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Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Sunday, September 24th, 2017 8:15PM CDT

Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88   Views: 73,443

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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 G1 Combiners


Continuing the lists spotlighting combiners, while awaiting their return in Power of the Primes, we now look at G1. It is still very much the golden age of Combiners, when looking at the sheer number alone. They came in all shapes and sizes, some could scramble, some couldn't, some came to the west and some remained in the east. Let's do this! You can view the 2 previous combiner related lists here and here.


5. Transformers G1 1987 Raiden

While Devastator may be far more iconic, Raiden has been by his side in the Diaclone line before the Transformers toyline even existed and it is a real pity we never got this in the west as I personally belive he is just as good as Devastator with a cool train motif. All the trains connecting together, which later train combiners like Six Train fail to do, is a really nice touch too. We often don't get to see the individual bots when speaking of Raiden so I will take the time to show them below. You will see that while they are simplisitc as all G1 combiner components are, they are diverse in their looks, mirroring the diversity of the train cars.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Getsuei Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Getsuei Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Kaen Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Kaen Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Shouki Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Shouki Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Yukikaze Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Yukikaze Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Seizan Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Seizan Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Suiken Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era
Transformers G1 1987 Suiken Gallery

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era


4. Transformers G1 1985 Devastator (Devastar)

I don’t think I need to say much about this iconic combiner. He was the first afterall. I really like how uniform he is with the green colour and the construction vehicle theme. The only set back this toy has is the large amount of kibble (here meant as the extra pieces) needed to complete the combiner mode, such as the breastplate, the head, the forearms arms and hands, and the hips. What’s fun though is that some of these parts can fit on the construction vehicles for added firepower.
Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era


3. Transformers G1 1986 Defensor (Guardian)

The Scramble City combiner were quite the revolution. While the combiner madness started with Devastator, these guys took it up a notch so that any smaller robot could be either an arm or a leg. Not only that, but they were interchangeable from different sets. Which meant that what served as an arm for Superion could be a leg for Abominus. Kids were encouraged to make their own combination, which is awesome. There were less extra pieces than with Devastator, but you still had to add (and not lose) hands and feet as well as breastplates and the bigger head. While this pic represents the Scramble City concept, Defensor is the better one simply because he had his combiner head was integrated with the larger robot forming the torso (Hotspot). So you wouldn’t lose the most important part of your combiner. Also, I love how Defensor illustrates the goofy and fun concept of these combiners by having a bunch of vehicles from different scales combining together. You have a motorcycle, a helicopter, a police car and an ambulance. And while they looked to be a different size from one another on the show, their robot modes were all the same size and they got even bigger when the combined. We paid it no mind and had fun with it instead by being able to play with an array of different vehicles without having to scramble.
Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era


2. Transformers Victory Liokaiser

As you might see, the trend on this list is to show how combiners evolved through this era having less extra parts every time. The culmination to this was with the late era combiner Liokaiser, who had only one piece of extraneous kibble you needed to keep: his helmet. The hands and feet were all integrated. This toy also had a really interesting theme. Instead of it being based on the alt modes, it was based on the robot modes which all had animal themed heads/helmets. Sadly, this toy never came out in the west, here’s hoping it gets reissued someday.
Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era


1. Transformers G1 Predaking

F%#K YEAH PREDAKING! Don’t you just hear the heavy metal pounding through your brain at the sight of this guy? This was the biggest combiner of the entire era, as you can see below with him standing next to Devastator. Also, he was made up of robotic versions of beasts found on earth, giving us some of our first (or is it THE first?) Transformers with mammal alt modes. They were really well done too. What I find amazing about these beast modes is that many of them do not reuse their animal limbs for their robot modes, which plagued the Beast Wars line (especially for mammals). These beast modes look amazing too, very solid, and even better than their robot modes (except for Rampage). Using the combiner feet as Tantrum and Headstrong's back-mounted cannons is a great effect and totally works, to the point where this looks to be the accessorie’s primary purpose. The unified and yet varied colours works well together and I just love the extra touch of being able to unclip the eagle wings from Divebomb and attach them to the back of the combined form. It gives him that extra edge, making him look like an avenging angel from hell. Get the reissue while you still can at affordable prices!

