The Energon Pub

News Credits: 4877 · Wed May 18, 2016 11:33 am

The Cybertron/Galaxy Force line is one fo my favourites but it's really hard to choose which toys are best since they are all so damn good. So I am wondering, what are your favourites? Here is a poll for the best 30 new molds this line gave us in the Scout, Deluxe, Voyager, Ultra, Leader and Supreme Class. Click on the 5 you like best. If one of those 5 isnt there, write it in the comments. A poll can only include 30 so I put the 30 I thought were the best.

News Credits: 1 · Wed May 18, 2016 11:46 am

Gotta admit, I'm a Classics guy, even before Classics was a thing. So I didn't get much Cybertron. But I did get their Unicron and Primus. Those guys are neat. It's nice that planet0sized Unicron has a nemesis and he's stayed in my display ever since I got him.

I like tank-cron too; he's a nice departure for the planet eater after being defeated.

I also like Dark Scorpinok and the Bug General.

News Credits: 293 · Wed May 18, 2016 3:16 pm

News Credits: 2 · Wed May 18, 2016 6:38 pm

One of the ones I really like, granted I have few Cybertron molds, is Undermine; the green spinosaurus scout. One of my favorite beast modes among Transfomer toys and he has a cool drone/alien like robot mode.

News Credits: 4877 · Wed May 18, 2016 6:53 pm

shajaki wrote:

Who said his was for a list..... :oops:

But man, if I include him then the list will have 2 hoshots :lol:

Thu May 19, 2016 2:03 am

Started my collection with the AEC line, and GF has been my favorite. IMHO design-wise hands down the Cybertron Defence Team wins it in G1 blockiness, vehicular alt modes and poseability. Vector Prime and OP for me wins in aesthetics, followed by Voyager Starscream and original Hot Shot plus honorable mention for Galaxy Force Demolishor(specifically mentioned as Hasbro Mudflap's design suffered from a safety required retool - use of rubberized plastic in his blade)...

News Credits: 41 · Thu May 19, 2016 7:24 am

Hey Will! I like this thread. I just cast my votes!

I was just thinking recently how it would be nice to have a place to talk about Cyb/GF. Who knows how buried the original threads are?

This is by far one of the best lines TFs has ever seen. The character design, engineering, quality, and play value of these toys is still unmatched, IMO.

I'm really close to completing my collection. I think I have 3 or 4 molds left before I have one of every mold.

Here's my most favorite recent acquisition.

(sword not included)

News Credits: 25 · Thu May 19, 2016 7:46 am

I think I'm the only person who doesn't see the appeal off the leader Prime from this line.

News Credits: 4877 · Thu May 19, 2016 8:59 am

Cobotron wrote:Hey Will! I like this thread. I just cast my votes!
I was just thinking recently how it would be nice to have a place to talk about Cyb/GF. Who knows how buried the original threads are?

This is by far one of the best lines TFs has ever seen. The character design, engineering, quality, and play value of these toys is still unmatched, IMO.

The reason I did a poll for ths one is because I like so many of these toys. So I could write a nice paragraph for any of them, I just wanted to know who it should be narrowed down too. Though I am a bit sad to see Sideways no getting more love. Good thing I already commented on him in a previous list.
But yeah, I love this line. To me, this is the only true successor to the G1 line. It shares a similar aesthetic while reinventing it at the same time. It's not redoing G1 or its characters but instead it is redoing the G1 values. It goes for the wonderful notion (for the most part) that the robot should be made up of the vehicle parts. I know that sounds elementary but it's not always done. And it works wonders for giving bulk to the robot and yet reducing the excess kibble in either mode. It also shows that ou can have simple transformations without jeapordizing style and still have two modes which look different one to the next. Hotshot is genius in how simply he transforms while revealing totally new robot mode detail.

