Takara Tomy MP-44 Masterpiece Optimus Prime 3.0 

Apparently there’s a stand I missed. Disregard that from the criticisms. Overall view is the same. Enjoy your Sunday.

The mess in truck mode and the backpack in bot mode really kill it for me. I waited until all were out, ms, te, mp44, and I chose te-01.

It’s a breath of fresh air to have someone give a straight up honest review. No beating around the bush. New sub.

“Jesus take the wheel!” @21:40 LOL

I paid $320 but didn't get my 20% off Arby's voucher. Not going to complain :D As for the price. Considering MP10 sells for $150 a $175 price tag would only be $25 more than that for all the additional paint, accessories, hardware, articulation etc. I'd rather have paid $175, believe me and I do think $450 is crazy but I'd say a good price would be more around $250 than $175. $100 more than MP-10

We forget that MP-10 was $299 when imported at US MSRP. It wasn't until the Hasbro release when it was sub $200. I own this figure and am perfectly happy with it. Glad to see someone having an honest take on what value is vs worth.

What a reasonably grounded review this is.

Final thoughts; You Do recommend this product but you cannot Justify the price tag. I completely agree.

I been waiting for this review,it's a beautiful piece,not to sound cheap but I can't do the price for this,I'm still good with the M.P 10,thanks for the review.

I think the reason that MP44 looks better than MS is because of three things. 1. Shape of the parts are tapered on MP44 vs blocks on Magic Square. This is much more toon accurate. 2. The overall proportions are more accurate. 3. The figure is fully painted. Ton achieve these three things increases the cost exponentially. Look at MP44 in truck vs bot mode. There are barely any parts that are visible in one mode to the other. This increases the parts counts dramatically. This has to happen because you can’t put together tapered parts cleanly, so the figure needs to invert itself. The engineering is quite amazing. So in regards to cost, I understand why this cost so much. However, maybe that’s not what the consumer is looking for.

Thanks for reviewing this! I’ve been looking forward to this review for quite a while! You could say... I would’ve waited an eternity for this.

I have many official MPs, and I would much rather spend money on the official product, but this is just asking too much. If I paid $450 for it, I wouldn't be able to enjoy it as part of my collection, it would always have a stigma attached to it. I would just look at it sitting there in my display case mocking me, like hearing a heartbeat under the floorboards. I might consider buying a KO of this at some point. The guilt I would feel from spending $450 on a somewhat unneccessary prime is much greater than the guilt I would feel from buying a KO.

That hunchback makes this a complete no-deal.

DAMNIT Bubbeh.! Just when I was about fall asleep. This should be interesting. EDIT: The funny part to me is Bubbeh had to transform it to Vehicle mode to ship it back to the owner lol.

If you break the antenna on the “NEVER!” Head then it will look even better!

This is the first honest review of this figure I’ve seen (I’ve watched a lot of these and can’t get over the insanely complicated transformation and price point). So thank you for actually having an honest opinion & speaking the truth. It’s refreshing.

Nice review. I've always liked the bulkiness of Magic Squares's Prime. I agree Takara's the best out there but I'm satisfied with MS01. All the Primes have their flaws but for the price, this guy should be almost PERFECT. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

Thanks very much for this review Bobby, and yes, it is not worth $450, that is why I am going for the TE with the g1 style head.

Here's the thing...options options options, everyone to their own taste and budget. There is no wrong answer, just the answer that is for you. Even if I don't care for a certain aesthetic, I can appreciate the time spent in the production of a product and ones happiness with their purchase of said product. There are way too many stresses in life and reliving and enjoying ones childhood shouldn't be one of them, marred by people who can't appreciate anything. So transform and roll out into the sunset with whichever Optimus Prime you have.

It's an amazing figure and piece of toy-engineering, but what drew me to the Masterpiece line was the realistic/licenced alt-forms and the robot forms with just enough detail to make it believable while still being show-accurate and this 'toy' is really leaning against those borders. And that price, whoo! And I was waiting for MP-10 to drop below 100, because I want to actually play with my Transformers without fear of breaking a small fortune. At MP-44's price I expected a 18 karat gold matrix and an MP Elita-One, not an over-engineered and undersized MP-01 with a big gray box.

37:55 isn't the display stand the thing from the repair bay? You can take out that top portion and it will have a notch to put Optimus on to do a flying pose with that jet pack.

The clear adapter is for the Dinobot stand . You can also use the armature from the repair drone as another stand .

Definitely origami Prime. It so hard to compare to the venerable Mp10 which has been our standard for so long it's ingrained as "our Prime".

People have probably already said this, but I'm too lazy to scroll through the comments. The reason the truck mode was so mangled in the front, and didn't stay together the best, is because the hands were improperly oriented. In truck mode you want the back of the hand in it's entirety to be visible with the side pealed off

Appreciate you keeping the same energy on cost. Despite admitting its the best Prime, hats off to you for your non recommendation. Takara definitely keeps their hands in fans' pockets.

People will probably hate you now with saying he trashes the TE. Can’t wait for the salt. Edit: I like all 3 by the way but the defense force is ridiculous. Really nice review overall though. The one I waited for the most.

I agree, so glad i didnt buy him. He is super poseable, but to make that happen i feel he lacks in the looks department, his back is a mess, his shoulders are messy. Not worth 450 to me, i rather buy terminus giganticus for that money

I'm glad that in spite of knowing, that you're going to ruffle some feathers, that you still keep your reviews, honest, real and are not afraid to share your opinion, even though so many seem to not be able to handle it. Great review man and although long, for what this is and all that comes with it, was necessary to give this figure accurate and thorough coverage.

Ok, got my coffee. Time to settle in on the review I was waiting for.

You forgot the first step of the transformation sequence. Pour yourself a shot and buckle up.

Great review as always. I’m curious though why the Transform Element isn’t higher on your list though. It has the same aesthetic in many ways as MP-44 with the presence of the magic square. Plus the alt mode is the best of the lot for cartoon accuracy (IMO). Granted, I didn’t like the TE at first either, but now that it has that new head it’s just outstanding. Give it a second look if you haven’t with the new head yet.

Wait, there was an Arby's coupon that I missed? As a portly, nerdy gentleman, I would love to transform him while eating a beef and cheddar sandwich. The yellow cheddar sauce and red catalina sauce that he would be covered in would compliment his already beautiful color palette. Well, off to Arby's I go.....

I knew Bobby’s verdict the fact that he got a loner. Price tag is a precedent I’m not willing to support. It also influences 3rd party to raise their prices (which they are)

I finally transformed him! Your vid helped out massively...thanks!

Great review as always. I feel just like you do except I do not feel like he is the best prime out there. I still like MP-10 as my prime. The nice thing about MP-10 is that he is a nope e combo of toon and toy and...he transforms much like the cartoon transformation. You could do stop motion transformation of MP-10 and almost mimic G1 cartoon transformation. MP-44 looks nothing like this. I also feel like new prime looks scrawny next to Megatron 2.0, with MP-10 looking a better strength match. New does have better articulation but overall not worth the upgrade to me.

I was hesitant about getting MP-10, and then didn't bother when I heard about MP-44. Glad that I waited. One of my favourites in my collection.

"...and now the trailer can take off." that's so funny to me. haha

Hey, it's a give and take. I enjoy the extras and the fact that you can actually put spike and co inside the cab, however outside of how cleaned he looks in bot mode. It looks like hell getting him there, and it looks like he doesn't stay pegged in vehicle mode. And for $400 plus that should not be an issue

Great review once again. The paint and engineering looks pretty great (though that seems to ask for more consistent QC than they have seemingly been willing to spend, as knee issues, and some out of the box paint issues testify), he's poses great, and the accessoires are mostly very well done, and quite extensive. Though the end result is looking quite panel heavy for my liking, the transformation is quite clever here and there and less of a struggle than I expected. If that's what I'd want, yes, it would be a lot of money, but will probably might make quite a few people very happy to have. For me personally, the result is a lot of effort for something that seems different from what I want.

Next to MS-01, MP-44 looks like he's constantly sucking in his belly for the photo to look like he's really in shape.

He makes MP Megatron's transformation look like a walk in the park.

This review reinforces my opinion that I made the right choice getting the Magic Square Optimus. Still the best Prime on the market, in my opinion.

So I want to talk about the upcoming Menasors...is it safe to say that all 3 3rd party versions are going to have parts forming arms that are 2 pieces per arm? Not seeing how X transbots(since they're the only ones with the arm bots out) split in two to form the arms? What do you think??

Have a better day today, Skully!

Respect your view Bobby, but in my opinion TE01 with the new head is the best looking prime G1 representation of prime. And that is without bringing price into it.

