[MarsHottentot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoldenXtreme

I think having to work around the stipulations of being merchandise driven can cause some really impressive creativity. Figuring out how to implement the weird ideas the Bandai higher-ups want you do, when done well, tends to make the show very unique.

This.
Personally, I don't buy many toys (I'm a renter so space is an issue, also, being 45 they're just not too interesting to me - so, I'll buy a Gashapon here and there), but I like that the most recent series weapons and assorted junk look almost identical to the toy version they're selling - as though they're using the toy prototypes. This is a big change from the 80's where your store bought facsimile was "close-ish" to the one that Han Solo used, or whatever.

The synergy between the promotion and product is hilarious to me (in a cool way), particularly in more 'serious' shows like Gaim, where the gimmicks are wildly ridiculous, tonally contrary and toyetic.