MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Smokescreen (Prime)

2012-09-16T09:43:08Z

219.89.150.118: /* Prime cartoon */

{{factions|autobot|eliteguard}}
{{disambig3|Smokescreen}}
:''Smokescreen is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Aligned continuity family]].''

[[Image:NewRecruit-prettygoodplan.jpg|thumb|300px|I'm here to be an Optimus fanboy and make people suspicious, and I'm all out of being an Opti- wait, no, I'm not...]]
'''Smokescreen''' is an eager young Autobot recruit, all too ready to fight in the [[Great War (Prime)|Great War]]. While he may talk a mile a minute and be greener than [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]'s paintwork, Smokescreen at least has the sense to use his wits when charging into a situation, rather than heading in firing blind. He also seems to idolize [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]].

{{bigquote|Now that was a plan!|Smokescreen|''[[New Recruit]]''}}

==Fiction==
===''Prime'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor'': [[Nolan North]] (English)

[[Image:New-recruit-smokescreen-flashback-tfp.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Maybe if I punch the screen hard enough, I'll be able to escape.]]

Back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in the latter part of the war, Smokescreen was keen to be a soldier and underwent training with the [[Cybertron Elite Guard]] though it was more of a boot camp at the time. To his disappointment, he ended up on security detail at the [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] [[Hall of Records]] guarding [[Alpha Trion (Prime)|Alpha Trion]]. Though he learned much, he still yearned for combat. He thought his chance had come when the [[Decepticon]]s attacked Iacon directly, but instead he was immediately knocked into stasis by a Decepticon bomb, and woke up much later on one of their transports. Giving the guard the slip, Smokescreen stole an escape pod which took him to [[Earth]].

Upon landing, he joined members of [[Team Prime]] in fighting off some Decepticons who had converged on the pod. His wild, reckless fighting ignited the pod's spilled fuel, which sent the Deceptions packing, but did little to impress Team Prime. Though the others were suspicious, Optimus accepted him upon his recounting of tales only Alpha Trion and Optimus would have known. They took him to [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Outpost Omega One]] and the [[human]] [[Jack Darby]] gave him a tour during which he recognized some of the relics from the Hall of Records. Due to Smokescreen's inexperience, Optimus refused to let him go on a mission to recover [[Red Energon]], and instead he and Jack went to find him a new [[alternate mode]]. When Prime's team got into trouble, Smokescreen had the idea of using the [[phase shifter]] to help and convinced [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] to let him try. On the battlefield, he succeeded in using it to separate [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] from the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]], ultimately resulting a victory (more or less) for the Autobots. With that success, Optimus welcomed him to Team Prime. {{storylink|New Recruit}}

{{spoiler|The Human Factor|September 21, 2012}}
Bulkhead rebuffed Smokescreen's suggestion of using the Apex Armor while mending. When the Decepticons got hold of a [[Project Damocles]] satellite, Optimus led a team including Smokescreen to a military base in [[Colorado]] to protect the satellite's control codes. They ended up tangling with Decepticons, and Smokescreen was almost hit by the laser from the orbiting satellite. Smokescreen ended up joining Bulkhead in fighting [[Silas|Cylas]] and they succeeded in driving the [[MECH]] commander off. Smokescreen told the Wrecker that he studied everyone of his units battles which gave Bulkhead more confidence in him. {{storylink|The Human Factor}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Prime===
*'''Smokescreen''' (Deluxe, [[November 24|11-24]]-2012)
**''ID number'': '''AM-26'''
**''Accessories'': Arms Micron

: A [[redeco]] (and potential [[retool]]ing) of [[Knock Out (Prime)#Toys|Knock Out]], Smokescreen is (currently) [[exclusive]] to the [[TakaraTomy]] ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)| Prime]]'' toyline. He transforms into a low-riding sports car. As part of the [[Arms Micron]] gimmick, he has extra [[5mm post]]-holes in both modes, allowing him to use the weapon-bots. He comes with a (currently unknown and unnamed) Arms Micron partner.
{{comingsoontoy}}

==Notes==
*According to the ''Transformers: Prime Season 1'' DVD/Blu-Ray featurettes, Smokescreen was in the original line-up for Season 1, and would've died in the Season finale. However, the character was replaced by Cliffjumper and his death was moved to the first episode.

[[Category:Elite Guard]]
[[Category:Prime Autobots]]

Transformers (Armada PS2)

2012-09-16T07:28:42Z

219.89.150.118: /* Errors */

{{disambig3.5|the English PlayStation 2 game|the Japanese PlayStation 2 game|The Transformers (PS2)|Transformers}}
{{Nav-armada}}
{{videogame
|title=''Transformers''
|image=TF atari.jpg
|caption=[[The Transformers (PS2)|That]]'s not a game. ''shhhhhlink'' '''This''' is a game!
|developer=[[Melbourne House]]
|publisher=[[Atari, Inc.|Atari]]
|date=[[April 7]], 2004 (EU) [[April 11]], 2004 (NA)
|platform=PlayStation 2
|ratings=ESRB: T
}}
'''''Transformers''''' is a 2004 video game for Sony's PlayStation 2, developed by the Australian-based [[Melbourne House]], and published by [[Atari, Inc.|Atari]]. It is based on the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' series, though it does not follow any pre-established storyline. It was released in the United States on [[April 11]], [[2004]], and in the European market on [[April 7]] of the same year. In September 2005, Atari released a "Director's Cut" of the game exclusively in the UK. The only difference between this and the original was a bonus DVD containing a "Making Of Documentary".

