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July 9, 2012
Hasbro Returns to Comic-Con International to Showcase Its Iconic Pop-Culture Brands
The Branded Play Company Continues to be the Premiere Destination for fans of Giant Robots, Super Heroes, Intergalactic Battles, Magical Ponies and More at Comic-Con in San Diego
PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- With globally renowned brands including TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY, JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS, KRE-O and G.I. JOE as well as licensed toy lines for MARVEL, STAR WARS, SESAME STREET and STAR TREK, few exhibitors at Comic-Con International in San Diego can boast the pedigree of properties so significant to the heritage of the popular arts than Hasbro. To celebrate these brands, which span comics, animation, action figures, blockbuster movies and additional entertainment experiences, Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) will deliver an unprecedented lineup of panels, autograph sessions, special edition toys and more that surpasses anything in its past history at the show. The fan communities of these properties are among the most passionate and dedicated in the world and Hasbro will deliver a tremendous experience tailored specifically for them and all convention goers based on the rich Hasbro portfolio of characters, stories and products.
The Terrorcon Cliffjumper figure, based on the hit Transformers Prime animated series from Hasbro Studios, is one of several special edition toys Hasbro will offer at Comic-Con International in San Diego. (Photo: Business Wire)
Over the years Hasbro has become a Comic-Con International mainstay and its booth remains one of the most popular at the convention. With one of the largest presences at the show, the Company continues to grow its broad range of opportunities for fans spanning Hasbro, HasbroToyShop.com, WIZARDS OF THE COAST, Hasbro Studios and The Hub TV Network and more as Comic-Con continues to expand. Hasbro will deliver unique experiences for attendees, pulling in the creative talent behind its biggest pop culture properties and licensed toy lines including custom displays for its latest toys and action figures.
"Hasbro looks forward to Comic-Con International in San Diego every year," said John Frascotti, chief marketing officer, Hasbro, Inc. "Connecting with our most passionate fans is extremely important to us and we're thrilled to offer an incredible line up of special edition collectibles, panels and opportunities to meet the talent behind our remarkable brands like TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY and G.I. JOE that have become synonymous with the popular arts."
The following features highlights of activities across Hasbro brands and licensed properties to be showcased in the Hasbro booth (#3213) and around the convention.
G.I. JOE
From action figures and animated series to movie and video games, the G.I. JOE brand from Hasbro has been an enduring pop culture icon for generations of fans. At Comic-Con, the Hasbro booth will provide G.I. JOE enthusiasts with an up close look at the entire upcoming G.I. JOE: RETALIATION line including newly announced items revealed at the G.I. JOE convention as well as the recently announced G.I. JOE MICRO FORCE line. The Hasbro booth at Comic-Con will be an opportunity for fans to see them in person before they hit shelves in the spring of 2013. The G.I. JOE: RETALIATION movie from Paramount Pictures is scheduled to hit theaters on March 29th, 2013 in 3D and stars Dwayne Johnson, Channing Tatum, Bruce Willis, Adrianne Palicki and more. As G.I. JOE fans know (and knowing is half the battle), the vehicles and costumes featured in the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA saga are just as important as the characters. As a special opportunity for fans, Hasbro will have props from the movie on display including the FIREFLY character's motorcycle and the COBRA COMMANDER character's iconic helmet.
Hasbro and the G.I. JOE publishers at IDW will also be celebrating the ongoing legacy and heritage of G.I. JOE comics by welcoming G.I. JOE comics legend, Larry Hama to its booth for an autograph session on Saturday, July 14 from 1:00-2:00pm. Tickets for the autograph session will be available at the Hasbro booth on Saturday morning beginning at 9:00am and G.I. JOE comics are available for purchase at the IDW booth (#2643).
KAIJUDO: RISE OF THE DUEL MASTERSTM
Produced by Hasbro Studios and currently airing on The Hub TV Network in the U.S., KAIJUDO: RISE OF THE DUEL MASTERSTM is a new animated action-fantasy series based on the popular trading card game from WIZARDS OF THE COAST, a Hasbro subsidiary. The WIZARDS OF THE COAST booth (#3249) will be dedicated to this new property at Comic-Con for fans to experience throughout the show. Hasbro will welcome voice talent from the show including, Scott Wolf the voice of RAY, David Sobolov the voice of TATSURION THE UNCHAINED (a.k.a. "Bob"), Phil Lamar the voice of GABE and Kari Wahlgreen the voice of ALLIE to its booth on Saturday, July 14 from 11:00am-12:00pm. Tickets for the autograph session will be available at the Hasbro booth on Saturday morning beginning at 9:00am while supplies last. The special guests will be signing special edition KAIJUDO: RISE OF THE DUEL MASTERSTM posters featuring their characters from the new animated series. Hasbro will also host a giveaway of limited edition KAIJUDO: RISE OF THE DUEL MASTERS TM posters on Sunday, July 15 from 9:00-10:00am in the Hasbro booth while supplies last.
KRE-O
At Comic-Con, the KRE-O brand from Hasbro boldly goes where no one has gone before. Based on the upcoming STAR TREK sequel from Paramount Pictures and directed by J.J. Abrams, the KRE-O STAR TREK line, under license from CBS Consumer Products, features a variety of vehicles from the movie along with fun KREON figures based on iconic STAR TREK characters. Fans will be able to see the KRE-O STAR TREK U.S.S. ENTERPRISE set and select KREON figures for the first time in person at the Hasbro Comic-Con booth beginning on Preview Night, July 11.
In a groundbreaking move for entertainment based building sets, Hasbro teamed up with J.J. Abrams, director of the upcoming STAR TREK sequel, to create a KRE-O STAR TREK stop motion digital short. The digital short, produced by Bad Robot, features icons of the STAR TREK saga in a stand-alone storyline and will premiere at a later date in partnership with Paramount Pictures. Fans can view a teaser trailer now on the KRE-O brand Youtube channel at http://www.Youtube.com/KREO or at the convention in the Hasbro booth.
STAR TREK will mark the third major entertainment property to be featured in the KRE-O line. Hasbro successfully introduced the KRE-O brand in 2011 with building sets featuring its globally popular TRANSFORMERS characters and in 2012 introduced the KRE-O BATTLESHIP line. New KRE-O BATTLESHIP and KRE-O TRANSFORMERS sets will be on display in the Hasbro booth including never before seen KRE-O TRANSFORMERS expressions: KRE-O TRANSFORMERS MICROCHANGERS and KRE-O TRANSFORMERS MICROCHANGERS COMBINERS. Fans won't want to miss these new reveals as well a chance to snap a photo with KRE-O character statues including TRANSFORMERS BUMBLEBEE, a BATTLESHIP ALIEN and STAR TREK CAPTAIN KIRK all in their unique KREON expressions! Fans will also want to get their hands on a special edition KRE-O BATTLESHIP BATTLE-BOAT building set sample pack which will be distributed at various times throughout the show while supplies last.
MARVEL
In a banner year for MARVEL Super Heroes, Hasbro, home of the master MARVEL toy license, will be celebrating its MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS and THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN toy lines in support of the two massive blockbusters as well its wildly popular MARVEL UNIVERSE and MARVEL LEGENDS collector lines.
Fans of the MARVEL UNIVERSE, MARVEL LEGENDS and other MARVEL action figure lines will want to check out the Hasbro booth for a comprehensive look at the extensive line-up of 2012 toys as well as new, upcoming figures revealed for the first time following the Hasbro MARVEL panel taking place on Saturday at 4:00-5:00pm. Attendees will also get to "assemble" and be "amazing" in the Hasbro booth where they can pose as their own action figure in either an AVENGERS or AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ‘life-sized' MARVEL blister card package!
Visitors will also see something brand new for 2012 as Hasbro showcases its new MARVEL BONKAZONKS stunt battling game line in a unique display. With over one hundred BONKAZONKS figures to collect in 2012, this new stunt battling expression where kids "Flick, Stack, Spin and Attack" their way to victory is a highly collectible and unique way to play with MARVEL Super Heroes! Fans can visit http://www.BONKAZONKS.com for more information about the new game and to battle with BONKAZONKS online.
