Vector Sigma
Encyclopedia
In the fictional universe
of the first Transformers
animated series, Vector Sigma is the "mega-computer" that gives sentience ("Sparks" in later parlance) to non-sentient robots, and is used by the Quintessons
to endow their robotic creations with the true life that eventually leads to their rebellion. Vector Sigma attests that "before Cybertron was, I was." Subsequent fictions, such as Dreamwave's Transformers, would establish that Vector Sigma is a mainframe used by Primus
, the creator god of the Transformers.
Vector Sigma requires a special circuit key to activate itself, which completes its power circuits. Additionally, should the key be lost, Vector Sigma's first-generation creations share his computation matrix, and are hence able to interface their power supply with it, reactivating it at the cost of their own life. The key itself possessed the ability to "de-energise matter," converting organic substances into "technomatter" (a mechanical and metal facsimile of itself).
in order to bestow life upon them. Stealing the key to Vector Sigma from Alpha Trion
, he succeeded in reactivating the computer and giving his creations sentience. The Autobots then followed suit with the creation of the Aerialbots
, and Alpha Trion gave up his own life to reactivate Vector Sigma so that they might be given life. Subsequently, Megatron discovered the additional properties of the key, and began to transform Earth into a new Cybertron, only to be stopped by the Aerialbots, and the key destroyed.
Vector Sigma was not revisited in the American series until the fourth and final season of the show, consisting of a three-part story entitled The Rebirth. Vector Sigma allowed Galvatron
to become aware of the existence of the key to the Plasma Energy Chamber, the theft of which set in motion a chain of events that would restore Cybertron's Golden Age. Using the shell of the Matrix
(its energies having been previously spent to cure the Hate Plague), Optimus Prime reactivated Vector Sigma, and conversed with Alpha Trion within the machine, learning of the computer's plans. Then, when the energy of the Plasma Energy Chamber threatened to overload Earth's sun, Spike Witwicky was able to redirect the excess solar energy into Vector Sigma, revitalizing the entire planet.
, it was decided to keep the series alive. Accordingly, The Rebirth was discarded, and a full 35-episode series exclusive to the country was created to take its place, titled Transformers: Headmasters. With the beginning of this series, Vector Sigma began to destabilize as a result of the aforementioned release of the Matrix's energy, throwing the balance of power on Cybertron out of equilibrium. This enabled the Decepticons to easily invade the planet, seeking to gain control of Vector Sigma and subvert it to their will, so that they might gain control of Cybertron again. While Hot Rod led a squad of Autobots to Earth to recover the Matrix, which was recharging there, Optimus Prime ventured into the planet's depths to reach the computer, so that he might stabilize it at any cost, even that of his life. As the instability continued to grow, threatening the continued existence of Cybertron, Optimus Prime was forced to merge with the computer to stabilize it, leaving Rodimus Prime to once again lead the Autobots in his stead. Not long after, Cybertron was devastated in a series of explosions instigated by the Decepticons, but as Vector Sigma would later reappear in various Japanese Transformer series', it is apparent that it survived this devastating assault.
. Since we had last seen the computer, it had been equipped with an external shell program known as the Oracle, which allowed receptive Transformers to commune with the Allspark, the well of all Transformer life that Vector Sigma was connected to (a retroactive explanation for how Vector Sigma could bestow life). When the renegade Maximal-turned-Vehicon Tankor
discovered the existence of the Oracle and its Vector Sigma core, he was able to access Vector Sigma and recreate its key as part of a plan to trick this era's Megatron into using it on a massive scale to purge all traces of organic life from the planet. Optimus Primal
countered with the force of the Plasma Energy Chamber and the meshing of the two energies apparently canceled each other out. Subsequently, Megatron sought to activate the key at the core of Cybertron, but Primal defeated him, and the two enemies were destroyed together.
exclusive storyline Transformers: Universe
- The Wreckers, in which it is attested that the Oracle was nothing more than a manipulative creation of the Quintessons
. This act of writing virtually redefines the entire Beast Machines storyline.
. However, when Nemesis Prime
and Ramjet
, two of Unicron
's Heralds came to Cybertron seeking to use the Dead Matrix against Primus
, both Vector Sigma and its caretaker Alpha Trion
were damaged.
to carry the Matrix of Leadership and lead the Autobots on earth against Megatron and the Predacons, and later Decepticons.
