The Energon Pub

[LOST Cybertronian]

MTV Geek has some exclusive pictures and information of the new basic Kre-O Transformers building sets. There are new pictures of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Ratchet to go along with previously seen sets. They have also confirmed future sets consisting of Mirage, Jazz, Prowl and Sideswipe. You can check out the exclusive pics, product and pricing information here.

First up is Optimus Prime. This is from the smaller (and easier on the wallet) Basic assortment. The Autobot leader is made up of around 65 bricks and pieces; and like the larger sets, can be set up in either vehicle or robot mode. There's an obvious G1 influence with Optimus' head, and the alt mode has a very Transformers Animated shape, and this mix ofe versions looks to be appearing throughout he releases. Even for a basic figure, it looks like Optimus has decent articulation with a ball-socket head, hinged shoulders, hinged elbows, and ball-socket hips and ankles.If you're not sure that Kre-O is your thing and want to test it out, then this set will be right up your alley.

Next we have everybody's favorite robot sidekick -- Bumblebee! Thanks to the films, this guy has had a myriad of versions clogging the action figure aisle. This Kre-O set is, like Optimus, from the Basic assortment and is smaller in both investment and stature. He looks to have the same articulation as the basic Optimus Prime and shares the same G1 influence in his head design. The Basic Bumblebee is comprised over over 70 pieces and will retail for around 7 dollars.

This is Ratchet and he is the last of our MTV Geek! exclusive pics for today. This ambulance should be familiar to fans of the Autobot's resident medic and we're the first to bring it to you! The back doors of the ambulance open to fit a KREON figure, while another mini-fig can be seated behind the wheel.A third KREON figure is included, and we're guessing it fits on the included stretcher. There are also a fire extinguisher and axe included with ratchet, so this guy can help people no what the danger may be. Ratchet clocks in at 200 pieces and will cost around 20 dollars.

[5150 Cruiser]

I'm really looking forward to these. I'm a huge LEGO fan and i'm hoping the quality of these sets are at least on par with LEGO. So far the images look promising so we'll see. Its nice to have these smaller less expensive sets to try out before spending money on the bigger sets. Thanks for the news!

[Talous]

The first few sets we saw seemed to be able to transform, unless my memory is playing tricks on me... again...
Anyway, these do look cool.

[GuyIncognito]

I thought they were going to be transformable without taking them apart, but it appears I was wrong. That's disappointing. I'm not interested anymore.

[--B--]

I think that Ratchet's head is better than the Universe one.

[Dead Metal]

Both the Optimus sets have the Classics Voyager prime head, pretty cool. But I'm not interested.

[Sabrblade]

And, once again, Takara superior, Hasbro inferior.

[mattyc1007]

Prime was looking good, until I scrolled down and saw his "lower half"

[GuyIncognito]

And, once again, Takra superior, Hasbro inferior.

That's not a fair comparison, as the figures you're comparing are different scales and different price points. That's like comparing Takara's Voyager Optimus to Hasbro's Legends Optimus and saying "once again, Takara superior".

[ClockWorkMecha]

Look! Duplo-Formers!

Also: If they make a Cliffjumper version, how long before the third party people jump on it?

[AshesOfPain]

I'm really looking forward to these. I'm a huge LEGO fan and i'm hoping the quality of these sets are at least on par with LEGO. So far the images look promising so we'll see. Its nice to have these smaller less expensive sets to try out before spending money on the bigger sets. Thanks for the news!

I'm with ya there. I just need a parts list and directions and I'll K.O them myself with real LEGO's.

[Sabrblade]

And, once again, Takara superior, Hasbro inferior.

That's not a fair comparison, as the figures you're comparing are different scales and different price points. That's like comparing Takara's Voyager Optimus to Hasbro's Legends Optimus and saying "once again, Takara superior".

It's the same with the larger Kre-O ones we saw before. They need to be dismantled to transform too. Diablock convoy, however, can transform while staying mostly in one piece.

[Starscream GaGa]

And, once again, Takara superior, Hasbro inferior.

Except not, because that Optimus' face is absolutely atrocious and these guys have original designs rather then copy pasting the G1 figure into lego, which is awesome.

[Sabrblade]

And, once again, Takara superior, Hasbro inferior.

Except not, because that Optimus' face is absolutely atrocious and these guys have original designs rather then copy pasting the G1 figure into lego, which is awesome.

Look, it's cool that they're trying this approach again, but I just wish they could get them to the point where the figures convert from robot to vehicle and back without disassembling the figure. Diablock Convoy (while sadly lacking any real facial features) is proof that this concept can be a reality. Not to mention its high level of articulation.

These Kre-O sets, however, no matter how cool they may look, are, at the end of it all, suffer from the same flaw as the BTR sets did: They basically glorified LEGO-esque Action masters that "cheat" their ability to transform just so that they can do so.

[DJLazer]

Those look awesome! I hope they cam make a G1 soundwave or WFC Soundwave