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Thundercracker (WFC)

2010-07-02T19:01:53Z

Boxotron: /* Transformers: War for Cybertron (Xbox 360/PS3/PC) */

{{faction|autobot|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Thundercracker}}
:''Thundercracker is an [[Decepticon]] from the [[Transformers: Prime]] [[continuity family]].''

{{spoiler|Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|July 23}}

[[Image:WFC_Thundercracker.jpg|thumb|300px|]]

Unlike most of his fellow Decepticons, '''Thundercracker''' is a calm and level-headed fellow. Lacking the ambition of [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] and the cruel thuggery of [[Skywarp (Prime)|Skywarp]], he displays little malice towards his enemies and takes no joy from battle. For Thundercracker, conflict is simply an application of physics and energy distribution... in the direction of his foes.

==Video games==
===''Transformers: War for Cybertron'' (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Graham McTavish]] (English)

Thundercracker served with Skywarp, former Sky Commander Starscream and [[Jetfire (Prime)|Jetfire]] on an dilapidated orbital research station that once experimented on the powerful, but highly dangerous [[Dark Energon]]. This made it a target for the leader of the Decepticons, [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]], who wished to restart Dark Energon production in his plans to revitalise [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Megatron attacked the station and fought his way into the laboratory, and despite Starscream's attempts to destroy the remaining Dark Energon, Megatron withstood it's destructive power and bent it to his will. His survival intrigued Starscream, who offered to serve Megatron in exchange for learning how to manipulate Dark Energon himself, and Thundercracker and Skywarp fell into line. Jetfire declared them traitors and left to warn [[Sentinel Zeta Prime|Zeta Prime]]. Thundercracker and Skywarp were prepared to give chase, but Megatron allowed the Autobot to leave, as he wished Zeta Prime to know his demise was coming. Megatron scoffed at the idea of being given what he could simply take, until Starscream revealed that there was very little Dark Energon left on the research station, but he knew how to manufacture more, and that the ancient, long-forgotten [[Energon Bridge]] needed to be reactivated before they could do so.

Thundercracker, Starscream and Skywarp were sent the cliffs of [[Kaon]] where they could make their way towards the core. Thundercracker commented with wonder that he had never travelled this far into Cybertron before, for which Skywarp labelled him as being boring as always. As they entered the Energon Reservoir, Thundercracker warned his team mates to avoid touching the flowing streams and waterfalls of raw liquid energon. Making their way out of the reservoir, the three fliers faced their first serious challenge when an Autobot cruiser appeared in a canyon they needed to travel through. The trio crippled the cruiser's weapons system, fought their way past the [[Aerialbot (WFC)|Aerialbots]] and into the ship. Defeating the ship's defenders, they then destroyed it by placing a detpack on the ship's power core. While Starscream and Skywarp busied themselves with glory hogging and relishing the battle against the Autobots, Thundercracker tried to keep them alive, using his [[Energon repair ray]] to heal their wounds. Deeper into the core, they encountered strange creatures the likes of which Thundercracker had never seen before. Eventually, they found themselves before the mechanism need to restart the Energon Bridge, but Thundercracker's scans detected something very unusual about the machine. True to his word, when the arrogant Starscream pushed his way past and injected Dark Energon into it, it activated its defense systems, revealing itself to be [[Cybertron's Sentinel]]. The three Decepticons were then forced to fight a desperate battle where the Sentinel threw heat-seeking fireballs at them, activated power energy beams and turned the floor into lava. Exploiting the machine's cooling down period, they were eventually victorious, and barely escaped with their lives when the Dark Energon infected the facility and reactivated the Energon Bridge, which sent its energon bouncing along satellites to Megatron's Dark Energon facility. {{storylink|Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|Transformers: War for Cybertron}}

[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Prime characters]]
[[Category: Seekers]]
[[Category: War for Cybertron characters]]

Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)

2010-06-24T16:56:18Z

Boxotron: /* 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 regroups 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 desperately retreat from Omega Supreme's attack, and take cover in a large tower. Once inside, the group hears 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 messenger [[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 barely 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 corrupted 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]]

Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)

2010-06-24T16:55:40Z

Boxotron: /* 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 regroups 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 desperately retreat from Omega Supreme's attack, and take cover in a large tower. Once inside, the group hears 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 messenger [[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 corrupted 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]]

Polar Claw

2010-04-01T02:11:21Z

Boxotron: /* IDW Beast Wars comics */

{{picsneeded|toys}}
{{factions|maximal}}
:''Polar Claw is a [[Maximal]] from the [[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]] portion of the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:BWPolarClawJapan.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He'll steal your purse and your pic-a-nic basket.]]

Ferocity and frenzy are what '''Polar Claw''' possesses in abundance. As well as a gun that shoots bats. When battling the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]], his righteous ire knows no bounds.

:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Griffe Polaire''' ("Polar Claw")
:''Japanese name:'' '''White Claw'''
:''Italian name:'' '''Polar'''
:''Spanish name:'' '''Garra Polar'''

==Fiction==
===''Tales of the Beast Wars''===
During the final battle with [[Shokaract]], several realities converged into a single, apocalyptic timestorm. Beast Warriors from alternate realities emerged, including [[Cybershark]], [[B'Boom]], [[Drill Bit (BW)|Drill Bit]], [[Transquito]], [[Air Hammer]], Polar Claw and unidentified others, though all of them were summarily defeated. {{storylink|Terminus}}

===IDW ''Beast Wars'' comics===
{{bigquote|Just... lemme at him!|Polar Claw}}
{{bigquote|([[K-9]] gives him a weird look)}}
{{bigquote|Um. In the interests of longterm ''peace'', of course!|Polar Claw, during the battle against [[Rartorata]]|[[The Ascending issue 3]]}}

[[Image:BWTheGathering1_PolarClaw_Spittor.jpg|thumb|left|250px|He hasn't gotten along well with the other Transformers since the Oscars.]]
Polar Claw was one of the [[protoform]] [[stasis pod]]s jettisoned from the Maximal survey vessel ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' when it was forced to crash-land on prehistoric [[Earth]]. The [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] general [[Magmatron]] led a small group (that included the Maximal agent [[Razorbeast]]) back in time to place these protoforms into [[chronal phase]] and reprogram them into Predacons, and lead this army against the Maximals in the present. However, Razorclaw placed a viral code in Magmatron's Predacon [[shell program]], allowing a number of the protoforms to retain their Maximal identity. It was [[Spittor (BW)|Spittor]] who was unfortunate enough to witness Polar Claw's activation. The giant polar bear summarily squashed Spittor. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}}

Polar Claw worked his way toward Razorbeast's summoning signal {{storylink|The Gathering issue 2|The Gathering #2}}, and eventually arrived in time with reinforcements to help fight off an army of Predacons commanded by the revanant [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. In the subsequent battle, Polar Claw stomped on [[Terragator]]. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 4|The Gathering #4}}

Sometime later, when Ravage's Predacons hit the Maximals again, Polar Claw was among the ground forces defending their base. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 1|The Ascending #1}} He struggled against [[Powerpinch]] and [[Drill Bit (BW)|Drill Bit]] until the arrival of [[The Pack]], [[Lio Convoy]]'s secret special forces unit. Unfortunately, the [[Unicron]] agent [[Rartorata]] followed injecting Razorbeast with [[Angolmois]], forcing the Maximals and Predacons to band together to fight their mutual foe and prevent Unicron's return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 2|The Ascending #2}} Polar Claw chafed at having to watch the battle from the ground, thirsting for his turn at the enemy. After Rartorata was temporarily brought down, he reported the situation to Lio Convoy, considering the fact that [[Transquito]] had to inject his full reserve of [[nacro-virus]] to bring down the [[Blendtron]] be poetic justice considering what Rartorata did to Razorbeast. However, the Unicron servant's allies [[Drancron]] and [[Elephorca]] followed, forcing those Maximals and Predacons in fighting condition (of which Polar Claw was among) to escape to The Pack's transwarp cruiser while Razorbeast and those left behind held them off. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 3|The Ascending #3}}

During the battle on Cybertron against [[Shokaract]], Unicron's acolytes attacked the Maximals, hitting Polar Claw and [[Drill Nuts]]. It is unknown if they were among the survivors after Shokaract was defeated. {{storylink|The Ascending issue 4|The Ascending #4}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
*'''Polar Claw''' (Mega, 1996)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-2'''

: Part of the very first ''Beast Wars'' Mega assortment, Polar Claw transforms into an agnostic killing machine. Rearing him up on his hind legs in beast mode exposes a pair of nasty-looking fangs. His left beast mode foreleg has a spring-loaded attack claw, while his right launches from the shoulder stub and transforms into his unnamed bat-partner. His robot head has a face on both sides; a normal robot-mode one, and a "mutant" face.

: This mold was also used to make [[Grizzly-1|Grizzly-1/Barbearian]] and [[Survive]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Maximal/PolarClaw/polarclaw.htm More information on Polar Claw at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|VsScorponok}}
[[Image:VS2-PolarClawScorponok.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"North Pole Showdown"? Good luck, Scorp.]]
*'''North Pole Showdown: Whiteclaw VS Scorpos''' (Vs set, 1996)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''VS-2'''

: In Japan, Polar Claw was available both as an individual and in a two-pack with [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]]. Both toys are identical to their individual releases. It is unknown if the set ever came with the [[Redeco|redecoed]] "show-like" version of Scorponok.

: Amusingly, both toys are packaged in beast mode with their smaller partners deployed, making it look like the fight isn't going so well for Polar Claw.
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
* '''Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game''' (1997)
:Polar Claw was one of the 24 beast warriors to receive a battle card representation for the Beast Wars [[Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game|card game]].
*'''Polar Claw''' (1997)

: A ''Beast Wars'' PVC figurine set was released in Japan, including an action-posed Polar Claw.

{{charstubtoys}}

==Notes==
[[Image:BW-MegaPromo.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Collect all the nonexistent toys!]]
* The [[Grizzly-1|Barbearian]] toy was actually the "prototype" deco for Polar Claw. The first solicitations for the ''Beast Wars'' Megas featured the bear mold brown and yellow (as well as a differently-colored [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]]). The back of the first ''Beast Wars'' catalogue from the [[Optimus Primal]]/[[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] two-pack called him "Grizzly-1", while solicitations sent to magazines used "Barbearian". The reasons for the changeover to a polar bear are unknown.

*He has an almost Liefeldian crotch bulge.

[[Category:Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category:Maximals]]

Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 3

2010-03-26T01:57:04Z

Boxotron: /* Synopsis */

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''[[Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'' #3
|prev=Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 2
|next=Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4
|image=
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=
|coverdate=March 2010
|written by=[[Nick Roche]] & [[James Roberts]]
|pencils=Nick Roche & [[Guido Guidi]]
|inks=Guido Guidi, [[John Wycough]] and [[Andrew Griffith]]
|colors=[[Josh Burcham]] & [[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters=[[Neil Uyetake]]
|editor=[[Andy Schmidt]]
|associate editor=[[Denton J. Tipton]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2010)]]
}}
''' '''
==Synopsis==
''2 years ago, in the Maximum Security Penitentiary, Overlord restores Shockwave to a fully functional state. Shockwave comments that it has been almost a year since Overlord took over'' ''[[Garrus-9|The Last Resort]]'' ''and yet he only revives Shockwave now. Overlord fakes guilt, but quickly moves onto business; he overs Shockwave his freedom in exchange for his removal of the [[Achilles Virus]] Megatron had him implant in Overlord years ago. Overlord comments on how he could see the weaknesses of anyone, except Megatron, leading Shockwave to muse that Overlord was actually surprised he was hobbled. However, he agrees to remove this'' blind spot '' as Overlord's goals further his own. Overlord is delighted and confirms he will hand over a shuttle and a hand-picked crew. Restored, Shockwave askes what Overlord's plans are and Overlord reveals he has convinced the inmates they can fight their way free. Shockwave observes that while Overlord thinks he is enjoying his new life, it is in fact simply intended to draw Megatron to him. After all "You're not the first phase-sixer to bait Megatron". Overlord simply responds that he only needs to be the last''

Springer's team is running from a massive contingent of Decepticons. Impacctor reveals that the others landed in [[The Pit (IDW)|The Pit]], right into Overlord's lap. Guzzle merely yells they can look after themselves as he takes out several Decepticons. The others open fire, as Impactor yells that this is for Fortress Maximus and the others. Springer and Twin Twist realise they are all trapped, but Twin Twist confirms that the others are alive...well, Topspin is, and really, their group is the one in trouble

Overlord is disappointed that the Autobots are not a team of Decepticons sent by Megatron, and is unimpressed by the fact he's facing Wreckers. Rotorstorm counters by yelling "Wreckers combine!" before commenting that ''he'' thinks it's funny. Overlord suddenly laughs, and a nervous Rotorstorm joins in. Overlord then calmly places a gun to his head and shoots him between the optics, splashing the others in mech fluid.

Guzzle is ecstatic that Ironfist's ammo is causing the Decepticons' heads to explode. Under orders, he transforms and brings down the roof, buying the Wreckers some time. Springer realises they are in serious trouble. He orders Kup and Guzzle to find the "help" they discussed earlier, while the rest continue with the mission. Impactor reveals the the prisoners are in Cell Block 6, directly beneath them. Twin Twist offers to drill through, but Springer is worried that his injuries will make transforming too painful. Twin Twist waves it off and transforms. He suffers a wave of pain and in The Pit, Topspin groans. Overlord offers the option of surrender. Perceptor merely orders Pyro to protect Verity, as the rest attack.

Twin Twist drills through the floor and finds himself falling through thin air. Impactor and Springer follow. Springer transforms and catches the others. They are attacked by Treadshot, who is taken out by Impactor. Landing, Springer realises they are in an energy reactor. Not far away lies the broken, destroyed body of Kick-Off. Impactor reveals that he was a Pit champion with 11 kills. After he made kill number 12, Overlord gave him a choice. Impactor doesn't know what it was, but clearly Kick-Off made the wrong one. Twin Twist reveals they triggered a defense mechanism and have been sealed in. Before they can react, a field deactivates them all.

Overlord is calmly trouncing the Wreckers when Stalker reveals the other team is in Cell Block F. An amused Overlord speaks over the comm, announcing the Wreckers presence and promising freedom to any Decepticon who brings him a head. The eager Decepticons then throw themselves after Perceptor's team. He buys them some time by exploding a fuel tank, and the team escapes.

Finally having some breathing space, they realise Ironfist is having a panic attack, revealing he never expected this kind of visceral experience. Topspin snaps, yelling at Ironfist that they had a vote for the others but had no say in his presence and that people die in stupid ways. Ironfist loses his temper but Perceptor calms them down, reminding them things can't afford to get personal.

Climbing down a ladder, Guzzle wonders if whoever they're searching for will be down this far. Kup merely confirms maximum security is in the basement. He tells Guzzle to watch his step, and that dying on a rescue attempt is pointless. Guzzle comments he had some friends who died [[Spotlight: Kup|saving another Autobot]]. Kup asks if it was worth it, Guzzle merely says it depends on who you ask.

As they make their way through the Southern Wing, Pyro asks Topspin about his attack in The Pit. Topspin reveals that he and Twin Twist share a branched spark, a condition found in only two in a million sparks which leads to them sometimes feeling each others pain. It means he tries not to think about what happens if one dies. Topspin says he was happy as a cartographer, but found it difficult to work while his other half was with the Wreckers. This led him to join to keep an eye on him. Perceptor speaks up, saying that they are near an impenetrable chamber which must contain [[Aequitas]]. As they others question him as to who Aequitas is, Pyro realises Verity is still locked in his chest. He frees her, and seems disillusioned as to why the humans matter to Prime. Verity snaps at him, bringing up Rotorstorm and immediately regrets it. Topspin merely says that while he may not have liked him, Rotorstorm was a Wrecker and always had been, he just hadn't realized it. Perceptor orders Ironfist to keep watch as he looks for a reason why the Decepticons haven't tried to break in. In moments he realises they have as he finds the torn, comatose body of Fortress Maximus. Perceptor says Overlord has turned him into a living lock pick, attemping billions of codes in an attempt to open the chamber. Ironfist runs in, yelling the Decepticons have caught up. Fortunately, Perceptor knows the access code and the Wreckers enter the chamber, standing before Aequitas.

Elsewhere, Twin Twist is flashing to a conversation between Pyro and Topspin before he is snapped back to reality by Stalker. He is pinned to a table and has his mouth forced open. Stalker has a scalpel. As he leans in, Twin Twist begins to scream.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]] (3)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (4)
* [[Impactor]] (5)
* [[Twin Twist]] (6)
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (7)
* [[Pyro]] (8)
* [[Topspin]] (9)
* [[Ironfist]] (10)
* [[Rotorstorm]] (11)
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (12)
* [[Kick-Off (G1)|Kick-Off]] (17)
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] (18)

|c2=
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (1)
* [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] (2)
* [[Stalker]] (14)
* [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]] (15)
* [[Snare]] (16)
|c3=
* [[Verity Carlo]] (13)
}}

==Quotes==
"Bold words, Overlord, but you reckoned without one thing... Wreckers, '''combine'''!
(''beat'')
"Well, ''I'' thought it was funny."
:-'''[[Rotorstorm]]'''. No more explanation is required.