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era


Honourable Mentions:

Hasbro has never released Landross while Takara has done so twice (the last time was well over a decade ago) and I feel it is about time the west gets a taste of this beauty. While he is now considered a micromaster , Landcross is a bit more special than the rest. For those who don't know, Landross is a G1 combiner made up of 6 vehicle members. However what makes Landcross so special is that each member can combine with another member to make up to 30 different smaller combiners (check ou all the possible combinations on the back of the box below). It is very similar to what the Energon Powerlinx deluxes and voyagers could do but aside from combining two together for a larger robot, you could also combine all six.
Oh, and the six robot guns can be combined into a large weapon, always a fun bonus.

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

Transformers News: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era

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Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912648)
Posted by DeathReviews on September 24th, 2017 @ 8:24pm CDT
G1 Defensor was also one of the most 'solid' combiners. Unlike Devastator, which would fall apart if you looked at it wrong, Defensor held together even under rough handling. He didn't have any loose floppy bits that would twist out of place on the torso.

I'm surprised Bruticus didn't make the cut for this list, but there were a lot of good ones....
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912650)
Posted by Glarryg on September 24th, 2017 @ 8:35pm CDT
Nice list. Although I think the first animal Transformers would either be 1984's Laserbeak and Ravage (depending on how you define "animal Transformer"), or the Dinobots from '85.

Glarryg
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912654)
Posted by MECHdirge on September 24th, 2017 @ 9:36pm CDT
I owned just six Transformers as a child, having caught the bug just as I was growing out of toys and into real cars and young ladies, but I remember getting them in a stocking for Xmas '84 and '85. Mixmaster was one of those figures and he was the only count combiner individual I owned until I started collecting as a much older adult. The other figures were all minibots--Brawn, Gears, Windcharger, Powerglide, and Warpath. I think the "bug" started then. Sure, I liked the idea of robots and vehicles, as the son of a hot rod mechanic, and the individual characters really appealed to me (enough to make an early RPG from the show) but that curiosity over how the Constructicons would look together was a big drive to collect.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912656)
Posted by LOST Cybertronian on September 24th, 2017 @ 9:48pm CDT
Road Caesar is my absolute favorite combiner of the G1 era. Although Liokaiser might top it if I ever acquire one some day.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912660)
Posted by Emerje on September 24th, 2017 @ 10:44pm CDT
Nice list, though I would have switched Devastator and Raiden around and done the Seacons instead of Defensor because it's really hard to beat a combiner Targetmaster made of sea monsters.

Emerje
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912662)
Posted by Ultra Markus on September 24th, 2017 @ 10:56pm CDT
i agree predaking is no 1! also the biggest of all G1 combiners
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912668)
Posted by LordBludgeon on September 25th, 2017 @ 12:02am CDT
Emerje wrote:Nice list, though I would have switched Devastator and Raiden around and done the Seacons instead of Defensor because it's really hard to beat a combiner Targetmaster made of sea monsters.

Emerje


I was about to say the same thing about the Seacons! Piranacon ranks in my top G1 era combiners just because of how unique the Seacons are. Each one has a robot mode, beast mode, and weapon mode. Yes he has a lot of extra parts to him, but that's what I like about him so much, all the customizing options. It's a shame the Seacons didn't get an update in Combiner Wars and Titans Return. Maybe in Power of the Primes? Wishful thinking on my part.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912681)
Posted by ExciKaiser on September 25th, 2017 @ 3:47am CDT
LordBludgeon wrote:Piranacon ranks in my top G1 era combiners just because of how unique the Seacons are.


Same here.

LordBludgeon wrote:Maybe in Power of the Primes? Wishful thinking on my part.


I'm not sure to want it. For pratical reasons.
We already saw ton of new unique molds for POTP. If we get Seacons on this line I'm afraid it's under the form of cheap terrocons repaints.

I prefer to wait more.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912686)
Posted by Insurgent on September 25th, 2017 @ 5:04am CDT
Hmmm. This reads like you consider the combiners better the less kibble they have, as pretty much the only factor. As someone who has said many times how much you like the design of new toys and the fun of them, I'm surprised the only combiner with all 6 individual components being completely unique moulds is so far down while the likes of Scramble city and Liokaiser are so high, when alot of them are the same figures engineering wise.


And why does G1 get it's own list, but the entire rest of the franchise has to duke it all out amongst themselves?


Eh. I seem to be in a funny mood today. On to the list!


