Generations Metroplex Picture Review

[FEZaid]

TFW forum member, ChErikS has created a review for the titan Metroplex.

Also he posted this at the bottom of the review, must read:

"Side note I would really recommend that none of you wait to pick him up in hopes that he’ll end up on clearance or on a significant sale. A friend told me that Hasbro is not making a large quantity of them so as to assure that they sell out and if you wait then I wouldn’t be surprised if you end up paying a lot more on the secondary market." -ChErikS

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-feedback/922614-generations-metroplex.html

[AeroShake]

Hot damn.. I always planned on getting it anyways when it dropped but limited numbers..? Ugh..

[justprime]

another MP10 feasco thanks Hasbro

[Metrotitan]

JUNE?! Really Hasbro? My wallet is not ready! :(

[down_shift]

Not bad, but I'm also not worried about getting him.

[chroma23]

anybody know how much he will cost at TRU? trying to decide if i should get this or the takara version

[laffy]

oh yeas he will be mine... hope he comes sooner :)

[KoreanInferno]

anybody know how much he will cost at TRU? trying to decide if i should get this or the takara version

There was a thread with the TRU skus. Metroplex was $100 I believe.

[Matrix_Holder]

For some reasons $125 comes to mind.

[xueyue2]

Now after seeing the review, I kind of not so eager to get him.....over 100 stickers to apply? Why?

[SleeplessKnight]

Stickers? Ugh.

I wonder if the Takara version will have those pre-applied?

[xueyue2]

Stickers? Ugh.

I wonder if the Takara version will have those pre-applied?

Apparently no, according to one of the replies. Here is the picture to prove that. http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attach/3/9/6/4/7/Metroplex1_1369289582.jpg

[Akroyer]

Now after seeing the review, I kind of not so eager to get him.....over 100 stickers to apply? Why?

Over 100 stickers ouch..

[brr-icy]

Can't wait, tru's computer says sept release, wonder if they accelerated it

[Shepp]

I have a sneaking suspicion that there will be a 3rd party shell to go over the front half of Metroplex's torso based exactly on FOC. And maybe some game accurate shoulder guns.

Other than a black-wash/ink-wash, the stickers might be all he needs. Still at odds over if I want to put the Optimus Prime bridge sticker on him though, it just makes Metroplex seem a bit smaller than he should be.

[Big Filipino]

I'm leaning towards the Takara version of this toy just so I can get two of the red cannons.

[Stapler]

So is this a TRU exclusive or will he be available most everywhere?

[Bruticus]

It's going to be in limited quantities, but is not a TRU exclusive. We are in negotiations with a Canadian distributor to get pricing for him that will be competitive to TRU and other retailers.

[Big Filipino]

I was a little on the fence about this guy but after seeing him at Botcon I am a definite buyer. He's absolutely massive.

[terrordrone]

we have no shame in being size queens.

[CobraCommander]

Apparently no, according to one of the replies. Here is the picture to prove that. http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attach/3/9/6/4/7/Metroplex1_1369289582.jpg

I thought the Takara version was supposed to have Chrome face and thighs? Can anyone confirm?

[CobraCommander]

I was a little on the fence about this guy but ...

That's the most ridiculous thing I heard you say! :primelaugh: :p

[Big Filipino]

That's the most ridiculous thing I heard you say! :primelaugh: :p

Haha. Don't worry I'm all in. Now I just need to decide on Takara, Hasbro or the SDCC version.

[Slayback]

My understanding is that the thighs and face for Takara will be chromed. The extra gun everyone already knows about. The HK version has yet to be seen.

[The 12th Prime]

Haha. Don't worry I'm all in. Now I just need to decide on Takara, Hasbro or the SDCC version.

Get all 3!!! That's what I want to do! 1 for the Classics, one for the FOC and one for the Legends :) Oh man it's gonna rock and I'll have no space left to live in but some Metroplex's will protect me from the rain though the electronics might suffer for it.