TE-01 for me for alt and robot mode but I’ll wait for FT to do their version until then MP10 is fine

interesting final thoughts and great review, you presented this figure really well

Totally agree with you there, i truly love the alt mode and i adore the bot mode, but to me Prime has been done out the wazoo too many times for me to really care for something that costs this much. That transformation to me is not using the animation model transformation scheme and i dont think thats something i would like to sacrifice, and as a collector i dont think that the transformation should feel like a chore. Megatron gets a pass cause his alt mode is kinda useless alone and that he always flew when needing transport, so him being panely thats just something i wont see often. Thats why i got myself a P38 airgun and painted it as Megatron if i ever wanted to shoot something

Agree on 175 too. The best yet for the price im sticking to TE01. Great comprehensive review

Takara: EXECUTE ORDER MP-44!

Never been this excited for a Skullface video before

Wait, there was a 20% coupon for Arby's? DAMNIT! For the most important character in the franchise? I had to splurge. It's gorgeous and fun to pose. Any other character, no way. And not at the $400+ point - $300 was my "no more" point before I knew the price, but I couldn't pass for another $25.

You can use the Anti Aircraft Blaster as a stand. You can attach the adapter to it after you take the cannon part off.

Maybe I missed it, but what did you think of the transformation? Was it too much?

DEM DEES NUUUTS. & now I wait for the KO(s) to come out with the fixes & extras. thank u for putting this one out

Yeesh, that transformation… at this point I'm considering just having a non-transformable robot and a really cool truck to display together.

As soon as you showed mp-44 with magic square and then Megatron and said mp-44 is more mature in terms of proportions, a better thing, that it’s more sophisticated, that it’s the best Optimus prime on the market bar none, however you prefer the chunkiness of the magic square, I said to myself even though I’ve watched like 4-6 other reviews- that’s why I wanna see your review. Thanks for your no holds barred opinion and a great review. Damn that magic square does look beefy and heroic, at least I have a good starscream head for my maketoys meteor 😜

If you pull the turret off of the blue base part, that ratcheted armature can act as a flight stand. So technically it does in fact come with a display base

I complete agree with it not being worth $450. A Takara masterpiece at this price should be absolutely flawless, and this one has quite a few cartoon inaccuracies. Unfortunately, you have some followers on here that think the price tag is something to brag about and just goes to show that they are not real TF fans, at all. However, as far as Te-01 and MP-44, TE-01 is the more cartoon accurate of the two. If thats all you're going to be concerned about, then TE is the right choice. The backpack of TE is far more cartoon accurate. Yes Prime has a bit a of backpack, but all you have to do is go back and watch any episode and you will see that even with the transformation, TE was able to practically copy the cartoon version perfectly both in size and style and design. The feet of MP-44 look as though he is standing on his toes at all times or that he is in heels. Cartoon Prime's feet go all the way to the ground, all the way around like big rectangle blocks. All of the panel gaps in the legs as well as too much red showing in the legs is a big mistake and is not up to par with the price tag. TE does not have any of these issues with the legs. The only thing keeping it from being 100% cartoon accurate in the legs would the slider pin seen on the sides. The matrix chamber in TE is so accurate that it looks like it was pulled straight from Prime's death scene from the 86 movie. MP-44's matrix chamber makes a good attempt but falls short and looks like a Dollar General knock off. This is unacceptable of a $450 Takara masterpiece. The only inaccuracies that I can see with TE-01 that keeps it from being the perfect Optimus Prime masterpiece figure, is that the grill in truck mode is split into 3 sections when the cartoon version just has two with a divide right down the center. MP-44 is the first masterpiece Prime that I have seen that does this successfully. The next issue with TE-01 is that its missing Prime's "blue thong" in the back, Instead you just get the truck mode bumper. MP-44 also does this successfully. And lastly, MP-44 does another thing that previous versions as well as TE-01 missed, the yellow indicator lights in the bumper in truck mode. The cartoon version of Prime has these two little triangle yellow indicator lights on the bumper under the headlights. No other figure has been able to match this. With that being said, MP-44 does hit some small points that TE-01 does not as far as just the aesthetics of a cartoon accurate Optimus Prime, these points do not help it surpass TE-01 as the more cartoon accurate of the two. The robot mode as well as the truck mode just screams G1 cartoon Optimus Prime whereas MP-44 is close, but not close enough. And thats even before you consider the price tag difference. I do not care if its official or a KO or a 3rd party. My collection goes solely for aesthetics of cartoon accuracy. That is just my preference.

This is the definitive optimus prime no doubt its perfect...