Like G1, these are nice and durable too and like G1, there isnt too much of a visual difference between the Takara and Hasbro versions. Its a real treat that we were able to get comparable deco to Takara back in the day. And the headsculpts are very G1. Like Hothshot who has the perfect autobot headsculpt (which homages a few characters while being its own at the same time). I really like how the homages are just homages, remembering the past instead of reliving it. Like Scrapmetal, who I am so happy is getting a lot of votes. He is a reinvention of the casette bots, being smaller transformers who can pulvrize you with their hammers (and come in different colours).

Ironhidensh wrote:I think I'm the only person who doesn't see the appeal off the leader Prime from this line.

You arent. Prime is the one character that I feel crosses the line and goes from homaging somthing to simply redoing it. While this is 20 years later (and we already had the MP at the time) they decided to have him transform the exact same way as the G1 toy. There are as many steps and 0 surprises. Plus I dont find the articulation all that great, especially for the legs. And I dont get that alt mode. Is it a fire truck, because I have never see a fire truck looking like that. Its odd how this si supposed to be an earth mode but looks quite alien. And the look without the "trailer" in vehicle mode doesnt work since he ends up with a really long back. But hey, he will be top 3 if the poll keeps it up and I dont mind. He still has all the good qualities every other toy in this toyline has, he's just not my favourite optimus.

News Credits: 22 · Thu May 19, 2016 11:40 am

Ironhidensh wrote:I think I'm the only person who doesn't see the appeal off the leader Prime from this line.

You don't? Why? Just curious. He is on top of my list, mostly due to that bad ass vehicle mode.

I couldn't even pick 10 figures off the list. I made it to 7. Should have been 8, but I forgot Vector Prime.

News Credits: 293 · Thu May 19, 2016 12:32 pm

Rodimus Prime wrote:
Ironhidensh wrote:I think I'm the only person who doesn't see the appeal off the leader Prime from this line.
You don't? Why? Just curious. He is on top of my list, mostly due to that bad ass vehicle mode.

I'm surprised to hear Prime hate too. For me, this one might be my favorite Prime ever besides the MP's.

News Credits: 5 · Thu May 19, 2016 1:10 pm

I voted...

I would have liked this guy on there.. Override!

and

black fangwolf

News Credits: 4877 · Thu May 19, 2016 1:41 pm

shajaki wrote:
Rodimus Prime wrote:
Ironhidensh wrote:I think I'm the only person who doesn't see the appeal off the leader Prime from this line.
You don't? Why? Just curious. He is on top of my list, mostly due to that bad ass vehicle mode.
I'm surprised to hear Prime hate too. For me, this one might be my favorite Prime ever besides the MP's.

I dont think anyone hates him, its just that people are not so hot for him now. He is very important though. I will write it in my blurb when the list gets made but the thing with this Prime is that he was the first Prime toy to take it back to G1. Aside from G2, every Prime released by hasbro leading to this release had the same gimick, predominantly combining for super modes (Powermaster, RID, Armada, Energon). This one combined too and had a supermode but he was far more recognisable as the Optimus of old when you left him bare. He was a cool toy on his own and he didnt need to be combined to look half decent (looking at you Energon Prime). He was the first Prime to really bring back the G1 aesthetic of Prime (aside from the MP). And he was the first Optimus Prime as part of a general retail toyline by hasbro to have a matrix =P~

Now, looking at what has come since, this Prime set a precedent that G1 was the main way to handle Optimus and I feel it shaped every release or design for Prime since, including Animated, Movie, Prime. Interestingly, RID 2015 ends up being a different portrayal of the design, more akin to Star Convoy. And WFC had a different approach too which I personalyl adore.
So Cybertron Prime, being such a lovingly achievement of celebrating the G1 design and reintroducing it, ends up being partly a crutch to the character's design. And when you have all the Optimuses lined up, he ends up being just one of the many Optimuses to have the same transformation and similar traditional look.

So its definitely not hate, but more of "its another optimus" ho hum.