I only have 3 actual combiners from G1, King Posiden, Devastator and Predaking. Objectively speaking, I agree, Predaking should be number 1. He's just pure awesomeness. Even if tantrum looks a bit stretched in robot mode.

I would put Devastator as 2. 6 guys, all the same size as each other, all about the same size as the autobot cars, all the combiner kibble doubles as weapons for the individual Constructicons (you can't make that a plus for Tantrum and Rampage and not do the same here), all the individual guys are well proportioned, Devastator himself is well proportioned and the vehicles have their own little features. Like Scrapper's bucket lifts. Hook's crane arm swings around. Mixmaster can turn his drum etc. And in an army of military vehicles, they're construction vehicles. You don't get that anywhere else.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912689)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on September 25th, 2017 @ 5:17am CDT
Can't say I like those japanese-only ones at all.

Agree with Predaking as number 1. His combined form would work just as well if it was a seperate individual complete robot form whereas the others tend to look like the randomly coloured mismatched bots they often are. I've said before I'm not a big fan of combiners anyways but I also like G1 Piranhacon (just like his funky colours and solid bot shape)
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912694)
Posted by frogbat on September 25th, 2017 @ 6:45am CDT
Bruticus is my fave in terms of theme and his backstory, perhaps not as imposing as predaking but I prefer military vehicles over beast modes.

Devastator was good but I wouldn't put him in my top 5 cos he was so delicate :( .
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912695)
Posted by william-james88 on September 25th, 2017 @ 6:53am CDT
Insurgent wrote:And why does G1 get it's own list, but the entire rest of the franchise has to duke it all out amongst themselves?


It's due to the volume of unique molds and designs in the different eras. G1 is not a line but an entire era lasting a decade, made up of different lines within it. And the technology is rather smilar so comparable within the era. Combiners became far fewer after with lines only getting one or two new combiner sometimes, like RID, Beast Wars, ROTF, and FOC. So inorder to be as inclusive as possible, it was best to split between G1 and post G1. It seemed most fair.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912697)
Posted by Kurona on September 25th, 2017 @ 7:11am CDT
I do like how Defensor was updated for CW - especially with Rook and the downsizing of Groove; that was perfect - but seeing that picture of Streetwise really makes me wish his CW version was a lot more accurate :(
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912711)
Posted by Relic0037 on September 25th, 2017 @ 9:29am CDT
Too bad we never got the original Liokaiser, Raiden (& Road Caesar) in the U.S. Was the franchise in that bad a shape by that time that Hasbro couldn't bring them over?
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912717)
Posted by Insurgent on September 25th, 2017 @ 9:41am CDT
william-james88 wrote:
Insurgent wrote:And why does G1 get it's own list, but the entire rest of the franchise has to duke it all out amongst themselves?


It's due to the volume of unique molds and designs in the different eras. G1 is not a line but an entire era lasting a decade, made up of different lines within it. And the technology is rather smilar so comparable within the era. Combiners became far fewer after with lines only getting one or two new combiner sometimes, like RID, Beast Wars, ROTF, and FOC. So inorder to be as inclusive as possible, it was best to split between G1 and post G1. It seemed most fair.


Fair enough. Makes sense.

Devastator should have been #2. :lol:
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912798)
Posted by bluecatcinema on September 25th, 2017 @ 1:34pm CDT
No surprise Predaking topped the list. He was an amazing toy. One of the best products to come out of the G1 toyline.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912802)
Posted by william-james88 on September 25th, 2017 @ 1:50pm CDT
bluecatcinema wrote:No suprise Predaking topped the list. He was an amazing toy. One of the best products to come out of the G1 toyline.

And personally, I feel he is the best product to come out of G1.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912842)
Posted by cruizerdave on September 25th, 2017 @ 6:29pm CDT
As much as I disagreed with the last combiner list, I'm digging this one. Hotspot's mold really makes Defensor work just a bit better than the other Scramble City combiners. It's odd that a motorcycle and a helicopter are the same size, but this is Transformers ... scale is for wimps!
Also, Predaking was for many years a holy grail for many. I suspect not many parents were dumping out $15 to $20 per figure for five figures at time. It must have been a complete pain in the ass for kids to complete in the 80s. I remember seeing them in the store, and just walking away because I knew I'd never get them all.

