I didn't start collecting 3P TransFormers/Combiners until WB released Bruticus. (The only non-WB/GT/TFM combiner I have is TFC's Piranacon.) The company/designers have evolved in their creative design of updating old characters. Although they have made some decisions that I don't agree with overall, their combiners are still my favorite. Things of which I refer to are: Vortex's robot mode, and to a smaller degree his alt mode as well; Bonecrusher's robot mode; and not all parts being used in all forms, such as Onslaught's cab in robot mode, Menasor's latter trailer (although the battle station bit is great!), and now First Aid's trailer (??). However, I love their combiner and alt modes, and in most cases their robot modes are my least favorite. Bruticus is still my favorite of the bunch, especially for his unmatched stability (which is weird that they would become less stable when they did it so right the first time).

Now, I am not and will never be a fan of the cartoon characters stepping off the screen onto my hands, nor creating articulated versions of the 80's toy, such as ToyWorld's Devastator. What I like about these guys is that they are detailed, "real world" versions of the 80's character, not necessarily cartoon or toy or IDW version (with the exception of Menasor/Havoc).

In regards to Groove: as a kid it bothered me that a motorcycle was so huge compared to the other vehicles, the same way that Blast Off, a space shuttle, was a part of a group of combat vehicles. I wanted the change back then! As an adult, after living with these characters for more than 3 decades, I don't want them to change. I don't want Rook nor Groove to become a chest plate! Defensor needs to stay as he has for more than 30 years.

 

But CW Hot Spot has ladders on his back, I'm confused...  

 

I wonder if Breakdown and Wildrider are compatible with Hot Spot...

 

bigup. *fist bump*
and the bike complaint would be for someone in japan in like 1982, right?

 

This set is pretty awesome, but all, or nothing at all. I want to revel in the awesomeness of Defensor.

 

For what ever it's worth, and judging by pictures alone, I have to say the CW/UW set with the C+ add on kit is pretty hot.

 

I personally going to use Guardian as an "IDW MP"

I still don't have a Devastator... I will wait for the improved GB KO... I want big construction vehicles!

 

That seems plausible!

 

I will keep Groove in bot mode!  

 

There's MP Megatron so does alt mode scale even matters?

 

Defensor doesn't, the ladder folds and becomes the chest plate.

 

Oh okay.

 

Yes, thank you.  

 

So with unpainted prototypes we're about 3 months away from the first figure, right?

 

I preorderd the first, in the expectation that he is gonna come in january.

 

This is true. But I'd rather have a Defensor with a ladder on his back and a waist swivel.

 

Given that it’s discussed and often argued on every single thread, I think we can say yes… 

 

So looking behind Defensor's legs...are those pieces part of Hotspot, or add-ons for the combined mode? I can't even begin to guess where those wheels behind Groove in his leg mode are supposed to go on Hotspot.

 

If I’m understanding what you are referring to correctly, those wheels should be from First Aid’s trailer. From what I can tell the trailer splits along its longitudinal axis (top and bottom) and forms the calf buckets. I imagine the trailer also hids the hands and feet.

 

Nothing detail wise lines up with First Aid though, so that can't be it.


More and more though, those leg pieces look to be add-ons to me though, and if that's indeed the case I'll be out on this set.


Hopefully we'll know more soon.