==Errors==

==Items of note==

*Overlord paraphrases [[wikipedia:The Master (Doctor Who)|The Master]] of ''[[Doctor (G1)|Doctor Who]]'' fame when he requests that the Decepticons "please attend carefully", a famous line of the Master's from the original ''Who'' serial "Logopolis", notable enough to be used again in the revived series episode "The Sound of Drums".

===Covers (3)===
{{picsneeded|covers}}
* '''Cover A:'''
* '''Cover B:'''
* '''Cover RI:'''

<gallery>
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
* [[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 4|''The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers'' #4]]
* ''[[Nefarious]]''
* ''[[Spotlight: Prowl]]''
* ''The Last Unicorn''
* ''FX: The Lost Land''
* ''G.I. Joe: Operation HISS'' #2
* ''Alce's Adventures in Wonderland''
* ''Stark Trek Movie Adaptation''
* ''Nanovor: Game Day''
* Dan DeCarlo's ''Jetta''
* ''G.I. Joe'' comics for iPhone (back cover)

[[Category: IDW Generation 1 issues]]

Windcharger (G1)

2009-11-27T04:15:08Z

Boxotron: /* The Transformers cartoon */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the Generation 1 Autobot|the Energon Mini-Con combiner robot|Windcharger (Energon)}}
:''Windcharger is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Windcharger flash.jpg|right|250px|thumb|This looks like a job for...]]
Of all the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s crew that crash-landed on Earth, '''Windcharger''' is unquestionably the fastest on the ground, at least for short distances. Of all [[Autobot| Autobots]] living or deactivated, he is among the quickest; he can go from zero to 60 MPH virtually instantly, limited only by the traction between his tires and their driving surface. Frequently, after tearing away with a neck-snapping jerk, he will just as rapidly squeal to a halt to investigate something that caught his eye, for Windcharger is impulsive as well as impatient, both in mind and in body.

Naturally, such quick starts require a huge burst of energy from Windcharger's power systems. He can also use this energy in another way. In robot mode, he can energize his arms and make them the poles of a precisely controllable electromagnet, powerful enough to levitate ten tons of steel 700 feet away. With care, he can draw objects gently toward him or hurl them violently away. Also, as the long-suffering laws of physics dictate, this field is extremely strong near Windcharger; at close range, he can tear magnetic objects to shreds.

Unfortunately for Windcharger, his power supply, biased as it is toward a brief, heavy overload, is prone to failure if the overload is too severe or too long-lasting. Even worse, his impulsive nature makes him hardly willing to exercise the mental control he needs to avoid overusing his power. As a result, Windcharger often finds himself stumbling home, reeking of ozone and burned insulation, and needing medical attention and a nice, tall, chilled glass of dielectric oil.

:''Preliminary name'': '''Sprint'''
:''South American name'': '''Camaro'''
:''Japanese name'': '''Charger'''
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comics):'' '''Giro'''
:''Italian name'': '''Lampo'''
:''French-Canadian name'': '''Rapido'''
:''Hungarian name'': '''Széllovas''' ("Wind-rider")
:''Portuguese name (Portugal):'' '''Ventania / Vendaval'''

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:WindchargerTriumphant.gif|left|200px|thumb|When he gets done with Guardian, he's gonna erase all the big guy's VHS tapes. Just BECAUSE.]]
Windcharger was among the elite few selected by Optimus Prime to join him in crashing the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] into the [[Earth]]. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

''During a Decepticon attack on the ''Ark'', Optimus Prime attempted to activate the Ark’s computer, known as [[Auntie]], to bring the defense systems back online. Unfortunately, Auntie had been damaged in the crash and become unstable. Unable to remember who was friend or foe, she used a magnetic field to subdue all the combatants aside from Windcharger and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], whose magnetic powers enabled them to counter Auntie’s magnetic force. With Ravage's help, Windcharger was able to deactivate Auntie's [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian]] battle droid. Once Ravage shut down Auntie, Windcharger used his powers to hurl [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] from the Autobot base.'' {{storylink|Raiders of the Last Ark}}

''Guardian was reactivated to guard the Ark, full of deactivated Autobots in need of repair. When the few active Autobots returned, they made Windcharger's reactivation a priority so that he could use his magnetic powers to thwart Guardian. Ultimately, however, Windcharger did not get the chance.'' {{storylink|The Wrath of Grimlock!}}

''When the Autobots were dispatched to locate the missing [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], all suffering from madness due to circuit damage, Windcharger was assigned to lead "A-Team", which included [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]]. The three searched for [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] in a northern California swamp, but were captured in a Decepticon ambush led by [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. They were later rescued thanks to [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]].'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[John Stephenson]] (English), [[Keiichi Nanba]] (Japanese)

[[Image:MTMTE2 Windcharger coat.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"A phone booth! I need a phone booth!! ...Also, pants."]]
Windcharger was part of the initial crew of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], on a mission to seek out new energy sources to fuel their struggle with the Decepticons. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} After awakening on Earth over four million years later, Windcharger participated in the unsuccessful Autobot counter-attack on the Decepticon siege of [[Sherman Dam]], which was being run at dangerous capacities to fill the Decepticons' [[Energon cube|energon cubes]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}}

He was also among the group of Autobots who attempted to stop the Decepticons raiding the [[Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma]]. He dressed up in a lab coat during an attempt to trick the Decepticons into attacking a fake rocket base, though it turned out the Decepticons they were fighting were decoys, and he and the other Autobots were forced to try and stop the Decepticons from taking off in their [[Victory (ship)|space cruiser]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

When Optimus Prime was severely damaged, Windcharger, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] went to see how the repairs were going, unaware that [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] had hitched a ride on Brawn's shoulder. He later helped defend headquarters long enough for a new [[cosmotron]] to be retrieved from Cybertron, so Prime could be repaired. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} Windcharger attended the unveiling of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, and was knocked over by [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] during the ensuing chaos. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

[[Image:FireOnTheMountain Windcharger vehiclemode.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Of all the other Autobots, he seemed to be closest to [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], judging from their excellent teamwork and friendly banter while journeying with [[Jetfire (G1)| Skyfire]] to investigate a Decepticon super-weapon in Peru. When Windcharger was injured during the battle later in that mission, Brawn was quick to swear vengeance for the small 'bot. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}}

[[Image:UltimateDoom2 Windcharger tractorbeam.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Windcharger, sitting in the rafters, waving a flashlight in a slow circle. Welcome to the worst rave ever.]]
When [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] was kidnapped by the Decepticons, Windcharger was in the group which tunneled beneath the Decepticon base, using his magnetic field to detect when they'd reached their destination and carrying Sparkplug from the base. Along with the other Autobots, he was unsuccessful in preventing [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] from bringing Cybertron into Earth's orbit. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} After [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] fell into a chasm during the Autobot retreat, Windcharger used his tractor beam to pull the little Autobot out. The eruption of [[Mount St. Hilary|the volcano]] at Autobot HQ blew Windcharger, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] into the air, necessitating a rescue by Skyfire. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}}

[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Windcharger repulsorfield.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Windcharger's call for help from the sea creatures was unsuccessful. It was answered by a yellow Volkswagen and a kid in a hard hat.]]
After [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s were sighted in [[Bali]], Windcharger, Brawn and Bumblebee headed there in Skyfire. They found the Insecticons feeding on a field of hay, but had trouble fighting them off. Windcharger had to set up a repulsor field to stop them from being cut to bits by the spikes from [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]]'s grenade. The rest of the Autobots turned up in time to save their bacon, and they pursued the Decepticons to a nearby refinery. {{storylink|A Plague of Insecticons}}

Windcharger was in the group of Autobots who attempted to defend a new Air Force rocket base from the Decepticons. He and Ratchet were taken out by an attack from behind by [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], who was promptly given the boot by Brawn. Windcharger was OK though, and later helped the other Autobots try to reason with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] when the boy was placed in a robot body and went a little nuts. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}} He was hanging around Autobot HQ when [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] detected strange readings from the bottom of the Atlantic, but didn't bother volunteering to go check it out. {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}} At one point, he helped the other Autobots construct [[detection plate]]s to increase Headquarter's security grid. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}}

[[Image:PrimeProblem Windcharger scrap.jpg|right|thumb|200px|"Silly Windcharger -- did you destroy another good PC with your amazing magnetic powers?" "...A bee flew by and I panicked."]]
Much like the other Autobots, Windcharger was bemused by Optimus Prime's odd behavior after one particular battle, and even more confused when a second Optimus drove into Headquarters. Their test to determine the real Prime proved inconclusive, however the Autobots were alerted by strange energy readings from the crevasse the earlier battle had taken place at. Returning to the scene, they battled the Decepticons again, however Windcharger and Spike spotted Starscream acting oddly, and found Megatron's control center, from which he was controlling the false Prime.

Before they could return to warn the other Autobots, the pair were spotted, and Windcharger was knocked into the crevasse, where he only escaped destruction by transforming — his vehicle mode tires insulated him from the [[korlonium crystal]]s filling the crevasse. He was able to climb out and warn the other Autobots. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

[[Image:PrimeTarget Optimus addresses Autobots.jpg|left|thumb|200px|"Why do I bother showing up for roll call when no one ever talks to me?"]]
Windcharger was around when [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] attempted to demonstrate how he'd taught the Dinobots to better control their abilities. It didn't go well. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} When Megatron supercharged himself with the [[Heart of Cybertron]], Windcharger helped defend Headquarters against the Decepticon leader. {{storylink|Microbots}} All of the Autobots were banished from Earth after the Decepticons framed them with an elaborate plan. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} They almost crashed into the sun, but made it back to Earth safely. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

After a close call with [[Cybertonium]] depletion, Windcharger was around for a ceremony honoring Spike, [[Carly]] and the Dinobots for retrieving more of the valuable substance from Cybertron. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}} He, Huffer and Ironhide blasted Decepticon drones in New York City. {{storylink|Make Tracks}} After [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and Bumblebee disappeared, Windcharger took part in the search. As the other Autobots were picked off by [[Lord Chumley]] and his servant [[Dinsmoore]], Windcharger narrowly escaped one of their fiendish traps. He regrouped at HQ with the other Autobots in time for Chumley to deliver his challenge to Optimus. {{storylink|Prime Target}}

[[Image:WindchargerTFMovie.jpg|right|180px|thumb|He got better... maybe.]]
Windcharger was among the five Autobots who disguised themselves as [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] in order to halt one of Megatron's evil schemes; he camouflaged himself as [[Wildrider]]. When the group was forced to become a fake [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], Windcharger's magnetic powers were essential to pull the Autobots together for the illusion. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

Windcharger was among the Autobots killed at the [[Battle of Autobot City]]; [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] pulled his corpse into the shelter of a bunker and laid it alongside that of [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

===Find Your Fate Junior===
When [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] uses a [[cerebro-shell]] to control the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] and send them on a violent rampage, it is up to Windcharger to use his magnetic powers to remove the shells from a distance. But how far away should he stand? If he stands too close, he may rip the Dinobots to shreds! If he stands too far away, his powers may have no effect and everyone will die. Choose, little boy, choose. {{storylink|Dinobots Strike Back}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{note|Events from the [[Keepers Trilogy]] novels are in italics.}}
Windcharger was among the crew of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crashed on [[Earth]], and awoke in 1984 to battle the Decepticons. When the Autobots defeated the Decepticons and planned to return to Cybertron aboard the [[Ark II]], Windcharger was one of many Transformers recovered by Lazarus after the starship exploded over the Arctic. In 2002, the Decepticons broke free of Lazarus' control before the Autobots, and tore through their captive enemies. Optimus Prime and a free group of Autobots did some spot-welding to repair as many comrades as they could in a hurry, but Windcharger was too badly damaged and remained off-line until after the resulting battle in [[San Francisco]] was over. {{storylink|Prime Directive}}

''When Optimus Prime and Megatron joined forces against the U.S. military, Windcharger was on hand with the Autobots in confronting the President's forces. He was one of the first to fall before the assault of the [[Deconstructionite|deconstructionites]]. {{storylink|Fusion (novel)|Fusion}}''

When Shockwave arrived from Cybertron, proclaiming a new era of peace, Optimus Prime and a number of other Autobots were forced to surrender to his fantastically violent security force. Windcharger was left behind on Earth as part of a small unit led by [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} When a group of Decepticons returned to Earth under Starscream's command, Windcharger was deactivated battling the brutal [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], and left to rust at the bottom of a lake. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} He was eventually brought back on line with the help of [[Earth Defense Command]]. {{storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}}

===IDW comics continuity===
After [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback]] were killed in the line of duty, Windcharger attended their funeral along with the other Autobots working in [[Kaon]] Security Services with [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3}}
{{spoiler|...For All Mankind|December 10 2009}}
Much, much later, Windcharger made it to [[Earth]], where he was captured by [[Skywatch]], along with [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] and later, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}}

===Binaltech continuity (unused)===
Honda S-2000 was planned to be the new body of Windcharger, but [[Unicron]] took it away [[Decepticharge|for someone else]].

Or not.

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
*'''Windcharger''' (Mini Vehicle, 1984/2003)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''12'''

[[Image:G1Windcharger toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|What, no face? Ripoff!]]
: Released in the first year of Transformers in the same color as its [[Micro Change|Microchange]] version, and later on in a darker shade of red (coinciding with the addition of the rub mark to the line in 1985), Windcharger transforms into a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am sports car. The Microchange toyline was meant to depict robots that turn into toy cars, which attests to the somewhat cartoonish proportions of Windcharger's Trans Am mode.

: In 2003, toy company [[Fun4All]] made four different keychains, based on four of the original Generation 1 [[Mini Vehicle]] molds, Windcharger among them. This version is almost identical to the original, only it has a ring on the front bumper to attach the chain portion (and no face paint). In Japan, all four keychains were released in blind-packed boxes and were also made as all-black "chase" versions.

: This mold was also used to make [[Camaro]], and was [[Retool|retooled]] to make [[Tailgate]]. The keychain version of the toy was [[Redeco|redecoed]] into the [[BotCon Europe]] [[exclusive]] [[Rook (Universe)|Rook]].

===Alternators===
*'''Windcharger''' (Alternator, 2004)
**''Alternator ID number'': '''10'''
**''Accessories'': Engine-shield

[[Image:AltWindcharger toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Who am I and what happened to my gun?!!]]
: Originally designed to be an updated version of the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]] [[Overdrive]], it ended up having its name changed to Windcharger by [[Hasbro]] after they were unable to obtain the trademark for Overdrive. (The toy ''was'' released as Overdrive as part of the Japanese ''Binaltech'' line, however.) He transforms into a 1:24-scale licensed Honda S2000 sports car with a removable "ragtop" roof.

: Aside from the lack of die-cast metal, the major difference between Windcharger and Overdrive is that Windcharger lacks the long drive-shaft/barrel for his engine/rifle accessory, which was even called a "shield" on the packaging. This was at the request of Honda's USA branch, who didn't like the idea of "their" toy toting a gun around. Since Honda's Japanese department had no such objections, however, ''Binaltech'' Overdrive did include an unchanged barrel. Other minor differences include slightly different visors, the paint applications on the front grille, and Overdrive being right-hand drive for Japan, while Windcharger is left-hand drive for the US.

: This mold was [[Retool|retooled]] into [[Decepticharge]], which was planned to be released in Japan as [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] but ultimately scrapped. It was, however, later released as [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]].

{{-}}

==Trivia==
[[Image:Windcharger-COTP01.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Yo, Kup." "Hey. Aren't you dead?" "Nope." "Huh. 'Kay."]]
* Poor ol' Windcharger is the only Autobot who doesn't get a name-check or a chance to use his special powers at any point during the show's three-part pilot, "[[More than Meets the Eye (episode)|More than Meets the Eye]]". In fact, he doesn't even get to ''speak'' until "[[Divide and Conquer]]". All he gets to do is get beat up by [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]].

* Windcharger makes a post-mortem appearance in the third season episode "[[Call of the Primitives]]" as the energy creature [[Tornedron]] attacks [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Whether this appearance was accidental or if he "got better" (like [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]) is unknown.

* The retool of ''[[Alternators]]'' [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] was originally planned to be Windcharger (presumably in red), with the vehicle mode being a convertible. Ultimately, however, the toy ended up as [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] instead, with a new head sculpt. The head sculpt originally intended for Ford-Windcharger eventually ended up being used for the retool of the actual "Windcharger" toy (the Honda S2000 mold) instead, now named "[[Decepticharge]]".