==Gameplay==
In the game, players take control of one of three [[Autobot|Autobots]] ([[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] or [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]) to battle [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] and his vast army of [[Decepticlone]]s over the recently-discovered [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]] on [[Earth]].

Decepticons who appear in the game include Megatron, [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]. The Mini-Cons [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] and [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] join their toy-partners after the player completes the first level, acting as support fighters. The Decepticons' Mini-Con partners [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]], [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] and [[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]] do not appear as individuals, but are seen attached to their partners. The final boss of the game is [[Unicron]] in planet mode; a colossal [[Dead End (Armada)|Dead End]] in "moon" mode can be seen attached to him.

As well as allowing players to transform into vehicles whenever they wish, the game uses Mini-Con collecting as a way to acquire new weapons and abilities, introducing multiple new (non-toy) Mini-Con characters. Some combinations of Mini-Cons also have additional synergistic effects, such as faster weapon recharging or a larger life meter. In addition, the main partner Mini-Cons follow the player, shooting at enemies. The player can also "Powerlinx" with their partner Mini-Con, allowing for a Max Payne-style "bullet time" mode, though this drains the player's health.

As well as Mini-Cons, players collect [[Data-Con|Data-Cons]] that unlock bonus features in the game's main menu, ranging from game artwork (development sketches, renders, and the like), toy instructions, toy prototype photos, the toy pack-in mini-comics, and five previously-unavailable-elsewhere [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]-era PSAs (in the same style as the old [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] cartoon PSAs).

Every level in the game is a very large, detailed environment which allows free exploration rather than short, linear maps. Players can leave levels without completing them through warp gates, and return to any previously-played level to discover more areas using their newly collected Mini-Cons. The game engine used is unknown, but appears to use technology similar to that of Croteam's Serious Engine to allow large, detailed outdoor levels with no slowdown. One part of the game is the fact that if one is hit hard enough, the character will be blown back and crumple, rag-doll-style.

The reasoning behind the inclusion of a small cast of playable characters was a simple matter of gameplay logistics. By having only three distinctly different characters, the game provides a different experience to players and forces them to adjust their strategy according to whomever they chose. A larger roster of characters would have made it difficult for Melbourne House to create different styles of gameplay, especially considering most of the Armada Autobots were cars and other land vehicles. The noticeable exclusion of [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] was down to the fact his flight capability would negate much of the challenge in exploring each level whilst using different Mini-Con loadouts.

==Hidden Mini-Cons==
{{collist|4|
* [[Aftershock (Armada) | Aftershock]]
* [[Airburst]]
* [[Aurora]]
* [[Buildup]]
* [[Bulletproof]]
* [[Claymore]]
* [[Comeback]]
* [[Corona]]
* [[Covert]]
* [[Deflector]]
* [[Discord]]
* [[Failsafe]]
* [[Firefight]]
* [[Flashbang]]
* [[Fullspeed]]
* [[Hailstorm (Armada) | Hailstorm]]
* [[Hawkeye]]
* [[Highgear]]
* [[Highjump (Armada) | Highjump]]
* [[Jumpstart]]
* [[Kickback (Armada) | Kickback]]
* [[Knockdown (Armada) | Knockdown]]
* [[Lock-On]]
* [[Lookout]]
* [[Overwatch]]
* [[Pressurepoint]]
* [[Rangefinder]]
* [[Safeguard (Armada) | Safeguard]]
* [[Shepherd]]
* [[Shieldwall]]
* [[Shockpunch]]
* [[Skirmish]]
* [[Slapshot]]
* [[Slipstream (Armada) | Slipstream]]
* [[Smackdown]]
* [[Sparkjump]]
* [[Stronghold]]
* [[Tractor]]
* [[Twister]]
* [[Watchdog (Armada) | Watchdog]]
}}

==Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Garry Chalk]])
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] ([[Dublin James]])
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] ([[Daran Norris]])
|c2=
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] ([[David Kaye]])
* [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] ([[Matt Hetherington]])
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] ([[Daran Norris]])
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]

|h3=[[Mini-Con]]s|c3=
* [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]]
* [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]]
* [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]]
* [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]]
* [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]]
* [[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]]
* [[Dead End (Armada)|Dead End]]

|h4=Other|c4=
* [[Unicron]] ([[Matthew King]])

|nonumbering=true
}}

==Screenshots==
<gallery>
Image: Optimus_Truck_Form_Crash_Enemies.jpg|Sometimes, vehicles are the most effective weapon.
Image: Optimus_Prime_Destroyed_Bunker_Transformers_Screenshot.jpg|[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] destroyed one of the Decepticon bunkers in the Pacific Island.
Image: Transformers_2004_Video_Game_Slipstream_Released.jpg|"Finally, the egg cracks open!"
Image: Optimus_Prime_Ragdoll_Effect.jpg|Ouch.
Image: Transformers_2004_Tidal_Wave.jpg|Your biggest nightmare... literally.
Image: Tidal_Wave_Snipe_Head.jpg|GIVE ME YOUR FACE!
Image: Red_Alert_Deep_Amazon.jpg|Is that ship carrying... a sun? [[The Fallen|It has claimed Earth's Sun!?]]
Image: Autobots_HQ_Iacon_City_Gate.jpg|"Home, finally!" The Autobots have been homesick.
Image: Mini_Con_Forming_Matrix_Cannon.jpg|All the [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]] merge, to form the [[Matrix Cannon]].
Image: Matrix_Cannon_Versus_Unicron.jpg|So, this did not exist in the [[The Transformers: The Movie|past]], or no one knows? Things can go easier!
Image: Transformers_2004_Unicron_Core.jpg‎|So, this is what a planet-eater's stomach looks like.
Image: Transformers_2004_Unicron_Destroyed.jpg|[[Unicron]]'s final moment.
Image: Transformers_2004_Cybertron_Ending.jpg|[['Til all are one|'Til All Are One!]]
</gallery>

