Same here, i was actually surprise they use translucent on groove. I mean its a small thing but im getting this version because of minor details like this!

 

This is the only time Takara has beaten Hasbro's combiners their decos are so much better. Hasbro you better get dat Groove.

 

Takara's Defensor =  :

Now to wait till freakin December for this beauty!  :

 

Love them all! Hot Spot though has no clear winner with the Hasbro or Takara version. I'll just have to have both.

 

they just nailed streetwise. Glad I have this on PO. wonder if PE will come up with an upgrade set.

 

G1 still looks better than both  

 

No.

So much no.

 

I really wish this wasn't an exclusive, especially since they probably won't release any of them over here. Still, I worked out that this is still cheaper than if they did come out over here.... excluding shipping, of course. So I've decided it's worth it for me just to get this set, even if it is expensive and exclusive.

 

Groove looks good but Ill keep Rook.

Hes different. Hotspot here doesnt look as good as Hasbro so its a pass.

Streetwise looks great but somehow I cant see us having the option of just getting him on his own.

So hasbro wins this one for me.

 

My photoshop was not that far off.

 

Have all the US Combiner Wars (Superion with AB, Menasor with Offroad, and Defensor) and the 2 special release guys. Like QUickslinger and Brake-Neck, I'd buy a special-release deluxe Groove, but I'm not so in love with him that I'd buy a whole box set of repeat figures for him.

 

Whoa. US Protectabots are way better! Guess that "more paint apps" complaint is a two-way street.

 

I'm glad I've got these guys preordered as they look great!


December is so far away right now....

 

Hmmm... maybe I will get them (was leaning towards not due to the sheer amount of repaints) but get Rook instead of Blades just so then the only repaints are Red Alert and Streetwise.

 

Now THIS is how you do repaints Takara.

Streetwise in grey looks way better, Groove looks pretty cool (although he doesn't look as good as a leg as Rook), First Aid looks nice same as Blades.

I have some problems with Hot Spot though, I like the details in the Hasbro version better but I do prefer the richer light blue color and for one I'm glad that they kept the head the same color.

Will most likely get this.

 

THIS x's common sense Hasbro!

 

That Groove makes me happy that Rook exists. I know it's G1, but I've never been a fan of Groove. His colors just don't match up with the other Protectabots.
Defensor's chest is also too blue for my tastes. Looks like Hasbro won yet again.

 

Common sense and Hasbro don't usually go hand in hand.

 

Hasbro Hot Spot FTW. Though Groove looks pretty damn good as a leg.

 

I know right?! Can you believe they orient their costs and production to the 85% buying market of kids rather than the smaller 15% of adult collectors who demand higher costs to be associated with their toys? Ridiculous!