The Energon Pub

Wheelie was a terrible character, not a terrible toy. He was merely average for a G1 toy.

skyfire914 wrote:G1Apeface sucked

I owned Apeface since I was a kid and he never really felt complete. He is one ugly jet, his robot mode never really feels like it was transformed right and neither does his Ape form. The other thing I noticed was that his head in Ape form doesn't seem secure for some reason. Overall he is a poor transformer but not necessarily the worst, now if we were looking for ugly...

Anyone remember the sparkabots? There was Fizzle, Guzzle, and Sizzle. I owned Guzzle and the only really cool thing about it was that when you rolled him on the floor sparks shot out the back. Really that is the sparkabots only saving grace in terms of not being called the worst Transformers ever. Basically their transformation was sitting them upright and twisiting the arms in the upright position. The legs also dropped down slightly but a really crappy transformation none the less.

I'd say those auto-transforming twins from the G1 line. I forgot their names but one transforms into a drill while the other a plane.

Nujevad wrote:I'd say those auto-transforming twins from the G1 line. I forgot their names but one transforms into a drill while the other a plane.

No way the jumpstarters rule!!! Sure the tranformations were crap, but an interesting gimmick even if too simple.

I'm really good at disagreeing with others about their opinions.

Armada Sideways.

Nujevad wrote:I'd say those auto-transforming twins from the G1 line. I forgot their names but one transforms into a drill while the other a plane.

The Jumpstarters? I had Topspin, the plane, and I know the drills name was Twin Twist. There really is nothing to their Transformations but in my opinion they fall in the same catagory as the throttlebots. They aren't quite a "transforming" transformer just like the cyber slammer transformers from the upcoming movie. I'd classify them as something different but that is just me. In the Jumpstarters defense I can say that both modes actually looked good but if we wanted to lump these in under worst transformer in the "transformation" category they definitely belong.

I think it is amazing that only me and Master Force Skyfire seem to hate Energon Insecticon. Even Armada Scavenger looks better than that.

Wing Zero Custom wrote:I think it is amazing that only me and Master Force Skyfire seem to hate Energon Insecticon. Even Armada Scavenger looks better than that.

I don't hate him, I happen to be fond of the little guy.

Redimus' Ego +1 wrote:

Master Force Skyfire wrote:The Armada Seeker mold: The crap sticking out of its back, the gimpy arms, and the lame MiniCon gimmick all contribute to this mold's golden turd award.

Armada Megatron/ Galvatron also deserves mention. No knees, and an only-for-transformation hips joint with way too many stupid pop-out gimmicks made me take this guy back after I got him at a TRU clearance sale.

[color=red]Youve just listed two of my favourite Armada toys (and another of my favs (Blurr) has been mentioned earlier).

What about Armada Cyclonus? If he's anywhere near as aweful as GF/Cyb Buzzsaw, he has to be in the list of worst tfs ever.

Blurr, Megs and Cracker are my top 3 Armada figures O_O

Swerve wrote:

Nujevad wrote:I'd say those auto-transforming twins from the G1 line. I forgot their names but one transforms into a drill while the other a plane.

The Jumpstarters? I had Topspin, the plane, and I know the drills name was Twin Twist. There really is nothing to their Transformations but in my opinion they fall in the same catagory as the throttlebots. They aren't quite a "transforming" transformer just like the cyber slammer transformers from the upcoming movie. I'd classify them as something different but that is just me. In the Jumpstarters defense I can say that both modes actually looked good but if we wanted to lump these in under worst transformer in the "transformation" category they definitely belong.

Jumpstarters are cool! They are much better than Throttlebots, cause they actually have arms and legs, and articulation! Plus, they're overall robot design is quite detailed, maybe a little bit more so than your average first run G1. Remember, a lot of G1's were pretty plain without stickers.

Oh, and Battlechargers aren't much better than Throttlebots. They're taller and have a gun, but if the spring gets worn out in the legs, they can't stand up, which is what happened to my Runnamuck, and even though I tried to fix it, it didn't work.

The crappiest transformer toy ever was Armada Laserbeak. Period.

zodconvoy wrote:The crappiest transformer toy ever was Armada Laserbeak. Period.

WHAT?! Laserbeak is a cool object former, best from AEC, just needs to be repainted in black, if you hate it, you must hate G1 Soundwave, and no one hates G1 Soundwave XD

Armada Megatron/galvatron is whack, but the Botcon Megazarak makes up for it due to the colors.

