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Transformers (toy line)

 
Transformers (toy Line)

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Transformers (toy line)



 
 
The Transformers is a line of toys produced by the toy company Hasbro
Hasbro

Hasbro is an United States toy company. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world, second only to the toy giant Mattel. Hasbro is also the publisher of the world's most popular board game, Monopoly ....
.






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Encyclopedia


Transformers
Manufacturer Takara
Takara

Takara Co., Ltd. was a Japanese toy company founded in 1955, that merged with another prominent Japanese toy company, Tomy Co., Ltd., on March 1, 2006....
 / Hasbro
Hasbro

Hasbro is an United States toy company. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world, second only to the toy giant Mattel. Hasbro is also the publisher of the world's most popular board game, Monopoly ....
Era 1984 - Present
Category Action figure
Action figure

An action figure is a posable character figurine, made of plastic or other materials, and often based upon a film, comic book, video game, or television program....
Country United States
United States

The United States of America is a Federal government constitutional republic comprising U.S. state and a federal district. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where its Contiguous United States and Washington, D.C., the Capital districts and territories, lie between the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Oceans, Borders of the U...
Web address
The Transformers is a line of toys produced by the toy company Hasbro
Hasbro

Hasbro is an United States toy company. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world, second only to the toy giant Mattel. Hasbro is also the publisher of the world's most popular board game, Monopoly ....
. The Transformers toyline was originally created and produced by Japanese company Takara
Takara

Takara Co., Ltd. was a Japanese toy company founded in 1955, that merged with another prominent Japanese toy company, Tomy Co., Ltd., on March 1, 2006....
 and branded as Diaclones
Diaclone

Diaclone was a toyline by Takara launched in 1980. It consisted of transforming vehicles and robots piloted by miniature, magnet-shoed figures spun off from the prior Microman toy line that were in turn called an Inch-Man....
 and Microman
Microman

Microman is a line of toys manufactured by Takara from 1974 to the present. Microman toys were originally imported to the United States by Mego Corporation as Micronauts until the company went bankrupt in 1982....
. In 1984, Hasbro
Hasbro

Hasbro is an United States toy company. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world, second only to the toy giant Mattel. Hasbro is also the publisher of the world's most popular board game, Monopoly ....
 bought the distribution rights to the Diaclone and Microman toylines and rebranded them as the Transformers for distribution in the United States. Hasbro would go on to buy the entire toy line from Takara shortly after giving them sole ownership of the Transformers series and copyrights while giving Takara the rights to produce the toys and the rights to distribute them in the Japanese market. The premise behind the Transformers toyline is that an individual toy's parts can be shifted about to change it from a vehicle, a device, or an animal, to a robot action figure
Action figure

An action figure is a posable character figurine, made of plastic or other materials, and often based upon a film, comic book, video game, or television program....
 and back again. The taglines "More Than Meets The Eye" and "Robots In Disguise" reflect this ability.

The Transformers toyline is typically divided into two main factions: the heroic Autobots and their opponents, the evil Decepticons (known in Japan as the Cybertrons and Destrons, respectively). Transformers toys are sold at a number of price points, and various Transformers series utilize unique play features.

There have also been a number of spin-off
Spin-off

A spin-off is a new organization or entity formed by a split from a larger one, such as a television series based on a pre-existing one, or a new company formed from a university research group or business incubator....
s based on the toys including a Marvel
Marvel Comics

Marvel Comics is an American comic book and related media company owned by Marvel Publishing, Inc., a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. Marvel counts among as its List of Marvel Comics characters such well-known properties as Captain America, the Fantastic Four, the Hulk , Iron Man, Spider-Man, the X-Men, and many others....
 comic book series
List of Transformers comic book series

There have been three main publishers of the comic book series bearing the name Transformers based on the Transformers of the same name. The first series was produced by Marvel Comics from 1984 to 1991, which ran for 80 issues and produced four spin-off miniseries....
, an animated television series program presented by Claster Television
Claster Television

Claster Television was a Baltimore, Maryland–based television distributor founded in 1953 by Bert and Nancy Claster as Romper Room Inc. It was originally a producer of the children's show Romper Room....
, a television production company that Hasbro
Hasbro

Hasbro is an United States toy company. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world, second only to the toy giant Mattel. Hasbro is also the publisher of the world's most popular board game, Monopoly ....
 organized for this and similar purposes, that began transmissions in 1984 (Transformers series) and a feature-length movie, The Transformers: The Movie
The Transformers: The Movie

The Transformers: The Movie is a 1986 animated feature film based on the Transformers . It was released in North America on August 8, 1986....
. The original series program was followed by a number of spin-offs with varying levels of popularity. A live-action remake, directed by Michael Bay
Michael Bay

Michael Benjamin Bay is an United States film director and film producer. Bay is best known for making large-budget action films, such as Transformers , Armageddon , The Rock , Pearl Harbor , Bad Boys , Bad Boys II and the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen....
 under the sponsorship of Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg

Steven Allan Spielberg, KBE is an American film director, screenwriter and film producer. Forbes magazine places Spielberg's net worth at $3.1 billion....
, premiered on June 12 2007 and opened in the United States
United States

The United States of America is a Federal government constitutional republic comprising U.S. state and a federal district. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where its Contiguous United States and Washington, D.C., the Capital districts and territories, lie between the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Oceans, Borders of the U...
 on July 2 2007.

Creation

It's a toy franchise that also has comics, cartoons, and movies. For more information, see: TFwiki.net

Transformers toylines

The following Transformers toy series were released in the United States:
  • Transformers (1984-1990 USA) (1984-1993 UK/Canada)
    Transformers: Generation 1

    The Transformers was the original Transformers universes toy line that produced from 1984 to 1991. The series was simply called The Transformers until the relaunch in 1992 was titled Transformers: Generation 2, after which fans applied the name Generation 1 as a method of separating the different Transformers eras....
    --retroactively called 'Generation One' or 'G1' since then. These are considered the first Transformers.
  • Transformers: Generation 2
    Transformers: Generation 2

    Transformers: Generation 2 is the name used to refer to a Transformers Universes toy line, television series and comic book series which ran from 1993-1995....
     (1992-1995 USA)(1994-1995 UK/Canada)
  • Machine Wars
    Machine Wars

    Machine Wars was a short-lived toy series in the Transformers toyline, introduced in 1996. The series was initially exclusive to KB Toys and its subsidiaries, although overstock/unsold surplus eventually appeared at other retailers....
    : Transformers (1996-1997) - a limited release KB Toys
    KB Toys

    KB Toys was a chain of shopping mall retail toy stores in the United States. It was founded in 1922 by the Kaufman brothers. KB operated 605 stores in 44 U.S....
     exclusive
  • Beast Wars
    Beast Wars

