Seibertron.com Energon Pub Forums

Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are my opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here.

Top 5 Transformers Toys who look most like non transforming action figures

Ever since the G1 Action Masters, there has been this idea of having non transforming versions of Transformers sold as action figures. There have since been other products that feature non transforming Transformers aside from action figures like the Titan Hero figures, keychains, Happy Meal Toys and so on. However, countering this, there have been a few Transformers toys, throughout the brand's history that looked just like these non transforming action figures but that could actually transform. This is usually due to very smart designs and lack of extraneous kibble (a dead giveaway that a robot can change into another form), so for all intents and purposes, list could have also been called "Top 5 most kibble free Robot Modes", so count this list as two lists in one.

5. Transformers Universe - Classics 2.0 Onslaught

This onslaught is one of the very few Transformers that really sells the fact that these toys transform to robots (oh and are at war!). Usually, transformers have more humanoid features which helps give them some sort of personality. Thus even though they are "robots in disguise", the robot element is more of a biological definition as opposed to being the main aesthetic of the robot mode. However, Onslaught's robot mode has all the aesthetics usually given to the conceptions of robots outside the Transformers brand. He is very blocky with smooth surfaces and a face devoid of expression. He looks like the second to last boss in a game where you only face mechs the whole time (like Enslaved, Vanquish or Binary Domain) right before you confront the guy pulling the strings. These attributes distract from the fact that he can actually transform, even though a bunch of alt mode details are present, which is an amazing feat in design.



4. Transformers G1 1985 Omega Supreme

What I said about Onslaught truly looking like a robot is even more realized here. This guy looks like the perfect idea of a kid's (non transforming) robot toy, like the robot from Johnson and Friends. It's simple, there is no way one could even guess what this toy transforms into even if one was told that it had another form. A futuristic space ship maybe? Nope, this giant robot actually turns into a rocket launchpad base surrounded by a train track for a tank to roll across it. I don't know about you, but I cannot in any way guess that from this awesome 80s toy robot here. It of course, helps that this was one of the few Transformers toys to not be based on any Takara transforming toy, and thus has a very different aesthetic that one wouldn't attribute to the brand. He also doesn't technically transform since all his parts are made to be dismantled and rebuilt from one mode to the next.



3. Transformers Animated Lockdown

Although you see a few car parts, this tall lanky figure does not give any impression that he is more than a poseable action figure (with sculpted car parts). While this can be said about most Transformers Animated figures, I feel this one takes the cake. The stylistic chest and the other cartoon-like features, like his neck and face, along with his complete lack of any extraneous kibble really brings that idea home. He looks more like an action figure of a Sith lord from the Clone Wars show (Savage Opress type).



2. Transformers Universe - Classics 2.0 Cyclonus

Speaking of lacking any extraneous kibble, I bring you Universe Cyclonus who looks like a well articulated action figure based on his design in the Transformers Movie. The absolute lack of kibble, due in part to telescoping parts, and cybertronian nature does not hint that he can completely convert into a nice sleek cybertronian jet. Someone who doesn't know the character would not think twice that this was more than a simple and badass looking action figure.



1. Transformers Prime: Cyberverse Megatron

This is not the best toy on this list, but, he is the one that looks the least like an actual transforming toy. There is absolutely no kibble anywhere and his arms and legs don't have any seams and don't appear to be anything other than arms and legs. He looks just like one of those small non transforming Happy Meal Toys but with slightly better articulation. And of course, you guessed it, he actually transforms. I won't go bragging about how great the alt mode is but it does exist. And aside from rearranging the limbs, his chest does undergo a significant Transformation. I even find this toy better than the Voyager class version just because the marginal improvement on that toy's alt mode seen from he top does not make up for all the extra back kibble it gets. But we will talk more of that particular toy later Back to this cyberverse toy, while it may not have a great alt mode, you could never guess it actually transforms, hence why it is number one on my list.





Honourable mentions: I wrote about the G1 Action Masters series in the intro which were infamous for being the first non transforming toys of the Transformers brand. BUT, did you know that there were some not released in the US that actually did transform? That particular line was called Action Master Elite and I am using the the four Transformers that make it's entirety as my honourable mentions. After all, who could have ever guessed that these non transforming toys actually did somewhat transform.
I would also like to mention Animated Oilslick.


Transformers Animated Oil Slick Gallery

Great list I was really hoping for G1 Shockwave or FOC Shockwave would have made #1 because just by looking at either, you wouldn't have any idea what they turn into. Then again that's almost all incarnations of Shockwave.

Randomhero wrote:Great list I was really hoping for G1 Shockwave or FOC Shockwave would have made #1 because just by looking at either, you wouldn't have any idea what they turn into. Then again that's almost all incarnations of Shockwave.

That's an amazing pick! I own FOC Shockwave and didn't even think about it. So I am glad you mentioned it. And yes, I totally agree with that being true for almost all incarnations with the Alternators one being the only version his alt mode can be easily identified.