Before Cybertron existed, there was Vector Sigma; a super computer of incalculable power. So great was this entity that it could tap into the source of Transformers life itself, the Allspark. Over the eons, Vector Sigma was used by many beings to imbue lifeless Transformer bodies with the spark of life without judgment. If it was asked to produce noble protectors, it did so. If it was asked to create merciless destroyers, it did that as well. Activating Vector Sigma required a special key, capable of turning organic matter into metal. In lieu of such a key, any Transformer sharing Vector Sigma’s computational matrix could activate it at the cost of its own life.
Vector Sigma’s influence reached across the multi-verse, where several similar computers would take on its name but serve different functions. In one, Vector sigma was a computer that all Autobot and Maximal leaders were bonded to. In another it was surrounded by a program known as the Oracle in an age where Maximals and Predacons had taken the place of their ancestors as the primary residents of Cybertron. No matter its location, the very name Vector Sigma has held even some of the greatest Transformers in awe including Optimus Prime himself.
Shattered Glass series The Omega Terminus seems to fill the function of Vector Sigma on the mirror universe Cybertron. It can only be controlled by The Terminus Blade.
The Omega Terminus can only be controlled by The Terminus Blade.
.
from her building access key resembles the key to Vector Sigma from Both Beast Machines
and Generation 1
, the Omega Key also resembles the key to Vector Sigma.
When Megatron develops a plan to infect the core of Cybertron with dark energon, destroying the Autobots. For this plan to succeed, Megatron launches a full-scale assault on Iacon, looking for an item called the Omega Key. The Decepticons learn that Zeta Prime has placed the key under his personal guard. Megatron's forces enter the chambers of Zeta Prime and defeat him in battle, taking him prisoner. Zeta Prime tells Megatron that the Omega Key is not actually the key, but is the means to activate the true key, a transformer known as Omega Supreme
.
.
Fictional universe
A fictional universe is a self-consistent fictional setting with elements that differ from the real world. It may also be called an imagined, constructed or fictional realm ....
of the first Transformers
The Transformers (TV series)
The Transformers is an animated television series depicting a war among giant robots who could transform into vehicles, other objects and animal-like forms. Written and recorded in America, the series was animated in Japan and South Korea...
animated series, Vector Sigma is the "mega-computer" that gives sentience ("Sparks" in later parlance) to non-sentient robots, and is used by the Quintessons
Quintessons
Quintessons are fictional aliens from the Transformers universe. Within the TV series, they are the creators of the Transformers, although in most other fictional universes featuring the Transformers, they have no such status...
to endow their robotic creations with the true life that eventually leads to their rebellion. Vector Sigma attests that "before Cybertron was, I was." Subsequent fictions, such as Dreamwave's Transformers, would establish that Vector Sigma is a mainframe used by Primus
Primus (Transformers)
Primus is the "benevolent" godlike entity in the fictional Transformers comic universe who fought against the Chaos-Bringer Unicron. The Lord of the Light, Primus is the being who created the Transformers to help him defeat Unicron.-Primus and Unicron:...
, the creator god of the Transformers.
Vector Sigma requires a special circuit key to activate itself, which completes its power circuits. Additionally, should the key be lost, Vector Sigma's first-generation creations share his computation matrix, and are hence able to interface their power supply with it, reactivating it at the cost of their own life. The key itself possessed the ability to "de-energise matter," converting organic substances into "technomatter" (a mechanical and metal facsimile of itself).
Generation 1
In the Earth year 1985, in an attempt to contest the Autobots' control of the roads, Megatron constructed a new group of car Transformers dubbed the Stunticons, who he then brought to CybertronCybertron
Cybertron is a fictional planet, the homeworld of the Transformers in the various fictional incarnations of the metaseries and toyline by Hasbro. In the Japanese series, the planet is referred to as "Cybertron" pronounced as セイバートロン Seibātoron...
in order to bestow life upon them. Stealing the key to Vector Sigma from Alpha Trion
Alpha Trion
Alpha Trion is a fictional character in the various Transformers universes. Alpha Trion is one of the Thirteen Primes, thus all his portrayals are considered to be the same individual. He is generally depicted as an ancient mechanoid with a link to Optimus Prime...