Keep up the good work Seibertronians!
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912843)
Posted by dragons on September 25th, 2017 @ 6:38pm CDT
DeathReviews wrote:G1 Defensor was also one of the most 'solid' combiners. Unlike Devastator, which would fall apart if you looked at it wrong, Defensor held together even under rough handling. He didn't have any loose floppy bits that would twist out of place on the torso.

I'm surprised Bruticus didn't make the cut for this list, but there were a lot of good ones....



I'm right there with you as devastator I am I'm surprised devastator made list I clicked on topic expect to see bruticus seacons to make list those are two combiners that you can have mismatch any bot to be arm or leg except for leader bot who is main base of combiner superion does same thing but bruticus was more stable and sturdy compared to aerial bots, it's no surprise predaking made list and devastator but other two I will take out to put sea cons and stunticons on list they have more playability and Mitch match modes and little more stable in combined mode compared to ones that have made list,.

I pick up my classic predaking in combine he falls apart some times, and devastator as he is my favorite he is extreamly fragile combined mode and transforming to bot modes
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912945)
Posted by Sabrblade on September 26th, 2017 @ 10:05am CDT
william-james88 wrote:All the trains connecting together, which later train combiners like Six Train fail to do,
While true for the (very few) train-based combiners of the G1 era, RiD 2001 Rail Racer/Car Robots JRX could have his components connect together.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1912954)
Posted by Insurgent on September 26th, 2017 @ 10:42am CDT
Why is everyone saying devastor falls apart? Did they do something on the g2 guys because my g2 dev is sturdy and doesnt fall apart at all.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1913022)
Posted by Evil Eye on September 26th, 2017 @ 2:55pm CDT
Nice list! Though I wish my homeboy Piranacon could have made it on somewhere. Mind you I am biased as he's the only G1 combiner I own.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1914306)
Posted by Epsilon Delta on October 3rd, 2017 @ 3:48pm CDT
Are we going to get a list of "best Combiners that aren't part of Combiner Teams" such as "Savage Claw Mode," "JetConvoy," or "Omega Prime?" We don't usually consider these bots "Combiners" in the typical "Gestalt" sense, or combiner teams, but there are a lot of combinations, especially in the Unicron Trilogy, that happen. I guess it really could be a list of "Best Optimus Supermodes" since most are just this bot upgrades Optimus. Hmm, Maybe two lists:
1. Best Optimus Supermodes that translate well to toys (Because some look awesome in the cartoon, but the toys really fall flat).
2. Best Upgrade Combinations that aren't Combiner Teams (something like that).
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1914493)
Posted by o.supreme on October 4th, 2017 @ 11:59am CDT
OK...So I was on vacation when this list came out. As combiners (especially from the original series) are my absolute favorite thing about Transformers lore, I'd say Well Done on all counts :APPLAUSE: ;)^ . Before I sold my collection i was successfully able to own all the Hasbro produced original series gestalt Combiners from Devastator to Monstructor. As for the Takara ones...Raiden and LioKaiser were on my bucket list for the longest time. I owned them each for a few years before sadly having to part with them, but I'm glad I did. I also had Road Caesar. Unfortunately I never picked up Landcross or Dinoking, but time willing...we'll see what PotP or TT equivalent comes up with in their respective homage lines.

Also I can appreciate this list was made solely with the toys in mind, not necessarily how their characters are portrayed in fiction. Bruticus is extremely popular, no doubt about that, but Defensor was just a better toy. However Bruticus does have the distinction of having been remade the most...(Battle Gaia, G2, Baldigus, Ruination, Ruination (Gray Camo), Ruination (Desert Camo)...) am I missing any?

Also I'm not sure if I'd place Predaking as #1...I'd have to really think on that. It was unique and solid to be sure. Oddly enough, the one I purchased as a collector was 4/5 (or 80%) die-cast, only Tantrum was plastic.

Having an all die-cast Predaking (which I almost had...) is more valuable for collectors, but display-wise is very clunky and heavy. I've never handled an all plastic Predaking, as I would *assume* the Hasbro & TT re-releases are, but I wonder if it holds its weight better...I could never get my Predaking to really pose in any way other than hunched over, unless his back was supported by a shelf or wall.

