MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)

2010-06-24T12:59:22Z

71.174.101.49: /* Synopsis */

[[Image:Transformerswarforcybertron.jpg|center|500px|]]

'''''Transformers: War for Cybertron''''' is a video game developed by [[High Moon Studios]] and published by [[Activision Blizzard|Activision]], set before the Transformers take their war to [[Earth]]. [[Hasbro]] intends it to act as a foundation for ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' franchise storylines for years to come, and so they've been giving a lot of input and stressing character development.<ref name="tfw2005">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/video-games-17/tfw2005-war-for-cybertron-interview-with-aaron-archer-and-matt-tieger-168910/ War for Cybertron interview with Aaron Archer and Matt Tieger @ TFW2005.com]</ref> The book ''[[Exodus: The Official History of the War for Cybertron]]'' serves as a storyline lead-in to the events of the game, which itself in turn sets the stage for the upcoming cartoon series ''[[Transformers: Prime]]''.{{fact}}

Unlike previous ''Transformers'' video games which feature distinctly separate campaigns for the Autobots and the Decepticons (traditionally depicting the playable faction utterly defeating the other), ''War for Cybertron'' will feature a single, linear storyline; the Decepticon campaign occurs chronologically before the Autobot campaign, but [[Fandom|fans]] can play through them in whichever order they prefer.<ref>[http://www.seibertron.com/news/index.php?f_keyword=war+for+cybertron Seibertron Q&A with Activision]</ref>

The game itself will be an over-the-shoulder third-person shooter in which the player can choose his character from a small roster of either Autobots or Decepticons. The game has a street date of [[June 22]], [[2010]], for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii (as ''[[Transformers: Cybertron Adventures]]''), Nintendo DS, and PC; however, the console versions were released at Sears stores on June 17th.

{{quote|One shall stand.|Optimus}}
:{{quote|One shall fall.|Megatron}}

==Synopsis==

[[Image:WarforCybertron-OptimusPrime.jpg|right|thumb|400px|Prime auditions for Unreal Tournament. There were no survivors.]]

The game is set during the waning days of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] before coming to Earth. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], genuinely believing a caste system will bring Cybertron back to its [[Golden Age]], is researching a dangerous power source known as [[Dark Energon]] to fuel his conquest of the planet. Megatron discovers that the factory that produces Dark Energon is guarded by a neutral army led by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], and leads an attack on the station. After his ship crashes into the hull of the station, Megatron, [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] and [[Barricade (G1)|Barricade]] defeat Starscream's army and harness the power of the Dark Energon. Cornered, Starscream tells Megatron that he's the only one who knows how to make more of the Energon, and tells the Decepticon leader that he will help him if Megatron takes him into his army. Megatron reluctantly agrees to this, and sends Starscream, [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] to reactivate the Energon Bridge that will produce new Dark Energon. They succeed, and Megatron decides to use his new found power to attack and destroy the Autobot city [[Iacon]]. While Starscream and Brawl lead the main attack on the city, Megatron takes [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and Breakdown on a flanking attack to recover the Omega Key, to access the core of the planet. Arriving at the key's holding place, the Decepticons learn that the Autobot leader [[Zeta Prime]] has taken it to keep it safe. The team regroup with Brawl and Starscream, and use Dark Energon bombers to eliminate the remaining Autobots before storming the building Zeta Prime was waiting in. Megatron defeated the Autobot leader, stealing the Omega Key and punching a hole in his chest. Zeta reveals that the key Megatron has just stolen only activates the real Omega Key, and that soon '''it''' would find '''him'''. Suddenly [[Omega Supreme (G1)|a huge ship awakens and takes off.]]

An unknown amount of time later, Megatron was commanding his ship in search of the "Omega Key". The ship was suddenly attacked by Omega Supreme, who shot them out of the sky, causing them to crashing in Iacon. Megatron, Soundwave and Breakdown began to despratley retreat from Omega Supreme's attack, and take cover in a large tower. Once inside, the group hear Starscream announce that Megatron is dead, and that he is taking command of the Decepticons. Enraged, but unable to make any outside contact, Megatron lead his forces through the city, dodging attacks from Omega while searching for a way to fight him. Soundwave discovered that they could use some of the Autobot's anti-air and anti-infantry turrets on top a tower roof against the massive Autobot. Along the way, the group made contact with Starscream and corrected his mistake, using him to distract Omega Supreme. Once they reached the turrets, the group managed to shoot down Omega Supreme, causing him to crash into the ground below. The Decepticons go down to recover his body, but Omega Supreme transformed into his robot mode, firing missiles and lasers. Megatron managed to corrupt Omega with Dark Energon, using him to reach and corrupt the core of Cybertron with Dark Energon.

Meanwhile, recovering from the attack on Iacon, the young Autobot messanger [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] is sent to tell the soldier [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus]] that Zeta Prime is dead. Optimus decided to take temporary control of the Autobots, taking Bumblebee and his friend [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] on a counter-attack to push out Decepticon forces. The group manage to reactivate the Planetary Guns, clearing the skies over Iacon, and proceed to aid [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] in reclaiming the Decagon, just barely missing Soundwave on the way. Entering the Decagon, Optimus recieves a message from Zeta Prime, telling him that he is not yet dead and bieng held in a prison in [[Kaon]]. Optimus, Bumblebee and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] allow themselves to be captured by the Decepticons and enter the prison. The three are just barley saved from a firing squad by [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]], but as they escape into the tunnels below, Air Raid is captured. The three Autobots sneak through the prison, rescuing Air Raid and releasing all the Autobot prisoners (including [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]). Using the chaos as a distraction, the three sneak to the high security bunker Zeta Prime is being held. When the Autobots try to save them, Soundwave attacks, sending out [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]], and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]. The Autobots defeat them, but Soundwave manages to retreat. When Optimus tried to rescue Zeta, the Prime tells him that he is already dead, and collapses dead. Optimus returns the body to the council, who tell Optimus that he must accept that he is a Prime and take up his role as leader, thus he becomes Optimus Prime. However, he is then dispatched into the very core of Cybertron with [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] to cure the currently infected core. Thanks to the help of some Space Slugs, Prime, Warpath, and Ironhide defeat a corupted space slug, and reach the core. However the core tells Optimus that, in order to repair itself, it will have to shut down for millions of years, forcing Optimus and the autobots to evacuate Cybertron. But before doing so, it gives Optimus The [[Matrix of Leadership]].

==Characters==
At the start of each level, the player can choose from one of three characters. Characters belong to one of four distinct classes:

* '''Leaders:''' Vehicle forms are trucks. Support their team with buffs and debuff the enemy team.
* '''Soldiers:''' Vehicle forms are tanks. Have heavy-hitting ranged and melee weaponry.
* '''Scientists:''' Vehicle forms are jets. Use a variety of tricky technology and precise long-distance weaponry to heal their allies and control the battlefield from a distance.
* '''Scouts:''' Vehicle forms are cars. Specialize in evasion and high-speed combat, along with disabling functions like EMP grenades.

The characters available will shift from level to level.

Known playable characters include:
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus_Prime_(G1)#War_for_Cybertron_video_game|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]]) ([http://www.transformersgame.com/game#/game/characters/autobots/optimus Official Website profile]) ([http://gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2009/12/11/transformers-war-for-cybertron-character-profile-optimus-prime.aspx GameInformer profile])
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] ([[Johnny Yong Bosch]]) <ref>[http://twitter.com/johnnyyongbosch/status/11686292590 Twitter post by Johnny Yong Bosch confirming his role as Bumblebee.]</ref> ([http://www.transformersgame.com/game#/game/characters/autobots/bumblebee Official Website profile])
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] ([[Fred Tatasciore]]) ([http://www.transformersgame.com/game#/game/characters/autobots/ratchet Official Website profile])
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] ([[Keith Szarabajka]]) ([http://www.transformersgame.com/game#/game/characters/autobots/ironhide Official Website profile])
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] ([[Travis Willingham]]) ([http://www.transformersgame.com/game#/game/characters/autobots/sideswipe Official Website profile])
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] ([[Troy Baker]]) ([http://www.transformersgame.com/game#/game/characters/autobots/jetfire Official Website profile])
*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] ([[Patrick Seitz]]) ([http://www.transformersgame.com/game#/game/characters/autobots/silverbolt Official Website profile])
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] ([[Kari Wahlgren]])
*[[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] ([[Liam O'Brien]]) ([http://www.transformersgame.com/game#/game/characters/autobots/airraid Official Website profile])
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] ([[Jamieson Price]]) ([http://www.transformersgame.com/game#/game/characters/autobots/warpath Official Website profile])
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (Best Buy preorder Multiplayer exclusive) <ref>[http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp;?id=pcat17071&type=page&st=Transformers+War+for+Cybertron&sc=Global&nrp=15&usc=All+Categories Bestbuy.com preorder page featuring a special Jazz trailer]</ref>
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (DS only)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (DS only)
*[[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (DS only)
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (DS only)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (DS only)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Shot]] (DS only)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (Fred Tatasciore) ([http://www.transformersgame.com/game#/game/characters/decepticons/megatron Official Website profile]) ([http://gameinformer.com/games/transformers_war_for_cybertron/b/xbox360/archive/2009/12/18/transformers-war-for-cybertron-character-profile-megatron.aspx GameInformer profile])
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] ([[Sam Riegel]]) ([http://www.transformersgame.com/game#/game/characters/decepticons/starscream Official Website profile]) ([http://gameinformer.com/games/transformers_war_for_cybertron/b/xbox360/archive/2009/12/23/transformers-war-for-cybertron-character-profile-starscream.aspx GameInformer profile])
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] ([[Isaac C. Singleton Jr.]]) ([http://www.transformersgame.com/game#/game/characters/decepticons/soundwave Official Website profile])
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] ([[Graham McTavish]]) ([http://www.transformersgame.com/game#/game/characters/decepticons/thundercracker Official Website profile])
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] ([[Richard Epcar]]) ([http://www.transformersgame.com/game#/game/characters/decepticons/skywarp Official Website profile])
*[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] ([[Crispin Freeman]]) ([http://www.transformersgame.com/game#/game/characters/decepticons/breakdown Official Website profile])
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] ([[Nolan North]]) ([http://www.transformersgame.com/game#/game/characters/decepticons/brawl Official Website profile])
*[[Barricade (G1)|Barricade]] ([[Steve Blum]]) ([http://www.transformersgame.com/game#/game/characters/decepticons/barricade Official Website profile])
*[[Slipstream (WFC)|Slipstream]] ([[Jessica Straus]])
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (Gamestop preorder Multiplayer exclusive)
*[[Demolishor (WFC)|Demolishor]] (Amazon.com preorder Multiplayer exclusive <ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Transformers-War-Cybertron-Playstation-3/dp/B0030HM2WO Amazon.com preorder page featuring a special Demolishor trailer]</ref>, Play.com exclusive in UK)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (DS only)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (DS only)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (DS only)<ref>[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/movie-news/images/ramjet_2.jpg Image from Hasbro's June 22, 2010 news, on War for Cybertron]</ref>
}}
The Decepticon campaign includes a boss battle with [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and the Autobot campaign includes defending [[Iacon]]. [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] appears in the IGN trailer, but he's, uh, probably not playable. Players should expect references to Cybertron locations taken from all previous Transformer stories, "things which may have only been referenced once, in one comic way back when, could be used and expanded upon."<ref name="tfw2005"/>

<center><gallery>
Image:WfC-IGN-Bumblebee.jpg|Bumblebee fires his weapon.
Image:WfC-IGN-RatchetBumblebeePrime.jpg|Ratchet, Bumblebee, and Prime in battle.
Image:WfC-IGN-OmegaSupreme.jpg|Omega Supreme attacks a platoon of Decepticons.
Image:WfC-IGN-StarscreamMegatron.jpg|Starscream and Megatron get ready for the ground assault.
Image:WfC-IGN-StarscreamMegatronSoundwave.jpg|More Decepticons!
Image:WfC-IGN-Soundwave.jpg|Soundwave sneaks around.
Image:WfC-IGN-Trypticon.jpg|Oh Primus.
Image:War for Cybertron Shockwave.jpg|Resistance really does seem to be futile.
Image:WfC-Kutaku-Grimlock.jpg|Dynobot?
Image: DemolishorWar for Cyb.jpg
</gallery></center>

==Features==
* Campaigns will be co-op online for the first time in a Transformers game.
* All playable characters have two special abilities, such as absorbing health from enemies or marking targets.
* The game will run on the Unreal engine.
* High Moon is prepared to "support the game after release," meaning either patches or downloadable content.
* Online Multiplayer is being developed for the game.
* All environments, including cover, can be destroyed.
* Characters transform at any time with an easy and quick tap of the Left Analog stick. There is no "cool down" so players can transform as often and as freely as they wish.
* The ability to create your own Transformers character for multiplayer. <ref>[http://www.3news.co.nz/Transformers-War-for-Cybertron-trailer/tabid/418/articleID/144347/Default.aspx War For Cybertron trailer news at 3news.co.nz]</ref>

==Production==

As an early marketing campaign, the game's website included the feature "Operation Transmission Recovery": using transmission and coordinate dials, you could pick up "transmissions" from Cybertron (or "video clips" to you and me).