==Soundtrack==
Melbourne House's [[Gavin Parker]] composed much of the in-game music while [[Ric Formosa]] provided the music for the cinematic sequences. American band [[Dropbox]] and Australian band [[Regurgitator]] were recruited to create their versions of the classic ''Transformers'' [[theme song]] to promote the game, while funk band [[The Brown Hornet]] sung over the end credits.

===Tracks===
*1. Amazon Theme 1
*2. Amazon Theme 2
*3. Antarctica Theme
*4. Starscream Fight Theme 1
*5. Deep Amazon Theme 1
*6. Deep Amazon Theme 2
*7. Cyclonus Fight Theme (by Regurgitator)
*8. Mid-Atlantic Theme
*9. Tidal Wave Fight Theme
*10. Alaska Theme 1
*11. Alaska Theme 2
*12. Starship Theme 1
*13. Starship Theme 2
*14. Starscream Fight Theme 2
*15 Pacific Island Theme
*15. Megatron Fight Theme
*13. Cybertron 1
*14. Cybertron 2

===Themes===
*1. ''Transformers: Armada'' television theme
*2. ''Transformers'' theme 1 arranged by Ric Formosa
*3. ''Transformers'' theme 2 by Dropbox
*4. ''Transformers'' theme 3 by The Brown Hornet
*5. ''Transformers'' theme 4 by Regurgitator
*6. ''Wishbone'' by Dropbox

==Impressions & sales==
The game was well-received by critics and fans alike, and at the time was often considered to be the best of all ''Transformers'' video games, despite this being damning with faint praise. Some review sites and magazines [[Ruined FOREVER|seemed to reject the game outright]] for [[GEEWUN|not being based]] on the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] series, though some seemed to begrudgingly accept it due to the gameplay and graphic flair.

The most common actual ''gameplay-related'' complaints are the disappointingly small roster of characters, sometimes stiff control, high difficulty level (not born of bad design, the game is just set too ''tough''), and a lack of a "directional" guide resulting in players getting lost in the vast environments.

''Transformers'' was the #7 top-selling game across all consoles for the month of May 2004... and that's only because the incredibly popular "Red Dead Revolver" was on two different consoles. On the Playstation 2 alone, ''Transformers'' ranked #6. It sold over 600,000 copies by the time the "Directors Cut" was released, although the total was ultimately less than what Atari had hoped for.

In 2010, ''Transformers'' was ranked #83 in the Top 100 Playstation 2 Games list by IGN. <ref>[http://www.ign.com/top-ps2-games/83 Transformers - #83 Top PS2 Games - IGN]</ref>

==Sequel status==
Melbourne House had begun work on a sequel based in part upon the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' series. However, according to a member of the Melbourne House team, the ''Cybertron'' game was a few months into development when Atari moved the studio onto a different project, effectively nixing the sequel.

Dang.

==Errors==
* Somehow Starscream is able to use his wing-sword with both wings still attached.
** However the sword does not resemble his wings so it may have been intended to be a separate weapon all together.
* Optimus (Or whichever Autobot you're currently playing as) can orbit Cybertron several times over at a surprisingly fast rate, even though it's a gigantic planet.
* Many of Cybertron's buildings, and the giant Autobot insignia, are somehow easily visible from orbit.
* For reasons unknown, Optimus, Red Alert, and Hotshot are the only citizens of Iacon. Maybe they're just not good neighbors.
** Or it's possible that the Decepticlones attack at the beginning of the game may have killed everyone else.
* A rare glitch sometimes occurs at Megatron's death, in which when he falls down, his tank barrel sticks out of...[[Gearbox | an unusual location on his body]].

==Notes==
[[Image:Mini-con drinks.JPG|right|180px|thumb|Drunk with power]]
* At the game's launch party, Atari's venue served several [[Mini-Con Madness|signature drinks]] named for the game-exclusive Mini-Cons.
* One of the game's working titles was ''Transformers Armada: Prelude to [[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]''. Another one, used in pack-in [[catalog]]s during the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' line, was ''Transformers Armada: Battle for Energon''.
* Development sketches unlocked in the game show that several characters were ultimately dropped from the original plans. [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] was to be a level-boss in the caves, and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]'s partner Mini-Con [[Ramjet (Armada)|Ramjet]] was going to harass players before they could board the Decepticon battleship.
* These same sketches also show that the levels Amazon and Deep Amazon were a single level at one stage, as were Antarctic, Alaska and Starship, and Pacific Island and Mid Atlantic. This is why the latter levels start in areas very similar to the ends of the preceding ones; for example, Amazon ends with a hike up a mountain, while Deep Amazon begins with a trip ''down'' the side of a mountain.
* It is possible to get an alternate 'Bad Ending'. This ending can be achieved if Cybertron's health meter gets to zero. The full motion video of this ending will be unlocked (as well in the gallery), showing Cybertron's destruction by [[Unicron]].
*At the end credits of the game, Tidal Wave is doing push-ups while the Decepticlones are all doing jumping jacks and side-bends. So that's how Decepticons keep in shape.
*Some of the dialog used in cutscenes is recycled from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
*In the 'Recruit' difficulty, you need to collect 30 Mini-Cons to form the Matrix Cannon, 35 in the 'Veteran' difficulty, and 40 in the 'Commander' difficulty.. Which means all of them. All hail the cheats.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.atari.com/transformers/ Official ''Transformers'' game page at Atari.com]
*[http://www.gamespot.com/news/6101516.html?q=chartspot%202004 ''Transformers'' game rankings for May 2004 at Gamespot]
*[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-ps2-soundtrack-news/2441/ News post from Seibertron.com for Atari's announcement of Regurgitator's involvement]

