Due to problems caused by the recent hardware failure, the tournament will start as a traditional tournament with all missions ending with '0' and '5' counting. First official mission will be: 191305
Two mighty combiner groups lead task forces into “The Graveyard”.Which group can lead it’s faction to the Quintesson’s lost knowledge?
Event Format: A 2 week tournament with a kills related mini-game.
In an age long past…
Cybertron has not always belonged to The Transformers. Not long after the first Transformers came on line the planet was found by an empire under the control of a race known as the Quintessons.
The Quintessons saw the abilities of the Transformers and realized they had found the perfect weapon with which to expand their empire. The early Transformers, unaware of the wider galaxy, welcomed their arrival. All too quickly the Transformers had become slaves to the Quintesson Empire. Using the Cybertronian body as inspiration the Quintessons developed the Sharkticons, simple minded brutes that served as their foot soldiers, and their elite warriors known as Allicons.
However, the Cybertronian minds yearned for freedom, and the Transformers revolted. Slowly but surely, the drove the Quintessons off the planet. Such was their desire for freedom that it still drives the Transformers of today. The leaders of the rebellion became the first Primes, and the Quintessons passed into myth, for no living Cybertronian remembers that dismal age.
Their defeat on Cybertron marked the start of the Quintesson’s downfall. Soon enough their empire had collapsed as their numerous enemies banded together to drive the Quintessons from the worlds they claimed. Eventually their home world of Quintessa was at risk of being overrun. The Quintessons chose to destroy their home world rather than allow it to be captured. Their reign was over.
However…
Driven mad by their loss, the Quintessons became obsessed with regaining control of Cybertron, trying increasingly desperate gambits to seize control of the world. Eventually they struck a deal with the unholy entity known as The Fallen. While The Fallen’s ultimate aim remains a mystery, the goal of the Quintessons was clear. Sending in an invasion force of Sharkticons, the Quintessons began their war to retake Cybertron.
Ultimately, they failed. Faced with a common foe, the Autobots and Decepticons fought side by side to ensure the Quintessons could not restart their empire. Facing defeat, The Fallen betrayed his allies, unleashing an ion storm that destroyed the Quintesson fleet. As the surviving Quintessons fled they left their wrecked ships as testament to their foolishness in making such an unwise bargain.
Still, the Cybertronian forces were broken by the effort of fending off the invaders, and old enmities quickly tore the alliance apart. Neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons had the resources to claim the wrecked ships and so they were left untouched. Over time this region of Cybertron’s solar system became known as the Quintesson Grave or, often, simply “The Graveyard.”
Untouched, but not forgotten.
Time passed and the war for Cybertron continued as both sides recovered from the injuries inflicted. All the while the Transformers kept an optic trained on the sky, wondering if the Quintessons would return, or what they had left behind as they tried to escape the wrath of The Fallen.
The Present.
After the reintegration of the splinter factions known as the Maximals and the Predacons, both factions have found them selves with more resources than they have had for megacycles. The Autobot high command has decided to risk it’s new found wealth in a make or break mission to retrieve the scientific and technological knowledge left by the Quintessons in the The Graveyard, and have amassed a large task force led by Computron.
However, the Decepticons have learnt of this plan and committed a rival force, led by the mighty Devastator, to beat the Autobots to the Quintesson’s treasures. Now the race is on as both sides seek the treasures left behind in the wake of the Quintesson’s defeat.
Legacy of the Quintessons: Main Tournament.
- Only special tournament missions can count towards the final result.
- Valid missions must have at least one warrior from both factions to count.
- Each faction’s total final total will be the sum of all their wins, multiplied by a value derived from the Seek and Destroy/Cut Out Their Supply Lines result.
- The victorious faction will unlock the ability to use the Quintesson’s technology, in the shape of these new and improved alts**:
Legacy of the Quintessons: Mech of War.
- Competition to discover the most deadly commanders.
- Only kills landed in valid tournament missions count.
- All kill claims are to be posted in the Tournament Claims Thread (to be posted).
- All claims must include a link to the mission, plus the timestamp, your character’s name and the vanquished character’s name.
- Example: 01:14 Behalter Maximus punches Bullet-cjb.
[url=(address of mission)]00:00 Your character does something to Their character.[/url]
[url=/heavymetalwar/view_mission.php?mission_id=190631]01:14 Behalter Maximus punches Bullet-cjb.[/url]
- The most effective commander from each faction will win the chance to select any alt from the rotation to be permantly assigned to their team
- The most effective commander of all will also win** a unique, slightly overpowered*** weapon.
Tournament created by Redimus
Story and Mission texts created by Kaijubot
With thanks to Mkall.
*Due to the recent problems, the start of the tournament may be delayed, and if access to the database cannot be gained within the first few hours, the tournament will begin using the old system of missions ending in '0' and '5'.*
**All prizes are dependent upon restoration of the required tools for the database after the recent problems.**
***The name of the weapon is entirely up to the winner, and they will be required to pick it’s stat requirement. From the stat requirement, the power of the weapon will be calculated to be slightly more powerful than normally allowed by the stats.*
First Gen here with your newest addition to the Art of Transtopia Newsletter! We have some more great custom figures, kit bashes, fan artwork and for the first month in Transtopia history, we will be featuring non Transformers artwork also. Lots to see this month, so scroll down to check it out!