News Credits: 5 · Thu May 19, 2016 2:19 pm

william-james88 wrote:
shajaki wrote:
Rodimus Prime wrote:
Ironhidensh wrote:I think I'm the only person who doesn't see the appeal off the leader Prime from this line.
You don't? Why? Just curious. He is on top of my list, mostly due to that bad ass vehicle mode.
I'm surprised to hear Prime hate too. For me, this one might be my favorite Prime ever besides the MP's.

I dont think anyone hates him, its just that people are not so hot for him now. He is very important though. I will write it in my blurb when the list gets made but the thing with this Prime is that he was the first Prime toy to take it back to G1. Aside from G2, every Prime released by hasbro leading to this release had the same gimick, predominantly combining for super modes (Powermaster, RID, Armada, Energon). This one combined too and had a supermode but he was far more recognisable as the Optimus of old when you left him bare. He was a cool toy on his own and he didnt need to be combined to look half decent (looking at you Energon Prime). He was the first Prime to really bring back the G1 aesthetic of Prime (aside from the MP). And he was the first Optimus Prime as part of a general retail toyline by hasbro to have a matrix Now, looking at what has come since, this Prime set a precedent that G1 was the main way to handle Optimus and I feel it shaped every release or design for Prime since, including Animated, Movie, Prime. Interestingly, RID 2015 ends up being a different portrayal of the design, more akin to Star Convoy. And WFC had a different approach too which I personalyl adore.
So Cybertron Prime, being such a lovingly achievement of celebrating the G1 design and reintroducing it, ends up being partly a crutch to the character's design. And when you have all the Optimuses lined up, he ends up being just one of the many Optimuses to have the same transformation and similar traditional look.

So its definitely not hate, but more of "its another optimus" ho hum.

Aptly put, you did an awesome thing just now. I'm humbled by your love and passion for the genre. :BOWDOWN:

News Credits: 10 · Thu May 19, 2016 8:40 pm

Seriously, this guy is not number one? You all are crazy!! #hyperbole

Transformers Cybertron Downshift Gallery

Transformers Cybertron Downshift Gallery
Okay, Leader Prime is pretty darn awesome too, but seriously, I think I about wore this guy out. I miss the days of being able to have a TF transformed several hundred times before falling apart. I am afraid to transform any of my CW line more than a handful of times now...

News Credits: 41 · Thu May 19, 2016 9:42 pm

Hey, don't yell at me, Ag. I voted for him.

:-P

Thu May 19, 2016 10:22 pm

I voted for Downshift, Crosswise, Menasor and Scourge. The paint scheme for Cryo Scourge is dastardly devilish and Menasor is quite imposing. Downshift, though not a full homage to Wheeljack, is still amazing to look at in its own right. As to the Crosswise mold, I own all three versions. The Wal-Mart exclusive Jolt repaint of Crosswise from the first movie series is one of my absolute favorite figures. SO MUCH PURPLE! =P~

News Credits: 293 · Fri May 20, 2016 12:29 am

Cobotron wrote:Hey, don't yell at me, Ag. I voted for him.

Same. I got him and that oddly named repaint "Big Daddy" :lol:

Shame he was never repainted into Wheeljack proper.

News Credits: 25 · Fri May 20, 2016 4:11 am

shajaki wrote:
Rodimus Prime wrote:
Ironhidensh wrote:I think I'm the only person who doesn't see the appeal off the leader Prime from this line.
You don't? Why? Just curious. He is on top of my list, mostly due to that bad ass vehicle mode.
I'm surprised to hear Prime hate too. For me, this one might be my favorite Prime ever besides the MP's.

I don't hate it, I just see nothing special about it. To me, it's just another Prime in the middle rankings of a lot of primes. I honestly think most of his love is due to being the follower of the complete fail that was Energon Prime.