I hate Armada Laserbeak because it was supposed to be cool. All of the production work showed it as being black and silver but because the handle could move a little they called it a gun and made it out of plastic so bright it can be seen from space. And it was a pet parrot.

Oh, and Soundwave is the shizzle. 4-EVER!!!

Duke of Luns wrote:Jumpstarters are cool! They are much better than Throttlebots, cause they actually have arms and legs, and articulation! Plus, they're overall robot design is quite detailed, maybe a little bit more so than your average first run G1. Remember, a lot of G1's were pretty plain without stickers.

Oh, and Battlechargers aren't much better than Throttlebots. They're taller and have a gun, but if the spring gets worn out in the legs, they can't stand up, which is what happened to my Runnamuck, and even though I tried to fix it, it didn't work.

I really liked my Jumpstarter and for what it was it was done very well. I'll have to dig mine out now. If I remember correct not only did he drive forward when pulled back on over the floor (similar to the throttlebots) but when he went forward he actually flipped up into the air when tranforming and landed on his feet. He did have quite a bit of articulation for this style Transformer. I did state they looked good (one thing I never dould figure out on Topspin is what the "floating" piece of plastic on the back of his head did/was for. It was centered but you could slide it to the left or right side. I also used to pretend the black piece on his chest used to lock him into alternate mode was a communication device.

The only thing I can agree on is that in Traditional Transformers transformation mode they aren't all that complicated and are very throttlebot like. In that since I could see why they might earn a spot as worst Transformer but only in transformation terms, they just bend in half to go into alt mode and pop open again to go back to bot. Overall they were pretty decent Transformers and have even made apperances in the comics. Twin Twist is in the Wreckers with Springer and have been a pretty popular group.

When it comes to pieces falling off when you transform them...Titanium Optimus Prime and Megatron get it hands down in my opinion. Their arms fall off every time.
When it comes to transformation I'm tempted to say Guzzle- all you did was pull down his legs and stand him up. Oh, I see soemone all ready mentioned him.

Bonger wrote:More recently I was lucky enough to stay clear of titanium Megs, however, my freakin Titanium Soundwave REFUSES to stand. The left leg just collapses under the weight. Atleast my Scourge stands upright, with a little encouragement.

I don't have that problem.

NightBreaker wrote:Armada Sideways.

Now he hasnt got the best colours, nor transformation, and the alt mode is a bit fat... BUT! How can you possibly say that probably the only transformer to benefit from it's minicon gimmick is a bad transformer? Those two headmaster minicons that turned into a rider were brilliant.

And I have to say that the Jumpstartes are a bit lame. I frankly prefere the Battlechargers, cuase at least they have recognisable alt modes. And with a bit of imagination (something needed for most G1 tfs anyway) you can make sence of the throttlebot and battlecharger robot modes. And if you're still struggling... Classics Bumblebee, the perfect example of the 'throttlebot' style robot mode.

I was sat looking through Beast Wars toys trying to find one I have (failed misserably, so no idea what he's called still) and I cant help but have reaserted my beleif that the VAST MAJORITY of BWs tfs had REALLY fugly robot modes, and Altmodes that suffered from bits of robot mode hanging off em (feet on the neck?, random bits of blue on a white animal?, a missile luncher under the creature's belly, sat in a HUGE hole?, do I really need to go on?)...

One of the few I have that I apreciate at all is Quickstrike... yet he's still obviously been desinged by an insane person. For a start, for all his posability, there is only one(ish) position you can put him in without him constantly falling down. And his arms... one arm, is a cobra, and the other arm is a set of scorpian legs. "Look ma! No hands!" And that's a good example of the line...

BTW, if anybody knows the name of this charecter I'd be greatly indebted to you. He's a green/yellow bug with seethrough red eyes, black n seethrough wings, 6 green with black highlights legs, and a tail on a spring that is big and seethrough red/orange in altmode. And in robot mode he has a green plastic head with large antenna, the wings form his (or her, the look a bit like high heels) legs, one arm is the springy tail and the other arm is two of the alt mode legs (yes, another rediculous BW design). The date on him/her is 1999.

Worst? I'll be fair and go by "Generations" (lumping G2 in with G1 since there was so little difference in many ways):

G1/2: Staxx. Grandus barely squeaks out of a tie for worst by virtue of actually looking like a robot. If we have to stick to US releases, then my money's on Drill type Powerdasher. The thing was goofier than any Go-Bot (original series OR Playskool).

