Top 5 Best Disguised Robots Amongst Transformers Toys

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 Best Disguised Robots among Transformers Toys

I made a list of the Transformers toys which look least like the robot can transform into something else and this is pretty much the opposite. Transformers have always been called Robots in Disguise and some toys really pushed the disguise angle. There are some Transformers that one would never guess are anything more than their alt mode. Of course, the important factor here is that we are talking about their alt mode and not just a pretender shell that hides the robot. I am sure it was assumed, but I am mentioning it just in case. A brick wall would definitely help hide a small robot standing behind it, but what I give you today is the list of Transformers toys who's alt modes provide the best disguise!


5. Transformers G1 1984 Bumblebee (Bumble)

Most G1 figures are great examples of well disguised robots since the alt mode was the one that was emphasized in the two main lines contributing to Transformers. The idea was to have toy cars and real life objects that could blend in with others but also hide a robot. However, for the Diaclone cars at least, the illusion only lasted until you looked under the car and saw some flashy robot mode stickers. I wouldn't count the jets or Optimus Prime either since their robot mode kibble was detached and it wouldn't be a fair comparison. The most well disguised traditional G1 figure, to me, then ends up being good old Bumblebee. The head flap being hidden by a tire detail is very smart and he is super clean underneath, aside from some sculpting for the fists (but its not emphasized in any way, helping the illusion). He just looks like your average little toy car that any kid from the previous decades would have a bunch of. It must have been awesome for kids in the 80s to show their friends that theirs actually turned into a robot.








4. Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Deadlift

While G1 were an early hay day in alt mode realism, that came back full circle with the movie lines which went all out with the licensing and trying to give us faithful alt modes. You got some great results, alt mode wise, but aside from the human alliance figures, you could tell there was a robot hiding there either with the massive undercarriage, the great amount of panel lines or when you would peer inside the windows. There is one toy though which I feel really looks like it isn't hiding a robot and that is Deadlift, the forklift Transformer (and the only Forklift Transformer mold we have ever gotten in the history of the brand). The forklift alt mode is so distinctive that it distracts us from thinking this actually transforms especially since it is so compact and has so many dedicated part for the alt mode. There is also the very open nature of the the forklift with the cockpit being clear and empty with a nice steering wheel and unoccupied seat.
This version of the mold also happens to be an homage to Gobot Spoons so that scores even more points in my book, but even if you didn't care about that, the fact that this version is a nice burnt orange rather than neon green makes it look more grounded in reality.











3. Transformers Masterpiece Grimlock (MP-08)

The reason for his inclusion here is because this toys defies everything else really. Someone knowing you like transformers would assume any car you present them, or is spotted in your home, transforms. You also would probably have them in robot mode if taken out of their nice boxes. BUT this guy is a whole other story. In fact my brother commented on how awesome my Mecha Godzilla toy was when he saw my MP Grimlock on my shelf. Speak of an amazingly disguised robot. Unlike any of the others on this list, this toy in alt mode looks complete and accomplished, with the idea that this toy would sell as a non transforming separate entity to the Transformers brand. It is functional with it's own gimmicks and is probably kept even more in this mode than the robot mode. Unlike the G1, you can't even spot his robot hands under his feet, the robot is fully hidden (in plain sight too!). His amazing, detailed and unique alt mode distracts anyone from thinking that it can also transform into a robot.






2. Transformers G1 1984 Megatron

G1 Megatron realism has caused so many problems in the past, to the point that Hasbro can never release a realistic gun Megatron again. I myself had my own problems importing it from Japan. It was held up at customs for over a month until the Canadian government opened the box and inspected it.



Better yet, this toy was involved in a 3 hour standoff in Windsor Canada (of all places) when a 25 year old man who was just fed up of his life, held his neighbours at gunpoint... using g1 megatron in gun mode. They even had to lockdown a nearby school due to the gun scare. This is a quote from the actual news article:

The three-hour standoff forced the lockdown of a nearby elementary school, and drew a police response that included tactical officers, body armour, submachine guns, sniper rifles, a police dog and the mobile command centre.

All this due to how well disguised G1 Megatron is.








1. Transformers Alternators Grimlock

The alternators series brought it back to the G1 days where autobot cars had interactive and somewhat detailed cockpits, and were meant to resemble other toy cars. This series went for that very same idea, having alt modes that resembled licensed car models perfectly, with visible motors, detailed dashboards, opening doors, everything you'd expect from a high quality model car. Except it also transfomred into a robot. The alternators are all great replicas of licensed cars but the mustang model went an extra mile by having an entire piece cover the bottom to give extra detail and hide more of the robot. This gives the robot a whole lot of shell but also an amazing disguise. No one can guess this guy Transforms unless they know exactly what kind of toy it is.








Honourable mentions:

Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Optimus Prime

The big factor here that distinguishes this mold from other releases of the movie Peterbilt truck is the back of the cab section that removes any holes giving hint that this is more than just a truck. The view from the bottom gives nice symetrical pannels that hide the head and most of the robot kibble.







Transformers Classics Megatron

There is not one single angle or part that would make anyone think this is more than a kid's toy gun. There is even a crosshairs in the scope and the trigger gives a satisfying click. The main reason it didnt make it is due to the less realistic nature of this alt mode.