The art and design team did intense research (i.e. watched the original cartoon, looked at comics, and watched "typical sci-fi cool stuff" like ''Blade Runner'') to work out the aesthetic of Cybertron; lead artist [[Ivan Power]] remarked that the original cartoon was the main inspiration, and that Cybertron wasn't shown there so they had to rewatch the same few clips "over and over". While many of the city designs are elaborate and shiny, Decepticon [[Kaon]] was deliberately designed to be sharp-edged, rusting, and slapped together to show the Decepticons weren't interested in building a functioning society. <ref>[http://gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2009/12/21/transformers-art-video.aspx Game Informer: Behind the Art of War for Cybertron]</ref>

==Operation Transmission Recovery==

As an early marketing campaign, the game's website included the feature "Operation Transmission Recovery": using transmission and coordinate dials, you could pick up "transmissions" from Cybertron (or "video clips/images" to you and me).

There are two dials, blue (outer) and yellow (inner). Using your mouse, you can drag the dial to set coordinates. The blue dial is set by aligning it to marks on the outer circle. When aligned, it becomes a blue ring. After that, the yellow dial is set so that signal strength is full, as indicated by a meter on the right. Once a transmission is unlocked its symbol lights up and the "Total Recovered" amount increases a little bit. When you reach 100%, it tells you how many hours remain until next batch.

As of January 12, 2010, the following transmissions (Batch 9), almost all of which are part of the second trailer (link below), were available:

{| border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=5
| '''S. No.'''
| '''Blue'''
| '''Yellow'''
| '''Type'''
| '''Description'''
|-
| 1
| 351
| 327
| Video
| Game Trailer (unlocked by default).
|-
| 2
| 018
| 088
| Video
| Starscream flying.
|-
| 3
| 018
| 088
| Image
| Starscream standing.
|-
| 4
| 029
| 209
| Video
| Battle scene: Camera behind Autobots, Optimus is prominent.
|-
| 5
| 040
| 328
| Image
| Holographic map of Cybertron and its two moons.
|-
| 6
| 051
| 110
| Image
| Cybertron .
|-
| 7
| 073
| 190
| Image
| Optimus vs an average Decepticon.
|-
| 8
| 085
| 298
| Video
| Decepticon insignia (on Starscream).
|-
| 9
| 096
| 347
| Video
| A bomb explosion on Cybertron's surface (possibly the same one which made a huge hole in it).
|-
| 10
| 107
| 035
| Image
| Megatron crushes cranial unit of a poor Autobot, Starscream is visible behind him, just before the ground assault.
|-
| 11
| 120
| 040
| Image
| Cybertron as seen from a moon.
|-
| 12
| 140
| 201
| Image
| Starscream flying towards Cybertron .
|-
| 13
| 162
| 359
| Image
| A red robot (Ironhide?).
|-
| 14
| 173
| 003
| Image
| A hall (Council of Autobot Elders?).
|-
| 15
| 192
| 147
| Video
| Injured Autobot, trying to get up .
|-
| 16
| 203
| 094
| Video
| Battle scene: Trypticon joins the battle as a burning asteroid (Entry mode) behind Decepticons and Autobots run towards it.
|-
| 17
| 214
| 004
| Image
| A city seen from a tunnel .
|-
| 18
| 225
| 199
| Image
| A city tower falling and hitting another tower.
|-
| 19
| 265
| 011
| Image
| Optimus Prime.
|-
| 20
| 284
| 021
| Image
| Megatron firing his gun (at YOU).
|-
| 21
| 295
| 249
| Video
| Optimus uses his axe on a Decepticon.
|-
| 22
| 306
| 041
| Image
| Cybertron as seen from another moon.
|-
| 23
| 317
| 081
| Video
| City skyline, camera moving down, some music in the background (start of the second trailer).
|-
| 24
| 328
| 221
| Video
| Battle scene: A missile hits a battlestation and an Autobot falls down from it.
|}

==Demo==
On June 10, 2010, a demo for the game was released on Xbox Live Marketplace. The demo is a multiplayer only demo, and only two of the four announced classes, Soldier and Scout, are playable in the demo. Only one "Create a Character" slot is open for each class, but customization for chassis is not available yet. Players can only level up to Level 3 in each class. The only map available is "Molten", and the two gametypes available are Team Deathmatch and Conquest.

==Toy tie-ins==
[[Hasbro]] has confirmed that several toys will be made to tie into the promotion of the video game. These include figures of Bumblebee, Optimus Prime, Megatron and Soundwave. At [[Toy Fair 2010]], they were confirmed to be part of the [[Generations (toyline)|''Generations'' toyline]].

<gallery>
Image:Generationstoy-CybertronianOptimusPrime.jpg
Image:Generationstoy-CybertronianMegatron.jpg
Image:Generationstoy-CybertronianBumblebee.jpg
Image:Generationstoy-CybertronianSoundwave.jpg
</gallery>

==Comic adaptation==

[[IDW Publishing]] is bringing out a comic based on the game. News of this first got leaked when [[Australia|Australian]] website JB Hi-Fi offered a ''free'' copy of issue 1 if you pre-ordered the game from them. <ref>[http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/game/ps3/transformers-war-for-cybertron-bonus-comic-book/513755 TRANSFORMERS: WAR FOR CYBERTRON (Bonus Comic Book)]</ref> The story is a partial adaptation of the ''Exodus'' book. <ref name="adaptation">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-war-for-cybertron-1-information-and-team-revealed/18661/ Transformers: War For Cybertron #1 Information and Team Revealed]</ref>

The artist to the cover is revealed to be [[Marcelo Matere]], who updated his DeviantArt gallery with the inked version, <ref>[http://mmatere.deviantart.com/art/War-of-Cybertron-Cover-inks-165279485 Inks-only comic cover at Marcelo's DA gallery]</ref> with [[Priscilla Tramontano]] as colorist. <ref>[http://noprips.deviantart.com/art/War-of-Cybertron-Cover-165344432 Colored cover at Priscilla's DA gallery]</ref> [[Alex Irvine]] and [[Don Figueroa]] are writing and drawing, respectively. <ref name="adaptation" />

==Notes==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.transformersgame.com/ Official site]
*[http://www.gametrailers.com/video/exclusive-debut-transformers-war/59860 Exclusive trailer via 'Game Trailers TV']
*[http://www.gametrailers.com/video/exclusive-gameplay-transformers-war/62343 Exclusive gameplay trailer via 'Game Trailers TV']
*[http://ps3.ign.com/dor/objects/54929/transformers-war-for-cybertron/videos/transformerscyber_trl_revealtrailer_10710.html;jsessionid=8yroitu115mw Second, fuller trailer from IGN]
*[http://gameinformer.com/mag/cybertron.aspx Behind the scenes bios and information from ''Game Informer'' magazine.]
*[http://www.gametrailers.com/video/gdc-10-transformers-war/62925 Civil War Story Interview at 'Game Trailers TV']
*[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/6450/20/ Press release]

[[Category: Video games]]

Tangled Web

2010-06-20T22:48:00Z

71.174.101.49: /* Other notes */

{{episode
|series=BWtoon
|ep=30
|image=Tangled Web Tarantulas furious.jpg
|title="Tangled Web"
|production company=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate=[[November 16]], 1997
|written by=[[Len Wein]]
|directed by=[[Craig McEwen]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity=[[Beast Wars continuity]]
}}
'''Megatron sends Tarantulas to build a new energon processing station, but the spider has other plans.'''

:''French title:'' '''L'Embrouille''' ("Muddled")
:''French-Canadian title:'' '''Toile d'Araignée''' ("Spider's Web")
:''Japanese title:'' かっとびタランス (''Kattobi Tarans'', "Grand-Slam Tarans")
:''Spanish title:'' '''Telaraña Intrincada'''
:''Latin-American title:'' '''La Araña'''
:''Italian title:'' '''La stazione di rifornimento''' ("The supply station")
:''Brazilian name:'' '''Na Teia das Aranhas''' ("In The Web of Spiders")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Tangled Web Megatron.jpg|left|200px|thumb|It is days like this I wish I were a Maximal.]]
As the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] busy themselves around their [[Darksyde|base]], Megatron summons [[Tarantulas]] and assigns him to work with [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] to develop a refueling station at a newly detected store of [[Energon (fuel)|energon]] cubes. Megatron also assigns [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] to develop a jamming tower to disrupt [[Maximal]] communications.

As the Predacons gather supplies and equipment for their assigned tasks, Tarantulas throws a transmitter into Quickstrike's collection of equipment with the hope of summoning the Maximals to undermine Megatron's plans.

Meanwhile at the [[Axalon (BW)|Maximal base]], [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] is conducting experiments on [[Optimus Primal]]'s new [[transmetal]] form to see if they can learn its limits. Their experiment is interrupted by a short-circuit and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]'s report of a strange Predacon signal on a Maximal channel. [[Rattrap]] and [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] are near the signal and sent to investigate.

[[Image:Tangled Web Tarantulas thoughtful.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Hmm, I can put the throw-pillows over there...]]
Quickstrike, Blackarachnia, and Tarantulas arrive at their assigned destination, and Tarantulas decides that the site is a perfect location for his new lair. (His last one had been destroyed [[Aftermath|previously]]) He destroys the transmitter that he had been using to signal the Maximals. Blackarachnia too realizes that this site would be an optimal fortress and mentions it to Tarantulas. He then tells her about his plan to commandeer the site for himself to overthrow Megatron and destroy the Maximals, then says that she must join him in his scheme because of their psychic link. He soon recruits Quickstrike to his cause.

Losing the Predacon signal, Rattrap and Silverbolt are forced to follow the Predacons' scent and soon come across their trail.

As he relaxes in his CR tank hot tub, Megatron learns that Waspinator and Inferno have finished their assignment. When Megatron attempts to contact the other Predacons, though (failing to notice the jamming tower falling on Waspinator), he only gets static and soon realizes that the arachnids are up to something.

[[Image:Tangled Web Mental link.jpg|left|200px|thumb|A headache shared is still a headache.]]
Back at Tarantulas's would-be lair, Blackarachnia is determined to end the psychic link that Tarantulas has been using to control her and threatens to blow up all of the energon there. While he initially is willing to let her do it, Tarantulas soon learns that their link goes both ways and that he shares her pain, so he agrees to break the link.

[[Image:Tangled Web Silverbolt.jpg|right|200px|thumb|En garde!]]
Outside the cavern, Rattrap and Silverbolt finally find the Predacons and engage in a battle with them. The fight begins to go the Maximals' way, but Silverbolt refuses to strike down Blackarachnia because she is [[Female Transformers|female]].

Soon the Maximals realize that the Predacons are guarding the cave and attempt to get in. Their plans are foiled when the entrance blows up. Rattrap congratulates Silverbolt on the blast, but Silverbolt says that he didn't do it. The Predacons are forced to retreat back to Megatron, who chastises them for their incompetence.

Later, though, it becomes clear that Tarantulas blew up the entrance so that he could return and have the cave for himself.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s
|c1=
*[[Optimus Primal]] (7)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (8)
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (9)
*[[Rattrap]] (10)
*[[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] (11)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s
|c2=
*[[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (1)
*[[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] (2)
*[[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] (3)
*[[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Tarantulas]] (5)
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (6)

}}
==Quotes==
"While spider-bots argue, Waspinator and Inferno finish job. Megatron will be pleased!"
:—'''Waspinator''' has such optimism.

"Well then, pardner, let's head 'em up and move 'em out."
:—Even '''Tarantulas'''' cow-poke impression is creepy.

"Any progress, Rhinox?" 
"Despite my tests, we still don't know what limits these new Transmetal states may have. Perhaps this new bio-gen scan will—" ''[shocks himself and Optimus]'' "Or perhaps not." ''[falls over]''
:—'''Optimus Primal''' and '''Rhinox'''

"Well, just ain't no figurin' a female." 
''[chuckles]'' "A fact of life, Fuzor."
:—'''Quickstrike''' and '''Tarantulas'''

"Well, considering the honkers we got, it's worth a shot."
:—'''Rattrap''' on using their noses.

"''De''struction's better'n ''con''struction, ya get my drift?"
:—'''Quickstrike''' knows what he likes.

"Maximals." 
"Finally! Somethin' I can sink my teeth inta!"
:—'''Tarantulas''' and '''Quickstrike''', as Rattrap and Silverbolt approach

"That widow's about as female as a piston."
:—'''Rattrap''' on Blackarachnia.

"Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home." ''[laughs]''
:—'''Tarantulas''', settled in to his new lair

==Notes==
===Technical/animation glitches===
* When Tarantulas says "...and we do live to please Megatron", the green 'eyes' on his chestplate are missing.
* Every time Silverbolt growls in this episode, he sounds like [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]. (Of course, when the dude who does your voice does [[Waspinator (BW)|three]] [[Dinobot (BW)|other]] [[Rattrap|voices]], you're gonna get mixed up every now and then.)
* Right after the their mental link is broken, before Quickstrike tells them the Maximals are coming, Tarantulas' gold abdomen is facing the wrong way.

===Transformers references===
*Tarantulas is researching the new transmetal forms gained in "[[Aftermath]]".