I like it some more adjustments can be made. Wait for version 4.

Thank you!! I didn't know about the ab-crunch that connects to the whole lower hip! I thought we had to disconnect it from the front! My man!! Keep up the great work!

I know you are going to get a shiz ton of comments about the stand but I agree with you completely. They added the part for the Dinobot stand but no stand.... Beast Wars Meatron same thing... at these prices they should include the stand. I mean it even looks like they where built to be added together. Anyways.... I couldn't agree more with this review and your final opinions. Its beautiful but not 600+ beautiful... that's the price north of the boarder. I hope your day got better and thanks for taking the time to put this out.

Takara SEEKERS V3! U blew my mind!

I totally agree with you Bobby Skullface I think he's beautiful but nowhere near worth the price tag they are asking for AMAZING REVIEW AS ALWAYS KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK

Can't believe people still complain after all this detail and accuracy. That's mankind for you. Never satisfied

Great review. It's nice that there are a few Primes to pick from. TE-01 looks great on my shelf, almost as cartoon accurate and good build quality for a nice price. Personally, I can't get past 44's panels and gaps but maybe that's the trade of for superior articulation.

Well done on understanding perpendicular and parallel. You’re probably the only person who gets that right. Fair objective review

Finally! Great review sir. I hope your day gets better. 🙏

Totally agree price point is too high we need the price lower, hopefully at least one ko version comes out!

Thanks Bobby S for the in-depth review!

I agree with you 100%. That price point is the turn off. But on the same hand, it's the best Prime out there.

Hey I've been ur sub for quite a while and have enjoyed all ur reviews, esp the inserted scene with ur family XD. btw the blue pod can be detached from the black tower and it actually becomes a stand that attaches to the groove on his back, but the instructions left it out, only the box art at the back shows it. So now he can be displayed with his jetpack on. Keep up the reviews and the Sit down Sat!

Man, I really need to think this thru now. I literally have until TFCon to make up my mind! This is the first time, being in this fandom, that I've had to actually rethink this purchase. Dammit, LOL! Nonetheless, this was a great review Bobby!

Great review Bobby I'm totally agree with you it's great a figure they kill it .. I can't see my self paying that price .he cost more than a combiner set ..

Man wish mine came in looking as good as this one. Paint was chipped heavily out of the box, chrome was flaking on the chest and bumper, both the knees were non functional out of the box, the voice box wasn’t wired properly so it didn’t work at all with fresh batteries, and it even had large pieces of the skirt armor broken off. And this looks like they broke in factory because they’re painted over. I agree with you on the point that this is the best looking Prime out there, but the fact that myself and a large portion of others have had so many issues shows me that the quality isn’t there. And quite honestly, given the numerous and widespread issues that this release has had, I’m considering canceling all my Takara preorders and just going 3rd party. I got rid of my MP-44 and will be purchasing MS’s Prime. He has his issues, but at least the quality control appears to be better than Takara. I just don’t feel that I should have to play Russian Roulette with these official figures while paying an overinflated price point.

Man your absolutely right about everything you said about the mp-44, the price point is definitely way too high, you can buy a 🚗 from Gettysburg PA, auto auction and have it driving for what they want for this, but hey if you’re ballin and think 🤔 it’s worth it do you big daddy. Anyway loved the review and just wanted to let you know how I felt on this issue too because I’m between a rock and hard place about MP-44, love it!, want it!, but it’s not worth the money 💵 they asking for it. At least to me...

I really like the production value of your reviews, and the attention you pay to the different aspects of the figure. I recommend you use some of your production money on a manicure, especially since your fingers are the secondary characters to the toys in the review

Easily one of your best reviews to date! My breakdown of the value for me and me alone. Figure alone(with gun, axe and matrix) but no other accessories and no voice clips) = $225. Trailer(including anti aircraft gun) = $25 Roller = $15 Mini figs = $15 Other accessories = $75 Sound Clips = $50 Total value = $405

Great review. I always appreciate honesty.

To the people getting this figure, do yourself a favor and get a can of top coat. Get gloss coat if you wanna keep the shine, or if you are like me, get matt coat, this should help with paint chipping. I know it's pretty scary to even consider enhancing a 500 doller product but it's worth it

I think this reminds me of why I collect, and by I wouldn't want this. I collect figures because I find it fun. I like crazy nonsense like the coming Piranacon which is fun to mess around with and I like relatively straight laced but still fun to mess with Siege. This feels like the opposite of fun to me. It feels like it could've just been a non-transforming figure of prime and it would've cheaper and more fun, and less of a nightmare

Everything you pointed out, the pros and cons....spot on! And your final thoughts on that price tag, yuuuuup (Y) Great review! Cheers.

