The Energon Pub

[Sentinel_Primal]

I'm starting to see why Hasbro might just stick with G1... Whenever they reinterpret a G1 character or figure, sure, it's met with some critiscism, but generally, they're well recieved unless the figure itself has design flaws like tabbing issues or breakages or includes gimmicks that the character didn't have before that are intrusive. Meanwhile, any non-G1 characters they reimagine, like Optimal Optimus or Galaxy Convoy, are compared with the original toy and are judged more harshly by older fans who had the chance to play with the original. And I understand why that is, the older versions typically had more features that the newer versions lack for cost reasons, but considering we have gotten so many G1 Optimus Primes, Bumblebees, Megatrons, Starscreams, it's nice to see different designs for those characters, even if they aren't exactly upgrades to the originals. Maybe this is just coming from the perspective of someone who's first exposure to Transformers was through Transformers Animated and the movies, so I didn't have a chance to handle the original Galaxy Convoy, but if Hasbro continues to attempt to redo older figures in a different style, I'm all for it. Especially if we get more Unicron Trilogy designs. I'd love a new Armada Prime

[Lunatic Prime]

You know what I'd like to see for Siege (or rather, the whole trilogy) figures beside the weapons and weaponizers? Armor. Specifically armor meant to use the 5mm ports, Think of it like segmented panels with hardpoints and/or painted battle damage that you can pop off and go 'Rragh! My armor! Noooooo!"

You kind of get that with the Weaponizers and Soundwave's minions. Of course those are more shields than armor but armor would have to be too individual and is not practical to go with every size class from Deluxe upwards.
But I'd like to see more shields and melee weapons. I hoped Skytread would turn out to be a Weaponizer whose wings would form melee weapons but as we know now he's only a duocon.

I think grey armor made of flexible panels could work, especially if stuck on arms and legs.

You mean fexible to fit different size classes or to be more easy to put on and remove again? Because if for different size classes and shapes that would make the armor/material warp and make it more difficult to use it for another figure. And colorwise I would choose silver or gunmetal grey with panel lines to simulate a glowing effect. Of course you need a story for the armor and color choice like in R.I.D. 2015.

If I knew how to 3d model I'd try to see if there's a market for more 3d printed accessories for Transformers that aren't just guns.

Try Shapeways

[Lunatic Prime]

Really surprised by the lack of enthusiasm for Galaxy Convoy. I love how this thing looks! I'm excited for him!

As for the new Commander class that looks to be coming, You watch, it's gonna be a Jetfire that can combine with the Voyager Prime ALA Armada and the movies, probably closer to the movies. And if that happens, I'll need to go find the voyager Prime so I can have a trifecta of Jetfire-powered up primes

I wouldn't be surprised if it combines with the Leader class Prime just to push his sells. If his cannons were removable that would be great to go with a movie-esque Jetfire combination. But if it only uses the core robot and is in black I might get SIEGE UM for a black and white combination. But all white might be great, as well.

[-Kanrabat-]

Overall, this whole thing reminds me of the conversations surrounding PotP OpOp: those who already have the original figure say he's not worth it because this one isn't as good, and those who like it are a mix of people who can't get ahold of the original and/or people who are tired of ceaseless G1 updates.

Exactly. That's why even if Siege leader Optimus is not for me, it will be for LOTS of people.
Especially for children who weren't even born when the Original came out.

[ThunderThruster]

Why not RID Fire Optimus Prime, they wouldn't have needed any fake parts for that?

Think again. Or how else do you propose to get the cab section to form the legs of the core bot. Fake parts!

[ZeroWolf]

Why not RID Fire Optimus Prime, they wouldn't have needed any fake parts for that?

Think again. Or how else do you propose to get the cab section to form the legs of the core bot. Fake parts!

I think he just means the super mode as its likely the core bot would still be the same as now.

[Skritz]

I'm starting to see why Hasbro might just stick with G1... Whenever they reinterpret a G1 character or figure, sure, it's met with some critiscism, but generally, they're well recieved unless the figure itself has design flaws like tabbing issues or breakages or includes gimmicks that the character didn't have before that are intrusive. Meanwhile, any non-G1 characters they reimagine, like Optimal Optimus or Galaxy Convoy, are compared with the original toy and are judged more harshly by older fans who had the chance to play with the original.