, he succeeded in reactivating the computer and giving his creations sentience. The Autobots then followed suit with the creation of the Aerialbots
Aerialbots
The Aerialbots are a group of Autobots that transform into aircraft and combine to form the giant robot Superion. They were introduced into the Transformers toyline in 1985 and sold as a Superion gift set, and then sold separately in 1986 in most department stores...
, and Alpha Trion gave up his own life to reactivate Vector Sigma so that they might be given life. Subsequently, Megatron discovered the additional properties of the key, and began to transform Earth into a new Cybertron, only to be stopped by the Aerialbots, and the key destroyed.
Vector Sigma was not revisited in the American series until the fourth and final season of the show, consisting of a three-part story entitled The Rebirth. Vector Sigma allowed Galvatron
Galvatron
Galvatron is the name of several fictional Transformers, most often the recreated version of Megatron, the Decepticon leader. He was voiced by Leonard Nimoy in the 1986 Transformers movie, and then by Frank Welker in season 3 and 4 of the animated television series. Since then, other Transformers...
to become aware of the existence of the key to the Plasma Energy Chamber, the theft of which set in motion a chain of events that would restore Cybertron's Golden Age. Using the shell of the Matrix
Autobot Matrix of Leadership
The Matrix of Leadership or Creation Matrix in the fictional Transformers universes is the Autobot talisman of legend, passed down from leader to leader. It consisted of an oval-shaped container, holding a glowing crystal. To open the Matrix is to release an unpredictable wave of power from the...
(its energies having been previously spent to cure the Hate Plague), Optimus Prime reactivated Vector Sigma, and conversed with Alpha Trion within the machine, learning of the computer's plans. Then, when the energy of the Plasma Energy Chamber threatened to overload Earth's sun, Spike Witwicky was able to redirect the excess solar energy into Vector Sigma, revitalizing the entire planet.
Transformers: Headmasters
While The Rebirth brought the American animated series to an end, across the Pacific in JapanJapan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, 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...
, it was decided to keep the series alive. Accordingly, The Rebirth was discarded, and a full 35-episode series exclusive to the country was created to take its place, titled Transformers: Headmasters. With the beginning of this series, Vector Sigma began to destabilize as a result of the aforementioned release of the Matrix's energy, throwing the balance of power on Cybertron out of equilibrium. This enabled the Decepticons to easily invade the planet, seeking to gain control of Vector Sigma and subvert it to their will, so that they might gain control of Cybertron again. While Hot Rod led a squad of Autobots to Earth to recover the Matrix, which was recharging there, Optimus Prime ventured into the planet's depths to reach the computer, so that he might stabilize it at any cost, even that of his life. As the instability continued to grow, threatening the continued existence of Cybertron, Optimus Prime was forced to merge with the computer to stabilize it, leaving Rodimus Prime to once again lead the Autobots in his stead. Not long after, Cybertron was devastated in a series of explosions instigated by the Decepticons, but as Vector Sigma would later reappear in various Japanese Transformer series', it is apparent that it survived this devastating assault.
Beast Machines
Following on from either of the above continuities, Vector Sigma later reappeared in Beast MachinesBeast Machines
Beast Machines is an animated television series produced by Mainframe Entertainment and distributed by Universal Pictures. Hasbro has the full distribution rights to the show as of 2011. It was a direct sequel to Beast Wars taking place within the continuity of the original Transformers series...
. Since we had last seen the computer, it had been equipped with an external shell program known as the Oracle, which allowed receptive Transformers to commune with the Allspark, the well of all Transformer life that Vector Sigma was connected to (a retroactive explanation for how Vector Sigma could bestow life). When the renegade Maximal-turned-Vehicon Tankor
Rhinox
Rhinox is the name of three fictional characters from various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Rhinox's character in the Beast Wars television series is very different from how the toy was depicted. As one of the first year toys, the toy of Rhinox was created before the television series came...
discovered the existence of the Oracle and its Vector Sigma core, he was able to access Vector Sigma and recreate its key as part of a plan to trick this era's Megatron into using it on a massive scale to purge all traces of organic life from the planet. Optimus Primal
Optimus Primal
Optimus Primal is a fictional character from the Transformers toyline, and the leader of the Maximal forces and the main protagonist in the Beast Wars television series. He is sometimes called Optimal Optimus...
countered with the force of the Plasma Energy Chamber and the meshing of the two energies apparently canceled each other out. Subsequently, Megatron sought to activate the key at the core of Cybertron, but Primal defeated him, and the two enemies were destroyed together.
