July 11, 2004
Gattaioh: Moving Transformers with Anime instructions
Saw this amazing transformer made by Takara Toys at Kiddyland on Omotesando last January and couldn't resist getting it for my son's birthday this week (4 years!). Collectively called Gattaioh, the characters start as vehicles moving along separate tracks, transform into robots, and then converge to make one huge robot. Videos here (6.2M) and here (10M). Was very impressed by the incredible engineering but then also discovered that they included a 30 min. Anime on VHS tape that effectively combines the instruction manual and also the backstory for the toy - pretty great concept.
Posted by sfisher at July 11, 2004 06:00 PMComments
This is awesome! It's like Voltron but automated. I wonder what it plays like after transformation. Action figures need flexibility, big robots like these are always made so fragile and stiff.
The video is rewarding. The multimedia combination of an interactive real world toy, a video and great print material creates a full bombardment on the senses that provide for a sense of immersion and agency. Hate to bring this great pop back my studies but it seems to apply well.
There were a series of toys in the late 80's and 90's that communicated with video. Kids could play with thier toys while watching the video and the toys would respond to the content. It's a great example of the power of combined media.
Posted by: SEDinehart at July 11, 2004 06:46 PM
Speaking of Transformers, Spielberg is directing a new movie based on the Transformers for release in 2006. Woohoo!
Posted by: Scarlett at July 24, 2004 09:23 PM
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