Well, Armada Starscream, Rhinox, Rattrap and Waspinator were well received in T30. It's more that, with Optimal Optimus and Galaxy Convoy, that Hasbro has a bad habit of remaking at high price point figures who were big, chunky, gimmick-laden figures and remaking them on today's admittedly more shoestring, post-recession budget. The bar for these figures is extremely high.

However personally I still think that Optimal Optimus is overall better than the original (as a playable action figure) in spite of the gimmick change and lack of one mode. His articulation and vastly improved proportions and sculpt are a decent enough tradeoff. However, for Galaxy Convoy it's a bit more jarring, possibly because he's just a 'filler retool' of Ultra Magnus, whereas Optimal was his own mold from the get go.

[william-james88]

However personally I still think that Optimal Optimus is overall better than the original (as a playable action figure) in spite of the gimmick change and lack of one mode. His articulation and vastly improved proportions and sculpt are a decent enough tradeoff. However, for Galaxy Convoy it's a bit more jarring, possibly because he's just a 'filler retool' of Ultra Magnus, whereas Optimal was his own mold from the get go.

Optimal is also a new take on the toy/character by him having that evolution gimmick. So its a different take on the character. With galaxy convoy its the same shtick he had last time. Of course, thats what Hasbro promised us so I understand them doing it this way and I feel there wold have been complaints either way.

[Skritz]

Optimal at least has the advantage of a robot mode that looks way more show accurate and proportionate. The original toy, when it came out, was quite the oddity in the post-season 2 world of Beast Wars because at that point the show was taking way less liberties with the show model vs toy model. But Optimal Optimus? Good lord, that thing had a giant brick splayed perpendicular to the whole torso, it was ludicrous.



The POTP backpack is tame by comparison!

[Emerje]

Why not RID Fire Optimus Prime, they wouldn't have needed any fake parts for that?

Think again. Or how else do you propose to get the cab section to form the legs of the core bot. Fake parts!

I think he just means the super mode as its likely the core bot would still be the same as now.

Exactly. The current core bot isn't accurate at all to Cybertron Optimus Prime so I wouldn't expect anything different from an RID version and that's perfectly fine since this is just supposed to be a new super mode to G1 Prime. Which is why I find the slavish attention to detail in the current Leader so off putting. I wouldn't have any complaints if the shoulder armor was just vaguely truck like, just lose the windows, get rid of the awful tires on the wings, and maybe armor up the chest a bit instead of pointless windows. I like the alt mode, I like the core bot, but I can't get over the parts on the super mold. It's one thing if it's fake parts used to improve a figure from car mode to bot mode like a fake car roof for a better chest, but fake parts just to make one character look a little more like an entirely different character doesn't fly with me.

Optimal at least has the advantage of a robot mode that looks way more show accurate and proportionate. The original toy, when it came out, was quite the oddity in the post-season 2 world of Beast Wars because at that point the show was taking way less liberties with the show model vs toy model. But Optimal Optimus? Good lord, that thing had a giant brick splayed perpendicular to the whole torso, it was ludicrous.



The POTP backpack is tame by comparison!

This never bothered me. To me this was just an extension of his canons just like they were in his alt modes and would have felt neutered if the back folded down or something.

Emerje

[Sabrblade]

Optimal at least has the advantage of a robot mode that looks way more show accurate and proportionate. The original toy, when it came out, was quite the oddity in the post-season 2 world of Beast Wars because at that point the show was taking way less liberties with the show model vs toy model. But Optimal Optimus? Good lord, that thing had a giant brick splayed perpendicular to the whole torso, it was ludicrous.

The show model simply folded the brick down to serve as a large backpack to allow the missile launchers to retract into his body, and effectively making the wheel pieces on his toy's back become nonexistent in the show.

[Skritz]

Optimal at least has the advantage of a robot mode that looks way more show accurate and proportionate. The original toy, when it came out, was quite the oddity in the post-season 2 world of Beast Wars because at that point the show was taking way less liberties with the show model vs toy model. But Optimal Optimus? Good lord, that thing had a giant brick splayed perpendicular to the whole torso, it was ludicrous.

The show model simply folded the brick down to serve as a large backpack to allow the missile launchers to retract into his body, and effectively making the wheel pieces on his toy's back become nonexistent in the show.

True, but the folding of the backpack (which is more there on the POTP version) make for a cleaner silhouette. That said you are correct about the wheel kibble being missing, which I guess technically make the POTP version more show accurate as long as you ignore the folded Primal on his back.

