Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpieces MP-12(Japan Import)

I give this a five star rating hands down, why? It's awesome. transformation is simple and easy, vehicle and robot modes look incredible. I am aware about the Knock offs that everyone was talking about. If you're reading this and you want to know what the tells are, its actually simple. THE REAL DEAL 1. the headlights on the figure should have a black trim around it. 2. with a micro scope (if you have trouble seeing things up close) the Lamborghini insignia, although small, should have a noticeable "writing" that says Lamborghini right above the bull. (fake ones have just a gold blob) 3. The boxes background cover should not be as shiny as the figures pic. That being said, hope it helps for those of you who are picky and don't want the risk of getting a K.O. I'm not going to rule out the knock offs either, if you just want the masterpiece experience, then a knock off might just be what your looking for if you're not wanting to empty your wallet. It all depends on what you think. the figures articulation is top notch. you can make almost any pose. comes with the shoulder cannon, gun, and two pile drivers for the hands. definitely add this to your collection.

Pros: This is the version of Sideswipe we've been waiting nearly 30 years for. A highly detailed reproduction of a Countach LP500S, licensed by Lamborghini itself, with all the visual cues and details from the original 1984 toy and cartoon wrapped up in one modern package. The figure is well engineered and sturdy. Although the transformation process is moderately complex, it is never a frustrating experience and ends up being quite enjoyable and fun.Cons: This toy is aimed at the adult collector market and is expensive. As such, the figure should have had a much cleaner paint job. There are spots on mine where the paint is rough or incomplete. Also, the side panels are designed in such a way as they do not fit snugly together causing slight gaps. Not really a deal-breaker, but it is a slight disappointment as the car has been so faithfully reproduced and the gaps or ill-fitting pieces detract from the overall sleek look.

An excellent figure and the tranformation wasn't bad. I have only two gripes about Sideswipe. He's a little small. I expect Masterpeice figures to pay a little more attention to scale. He looks very small compared to Optimus Prime ( Convoy version Takara ), Megatron, Hot Rod and the rest. He only comes up to the middle of Starscream's chest, and to the top of Optimus Prime's leg. Reminds me a bit of the old Hasbro toy scale. Second gripe, Sideswipe's wheels are plastic, not rubber. Seems like a minor issue, but it still seems to stand out. I really liked the figure otherwise.

Always being a Sideswipe fan I had to get this model. This model is really fun to transform and looks very much like his cartoon counterpart. This is a solid figure that has sturdy joints that allows him to pose in some great looking stances. If you're not looking to collect all Takara figures, this is one to have in your collection even more than Red Alert because he is also a good looking model as a Lamborghini. Which is easily a top 10 great looking car of all time.

The only reason I didn't give a five star rating was because of the price. Nice toy, very articulated but no way worth the price. This toy shouldn't cost more than $50 dollars. No die cast metal in Sideswipe and very light. The Autobot cars in the Masterpiece line are only 6 inches tall and all light plastic and I repeat not worth the price. You have to be a very big Transformer fan to not mind paying the hefty price for Sideswipe.

To all who love and appreciate Transformers G1: This masterpiece is the most accurate and detailed version of the Autobot Sideswipe I've encountered! It had always been a piece that I've wanted as a child and even till today. The mechanics and articulation is awesome and precise--somebody really took time to think this one through. I am very happy with this purchase; item/box arrived in perfect mint condition--this is the way it should always be! Thank you Takara Tomy for choosing to make this available to us all! The only comment I have for Takara Tomy is to make these pieces with metal--for the serious collector. ~AC

Normally I don't like to post negative reviews but I feel that this MP-12 is a total rip off compare to the other masterpiece and Alternity. The MP-12 has very little die cast parts and felt totally cheap and light weight compare to the Alternity such as the GT-R, which could be had for $45 to $65 if you shop around. For the same price, or cheaper, than the MP-12, you can get the US version of the MP Thundercracker which is excellent value. For about $40 more you can get the MP-01 Convoy/Optimus Prime, which is still one of the best MP around. I only got the MP-12 because of pre-order, and because it sucked so bad that I already cancelled my MP-14 Red Alert which is basically the same thing. Trust me on this one, spend your money and get TWO Alternity instead of this POS.

I was really excited for this toy and I payed a premium price to get it. When it arrived the tape sealing the box had obviously been peeled and reapplied a few times. The transformer had been taken out of the package and transformed and then put back in the box, it was a mess in there. I am quite disappointed.Also for such an expensive toy, the red color is very inconsistent which is hardly noticeable in robot mode, but in alt mode (car) it look terrible. The reds on different body parts are very noticeably different. This is my 8th Takara/Tomy Masterpiece Transformer and the first time that I have been let down. It is possible that it is a fake, but I am not sure how to tell.