Mastermind Creations Ocular Max Sphinx VS Fanstoys Phantasm

[@threnody452]

Following along with my TE Phantom in hand and it does look and feel like it's up there with both of these figures, most likely inching out over MMC, and in my opinion, over FT as well just because of how it's still available for purchase and much cheaper than both of these figures ever were and will be. Overall I would recommend TE Phantom to anyone over these two figures. You just can't go wrong with how it looks, feels in hand and the minimal hit to the wallet for such a premium figure.

[@MikeD974]

I have the transform element love it that's my mirage had mmc but it broke

[@gordomusprime8193]

My MMC is flopping all over the place, been like that since day one, other than KO's, it's been my poorest figure by far. So I've ordered the TE version for £45.

[@alphatrion100]

Good choice

[@thegrunt3320]

Bobby Clownface is just being controversial on purpose, it’s the only thing keeping him relevant

[@alphatrion100]

@@thegrunt3320 bobby is the type of guy that keeps clinging on to outdated bots like Spinx and sunsurge whereas the rest of us have moved on to clearly better options. He also just has it in for transform element / deformation space. I think he hates the fact they are affordable AND actually really good.

[@alphatrion100]

Transform element for me!

[@PopePlatinumBeats]

Mirage the first Transformer i ever touched in 1984

[@dustyyshellz1320]

TE absolutely SMOKES the Fanstoys, but hey it’s all subjective. But articulation and colors for me are way better

[@WaywardTraveler77]

TE is still my favorite but It's awesome that we have some many options.

[@lareh5501]

And here I like the aesthetics of the Toronto & Chicago TFCon exclusives... in particular the invisibility cubes they come with. Yes, it occupies additional shelf space, but that "accessory" holds a bit if extra weight for me, in that it is simple, yet resonates with what types of things that should be included with TF figures. I've purchased this MMC mold multiple times, but the half translucent versions are the ones I come back to.

[@voiceoftarn923]

Big appreciate you taking the time and effort to compare the TE as well. Always enjoy seeing your opinions on this stuff. 👍

[@MICjordanTPR]

You missed a gimmick: MMC's vehicle mode front wheels have that 'steering' mechanism. Even more points for MMC.

[@ronrainey1639]

I have all 3 - TE, MMC, FT, and they are all good for different reasons. My issues with mmc is that he’s too floppy. Posing him is a pain because if you move one joint the others all flex and move. The figure constantly wants to fall over. It desperately needs some ratchets. For my money TE is the overall winner. I do not like the FT aesthetic with the light blue and boxy chest. I keep MMC in alt mode.

[@prmccollough]

I have to agree with you Bobby. My choice is now between Transform Element and Fans Toys. TE is cheaper but is likely going to be harder to find

[@jameslaroccoii7975]

Look at the dust on the MMC, Mack! Fire the maid. Lol

[@rick-ry3kj]

The FT is great, but not enough to replace it with my TE Mirage, great comparison Bobby!

[@georgegfrance]

TE for me, Baybee. Clean AF

[@markcastellanet9672]

The question with a lot of these are whether it's worth up "upgrading." Some of the new ones are more lateral rather than upgrades.

[@spot138]

Yo, you forgot to include the DX-9!!!

[@juggernautjones796]

I always thought that the mmc looked like it was wearing a basketball jersey.

[@harryruffin1548]

It’s honestly insane that the mmc is still in contention for best mirage, crazy good.

[@miyinan]

I got all 3. While it definitely looks more interesting, MMC was the one I sold. You alway have to have his knees bend in order to stand up straight exactly how he was in this video. The ankle joints are not tight enough so he will lean/fall forward without the knees bend. You also can’t do much with the launcher besides pointing straight. The figure overall just feels looser compared to the TE and FT.

[@kingrousereviews6216]

I like the fans toys better with the lower tires turned around for transformation…,you don’t?

[@Dokken1975]

MMC is so far gone from my collection with Transform Element right on its heels. FT for me!

[@shawnmartens9711]

This IS the vs I wanted. I passed on the TE, and have seen that comparison done to death. This is the really interesting one to me. Thank-you for this one Bobby.