{{-}}
==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Windcharger/windcharger.htm Windcharger at TFU.info]
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Windcharger Windcharger's ''Universe'' profile at NFTA.net]

[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Mini Vehicles]]

Octopunch (G1)

2009-10-08T00:13:52Z

Boxotron: /* Trivia */

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2}}
:''Octopunch is a [[Decepticon]] [[Pretender]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Octopunch.jpg|right|250px|thumb|I shot [[Primus|God]], right in the FACE!]]
Not a single doubloon of sunken treasure is safe from '''Octopunch's''' slimy tentacles. A greedy scavenger, Octopunch spends most of his free time dredging the murky ocean depths for the riches that lie hidden there. (What he does with these riches is none of your business.) Unlike other robots with [[Scavenger (G1)|similar]] [[Nautilator|functions]], Octopunch is also... well, not completely incompetent. He is a fearsome warrior above or beneath the waves, and is not afraid of [[Primal Scream (issue)|a little heresy]] to get the job done.

:''French-Canadian name'': '''Octocoup'''

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Bludgeonstrangleholdoctopunchmodelsheet.jpg|left|250px|thumb|If you ever wanted to see his [[character model]], this is probably it.]]
''Looking to recruit a new [[Mayhem Attack Squad]] to go after the traitorous former members, [[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]] and [[Catilla]], Snarler hired Octopunch and his comrades [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] and [[Stranglehold]] for the squad. For training purposes with their fellow recruits [[Needlenose]] and [[Spinister]], they engaged in a solid light simulated combat session set in [[Slaughter City]], and Octopunch managed to destroy the sim versions of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] AND [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] in the first few minutes (mmmmaybe it was still set on 'Easy' mode). {{storylink|The Hunting Party}} On Earth, the Mayhems caught up with Carnivac on the outskirts of [[Dallas]], [[Texas]], and their fight soon carried across the border into the [[Mexico]] deserts. After Carnivac caught Needlenose flat-footed, Octopunch forced him to disengage and leave his [[Pretender]] shell by threatening some nearby humans. Infuriated at seeing a fellow Decepticon surrender simply because of some fleshlings, Octopunch prepared to deliver the death-blow to Carnivac. {{storylink|Survival Run}} However, those self-samed fleshlings came to the rescue of their savior, driving a transport truck at full-speed into the Mayhems' backside, giving Carnivac a chance to scramble clear. The resulting explosion took Octopunch out of the rest of the fight. His fellow Mayhems eventually dragged him clear when the rest of the [[Survivors]] arrived and they retreated, but not before Bludgeon managed to execute the traitor Catilla with his blade. {{storylink|A Savage Place!}}''

Octopunch was part of the Mayhem Attack Squad (alongside Bludgeon and Stranglehold) sent by [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] to assassinate the [[Autobot]] Pretenders [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], Grimlock, and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], after their revival on Cybertron stirred the spirits of the Autobot rebellion and threatened Decepticon supremacy. After a [[Trans-time dimensional portal]] accident cut short their first assassination attempt, Octopunch and the rest of the Squad followed the Autobots into the core of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Surprisingly, Cybertron's core contained none other than [[Primus]] himself! {{storylink|Yesterday's Heroes!}} The Mayhems made a second attempt to destroy the Autobot Pretenders, but Octopunch found out that Grimlock is much harder to kill in real life than in a simulation. After the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]] commander headbutted Octopunch, shattering his faceplate, the [[Micromaster|Micromasters]] [[Stakeout]] and [[Red Hot]] tripped him over the edge of a railing, sending him crashing to the floor below. Blacking out, Octopunch made a final attempt to fire at Grimlock, which ended up ricocheting off the Dinobot's armor-plating and striking Primus right between the eyes. Upon being shot, Primus awoke and unleashed a [[Primus#War_of_the_balance|scream]] that eventually drew [[Unicron]] to the Transformers' homeworld. {{storylink|Primal Scream (issue)|Primal Scream}}

Thanks a LOT, Octopunch.

Octopunch and the other Squad members ended up on Earth, and joined forces with [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. They worked for him until the war against Unicron was successfully won, and Scorponok killed. At this point, Octopunch's comrade Bludgeon assumed command of the Decepticons, and arranged to leave the Autobots stranded on the dying planet of Cybertron while he and the Decepticons began conquering anew. They basically levelled the planet [[Klo]] before the Autobots managed to catch a ride and track them down. Wiping out nearly all the Autobots in the battle that followed, Octopunch led a squad consisting of [[Quake (G1)|Quake]], [[Fangry]], and [[Weirdwolf]] to pick off the stragglers. Grimlock and his surviving warriors fought back and, with the arrival of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Last Autobot]], the fight turned against the Decepticons, and Bludgeon and his crew were forced to slink away. {{storylink|End of the Road! (US)|End of the Road!}}

=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}
''Although their last target, Carnivac, was still at large, the Mayhem Attack Squad reasoned that he would inevitably come to them, seeking revenge for the death of his comrade, Catilla. Therefore, they set up a heavily defended island base in the Bahamas to wait out the traitor's arrival. Sure enough, Carnivac did arrive, and took out Needlenose before anyone even knew he was there. {{storylink|Cry Wolf!}} Things got more complicated after that, but while he lost his Pretender shell, Carnivac also killed Spinister and Snarler. Octopunch and his colleagues were planning to go down fighting against Carnivac's back-up, the combined Autobot Earthforce and Survivors, but instead Carnivac insisted they let them live, denied a warrior's death. {{storylink|Where Wolf?}}''

''Sometime later, Octopunch, Bludgeon and Stranglehold managed to escape captivity at the Earthbase. {{storylink|Shut Up!}} They hooked up with the deposed Decepticon leaders, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], taking an assassination contract for the usurpers, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. {{storylink|External Forces!}} Problem was, the Autobots needed Starscream alive for their own reasons, and so Grimlock sent [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] in to fight against the Mayhems. It was surely a brutal battle, but Octopunch and the others were defeated, their contract unfulfilled. {{storylink|The Lesser Evil}}''

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
''In 1990, Octopunch was working for [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] on Cybertron along with Bludgeon, Stranglehold, and [[Warmonger]]. After some Autobot captives temporarily escaped, Megatron determined there was a traitor in their midst, and singled out Bludgeon. When the Pretender demanded a trial by combat, Megatron set him loose to face his fellow Decepticons on the field of battle. In the fight, Bludgeon scored first blood against Octopunch, but the salvage expert caught his "once friend" off-guard by popping out of his shell with a flying punch. The punch did little against Bludgeon's armored shell, though, and he knocked Octopunch out. Bludgeon was eventually proven innocent when Warmonger caught him napping but couldn't pull the trigger, thus proving to Megatron that HE was the weak-willed Autobot in disguise. {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!}}''

{{note|The above story is the earliest known account from the Marvel UK alternate "Movie" timeline. The split between the main comic and the future stories almost certainly took place in 1989, either due to the Time Wars, the events of [[Primal Scream (issue)|Primal Scream]] where Primus alerted Unicron to his location 15 years early, or both.}}

=====''Another Time and Place''=====
After the war on Klo, Octopunch and the Decepticons lay in wait for [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] to do something stupid, and so he did. Tracking the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]] commander and his troops to [[Hydrus Four]], Octopunch and his fellows caught Grimlock off-guard and managed to take control of the medical facility where Nucleon was being produced. Bludgeon had plans to use the super-energy to bring [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] himself back to life. Octopunch was later seen worshipping at the altar of Megatron's corpse alongside Stranglehold and Bludgeon. When the Autobots attacked, Octopunch charged into battle with his electro trident like the others, but was ultimately defeated. {{storylink|Another Time and Place}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:Octopunchtalesofearth.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Wasn't he on ''Scooby-Doo''?]]
Octopunch was one of countless Decepticons under Bludgeon's command when they fought the Autobots over ownership of a cache of weapons on an unnamed barren world. The Decepticons were easily overpowering the Autobots; Octopunch, in particular, was strangling [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] with his tentacles. Bludgeon ordered a retreat when a gigantic, monstrous creature who guarded their quarry warned them away. {{storylink|Ghosts}}

Later, Octopunch and the other Decepticons were ordered to rampage across Earth in order to get Optimus Prime's attention. {{storylink|Tales of Earth Part One}} Their "work" was interrupted when [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] returned in a powerful new body with [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in tow. Megatron challenged Bludgeon for leadership of the Decepticons, and when Bludgeon lost, Octopunch and the other Decepticons switched their allegiance to the victor. {{storylink|Tales of Earth Part Two}}

Soon after, Megatron's forces clashed with [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]'s [[Cybertronian Empire]]. Megatron declared war against them as Octopunch and the other Decepticons cheered him on. Their feelings changed, however, when the Warworld was attacked. Octopunch and the others fought the Cybertronians on the surface of the Warworld, but they were getting massacred. Octopunch was shot in the chest, presumably killed. {{storylink|New Dawn}}

===Classics===
{{note|Classics follows the original Marvel G1 continuity, ignoring the events of Generation 2 and Marvel UK}}
[[Ruckus (G1)|A complete idiot]] and his [[Needlenose|dumb surfer friend]] hired Octopunch and Stranglehold as part of a new Mayhem Attack Squad. They took a [[Phyrion|hostage]] as bait to capture [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] and [[Siren]]. When Nightbeat's crew showed up, Octopunch took one look at [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] and promptly said that his price went up. Slag beat him up badly, and Octopunch beat himself up worse when he saw that Ruckus brought the hostage ''with'' him. Needless to say, Octopunch left saying that he will contact Ruckus about payment. {{storylink|Cheap Shots}}

How'd he get talked into being employed by '''''Ruckus!?!'''''

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Octopunch toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Yo, where the [[Kiss Player|Japanese schoolgirls]] at?]]
*'''Octopunch''' (Pretender, 1989)
**''Accessories:'' Gun, small gun, helmet, 2 crab legs (left & right)

:Octopunch's inner robot transforms into a crab, with the help of two sets of legs that attach to his sides. His Pretender shell is a cross between a deep sea diver and a Japanese delicacy. It has four additional octopus-like tentacles extending from his shoulders, and a detachable helmet. Though, if you don't want to have nightmares, don't detach it. (There's a reason he was drawn in the comics with only his teeth visible under the helmet...) Unfortunately, Octopunch does NOT come with the wicked trident he uses in the comics. Pity.

:The shell's arms, head and helmet are all made from a softer plastic than the rest of the shell.

{{-}}

==Trivia==
* It was bad enough when Octopunch's ricocheted shot alerted [[Unicron]] to [[Primus]]'s location, resulting in countless deaths and the persisting threat of the Planet Eater. It was later [[Retcon|retconned]] that Octopunch's ricocheted shot not only doomed his own universe to Unicron, but every single Transformers universe in the entire multiverse as well. Better hope there's no [[wikipedia:karma|karma]] in ''Transformers'', or he's got some serious comeuppance due. {{storylink|Vector Prime: In the Beginning}}
* At [[BotCon 2008]], it was revealed that the ''[[Transformers Animated]]'' crew originally planned to use a human villain patterned after Octopunch (with the addition of boxing gloves on his tentacles) in the opening scenes of [[Home Is Where the Spark Is]]. He was eventually replaced with the [[Angry Archer]]. [[Derrick J. Wyatt]] also stated in an interview that he and [[Matt Youngberg]] had been trying to make him a character for a long time.
* He only used the toy's blasters once. And it was when ''Ruckus'' employed him.

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1989/Decepticon/Octopunch/octopunch.htm Octopunch at TFU.info]

[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category:Mayhem Attack Squad]]
[[Category:Pretenders]]

Stratosphere

2009-09-29T19:49:09Z

Boxotron: /* Revenge of the Fallen */

{{factions|autobot|NEST}}
:''Stratosphere is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''
{{mainpic}}
When a unit of Autobots needs to get somewhere fast, they turn to '''Stratosphere'''. His cargo plane mode can transport an entire team half way around the [[Earth|globe]] and then supply high-altitude covering fire when they get there.
{{TOCclear}}
==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====Voyager Class Toys====
[[Image:Stratosphere ROTF Voyager toy.jpg|thumb|right|300px|*Looking at Stratosphere's feet* "Hey! My eyes are up here, pal!"]]
*'''Stratosphere''' (2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-17'''
**''Accessories'': [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] mini-figure.

:Stratosphere transforms into a military transport plane which is an amalgamation of a [[United States Air Force#C-17 Globemaster III|C-17 Globemaster III]], the cockpit of a [[Wikipedia:C-5 Galaxy|C-5 Galaxy]] and the tail of an [[Wikipedia:Antonov An-225|Antonov An-225]]. The little (transforming) Optimus Prime mini-figure fits into the cargo hold in the aft section of the plane, and can deploy from the ramp by rotating his tail fins.

:Sadly, Optimus cannot fit in the cargo hold while Stratosphere is in robot mode, so he must be gently held and cradled by Stratosphere like a tiny war machine.

:The packaging indicates that his moving internal gears (Mech Alive) feature is located at his chest, but it is in fact located in his arms.
{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:ROTF_Stratosphere_missilelauncher.jpg|thumb|200px|Oh if only....]]
* Stratosphere was originally going to come with a [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#Space Shuttle Orbiter|Space Shuttle]] accessory that would have plugged into the hole between his plane-mode wings that would serve as his robot-mode weapon. Despite making it all the way to the [[Prototype | test shot phase]], this was ultimately removed from the final production piece.
* Stratosphere is based upon the same plane that dropped Optimus Prime to attack [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]] in the movie.

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]
[[Category:Toy-only characters]]

Stratosphere

2009-09-29T19:48:42Z

Boxotron: /* Revenge of the Fallen */

{{factions|autobot|NEST}}
:''Stratosphere is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''
{{mainpic}}
When a unit of Autobots needs to get somewhere fast, they turn to '''Stratosphere'''. His cargo plane mode can transport an entire team half way around the [[Earth|globe]] and then supply high-altitude covering fire when they get there.
{{TOCclear}}
==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====Voyager Class Toys====
[[Image:Stratosphere ROTF Voyager toy.jpg|thumb|right|300px|*Looking at Stratosphere's feet* "Hey! My eyes are up here, pal!"]]
*'''Stratosphere''' (2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-17'''
**''Accessories'': [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] mini-figure.

:Stratosphere transforms into a military transport plane which is an amalgamation of a [[United States Air Force#C-17 Globemaster III|C-17 Globemaster III]], the cockpit of a [[Wikipedia:C-5 Galaxy|C-5 Galaxy]] and the tail of an [[Wikipedia:Antonov An-225|Antonov An-225]]. The little (transforming) Optimus Prime mini-figure fits into the cargo hold in the aft section of the plane, and can deploy from the ramp by rotating his tail fins.

:Sadly, Optimus cannot fit in the cargo hold while Stratosphere is in robot mode, so he must be gently held and cradled by Stratosphere like a tiny war machine.

The packaging indicates that his moving internal gears (Mech Alive) feature is located at his chest, but it is in fact located in his arms.
{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:ROTF_Stratosphere_missilelauncher.jpg|thumb|200px|Oh if only....]]
* Stratosphere was originally going to come with a [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#Space Shuttle Orbiter|Space Shuttle]] accessory that would have plugged into the hole between his plane-mode wings that would serve as his robot-mode weapon. Despite making it all the way to the [[Prototype | test shot phase]], this was ultimately removed from the final production piece.
* Stratosphere is based upon the same plane that dropped Optimus Prime to attack [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]] in the movie.

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]
[[Category:Toy-only characters]]

Skids (ROTF)

2009-09-19T20:30:37Z

Boxotron: /* Notes */

{{factions|autobot|NEST}}
{{disambig3|Skids}}
:''Skids is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].

[[Image:ROTF_Skids_promo.jpg|thumb|300px|Look, it's that robot child actor that grew up and robbed a convenience store.]]

The dopey-looking '''Skids''' spends a lot of his time arguing with his twin brother [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] and trying to outdo him in crazy stunts, all while believing ''he's'' the responsible, level headed one. In his own mind, everything dangerous and dopey he does is simply making him a better warrior. And that means one day, one ''glorious'' day, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] will ''notice'' him! Prime even looking in his direction makes him babble, fall over, and generally fail to make an impression, but that won't stop him trying! Underneath it all, he harbors a secret fear that Mudflap is actually the superior warrior of the pair... which is probably true.<ref>[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/Battle-Bios.cfm Hasbro Skids Battle Bio]</ref>

Skids' hyper-reactive optical imaging scanner allows him to process tactical information faster than ''anyone'' (except his twin). Add that to his supreme firepower and his unpredictable actions, and he's a pain in the aft for any [[Decepticon]] who wants to counter him! And that's only if they spot him. He changes alt-mode so much it's hard to keep track of him. On Earth, he's already been part of an ice-cream truck (combining with his brother), and more recently a Chevy Beat, but that's unlikely to last very long.

{{bigquote|You gotta blend in... be stealthy... like a ninja.|A less-than-successful Skids tries to conceal himself,'' [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''}}
==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Alliance04 icecreamtruck.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Skids is the one in front.]]
Skids and Mudflap arrived on [[Earth]] as part of Autobot reinforcements that [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] requested. They both chose the [[combiner|combined]] form of an old, beat-up ice cream truck. The newly-arrived Autobots joined the human-Transformer military alliance [[NEST]] and began training in earnest on [[Diego Garcia]], but soon had to be deployed to [[Shanghai]], [[China]]. {{Storylink|Alliance issue 4|Alliance #4}}
{{-}}

===Titan Magazines ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===

Skids first met [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] when they were about to be thrown into a [[smelting pool]]. {{Storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.2|Dogfight!}} He and his twin are well known for tall tales and messing about, enough so that people have stopped believing their claims. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.3|Learning Curve}}

[[Image:Titan2-1_Skids.jpg|right|thumb|350px|You know what? ''You'' tell him he looks dopey.]]

