getting used to or you could get overwhelmed... So, for the time being I'm looking for a way to get a wifi connection that supports the 3DS so I can do my much wanted update... anybody know where I can do that? Anyhoo, post a reply or anything to share about this handheld console...
|
|
|
Post by Gane on Dec 7, 2011 11:21:36 GMT 8
You know I wouldn't let this one pass... I have a small gripe with this kit though which for those who plan on getting one should beware because unless noted in other blogs removing the white face plate (the one with holes) could break it in half because of the thickness of the plastic. For those who care... I'll make it clearer on my coming review or mention it if somebody already made one...
|
|
|
Post by Gane on Dec 7, 2011 11:03:13 GMT 8
For the non-toy I just got a great deal out of this one... Along with the pre-Christmas price increase, yes I got the lowest price for a brand new unit, it included: - R4i TT (which I don't really need) - 8gb Micro SD (ooh nice) - 1 original Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time (game only) - 1 original Street Fighter 4 3D Edition (game only) - 1 original Resident Evil: Mercenaries (game only) Now I just need to get somewhere I can update it...
|
|
|
Post by Gane on Dec 4, 2011 14:06:34 GMT 8
Ok Paper Replika now has 2 parts of the Going Merry paper model kit offered for download... a few more days and this kit will be finished with the masts and all. Part 1Part 2Part 3 Final
|
|
|
Post by Gane on Dec 4, 2011 13:38:40 GMT 8
Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn
For those who were waiting to get a good look at this movie you won't be disappointed much. Just don't get your hopes up of feeling the adventures of Tintin as you did in the books and the Nelvana animation.
I don't remember much details from the 2 1/2 books this movie is based upon The Crab with the Golden Claws, The Secret of the Unicorn, and the first few parts of the Red Rackham's Treasure, but it is a good primer for those who don't know the characters. I would suggest grabbing a copy of the books or a DVD of the animated series as there are some parts of the movie that are obviously not translated from the books. The Nelvana animated series is practically a conversion of the printed material but it will fill you in on what the world of Tintin really is.
For those who loved reading and watching the animated series, this movie will either be a good or bad experience depending on your acceptance of the movie making limitations. For a movie comprised of 2 1/2 books, this sure is rather short at 1:47 mins including opening and a very long closing credits typical of CG Animations. Since this was marketed as a 3D movie you may want to opt for that but then again the length of the movie is bothersome. Obviously Dreamworks made use of 3D by means of over doing some screen shots to make you react to the movie while watching with those glasses. Again because of the length of the movie, I decided to go for the 2D experience also because the timing wasn't in my favor.
For those who know Tintin, the amount of action they placed in the movie was overwhelming to the eyes, thus having to watch all those details in 3D would mean you don't get to enjoy and absorb too much of the rich scenery behind the action, although the 2D experience is good enough to know the amount of work they did to make the series come to life.
Mind you this is not an accurate conversion of the books (unlike the Nelvana TV series), because all threee books I mentioned above are spliced into 1 to create a plausible storyline which connects the books. The Crab with the Golden Claws is about Cap't. Haddock's ship being taken over by heroin smugglers. The Secret of the Unicorn is the main source of the movie but much of it's plot has changed. Red Rackham's Treasure is referenced when Tintin and Haddock deciphered the secret of the parchments. And FYI, Sakharine is originally just an enthusiast so that's one difference from the books...
I liked the Nelvana intro music over the movie intro... and for the voices I would have liked it better if Capt. Haddock's voice was a more convincing seaman (check out Haddock's voice in the animated version). Don't focus too much on what the protagonist is doing because a lot of funny moments are seen in the background as well.