How to Showcase Your Work
The newsletter is your opportunity to show off your work and talent. We rely on your articles, artwork, and customs to make it interesting. Entries will be reviewed on a monthly basis. You can submit your work here: Repaints, Kitbashes, Scratchbuilds Fan Art Fan Fiction Guides
Banner credits: Flix
First up, we have a group of repaints for your viewing pleasure. When it comes to customizing Transformers, the repaint is often the first type of customization that a Transtopian will undertake. This group of Transtopians have mastered there craft with unique styles and unique figures.
We had an abundance of postings this month for repaints. Unfortunately, we can’t showcase them all, but you can see them all in our Repaint Forum.
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zfeakye has done a couple repaints that have been showcased for us. His first is a repaint of an extremely popular mold, Classics Universe Starscream. Here we get this mold made into an Autobot incarnation Starfire!
A second piece done by zfeakye is a Revenge of the Fallen Jetfire.
Next we have Skyfire77 with a Revenge of the Fallen repaint of Construction Scavenger.
Resident Transtopian omega666 has treated us again to a couple more repaints of his, the first being Revenge of the Fallen Lockdown.
Second up is his take on the Target exclusive Universe 2.0 Leo Prime.
Grimlockprime108 has given us a look on his take of Transmetal Rhinox.
Grimlockprime108 also gave us a new figure out of Cybertron Undermine: Skullcruncher.
Next up are the kit bashes. From a simple modification to a full out custom built, kit bashes take creativity to the next level. Here are some great submissions by our members.
Blobatron got shot by Cupid and made a custom heart transformer. At the time of posting, the figure didn’t have a name.
Magnus510 used Universe 2.0 Prowl to give us Classics Jazz
Viagra Prime took an Omnicon Arcee and a Transformers Movie Bumblebee to make a new Arcee that has four wheels instead of two
Streetsweeper made a custom Leader class movie figure: Barricade.
First up under our Featured Artwork is a new take on a G1 Favorite. Rodimus_Major86 did this piece of his version of Shockwave.
HOWEE74 did this piece initially in pen and pencil then colored it in photoshop: Blackarachnia.
As I said at the beginning of the newsletter, we are featuring non transformers artwork this month and once you see them, I think you’ll understand why.
Joshua Vallse is our first featured non TF artist with his rendition of the Thundercats leader Lion-O.
Here is some digital art by Joshua Vallse, depicting a worldly scene.
Next we have one of our newest Transtopians, Kristian. Kristian is credited with the creation of the Non Transformers Art thread with these pieces that he’s shared with us here.
We would love to see your artwork, whether Transformers related or not.
Normally our fan fiction section is dominated by resident Fan Fic writer hell kitty, but this month we have a brand new Seibertronian stepping to the plate with fiction, NemesisUK‘s: Nemesis Prime Chronicles
Part 1
Planet Cybertron
A peaceful day (Sarcasm)
Nemesis prime (with shadow commander trailer) is driving down a highway having just killed his creator Straxus (see fans project shadow commander comic for more details) when in the distance a gun fight is happening, Nemesis prime decides to investigate.
As he get nearer he sees that a small transformer (Shadow Warrior) is being attacked by a larger transformer (Blaster).
He speeds to wards them (his honorable side kicking in) and fly’s up in to the air transforming in to his robot mode, both of the transformers stop shooting at each other as nemesis prime stands with his stellar converter cannon pointed at blaster, his right eye lights up red as he blasts Blaster.
Blaster falls to the ground, nemesis prime walks up to the small transformer who is shaking scared that he’s next.
Nemesis prime
“Are you ok?”
He says in his gravely voice down at the small transformer. He then walks away to wards his trailer.
Blaster stands up and ejects a cassette out of his chest that splits in to two guns, nemesis prime transformers in to Shadow commander but is being bombarded with laser fire.
Shadow warrior seeing nemesis prime in trouble he scans a weapon that is discarded on the floor, he transforms in to a double barrel Gatling gun and combines on to shadow commander’s shoulder.
Blaster is now being bombarded and is over powered, he retreats.
Shadow Commander
“Why did you help me?”
Shadow warrior
“You helped me so I repaid the favor”
Shadow commander walks away but Shadow Warrior follows him.
Shadow commander
“Why are you following me?”
Shadow warrior
“We should become partners”
Shadow commander
“Partners?”
You can read the rest of the story by clicking here.
Its been a while since we featured our Photograph section of Transtopia, so we’d like to try and reboot this feature by sharing these submissions.
Seibertron.com News Crew member Nekoman submitted this pic titled Urban Battle.
Drecepticon submitted these great pieces featuring Buster Optimus Prime and Battle Rollar.
Chuuzetsu got creative with an Armada Unicron figure and a Cybertron Primus figure to create this pic titled Unicron’s Snack Time.
