It has to look cool in both modes. One mode being lackluster can be excused if the other mode is exceptional. This saves me from buying any animated toys, since I can't stand the look of those things.
The opposite for me. Any lights, sounds or electronics are likely to stop me buying a figure. Targetmaster/Headmaster/etc has little impact on my decision. Of course, for every set of rules, there are always a couple of figures that I really shouldnt like... but really do for no reason.
My first criteria is 'Do I like the character?' Either based on their representation in the cartoon, the comic, or the tech spec. Or sometimes even from fanfiction, like Starhorse's fics or Shane's Comics. Second is 'Do I like their looks?' The cuter the better (aka the Squeee! factor), or are they a sweet sweet representation/update of a long time beloved character. Third - 'do I have the money?' This usually trumps the other two, so I must bypass many that would otherwise be going home with me. --Moony
I don't have it=I have to buy it I'm a collector by nature. I feel like I have to get them all, whether its Transformers, Bionicle, or for when I was really into it, even Pokemon. I just have to collect them all. So I'll buy figures I don't like, figures I really like, and some I never planned on getting but because they were the only figure in the store that I didn't have so I'll get it. The only up side I can think of it is I can show off a big collection and have a lot of stuff to choose from for my comic.
Stuff I consider for the first release of a mold; no particular order and a figure doesn't have to pass all of these criteria to be purchased: - Do I like the particular toy line or subline? - Some lines, I avoid completely, regardless of all other factors (Mighty Muggs, Robot Heroes, etc) while others I'm sure to pick up all original releases (Movie line, Animated, etc). - Is it a character I like? - This criterion includes such considerations as whether I like the character in some associated media (TV, comics, etc) or whether it's a character I collect (Skywarp, Nemesis Prime, etc). - Is it worth the price? - I tend to consider this more for imports, particularly the Masterpiece and Encore lines. Even if it's a figure I really like, I may pass if I can't afford it (MP Grimlock). - What is the likelihood it'll be discounted? - If there's a good chance that the figure will go on sale or clearance, I'll hold off a purchase. Target-exclusives and Encores, for example, almost always go on heavy discounts. - How are the reviews? - This depends on the price of the figure. I don't usually bother reading reviews for cheaper items, but an expensive item had best have absolutely glowing reviews...especially if it's from a line I've been burned by in the past (Masterpiece). Stuff I consider for repaints is more absolute. A figure must pass the first two criteria, while the last three are weighted equally: - Do I like the mold? - No sense paying twice for something I know is crap. - Do I like the new deco? - What's the price? - I'm far more likely to purchase a Basic/Scout repaint than a Deluxe, more likely to get a Deluxe than a Voyager, etc. - Is there any retooling? - Well-done retooling can convince me to pick up a more expensive repaint. - How many of the mold do I already have? - With a few notable exceptions (Seeker recolours, Energon combiners), I won't buy more than 2 versions of any one mold.
The bot mode is most important to me, it has to look cool and be articulate. Followed closely by the color scheme. The alt mode can get away with being bad, as I leave em in robot mode.
I have a pretty simple two step process: First question I ask is, "Is it Optimus Prime?" If not, I'm not interested. If it is, I ask "Do I already have this Optimus Prime, or do a I need a better/more complete one?" If the answer is no, I pass. If the answer is yes, I buy. There ya go. That's my buying strategy in a nutshell.
is innovative is new doesnt look like crap ...thats basically it. though im also a completionist in certain lines, so... though thats my in-store criteria. otherwise, its for "what is missing from my collection." i only have Cyb. Prime cause i didnt really have a decent Prime outside of animated and movie.
Typically, I take this approach. Is it a G1 character that I actually remember or owned myself? If it is and I like the look of the mold, I'll probably pick it up. For Movie figures, was it actually in the film? If yes, then it's mine. If any figure draws a 'no' from me on either of those two questions (or both), then it better be damn well impressive to me otherwise I'll pass. I also prefer the most 'high-end' version of each character (Premium Leader Movie Prime over any other Prime from that line, Animated Leader Megatron instead of the Voyager, for example) with a few exceptions. On some figures I initially skip, over time I will take a look at it and debate it further and sometimes I change my mind. This website has actually helped turn me on to certain figures (the entire Animated line in general, Classics Cyclonus in particular). For an ongoing example, I'm presently leaning towards picking up the Encore Metroplex after blowing it off previously.
First off, if it's a repaint and I already have the mold, 99.9 times out of 100 I'll pass. I make exceptions to this rule for G1 characters like the Seeker molds. Secondly, I have to like the design of both bot and alt modes. Third and most undefinable, it just has to be good.
I go roughly with that: -Is it a G1 Character? If it appeared on the Cartoon or in toy form, I might consider it. -Do I know him? My knowledge is very limited on this, so if it's an obscure homage, I'm unlikely to know it, and thus unlikely to get him. -Is this a "real" alt mode? I don't like space thing that look like nothing, I prefer real "earth" mode. Some exception from G1 accepted -Do I like the look? If the mold look like crap or the color poorly applied, I might pass. So with that, my collection is mostly G1, Alternators, Classics/Universe/Henkei and Masterpiece.