Skids and Mudflap happily stayed on Cybertron, going through intensive training (which ''totally'' wasn't goofing off) and having extreme-sports contests. Neither wanted to leave their homeworld, and they were the only Transformers on it until [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] turned up with a Decepticon army. When they heard him mention a [[Solar Harvester|star harvester]], they realised they should tell someone...but Skids worked out the fastest way to do that would be in person, meaning they'd have to leave their homeworld.

The decision was made for them when the Decepticons attacked. Skids angrily blew away some of the jet-drones when they shot his brother, using an impressive missile barrage, and used transform-and-shoot moves to keep their pursuers away...but he realised this was delaying the inevitable. They fled the planet, with Skids remembering to head for Earth, the site of Optimus's message. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.1|Training Day}}

[[Image:Titan2_twinsbeats.jpg|left|thumb|200px|...actually, no, tell him to ''put some clothes on JESUS''.]]

The twins made it to [[Earth]] soon, crash-landing in [[Toronto]], [[Canada]]. On the way in, Mudflap hit a [[Wikipedia: CN Tower|big tower]], but Skids felt it wasn't that big a deal. They swam their way to Ball's Falls, where they picked up Earth alternate modes and set out to try and find local Autobots and warn them about the solar harvester.

Driving along the wrong side of the Interstate (Skids wanted a challenge!), the twins were attacked by the Seeker [[Ransack (ROTF)|Ransack]], trying to kill them on [[the Fallen]]'s orders. While Skids dissed Ransack's retro alt mode, he pursued them across [[Wikipedia: North by Northwest|open countryside]]. With their energon levels low, the airborne enemy kept up with the twins, and Skids soon collapsed, unable to run any further. He and his brother would've both died, if not for Bumblebee arriving and forcing the Seeker into retreat. {{Storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.2|Dogfight!}}

[[Image:Titan2-3_Mudflap_face.jpg|right|thumb|"I hear you're racist now, Father! How'd you get involved in that sorta thing?"]]

Now living at [[NEST]]'s [[California]]n base with Bumblebee as their minder, Skids and Mudflap repeatedly asked to deliver their info to [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]—and only Optimus, much to [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide's]] annoyance. He was more annoyed when they ambushed him (Skids tipping crates on him!) to get to Optimus...who, as it turns out, was away on a need-to-know mission anyway.

After this defeat, and with Ironhide having bluntly told them nobody believed them, they desperately asked to join in a NEST op in [[Las Vegas]]...getting turned down, because they were too crap to get involved. Annoyed with this, Skids went along with Mudflap's suggestion to go to Vegas and show Ironhide just what they could do! What they could do, it turned out, was screw up a successful mission by freeing [[Grindor (ROTF)|a captured Decepticon]] by trying to "shoot him down". Skids was left mortified. Ironhide, recognising what they were trying to do, told him that maybe they could work on training the twins not to jump in without looking, and that the trick was to learn from mistakes. The twins claimed they'd try. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.3|Learning Curve}}

They soon wished they hadn't, as they were condemned to NEST's [[United Kingdom|Orkney Islands]] base for days of sim-com (simulated combat) training under [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]]. Skids had a nagging feeling this was just an excuse to keep them away from the main action, and both protested to Sideswipe that they could handle Decepticons. Him pointing out their failure with Grindor shut them up. However, the training was interrupted when [[Ravage (ROTF)|a huge metal cat monster]] broke into the base, KOed Sideswipe, and tried to eat the twins!

[[Image:Titan2-4_SkidsRavage.jpg|left|thumb|250px|]]

They transformed and fled, drawing the creature into a trap where Skids used his weaponry to bring the roof down on it. When that failed, he deferred to and helped Mudflap carry out his plan of trapping the beast in a sim-com session on maximum setting. With that done, and with it revealed that the creature was sent after them by another Decepticon, they tried to fill in the revived Sideswipe... except the creature had gone, leaving their instructor with the view that ''they'd'' knocked him out in revenge for their training. Between that and Grindor, he thinks they're up to something... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.4|New Tricks}}

{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Tom Kenny]] (English), [[Tomokazu Seki]] (Japan), [[Michael Pan]] (German)

Skids and his brother were part of a taskforce deployed in Shanghai to root out Decepticon activity. In their combined ice cream truck [[alternate mode]], they rolled through the evacuated zone, taunting and trying to lure out the Decepticons in the area. When the Decepticons did show themselves, they gave chase to the escaping [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]]. However, their slow and ungainly choice of vehicle could not keep up with the fugitive, and they rounded a corner too sharply, tearing their combined form in half. Even though Mudflap took the blame for the separation, Skids still berated (and smacked) his brother for his failure. It's combat, what's wrong with him?

Upon arrival at [[Diego Garcia]] and NEST headquarters, the twins received new, separate alternate modes. A fight broke out between the two of them over which vehicle they wanted, and Skids "called" the [[Wikipedia: Chevy Beat|Beat]], resigning Mudflap to the form of a [[Wikipedia: Chevy Trax|Trax]].

Later, the twins, along with the other NEST-allied Autobots, were dispatched to look for [[Sam Witwicky]] when Decepticons were detected heading towards his college. After [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] was killed by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], the twins helped the Autobot force fight off the Decepticon leader and [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], allowing Sam, [[Leo Spitz]], [[Mikaela Banes]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] to make good their escape. Skids and Mudflap met up with Bumblebee and the humans, and together they fled to a remote location. After teasing Leo for a while for his panic attack, Sam inquired whether one of them could interpret the Cybertronic symbols he had become obsessed with, but the twins claimed that they couldn't read the ancient Language of the Primes, and weren't much into reading, anyway.

[[Image:ROTF_movie_SkidsMudflap_bigmother.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Yousome people gonna die??" "Yep. Wesa screwed."]]

With the help of the Decepticon [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and former [[Sector Seven]] agent [[Seymour Simmons]], the group made their way to the Smithsonian, where the humans reactivated the venerable ex-Decepticon [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]]. He teleported them all to [[Egypt]] before telling them the tale of the original [[Prime (ROTF)|Primes]], the [[Solar harvester]], which had the potential to destroy all life on Earth, and finally, the [[Matrix of Leadership]], the key to activating the harvester, and possibly the only thing that could bring Optimus Prime back to life. When the Matrix could not be found at the ruins of [[Petra]], the twins began arguing with each other over why they were following Sam, which soon escalated into physical violence. As their brawl nearly crushed the humans, Bumblebee picked up the twins in each hand, slammed them together, and threw them outside the ruins, which Skids considered to be just rude. Fortunately, their bickering created a hole in the wall where the [[Tomb of the Primes]] lay, and with it, the Matrix.

Making their way back to the Pyramids where NEST waited with Optimus Prime's body, the group came under attack by Starscream. Mudflap, Skids, Leo and Simmons acted as a decoy to lure the Decepticons away from Sam and Mikaela. Unfortunately, they attracted the attention of the [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicons]], who [[combiner|combined]] into [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] and attacked by vacuuming up loose objects such as sand, cars, and Mudflap. As Skids mourned the loss of his twin, Simmons realized that the safest place to be was directly under the giant. But Mudflap had survived being vacuumed up by Devastator, and to escape he had blasted a hole through its head. To buy the humans time to escape, Skids clambered up Devastator's [[Hightower (ROTF)|right forepaw]] to assist Mudflap. Skids threw a cable to Mudflap, who grabbed it and swung off Devastator's head onto his arm. However, the landing knocked them both off, and Skids lost his gold tooth in the fall. At [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s command, Devastator continued onto the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]]. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===''Revenge of the Fallen''===

====Legends Class Toys====
*'''Skids''' (Legends, 2009/2010)

: Legends Class Skids is a simple, affordable small-scale toy. Amusingly, just like his brother Mudflap, the [[kibble]] on his arm actually works as his big deformed hand, only grossly oversized.
{{-}}

====Deluxe Class Toys====
[[Image:ROTFtoy-SkidsDeluxe.jpg|250px|thumb|Kids, never try to deflect a fusion cannon blast with your face.]]
*'''Autobot Skids''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-10'''

:Skids was released as part of the second wave of deluxe class ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' action figures. He transforms into a green Chevy Beat Concept car with black stripe designs on either side and a black hood. His vehicle form features transparent blue windows. In robot mode, Skids features a "[[Mech Alive]]" [[gimmick]] that makes the fenders on the sides of his chest push out and his head move forward when the front grill is pushed inwards. Moving the head up and down through this gimmick may suggest it's meant to make him appear as though he is talking, but the packaging only says "Moving Armor Panels".

:Skids' right arm is larger than his left, just like his movie counterpart's. It features a small cannon that when pressed both makes the cannon stick out in a position more suitable for firing, and activates Skids' "Punching Robot Fist" action. Despite this, his right hand is surprisingly poseable.

*'''Desert Version Skids''' (Deluxe, 2009)
:This version of Skids has a sandblasted deco to closer match his onscreen appearance during the scenes in Egypt. It is only available in Japan with purchase of the Revenge of the Fallen DVD.

{{comingsoontoy}}

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/Skids/skids.htm More information on Skids at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

[[Image:ROTF_Deluxe_Skids&Mudflap_toy.jpg|thumb|250px|Hey look, it's the robot child actor who grew up and ''became'' a convenience store.]]
*'''Autobot Skids And Mudflap''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:''

:This two pack of the two twin Autobot brothers can combine into a single, old-fashioned ice cream truck. Unfortunately, they are SMALLER than a scout class figure and are missing the "Suck My Popsicle" writing.

{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

====Fast Action Battlers====
[[Image:ROTF_FAB_Missile_Blast_Skids.jpg|thumb|250px|That's not going to pick up any [[Charlene (cowgirl)|cowgirls]] any time soon.]]
*'''Missile Blast Skids''' (Fast Action Battler, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:''
**''Accessories:''

:[[Fast Action Battlers]] Missile Blast Skids is quite similar in transformation engineering to [[Bumblebee (Movie) toys#Fast Action Battlers|Plasma Punch/Plasma Blast Bumblebee]], and even has a similar [[gimmick]] in having one arm being a spring-loaded projectile launcher.
{{comingsoontoy}}

{{-}}

====Human Alliance====
{{anchor|haskids2009}}[[Image:ROTFtoy-SkidsHumanAlliance.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Then again...]]
*'''Autobot Skids / Arcee / Mikaela Banes''' (Human Alliance, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-25'''
**''Accessories:''

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Gravity Bots====
[[Image:ROTF_GravityBots_Skids.jpg|thumb|250px|From car to novelty trash can in the blink of an eye!]]
*'''Autobot Skids''' (Gravity Bot, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''???'''

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====R.P.M.s - Robot Powered Machines====
=====Battle Series=====
[[Image:ROTFtoy-SkidsRPM.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I ran myself over!]]
*'''Mudflap vs Autobot Skids''' (R.P.M. Mini-Vehicle, 2009)
**''Number:'' '''04 of 08'''

: Number four in a series of eight [[Robot Powered Machines]] [[Mini-Vehicle]] versus packs, Skids is packaged against his twin, Mudflap. He's an untransformable Hot Wheels-like car, unless you count his robot mode being sculpted and painted onto the underside of him.

: This toy is also available with the Devastator Showdown track set.

=====Robot Replicas=====
*'''Autobot Skids''' (Robot Replica, 2009)

{{-}}

=====Track Set=====
*'''Devastator Showdown''' (R.P.M. Mini-Vehicle Track Set, 2009)

: A Mini-Vehicle of Skids also comes with this Devastator-themed race track set.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}
===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:RobotHeroes_SkidsMegatron.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Autobot Skids and Megatron''' (2009)

:''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' Skids is a [[super deformed]] figure with limited articulation in his neck and shoulders. He came in a two-pack with [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]].

{{-}}
[[Image:rotf_desertdevastation_rh.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Give me your fac—oh wait, wrong article.]]
*'''Desert Devastation''' (Multi-pack, 2009)

:Both Skids and Mudflap are sculpted in their vehicle modes for this box-set that also includes [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] and [[William Lennox]].

{{comingsoontoy}}

[[Image:Robotheroestwinswidewaysprimedemolishorsideswipe.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Pink smoke? Should probably get that looked at.]]
*'''Shanghai Shootout''' (Multi-pack, 2009)
:Shanghai Shootout replicates the opening action scene from ''Revenge of the Fallen'', featuring figurines of [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]/Skids (ice cream truck), [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] (vehicle mode), [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]], and [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]] (vehicle mode). Demolishor is a slightly-oversized figure and the centerpiece of the box set.
{{comingsoontoy}}

{{-}}

==Notes==
*The Chevrolet Beat, Skids's alternate mode, goes into production in 2011 as the Chevrolet [[Spark]].
*The ice cream truck's bumper sticker reads "Decepticons, suck my popsicle." Classy. Too bad the toy does not. (Because, you know, for kids...)
**A "censored" version of the movie exists with the aforementioned text edited out, with the somewhat nonsensical result of a Decepticon symbol, followed by a long black space and then the word "popsicle". This version was shown in some international markets (even though other theaters in at least some of those same markets apparently got the uncensored version), and apparently also in some theaters in the USA.
*The Twins have been accused of being derogatory racial stereotypes. Writers [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]] claim to have followed [[Michael Bay]]'s lead with the characters, while Bay says voice actors [[Tom Kenny]] (Skids) and [[Reno Wilson]] (Mudflap) came up with their schtick on their own. Reportedly, Wilson (who is African-American himself) was sad to learn his way of speaking was apparently offensive to himself.<ref name="jive">[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/24/transformers-jivetalking-_n_220005.html The Huffington Post's coverage of the furore over the Twins]</ref> Orci and Kurtzman said the twins' portrayal was not in their script, that they were disappointed in the characters and admitted that they could understand if others were offended by the characters.<ref>[http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/orci-and-kurtzman-respond-to-claims-of-racism-in-transformers-2.php Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman respond to claims of racism on ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Film School Rejects, June 24, 2009]</ref> Bay has admitted the idea was that they were intended to be a caricature of white people pretending that they're black ("wiggers")...{{fact}} which is difficult to convey when they're colored red and green.
*The twins are less slangy in the [[Revenge of the Fallen Movie Adaptation|comic adaptation]] and [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Titan comics]], which could either indicate it was a last-minute voice actor decision or [[Simon Furman]] just didn't want to try writing ebonics.
*If Skids can't read the [[cyberglyphics|Language of the Primes]], why does he have a glyph from it on the sides of his vehicle mode?
*The ice cream truck alternate mode is probably the most bewildering violation of [[scale]] in the movie universe. The combined form is only as large as a single Chevy vehicle, which begs the question of how both twins manage to fit into the combiner, or how a single twin can grow to fit a separate car.
*Amusingly, [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/Battle-Bios.cfm Hasbro's Battle Bio] for Skids lists his arch-enemy as... [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]].

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:NEST]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]

Skids (ROTF)

2009-09-19T20:28:41Z

Boxotron: /* Notes */

{{factions|autobot|NEST}}
{{disambig3|Skids}}
:''Skids is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].

[[Image:ROTF_Skids_promo.jpg|thumb|300px|Look, it's that robot child actor that grew up and robbed a convenience store.]]

The dopey-looking '''Skids''' spends a lot of his time arguing with his twin brother [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] and trying to outdo him in crazy stunts, all while believing ''he's'' the responsible, level headed one. In his own mind, everything dangerous and dopey he does is simply making him a better warrior. And that means one day, one ''glorious'' day, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] will ''notice'' him! Prime even looking in his direction makes him babble, fall over, and generally fail to make an impression, but that won't stop him trying! Underneath it all, he harbors a secret fear that Mudflap is actually the superior warrior of the pair... which is probably true.<ref>[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/Battle-Bios.cfm Hasbro Skids Battle Bio]</ref>

Skids' hyper-reactive optical imaging scanner allows him to process tactical information faster than ''anyone'' (except his twin). Add that to his supreme firepower and his unpredictable actions, and he's a pain in the aft for any [[Decepticon]] who wants to counter him! And that's only if they spot him. He changes alt-mode so much it's hard to keep track of him. On Earth, he's already been part of an ice-cream truck (combining with his brother), and more recently a Chevy Beat, but that's unlikely to last very long.

{{bigquote|You gotta blend in... be stealthy... like a ninja.|A less-than-successful Skids tries to conceal himself,'' [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''}}
==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Alliance04 icecreamtruck.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Skids is the one in front.]]
Skids and Mudflap arrived on [[Earth]] as part of Autobot reinforcements that [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] requested. They both chose the [[combiner|combined]] form of an old, beat-up ice cream truck. The newly-arrived Autobots joined the human-Transformer military alliance [[NEST]] and began training in earnest on [[Diego Garcia]], but soon had to be deployed to [[Shanghai]], [[China]]. {{Storylink|Alliance issue 4|Alliance #4}}
{{-}}

===Titan Magazines ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===

Skids first met [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] when they were about to be thrown into a [[smelting pool]]. {{Storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.2|Dogfight!}} He and his twin are well known for tall tales and messing about, enough so that people have stopped believing their claims. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.3|Learning Curve}}

[[Image:Titan2-1_Skids.jpg|right|thumb|350px|You know what? ''You'' tell him he looks dopey.]]

