Arms Micron

2012-08-26T22:35:02Z

82.132.138.182: /* Combinations */

:''The Arms Microns are a [[Mini-Con]] subgroup from the [[Aligned continuity family]].''

[[Image:Tf2012-armsmicron-logo (c) TakaraTomy.png|right|200px|]]

The '''Arms Microns''' (アームズマイクロン ''Āmuzu Maikuron'') were once ordinary weapons. However, a bizarre interaction with [[Earth]]'s energon mutated them, giving the weapons the [[spark]] of life and the ability to transform!<ref>''Figure-Ō'' magazine, March 2012</ref>

This new breed of [[Mini-Con]] assists the larger Transformers in the battlefield, combining their powers to form amazing new weapons.

==''Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Prime'' cartoon==

{{storylink|Arms Micron Theater}}

{{stub}}

==Toys==
===Prime===
The Arms Microns were only released in Japan. Due to the... interesting variety of Arms Microns, they will be tackled here as groups.

====Promotional campaign Arms Microns====
[[Image:MicronVectorOracleWebsite.jpg|thumb|300px|Vector Oracle]]
The first Arms Microns made available were released as giveaway [[exclusive]]s, usually with the purchase of larger toys. All of these Microns are [[redeco]]s of prior toys.

* '''[[Aimless (Prime)|Aimless]]''', '''[[Blowpipe (Prime)|Blowpipe]]''' and '''[[Peaceman (Prime)|Peaceman]]''' were the first batch released, redecoes of three ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' [[Mini-Con]]s, available exclusively on [[December 28|28 December]] [[2011]] at various Japanese stores with the purchase of 3000 yen's worth of ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]]'' "First Edition" toys (see individual pages for store availability).
* '''[[Firebolt (Prime)|Autobot Firebolt Clear Yellow Ver.]]''' was a World Hobby Fair exclusive, given away to kids on [[January 15]] [[2012]]. He was later also given away at TakaraTomy's booth at the Next Generation World Hobby Fair Summer '12, a bonus with the early purchase of the first three toys in the AMW series (see below).
* '''[[Vector Oracle]]''' was available at [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] on [[February 25]] 2012 with the purchase of 3000 yen's worth of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Darkside Moon]]'' toys.
* '''Autobot Firebolt''', a redeco of the prior Firebolt, was made available as a preorder bonus for ''Prime'' [[Optimus Prime (Prime)#Powerizer|AM-01 Optimus Prime]] through numerous online outlets, with an ordering window from [[March 1]]st through [[March 30]]th 2012.
* '''[[Pinpointer (Prime)|Pinpointer]]''' was another ToysЯUs exclusive, this time given away with the purchase of 4000 yen's worth of ''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]]'' toys on [[March 31]] 2012, the day the ''Prime'' toys hit the shelves.
* '''[[C.L.#Shadow|Shadow C.L.]]''', '''[[R.A.#Shadow|Shadow R.A.]]''', '''[[Gora#Shadow|Shadow Gora]]''', and '''[[Balo#Shadow|Shadow Balo]]''' are transparent-black, stickerless versions of the four pack-in Microns (see below), made available in [[April 28]] 2012 at different stores (see individual pages for store availability).
* '''[[B.2#shining|Shining B.2]]''', a clear-yellow version of the pack-in B.2 (see below) was given away to kids at the Tokyo Toy Show on [[June 16]] and [[June 17|17]] of 2012... and then again several times after that through several different promotions.
* '''[[O.P.#Shining|Shining O.P.]]''', a clear-blue version of O.P. (see below) was given away to contestants in the "Arms Up Challenge" at the Next Generation World Hobby Fair Summer '12, taking place on Saturday, [[June 30]] of 2012.
* '''Golden O.P.''' came with [[Optimus Prime (Prime)#Golden|Golden Optimus Prime]], first prize in the [[Arms Up Campaign]] contest, limited to 20 pieces.
* '''[[Hades|Golden Hades]]''' was awarded in the same contest, only he was third prize and limited to 100 pieces.
* The '''[[Hellflame Arms Micron]]''' versions of '''[[Gul#Hellflame|Gul]]''', '''[[Jida#Hellflame|Jida]]''', '''[[Noji#Hellflame|Noji]]''', and '''[[Zamu#Hellflame|Zamu]]''', clear-red versions of four Decepticon Microns, were made available at different stores on [[July 28]].
{{-}}