===Real-world references===
*"[[Grid Arakis]]" is a reference to the planet from Frank Herbert's novel ''[[wikipedia:Dune|Dune]]''.
*Tarantulas says, "Of course, you realize this means war", at one point, a phrase commonly used by Bugs Bunny.
*Tarantulas says, "Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home", a reference to the traditional song "[[wikipedia:Home!_Sweet_Home!|Home! Sweet Home!]]"

===Other notes===
*It is very unusual that Tarantulas is capable of tossing a probe on the building supplies without anyone noticing (especially since the probe collides with the load with a heavy clang, and has a blinking red light).

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Beast Wars'' — Optimus Lives! ([[Alliance Atlantis]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1998 — ''Robots-Bêtes'' — L'Empreinte D'Optimus (Alliance Atlantis) — French audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers: Metals'' — Convoy Reborn ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2001 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 5 ([[Universal]])
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers: Metals'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — English and Japanese audio. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete Second Season ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Season 2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers: Beast Wars'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)

[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]

Shaoshao Li

2010-06-12T22:05:16Z

71.174.101.49: /* Kiss Players */

{{factions|edc|autobot|kiss}}
:''Shaoshao Li is a [[human]] from the [[Kiss Players (franchise)|Kiss Players]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Shaoshao-main.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Dear Japan, Please Stop. Love, America.]]
'''Shaoshao Li''' (李蛸燒 ''Lǐ Shāo-Shāo'')<ref>"Shāoshāo" is written as "蛸焼", meaning "octopus dumplings". On the toy packaging, her name is rendered in English as "Syaosyao".</ref> is an athletic Chinese kung-fu girl who hates bugs and ghosts and enjoys hot steamed buns. She is completely obsessed with [[Marissa Faireborn]].

As a [[Kiss Player]], she is partnered with [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], but doesn't like to kiss him after he's been fishing because of the smell. She also wishes he'd take her fishing with him once in a while. She speaks with a Chinese accent, which makes sense since her parents are from [[China]]. Her ethnic background is also the reason she has worn a collar secured with a padlock that reads "Fortune" since childhood and cannot remove it. This makes less sense.

Apparently, she's a decent singer as well.

==Fiction==
===Kiss Players===
:''Voice actress:'' [[Yui Kano]]

[[Image:Shaoshao and marissa.jpg|left|thumb|250px|I thought I told you to STOP!]]

When Shaoshao was a child in the 1990s, her parents ran a Chinese restaurant in [[New York City]]. It was there that she met [[Marissa Faireborn]] and the two became good friends; indeed, Shaoshao seemed to have more than platonic designs on Marissa. Unfortunately for Shaoshao, Marissa only had eyes for the [[Autobot]] leader [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], and Shaoshao came to resent Prime for "stealing" Marissa away from her. Soon after, Shaoshao's parents closed their restaurant and the family returned to China, forcing Shaoshao to leave her issues with Marissa unresolved. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #23}}

In 2005, the body of the [[Decepticon]] leader [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] collided with the [[Earth]], decimating the city of [[Tokyo]] and utterly shattering [[Transformer]]-human relations. The [[Earth Defense Command]] reverse-engineered Galvatron's remains to create man-made Transformers named "[[Autorooper]]s", and forced all Transformers off of Earth, keeping them from returning to the planet by surrounding it with an [[anti-electron]] field. Having hated Transformers ever since losing Marissa to Prime, Shaoshao joined up with the E.D.C. to fight the robots, and quickly developed a reputation as a rising star within the organization.

The following year, however, a new threat soon emerged in the form of creatures known as [[Legion]]s, monsters created by Galvatron's [[Unicron]]-empowered cells, which had been dispersed into the atmosphere upon his impact and had fused with other lifeforms and objects. Galvatron's cells also provided the solution to this crisis: when they came into contact with certain human beings, these humans gained the power to fuse with other entities containing Galvatron's cells by kissing them. Given that their Autoroopers were the perfect candidate for this "[[ParasiTech]]" fusion process, the E.D.C. began recruiting these "[[Kiss Player]]s" and partnering them with the robots to battle Legions. Shaoshao was discovered to be a Kiss Player, and was not best pleased to be pulled away from her regular E.D.C. job and recruited into the E.D.C.'s [[Ne squad]], where she was forced to kiss the robots she so hated. She was easily the strongest member of the squad, able to boost her Autorooper's power to unheard of levels, and was greatly respected by her teammates, including the sociopathic [[Ringo Chikuma]], who may have even had a crush on her.

[[Image:Kissplay1 boooooaak.jpg|right|thumb|210px|Its not what it looks like...]]

In truth, there was a more sinister reason behind Shaoshao's enlistment: E.D.C. commander [[Hitoshizuku Amaō]]'s [[Shizuku Amaō|daughter]] had died in Galvatron's impact, but she had discovered that her daughter's essence had somehow been infused into the Legions along with Galvatron's cells. Experimenting with Legions, Autoroopers and Kiss Players who had outlived their usefulness, Amaō conceived of a plan to resurrect her daughter in a Kiss Player's body...and as the most powerful Kiss Player she had yet discovered, Shaoshao was selected for the process. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|You, I and the Spinning Earth}}

Responding to a Legion attack in Tokyo, Shaoshao fused with her Autorooper and set off in pursuit of a Legion who had disguised itself as a car. Unfortunately, the chase took too long, and no sooner had Shaoshao found the Legion and kicked it through a wall than her fusion time limit ran out, and her Autorooper messily regurgitated her. As luck would have it, the Legion had been in the process of terrorizing a girl named [[Atari Hitotonari]], who proved to have Kiss Player powers as well, and fused with Shaoshao's Autorooper to destroy the creature. {{storylink|Kiss Players issue 1|Kiss Players #1}} Observing the conflict, Commander Amaō realized that Atari was even more powerful than Shaoshao, and immediately decided that she would take her place for her resurrection project. Unfortunately for Shaoshao, this meant that she was now surplus to requirements, and she soon became fodder for Amaō's experiments.

[[Image:LiShaoShao2.jpg|left|thumb|]]

Awakening to find herself in a glass tube in the secret [[Genital System]] facility beneath E.D.C. headquarters, Shaoshao was horrified to see dismembered Legion heads consuming the remains of other Kiss Players all around her. She barely had any time to take this in before a Legion head above her own tube unleashed a tangle of tentacles on her, intending to eat her too. Shaoshao fought back, biting the tentacles, when suddenly, the Autobot [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] came crashing through the roof of the facility. {{storylink|Kiss Players issue 2|Kiss Players #2}} The Legions all turned on Hot Rod and began trying to fuse with him, but Shaoshao saved him by kissing him, fusing with him and reformatting him into a new Ford GT body. {{storylink|Kiss Players issue 3|Kiss Players #3}} The pair proceeded to escape, although all Shaoshao could find to wear was a Chinese dress. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #29}}

Shaoshao and Rodimus went on the run, battling the Legion and vowing to expose the mysterious evils at the heart of the E.D.C. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #2}} Shaoshao remained unhappy with the fact that she still had to kiss a robot, but admitted that she would swallow her pride for the forseeable future...and that just maybe, she did get a little something out of it herself. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #5}} She hated Hot Rod's smugness and lack of martial arts skills, and so she resolved to teach him some skills, only for Hot Rod to point out she could share her own abilities just by kissing him. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #8}} Shaoshao schooled him in the use of his tonfa, and the pair embarked on a long-distance drive as a form of training. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #11}}

Investigating a large swarm of Legions converging on E.D.C. headquarters, Shaoshao and Hot Rod were shocked to discover that the creatures were being led there by Optimus Prime! Hot Rod mistakenly came to the conclusion that this Prime was an impostor (given that the genuine article was supposed to be dead; he had, in actuality, been resurrected by Marissa Faireborn's Kiss Player powers) and Shaoshao urged him into battle, seeking to reclaim Marissa from her "rival". Atari soon arrived to stop the fight and turn the Legions back. {{storylink|Kiss Players issue 3|Kiss Players #3}} The whole experience left Shaoshao feeling very stressed; she believed she heard Marissa's voice coming from within Optimus Prime during the fight, and thought the stress was making her crack. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #14}}

[[Image:HotRodKP.jpg|right|thumb|215px]]

In the wake of this event, Shaoshao and Hot Rod returned to their fugitive lifestyle, with Shaoshao growing more and more irritated with Hot Rod's tendency to go fishing and come back smelling of raw fish. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #17}} Shaoshao couldn't believe it when he even wasted time making himself a new fishing rod, though it proved useful in battle when Hot Rod revealed it could transform into a set of blasters. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #20}} While the pair were fishing on Tokyo Bay Bridge, they were attacked by a mass of Legions, and Shaoshao refused to kiss the stinking Hot Rod until the situation absolutely demanded it. Through this latest mental fusion, however, a startling truth was unveiled: Shaoshao discovered that it was Hot Rod who had thrown Galvatron into space and inadvertently caused the devastation of Tokyo, and that he had given up the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and come to Earth to try and redeem himself for his misdeeds. Shaoshao's anger at this discovery caused the pair's fusion to come an end, and Shaoshao was hurled into the river! {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|A Big Catch Tonight?!}} Reflecting on what she had learned, Shaoshao concluded that she did not care about Hot Rod's guilt or pain: she was merely using his power to get Marissa back. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #26}} She did not expect him to steal Marissa's underwear for her, however! {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #29}}

When Shaoshao and Hot Rod spotted the figure of a young girl, dressed all in black and bleeding, riding on the shoulder of a Legion, they thought she might be a Kiss Player, until Hot Rod discovered she was giving off no body heat. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #32}} They saw the girl again as more and more Legions began to converge on Tokyo, and Hot Rod began to suffer from nightmares plagued by images of [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] that gave him the urge to destroy. Shaoshao exploited this, whispering in the sleeping Hot Rod's ear for him to kill the "impostor" Optimus Prime for her. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #35}}

Following the Legions to the E.D.C. headquarters, Shaoshao and Hot Rod discovered that they were once again being led there by Optimus Prime and Marissa. And once again, consumed by the destructive impulses of their Galvatron cells, Prime and Hot Rod began to battle. The pair are able to settle their differences, and together with Atari, they ventured into the depths of the E.D.C. building to discover the truth. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #38}} Back in the Genital System once more, Shaoshao and the others discovered the remains of Galvatron, before a door suddenly came slamming down and separated Atari from the rest of the group. Commander Amaō appeared and explained to Atari her plan to resurrect her daughter (the ghost girl Shaoshao and Hot Rod had seen), beginning the process just as the others burst into the room. Atari fought back against the process, however, and was able to thwart it, causing all the Legions, Autroroopers and other Galvatron cells to be absorbed back into the Decepticon leader's body, which she then hurled back into space. With this action, Shaoshao and the others lost their Kiss Player powers, Hot Rod reverted to normal, and Optimus Prime slipped back into death once more. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|You, I and the Spinning Earth}}
{{-}}

===Kiss Players Position===

[[Image:15gogo_sparkbots_appear.jpg|left|thumb]]

Following the deactivation of the anti-electron field, the Autobots returned to Earth in early 2007, but Transformer-human relations were still in tatters. Ultra Magnus came up with the idea of a Transformer-human singing group to try and repair relations and spread goodwill between the two races, and to that end, Shaoshao joined with Marissa, Atari and [[Mini-Cassette|cassette Transformers]] [[Glit]], [[Sundor]] and [[Rosanna (KP)|Rosanna]] to form this group, the "[[Kiss Players (singing group)|Kiss Players]]".

[[Image:Kiss_players_position_shaoshao.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]

While on their world goodwill tour, the Kiss Players arrived in North America to perform at [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]], but just before the concert began, three mysterious glowing orbs appeared before the Kiss Players, and telepathically spoke to them. Introducing themselves as the [[Sparkbot]]s, [[Star Dust]], [[Angela]] and [[Zangetsu]], they instructed the three girls to kiss them. When they did so, the girls and Fortress Maximus were suddenly whisked off through time, rematerializing at [[Sherman Dam]] in the year 1985, where they witnessed Optimus Prime's historic battle with Megatron atop the structure. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)#Weekly_Kiss_Players_Position_shows|Kiss Players radio drama #39}} The Sparkbots explained to Kiss Players' that the "[[Allspark]]" had been scattered throughout space and time, and that their mission was to recover its fragments by kissing Autobot leaders from different time periods, starting with Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)#Weekly_Kiss_Players_Position_shows|Kiss Players radio drama #40}}

Shaoshao was selected for the next mission, and travelled with the Sparkbot Zangetsu to 2005 to witness her old partner Hot Rod transforming into Rodimus Prime and throwing Galvatron into space. Time then shifted to the year 2010, and Shaoshao kissed Rodimus at the [[Galactic Olympics]] on [[Athenia]] to recover the second Allspark fragment. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)#Weekly_Kiss_Players_Position_shows|Kiss Players radio drama #41}}

[[Image:XiaoMaid.jpg|left|thumb|SOMEBODY'S under arrest, meow.]]