Great review Bobby! I do like this figure, best Prime to date, but Takara needs to drop the price, i am not spending 400-450 on this.

Good review and about what I expected. I bought the figure and have about the same assessment that you gave in your review. He’s the best on a shelf that we have got to date but he has too many flaws in my opinion to justify the price and I for one don’t think he is $200-300 better than TE Prime and I feel I was taken by Takara with this purchase. I was on the fence for a while leaning towards not getting him and putting that money towards other holes in my collection. I can honestly say I probably should have listened to my gut. For a figure of that price point we as a community should not hear about almost any paint issues at all. Mine has paint issues. Figures with bad knees out of the box. His antenna (which they got right on other prime releases) shouldn’t be warped. Then again I feel like some of the plastic parts mirror the same cheap plastic of the antenna. Let’s be honest here. Some love all the accessories and some don’t but if we are honest with ourselves more accessories makes the consumer feel warm and fuzzy while leaving a larger hole in the pocket. Sure they wanted Prime to get a glorious release and all but if you think for one second that this didn’t allow for more profit your fooling yourself. My Starscream Head has a paint flaw as well. So while they didn’t spare any paint they once again don’t know how to apply it evenly/consistently. Please take note of FT’s Takara. As it sits this release isn’t worth more than $250 in my opinion but man scrap some of the extras and drop the price more. But again refer to the profitability with all the so called extra goodies. No thanks. While I will keep him I don’t feel like it was money well spent. Hoping FT gets to a release of Prime. At that point 44 might be packing up his trailer and bent antennas to another persons collection. With Takara’s prices going up I might stay clear. I got a crappy release of Sunstreaker as well. Nothing like having 4 shades of yellow. Smh.

Agree 100% I definitely would have purchased this for $175-200. Until that changes, I'll be fine with MP10 or pickup a used or on sale TE-01.

I appreciate your view. I spent the money on it because when I seen it first in hand I had to have it. Fortunately I can afford it and it is worth it to me, but I understand why it would not be to another collector especially when funds may be tighter! Awesome fair review! FYI I want you to know I look forward to sit down Saturday every week! I appreciate al of your insight!

I get it. I feel the same way, but I'm buying one. I think in general the brand of transformers can't justify this price no matter the material or sculpt. It's just not a brand that lends itself to high prices items.

Nice review, hope your day gets better!

Certainly this Prime does look good and hits all the marks, no question. I honestly prefer TE Prime. In some regards MP44 looks better, but at the same time I think TE looks just as good in most areas. The elephant in the room of course, is the elephant sized price tag on MP44 here. I am more than happy (and very impressed with TE's very first figure) with having spent the 150 (I think?) on TE Prime. Never would I spend that ridiculous amount of money for something like this. I was interested to see what your take on this was, good review as always sir.

My question is, do you approve of the over complicate transformation? Could they have done better?

I agree the price is really steep... Probably because of the accessories, attention to every item for the most complete Optimus. I think they're aiming like a hot toys collectible or like those expensive japanese collectibles mechas. So they're on the same prices.

wait , there is a display stand

Finally someone tells the truth it’s not worth the price should be 150 tops

jetpack also fits on MP Sideswipe as an added feature and the crane when split can be used a flight stand for optimus

I think that's what bothers me most about this figure is that it really does look like the best MP Prime but I just don't feel like it's worth the money...but as soon as I saw the Flametoys Optimus, I immediately pre-ordered that and I think both are the same price. Despite the fact that MP-44 comes with a ton of accessories I believe the Flametoys Optimus is more of a high-end collectible by comparison. I really do want this though...but I can ultimately do without.

I am more hyped for the ko to come out

8:57 "Ion Blaster" that is. :)

Solid review. It's beautiful and impressive, but absolutely not worth the price tag.

I totally agree with your assessment. And I’m not resentful because it costs $450....God knows I filled 4 Detolfs with Hot Toys this summer.... But this price is a bridge too far for me. I love my Magic Square one now and will see what Hot Toys comes up with. I happen to think that the backpack looks ridiculous on 44. Looks like what they did to the new Bumblebee’s backpack and FEEEEEET! For 450 bucks, I want magic level engineering to avoid that hunchback.