Skids and Mudflap happily stayed on Cybertron, going through intensive training (which ''totally'' wasn't goofing off) and having extreme-sports contests. Neither wanted to leave their homeworld, and they were the only Transformers on it until [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] turned up with a Decepticon army. When they heard him mention a [[Solar Harvester|star harvester]], they realised they should tell someone...but Skids worked out the fastest way to do that would be in person, meaning they'd have to leave their homeworld.

The decision was made for them when the Decepticons attacked. Skids angrily blew away some of the jet-drones when they shot his brother, using an impressive missile barrage, and used transform-and-shoot moves to keep their pursuers away...but he realised this was delaying the inevitable. They fled the planet, with Skids remembering to head for Earth, the site of Optimus's message. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.1|Training Day}}

[[Image:Titan2_twinsbeats.jpg|left|thumb|200px|...actually, no, tell him to ''put some clothes on JESUS''.]]

The twins made it to [[Earth]] soon, crash-landing in [[Toronto]], [[Canada]]. On the way in, Mudflap hit a [[Wikipedia: CN Tower|big tower]], but Skids felt it wasn't that big a deal. They swam their way to Ball's Falls, where they picked up Earth alternate modes and set out to try and find local Autobots and warn them about the solar harvester.

Driving along the wrong side of the Interstate (Skids wanted a challenge!), the twins were attacked by the Seeker [[Ransack (ROTF)|Ransack]], trying to kill them on [[the Fallen]]'s orders. While Skids dissed Ransack's retro alt mode, he pursued them across [[Wikipedia: North by Northwest|open countryside]]. With their energon levels low, the airborne enemy kept up with the twins, and Skids soon collapsed, unable to run any further. He and his brother would've both died, if not for Bumblebee arriving and forcing the Seeker into retreat. {{Storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.2|Dogfight!}}

[[Image:Titan2-3_Mudflap_face.jpg|right|thumb|"I hear you're racist now, Father! How'd you get involved in that sorta thing?"]]

Now living at [[NEST]]'s [[California]]n base with Bumblebee as their minder, Skids and Mudflap repeatedly asked to deliver their info to [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]—and only Optimus, much to [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide's]] annoyance. He was more annoyed when they ambushed him (Skids tipping crates on him!) to get to Optimus...who, as it turns out, was away on a need-to-know mission anyway.

After this defeat, and with Ironhide having bluntly told them nobody believed them, they desperately asked to join in a NEST op in [[Las Vegas]]...getting turned down, because they were too crap to get involved. Annoyed with this, Skids went along with Mudflap's suggestion to go to Vegas and show Ironhide just what they could do! What they could do, it turned out, was screw up a successful mission by freeing [[Grindor (ROTF)|a captured Decepticon]] by trying to "shoot him down". Skids was left mortified. Ironhide, recognising what they were trying to do, told him that maybe they could work on training the twins not to jump in without looking, and that the trick was to learn from mistakes. The twins claimed they'd try. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.3|Learning Curve}}

They soon wished they hadn't, as they were condemned to NEST's [[United Kingdom|Orkney Islands]] base for days of sim-com (simulated combat) training under [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]]. Skids had a nagging feeling this was just an excuse to keep them away from the main action, and both protested to Sideswipe that they could handle Decepticons. Him pointing out their failure with Grindor shut them up. However, the training was interrupted when [[Ravage (ROTF)|a huge metal cat monster]] broke into the base, KOed Sideswipe, and tried to eat the twins!

[[Image:Titan2-4_SkidsRavage.jpg|left|thumb|250px|]]

They transformed and fled, drawing the creature into a trap where Skids used his weaponry to bring the roof down on it. When that failed, he deferred to and helped Mudflap carry out his plan of trapping the beast in a sim-com session on maximum setting. With that done, and with it revealed that the creature was sent after them by another Decepticon, they tried to fill in the revived Sideswipe... except the creature had gone, leaving their instructor with the view that ''they'd'' knocked him out in revenge for their training. Between that and Grindor, he thinks they're up to something... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.4|New Tricks}}

{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Tom Kenny]] (English), [[Tomokazu Seki]] (Japan), [[Michael Pan]] (German)

Skids and his brother were part of a taskforce deployed in Shanghai to root out Decepticon activity. In their combined ice cream truck [[alternate mode]], they rolled through the evacuated zone, taunting and trying to lure out the Decepticons in the area. When the Decepticons did show themselves, they gave chase to the escaping [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]]. However, their slow and ungainly choice of vehicle could not keep up with the fugitive, and they rounded a corner too sharply, tearing their combined form in half. Even though Mudflap took the blame for the separation, Skids still berated (and smacked) his brother for his failure. It's combat, what's wrong with him?

Upon arrival at [[Diego Garcia]] and NEST headquarters, the twins received new, separate alternate modes. A fight broke out between the two of them over which vehicle they wanted, and Skids "called" the [[Wikipedia: Chevy Beat|Beat]], resigning Mudflap to the form of a [[Wikipedia: Chevy Trax|Trax]].

Later, the twins, along with the other NEST-allied Autobots, were dispatched to look for [[Sam Witwicky]] when Decepticons were detected heading towards his college. After [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] was killed by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], the twins helped the Autobot force fight off the Decepticon leader and [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], allowing Sam, [[Leo Spitz]], [[Mikaela Banes]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] to make good their escape. Skids and Mudflap met up with Bumblebee and the humans, and together they fled to a remote location. After teasing Leo for a while for his panic attack, Sam inquired whether one of them could interpret the Cybertronic symbols he had become obsessed with, but the twins claimed that they couldn't read the ancient Language of the Primes, and weren't much into reading, anyway.

[[Image:ROTF_movie_SkidsMudflap_bigmother.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Yousome people gonna die??" "Yep. Wesa screwed."]]

With the help of the Decepticon [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and former [[Sector Seven]] agent [[Seymour Simmons]], the group made their way to the Smithsonian, where the humans reactivated the venerable ex-Decepticon [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]]. He teleported them all to [[Egypt]] before telling them the tale of the original [[Prime (ROTF)|Primes]], the [[Solar harvester]], which had the potential to destroy all life on Earth, and finally, the [[Matrix of Leadership]], the key to activating the harvester, and possibly the only thing that could bring Optimus Prime back to life. When the Matrix could not be found at the ruins of [[Petra]], the twins began arguing with each other over why they were following Sam, which soon escalated into physical violence. As their brawl nearly crushed the humans, Bumblebee picked up the twins in each hand, slammed them together, and threw them outside the ruins, which Skids considered to be just rude. Fortunately, their bickering created a hole in the wall where the [[Tomb of the Primes]] lay, and with it, the Matrix.

Making their way back to the Pyramids where NEST waited with Optimus Prime's body, the group came under attack by Starscream. Mudflap, Skids, Leo and Simmons acted as a decoy to lure the Decepticons away from Sam and Mikaela. Unfortunately, they attracted the attention of the [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicons]], who [[combiner|combined]] into [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] and attacked by vacuuming up loose objects such as sand, cars, and Mudflap. As Skids mourned the loss of his twin, Simmons realized that the safest place to be was directly under the giant. But Mudflap had survived being vacuumed up by Devastator, and to escape he had blasted a hole through its head. To buy the humans time to escape, Skids clambered up Devastator's [[Hightower (ROTF)|right forepaw]] to assist Mudflap. Skids threw a cable to Mudflap, who grabbed it and swung off Devastator's head onto his arm. However, the landing knocked them both off, and Skids lost his gold tooth in the fall. At [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s command, Devastator continued onto the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]]. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===''Revenge of the Fallen''===

====Legends Class Toys====
*'''Skids''' (Legends, 2009/2010)

: Legends Class Skids is a simple, affordable small-scale toy. Amusingly, just like his brother Mudflap, the [[kibble]] on his arm actually works as his big deformed hand, only grossly oversized.
{{-}}

====Deluxe Class Toys====
[[Image:ROTFtoy-SkidsDeluxe.jpg|250px|thumb|Kids, never try to deflect a fusion cannon blast with your face.]]
*'''Autobot Skids''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-10'''

:Skids was released as part of the second wave of deluxe class ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' action figures. He transforms into a green Chevy Beat Concept car with black stripe designs on either side and a black hood. His vehicle form features transparent blue windows. In robot mode, Skids features a "[[Mech Alive]]" [[gimmick]] that makes the fenders on the sides of his chest push out and his head move forward when the front grill is pushed inwards. Moving the head up and down through this gimmick may suggest it's meant to make him appear as though he is talking, but the packaging only says "Moving Armor Panels".

:Skids' right arm is larger than his left, just like his movie counterpart's. It features a small cannon that when pressed both makes the cannon stick out in a position more suitable for firing, and activates Skids' "Punching Robot Fist" action. Despite this, his right hand is surprisingly poseable.

*'''Desert Version Skids''' (Deluxe, 2009)
:This version of Skids has a sandblasted deco to closer match his onscreen appearance during the scenes in Egypt. It is only available in Japan with purchase of the Revenge of the Fallen DVD.

{{comingsoontoy}}

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/Skids/skids.htm More information on Skids at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

[[Image:ROTF_Deluxe_Skids&Mudflap_toy.jpg|thumb|250px|Hey look, it's the robot child actor who grew up and ''became'' a convenience store.]]
*'''Autobot Skids And Mudflap''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:''

:This two pack of the two twin Autobot brothers can combine into a single, old-fashioned ice cream truck. Unfortunately, they are SMALLER than a scout class figure and are missing the "Suck My Popsicle" writing.

{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

====Fast Action Battlers====
[[Image:ROTF_FAB_Missile_Blast_Skids.jpg|thumb|250px|That's not going to pick up any [[Charlene (cowgirl)|cowgirls]] any time soon.]]
*'''Missile Blast Skids''' (Fast Action Battler, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:''
**''Accessories:''

:[[Fast Action Battlers]] Missile Blast Skids is quite similar in transformation engineering to [[Bumblebee (Movie) toys#Fast Action Battlers|Plasma Punch/Plasma Blast Bumblebee]], and even has a similar [[gimmick]] in having one arm being a spring-loaded projectile launcher.
{{comingsoontoy}}

{{-}}

====Human Alliance====
{{anchor|haskids2009}}[[Image:ROTFtoy-SkidsHumanAlliance.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Then again...]]
*'''Autobot Skids / Arcee / Mikaela Banes''' (Human Alliance, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-25'''
**''Accessories:''

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Gravity Bots====
[[Image:ROTF_GravityBots_Skids.jpg|thumb|250px|From car to novelty trash can in the blink of an eye!]]
*'''Autobot Skids''' (Gravity Bot, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''???'''

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====R.P.M.s - Robot Powered Machines====
=====Battle Series=====
[[Image:ROTFtoy-SkidsRPM.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I ran myself over!]]
*'''Mudflap vs Autobot Skids''' (R.P.M. Mini-Vehicle, 2009)
**''Number:'' '''04 of 08'''

: Number four in a series of eight [[Robot Powered Machines]] [[Mini-Vehicle]] versus packs, Skids is packaged against his twin, Mudflap. He's an untransformable Hot Wheels-like car, unless you count his robot mode being sculpted and painted onto the underside of him.

: This toy is also available with the Devastator Showdown track set.

=====Robot Replicas=====
*'''Autobot Skids''' (Robot Replica, 2009)

{{-}}

=====Track Set=====
*'''Devastator Showdown''' (R.P.M. Mini-Vehicle Track Set, 2009)

: A Mini-Vehicle of Skids also comes with this Devastator-themed race track set.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}
===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:RobotHeroes_SkidsMegatron.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Autobot Skids and Megatron''' (2009)

:''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' Skids is a [[super deformed]] figure with limited articulation in his neck and shoulders. He came in a two-pack with [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]].

{{-}}
[[Image:rotf_desertdevastation_rh.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Give me your fac—oh wait, wrong article.]]
*'''Desert Devastation''' (Multi-pack, 2009)

:Both Skids and Mudflap are sculpted in their vehicle modes for this box-set that also includes [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] and [[William Lennox]].

{{comingsoontoy}}

[[Image:Robotheroestwinswidewaysprimedemolishorsideswipe.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Pink smoke? Should probably get that looked at.]]
*'''Shanghai Shootout''' (Multi-pack, 2009)
:Shanghai Shootout replicates the opening action scene from ''Revenge of the Fallen'', featuring figurines of [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]/Skids (ice cream truck), [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] (vehicle mode), [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]], and [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]] (vehicle mode). Demolishor is a slightly-oversized figure and the centerpiece of the box set.
{{comingsoontoy}}

{{-}}

==Notes==
*The Chevrolet Beat, Skids's alternate mode, goes into production in 2011 as the Chevrolet [[Spark]].
*The ice cream truck's bumper sticker reads "Decepticons, suck my popsicle." Classy. Too bad the toy does not. (Because, you know, for kids...)
**A "censored" version of the movie exists with the aforementioned text edited out, with the somewhat nonsensical result of a Decepticon symbol, followed by a long black space and then the word "popsicle". This version was shown in some international markets (even though other theaters in at least some of those same markets apparently got the uncensored version), and apparently also in some theaters in the USA.
*The Twins have been accused of being derogatory racial stereotypes. Writers [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]] claim to have followed [[Michael Bay]]'s lead with the characters, while Bay says voice actors [[Tom Kenny]] (Skids) and [[Reno Wilson]] (Mudflap) came up with their schtick on their own. Reportedly, Wilson (who is African-American himself) was sad to learn his way of speaking was apparently offensive to himself.<ref name="jive">[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/24/transformers-jivetalking-_n_220005.html The Huffington Post's coverage of the furore over the Twins]</ref> Orci and Kurtzman said the twins' portrayal was not in their script, that they were disappointed in the characters and admitted that they could understand if others were offended by the characters.<ref>[http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/orci-and-kurtzman-respond-to-claims-of-racism-in-transformers-2.php Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman respond to claims of racism on ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Film School Rejects, June 24, 2009]</ref> Bay has admitted the idea was that they were intended to be a caricature of white people pretending that they're black ("wiggers")...{{fact}} which is difficult to convey when they're colored red and green.
*The twins are less slangy in the [[Revenge of the Fallen Movie Adaptation|comic adaptation]] and [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Titan comics]], which could either indicate it was a last-minute voice actor decision or [[Simon Furman]] just didn't want to try writing ebonics.
*If Skids can't read the [[cyberglyphics|Language of the Primes]], why does he have a glyph from it on the sides of his vehicle mode? It's like the giant robot equivalent of a person getting a tattoo of a Chinese or Japanese character while not knowing what it means.
*The ice cream truck alternate mode is probably the most bewildering violation of [[scale]] in the movie universe. The combined form is only as large as a single Chevy vehicle, which begs the question of how both twins manage to fit into the combiner, or how a single twin can grow to fit a separate car.
*Amusingly, [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/Battle-Bios.cfm Hasbro's Battle Bio] for Skids lists his arch-enemy as... [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]].

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:NEST]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]

Gold Mini-Con Team

2009-09-13T04:41:05Z

Boxotron:

{{factions|minicon}}
The '''Gold Mini-Con Team''' is an elite group of very powerful [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]] who assist the [[Autobot|Autobots]] in fighting the hordes of [[Decepticlone|Decepticlones]] that have invaded [[Earth]].

The Gold Mini-Con Team consists of...

{{collist|4|
*[[Deflector]]
*[[Firefight]]
*[[Fullspeed]]
*[[Slipstream (Armada)|Slipstream]]
}}

[[Category:Armada]]
[[Category:Mini-Con teams]]
[[Category:Video game-only characters]]

Sideways (Armada)

2009-09-07T23:42:57Z

Boxotron:

{{factions|autobot|decepticon|unicron}}
{{disambig2|the faction-swapper from several continuities|the live-action Decepticon|Sideways (ROTF)}}
{{featured}}
:''Sideways is an [[Autobot]], a [[Decepticon]], and an agent of [[Unicron]] in the [[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]] [[continuity]], the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]], and the [[Robot Masters]] portion of the [[Generation 1]] continuity family. Phew.''

[[Image:Sidewaysarmadafleer.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Goofy ominous nutball hardass.]]

'''Sideways''' is the consummate con-artist. He is misleading and deceitful in everything he does, portraying himself as the ninja-like warrior or the aloof drifter, and he lives for the look of shock and betrayal on his victims' faces when they realize he's played them for fools. When the displaced population of [[Planet X]] allied themselves with Unicron to avenge themselves on [[Gigantion]], this treacherous nature made him the perfect robot to pull off the ultimate act of treason—an attempt to sow confusion between Autobot and Decepticon to prevent them from uniting to oppose his dark master.

