Transformers Prime Japan - The Reason for the Arms Microns & The Cybertron Satellite

Discussion in 'Transformers News and Rumors' started by Sol Fury, Mar 29, 2012.

  1. Sol Fury

    Sol Fury The British Butcher Veteran

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    Now we know what the story behind that weird Matrix looking thing is - it's called a Cybertron Satellite, and stores displaying it will be selling exclusives.

    Transformers Prime Japan Arms Microns Designer Comments - Transformers News - TFW2005

    2005 Boards staff member SydneyY also sent us over this translation of a brief interview in Dengeki Hobby magazine explaining the reason for the inclusion of the Arms Microns with Japanese Transformers Prime toys, and also that they will have their own animated shorts after the main Transformers Prime episodes.

    [​IMG]

    The reason behind Japan only "Arms Micron" -
    Takashi Nakase: The biggest reason is that we wanted to raise the target age group. In past series, the target ages were small children and their fathers, but the age group which is actually able to enjoy transforming toys is 7 ~ 9 years old. We went back to the beginning and considered appropriate products for that age group, and came up with the concept of "customising". That is why Arms Microns need to be assembled from parts, and stickers are included to be put on the main figure - to give the feeling of "completing" the toy as one's own.
    Hironori Kobayashi: We conducted a play session with children where they played freely with Movie series Transformers, mixed with various items such as Minicons, and found that they mostly enjoyed combining Minicons to make larger weapons or to customise the Transformers. We thought it might have some potential.

    There will be short flash animation, "Arms Micron" episodes added after the main "Prime" episodes. About their background -

    Kobayashi: We considered their background story from an early stage as we thought the existance of the Microns required an explanation. There were some ideas, and we decided to go with a story that (the Microns) were originally Energon present on Earth, and they adopted the forms of Transformers. In the story, the Transformers in the show ("Prime") are not even aware that their weapons are in fact Microns.

    Mr.Nakase also developed an iPhone application (not available outside Japan) -
    "there are many adult TF fans, and I created it for them so that they can enjoy transformation without having the actual toys in hand. It is a simple game but rather exciting. If you have an iPhone, please download it and try it. It is free."

    Final words -
    Kobayashi: I know long time fans are surprised at the way we are marketing "Prime" domestically. There are some dramatic changes. We feel this is a challenge which we have to take on in order to continue the Transformers brand in the future. This is a challenging year for us - please kindly watch over us.
     
  2. takarei

    takarei auto bot wanderer

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    so when will they talk about arms micron coming to the US. or are we still sol
     
  3. Anguirus

    Anguirus Well-Known Member

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    I'll hand it to them, that's funny, and novel.

    IMHO Takara is really doubling down on TFP being targeted for the 7-9 set, which is interesting because we mostly drool over their adult collector stuff.
     
  4. tfprime32

    tfprime32 Banned

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    how about not and we say they did it!

    just buy the minicrons from previous tf sets!
     
  5. backlash3906

    backlash3906 Throttlebot

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    I'm allowing myself to dream of them, still unpainted on runners, coming to a future customizing class. Or some kind of store exclusive.
     
  6. seekerblackout

    seekerblackout Banned

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    They have little guys living in their arms?! Even those with thin as hell arms like Starscream or Arcee? Oh, Takara...
     
  7. ZacWilliam

    ZacWilliam Well-Known Member

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    They'd be PERFECT blindpacked like the Lego minifigures.

    -ZacWilliam, any new minicons would be perfect that way. Even on sprues with stickers. That sounds like awesome fun.
     
  8. Runamuck

    Runamuck Sushi

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    I guess I can say "they get everything cool in Japan". Because I wouldn't mind this(but for Android).
     
  9. Sprocket

    Sprocket Problematic.

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    They're about twice to three times the size of all the blind-packed product on the market, save, maybe, MAYBE for Playmobil, and that's the exception, not the rule.

    Don't hold your breath.
     
  10. ZacWilliam

    ZacWilliam Well-Known Member

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    Um... Most minicons aren't nearly that much bigger than a Lego figure. And considering they'd be on sprues, unassembled and unpainted.

    I really don't think it's impossible.

    -ZacWilliam, not that it'll happen, but unless these are really huge compaired to most minicons it doesn't seem impossible at all.
     
  11. Gilgamesh

    Gilgamesh Mostly Harmless

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    They Autobots don't know it, but the microns like to watch them while they sleep.
     
  12. MrSoundmeister

    MrSoundmeister Bang,Bang Boom!

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    plus you would need to take account of the fact some of them (the exception of the clear "spark crystal") are cast in the same color,it might work as a blind-pack,maybe as a short box. plus it might be good if they come in different colors for... y'know added customization,mix n' matchy. and a way to add more then one color.
     
  13. Deceptigtar

    Deceptigtar Sworn Decepticon Assassin

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    the other problem is the US release of PRIME figures do not have the same ports. I can not see hasbro seeing this as a good idea. sure the figures can hold them but the whole idea is to be able to place them on other spots of the figures.

    so i say no to USA blindpacks or anything of the sort.
     
  14. lars573

    lars573 Well-Known Member

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    I disagree. They fit the 5mm holes that already exist. So you could put an Arms micron on a Hasbro RiD figures hands. Even the vehicle modes. Consider that Cliffjumper, Bumble Bee, and Wheel jack all have ports that can hold weapons in vehicle mode.
     
  15. ZacWilliam

    ZacWilliam Well-Known Member

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    I say you're no fun.

    Holding them is enough interactivity easy, and the Lego minifiges are great blindpacked fun. I say big yes to tapping into that fun with TFs.

    Either with these or original minicons. Part of the great fun with the Lego ones are the very creative designs and characters you'd never see at regular retail. I would love to see new minicons done with that much creativity and style.


    -ZacWilliam, to each their own, but I'd DEFINATELY collect them. :) 
     
  16. Deceptigtar

    Deceptigtar Sworn Decepticon Assassin

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    im not trying to be a debby downer as i would like to see them stateside as i am not rebuying all these figures just for the microns, but just knowing hasbro i have to say i can not see it happening unless they did like 2 packs where they are already assembled, sort of like how armada had the 3 pack minicons.
     
  17. Runamuck

    Runamuck Sushi

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    Yeah, I have to agree with ya. It's not you(or anyone else that agrees) that's the downer, it's Hasbro that's the downer in this case. For some reason, they just don't know how to market these little guys. With blind packs all the rage(heck, even Marvel figures are getting in on that now), this would be an excellent opportunity for Hasbro to do this.
     
  18. tigerhawk16

    tigerhawk16 Transmetal

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    I think the idea of a bonus figure that you build is good but the sticker part is awful going back to when we had figures that after a while the stickers start peeling and all is just lame.
     
  19. ex dtw2003

    ex dtw2003 Well-Known Member

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    I think it's smart actually, i.e. saying we're not going to dumb down the toy but add things that make it more appealing to the age group that can actually transform them properly.

    Of course they are aware that longtime fans think this is all crazy as seen by their other comments. Makes me wonder if in Japan kids are all the main buying demographic just like here.
     
  20. Gaokaiser

    Gaokaiser Well-Known Member

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    How many times I have to say "They're Japanese exclusve!"...? :rolleyes2