What exactly makes a figure “marshmallowy”? I went with NA’s (EX) Constructicons because of the detailing. Comparatively, Magic Square’s look featureless and washed-out. These Combaticons appear to be nicely done as individual figures but the combined mode looks almost like a R.E.D. toy.

 

When the edges of geometric shapes/forms have an extreme bevel or fillet applied to them, the result can have a rounded, poofy, marshmellowy appearance to it.


When you compare NewAge figures to Magic Square figures, it's quite noticable that this edge treatment is part of NA's design aesthetic. It's not a dig at them, it's just a distinct contrast between the two companies.

 

Ah, I never thought of it that way, but I can see your angle. I suppose it’s necessary when using those plastics at that scale.

 

He's big, he's animated, and I'm COMING!

 

He's Not that big compared to the many other brutici but whatever

 

The more I look at the combined mode the more I'm liking it, bring it on! This is the cleanest version yet and there will no doubt be extra pieces for a toy version.
I'm really hoping we'll get to see more in a couple of hours.

 

Hang on, it's not confirmed that there's a NA devy suit here at all. So let's hold back on calling them 'lazy' until we know for sure.

 

Arms a bit lanky, but I’m in!

 

I would gladly trade away toon accuracy for a more integrated combiner. Just my opinion.

 

But they didn't do that either.

 

MS managed the best of both worlds with their Devastator and Menasor. I see no reason why they can't with Bruticus.

Which other Bruticus is more toon accurate?

 

I think it'll be just fine once there are paint apps.

 

I don't know, I'm not aware of every Bruticus made. Swindle is supposed to have a third mode that's a yellow box with wheels. It looks to me like they just stuck it on there like it's Menasor.

 

Their Devastator isn't a cartoon screen grab and we all seem to love it. It's a balance between slavish, detailed and functional which is what Bruticus could've been absent the torso shell we're seeing.

I don't know. I just really dislike NA's Devastator and it seems like that's what MS tried to replicate. They saw the love for NA's "walked off the screen" look and pinned it to Brute. It's just a bummer. I really liked MS's middle of the road approach. Unless they reveal a shelless mode, it's a moot point. It is what it is

 

So when it turns out that what is clearly a Bruty shell, can I then call it lazy? Or at that point are we going to debate what does and does not constitute a shell?

 

I was referring specifically to the NA suit, not a shell (whatever that can be defined as).

I think what we'll get here are pants and that grey chest plate, much like their Devastator set up (pants and purple chest plate). Now the question for me is will those pants and chest plate be used in some inventive way outside of Bruticus? Will it form something like the Devastator's drilling vehicle or will they be incorporated into Onslaught's alt-mode in some way? Whatever the go for, I don't think we'll get a NA suit.

 

It looks like an NA/Zeta suit to me. I don’t personally have a problem with it, shrug. Should be more stable than either Menasor or Devastator.

 

So are we expecting any more photos tonight? Or is that it for now?

 

Looks good MS. I’m mostly a N.A. guy but MS Menasor is one of my favorite sets.

 

Looking good to me. I would have liked the Swindle shin to be a little more like the toon and a little less “Jeep on shin” but it’s my only real complaint. Overall this looks freakin amazing. Maybe someone will design a 3d printed shin cover to put over Swindle in combined mode.
Definitely picking one up.

My one thought when looking at all of these is to turn around and look at my MP shelf and shake my head. For all I love my MP bots, it’s still frustrating how a company working on figures 1/10th the size can consistently produce such amazing looking figures. C’mon MP, up your game!!!

 

Crossing my fingers for a toy-style combined mode reveal to finish off the week.