MY LITTLE PONY
The MY LITTLE PONY brand, a pop-culture phenomenon from Hasbro, gallops into Comic-Con in 2012 with a hit animated series, new toys and an extensive line of licensed goods. Featuring a unique sense of humor, memorable characters and endearing stories about the power of friendship, the MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC animated series, produced by Hasbro Studios and airing on The Hub in the U.S., has amassed a fan following as varied as the ponies of PONYVILLE. Comic-Con attendees will be able to snap photos of a life-sized PINKIE PIE character statue, gaze at a giant MY LITTLE PONY cast mural emblazoned on an entire wall within the Hasbro booth and get a look at an extensive line-up of current MY LITTLE PONY toys, licensed apparel and more. The MY LITTLE PONY brand will also unveil the winning design from its "Design a MY LITTLE PONY" contest with the winning figure on display beginning on Preview Night.
To transport fans to and from the convention in style, The Hub will transform the interior and exterior of one car of the San Diego trolley system to create a magical MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC experience showcasing some of the series' characters. The train will be styled as the Friendship Express train, which is featured in the popular animated series. The Hub is also unveiling the "My Little Pony Friendship is Magic" themed, 8-bit "Adventure Pony" game on Hubworld.com; visitors to the network's Comic-Con headquarters at popular eatery The Broken Yolk will receive a secret code to gain exclusive access to game.
As a very special experience for fans, Hasbro welcomes several voice actors behind many of the most popular ponies and a story editor from the MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC series for an autograph signing session. Andrea Libman, voice of PINKIE PIE and FLUTTERSHY; Tabitha St. Germain, voice of RARITY; Tara Strong, voice of TWILIGHT SPARKLE; Cathy Weseluck, voice of SPIKE; and story editor Meghan McCarthy, will sign MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC keepsakes in the Hasbro booth from 3:00-4:00pm on Friday, July 12. Tickets are required for the session and will be distributed beginning at 9:00am on Friday in the Hasbro booth while supplies last.
SESAME STREET
Superheroes abound at Comic-Con every year but not all are the same. Some are strong, some are fast, some are...blue, fuzzy and use their powers of observation to solve problems! Hasbro and its PLAYSKOOL brand are excited to celebrate the upcoming launch of its FLYING SUPER GROVER 2.0 toy. Eric Jacobson, the man behind Super Grover 2.0, will be available for a special autograph session on Thursday, July 12 from 9:30-10:30am in the Hasbro booth. Lucky fans will have the chance to meet Eric for an autograph and pose for a picture with Super Grover 2.0. Tickets for the session will be distributed in the Hasbro booth on Wednesday, July 11 during Preview Night while supplies last (a ticket is required to participate). FLYING SUPER GROVER 2.0 is one of the most talked about preschool toys for the upcoming holiday season and comes to life when kids pick him up and "fly" him around the room. His arms will rise as if he's flying and he will let children know whether he's "Going up" or "Going down!"
STAR WARS
The Force is strong with Hasbro at Comic-Con International as the Company celebrates the recent launch of its popular STAR WARS FIGHTER PODS toy line, new action figures, the epic Course of the Force Lightsaber relay and more! To celebrate the highly collectible STAR WARS FIGHTER PODS line, visitors to the Hasbro booth will be able to pose in front of a unique display featuring DARTH VADER and CHEWBACCA statues in their ‘Micro Heroes, Mega Battles' FIGHTER PODS expression as well as a massive FIGHTER POD in the shape of a DEATH STAR filled with thousands of figures from the new line. Additionally, in what is becoming a Comic-Con tradition for Hasbro, fans of the traditional action figure lines will be able to step inside a ‘life-size' DARTH VADER RETURN OF THE JEDI blister card package and pose as their own action figure. Hasbro will be sampling STAR WARS FIGHTER PODS blind bags featuring one FIGHTER PODS figure and one "Pod" which will be distributed at various times throughout the show to fans while supplies last.
STAR WARS collectors will want to visit the Hasbro booth to get a sneak peak at current and upcoming toys in its MOVIE HEROES, CLONE WARS, VINTAGE, and FIGHTER PODS action figure lines. Fans won't want to miss these reveals as well as a look at the extensive line of STAR WARS vehicle toys and roleplay items to act out the intergalactic saga including ELECTRONIC MASKS, ULTIMATE FX LIGHTSABERS and more.
However, as STAR WARS fans know, the ULTIMATE FX LIGHTSABER can't be contained in the Hasbro booth alone. The ‘elegant weapon' will be featured in the Course of the Force, an Olympic-style Lightsaber relay presented by LucasFilm and Nerdist, taking place in the days leading up to Comic-Con, where participants will make a journey from Santa Monica to San Diego. Participants will hand off a custom Hasbro STAR WARS ULTMATE FX LIGHTSABER, the official Lightsaber of the Course of the Force, to the next runner as they begin their leg of the journey. Hasbro will welcome Ashley Eckstein voice of Ahsoka Tano in STAR WARS THE CLONE WARS and of the STAR WARS Course of the Force to its booth for an autograph session on Sunday, July 15 from 2:30-3:30pm in celebration of the epic Lightsaber relay where she will sign special Course of the Force photos for lucky fans. Tickets are required for participation and will be distributed in the Hasbro booth beginning at 9:00am on Sunday while supplies last.
TRANSFORMERS
The astoundingly prolific TRANSFORMERS brand from Hasbro will have an equally impressive presence at Comic-Con. From action figures to video games, animated series to comics, the TRANSFORMERS brand in 2012 offers an exciting lineup of new takes on the pop-culture powerhouse that is truly "MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE." Hasbro will present the perennially popular TRANSFORMERS brand panel on Friday at 1:30pm where never before seen action figures from across the TRANSFORMERS PRIME, GENERATIONS, BOTSHOTS, KRE-O and RESCUEBOTS expressions will be unveiled. Newly revealed action figures in this presentation will be featured in the Hasbro booth display cases following the panel. Beyond the news-packed panel, Hasbro is delivering all of the new ways to experience the TRANSFORMERS brand in 2012 to Comic-Con with a lineup of events as diverse at the TRANSFORMERS characters themselves!
TRANSFORMERS PRIME
Towering over all of Comic-Con and the Hasbro booth is a 17-foot tall OPTIMUS PRIME statue in the styling of the TRANSFOMERS PRIME animated series — and he has a lot to celebrate. The hit animated series produced by Hasbro Studios currently airing on The Hub in the U.S. recently wrapped its second season for which it won two 2012 Daytime Emmy© Awards, for a total of four since it first premiered in 2010. Hasbro also "rolled out" an extensive line of action figures based on the series and fans will be able to see the full 2012 lineup of TRANSFORMERS PRIME figures in both robot and vehicle mode in an extensive booth presentation including an intricate TRANSFORMERS PRIME diorama featuring space bridges, VEHICONS and more! Plus, Hasbro will distribute samples of TRANSFORMERS PRIME CYBERVERSE Legion Scale figures to convention goers in the Hasbro booth at various times throughout the show, while supplies last. Fans of the series and the iconic voice of OPTIMUS PRIME won't want to miss the "OPTIMUS PRIME: Up Close and Personal" panel on Friday, July 13 at 6:00pm, presented by Hasbro Studios and The Hub TV Network where Larry King, one of the most recognized broadcast interviewers in the world, salutes legendary OPTIMUS PRIME voice actor, Peter Cullen, in an exclusive one-on-one interview.
TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS
TRANSFORMERS RESCUEBOTS, a new animated series from Hasbro Studios and toy line for younger TRANSFORMERS fans, celebrates its first Comic-Con by offering attendees the chance to meet HEATWAVE, one of the series' characters in the Hasbro booth. The HEATWAVE costume character will be in the booth as well as at "The Hub Headquarters at the Broken Yolk" at various times throughout the convention. The TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS series, currently in its first season, airs on The Hub in the U.S.
TRANSFORMERS: THE RIDE-3D
The TRANSFORMERS brand also saw the opening of its very first thrill ride in the U.S. in 2012 with the recent launch of TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D at Universal Studios Hollywood. To celebrate the ride at Comic-Con, fans will have the chance to receive limited edition TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D commemorative launch posters beginning at 6:00pm in the Hasbro booth while supplies last.
TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON
In celebration of the upcoming, highly anticipated and critically heralded TRANSFORMERS: Fall of Cybertron video game from Activision, available August 21, 2012, Hasbro will welcome game designers to the Hasbro booth at 10:00am on Friday, July 13 to present a look at game play. Action figures based on the CYBERTRONIAN style of the video game (and featured in the brand's GENERATIONS line) will be on display in the Hasbro booth. For an in-depth TRANSFORMERS: Fall of Cybertron video game experience, fans will also want to check out the Activision booth (#5344).
TRANSFORMERS COMICS
To wrap up Comic-Con in 2012, the TRANSFORMERS brand goes back to the convention's roots and welcomes amazing talent behind two popular comic series from IDW based on the TRANSFORMERS brand. Chris Metzen (writer) and Livio Ramondelli (artist) from the TRANSFORMERS AUTOCRACY series and John Barber (writer) and Andrew Griffith (artist) from the TRANSFORMERS: ROBOTS IN DISGUISE series will be signing autographs from 1:00-2:00pm on Sunday in the Hasbro booth. (TRANSFORMERS comics will be available for purchase in the IDW booth, #2643). Tickets are required for the session and will be distributed beginning at 9:00am on Sunday in the Hasbro booth while supplies last.
AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS, SPECIAL EDITION GIVEAWAYS & EVENTS IN THE HASBRO BOOTH:
Hasbro will offer more events in its booth than ever before. Fans should check the schedule in the Hasbro booth each day for these events and more including Hasbro Global Design team digital sculpting demos, brand experts staffing their areas and costume character photo ops. The following is a list of scheduled highlights.
Wednesday, July 11
6:00—7:00pm: TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D limited edition poster giveaway (while supplies last).
Thursday, July 12
9:30-10:30am: Autograph session with Eric Jacobson, the man behind Sesame Street's Super Grover 2.0 character and photo op with Super Grover 2.0. Tickets are required for participation and will be distributed in the Hasbro booth on Wednesday, July 11 during Preview Night (while supplies last).
Friday, July 13
10:00-10:30pm: TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON and TRANSFORMERS PRIME video game demos by Activision.
3:00-4:00pm: MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC animated series autograph session with Andrea Libman, voice of PINKIE PIE and FLUTTERSHY; Tabitha St. Germain, voice of RARITY; Tara Strong, voice of TWILIGHT SPARKLE; Cathy Weseluck, voice of SPIKE; and story editor, Meghan McCarthy. Tickets are required for participation and will be distributed in the Hasbro booth beginning at 9:00am on Friday (while supplies last).
Saturday, July 14
11:00-12:00pm: KAIJUDO: RISE OF THE DUEL MASTERSTM autograph session with voice talent including, Scott Wolf the voice of RAY; David Sobolov the voice of TATSURION THE UNCHAINED (a.k.a. "Bob"); Phil Lamar the voice of GABE; and Kari Wahlgreen the voice of ALLIE to its booth. Tickets are required for participation and will be distributed in the Hasbro booth beginning at 9:00am on Saturday (while supplies last). The featured guests will sign special edition KAIJUDO: RISE OF THE DUEL MASTERS TM posters provided by Hasbro Studios featuring their characters from the new animated series airing on The Hub.
1:00-2:00pm: G.I. JOE IDW Comics autograph session with legendary writer Larry Hama (G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO IDW comics). Tickets are required for participation and will be distributed in the Hasbro booth on beginning at 9:00am on Saturday (while supplies last). G.I. JOE comics are available for purchase at the IDW booth (#2643).
Sunday, July 15
9:00-10:00am: KAIJUDO: RISE OF THE DUEL MASTERSTM special edition poster giveaway
1:00-2:00pm: TRANSFORMERS IDW Comics autograph session with writer Chris Metzen and artist Livio Ramondelli from the TRANSFORMERS AUTOCRACY series and writer John Barber and artist Andrew Griffith from the TRANSFORMERS: ROBOTS IN DISGUISE series will be signing copies of these comics (available for purchase in the IDW booth #2643). Tickets are required for participation and will be distributed in the Hasbro booth beginning at 9:00am on Sunday (while supplies last).
2:30-3:30pm: Autograph session with Ashley Eckstein voice of AHSOKA TANO in STAR WARS THE CLONE WARS and of the STAR WARS Course of the Force. Ashley will be signing special Course of the Force photos for fans. Tickets are required for participation and will be distributed in the Hasbro booth beginning at 9:00am on Sunday (while supplies last).
Special Edition Giveaways
Throughout the convention, Hasbro will offer fans the opportunity to get their hands on a variety of special edition giveaways and samples of its latest and greatest toy lines. Check the Hasbro booth for a list of times when the following and more will be distributed to fans while supplies last:
KAIJUDO: RISE OF THE DUEL MASTERSTM Special Edition Posters
KRE-O BATTLESHIP BATTLE BOAT Building Set Special Edition Sample Pack
KRE-O BATTLESHIP Special Edition posters and coupons
MARVEL BONKAZONKS Online Game Codes
MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC "DESIGN A PONY" Contest Posters
MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC Trading Cards
STAR WARS FIGHTER PODS Sample Pack (featuring one figure and one "Pod")
STAR TREK CBS Consumer Products Special Edition Postcards
TRANSFORMERS PRIME CYBERVERSE LEGION Scale Figures (assorted characters)
TRANSFORMERS: THE RIDE-3D Limited Edition Posters
All scheduled appearances and giveaways are subject to change without notice.
PANELS
Every year Hasbro offers an exciting lineup of panels to give fans an inside look at its brands at Comic-Con. In 2012 Hasbro, in conjunction with strategic partners, will present the following panels:
IDW & Hasbro; Thursday, July 12 at 10:00-11:00am in Room 9
Join IDW Senior Editor John Barber (Transformers: Robots in Disguise), editor Carlos Guzman, and Hasbro's Director of Global Publishing Michael Kelly as they reveal secrets and upcoming plans for Transformers, G.I. Joe, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, and more! A new Transformers series will be announced—as will a new license! All this and special guests Larry Hama (G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero), Chris Metzen (Transformers: Autocracy), Flint Dille (Transformers: Autocracy), Livio Ramondelli (Transformers: Autocracy), Andrew Griffith (Transformers: Robots in Disguise), Brendan Cahill (Transformers: Robots in Disguise), Mike Costa (G.I. Joe: Cobra) and surprise guests!
Hasbro: TRANSFORMERS Brand; Thursday, July 12 at 1:30-2:30pm in Room 24ABC
Aaron Archer (Vice President, Hasbro Design) and Jerry Jivoin (Director, Global TRANSFORMERS Brand) discuss the hottest TRANSFORMERS topics including the TRANSFORMERS PRIME and TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS TV series, action figures, videogames, comics, theme park rides and more. Attendees will also get sneak peeks of upcoming action figures and brand news. Jerry and Aaron will also host some Q+A for your burning TRANSFORMERS questions.
Hasbro Studios & The Hub: MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC; Friday, July 13 at 10:00-11:00am in Room: 23ABC
Join special guests from Hasbro Studios and The Hub TV Network's MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC as they share details of the making of the animated series and how the "friendship" and "magic" are brought to life. Fans won't want to miss it! Also includes Q&A time.
Hasbro: STAR WARS Action Figures; Friday, July 13 at 11:00-12:00pm in Room 7AB
Derryl DePriest (VP, Global Brand Marketing, Hasbro), Jeff Labovitz (Director, Global Brand Marketing, Hasbro), Brian Merten (Sr. Manager, Product Design, Hasbro), Adam Pagano (Sr. Art Director, Hasbro) and Erik Arana (Star Wars Product Designer, Hasbro) discuss the popular Hasbro Star Wars line. Attendees will also get a sneak peek of upcoming, never before seen items. There will also be some Q+A for burning Star Wars action figure questions.
Hasbro Studios & The Hub: "OPTIMUS PRIME: Up Close and Personal"; Friday, July 13 at 6:00-7:00pm in Room 23ABC
The incomparable Larry King, one of the most recognized broadcast interviewers in the world, goes one-on-one with voice actor Peter Cullen (OPTIMUS PRIME), a talent who is practically synonymous with Comic-Con itself. In this panel, "The King of Interviews" salutes the beloved Cullen and takes attendees through the actor's early days on the original 1984 animated TRANSFORMERS TV series, the three box office smash TRANSFORMERS movies, and his current work on The Hub TV network's Daytime Emmy® Award-winning animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME from Hasbro Studios. Audience Q&A to follow.