The Kiss Players adventures through the timestream soon led them to the year 2011, where they fell into the clutches of the [[Quintesson]]s. Even the power of [[wikipedia:Moe (slang)|Moe]], despite transforming Shaoshao into a catgirl in a maid's outfit, was not enough to spare them from the Quintesson judge's verdict of "not guilty." Fortunately, Optimus Prime and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]] came to their accidental rescue, and the Kiss Players' voyage continued. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)#Tokyo_Toy_Festival_live_performance|Tokyo Toy Festival live performance}}

[[Image:KPVectorPrime.jpg|right|thumb]]

Shaoshao's next challenge was a tough one: She went on a marathon kissing session through time, obtaining fragments from [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]], [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]] and four different incarnations of Optimus Prime, which particularly disgusted her. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)#Weekly_Kiss_Players_Position_shows|Kiss Players radio drama #44}} Things continued to proceed smoothly until the Kiss Players began obtaining Allspark fragments from Transformers participating in the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]. At the point of the Allspark fragments' emergence, an enigmatic, invisible force began appearing to steal the fragments away, culminating with the fragment Shaoshao recovered from [[Optimus Prime (RID)|''Robots in Disguise'' Optimus Prime]]. The Kiss Players gave chase across the timestream, but Fortress Maximus wound up crashing into the "[[Wall of Time]]", {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)#Weekly_Kiss_Players_Position_shows|Kiss Players radio drama #47}} and the team was scattered across the multiverse. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)#Weekly_Kiss_Players_Position_shows|Kiss Players radio drama #48}}

Shaoshao found herself in the parallel reality of the "[[Unicron Trilogy]]", on the deserted [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] during the Transformers' search for the [[Cyber Planet Key]]s. Pursued by a swarm of [[Scrapmetal (race)|Scrapmetal]], she was rescued by [[Vector Prime]], who opened a portal with the intention of helping her to return to her home dimension. From the portal, however, a giant golden hand emerged, which seized Shaoshao and dragged her off through time. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)#Weekly_Kiss_Players_Position_shows|Kiss Players radio drama #50}} The hand, it transpired, belonged to [[Primus]], god of the Transformers, who had gathered the other Kiss Players, and who had also been responsible for stealing the Allspark fragments away—because the Sparkbots were in fact, servants of his nemesis, [[Unicron]]! The "Allspark" that the Kiss Players had been gathering was, in fact, Unicron's shattered [[Angolmois|lifeforce]], and the Sparkbots were attempting to resurrect their deceased master. Thankfully, Primus was able to trap Unicron's lifeforce within the Earth, but he would not answer Shaoshao when she asked what the Kiss Players' future would be. As his last act before he transformed into a [[Vector Sigma|golden sphere]], Primus returned the Kiss Players to the present day 2007, mere moments after they had left on their adventure. Realizing that her future was not defined by Primus or any god, Shaoshao vowed to make her own future, at last accepting Marissa and Optimus Prime's relationship and moving forward. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)#Weekly_Kiss_Players_Position_shows|Kiss Players radio drama #51}}

==Toys==
===Kiss Players===
[[Image:Shaoshao_toy.jpg|right|thumb|Featured image on icanhasdimsum.com.]]
* '''Hot Rodimus X Syaosyao''' (Kiss Players, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Bamboo steamer

: Shaoshao's only toy is a 1:24-scale PVC figurine of her in her Chinese red dress. Unlike the other two ''Kiss Players'' girls, Shaoshao did not come with any interchangeable limbs, and consequently, she is permanently in a seated position, munching on a meat-filled steamed bun. This does not, however, prohibit her from either perching on the shoulder or sitting in the driver's seat of her Autobot partner, Hot Rod, with whom she comes packaged, though she can do little else. The set also includes a small bamboo steamer accessory, as well as a CD containing episodes 11-20 of the ''Kiss Players'' radio drama and the exclusive 10-minute story, "A Big Catch Tonight?!"

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/AltRodimus/rodimus.htm More information on Shaoshao, with Hot Rod, at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Li, Shaoshao}}
[[Category:Earth Defense Command]]
[[Category:Humans]]
[[Category:Kiss Players characters]]

Lookout (Armada)

2010-06-11T01:56:51Z

71.174.101.49: /* Trivia */

{{factions|minicon}}
:''Lookout is a [[Mini-Con]] from the [[Armada (franchise)|Armada]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Lookout ut.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Poor guy's always frantically ducking every time someone recognizes him.]]
'''Lookout''' is one of many power-enhancing Mini-Cons scattered across the Earth. He is a member of the [[Green Mini-Con Team]]. When [[Powerlinx|Powerlinxed]] to a larger Transformer, Lookout transforms into a powerful sniper rifle, capable of dispatching many [[Decepticlone|Decepticlones]] with a single well-placed shot.

==Fiction==
===Transformers Playstation 2 Game===
Lookout was discovered in the [[Antarctica]] region by the Autobots, on top of an abandoned ice breaker barge guarded by Decepticlone units. Following the defeat of [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], he and the other Mini-Cons returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and helped form the [[Matrix Cannon]], [[Nemesis Shield]] and [[Vanguard Booster]], giving the Autobots the power needed to destroy [[Unicron]]. {{storylink|Transformers (Melbourne House)|Transformers}}

==Trivia==
* Lookout uses the same base model as [[Firefight]] and [[Skirmish]].
* Lookout is capable of Auto-Lock. When zoomed in, place the crosshairs around the body of the [[Decepticlone]] and a small circle appears around there head. Just pull the trigger and that'll be a one hit kill headshot.

==External links==
*[http://db.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/file/transformers_a.txt Transformers (PS2) walkthrough at GameFAQs.com]

[[Category:Armada characters]]
[[Category:Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Video game-only characters]]

Human Error, Part II

2010-06-08T00:29:13Z

71.174.101.49: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|series=Anitoon
|image=TFAni Human Error Part2 Substitute Autobots.jpg
|caption=That tiny thing at their feet? Yeah, that's right, that's their leader...
|ep=38
|title="Human Error, Part II"
|airdate=[[April 25]], 2009
|written by=[[Tom Pugsley]]
|directed by=[[Kalvin Lee]] [[Yosuke Hatta]]
|animation studio=[[Mook]]
}}
'''While the Autobots are held captive by one of their deadliest foes, Sari must recruit a team of "Substitute Autobots" to rescue them.'''
==Synopsis==
[[Image:TFA Human Error Part II Ratchet fleshbag.jpg|thumb|left|180px|"No, this big, I swear!"]]
In Soundwave's virtual reality, the Autobots struggle to get themselves free of the giant Soundwave, only for a wire damaged by Sari's recent attack to sever Soundwave's connection to them. As Soundwave makes repairs, Prowl is briefly able to escape the virtual world using [[processor-over-matter]]. However, his attempt to free Optimus Prime is interrupted as Soundwave plugs him back into the VR computer. His control reestablished, Soundwave reverts the Autobots to their human forms. Recognizing that reprogramming will take longer now, Soundwave instructs his [[Sound Wave|toy replicas]] to begin hypnotizing the humans of Detroit.

In the virtual world, Bulkhead has taken to smashing things in the hopes that it will get them out. Ratchet says that the only way they can do that is to find Soundwave's interface, a virtual icon with his representation. Bumblebee quickly notices a potential icon: Soundwave's vehicle mode, which nearly runs them down. Optimus orders the Automen to follow Soundwave in vehicles on which their own [[alternate mode]]s are based, including the virtual [[Captain Fanzone's car]]. Upon looking at the driving equipment, however, Optimus realizes that he may be in a little over his head.

Heading back to Sumdac Tower, Sari seeks out her father's help. She is briefly found by a Sound Wave toy, but knocks it aside. Observing that she is immune to his hypnotics, Soundwave decides that she must be terminated. Finding her father in the lab, Sari is horrified when he tries to attack her, but is able to delay him by burying him under a fallen shelf. Sari quickly takes flight, hoping to find help elsewhere.

[[Image:TFAni Human Error Part2 Electrostatic Soundwave Reprogramming.jpg|thumb|right|180px|"Now you will watch as I complete ''Through the Fire and Flames'' on EXPERT!"]]
In the virtual reality, the Autobots are following Soundwave's avatar, but not very well: Bulkhead and Bumblebee keep ramming into other drivers, Optimus's fire-suppressant equipment is out of control, Ratchet is driving backwards, and Prowl is having trouble avoiding popping wheelies. Cornering Soundwave at a dilapidated drive-in movie, Ratchet is convinced that they have the Decepticon right where they want him—only for a dozen of the Soundwave vehicle modes to appear and surround them. It's a trap! As the Automen try to flee, Soundwave appears on the movie screen and begins broadcasting a reprogramming frequency. Prowl begins another processor-over-matter attempt, but one by one, the Autobots' optics begin to turn red...

[[Image:TFAni Human Error Part2 Beachbum Scrapper.jpg|thumb|left|180px|Surprised he didn't name the Dinobot "Friday". Or "Wilson".]]
On Dinobot Island, Sari looks for the Dinobots, but they find her when Swoop knocks her out of the air. Grimlock shows up and declares her an intruder. Sari says that she wants their help, but Grimlock informs Sari that Dinobots don't help puny humans—they ''destroy'' puny humans! The two Dinobots transform and Grimlock attacks, only for Sari to return fire with a blast from her weapon as well. Grimlock decides against destroying her, but says that they won't help either. Sari then notices that the triceratops is missing and asks where he is, but Grimlock says that they aren't talking to him, as Dinobots aren't pets. Heading to the shore, Sari finds Scrapper, who has been marooned for almost seven weeks, separated from [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]] and [[Dirt Boss (Animated)|Dirt Boss]] after their last misadventure. Scrapper reveals that he's taken the triceratops as a pet and named him Snarl (as the Dinobot didn't take kindly to [[Slag (G1)|Slag]]). Scrapper also points out that even if he wanted to help, they're stuck on the island. Sari asks why he doesn't make himself a boat. Scrapper admits that he never thought of that.

[[Image:TFAni Human Error Part2 Evil Autobots.jpg|180px|right|thumb|Quick! [[Attack of the Autobots|Drain their evil and recharge their good!]]]]
On the way to the mainland, Sari says that the three of them will need to rescue the Autobots immediately, but Scrapper reminds her that he never said he'd help. He plans to take Snarl up north, having heard it's good oil country. Sari angrily tells him that it's time to be a hero, and a voice from underwater answers, jumping onto the raft—it's [[Wreck-Gar (Animated)|Wreck-Gar]]! Reluctantly, Sari takes him. As the [[Substitute Autobot]]s reach the mainland, Sari tells them to [[transform and roll out|roll out]], but they quickly leave without her. Once she catches up to them, Sari and the Substitutes are quickly confronted by Soundwave, when the Autobots appear as well. Sari is relieved at the sight of her friends, as she had little hope for the Substitute Autobots. But her cheer turns to horror as she realizes that the Autobots are under Soundwave's control.

[[Image:PrimeReadyToRock.jpg|thumb|left|180px|"Autobots, transform and ''rock out!''"]]
Converting to battle mode, Sari instructs the Substitute Autobots to attack. However, the Substitutes are not up to the Autobots' own skills. Wreck-Gar follows the orders of everyone too literally, Scrapper's snowball attack is just plain ineffective, and Snarl barely does anything. Sari is amazed that mindless zombies are more effective than her own team, until Scrapper comments that it's because they're being controlled by one guy. Sari realizes that he's right, and orders the Substitute Autobots to attack on their own. Sure enough, it works: Soundwave begins having trouble multitasking, and the Substitute Autobots' effectiveness begins to wear them down. One of Prowl's attacks even saves Sari from being blasted by Bumblebee. Soundwave eventually decides to use just Optimus Prime instead, and he is able to take down each Substitute Autobot until only Sari is left. Prime nearly slices her in half before Prowl throws his shuriken at Soundwave, knocking his keytar out of his hands and freeing the Autobots. Sari had suspected that he had been faking, but Prowl admits that it took a great deal of effort to fight off Soundwave's control.

[[Image:TFAni Human Error Part2 Soundwave Destroyed.jpg|thumb|right|175px|The day the music died.]]
Furious at Prowl's deception, Soundwave orders Laserbeak and Ratbat, the keytar, to attack. Ratbat dispatches Prowl, while Laserbeak goes for Sari. Soundwave himself tackles Prime and knocks Optimus's axe out of his hands, so Prime decides to use Soundwave's other axe—Laserbeak. The two engage in what may be the most epic rock-off of all time as they try to counter each other's harmonics. Ultimately, Optimus Prime uses the instrument-locked Laserbeak to shatter Soundwave and Ratbat, freeing the humans from Soundwave's control. However, Laserbeak grabs Soundwave's remaining functional piece and flies off.