3H Comics
Vector Sigma and the Oracle would also appear in the BotConBotCon
BotCon, briefly known as "The Official Transformers Collectors' Convention" , is an annual convention for Transformers fans and collectors. BotCon has been held annually since 1994...
exclusive storyline Transformers: Universe
Transformers: Universe
Transformers: Universe is a line of toys that consists of re-painted and re-released toys from various Transformers lines of toys. For the comic book series see Transformers Universe .- Toy line :...
- The Wreckers, in which it is attested that the Oracle was nothing more than a manipulative creation of the Quintessons
Quintessons
Quintessons are fictional aliens from the Transformers universe. Within the TV series, they are the creators of the Transformers, although in most other fictional universes featuring the Transformers, they have no such status...
. This act of writing virtually redefines the entire Beast Machines storyline.
Fun Publications Comic
Vector Sigma-apparently absent the Oracle-appeared in other parts of the Transformers: Universe storyline, in which it likely played a role in resurrecting such Transformers as Optimus Primal, Depth Charge, and RhinoxRhinox
Rhinox is the name of three fictional characters from various Transformers universes.-Beast Wars:Rhinox's character in the Beast Wars television series is very different from how the toy was depicted. As one of the first year toys, the toy of Rhinox was created before the television series came...
. However, when Nemesis Prime
Nemesis Prime
Nemesis Prime is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers storyline. He is often depicted as an evil incarnation of Optimus Prime.-Transformers: Armada:...
and Ramjet
Ramjet
A ramjet, sometimes referred to as a stovepipe jet, or an athodyd, is a form of airbreathing jet engine using the engine's forward motion to compress incoming air, without a rotary compressor. Ramjets cannot produce thrust at zero airspeed and thus cannot move an aircraft from a standstill...
, two of Unicron
Unicron
Unicron is a fictional character from the Transformers universe and toyline. Created by Floro Dery, he was introduced in the 1986 animated film The Transformers: The Movie as the film's main antagonist. Unicron is a prodigiously large robot whose scale reaches planetary proportions, and he is also...
's Heralds came to Cybertron seeking to use the Dead Matrix against Primus
Primus (Transformers)
Primus is the "benevolent" godlike entity in the fictional Transformers comic universe who fought against the Chaos-Bringer Unicron. The Lord of the Light, Primus is the being who created the Transformers to help him defeat Unicron.-Primus and Unicron:...
, both Vector Sigma and its caretaker Alpha Trion
Alpha Trion
Alpha Trion is a fictional character in the various Transformers universes. Alpha Trion is one of the Thirteen Primes, thus all his portrayals are considered to be the same individual. He is generally depicted as an ancient mechanoid with a link to Optimus Prime...
were damaged.
Beast Wars Neo
In this series Vector Sigma is the Cybertron computer and cybertron god that each leader of an Autobot/Maximal group is connected to.Robots in Disguise
Vector Sigma is mentioned, and also known as the AllSpark. It is Vector Sigma who chose Optimus PrimeOptimus Prime
Optimus Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. Prime is the leader of the autobots, a faction of transforming robots from the planet Cybertron. The autobots are constantly waging war against a rival faction of transforming robots called Decepticons...
to carry the Matrix of Leadership and lead the Autobots on earth against Megatron and the Predacons, and later Decepticons.
Fun Publications
The Botcon 2007 convention exclusives included a Vector Sigma toy which could be displayed with the Convention exclusive Alpha Trion. The packagings bio reads as follows:Before Cybertron existed, there was Vector Sigma; a super computer of incalculable power. So great was this entity that it could tap into the source of Transformers life itself, the Allspark. Over the eons, Vector Sigma was used by many beings to imbue lifeless Transformer bodies with the spark of life without judgment. If it was asked to produce noble protectors, it did so. If it was asked to create merciless destroyers, it did that as well. Activating Vector Sigma required a special key, capable of turning organic matter into metal. In lieu of such a key, any Transformer sharing Vector Sigma’s computational matrix could activate it at the cost of its own life.
