Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners
Saturday, November 12th, 2022 7:49PM CST
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top ListsPosted by: rikkomba Views: 137,092
Topic Options: View Discussion · Sign in or Join to reply
Hello everybody! Welcome back for the second part of this series focused on minicons.
You can find part 1, focused on minicon teams, here.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of what has been one of the most influential Transformers toylines ever created, whose wild success eventually opened the door to investing in the Bayverse.
Armada introduced us to minicons as the “third faction”. Spawn of Unicron and pokemon of the week, these tiny robots were hunted down by both Autobots and Decepticons as “power ups” for larger Transformers.
Minicon toys came in two flavours: teams, sold, in 3-packs, and partner minicons sold together with their bigger partner. Today we’ll focus on the latter.
Minicons have been defined as “feature-activating micromasters”. Partner minicons are meant to integrate with their “bulk” best buddy, unlocking secret powerups and otherwise unaccessible features. This is important: the partner minicon should provide a significant upgrade.
In ranking these teams, 1-10 scores were given for:
Integration in alt mode: how well does the minicon integrate in the bulk’s alt mode?
Integration in robot mode: same, for the robot mode.
Powerlinx gimmicks: how well does the minicon play into the main gimmick?
Engineering: how well was this toy built?
Transformation: how original and well executed is the transformation?
We also add a note on the best repaint out of several available, and we ask the question: which minicons were truly essential for its partner? Not as many as you think…
The list includes all 34 partner minicon molds: 20 from Armada, 4 from Cybertron, 1 from Universe 2.0 and 9 from Power Core Combiners.
It might be strange to see Armada and PCC minicons together, but the underlying concept is really one and the same. How well did PCC execute that concept… we’ll see.
Let’s get started!
#5 Comettor (with Armada Jetfire) (39/50)
Integration, alt mode: 10, Comettor, like Rollout, is an essential part of Jetfire’s alt mode.
Integration, robot mode: 7, Comettor looks the part on top of Jetfire’s blaster, but nothing more.
Powerlinx gimmick: 7, the pop-out wings look awesome, even if other minicons could be used as well.
Engineering: 7, considering the complexity of the transformation, the result is as great as it could have been.
Transformation: 8, original and not trivial.
Versions: 4
Best version: Armada Powerlinx.
Essential? Yes.
#4 Rollout (with Armada Overload) (41/50)
Integration, alt mode: 8, differently from Comettor, Rollout is not an option for Overload’s alt mode.
Integration, robot mode: 7, the “breastmaster + headmaster” gimmick is fun, but minicons are meant to be optional partners, and Rollout is not an option as it carries Overload’s head. Compare with Sideways, which comes with its own independent head.
Powerlinx gimmick: 8, that G1 transformation sounds still plays after 20 years.
Engineering: 9, the four modes don’t require much effort, but that’s no guarantee for success, see Universe Jolt.
Transformation: 9, simple but effective, across all four modes. The gun mode is just smart.
Versions: 7
Best version: Energon CostCo.
Essential? Yes.
#3 Stripmine (with Cybertron Quickmix) (42/50)
Integration, alt mode: 10, at this stage of the Unicron Trilogy nobody expected such a level of minicon interaction, but Stripmine delivered, almost turning Quickmix into a playset. The combination of Cyber Key gimmick and minicon is unique.
Integration, robot mode: 8, just like Leader-1, Stripmine can turn into a handheld gun.
Powerlinx gimmick: 7, while the main gimmick depends on a Cyber Key, Stripmine takes the whole toy to the next level.
Engineering: 9, it all works flawlessly.
Transformation: 8, not trivial, and solid.
Versions: 2
Best version: Cybertron.
Essential? Yes.
#2 Rook and Crosswise (with Armada Sideways) (43/50)
Integration, alt mode: 10, these two minicons can’t really be separated, and their combined Kamen Rider mode is pure genius.
Integration, robot mode: 10, the revival of the Headmasters gimmick, which also involved Overload, started here. A homage to Punch/Counterpunch, Kamen Rider, headmasters AND Unicron, all in one? Mind-blowing.
Powerlinx gimmick: 10, activating a different faction symbol per head is still lots of fun. Remember, the first run of Armada Sideways had the gimmick inverted.
Engineering: 7, it’s all functional, but many things could have been better.
Transformation: 6, this is primarily one humanoid figure whose alt mode is two minicons.
Versions: 4
Best version: Armada (second run).
Essential? Yes.
#1 Leader-1 (with Armada Megatron) (46/50)
Integration, alt mode: 7, Leader-1 unlocking extra missile launchers while doubling up as a gun pod always puts a smile on my face. The activation of “rat-tat-tat” sounds has the opposite effect.
Integration, robot mode: 10, Leader-1 can turn into a handheld gun, connect to a shoulder as a missile pod or enter a “not so secret compartment” to physically integrate into Megatron’s robot mode. Awesome.
Powerlinx gimmick: 10, the alt mode gimmicks also work in robot mode, and make Leader-1 a memorable partner.
Engineering: 10, it’s possible to achieve great things even with a simple execution - something that eluded most similar efforts in the Unicron Trilogy (see Cybertron Drill Bit).
Transformation: 9, simple, effective and elegant.
Versions: 3
Best version: Armada.
Essential? Yes.
Megatron truly reigns supreme over mini-cons. With the top 5 done, let’s find out which mini-con is truly the worst partner a Transformer could ask for!
Now, we also have the rest of the rankings for those curious of who'd be the runners up and which would be the worst one.
#6 Inferno (with Armada Thrust) (38/50)
9 / 6 / 5 / 10 / 8
Thrust is not that different from Hot Shot - not in the sense that they are both gullible idiots, but in their alt mode integration with their minicon. While Hot Shot has some unexpected air vehicle, Thrust has a land one - a small truck, adding firepower as nobody’s business.
Just like Jolt, Inferno and Thrust can share an accessory - in this case, Thrust can use Inferno’s launcher as a handheld weapon. Plot twist: Thrust got no hands!
Versions: 4
Best version: Powerlinx Inferno.
Essential? No.
#7 Jolt (with Armada Hot Shot) (37/50)
8 / 6 / 5 / 10 / 8
Jolt is the quintessential minicon. Its interaction with Hot Shot in alt mode is the stuff legends are made of (YUM JAAM!), and it’s a solid, well designed toy all around. As an additional bonus, Jolt can carry Hot Shot’s engine block as a gun, a rare example of accessories being shared between partners.
Versions: 2
Best version: Armada Jolt, the original.
Essential? Yes.
#8 Crumplezone (with Armada Cyclonus) (36/50)
10 / 2 / 10 / 9 / 5
Together with Demolishor, Armada Cyclonus sports the best alt mode integration in all of Armada. While Demolishor’s integration ended with alt mode, Cyclonus has several powerlinx gimmicks, maximising the real estate for Crumplezone to connect to. The “rat-tat-tat” gimmick is not trivial, and works perfectly as intended.
Versions: 4
Best version: Cybertron
Essential? Yes.
#9 Safeguard (with Cybertron Vector Prime) (35/50)
9 / 10 / 0 / 8 / 8
One of the most memorable partner minicons, Safeguard is an essential complement to Cybertron Vector Prime, even more in its Japanese version. No real powerlinking feature, but plenty to like.
Versions: 5
Best version: Galaxy Force
Essential? Yes.
#10 Wind Sheer (with Armada Wheeljack) (34/50)
7 / 0 / 7 / 10 / 10
A fantastic mini-con in both modes, with a fun transformation, Wind Sheer manages to look right next to Wheeljack thanks to coordinated color schemes and an overall alignment with the powerlinx gimmick’s appearance. Some instability - the powerlinx’ trigger tends to displace the minicon - but a great effort overall.
Versions: 3
Best version: Micron Legend.
Essential? No.
#11 Heavy Load (with Cybertron Menasor) (33/50)
7 / 6 / 6 / 7 / 7
The only minicon partnered with a Decepticon in the post-Armada era, Heavy Load has an original alt mode and a couple of interesting ideas for integrating with Menasor… how interesting, it depends on how much you like Menasor’s futuristic alt mode, which is more alien and sci-fi looking than many, many others in the Unicron Trilogy.