[@mattreichman111]

Agreed. Same here

[@TrypticOwen]

Interesting opinions on the TE vs FT. The devil would probably have been in the details, though. I think ultimately you would have scored them about that way but my opinion would be that where the FT would win, it would do so marginally; where the TE would win, it would hammer the FT. Personally, I would have bought Sphinx if it were priced more competitively with Takara MP at the time - £50 MPs meant £80 for Maketoys' Downbeat was a real stretch but Jazz is a main character whose alt. mode would likely preclude his inclusion in MP official; £70 (making £100 £30 overpriced - almost 50%) would've been OK for Sphinx but price has always been MMC's problem. When TE was released, they got close to official MP in price with an offering that was more than a match for MMC and they dropped at just the right time that I wanted my MP collection to be done and over - easy buy and ultimately my preference over the Sphinx I missed out on. FT basically does exactly what the TE does but heavier and at more than twice the price; FT fans will like it and no-one else will buy it - not for me.

[@L2Nuku]

Agreed, same for me.

[@scottcampbell9515]

I wish the blue on FansToys was a bit darker.

[@Pikminer-5087]

MMC just has this slightly slimmer build overall and more visual interest then trying to be perfectly accurate to animation. Something I generally prefer, being cartoon inspired but not a super direct translation of it. Plus there's plenty of variants of Sphinx to sink your teeth into which is never a downside imo.

[@astartespete]

I swapped out only because my mmc had become wobbletron and bits were literally fallng off it. I loved that figure and it's held up remarkably well.

[@JasonSawyer]

All I know is FT is taking the main shelf spot, which TE had taken away from MMC, and those two are gonna be sold eventually. I still love the convention MMC though. That stays on a special shelf.

[@kup98ss49]

I think your review is on the money. I'm sticking with my TE even though it got 3rd place,.

[@PaulStargasm]

That was a weak ass clap at the start!

[@poolcueronin2845]

Funnily for me, I think Sphinx’s wide eyed general expression looks more soulless for me (at least, my cel shaded Sphinx does), but beyond that, Sphinx feels like a stronger figure. I feel completely befuddled by the choices for paint and color separation in Phantasm, and it’s poseability feels considerably more limited. Both are good figures, but I’m definitely missing my Sphinx.

[@yautjaxenomorph9472]

I agree. I still like the mmc sphinx more. Even tho i do hav TE speedstar too. Gonna pass on Phantasm

[@thomasloney612]

I'll probably get both. I already have Sphinx, and think he fits just fine with the rest of the Masterpiece line. However, since most of my figures are FansToys, i'll probably get that one as well. When that happens, I display one in robot and one in alt mode. And, since the MMC alt mode looks great, that's the best option.

[@samthompson2568]

Who ever took the photo of the canvas at the start of the video needs a medal :) lol :)

[@metalliphil]

Sphinx still hanging in there- love to hear it👏🤘

[@animatedplastic]

MMC Sphinx is one of my favorite figures as well. Mirage is one of my favorite characters from G1. I got FT version as well. I would object that FT does have a gimmick as you can leave the Missile launcher on the shoulder staying on when converting to Alt mode? I like both for different reasons. I am more of the real world alt mode and some stylization of the character. I own Multiple versions of MMC as Liger and the TFCon Exclusive where Sphinx has clear portions of him. I really wished that MMC would have released an all clear Sphinx as that is one of the characters where Clear plastic makes sense. I wonder if FT will make a Diaclone Mirage version of this figure. I'm glad I passed on the TE version, I almost bought it since it was $50! We can't forget the first take on an MP Mirage was DX9 Invisible. I look forward to seeing the FT Jazz and wonder how it will hold up next to Maketoys Downbeat and Toyworlds' Coolsville. Glad you were able to tally the TE vs. FT in the end.

[@THEWATCHERISLOOKING]

MMC should keep doing the studio ox stuff.

[@jasonmesh3597]

I think FT should complete their stunticons OR at least release a figure that hasn't got some MP love... (lots haven't) TE already took the crown!👑

[@mortcraft23]

I'm still going with the FT but it's a lot closer than I thought it would be. Thanks for the video.

[@cameronmoriarty3313]

I appreciate that your Vs was against Sphinx. Everyone else I've seen do Vs have done TE already so it is nice to see it against the other real contender (we can just ignore DX9 Invisible at this point). Also Sphinx is definitely the one I would have compete as well. I know I'm in the minority (at least for those who are vocal), but I just never thought TE looked good. I've heard about it being on sale for $50 or so, and even then it wasn't really tempting.

[@aarongrove4744]

I respect Bobby for sticking to the aesthetic he likes.. I can't wait to get MMC of my shelf though. I have TE as well, not sure what one ill have in alt mode or bot mode.. ordered with BBTS so still waiting on FT.

[@Stygian360]

I have to disagree with you on the leg area. It seems to me you like designs that are you call them more interesting but I think more busy but the lack of busyness on the fans toys version is in line with the toon accuracy look they're going for.