    Beast Wars: Transformers is a Transformers toyline released by Hasbro between 1995 and 1999, and a full-Computer graphics animated television series spawned by it that debuted in 1996....
    : Transformers (1996-1999)
  • Beast Machines
    Beast Machines

    Beast Machines is an animated television series produced by Mainframe Entertainment and distributed by Universal Pictures that was a direct sequel to Beast Wars and is a television series to take place within the continuity of the original Transformers: Generation 1....
    : Transformers (2000-2001)
  • Transformers: Robots In Disguise
    Transformers: Robots in Disguise

    Transformers: Robots in Disguise is the title of the 2001 English-Dubbing version of the Japanese television series Transformers: Car Robot and serves as a self-contained universe separate from any of the other existing Transformers Universes....
     (2000-2002)
  • Transformers G1 Commemorative Series (2002-2005)
  • Transformers: Go-Bots
  • Transformers: Armada
    Transformers: Armada

    Transformers: Armada, known in Japan as , is the Transformers Series animated series and toy line which ran from 2002-2004. As the first series co-produced between the American toy company, Hasbro, and their Japanese counterpart, Takara, Armada begins a new continuity/universe for Transformers, with no ties to any of the previous seri...
     (2002-2003)
  • Transformers: Universe
    Transformers: Universe

    Transformers: Universe is a line of toys consisting of repainted re-releases from various Transformers toy lines. The toyline has spawned several series of comics and other stories....
     (2002-Present)
  • Smallest Transformers
    Smallest Transformers

    Smallest Transformers is a toyline released in Japan between 2003 and 2004 by the toy company Takara. It is a line of randomly packaged micro sized Transformers universes figures based on the original Transformers series#Transformers: Generation 1 toyline....
     (2003-2004)
  • Transformers: Energon
    Transformers: Energon

    Transformers: Energon, known in Japan as , is the 2004-2005 Transformers Universes Transformers , animated series and comic book series, another co-production between Hasbro and Takara and a direct sequel to Transformers: Armada....
     (2003-2005)
  • Transformers: Alternators
    Transformers: Alternators

    is a toyline of the Transformers series produced by Hasbro in North America, Europe and Takara in Japan, the primary selling point of which is the use of 1:24 scale, accurate real-world vehicle modes officially licensed from car manufacturers....
     (2003-2007)
  • Transformers: Cybertron
    Transformers: Cybertron

    'Transformers: Cybertron', known in Japan originally as , is the 2005-2006 Transformers Universes toy line and animated series, another co-production between Hasbro and Takara and a sequel to the previous series, Transformers: Armada and Transformers: Energon ....
     (2005-2007)
  • Transformers: Masterpiece series (2004-Present)
  • Transformers: Titanium
    Transformers: Titanium

    Transformers: Titanium is a sub-line of toys debuted in 2006 from Hasbro as an expansion of their existing Star Wars: Titanium line of die cast action figures....
     (2006-Present)
  • Transformers Classics
    Transformers Classics

    Transformers Classics are a line of Transformers that are based on and resemble the Transformers #Transformers: Generation 1 characters and figures introduced in the 1980s....
     (2006-2007)
  • Star Wars Transformers (2006-present)
  • Transformers Movie (2007-Present)
  • Transformers: Animated
    Transformers: Animated

    Transformers Animated is an United States animated television series based on the Transformers . The series debuted on The Cartoon Network on December 26, 2007 and has been shown on Nicktoons UK in the UK since March 2008....
     (2008-Present)
  • Transformers: Universe/Classics 2.0 (2008)
  • Transformers: Marvel Crossovers (2008)
  • Transformers : Revenge of the fallen
    Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

    Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is an upcoming science fiction film/action film due for release on June 24, 2009 in film. It is the sequel to 2007 in film's Transformers , which was the first live action Transformers film....
     (2009)
See also: Transformers (fiction), Transformers series and Transformers (comic).

Transformers: Generation One (1984-1990 USA)(1984-1993 UK/Canada)

The first Transformers toys were created from the different transforming robot toylines from Takara
Takara

Takara Co., Ltd. was a Japanese toy company founded in 1955, that merged with another prominent Japanese toy company, Tomy Co., Ltd., on March 1, 2006....
, notably the Diaclone and Micro Change (Microman) series. Hasbro acquired the rights to sell them in the United States but, instead of selling them under their original names, they were rebranded as "The Transformers." The first two years consisted primarily of reusing the Diaclone/Micro Change molds. Some of the models from the Diaclone line still have the pilot's seat in their design. The tagline to the Transformers is, "More Than Meets The Eye!" The earliest toys had some parts made of die-cast metal, which were eventually phased out.

It is worth noting that the line was released as "The Transformers" in the USA, Canada and the UK in 1984 but Takara was still marketing Diaclone at least during 1984. Hence in Japan "The Transformers" did not debut under that brand till 1985, when the line was also rolled out to the majority of the rest of the world between Takara
Takara

Takara Co., Ltd. was a Japanese toy company founded in 1955, that merged with another prominent Japanese toy company, Tomy Co., Ltd., on March 1, 2006....
 and Hasbro
Hasbro

Hasbro is an United States toy company. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world, second only to the toy giant Mattel. Hasbro is also the publisher of the world's most popular board game, Monopoly ....
. Hasbro Europe still will not accept, however, that the range was released in the UK in 1984 , not even with evidence such as Argos 1984 catalogues containing the range, the UK comic launching in September 1984 or even the 1984 Transformers product catalogue produced by "Hasbro Industries (UK) Ltd, Wokingham." It is thought that Hasbro Europe as it now stands did not come into existence till 1985, hence no records of Transformers sales in 1984. UK Transformers toys were sold in identical boxes to those of their American counterparts up until around 1998/9 when the range started to have UK exclusives.

The 1984 and 1985 toy lines contained several figures of note. Megatron
Megatron

Megatron is a character from the Transformers . He is the evil leader of the Decepticons and the primary antagonist of the series....
, the Decepticon leader, originally transformed into a realistic Walther P-38 pistol with stock and barrel extensions and scope. The Megatron toy was delayed till 1985 for release in the UK. The Constructicons were the first "gestalt" team in the Transformers line, but were different from most subsequent gestalt teams in that they consisted of six members instead of five. The Autobot Jetfire
Jetfire

Jetfire is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers universes. He is nearly always depicted as an Autobot with jet or space shuttle alternate mode....
 was repainted from a Macross
Macross

is a long-running series of science fiction Mecha anime, created by Kawamori Shoji of Studio Nue in 1982. The franchise features a fictional History of Earth/Humanity after the year 1999....
 toy, specifically the VF-1 Valkyrie
VF-1 Valkyrie

In the fictional series The Super Dimension Fortress Macross and its English adaptation Robotech, the first mass production variable fighter or Veritech fighter is called the VF-1 Valkyrie....
, and the character was renamed Skyfire in the animated television series program for copyright reasons.