There is so much more artwork that you can find in our Transtopia Forums, so feel free to stop by, check it out and comment on them. A huge thank you to all the Transtopians that submitted work, we try to feature as much as we can, but ultimately work gets left out, so get on over to the Forums and check it out.
We’ll be back next month with more custom goodness that you can find right here at Seibertron.com!
Hello fellow Seibertronians! Thought you got your weekly dose of Transformers comics with the release of Bumblebee #3 and Last Stand of the Wreckers #2? Well you thought wrong, as IDW has uploaded their latest solicitations to their website. They're for the month of May, and if you thought you'd be busy that month making your mother the happiest one on Earth, you've also thought wrong!
May 2010 looks to be jam packed with explosions, high flying action, and our favourite Transformers. We've got the continuation of Transformers, Nefarious, and Last Stand of the Wreckers. There's the start of the new Ironhide mini-series, and an issue simply labelled 'Transformers: Best of Optimus Prime'. They all sound exciting, so check out the covers, information and spoilers below!
Transformers: Ironhide #1
Mike Costa (w) • Casey Coller (a) • Marcelo Matere, Coller (c)
During the Great War on Cybertron, one of the Autobots' fallen heroes was Optimus Prime's best friend-IRONHIDE. What does that have to do with the fate of the planet today? Find out in this all-new miniseries by TRANSFORMERS writer Mike Costa and the phenomenal Casey Coller. You didn't really think his death was just some stunt with no ramifications, did you?
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Transformers #7
Mike Costa (w) • Don Figueroa (a) • Figueroa, Andrew Wildman (c)
As the dust settles down on Earth, we look to the Heavens to ask a burning question: Where have MEGATRON and the retreating DECEPTICONS been all this time? What have they been up to? The answer, of course, is: nothing good. Take a conspicuously infernal single-issue look into the heart of darkness with Costa and Figueroa.

FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers #5
Nick Roche, James Roberts (w) • Nick Roche (a) • Trevor Hutchison, Roche (c)
The endgame begins. Their teammates are dead, their mission is in tatters, and all hope is lost. Time has run out for the last of the Wreckers, who confront the maniac responsible for the atrocities of the last 48 hours. Deaths, betrayals and long-promised revelations-truly, this one has it all!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Transformers: Nefarious #3
Simon Furman (w) • Carlos Magno (a) • Brian Rood, Magno (c)
Capturing SOUNDWAVE is one thing, holding onto him quite another... as BUMBLEBEE, JOLT, KNOCK OUT and DUNE RUNNER are about to find out! And while the Autobots and Decepticons continue to stumble in the dark, National Security Director Theodore Galloway closes in on the secrets of Project: Nefarious... but his days are numbered!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Transformers: Best of Optimus Prime
Bob Budiansky, Simon Furman (w) • Various Artists (a) • Livio Ramondelli (c)
OPTIMUS PRIME is leader of the AUTOBOTS. During his time as PRIME he has been challenged both mentally and physically with the responsibilities of leadership. He has at times succeeded and at other times failed. These stories, culled from his datatracks across many timelines, are his finest moments.
TPB • FC • $19.99 • 144 Pages • ISBN: 978-1-60010-666-8
Transformers: The IDW Collection, Vol. 1
Simon Furman, Eric Holmes, Nick Roche, Shane McCarthy (w) • Alex Milne, EJ Su, M.D. Bright, Nick Roche (a) • EJ Su (c)
It's IDW's TRANSFORMERS, remixed. For the first time ever, the entire IDW TRANSFORMERS UNIVERSE is presented in hardcover, in chronological order! Start at the very beginning and experience each story as its events transpire in the main storyline. Featuring series cover design by E.J. Su, this run is sure to redefine your experience with the Robots in Disguise. Volume 1 contains: MEGATRON ORIGIN #1-4, SPOTLIGHT: BLURR, SPOTLIGHT: CLIFFJUMPER, SPOTLIGHT: SHOCKWAVE, SPOTLIGHT: NIGHTBEAT, SPOTLIGHT: HOTROD, INFILTRATION #0-6.
HC • FC • $49.99 • 392 Pages • 7" x 11" • ISBN: 978-1-60010-667-5
You can check out the rest of IDW's May Publishing here.
Keep it at Seibertron.com for the fastest Transformers news on the net!
Seibertron.com was in attendace for Hasbro's Transformers panel at Toy Fair 2010 and was taking frantic notes during the presentation. What was revealed and discussed? We have everything from War for Cybertron to Revenge of the Fallen to the new line name: Generations!
Hasbro's Plans in General
--Almost all of Activision's War for Cybertron line is proprietary, which means that Activision owns most, if not all, the products
--Spring 2010 - Hasbro will continue to market the ROTF line into the summer
--Fall 2010 - Hasbro will be taking a step back in the interim between ROTF and Transformers 3. They will focus on Transformers in general, and not a specific line such as Animated, ROTF or Universe. Expect fewer Transformers during this time.