Overall I'd give this a 3 out of 5. An iconic character fleshed out should have more appeal than being able to do stunts and not what he's mainly known for, an investigative journalist.
|
|
|
Post by Gane on Nov 29, 2011 11:45:48 GMT 8
|
|
|
Post by Gane on Nov 24, 2011 12:13:34 GMT 8
Here's something to rejoice about watching Transformers Prime... Arcee voice actress is Sumalee Montano... and guess what? She's Half-Filipina. Yay! So follow Transformers Prime and support another kababayan (in a way) all the same... Just had to confirm it because not every Montano you see online is Pinoy. www.sumalee.com/
|
|
|
Post by Gane on Nov 22, 2011 11:22:26 GMT 8
Yeah, but yellow doesn't really grab attention from the ladies...
|
|
|
Post by Gane on Nov 21, 2011 12:39:08 GMT 8
Transformers Prime Deluxe Cliffjumper I was half heartedly hoping to get a Deluxe Cliffjumper because he's the only Autobot who's got the shortest amount of screen time. Although he appeared on the second episode, it wasn't Cliffjumper anymore but a Dark Energon Zombie occupying his body as a shell. I was set out to get a different item doing price comparison, but just had to go over and check out what the different Toy Kingdom and Toys R Us stores in Makati have in stock. But alas, it was evident I wasn't going going to see a single figure on display. On my way back home I decided to pass by Shangri-La EDSA and check out Toys R Us, but if you were riding the MRT your first stop would have to be Rustan's Shangri-La... et viola! A red figure printed on a backing board hiding behind all the Bumbleebee figures caught my attention. I grabbed Cliffjumper, paid up. The only guy there wasn't even looking at the TF Prime toys so... yeah... For a character who was only on barely a third of the primer episode, Cliffjumper is also the first character to graze the TV screens followed by Arcee. This is probably the only Cliffjumper that broke away from the Bumblebee mold (?). Having said that, TF Prime Cliffjumper also feels older than Bumblebee in form (both bot and alt), in characteristic and if possible memory chip age... Out of the packaging, you'll notice he doesn't come with weapons, this is because his blasters are hidden in his forearms which you can flip/rotate out unlike bumblebee. In Alt Mode, he is very much show accurate but to be able to transform him they had to do a lot of aesthetic changes on where his car parts go inbot mode. His head and torso however is very much like his show counterpart so kudos to the engineers while his arms and legs had to cover the rest of the front and rear of the vehicle. As with other TF Prime figures, Cliffjumper includes the cardboard stand with the title printed on the front sans any advertisements. Unlike Bumblebee and Arcee, without the manual and the Youtube review videos, you'd be stumped on where to start in transforming Cliffjumper. Spreading his sides outward was the key and from there everything was a breeze and vice versa. There is one snag in his alt mode though, his top which forms his chest in his bot mot mode don't really close the gap properly. But this can also be attributed to the one I have, thus probably not everyCliffjumper toy will have the same situation. Again, articulation is aplenty. And unlike Bumblebee, Cliffjumper can actually point his blaster with a straight arm towards his enemy without difficulty. Bumblebee cannot do this because of how his shoulders are designed for transformation, minimizing the amount of rotations his arms can achieve. For those who know have seen the TV series the last pictures need no explanation... The only downside on this figure is his Alt Mode gaps. A slight press in one part will increase the size of the gaps in another part of the car body. And the one thing I forgot to mention is the large gap between his hood and windshield... it's not really clear in my pics but you can look it up somewhere. These small nuisance are not really important but will definitely affect your buying decisions if you're picky... I give this toy 4 out of 5. Any comments/questions are welcome...