In 1986 the Transformers animated movie had been released, and during the run of the movie, through a pamphlet that came with certain figures, you could order through the mail certain transformers, Optimus Prime was one of them, that came in a standard brown mailer box, with items, booklet, and a limited Edition Movie certificate and sticker

The 1986 line featured another significant change in that many, if not the majority, of the toys were conceived as futuristic vehicles and bore little resemblance to present-day machinery. This was due to changes in the movie and television series, which leaped ahead twenty years to the year 2005. Many have speculated that this change might have been what signaled the beginning of the end for the Transformers, as part of the novelty of the first lines was the realistic vehicles that turned into robots.

For the 1987 and 1988 lines, Hasbro introduced even more radical ideas through new sub-groups. The Headmasters and Targetmasters came with partners who transformed into the figure's head or weapon, respectively. Powermasters, including the new version of fan favorite Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime

Optimus Prime is a fictional character and the protagonist of the Transformers universes. He is the Prime of the heroic Autobots. Optimus Prime was voiced in English by Peter Cullen in the original The Transformers cartoon, and has become the most well-known character of the series....
, came with partners that transformed into engines. Each line would see various permutations over the two-year span, including smaller Headmasters, Double Targetmasters, and a Powermaster with two engines
Doubledealer

Doubledealer is a fictional character from the Transformers universe and toyline. He should not be confused with Doubleclouder....
.

The most controversial line of this period was the Pretenders
Pretenders (Transformers)

Pretenders is a subline within the Transformers , introduced in 1988. The gimmick was that the Transformers were supposedly capable of disguising their robotic forms through the use of synthetic organic outer shells....
. Pretenders consisted of a Transformer contained inside an action figure shell who could "pretend" to be either a human or a monster. Complaints with this line were numerous, including the lack of articulation of the figures (the shells could only move their arms), the simple transformation of the robots within, and their increasing lack of resemblance to any sort of modern recognizable vehicle. Still, despite the complaints, the Pretender line continued through all but the final year of Generation One, with variations such as Beast Pretenders, Monster Pretenders, Classic Pretenders, Mega Pretenders and Ultra Pretenders, each with variations on the theme or increasing levels of complexity.

Also during this time, Micromasters were introduced, and would become one of the last sub-groups of Generation One. Micromasters were tiny Transformers created to compete with the Micro Machines, a hugely popular toy line of the time. While many of the figures had simple transformations and little detail due to their small size, the line eventually expanded to feature Micromaster Transports and Bases, in which Micromasters came with larger vehicles or bases that transformed.

In 1989 , the entire line became limited to Pretenders
Pretenders (Transformers)

Pretenders is a subline within the Transformers , introduced in 1988. The gimmick was that the Transformers were supposedly capable of disguising their robotic forms through the use of synthetic organic outer shells....
 and Micromasters
Micromasters

Micromasters is a Transformers subline composed of small figures that came packaged in groups and with bases that interacted with the figures. They were sold at the peak of Galoob's Micro Machines craze and were packaged in groups of four just like Micro Machines....
. For the first time, the Transformers received a new design for their title logo. But many also regarded this as a time of a dearth in creativity and the lowest point in the toyline's history. The year 1990 saw the last American burst with the release of more Micromaster characters and the introduction of the Action Masters
Action Masters

Action Masters was a sub-line of the Transformers toy line....
, non-transforming action figures who came with Transforming companions. Larger Action Master sets came with transforming vehicles and bases. The Action Master line was criticized for its perceived desperation for a gimmick, although it had a few defenders. The line predictably faded and would be the last Transformers output in the US until 1992.

While Transformers ended poorly for the US market, the same can not be said for the UK
United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom , the UK or Britain,is a sovereign state located off the northwestern coast of continental Europe....
, Canada
Canada

Canada is a country occupying most of northern North America, extending from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west and northward into the Arctic Ocean....
, and Japan
Japan

Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, People's Republic of China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south....
 markets as they went on to produce their own continuing series between 1991 to 1993, despite the UK market in particular missing a substantial amount of figures prominent in the comics and animated series throughout the line's run. Each country produced their own continuity. The UK and Canada continued with new Action Master figures and introduced the Turbo Masters and Predators. Japan continued with the Micromasters concept.

The 1992 and 1993 European and Canadian releases make up what is often called "Generation 1.5," much to the annoyance of many UK fans. These toys are similar in design to the Generation 2
Transformers: Generation 2

Transformers: Generation 2 is the name used to refer to a Transformers Universes toy line, television series and comic book series which ran from 1993-1995....
 Transformers, having lightpipe eyes, and pastel colors. The 1993 European figures used the G2 faction symbols which Hasbro UK designed because their licence on the G1 symbols had expired. The 1993 figures were repackaged for European G2 release in 1994, and three subgroup molds got used in the US G2 line.

The term Generation 1 is a retronym
Retronym

A retronym is the modification of the original name of an object or concept to differentiate it from a more recent version of the object, which acquired a modifier or adjective through later developments of the object or concept itself....
; the series was simply known as "Transformers" until the release of the Generation 2 series. However, the term has become semi-official, as both Hasbro and Takara have referred to this era as "Generation 1." New characters are still occasionally added to the line, primarily by E-hobby
E-hobby

e-Hobby is an online Japan retailer that is perhaps best known for creating and selling exclusive repaints of Transformers by Takara. One of the reasons that these figures are so coveted is because they are often new or rare characters....
. (Examples: Sunstorm
Sunstorm (Transformers)

Sunstorm is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers . Sunstorm always seems to be a Decepticon allied jet who is yellow or orange in color....
, Hauler, Detritus, and the like.) Large-scale production of new characters in this line ended with the onset of Generation 2. Trranformer fans often are very upheald with the G1 community. This has lead to controversy among fans who only consider G1 to be the only "pure" form of Tranformers.

The was line later commemorated as a sub-series of the Transformers: Universe
Transformers: Universe

Transformers: Universe is a line of toys consisting of repainted re-releases from various Transformers toy lines. The toyline has spawned several series of comics and other stories....
 line.