Though Sideways appears to be a robot of average size and strength, he is nigh-invincible when he calls upon the powers of Unicron. Using the mysterious [[trans-phase mode]], he can take any form he chooses, and "heal" even the most grievous damage at will. Often, he'll eschew a body entirely, choosing to speak through monitors or as a vision in the sky. When it comes to physical forms, there is one constant, however. Whether Sideways appears as one of several [[Transformer]]-like bodies, a jungle of tentacles, or a cloud of weird particles, he always chooses to shroud his face behind a mask or visor or [[Mini-Con]], preferring to keep himself mysterious and anonymous.

If Sideways has a weakness, it's that no one's sure where he ends and Unicron begins. Is he more than a puppet, or has the consummate con-artist been conned by the Dark God he serves?

:''Japanese name:'' '''Doubleface''' (''Armada'' and ''Robot Masters''), '''Noisemaze''' (''Cybertron'')
:''Polish name:'' '''Krętacz''' (''Armada'')

==Fiction==
===''Robots In Disguise''===
====Toy bio====
Sideways was recruited into the Autobot army on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] around the time that [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]] was uncovered on [[Earth]]. He modified his body to resemble a Terran sports motorcycle, facilitating the speed with which he performed many of his duties. Conscientious and ninja-like, Sideways maintained a mysterious silence about himself, expressing only a desire to quickly engage the enemy and then return to Cybertron (presumably from Earth, given his [[Alternate mode|alt-mode]]).<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-images/tech-specs/Robots-In-Disguise-Tech-Specs/2002-Transformers-Tech-Specs/Sideways__RID_.jpg.html ''Robots in Disguise'' Sideways's on-package bio]</ref>

===Unicron Trilogy===
====Cartoon continuity====
=====''Armada'' cartoon=====
:''Voice Actors:'' [[Paul Dobson]] (English); [[Takahiro Yamada]], [[Takahiro Sakurai]] (Japanese), [[Ekkehardt Belle]] (German)

[[Image:Gale Needalift.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Hey kids, want some candy?]]
Sideways first appeared as a beam of light from the sky striking a large [[Earth]] city near the Autobot base. An enigmatic warrior, he appeared to side with the Autobots, helping Hot Shot by watching his back during a confrontation with Scavenger. When asked to reveal himself, he transformed, his rider quickly splitting and becoming a helmet that covered his entire head. He claimed to be Sideways, a drifter who just wandered into the conflict. While he gave the human kids [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] rides in cycle mode to keep them entertained, [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] as well as [[Rad White|Rad]] and [[Alexis]] were suspicious of the motorcycle's motives, especially his close attention to the Mini-Cons. {{storylink|Gale}}

[[Image:Credulous Sidewaysknocksswordaway.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Surprise, the mysterious ninja is evil!]]

In the following battle, [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] faced Sideways and Hot Shot alone, and managed to force the [[Mini-Con storage panel|Mini-Con panel]] Sideways had (apparently) found out of his grasp. As the Decepticon leader began to warp away, both Autobots grabbed onto Megatron and all three were teleported to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]]. To Hot Shot and Megatron's surprise, the Mini-Con panel was a fake,
made to convince Megatron to retreat so that Hot Shot, spurred on by Sideways's encouragement, could defeat the Decepticons once and for all. Though both robots fought well alongside each other, with Sideways expressing concern over Hot Shot's well-being, he eventually betrayed
the young Autobot, by striking a deal with Megatron. He would pretend to be Megatron's hostage and in exchange, no matter what, Hot Shot
would turn over the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] sword. At first, Hot Shot did follow through, but reneged at the last moment by calling the Mini-Cons back to him. Sideways suddenly attacked Hot Shot, knocking the Star Saber out of his hands and kicking it to [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]]. He switched Mini-Con heads, revealing his allegiance to the Decepticons. Hot Shot was savagely beaten by the Decepticons, who stopped short of destroying him on the advice of [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]], who teleported the young 'bot back to the Autobot base. Once Sideways's loyalty to the Decepticons seemed to be confirmed, he began manipulating them and playing them against each other to suit his mysterious goals. {{storylink|Credulous}}

[[Image:Sidewaysheads.jpg|left|150px|thumb|My Autobot counterpart is nearby...]]

One of these goals was the replacement of Megatron as Decepticon leader after a series of significant losses. Sideways sowed the seeds of rebellion within the Decepticon ranks, subtly turning Starscream against Megatron and convincing Megatron of Starscream's imminent treachery. The situation came to a head when the two Decepticons fought outside their base, but Sideways then realized Megatron would never execute Starscream for his insubordination, exposing an ever-constant weakness within the Decepticon command structure. After the battle, Sideways
mused that this weakness would come back to haunt Megatron one day, and would be his ruin. Fortunately though, this incident somehow served to
solidify the Decepticons as a unit, giving them much greater morale and cohesiveness, and achieving Sideways's aims of giving neither faction in the conflict a clear advantage. {{storylink|Rebellion}}

[[Image:Chase RainbowSideways.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You don't want to taste Sideways's rainbow.]]

Shortly thereafter, Sideways tried to hack the Autobot base computer, only to encounter the children attempting to destroy the equipment to stop Sideways. He transported them to a digital universe, where they saw the coming of two [[Jetfire (Armada)|new]] [[Tidal Wave|combatants]]. He tried to threaten them into handing over the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]], before the kids realized that as this wasn't real, he could not harm them. Sideways then apologized to an unseen master, shortly before the children escaped the digital universe, chased by an unknown [[Unicron|entity]]. {{storylink|Chase (episode)|Chase}}

The Decepticons began to distrust Sideways, suspecting he was not what he seemed, and realized he was manipulating everybody in the unit. Caught out by [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and the other Decepticons while communicating with his unseen master, Sideways panicked and attempted to escape, but not before he was confronted by [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] and sliced in half with the Star Saber sword. Sideways simply reformed each time, reconnecting his parts and absorbing laser blasts from the other Decepticons. Megatron, in fury and disgust, hacked Sideways to pieces and he was seemingly destroyed... or so they thought. Sideways had entered [[trans-phase mode]], rising in the form of a twisted [[nanite]] creature before the Decepticons' eyes, declaring that the Star Saber sword and Skyboom shield were merely toys to him, as he was near-invincible. He said there were millions of Mini-Cons left to be found, and challenged Megatron to see who would find them first, before flying off to parts unknown. {{storylink|Detection}}

[[Image:Awakening-Sidewaysonscreen.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Sideways may be dead, but he lives on in reruns.]]

While most of the Autobots were on Earth fighting the monstrous new Decepticon recruit, [[Tidal Wave]], Sideways made an appearance inside the Autobots' base... on a monitor! He told [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] and [[Alexis]] about the [[Requiem Blaster]], and how the Autobots must find the three Mini-Cons that form it before the Decepticons do. Neither of them trusted Sideways, but the knew Sideways was right. If the Decepticons did find the Requiem Blaster first, it could spell doom for the Autobots and the galaxy. {{storylink|Awakening}} He then journeyed to the [[Antarctica|Antarctic]] to deliver [[Ravenus]] and the [[Doomstone]] to a group of [[Speed Chaser Mini-Con Team|evil Mini-Cons]] who were hunting down [[Super Stunt Mini-Con Team|a group of refugee Mini-Cons]] for their master. {{storylink|Linkage Part 8}} Once the Autobots had acquired the Requiem Blaster, Sideways appeared once again on the Autobots' monitors, laughing. He showed them that he'd disabled their defenses. Sure enough, the Decepticons infiltrated the Autobot base, took the Requiem Blaster, and nearly killed [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] in the process. {{storylink|Sacrifice}}

Later, Sideways appeared to the Decepticon tactician, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], and told him that the Requiem Blaster would be even more powerful if used in conjunction with the other two Mini-Con weapons, the sword and the shield. {{storylink|Mars (episode)|Mars}} Thrust talked with Sideways again in a secret, ominous meeting. They planned to get the Mini-Con weapons away from the Autobots. {{storylink|Crack}} Thanks to Starscream's confusion on where his loyalties lay, he was able to steal the other two weapons from the Autobots, giving the Decepticons all three weapons. Thrust was hard at work on a secret project for Megatron, one that would harness the energy of all three weapons, and Sideways congratulated the tactician on his growing duplicity. When the three weapons were combined to power the starship [[Hydra Cannon]], Megatron used it to blow up a nearby comet while Sideways laughed from afar, on Earth's moon. {{storylink|Threaten}}

Both the Autobots and Decepticons were en route to Cybertron when a few of each faction were warped to a strange planet where they fought a dark copy of Optimus Prime called [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]]. When Optimus Prime and Megatron combined their firepower against it, Nemesis Prime was destroyed, and as the copy dissipated, Sideways appeared momentarily. Nemesis Prime had merely been Sideways's puppet. {{storylink|Puppet}}

[[Image:Uprising-SidewaysSpookyGhost.jpg|right|200px|thumb|He controls the horizontal, but not the vertical. The vertical is for saps.]]

When both sides had arrived on Cybertron, a black hole opened up over the planet. It started becoming apparent to some that Unicron was arriving. An apparition of Sideways appeared over the Autobots, and the Mini-Cons attacked it. After telling the Mini-Cons to get lost, Sideways again disappeared. Sideways returned to swear vengeance against the Mini-Cons when they tried to stop the black hole's effects. {{storylink|Uprising}} Eventually, Thrust became suspicious that his partnership with Sideways and Unicron might be found out, so he panicked and stole the Requiem Blaster and Skyboom Shield. Thrust ran deep underground where he met up with Sideways, but he was tailed by Starscream. Starscream declined Sideways's obligatory offer to join Unicron, and the two fought.

[[Image:Portent-Sideways vs Starscream.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Armada basically lines up the cast one by one so Sideways can call them an idiot.]]

Sideways assaulted Starscream with strange tendrils and amoeba-like organisms, and he and Thrust were able to leave with the two weapons. Now inside the moon in Cybertron's orbit, Sideways placed the Mini-Con weapons into its core, revealing that the moon was Unicron lying dormant all along. {{storylink|Portent}} The last of the three Mini-Con weapons was dropped by Starscream when he sacrificed himself to Unicron to prove to Galvatron (a transformed Megatron) that Autobot and Decepticon must join forces to destroy Unicron. Sideways formed over what was left of Starscream and grabbed the sword, making an easy getaway. {{storylink|Cramp}}

With all three weapons in place within Unicron's core, Sideways's master was able to shed the rest of his moon disguise and show his real form. Sideways and his patsy Thrust celebrated their inevitable victory over time and space. {{storylink|Alliance (episode)|Alliance}} Thrust was told by Sideways to leave, as his work for now Unicron was now done. Thrust was confused, thinking he would be Unicron's right-hand man, but Sideways got angry, and ordered him to leave immediately. Thrust, dejected, left for the surface, where he later was crushed to death within Unicron's
creases during the battle. {{storylink|Union}}

[[Image:Origin-SidewaysUnicroncore.jpg|right|250px|thumb|"I'm going to start elongating all my 's' sounds, Optimusssss."]]

Optimus and Megatron managed to reach the glowing core deep within Unicron's body. Before their eyes, the core budded, recreating the body of Sideways. Unicron spoke through this Sideways body, announcing that Sideways had always been an extension of Unicron himself, and that Sideways
had intentionally stoked the flames of the Autobot/Decepticon war so that Unicron could be fueled by their mutual hatred. He took special delight in mocking Optimus Prime for claiming to fight a war for peace, a seeming contradiction. The truth, according to Unicron/Sideways, was that Optimus Prime loved to battle; Prime refused to admit this. Unicron/Sideways wrapped Prime and Megatron in tendrils, drained Megatron of his energy, and offered Prime the opportunity to merge with him.

[[Image:Sideways dead.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Ouchies.]]

Then the children and their Mini-Cons arrived, and they pleaded with him to stop, but Unicron/Sideways was able to claim them as their own; the Mini-Cons were Unicron's creation, after all. But inside a dreamworld created by Unicron, the children were able to call out to the Mini-Cons. They reactivated and told Unicron/Sideways that they believed in peace, and would fight for it if necessary. Their combined might was able to help Prime break free of his tendrils, and he fired a shot right through Sideways using the Requiem Blaster. As what was left of Sideways faded, he claimed he'd have his revenge... {{storylink|Origin}}

{{note|It is slightly unclear whether Unicron was somehow possessing his body for that period of time, or if Sideways had been an extension of Unicron all along instead of a separate individual. In "[[Credulous]]", before Sideways's Mini-Con head connects with his body after colliding with Megatron, an odd voice spoke, sounding like it came from a being of lesser intelligence emanated from the motorcycle body's own head, before the Mini-Con head took over. The mysterious line not being in the Japanese version of the episode and the shaky nature of the ''Armada'' dub in general only further obscures the issue.}}

=====''Cybertron'' cartoon=====
:''Voice Actors:'' [[Ted Cole]] (English), [[Susumu Chiba]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Deep-Sideways.jpg|left|200px|thumb|He's been up there waiting the whole time!]]

Sideways was preserved by Unicron's dark power after his defeat by the Requiem Blaster. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime}} Twenty years later, he appeared again during the Transformers' search for the [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet Keys]]. After the disappearance of ''[[Atlantis]],'' he observed from the top of a rocky cliff and wondered how he could best manipulate both factions to his own advantage. It wouldn't be long
until they were all his puppets! {{storylink|Deep}} He offered his services to the Autobots, but as soon as he'd helped them corner Starscream, Sideways switched to a Decepticon symbol, fired on the Autobots, and promptly left. Starscream and the others were left wondering exactly what that was all about. {{storylink|Ship}}

[[Image:Sand-Sideways explains.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Honestly guys, I'm an Autobot! You don't remember me at all!]]

Later, Sideways spoke to Megatron through a portal window, telling him that Optimus Prime could be found on [[Jungle Planet (Cybertron)|Jungle Planet]]. {{storylink|Savage}} Sideways stood back and observed as Megatron fumed after his defeat at the hands of Optimus Prime on Jungle planet. Noting that the locals were itching for another fight with Prime, Sideways sought out [[Leobreaker]] in the woods, pleading for help to save a friend who was buried under a rockslide. Leobreaker rallied the other Autobots on Jungle Planet and marched them into a canyon to save this imaginary friend, while Sideways laughed from above. He had also sent a fake message from Optimus Prime to [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]], and so the Decepticons were also converging on that point. Megatron suspected the message was fake, but kept quiet. The two factions met in battle as Sideways planned, while he mused from above that no matter who loses, he wins! But he was spotted, and Leobreaker angrily threw him to the ground for lying to him. Sideways desperately explained that he was a "secret agent" for the Autobots, digging for "inside information". Optimus Prime wasn't convinced, but when their interrogation was interrupted by a communication from [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]], Sideways transformed and escaped. {{storylink|Sand}}

Sideways traveled with Megatron and the other Decepticons to [[Velocitron]] to apprehend the Speed Planet Cyber Planet Key. Here, Leobreaker and Sideways clashed again. When Megatron lost the Cyber Planet Key to [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]], he, Sideways, and the other Decepticons fled. {{storylink|Champion}} Meanwhile, as Optimus Prime prepared to battle Scourge for the Jungle Planet Cyber Planet Key, Sideways and Starscream plotted. {{storylink|Honor}} As Scourge trained for the coming battle, Sideways and Starscream bet on the winner. At Sideways's suggestion, Starscream interfered with the Autobots's ability to get to the battle, thus causing Scourge's faith in Prime as an honorable opponent to waver. {{storylink|Honor}}

[[Image:Retreat-SidewaysStarscreamarmy.jpg|left|200px|thumb|That's right, the undercarriage of Sideways's altmode shows you the inside of his split-open ass.]]

Starscream was growing tired of Megatron's attitude towards him, and Sideways wondered if Starscream was going to doublecross his leader. When
Megatron and his troops headed out from his dimension to find another Cyber Planet Key, Starscream instead chose to head to Earth. Sideways, curious, followed Starscream there, to the Arctic, where the wayward Decepticon demanded the Autobot [[Crosswise (Cybertron)|Crosswise]] give him Earth's Cyber Planet Key. When Sideways realized that Starscream had sent Megatron the wrong direction and intended to take Earth's Key for himself, he decided to stay back and watch Starscream's fight with Crosswise, out of harm's way. ...at least, until Crosswise looked like he was going to lose, when Sideways happily leapt into action to kick him while he was down. Crosswise drove away, and Sideways shadowed him. {{storylink|Trap}} Sideways followed Crosswise all the way to his hidden hideout, where his leader [[Evac (Cybertron)|Evac]] was waiting. When Sideways was discovered, he once again fled. {{storylink|Invasion}}

Starscream, meanwhile, had recruited countless imprisoned Decepticons he had freed at Earth's arctic region, and so Sideways stood at his side while Starscream marched his army across the face of the Earth. They converged on the location of the Autobot base, where they found the Autobots retreating via a [[Space Bridge]]. Starscream and Sideways engaged them in battle, but Sideways was quickly knocked away by the Autobots' firepower. {{storylink|Retreat}} Starscream succeeded in grabbing the Autobots' collected Cyber Planet Keys and the [[Omega Lock]], and returned to his underground volcanic lair, where Sideways and [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]] were waiting. {{storylink|Critical}} The Autobots weren't far behind, and a clash between them and Starscream's army was inevitable. Sideways called them forth, ordering them to rise up and destroy their enemies, while he and Starscream watched the battlefield through a portal;
Starscream was slowly absorbing the power of his stolen goods, and wasn't quite ready yet. The Autobots and Megatron managed to break into the volcano base, but Sideways had prepared a series of explosive boobytraps. {{storylink|Assault}}

[[Image:Starscreamepisode-Sidewaysposes.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Hey, Sideways, your shield has huge gaps in it.]]