Overall though, again very impressive list. It gets me excited to see what PotP has in store for us, as well as :TAKARATOMY: future plans. (please! please! please! continue the UW line!)
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1914536)
Posted by Relic0037 on October 4th, 2017 @ 4:11pm CDT
Epsilon Delta wrote:Are we going to get a list of "best Combiners that aren't part of Combiner Teams" such as "Savage Claw Mode," "JetConvoy," or "Omega Prime?" We don't usually consider these bots "Combiners" in the typical "Gestalt" sense, or combiner teams, but there are a lot of combinations, especially in the Unicron Trilogy, that happen. I guess it really could be a list of "Best Optimus Supermodes" since most are just this bot upgrades Optimus. Hmm, Maybe two lists:
1. Best Optimus Supermodes that translate well to toys (Because some look awesome in the cartoon, but the toys really fall flat).
2. Best Upgrade Combinations that aren't Combiner Teams (something like that).


I vote for God Ginrai & Victory Saber if such a list is created.

& here's a question, How many robots have to be involved to consider the resulting entity a combiner? Road Caesar only has 3, but I would include him on this list, yet the pair of two robot combiners I mentioned earlier really don't feel like they should be included. Or is the minimum 5?
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1914540)
Posted by o.supreme on October 4th, 2017 @ 4:28pm CDT
Technically a Combiner is any form made up of more than two distinct Transformers. however, in this case, I think the thread applies not specifically to a number, but to a "Gestalt" mentality (A Power or force that has increased size, power, and is greater than the sum of their parts).

Now one could argue that God Ginrai and Victory Saber are immensely Powerful, but they are made up of the parts that make them, no mass shifting occurs *(that I can see) when they combine. Also reflector is made up of 3 individuals when in camera mode. However they do not gain any great powers or abilities when in this mode.

So while any robot of 2 or more is a combiner, I think in the traditional sense, (i.e. Devastator), you think of Combinerd and Multiplied, Size, Strength, and Mind.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1914557)
Posted by Epsilon Delta on October 4th, 2017 @ 7:01pm CDT
Relic0037 wrote:
Epsilon Delta wrote:Are we going to get a list of "best Combiners that aren't part of Combiner Teams" such as "Savage Claw Mode," "JetConvoy," or "Omega Prime?" We don't usually consider these bots "Combiners" in the typical "Gestalt" sense, or combiner teams, but there are a lot of combinations, especially in the Unicron Trilogy, that happen. I guess it really could be a list of "Best Optimus Supermodes" since most are just this bot upgrades Optimus. Hmm, Maybe two lists:
1. Best Optimus Supermodes that translate well to toys (Because some look awesome in the cartoon, but the toys really fall flat).
2. Best Upgrade Combinations that aren't Combiner Teams (something like that).


I vote for God Ginrai & Victory Saber if such a list is created.

& here's a question, How many robots have to be involved to consider the resulting entity a combiner? Road Caesar only has 3, but I would include him on this list, yet the pair of two robot combiners I mentioned earlier really don't feel like they should be included. Or is the minimum 5?


When I think of the "Combiners" I usually think of a team that combine to form a combined robot that has it's own personality. Sort of a "many becoming one new bot." The Constructicons become Devastator, Aerialbots become Superion, and so on. In the case of Optimus combining with say Wingsaber for Sonic Wing Mode, or with Leobreaker for Savage Claw Mode, I think it's more of an augment to Prime. They don't really become a new bot with a new personality, they aren't really a combiner team, and it's pretty much just a super mode for Prime.