Transformers: Generation Two (1993-1995 USA) (1994-1995 UK/Canada)


In late 1993, Hasbro
Hasbro

Hasbro is an United States toy company. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world, second only to the toy giant Mattel. Hasbro is also the publisher of the world's most popular board game, Monopoly ....
 relaunched the Transformers franchise with the Generation 2 line, with production again largely being done by Takara
Takara

Takara Co., Ltd. was a Japanese toy company founded in 1955, that merged with another prominent Japanese toy company, Tomy Co., Ltd., on March 1, 2006....
. The subgroups concept was done away with for the first year, but there were no new molds or characters. Generation 2 re-used the molds for many of the characters from the 1984 and 1985 line, but with mostly different color schemes and finishes, as well as different weapons and accessories. Megatron's figure was released later on. As noted previously, Megatron's original alternate mode, or "transformation identity," was a handgun with attachments, but in Generation Two, this was changed to a tank due to safety and security concerns. Most of the 1994 figures were re-releases or recolors of European G1 releases.

Unfortunately for both Takara and Hasbro, the Generation Two series of Transformers sold poorly, and Hasbro abandoned it after two years. There were toys planned that never saw release. Most of these were G1 combiner team recolors or recolors of recent figures. Four unreleased molds were released in the Machine Wars line, and four more resurfaced in the Robots In Disguise series.

The line was later commemorated as a sub-series of the Transformers: Universe
Transformers: Universe

Transformers: Universe is a line of toys consisting of repainted re-releases from various Transformers toy lines. The toyline has spawned several series of comics and other stories....
 line.

Beast Wars and Beast Machines (1996-2001)

With the failure of the Generation 2 series, Hasbro
Hasbro

Hasbro is an United States toy company. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world, second only to the toy giant Mattel. Hasbro is also the publisher of the world's most popular board game, Monopoly ....
 and Takara
Takara

Takara Co., Ltd. was a Japanese toy company founded in 1955, that merged with another prominent Japanese toy company, Tomy Co., Ltd., on March 1, 2006....
 decided the franchise needed an overhaul. They went in a new direction and a new beginning. While there had been Transformers that change into robotic animals, the premise of the new line was that all figures would transform into animals with realistic appearances. The Beast Wars toyline was launched in the fall of 1995, and Mainframe Entertainment
Mainframe Entertainment

Rainmaker Animation Inc., formerly Mainframe Entertainment, Inc., is a Canada computer animation and design company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada and Los Angeles, California, USA ....
 produced a computer-generated imagery, or CGI, animated series program to tie in with the new toyline. A fresh idea coupled with a TV series program with strong stories assured this series the success Hasbro and Takara needed, as this series was a giant hit in international markets as well as in Takara
Takara

Takara Co., Ltd. was a Japanese toy company founded in 1955, that merged with another prominent Japanese toy company, Tomy Co., Ltd., on March 1, 2006....
's home market, Japan.

Hasbro's original plan for the Beast Wars was to have Optimus Prime, renamed Optimus Primal, and Megatron be reformatted versions of their 1980s
The Transformers

The Transformers can refer to:*Transformers *Transformers *Transformers *The Transformers *The Transformers *The Transformers *Transformers ...
 selves. This was shown in the toys's Tech Specs, and in the comic packaged with the basic Optimus Primal/Megatron two-pack. Hasbro also wanted the "Mutant Heads" found on all of the deluxe sized first year toys as battle helmets, but Mainframe scrapped the idea as it would have required three animation models for each character instead of two. Another designed feature for the 1995/1996 toys was carried over from Generation 2, transparent 'light pipe" eyes. However, most toys had those parts cast in opaque plastic.

The Beast Wars line was also the first appearance of "flip changer" Basics, where flipping a part of the animal mode (usually the head or tail) would transform the entire toy, and moving the part back would transform the toy back to beast mode. Like other features, this was only used in the 1995/1996 Basics and their repaints.

Beast Wars: Transformers had to be renamed in some countries, particularly Canada
Canada

Canada is a country occupying most of northern North America, extending from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west and northward into the Arctic Ocean....
, because of concern over the word "war" in the title. So, in some countries, it was released under the title Beasties. Long-time Transformers fans noticed the prominence of the words "Beast Wars" over "Transformers," the latter appearing in small type under the former. The Transformers's fan base splintered into two groups as a direct result, with the one enjoying Beast Wars for what it was and the other refusing to accept it as official canon in the Transformers mythology.

The success of Beast Wars and the change in storyline resulted in its second phase: Beast Machines. Like Beast Wars, the name Transformers was used only as a secondary title. While still a success, the storyline and direction borne by Beast Machines was questioned and criticized by the most ardent fans who knew the previous history of the Transformers. Also, there was a clamor for a return to the original idea of the Transformers, that of their being protean robots with nearly humanlike artificial intelligences who transformed into vehicles or devices.

The line was later commemorated as sub-series of the Transformers: Titanium
Transformers: Titanium

Transformers: Titanium is a sub-line of toys debuted in 2006 from Hasbro as an expansion of their existing Star Wars: Titanium line of die cast action figures....
 and Transformers: Universe
Transformers: Universe

Transformers: Universe is a line of toys consisting of repainted re-releases from various Transformers toy lines. The toyline has spawned several series of comics and other stories....
 lines.

Robots in Disguise (2001-2002)

While Beast Machines was still running in the United States, Japan’s Takara
Takara

Takara Co., Ltd. was a Japanese toy company founded in 1955, that merged with another prominent Japanese toy company, Tomy Co., Ltd., on March 1, 2006....
 made a bid to return to the familiar vehicle-transforming robots concept. In 2000, Car Robots was released. This line was brought by Hasbro to America as the Robots In Disguise series, and featured the Autobots facing off against the Predacons. This series is usually regarded by most as filler while Hasbro contemplated the next direction for Transformers. However most fans of Transformers recognise that most if not all of the toys released from this line were of excellent quality (with the Optimus Prime and Ultra Magnus figures gaining considerable praise), combining the ball-joint articulation with detailed, well painted alternate modes.

Once again Optimus Prime and Megatron were re-engineered, with Prime now a fire truck and Megatron a six changer, whose modes included a dragon, bird-creature, jet, land-craft and a giant hand. Another G1 character to get a new toy for this line was Ultra Magnus, who could combine with Optimus Prime to form Omega Prime. Other combiners were created for the series too, such as Landfill and Rail Racer. Bruticus, a combiner from G1 was also recoloured and introduced into the series, with a coinciding toy re-release. The combaticons that formed Bruticus were the first of the Decepticons to be introduced into the show along with Scourge, who as a toy was a black repaint of G2 Laser Prime. These were not the only toys to be re-released for this series, with many from past lines being repainted and packaged in RID boxes. Robots In Disguise was responsible for introducing a lot of concepts that would be re-used often in the next incarnations of Transformers.

Also of note, Megatron's toy was repainted and re-released (retooled to allow 4 new altmodes) under the name Galvatron, beginning a tradition of repaints that would follow through with Armada and subsequent toy lines.