Versions: 1
Best version: one guess.
Essential? No.
#12 tie Throttler (with Power Core Combiners Sledge) (32/50)
9 / 8 / 0 / 8 / 7
A unique minicon whose alt mode is a… drill attachment. A necessity, for those who ever played with this little fellow. Simple but not trivial engineering completes one of the few essential PCC minicons.
Versions: 3
Best version: PCC.
Essential? No.
#12 tie Thunderclash (with Armada Skywarp) (32/50)
9 / 3 / 8 / 5 / 7
Compared to Swindle, Thunderclash works much better as Skywarp's partner, with much better integration in alt mode. In robot mode connecting Thunderclash meaningfully is a challenge, as there's not even a pseudo-shield option, balancing things out. However, Thunderclash has two fun modes and a fun transformation, making it closer to Liftor in terms of value. Beware breakages, though.
Versions: 5
Best version: Micron Booster v2 Saber.
Essential? Yes
#13 Incinerator (with Armada Blurr) (31/50)
10 / 4 / 10 / 4 / 3
A stylish, fun minicon car designed to activate a very specific - and excellent - gimmick. On the other hand, The simply designed Armada Incinerator could be considered the Trojan horse for Cybertron’s Cyber Key gimmick.
Versions: 3
Best version: Armada.
Essential? No.
#14 Beacon (with Power Core Combiners Steelshot) (30/50)
9 / 8 / 0 / 7 / 6
A fun, versatile mini-con with great personality, great addition to many larger TFs.
Versions: 4
Best version: PCC.
Essential? No.
#15 Nightbeat (with Armada Side Swipe, or A.S.S.) (29/50)
10 / 5 / 8 / 3 / 3
Nightbeat is the core of Side Swipe’s entire design. From this perspective, all of A.S.S.’ limitations can be a bit more acceptable. However, Nightbeat as a robot toy doesn’t really work - it’s not surprised that it was demoted to “Seek and Destroy drone” for a later release.
Versions: 2
Best version: Micron Booster v3.
Essential? No.
#16 Longarm (with Armada Red Alert) (28/50)
5 / 6 / 6 / 6 / 5
Longarm is a G1 Micromaster which happens to have a mini-con port. Great for G1 fans, but Red Alert could have been paired with a better match. Longarm’s crane is way too tiny to be a credible gimmick.
Versions: 6
Best version: Movie.
Essential? No.
#17 Blackout (with Armada Demolishor) (27/50)
10 / 3 / 3 / 6 / 5
Blackout and Demolishor have the best alt mode integration in all of Armada. However, things fall apart in robot mode, with just a two-steps missile launcher gimmick which was not interesting to start with.
Versions: 5
Best version: Energon KB Toys, the Devastator homage.
Essential? Yes.
#18 Over-run (with Armada Optimus “Bendy” Prime) (26/50)
5 / 10 / 4 / 4 / 3
A great targetmaster homage with some integration in alt mode - better than Sparkplug’s - and a problematic transformation. The powerlinx double-punch gimmick is on top of nobody’s list.
Versions: 5
Best version: Armada.
Essential? No.
#19 Swindle (with Armada Starscream) (25/50)
7 / 6 / 8 / 3 / 1
Somehow, Swindle works as Stascream’s partner, but it would be very difficult to pitch this concept without experiencing the toy. There is some redemption in robot mode with a fan-made shield mode, but ultimately Swindle fails as a Transformers toy, as even Nightbeat was designed with better articulation.
Versions: 7
Best version: Armada.
Essential? Yes (AAAARGH)
#20 Razorbeam (with Power Core Combiners Darkstream) (24/50)
5 / 9 / 0 / 5 / 5
Razorbeam is an axe, first and foremost. The transformation is not particularly involved, but Razorbeam manages to be a bit more interesting than many other PCC “turrets”.
Versions: 3
Best version: PCC.
Essential? No.
#21 Liftor (with Armada Smokescreen) (23/50)
0 / 0 / 3 / 10 / 10
Hailed as a “tiny god” since its release, Liftor is one of the most exciting transformer toys out there, with a fun, simple transformation, a heroic robot mode and a fun alt mode. This design would work even at larger scales, and I hope one day we’ll finally get a Masterpiece Liftor. As it happens, Armada Smokescreen is one of the most indecisive designs of the UT, and there is no true interaction between Smokescreen and Liftor. Looking at its eye patch, and based on Aaron Archer’s comments, it seems Lift-OR was meant to be a pirate, just like Demolish-OR. A wasted opportunity for a BotCon set.
Versions: 2
Best version: Universe Liftor.
Essential? No.
#22 Rollbar (with Armada Scavenger) (22/50)
7 / 0 / 0 / 7 / 8
Rollbar is a fun little minicon which can sit at the steering wheel in Scavenger’s alt mode. Fun and original, but ultimately worthless as a power-up. Just like Hoist, Scavenger didn’t really need a minicon.
Versions: 2
Best version: Energon Hound.
Essential? No.
#21 Bumb-burst (with Power Core Combiners Salvage) (21/50)
7 / 6 / 0 / 4 / 4
A highly versatile mini-con which looks straight out of the PS2 Armada videogame. Simple, but effective.
Versions: 4
Best version: PCC Chainclaw.
Essential? No.
#22 Groundspike (with Power Core Combiners Heavy Tread) (20/50)
8 / 6 / 0 / 4 / 2
This minicon, just like Nightbeat, is all about alt mode integration. The transformation is nothing more than a yoga pose, but at least it can become a great Devastator-like chest plate for many TFs, including Tidal Wave or PCC combiners.
Versions: 4
Best version: United EX Wheezel. Blowpipe might be easier to find.
Essential? No.
#23 Dead End (with Armada Unicron) (19/50)
4 / 0 / 3 / 6 / 6
Unicron has an immune system… made of mini-cons. The problem with Dead End is that it’s meant to represent on of trillions of Unicron antibodies, while its size makes it closer to a moon. Nice integration in alt mode, but its activation of leg missiles is problematic, as each missile is meant to be a Dead End drone by itself.
Versions: 7
Best version: Bug General, from Micron Booster v3.
Essential? No.
#24 Ramjet (with Armada Tidal Wave) (18/50)
8 / 0 / 0 / 5 / 5
The smallest mini-con, small and simplified enough to fit into a working elevator in Tidal Wave’s aircraft carrier mode. If Legacy Evolution Ramjet was core class, a potential LE Titan Tidal Wave would need to upgrade into a HasLab project. Would you pay $500 for a HasLab Tidal Wave?
Versions: 2
Best version: Energon / Super Link.
Essential? No.
#25 Caliburst (with Power Core Combiners Huffer) (17/50)
7 / 4 / 0 / 4 / 2
An iconic PCC minicon, Caliburst looks great as a weapon in alt mode, a bit more interesting than similar concepts in the same toyline. Surely more exciting that Legacy’s Energon weapons.
Versions: 3
Best version: PCC.
Essential? No.
#26 Waterlog (with Power Core Combiners Undertow) (16/50)
7 / 4 / 0 / 4 / 1
The wings in robot mode suggest some actual alt mode, instead we are left with a competent targetmaster/armor/turret with wings.
Versions: 3
Best version: PCC.
Essential? No.
#27 Leadfoot (with Power Core Combiners Pinpoint) (15/50)
6 / 3 / 0 / 4 / 2
An interesting homage to G1 Powermasters, with a simple transformation into an engine block. the twin barrels help, but nothing stops this minicon from being ultimately boring.
Versions: 4
Best version: PCC.
Essential? No.
#28 Airlift (with Power Core Combiners Sky Hammer) (14/50)
5 / 3 / 0 / 3 / 3
Just another competent targetmaster/armor/turret.
Versions: 4
Best version: PCC.
Essential? No.