Later, it's a very merry Christmas indeed for the Autobots and the Sumdacs: Not only are they freed of Soundwave's control, but Porter C. Powell is about to be financially ruined by the impending Sound Wave refunds. Scrapper decides to call it quits and head back to Dinobot Island for a long vacation, but Snarl refuses to let the Constructicon ride him. Wreck-Gar, however, chooses to stay and help clean up the mess from the battle, ending the fine career of the Substitute Autobots. Sari also has a better appreciation for what Optimus goes through being in command, while the Autobots understand the rigors of being human. As the Autobots reflect on their newfound understanding, Wreck-Gar begins distributing garbage to all the good little girls and boys.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] (3)
*[[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] (6)
*[[Grimlock (Animated)|Grimlock]] (18)
*[[Swoop (Animated)|Swoop]] (19)
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]] (1)
*[[Ratbat (Animated)|Ratbat]] (7)
*[[Laserbeak (Animated)|Laserbeak]] (23)
|c3=
*[[Porter C. Powell]] (8)
*[[Carmine Fanzone]] (9)
*[[Augustus Edsel]] (10)
*[[Miss Adrias]] (11)
*[[Spike Witwicky (Animated)|Spike Witwicky]] (12)
*[[Carly Witwicky (Animated)|Carly Witwicky]] (13)
*[[Daniel Witwicky (Animated)|Daniel Witwicky]] (14)
*[[Nancy Witwicky]] (15)
*[[Isaac Sumdac]] (17)
|h4=[[Substitute Autobot]]s|c4=
*[[Sari Sumdac]] (16)
*[[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]] (20)
*[[Snarl (Animated)|Snarl]] (21)
*[[Wreck-Gar (Animated)|Wreck-Gar]] (22)
}}

==Quotes==

'''Driver''': Hey! Take it easy, leadfoot! 
'''Bulkhead''': What, it's not lead any more! 
''[Bumblebee's car hits Bulkhead's car]'' 
'''Bumblebee''': Virtual Fanzone's gonna be ticked! 
'''Optimus''': I have to hand it to the humans, driving is much more difficult than it looks. 
'''Ratchet''': ''[Driving backwards]'' This ain't so hard. 
'''Prowl''': It's merely a matter of becoming one with the machiAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! ''[Begins popping a wheelie]''
:—The Autobots take their turn at driving... and fail miserably.

"Hey, weren't there three of you? Where's the other one?" 
"Me Grimlock not talking to him. Him traitor. Dinobots not pets."
:—'''Sari Sumdac''' and '''Grimlock''' on the status of the Dinobots.

''[Writing in the sand]'' "Day 48: Still no sign of my collea-...my buds. I have befriended and trained one of the local wildlife." ''[Tide comes up and erases writing]'' "Oh, not again!"
:—'''Scrapper''' just can't win.

'''Sari''': All right. Substitute Autobots, transform and roll out! 
'''Wreck-Gar''': Transform. What a good idea! 
''[Transforms and drives off]'' 
'''Scrapper''': ''[Riding Snarl]'' Hi-ho, Snarl! 
''[Snarl slips on some ice, knocking off Scrapper, who transforms and follows]'' 
'''Scrapper''': Hey, Snarl, wait for Daddy! 
'''Sari''': Hey, wait for me! I'm your leader!
:—The Substitute Autobots aren't getting off to a good start.

'''Sari''': All right, big guy. I'd hate to do this, but.. 
''[Sari fires a blast at Optimus, but he uses Wreck-Gar as a shield, causing some of his junk to fly out and hit him]'' 
'''Wreck-Gar''': ''[Dazed]'' Ha ha! The mighty Wreck-Gar is no match for...the mighty Wreck-Gar. Wait, whose side am I on?
:—Wreck-Gar, actually more confused than usual.

"Time to change your tune, Soundwave. Operation: face the music."
:—'''Optimus Prime''', being awesome.

==Notes==

===Animation or technical errors===
[[Image:Laserbreak.jpg|right|thumb]]
* Human Ratchet has his scar on the wrong side of his face in one scene.
* After Sari says, "Well, I sure am glad that's over," Snarl begins to walk off, and puts some good distance between himself and the group as Scrapper talks. Immediately after Scrapper hits the floor when Snarl kicks him off, Snarl appears close up again to the group, almost as if he's just ''now'' leaving
* After Wreck-Gar is thrown to the ground by Optimus the hole in his backpack is missing although that AllSpark fragment could have fixed that.
* When Optimus delivers his final strike with Laserbeak, the force of the blow snaps off the Decepticon bird's frets, leaving a jagged break (circled in the image at right). When Laserbeak pops back up a few moments later to carry Soundwave off, however, he's still in one piece; at the very least, he should be missing his tail.
{{--}}

===Continuity errors===

===Transformers references===
* Soundwave's virtual form at the beginning of the episode is in the colors of TakaraTomy's "[[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Music Label|Sonic White]]" Soundwave MP3 player.
* Soundwave's virtual avatars are depicted in the color scheme of the [[Soundwave (Animated)#Electrostatic Soundwave|Electrostatic Soundwave]] toy.
* The traffic light [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] swings around is based on the weapon that came with [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl's]] first toy.
* Dinobot Island is missing a huge chunk of itself after the events of "[[Predacons Rising]]".
* Scrapper is revealed to have survived the explosion the Constructicons were caught in back in "[[Three's a Crowd]]". According to him, it's been forty-eight days since the events of that episode. The fates of [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]] and [[Dirt Boss (Animated)|Dirt Boss]], however, are less certain.
[[Image:TFAni Human Error Part2 Laserbeack&Soundwave Flee.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Next time, Gadget! Next time!]]
* [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]] names the triceratops [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobot]] "Snarl" as a second choice after the Dinobot took offense to "[[Slag (G1)|Slag]]", referencing the [[Snarl (Animated)#Notes|real-life name change]] for Snarl. This is the first time Snarl has been given a name in the cartoon—[[Swoop (Animated)|the pteranodon]] has still not been named in the show itself.
* Wreck-Gar has been at the bottom of the lake since his debut episode, "[[Garbage In, Garbage Out]]".
* Laserbeak flying away with Soundwave's remaining component could be a reference to the action that [[Laserbeak (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]] took after [[Soundwave (G1)|his master's]] destruction in the ''Headmasters'' episode "[[The Mystery of Planet Master]]", in which Laserbeak flew off with Soundwave's head after he was blown to smithereens.
* Evil, brain-washed Autobots? That's [[Attack of the Autobots|familiar]]...
* Optimus Prime's "mile high into the sun" jump attack on Soundwave at the end of the battle is eerily similar to [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s attack on [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in "[[The Transformers: The Movie]]".
*This is not the first time a [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] has mass-hypnotized humans [[Auto-Bop|with his musical skills]].
*Soundwave has the ability to fly, despite having a land-based vehicle alt mode. This was a common characteristic of Decepticons in the original cartoon.

===Real-world references===
* The "castaway" Scrapper is dressed in [[wikipedia:Robinson Crusoe|Robinson Crusoe]] garb, including a rust beard.
* Both Wreck-Gar and his voice actor, [["Weird Al" Yankovic]], play the [[:Image:WeirdAl.jpg|accordion]].
* Optimus refers to Laserbeak as an "axe" (a common nickname for guitars) before forcibly transforming him into his alt mode.
* Scrapper's cry of "Hi-ho, Snarl!" is a reference to the Lone Ranger's cry of "Hi-ho, Silver!"
* The Christmas carols continue in this episode, as Scrapper starts singing a bit of "[[Wikipedia:Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!|Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!]]" and Wreck-Gar offers up his own unique version of "[[Wikipedia:Deck the Halls|Deck the Halls]]" (given his voice actor, this isn't much of a surprise). Sari's comment, "It's supposed to be a 'Silent Night.'" as she shuts Soundwave off refers to the carol of the same name. As in the previous episode, "[[Wikipedia: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen|God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen]]" is incorporated into the background music of this episode's final scene.
* Some of the sound effects used when Optimus attacks Soundwave with Laserbeak date back to Hanna-Barbara's ''Quickdraw McGraw'', whose title character's alter ego, El Kabong, used a guitar as a melee weapon.
* Meanwhile, Ratbat's shrieks are either taken directly from the original ''[[wikipedia:Scooby Doo|Scooby Doo, Where Are You!]]'' intro, or are a very close approximation thereof.
* The stylized animation of Optimus Prime's final strike with Laserbeak is highly reminiscent of [[wikipedia:Haruhara_Haruko|Haruko Haruhara's]] attacks with her guitar in ''[[wikipedia:FLCL|FLCL]]''—one of Derrick J. Wyatt's admitted influences for this show.
* When Soundwave breaks apart and his mind control power dissipates, the sound effect is of a dial-up modem.

===Trivia===
*Several questions were left unanswered in this two-parter, including how Soundwave was rebuilt after the destruction of his body in "[[Sound and Fury]]", and where Laserbeak and Ratbat come from.
*This episode marks the return of [[Captain Fanzone's car]]. Even in the virtual world, it's still absolutely filthy, inside and out.
*Soundwave says he "reprograms" the Autobots into Decepticons. However, it seems more like he put a receiver in their bodies and used them as puppets. If they were properly processor-washed, then they would do what he says on their own, not need directions from a remote. Perhaps the reprogramming is simply to make them easier to control.
*This episode marks the last appearance of quite a few characters, namely, Wreck-Gar, Scrapper, Soundwave, all three Dinobots, Porter C. Powell, Mayor Edsel and his aide, and the Witwickies.
*Captain Fanzone appears several times in the episode, but has no speaking lines. Even after coming out of hypnosis, he doesn't make a remark about his reasons for disliking mechanical entities.
*The tag on Fanzone's present reads "A machine even you could love."
*Who knew Optimus could shred?

==Home video releases==
This episode has yet to be released on home video.

[[Category:Animated episodes]]

Seeker (body-type)

2010-06-03T00:17:01Z

71.174.101.49:

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{featured}}
{{disambig3|Seeker}}

[[Image:Seekers.png|right|300px|thumb|Well, they keep the toy-repainting fans off the streets, at least. (Generic Seekers from, clockwise: 1) MtMtE Part 3, 2) sticker sheet, 3-6) Five Faces of Darkness)and hey look, its [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]]]

The term '''Seeker''' refers to [[Decepticon]] jet troopers who all share the same [[body-type]]. That is, the Decepticons in [[Generation 1]] that looked like [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], but in different colors or with minor variations in wing and head shapes, and also the Decepticons in later franchises such as ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' where similar "families" of jets appear.

The word "Seeker" hovered a long time in a strange gray area between official and fan-coined terms. It seems to have originated in ''extremely'' obscure official or semi-official writing, but somehow became widely used among fans. In 2002, the term appeared in dialog from the first issue of ''[[The War Within]]'' from [[Dreamwave Productions]], [[Canonizing|making it truly official]] after years of controversy. It has subsequently appeared in many other places such as on toy packaging, books, and in other stories.

:''Japanese name:'' '''Jetron'''

==Generation 1 Seekers==
===Originals===
[[Image:MainSeekers.gif|300px|thumb|right|The original Seekers]]
In Generation 1, there were six Seekers originally given names and characterization: [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]. The first three, the season one Seekers, had animation designs done primarily by [[Shōhei Kohara]].
{{-}}

===Coneheads===
[[Image:ConeheadsGenerations1.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The Coneheads.]]
The last three Generation 1 Seekers are usually designated as "[[Conehead]]" Seekers by fans for their distinctive transformation that leaves the jet nosecone pointing up. The animation models for the Conehead Seekers were designed by [[Floro Dery]].
{{-}}

===Skyraiders===
[[Image:WingsofHonor-Skyraiders.jpg|right|thumb|250px|New guys, same ol' body-type.]]
The term "Skyraiders" (see [[#Alternate terms|alternate terms]]) was assigned to the prototypical Starscream-like air warriors that [[Skyquake (G1)|Skyquake]] developed at the very beginning of the war. The ranks of the Skyraiders did not seem to include any of the usual Seekers, but instead comprised other flying Decepticon characters. In addition to Skyquake himself, the Skyraiders were [[Leozack]], [[Hellbat]], [[Hooligan (G2)|Hooligan]], and [[Gaihawk]].
{{-}}

===And all the rest===
[[Image:MTMTEGenerics-OilField.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Aw, not "[[When Continents Collide]]" again...]]
In the Generation 1 cartoon there were large numbers of [[generic]], unnamed Seekers in addition to the named characters. They came in a wide variety of colors, from extra duplicates of Starscream or one of the other named guys, to original and distinct looks all their own. They seem to have formed the bulk of the Decepticon forces on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], as well as among [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s initial troops on [[Earth]]. They gradually became less common, perhaps as a result of casualties... or the cartoon's production team becoming more careful, or more-likely having more "actual" Decepticons to work with as the toy line expanded. (Extra [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] units and alternate color cassettes were also used along with these Seekers, early on, to fill out the comparatively thin Decepticon ranks.)

These unsung Seekers would be recognized years later in ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' toy form as the [[Air Warrior]]s (all using the common lavender/white color scheme). Soon afterward, the [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] ''Generation One'' comic series introduced an army of similarly-colored Seeker drones.

[[Image:AirWarriors MTMtE.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You talking to me? Or him? Or the other one?]]