The line was later commemorated as a sub-series of the Transformers: Universe
Transformers: Universe

Transformers: Universe is a line of toys consisting of repainted re-releases from various Transformers toy lines. The toyline has spawned several series of comics and other stories....
 line.

Transformers: Armada (2002-2003)


In 2003, Transformers: Armada launched a pivotal new era in the toy line. After several lines of toys produced by one company or the other, Hasbro and Takara united to produce what was purported to be a single, identical line of Transformers for release worldwide. In tandem with this new endeavor, Armada signaled a new continuity in its accompanying animated series and a new focus in both the show and the toys on Mini-Cons, a new faction of Transformers. The Mini-Cons were much smaller robots (not much larger than humans) who were neutral in the Autobot/Decepticon fight, but due to their incredible power and abilities, were sought by both factions.

The lowest priced toys in the Armada line were three-packs of Mini-Cons. Each larger price point consisted of an Autobot or Decepticon who came with a Mini-Con partner. Mini-Cons could be used to unlock a variety of features on each larger robot, such as firing weapons, electronic lights and sounds, or alternate modes. Some three-pack Mini-Cons combined into other forms or had additional features. According to the storyline, Mini-Cons also enhanced the power of other Transformers, giving incentive to collect as many of them as possible.

Other items of note in the Armada line:

  • The Armada line featured the first commercially available figure of Unicron, who is a legendary character from Generation 1, and the main villain of The Transformers: The Movie
    The Transformers: The Movie

    The Transformers: The Movie is a 1986 animated feature film based on the Transformers . It was released in North America on August 8, 1986....
    . Unicron is a robot who transforms into an entire planet.
  • The Mini-Cons often mimicked features associated with Generation 1 sub-groups such as the Headmasters and Targetmasters, transforming into weapons and, in three cases, a Transformer's head.


The line was later commemorated as a sub-series of the Transformers: Universe
Transformers: Universe

Transformers: Universe is a line of toys consisting of repainted re-releases from various Transformers toy lines. The toyline has spawned several series of comics and other stories....
 line.

Transformers: Universe (2002-present)



A catch-all line initially filled with mostly redecos and repackages of older toys. This line was revitalized in 2008 with new molds and the introduction of various sub-series from previous popular Transformers lines like Classics.

Transformers: Energon (2003-2005)

After the successful Armada toy line, Hasbro/Takara introduced Transformers: Energon. The accompanying television series program was a direct continuation of the events of Transformers: Armada and featured many of the same characters in new forms. This was reflected in the toy line, as characters such as Hot Shot, Jetfire, Optimus Prime and Megatron were all released with entirely new molds.

Transformers: Energon introduced several new concepts to the toy line. Two new sub-groups, the Omnicons and Terrorcons, joined the fray, representing smaller factions of the Autobots and Decepticons respectively. The smaller toys in these sub-groups came with Energon weapons that could be used by the larger Autobots and Decepticons, along with Energon chips that could be fastened to the larger figures to enhance their power. Energon weapons and chips came in a variety of colors of translucent plastic. Many Autobot figures in the line were able to combine with a partner to form a larger robot through the "Powerlinx" process. The Decepticons were designed instead with alternative "attack modes." While no longer the focus of the line, there were several Mini-Con releases in Energon as well.

Other items of note in the Energon line:

  • Energon contains perhaps the most homages to Generation 1 Transformers in any subsequent line, with toys featuring similarities to classic figures such as Omega Supreme, Skids, Wheeljack, Galvatron and Ravage.
  • Many larger figures in the line came with no weapons, to fit with the concept that Omnicons and Terrorcons provided energy and weaponry for them. Fittingly, then, the smaller robots were often armed to the hilt with weaponry.
  • In a break from tradition, Energon Optimus Prime's large mode resembled a configuration similar to Voltron
    Voltron

    Voltron is a series of animated television series, the first of which was titled Voltron: Defender of the Universe. There has since been a second series, made in the 1990s using Computer generated imagery techniques....
     or to the Super Sentai
    Super Sentai

    The is the name given to the long running Japanese superhero team genre of shows produced by Toei Company, Toei Agency and Bandai, and aired by TV Asahi ....
     action figures. This design was unpopular with many fans due to design issues with the toy. The small robot's body was large in proportion to his arms and legs which made the figure appear fat, earning it the nickname "Fatimus Prime" or "Obese-imus Prime". The 4 vehicles that combined with the robot were small, lacking the intricate detail that made other toys in the line popular. Fans were also angered by early releases of this toy in which the head was molded with a mouth rather than the traditional muzzle design. Later releases of the toy did feature a more traditional Prime head.


Transformers: Cybertron (2005-2007)


Transformers: Cybertron, named Galaxy Force in Japan, was a follow-up to the successful Armada and Energon lines. The companion anime series program is only partially a continuation of the Armada/Energon storyline, as several inconsistencies exist. Once again, a new feature was introduced for the line--Cyber Keys, which activated special functions on the figures in a manner similar to the Mini-Cons in Armada. Each figure came with a Cyber Key regardless of size, but there were several Cyber Keys crucial to the plot of the anime series which only came with certain figures. Again, many of the same characters were included but with entirely new figures from new molds.

Also of note in the Cybertron line:
  • Primus, the creator of the Transformers conceived by Simon Furman
    Simon Furman

    Simon Christopher Francis Furman is a comic book writer, particularly associated with of a number of notable Transformers comics for Marvel UK, Marvel Comics, Dreamwave Productions, and most recently, IDW Publishing....
     for the UK Transformers comic, received action figure treatment in the Cybertron line. He transformed into the planet Cybertron itself.
  • For the first time since Rodimus Prime in Generation One, Cybertron featured a Prime other than Optimus--Vector Prime, said to be one of the first 13 Transformers ever created.
  • By this time, Hasbro/Takara was using a higher ratio of repaints consisting of figures from the Armada and Energon lines. In addition, by the end of its run, Cybertron was competing with several other simultaneous lines, including Universe, Alternators and Titanium.
  • Many of the repaints taken from the Armada line had remolded parts retro-fitted to the original designs so their Mini-con features would now use a planet key instead.


The line was later commemorated as a sub-series of the Transformers: Universe
Transformers: Universe

Transformers: Universe is a line of toys consisting of repainted re-releases from various Transformers toy lines. The toyline has spawned several series of comics and other stories....
 line.

Transformers: Kiss Players (2006)

(translated from the Japanese Wikipedia article)

The Transformers: Kiss Players was a Japan-only line of Transformers toys, manga, and audio dramas released in 2006. Kiss Players is set in an alternate Transformers universe where the Transformers are powered by the kisses of young girls. The toys themselves come packaged with small, scale figurines of the girls who power them. The toyline was openly admitted to be aimed at a specific part of the market--perverted adults, rather than children. The comic that accompanied the Kiss Players was an unashamed reflection of this, with several images which were considered by some to be very sexually themed.