|
|
|
Post by Gane on Nov 19, 2011 12:47:31 GMT 8
Transformers Prime Just like the movie toys Hasbro and Takara-Tomy did a splendid job in keeping the aesthetics accurate as much as the sizes can provide without sacrificing detail. However since Transformers toys don't adhere to any scale sizes you will encounter a lot of snag in this series if you want accuracy, mainly because of the idea that some toys may or may not come out in the sizes you expect them. So for accuracy's sake if you want Bumblebee in Deluxe Class then Arcee should be in Scout or smaller Class, Bulkhead and Ratchet in Voyager (already) Class, Optimus in Leader Class or A Supreme Class with trailer (remember this class size is smaller than the Leader but bigger thean the Voyager). What's different this time around are the words "First Edition" printed in silver on the cardboard backing. Does this suggest having other editions? The figures of their human counterparts are not included in the Deluxe toys. Based on the photos shown online none of the figures have Human Alliance articulation so you can only display them standing alongside their Autobot guardians. As mentioned in various reviews the toys will come with their very own cardboard display base inside the packaging. The printed Transformers Prime at the bottom of the blister packaging is not the display base, it is smaller but will hold the figures in both bot and alt modes perfectly. I suggest having a display cabinet when using the display base though because they are dirt magnets. Transformers Prime Deluxe Arcee Inside the blister packaging, you'd eventually say whoa... (well I did...) but once out her bulk will be noticably different. Show accuracy is high although at this size there's hardly anywhere to stow-away those other parts to show off her curvy figure. Her slender body is kept show accurate although her motorcycle alt mode suffered because they can't really find a way to hide half the width (please refer to photos). There are some details that may have been difficult to translate into the toy but overall it still looks good with all the surface detailing that are very crisp and clear.. Not the size I want her to be because she stands a few centimeterstaller than Bumblebee when in fact she should be below his "headlights" in bot mode or shoulder height. My Arcee suffered a bit of fat plastic which forms her front in alt mode without a problem but wouldn't stay in correct form as her left robotic cleavage (your right) in bot mode. I managed to remedy the situation be removing some of the plastic inside to loosen it up. Transforming her is not as difficult as Prowl in Transformers Animated though. You can complete the transformation without looking at the manual. Well depending on how much Transformers toy you've transformed so far... The prototype sports a blue forearm, however the production version has all black arms. The difference are ignorable because of the way she is transformed in alt mode like the "wings" which were relocated to her shoulders should actually have the small pointy thingy below the big flat pointy thingy. The manual tells you to turn her front wheels in bot mode but to be show accurate you should have it rotated 180 degrees with the wheel still perpendicular to her body. She doesn't have a blaster from the episode "Predatory" but does have the blades from "One Shall Fall". However these blades (other than being twice their size) are hidden in her arms so displaying them attached in alt mode is optional. I give this toy 4 out of 5. Transformers Prime Deluxe Bumblebee It's hard to give verdict to a character you really really love. As muchas I love Bumblebee, in this series he is not my favorite character. I liked Arcee, Bulkhead and Starscream better in design in both bot and alt mode. It's probably the headlights that's bothering me... Aestetically Bumblebee is show accurate in Alt Mode, although his bot mode does suffer some differences due to engineering limitations of buiding them transformable. Some black paint jobs are missing and his yellow plastic makes the recessed panel details invisible. And you can probably notice the embossed L1 and R2 inside his "sleeves", which were for the production line to avoid confusion. The biggest concern I heard and saw is his "gorilla arms", for his short stature he sure has big arms and even bigger feet (I don't think it applies to them... LOL). His height compared to Arcee is deplorable but what can you do... a smaller Arcee toy should make it accurate though. Easy transformation to bot mode but you should remember how his arms are positioned inside because this is not illustrated properly in the manual and will probably stump you when it comes transforming him back to alt mode. The shoulder "pads" are in correct positions but painting the lower section (pointing inwards separated by a gap) tab black will accurately portray the section in his shoulder. I tried removed these parts only to realize my mistake... live and learn...For accuracy, you may want to position his doors in a "V" form similar to the series and movie Bee in bot mode. He has his weapon which you can place either on his left or right arm (for show accuracy, right but I inadvertently placed it on the left when taking the pictures). The tabs which holds his weapons in alt mode however are popping mine off so I placed them between his arms. Some additional painting and probably panel lining (with yellow orange or orange paint) will make those details pop off and make him a little more series accurate. His rear signal light lights are not as red as I want them but I can deal with it so far. So I give him 4 out of 5.
|
|