Around the same time, another background Seeker was also given a new life through toys and Dreamwave comics: [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. This yellow-orange Seeker was a nameless background character in the first episode of the ''Transformers'' cartoon, until [[e-Hobby]] turned him into an [[exclusive]] toy (available with an [[Autobot]] also based on a [[Hauler|first-episode cameo]]). Now [[Hasbro]] [[Sunstorm (disambiguation)|can't get enough of him]]. Another generic Seeker was given attention: [[Acid Storm]]. Like Sunstorm before him, he was based on one of the background Seekers from the original cartoon, in this case the episode "Divide and Conquer" (see below).
{{-}}
Unnamed Seekers with their own distinct color schemes appear in the following episodes as noted below:

[[Image:Sunstorm Cartoon.jpg|250px|thumb|One for all, and all for one. Sunstorm and co. attack.]]
* "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"
:In the "return to [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]]" scene on Cybertron, five to seven Seekers appear (wide shots depict a group of five, but the close-ups give us seven distinct color schemes.) The first three are (as far as colors are concerned) Skywarp, Starscream (with a deeper voice), and Thundercracker. In a following shot, we see a lavender Seeker with a flamethrower pack, a medium-blue Seeker with white trim, holding his arm gun like a rifle, a yellow/orange Seeker who would become Sunstorm... and lurking in the back, a very dark-blue Seeker with white trim barely visible, but there if you look.

{{-}}
[[Image:MmteSeekers2.gif|250px|thumb|Lots of generic Seekers from this one.]]
* "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]" and "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3|Part 3]]"
:The mother lode of unnamed Seekers. Especially if you like variations of blue and lavender. Crowds of them appear at the start of the final battle. At least six different Seekers of various shades and decos of blue and at least or four of various shades and decos of lavender (two with black tail fins in jet mode, two with white). Also, a blue variant (seen in the picture above) missing his wings and shoulder vents appears in "Part 3".

{{-}}
[[Image:DivideandCon.gif|300px|thumb|Divide and Conquer Seekers]]
* "[[Divide and Conquer]]"
: Avert your eyes! One deep blue, one eye-burning bright green, and one garishly bright yellow. This trio is often referred to by fans as "the [[Rainmakers]]" because they started an [[acid rain]] shower to irritate a group of [[Autobot|Autobots]]. The green jet in this grouping was made into the ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Acid Storm]] character, whose name was initially supposed to be "Rainmaker", then "Acid Rain".

{{-}}
[[Image:UltimateDoom.gif|300px|thumb|Ultimate Doom Seekers]]
* "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]"
: Two blue variants and one really nice looking pine-green Seeker appear as part of Shockwave's forces trying to prevent the rescue of [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].

{{-}}
* "[[Five Faces of Darkness]]"
: One all-gray Seeker, one with [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]'s coloration, and one with [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]'s. There's also an interesting Conehead variant. (All of which appear in the main image above.)

{{-}}
[[Image:NotDirge.gif|200px|thumb|Dark Awakening Seeker]]
* "[[The Transformers: The Movie]]" & "[[Dark Awakening]]"
: One season 1-style [[:Image:DirgeseekerTFMovie.jpg|Seeker]] with Dirge's colors appears in jet mode in the attack on Autobot City in the movie, and next to the actual Dirge in the episode.

{{-}}
* Puffy stickers
: A sheet of Transformer puffy stickers featured a rare generic with a Starscream-based color scheme. He is pictured above as well.

{{-}}
[[Image:Returntocybertron-seeker.jpg|200px|thumb|Return to Cybertron Seeker.]]
* "[[Return to Cybertron]]"
: This relatively obscure [[Sticker Adventures]] tale gives us a brief glimpse of a Seeker with a Thundercracker/Skywarp mix; blue body, purple tailfins and wing stripes. You can't tell much more about him, given that he is A: partially obscured and B: exploding.

==UK Generation 2 comic==
An unnamed seeker with a light blue body with white face, light red helmet and thighs, and yellow cockpit cover was hanging around when Megatron boarded the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. {{storylink|War Without End (issue)|War Without End}}

==Unicron Trilogy Seekers==
According to one minor source in ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', when any Transformer converts to a jet, he is called a "seeker"<ref>''[[Transformers Armada: The Awakening]]'' DK Readers book.</ref>. But the closest specific characters to the Generation 1 Seekers are this universe's own [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]]/[[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]]/[[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]] trio. All three even used the same toy mold in their first release, although Skywarp was heavily [[Retool|retooled]] from the others (including getting an entirely new-mold [[Mini-Con]] partner). While new Decepticon-allied jet characters named [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Ramjet (Armada)|Ramjet]] were released in ''Armada'', they each had their own unique molds. However, whereas Ramjet was simply the Mini-Con partner of [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], Thrust was a [[bulk]] who even had a VTOL engine in jet mode, a conehead and vertically-oriented wings in robot mode. Although Thrust's original toy was green, redecos looked a bit more like his G1 incarnation.

Though only Starscream appeared in the follow-up franchise, ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'', several Seekers appeared in the final portion of the Unicron Trilogy, ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]''. Starscream was back in a form heavily inspired by ''[[The War Within]]'' Starscream design (itself based on the "tetrajet" (see below)), while Thundercracker received a completely different body. A Skywarp was also released as a redeco of Thundercracker.

Further, the ''[[Legends Class|Legends of Cybertron]]'' Starscream toy, a tiny, simplified version of his main toy, was redecoed three more times: [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]] as a giveaway at [[ComicCon 2005]], [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]] as a giveaway at [[BotCon 2005]], and [[Sunstorm (LOC)|Sunstorm]] as part of the last wave of the LOC line at retail.

==Live-action movie franchise Seekers==

In the letters page for [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Titan's tie-in comic]], the movie versions of [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]], and [[Ramjet (Movie)|Ramjet]] were first referred to as Seekers—by Starscream himself, no less. [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]] was noticeably absent from Starscream's list, despite also being a jet and Thundercracker also being the name/body for a line of drones. This left it unclear what a Seeker ''is''. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 9|#9's Star Screams}}

The term was used twice in IDW movie comics, meaning different things—[[Seeker (Movie)|Starscream's crack unit]], and [[Seeker (ROTF)|ancient spacefaring Transformers]].

In the [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|movie sequel]], Jetfire describes himself as a Seeker. One of the early categories of Transformers, they were created to seek out stars which could be harvested for energon. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

{{--}}

==Shattered Glass==
The term is taken to refer to [[Seeker (SG)|a group of evil Autobots with car alternate modes who share the same color of black]].

==Alternate terms==
The most obvious alternate name for these Transformers—and the one generally used by pack-in [[cross-sell]] catalogs—is '''[[Decepticon Planes]]'''. While usually clear enough from context, this term has the weakness that there are many Decepticon planes who are not "Seekers". Also, the term is rarely, if ever, used outside of toy-specific contexts.

The 1985 audio book [[Sun Raid]] has Megatron ordering the '''Deceptiplanes''' (Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker) to break off an attack.

[[Image:Tetrajet seekers.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Did you ever wonder why we had to run for shelter...]]
The same Transformers are also sometimes referred to as '''tetrajets''', which makes reference to their Cybertronian forms as seen in the cartoon episode "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]" and a handful of other episodes set on Cybertron. In these forms, their vehicular modes are shaped somewhat like [[wikipedia:tetrahedron|tetrahedra]], or "triangular pyramids" (that is, a pyramid with a triangular base).

For a time, the term '''Skyraider''' saw increasing popularity. This term originated from European ''[[Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' marketing. When Starscream and Ramjet were released in this line, their packaging referred to them as Skyraiders. The UK ''Generation 2'' comic also featured some character profiles (much like the old [[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|''Transformers Universe'']] comics), and those profiles for Starscream and Ramjet used the word as well. It is a relatively small leap to extend usage to all similarly-built Decepticons. The push to use "Skyraider" was largely founded on the idea of using an official term instead of one that was, seemingly, coined and used only by fans. When [[Simon Furman]] made use of "Seeker" in ''The War Within'', however, this primary motivation was lost. "Skyraider" was used once again to describe the Starscream-like jet warriors in the [[BotCon 2009]] set "[[Wings of Honor]]," and [[Skyquake (G1)|Skyquake]] was indicated as the body-type's developer.

The first UK cross-sell catalog referred to the group as '''strike planes'''.<ref>[http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/content.php?/transformers-image/toysheets/g1/uksheet01/1.jpg/image.html Catalogue image] at Transformers @ The Moon</ref>

In Japan, they received the subgroup designation of '''Jetrons'''.

==Origin of term "Seeker"==
Although the most well-known name for these Decepticons, the wide use of the term "Seeker" is still somewhat mysterious.

[[Image:Seekers ad text.jpg|left|197px|thumb|From the 1984 J.C. Penney wishbook. [[:Image:Seekers ad.jpg|See the full page here.]]]]
The first documented use of the term discovered by the Transformers [[fandom]] is from the 1984 J.C. Penney holiday catalog (sometimes called a "wishbook"). On the page which shows the Christmas season's available Transformers, the following entry is found: ''"Decepticon Silver Plane. Airplane with sensational F-15 styling scours the countryside searching for Autobots. When they're found, the Seekers set out to destroy them. Transforms to an exciting robot with hi-tech weapons and Decepticon logo."'' A photo of Starscream and Thundercracker is displayed.

Also on the same page in an ad for [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], he's said to ''"send out messages to the Seekers and other Decepticons"''.

Another early use not discovered by the fandom until much later is from an ad by now defunct discount retail chain Zayre from November 1984, listed as ''"Decepticon Seeker"'' among "Autobot mini car", "Autobot car", "Decepticon Communicator" and "Autobot or Decepticon Leader". Depicted are Starscream and either Skywarp or Thundercracker.<ref name="savead">[http://pleasesavemerobots.com/vstp/vstptf84.html The Transformers 1984] at The Vintage Space Toaster Palace.</ref>

These two seemingly unconnected instances back up a long-standing rumor that the term "Seeker" was used in some other early promotional materials, and has been handed down by [[Hasbro]] at some point. This would also explain why it's capitalized in both instances. Still, though, as there are only two known primary sources in which the term appears to this day, it seems strange that they could have inspired the entire fandom to use the term. "Seeker" was in wide use among internet Transfans even in the early 1990s, when the fandom was just getting off its feet. Did somebody in the days of the Transformers email list have a memory of the word from when they saw one of these catalogs at age 10 and start the trend? It is probably impossible to know at this point.

It is sometimes erroneously claimed that "Seeker" is derived from a line of dialog in the first episode of the G1 cartoon, in which these jets are referred to as "hunter-seekers". This line does not exist.

The term "[[hunter-seeker skyship|hunter-seekers]]" is used in issue 17 of the US comic, "[[The Smelting Pool!]]". However, the Decepticons it is applied to are shown only in their flight modes, which look nothing like the "Seekers" that we are familiar with. In fact, the Conehead Seekers make their first appearance in this same issue, and their Cybertronian flight modes appear very similar to their [[Earth]] jet forms (if not completely identical), and completely ''different'' from the craft which are referred to as hunter-seekers. The only real connection between the hunter-seekers we were shown and the "Seekers" is that there's more than one of them and they fly.

==Toys==
{{note|Because of the bodytype-sharing nature of the Seekers, this section includes only molds that have been decorated as two or more Seeker characters, omitting a large number of molds unique to a single character.}}
===Generation 1===
[[Image:Redeco.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The original Seekers.]]
* '''[[Decepticon Planes]]''' (1984)
{{collist|3|
:* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]
:* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]
:* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]
}}

* '''Decepticon Planes''' (1985)
{{collist|3|
:* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]
:* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]
:* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]
}}

:The original Seeker mold was the [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#F-15 Eagle|F-15]] ''[[Diaclone]]'' design, noted for its detailed jet mode, extremely limited robot-mode articulation, and the need to remove/add many parts during transformation.

:The mold was initially decorated as Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker. In 1985, Ramjet, Dirge and Thrust were created out of this mold, each with unique new wing toolings and color schemes. Redecorated [[retool]]s of the mold also appeared in ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' as Starscream and Ramjet, featuring new accessory [[soundbox]]es.

:This mold subsequently has been extensively reissued and redecorated; see [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream (G1) toys]] for a ridiculously long list of examples. The reissues have included the original six characters as well as the retro-Generation-1 character [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]].

* '''[[Action Master]]s''' (1990)

:This non-transforming action figure mold was sold as Starscream, and later redecorated as Thundercracker for the European market.

===''Machine Wars''===
[[Image:MWSkywarp.jpg|right|200px|thumb|''Machine Wars'' Skywarp]]
* '''Basic''' (1997)

:A small [[Flipchanger|flipchanger]] mold, originally intended for ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'', was issued as Thundercracker and Skywarp.

===''Armada''===
* '''Max-Con''' (2002)

:An all-new mold sold at the $20 price point was originally issued as ''Armada'' [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], redecorated as ''Armada'' [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]], and retooled as ''Armada'' [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]]. The retooled version was later issued as the new character [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]] in the first ''Universe'' toy line.

===''Smallest Transforming Transformers''===
[[Image:STFStarscream toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' Starscream]]
:The ''Smallest'' line, issued in Japan in 2003, featured a reduced-scale version of the original Generation 1 Seeker mold.

:It was issued as Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker, and retooled as Thrust.

===''Robot Masters''===
:A new Seeker mold was created for Japan's ''[[Robot Masters]]'' subline. It is based on the original toy, but redesigned at a smaller size and with enhanced articulation.

:It was issued as Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker.