Hasbro Studios & The Hub: "The Making of KAIJUDOTM"; Friday, July 13 at 7:00-8:00pm in Room 24ABC
From Hasbro Studios comes a new animated TV series — KAIJUDO: RISE OF THE DUEL MASTERSTM, seen on The Hub TV Network. Join the cast, including Scott Wolf ("V"), David Sobolov ("Beast Wars: TRANSFORMERS") and panel moderator Phil LaMarr ("Futurama") as well as the Hasbro Studios production team and the R&D team from Wizards of the Coast for a conversation on how they brought the popular KAIJUDOTM trading card game to life in this fantastical new series.
Activision: TRANSFORMERS: Fall of Cybertron Voice Talent; Saturday, July 14 at 10:00-11:00am in Room 24ABC
Legendary TRANSFORMERS voice talent and game experts at developer High Moon Studios will come together in one epic panel to discuss their roles in the upcoming Activision video game, TRANSFORMERS: Fall of Cybertron. The panel will feature Peter Cullen, voice of OPTIMUS PRIME, Gregg Berger, voice of GRIMLOCK, Nolan North, voice of CLIFFJUMPER and BRUTICUS, Matt Tieger, High Moon Studios Game Director and David Cravens, High Moon Studios Senior Creative Director. The panel will give everyone an inside look into bringing favorite characters to life in the making of the game, as well as answers to the questions fans want to know.
Hasbro: MARVEL Action Figures; Saturday, July 14 at 4:00-5:00pm in Room 24ABC
Adam Biehl (Sr. Director, Global Marvel Line at Hasbro), Jesse Falcon (Licensing Director, Marvel), Dwight Stall (Senior Marvel Product Design Manager, Hasbro) and Kristin Hamilton (Sr. Manager, Global Marvel Line at Hasbro) discuss Hasbro's popular MARVEL LEGENGS, MARVEL UNIVERSE, THE AVENGERS, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN and MARVEL BONKAZONKS toy lines. Attendees will also get a sneak peek of upcoming, never before seen action figures. There will also be Q+A for fans' MARVEL action figure questions.
HasbroToyShop.com Special Edition Toys
Hasbro's 2012 Comic-Con Special Edition toys available for purchase through the HasbroToyShop.com booth (#3329) while supplies last, include:
G.I. JOE H.I.S.S. TANK VEHICLE WITH SHOCKWAVE DECO AND 3.75" DESTRO & B.A.T. SPECIAL EDITION PACK
After the extreme popularity of last year's G.I. JOE and TRANSFORMERS crossover San Diego Comic-Con special edition, Hasbro has done it again! In 2012, the iconic G.I. JOE vehicle, the H.I.S.S. TANK, will get a DECEPTICON SHOCKWAVE make-over, including a G1 SHOCKWAVE blaster attachment. The set comes with a 3.75-inch DESTRO action figure with special edition DECEPTICON deco, a 3.75-inch COBRA B.A.T. figure with special edition CONSTRUCTICON deco. The set also comes with several ENERGON cubes on a cart, a briefcase full of money, and a small boom box with 3 cassette tapes- better known to TRANSFORMERS fans as the classic alt-mode of DECEPTICON spy SOUNDWAVE along with RATBAT, LASERBEAK, and RAVAGE. Yo, Joe AND Roll Out! (Approximate Retail Price: $64.99 each; Ages: 4 & up)
G.I. JOE 3.75" KIM ARASHIKAGE SPECIAL EDITION FIGURE
The baddest female ninja around will return in the blockbuster film, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, scheduled to hit theaters on March 29th, 2013 in 3D, but first, KIM ARASHIKAGE is making an appearance at San Diego Comic-Con. As the latest G.I. JOE Comic-Con special edition figure, Hasbro will be releasing two movie likeness versions of the fan-favorite ninja. The primary KIM ARASHIKAGE figure is dressed in her classic red ninja suit with a double bladed bisento, while the unmasked variant is wearing a white costume and wielding a kusarigama. (Approximate Retail Price: $14.99 each; Ages: 4 & up)
JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS Special Edition Doll: HOLLYWOOD JEM
Under license from Hasbro, fans will have a truly outrageous time when they see JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS Special Edition doll: HOLLYWOOD JEM from Integrity Toys! The fully articulated HOLLYWOOD JEM doll stands 12 inches tall and features rooted pink hair and stunning long eyelashes. Looking fabulously fashionable in capri pants, black high-heel pumps, and a shiny gold-toned jacket (complete with shoulder pads!), HOLLYWOOD JEM is ready to rock the stage. As the leader of JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS, the HOLLYWOOD JEM doll comes complete with a microphone and silver chromed microphone stand. When the tour is complete, fans can display their doll proudly using the included doll stand. Each HOLLYWOOD JEM Special Edition Doll comes with a certificate of authenticity and a souvenir postcard with artwork from the original JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS line. (Approximate Retail Price $125; Ages 14 & up)
MARVEL LEGENDS SPECIAL EDITION UNCANNY X-FORCE COLLECTOR'S PACK
Collectors will have a chance to get their ADAMANTIUM claws on these X-FORCE figures in 6" scale for the first time! Featuring ARCHANGEL, WOLVERINE, and PSYLOCKE in costumes from The Fall of Archangel story line, this set comes in a collectable display box with exclusive art by well known comic artist Clayton Crain! (Approximate retail price: $49.99 each; Ages: 4 & up)
MARVEL UNIVERSE 3.75" MASTERS OF EVIL Special Edition 3-Pack
Fueled by a raging need for vengeance against CAPTAIN AMERICA, BARON ZEMO hatches a masterful plan. Not foolish enough to face the AVENGERS alone, he strategically forms one of the most powerful groups of villains ever assembled. The MASTERS OF EVIL 3-Pack includes BARON ZEMO, RADIOACTIVE MAN and TIGER SHARK all appearing in 3.75" scale, and united for a singular purpose: destroying EARTH'S MIGHTIEST HEROES. The villains can also be seen fighting against THE AVENGERS in the exclusive art by Joe Quesada on the SDCC exclusive THE AVENGERS HELICARRIER, sold separately. (Approximate Retail Price $29.99; Ages 4 & up)
MARVEL UNIVERSE S.H.I.E.L.D. SUPER HELICARRIER
Get ready to explore Hasbro's biggest SDCC release yet! Featuring an exclusive deco, this S.H.I.E.L.D. SUPER HELICARRIER is over 4 feet long! In addition, it features 9 working projectile launchers for taking out enemies such as the Masters of Evil (sold separately). This special edition vehicle also features exclusive CAPTAIN AMERICA and MARIA HILL 3.75" figures and specially commissioned box artwork by Joe Quesada. (Approx. Retail Price $129.99; Ages 4 & up)
MY LITTLE PONY 2012 Special Edition Pony
The popular special edition MY LITTLE PONY figure, available this year at the MY LITTLE PONY Fair and Convention and Comic-Con, is sure to be a fan favorite in 2012! Inspired by the animated series MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC, this gray, Pegasus pony features rooted blonde hair and a cluster of bubbles for a cutie mark. (Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Ages 3 & up)
STAR WARS VINTAGE SPECIAL EDITION CARBONITE CHAMBER COLLECTOR'S PACK
Pretend to visit an alternate reality with this incredible package of seven 3.75-inch STAR WARS figures—one figure from each film in the Saga, and one figure only available in this collectible set. Each figure is individually carded with packaging that pays tribute to a "lost" line look that Kenner considered before going with their classic black-and-silver look! This Comic-Con special edition pack will be fans' first chance to get the "lost" packaging, available this fall as variants in the STAR WARS VINTAGE COLLECTION line. In addition, this special collector's pack will be the only place to get an exclusive treat for fans— a 3.75-inch carded JAR JAR BINKS in CARBONITE, which will be hidden in the center of the packaging and can be revealed by raising it through the "CARBONITE CHAMBER" top of the case. The other figures included are a standard JAR JAR BINKS (EPISODE I), CLONE TROOPER LIEUTENANT (EPISODE II), SHOCK TROOPER (EPISODE III), SANDTROOPER (EPISODE IV), PRINCESS LEIA (EPISODE V) AND DARTH VADER (EPISODE VI). (Approximate Retail Price: $79.99; Ages 4 & up)
TRANSFORMERS PRIME TERRORCON CLIFFJUMPER
The DARK ENERGON will be flowing through San Diego this year with the release of this special edition Deluxe scale TERRORCON CLIFFJUMPER figure. Featuring a special "TRANSFORMERS zombie" deco, this figure looks just like he did in the Darkness Rising storyline of Hasbro Studios TRANSFORMERS PRIME animated series. This figure comes with a DARK ENERGON shard and a DARK ENERGON chest attachment in a special edition clam shell packaging designed to look like his head. (Approximate Retail Price: $24.99; Ages 5 & up)
TRANSFORMERS DELUXE BRUTICUS COMBINER
The TRANSFORMERS DELUXE BRUTICUS COMBINER SDCC Special Edition set features the fearsome DECEPTICON, BRUTICUS in a special CYBERTRONIAN deco as seen in the eagerly anticipated video game TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON from Activision. BRUTICUS is formed when all five deluxe scale ‘combiner' action figures in the set link together. The COMBATICONS characters BLAST OFF, VORTEX, DECEPTICON BRAWL, SWINDLE, and ONSLAUGHT each have three modes: robot, vehicle and a third ‘combiner' mode to link together. This Special Edition also includes removable packaging resembling a silhouette of the DECEPTICON logo that becomes a display case for the BRUTICUS figure. (Approximate retail price: $99.99 each; Ages: 5 & up)
Following the convention, a limited number of each item will be available for purchase online at HasbroToyShop.com.
