Seibertron.com Energon Pub Forums

HASBRO’S TRANSFORMERS BRAND EXPANDS “MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE” UNIVERSE IN 2010 WITH NEW TOYS THAT CAPTURE THE EXCITEMENT AND
EXPAND THE ENTERTAINMENT OF THE ICONIC PROPERTY

New BATTLE OPS BUMBLEBEE Action Figure and POWER CORE COMBINER Expression
Lead New Introductions For The Innovative And Popular Toy Line

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (February 12, 2010) — On the heels of launching 2009’s largest grossing movie and in anticipation of the next installment in 2011, the TRANSFORMERS brand from Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS) ramps up the play in 2010 with new offerings that build on the energy and excitement from the brand’s history and blockbuster film franchise. Featuring over-the-top action figures, unique role-play items and innovative twists on the TRANSFORMERS brand signature play pattern, the 2010 lineup offers dozens of toys, two exciting promotions and an expansive worldwide licensing program across all major categories to satisfy and excite the brand’s ever-expanding fan base.

This spring the AUTOBOTS, the heroic protectors of Earth, need help from their human allies in the N.E.S.T. GLOBAL ALLIANCE as the planet continues to face threats from the evil DECEPTICONS. Hasbro is inviting kids and fans to join the alliance through a special promotion that is currently underway. By collecting three stickers included in specially marked TRANSFORMERS products, kids and fans can join the N.E.S.T. GLOBAL ALLIANCE and mail away for a special edition RAVAGE figure not available anywhere else. The promotion requires a payment of $4.95 for shipping and handling charges to receive the special edition figure and the offer is good while supplies last. Requests must be postmarked by April 30 and received by May 14. Then, in the fall, kids can ‘live’ the TRANSFORMERS adventure as the “Hunt for the DECEPTICONS” promotion begins. Look for exciting details about this interactive promotion later in the year.

If fans can’t wait until 2011 for the next TRANSFORMERS movie they can watch online webisodes of “Cyber Missions,” featuring new TRANSFORMERS adventures. “Cyber Missions” finds the AUTOBOTS working with humans in the N.E.S.T. global alliance to defend Earth against the revenge-seeking DECEPTICONS. There will be 12 webisodes total which began airing online at www.TRANSFORMERS.com in early January and new webisodes will continue to air throughout the year.
BUMBLEBEE continues to be one of the most popular TRANSFORMERS heroes as he acts as both a defender and a warrior for good. The new BATTLE OPS BUMBLEBEE action figure continues to push the boundaries of TRANSFORMERS toy innovation and showcases two sides of BUMBLEBEE with features unique to each of these roles. For example, when serving as a guardian, BUMBLEBEE features more playful phrases along with authentic engine sounds and lights. Then, when converted into battle mode, BATTLE OPS BUMBLEBEE has missile launchers that pop out, a converting plasma cannon that lights up, and phrases that change to reflect his battle personality.

Expanding upon the essence of DEVASTATOR — a robot built by combining multiple construction vehicles — the TRANSFORMERS brand unveils the new POWER CORE COMBINERS expression that redefines the magic of combination play. The toys deliver an interchangeable system of robots, vehicles and weapons that escalates the level of fun and increases the number of robots within a child’s TRANSFORMERS toy universe.

For those wanting to engage in heroic AUTOBOT role play, the TRANSFORMERS line offers new items including the OPTIMUS PRIME CYBER SWORD toy which features lights, battle and conversion sounds, as well as key phrases from OPTIMUS PRIME.
And for the youngest AUTOBOT-in-training, the TRANSFORMERS brand unveils the new ACTIVATORS expression of action figures. Designed with the youngest TRANSFORMERS fans in mind, ACTIVATORS toys feature easier conversion from vehicle to robot modes than traditional TRANSFORMERS figures and are available in popular characters such as OPTIMUS PRIME, BUMBLEBEE and MEGATRON.
For more information about TRANSFORMERS promotions and products, consumers can visit www.TRANSFORMERS.com.

Highlights of new TRANSFORMERS products available in 2010 include:
TRANSFORMERS ACTION FIGURES
(Approximate retail price: DELUXE Scale $12.99; VOYAGER Scale $19.99; Leader Scale $44.99; Ages 5 & up; Available: Spring 2010)
For more than 25 years, TRANSFORMERS action figures have been known as “ROBOTS IN DISGUISE,” providing fans with the enjoyment of converting incredibly detailed, realistically styled vehicles into awesome battling alien robots. In 2010, Hasbro is offering a wide variety of all-new versions of fan-favorite characters, including OPTIMUS PRIME, BUMBLEBEE, MEGATRON and STARSCREAM in an array of scales: DELUXE, VOYAGER (larger scale), and LEADER (largest scale and includes lights and sounds).