#29 Drill Bit (with Cybertron Metroplex) (13/50)
6 / 0 / 0 / 3 / 4
You can see why the Legacy Metroplex’ product team ended up “costing out” a potential Core Class Drill Bit from the picture. Drill Bit is very similar to Leader-1, and manages to lose all potential of its close relative: no gun mode, no powerlinx-activated gimmick, just a parking spot on top of Sparkdrinker, making its twin drills truly dismal, when you look at the gargantuan machine behind it.
Versions: 3
Best version: Galaxy Force (with painted windows)
Essential? No (Legacy was right!)
#30 Sparkplug (with Armada Superbase Optimus Prime) (12/50)
0 / 0 / 0 / 5 / 7
Sparkplus combines an interesting, original transformation with limited engineering and articulation, and no specific interaction with Superbase Optimus Prime except for that “flat double-barrelled cannon” which can be deployed in base mode by many other minicons.
Versions: 5
Best version: Armada Corona Sparkplug.
Essential? No.
#31 Refute (with Armada Hoist) (11/50)
0 / 0 / 0 / 7 / 4
When you look at the ratio between gimmicks and articulation, there’s a clear pattern: early waves of Armada heavily prioritised gimmicks, making minicons truly central, while some of the last releases increased articulation at the expenses of minicon interactivity. The culmination of this process is Armada Hoist, and Armada toy which does not need a minicon - as demonstrated by its excellent remold, Cybertron Longrack.
Versions: 4
Best version: Armada.
Essential? No.
#32 Universe Jolt (with Universe 2.0 Hot Shot) (08/50)
1 / 0 / 0 / 2 / 5
Universe Jolt is an abomination, and a warning to all Tfans asking for modern versions of UT toys. The most iconic powerlink port of the entire Unicron Trilogy, connecting Jolt to Hot Shot’s car mode, has been removed, replaced by friction and luck. Plastic feels cheaper than most KOs, and would not pass the test for a Kinder Suprise toy. How anybody approved this is beyond human comprehension.
Versions: 3
Best version: TFCC Cop-tur, at least it’s a new character.
Essential? No.
You can find part 1, focused on minicon teams, here.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of what has been one of the most influential Transformers toylines ever created, whose wild success eventually opened the door to investing in the Bayverse.
Armada introduced us to minicons as the “third faction”. Spawn of Unicron and pokemon of the week, these tiny robots were hunted down by both Autobots and Decepticons as “power ups” for larger Transformers.
Minicon toys came in two flavours: teams, sold, in 3-packs, and partner minicons sold together with their bigger partner. Today we’ll focus on the latter.
Minicons have been defined as “feature-activating micromasters”. Partner minicons are meant to integrate with their “bulk” best buddy, unlocking secret powerups and otherwise unaccessible features. This is important: the partner minicon should provide a significant upgrade.
In ranking these teams, 1-10 scores were given for:
Integration in alt mode: how well does the minicon integrate in the bulk’s alt mode?
Integration in robot mode: same, for the robot mode.
Powerlinx gimmicks: how well does the minicon play into the main gimmick?
Engineering: how well was this toy built?
Transformation: how original and well executed is the transformation?
We also add a note on the best repaint out of several available, and we ask the question: which minicons were truly essential for its partner? Not as many as you think…
The list includes all 34 partner minicon molds: 20 from Armada, 4 from Cybertron, 1 from Universe 2.0 and 9 from Power Core Combiners.
It might be strange to see Armada and PCC minicons together, but the underlying concept is really one and the same. How well did PCC execute that concept… we’ll see.
Let’s get started!
#5 Comettor (with Armada Jetfire) (39/50)
Integration, alt mode: 10, Comettor, like Rollout, is an essential part of Jetfire’s alt mode.
Integration, robot mode: 7, Comettor looks the part on top of Jetfire’s blaster, but nothing more.
Powerlinx gimmick: 7, the pop-out wings look awesome, even if other minicons could be used as well.
Engineering: 7, considering the complexity of the transformation, the result is as great as it could have been.
Transformation: 8, original and not trivial.
Versions: 4
Best version: Armada Powerlinx.
Essential? Yes.
#4 Rollout (with Armada Overload) (41/50)
Integration, alt mode: 8, differently from Comettor, Rollout is not an option for Overload’s alt mode.
Integration, robot mode: 7, the “breastmaster + headmaster” gimmick is fun, but minicons are meant to be optional partners, and Rollout is not an option as it carries Overload’s head. Compare with Sideways, which comes with its own independent head.
Powerlinx gimmick: 8, that G1 transformation sounds still plays after 20 years.
Engineering: 9, the four modes don’t require much effort, but that’s no guarantee for success, see Universe Jolt.
Transformation: 9, simple but effective, across all four modes. The gun mode is just smart.
Versions: 7
Best version: Energon CostCo.
Essential? Yes.
#3 Stripmine (with Cybertron Quickmix) (42/50)
Integration, alt mode: 10, at this stage of the Unicron Trilogy nobody expected such a level of minicon interaction, but Stripmine delivered, almost turning Quickmix into a playset. The combination of Cyber Key gimmick and minicon is unique.
Integration, robot mode: 8, just like Leader-1, Stripmine can turn into a handheld gun.
Powerlinx gimmick: 7, while the main gimmick depends on a Cyber Key, Stripmine takes the whole toy to the next level.
Engineering: 9, it all works flawlessly.
Transformation: 8, not trivial, and solid.
Versions: 2
Best version: Cybertron.
Essential? Yes.
#2 Rook and Crosswise (with Armada Sideways) (43/50)
Integration, alt mode: 10, these two minicons can’t really be separated, and their combined Kamen Rider mode is pure genius.
Integration, robot mode: 10, the revival of the Headmasters gimmick, which also involved Overload, started here. A homage to Punch/Counterpunch, Kamen Rider, headmasters AND Unicron, all in one? Mind-blowing.
Powerlinx gimmick: 10, activating a different faction symbol per head is still lots of fun. Remember, the first run of Armada Sideways had the gimmick inverted.
Engineering: 7, it’s all functional, but many things could have been better.
Transformation: 6, this is primarily one humanoid figure whose alt mode is two minicons.
Versions: 4
Best version: Armada (second run).
Essential? Yes.
#1 Leader-1 (with Armada Megatron) (46/50)
Integration, alt mode: 7, Leader-1 unlocking extra missile launchers while doubling up as a gun pod always puts a smile on my face. The activation of “rat-tat-tat” sounds has the opposite effect.
Integration, robot mode: 10, Leader-1 can turn into a handheld gun, connect to a shoulder as a missile pod or enter a “not so secret compartment” to physically integrate into Megatron’s robot mode. Awesome.
Powerlinx gimmick: 10, the alt mode gimmicks also work in robot mode, and make Leader-1 a memorable partner.
Engineering: 10, it’s possible to achieve great things even with a simple execution - something that eluded most similar efforts in the Unicron Trilogy (see Cybertron Drill Bit).
Transformation: 9, simple, effective and elegant.
Versions: 3
Best version: Armada.
Essential? Yes.
Megatron truly reigns supreme over mini-cons. With the top 5 done, let’s find out which mini-con is truly the worst partner a Transformer could ask for!
Now, we also have the rest of the rankings for those curious of who'd be the runners up and which would be the worst one.
#6 Inferno (with Armada Thrust) (38/50)
9 / 6 / 5 / 10 / 8
Thrust is not that different from Hot Shot - not in the sense that they are both gullible idiots, but in their alt mode integration with their minicon. While Hot Shot has some unexpected air vehicle, Thrust has a land one - a small truck, adding firepower as nobody’s business.
Just like Jolt, Inferno and Thrust can share an accessory - in this case, Thrust can use Inferno’s launcher as a handheld weapon. Plot twist: Thrust got no hands!
Versions: 4
Best version: Powerlinx Inferno.
Essential? No.
#7 Jolt (with Armada Hot Shot) (37/50)
8 / 6 / 5 / 10 / 8
Jolt is the quintessential minicon. Its interaction with Hot Shot in alt mode is the stuff legends are made of (YUM JAAM!), and it’s a solid, well designed toy all around. As an additional bonus, Jolt can carry Hot Shot’s engine block as a gun, a rare example of accessories being shared between partners.