About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company's world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Company's Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for markets around the world. The Hub TV Network is part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), in the U.S. Through the company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens."Learn more at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2012 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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HASBRO DELIVERS THE HOTTEST SPECIAL EDITION TOYS AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON, FEATURING TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, MY LITTLE PONY AND MORE
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (June 26, 2012) —In what has become a highly anticipated annual tradition, Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is coming to Comic-Con International in San Diego, California, with an array of special edition action figures and toys that are set to be some of the hottest items available at the show. This year, the special edition figures are drawn from the lore of some of Hasbro’s most popular brands, as well as eagerly anticipated movies, animated series and video games.
The special edition items will be available at the HasbroToyShop booth (#3329) at Comic-Con International starting on Preview Night, July 11th (while supplies last), as well as in very limited quantities after the show at HasbroToyShop.com. Highlights of the range of special edition toys include a one-of-a-kind chance to own JAR JAR BINKS from the STAR WARS films encased in Carbonite, a huge TRANSFORMERS DECEPTICON ‘Combiner’ figure based on the hotly anticipated video game TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON, a fan-favorite Pony character from the hit Hasbro Studios produced TV series My Little Pony Friendship is Magic and even a massive vehicle from MARVEL’s THE AVENGERS franchise!
“The Hasbro brand and design teams greatly enjoy conceptualizing and developing the highly sought after special edition figures for Comic-Con year over year,” said John Frascotti, chief marketing officer, Hasbro. “Each Hasbro item features a fan favorite character or other nod to the most passionate fan bases of our brands and product lines that don’t exist in the more widely available main line. We have a lot of fun developing these toys and are thrilled to be able to provide fans unique expressions of their favorite pop-culture properties.”
The comprehensive list of Hasbro’s 2012 San Diego Comic-Con special edition items features:
G.I. JOE
G.I. JOE 3.75" KIM ARASHIKAGE SPECIAL EDITION FIGURE
(Approximate Retail Price: $14.99 each; Ages: 4 & up; Available through HasbroToyShop.com, Booth #3329 at San Diego Comic-Con)
The baddest female ninja around will return in the blockbuster film, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, scheduled to hit theaters on March 29th, 2013 in 3D, but first, KIM ARASHIKAGE is making an appearance at San Diego Comic-Con. As the latest G.I. JOE Comic-Con special edition figure, Hasbro will be releasing two 3.75” movie likeness versions of the fan-favorite ninja. The primary KIM ARASHIKAGE figure is dressed in her classic red ninja suit with a double bladed bisentō, while the unmasked variant is wearing a white outfit and wielding a kusarigama.
G.I. JOE H.I.S.S. TANK VEHICLE WITH SHOCKWAVE DECO AND 3.75" DESTRO & B.A.T. SPECIAL EDITION PACK
(Approximate Retail Price: $64.99 each; Ages: 4 & up; Available through HasbroToyShop.com, Booth #3329 at San Diego Comic-Con)
After the extreme popularity of last year’s G.I. JOE and TRANSFORMERS crossover San Diego Comic-Con special edition offering, Hasbro has done it again! In 2012, the iconic G.I. JOE vehicle, the H.I.S.S. TANK, will get a DECEPTICON SHOCKWAVE make-over, including a G1 SHOCKWAVE blaster attachment. The set comes with a 3.75” DESTRO action figure with special edition DECEPTICON deco, a 3.75” COBRA B.A.T. figure with special edition CONSTRUCTICON deco. The set also comes with several ENERGON cubes on a cart, a briefcase full of money, and a small boom box with 3 cassette tapes- better known to TRANSFORMERS fans as the classic alt-mode of DECEPTICON spy SOUNDWAVE along with RATBAT, LASERBEAK, and RAVAGE. Yo, Joe AND Roll Out!
JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS
JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS Special Edition Doll: HOLLYWOOD JEM
(Integrity Toys/Ages 14 and up/Approximate Retail Price $125/Available through HasbroToyShop.com Booth #3329 at Comic-Con International in San Diego)
Under license from Hasbro, fans will have a truly outrageous time when they see JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS Special Edition doll: HOLLYWOOD JEM! The fully articulated HOLLYWOOD JEM doll stands 12 inches tall and features rooted pink hair and stunning long eyelashes. Looking fabulously fashionable in capri pants, black high-heel pumps, and a shiny gold-toned jacket (complete with shoulder pads!), HOLLYWOOD JEM is ready to rock the stage. As the leader of JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS, the HOLLYWOOD JEM doll comes complete with a microphone and silver chromed microphone stand. When the tour is complete, fans can display their doll proudly using the included doll stand. Each HOLLYWOOD JEM Special Edition Doll comes with a certificate of authenticity and a souvenir postcard with artwork from the original JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS line. Following the convention, a limited number will be available on HasbroToyShop.com.
MARVEL
MARVEL LEGENDS SPECIAL EDITION UNCANNY X-FORCE COLLECTOR’S PACK
(Approximate retail price: $49.99 each; Ages: 4 & up; Available through HasbroToyShop.com Booth #3329 at San Diego Comic-Con)
Collectors will have a chance to get their ADAMANTIUM claws on these X-FORCE figures in 6” scale for the first time! Featuring ARCHANGEL, WOLVERINE, and PSYLOCKE in outfits from The Fall of Archangel story line, this set comes in a collectible display box with exclusive art by well known comic artist Clayton Crain!
MARVEL UNIVERSE 3.75” MASTERS OF EVIL Special Edition 3-Pack
(Approximate Retail Price $29.99; Ages 4 & up; Available through HasbroToyShop.com, Booth #3329 at San Diego Comic-Con)
Fueled by a raging need for vengeance against CAPTAIN AMERICA, BARON ZEMO hatches a masterful plan. Not foolish enough to face the AVENGERS alone, he strategically forms one of the most powerful groups of villains ever assembled. The MASTERS OF EVIL 3-Pack includes BARON ZEMO, RADIOACTIVE MAN and TIGER SHARK all appearing in 3.75” scale, and united for a singular purpose: destroying EARTH'S MIGHTIEST HEROES. The villains can also be seen fighting against THE AVENGERS in the exclusive art by Joe Quesada on the SDCC exclusive THE AVENGERS HELICARRIER. (sold separately).
MARVEL UNIVERSE S.H.I.E.L.D. SUPER HELICARRIE
(Ages 4 & up; Approximate Retail Price $129.99; Available through HasbroToyShop.com Booth #3329 at San Diego Comic-Con)
Get ready to explore Hasbro’s biggest SDCC release yet! Featuring an exclusive deco, this S.H.I.E.L.D. SUPER HELICARRIER is over 4 feet long! In addition, it features 9 working projectile launchers for taking out enemies such as the Masters of Evil (sold separately). This special edition vehicle also features exclusive CAPTAIN AMERICA and MARIA HILL 3.75” figures and specially commissioned box artwork by Joe Quesada.