TRANSFORMERS BATTLE OPS BUMBLEBEE Action Figure
(Approximate retail price: $59.99; Ages 5 & up; Available: Fall 2010)
The all-new BATTLE OPS BUMBLEBEE action figure is ready for battle! This large-scale figure truly shows fans the AUTOBOT hero’s personality, both as a protector of Earth and a warrior against the evil DECEPTICONS. With two distinct modes – Battle and Guardian – BATTLE OPS BUMBLEBEE features a variety of electronic sounds and lights, accompanied by a converting plasma cannon.

TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS
The TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS introduce fans to an all-new assortment of figures that expand on the classic play pattern of the popular “ROBOTS IN DISGUISE.” This new expression of figures combine with one another, in dozens of variations, to create a wide variety of larger COMBINER robots, with each figure serving as various body parts and weapons. Available in 2-packs and 5-packs.

• TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS 2-Pack
(Approximate retail price: $9.99; Ages 5 & up; Available: Fall 2010)
The TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS 2-Pack includes one SCOUT scale TRANSFORMERS figure and one MINI-CON scale figure. The SCOUT scale figure features a ‘robot’ mode and a ‘vehicle’ mode. The MINI-CON scale figure has four modes: ‘robot’ mode, robot weapon, vehicle weapon and Power-up Armor for combining with the central SCOUT scale figure in both robot and vehicle mode. 2-Pack figures are interchangeable with 5-Pack figures.

• TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS 5-Pack
(Approximate retail price: $19.99; Ages 5 & up; Available: Fall 2010)
The TRANSFORMERS POWER CORE COMBINERS 5-Pack features teams of TRANSFORMERS characters that can combine together to form one large TRANSFORMERS figure. Each team consists of one SCOUT scale figure and four LEGENDS scale vehicles. The SCOUT scale figure features one ‘vehicle’ mode and two ‘robot’ modes and each of the LEGENDS scale vehicles can plug into the specially marked ports on the central SCOUT scale figure to instantaneously convert into an arm or leg using auto-conversion technology. All figures can be swapped out with one another to form multiple different combinations and new figures. 5-Pack figures are interchangeable with 2-Pack figures.

TRANSFORMERS ACTIVATORS
(Approximate retail price: $7.99; Ages 4 & up; Available: Spring 2010)
TRANSFORMERS ACTIVATORS toys, a new expression within the TRANSFOMERS toy line, feature conversion from vehicle to robot modes that’s easier than traditional TRANSFORMERS figures. Designed with the younger child in mind, conversion is triggered by pressing the AUTOBOT or DECEPTICON shield located on the figure and require only a few steps to fully change modes. TRANSFORMERS ACTIVATORS figures feature popular characters including BUMBLEBEE, OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON.

TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME CYBER SWORD
(Approximate retail price: $19.99; Ages 4 & up; Available: Fall 2010)
The TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME CYBER SWORD allows kids to role play just like the fearless leader of the AUTOBOTS and reenact their favorite battle scenes. Kids will enjoy its electronic lights, battle and conversion sounds, as well as key movie phrases.

ACTION FLEET TRANSFORMERS BUMBLEBEE BATTLE TRACK Set
(Ages 4 & Up; Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Available: Fall 2010)
Created specifically for the ACTION FLEET TRANSFORMERS line of mini-vehicles, kids can join the adventure and help BUMBLEBEE and OPTIMUS PRIME defeat the evil MEGATRON by racing to victory with the new ACTION FLEET TRANSFORMERS BATTLE TRACK set. The glory of winning depends on your skill; launch the BUMBLEBEE mini-vehicle, exclusive to this track set, at the correct time and send it crashing into MEGATRON who will crumble in defeat. Introduced in 2009, TRANSFORMERS mini-vehicles feature the robot version of characters unique to the TRANSFORMERS universe on the underside of each non-converting vehicle for easy identification.

ACTION FLEET TRANSFORMERS STEALTH FORCE OPTIMUS PRIME Vehicle
(Ages 4 & Up; Approximate Retail Price: $24.99; Available: Fall 2010)
Featuring electronic lights and sounds, motorized conversions and firing projectiles, kids can “bring to life” the epic TRANSFORMERS battle with this new vehicle from the ACTION FLEET TRANSFORMERS line. For covert combat, watch as select parts of this OPTIMUS PRIME semi-truck vehicle convert with the touch of a button to reveal stealth mode weaponry hidden inside to battle the evil DECEPTICONS like no other vehicle available.

About HASBRO
Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com . © 2010 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Interesting. Not a word about War for Cybertron...

ALl I can say(besides:hasbro, make Leader Blackout already!) is I hope the Power Core guys fit in with the movie verse, with how detailed the ROTF figures were, there's very little non movie stuff that fits with them....