Versions: 2
Best version: Armada Jolt, the original.
Essential? Yes.
#8 Crumplezone (with Armada Cyclonus) (36/50)
10 / 2 / 10 / 9 / 5
Together with Demolishor, Armada Cyclonus sports the best alt mode integration in all of Armada. While Demolishor’s integration ended with alt mode, Cyclonus has several powerlinx gimmicks, maximising the real estate for Crumplezone to connect to. The “rat-tat-tat” gimmick is not trivial, and works perfectly as intended.
Versions: 4
Best version: Cybertron
Essential? Yes.
#9 Safeguard (with Cybertron Vector Prime) (35/50)
9 / 10 / 0 / 8 / 8
One of the most memorable partner minicons, Safeguard is an essential complement to Cybertron Vector Prime, even more in its Japanese version. No real powerlinking feature, but plenty to like.
Versions: 5
Best version: Galaxy Force
Essential? Yes.
#10 Wind Sheer (with Armada Wheeljack) (34/50)
7 / 0 / 7 / 10 / 10
A fantastic mini-con in both modes, with a fun transformation, Wind Sheer manages to look right next to Wheeljack thanks to coordinated color schemes and an overall alignment with the powerlinx gimmick’s appearance. Some instability - the powerlinx’ trigger tends to displace the minicon - but a great effort overall.
Versions: 3
Best version: Micron Legend.
Essential? No.
#11 Heavy Load (with Cybertron Menasor) (33/50)
7 / 6 / 6 / 7 / 7
The only minicon partnered with a Decepticon in the post-Armada era, Heavy Load has an original alt mode and a couple of interesting ideas for integrating with Menasor… how interesting, it depends on how much you like Menasor’s futuristic alt mode, which is more alien and sci-fi looking than many, many others in the Unicron Trilogy.
Versions: 1
Best version: one guess.
Essential? No.
#12 tie Throttler (with Power Core Combiners Sledge) (32/50)
9 / 8 / 0 / 8 / 7
A unique minicon whose alt mode is a… drill attachment. A necessity, for those who ever played with this little fellow. Simple but not trivial engineering completes one of the few essential PCC minicons.
Versions: 3
Best version: PCC.
Essential? No.
#12 tie Thunderclash (with Armada Skywarp) (32/50)
9 / 3 / 8 / 5 / 7
Compared to Swindle, Thunderclash works much better as Skywarp's partner, with much better integration in alt mode. In robot mode connecting Thunderclash meaningfully is a challenge, as there's not even a pseudo-shield option, balancing things out. However, Thunderclash has two fun modes and a fun transformation, making it closer to Liftor in terms of value. Beware breakages, though.
Versions: 5
Best version: Micron Booster v2 Saber.
Essential? Yes
#13 Incinerator (with Armada Blurr) (31/50)
10 / 4 / 10 / 4 / 3
A stylish, fun minicon car designed to activate a very specific - and excellent - gimmick. On the other hand, The simply designed Armada Incinerator could be considered the Trojan horse for Cybertron’s Cyber Key gimmick.
Versions: 3
Best version: Armada.
Essential? No.
#14 Beacon (with Power Core Combiners Steelshot) (30/50)
9 / 8 / 0 / 7 / 6
A fun, versatile mini-con with great personality, great addition to many larger TFs.
Versions: 4
Best version: PCC.
Essential? No.
#15 Nightbeat (with Armada Side Swipe, or A.S.S.) (29/50)
10 / 5 / 8 / 3 / 3
Nightbeat is the core of Side Swipe’s entire design. From this perspective, all of A.S.S.’ limitations can be a bit more acceptable. However, Nightbeat as a robot toy doesn’t really work - it’s not surprised that it was demoted to “Seek and Destroy drone” for a later release.
Versions: 2
Best version: Micron Booster v3.
Essential? No.
#16 Longarm (with Armada Red Alert) (28/50)
5 / 6 / 6 / 6 / 5
Longarm is a G1 Micromaster which happens to have a mini-con port. Great for G1 fans, but Red Alert could have been paired with a better match. Longarm’s crane is way too tiny to be a credible gimmick.
Versions: 6
Best version: Movie.
Essential? No.
#17 Blackout (with Armada Demolishor) (27/50)
10 / 3 / 3 / 6 / 5
Blackout and Demolishor have the best alt mode integration in all of Armada. However, things fall apart in robot mode, with just a two-steps missile launcher gimmick which was not interesting to start with.
Versions: 5
Best version: Energon KB Toys, the Devastator homage.
Essential? Yes.
#18 Over-run (with Armada Optimus “Bendy” Prime) (26/50)
5 / 10 / 4 / 4 / 3
A great targetmaster homage with some integration in alt mode - better than Sparkplug’s - and a problematic transformation. The powerlinx double-punch gimmick is on top of nobody’s list.
Versions: 5
Best version: Armada.
Essential? No.
#19 Swindle (with Armada Starscream) (25/50)
7 / 6 / 8 / 3 / 1
Somehow, Swindle works as Stascream’s partner, but it would be very difficult to pitch this concept without experiencing the toy. There is some redemption in robot mode with a fan-made shield mode, but ultimately Swindle fails as a Transformers toy, as even Nightbeat was designed with better articulation.
Versions: 7
Best version: Armada.
Essential? Yes (AAAARGH)
#20 Razorbeam (with Power Core Combiners Darkstream) (24/50)
5 / 9 / 0 / 5 / 5
Razorbeam is an axe, first and foremost. The transformation is not particularly involved, but Razorbeam manages to be a bit more interesting than many other PCC “turrets”.
Versions: 3
Best version: PCC.
Essential? No.
#21 Liftor (with Armada Smokescreen) (23/50)
0 / 0 / 3 / 10 / 10
Hailed as a “tiny god” since its release, Liftor is one of the most exciting transformer toys out there, with a fun, simple transformation, a heroic robot mode and a fun alt mode. This design would work even at larger scales, and I hope one day we’ll finally get a Masterpiece Liftor. As it happens, Armada Smokescreen is one of the most indecisive designs of the UT, and there is no true interaction between Smokescreen and Liftor. Looking at its eye patch, and based on Aaron Archer’s comments, it seems Lift-OR was meant to be a pirate, just like Demolish-OR. A wasted opportunity for a BotCon set.
Versions: 2
Best version: Universe Liftor.
Essential? No.
#22 Rollbar (with Armada Scavenger) (22/50)
7 / 0 / 0 / 7 / 8
Rollbar is a fun little minicon which can sit at the steering wheel in Scavenger’s alt mode. Fun and original, but ultimately worthless as a power-up. Just like Hoist, Scavenger didn’t really need a minicon.
Versions: 2
Best version: Energon Hound.
Essential? No.
#21 Bumb-burst (with Power Core Combiners Salvage) (21/50)
7 / 6 / 0 / 4 / 4
A highly versatile mini-con which looks straight out of the PS2 Armada videogame. Simple, but effective.
Versions: 4
Best version: PCC Chainclaw.
Essential? No.
#22 Groundspike (with Power Core Combiners Heavy Tread) (20/50)
8 / 6 / 0 / 4 / 2
This minicon, just like Nightbeat, is all about alt mode integration. The transformation is nothing more than a yoga pose, but at least it can become a great Devastator-like chest plate for many TFs, including Tidal Wave or PCC combiners.
Versions: 4
Best version: United EX Wheezel. Blowpipe might be easier to find.
Essential? No.
#23 Dead End (with Armada Unicron) (19/50)
4 / 0 / 3 / 6 / 6
Unicron has an immune system… made of mini-cons. The problem with Dead End is that it’s meant to represent on of trillions of Unicron antibodies, while its size makes it closer to a moon. Nice integration in alt mode, but its activation of leg missiles is problematic, as each missile is meant to be a Dead End drone by itself.
Versions: 7
Best version: Bug General, from Micron Booster v3.
Essential? No.