I would've put MP Magnus in there. His robot mode almost perfectly hides all vehicle hints.

william-james88 wrote:

Randomhero wrote:Great list I was really hoping for G1 Shockwave or FOC Shockwave would have made #1 because just by looking at either, you wouldn't have any idea what they turn into. Then again that's almost all incarnations of Shockwave.

That's an amazing pick! I own FOC Shockwave and didn't even think about it. So I am glad you mentioned it. And yes, I totally agree with that being true for almost all incarnations with the Alternators one being the only version his alt mode can be easily identified.

FoC shockwave, maybe, but g1 shockwave... I'd say he's off the list because his transformation involves a completely separate part sliding over his arms to complete it.

I have one of those transformer elites- Turbo Master! Even though he could transform I never realised it (see his alt mode and realise why along with the fact I picked him up second-hand from a junk shop as a child with no accessories) and never knew he was a transformer (I used him as an armoured hero for my GI-Joes ) until I reached high school and the internet helped me in my quest to identify this figure who now sits proudly within my collection.

i have to disagree with onslaught, the legs are a dead giveaway that he transforms. I would've replaced him with FOC Megatron or the first masterpiece optimus.

Great list! I would also like to mention Deluxe class War for Cybertron Megatron, although you could argue that his altmode is nothing without the cannon, it's still awesome! Have I mentioned how great that robot mode is?

RID Megatron/Galvatron. He doesn't so much look like a transformer as some demonic character in armor. All of his alt mode parts like wheels and claws look like decorations on his armor rather than an indication of his alt mode. Just looking at him you wouldn't know just how complex he really is and how many transformations he can make, forget having just one. The only thing that really gives it away is his back, but even that could be passed off as some strange tail like thing.

Emerje

You should have stuck with "top 5 least kibble figures." This list doenst make sense and feelslike a reach Onslaught wearsmost of his partsvery well, its true, but I dont know anyone who can look at that mold, and not tell it transforms. Maybe I am biased. I feel like OS gets a cheet sincehe is a kitformer. I'll give you thatMegatron, though, I did have to do a doubletake.

You were better off doing a list for best Motorcycles. Or snakes, but do we even have 5 snakes?

Thanks for all the feedback, and your interests in this list and helping make it better with your comments! Deluxe WFC Megs is pretty good too but those giant flat feet really hint that they cannot only be feet. But that's just me and that can also be said about Onslaught.

And thanks for the list suggestions. Top 5 bikes is on my long list of things to do. As for snakes umm... I feel there were only 2: Beast Machines Night Viper and Beast Wars Neo Cohrada who is an AMAZING figure! And quickstrike is half snake.

have you done or would be interested in 'top five versions of G1 Optimus Prime'?

william-james88 wrote:Thanks for all the feedback, and your interests in this list and helping make it better with your comments! Deluxe WFC Megs is pretty good too but those giant flat feet really hint that they cannot only be feet. But that's just me and that can also be said about Onslaught.

And thanks for the list suggestions. Top 5 bikes is on my long list of things to do. As for snakes umm... I feel there were only 2: Beast Machines Night Viper and Beast Wars Neo Cohrada who is an AMAZING figure! And quickstrike is half snake.

Top 5 snakes in order of snakeness. Serpentor Prime, who fails at being a snake but gets props for trying, Quickstrike, Gobu, Night Viper, Cohrada.

RK_Striker_JK_5 wrote:have you done or would be interested in 'top five versions of G1 Optimus Prime'?

Well, we have a Top 10 Optimus/Convoy toys on the works, didnt think of making one just made of G1. I only own one version though (the original) so it would have to be someone else writing it.

I am kinda amazed the second edition Vehicon didnt make the list. Still one of my favs when it comes to vanishing kibble.

zatara1701 wrote:I am kinda amazed the second edition Vehicon didnt make the list. Still one of my favs when it comes to vanishing kibble.

Oh I definitely thought of him, but the wheels are just so front and center on that one, they were hard to ignore and also seemed quite extraneous since all the other car kibble was indeed gone. But thats just me. Also, while the folding away method was impressive, I prefer when kibble is reworked into the robot as part of him and his appearance, which is the case with all the ones on my list.

I can't believe Generations Springer isn't on this list. He has almost no kibble when in robot mode.

Crosscheck wrote:I can't believe Generations Springer isn't on this list. He has almost no kibble when in robot mode.

Nice pick, but I personally found the wheels a bit too obvious, as well as the stuff hanging off his feet in the back and his knee landing gear. It's a top 5 so it's hard to put everyone on there. He might have been there if it was a top 10 though.

william-james88 wrote:

Randomhero wrote:Great list I was really hoping for G1 Shockwave or FOC Shockwave would have made #1 because just by looking at either, you wouldn't have any idea what they turn into. Then again that's almost all incarnations of Shockwave.