-- There will be a video game on Transformers.com to mark the 'Transformers - Hunt for the Decepticons' brand. There will be specially marked packages with codes that will let you go in the mainframe and detect where a Decepticon is coming from. New codes let you battle new Decepticons, joining the Autobot alliance. All assortments will have codes, come in gold package with 'Hunt for Decepticons'
Revenge of the Fallen Scout class
Hubcap - Looks like Micromaster Greaser in alt mode, but red
Brimstone - Turns into a 1950's road hog motorcycle
Crackstart - a black version of Dune Runner
Backfire - A white repaint of Reverb
Insecticon - As seen in ROTF
Breacher - Blue assault APC, will attach to Voyager Sea Spray
Revenge of the Fallen Deluxe class
Ironhide - Comes with drone that can snap out to bed in truck mode
Battle Blade Bumblebee - An entirely new mold with a flip down visor
Jetblade - White and light blue repaint of Dirge
Sea Attack Ravage - Grey-blue repaint of Ravage
Sidearm Sideswipe - New mold with 2 pistols that can store in vehicle mode
Hailstorm - Wave 2 preview
Elita-1 - The long-awaited 3rd bike has arrived! This is a repaint of Chromia that will combine with the other bike sisters
Revenge of the Fallen Voyager class
Sea Spray - Plays up an aquatic theme that Hasbro wishes it could do more with. Has flip-out flippers on feet, has scuba tanks. Scout class Breacher attaches to Sea Spray.
Night Ops Ratchet - (redeco)
Payload - Yellow repaint of Long Haul
Battle Blades Optimus Prime - New Voyager class w/ the Matrix of Leadership, has snap out swords, and tank canisters that pop off for weapons.
Transformers Generations
Autobot Drift - As seen in the leaked red car prototype. Has swords and many points of articulation.
Thrust - Redeco of Takara's Gentei Thrust, without the chrome or lightning bolts.
Darkmount - Triplechanger homage to Straxus. Changes from tank to artillery base and has his signature pick weapon.
Power Core Combiners
Bruticus, now officially called Bombshock. Main figure is scout-sized with 4 legends-sized unique limbs. 5 figures combine, the spring-loaded vehicles automatically convert to form the limbs. The Aerialbots version is called Skyburst.
Any scout-class figure from this line can combine with the limbs. Each scout has 2 different heads; the combiner head and regular head.
2-Packs contain one commander figure and one mini-con figure.
Scout class figures can combine with any Powercore mini-con.
Huffer w/ Caliburst
Smolder w/ Chopster
Searchlight w/ Backwind
Icepick w/Chainclaw
Leadfooter w/Pinpoint
Rallybots lead by Double Clutch
Destructicons lead by Mudslinger
Store Exclusives
Masterpiece Grimlock with crown will be at Toys R Us in very different packaging
Autobot Blaster with Sleeljaw, Ramjorn, and Eject Will be seen at SDCC 2010 along with a new Mighty Muggs
Transformers: War for Cybertron
Jason and Brad were present from Activision
This summer there will be a hard cover novel by Alex Irving about the great war of Cybertron
Game from Activision, great story telling device which Hasbro may pursue further if this proves successful.
The Story takes place during the Civil War.
More videos are streaming from the official Seibertron.com Youtube page from Toy Fair 2010 in New York City. This go around, we get video of upcoming Revenge of the Fallen Scout and Legends class figures due for release in the 3rd quarter of 2010.
Scout Class figures shown include Hubcap - (looks like Greaser), turns into 1950s roadster, Brimstone (looks like Cybertron version but transforms into a chopper - motorcycle), Crankstart (Beachcomber mold), Backfire (Reverb mold), Insecticon (from movie) and Breacher (meant to team up with Voyager class)
UPDATE: Seibertron has uploaded an entire photogallery dedicated to this event, click here to see them all.
Thanks to the fine folks over at Transformers at the Moon, we have some nice coverage of the happenings at UK Toy Fair 2010.
Some of the highlights noted are a new Ultra Class figure for the continuation of the Universe line (which may go by another name) in a remake of G1 Minibot Seaspray! Also noted are the display of the newest Revenge of the Fallen Leader Class figures in Starscream and Bumblebee with the recently revealed, newest addition to the Transformers continuum War For Cybertron Optimus Prime, Megatron and Bumblebee.
Hasbro has updated their website with the official confirmation of which figures will be exclusives in the month of February. Check out which figures are exclusive to Wal*Mart, Target, Toys'R'Us and K-Mart below.
Wal*Mart TRANSFORMERS REVENGE OF THE FALLEN - Legends Class:CONSTRUCTICON DEVASTATOR.
All seven robots combine to form CONSTRUCTICON DEVASTATOR
TRANSFORMERS REVENGE OF THE FALLEN Road Rival Showdown -
Scout Class: BEACHCOMBER and DEADLIFT
Included in the N.E.S.T. Global Alliance Promotion.
TRANSFORMERS REVENGE OF THE FALLEN Windy City Chase - Scout Class: SLAP DASH and TRENCHMOUTH
Included in the N.E.S.T. Global Alliance Promotion.
Toys'R'Us TRANSFORMERS REVENGE OF THE FALLEN NEST Voyager and Deluxe Pack-Shanghai Showdown
Recreate the movie scene with the Voyager DEMOLISHER and SKIDS & MUDFLAP. Included in the N.E.S.T. Global Alliance program. Great Easter Gift!
TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED Deluxe Class: ARCEE
AUTOBOT ARCEE comes with double swords and wings that clip on.
Target TRANSFORMERS REVENGE OF THE FALLEN Legends Class: BUMBLEBEE and SHADOW STRIKER
Included in the N.E.S.T. Global Alliance program.
TRANSFORMERS REVENGE OF THE FALLEN Legends Class: RALLY MUDFLAP and OFFROAD SKIDS
Included in the N.E.S.T. Global Alliance program.
TRANSFORMERS REVENGE OF THE FALLEN Legends Class: SMOKESCREEN and STARSCREAM
Included in the N.E.S.T. Global Alliance program.
K-Mart TRANSFORMERS REVENGE OF THE FALLEN NEBULAR STARSCREAM
Exclusive powered up paint job. Includes two firing missiles and turn head to activate moving gears.
Seibertron.com - Your Ultimate Transformers Resource!
Avid Canadian Transformers collector Pascal has gotten his hands on a trio of Revenge of the Fallen figures that have yet to be released - Scout Skystalker, Deluxe Lockdown and Deluxe Ratchet. Take a look at some of his well thought out insight about each figure below...
Scout Skystalker
Pros:
-Combines with Mindwipe (nothing fancy, just pegs on top of him in jet mode)
-Well integrated hand weapons (part of the underside of the wings and the wings themselves). Can be hand held or clipped to the forearms
Cons:
-No rear landing gears
-Visible head in jet mode
Deluxe Ratchet
Pros:
-Cool weapon gimmick in robot mode: as you insert the weapon's post into the forearm, two little grey parts deploy automatically
-Good range of articulation
Cons:
-Too much junk hanging off the underside of the vehicle (barely clears the ground and visible from the sides and the rear)
-Hip kibble gets a bit in the way (but can be moved)
Deluxe Lockdown
Pros:
-Fantastic nod to Animated Lockdown, only movie-fied
-Transformation that is at the same time somewhat similar yet different to Animated Lockdown's
Cons:
-Rubber parts (right hand weapon, left hand, wheel spikes)
-Car mode doesn't really look like it belongs to the movie universe
....and if you want more, you can check out the rest of his review along with more pictures on the forums of Cybertron.ca!
Keep it at Seibertron.com for the fastest Transformers news on the net!
We are about to embark into an incredible year of Transformers in 2010. From our knowledge we know that Transformers Animated will finish in the first half of the year, with figures such as Arcee and Rodimus Minor. Revenge of the Fallen's N.E.S.T. Global Alliance will consume some time, notable with releases of Human Alliance Barricade, Mudflap, and Leader Starscream. Newcomers such as the rebirth of Transformers Universe and Power Core Combiners are also in our horizons.
While we are absolutely excited about the upcoming year, the staff of Seibertron.com also wants to reflect on the great 2009 that we've experienced. Both the cartoon and toy line for Transformers Animated kept us busy until the eventual release of Revenge of the Fallen. The beginning of 2009 also experienced the final push from the Universe 2.0 toy line. ROTF finished off the last 7 months of the year. The movie also brought a boom in Transformers popularity much like it's predecessor.
The staff of Seibertron.com have been given a handful of categories related to 2009 to weigh in on. Mkall, Nekoman, tigertracks 24, Delicon, First Gen, Burn, Dead Metal, Cyber Bishop and myself have all participated. While the nine of us are all dedicated Transformers fans and hard workers on this website, our opinions on Transformers tend to differ. While we can agree on some aspects, you'll see below that our opinions are on each side of the spectrum! Our ages range from mid teens to early parenthood, so we've all been brought into the Transformers from different eras.
Take a look at the year through our eyes, and feel free to share your opinion in the forums by clicking the 'Discuss This Topic' link above!
FAVOURITE NEW MOLD OF 2009
Transformers would be nothing without new creations. With 3 major toy lines in 2009, we recieved several new figures from Hasbro and Takara. Here are the ones that we thought were the most impressive.
Mkall: He's simple, and very close to his G1 persona, and in a rare divergence Hasbro and Takara both made completely different decos of the figure, allowing for the differing tastes of the collectors.
Blurrz: Among the numerous choices of figures this year, I believe that Cyclonus stands out. I'm an avid Armada collector and a Targetmaster fan, so this release fits my tastes. Hasbro and Takara's versions of Cyclonus basically give you two different figures. The reuse of the figure as Henkei Strafe was simply dynamic.
Nekoman: Universe Cyclonus was a toy that was very deserving of the high anticipation that surrounded it. Both Hasbro's and Takara's version of the toy were very accute to two different portrayals of the character. He was highly articulated, but maintained a simple yet satisfying conversion.
Delicon: Cyclonus wins this for me, although I like the Henkei version colors better than the US release. Still one of the best new molds in any line in a very long time.
First Gen: Universe Cyclonus and ROTF Prime are a dead tie for me.