BW/BM: I never really got into these figs, but from what I've seen there was a HUGE variety in quality. For example, i can't STAND Strika's robot mode, and too many of them were "Stand up, flip the head down, and hold the tail as a sword" style which irritates me to no end.

RID: No comment, haven't really seen the toys in person or on the shelf, since I didn't get back into collecting until shortly after. I only commented on Staxx and Grandus because they're blindingly obvious in photos.

Armada: Cyclonus bites the big one here.

Energon: I'm tempted to say Fattimus / Megazord Prime, but the sheer suckitude of Insecticon in comparison to similar Energon Basics just shoves him faaaar ahead.

Cybertron: Backstop is a crude unarticulated lump that looks like someone wearing a grey couch. Narsty.

Classics: Snarl, plain and simple. I like the t-rex and pteranadon of the dinos, and the wolf and eagle of the preds, and even Knockdown is relatively okay. But Snarl has one of the fugliest robot modes I've ever seen. It doesn't even look like a robot mode, it looks like some kid went nuts with a hacksaw, a toy tiger, and some superglue.

Alternators: No real "worst", but there is considerable disappointment on the whole lack of Ironhide, Trailbreaker, and the other "Initial 18" that got skipped over.

Titanium: I've been lucky, the three I own are nicely done (save for Jetfire's knees and Rodimus Prime's hole in the chest). But everything I've seen about Tit GI Joe Megs just makes me shudder. If the QC had been better, he would have made a nice genericon tank, since I like how his robot mode -looks-, but if he falls apart out of the package he's a no-go. I'm ignoring the 3" ones because they're statues, not toys.


Now for 'Saving Graces':

G1/2: For the most part, I couldn't stand G1 Broadside. However, it had one saving grace, and that's his carrier mode actually had some hint of looking like a carrier, and his robot mode actually had recognizeable vague body parts.

Energon: Signal Flare just irritated me, but the fact that he turned into a Maser Tank from Godzilla, to fight Cruellock / Domlock as G.I.N.O. (Godzilla In Name Only, the US TriStar Godzilla) saved him.

Cybertron: To be honest, I wasn't too disappointed with any of them except the Beast Planet figs (and that's only because I dun really like Beastformers). However, Chromia/Thunderblast's saving grace was th nice articulation. Of course, being simply something hidden inside a shell, the articulation should be expected.

Classics: Knockdown's very nice stego mode, and actual bilateral symmetry pushed him ahead of Snarl here.

Alternators: Really, no drastically bad ones in truth. Just that vague disappointment.

Titanium: Jetfire was disappointing because of the combo of his lack of knee articulation, and the fact that his jet mode looked more like a cargo plane than a fighter jet. But his detail and otherwise sleek design pushed him into safety for me.



Remember, guys, this was personal opinion. If I named one of your favorites, sorry, but that's how I feel.

Redimus' Ego +1 wrote:

NightBreaker wrote:Armada Sideways.

Now he hasnt got the best colours, nor transformation, and the alt mode is a bit fat... BUT! How can you possibly say that probably the only transformer to benefit from it's minicon gimmick is a bad transformer? Those two headmaster minicons that turned into a rider were brilliant.

And I have to say that the Jumpstartes are a bit lame. I frankly prefere the Battlechargers, cuase at least they have recognisable alt modes. And with a bit of imagination (something needed for most G1 tfs anyway) you can make sence of the throttlebot and battlecharger robot modes. And if you're still struggling... Classics Bumblebee, the perfect example of the 'throttlebot' style robot mode.

I was sat looking through Beast Wars toys trying to find one I have (failed misserably, so no idea what he's called still) and I cant help but have reaserted my beleif that the VAST MAJORITY of BWs tfs had REALLY fugly robot modes, and Altmodes that suffered from bits of robot mode hanging off em (feet on the neck?, random bits of blue on a white animal?, a missile luncher under the creature's belly, sat in a HUGE hole?, do I really need to go on?)...

One of the few I have that I apreciate at all is Quickstrike... yet he's still obviously been desinged by an insane person. For a start, for all his posability, there is only one(ish) position you can put him in without him constantly falling down. And his arms... one arm, is a cobra, and the other arm is a set of scorpian legs. "Look ma! No hands!" And that's a good example of the line...

