Yeah I made the PM list too......but I would rather talk about it here

 

Fair enough - I can keep my discussions with you and Wishful Thinking to this toys thread. As for the original OP, what do you view of the inquiries I posted? Do you think those vehicle and animal modes have mainstream appeal?

 

So long as the intricate transformation doesn't end up looking like those ugly movie designs.

 

That is the reference I was going for. Several posts up from your's someone actually did post the clip of Josh going "I don't get it."

 

I can only tell from my point of view. But I would say that alt modes would sell a figure good if it conveys either power or looks cool. Looking cool can be defined by a lot of traits. aerodynamic, futuristic, packed with guns, nice paint job. Of course you could also combine all these traits. For example an aerodynamic, futuristic truck or pick-up with guns on the side and roof and a spoiler could be, if designed well, be a totally awesome alt mode. Of course also the robot mode still needs to look nice. Blocky alt modes are often not that good. Curves and angles are much nicer to look at. And they should still look like real vehicles and not have proportions like a playskool toy. For example the CW Lamborghini mold took design cues from a lot of existing sports cars but somehow still had proportions that made it look like it was meant to look like a toy car and not something that might be driving around in real life. That's why I did not like it at all. Something just felt off. But other than that designers should just feel free to go wild with their imagination and combine designs they think might be cool. That fuels the imagination of a child in what world this vehicle might be around. So that it works even without any supporting media to show why this particular bot might be cool. It needs to stand on his own. The more unique the coolness factor is, the better.
For example the weapon staring alt modes of these nascars from DOTM were awesome. I just do not like their robot modes.
Also hollow parts should be hidden better. It makes the bots look weak unconsciously.

 

LOL! Exactly the scene that came to mind!

I think more realistic alt modes tend to sell better. But, like pointed out above, they need a certain coolness to them. I don't think a bus conveys that, not even a double-decker.

I don't care much for realistic animals, though. I prefer the robotic animals, even if they don't really make sense as camouflage.