That doesn't mean all the Power Core Cobiners are going to be scouts does it? I thought the ones we saw were deluxe size(huffer and the fire truck). Or are the ones they are talking about different ones...i hope.

zenosaurus_x wrote:ALl I can say(besides:hasbro, make Leader Blackout already!) is I hope the Power Core guys fit in with the movie verse, with how detailed the ROTF figures were, there's very little non movie stuff that fits with them....

I hope the are Compeltely different than the craptastic movie verse and the terrible movie toys. The movie toys are what stopped me from collecting, since they and the animated lines are the only things in stores, and I find both horrible, horrible lines.

I don't have much hope for this new line though. I hated minicons, and I don't collect the legends figures either. I'm hoping these will somehow fit in with the Classics/Universe type figures. Otherwise I still won't be buying any TF's anytime soon.

From what they're saying, it looks like Huffer and them can become gestalts too! Seems like you can take any Scout and strap on any 4 Legends and you got a gestalt. I believe the Legends can also become chest armor too, so it might be possible to combine 5 Legends with a scout. And if the gestalt can hold more Legends in weapon mode... So awesome! I'm gonna go Pokemon on this line!

NassaDane wrote:That doesn't mean all the Power Core Cobiners are going to be scouts does it? I thought the ones we saw were deluxe size(huffer and the fire truck). Or are the ones they are talking about different ones...i hope.

Huffer and Smolder (the fire truck) were scout sized.

Anyone else felt like they were stabbed in the heart reading that the PCC's were scout to legend class? Man that bites. And what about WFC?

First Gen wrote:Anyone else felt like they were stabbed in the heart reading that the PCC's were scout to legend class? Man that bites. And what about WFC?

I kinda suspected that the combiners would be like that, based on their price point and the description of the line in general. It's kinda nice in a way, to give the kids a lot of playability for a very decent price.

Mkall wrote:

NassaDane wrote:That doesn't mean all the Power Core Cobiners are going to be scouts does it? I thought the ones we saw were deluxe size(huffer and the fire truck). Or are the ones they are talking about different ones...i hope.

Huffer and Smolder (the fire truck) were scout sized.

well my world has just been blown. guess i don't have to buy them now. I've never been tempted to buy little transformers.

First Gen wrote:Anyone else felt like they were stabbed in the heart reading that the PCC's were scout to legend class? Man that bites. And what about WFC?

Not at all, it's not the size that counts it is how you use it. I will be reserving judgement until I see pictures of them. Remember that you can get good small figures such as Hybrid Style Convoy. I'm not expecting anything as good as that from Hasbro btw.

Trikeboy wrote:

First Gen wrote:Anyone else felt like they were stabbed in the heart reading that the PCC's were scout to legend class? Man that bites. And what about WFC?

Not at all, it's not the size that counts it is how you use it. I will be reserving judgement until I see pictures of them.

This is where I am with it. I'm still looking forward to PCC...but legends-class? I need to see them to make up my mind.

Enough with the ROTF line!!
WE WANT CLASSICS\UNIVERSE BACK!!!

Anybody else noticed they didn't say a word about the combiner limbs able to change to robot mode?

Chaoslock wrote:Anybody else noticed they didn't say a word about the combiner limbs able to change to robot mode?

Only when you pointed it out! But it says 5 pack and 2 pack figures are interchangeable so maybe we won't be disappointed.

First Gen wrote:Anyone else felt like they were stabbed in the heart reading that the PCC's were scout to legend class? Man that bites. And what about WFC?

Maybe not stabbed in the heart, but definitely stabbed in the back. I don't mind if cars are scout-sized, but Huffer and the fire truck, since their alt modes are bigger than cars, should at least be deluxe-size.

So if Searchlight is a car, like an homage to G1 Searchlight, then I will get him and any of the other 2-packs where the scout figure turns into a car. But if an alt mode warrants a larger-class figure, then it is almost impossible to see myself buying it.

That really sucks, too, because I REALLY wanted a new, modern Huffer.

Jaz-Zen wrote:

First Gen wrote:Anyone else felt like they were stabbed in the heart reading that the PCC's were scout to legend class? Man that bites. And what about WFC?

Maybe not stabbed in the heart, but definitely stabbed in the back. I don't mind if cars are scout-sized, but Huffer and the fire truck, since their alt modes are bigger than cars, should at least be deluxe-size.

So if Searchlight is a car, like an homage to G1 Searchlight, then I will get him and any of the other 2-packs where the scout figure turns into a car. But if an alt mode warrants a larger-class figure, then it is almost impossible to see myself buying it.

That really sucks, too, because I REALLY wanted a new, modern Huffer.

Bu...but, Huffer was tiny!

Chaoslock wrote:Anybody else noticed they didn't say a word about the combiner limbs able to change to robot mode?