[Big Filipino]

Get all 3!!! That's what I want to do! 1 for the Classics, one for the FOC and one for the Legends :) Oh man it's gonna rock and I'll have no space left to live in but some Metroplex's will protect me from the rain though the electronics might suffer for it.

I think the wife may have an issue with 3 child size robots taking up more space. Then again I can say there's 1 for each of my kids. :raisetheroof:

[Shepp]

After seeing the con exclusives and the Takara version in vehicle mode, I think it's safe to assume that Metroplex was designed with 2 guns, and the Hasbro retail release is somewhat neutered.

The guns just fill up the gap between the vehicle mode deck and torso perfectly.

Oh well, I'll just have the gun on the left side while the ramp is deployed on the right.

Or cave in and pay through the nose for a second gun.

Probably option 1.

[canprime]

After seeing the con exclusives and the Takara version in vehicle mode, I think it's safe to assume that Metroplex was designed with 2 guns, and the Hasbro retail release is somewhat neutered.

The guns just fill up the gap between the vehicle mode deck and torso perfectly.

Oh well, I'll just have the gun on the left side while the ramp is deployed on the right.

Or cave in and pay through the nose for a second gun.

Probably option 1.

Or as another option, just be patient and wait. There are going to be a ton of the retail release that will eventually go on sale. As well there will be the inevitable collectors selling it because they no longer want it and you can probably get a whole Metroplex for the same price as just the gun.

[DecepticonusPrime]

Stickers? Screw that.

I was kind of on the fence for this guy anyway, and this makes it even more of a hassle. I don't care about limited numbers and all that, and I don't really have anywhere to put him... not anywhere appropriate, anyway! Be weird having this big robot just standing around in a corner somewhere.

[Shepp]

Or as another option, just be patient and wait. There are going to be a ton of the retail release that will eventually go on sale. As well there will be the inevitable collectors selling it because they no longer want it and you can probably get a whole Metroplex for the same price as just the gun.

But then how would I sell a gunless extra Metroplex after that? Plus, shipping that thing would be a headache.

Anyways, I'm actually hoping for a 3rd Party Six-Gun that transforms into something that approximates the other gun. Possibly by combining with a 3rd Party Slammer.

[UTF]

Just got mine from Fanexpo, and I can confirm that the Canadian release doesn't speak anymore. All the voice snippets have been removed.

[FEZaid]

Just got mine from Fanexpo, and I can confirm that the Canadian release doesn't speak anymore. All the voice snippets have been removed.

If the voice is gone does it still provide noise and lights?

[UTF]

If the voice is gone does it still provide noise and lights?

It makes the mechanical noises and lights up, but all the speaking lines are gone. Probably because language laws, and not wanting to record a French version for Quebec.

[laffy]

OOOOOOOMMMMMMMGGGGGGod i was right again haters stop hating.. im hear to help...... once my guy confermed that metroplex was going to be nuderd i jumped and got taken at silver snail for 200.00 for a english one and i can say im glad i did... anyway told all about this a month ago hope all works out for all.:)

[laffy]

It makes the mechanical noises and lights up, but all the speaking lines are gone. Probably because language laws, and not wanting to record a French version for Quebec.
it is the language laws and is why hes more in canada and is also why hes late comming and lastly if it would have been only tru we'd see the real deal and tru will not ship or sell to quebec (remeber all im french) but hes being sold everywhere so hasbro has to follow the laws and easyest thing to do is put in a new sound chip :)

[protoform_ironhide]

OOOOOOOMMMMMMMGGGGGGod i was right again haters stop hating.. im hear to help...... once my guy confermed that metroplex was going to be nuderd i jumped and got taken at silver snail for 200.00 for a english one and i can say im glad i did... anyway told all about this a month ago hope all works out for all.:)
You are paying 100 bucks more just because it speaks a couple lines in English?? That's pretty generous, i personally wouldn't pay 100 bucks more just because it speaks something... in fact I will probably take out the battery...

