Alfes2000 of the Higekuma Toy Blog has posted some in-hand images of the recently released Takara-Tomy Generations Blaster. This incarnation of Blaster is a Japanese release of Fall of Cybertron Blaster with Steeljaw. Blaster sports silver on his legs which in vehicle mode links up with the silver on the arms and a deeper red. Steeljaw features a darker yellow and both have additional paint details over their US releases. Check out the gallery at the link above.
Lbsammills51
Yup, that. Plus Hasbro budgets paint aps across an entire wave of figures (so that's how some figures have a ton of paint in the same wave where another figure gets by with much fewer paint aps in comparison), whereas Takara doesn't have that problem (their figures ship out in cases consisting solely of that particular figure rather than wave variations like Hasbro).
Fallout
iirc transformers is more collector-oriented and a smaller brand there, compared to hasbro not focusing as much on homages and fancy paint as much as getting stuff out there for cheap. basically quality over quantity.
jbz
I know this has probably been asked/answered a million times, but why does Japanese/Takara releases always usually equal better paint apps?
Stepper
TakTomy version looks more vibrant due to the grey shade use is of darker shade.
jestermon
I really don't see any improvements, he looks dull and the wheels look weird being the flat yellow, the gold on the Hasbro version is much better.
Blaster should be bright and pop color wise, this looks like dead blaster that has faded out.
The white symbol bothered me but I just used a Repro label with the metallic back makes it look even more g1 to me.
PoweredConvoy
Yes. Hence the in hand pictures in this very thread you posted in.
Randy
Stepper
I can assume that TG17 Blaster is already out with TG18 Skywarp or….
[Wing_Saber-X]
Want. So much nicer color scheme overall. SO bought.
Obsidian X
I prefer TakTomy, will probably get it. The warface grin is weird though.. Sure can be cool with a face that isn't a blank emotionless slate but I don't see this face fitting Blasters personality. a smirk or something would fit better imo.
Save the warface for guys like Blades, Slag, Terrorcons etc.
Lbsammills51
For those that are interested in one, AmiAmi's made it available for order again. I added one to my monthly order a little bit ago.
AmiAmi [Character & Hobby Shop] | Transformers: Generations TG-17 Blaster & Steeljaw(Released)
BigRC83
Maybe I should place a red auto logo on my HABRRO Voyager Blaster.
gothsaurus
True that!!
Galaxy Convoy
Same here. Personally, I just don't see this fig as being different enough from the Hasbro one to warrant the $50-60 import cost. That's just me though.
Now if Takara does a Twincast repaint and Hasbro doesn't…I'm in.
BScorpinok75
Looks nice but I'll stick with the Hasbro version
ToddJumper
Not too much difference, although would have liked a red autobot symbol.. suffice to say I am glad I found Blaster at all, most collectors in my area never seen him in stores.
Autovolt 127
I'll be happy if i can find the Hasbro version.
McSoundWave007
Personally if I got this, I would pop out the wheels from the Hasbro one and shove them on this. It just seems right to give this blaster some gold rims…
Vexwing
Not being able to find the Hasbro version at retail made the decision to go with TT a little easier. Overall it looks quite a bit better, just not three-times-as-much better. Though I wish they hadn't painted over his lightpiped eyes.
*Edit* Nevermind, there's a pic on Alfe's blog that shows the lightpiping still works. Yay, still wish I could get this for less than $60 though.
Skrunklemin
Definitely looks much better than the Hasbro one, but Device Label is still king.
rosewater
I like Hasbro's a little better, aside from the white Autobot symbol. I feel like the gray on his back doesn't monkey with his head to shoulders silhouette the way Takara's red back piece does. And the gray wheels on the legs make Hasbro's legs look a bit more cohesive.