Despite this, the Autobots were able to get through them, where they came face to face with Sideways. Asking him what side he was on today, Sideways replied that he was on his own, but today he was betting on Starscream. The Autobots fought him, but he was able to warp around them at will, and none were able to land a punch. Ultimately, [[Vector Prime]] placed his Mini-Con, [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] on Sideways's back, and Optimus Prime was able to use that to detect where Sideways would appear next. After several blasts, Sideways was once again able to flee, this time because of the arrival of Scourge. He returned to Starscream's side, where the wayward Decepticon was nearly finished absorbing the Omega Lock's power. When Starscream said he wouldn't run to face Megatron, but wait for Megatron to come and be picked off at his leisure, Sideways realized there was nothing more he could do there and left, teleporting away. {{storylink|Starscream (episode)|Starscream}} Once the tremendous battle was over, and Starscream (despite having grown to a large size) had fallen over defeated, Sideways reappeared. Noting that Starscream could still be useful to him, he warped Starscream's humongous body away. {{storylink|United}} Starscream woke up inside the ''Atlantis'', with Sideways standing over him. Sideways explained that during the time Starscream had been out, Megatron had been defeated and Primus had awoken. The two traveled to Cybertron and found it transformed into Primus, but lying dormant; Sideways snarked that some clever guy had stolen all his power. He and Starscream tried to fight their way through the Autobots to the Omega Lock, but failed. Later, Sideways warped behind the Autobots' human friends, nabbed their three [[Mini-Con]] pals, and warped away. Angry, the children jumped into the portal window he left behind. {{storylink|Balance}}

[[Image:Memory-Sidewaysandchildren.jpg|left|200px|thumb|WOULD YOU LIKE TO? WOULD YOU LIKE TO?]]

Sideways attached Jolt to some equipment in order to search his memories for data pertaining to location of [[Gigantion]], where the last Cyber Planet Key would be found. But all Sideways could extract was useless data that would take forever to examine, so he tried to watch some television to pass the time. No luck—they were jamming their own communications, so he couldn't watch ''[[Galactic Guardians]]'' or anything, so he turned on his [[Soundwave (G1)|stereo]] and began moving to the music. Starscream yelled at him for goofing off. Embarrassed, Sideways ran off to do repairs. Indeed, the memory download was taking too long, so Sideways decided it would be much quicker if they just hacked open Jolt's head, took what they wanted, and deleted the rest. The operation was interrupted by the children, and so Sideways left to deal with them. After a few slapstick adventures, including a faked hologram of Megatron telling Sideways to jump on one foot and call himself a "pretty lady", the children were able to escape with Sideways's key to the cell he was keeping the other two Mini-Cons in. Though those two were rescued, Sideways finally caught up with them, laughing maniacally and with evil intent. {{storylink|Memory}} Jolt, whose rotors were now untied, was able to open a warpgate for himself and the others to escape through. Angered, Sideways warped away himself, and appeared again in front of the children and the Mini-Cons, telling him that he had put an energy field around the ship to prevent Jolt from pulling that trick again. The children and the Mini-Cons ran, but he threw one of his wing blades into the path ahead of them, blocking their escape. As Sideways mocked their attempts to distract him so they could make their getaway, [[Coby]] was able to communicate with the ship and spray [[fire-retardant foam]] over Sideways's head. They fled.

[[Image:Escape-Sidewaysmeandrawing.jpg|right|thumb|250px|"A ''mouth?!'' This is libel!"]]

Later, when the children and the Mini-Cons had located the chamber in which Sideways was guarding, the one that was blocking communications from being sent out of ''Atlantis'', they remotely caused a malfunction in one of the engine rooms. Sideways ran out of the chamber and into the engine room, where he found a crude drawing of him on the wall. "Now that's just mean!" Next they dumped him down one of the garbage chutes, which Sideways laughed at. He'd just warp out of there! But he forgot that he'd disabled warping, so he was cast out of the ship into space. A piece of trash that followed him conked him on his head, knocking him out. ''Atlantis'' was soon found by the Autobots and Decepticons, and so Starscream set the ship to warp away. Just in time, the children and the Mini-Cons shot themselves out of the ship in two escape pods, but Sideways's floating body blocked the second pod from leaving the warp perimeter of the ship. Sideways and the second pod disappeared along with ''Atlantis''. {{storylink|Escape (episode)|Escape}}

Sideways returned to the helm of ''Atlantis'' with Starscream, as the distance between them and the planet [[Gigantion]], home to the final [[Cyber Planet Key]], quickly narrowed. But due to the work of [[Bud]], Jolt, and [[Reverb]], [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], [[Wing Saber]], and the Decepticons were able to follow a trail to the ship, and so Sideways activated the ship's defenses while he navigated a warp jump away. But after they had jumped, Starscream felt the power of Primus, and so the ''Atlantis'' returned to Cybertron. After a battle between Starscream and Primus, Starscream was brutally defeated, so Sideways warped the ship away again with Starscream's body in tow. {{storylink|Titans}} Starscream was no worse for wear by the time Sideways had begun piloting ''Atlantis'' through a warp gate to another dimension where Gigantion was located, but the Autobots' ship, the ''[[Ogygia]]'', wasn't far behind. ''Atlantis'' started lagging behind the Autobots when Bud and the Mini-Cons aboard began sabotaging its engines, much to the fury of Sideways and Starscream. {{storylink|Warp}}

Sideways managed to get ''Atlantis'' to Gigantion, but only after a crash-landing. Before too long, the ship was under attack from the Autobots. Starscream was still too drained from his fight with Primus, so Sideways was told to fight them himself, an order he grumbled loudly about once he was out of Starscream's range. He confronted Optimus Prime, merged with Wing Saber, and bemoaned their sneaky tactics. He was the one supposed to be pulling the strings! As Sideways was targeted by a volley of missiles, Optimus Prime told Sideways that he'd had enough of his tricks. After a prolonged fight, Sideways could do nothing better than to utter a pathetic "mother!" as Prime's final, most powerful attack was bearing in on him. Thankfully for Sideways, he was saved by [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]], who pushed him out of the way at the last second. Once they were safe, Sideways thanked Soundwave for the rescue. Soundwave reminded Sideways that "that's how we roll," and not to forget their ultimate purpose. {{storylink|City}}

[[Image:Showdown-SoundwaveSidewaysstare.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Don't go towards the light, Sideways!]]

While the both of them were searching for the last Cyber Planet Key, they were discovered by the [[Cybertron Defense Force]]. Soundwave explained to them that he and Sideways were the last two survivors of [[Planet X]], which was destroyed as the result of a battle between it and Gigantion long ago. When the Autobots noted it was their own fault their planet was destroyed, Soundwave shrouded them in a thick black cloud while Sideways created virtual duplicates of himself. In the end, the two Planet X natives were crushed under a falling tower. {{storylink|Challenge}}

Sideways and Soundwave didn't resurface until the Autobots were ready to leave Gigantion to their home dimension to repair the black hole. They challenged the Autobots, blocking their path out of the planet, for they wanted to ensure the black hole destroyed the galaxy. After fighting Optimus Prime to a standstill, they were interrupted by Starscream and Megatron, who were fighting several layers above them, glowing and pulsating with energy levels no one present had ever seen. Soundwave and Sideways wanted to escape, fearing their own destruction, but they lamented that if they didn't grab the Omega Lock then, they'd have failed at their mission. Both warped closer to the battle between Megatron and Starscream, and, reaching towards the tremendous energy that had built up during the Decepticons' battle, Sideways begged Soundwave to leave and save himself. Soundwave rejected this, because they were in this together. As Megatron and Starscream punched each other simultaneously, a wave of energy seemed to destroy both Planet X natives.

[[Image:Beginning-SoundwaveSideways.jpg|right|thumb|250px|We're not dead! Neither is our planet! Weird.]]

Vector Prime noted that neither were likely destroyed in the conventional sense, but were blasted into another dimension. {{storylink|Showdown (episode)|Showdown}} His analysis seemed to be correct; a little later, when Megatron witnessed a vision of Starscream—apparently reaching out through the [[fire dimension]] to mock him one final time—Sideways and Soundwave were both standing by the traitor's side. {{storylink|Unfinished}}

The next (and last) time Sideways was seen, he, Soundwave, and [[Laserbeak (Cybertron)|Laserbeak]] were cheering as they stood before an undestroyed Planet X, apparently having found an intact, parallel version of their homeworld in the dimension they had been transported to. {{storylink|Beginning}}

{{-}}

====Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic====
[[Image:SkywarpSidewaysWheeljack.jpg|left|300px|thumb|I'm such a secret shill for Unicron that you only ever see me once! Well, twice.]]

Always evasive about where his true loyalties lie, Sideways has been seen on battlefields the galaxy over, but not always on the same side. He has manipulated both factions like a game of cosmic chess, and choosing his words carefully. Neither Autobot nor Decepticon, he has always served just one master: [[Unicron]]. To these purposes, he assigned his Mini-Con companion, [[Crosswise (Armada)|Crosswise]] to infiltrate the Mini-Cons' Moonbase operations and send things awry. Crosswise was more of a wildcard than a full-on partner, unlike Sideways's other Mini-Con, [[Rook (Armada)|Rook]]. Rook was assigned to sow the real seeds of discontent amongst the Mini-Cons on the moon. {{storylink|More Than Meets The Eye (Armada)}}

Sideways himself was first seen working on a secret desert rocket site, guarded by [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]] and [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]], which was designed to launch Megatron's [[Solar Scalpel]] laser system in orbit. {{storylink|Fire & Ice}} After the rocket was launched, he returned to Cybertron, and was present for the battle against Unicron... though what exact role he played in it is unknown. {{storylink|The End}}
{{-}}

===Generation 1===
====''Robot Masters'' online comic====
[[Image:RMComic-SidewaysBWMegs.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Master manipulator teamed up with master manipulator? That's WAY more interesting than [[Lio Convoy]] teaming up with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]... so of course it only happens ONCE.]]

Sideways participated in the confusing war over [[Solitarium]], where he employed a special communications system called "[[Crosswise (Armada)|Shadow]] and [[Rook (Armada)|Bright]]". When [[Road Rocket (G2)|Road Rocket]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], and [[Optimus Primal]] explored a crevasse filled with [[Solitarium]] crystals, they were ambushed from above by [[Megatron (BW)|Beast Megatron]] and Sideways, who detonated the crystals around the Autobots.

Fortunately, Primal managed to shield the three from the explosion with a huge slab of rock, but they were unable to prevent the Decepticons from making off with a huge load of Solitarium.{{storylink|Robot Masters (online comic)|Must Defend the Solitarium!}}

{{-}}
====TV Magazine ''Robot Masters'' photocomic====
[[Image:Roadrocketsidewaysphotocomic.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Okay, thumb war!]]

Road Rocket and Sideways found a piece of Solitarium at the same time, though each claimed they saw it first. The Solitarium was located across a gorge, so the two revved up their engines to see who could cross it in their motorcycle modes. Unfortunately, Sideways miscalculated, falling down the gorge, while Road Rocket was victorious. {{storylink|Robot Masters Vol. 4}}

{{-}}
==Toys==
===Robots in Disguise===
[[Image:RIDtoy-Sideways.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hello, my treacherous friend.]]

* '''Sideways vs. Axer'''(Mega multi-pack, 2002)

: The first Sideways toy is a yellow and black [[redeco]] (and minor [[Retool|retooling]], from changes made to the mold for a Japanese ''[[Microman]]'' version) of [[Road Rocket (G2)|Road Rocket]], transforming into a Yamaha GTS1000A racing motorcycle with a light-up rear wheel suspension/buzzsaw weapon. He came packaged with [[Axer]] in a Wal-Mart [[exclusive]] two-pack.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/Sideways/sideways.htm More information on RiD Sideways at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Armada===
[[Image:Armadatoy-Sideways-wrongways.jpg|right|300px|thumb|My hats are the grandest of all... except that they're putting me on the wrong sides!]]

* '''Sideways w/ Rook and Crosswise''' (Super-Con, 2002)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MX-01'''
**''Accessories'': 2 tailpipe-missiles

: The second toy of Sideways was released in 2002 in ''Armada'', transforming into a Cybertronic motorcycle, and was the first larger ''Armada'' toy to come with two [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]]; [[Rook (Armada)|Rook]] and [[Crosswise (Armada)|Crosswise]]. Each Mini-Con could form a new head for Sideways, as well as reveal a faction sigil behind his clear-plastic chestplate in that mode. Their individual and combined robot modes were designed to act as riders when Sideways is in vehicle mode. His tailpipes become arm-mounted [[Powerlinx]]-activated pressure-launch missile launchers.

: Two variations of the [[Hasbro]] version of the toy exist. The first variation features the opposite Mini-Con heads revealing their intended faction logo. This was due to an error in the television series' animation which depicted Crosswise as the Decepticon head and Rook as the Autobot head. Hasbro made a [[running change]] so the toy reflected the series' faction alignments. The second variation changed the salmon on Crosswise to a more Decepticon-like purple. This toy was also released in the Japanese ''Micron Legend'' toyline as "Doubleface" shortly afterwards, featuring a color scheme on the cockpit of the bike that was closer to the anime appearance.

: 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's post-Thanksgiving-day sale. Like [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]], Sideways could come with one of the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]] members: [[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]], [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]], or [[Dualor]].

: This mold was also used for ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Rapid Run (Energon)|Rapid Run]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/ArmSideways/sideways.htm More information on Armada Sideways at TFU.info]''

===Robot Masters===
[[Image:RMtoy-Doubleface.jpg|right|300px|thumb|We've come full circle or something.]]
* '''Doubleface''' (Robot Master, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-19'''

: Doubleface, a purple, gray, and yellow [[redeco]] (and minor [[Retool|retooling]], from changes made to the mold for a Japanese ''[[Microman]]'' version) of [[Road Pig]], was released in Japan in 2005, transforming into a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide touring motorcycle with electronic light-up tailpipe/"blaster" weapon. It featured a fixed Decepticon logo, and was the second and last appearance of this character in Japan as of 2006.

: There is a minor variation to this toy; though both versions feature an "electronics warning" on the robot mode's butt, some versions use a clear-plastic sticker, while others have the text tampographed there.

: This mold was also used for ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Axer]]. It was planned for use in ''Generation 2'' as [[Soundwave (G1)#LaserCycle|Soundwave]], but that toy never saw release.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Destron/DoubleFace/doubleface.htm More information on Robot Masters Doubleface at TFU.info]''

===Cybertron===
[[Image:SidewaysCybertron.jpg|right|300px|thumb|On second thought, screw the whole motorcycle thing.]]
* '''Sideways''' (Deluxe-Class, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''GX-01'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right wing-blades, Planet X Cyber Key

: The third toy of Sideways released in the US was in the ''Cybertron'' toyline. Sideways in this line is a black and orange alien spacefighter with [[Cyber Planet Key]]-activated faction-switching ability and pop-out blades built into his battle shield. The toy features a translucent face with his signature horns. He comes with a [[Planet X]] style Cyber Planet Key; the US version has the [[Cyber Key Codes|Cyber Key Code]] "'''dj51'''" [[Tampograph|tampographed]] on the back.

: This toy was released in Japan as ''Galaxy Force'' Noisemaze, and no mention was made of a relationship to Doubleface / Sideways.