MY LITTLE PONY
MY LITTLE PONY 2012 Special Edition Pony
(Approximate Retail Price $19.99; Ages 3 & up; Available through the MY LITTLE PONY Fair & Convention, and the HasbroToyShop.com Booth #3329 at San Diego Comic-Con)
The popular special edition MY LITTLE PONY figure, available this year at the MY LITTLE PONY Fair and Convention and San Diego Comic-Con, is sure to be a fan favorite in 2012! Inspired by the animated series “My Little Pony Friendship is Magic,” this gray, Pegasus pony features rooted blonde hair and a cluster of bubbles for a cutie mark. Following both conventions, a limited number will be available on HasbroToyShop.com.
STAR WARS
STAR WARS VINTAGE SPECIAL EDITION CARBONITE CHAMBER COLLECTOR’S PACK
(Approximate Retail Price: $79.99; Ages 4 & up; Available through HasbroToyShop.com Booth #3329 at San Diego Comic-Con)
Pretend to visit an alternate reality with this incredible package of seven 3.75” STAR WARS figures—one figure from each film in the Saga, and one figure only available in this collectible set. Each figure is individually carded with packaging that pays tribute to a “lost” line look that Kenner considered before going with their classic black-and-silver look! This Comic-Con special edition pack will be fans’ first chance to get the “lost” packaging, available this fall as variants in the STAR WARS VINTAGE COLLECTION line. In addition, this special collector’s pack will be the only place to get an exclusive treat for fans— a 3.75” carded JAR JAR BINKS in CARBONITE, which will be hidden in the center of the packaging and can be revealed by raising it through the “CARBONITE CHAMBER” top of the case. The other figures included are a standard JAR JAR BINKS (EPISODE I), CLONE TROOPER LIEUTENANT (EPISODE II), SHOCK TROOPER (EPISODE III), SANDTROOPER (EPISODE IV), PRINCESS LEIA (EPISODE V) AND DARTH VADER (EPISODE VI).
TRANSFORMERS
TRANSFORMERS PRIME TERRORCON CLIFFJUMPER
(Approximate Retail Price: $24.99; Ages 5 & up; Available through HasbroToyShop.com #3329 at San Diego Comic-Con)
The DARK ENERGON will be flowing through San Diego this year with the release of this special edition Deluxe scale TERRORCON CLIFFJUMPER figure. Featuring a special “TRANSFORMERS zombie” deco, this figure looks just like he did in the Darkness Rising storyline of Hasbro Studios TRANSFORMERS PRIME animated series. This figure comes with a DARK ENERGON shard and a DARK ENERGON chest attachment in a special edition clam shell packaging designed to look like his head.
TRANSFORMERS DELUXE BRUTICUS COMBINER
(Approximate retail price: $99.99 each; Ages: 5 & up; Available through HasbroToyShop.com Booth #3329 at San Diego Comic-Con)
The TRANSFORMERS DELUXE BRUTICUS COMBINER San Diego Comic-Con special edition set features the fearsome DECEPTICON, BRUTICUS in a special CYBERTRONIAN deco as seen in the eagerly anticipated video game TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON from Activision. BRUTICUS is formed when all five Deluxe scale ‘combiner’ action figures in the set link together. The COMBATICONS characters BLAST OFF, VORTEX, DECEPTICON BRAWL, SWINDLE, and ONSLAUGHT each have three modes: robot, vehicle and a third ‘combiner’ mode to link together. This special edition set also includes removable packaging resembling a silhouette of the DECEPTICON logo that becomes a display case for the BRUTICUS figure.
# # #
About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company's world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Company’s Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for markets around the world. The Hub TV Network is part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), in the U.S. Through the company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “100 Best Corporate Citizens.”Learn more at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2012 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Seibertron.com wrote:Our friends at Hasbro have supplied us with the official images of the their exclusives for this year's SDCC. Not just the Transformers exclusives, we've got them all: G.I.Joe, My Little Pony, Star Wars, and Marvel. Click here to view the full gallery of SDCC 2012 Hasbro exclusives.
This year's Transformers exclusives include:
- The Transformers/G.I.Joe Crossover H.I.S.S. Tank Shockwave set, which features Destro, a Constructicon deco B.A.T., Tiny Soundwave with cassettes, and more.
- Transformers Prime "Rust In Peace" Zombie Cliffjumper in special packaging
- Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Bruticus Giftset in game accurate deco
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Hasbro wrote:Throughout the year in 2012, kids and fans of the globally popular TRANSFORMERS brand will get to experience the “MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE” property in a variety of new and exciting ways. In February, the new animated series TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS and the second season of the hit animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME, both from Hasbro Studios, will debut on The Hub television network. And, for the first time ever beginning in March, most of the TRANSFORMERS action figure expressions will adopt the TRANSFORMERS PRIME styling to complement the award winning series. Also in March, Hasbro will introduce a new toy segment called TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS, a whole new way to play out TRANSFORMERS battles. Available in favorite characters like OPTIMUS PRIME and BUMBLEBEE, kids can choose their power, crash into battle and defeat their opponent. TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS automatically convert when you crash ‘em! Sold one per pack, fans can collect 44 different BOT SHOTS figures across the product line. Then in May, fans will have another new way to experience the TRANSFORMERS brand with the launch of the highly anticipated new motion-based thrill ride TRANSFORMERS: THE RIDE-3D, opening at Universal Studios Hollywood. To finish the year with even more entertainment experiences, TRANSFORMERS fans will be able to enjoy the much buzzed about new video game TRANSFORMERS: Fall of Cybertron from Activision and High Moon studios as well as the highly anticipated TRANSFORMERS UNIVERSE MMO from Jagex both launching in Fall. Roll Out!
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Counterpunch wrote:Well, confession time...I'm a gamer. Even now, approaching 30 that fact doesn't seem to be changing. True story, I was asked to fly out to San Diego in order to preview Transformers: War for Cybertron on very short notice. Imagine the fun when I go to my boss and say, "I need a few days off. I have to go out to California." Mind you, I work in a professional office setting where most of my co-workers have very little idea about how I spend my free time (I'm at least 10 years younger than most). Of course, I was asked why I have to go to California. "Because a video game company is flying me out there to play and review a Transformers game..." That's right baby, I said it with a straight face. A blank stare and the requisite..."Why?" followed.
"Because people online need to hear my opinion on pressing matters regarding Transformers."
Ok, I didn't actually say that last part. But I was thinking it, and that's the important part. (For the record, my boss is very cool about these kind of things.) Now, as to video games? I've been at it for a while. My credentials to this fact include owning a Nintendo prior to Nintendo being packaged with Super Mario Bros. My long history of gaming has blessed me with the ability to know a fun game when I see it. I have to go ahead and state this upfront, Transformers: War for Cybertron is the Transformers game you've been waiting for.
I think there's a tendency for reviewers (particularly game reviewers) to lend credit to their opinion by focusing on the negative aspects in their reviews. I don't really find this to be helpful. That being said, the problems and complaints I had about the game were this:
1. I'm really bad at shooters.
2. I kept accidentally transforming.
While I'll cover the controls in depth later on, you should know that the default setting for transformation is a click (inward press) of the left analog stick. The idea is that all movement is controlled via the analog sticks and that you don't have to remove your thumbs from them in order to move, transform, strafe, aim, or whatever. It makes sense. Remembering that I'm bad at shooters and understanding that the play testing was on a XBox360, where as I am used to the PS3 controller (it's harder to click the PS3 controller analog stick than the 360 one), I really do think that some of my difficulties in this regard were more my own failings rather than the design layout. Never the less, an option to move the transformation button is present (and I will probably take that option when I get my copy).
So, that's the extent of my complaining. There's a quote I want to reference from Pete Hines "It's easy to be a dick. It's defensible. If you score something higher than everyone, well you're just a moron. But if you think a game is worse than everyone else, then you're the cool, see-through-it, not-buying-the-hype guy, who's not afraid to tell the truth." Happily, I think my reputation around here gives me enough lead-way for you to know that when I say that this is shaping up to be a really good game, that you know I'm giving you an honest report. To start, I'm going to discuss the factual aspects of gameplay.