{{Stub}}

[[Category:Armada media]]
[[Category:Video games]]

Transformers (Armada PS2)

2012-09-16T07:23:44Z

219.89.150.118: /* Notes */

{{disambig3.5|the English PlayStation 2 game|the Japanese PlayStation 2 game|The Transformers (PS2)|Transformers}}
{{Nav-armada}}
{{videogame
|title=''Transformers''
|image=TF atari.jpg
|caption=[[The Transformers (PS2)|That]]'s not a game. ''shhhhhlink'' '''This''' is a game!
|developer=[[Melbourne House]]
|publisher=[[Atari, Inc.|Atari]]
|date=[[April 7]], 2004 (EU) [[April 11]], 2004 (NA)
|platform=PlayStation 2
|ratings=ESRB: T
}}
'''''Transformers''''' is a 2004 video game for Sony's PlayStation 2, developed by the Australian-based [[Melbourne House]], and published by [[Atari, Inc.|Atari]]. It is based on the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' series, though it does not follow any pre-established storyline. It was released in the United States on [[April 11]], [[2004]], and in the European market on [[April 7]] of the same year. In September 2005, Atari released a "Director's Cut" of the game exclusively in the UK. The only difference between this and the original was a bonus DVD containing a "Making Of Documentary".

==Gameplay==
In the game, players take control of one of three [[Autobot|Autobots]] ([[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] or [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]) to battle [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] and his vast army of [[Decepticlone]]s over the recently-discovered [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]] on [[Earth]].

Decepticons who appear in the game include Megatron, [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]. The Mini-Cons [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] and [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] join their toy-partners after the player completes the first level, acting as support fighters. The Decepticons' Mini-Con partners [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]], [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] and [[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]] do not appear as individuals, but are seen attached to their partners. The final boss of the game is [[Unicron]] in planet mode; a colossal [[Dead End (Armada)|Dead End]] in "moon" mode can be seen attached to him.

As well as allowing players to transform into vehicles whenever they wish, the game uses Mini-Con collecting as a way to acquire new weapons and abilities, introducing multiple new (non-toy) Mini-Con characters. Some combinations of Mini-Cons also have additional synergistic effects, such as faster weapon recharging or a larger life meter. In addition, the main partner Mini-Cons follow the player, shooting at enemies. The player can also "Powerlinx" with their partner Mini-Con, allowing for a Max Payne-style "bullet time" mode, though this drains the player's health.

As well as Mini-Cons, players collect [[Data-Con|Data-Cons]] that unlock bonus features in the game's main menu, ranging from game artwork (development sketches, renders, and the like), toy instructions, toy prototype photos, the toy pack-in mini-comics, and five previously-unavailable-elsewhere [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]-era PSAs (in the same style as the old [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] cartoon PSAs).

Every level in the game is a very large, detailed environment which allows free exploration rather than short, linear maps. Players can leave levels without completing them through warp gates, and return to any previously-played level to discover more areas using their newly collected Mini-Cons. The game engine used is unknown, but appears to use technology similar to that of Croteam's Serious Engine to allow large, detailed outdoor levels with no slowdown. One part of the game is the fact that if one is hit hard enough, the character will be blown back and crumple, rag-doll-style.

The reasoning behind the inclusion of a small cast of playable characters was a simple matter of gameplay logistics. By having only three distinctly different characters, the game provides a different experience to players and forces them to adjust their strategy according to whomever they chose. A larger roster of characters would have made it difficult for Melbourne House to create different styles of gameplay, especially considering most of the Armada Autobots were cars and other land vehicles. The noticeable exclusion of [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] was down to the fact his flight capability would negate much of the challenge in exploring each level whilst using different Mini-Con loadouts.

==Hidden Mini-Cons==
{{collist|4|
* [[Aftershock (Armada) | Aftershock]]
* [[Airburst]]
* [[Aurora]]
* [[Buildup]]
* [[Bulletproof]]
* [[Claymore]]
* [[Comeback]]
* [[Corona]]
* [[Covert]]
* [[Deflector]]
* [[Discord]]
* [[Failsafe]]
* [[Firefight]]
* [[Flashbang]]
* [[Fullspeed]]
* [[Hailstorm (Armada) | Hailstorm]]
* [[Hawkeye]]
* [[Highgear]]
* [[Highjump (Armada) | Highjump]]
* [[Jumpstart]]
* [[Kickback (Armada) | Kickback]]
* [[Knockdown (Armada) | Knockdown]]
* [[Lock-On]]
* [[Lookout]]
* [[Overwatch]]
* [[Pressurepoint]]
* [[Rangefinder]]
* [[Safeguard (Armada) | Safeguard]]
* [[Shepherd]]
* [[Shieldwall]]
* [[Shockpunch]]
* [[Skirmish]]
* [[Slapshot]]
* [[Slipstream (Armada) | Slipstream]]
* [[Smackdown]]
* [[Sparkjump]]
* [[Stronghold]]
* [[Tractor]]
* [[Twister]]
* [[Watchdog (Armada) | Watchdog]]
}}

==Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Garry Chalk]])
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] ([[Dublin James]])
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] ([[Daran Norris]])
|c2=
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] ([[David Kaye]])
* [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] ([[Matt Hetherington]])
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] ([[Daran Norris]])
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]

|h3=[[Mini-Con]]s|c3=
* [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]]
* [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]]
* [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]]
* [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]]
* [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]]
* [[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]]
* [[Dead End (Armada)|Dead End]]

|h4=Other|c4=
* [[Unicron]] ([[Matthew King]])

|nonumbering=true
}}

==Screenshots==
<gallery>
Image: Optimus_Truck_Form_Crash_Enemies.jpg|Sometimes, vehicles are the most effective weapon.
Image: Optimus_Prime_Destroyed_Bunker_Transformers_Screenshot.jpg|[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] destroyed one of the Decepticon bunkers in the Pacific Island.
Image: Transformers_2004_Video_Game_Slipstream_Released.jpg|"Finally, the egg cracks open!"
Image: Optimus_Prime_Ragdoll_Effect.jpg|Ouch.
Image: Transformers_2004_Tidal_Wave.jpg|Your biggest nightmare... literally.
Image: Tidal_Wave_Snipe_Head.jpg|GIVE ME YOUR FACE!
Image: Red_Alert_Deep_Amazon.jpg|Is that ship carrying... a sun? [[The Fallen|It has claimed Earth's Sun!?]]
Image: Autobots_HQ_Iacon_City_Gate.jpg|"Home, finally!" The Autobots have been homesick.
Image: Mini_Con_Forming_Matrix_Cannon.jpg|All the [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]] merge, to form the [[Matrix Cannon]].
Image: Matrix_Cannon_Versus_Unicron.jpg|So, this did not exist in the [[The Transformers: The Movie|past]], or no one knows? Things can go easier!
Image: Transformers_2004_Unicron_Core.jpg‎|So, this is what a planet-eater's stomach looks like.
Image: Transformers_2004_Unicron_Destroyed.jpg|[[Unicron]]'s final moment.
Image: Transformers_2004_Cybertron_Ending.jpg|[['Til all are one|'Til All Are One!]]
</gallery>

==Soundtrack==
Melbourne House's [[Gavin Parker]] composed much of the in-game music while [[Ric Formosa]] provided the music for the cinematic sequences. American band [[Dropbox]] and Australian band [[Regurgitator]] were recruited to create their versions of the classic ''Transformers'' [[theme song]] to promote the game, while funk band [[The Brown Hornet]] sung over the end credits.

===Tracks===
*1. Amazon Theme 1
*2. Amazon Theme 2
*3. Antarctica Theme
*4. Starscream Fight Theme 1
*5. Deep Amazon Theme 1
*6. Deep Amazon Theme 2
*7. Cyclonus Fight Theme (by Regurgitator)
*8. Mid-Atlantic Theme
*9. Tidal Wave Fight Theme
*10. Alaska Theme 1
*11. Alaska Theme 2
*12. Starship Theme 1
*13. Starship Theme 2
*14. Starscream Fight Theme 2
*15 Pacific Island Theme
*15. Megatron Fight Theme
*13. Cybertron 1
*14. Cybertron 2

===Themes===
*1. ''Transformers: Armada'' television theme
*2. ''Transformers'' theme 1 arranged by Ric Formosa
*3. ''Transformers'' theme 2 by Dropbox
*4. ''Transformers'' theme 3 by The Brown Hornet
*5. ''Transformers'' theme 4 by Regurgitator
*6. ''Wishbone'' by Dropbox

==Impressions & sales==
The game was well-received by critics and fans alike, and at the time was often considered to be the best of all ''Transformers'' video games, despite this being damning with faint praise. Some review sites and magazines [[Ruined FOREVER|seemed to reject the game outright]] for [[GEEWUN|not being based]] on the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] series, though some seemed to begrudgingly accept it due to the gameplay and graphic flair.

The most common actual ''gameplay-related'' complaints are the disappointingly small roster of characters, sometimes stiff control, high difficulty level (not born of bad design, the game is just set too ''tough''), and a lack of a "directional" guide resulting in players getting lost in the vast environments.

''Transformers'' was the #7 top-selling game across all consoles for the month of May 2004... and that's only because the incredibly popular "Red Dead Revolver" was on two different consoles. On the Playstation 2 alone, ''Transformers'' ranked #6. It sold over 600,000 copies by the time the "Directors Cut" was released, although the total was ultimately less than what Atari had hoped for.

In 2010, ''Transformers'' was ranked #83 in the Top 100 Playstation 2 Games list by IGN. <ref>[http://www.ign.com/top-ps2-games/83 Transformers - #83 Top PS2 Games - IGN]</ref>

==Sequel status==
Melbourne House had begun work on a sequel based in part upon the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' series. However, according to a member of the Melbourne House team, the ''Cybertron'' game was a few months into development when Atari moved the studio onto a different project, effectively nixing the sequel.

Dang.