Masterpiece Grimlock Tigertracks 24: I think this choice means that the line has a viable future. Not many repaint options that will sell like hot cakes, and a fan-favorite character, he is pretty durable for such a highly detailed, and massive figure. I like him a lot.
Device Label Ravage Burn: I absoloutely love this little guy, as does everyone at work who I showed him too. Sure his alt mold may be ... well a stick, but his robot mode is everything G1 Ravage was and then some. And I needed a new memory stick too, may have cost a bit but he's got the coolness factor!
FAVOURITE REPAINT OF 2009
Repainted Transformers have been a mainstay ever since the existence of Generation One. While some dislike repainted Transformers, some are great homages and can bring out the figures aesthetics if the original issue did not. Take a look at the ones that have caught our attention this year.
Nekoman: To me, a repaint that works the best is a repaint that in some form improves the original toy. The way I see it, Universe Hardhead does just that. He bares a striking resemblance to his original Generation 1 toy, but at the same time does not sacrifice a gimmick as great as what made Generation 1 Onslaught a fun figure. The toy is creative, best exemplified by the anti-Decepticon emblem on his shield.
Universe Darkwind Mkall: I know Hard Head will probably win, but I'm going to throw my hat in with Darkwind. This was a repaint which no one had even thought of before it was announced, unlike the Onslaught --> Hardhead demands which popped up every other week for a while. In the galleries, this figure matches his G1 counterpart shade for shade, making him a brilliant homage.
Universe Skyfall Tigertracks 24: I'm a sucker for black repaints, and ones that represent obscure G2 characters you never saw coming are awesome in my opinion. A nice way to get a third paint job out of the Universe Silverbolt mold.
Animated Purple Shockwave Blurrz: I think all of us Animated fans were asking for this when Shockwave was released. After Cartoon Network made Shockwave's true colors Purple, it was simply a figure that everyone needed to have. The colours aren't stunning per se, but homages are homages - and this is one of the best.
Universe Starscream Delicon: Starscream (Universe version) is my favorite here. When Classics Starscream came out a few years back, I was one of the fanboys who salivated when I saw him on the shelf. However, as the rest of the seekers were eventually released and I saw how G1 accurate they were, I started hating some of Screamer's funky colors, especially on the wings. The Universe version takes care of those flaws nicely, so much that I might end up getting rid of my Classics version.
FAVOURITE REMOLD OF 2009
What is old can easily be new again. Remolding can make or break a figure. Whether it's a slight retake on the cast of the head or an entirely new look on the figure, here's a few that stood out for us.
Blurrz: For me, the original Animated Deluxe Prowl was really flimsy and just not my cup of tea. Add some 'upgrades' and you have one of the most brilliant remolds of the year. Samurai Prowl was pretty beastly in the cartoon, and it's reincarnation into plastic was played well.
Botcon Scourge and Sweeps Two, Six and Seven Delicon: The best remolds for me are usually the ones that have new heads which better fit their characters so my choice is Scourge and the Sweeps.
FAVOURITE EXCLUSIVE OF 2009
Exclusives are a bit of a challenge for us Transformers fans. If we don't like it, we can easily avoid it. If we like it and don't live close to where the exclusive is, then we're in a lot of trouble. Here are a select few that were worth the challenge.
Mkall: I'm going to make the case for Gentei Ghost Starscream, even though I don't have it yet. Transparent figs aren't released en-masse so every one is special to the collectors. Not many actually represent a character that appeared in G1, but Ghost Starscream was, and did rather well. This figure matches that awesomeness in an updated Classics/Universe feel for those of us that enjoy that.
Amazon Black ROTF Optimus Prime Tigertracks 24: All the sweetness from the original, but with a sweet black, blue, grey, paint scheme with orange, yellow, gold, flame highlights! Black variant collectors rejoice!
Target Titanium Hotzone Delicon: Target Titanium Hotzone is the clear winner for me. He's the perfect update to G1 Hot Spot.
FAVOURITE BOTCON EXCLUSIVE OF 2009
Botcon 2009 was in Pasedena, California this year, and it was a dashingly impressive event. The box set went back in time as it focused on the Elite Guard of the past. Attendee figures were also integrated to fit with the set, some were funky repaints, others payed homages to Generation One characters. Below are our favourites.
Delicon: While they didn't have the resale value of some past sets, I liked most of the BotCon exclusives this year. I would say Scourge is my favorite as the head on that figure is awesome and his color scheme fits pretty well, also. He's not perfect in vehicle mold but when you have such an odd alt mode you are trying to emulate, your options are going to be limited in what you can work with. I like Scourge slightly better than his Sweeps because I thought the Sweeps would have been better as a slightly different shade of blue than Scourge, instead of the teal that they ended up with.
Blurrz: As a starving University student I can't exactly afford anything from Conventions like my fellow staff members, but I'll go out on a limb and say that Botcon Scourge was the best Botcon Exclusive this year. It completes the trifecta of Post Movie G1 Baddies with Universe Galvatron and Universe Cyclonus being released within the past and current year.
First Gen: Scourge, the tracker was phenomenal, along with his henchmen, the Sweeps.