Vector Sigma’s influence reached across the multi-verse, where several similar computers would take on its name but serve different functions. In one, Vector sigma was a computer that all Autobot and Maximal leaders were bonded to. In another it was surrounded by a program known as the Oracle in an age where Maximals and Predacons had taken the place of their ancestors as the primary residents of Cybertron. No matter its location, the very name Vector Sigma has held even some of the greatest Transformers in awe including Optimus Prime himself.
The Omega Terminus
In Fun PublicationsFun Publications
Fun Publications is a publishing company that runs the Transformers Collectors Club and G.I. Joe Collectors Club under licensefrom Hasbro. Besides releasing comics, Fun Publications releases exclusive toys and runs conventions for their clubs....
Shattered Glass series The Omega Terminus seems to fill the function of Vector Sigma on the mirror universe Cybertron. It can only be controlled by The Terminus Blade.
The Terminus Blade
The Omega Terminus can only be controlled by The Terminus Blade.
Cyber Missions
Vector Sigma is a data track preserved by the great Autobot historian Alpha TrionAlpha Trion
Alpha Trion is a fictional character in the various Transformers universes. Alpha Trion is one of the Thirteen Primes, thus all his portrayals are considered to be the same individual. He is generally depicted as an ancient mechanoid with a link to Optimus Prime...
.
Transformers Animated
In Transformers Animated, the key that the AllSpark created for Sari SumdacSari Sumdac
Sari Sumdac is a fictional character in the Transformers Animated cartoon series.-Transformers Animated:The eight-year old adopted daughter of Dr. Isaac Sumdac, Sari lived a sheltered life until she befriends the Autobots after they saved her upon their reawakening.She is the primary source of...
from her building access key resembles the key to Vector Sigma from Both Beast Machines
Beast Machines
Beast Machines is an animated television series produced by Mainframe Entertainment and distributed by Universal Pictures. Hasbro has the full distribution rights to the show as of 2011. It was a direct sequel to Beast Wars taking place within the continuity of the original Transformers series...
and Generation 1
Transformers: War for Cybertron
In the 2010 video game Transformers: War for CybertronTransformers: War for Cybertron
Transformers: War for Cybertron is a third-person shooter video game developed by High Moon Studios and published by Activision. It was released in North America on June 22, 2010 and in PAL regions on June 25, 2010 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Two portable versions were released for the...
, the Omega Key also resembles the key to Vector Sigma.
When Megatron develops a plan to infect the core of Cybertron with dark energon, destroying the Autobots. For this plan to succeed, Megatron launches a full-scale assault on Iacon, looking for an item called the Omega Key. The Decepticons learn that Zeta Prime has placed the key under his personal guard. Megatron's forces enter the chambers of Zeta Prime and defeat him in battle, taking him prisoner. Zeta Prime tells Megatron that the Omega Key is not actually the key, but is the means to activate the true key, a transformer known as Omega Supreme
Omega Supreme
Omega Supreme is the name of a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. He is always an Autobot and is often depicted as a gigantic transformer with vast strength and/or overwhelming firepower.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
.
Transformers Prime
The Key to Vector Sigma is given to Jack Darby by Optimus in "One Shall Rise, Part 2", a 1st season finale episode of Transformers Prime (2010-present). It is initially explained to Jack by Optimus as the Ground Bridge power supply, but Ratchet explains to Jack in "One Shall Rise, Part 3" as the Key to Vector Sigma, indicating that Optimus senses enough maturity in Jack to hold it in his possession and that Optimus does not plan to come back to the Autobot base after an expedition to the center of the Earth to defeat UnicronUnicron
Unicron is a fictional character from the Transformers universe and toyline. Created by Floro Dery, he was introduced in the 1986 animated film The Transformers: The Movie as the film's main antagonist. Unicron is a prodigiously large robot whose scale reaches planetary proportions, and he is also...
.