That's an amazing pick! I own FOC Shockwave and didn't even think about it. So I am glad you mentioned it. And yes, I totally agree with that being true for almost all incarnations with the Alternators one being the only version his alt mode can be easily identified.

From my collection, FOC Shockwave would have been my top pick as well. The only other figure I could think of would be the Generations Megatron/Dreadwing mould - apart from that chest piece, there's no hint as to what it is... and even then it's ambiguous - especially with the wings turning into the weapon.

I wonder whether a lot of the Beast Hunters Predacons might actually all easily fit in this category, due to their beastly nature in the alt mode. I mean, they just look like humanoid beasts in robot mode (and gorgeous ones at that, especially in some cases), so I wouldn't really say they show their alt-mode that much, with some exceptions.

I'm thinking especially the Grimwing mold:


But also Predaking:


If it weren't for the head, even Ripclaw:


And of course, Thundertron. Lion head for a chest? No problem.

Sorry Will, but appart Cyberverse Prime Megatron, this list fail as "Top 5 Transformers figures who look most like non transforming action figures". As many said, it should have been titled "Top less kibble/showing vehicle bits".

Emerje is on the right track with RID Megatron. The irony is it have like, 12 modes! So, lemme come up with five others, in no particular order.
I don't need to explain anything because a picture is worth 1000 words. Still, you will see a patern here...









And just to get out of the movie lines:


Granted, they all transform into big piles of noothing, but you gotta admit that all these bot modes give no clues AT ALL for any poossible altmodes.

-Kanrabat- wrote:
Granted, they all transform into big piles of noothing, but you gotta admit that all these bot modes give no clues AT ALL for any poossible altmodes.

This has less to do with giving clues to the alt mode and more to do with how they look as action figures. Your list is more like "top toys that look much better in robot mode" or something like that, but they are so darn busy (with random pieces all ove the place and hinges everywhere and odd ass proportions) that they dont look like non transforming figures either. Especially that first movie megatron with all that stuff in his back. They all look like there is more to them, we just dont know what. They arent quite sleek. Also, by your logic, why wouldnt Universe Cyclonus beat most of your pics? While there are no clues to his alt mode, or extraneous kibble, he has far better proportions than the ones on your list and looks more like a standard action figure too, with distinguishable arms, legs, feet and hands (and face).

But back to what I was going for, Animated Lockdown and Oilslick show some vehicle bits, but they are so lanky and sleek that they look more like action figure versions of a transformer instead of an actual transformer. That's kinda what I am going for. And I am far more intrigued by what Va'al mentioned since that totally works with that idea. Wow Va'al, I totally ignored those Prime figures and they didnt even cross my mind but yes, they totally fit the bill, especially Thundertron, who I think is super awesome. He looks more like a detailed power rangers action figure that way. Um...

Yeah, the movie stuff are crap, except Ravage that I like for some reason.

Speaking of sleekness, Voyager Animated Megatron is the perfect example of your critera. As mush as Cyberverse Prime Megatron in fact. It's just unfortunate that his altmode is totally pointless.

-Kanrabat- wrote:Yeah, the movie stuff are crap, except Ravage that I like for some reason.

Speaking of sleekness, Voyager Animated Megatron is the perfect example of your critera. As mush as Cyberverse Prime Megatron in fact. It's just unfortunate that his altmode is totally pointless.

Did you look at his legs? They are ginormous! He, like all animated figures, went through my mind when thinking of what to include and he failed because of his legs. They are totally disproportionate and dont make him sleek at all. And his back is an absolute nightmare, it looks like an unfinished robot. I was thinking of adding leader megatron instead actually, I feel he answers more my criteria over the other megatron figures from that line (but that obvious backpack kept him out).

william-james88 wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:Yeah, the movie stuff are crap, except Ravage that I like for some reason.

Speaking of sleekness, Voyager Animated Megatron is the perfect example of your critera. As mush as Cyberverse Prime Megatron in fact. It's just unfortunate that his altmode is totally pointless.

Did you look at his legs? They are ginormous! He, like all animated figures, went through my mind when thinking of what to include and he failed because of his legs. They are totally disproportionate and dont make him sleek at all. And his back is an absolute nightmare, it looks like an unfinished robot. I was thinking of adding leader megatron instead actually, I feel he answers more my criteria over the other megatron figures from that line (but that obvious backpack kept him out).

Nah, Tthe screw holes and lesser details for the back is present in many non-TF toys as well. Also,the ginormousness of the lower legs are irrelevant. It's a TF trope afterall. But still, I'll rule Animated Megatron out because of the huge and DEEP hollows at the back of the legs.

BTW, allow me to cheat and add TMNT Mutating Rides (or something) Splinter. He really don't look he can transform at all, safe for a hinge at the back of the "robot" mode. Transforming him is like overturning a sock!