#24 Ramjet (with Armada Tidal Wave) (18/50)
8 / 0 / 0 / 5 / 5
The smallest mini-con, small and simplified enough to fit into a working elevator in Tidal Wave’s aircraft carrier mode. If Legacy Evolution Ramjet was core class, a potential LE Titan Tidal Wave would need to upgrade into a HasLab project. Would you pay $500 for a HasLab Tidal Wave?
Versions: 2
Best version: Energon / Super Link.
Essential? No.
#25 Caliburst (with Power Core Combiners Huffer) (17/50)
7 / 4 / 0 / 4 / 2
An iconic PCC minicon, Caliburst looks great as a weapon in alt mode, a bit more interesting than similar concepts in the same toyline. Surely more exciting that Legacy’s Energon weapons.
Versions: 3
Best version: PCC.
Essential? No.
#26 Waterlog (with Power Core Combiners Undertow) (16/50)
7 / 4 / 0 / 4 / 1
The wings in robot mode suggest some actual alt mode, instead we are left with a competent targetmaster/armor/turret with wings.
Versions: 3
Best version: PCC.
Essential? No.
#27 Leadfoot (with Power Core Combiners Pinpoint) (15/50)
6 / 3 / 0 / 4 / 2
An interesting homage to G1 Powermasters, with a simple transformation into an engine block. the twin barrels help, but nothing stops this minicon from being ultimately boring.
Versions: 4
Best version: PCC.
Essential? No.
#28 Airlift (with Power Core Combiners Sky Hammer) (14/50)
5 / 3 / 0 / 3 / 3
Just another competent targetmaster/armor/turret.
Versions: 4
Best version: PCC.
Essential? No.
#29 Drill Bit (with Cybertron Metroplex) (13/50)
6 / 0 / 0 / 3 / 4
You can see why the Legacy Metroplex’ product team ended up “costing out” a potential Core Class Drill Bit from the picture. Drill Bit is very similar to Leader-1, and manages to lose all potential of its close relative: no gun mode, no powerlinx-activated gimmick, just a parking spot on top of Sparkdrinker, making its twin drills truly dismal, when you look at the gargantuan machine behind it.
Versions: 3
Best version: Galaxy Force (with painted windows)
Essential? No (Legacy was right!)
#30 Sparkplug (with Armada Superbase Optimus Prime) (12/50)
0 / 0 / 0 / 5 / 7
Sparkplus combines an interesting, original transformation with limited engineering and articulation, and no specific interaction with Superbase Optimus Prime except for that “flat double-barrelled cannon” which can be deployed in base mode by many other minicons.
Versions: 5
Best version: Armada Corona Sparkplug.
Essential? No.
#31 Refute (with Armada Hoist) (11/50)
0 / 0 / 0 / 7 / 4
When you look at the ratio between gimmicks and articulation, there’s a clear pattern: early waves of Armada heavily prioritised gimmicks, making minicons truly central, while some of the last releases increased articulation at the expenses of minicon interactivity. The culmination of this process is Armada Hoist, and Armada toy which does not need a minicon - as demonstrated by its excellent remold, Cybertron Longrack.
Versions: 4
Best version: Armada.
Essential? No.
#32 Universe Jolt (with Universe 2.0 Hot Shot) (08/50)
1 / 0 / 0 / 2 / 5
Universe Jolt is an abomination, and a warning to all Tfans asking for modern versions of UT toys. The most iconic powerlink port of the entire Unicron Trilogy, connecting Jolt to Hot Shot’s car mode, has been removed, replaced by friction and luck. Plastic feels cheaper than most KOs, and would not pass the test for a Kinder Suprise toy. How anybody approved this is beyond human comprehension.
Versions: 3
Best version: TFCC Cop-tur, at least it’s a new character.
Essential? No.
News Search
Got Transformers News? Let us know here!
Most Popular Transformers News
ROTB Optimus Prime Lead Designer Discusses Why the Face Looks Similar to the 2007 Movie
57,783 viewsMost Recent Transformers News
News Categories: Toy News, Movie Related News, Cartoon News, Comic Book News, Site News, Rumors, Event News, Digital Media News, Collectables, Sponsor News, Game News, Site Articles, Store News, Reviews, People News, Company News, Sightings, Press Releases, Unlicensed Products News, Auctions, Transtopia, Interviews, Editorials, Collector's Club News, Knock Offs, Podcast, Heavy Metal War, Contests, Book News, Top Lists
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149147)
Posted by TulioDude on November 12th, 2022 @ 11:16pm CST
Posted by TulioDude on November 12th, 2022 @ 11:16pm CST
I have the Universe Heavy Load with Drill Bit version of the Quickmix with Stripmine toy.
Glad to see him on the list!
Day 1048 of waiting for Transformers Armada Masterpiece news.
Glad to see him on the list!
Day 1048 of waiting for Transformers Armada Masterpiece news.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149149)
Posted by Tigerhawk7109 on November 12th, 2022 @ 11:25pm CST
Posted by Tigerhawk7109 on November 12th, 2022 @ 11:25pm CST
This is a list that's overall pretty good. I'd definitely make some changes to the Top 5 though.
5: Rollout. A return to form for the Headmaster gimmick, and a perfect Minimus Ambus predecessor. I've never handled Sideways, so the best I've got for the Headmasters is Rollout.
4: Tie between Heavy Load and Wind Sheer. Gorgeous little guys, surprisingly good articulation. Wind Sheer has the better colors overall, but Heavy Load easily wins when it comes to interacting with the larger figures.
3: Liftor. Seeing him get ranked so low pisses me off. His interaction with Smokescreen might be limited, but that doesn't excuse such a low placement for what is otherwise an excellent figure.
2: Leader-1. An excellent figure overall, probably the best when it comes to working with his partner. But there's something missing.....
1. Safeguard. My favorite Mini-Con ever. And it's not even close. I've only handled him once, (still searching for my own copy of the mold) but I can tell that Safeguard is something special. The Targetmaster gimmick, convincing alternate mode, excellent personality.... Safeguard has it all. I can't justify putting anyone else in the number one spot.
5: Rollout. A return to form for the Headmaster gimmick, and a perfect Minimus Ambus predecessor. I've never handled Sideways, so the best I've got for the Headmasters is Rollout.
4: Tie between Heavy Load and Wind Sheer. Gorgeous little guys, surprisingly good articulation. Wind Sheer has the better colors overall, but Heavy Load easily wins when it comes to interacting with the larger figures.
3: Liftor. Seeing him get ranked so low pisses me off. His interaction with Smokescreen might be limited, but that doesn't excuse such a low placement for what is otherwise an excellent figure.
2: Leader-1. An excellent figure overall, probably the best when it comes to working with his partner. But there's something missing.....
1. Safeguard. My favorite Mini-Con ever. And it's not even close. I've only handled him once, (still searching for my own copy of the mold) but I can tell that Safeguard is something special. The Targetmaster gimmick, convincing alternate mode, excellent personality.... Safeguard has it all. I can't justify putting anyone else in the number one spot.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149152)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on November 12th, 2022 @ 11:51pm CST
Posted by Rodimus Prime on November 12th, 2022 @ 11:51pm CST
Wow that's a great list. I don't have the knowledge of Armada or the patience to even do a top 10. I do love the Mini-Con concept, and personally I favor the comic version where they're all their own characters instead of just weapon enhancements like in the cartoon.
Anyway, here's my top 5, without specifics, but simply because I like them.
5. Starscream and Swindle (the other 2 seeker versions also apply equally. Personally Skywarp's colors are my favorite, but Starscream is the most well-known)
4. Hotshot and Jolt
3. Megatron and Leader-1. My favorite Mini-Con, and I have no idea why
2. Rollout and Overload
1. Cyclonus and Crumplezone
Anyway, here's my top 5, without specifics, but simply because I like them.