Style/Controls/Feel
First thing to know is that this is a 3rd person shooter, meaning you play from an over the shoulder perspective of your character. Matt Tieger, lead designer for the game began a demonstration of the gameplay by telling us that the control scheme was directly influenced by the Gears of War games. This sets movement to the analog sticks while firing functions are attached to the triggers. Each character has two special abilities that were attached to the L & R bumpers on the 360 controller and would be attached to L1 and R1 on the PS3. Face buttons on the controller provide a variety of functions from interacting with the environment to jumping. Transforming, as mentioned above is done via depressing the left analog stick with a click. Converting back to robot mode is much the same. As mentioned before, transforming can be changed to set it to the 'Y' button on 360 or the [] button on PS3.
Not having a 360 myself and therefore never having played Gears of War, the controls were fairly easy to adapt to. Aiming was precise, though I imagine experienced shooter fans will want to increase the sensitivity from the default settings.
Single Player Campaign
The single player campaign is broken into two segments. The first story told is from the Decepticon point of view and deals with the amplification of the conflict. The second story told is from the Autobot point of view and deals with Optimus growing into his role of leader. More details about that can be found later in this review.
Combat is squad based. You operate in a group of three Transformers for each mission and you get to select which of those characters you will control as you play. The single player mode is on-line capable with drop-in, drop-out support. So, as you play your friends can enter your session and fight alongside you. In-game voice chat is supported and the difficulty of the AI increases as human players enter your campaign to assume control of the rest of your squad.
We saw that there were ten chapters total with five per campaign. Each of the individual characters has a payload of weaponry and special tactics that are unique to either their character design or character class. For instance, Optimus can ram enemies in his truck mode or boost his team mates via a rally cry in robot mode while Ratchet can create barriers or turrets with his scientist abilities or heal allies with his medic gun.
We were given access to try out two levels with the first being a raid on a mining facility where a mini-boss essentially teaches you to use your alt mode. Your robot mode isn't agile enough to deal with some of its attacks, so use of and quick shifting to your alt mode is required. The second level we previewed dealt with a small scenario where Prime, Ratchet, and Bumblebee had to break through a Decepticon embankment to enter a facility. This level required more of the bot mode as the terrain didn't allow for easy driving, much less shooting.
So, in the short preview we had of the one player campaign, the game seemed to require varied play styles and use of most of the available functionality.
Multiplayer
The game supports a multi-player battle with what I believe was up to 16 players (I maybe wrong on that account, but I think I remember 8 player slots per team). All the traditional shooter gameplay options were there from pure deathmatch to control points to team play. There are four different classes of characters to play with numerous different weapons payloads that affect how you will play the character. If you're familiar with Team Fortress 2, you'll feel right at home strategy-wise.
The different classes were as follows:
Leader
Large build character with powerful attacks in vehicle mode and a medium to heavy weapons armament. This class makes the rest of his team mates better during game play.
Soldier
Medium to heavy build character with heavy weapons and lots of life. This class had access to the more damaging, straightforward weaponry.
Scientist
Medium to light character build with flying alt modes. This class had specialized weaponry including healing and life siphoning weapons.
Scout
Light build character with rapid fire light damage weapons. Scouts are the car alt modes. This class has powerful specialized abilities and a fast agile alt mode.
In addition to choosing your class, you choose a set of weapons and abilities for the character. For instance with your scout you may choose to use cloaking or you might choose to set up weapon-drop beacons for your teammates. As a scientist, you may go with a medic build or you may go with abilities that let you appear as one of the opposing faction's soldiers.
Character creation did not stop at abilities though, you were given mostly free range to customize the look of your transformer from color to body design. One of the best features was that in the lobby while waiting for matches, you can work on your in-progress customs with the downtime. Several character slots were available for you to create, save, and develop your own Transformers.
Creating a character involves both the Autobot version as well as a Decepticon version as you won't necessarily know ahead of time which side you'll be on when you join a random game. A leveling-up system was incorporated into multi-player, but aside from knowing that accumulated ownage of other players equates to a higher level, I do not right now know how this affects long term game play and match making.
Play Through Final Word
I liked this title. Games should be fun, diverse, and immersive. Though my time playing was limited, I think that Transformers War for Cybertron does exactly that. The game plays well, the characters are clear representations of the Transformers we know and love, and there is a good back story to be experienced that really does add to the TF lore in meaningful ways. If you're the least bit hesitant after the previous Transformer games, you may just want to go ahead and dive into this without hesitation. As I said earlier, this is the Transformers game you've been waiting for.
Spoilers to follow:
We've heard previously that the idea with Transformers War for Cybertron was to make a great game that happened to be a Transformers game at the same time. Knowing that, what impressed me in genuine fashion about the game was the amount of care put into knowing and understanding the Transformers mythos. Sure, there are deviations and adaptations, this is necessary for growth in any long term franchise; but the core elements of who these characters are and more importantly WHY they do the things they do was examined in detail. Allow me to relate a bit of information regarding Megatron and Starscream and the reasons why Megatron values his lieutenant.
One important premise for the story is that Megatron has found ancient information on a process to refine energon in dangerous but effective ways. This information was purposely sealed up and sent away on a space station, protected by guardians who's job is to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. It turns out that chief among these guardians (seekers?) is Starscream. After listening to Megatron's great plans for remolding Cybertron into a great society he is convinced to hand the technology over to Megatron, thus Starscream's importance to the cause is established.
Cool right? I mean, from my perspective something like this makes perfect sense. That wasn't the hook though. On the other side of the equation is Jetfire...who upon hearing the same story from Megatron is appalled and wants nothing to do with the Decepticons.
It takes care and research to begin putting a story like that together. Hearing those kinds of things about the story was really what convinced me that the single player game alone would be worth my time. There's more to tell of course. You'll remember earlier in this article how I mentioned the team aspects of the single player game, well, each of those groups has their own dynamic that evolves as the game plays out. Things like how and why Bumblebee follows Prime and the contrast between the gritty war-weary Ironhide and the brash, saber rattling Warpath's view on the conflict really showcase the character development.
I touched on the fact that the Autobot campaign deals with Optimus Prime's growth as a leader. Well, from what we know in fact, he starts out as just Optimus. The story explains how he becomes Prime. On the Decepticon side of the equation, we learn why Megatron's ambitions lead to war and why his hatred of Prime is so deep-rooted.
Now, one opportunity that I had was to chat with the developers and talk about not only the game, but how the game came to be and all the things that surround that. So, to wrap this up I'm going to give you a list of interesting bits of information that played out over our various discussions with the development team. Enjoy and thanks for reading.
-Development started with Bumblebee. His was the first design presented to Hasbro and the project went from there. Very few revisions were done over the course of his development.
-Hasbro provided dossiers on the characters in the game that detailed their personalities and signature physical characteristics.
-The development team made regular and significant use of on-line fan communities for information and research.
-One central development aspect of the game and its tie-in to Transformers was that the game is intended to reach several different layers of audience from people who are looking to play a good 3rd person shooter with no knowledge of Transformers, to casual fans, to the most hardcore Transformer fans.
-Decisions were made to limit the character cast to a degree in order to develop their personalities further (though, from what I've seen the cast is really large, even if just in sighted appearance)
-The toys were a surprise, while happy to see the result, the game developers were not restricted ahead of time by needing to create character models who could be converted to toys.
-Megatron was required to be a tank in alt mode by Hasbro.
-The designs of the Decepticons being angular and harsh are a reflection of their purpose, the same is true of the Autobots.
-A sequel is very possible if sale support it.
-DLC is coming and will be character based.
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HASBRO’S TRANSFORMERS BRAND EXPANDS “MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE” UNIVERSE
On the heels of launching 2009’s largest grossing movie and in anticipation of the next installment in 2011, the TRANSFORMERS brand from Hasbro, Inc. ramps up the play in 2010 with new offerings that build on the energy and excitement from the brand’s history and blockbuster film franchise. Featuring over-the-top action figures, unique role-play items and innovative twists on the TRANSFORMERS brand signature play pattern, the 2010 lineup offers dozens of toys and two exciting promotions to satisfy and excite the brand’s ever-expanding fan base.