==Errors==
* Somehow Starscream is able to use his wing-sword with both wings still attached.
* Optimus (Or whichever Autobot you're currently playing as) can orbit Cybertron several times over at a surprisingly fast rate, even though it's a gigantic planet.
* Many of Cybertron's buildings, and the giant Autobot insignia, are somehow easily visible from orbit.
* For reasons unknown, Optimus, Red Alert, and Hotshot are the only citizens of Iacon. Maybe they're just not good neighbors.
* A rare glitch sometimes occurs at Megatron's death, in which when he falls down, his tank barrel sticks out of...[[Gearbox | an unusual location on his body]].

==Notes==
[[Image:Mini-con drinks.JPG|right|180px|thumb|Drunk with power]]
* At the game's launch party, Atari's venue served several [[Mini-Con Madness|signature drinks]] named for the game-exclusive Mini-Cons.
* One of the game's working titles was ''Transformers Armada: Prelude to [[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]''. Another one, used in pack-in [[catalog]]s during the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' line, was ''Transformers Armada: Battle for Energon''.
* Development sketches unlocked in the game show that several characters were ultimately dropped from the original plans. [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] was to be a level-boss in the caves, and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]'s partner Mini-Con [[Ramjet (Armada)|Ramjet]] was going to harass players before they could board the Decepticon battleship.
* These same sketches also show that the levels Amazon and Deep Amazon were a single level at one stage, as were Antarctic, Alaska and Starship, and Pacific Island and Mid Atlantic. This is why the latter levels start in areas very similar to the ends of the preceding ones; for example, Amazon ends with a hike up a mountain, while Deep Amazon begins with a trip ''down'' the side of a mountain.
* It is possible to get an alternate 'Bad Ending'. This ending can be achieved if Cybertron's health meter gets to zero. The full motion video of this ending will be unlocked (as well in the gallery), showing Cybertron's destruction by [[Unicron]].
*At the end credits of the game, Tidal Wave is doing push-ups while the Decepticlones are all doing jumping jacks and side-bends. So that's how Decepticons keep in shape.
*Some of the dialog used in cutscenes is recycled from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
*In the 'Recruit' difficulty, you need to collect 30 Mini-Cons to form the Matrix Cannon, 35 in the 'Veteran' difficulty, and 40 in the 'Commander' difficulty.. Which means all of them. All hail the cheats.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.atari.com/transformers/ Official ''Transformers'' game page at Atari.com]
*[http://www.gamespot.com/news/6101516.html?q=chartspot%202004 ''Transformers'' game rankings for May 2004 at Gamespot]
*[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-ps2-soundtrack-news/2441/ News post from Seibertron.com for Atari's announcement of Regurgitator's involvement]

{{Stub}}

[[Category:Armada media]]
[[Category:Video games]]

The Human Factor

2012-09-16T00:58:33Z

219.89.150.118: /* Continuity notes */

{{disambig2|the episode of ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]''|the story originally published in [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (Marvel US)]] #68|The Human Factor!}}
{{picsneeded}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 45
|prev=New Recruit
|next=Legacy
|image=TheHumanFactor Cylas and Megatron.jpg
|caption=
|title="The Human Factor"
|airdate=[[September 14]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Bob Skir|Robert N. Skir]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Silas is given a new lease on life and approaches Megatron with a plan to join the Decepticon ranks.'''

==Synopsis==
In a [[MECH]] base, a small team of surgeons and technicians hook [[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]]'s reassembled remains up to their computer and infuse them with electricity and Energon. Breakdown awakens, only it's not Breakdown—MECH has implanted [[Silas]] within the Decepticon's corpse. Silas is impressed with their ingenuity, but decides that he is no longer human and no longer needs their services, and shoots them.

Some time later, Silas drives up to the entrance to a military facility, stopping at the gate to introduce himself. Meanwhile in the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]], [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] are trying to encourage [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] to keep up his recuperation, despite the Wrecker's belief that he is being replaced. [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] suggests he uses the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]] for extra strength and power, but Bulkhead sees it as a crutch and knocks it aside, causing it to damage the computer system. As Ratchet grumbles over the negative atmosphere, [[Jack Darby|Jack]] talks with [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] on the phone and is surprised to learn that Raf's been grounded for his slipping grades.

The Decepticons on the ''[[Trypticon (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', namely [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]], are likewise surprised when Breakdown's signal shows up on their scanners. Knock Out and some [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] are sent to investigate and find the military base wrecked. Moments after they arrive, what appears to be Breakdown strides out of the smoke. In response to the Decepticons' reaction to his marred appearance, "Breakdown" asks in Silas's voice to be taken to [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]].

[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] briefs the Autobots on the theft of the [[Project Damocles]] satellite apparently by Breakdown assisted by a human whom Fowler believes is Silas. Ratchet strongly dismisses the idea of Decepticons and humans pairing together, rebuffed only by Jack's reasoning of the alliance working for the Autobots. Aboard the warship, Megatron is introduced to the Breakdown/Silas combo, now calling himself Cylas as in "Cybernetic Life Augmented by Symbiosis". Though Megatron is disgusted of such an abomination and Knock Out is keen to dissect Cylas in revenge for Breakdown, the MECH commander wants to strike a deal with the Decepticons and offers the Damocles weapon as a token of friendship. As Fowler's briefing in the Autobot base ends, the Autobots realize they must protect the satellite's interface codes, currently stored on servers in [[Colorado]].