5. Starscream and Swindle (the other 2 seeker versions also apply equally. Personally Skywarp's colors are my favorite, but Starscream is the most well-known)
4. Hotshot and Jolt
3. Megatron and Leader-1. My favorite Mini-Con, and I have no idea why
2. Rollout and Overload
1. Cyclonus and Crumplezone
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149154)
Posted by Bumblevivisector on November 13th, 2022 @ 1:27am CST
Posted by Bumblevivisector on November 13th, 2022 @ 1:27am CST
Speaking of Armada Skywarp, maybe I'm just too tired, but I don't see Thunderclash on this list. He surely deserves some sort of honorable mention for being designed to interact with the retool of the seeker mold that originally worked with a totally different minicon, and being way more versatile than Swindle/Zap Master by making a more effective arm-mounted weapon for SW/RJ's bot modes, and actually integrating with the front of the jet mode instead of just hiding under it.
Also, Dead End being able serve as an antibody when interacting with any other Armada/Energon toy, or the moon from Floro Dery's original concept art when interacting with his master Unicron strikes me as more of an intentional feature than a bug (pun intended), a way to have fun with scale issues via scale-repurposing. Hardly something he deserves to be ranked so low for.
Otherwise, an awesome list that clearly involved actually playing with all of your UC and PCC toys a helluva lot more than I ever did/will.
Also, Dead End being able serve as an antibody when interacting with any other Armada/Energon toy, or the moon from Floro Dery's original concept art when interacting with his master Unicron strikes me as more of an intentional feature than a bug (pun intended), a way to have fun with scale issues via scale-repurposing. Hardly something he deserves to be ranked so low for.
Otherwise, an awesome list that clearly involved actually playing with all of your UC and PCC toys a helluva lot more than I ever did/will.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149159)
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on November 13th, 2022 @ 8:15am CST
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on November 13th, 2022 @ 8:15am CST
Dead End is my favorite Mini-con. He's so much fun to transform and I love the way he looks with Unicron. I never got into the show, so I don't care if the one guy is supposed to be trillions of drones. I didn't know the missiles were supposed to be mini Dead Ends too. For me he's a really fun TF that integrates well into Unicron.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149160)
Posted by rikkomba on November 13th, 2022 @ 8:48am CST
You are absolutely right. Thunderclash is missing! At 32/50 points, it's a draw with Throttler for spot #12
#12 Thunderclash (with Armada Skywarp) (32/50)
9 / 3 / 8 / 5 / 7
Compared to Swindle, Thunderclash works much better as Skywarp's partner, with much better integration in alt mode. In robot mode connecting Thunderclash meaningfully is a challenge, as there's not even a pseudo-shield option, balancing things out. However, Thunderclash has two fun modes and a fun transformation, making it closer to Liftor in terms of value. Beware breakages, though.
Versions: 5
Best version: Micron Booster v2 Saber.
Essential? Yes
Posted by rikkomba on November 13th, 2022 @ 8:48am CST
Bumblevivisector wrote:Speaking of Armada Skywarp, maybe I'm just too tired, but I don't see Thunderclash on this list. He surely deserves some sort of honorable mention for being designed to interact with the retool of the seeker mold that originally worked with a totally different minicon, and being way more versatile than Swindle/Zap Master by making a more effective arm-mounted weapon for SW/RJ's bot modes, and actually integrating with the front of the jet mode instead of just hiding under it.
You are absolutely right. Thunderclash is missing! At 32/50 points, it's a draw with Throttler for spot #12
#12 Thunderclash (with Armada Skywarp) (32/50)
9 / 3 / 8 / 5 / 7
Compared to Swindle, Thunderclash works much better as Skywarp's partner, with much better integration in alt mode. In robot mode connecting Thunderclash meaningfully is a challenge, as there's not even a pseudo-shield option, balancing things out. However, Thunderclash has two fun modes and a fun transformation, making it closer to Liftor in terms of value. Beware breakages, though.
Versions: 5
Best version: Micron Booster v2 Saber.
Essential? Yes
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149161)
Posted by rikkomba on November 13th, 2022 @ 8:49am CST
I recommend watching The Unicron Battles, Armada episodes 40-52. 13 episodes, around 4 hours, it's good fun.
Posted by rikkomba on November 13th, 2022 @ 8:49am CST
Gauntlet101010 wrote:Dead End is my favorite Mini-con. He's so much fun to transform and I love the way he looks with Unicron. I never got into the show, so I don't care if the one guy is supposed to be trillions of drones. I didn't know the missiles were supposed to be mini Dead Ends too. For me he's a really fun TF that integrates well into Unicron.
I recommend watching The Unicron Battles, Armada episodes 40-52. 13 episodes, around 4 hours, it's good fun.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149162)
Posted by rikkomba on November 13th, 2022 @ 8:51am CST
Fun fact - when I rebuilt my UT collection from scratch in 2020, I ended up relying on muscle memory to handle the toys, and on my own collection's pictures to recreate a checklist.
Agree, Dreamwave gave minicons much more personality, I am still scared of Dualor.
I can see your point. Liftor is indeed a great figure on its own - and will have its time to shine in Part 3, where we'll close this 20th anniversary celebration by ranking every single minicon mold out, on their own merits. Stay tuned.
Indeed.
Posted by rikkomba on November 13th, 2022 @ 8:51am CST
Bumblevivisector wrote:Otherwise, an awesome list that clearly involved actually playing with all of your UC and PCC toys a helluva lot more than I ever did/will.
Fun fact - when I rebuilt my UT collection from scratch in 2020, I ended up relying on muscle memory to handle the toys, and on my own collection's pictures to recreate a checklist.
Rodimus Prime wrote:Wow that's a great list. I don't have the knowledge of Armada or the patience to even do a top 10. I do love the Mini-Con concept, and personally I favor the comic version where they're all their own characters instead of just weapon enhancements like in the cartoon.
Agree, Dreamwave gave minicons much more personality, I am still scared of Dualor.
Tigerhawk7109 wrote:This is a list that's overall pretty good. I'd definitely make some changes to the Top 5 though.
[...]
3: Liftor. Seeing him get ranked so low pisses me off. His interaction with Smokescreen might be limited, but that doesn't excuse such a low placement for what is otherwise an excellent figure.
I can see your point. Liftor is indeed a great figure on its own - and will have its time to shine in Part 3, where we'll close this 20th anniversary celebration by ranking every single minicon mold out, on their own merits. Stay tuned.
TulioDude wrote:Day 1048 of waiting for Transformers Armada Masterpiece news.
Indeed.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149164)
Posted by rikkomba on November 13th, 2022 @ 8:56am CST
Thanks for making this possible, we make a great team
Posted by rikkomba on November 13th, 2022 @ 8:56am CST
william-james88 wrote:I definitely agree with number 1
Thanks for making this possible, we make a great team
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149170)
Posted by Tigerhawk7109 on November 13th, 2022 @ 10:35am CST
Posted by Tigerhawk7109 on November 13th, 2022 @ 10:35am CST
By any chance, do you need a collaborator for Part 3? I'd be happy to lend a hand.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149172)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on November 13th, 2022 @ 11:07am CST
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on November 13th, 2022 @ 11:07am CST
That was a fun read.
My personal favorite is the Cybertron Buzzsaw/Trigger, that one for some reason just brings me so much joy in my collection, and is a lot of fun.
I'd rank Quickmix 2nd, and Jetfire 3rd. They all let me have some good ole fun
My personal favorite is the Cybertron Buzzsaw/Trigger, that one for some reason just brings me so much joy in my collection, and is a lot of fun.
I'd rank Quickmix 2nd, and Jetfire 3rd. They all let me have some good ole fun
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149179)
Posted by william-james88 on November 13th, 2022 @ 5:42pm CST
Part 3, the finale, is already in the works and will be up in December to close off the 20th anniversary of Minicons
Posted by william-james88 on November 13th, 2022 @ 5:42pm CST
Tigerhawk7109 wrote:By any chance, do you need a collaborator for Part 3? I'd be happy to lend a hand.
Part 3, the finale, is already in the works and will be up in December to close off the 20th anniversary of Minicons
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149183)
Posted by Tigerhawk7109 on November 13th, 2022 @ 6:39pm CST
Ah, dang. I'd still be willing to lend a hand as an editor if you need one though!
Posted by Tigerhawk7109 on November 13th, 2022 @ 6:39pm CST
william-james88 wrote:Tigerhawk7109 wrote:By any chance, do you need a collaborator for Part 3? I'd be happy to lend a hand.