Kiss Players continued the theme of the metaphysical power potential of human beings empowering Transformers. Previous examples were the Japanese series programs Masterforce and Car Robots.


Transformers: Classics (2006)


Transfomers: Classics was a filler line for Hasbro, to fill the gap between the end of Cybertron and the 2007 Movie line. It mostly consisted of "Classic" Generation One characters, with contemporary re-designs and updated alternate modes.

The line was later commemorated as a sub-series of the Transformers: Universe
Transformers: Universe

Transformers: Universe is a line of toys consisting of repainted re-releases from various Transformers toy lines. The toyline has spawned several series of comics and other stories....
 line, where it had the nickname of "Classics 2.0."

Transformers film (2007)


The live-action Transformers movie
Transformers (2007 film)

Transformers is a 2007 in film live-action film adaptation of the Transformers , directed by Michael Bay and written by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman....
 was slated to premiere in the U.S. on July 3, 2007, and was a joint collaboration among DreamWorks SKG
DreamWorks

DreamWorks, LLC, also known as DreamWorks Pictures, DreamWorks SKG or DreamWorks Studios, is a major film studios United States film studio which develops, produces, and distributes films, video games, and television programming....
, Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American motion picture production company and distribution company, located on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, California....
 and Hasbro, Inc
Hasbro

Hasbro is an United States toy company. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world, second only to the toy giant Mattel. Hasbro is also the publisher of the world's most popular board game, Monopoly ....
. Paramount Pictures was slated to release the film in the United States
United States

The United States of America is a Federal government constitutional republic comprising U.S. state and a federal district. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where its Contiguous United States and Washington, D.C., the Capital districts and territories, lie between the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Oceans, Borders of the U...
, as it had by now made DreamWorks Pictures one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, and was also to be responsible for the international release of the film through United International Pictures
United International Pictures

United International Pictures is a joint venture of Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios , to distribute some of the two studios films theatrically outside United States and Canada....
, its joint venture with Universal Studios
Universal Studios

Universal Studios , a subsidiary of NBC Universal, is one of the six Worldwide major American film studios. Its production studios are located at 100 Universal City Plaza Drive in Universal City, California....
. The feature was directed by Michael Bay
Michael Bay

Michael Benjamin Bay is an United States film director and film producer. Bay is best known for making large-budget action films, such as Transformers , Armageddon , The Rock , Pearl Harbor , Bad Boys , Bad Boys II and the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen....
 from a screenplay written by Alex Kurtzman
Alex Kurtzman

Alex Kurtzman is an United States film and television screenwriter and producer....
 and Roberto Orci
Roberto Orci

Roberto Gaston Orci is a Mexico Film producer and television producer and screenwriter. His credits include The Legend of Zorro, Mission: Impossible III, the 2007 Transformers feature film, and the upcoming 2009 Star Trek and Transformers Revenge of the Fallen feature film....
. It was a new story, set apart from the previous incarnations of the cartoon(s) and comic(s). A new origin and characters were introduced. Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg

Steven Allan Spielberg, KBE is an American film director, screenwriter and film producer. Forbes magazine places Spielberg's net worth at $3.1 billion....
, who with Jeffrey Katzenberg
Jeffrey Katzenberg

Jeffrey Katzenberg is an United States film producer and CEO of DreamWorks Animation. He is perhaps most famous for his period as studio chairman at The Walt Disney Company, and for producing the DreamWorks animated films Shrek , Shark Tale, Madagascar , Over the Hedge , Bee Movie, and Kung Fu Panda....
 and David Geffen
David Geffen

David Geffen is an United States record executive, film producer, theatrical producer and philanthropy. Geffen is noted for creating Asylum Records in 1970 , and Geffen Records in 1980, along with his later role as one of the three founders of Dreamworks SKG in 1994....
 had established DreamWorks SKG
DreamWorks

DreamWorks, LLC, also known as DreamWorks Pictures, DreamWorks SKG or DreamWorks Studios, is a major film studios United States film studio which develops, produces, and distributes films, video games, and television programming....
, was the main executive producer of the film, with Lorenzo di Bonaventura
Lorenzo di Bonaventura

Lorenzo di Bonaventura is an Italian-American film producer. He spent the 1990s as an executive at Warner Bros. Pictures, eventually rising to President of Worldwide Production....
, Tom DeSanto
Tom DeSanto

Tom DeSanto is an United States film producer and screenwriter. DeSanto is best known for his work with long time friend Bryan Singer, especially with his contributions to the first two X-Men movies....
 and Don Murphy
Don Murphy

Don Murphy is an United States film producer who produced Natural Born Killers among many other films....
 serving as co-executive producers. In practice, this meant that they were the primary financial sponsors of the film.

Shia LaBeouf
Shia LaBeouf

Shia Saide LaBeouf is an Emmy Award-winning United States actor and comedian.After growing up in California, LaBeouf became known with a starring role in the Disney Channel series Even Stevens....
 portrays the lead human character, Sam Witwicky, in the film with Josh Duhamel
Josh Duhamel

Joshua David Duhamel is a Daytime Emmy Awards-winning United States actor and former fashion model. He first achieved acting success in 1999 as Leo du Pres on American Broadcasting Company's All My Children and later as the chief of security, Danny McCoy#Cast and characters, on NBC's Las Vegas ....
, Tyrese Gibson
Tyrese Gibson

Tyrese Darnell Gibson , also known simply as Tyrese, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, rapping, actor, former fashion model and list of MTV VJs....
, and Megan Fox
Megan Fox

Megan Denise Fox is an American actress and Model . She is known for her roles on the television series Hope & Faith and in the 2007 in film live action Transformers ....
 in supporting roles. Peter Cullen
Peter Cullen

Peter Cullen, born in 1944 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is a voice actor who is best known for providing the voices for Optimus Prime and Ironhide, in the original The Transformers series and the narrator in both American Voltron series ....
 reprises his role as the voice of Optimus Prime. Megatron's voice is provided by Hugo Weaving
Hugo Weaving

Hugo Wallace Weaving is an Australian people film, stage and voice actor of English people descent. He is best known for his roles in the films The Matrix trilogy, The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, V for Vendetta and Transformers ....
.