[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] has already gotten to the Colorado base, clearing it using a recording of Fowler's voice, and by the time the Autobots get there, the place is already heavily guarded by Decepticons. Cylas points out to Megatron that since Soundwave is now connected to the mainframe, he can operate the satellite. The Damocles satellite is duly launched from the ''Nemesis'', and Soundwave starts targeting the Autobots on the ground. His first shot narrowly misses Smokescreen, and [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] contacts base for backup. Bulkhead is ready to go but Ratchet stops him as Optimus is actually after ''technical'' help to disable the satellite. Ratchet decides Raf is required for this mission and so Raf gets unexpected visitors in the form of Fowler, Miko and Jack.

While the Autobots try to keep Soundwave distracted, Bulkhead attempts to talk Ratchet into sending him to help. Ratchet finally concedes, but has his own ideas. While Raf works on a way to crash the satellite and Fowler tries to work out a way to get to the toilet without Raf's mom seeing, the Decepticons detect Raf's hacking attempt. When they track the source to [[Jasper]], Megatron sends Cylas to deal with the matter, despite Cylas's chagrin. Cylas soon hauls up outside Raf's house and takes aim, only for Bulkhead to come barreling down the street and slam him into a nearby drainage canal. After a tense reintroduction, Bulkhead realizes his opponent is not Breakdown—and is shocked to find that it is actually Silas/Cylas operating the Con's body. The pair start fighting, but Bulkhead's weakness quickly begins to show.

Ratchet contacts Optimus who is still running from the Damocles beam, to report that Bulkhead needs backup. Indeed, the Wrecker is still not operating fully and not doing well against Cylas, but the addition of Smokescreen to the fight helps. Megatron, impatient at Cylas's failure, orders Soundwave to target the source of the hack. The Autobots take advantage of the cessation of the Damocles attack to try to storm the command center. The kids, meanwhile, spot that the satellite has moved and is now aiming at them. Raf manages to get the satellite's thrusters under his control, and the shot does little more than knock the corner off the [[KO Burger]] sign before the satellite starts reentry. Their celebration is interrupted by Raf's mom, but luckily they break out the "study group" defense. Meanwhile, the Autobots break into the command center in time to see Soundwave leaving. Elsewhere, Cylas begins to lose his fight and is called back to the ''Nemesis''. Bulkhead and Smokescreen see the satellite's reentry and congratulate each other.

Back on the ship, Megatron announces that Cylas has earned his place at the table—Knock Out's dissection table, that is—explaining that the MECH commander was correct about the human factor tipping the war's scales, but in the Autobots' favor. Cylas is then zapped from behind and dragged away for "study", much to his fearful displeasure and Knock Out's delight.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (7)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (16)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (17)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (18)

|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (11)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (12)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (13)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (14)

|c3=
*MECH troopers (1)
*[[MECH Surgeon]] (2)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (5)
*[[Jack Darby]] (8)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (9)
*[[Raf's mom]] (10)
*[[William Fowler]] (15)

|c4=
*[[Silas|Cylas]] (3)
}}

==Quotes==
"Bulkhead! I ''needed'' that!"
:—'''Ratchet''' ''still'' hasn't learned that saying that phrase won't change anything.

'''Jack''': You've got to be kidding, Raf! You of all people, grounded? 
'''Raf''': Big time. I missed placed some homework and blew a couple of tests. 
'''Miko''': Translation, A- instead of A.
:—'''Miko''' thinks '''Raf''' is Mr. Perfect when it comes to school, unlike herself.

"What? No! If my mom sees you..." 
"Relax, I trained in covert ops." 
"I don't care if you were trained by ninja! My mom has eyes in the back of ''your'' head."
:—'''Raf''' tells '''Agent Fowler''' why he can't use the restroom.

'''Megatron''': Silas, you have earned your place at the table. 
'''Silas''': Lord Megatron, I am honored. 
'''Megatron''': Knockout's dissection table! 
'''Knockout''': Breakdown would be tickled.
:—Well, '''Knockout''' finally got ''his'' wish.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* When Knock Out detects Breakdown's signal, the image of Breakdown on the screen is shows his current appearance, when logically the last image they should have had on file would be one with his optic patch. However, this may not be a mistake, since it is unclear how such images are obtained in the first place. Cybertronian self-portraits may well update themselves, much like real life technology is capable of similar things.
* On the same screen as Breakdown's image, the map of the United States shows the state of Louisiana inside Texas, with an empty spot where it's supposed to be. The same map error reappears when Soundwave begins operating the Damocles satellite.
* When Cylas targets the window of Raf's room, his zoomed-in view is from the wrong angle. To be able to see Jack and the others within, he would have to be firing from the opposite side.
* The final shot of the satellite fires parallel to Raf's house. To do this, the satellite would have to be in position below the equator. When it fires, it is shown to be above North America, and burns up in the skies above Jasper not long after. In addition, the beam is constant, even though it should be changing position with the satellite.
* Cylas can talk after being zapped with the energon prod, a phenomenon that didn't appear on other robots such as Optimus Prime. This may not be an error, as the human 'Silas' inside 'Breakdown' might not have been electrocuted.

===Continuity notes===
* The base in which Silas is revived is the same one used in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]".
* MECH was preparing to save Silas using Breakdown's corpse at the end of "[[Nemesis Prime (episode)|Nemesis Prime]]".
* Smokescreen offers Bulkhead the use of the Apex Armor, which he took from Starscream in the [[New Recruit|previous episode]].
* Bulkhead uses the [[Cybertronian sport#Lobbing|lobbing]] ball from "[[Con Job]]" as a medicine ball.
* Knock Out references the events of "[[Operation: Breakdown]]" and wants vengeance for it.
* Project Damocles, and Silas' role in it, was first mentioned in "[[Grill]]".
* Before fighting Bulkhead, Silas states that he will never again interfere with his operations, which references "Operation: Breakdown".
* Soundwave displays the picture he took of Jack, Miko, and Raf back in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]".