Then again, I think the 'ground mode' got used what....twice in the entire show? With Megatron using the form in Beast Machine too.

[Hellscream9999]

Optimal at least has the advantage of a robot mode that looks way more show accurate and proportionate. The original toy, when it came out, was quite the oddity in the post-season 2 world of Beast Wars because at that point the show was taking way less liberties with the show model vs toy model. But Optimal Optimus? Good lord, that thing had a giant brick splayed perpendicular to the whole torso, it was ludicrous.

The show model simply folded the brick down to serve as a large backpack to allow the missile launchers to retract into his body, and effectively making the wheel pieces on his toy's back become nonexistent in the show.

Were you able to push a button and fold the turret in half along his back? Or am I thinking of a different figure

[Sabrblade]

Optimal at least has the advantage of a robot mode that looks way more show accurate and proportionate. The original toy, when it came out, was quite the oddity in the post-season 2 world of Beast Wars because at that point the show was taking way less liberties with the show model vs toy model. But Optimal Optimus? Good lord, that thing had a giant brick splayed perpendicular to the whole torso, it was ludicrous.

The show model simply folded the brick down to serve as a large backpack to allow the missile launchers to retract into his body, and effectively making the wheel pieces on his toy's back become nonexistent in the show.

Were you able to push a button and fold the turret in half along his back? Or am I thinking of a different figure

The opposite. In the original toy's beast mode, the front end of the turret could fold down to have the cannons rest on each side of the gorilla's head. The back end of the turret was always on the gorilla's back regardless of the cannons being folded forward or pointing up, but this fold no doubt inspired the show model having the turret's back end fold down the robot mode's back, which the toy could not do.

[Hellscream9999]

Optimal at least has the advantage of a robot mode that looks way more show accurate and proportionate. The original toy, when it came out, was quite the oddity in the post-season 2 world of Beast Wars because at that point the show was taking way less liberties with the show model vs toy model. But Optimal Optimus? Good lord, that thing had a giant brick splayed perpendicular to the whole torso, it was ludicrous.

The show model simply folded the brick down to serve as a large backpack to allow the missile launchers to retract into his body, and effectively making the wheel pieces on his toy's back become nonexistent in the show.

Were you able to push a button and fold the turret in half along his back? Or am I thinking of a different figure

The opposite. In the original toy's beast mode, the front end of the turret could fold down to have the cannons rest on each side of the gorilla's head. The back end of the turret was always on the gorilla's back regardless of the cannons being folded forward or pointing up, but this fold no doubt inspired the show model having the turret's back end fold down the robot mode's back, which the toy could not do.

Gotcha, I thought it could split, just couldn't remember specifically

[Albatross250]

You know what I'd like to see for Siege (or rather, the whole trilogy) figures beside the weapons and weaponizers? Armor. Specifically armor meant to use the 5mm ports, Think of it like segmented panels with hardpoints and/or painted battle damage that you can pop off and go 'Rragh! My armor! Noooooo!"

You kind of get that with the Weaponizers and Soundwave's minions. Of course those are more shields than armor but armor would have to be too individual and is not practical to go with every size class from Deluxe upwards.
But I'd like to see more shields and melee weapons. I hoped Skytread would turn out to be a Weaponizer whose wings would form melee weapons but as we know now he's only a duocon.

I think grey armor made of flexible panels could work, especially if stuck on arms and legs.

You mean fexible to fit different size classes or to be more easy to put on and remove again? Because if for different size classes and shapes that would make the armor/material warp and make it more difficult to use it for another figure. And colorwise I would choose silver or gunmetal grey with panel lines to simulate a glowing effect. Of course you need a story for the armor and color choice like in R.I.D. 2015.

If I knew how to 3d model I'd try to see if there's a market for more 3d printed accessories for Transformers that aren't just guns.

Try Shapeways

Heck, i want a modern Siege Fallen now, but i do like the name of Megatronus, makes it more terrifying for a

[Albatross250]

Hmmm now i wonder what Frenzy and Rumble will be..... but im not sure if they look like the ones from UNITED, or could be a reissue?

[Albatross250]

Well Shockwave is the awesome and I just wanted to share a slight variation of the "wing" configuration.



His fully combined alt mode reminded me of those old 8/16 bit shooters that featured giant battle ships as the entire stage/boss fight.

More of Macross Battlecruiser i guess,very close to the SDFN-4 Global.

[Inactive_____]

I feel torn on the Cybertron Optimus figure. One the one hand, I LOVE that we're branching out from endless G1, and it's great to see the Unicron Trilogy get thrown a bone here and there. (For the record, I adore my Armada Megatron from CW, it's such a shame that it warmed shelves like nobody's business.) I feel like I should like this more than I do; The super mode looks great, but I just can't get past that inner robot mode. It's so chunky and awkward looking, and reminds me more of Energon Dad-bod Prime than the Cybertron one.

The visible super mode head doesn't honestly bother me a tonne, but the fact the normal mode robot head is just the G1 head again is a bit lame. Feels like the designers weren't prepared to go the whole hog with the design and played it too safe. If I hadn't already just picked up the Voyager Siege Optimus figure I'd feel happier to pick this one up, but it's a little hard to justify since I now have three Optimus figures that I prefer.

In the interest of not ending on a sour note, I want to re-iterate that I am super happy this figure exists in the first place, and am holding out hope for more Unicron Trilogy figures in the future.

FWIW as well, even if it is G1 heavy, I like the direction Siege is taking, focusing on posability and articulation over gimmicks. After Prime wars, even though it was excellent in it's own right, I'm a little gimmicked out.

[Albatross250]

Never knew Sixgun can actually do this Giant Arm Mode.

[no-one]

Never knew Sixgun can actually do this Giant Arm Mode.

You know, Sideswipe's alt mode labeled up like Kaneda's bike would be pretty sweet!

[Skritz]

FWIW as well, even if it is G1 heavy, I like the direction Siege is taking, focusing on posability and articulation over gimmicks. After Prime wars, even though it was excellent in it's own right, I'm a little gimmicked out.

I'd argue that Siege is a refinement of the 'gimmick lines' in Generations: it has a lot of gimmick integration and 'play pattern' built into the figures, namely the 5mm ports all over the body for extra weapons and in key locations to mount weaponizers as well as the tiny tabs for the blast effects.

The difference and improvement here, however, is that these gimmicks are optional rather than built into the figure itself as a key element of their design.

[Inactive_____]

FWIW as well, even if it is G1 heavy, I like the direction Siege is taking, focusing on posability and articulation over gimmicks. After Prime wars, even though it was excellent in it's own right, I'm a little gimmicked out.

I'd argue that Siege is a refinement of the 'gimmick lines' in Generations: it has a lot of gimmick integration and 'play pattern' built into the figures, namely the 5mm ports all over the body for extra weapons and in key locations to mount weaponizers as well as the tiny tabs for the blast effects.

The difference and improvement here, however, is that these gimmicks are optional rather than built into the figure itself as a key element of their design.

I think that's what I was getting at, you just put it better.

[Seibertron]

With Toy Fair 2019 kicking off next Friday, it seems Hasbro wanted to wet our appetites a little with some major Transformers Generations War for Cybertron SIEGE product reveals, courtesy of comicbook.com. Product descriptions and official images can be viewed below for highly anticipated SIEGE Commander Class Jetfire, Titan Class Omega Supreme, and Deluxe Class Impactor and Mirage. The latter two figures were both winners of a 2018 Fan Poll which was held about a year ago. The existence of a new and unknown Commander Class price point was just leaked via an Amazon.ca listing earlier this week. Hasbro first teased a Titan Class Omega Supreme last year at New York Comic-Con 2018. Once you've picked your jaw off the floor, join us on our forums to share your thoughts about these exciting new Generations figures!

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BUILD THE ULTIMATE BATTLEFIELD - The Generations War for Cybertron trilogy introduces an expansive ecosystem of collectible figures. (Each sold separately. Subject to availability). War for Cybertron: Siege plunges fans into the epic fight to survive on the final day of the Autobot and Decepticon battle to control Cybertron. The time of peace is gone. Cybertron is a war-torn battlefield, overrun by the fighting between two factions: the Decepticon resistance army and the Autobot counter-resistance fighters. Soldiers on both sides gear up with the universe’s most advanced modular weaponry, including the weapon modes of combined Micromaster -- sentient bots that combine to form weapons. Imagine this epic battle coming to life with living weapons! One minute Micromaster figures are tiny unassuming bots, and the next they combine to become awesome weapon accessories that can equip Deluxe, Voyager and Leader Class figures!


SIEGE COMMANDER CLASS JETFIRE
Releases: August 1st
Retail Price: $79.99
Ages 8 & up

The WFC-S28 JETFIRE figure stands at 11 inches in robot mode and converts into a Cybertronian aircraft. JETFIRE figure comes with 2 JF-25 HS Photon Missile Sky Launchers, 2 HS Photon Missiles, 2 JF-15 HP Jetboost Particle Beam Cannon, 2 SF-M2 Radiograph Boosters, Skyshield Aerial Armor, and Skyshield Battle Mask accessories. Use weapon and armor accessories to convert figure to C.O.M.B.A.T. READY mode. Figure features multiple C.O.M.B.A.T. System weapon ports to attach weapons, enabling custom configurations in bot and vehicle modes. JETFIRE has a special feature where Deluxe figures’ (each sold separately, subject to availability) attach to jet mode so fans can imagine them being deployed into battle from above. Adult fans nostalgic for the original TRANSFORMERS animation and kids discovering classic characters for the first time can share and experience exciting play patterns for all generations.







SIEGE TITAN CLASS OMEGA SUPREME
Releases: August 1st
Retail Price: $159.99
Ages 8 & up

This colossal 2-foot scale Titan Class WFC-S29 OMEGA SUPREME figure features a G1-inspired design and converts to AUTOBOT Command Center mode, made up of a tank, rocket, control tower, and defense perimeter. The included MICROMASTER, AUTOBOT COUNTDOWN, fits inside rocket, tank, and control tower, and can ride along the defense perimeter. Includes 6 Fire Blasts accessories to simulate battle effects on figure and Command Center mode. Build the ultimate battlefield with Siege figures. Siege plunges fans into the epic fight to survive on the final day of the AUTOBOT and DECEPTICON battle to control CYBERTRON. As the AUTOBOT counter-resistance takes on the DECEPTICON resistance army, the unyielding AUTOBOT army captain and city defender, OMEGA SUPREME, lies in wait -- the AUTOBOTS last line of defense. Adult fans nostalgic for the original TRANSFORMERS animation and kids discovering classic characters for the first time can share and experience exciting play patterns for all generations.







SIEGE DELUXE CLASS IMPACTOR
Releases: October 1st
Retail Price: $19.99
Ages 8 & up

Winner of 2018 Fan Vote, the WFC-S42 AUTOBOT IMPACTOR figure stands at 5.5 inches in robot mode and converts into a CYBERTRONIAN vehicle and comes with 2 weapon accessories: the HP Energon Mineblaster and Trilithium Drill. Figure features multiple C.O.M.B.A.T. System weapon ports to attach weapons, enabling custom configurations in bot and vehicle modes. Build the ultimate battlefield with Siege figures. Siege plunges fans into the epic fight to survive on the final day of the AUTOBOT and DECEPTICON battle to control CYBERTRON. Adult fans nostalgic for the original TRANSFORMERS animation and kids discovering classic characters for the first time can share and experience exciting play patterns for all generations.





SIEGE DELUXE CLASS MIRAGE
Releases: October 1st
Retail Price: $19.99
Ages 8 & up

Winner of 2018 Fan Vote, the WFC-S43 AUTOBOT MIRAGE figure stands at 5.5 inches in robot mode and converts into a CYBERTRONIAN vehicle and comes with 3 weapon accessories: the C-20 Electro-Disruptor Cannon, Distortion Missile, and the W-15 Armor-Piercing Rocket-Dart Launcher. Figure features multiple C.O.M.B.A.T. System weapon ports to attach weapons, enabling custom configurations in bot and vehicle modes. Build the ultimate battlefield with Siege figures. Siege plunges fans into the epic fight to survive on the final day of the AUTOBOT and DECEPTICON battle to control CYBERTRON. Adult fans nostalgic for the original TRANSFORMERS animation and kids discovering classic characters for the first time can share and experience exciting play patterns for all generations.

[Sabrblade]

https://comicbook.com/gear/2019/02/06/transformers-war-for-cybertron-toy-fair-figures-hasbro/#10

Titan class Omega Supreme w/ Micromaster Autobot Countdown
Deluxe class Autobot Impactor
Commander class Jetfire
Deluxe class Autobot Mirage