It was expected that the release of a new movie would involve the production and release of associated toys from Takara and Hasbro. Images surfaced, on-line, of some toy prototypes, notably Starscream and a new Decepticon who was to be named Blackout, along with packaged samples of movie preview "Protoform" Optimus Prime and Starscream toys. Similarly, fans found preliminary artwork of multiple characters, although it was not known at the time how close these were to the final designs. The designs were significantly different from those of the Generation 1
Transformers: Generation 1

The Transformers was the original Transformers universes toy line that produced from 1984 to 1991. The series was simply called The Transformers until the relaunch in 1992 was titled Transformers: Generation 2, after which fans applied the name Generation 1 as a method of separating the different Transformers eras....
 characters with the same names. Reactions varied widely: some fans objected strongly to the designs, occasionally going so far as to threaten a boycott
Boycott

A boycott is a form of consumer activism involving the act of voluntarily abstaining from using, buying, or dealing with someone or some other organization as an expression of protest, usually of politics reasons....
 if the designs were not changed to be more traditional, while others liked them. The issue became a divisive one, as detractors accused supporters of lacking respect for the franchise's history, while supporters accused detractors of being "stuck in the past", and not accepting change.

In the "Transformers" film, the robots had more of an alien feel to them to fit the theme of an alien invasion. The robots (stated by Optimus Prime) in the film are actual sentient organisms and not just giant, mindless, and mechanical machines. The robots can also speak their own alien language sounding like what seems to be based on different pitches and frequencies. Along side of that, they gave them more alien features that probably wasn't mentioned in the comics or T.V. series such as an highly advanced exoskeleton
Exoskeleton

An exoskeleton is an external skeleton that supports and protects an animal's body, in contrast to the internal endoskeleton of, for example, a human skeleton....
, force field, and a special "alien meteoroid" mode which they transform into individually and arrive on earth in. The exoskeleton is a "self-regenerating metal" in which the aliens are composed of (stated in the film) that is the equivalent of living skin that heals itself.

Even though the transformers were heavily modified for the film for a more alien "feel", they still kept some key features from the G1 look to stay true to the character's origins. Examples: Optimus' faceplate and primary colors, and Megatron's arm cannon. Megatron's head also resembles a helmet-like shape.

Also, as a new feature, most figures include advanced "automorph technology", which is designed to create quicker and easier conversion, which means moving one part of the vehicle or robot causes other parts to move, creating a final shift to battle mode; this was successful because the transformation was more complex in the movie line than in any other Transformers toyline.

Transformers: Animated (2008)

The Transformers: Animated series is currently broadcasting in USA and other countries. This new series uses a very different art-style from the previous series. The Autobots and Decepticons, while fighting in space for possession of the Allspark, crash-landed onto a futuristic Earth and resume their battle after laying dormant for years. In addition to the Decepticons, the Autobots have to face the human villains as well. Classic characters such as Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Prowl, Starscream, Megatron, Jazz and Ultra Magnus appear in this series.

Originally, Transformers: Animated was to be called "Transformers: Heroes", but its name was changed to avoid confusion with the Transfomers live-action film.

The line was released along side a sub-series of the Transformers: Universe
Transformers: Universe

Transformers: Universe is a line of toys consisting of repainted re-releases from various Transformers toy lines. The toyline has spawned several series of comics and other stories....
 line for it's Legends size figures.

Transformers: Marvel Crossovers (2008)


This is a new line which features robot versions of various Marvel superheroes. Confirmed figures are Iron Man
Iron Man

Iron Man is a Character , a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character First appearance in Tales of Suspense #39 , and was created by writer-editor Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and artists Don Heck and Jack Kirby....
, Spider-Man
Spider-Man

Spider-Man is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character First appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15 , and was created by scripter-editor Stan Lee and artist-plotter Steve Ditko....
, Wolverine
Wolverine (comics)

Wolverine is a Character , a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character First appearance in Hulk #180 and was created by writer Len Wein and Marvel art director John Romita Sr., who designed the character, and was first drawn for publication by Herb Trimpe....
, Venom
Venom (comics)

Eddie Brock, also known as Venom , is a character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #299 ....
 and Hulk
Hulk (comics)

The Hulk, often called "The Incredible Hulk", is a fictional character , a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics....
. Hulk turns into a tank while Iron Man turns into a jet. Spider-Man becomes a bike, Wolverine turns into a 4WD, Venom turns into a turbocharged retro car
Retro

Retro is a term used to describe, denote or classify culturally outdated or aged trends, modes, or fashions, from the overall postmodern past, but have since that time become functionally or superficially the norm once again....
. They are not to be confused with the Marvel Megamorphs toyline which also featured transformable mecha
Mecha

Mecha, also known as meka or mechs, are walking vehicles controlled by a pilot, often appearing in science fiction or other genres involving a fantastic or futuristic element....
 piloted by the superheroes.

Transformers cereal

Ralston marketed many cereals based on cartoons in the 80s and 90s. One of these was transformers. The Transformers Chocolate Flavored Cereal was a chocolate-flavored concoction, not unlike Cocoa Puffs
Cocoa Puffs

Cocoa Puffs is a brand of chocolate-flavored puffed grain breakfast cereal manufactured by General Mills. Introduced in 1958, the cereal consists of small spheres of corn, oats and rice that have been flavored with chocolate....
, manufactured by the Ralston Corporation. However, the cereal was only in some parts of the country and was short lived. The cereal box had Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime

Optimus Prime is a fictional character and the protagonist of the Transformers universes. He is the Prime of the heroic Autobots. Optimus Prime was voiced in English by Peter Cullen in the original The Transformers cartoon, and has become the most well-known character of the series....
 on its cover. The box claims the cereal had "more taste than meets the eye" and also had the ability to "transform ordinary milk into chocolate flavored milk". There also was a mail-away offer for a Jazz toy.The few boxes that still exist are collectables, (one of which went for $349 on eBay).

Transformers events

The official international Transformers convention is BotCon
BotCon

BotCon, briefly known as "The Official Transformers Collectors' Convention" , is an annual Fan convention for Transformers fans and collectors....
 but other fan events include Auto Assembly
Auto Assembly

Founded in 2000 by Sven Harvey, Auto Assembly is a The Transformers event that is held in Birmingham, United Kingdom and run by the science-fiction fan organisation Infinite Frontiers....
 and TransForce in the UK and past Transformers only events have included BotCon Japan, BotCon Europe and "OTFCC". The first larger Transformers convention in the Nordic countries
Nordic countries

File:Location Nordic Council.svgThe Nordic countries make up a region in Northern Europe and far northeastern North America, called the Nordic region, consisting of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden and their associated territories which include the Faroe Islands, Greenland and ?land....
 is called "The NTFA Mini-Con", with official support from Hasbro Nordic, and was held by members of the NTFA - The Nordic TransFans Association, for the first time on November 3-4, 2007. Various other events also celebrate Transformers.