Well it says both the scout and mini-con have robot modes so seems the limbs will have robot modes.

Out of all that the only thing I'm looking forward to is the Power Core Combiners.

I am interested to SEE more about these PCC's. With news of Bruticus, and Superion, as well as, the whole idea that so many pieces are interchangeable, these may be one of the most awesome recent lines, or one of the worst.

The legends figures happen to be some of my favorites recently, as do the scouts. So I am certainly intrigued, and so is the minicon collector in me.

Yes, PowerCore Combiners are scout figures! This is excellent because I do not collect scout figures. Hasbro has just saved me lots of money. Unless they are super bad ass, I am sure that I will hold off.

Hmmmmm...reading back through it doesnt say anything about the legend sized figures in the 5 pack wether or not they have robot modes. kinda makes me think now that they will be like the supreme devastor limbs.
I was thinking the mini-cons form the limbs but in their 4 modes it says nothing about that.

I wish they'd go one step at a time... How about some word on the finale of the Animated line??? I can only hope that there are pics later today of Ironhide and the rest of the AWOL Animated characters we're supposed to see...

I'm not surprised about the PCC. Think about it. From the start is was minicon sized robots forming armor and weapons for the bigger ones. How would a minicon form armor for a deluxe sized figure?

I like it better this way, keeps it cheap. If they were charging you for a deluxe sized figure with this kind of versatility we would be seeing 5 packs gor for 40 bucks and the 2 packs going for 19.99. Perhaps the basics will all be able to combine with each other as well. we shall see.

Mkall wrote:Interesting. Not a word about War for Cybertron...

This kind of lends credence (at this point) to what I've been saying about the WFC figures. At this point we have only seen three figures. The less I hear about them from Hasbro, the more I think this is Activision's ball...which means that the figures will be packaged with the game itself as a collector's edition (think Batarang for Arkham Asylum) and will depend on where you buy it (Prime at GameStop, Bumblebee at WalMart, Megatron at Target, etc).

Lord Onixprime wrote:I like it better this way, keeps it cheap. If they were charging you for a deluxe sized figure with this kind of versatility we would be seeing 5 packs gor for 40 bucks and the 2 packs going for 19.99.

Agreed. Let's face it, we've all been hit in the wallet the last year and half; parents have especially gotten whacked. To get two playable toys with that diversity at that price is phenomenal. And let's face it, they target these toys to kids, not collectors. If they targeted only collectors, they wouldn't make any money because we'd demand extremely high quality but command minimal market share. At best, collectors make up 5-7% of the total sales of these figures.

It's kinda sad. I've seen little in the way of enthusiasm for the fact that the line is continuing. We should be grateful for that. Let's face it: other toy lines have come and gone in the time our beloved Transformers have been around. All I keep hearing is, "We want our way! WAAAAAAAAAHHH!" Hasbro has done quite a bit to appease collectors, but like I said it's a TINY market share. I don't know about the rest of you, but I see the collector's Perceptors and Insecticons stacked up on the TRU shelves with no one buying them. THe lines aimed at kids however (the major target market) are selling out. Two WalMarts in Rockford have been out of Deluxes for weeks now. The Voyagers are slim pickings, and there are virtually no leader class figs out either. Even the Animated line is picked over severely.

Look, I apologize if I sound like I'm scolding people here. All I'm trying to say is, we should be grateful the line continues to do well and Hasrbo sees fit to put effort into diversifying the line. Would anyone here like to imagine a world where the press release, instead of saying "We're expanding this popular and powerful line", says "Due to low sales and popularity, we are sad to report that we have discontinued the Transformers toy line"? I sure as heck don't. I enjoy them too much.

Rather interesting seeing everyones take on what we get out of the PCC situation. Let's see if I can throw my interpretation into the mix for a bit of extra confusion.
What I got from this is something more along the lines of the old Micromaster Combiners with either the Scout class vehicle taking the place of the old combination of torso armor + 6th Micromaster forming the body OR (and I'm betting more on this one) the scout class vehicle having nothing to do with the make up of the mini-gestalt and it being all just the combination of mini-cons and armor pieces. Also, the 5 packs being nothing but mini-cons and armor and thereby limiting the number of Scout vehicles in this line to only what's available in the 2-packs, which makes sense price/manufacturing wise. It should make for a lot more variety, however, in the armor/weapon combinations that we will have for the Scout figures.
I'm liking the concept personally. I have 6 of the Micromaster Combiners and despite their age and limited poseability, my kids still enjoy playing with them. This update on an old idea is something that I think will go over well with the younger crowd and a small hand-full of us older collectors. And lets face it, the older collectors are NOT the target demographic that Hasbro is shooting for so those of you feeling inclined to piss and moan about this new line might as well save your breath because it's falling on deaf ears at Hasbro.