[Masta_Skidz]

I also take all batteries out so this would have no effect on someone like me I find noises annoying and useless gimmick

[laffy]

crazy as it sounds yes but i will pay regardless the price for what i want and or need...

[laffy]

also i dont have worry about bad shipping the boxes are all ready very cheap and im sure many will get bad boxes and mine is mint....

[xueyue2]

also i dont have worry about bad shipping the boxes are all ready very cheap and im sure many will get bad boxes and mine is mint....

Well, I think I need to thank you for your information. Too bad the Canadian version is without sound, of course I prefer Metroplex with cool voice...but I don't think I will pay 100 more for that.

[The 12th Prime]

I think the wife may have an issue with 3 child size robots taking up more space. Then again I can say there's 1 for each of my kids. :raisetheroof:

It'll be good practice for having real kids, I'll set the electronics to go off randomly at all hours of the day, lol. It'll be fun to put a Metroplex in a stroller and wheel it around (maybe at a TFCon) cover it up with a baby blanket and when a nice old couple asks to see the baby when I'm walking down a street bam, show'em Metroplex and take a priceless mental picture at the same time maybe even a real one. I better send this one into Just for Laughs, lmao.

[laffy]

It'll be good practice for having real kids, I'll set the electronics to go off randomly at all hours of the day, lol. It'll be fun to put a Metroplex in a stroller and wheel it around (maybe at a TFCon) cover it up with a baby blanket and when a nice old couple asks to see the baby when I'm walking down a street bam, show'em Metroplex and take a priceless mental picture at the same time maybe even a real one. I better send this one into Just for Laughs, lmao.
lmao what about the ultamite bumble bee.... he goes off at all random times....:yelling:

[xueyue2]

It'll be good practice for having real kids, I'll set the electronics to go off randomly at all hours of the day, lol. It'll be fun to put a Metroplex in a stroller and wheel it around (maybe at a TFCon) cover it up with a baby blanket and when a nice old couple asks to see the baby when I'm walking down a street bam, show'em Metroplex and take a priceless mental picture at the same time maybe even a real one. I better send this one into Just for Laughs, lmao.

good idea, but what kind of "nice old couple" will go to TFcon? Nerd married Geek?

[laffy]

noooo even better put metroplex in a baby carryer and carry him around in front of you at .con show

[Quanza]

Well the Metroplex I ordered from Hasbro Toy Shop has the voice clips, so if it's really important to have them, $120 plus shipping and tax isn't awful. And they ship ridiculously fast as well. And before anyone says "there shipping is expensive", I say just order a bunch of stuff at the same time, or go in for a group buy. I did the math for an order for Iacon North, and each additional 'plex only added $8 shipping.

Edit: I just finished checking out that review, I think the head issue could be on a case by case basis, mine is fine. And Cheriks may have understated how damn fiddly he is in city mode. Very loosey goosey if you try to move him in city mode.

[Matrix_Holder]

I am not a fan of the white face at all. It doesn't look right to me. They could have at least made it grey to separate it fro the rest of the white colour of the body but it blends in way too much. That being said, if you can grab this figure do it. He is awesome. I have the SDCC version and he is my score of the year. Don't wait to get this guy on clearance. Support the titan class so Hasbro will make more. I used my reissue fort max fund for this guy and I do not regret it in the slightest. I hope they make a trypticon to rival this bad boy.

[xueyue2]

I am not a fan of the white face at all. It doesn't look right to me. They could have at least made it grey to separate it fro the rest of the white colour of the body but it blends in way too much. That being said, if you can grab this figure do it. He is awesome. I have the SDCC version and he is my score of the year. Don't wait to get this guy on clearance. Support the titan class so Hasbro will make more. I used my reissue fort max fund for this guy and I do not regret it in the slightest. I hope they make a trypticon to rival this bad boy.