BTW, if anybody knows the name of this charecter I'd be greatly indebted to you. He's a green/yellow bug with seethrough red eyes, black n seethrough wings, 6 green with black highlights legs, and a tail on a spring that is big and seethrough red/orange in altmode. And in robot mode he has a green plastic head with large antenna, the wings form his (or her, the look a bit like high heels) legs, one arm is the springy tail and the other arm is two of the alt mode legs (yes, another rediculous BW design). The date on him/her is 1999.

You mean this?
http://www.bwtf.com/bm/toys/reviews/buzzsaw/

Emperor Primacron the 1st wrote:You mean this?
http://www.bwtf.com/bm/toys/reviews/buzzsaw/

Huzzah! I finally found the bugger!

Redimus' Ego +1 wrote:

NightBreaker wrote:Armada Sideways.

Now he hasnt got the best colours, nor transformation, and the alt mode is a bit fat... BUT! How can you possibly say that probably the only transformer to benefit from it's minicon gimmick is a bad transformer? Those two headmaster minicons that turned into a rider were brilliant.

And I have to say that the Jumpstartes are a bit lame. I frankly prefere the Battlechargers, cuase at least they have recognisable alt modes. And with a bit of imagination (something needed for most G1 tfs anyway) you can make sence of the throttlebot and battlecharger robot modes. And if you're still struggling... Classics Bumblebee, the perfect example of the 'throttlebot' style robot mode.

I was sat looking through Beast Wars toys trying to find one I have (failed misserably, so no idea what he's called still) and I cant help but have reaserted my beleif that the VAST MAJORITY of BWs tfs had REALLY fugly robot modes, and Altmodes that suffered from bits of robot mode hanging off em (feet on the neck?, random bits of blue on a white animal?, a missile luncher under the creature's belly, sat in a HUGE hole?, do I really need to go on?)...

One of the few I have that I apreciate at all is Quickstrike... yet he's still obviously been desinged by an insane person. For a start, for all his posability, there is only one(ish) position you can put him in without him constantly falling down. And his arms... one arm, is a cobra, and the other arm is a set of scorpian legs. "Look ma! No hands!" And that's a good example of the line...

BTW, if anybody knows the name of this charecter I'd be greatly indebted to you. He's a green/yellow bug with seethrough red eyes, black n seethrough wings, 6 green with black highlights legs, and a tail on a spring that is big and seethrough red/orange in altmode. And in robot mode he has a green plastic head with large antenna, the wings form his (or her, the look a bit like high heels) legs, one arm is the springy tail and the other arm is two of the alt mode legs (yes, another rediculous BW design). The date on him/her is 1999.

The last person to be as wrong as you are now was called Neville Chamberlain and he was holding a peice of paper.....

BW is a great series and the toys are fine as long as you can get part the no-hands-ma!-ness of many of the figures.

Buzzsaw there doesn't count as a BW figure as he's from BM, which everybody knows has some really ugly maximal designs.

For good BW figures how about the origonal rattrap? He's got a good alt mode with no obvious robot bits sticking out (they are only visable from the bottom, like with most g1 figures!). His robot mode isn't at all ugly and he has a pair of normal hands.
The same can be said for many of the basic sized figures such as Iguanus, Insecticon and Crocodile Megatron.
Other basics like Snapper and Armordillo also have great beast modes withough anything sticking out but do have weird hands. Razorbeast has a great looing robot mode, but his alt mode does have a big gap in his lower jaw that counts him out from being one of the best figures in the line.
How about Inferno and Waspinator for examples of great looking larger figures? Both don't have intrusive robot parts on beast mode and look great as robots.
Don't like the organic look? why not go for a transmetal figure like Tarantulas or Rhinox, or even better: Ravage - the single best figure in the line.
From the fuzors, another great figure is Silverbolt. His alt mode looks fantastic and so does his robot mode too. The only complaitn with him would be the large wings over his shoulders in robot mode, but he's still a good figure with great posability in both modes.
The transmetal 2 line aren't the best BW figures but theres still some cool guys there like scarem. Who doesn't love a guy with blades for arms who eats cheetos and the flesh of the innocent?

HC, I agree with you except for one thing. Don't recommend TM Rhinox! I bought him the other day and he is ugly.

Leonardo wrote:HC, I agree with you except for one thing. Don't recommend TM Rhinox! I bought him the other day and he is ugly.

The BW one is Ok IMO, but I prefer the armada version's colours.