===''Titanium''===
[[Image:TitaniumHeroesWWThundercracker.jpg|right|200px|thumb|''Titanium'' Thundercracker]]
:A new Seeker mold created for the ''[[Titanium Series]]'' subline features a Cybertronian-based alternate mode, derived from the characters' appearance in ''[[The War Within]]'' (itself loosely based on the original pyramid jets seen in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]".) This mold has been issued as Thundercracker, Starscream, Skywarp (a convention exclusive), Sunstorm, and Thrust (a Target Exclusive).

===''Cybertron''===
* '''Voyager''' (2006)

:This mold, based on G1 Starscream's ''[[War Within]]'' appearance, was issued as ''Armada'' Starscream, and later redecorated as Generation 1 Dirge.

* '''Deluxe''' (2006)
: Though Thundercracker wasn't the same mold as Starscream in this series, his deluxe toy was redecoed as Skywarp.

* '''Legends of Cybertron''' (2006)

:A tiny version of the Voyager mold, issued as ''Armada'' Starscream, and redecorated as ''Universe'' [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]], ''Armada'' [[Skywarp (Armada)#LOC|Skywarp]] and [[Sunstorm (LOC)|Sunstorm]], and Generation 1 [[Ramjet (G1)#Universe_.282008.29|Ramjet]] and [[Thrust (G1)#Universe_.282008.29|Thrust]]

===''Classics''===
[[Image:Henkei Thundercracker toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|''Henkei! Henkei!'' Thundercracker]]
* '''Deluxe''' (2006)

:An all-new mold at the $10 price point, the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Seeker design retains the F-15 alternate mode, but with a new transformation scheme and modern articulation.

:Like the original, this mold has been redecorated numerous times. In addition to the original six Seekers (some of which were BotCon-exclusive retools), it has also been issued as the character [[Acid Storm]]. The mold was sold in Japan under the ''Henkei! Henkei!'' line.

===''Masterpiece''===
:A larger-scaled, highly complex mold. Issued as Starscream in 2005, with later retools as Skywarp and Thundercracker.

===Movie (2007)===
* '''Voyager'''

[[Image:Movie Voyager Starscream toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|''2007 Live Action Movie'' Starscream]]
:The mold used for the the [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' live-action movie]] [[Voyager]] class [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] figure was remolded and repainted into [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]] (as well as a G1 recolor of Starscream.) For the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen]]'' line of toys, the mold was recolored again as [[Skywarp (ROTF)|Skywarp]] and [[Ramjet (Movie)|Ramjet]] respectively.

* '''Fast Action Battler'''

:The [[Fast Action Battler]] version of Starscream was recolored into Ramjet in 2007.
{{-}}

===''Animated''===
* '''Voyager'''

[[Image:Animated Skywarp Voyager.jpg|right|200px|thumb|''Animated'' Skywarp]]
:The [[Voyager]] class [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] from [[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]] has been recolored into two of his [[Starscream clone (Animated)|clones]] already, [[Skywarp (Animated)|Skywarp]] and [[Sunstorm (Animated)|Sunstorm]] with a release of [[Thundercracker (Animated)|Thundercracker]] on the way.

* '''Activator'''

: Starscream's [[Activator]] mold, a smaller, auto-transforming design based on the larger toy, was recolored into [[Thundercracker (Animated)|Thundercracker]] and [[Dirge (Animated)|Dirge]], also based on the clones from the cartoon.

==Merchandise==
[[Image:HoC 3H Seeker Set.jpg|right|250px|thumb|[[Starscream (G1)|I]] am [[Thundercracker (G1)|he]] as [[Skywarp (G1)|you]] are he as you are me and [[Air Warrior|we]] are all together.]]
===''Super Collection Figure''===
:A small, PVC plastic figure based on the Seekers' animation model design. It was imported from Takara in the 2002 ''Heroes of Cybertron'' line.

:It was issued as Starscream, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Sunstorm, and as a six-pack of the three original seekers and three generic light purple [[Air Warrior|Air Warriors]]. It was retooled and redecorated as Ramjet, Thrust and Dirge.

{{-}}

===Titanium Series===
[[Image:TitaniumRM Starscream.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Stop, in the name of love...]]

: A small, non-transforming die-cast metal figurine, based upon the Generation 1 cartoon appearance of the Seekers was available decoed as either Starscream or Thundercracker.
{{-}}

===''Myclone''===
[[Image:MyCloneRamjet.jpg|right|100px|thumb|''Myclone'' Ramjet]]
:A super-adorable figurine mold of Starscream was issued for this line, and redecorated as the [[Chase figure|chase figure]] Thundercracker. A Coneheads mold was also available, issued as Ramjet and chase figure Dirge, and retooled as Thrust.
{{-}}

===''Robot Heroes''===
[[Image:Robot Hero Skywarp.jpg|right|120px|thumb|Robot Heroes Skywarp]]
:Another super-adorable figurine of Starscream, this time launching himself into the air. Redecorated as Skywarp and Thundercracker. A Thrust mold from the same line has yet to be redecorated.
{{-}}

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Decepticon subgroups]]
[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Seekers| Seeker (body-type)]]
[[Category:Mass-produced Transformers]]

Cyclonus (Armada)

2010-06-02T14:54:26Z

71.174.101.49: /* Universe */

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Cyclonus}}
{{disambig3|Snow Cat}}
:''Cyclonus is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]]. He took the name '''Snow Cat''' after receiving a new body.''

[[Image:Cyclonus-AR-DVD.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Morale? We've never had morale around here!"]]
Cautious. Reliable. Uneager. These are not words to describe '''Cyclonus'''. He is one wild and craaaaaaazy guy. Seriously, he's the guy in the group that even the other Cons think is a little unbalanced. His usual battle tactic is to rush straight in with every piece of artillery he has blazing, all while laughing maniacally. Other times, he yodels while rushing straight in with every piece of artillery he has blazing.

He loves combat, and isn't particularly picky about which side he's on, so long as he gets to shoot things. He's not especially bright, but [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] knows the value of a soldier largely without fear.

:''Hungarian name'': '''Ciklon''' ("Cyclone", ''Armada''), '''Hósapka''' ("Snow Cap", Snow Cat)
:''Polish name'': '''Cyklotron''' (''Armada'')
:''Japanese name:'' '''Sandstorm''' (''Armada''), '''Snowstorm''' (Snow Cat)

==Fiction==
===Toy pack-in mini-comics===
{{storylink|Armada (mini-comic)}}
{{storylink|Energon (mini-comic)}}
{{charstubfiction}}

===Cartoon continuity===
====''Armada'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Don Brown]] (English), [[Isshin Chiba]] (Japanese), [[Peter Kjellström]] (Swedish), [[Tobias Lelle]] (German)

Cyclonus is a wild soldier under [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]'s command. He is closely partnered with his comrade [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], with whom he sometimes shares a love/hate relationship. He is known for having a maniacal personality and will often fire at targets frantically, risking damage to his own teammates. He has a quirky and sarcastic personality, often leading to harsh punishment by his commander. For some unknown reason, Cyclonus had the habit of falling asleep at random intervals during downtime after battles. He could be the first recorded case of a narcoleptic Decepticon (although not [[Galvatron (BWII)|the first narcoleptic]] in ''Transformers'' full-stop).

Cyclonus served Megatron throughout [[The Unicron Battles]], and was a key player in the united Armada against the [[Unicron|chaos-bringer]]. His alternate form is a helicopter, and he often took pleasure in tormenting the three kids under [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime's]] protection. He joined the Autobot unit after the demise of Megatron, though with reservations.

{{charstubfiction}}

====''Energon'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Don Brown]] (English), [[Isshin Chiba]] (Japanese), [[Johan Hedenberg]] (Swedish, Cyclonus), [[Anders Öjebo]] (Swedish, Snow Cat)

Cyclonus returned as the guardian of the [[Cybertron City (city)|Cybertron City]] [[Lunar City|based on the moon]]. Although he served in his role dutifully, he was yearning for the days of combat. Not long after the attacks on Mars and Asteroid City, the moon would also be attacked, a battle through which Cyclonus would hold up a small resistance before he was presumed destroyed. As [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] prepared for more [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] assaults on Earth, Cyclonus surfaced, having tucked tail and ran, abandoning the Cybertron City on the moon to be looted of its [[Energon (Energon)|Energon]]. Cyclonus assisted Demolishor and the Autobots until [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] showed up wielding [[Megatron's Sword]], a blade forged by [[Alpha Quintesson]] from the Spark of Megatron. Believing that it was proof of Megatron, Cyclonus abandoned the Autobots and Demolishor, joining Alpha Quintesson's forces.

Cyclonus would once again serve Megatron when the commander was revived within Unicron for some time, before sustaining damages from an [[Autobot]] assault while retreating. Having failed to topple the [[Energon Tower (building)|Energon Towers]], Cyclonus returned injured to his commander, begging for repairs. In a rage, Megatron bound Cyclonus to the wall using [[Unicron]]'s internal tentacles as punishment. Cyclonus was then fused with Unicron's essence in a painful manner and upgraded into '''Snow Cat''', who then took up yodeling, and skiing. {{storylink|Kicker Beware!}} During [[The Powerlinx Battles]] Snow Cat and Demolishor had to deal with a gigantic [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticon]], who was mutated by the [[Super Energon]].

{{charstubfiction}}

===''Cybertron''===
''Universe Toy Bio''

Following [[The Powerlinx Battles]], Snow Cat went totally starkers (it wasn't a long trip), and without Megatron to guide him, wandered the streets of [[Kaon]], a raving loon during the planet's evacuation.

{{note|Snow Cat's ''[[Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' bio sets him off-camera during the events of ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' rather within the pre-existing ''Universe'' storyline. This is likely due to the ''Universe'' storyline giving way to and folding into the Fanclub Cybertron comic which is set largely on this abandoned Cybertron.}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
====''Armada'' comic====
Before the war with the Autobots began, Cyclonus was part of [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]'s inner circle. He and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] attacked [[Mini-Con Sector|Mini-Con Village C52]], capturing most of its population after getting past its force field by simply attacking from underground. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 1}} After picking C52 resident [[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]] as his personal slave, Cyclonus participated in the Decepticon assault on [[Cyber City]]. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 2}}

One million years later, Cyclonus was present when the Decepticons learned that the Mini-Cons who had fled from Cybertron during the war had ended up on [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 3}} He, Demolishor and [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] traveled to the alien planet via [[space bridge]] and assaulted a military base for new [[alternate mode]]s. After complaining about the humans' stench and taking out their communications systems, Cyclonus scanned a helicopter and joined Megatron for some Mini-Con hunting. He found out the hard way that the Autobots had also come to Earth when [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] caved his cockpit in. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 4}} Cyclonus and the others fought a short battle with the Autobots, but were forced to retreat when their enemies got some Mini-Cons of their own. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 5}}

Cyclonus later helped capture the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]], which led to Megatron getting his hands on the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]]. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 6}} Using this mighty weapon, the Decepticons attacked the Autobots' headquarters. Cyclonus overheard Starscream complaining that Megatron didn't even need his loyal troops now that he had the power of the Star Saber, and told him to stop being so whiny: they were Megatron's eyes and ears, and he would never forget about them! He then fought with the Autobots, lost, and retreated in short order. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 7}} Some time later at the Decepticons' [[Silver Ridge]] base, Cyclonus went to put the Mini-Cons <s>to bed</s> back in their cells, but found that the little 'bots had run away. When he tried to recall them, he found that they had tampered with the base's internal defenses, turning them against him. Cyclonus, who had forgotten the emergency override code, was promptly imprisoned in the base and blasted by laser turrets. Luckily, the lasers were only set to harm Mini-Cons, so he wasn't too injured to participate in the hunt for the escaped Mini-Cons. The Decepticons followed their Mini-Cons to a [[Mini-Con Ark|structure]] in [[Kansas]], but failed to stop them from entering it and blasting off into space. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 8}}

The Decepticons found that the Mini-Cons had traveled to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], and soon followed them there. The flying Decepticons and Megatron attacked the [[Mini-Con Moonbase]], but were driven off by its automated defenses. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 9}} Cyclonus doubted that the moonbase had any weaknesses at all, but Megatron scoffed at this and fought his way into it using a really big drill. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 10}} With help from [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]], he took control of the base's defenses and ordered Cyclonus to renew his assault... only for Leader-1 to betray the Decepticons and reactivate the defenses. After retreating again, Cyclonus decided to pick a fight with a newly arrived Autobot shuttle instead, but this turned out to be a poor decision as the ship heavily outgunned him. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 11}}

Megatron eventually wrecked the moonbase and captured the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]] who had built it. However, the Mini-Con trio proved capable of overloading anyone who [[powerlinx]]ed with them, so rather than using them himself, Megatron decided that Cyclonus had volunteered to try them out. He was sent to help [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] retrieve some Mini-Cons in [[Alaska]], but shortly after he took out the [[Adventure Mini-Con Team]], the Destruction Team indeed overloaded him. Driven mad with power, Cyclonus attacked Thrust in a berserker rage. {{storylink|Fire & Ice}} The Destruction Team's power allowed him to easily defeat his Decepticon comrade, and he even outmatched an entire team of Autobots which arrived shortly afterward. He was eventually knocked out by [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], powered up with every ounce of [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]]'s energy. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 13}} The heavily damaged Cyclonus was eventually retrieved and placed in a repair tank in the Decepticon base. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}}