[@RTsunami23]

Looking back at my orders, I bought that MMC in Jan. 2018 for $150. Glad I did. Always wanted that exclusive phasing paint version. But those aftermarket prices yikes. As for display, I would keep the MMC Sphinx in the dio. And FT mirage in alt mode somewhere, at least it shows off the silver bits.

[@DolkkarToyznstuff]

Seems like an accurate comparison to me, well done!

[@voodoo9449]

Much like Downbeat... I completely love Sphinx, with that already in mind it is very hard to compare anything else. Should I see FT Phantasm on sale I'll likely pick him up... same as when the FT version of Jazz comes out. One of the few character I'll have doubles of short of seekers which I want a separate display in their alt mode... and combiners that I want individual displays of as well as the combined mode. Course ... there is what we want and plan for... and what we end up with so... we will see. :D

[@alxporrini8563]

I am thinking of getting the MMC one but at the same time IDK. I've been bitten by the Masterpiece bug lately.

[@TheMikePrior]

I absolutely love my MMC Tfcon Chicago version that's half transparent and has the clear box gimmick. The cartoon accuracy is the only reason I'm buying the Fans Toys version. I think it will match MP-44 and the other recent releases. I think I just need to make a second display for toy accurate bots with the original G1 toys.

[@Thomas_Name]

I kind of don't get why reviewers try to compare figures that aim to homage the G1 toy and figures that aim to homage the toon while judging them by only of either. TMreviews often does this and ignores the fact that one of both figures didn't even try to look like the toon. Needless to say he doesn't even try to study how well either toy resembles the G1 toy.

[@theoaf6777]

I've seen him give a figure a win in the category "'toon accuracy", then give that same figure a win for "sculpt" because it was more 'toon accurate, basically giving it 2 points just for being of a style he approves of. He's so biased I take anything he says with a pinch of salt. I think that if you're comparing a 'toon 'bot vs. non-'toon style, then the 'toon accuracy category should not be used... it's basically a free point for the 'toon bot.

[@TheMattTrakker]

The FTs one being twice the price is a pretty huge factor.

[@ma70er]

I prefer the detail on MMC Sphinx... but he looks like he's wearing a basketball jersey lol

[@DJ--ALLDAY]

@12:21 "Which one do u think looks better❓" ...."62"😂😂🤣🤣😁😁 I dont know why but that made me belly laugh

[@valentino1215]

The tires on the lower legs need to be flipped in on. Fanstoys

[@timborice22]

Love the color on MMC, it's a little less in your face, very clean scheme, much cooler overall

[@Chris_Davis_music]

Thanks Bobby! Yet another case of a newer toon-accurate figure which doesn't quite fit with the rest of the collection. Hard to say what the future will bring. Will we be swapping out our entire collections? As long as Fans Toys' entire line looks cohesive, that will help.

[@DragoonMS]

While I have very little affinity for Mirage (the Netflix "Decepticon Mirage" - lamest disguise ever - was my first ever Mirage figure), I would likely prefer the MMC or Transform Element ones for a MP scale Mirage. I'm kinda surprised that you didn't pull up the stats from MMC vs. DX9 as well, but let's be real, MMC, TE, & FT 💩💩💩💩 all over the DX9. (But did any of the better ones do a repaint/head retool as Crasher?)

[@FeelinKindaGrey]

MMC sphinx is still one of my all time favorite 3rd party figures

[@cafe_cybertron]

What about Transformers Element? Is Fanstoys' better? I would like to see you comparing these two. I still don't know wish one I want.

[@itsme-notyou]

Mmc has that old school takara MP look so I pick that all day. The only weakness is its feet. Otherwise it's just what I want in an MP.

[@aaronmauer7225]

I may get the Fanstoys and sell the mmc cause I have one of the mmc tfcon phasing figure. No need for 2 mmc figures

[@williamtaylor9546]

The issue I had with MMC was it was a floppy mess. I had the first run though.

[@Superdimensional]

You must have the second wave of MMC, the first wave ones are beginning to crumble (brittle plastic)

[@TheShadowKarl]

Great insights all around. I think I prefer the MMC Ox one personally but I am a HUGE fan of the FansToys transformations lately. They're a lot of fun and really cleverly simple. I just wish they would make some bigger leaps when it comes to articulations. They should have used some more metallic paint in the eyes to give it a bit more life. I wish MMC would start delivering more of the original car bots and mini bots with this look and feel so folks like me had more choices in this regard. I prefer a lot of what they're doing here and I would like to see them perfect the aesthetic and release a lot more. I really love their combiners so far but I wish they would tackle a few non-combiner releases each year in addition to their 2-3 combiner releases each year. I feel like MMC has been really slow with releases this year. I also miss their reformatted releases. I wish we would get a few more besides just repaints of their best release.