This spring the AUTOBOTS, the heroic protectors of Earth, need help from their human allies in the N.E.S.T. GLOBAL ALLIANCE as the planet continues to face threats from the evil DECEPTICONS. Hasbro is inviting kids and fans to join the alliance through a special promotion that is currently underway. By getting the N.E.S.T. ALLIANCE PACK and collecting three stickers included in specially marked TRANSFORMERS products, kids and fans can join the N.E.S.T. GLOBAL ALLIANCE and mail away for a special edition RAVAGE figure not available anywhere else. The promotion requires a payment of $4.95 for shipping and handling charges to receive the special edition figure and the offer is good while supplies last. Requests must be postmarked by April 30 and received by May 14. Then, in the fall, kids can ‘live’ the TRANSFORMERS adventure as the “Hunt for the DECEPTICONS” promotion begins. Look for exciting details about this interactive promotion later in the year.
If fans can’t wait until 2011 for the next TRANSFORMERS movie they can watch online webisodes of “Cyber Missions,” featuring new TRANSFORMERS adventures. “Cyber Missions” finds the AUTOBOTS working with humans in the N.E.S.T. global alliance to defend Earth against the revenge-seeking DECEPTICONS. There will be 12 webisodes total which began airing online at http://www.TRANSFORMERS.com in early January and new webisodes will continue to air throughout the year.
BUMBLEBEE continues to be one of the most popular TRANSFORMERS heroes as he acts as both a defender and a warrior for good. The new BATTLE OPS BUMBLEBEE action figure continues to push the boundaries of TRANSFORMERS toy innovation and showcases two sides of BUMBLEBEE with features unique to each of these roles. For example, when serving as a guardian, BUMBLEBEE features more playful phrases along with authentic engine sounds and lights. Then, when converted into battle mode, BATTLE OPS BUMBLEBEE has missile launchers that pop out, a converting plasma cannon that lights up, and phrases that change to reflect his battle personality.
Expanding upon the essence of DEVASTATOR — a robot built by combining multiple construction vehicles — the TRANSFORMERS brand unveils the new POWER CORE COMBINERS expression that redefines the magic of combination play. The toys deliver an interchangeable system of robots, vehicles and weapons that escalates the level of fun and increases the number of robots within a child’s TRANSFORMERS toy universe.
For those wanting to engage in heroic AUTOBOT role play, the TRANSFORMERS line offers new items including the OPTIMUS PRIME CYBER SWORD toy which features lights, battle and conversion sounds, as well as key phrases from OPTIMUS PRIME.
And for the youngest AUTOBOT-in-training, the TRANSFORMERS brand unveils the new ACTIVATORS expression of action figures. Designed with the youngest TRANSFORMERS fans in mind, ACTIVATORS toys feature easier conversion from vehicle to robot modes than traditional TRANSFORMERS figures and are available in popular characters such as OPTIMUS PRIME, BUMBLEBEE and MEGATRON.
Highlights of new TRANSFORMERS products available in 2010 include:
TRANSFORMERS ACTION FIGURES
(Approximate retail price: DELUXE Scale $12.99; VOYAGER Scale $19.99; Leader Scale $44.99; Ages 5 & up; Available: Spring 2010)
For more than 25 years, TRANSFORMERS action figures have been known as “ROBOTS IN DISGUISE,” providing fans with the enjoyment of converting incredibly detailed, realistically styled vehicles into awesome battling alien robots. In 2010, Hasbro is offering a wide variety of all-new versions of fan-favorite characters, including OPTIMUS PRIME, BUMBLEBEE, MEGATRON and STARSCREAM in an array of scales: DELUXE, VOYAGER (larger scale), and LEADER (largest scale and includes lights and sounds).
Leader STARSCREAM
Voyager SEASPRAY
Deluxe Battle Blade BUMBLEBEE
TRANSFORMERS BATTLE OPS BUMBLEBEE Action Figure
(Approximate retail price: $59.99; Ages 5 & up; Available: Fall 2010)
The all-new BATTLE OPS BUMBLEBEE action figure is ready for battle! This large-scale figure truly shows fans the AUTOBOT hero’s personality, both as a protector of Earth and a warrior against the evil DECEPTICONS. With two distinct modes – Battle and Guardian – BATTLE OPS BUMBLEBEE features a variety of electronic sounds and lights, accompanied by a converting plasma cannon.
TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS
The TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS introduce fans to an all-new assortment of figures that expand on the classic play pattern of the popular “ROBOTS IN DISGUISE.” This new expression of figures combine with one another, in dozens of variations, to create a wide variety of larger COMBINER robots, with each figure serving as various body parts and weapons. Available in 2-packs and 5-packs.
TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS 2-Pack
(Approximate retail price: $9.99; Ages 5 & up; Available: Fall 2010)
The TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS 2-Pack includes one SCOUT scale TRANSFORMERS figure and one MINI-CON scale figure. The SCOUT scale figure features a ‘robot’ mode and a ‘vehicle’ mode. The MINI-CON scale figure has four modes: ‘robot’ mode, robot weapon, vehicle weapon and Power-up Armor for combining with the central SCOUT scale figure in both robot and vehicle mode. 2-Pack figures are interchangeable with 5-Pack figures.
Huffer with Caliburst
TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS 5-Pack
(Approximate retail price: $19.99; Ages 5 & up; Available: Fall 2010)
The TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS 5-Pack features teams of TRANSFORMERS characters that can combine together to form one large TRANSFORMERS figure. Each team consists of one SCOUT scale figure and four LEGENDS scale vehicles. The SCOUT scale figure features one ‘vehicle’ mode and two ‘robot’ modes and each of the LEGENDS scale vehicles can plug into the specially marked ports on the central SCOUT scale figure to instantaneously convert into an arm or leg using auto-conversion technology. All figures can be swapped out with one another to form multiple different combinations and new figures. 5-Pack figures are interchangeable with 2-Pack figures.
Commander Skyburst with the Aerialbots
TRANSFORMERS ACTIVATORS
(Approximate retail price: $7.99; Ages 4 & up; Available: Spring 2010)
TRANSFORMERS ACTIVATORS toys, a new expression within the TRANSFOMERS toy line, feature conversion from vehicle to robot modes that’s easier than traditional TRANSFORMERS figures. Designed with the younger child in mind, conversion is triggered by pressing the AUTOBOT or DECEPTICON shield located on the figure and require only a few steps to fully change modes. TRANSFORMERS ACTIVATORS figures feature popular characters including BUMBLEBEE, OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON.
BUMBLEBEE
MEGATRON
TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME CYBER SWORD
(Approximate retail price: $19.99; Ages 4 & up; Available: Fall 2010)
The TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME CYBER SWORD allows kids to role play just like the fearless leader of the AUTOBOTS and reenact their favorite battle scenes. Kids will enjoy its electronic lights, battle and conversion sounds, as well as key movie phrases.
SPEEDSTARS TRANSFORMERS BUMBLEBEE BATTLE TRACK Set
(Ages 4 & Up; Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Available: Fall 2010)
Created specifically for the SPEEDSTARS TRANSFORMERS line of mini-vehicles, kids can join the adventure and help BUMBLEBEE and OPTIMUS PRIME defeat the evil MEGATRON by racing to victory with the new SPEEDSTARS TRANSFORMERS BATTLE TRACK set. The glory of winning depends on your skill; launch the BUMBLEBEE mini-vehicle, exclusive to this track set, at the correct time and send it crashing into MEGATRON who will crumble in defeat. Introduced in 2009, TRANSFORMERS mini-vehicles feature the robot version of characters unique to the TRANSFORMERS universe on the underside of each non-converting vehicle for easy identification.
SPEEDSTARS TRANSFORMERS STEALTH FORCE OPTIMUS PRIME Vehicle
(Ages 4 & Up; Approximate Retail Price: $24.99; Available: Fall 2010)
Featuring electronic lights and sounds, motorized conversions and firing projectiles, kids can “bring to life” the epic TRANSFORMERS battle with this new vehicle from the SPEEDSTARS TRANSFORMERS line. For covert combat, watch as select parts of this OPTIMUS PRIME semi-truck vehicle convert with the touch of a button to reveal stealth mode weaponry hidden inside to battle the evil DECEPTICONS like no other vehicle available.
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