After recovering, Cyclonus participated in an all-out ssault on the Autobots, who had lost Optimus Prime. The attack went well, up until a [[Galvatron (G1)|powerful stranger]] arrived on the scene and effortlessly took out all the Decepticons other than Megatron. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 2 of 4}} When the threat of [[Unicron]] reared its ugly head, the Decepticons had no choice but join forces with the Autobots. Cyclonus released the Decepticon-held Mini-Cons back into the wild, then returned to Cybertron to do battle with Unicron. {{storylink|The End}}

====''Energon'' comic====
Ten years after the destruction of Unicron, Cyclonus was spotted in [[Cyber City]], oddly not blowing anything up. {{storylink|This Evil Reborn}}

Later, Snow Cat was located in a [[Abyss|small town]] in the Yukon, under the command of [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] busy sabotaging [[Base Unit 1]] to that the [[Energon (Energon)|Energon]] it'd produce would come to feed Unicron. He also captured the [[Omnicon|Omnicons]] and rigged them to a machine that would brainwash them into obedience to him and [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]. However, the Omnicons learned the value of teamwork thanks to the shared-hallucination-induced disembodied advice-giving head of [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]], broke free, and totally kicked his ass. {{storylink|Omni-Potent}}

Much later, Snow Cat was one of several Decepticons who attempted to "sneak" into [[Ocean City]] and steal the data for the Autobots' [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme prototype]]. He rushed into the dark hangar, smacked into a scaffolding like a big dumb doof, and was chased out by security. Megatron didn't buy Snow Cat's recounting of how his daring and skill was thwarted by a "sub sea earthquake" for one second. {{storylink|Dreamwave Summer Special}}

{{note|Due to the bankruptcy of [[Dreamwave Productions]], it has not been confirmed if Cyclonus and Snow Cat are one and the same in this reality. If Snow Cat was indeed a reformatted Cyclonus, then it is likely that he was taken during the Four Horsemen's attack on Cybertron during [[What Lies Beneath, Part Two|issue 21]].}}

===Panini ''Armada'' comic===
In the early days of the war, Cyclonus, [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] performed an airstrike on the Autobot Command HQ. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 9|Counter-Strike!}} As the war with the Autobots continued for millions of years, and Cyclonus was seen fighting alongside Starscream some more. {{storylink|First Encounter!}}

When the Mini-Cons were discovered on [[Earth]], [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] summoned the two fliers and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] to scour the planet. Shortly after arriving, they got into a battle with the Autobots again, and Cyclonus was rammed out of the sky by a flying [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 2|Friends and Foes!}} The Decepticons later attacked the Autobots to stop them from sending some Mini-Cons back to Cybertron, and kind of succeeded. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|No Way Back!}} When Megatron went looking for Mini-Cons on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], he took Cyclonus and Demolishor with him. They didn't do much searching, though, as they soon ran into two Autobots sent to stop them. Cyclonus spent some time strafing [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] until he got his [[Rollbar (Armada)|own Mini-Con powerup]] and presumably defeated the crazy copter. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 6|Between Two Worlds!}}

The Decepticons remained on the Moon and built a new base, from which they prepared to fire missiles at the Autobot base on Earth. When the Autobots' Mini-Cons surrendered in exchange for their friends' lives, Cyclonus was sent to pick them up in a [[solar barge]] and take them to the Moon. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 8|Earthshaker!}} Unfortunately, the Mini-Cons broke out during the trip and cut the cable connecting Cyclonus and the barge. When the Decepticon noticed, he prepared to destroy the pesky Mini-Cons, but was shot by [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]]'s electrical darts. This crashed his guidance systems, and he was sent floating aimlessly through space. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 8|Lost in Space!}} Cyclonus crashed on the Moon's surface, where he was found by the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]]. The three Mini-Cons power-linked with him, taking control of his body in order to use it against the other Decepticons. As he was forced to bombard his headquarters and grapple with his leader, Cyclonus could do naught but plead that it wasn't his fault. Eventually, Starscream used a [[sonic destabiliser]] to disconnect the Destruction Team from him. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 9|Dawn of Destruction!}}

==Games==
===Melbourne House ''Transformers'' video game===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Daran Norris]]

When a [[Mini-Con]] signal drew the Decepticons to Earth, Cyclonus was deployed in the [[Amazon]] to find the signal's origin. The Autobots were not far behind, and once they reached the hilltop where the signal had originated, he revealed himself, declaring Earth to be Decepticon property before departing, leaving a [[Heavy Unit]] behind to deal with them.

After the defeat of [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] in [[Antarctica]], the Autobots returned to the Amazon, venturing deeper into the jungle to an ancient temple. There, Cyclonus attacked again, tossing the Autobots all across the temple's surroundings and strafing them in copter mode. Eventually, the Autobots managed to deal him a finishing blow that sent him spiraling out of control in copter mode as his internal components exploded. {{storylink|Transformers (PS2)|Transformers}}

==Toys==
===Armada===
[[Image:Armada Cyclonus toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Craaaaaaazy air-taxi!]]
*'''Cyclonus with Mini-Con Crumplezone''' (Deluxe, 2002/2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MD-04'''
**''Accessories'': Missile, "gatling" missile, rotor blade

: Cyclonus transforms into a Cybertronian helicopter coloured in light blue, light grey with dark blue and gold accents. His Mini-Con [[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]] can be attached to the front of his helicopter cockpit for added firepower. His primary [[gimmick]] is a trigger-activated gear assembly that runs through the length of the vehicle mode; pulling the trigger both spins the rotor blade and a gear system in the cockpit area. If Crumplezone is attached, the gears make his cannon move back and forth. Attaching a compatible geared Mini-Con to the square frame on the underside of his cockpit (any member of the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]], the [[Adventure Mini-Con Team]], or [[Refute]]) allows the gear system to activate ''their'' gear-wheel gimmicks as well by pulling the trigger. Attaching Mini-Cons to the [[powerlinx]] plugs on either of his wing-mounted weapons pods launches a spring-loaded missile. In robot mode, attaching a Mini-Con to the plugs on either side of his legs will make a spring-loaded (non-firing) cannon pop up from his shins.

: The [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] release of Cyclonus has some slight color differences from the [[Hasbro]], including a "separated" painted sigil, and a much brighter white plastic.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Buzzsaw (Cybertron)|Buzzsaw]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Decepticon/Cyclonus/cyclonus.htm More information on Cyclonus at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
*'''Sandstorm w/ Cannon and Destruction Micron''' (Multi-pack, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MS-04'''
**''Accessories'': Missile, "gatling" missile, rotor blade

: "Sandstorm" was sold both as an individual and in a multi-pack with the Destruction Mini-Con Team, whose gear-gimmicks were designed to function with Cyclonus's gearing system. All of the toys in the set are identical to their individual releases.


*'''Cyclonus''' (Happy Meal toy, 2003)
**''Accessories'': Rotor

: Part of the McDonald's ''Armada'' promotion, this extremely simplified version of Cyclonus transforms into an assault helicopter. Rolling his vehicle form forward spins his rotor prop, which launches into the air after picking up enough speed, a gimmick like that of the ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Rotor Force]] toys. He could combine with the Happy Meal versions of [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] toys to form a "super vehicle".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Decepticon/McCyclonus/cyclonus.htm More information on McDonald's Cyclonus at TFU.info]''


[[Image:Armada BTR MegatronCyclonus.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Let's make some crazy Energon!]]
*'''Megatron with Leader-1 and Cyclonus with Crumplezone''' (Built to Rule, 2003)

: Part of the largest ''Transformers'' series ''[[Built to Rule]]'' set, Cyclonus can be assembled into an assault helicopter, a robot, or whatever your imagination can do with the blocks provided. Cyclonus is the only ''Built to Rule'' "figure" that does not have some kind of missile launcher. He came with a block-version of his Mini-Con partner Crumplezone, as well as the larger Megatron with [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] model.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/BTRCyclonus/cyclonus.htm More information on ''Built to Rule'' Cyclonus at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
[[Image:Powerlinx Cyclonus toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Still Crazy In Spite Of All These Gears.]]
*'''Powerlinx Cyclonus with Mini-Con Crumplezone''' (Deluxe, 2003)
**''Accessories'': Missile, "gatling" missile, rotor blade

: This [[redeco]] of Cyclonus uses mostly bright green plastic, as well as dark grey and chocolate-brown. He retains all of his original gimmicks and still has his Mini-Con partner. He may have been designed as something of a questionable [[homage]] to [[Springer (G1)|Springer]].<ref>[[Aaron Archer]], in an "Orson's World" post, once noted that if he had his way, he'd have named the toy as a new character called "Sprigger". We ''assume'' he actually meant "Springer"...</ref>

: This toy was not released as part of the normal ''Micron Legend'' series in Japan, but was straight-imported as a [[USA Edition]] exclusive to LaOX stores on September 27th, 2003.

: In November of 2003, US Toys "R" Us stores had special bonus pack Max-Con (Deluxe) toys, which came with a single bonus Mini-Con attached to the card over their sticker, for ''less'' than the price as a normal Max-Con during Toys "R" Us' post-Thanksgiving-day sale. Like Powerlinx [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], Powerlinx Cyclonus came with one of the [[Adventure Mini-Con Team]] members: [[Dune Runner (Armada)|Dune Runner]], [[Iceberg]] or [[Ransack (Armada)|Ransack]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/PXCyclonus/cyclonus.htm More information on Powerlinx Cyclonus at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
===Energon===
*'''Cyclonus with Mini-Con Crumplezone''' (Deluxe, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SD-03'''
**''Accessories'': Missile, "gatling" missile, rotor blade

: This is an "arctic camouflage" redeco of Cyclonus, presented in mostly shades of gray with black and purple. The majority of the paint applications are black and white in a camouflage pattern. He retains all of his gimmicks and Mini-Con partner.

: Released at the start of the Japanese ''Super Link'' line, this toy did not appear in the American ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' line until late 2004 as a [[KB Toys]] [[exclusive]], alongside the similarly-previously-''Super-Link''-only version of [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Decepticon/Cyclonus/cyclonus.htm More information on KB Toys Cyclonus at TFU.info]''


[[Image:Energon Snowcat toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Does not come with Frostbite :(]]
*'''Snow Cat''' (Deluxe, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SD-10'''
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles

:Snow Cat transforms into a ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' [[Snow Cat (G.I. Joe)|"Snow Cat" SAM half-track]]. He is cast in primarily white and light blue plastics, with clear and burgundy for accents. In vehicle mode, the front wheel-hubs and sideskirts can be lowered to form skis for the vehicle to travel on, while in robot mode the sideskirt-skis fold down from his feet to allow him to "ski" in robot mode. He features twin spring-loaded missile launchers available to him in both modes; in robot mode, they end up as a back-mounted over-shoulder assembly. Unusually for Transformers of this era, he has a visible cockpit interior with a partially frosted windshield and working windshield wiper, further homaging the ''G.I. Joe'' toy he was designed after.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Decepticon/Snowcat/snowcat.htm More information on Snow Cat at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Universe===
[[Image:TFU03-toy_SnowCat.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Back in Black]]
*'''Snow Cat''' (Deluxe, 2005/2006)
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles

: The ''Energon'' Snow Cat mold was redecoed in superdark blue with orange accents and released as an [[exclusive]] to [[KB Toys]] stores in 2005, along with a redeco of ''Energon'' [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]]. However, at the time KB was undergoing financial troubles, closing numerous stores across the United States, and it appears that the two toys did not make it to a great many of the stores that remained open. Many did make their way to Toy Liquidator outlets, a sub-company within KB mostly found in outlet malls. In 2006, it seems the toys finally made it to a wider distribution through the remaining KB stores.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/Snowcat/snowcat.htm More information on ''Universe'' Snow Cat at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Notes==
* According to the [[Transformers (PS2)|''Armada'' Playstation 2 game]] instruction booklet, Cyclonus's ''Armada'' body has the following statistics:

:Height: 19' 7" (17' 1" vehicle mode)
:Weight: 16,550 lbs
:Power: 1800 shaft horsepower
:Vehicle top speed: 190 mph

* The colors chosen for ''Universe'' Snow Cat emulate the colors of vehicles present in ''G.I. Joe'''s [http://www.yojoe.com/action/subteams/nightforce.shtml Night Force] sub-line. However, there was never a Night Force Snow Cat in the line.

* In the cartoon, Cyclonus NEVER had the right Mini-Con. In one episode, it is [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] that he uses, while in another episode, it is [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]] (whom he refers to as Crumplezone).

* Snow Cat may have been originally intended as a separate character. [[Hasbro]] appears to have implied this is the case, saying that designing the toys before the show was completed led to "some characters not aligning together in the animation and toy expressions". <ref>[[Hasbro Q&A/August 2009: Answers]]</ref>

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Armada characters]]
[[Category:Built to Rule]]
[[Category:Cybertron characters]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Energon characters]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category:KB Toys exclusives]]
[[Category:Unicron-related characters]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]