Banzai-tron Mkall: They took an awesome mold to the next level with this figure. They even went so far as to transcribe his motto into Cybertronian and place it on his hull. The colours and the mold pay an awesome tribute to the original figure. No new head was even required.
Leozack Tigertracks 24: The often overlooked Energon Starscream mold gets a fun repaint as this Japanese G1 Breastforce team member. While the character himself may not be the most popular member of this group, the idea and execution were well intentioned, and well completed.
Skyquake Dead Metal: Skyquake closely followed by Elita one, a quirky Euro exclusive guy gets a new toy and is a double homage to Machine Wars Starscream and the colours are awesome!
FAVOURITE REVENGE OF THE FALLEN FIGURE OF 2009
Without a doubt, Revenge of the Fallen brought in many new fans and many new figures. While the popularity of Revenge of the Fallen is not so high with all the old farts on the staff *wink*, a few of us weigh on which figure impressed us the most.
Mkall: I don't have one so I'm going by what others have said, and this guy wins in terms of poseability and features.
Tigertracks 24: Plenty of poseability, plenty of gimmicks, plenty of weapons, and plenty of kick ass. I am not a fan of movie toys, but this was a very nice addition to my Optimus Prime collection.
Deluxe Sideswipe Blurrz: In the initial release of Revenge of the Fallen back in June, Sideswipe was one of the forerunners for being best of the line. Six months later I still feel strongly that Sideswipe is the best. The figure isn't trying too hard to pull off the character's aesthetics, which was exactly what the Human Alliance class figure did and failed badly. Be it the twin swords, interesting wheel feet, or sleek paint job, Sideswipe's a figure every ROTF fan needs in their collection.
FAVOURITE ANIMATED FIGURE OF 2009
The cutting edge of Animated was established back in 2008 and excelled in 2009. While the toy line was short-lived, it brought a variety of new figures, repaints and remolds. The majority of the figures were all for cartoon characters. While 2010 looks to be a better year for Animated, here's what 2009 Animated did for us.
Nekoman: A rather interesting figure that came out of Transformers Animated was Shockwave. Unlike most other figures, Shockwave was slightly unorthodox, with two alternate modes, as well as two robot modes, accurate to his portrayal as the spy, Longarm in the series. The Target exclusive version was colored purple like his Generation 1 toy, and his later appearances in the TV series. These colors were more vibrant and attractive on the mold as opposed to the the stark gray the regular release came with.
Dead Metal: He rocks hard
Animated Samurai Prowl Tigertracks 24: Interesting new take on a the stale old G1 bot, this version includes a lot of added weaponry and armor that is added in alt mode as a sidecar to his motorcycle. Cool.
Burn: While I didn't like Animated all too much, I did like Samurai Prowl. Prowl on his own wasn't a great figure. But then they introduced a side car that acted as add-on armour. This is a concept sorely missing from TF's and it worked well. Taking a pretty bland figure and giving it a fun gimmick that made him look better and gave him a unique look.
Animated Jetstorm/Jetfire Blurrz: No, Purple Shockwave does not get the Hat-Trick, and it's not going to be Blurr either. I believe Jetstorm and Jetfire are the best Animated Figures released this year. Yes, they are flying bricks, and yes they combine into a bigger flying brick, but they're just fun toys. They aren't trying hard, they fit the line's aesthetics and Safeguard is a pretty impressive combiner.
Animated Blurr Mkall: I don't collect TFA figs, but I'm going to say, based only on what I've heard that this would go to Blurr. Very poseable and a very nice homage to his G1 self.
FAVOURITE TOY LINE OF 2009
For all the marbles, we get to choose our favourite line of 2009. North America had Revenge of the Fallen, Universe 2.0, and Animated. Takara had some interesting lines with Alternity, Encore and the dead to a halt Device Label. Check out which line impressed us the most.
Revenge of the Fallen
First Gen: Its literally thrusted TF's into the stratosphere and the kids love them.
Cyber Bishop: Have to say this since it was the dominant line this year.
Alternity Tigertracks 24: I like the idea of BT style Transformers toys coming back into the territory, and I think that TT are taking a chance to try to reach back out to the BT/Alternator collectors of a few years past with this line.
Burn: For the simple fact the RotF and Animated toy lines had not impressed one bit, to the point i've nearly given up collecting. Alternity however takes me back to what I like about TF's. Robots with non-insect heads and decent proportions.
Animated Blurrz: Ultimately I feel that Animated gets the job done. Even though it was the later half of the toy line, I still feel it bests the other lines. And it's not really what Animated did, but it was what the other lines lacked. Universe 2.0 was short lived in 2009 and distribution was sketchy. Revenge of the Fallen was teeming with repaints since Wave 1 - Store Exclusives were dry and repaints uninspirational. On the other hand, Animated never tried too hard. It kept us busy until the release of Revenge of the Fallen.
Universe 2.0 Mkall: Universe 2. Some of the best repaints of the line came out in 2009, and the best figures such as Inferno and Cyclonus
Encore Delicon: I'm gonna go with Encore, it is nice to see these G1 molds still being produced, even if it is not stateside.