In the case of reflector, I count him as one bot becoming many. He combines but really just to make his alt mode. The 3 don't really have alt modes by themselves, and don't become a huge robot like the other combiner teams do. They don't combine for a super mode either.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1914559)
Posted by Sabrblade on October 4th, 2017 @ 7:07pm CDT
Epsilon Delta wrote:In the case of Optimus combining with say Wingsaber for Sonic Wing Mode, or with Leobreaker for Savage Claw Mode, I think it's more of an augment to Prime. They don't really become a new bot with a new personality, they aren't really a combiner team, and it's pretty much just a super mode for Prime.
In the specific case of Omega Prime/God Fire Convoy, however, a new individual mind was definitely born from the combined minds of Optimus/Fire Convoy and Ultra Magnus/God Magnus, much like how you described the cases of team combiners, rather than simply being an augmented form for Optimus/Fire Convoy. He even received his own unique voice actor in the English version (who, funnily enough, was the same actor as Megatron/Galvatron :P ).
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1914569)
Posted by Epsilon Delta on October 4th, 2017 @ 8:21pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:
Epsilon Delta wrote:In the case of Optimus combining with say Wingsaber for Sonic Wing Mode, or with Leobreaker for Savage Claw Mode, I think it's more of an augment to Prime. They don't really become a new bot with a new personality, they aren't really a combiner team, and it's pretty much just a super mode for Prime.
In the specific case of Omega Prime/God Fire Convoy, however, a new individual mind was definitely born from the combined minds of Optimus/Fire Convoy and Ultra Magnus/God Magnus, much like how you described the cases of team combiners, rather than simply being an augmented form for Optimus/Fire Convoy. He even received his own unique voice actor in the English version (who, funnily enough, was the same actor as Megatron/Galvatron :P ).


That's funny, because I haven't watched Car Robots/Robots in Disguise forever and the last time I did was Car Robots, so it was the sub, and I remember him with Gary Chalk's voice for some reason. I always thought they shared the body/mind with prime being the dominant personality, and it was kind of like a "fusion" like Gogeta from DBZ. I'm sure I missed a lot of stuff since I watched it a long time ago, and it was right after I watched the Unicron Trilogy, so it had super mode biased in it.to Even though I count them as a combiner, I still don't count them as a combiner team per say. But I guess RID Omega Prime is more than just an upgrade
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1914570)
Posted by Sabrblade on October 4th, 2017 @ 8:28pm CDT
Epsilon Delta wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:
Epsilon Delta wrote:In the case of Optimus combining with say Wingsaber for Sonic Wing Mode, or with Leobreaker for Savage Claw Mode, I think it's more of an augment to Prime. They don't really become a new bot with a new personality, they aren't really a combiner team, and it's pretty much just a super mode for Prime.
In the specific case of Omega Prime/God Fire Convoy, however, a new individual mind was definitely born from the combined minds of Optimus/Fire Convoy and Ultra Magnus/God Magnus, much like how you described the cases of team combiners, rather than simply being an augmented form for Optimus/Fire Convoy. He even received his own unique voice actor in the English version (who, funnily enough, was the same actor as Megatron/Galvatron :P ).


That's funny, because I haven't watched Car Robots/Robots in Disguise forever and the last time I did was Car Robots, so it was the sub, and I remember him with Gary Chalk's voice for some reason. I always thought they shared the body/mind with prime being the dominant personality, and it was kind of like a "fusion" like Gogeta from DBZ. I'm sure I missed a lot of stuff since I watched it a long time ago, and it was right after I watched the Unicron Trilogy, so it had super mode biased in it.to Even though I count them as a combiner, I still don't count them as a combiner team per say. But I guess RID Omega Prime is more than just an upgrade
Yeah, in both versions, Omega Prime/God Fire Convoy was a unique entity who could only function like a normal person if the minds of the two who formed him worked together as one, which wasn't so easy at first since Magnus originally wanted the combined form's power all to himself. But when he and his brother would cooperate, Omega/GFC could act and think on his own.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1914577)
Posted by william-james88 on October 4th, 2017 @ 9:51pm CDT
o.supreme wrote:Also I can appreciate this list was made solely with the toys in mind, not necessarily how their characters are portrayed in fiction. Bruticus is extremely popular, no doubt about that, but Defensor was just a better toy.
...
I've never handled an all plastic Predaking, as I would *assume* the Hasbro & TT re-releases are,
...
Overall though, again very impressive list. It gets me excited to see what PotP has in store for us, as well as :TAKARATOMY: future plans. (please! please! please! continue the UW line!)

Thanks so much for the kind words, it means a lot. I also just wanted to say that the Predaking reissues (the Hasbro one and the recent Takara ones) are all the version which includes metal. So I have never handled a full plastic Predaking either.