News Credits: 129 · Fri May 20, 2016 10:16 am

Ironhidensh wrote:
shajaki wrote:
Rodimus Prime wrote:
Ironhidensh wrote:I think I'm the only person who doesn't see the appeal off the leader Prime from this line.
You don't? Why? Just curious. He is on top of my list, mostly due to that bad ass vehicle mode.
I'm surprised to hear Prime hate too. For me, this one might be my favorite Prime ever besides the MP's.

I don't hate it, I just see nothing special about it. To me, it's just another Prime in the middle rankings of a lot of primes. I honestly think most of his love is due to being the follower of the complete fail that was Energon Prime.

At the time, this Leader Prime was one of the most solid and best articulated figures out there. He was huge and sturdy and evoked memories of Powermaster Prime before we had all these modern homages.

What's good? First instance of an operable cowl with a turning head. He has opening and closing hands on a mainline non-collector figure. He has complete trailer integration in super mode. He's completely lock-tight and has some of the best joints around. He has a removable matrix, opening chest, and a transformation that uses all parts effectively and without hassle. Lastly, he basically is the best super-mode Prime out there with clever integration of his and other parts from other figures.

What's rough? his alt mode has some visual holes in it. His regular robot mode is a little odd in proportion. Worst? His US instructions are wrong and have led to numerous awful wing mode pics.

Oh and Energon Prime? That ole' boy has aged very, very well. I intend to prove this with pictures this weekend. Unintended challenge...ACCEPTED.

Fri May 20, 2016 10:18 am

Ironhidensh wrote:
shajaki wrote:
Rodimus Prime wrote:
Ironhidensh wrote:I think I'm the only person who doesn't see the appeal off the leader Prime from this line.
You don't? Why? Just curious. He is on top of my list, mostly due to that bad ass vehicle mode.
I'm surprised to hear Prime hate too. For me, this one might be my favorite Prime ever besides the MP's.

I don't hate it, I just see nothing special about it. To me, it's just another Prime in the middle rankings of a lot of primes. I honestly think most of his love is due to being the follower of the complete fail that was Energon Prime.

I always enjoyed Energon Prime more than Cybertron Prime. The fact that he could dock with other drone units to merge into a larger combiner really appealed to me. Sure, being a combiner has never been a traditional gimmick for Optimus, but at least the designers were trying something new. The concept might have flown over better if it had been an original character instead of Prime.

News Credits: 41 · Fri May 20, 2016 10:21 am

Everything Counterpunch just said, plus a slice of cake.

I look forward to pics of Energon Prime. That is one figure I've never owned or handled.
Will you post them here?

Edit - Oh duh! energon Prime. I read that and saw Armada Prime in my mind. Yes Energo OP is great toy.
But, pictures please. :-D

News Credits: 129 · Sat May 21, 2016 3:04 pm

Ok, so a few things here... I'm using the Superlink version and not the Energon version of Prime here. I have to admit that this guy was harder to grab a great pose out of than I remember.

What remains striking about him is the excellent tactile feel of all his modes and the inherently fun play pattern of his trailer and attachments.

Superlink Convoy by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

Superlink Convoy 2 by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

Superlink Convoy 3 (Armed) by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

Super-Mode Superlink Convoy by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

Super-Mode Superlink Convoy 2 by ME_Counterpunch, on Flickr

News Credits: 10 · Sat May 21, 2016 7:37 pm

I think it was the wheels on the side in robot mode that I didn't like so much. It felt like this was old and fat retired Prime... That and the awkward trailer use in alt mode. I feel that Galaxy Prime was a much improved version of the character. (Plus, I did like the homage to RiD Firetruck Prime.

)

News Credits: 4877 · Sat May 21, 2016 10:21 pm

Thanks Agamemnon you reminded me I have to hustle and finish the list for best firetrucks. Its a much more straightforward list than one for an entire line or of dinosaurs.

Oh and I see Cybertron Defense Scattorshot is pretty up there with the votes, can anyone tell me what is so great about him, since i dont own him.