====Pack-in Arms Microns====
[[Image:ArmsMicronPackin-TakTomSite.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]
The Arms Microns are the primary [[gimmick]] of the Japanese ''Prime'' toyline. All Deluxe and Voyager-scale releases came with their own Arms Micron, replacing the accessories from the [[Hasbro]] versions, and now sport numerous 5mm peg-holes for them to attach to. Each Micron transforms into a weapon modeled after the character's in-show weapon (with a few exceptions for non-show and repeat characters), and all feature numerous [[5mm post]]s and holes allowing for the creation of any number of "Combo Weapons". By combining at least three Microns with the same Energon Crystal color, you create a "Super Combo Weapons" (see [[#Arms Up Mission Game|"Arms Up Mission game" below]] for more information on Energon Crystals and how they affect Combo Weapons and those who wield them).

However, each one comes out of the package as an unpainted, unassembled series of parts on plastic runners like a model kit, requiring [[sticker]]s for detailing. Whether you consider this a good or a bad thing depends on how much work you like putting into your toys.

The Autobot Microns all transform from weapons to humanoid robots. Their names are (mostly) initials based on two English letters of their partner's name. The Decepticon Microns, however, all transform from weapons to one-eyed animalistic robots, and are given names based on their animal-form.
{{-}}
;Released toys
{{collist|3|
* M-01 '''[[O.P.]]''' (with [[Optimus Prime (Prime)#Powerizer|Optimus Prime]])
* M-02 '''[[B.2]]''' (with [[Bumblebee (Prime)#Revealer|Bumblebee]])
* M-03 '''[[C.L.]]''' (with [[Cliffjumper (Prime)#Revealer|Cliffjumper]])
* M-04 '''[[R.A.]]''' (with [[Ratchet (Prime)#Revealer|Ratchet]])
* M-05 '''[[Gora]]''' (with [[Megatron (Prime)#JapanDeluxe|Megatron]])
* M-06 '''[[Balo]]''' (with [[Skywarp (Prime)#Toys|Skywarp]])
* M-07 '''[[Gul]]''' (with [[Starscream (Prime)#Powerizer|Starscream]])
* M-08 '''[[Jida]]''' (with [[Cliffjumper (Prime)#Terrorcon|Terrorcon Cliffjumper]])
* M-09 '''[[Zori]]''' (with [[Soundwave (Prime)#Prime|Soundwave]])
* M-10 '''[[B.H.]]''' (with [[Bulkhead (Prime)#Powerizer|Bulkhead]])
* M-11 '''[[Arc]]''' (with [[Arcee (Prime)#Revealer|Arcee]])
* M-12 '''[[Zamu]]''' (with [[Breakdown (Prime)#Powerizer|Breakdown]])
* M-13 '''[[Gra]]''' (with [[Knock Out (Prime)#Revealer|Knock Out]])
* M-14 '''[[Noji]]''' (with [[Vehicon (Prime)#Revealer|Vehicon]])
* M-15 '''Gora II''' (with [[Megatron (Prime)#Voyager|Megatron Darkness]])
* M-16 '''[[Hades]]''' (with Megatron Darkness)
* M-17 '''[[Igu]]''' (with [[Vehicon (Prime)#Jet|Jet Vehicon]])
* M-21 '''[[Sou]]''' (with [[Swerve (Prime)|Swerve]])
* M-22 '''[[Ida]]''' (with [[Airachnid (Prime)#Toys|Airachnid]])
* '''O.P. A''' (with [[Optimus Prime (Prime)#BattleShield|Battle Shield Optimus]])
* '''[[Pral|Pral G]]''' (with Battle Shield Optimus)
* '''[[Sais|Sais G]]''' (with Battle Shield Optimus)
* '''[[Jayz|Jayz G]]''' (with Battle Shield Optimus)
* '''Terrorcon Zori''' (with [[Bumblebee (Prime)#Terrorcon|Terrorcon Bumblebee]])
}}