Epsilon Delta wrote:Are we going to get a list of "best Combiners that aren't part of Combiner Teams" such as "Savage Claw Mode," "JetConvoy," or "Omega Prime?" We don't usually consider these bots "Combiners" in the typical "Gestalt" sense, or combiner teams, but there are a lot of combinations, especially in the Unicron Trilogy, that happen. I guess it really could be a list of "Best Optimus Supermodes" since most are just this bot upgrades Optimus. Hmm, Maybe two lists:
1. Best Optimus Supermodes that translate well to toys (Because some look awesome in the cartoon, but the toys really fall flat).
2. Best Upgrade Combinations that aren't Combiner Teams (something like that).


I do have a top 5 best Optimus Supermodes list in the works.

Relic0037 wrote:& here's a question, How many robots have to be involved to consider the resulting entity a combiner? Road Caesar only has 3, but I would include him on this list, yet the pair of two robot combiners I mentioned earlier really don't feel like they should be included. Or is the minimum 5?


While anyone can have their own definition, I went with the most standard idea for this list so that it would appeal to the most people possible and so that most people could know where i am coming from without having to write a long definition. I basically went with combiner teams. So whatever would be a combiner team would essentially be a combiner as the name suggests.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1914598)
Posted by Epsilon Delta on October 5th, 2017 @ 12:37am CDT
william-james88 wrote:
Epsilon Delta wrote:Are we going to get a list of "best Combiners that aren't part of Combiner Teams" such as "Savage Claw Mode," "JetConvoy," or "Omega Prime?" We don't usually consider these bots "Combiners" in the typical "Gestalt" sense, or combiner teams, but there are a lot of combinations, especially in the Unicron Trilogy, that happen. I guess it really could be a list of "Best Optimus Supermodes" since most are just this bot upgrades Optimus. Hmm, Maybe two lists:
1. Best Optimus Supermodes that translate well to toys (Because some look awesome in the cartoon, but the toys really fall flat).
2. Best Upgrade Combinations that aren't Combiner Teams (something like that).


I do have a top 5 best Optimus Supermodes list in the works.


Can't wait. Always look forward to these lists. Transformers is so sprawling that either from the list itself, the comments, or just going and looking more into things I always find new stuff. All the various opinions are fun to see. My favorite thing is how the lists highlight different things to check out.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1915107)
Posted by Liokaiser1989 on October 6th, 2017 @ 10:13pm CDT
My top five would be:

G1 Euro Defensor.JPG

5, Defensor


G1 Takara Devastators.jpg

4, Devastator


G1 Euro Stunticons.JPG

5, Menasor

AFA Liokaiser.JPG

2, Liokaiser


G1 R Hasbro Predaking.JPG

1, Predaking

All at least Unused MIB
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1915130)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on October 7th, 2017 @ 3:07am CDT
Predaking as #1 is a no brainer. I got the PLATINUM edition, with all that pimp gold PAINT and stickers and he's fantastic. Still 100$ 95$US at BBTS so get it while you still can. They also have the reissue of that EXACT SAME SET with the SAME colors at 180$ in stock! That's 85$US for the privilege to have a different box. Wow.

I'm glad Defensor was on the list as the Scramble City's best. He's the one from my childhood and I got him back recently and paid the price. No regrets though because he's really amazing. Computron following really closely behind. Dunno if it was because it's was the reissue, but I found the Seacons and RiD Ruination to be cheap messes so I got rid of them.

As for the Constructicons, I had the Encore reissue and I hated it. The bots feel cheap and the combined form is less solid than a house of cards. No amount of nostalgia or iconic history can make me like it. So I sold him to my friend. He was exited at first but he regretted his purchase after a few months. And when he finally got the CW version, his G1 Encore Devastator went back into the box.

Can't say anything about the others because I never owned them. Still, Landcross sound like a tons of fun.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1916593)
Posted by william-james88 on October 14th, 2017 @ 11:18pm CDT
Epsilon Delta wrote:

Can't wait. Always look forward to these lists. Transformers is so sprawling that either from the list itself, the comments, or just going and looking more into things I always find new stuff. All the various opinions are fun to see. My favorite thing is how the lists highlight different things to check out.