I'm thinking to repaint his white face after I get mine. I saw some posts painting Metroplex face sliver looks awesome.

[Pgianos]

That totals 186 dollars! The canadian version I paid 109 for. I want the voice clips but not for 80 dollars. Ill just play it off of you tube. khkhk

Well the Metroplex I ordered from Hasbro Toy Shop has the voice clips, so if it's really important to have them, $120 plus shipping and tax isn't awful. And they ship ridiculously fast as well. And before anyone says "there shipping is expensive", I say just order a bunch of stuff at the same time, or go in for a group buy. I did the math for an order for Iacon North, and each additional 'plex only added $8 shipping.

Edit: I just finished checking out that review, I think the head issue could be on a case by case basis, mine is fine. And Cheriks may have understated how damn fiddly he is in city mode. Very loosey goosey if you try to move him in city mode.

[rego00123]

I am not a fan of the white face at all. It doesn't look right to me. They could have at least made it grey to separate it fro the rest of the white colour of the body but it blends in way too much.

funny thing is the back of the box shows it being silver. i would imagine at some point to was planned to be then they just dropped it

its an easy repaint regardless. the face pops right off

[joshimus]

http://i.imgur.com/HVAQ6s1.jpg?1
I plan on getting the US version hopefully from my mom's good friend. I want the voice chip, at least they could have left "Metroplex heeds the call of the last Prime" but noooo. Hell, that is all I wanted for sounds. So I will see about getting it from US and I can repaint that one and use this one (paid 118 with tax) as a secondary potential resale version.

[Sureshot22]

The asia con one is the way to go. It has the best coloured parts of the hasbro and takara ones.

[Shepp]

(at the moment I'm placing my haul's thread comment, I'll update it later with pics)

:bow: M E T R O P L E X :raisetheroof:

Excellent figure. My only design complaints are that the shoulder helipad can't really be used in city mode, the left forearm doesn't have any gimmick (could have mirrored the right forearm), the chest ramp won't reach the ground in city mode, and the legs don't have that extra joint to get a G1 city mode. I thought that the heightened torso would look off, but in person that isn't the case. Metroplex just needs that second red gun in vehicle mode.

Noticed a factory botch when I opened him up. Nothing major, just a couple of gray/silver paint blobs that were dropped on the right leg runway and then hastily scratched off by a Hasbro factory worker with a utility knife.

Luckily one was covered by a sticker, and the other isn't that bad. It just looks like there's a scuff, evidence of a botched takeoff or landing, possibly a crash or explosion.

I'm more disappointed that I messed up sticker 38 by cutting it to fit where the instructions say instead of placing it where it's supposed to go (swapped with sticker 37).

Oddly enough, there was some oil or other slippery film on spot 96, which had to be wiped off for the sticker to stick.

I really hope I placed stickers 73 and 82 in the correct spots, opposite 72 and 71 in the inside of the legs (and swapped legs at that), they wouldn't fit where the instructions stated.

I didn't want to apply the bridge stickers with Optimus and the others (since they're much larger than the scale they're supposed to be), but for sake of completion of the stickers, I just had to. In my mind they're screens instead of windows, so the outside world can see those at the bridge.

I'm glad I got the Hasbro version, the chrome just sticks out being unbalanced on the TakaraTomy release.

I was REALLY trying to get the stickers right, since my G1 Metroplex (sold to Gnosis a long while ago) as a kid got a completely random and bad sticker job from my 4 year old self.

Looking forward to a Reprolabel upgrade set (and a TakaraTomy sticker set too) to fill in some of the little spots here and there that could really use some labels.

I originally wanted to panel line and ink wash Metroplex before applying stickers, but really the details are so pronounced (you can't tell in pictures) that the figure doesn't need it.