Transformers video games

In 1986 , Ocean Software Ltd. released a video game
The Transformers (1986 video game)

The Transformers is a Platform game / shoot 'em up game based on the Transformers franchise. It was written by Denton Designs and released by Ocean Software for the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 home computers in 1986....
 based on the Transformers. It was available for ZX Spectrum
ZX Spectrum

The Sinclair ZX Spectrum is an 8-bit personal home computer released in the United Kingdom in 1982 by Sinclair Research Ltd. Referred to during development as the ZX81 Colour and ZX82, the machine was launched as the ZX Spectrum by Sinclair to highlight the machine's colour display, compared with the black-and-white of its predec...
 and Commodore 64
Commodore 64

The Commodore 64 is an 8-bit home computer released by Commodore International in August, 1982, at a price of United States dollar595. Preceded by the Commodore VIC-20 and Commodore MAX Machine, the C64 features 64 kilobytes of Random-access memory with sound and graphics performance that were superior to IBM-compatible computers of tha...
. It was rated slightly above average in the reviews. In 1986 Activision
Activision

Activision Inc. is an United States video game developer and video game publisher. It was founded on October 1, 1979., and was the first independent developer and distributor of video games for video game console....
 also released a Transformers game for the Commodore 64.

Takara released a Famicom
Nintendo Entertainment System

The Nintendo Entertainment System is an 8-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America, Europe and Australia in . In most of Asia, including Japan , the Philippines, China, Vietnam and Singapore, it was released as the ....
 game named Transformers: Convoy no Nazo
Transformers: Convoy no Nazo

is a 1986 Nintendo Entertainment System video game by Takara based on the popular animated series Transformers and released only in Japan. The game was made avalable on the Virtual Console on June 10, 2008....
, which controlled mainly the "powered" form of Convoy
Convoy

A convoy is a group of vehicles traveling together for mutual support and protection. Often, a convoy is organized with armed defensive support, though it may also be used in a non-military sense, for example when driving through remote areas....
, known in the United States as Ultra Magnus
Ultra Magnus

Ultra Magnus is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers ....
. The game was poorly received in Japan and was not released overseas.

Another game was released for the Sony
Sony

is a multinational corporation list of conglomerates corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, and one of the world's largest media conglomerates with revenue exceeding US$99.1 billion ....
 PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 2 is a History of video game consoles video game console manufactured by Sony. The successor to the PlayStation, and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3, the PlayStation 2 forms part of the PlayStation of video game consoles....
 by Atari
Atari

Atari is a corporate and brand name owned by several entities since its inception in 1972. It is currently owned by Atari Interactive, a wholly owned subsidiary of the French publisher Infogrames ....
; simply titled as Transformers
Transformers (Atari video game)

Transformers is a PlayStation 2 video game based on the Transformers: Armada animated series. Originally entitled Transformers Armada: Prelude to Energon, the title was shortened before release....
,
it was based on The Transformers: Armada. The game's reception was mixed, particularly due to the popularity of a PS2 Transformers game released at the same time for a Japanese-exclusive market, though the Armada game was of a higher quality and featured much better gameplay. The game not released in America was based on the Generation 1 storylines.

Hasbro sold the digital gaming rights various properties, including My Little Pony
My Little Pony

My Little Pony is a line of colorful toy pony marketed primarily to young girls and produced by the toy manufacturer Hasbro. Following the related My Pretty Pony toy, introduced in 1981, "My Little Pony" was launched in 1983....
,
Magic: The Gathering
Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering is a collectible card game created by mathematics professor Richard Garfield and introduced in 1993 by Wizards of the Coast....
,
Tonka
Tonka

Tonka is an United States toy company most known for its signature toy trucks and construction equipment....
, Playskool
Playskool

Playskool is a toy brand owned by Hasbro. The toys are intended for children and babies who are up to five years old.Playskool brands include:...
, and The Transformers, to Infogrames
Infogrames

Infogrames Entertainment SA is an international France holding company headquartered in Villeurbanne, Lyon, France. It is the owner of Atari, Inc , headquartered in New York City, and Atari Europe....
 for 100 million dollars in American money in 2000, buying back the rights for 65 million in American money in June 2005.

Activision
Activision

Activision Inc. is an United States video game developer and video game publisher. It was founded on October 1, 1979., and was the first independent developer and distributor of video games for video game console....
 and Traveller's Tales
Traveller's Tales

Traveller's Tales is a United Kingdom software house established in 1990 and based in Knutsford, Cheshire, England. It is part of the TT Games group, along with TT Games Publishing....
, creators of the Lego Star Wars
LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game

Lego Star Wars: The Video Game is a video game based on the Lego Star Wars by the Lego Group, that takes place during the prequel trilogy , with a bonus segment from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope....
 games, released Transformers: The Game
Transformers: The Game

Transformers: The Game is the name of multiple versions of a video game based on the 2007 in film live action Transformers , all of which were released in North America in June 2007....
 in 2007 to tie in with the live-action feature film for the Sony
Sony

is a multinational corporation list of conglomerates corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, and one of the world's largest media conglomerates with revenue exceeding US$99.1 billion ....
 PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3

The PlayStation 3 is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment, and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation ....
, the Microsoft
Microsoft

Microsoft Corporation is a multinational corporation computer technology corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of computer software products for computing devices....
 Xbox 360
Xbox 360

The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft, and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the History of video game consoles of video game consoles....
, the Nintendo
Nintendo

is a global company located in Kyoto, Japan founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi to produce handmade hanafuda cards. By 1963, the company had tried several small niche businesses, such as a cab company and a love hotel....
 Wii
Wii

The Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo. As a History of video game consoles console, the Wii primarily competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3....
,The PC
Personal computer

A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose original sales price, size, and capabilities make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end user, with no intervening computer operator....
 and the Sony
Sony

is a multinational corporation list of conglomerates corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, and one of the world's largest media conglomerates with revenue exceeding US$99.1 billion ....
 PlayStation Portable
PlayStation Portable

The PlayStation Portable is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. Development of the console was first announced during History of E3#During the Rise of Online Gaming , and it was unveiled on May 11, 2004 at a Sony press conference before E3 2004....
 and PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 2 is a History of video game consoles video game console manufactured by Sony. The successor to the PlayStation, and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3, the PlayStation 2 forms part of the PlayStation of video game consoles....
. The player was able to play as both the Autobots and the Decepticons, pick up and throw objects, and transform at any time. The steering in vehicle mode was compared to that of the Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto

Grand Theft Auto may refer to*Motor vehicle theft, a crime in many jurisdictions*Grand Theft Auto , the first film directed by Ron Howard*Grand Theft Auto , a computer and video game series...
 games and had a free-roaming environment.

External links