;Upcoming releases
{{collist|3|
* M-?? '''[[Bogu]]''' (with [[Unicron/toys#Prime|Gaia Unicron]])
* M-?? '''[[Iro]]''' (with [[Ironhide (Prime)|Ironhide]])
* M-?? '''Shining R.A.''' (with [[Optimus Prime (Prime)#Weaponizer|Arms Master Optimus]])
* M-?? ??? (with [[Dreadwing (Prime)#Toys|Dreadwing]])
* M-?? ??? (with [[Wheeljack (Prime)#Revealer|Wheeljack]])
* M-?? ??? (with [[Silas|Silas Breakdown]])
* M-?? ??? (with [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]])
* M-?? ??? (with [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]])
* M-?? ??? (with [[Ultra Magnus (Prime)#Voyager|Ultra Magnus]])
* M-?? ??? (with [[Leo Prime (Prime)|Leo Prime]])
* M-?? ??? (with [[Shockwave (Prime)#Toys|Shockwave]])
}}
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Gacha Arms Microns====
[[Image:ArmsMicronGachaWave1.jpg|right|thumb|200px|]]
A completely new set of molds were created for a set of Arms Microns distributed mainly through [[Gacha]]-branded "capsule toy" machines. Oddly, they contain a mix of Micron versions of larger show characters (for lack of information or a better explanation, this wiki is treating them as new characters) and entirely-new bestial Decepticon Microns.

;Vol.1
Wave 1 began appearing in early June of 2012. The toys were also later made available in individual boxes through the [[Arms Micron Gum]] series (released on [[August 20]] of 2012), though at a slight markup.
{{collist|4|
* 1 '''[[Optimus Prime Blaster]]'''
* 2 '''[[Bumblebee Sword]]'''
* 3 '''[[Zad]]'''
* 4 '''[[Gob]]'''
}}
 
;Vol.2
Wave 2 appeared in late August of 2012.
{{collist|4|
*'''[[Arcee Blade]]'''
*'''[[Bulkhead Knuckle]]'''
*'''[[Megatron Cannon]]'''
*'''[[Dado (Prime)|Dado]]'''
}}

 
;Vol.3
{{collist|4|
*'''[[Ratchet Spanner]]'''
*'''[[Wheeljack Kunai]]'''
*'''[[Starscream Boomerang]]'''
*'''[[Dobo]]'''
}}
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====AMW Series====
The Arms Micron Weapon Series, commonly called the "AMW series" because of the ID numbers used, is a secondary line of individually-packaged Arms Microns sold without any larger companion figure. These vary between entirely new molds and redecoes of partner Microns. They're still unassembled, unpainted kits requiring [[sticker]]s for deco.

;Released toys
{{collist|3|
* AMW-01 '''[[Gabu]]'''
* AMW-02 '''[[Baru]]'''
* AMW-03 '''[[Dai]]'''
* AMW-04 '''[[C.L.#AMW|C.L. GR]]'''
* AMW-05 '''[[Balo#AMW|Balo G]]'''
* AMW-06 '''[[Jida#AMW|Jida R]]'''
* AMW-07 '''[[Pral]]'''
* AMW-08 '''[[Sais]]'''
* AMW-09 '''[[Jayz]]'''
}}
;Upcoming toys
{{collist|3|
* AMW-10 '''[[Zori#AMW|Zori M]]'''
* AMW-11 '''[[B.H.#AMW|B.H. B]]'''
* AMW-12 '''[[Arc#AMW|Arc S]]'''
}}
{{comingsoontoy}}

=="Arms Up"==
The main [[gimmick]] of the Arms Microns is their combination ability, both with larger toys and each other.

Simply attaching an Arms Micron to a larger toy produces an '''Arms Up Mode'''. Every AM-series larger robot has at least one specifically-named Arms Up Mode, depicted on their packaging back, utilizing multiple Arms Microns.

===Energon Crystals===
Every Arms Micron (well, every one that was specifically designed for the ''Prime'' toyline, at least) has a socket made for a clear-plastic "[[Energon]] Crystal", laid over a small foil [[sticker]] showing the Micron's [[insignia|allegiance]]. They come in a broad variety of colors, and in three different shapes:


<center>
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:90%"
|-
! scope="col" width="10%" | '''Color'''
! scope="col" width="15%" | '''Type'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''AP (Attack Points, hexagon)'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''HP (Hit Points, trapezoid)'''
! scope="col" width="25%" | '''SP (Speed Points, circle)'''
|-
|Light Blue
|Pure
|O.P.
|R.A.
|B.2
|-
|Orange
|Fast
|C.L.
|B.H.
|Arc
|-
|Clear
|Natural
|Zamu
|Gora
|Igu
|-
|Amber
|Mad
|Balo
|Gra
|-
|Purple
|Dark
|Gul
|Gora II
|Zori
|-
|Bright Green
|Power
|Ida
|Jida
|Noji
|-
|Red
|Fake Dark
|Shadow Balo, Shadow C.L.
|Shadow Gora, Shadow R.A.
|
|-
|Bright Orange
|Hard
|Bumblebee Sword
|Bulkhead Knuckle
|Optimus Prime Blaster
|-
|Yellow
|Shine
|Dado
|Gob
|Zad
|-
|Semi-clear
|Rock/Titan
|Hades
|Hades
|Hades
|-
|Yellow-orange
|Electro
|Baru
|Gabu
|Dai
|-
|Aqua
|Gōsei ("Synthesis")
|Hellflame Zamu
|Hellflame Jida
|Hellflame Noji
|-
|Green
|Ion
|Hellflame Gul
|
|Terrorcon Zori
|-
|Black
|Magne
|
|Sou
|
|-
|Dark Blue
|Positro
|Jayz
|Sais
|Pral
|-
|Magenta
|Cure
|
|
|Arcee Blade
|-
|Dark Green
|Poison
|
|
|Megatron Cannon
|-
|}
</center>
{{note|This chart does not list every variant of each character, only those that have a change in Crystal color. In other words, all versions of, say, O.P. have the "Pure" Energon Crystal unless otherwise noted.}}
 

===Combinations===
Combining multiple Arms Microns together to produce bigger weapons is heavily encouraged in the line. Once three Microns are joined together, one with each different Crystal shape, the combination is dubbed a '''Combo Weapon'''. By combining three Microns with the same ''color'' of Crystal, one of each shape, the combined form is dubbed a '''Super Combo Weapon''', and is deemed to be much more powerful than a normal Combo Weapon.

There are also various two-Micron combinations.

;Two-Micron combinations
{{collist|3|
* '''[[High-Defense Shield]]''' (Balo + Jida)
* '''[[Killer Bite]]''' (Balo + Gora)
* '''[[Laser Gunblade]]''' (Gora + Gul)
* '''[[Slash Cannon α]]''' (Arc + O.P.)
* '''[[Slash Cannon β]]''' (B.2 + R.A.)
* '''[[Spike Hammer Rod]]''' (Balo + Zori)
}}
 
;Combo Weapons
{{collist|3|
* '''[[Big Scissor]]''' (Jida + Noji + Zamu)
* '''[[Break Scythe]]''' (Gra + Gul + Zori)
* '''[[Break Sword]]''' (Arc + C.L. + R.A.)
* '''[[Buster Rifle]]''' (B.2 + O.P. + B.H.)
* '''[[Darkness Scythe]]''' (Gora II + Hades + Igu)
* '''[[Eclipse Barrett]]''' (B.2 + C.L. + Sou)
* '''[[Energon Sniper]]''' (Gra + Noji + Zamu)
* '''[[Flame Cannon]]''' (Gora + Gul + Noji)
* '''[[Morning Star]]''' (Balo + Gora + Zori)
* '''[[Nebula Scythe]]''' (Arc + B.H. + O.P.)
}}
 
;Super Combo Weapons
{{collist|3|
* '''[[Cosmotector]]''' (Jayz + Pral + Sais)
* '''[[Dark Matter Calibur]]''' (Baru + Dai + Gabu)
* '''[[Debris Hammer]]''' (Gora + Igu + Zamu)
* '''[[Galaxy Launcher]]''' (Arc + B.H. + C.L.)
* '''[[Grand Cross Archery]]''' (Bulkhead Knuckle + Bumblebee Sword + Optimus Prime Blaster)
* '''[[Lunatic Chainsaw]]''' (Ida + Jida + Noji)
* '''[[Hades|Meteor Scythe]]''' (Hades is his own Super Combo Weapon!)
* '''[[Planet Bowgun]]''' (Gora II + Gul + Zori)
* '''[[Prominence Killer]]''' (Hellflame Jida + Hellflame Noji + Hellflame Zamu)
* '''[[Star Saber (Arms Micron)|Star Saber]]''' (B.2 + O.P. + R.A.)
* '''[[Super Star Saber]]''' (B.2 + O.P + Shining R.A. + Matrix)
* '''[[Wormhole Whip]]''' (Dado + Gob + Zad)
}}
{{note|Obviously, there are vast numbers of potential combinations possible, this list only gives those that have been named officially.}}

{{-}}

===Arms Up Mission Game===
All of the above combination plays into the online "Arms Up Mission" online game on TakaraTomy's website.

Aside from the usual eight [[tech spec]] stats, every large AM-series robot has an additional three stats, the same as the three shapes of Energon Crystals on the Arms Microns: '''HP''' (Hit Points), '''SP''' (Speed Points), and '''AP''' (Attack Points), though these are rated using thousands rather than ones. By equipping Arms Micron weapons, the Microns' point values are added to their larger partner's; 500 points for the stat related to their Engeron Crystal shape, and 100 for each of the other two.

{{note|It is currently unknown if the Energon Crystal colors have any meaning as far as the game goes aside from enabling Super Combo Weapon creation.}}
{{stub}}

==Notes==
* In an interview in ''Dengeki Hobby'' magazine, [[TakaraTomy]] designers [[Takashi Nakase]] and [[Hironori Kobayashi]] explained the reasons Microns played so heavily into the Japanese ''Prime'' line when it wasn't designed that way from the start:
::'''Takashi Nakase''': The biggest reason is that we wanted to raise the target age group. In past series, the target ages were small children and their fathers, but the age group which is actually able to enjoy transforming toys is 7 ~ 9 years old. We went back to the beginning and considered appropriate products for that age group, and came up with the concept of "customising". That is why Arms Microns need to be assembled from parts, and stickers are included to be put on the main figure - to give the feeling of "completing" the toy as one's own.
::'''Hironori Kobayashi''': We conducted a play session with children where they played freely with Movie series Transformers, mixed with various items such as Minicons, and found that they mostly enjoyed combining Minicons to make larger weapons or to customise the Transformers. We thought it might have some potential.
:*Model-making is ''huge'' in Japan for the 7-and-up crowd. Mega-huge.

* While the "weapons turned into living robots" backstory was given in specific reference to the pack-in toys, it's pretty safe to assume that it holds true for all characters labeled "Arms Micron".

==External Links==
* [http://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/toy/search/armsmicron/ Takara promotional galleries for pack-in Arms Microns]
* [http://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/toy/play/armsupmissions/ Arms Up Missions game at TakaraTomy's Transformers website]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category: Arms Microns| Arms Microns]]
[[Category: Mini-Cons]]
[[Category: Prime subgroups]]

MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Arms Micron