I will mod the knee and hip joints with washers to increase stability and posability, and in the future will crack open Metroplex's chest and replace the neutered Canadian electronics with a cheap MP3 player loaded with WFC and FOC music as well as Metroplex quotes, plus some quotes of FOC Prime intracting with Metroplex (and the TFTM1986 soundtrack). When I do this, I'll do what I can to make some kind of tutorial.

Also, I found out that Scamper can be stored within Metroplex's right arm along with the missile without rattling around, though you have to peg his small red gun into the big red gun as it won't fit on his back. Good to know.

Looking forward to acquiring another gun and missile for Metroplex. As for scale, I'm considering Armada Mini-Con Jetstorm as a good starting point as the size of an actual Concord jet. Which would make Optimus Prime about the size of a poppy seed. Titan scale indeed.


Sticker Issues
===========

The sticker sheet and sticker placement sheet that comes with Generations Metroplex has a few errors.

- Sticker placement sheet number 77 labeled as 31, and 31 labeled as 77.

- Sticker 38 is too long for the location indicated, and sticker 37 is too short. Sticker 37 and sticker 38 should be swapped.

- Sticker placement sheet 71 is confusing in the wrong location. Should be left (right in city mode) leg inside outer edge by the ramp.

- Sticker placement sheet 72 is confusing in the wrong location. Should be right (left in city mode) leg inside outer edge by the ramp.

- Stickers 73 and 82 should be swapped. Sticker 82 location incorrect and should instead mirror 73's location.

Discoveries
=========

While popping open my Gen Metroplex figure, I've come to discover a few things.

1 - The back of the head has some moulding for a pin, but isn't used. It looks like this was the original rotation point for the flap that pops up in the back.

2 - The inside of Metroplex's chest is moulded to accommodate 3 buttons connected to the front cockpit: left only, right only, and center (all three at once), which is why the cockpit can be leaned to each side without triggering the lights and sounds.

2A - I'll be using these three button spaces for when I mod in an MP3 player soon. Actually just the side two (On/off and play/pause, and the other for next) since I want to retain the original electronics feature.

3 - There is PLENTY of space to fit an MP3 player and small speaker inside of the center chest, even to the point where the original electronics can sit unmodded.

4 - It's easier to put the stickers on when you take the helmet off (or just take the figure apart).

5 - The Canadian Tri-Lingual electronics are the same as the European release according to the circuit board, which means there is intended to be a European release. Mine says XYL68C EU VERSION, and on the secondary board XYL56A (which I assume is the same for the US release).

6 - The wires connected to the circuit board are prone to breaking at the solder points (probably the cause of some units not functioning). The battery wires are and wires between the secondary and primary board are especially prone to this.

7 - The plastic is SUPER thin at some points, I can notice some tiny holes in some of these thin parts when I hold it up to the light.

8 - You can easily remove the red "sunglasses" in a non-destructive way if you first remove the helmet.

9 - The most non-intrusive place to carve out a hole in order to have access to a USB wire appears to be inside of the ramp area near the back, which can then be tucked back into the center chest when not in use.

10 - According to the main circuit board, it is installed upside down, the screw should go in the hole indicated.

11 - With the amount of flux overspray on main the circuit board, it WILL fail in a few years due to corrosion, whether MISB or not (sorry collectors).

12 - Quote:
Originally Posted by The Ark http://www.cybertron.ca/boards/images/cybertronca/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.cybertron.ca/boards/showthread.php?p=537179#post537179)
Not related to the electronics, but does anyone know what the switch on the back of his neck does?

- When the light and sound is on, move it back and forth to see his pupils moving.

[Shepp]

(this post is intentionally left almost empty to accommodate additional picture space)

[Grimlock4Prime]

Not sure if this is the best place to put this but here goes:

I stickered up my Metroplex last night and today I was asked if it was the Japanese version of some Optimus Prime. I let the Optimus remark slide because they didn't know any better but said it wasn't Japanese as that was outside of my budget. Apparently all the Cybertronian characters were mistaken for Japanese characters.