Part 3, the finale, is already in the works and will be up in December to close off the 20th anniversary of Minicons
Ah, dang. I'd still be willing to lend a hand as an editor if you need one though!
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149239)
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on November 14th, 2022 @ 9:13pm CST
Regarding Sparkplug... He may lack leg articulation but at least he has shoulder rotation so he can properly man base mode turrets. Not as good as the wonderful Stripmine, but it's something (something that some of the other partner Mini-Cons lack). Longarm can also do that. Speaking of Longarm... what do you mean by his crane arm being too short? Are you talking for use attached to Red Alert?
Swindle... Swindle would be better if his shoulders could rotate. But he does make a neat little deployable ground scout - that gimmick is nice. Disagree about which version is best, I prefer Zapmaster's colors.
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on November 14th, 2022 @ 9:13pm CST
Thanks to the dumb way they redesigned Jolt's transformation, he can't even be a rear propeller for Hot Shot's car mode anymore. He ends up being there just to be there.rikkomba wrote:Universe Jolt is an abomination, and a warning to all Tfans asking for modern versions of UT toys. The most iconic powerlink port of the entire Unicron Trilogy, connecting Jolt to Hot Shot’s car mode, has been removed, replaced by friction and luck. Plastic feels cheaper than most KOs, and would not pass the test for a Kinder Suprise toy. How anybody approved this is beyond human comprehension.
Regarding Sparkplug... He may lack leg articulation but at least he has shoulder rotation so he can properly man base mode turrets. Not as good as the wonderful Stripmine, but it's something (something that some of the other partner Mini-Cons lack). Longarm can also do that. Speaking of Longarm... what do you mean by his crane arm being too short? Are you talking for use attached to Red Alert?
Swindle... Swindle would be better if his shoulders could rotate. But he does make a neat little deployable ground scout - that gimmick is nice. Disagree about which version is best, I prefer Zapmaster's colors.
Can you amend the main post with this?rikkomba wrote:Bumblevivisector wrote:Speaking of Armada Skywarp, maybe I'm just too tired, but I don't see Thunderclash on this list. He surely deserves some sort of honorable mention for being designed to interact with the retool of the seeker mold that originally worked with a totally different minicon, and being way more versatile than Swindle/Zap Master by making a more effective arm-mounted weapon for SW/RJ's bot modes, and actually integrating with the front of the jet mode instead of just hiding under it.
You are absolutely right. Thunderclash is missing! At 32/50 points, it's a draw with Throttler for spot #12
#12 Thunderclash (with Armada Skywarp) (32/50)
9 / 3 / 8 / 5 / 7
Compared to Swindle, Thunderclash works much better as Skywarp's partner, with much better integration in alt mode. In robot mode connecting Thunderclash meaningfully is a challenge, as there's not even a pseudo-shield option, balancing things out. However, Thunderclash has two fun modes and a fun transformation, making it closer to Liftor in terms of value. Beware breakages, though.
Versions: 5
Best version: Micron Booster v2 Saber.
Essential? Yes
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149241)
Posted by william-james88 on November 14th, 2022 @ 10:17pm CST
Posted by william-james88 on November 14th, 2022 @ 10:17pm CST
I can ammend
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149251)
Posted by Ultra Markus on November 15th, 2022 @ 12:45am CST
Posted by Ultra Markus on November 15th, 2022 @ 12:45am CST
you forgot that cometor can connect to the front of jetfires shuttle underneath for a clever looking landing gear 
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149253)
Posted by rikkomba on November 15th, 2022 @ 5:35am CST
"Integration, alt mode: 10, Comettor, like Rollout, is an essential part of Jetfire’s alt mode."
Posted by rikkomba on November 15th, 2022 @ 5:35am CST
Ultra Markus wrote:you forgot that cometor can connect to the front of jetfires shuttle underneath for a clever looking landing gear
"Integration, alt mode: 10, Comettor, like Rollout, is an essential part of Jetfire’s alt mode."
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149258)
Posted by Ultra Markus on November 15th, 2022 @ 9:28am CST
It didn't explain how though
To those reading it wouldn't know if they didn't already have the figure
Posted by Ultra Markus on November 15th, 2022 @ 9:28am CST
rikkomba wrote:Ultra Markus wrote:you forgot that cometor can connect to the front of jetfires shuttle underneath for a clever looking landing gear
"Integration, alt mode: 10, Comettor, like Rollout, is an essential part of Jetfire’s alt mode."
It didn't explain how though
To those reading it wouldn't know if they didn't already have the figure
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149269)
Posted by Overcracker on November 15th, 2022 @ 12:13pm CST
Yes. Commettor doubles as landing gear. Though in that picture it's very mistransformed.
Also, I wouldn't classify Leader-1 and Stripmine as essential.
Rollout is indeed very essential to Overload.
Jetfire is pretty functional in both modes without comettor. And Megatron;s features can be sued with an y minicon. It does not need to be Leader-1 specifically.
Others like Incinerator are essential since no other Minion can do what he does for Blurr, ie activate his jet mode.
Not sure how required Nightbeat is for Sideswipe though. Don't remember needing him for anything special, exc eat the catapult on the back of the car mode.
Posted by Overcracker on November 15th, 2022 @ 12:13pm CST
Ultra Markus wrote:you forgot that cometor can connect to the front of jetfires shuttle underneath for a clever looking landing gear
Yes. Commettor doubles as landing gear. Though in that picture it's very mistransformed.
Also, I wouldn't classify Leader-1 and Stripmine as essential.
Rollout is indeed very essential to Overload.
Jetfire is pretty functional in both modes without comettor. And Megatron;s features can be sued with an y minicon. It does not need to be Leader-1 specifically.
Others like Incinerator are essential since no other Minion can do what he does for Blurr, ie activate his jet mode.
Not sure how required Nightbeat is for Sideswipe though. Don't remember needing him for anything special, exc eat the catapult on the back of the car mode.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149272)
Posted by rikkomba on November 15th, 2022 @ 12:36pm CST
I can't imagine Megs or Quickmix without their minicons.
Posted by rikkomba on November 15th, 2022 @ 12:36pm CST
Overcracker wrote:Ultra Markus wrote:you forgot that cometor can connect to the front of jetfires shuttle underneath for a clever looking landing gear
Yes. Commettor doubles as landing gear. Though in that picture it's very mistransformed.
Also, I wouldn't classify Leader-1 and Stripmine as essential.
I can't imagine Megs or Quickmix without their minicons.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149429)
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on November 18th, 2022 @ 12:34am CST
Stripmine isn't necessary for activating any gimmicks, but he adds some lovely extra play value to Quickmix
He can even form a double weapon with Quickmix's pipe blaster.
Leader-1 is not only a Targetmaster gun...
He's also necessary for deploying Megatron's double launcher (admittedly any Mini-Con can do this, but still), and properly completing Full Blast Mode (Seibertron has no pic of the latter)
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on November 18th, 2022 @ 12:34am CST
Rikkomba was going off both use and play value.Overcracker wrote:Also, I wouldn't classify Leader-1 and Stripmine as essential.
Stripmine isn't necessary for activating any gimmicks, but he adds some lovely extra play value to Quickmix
He can even form a double weapon with Quickmix's pipe blaster.
Leader-1 is not only a Targetmaster gun...
He's also necessary for deploying Megatron's double launcher (admittedly any Mini-Con can do this, but still), and properly completing Full Blast Mode (Seibertron has no pic of the latter)
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149454)
Posted by Overcracker on November 18th, 2022 @ 12:39pm CST
The moment any minicon can do it, is the moment it stops being essential.
Essential, being the figure is close to unusable or unusable without the specific minicon.
Overload is the only one that fits that bill technically. Without Rollout he has no head.
Any minicon can activate any of the gimmicks on Megs and Quick Mix and many other minicons can probably be used as a weapon / target master for either of them.
As I said Blurr is maybe the only other figure that requires their specific partner for something. Maybe if you have Stripmine it may be thin and long enough to push his wing release.
