Let it never be said that Triple Takeover doesn't enjoy a bit of beast. Having already done deep dives into the classic Kenner line and Takara's Beast Wars II, we're back for more — and this is where things get really weird, with 1999's Beast Wars Neo.

Tonight it's all about the Maximals: a crew of twelve toys that run the gamut from intriguing repaints and retools to flat-out Japanese exclusive oddities. Sixo guides Liam and Jason through the roster one figure at a time, discovering some of the more noteworthy alternate modes from the entire Beast era — not to mention the somewhat inexplicable third modes on offer. With giraffes, penguins, horses, rabbits, sharks, and of course the line's notorious tanuki, Beast Wars Neo showcases the sheer creativity (and occasional bewilderment) of late-90s Takara design philosophy.

The discussion leans towards the absurd at times — that was somewhat inevitable given the subject matter — but there's genuine reverence for what is, at the end of the day, a fabulous set of classic Transformers toys. Big swings, plenty of fun, and a roster that wasn't afraid to do something different.

Fair warning: this episode gets weird. But that's exactly why our Beast Wars discussions always end up being some of the most entertaining episodes we record. Let's hope we don't balls it up.

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Chapters

0:00:00 Intro

0:06:16 Sponsor Segment: Valart

0:10:36 What Is Collector Burnout?

0:17:53 The Acquisition Problem & Social Media Impact

0:30:37 The Benefit of Creative Pursuits

0:40:01 Recognising Warning Signs & Finding Balance

1:02:27 Community Connection

1:13:01 Sponsor Segment: TFSource

1:23:38 Final Thoughts & Patron Questions

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Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...

Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com

Join the conversation with us on Discord

Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover

We first covered the beginnings of Transformers Generations toys with 2006's Classics line back in episode #16, but now we're back for the Takara equivalent: Henkei! Henkei! Transformers. This Japanese roster — which also spans parts of 2008's Universe line and literally translates to "Transform! Transform! Transformers" — is a jewel in the crown of mid-2000s robots in disguise.

Henkei! offered surprisingly varied — and often superior — repaint choices on already beloved moulds (including some which have arguably been unfairly maligned, as we'll discuss). It's a line of creative designs, intriguing transformations, and definite ingenuity, but coupled with Takara's attention to detail when it comes to finish, it's not hard to understand why it grabbed so much attention at the time. Even if the abundance of chrome proved surprisingly divisive.

We're stepping back to an era before every character received regular Generations updates every few years — a time when classic characters were brought back with real flair for doing something different, and when A-list names like Bumblebee received their first toys in years. It's not an exaggeration to say that the figures in today's spotlight set the template for Generations toys to this day, and we're here to give them their due.

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Chapters

0:00:00 Intro

0:06:16 Sponsor Segment: Valart

0:10:36 What Is Collector Burnout?

0:17:53 The Acquisition Problem & Social Media Impact

0:30:37 The Benefit of Creative Pursuits

0:40:01 Recognising Warning Signs & Finding Balance

1:02:27 Community Connection

1:13:01 Sponsor Segment: TFSource

1:23:38 Final Thoughts & Patron Questions

—

Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...

Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com

Join the conversation with us on Discord

Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover

Collecting Transformers should be a joy, but what happens when it starts to feel like a chore? This episode tackles collector burnout — that creeping sense of being overwhelmed, stressed, or feeling obligated rather than excited by your hobby. It's a topic chosen by our patrons, and it's one we approach with honesty, care, and maybe a bit of catharsis.

Burnout can happen to any collector. The pressure to acquire everything new, the sheer volume of releases, lifestyle changes, mounting clutter, and that nagging guilt about figures still in boxes — it all adds up. What starts as passion can slowly transform into obligation, and before you know it, the thing you love feels like work.

We discuss why burnout happens, what the early warning signs might be, and practical ways to mitigate or avoid it altogether. We also reflect on our own experiences: have any of us genuinely faced collector burnout? The answers might surprise you.

If you've ever felt exhausted by your collection rather than energised by it, you're not alone. This one's for anyone who's questioned whether they still love the hobby — or are just going through the motions.

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Chapters

0:00:00 Intro

0:06:16 Sponsor Segment: Valart

0:10:36 What Is Collector Burnout?

0:17:53 The Acquisition Problem & Social Media Impact

0:30:37 The Benefit of Creative Pursuits

0:40:01 Recognising Warning Signs & Finding Balance

1:02:27 Community Connection

1:13:01 Sponsor Segment: TFSource

1:23:38 Final Thoughts & Patron Questions

—

Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...

Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com

Join the conversation with us on Discord

Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover