The Energon Pub

Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are our opinions 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 Best Transformers Sideswipe Toys

Sideswipe has been part of the Transformers brand since the very beginning. He also happens to be one of the main body types for autobot characters so it is interesting to see how designers play with that style over the years and refine it as time goes on. Aside from that, no intro really needed for this one, it's rather cut and dry so let's get to it!

5. Transformers Universe - Classics 2.0 Sideswipe

Its a smart mold that accomplishes a lot but it works best when you have both Sideswipe AND his sibling oriented differently, showing you how great it is. But since this result is better than the sum of its parts, that means the parts themselves aren't the best. Plus I find those headsculpts lacking (same with Prowl and those Universe Datsuns) but I won't deny how smart it was to get such a different looking car bot using the same mold.








4. Transformers G1 1984 Sideswipe (Lambor)

The car mode is excellent, as it is with many G1 toys. Of course, it is especially cool with Sideswipe since the Countash is one of the most iconic sports cars of all time. The robot mode, while having the limitations of any early G1 toy, it fine and the die cast just feels so right for this vintage toy.










3. Studio Series Sideswipe

While I personally find many of the studio series toys are not as pleasant to transform as previous releases of the same characters, often due to these toys being smaller, that is not the case with Sideswipe. He takes what worked in the previous release and makes it better. this is easily the best movie sideswipe toy we have gotten and a good toy to have in a collection. I especially love how the swords come from parts of that stellar alt mode.








2. Transformers War for Cybertron: SIEGE Sideswipe

While not very complex, it is impressive how he still achieves a great look and stellar articulation. The vehicle mode, while not really cybertronian, is still really nice and sleek. Plus he has 5 mm ports to weaponize him up as much as you wish.








1. Transformers Masterpiece Sideswipe (Lambor)

It has almost been a decade since the MP line rejunivated with this being the first carbot and I think it holds up as a masterpiece. I much preffer this attempt in the MP line to give us the best version of the character in all that it encompasses. So rather than simply being accurate to the animation, this MP also has the car have realistic elements and the robot using the parts from his car to make his bot mode, replicating his transformation on the show. I love how the legs are built, especially how the tailgate lights end up above his ankle and how the back transforms to be sleeker. There is a lot to love here and it is easily one of my favourite carbots to Transform.








Honourable Mention: Sideswipe was a main character in the Robots in Disguise show but his toys left a lot to be desired, especially his main warrior class toy which was very badly engineered. if I had to recommend one from the entire line, it would be the Battle Pack Sideswipe.

Siege Sideswipe doesn't even come close to classics. Wrong color paneling, no effort gone into the headlights unlike the classics and is a very boxy squat figure with the lower legs needing to be a bit longer. Thats not even counting the torso/back which is even boxier in shape than the G1 toy or the action master...or even the decoy
Wouldn't be in my top 5 anyways and I'd replace the SS with the red version of the rotf? toy.

Great list!
Replace Classics with Armada though.

blackeyedprime wrote:Siege Sideswipe doesn't even come close to classics. Wrong color paneling, no effort gone into the headlights unlike the classics and is a very boxy squat figure with the lower legs needing to be a bit longer. Thats not even counting the torso/back which is even boxier in shape than the G1 toy or the action master...or even the decoy
Wouldn't be in my top 5 anyways and I'd replace the SS with the red version of the rotf? toy.

Yeah siege sideswipe surpassed that classics version by a mile while it was a good attempt that classics version never got it right the legs were all wrong the head looked nothing like sideswipe

blackeyedprime wrote:Siege Sideswipe doesn't even come close to classics. Wrong color paneling, no effort gone into the headlights unlike the classics and is a very boxy squat figure with the lower legs needing to be a bit longer. Thats not even counting the torso/back which is even boxier in shape than the G1 toy or the action master...or even the decoy

Look, I didn't want to like Siege Sideswipe -- I thought I was fine with the Universe offering. But once I got them home and put them side-to-side? No effing contest, my friend. The Siege one has a much better head sculpt, nicer finish, and just all around nicer and more character-accurate bot mode. The transformation may be simple, but it's fun and clean, whereas the Universe one can be kind of frustrating at times. Great figure that dragged me kicking and screaming to the Siege line.

I do think I'd have put G1 Sideswipe above it though. For a G1 toy, it's really very good -- a timeless classic.

Great list; it’s hard to disagree with any of these rankings. While it’s almost unfair to compare any toys to their MP counterparts, Siege is still my favorite (although I acknowledge it isn’t the best). I wanted a Countach as much as any kid in the 80s, but the car is old news. The updated design is a winner for me. Siege gave us an incredible robot with great detail, superb articulation, and perfect homages to the G1 figure - all for 20 bucks. Such an awesome figure. My only gripes are that his rifle was missing and I would have loved to see the arms integrated into the doors like the original. That said, the MP is simply a classic. It’s really one of the best transforming cars made.



Love me some Sideswipe.

TheForgottenTaxi wrote:

blackeyedprime wrote:Siege Sideswipe doesn't even come close to classics. Wrong color paneling, no effort gone into the headlights unlike the classics and is a very boxy squat figure with the lower legs needing to be a bit longer. Thats not even counting the torso/back which is even boxier in shape than the G1 toy or the action master...or even the decoy

Look, I didn't want to like Siege Sideswipe -- I thought I was fine with the Universe offering. But once I got them home and put them side-to-side? No effing contest, my friend. The Siege one has a much better head sculpt, nicer finish, and just all around nicer and more character-accurate bot mode. The transformation may be simple, but it's fun and clean, whereas the Universe one can be kind of frustrating at times. Great figure that dragged me kicking and screaming to the Siege line.

I do think I'd have put G1 Sideswipe above it though. For a G1 toy, it's really very good -- a timeless classic.

thats pretty much my story too. I was quite happy with Universe abd adamant I would not buy another Sideswioe without a matching Sunstreaker. Then U bought the Slamdance set with G2 swipe. Then Red Alert went on Sale... Anf then I had to go hunt down Sideswipe. And I had to buy Cromar to go with G2 Swipe

I really should have gotten the white RiD Sideswipe too, he looks so cool. I love the battlepack one I did get though!

I'm still fine with Universe Sideswipe, even if Siege is said to be better. As I was putting away a ton of figures I fiddled around with the Sideswipe mould and found I still really liked it. I've gotta make a solid effort to be happy with the characters I already have.

Except for Astrotrain.

And Shockwave.

And the Seekers.

And Unicron.

Gotta say: it's a shame it was never redone as Armada Wheeljack. I like that character's look (with the moulded, gouged out Autotbot symbol), but never bit the bullet.

TheForgottenTaxi wrote:

blackeyedprime wrote:Siege Sideswipe doesn't even come close to classics. Wrong color paneling, no effort gone into the headlights unlike the classics and is a very boxy squat figure with the lower legs needing to be a bit longer. Thats not even counting the torso/back which is even boxier in shape than the G1 toy or the action master...or even the decoy

Look, I didn't want to like Siege Sideswipe -- I thought I was fine with the Universe offering. But once I got them home and put them side-to-side? No effing contest, my friend. The Siege one has a much better head sculpt, nicer finish, and just all around nicer and more character-accurate bot mode. The transformation may be simple, but it's fun and clean, whereas the Universe one can be kind of frustrating at times. Great figure that dragged me kicking and screaming to the Siege line.

I do think I'd have put G1 Sideswipe above it though. For a G1 toy, it's really very good -- a timeless classic.

alt mode classics wins over siege, both robots flawed but Sieges flaws are somewhat more noticable with it trying to look truer to the character and failing with a torso (due to the back) that looks like he used to be a brick for building cybertronian houses and the lower legs need to be almost 2cm longer. Classics has flaws scattered all over but not as a square on legs. I dont think either would be in the top 5, worlds smallest maybe.

Nice list! If I were to do this as a purely G1 list I'd take out the movie figure, bump the Universe and original into the 3 and 4 spots, and then put the Alternators figure into the 5 spot. It's such a great figure in both modes, though held back a little by the kibble that resulted from things like opening doors, turning steering wheels and front axels, and opening hoods.




Emerje

TulioDude wrote:Great list!
Replace Classics with Armada though.

I feel like I should ban you for this.

But I won't.

We just need to make sure you never say such things again.

Great list as always, and honestly there's nothing I can really disagree with (outside of replacing the MP with the G2 retool but that's just my bias towards EXTREEEEEEEEEEEME black repaints). I'd maybe- MAYBE- add an honourable mention in the form of the FunPub Animated Sideswipe from Rodimus, as AFAIK the base mold is superb and the deco is killer.

Siege Sideswipe is indeed amazing and a i agree a 2-piece version of his shoulder launcher substituting his rifle is a letdown.

The Bayformers Sideswipe is a completely different character than G1 Sideswipe. He shouldn't be on the list.

Adimus Prime wrote:The Bayformers Sideswipe is a completely different character than G1 Sideswipe. He shouldn't be on the list.

that could be said of any Baynus former (and would be true) but a good toy is a good toy.

Meanwhile, what I see when I look at Siege sideswipe... selects version with a green hat any time now, maybe the next cross over range.

Adimus Prime wrote:The Bayformers Sideswipe is a completely different character than G1 Sideswipe. He shouldn't be on the list.

All toys called Sideswipe or Side Swipe are fair game. Even this guy:


Transformers Armada Side Swipe (Stepper) Gallery

The honorable mention is from another continuity as well, thus a different character.

Adimus Prime wrote:The Bayformers Sideswipe is a completely different character than G1 Sideswipe. He shouldn't be on the list.

What makes him so completely different? Would you feel the same way if he was red?

A good list overall, William, and not one I'd ever think on. I can't really disagree with any you've chosen.

Great list Will, but I feel like Cyber Battalion Sides needs an HM. It's a great toy for beginners, but with good articulation. I turned him into my first Tigertrack.

'Til all are one!

Tigerhawk7109 wrote:Great list Will, but I feel like Cyber Battalion Sides needs an HM. It's a great toy for beginners, but with good articulation. I turned him into my first Tigertrack.

'Til all are one!

Thanks man, really nice to read your comments on these lists.

Posted by william-james88 on December 10th, 2019 @ 12:23am CST
Tigerhawk7109 wrote:
Great list Will, but I feel like Cyber Battalion Sides needs an HM. It's a great toy for beginners, but with good articulation. I turned him into my first Tigertrack.

'Til all are one!


Thanks man, really nice to read your comments on these lists.

Just happy to be a Seibertronian, Will.