I could even argue Comettor isn't all that essential either. Yes, he does something only he can do and no other minicon can do which is make Jetfire´s landing gear, but Jetfire can still work fine without him.
I'd say important to have?: yes. Adds play value to have their specific minicon?: yes that too. Are they essential to the toy´s function?, no, I would not say they are.
While Rollout is essential to Overload's function, and Incinerator is needed to deploy a feature.
Posted by Overcracker on November 18th, 2022 @ 12:39pm CST
ZeldaTheSwordsman wrote:Rikkomba was going off both use and play value.Overcracker wrote:Also, I wouldn't classify Leader-1 and Stripmine as essential.
Stripmine isn't necessary for activating any gimmicks, but he adds some lovely extra play value to Quickmix
He can even form a double weapon with Quickmix's pipe blaster.
Leader-1 is not only a Targetmaster gun...
He's also necessary for deploying Megatron's double launcher (admittedly any Mini-Con can do this, but still), and properly completing Full Blast Mode (Seibertron has no pic of the latter)
The moment any minicon can do it, is the moment it stops being essential.
Essential, being the figure is close to unusable or unusable without the specific minicon.
Overload is the only one that fits that bill technically. Without Rollout he has no head.
Any minicon can activate any of the gimmicks on Megs and Quick Mix and many other minicons can probably be used as a weapon / target master for either of them.
As I said Blurr is maybe the only other figure that requires their specific partner for something. Maybe if you have Stripmine it may be thin and long enough to push his wing release.
I could even argue Comettor isn't all that essential either. Yes, he does something only he can do and no other minicon can do which is make Jetfire´s landing gear, but Jetfire can still work fine without him.
I'd say important to have?: yes. Adds play value to have their specific minicon?: yes that too. Are they essential to the toy´s function?, no, I would not say they are.
While Rollout is essential to Overload's function, and Incinerator is needed to deploy a feature.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149474)
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on November 18th, 2022 @ 4:44pm CST
2. The amount of Mini-Cons that can truly be used as Targetmaster partners is small, because only a few have 5mm pegs. There are a number that can be used as weapons, but...
3a. No Mini-Con can activate anything on Quickmix, because the only activateable gimmick on him is his Cyber Key gimmick.
3b. A good bit of Stripmine's interactivity is unique to him. The ability to neatly form a double weapon with Quickmix's pipe blaster is dependent on his hinged handle peg and the clearances provided by his body design, only he can dock with Quickmix's upper platform (it's shaped for him and again relies on his hinged handle peg), and only he can properly man the control station there because it has pegs specifically designed for him - see the instructions for a clear look.
Also, do you really consider this to render Rook and Crosswise dispensable?
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on November 18th, 2022 @ 4:44pm CST
Well, see, Rikkomba is using it to mean "must have", because without the actual partner Mini-Con you're missing substantial play value.Overcracker wrote:The moment any minicon can do it, is the moment it stops being essential.
Essential, being the figure is close to unusable or unusable without the specific minicon.
1. Only Leader-1 can be an additional chest turret for Megs in Full Blast Mode, though.Overcracker wrote:Any minicon can activate any of the gimmicks on Megs and Quick Mix and many other minicons can probably be used as a weapon / target master for either of them.
2. The amount of Mini-Cons that can truly be used as Targetmaster partners is small, because only a few have 5mm pegs. There are a number that can be used as weapons, but...
3a. No Mini-Con can activate anything on Quickmix, because the only activateable gimmick on him is his Cyber Key gimmick.
3b. A good bit of Stripmine's interactivity is unique to him. The ability to neatly form a double weapon with Quickmix's pipe blaster is dependent on his hinged handle peg and the clearances provided by his body design, only he can dock with Quickmix's upper platform (it's shaped for him and again relies on his hinged handle peg), and only he can properly man the control station there because it has pegs specifically designed for him - see the instructions for a clear look.
I disagree. If there's features only present with that specific Mini-Con (or on that specific Mini-Con) that the play value is the worse for losing, then I agree with rikkomba that the Mini-Con is essential. And so, that puts the Seekers on the list (not only can only a few Mini-Cons activate their port without being mistransformed, only Swindle and Thunderclash can dock with the clasp under the cockpit), it puts Cyclonus, Demolishor, and Hot Shot (Jolt and Jolt alone can be that rear propeller) on the list...Overcracker wrote:As I said Blurr is maybe the only other figure that requires their specific partner for something. Maybe if you have Stripmine it may be thin and long enough to push his wing release.
I could even argue Comettor isn't all that essential either. Yes, he does something only he can do and no other minicon can do which is make Jetfire´s landing gear, but Jetfire can still work fine without him.
Also, do you really consider this to render Rook and Crosswise dispensable?
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149475)
Posted by ZeroWolf on November 18th, 2022 @ 5:09pm CST
My junker version of sideways had to rock that loom dog a while
Posted by ZeroWolf on November 18th, 2022 @ 5:09pm CST
ZeldaTheSwordsman wrote:Well, see, Rikkomba is using it to mean "must have", because without the actual partner Mini-Con you're missing substantial play value.Overcracker wrote:The moment any minicon can do it, is the moment it stops being essential.
Essential, being the figure is close to unusable or unusable without the specific minicon.1. Only Leader-1 can be an additional chest turret for Megs in Full Blast Mode, though.Overcracker wrote:Any minicon can activate any of the gimmicks on Megs and Quick Mix and many other minicons can probably be used as a weapon / target master for either of them.
2. The amount of Mini-Cons that can truly be used as Targetmaster partners is small, because only a few have 5mm pegs. There are a number that can be used as weapons, but...
3a. No Mini-Con can activate anything on Quickmix, because the only activateable gimmick on him is his Cyber Key gimmick.
3b. A good bit of Stripmine's interactivity is unique to him. The ability to neatly form a double weapon with Quickmix's pipe blaster is dependent on his hinged handle peg and the clearances provided by his body design, only he can dock with Quickmix's upper platform (it's shaped for him and again relies on his hinged handle peg), and only he can properly man the control station there because it has pegs specifically designed for him - see the instructions for a clear look.I disagree. If there's features only present with that specific Mini-Con (or on that specific Mini-Con) that the play value is the worse for losing, then I agree with rikkomba that the Mini-Con is essential. And so, that puts the Seekers on the list (not only can only a few Mini-Cons activate their port without being mistransformed, only Swindle and Thunderclash can dock with the clasp under the cockpit), it puts Cyclonus, Demolishor, and Hot Shot (Jolt and Jolt alone can be that rear propeller) on the list...Overcracker wrote:As I said Blurr is maybe the only other figure that requires their specific partner for something. Maybe if you have Stripmine it may be thin and long enough to push his wing release.
I could even argue Comettor isn't all that essential either. Yes, he does something only he can do and no other minicon can do which is make Jetfire´s landing gear, but Jetfire can still work fine without him.
Also, do you really consider this to render Rook and Crosswise dispensable?
My junker version of sideways had to rock that loom dog a while
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2149494)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on November 18th, 2022 @ 6:53pm CST
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on November 18th, 2022 @ 6:53pm CST
I didn't even know Quick Mix and Jr could even do that. I really wish my version of the mold wasn't packed away
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Minicon Partners (2160437)
Posted by HarveySpacer on April 30th, 2023 @ 6:11am CDT
This is by far the best minicon partner. They not only maximized the real estate but also utilized it SUPER well in my opinion.
Posted by HarveySpacer on April 30th, 2023 @ 6:11am CDT
#8 Crumplezone (with Armada Cyclonus) (36/50)
10 / 2 / 10 / 9 / 5
Together with Demolishor, Armada Cyclonus sports the best alt mode integration in all of Armada. While Demolishor’s integration ended with alt mode, Cyclonus has several powerlinx gimmicks, maximising the real estate of bakersfield for Crumplezone to connect to. The “rat-tat-tat” gimmick is not trivial, and works perfectly as intended.
Versions: 4
Best version: Cybertron
Essential? Yes.
This is by far the best minicon partner. They not only maximized the real estate but also utilized it SUPER well in my opinion.