That really means a lot to me thank you. I absolutely adore these toys and find that there is such a diverse and rich legacy to this relatively young brand that I really want to spotlight all the beauty found within. AS a news site I totally understand how we must report on what is current but I also want to discuss our opinions and thoughts on what has come so far.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1917557)
Posted by Michael Alex Kawa on October 19th, 2017 @ 10:07pm CDT
I know this is a bit of a late reply to this subject, and I also know that I am gonna be hated for this comment, but it is my opinion...................................
PREDAKING :CON: is OVERRATED!!!!!
I got the reissue a few years ago for my birthday, expecting an awesome combiner, only to be disappointed. And I even had Tantrum :CON: since 1989, so I kind of knew what to expect.
I think that Devastator :CON: should be number one, but that is just my opinion. Also if I had to pick one to replace Predaking :CON: I would chose Monstructor :CON: .......yes you read that right.
My main issue with Predaking :CON: is the fact (besides being too heavy and always falling apart) that the robots heads are very visible in combined mode.
But with all that said he is pretty cool, don't get me wrong I love him in my collection, just feel he is overrated in the fandom.
Someone had to say it.......and now comes the hate.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1917599)
Posted by o.supreme on October 20th, 2017 @ 10:03am CDT
Michael Alex Kawa wrote: I would chose Monstructor :CON: .......yes you read that right.


Is this based on the toy itself, or his interpretation through fiction? I'd love to hear your reasoning on why Monstructor is your #1, as he often gets overlooked.

Don't get me wrong, Monstructor isn't a bad toy, its just that as a Combiner it was way too small, standing roughly the same size as an 84/85 standard Autobot car. There were some oversized KO's, but I have not seen them in a long time, and some really cool 3P reinterpretations, but of course way too expensive. Many like myself are hoping PotP will yield a new Monstructor properly sized (and perhaps the same for TT with Dinoking).
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1917684)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on October 20th, 2017 @ 5:05pm CDT
Just went to my Geek Store and I saw G1 Monstructor over there. WAY too derpy looking, with monster limbs flailing all over the place for the 150$CAN plus taxes asking price.

But maybe, just maybe, if I love the PotP version so much, I may get the G1 original like I did for Computron. (Not counting my childhood's Defensor)
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1918158)
Posted by Michael Alex Kawa on October 24th, 2017 @ 4:13am CDT
o.supreme wrote:
Michael Alex Kawa wrote: I would chose Monstructor :CON: .......yes you read that right.


Is this based on the toy itself, or his interpretation through fiction? I'd love to hear your reasoning on why Monstructor is your #1, as he often gets overlooked.

Don't get me wrong, Monstructor isn't a bad toy, its just that as a Combiner it was way too small, standing roughly the same size as an 84/85 standard Autobot car. There were some oversized KO's, but I have not seen them in a long time, and some really cool 3P reinterpretations, but of course way too expensive. Many like myself are hoping PotP will yield a new Monstructor properly sized (and perhaps the same for TT with Dinoking).


My opinion is based on the toy, I completed him way back in 1990 and I just always like his look. I still have the six little monsters too, and besides a slight issue with GPS, they are fine.
I do agree he is quite small, but he just seems more :-? .......complete compared to other G1 combiners like Predaking or the Scramble City combiners, even though I do love Defensor. Like he is more compact and does not feel like he will fall apart if I move him wrong....well except for his gold plastic parts, but that has nothing to do with his engineering or design.
And it is kind of odd I defend or even like Monstructor since I am not a big fan of Pretenders, but I also feel they are some of the better ones of that series too.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1918159)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on October 24th, 2017 @ 4:19am CDT
I'd love Takara to make an Encore G1 Monstructor with the GPS issues fixed. I bet this would cost 200$ but I'd still buy it.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (1925932)
Posted by Liokaiser1989 on December 9th, 2017 @ 5:18am CST
Nearly forget, other G1 combiners to think about, eg:

G1 Takara Multiforce Landcross 2.JPG

G1 Takara Sixtrain.JPG
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (2046783)
Posted by Tigerhawk7109 on December 12th, 2019 @ 4:46pm CST
I'm sorry Will, but Devy higher than the choo-choo god himself? I don't think that's right. :roll: Other than that, great list!

'Til all are one! :BH-PREDACON:
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Combiner Toys From the G1 Era (2048562)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on January 5th, 2020 @ 10:46am CST
Of the ones I have, Computron is my favorite. That team is solid and really fun to transform.

Abominus is also really good and his surprisingly posable. The beasts robot modes kinda suck, but the beast modes and combined mode are really good.

And then Devastator. He's pretty good, but he feels a bit flimsy and weak compared to the other 2. He's definitely the weakest of my 3 to me

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