FAVOURITE TRANSFORMERS MOMENT OF 2009
We had a lot of transformers news in the past year. Several members of the staff were more excited about announcements for events in 2010, then what actually happened in 2009. But no one could really blame them, as most of the news has been down right awesome. 2009 is also highlighted by the release of Revenge of the Fallen, and Transformers conventions - noticeably Botcon, SDCC and TFCon have grown in popularity. Take a look at what's been our favourite moment of 2009.
Revenge of the Fallen
Delicon: Whether you loved the movie or hated it, the box office performance of Revenge of the Fallen, especially over the first couple of days was pretty incredible.
First Gen: Not much can top what Revenge of the Fallen has done.
Cyber Bishop: Without a doubt, it has made a lot of money!
War For Cybertron Burn: The announcement of the upcoming War for Cybertron game is my favourite. While I enjoyed Revenge of the Fallen and was one of it's few supporters, I did have my dislikes, mostly the designs of the TF's themselves. WFC, like Alternity, is giving me the look I like in Transformers
San Diego Comic Con 2009 Blurrz: I never attended, but wow, maybe it was all the hot chicks cosplaying or the fact that we got the low-down on Human Alliance, N.E.S.T. Global Alliance and so many Transformers releases for 2009 and 2010. It was definitely a great event to watch - not only for Transformers, but for every genre of geekdom. SDCC almost rivaled Botcon this year, and we Transformers fans were well aware of that in July!
Universe 3.0 Mkall: I'm going to say that it is the announcement of Universe 3 starting up again in the back half of 2010. There are a few like me who only collect "traditional" style figures, which means no Animated and very few ROTF figs decorate my shelves. Universe 3 give me hope that there will be figures that satisfy me in 2010, and I won't have to pay 80+ dollars for them like the Japanese henkei exclusive repaints.
TFCC Counterpunch/Punch Tigertracks 24: The announcement that the Transformers Collectors club will indeed create a figure that collectors will want in the upcoming Punch/Counterpunch exclusive from one of my favorite 2008 molds, the Sideswipe/Sunstreaker mold.
So there you have it, a look at 2009 from the eyes of the staff! Think we missed out on something special? Sound off your opinion in the Energon Pub!
I think 2009 showed us that no matter where are opinions lie, there was always something Transformers related the brought us all together as one. On behalf of the staff of Seibertron.com, I wish everyone the best of holidays, and a prosperous year in 2010.
Along with getting to talk with HASBRO and Activision about War For Cybertron, we were also able to get a short question and answer session done by High Moon, developers of the game. Read on for more details:
Question: Please reference for us what the play-style will mimic. Will it be similar to the RotF game? How does the gameplay compare to other shooter games such as Modern Warfare 2?
We are targeting not only the Transformer fan but also the hardcore gamer. Gamers can quickly discern the difference between a good game and a lousy one – it has to feel right. We have spent the entire project driving toward the right feel in every aspect of the product so when you get your thumbs on it, it is going to be a great shooter, not just a great TF game. Gears, COD and Halo are all reference games we often look at.
Question: Are there any RPG elements to the game?
No response given.
Question: Does the game use the same engine as any of the previous Transformers games?
We are using the Unreal Engine, which is the powerhouse behind Gears of War and Batman (along with scores of other great games). No other Transformer game has used the Unreal engine to my knowledge.
Question: Will there be downloadable content to enhance the game?
We are fully committed to this game and plan to support it after it ships as best we can, but we’re not ready to talk about specific details just yet.
Question: Will the story progression be linear?
There are 2 separate campaigns (Decepticon and Autobot) each is completely original and unique, and yes since the beginning we have been about telling a great story so there is a natural progression through it. Both campaigns are unlocked at the start. The Decepticon campaign takes place before the Autobot campaign (but you can play them in any order), and I like to think of it as the prequel game to the Autobot game. Both are full fledged unique stories and levels - players don’t travel through the same level ever!
(Click on the above image to view a 3000 pixel version)
Question: Will the transforming be done with a button press or a button hold action?
Will combat damage be self healing over time or will there be an absolute health gauge?
Are both factions playable?
How will the issue of air superiority be addressed for multiplayer? (the flying mechs were vastly more powerful in RotF)
This is a very valid question, however I am going to save my response for a bit until we are ready to talk about all our multiplayer details, which I’m really excited for – stay tuned.
Question: Will there be any epic level battles (Shadow of the Collossus style or Tidal Wave from the Armada game style)?
You see the big guy in the teaser trailer (you know who I am talking about)? How does fighting vs. him sound – epic enough? And we’ll talk about more soon.
Question: What was the most important thing learned from the RotF game that will be corrected in this new game?
At what point in the "War for Cybertron" is the game starting storywise?
Will there be any bonus attacks for characters such as Powerlinking or Minicon boosts from previous eras?
Being that the game is set for all platforms, will each system carry its own version of the game ala Revenge of the Fallen or will every system feature the same campaigns?
The story follows the same major beats on all platforms, but there will be some differences on the NDS and Wii versions. High Moon is developing the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC versions.
Seibertron.com would like to thank everyone at High Moon and Activision for making this possible.
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