===Transformers references===
* This isn't the [[Autobot Spike|first time]] a human mind was placed in a robot body to preserve it.
* Nor is this the [[Novo|first MECH operative]] who would control a mechanical body.

===Real-world references===
* The surging electricity and twitching hand during Silas' revival reflects toward the animation of Frankenstein's monster.
* The missing-eye appearance on Breakdown's face resembles that of the ''Terminator''.
* Cylas' request of "take me to your leader" is a stereotypical phrase used in early sci-fi movies involving aliens arriving to Earth from another world.

===Trivia===
* Aww, Knock Out is willing to avenge Breakdown. Just like Arcee wants to avenge Cliffjumper. Then again, that must mean... Never mind.
* We get Raf's full name in this episode.
* The satellite's name, Damocles, refers to the ancient anecdote referred to as "[[wikipedia:Damocles|the Sword of Damocles]]".

{{DEFAULTSORT:Human Factor}}
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Smokescreen (Prime)

2012-09-16T00:53:42Z

219.89.150.118: /* Prime cartoon */

{{factions|autobot|eliteguard}}
{{disambig3|Smokescreen}}
:''Smokescreen is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Aligned continuity family]].''

[[Image:NewRecruit-prettygoodplan.jpg|thumb|300px|I'm here to be an Optimus fanboy and make people suspicious, and I'm all out of being an Opti- wait, no, I'm not...]]
'''Smokescreen''' is an eager young Autobot recruit, all too ready to fight in the [[Great War (Prime)|Great War]]. While he may talk a mile a minute and be greener than [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]'s paintwork, Smokescreen at least has the sense to use his wits when charging into a situation, rather than heading in firing blind. He also seems to idolize [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]].

{{bigquote|Now that was a plan!|Smokescreen|''[[New Recruit]]''}}

==Fiction==
===''Prime'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor'': [[Nolan North]] (English)

[[Image:New-recruit-smokescreen-flashback-tfp.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Maybe if I punch the screen hard enough, I'll be able to escape.]]

Back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in the latter part of the war, Smokescreen was keen to be a soldier and underwent training with the [[Cybertron Elite Guard]] though it was more of a boot camp at the time. To his disappointment, he ended up on security detail at the [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] [[Hall of Records]] guarding [[Alpha Trion (Prime)|Alpha Trion]]. Though he learned much, he still yearned for combat. He thought his chance had come when the [[Decepticon]]s attacked Iacon directly, but instead he was immediately knocked into stasis by a Decepticon bomb, and woke up much later on one of their transports. Giving the guard the slip, Smokescreen stole an escape pod which took him to [[Earth]].

Upon landing, he joined members of [[Team Prime]] in fighting off some Decepticons who had converged on the pod. His wild, reckless fighting ignited the pod's spilled fuel, which sent the Deceptions packing, but did little to impress Team Prime. Though the others were suspicious, Optimus accepted him upon his recounting of tales only Alpha Trion and Optimus would have known. They took him to [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Outpost Omega One]] and the [[human]] [[Jack Darby]] gave him a tour during which he recognized some of the relics from the Hall of Records. Due to Smokescreen's inexperience, Optimus refused to let him go on a mission to recover [[Red Energon]], and instead he and Jack went to find him a new [[alternate mode]]. When Prime's team got into trouble, Smokescreen had the idea of using the [[phase shifter]] to help and convinced [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] to let him try. On the battlefield, he succeeded in using it to separate [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] from the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]], ultimately resulting a victory (more or less) for the Autobots. With that success, Optimus welcomed him to Team Prime. {{storylink|New Recruit}}

{{spoiler|The Human Factor|September 21, 2012}}
Bulkhead rebuffed Smokescreen's suggestion of using the Apex Armor while mending. When the Decepticons got hold of a [[Project Damocles]] satellite, Optimus led a team including Smokescreen to a military base in [[Colorado]] to protect the satellite's control codes. They ended up tangling with Decepticons, and Smokescreen was almost hit by the laser from the orbiting satellite. Smokescreen ended up joining Bulkhead in fighting [[Silas|Cylas]] and they succeeded in driving the [[MECH]] commander off. Smokescreen told the Wrecker that he studied his units battles which gave Bulkhead more confidence in him. {{storylink|The Human Factor}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Prime===
*'''Smokescreen''' (Deluxe, [[November 24|11-24]]-2012)
**''ID number'': '''AM-26'''
**''Accessories'': Arms Micron

: A [[redeco]] (and potential [[retool]]ing) of [[Knock Out (Prime)#Toys|Knock Out]], Smokescreen is (currently) [[exclusive]] to the [[TakaraTomy]] ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)| Prime]]'' toyline. He transforms into a low-riding sports car. As part of the [[Arms Micron]] gimmick, he has extra [[5mm post]]-holes in both modes, allowing him to use the weapon-bots. He comes with a (currently unknown and unnamed) Arms Micron partner.
{{comingsoontoy}}

==Notes==
*According to the ''Transformers: Prime Season 1'' DVD/Blu-Ray featurettes, Smokescreen was in the original line-up for Season 1, and would've died in the Season finale. However, the character was replaced by Cliffjumper and his death was moved to the first episode.

[[Category:Elite Guard]]
[[Category:Prime Autobots]]