[@albineigengrau3212]

Max of the Phantasm.

[@THEWATCHERISLOOKING]

I still like both this one and their inferno.

[@amlesion9142]

You're comparing a 7 year old mold to one recently released. Every new mold should be expected to be refined/better than previously released molds. FT Phantasm looks good but I expect to be blown away and... I'm just not.

[@theoaf6777]

A realistic alt. mode is always going to win me over. Glad to see that MMC still holds up overall after 7 years. Either they did something very, very right, or FT and TE did some things wrong.

[@sorrow8669]

Jive coming

[@CliffJacker]

As mainly an observer in the 3rd party game I’ve always loved Sphinx, especially the lighter colour variation. Desperate to track one down. I am chuffed he’s still holding up so strong. Sphinx is absolutely my winner but I do really like the FansToys, apart from the cream/white. The cream to me looks like it was white but it’s just become discoloured.

[@DarthViper]

TFSource has him on sale

[@KaneStarkiller]

u gonna do the TE tho? XD

[@WriterofWrong]

Never liked trying to get Sphinx to stand with his wheel-heel, if FT won harder the fact it has solid feet would make the difference for me. Not worth 160 to upgrade if it ties out lol

[@8474Starscream]

Excellent breakdown...I prefer the FT

[@hegga_nm]

I think it's obvious you prefer the way MMC looks, but we all know you really like FT figures, so I have to wonder, which one gets the shelf space? :D

[@joekingmen6779]

It a ab tilt

[@bordeaux8791]

MMC for the win.

[@yinzertoyguy3678]

Pretty much what I said when you did the Fanstoys review. Not any better, not any worse. I feel pretty much the same way you do. I just think Sphinx is more interesting to look at. It's the same reason I'm holding on to Quakewave and MP-10.

[@mark4flair376]

Bobby "all the needs are screaming that the TE is better than both. Please confirm their purchase by agreeing with them" Face!

[@LordMegs]

@6:53 "now from the back I have to give it to fanstoys" am I right mack?!😂😂

[@MythsAndHeroes]

Hahaha

[@dustyyshellz1320]

Ol number 62🤣

[@coris3436]

Te03 is best, fanstoys 2, mmc a far third

[@MythsAndHeroes]

TE would be my far third

[@coris3436]

Thought you said you didn’t have te

[@MythsAndHeroes]

I don’t. Because I reviewed it and was like “nope”

[@alphatrion100]

Agreed. TE wins for me too.

[@denisedapp9902]

Te wins hands down why does FT waits for ? I think is copy others mods

[@mattdrase7493]

Thank you for comparing FT to MMC instead of TE like everyone else.

[@brianbischel8970]

Ft for me but yeah both are good

[@donaldjackson4456]

The TE beats them all

[@robin2thek]

If you dont count accessories you know who wins?

[@logancheese4208]

I'm going to have to dissagree with you on mmc. Sure fanstoys head is a bit lifeless, but mmc's face is not painted well where it has paint. It'd look better without paint completely. Fanstoys wins with me in that regard

[@PSYCHOWORLD]

Fans toys >>>>

[@DesertSandSailor]

These more Toon accurate bots dont give off the same presence as the more stylized bots in my opinion. Its more apparent with this comparison. I can see the MMC looking like he's about to move, even in a static pose (A-stance). The FT, if he was in a static pose would look like a wet blanket. I miss these more stylized masterpiece figures.

[@FPrimusUnicron]

I think the longer crotch with white details is cartoon accurate, or at leats official cartoon model accurate Well, being very plain, simple, not interesting and even boring i think is the whole point of being g1 cartoon accurate

[@happiaxxident]

I’m goin’ MMC on this one.

[@UrMomsChauffer]

For the age of Sphinx, it's almost an unfair comparison. It does however, show the strength of the piece. If anyone still questions if you are a shill for FTs, this comparison should prove otherwise. I feel that these toon accurate styles cost the manufacturer way less to produce, but they are charging more for them.

[@RID01S]

Mmc wins

[@passionnotparked9099]

Those that are into toon will go FTs, Those into MP style will go MMC. TE is a great Mashup of both and in My book, They all win on different merits. I have MMC, I will not be buying TE or FTs.

[@sofubisamurai]

Fanstoys fanboys in disarray!!!

[@optimusdaddy7739]

Mmc will be mp toy version, TE is toon mp, ft has no place imo,

[@primus699]

You are bugging.