: This mold was also used for the Japanese DVD-[[exclusive]] [[Noisemaze Mass-Production Version]], ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], and was [[Retool|retooled]] into [[BotCon 2009]] ''[[Timelines (fiction)|Timelines]]'' [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and the [[Sweep]]s.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/Sideways/sideways.htm More information on Cybertron Sideways at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Super Collection Figure===
[[Image:ACT10-Doubleface.jpg|right|thumb|300px|STRIKE POSE!]]
*'''Doubleface''' (2002)

:Available in "Act 10" of Takara's [[Super Collection Figure]] PVC line, Doubleface was available in both color and pewter. He came with an extra head so that his appearance could be switched between Doubleface's "normal" head and the "Decepticon" head. His appearance could ''not'' be switched out of its sort of weird-looking pose, however.
{{-}}

==Notes==
* The case for the Sidewayses of the three different continuity families (''Robots in Disguise,'' Unicron Trilogy, and Generation 1) being the same individual hopping dimensions is... not airtight. No fiction has actually portrayed him migrating from one universe to another, but circumstantial evidence abounds:
** The first Sideways, a ''Robots in Disguise'' toy, was packaged with [[Axer]], whose on-package [[bio]] strongly insinuates that he had come from the ''Generation 1'' universe through a black hole. The bios make no particular connection between the two characters, so there is no reason to think Sideways must have come from another dimension as well. Nevertheless, the real-world pairing of the characters makes it easy to accept that he did, based on later evidence.
** The next Sideways, from ''Armada'', was given an on-package bio of almost identical wording to that of the ''Robots in Disguise'' character. The ''Armada'' bio suggests that his duplicity is a new development upon coming to Earth, the result of being pulled in two mental directions by his Mini-Cons.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-images/tech-specs/Armada-Tech-Specs/2002-Transformers-Tech-Specs/Sideways__A_.jpg.html ''Armada'' Sideways's on-package bio]</ref> However, the cartoons and comics would both develop him as a pure agent of Unicron, which of course opens all sorts of cross-dimensional possibilities.
** The ''Robot Masters'' toy is what seals the deal. It's named and colored after the ''Armada'' toy, and some ''Robot Masters'' publicity material has declared that the character's first toy was indeed the ''Robots in Disguise'' Sideways figure. Since the entire premise of ''Robot Masters'' is that Transformers are arriving on present-day Earth through wormholes from across time and space, the idea that Sideways dimension-hopped into the ''Robot Masters'' continuity is too strong to ignore.

[[Image:Detection-SidewaysNoHat.jpg|right|180px|thumb|He's back. From outer space.]]

* In ''Armada'', outside of the stock footage sequences showing Sideways putting his Mini-Con helmets on, his "bare" head was often colored in shades of gray similar to the Crosswise head, rather than the appropriate purple and yellow.
* While the positioning of ''Armada'' Sideways's head-handlebars in toy form is up to the owner, the cartoon consistently portrayed them as angled downwards.
* In "[[Memory]]", Sideways seemed to be a fan of the [[Galactic Guardians]], a superhero team who star in their own cartoon show. He also seemed to be a fan of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive", as he sang the first few lyrics to himself before being interrupted by Starscream.
* In Japan, Sideways (or Noisemaze as he's known in Galaxy Force) has a habit of laughing hysterically whenever he uses his Cyber Key (or Force Chip) Power.
* [[Tarantulas|He is not the first agent of Unicron to turn into a motorcycle]].

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Armada characters]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Cybertron characters]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Double agents]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Ninjas]]
[[Category:Planet X]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise characters]]
[[Category:Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Unicron-related characters]]

A Better Mousetrap

2009-09-05T01:51:23Z

Boxotron: /* Quotes */

{{episode|
|series=BWtoon
|ep=9
|title="A Better Mousetrap"
|image=Better Mousetrap Rattrap button.jpg
|caption=Push the button, Frank.
|production company=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|written by=[[Chris Weber]] & [[Karen Willson]]
|directed by=[[J. Falconer]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate=[[October 8]], 1996
|packaged with=[[Rattrap]]
|continuity=[[Beast Wars continuity]]
}}

'''After the new Sentinel security program malfunctions, Rattrap is trapped alone inside the Maximal base, and must disarm it.'''

:''Japanese title:'' さよならラットル!? (''Sayonara Rattle!?'', "Goodbye Rattle!?")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Better Mousetrap Waspinator.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Guess who?]]
In the caverns beneath the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', Blackarachnia, Waspinator, and Terrorsaur dig a hole to deliver a device that will allow the Predacons to access the [[Maximal]] base unhindered. When Waspinator leaves, Terrorsaur is stuck doing the labor.

On board the ''Axalon'', Rhinox shows a holographic simulation of the ''Axalon'''s new defenses to Rattrap and Primal. Cheetor detects a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] in a [[Sector 19|sector]] of Maximal territory. Primal and Tigatron go to see why Waspinator has been buzzing around the area a lot recently.

[[Image:Better Mousetrap Dinobot.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Curse you Windows 95!]]
Dinobot is unimpressed by how non-lethal the ''Axalon'''s new defenses are. Rattrap activates the defense against Dinobot to display how effective they can be. The enraged Dinobot breaks free from the restraints fastened around him and attacks the rat—but misses and impales the controls for the entire base's defense grid. The console registers the Maximals as intruders, forcing the occupants of the base to vacate. Rattrap stays behind and hides inside of a ventilation shaft so he can figure out how to disable the defenses.

Tigatron and Primal find Waspinator high on sugar and flying around aimlessly. When Primal gets Waspinator's attention, he runs away. Primal chases after, and has a surprisingly hard time keeping up with the hyperactive hornet. Primal returns home to see what irregularities are going on with [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]]. Hunting alone, Tigatron follows Waspinator's scent through a tunnel—the entrance hidden by a holographic projector.

[[Image:Better Mousetrap Rattrap duct.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Rattrap has been playing Sonic the Hedgehog games too many times.]]
Inside the ''Axalon'', Rattrap works his away around a pool of [[zero friction fluid]] by surfing over it. He scampers and dances to avoid other defensive systems. His marksman and demolitions expert skills come in useful as he works his way towards the ship's core.

Primal arrives at the ''Axalon'' and meets with the others locked outside. They explain what the situation is and where Rattrap is.

Tigatron finds the three Predacons underground in their excavation operation. He grabs their device and runs away with it. Blackarachnia demands he return it, explaining that the device is an explosive. Tigatron complies and tosses it at the Predacons, who all run away from the machine before it detonates. Tigatron also races away, and when the device explodes, it collapses a huge portion of the land outside of the ''Axalon'', but not harming the ''Axalon'' itself. One battle over, Tigatron meets with the rest of the Maximals.

Rattrap enters the room where Sentinel's core is stored. The internal defenses continue to try to purge him. But before he's terminated, he hits the big red button to deactivate Sentinel.

[[Image:Better Mousetrap Rattrap.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I nominate myself as the new leader.]]
Outside, the shield deactivates. Rhinox determines that this is because Rattrap must have been killed by the haywire defenses. The Maximals sadly say a few words to remember their annoying stinky friend who sacrificed himself trying to save them, and we iris to black.

...until the ''Axalon'' hatch opens, and out comes Rattrap, alive and well, his mission a success.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s|c1=
* [[Rattrap]] (5)
* [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (6)
* [[Optimus Primal]] (7)
* [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (8)
* [[Tigatron]] (9)
* [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] (10)

|h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]|c2=
* [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (1)
* [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] (2)
* [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (3)
}}

==Quotes==
"I'm soiled enough already just being around you two."
:—'''Blackarachnia''' doesn't appreciate Waspinator and Terrorsaur for company.

"Waspinator sick of taking orders. Waspinator is greatest of Predacons. Waspinator RULES! Heh heh heh."
:—'''Waspinator''' muttering to himself while flying in circles.

"Looks like Waspinator's been on a sugar binge."
:—'''Optimus Primal''' observing the former.

"Oh, man, I'm startin' to sound like Optimus Pinhead."
:—'''Rattrap''' has nothing but respect for his leader.

"Giga-bummer."
:—'''Cheetor's''' pissed that he and the others are locked out.

"This ain't a security grid, it's a gym just for spy-guys like me!"
:—'''Rattrap''' enjoying himself just a little too much.

"Resistance persists. Upgrading program." 
"Oh man, there won't be enough left of me to fill a teaspoon."
:—'''Sentinel''' telling '''Rattrap''' he's slagged.

'''Cheetor:''' Rattrap... gone? No way. I don't believe it. 
'''Optimus Primal:''' He was a difficult Maximal to deal with. At times, impossible. But I'll remember him with honor. 
'''Dinobot:''' I won't disgrace his memory with lies! He was a stinking, omnivorous pestilence! But still, in some perverse way... I shall miss him. 
'''Rhinox:''' Sure, he smelled bad—he was a rat—but he was my best friend.
:—The Maximals memorialize Rattrap with honesty.

==Notes==
* A DVD containing this episode came packaged with Rattrap's 10th Anniversary toy.
* Tigatron's voice actor [[Blu Mankuma]] has his name misspelled as "Blu Mankma" in this episode's credits.
*[[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]] emits some of the same sounds used later in ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' for [[Mini-Con]] speak.
* An Optimus Primal POV shot features the [[Cybertronix]] text 'pud loser.'
* For the first time both [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] and [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] are completely absent (although Megatron does make an appearance in Rhinox's Sentinel simulation).
* After going missing at the end of the previous episode, Blackarachnia is now back with the Predacons. Maybe she came back off-camera?
* Oh, and by the way, turns out that Rattrap didn't die.
* [[The House that Wheeljack Built!|Deja vu]]?

{{DEFAULTSORT:Better Mousetrap}}
[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]

Beast mode

2009-09-02T04:48:10Z

Boxotron:

{{picsneeded|A group shot of actual BW Beast Modes to replace the one from Animated.}}
[[Image:PredaconsRising-craziestofcameos.jpg|right|thumb|300px]|DULL ANIMAL SURPRISE]]
'''Beast mode''' is a term that is properly used to describe a Transformer's [[alternate mode]] when the alternate mode is of the form of an animal and has organic material integrated among the Transformer's mechanical form. Transformers would often initiate the process of converting from their robot mode by vocalizing the phrase "Beast mode!"
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
The term was first used officially in fiction relating to the [[Beast Era]]. When stranded on a planet with high levels of [[Energon radiation]], [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] took on beast modes from the native life on that planet. The partly-organic nature of the beast mode protected them from the radiation.

In taking on such beast modes, the Transformer did more than simply mimic the life form, he also took on some characteristics of the animal. This affected the Transformer in various ways.

*[[Tigatron]]'s [[stasis pod]] was damaged causing him to take on characteristics of the tiger that was [[scanning|scanned]]. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

* The energon radiation shielding was sabotaged at the [[Maximal]] base forcing them to remain in beast mode for much longer than they were used to. The extended time in beast mode caused the Maximals to become overcome with the mindset of their beast mode. They become feral and live as animals in the jungle. Tigatron, due to the accident with his protoform, is well adapted to his beast mode and routinely remains a tiger for long periods of time. Tigatron teaches the rest of the Maximals to embrace the beast within, which both frees them from being overcome with the bestial instincts and allows them to be more effective fighters in beast mode. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}}

* For reasons that are uncertain, when [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]]'s stasis pod activated he completely took on the characteristics of his ant beast mode. He thought he was an ant and [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] was his queen. {{storylink|Spider's Game}}

==Generation 1==
===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:SpotlightShockwave GrimlockSlag trexscan.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Me, Grimlock like it!]]
The [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobots]] took on organic flesh covered beast modes to protect them from high levels of Energon radiation on pre-historic [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Shockwave}}

[[Category:Toys]]
[[Category:Transformer anatomy]]
[[Category:Technology]]

Windcharger (G1)

2009-09-01T05:14:25Z

Boxotron:

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the Generation 1 Autobot|the Energon Mini-Con combiner robot|Windcharger (Energon)}}
:''Windcharger is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Windcharger flash.jpg|right|250px|thumb|This looks like a job for...]]
Of all the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s crew that crash-landed on Earth, '''Windcharger''' is unquestionably the fastest on the ground, at least for short distances. Of all [[Autobot| Autobots]] living or deactivated, he is among the quickest; he can go from zero to 60 MPH virtually instantly, limited only by the traction between his tires and their driving surface. Frequently, after tearing away with a neck-snapping jerk, he will just as rapidly squeal to a halt to investigate something that caught his eye, for Windcharger is impulsive as well as impatient, both in mind and in body.

Naturally, such quick starts require a huge burst of energy from Windcharger's power systems. He can also use this energy in another way. In robot mode, he can energize his arms and make them the poles of a precisely controllable electromagnet, powerful enough to levitate ten tons of steel 700 feet away. With care, he can draw objects gently toward him or hurl them violently away. Also, as the long-suffering laws of physics dictate, this field is extremely strong near Windcharger; at close range, he can tear magnetic objects to shreds.

Unfortunately for Windcharger, his power supply, biased as it is toward a brief, heavy overload, is prone to failure if the overload is too severe or too long-lasting. Even worse, his impulsive nature makes him hardly willing to exercise the mental control he needs to avoid overusing his power. As a result, Windcharger often finds himself stumbling home, reeking of ozone and burned insulation, and needing medical attention and a nice, tall, chilled glass of dielectric oil.

:''Preliminary name'': '''Sprint'''
:''South American name'': '''Camaro'''
:''Japanese name'': '''Charger'''
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comics):'' '''Giro'''
:''Italian name'': '''Lampo'''
:''French-Canadian name'': '''Rapido'''
:''Hungarian name'': '''Széllovas''' ("Wind-rider")
:''Portuguese name (Portugal):'' '''Ventania / Vendaval'''

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:WindchargerTriumphant.gif|left|200px|thumb|When he gets done with Guardian, he's gonna erase all the big guy's VHS tapes. Just BECAUSE.]]
Windcharger was among the elite few selected by Optimus Prime to join him in crashing the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] into the [[Earth]]. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

''During a Decepticon attack on the ''Ark'', Optimus Prime attempted to activate the Ark’s computer, known as [[Auntie]], to bring the defense systems back online. Unfortunately, Auntie had been damaged in the crash and become unstable. Unable to remember who was friend or foe, she used a magnetic field to subdue all the combatants aside from Windcharger and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], whose magnetic powers enabled them to counter Auntie’s magnetic force. With Ravage's help, Windcharger was able to deactivate Auntie's [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian]] battle droid. Once Ravage shut down Auntie, Windcharger used his powers to hurl [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] from the Autobot base.'' {{storylink|Raiders of the Last Ark}}

''Guardian was reactivated to guard the Ark, full of deactivated Autobots in need of repair. When the few active Autobots returned, they made Windcharger's reactivation a priority so that he could use his magnetic powers to thwart Guardian. Ultimately, however, Windcharger did not get the chance.'' {{storylink|The Wrath of Grimlock!}}

''When the Autobots were dispatched to locate the missing [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], all suffering from madness due to circuit damage, Windcharger was assigned to lead "A-Team", which included [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]]. The three searched for [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] in a northern California swamp, but were captured in a Decepticon ambush led by [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. They were later rescued thanks to [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]].'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

===Cartoon continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' [[John Stephenson]] (English), [[Keiichi Nanba]] (Japanese)

[[Image:MTMTE2 Windcharger coat.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Windcharger was part of the initial crew of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], on a mission to seek out new energy sources to fuel their struggle with the Decepticons. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} After awakening on Earth over four million years later, Windcharger participated in the unsuccessful Autobot counter-attack on the Decepticon siege of [[Sherman Dam]], which was being run at dangerous capacities to fill the Decepticons' [[Energon cube|energon cubes]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}}

He was also among the group of Autobots who attempted to stop the Decepticons raiding the Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma]]. He dressed up in a lab coat during an attempt to trick the Decepticons into attacking a fake rocket base, though it turned out the Decepticons they were fighting were decoys, and he and the other Autobots were forced to try and stop the Decepticons from taking off in their [[Victory (ship)|space cruiser]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

When Optimus Prime was severely damaged, Windcharger, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] went to see how the repairs were going, unaware that [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] had hitched a ride on Brawn's shoulder. He later helped defend headquarters long enough for a new [[cosmotron]] to be retrieved from Cybertron, so Prime could be repaired. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} Windcharger attended the unveiling of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, and was knocked over by [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] during the ensuing chaos. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

[[Image:FireOnTheMountain Windcharger vehiclemode.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]
Of all the other Autobots, he seemed to be closest to [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], judging from their excellent teamwork and friendly banter while journeying with [[Jetfire (G1)| Skyfire]] to investigate a Decepticon super-weapon in Peru. When Windcharger was injured during the battle later in that mission, Brawn was quick to swear vengeance for the small 'bot. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}}

[[Image:UltimateDoom2 Windcharger tractorbeam.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
When [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] was kidnapped by the Decepticons, Windcharger was in the group which tunneled beneath the Decepticon base, using his magnetic field to detect when they'd reached their destination and carrying Sparkplug from the base. Along with the other Autobots, he was unsuccessful in preventing [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] from bringing Cybertron into Earth's orbit. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} After [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] fell into a chasm during the Autobot retreat, Windcharger used his tractor beam to pull the little Autobot out. The eruption of [[Mount St. Hilary|the volcano]] at Autobot HQ blew Windcharger, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] into the air, necessitating a rescue by Skyfire. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}}

[[Image:PlagueOfInsecticons Windcharger repulsorfield.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Windcharger's call for help from the sea creatures was unsuccessful. It was answered by a yellow Volkwagen and a kid in a hard hat.]]
After [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s were sighted in [[Bali]], Windcharger, Brawn and Bumblebee headed there in Skyfire. They found the Insecticons feeding on a field of hay, but had trouble fighting them off. Windcharger had to set up a repulsor field to stop them from being cut to bits by the spikes from [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]]'s grenade. The rest of the Autobots turned up in time to save their bacon, and they pursued the Decepticons to a nearby refinery. {{storylink|A Plague of Insecticons}}

Windcharger was in the group of Autobots who attempted to defend a new Air Force rocket base from the Decepticons. He and Ratchet were taken out by an attack from behind by [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], who was promptly given the boot by Brawn. Windcharger was OK though, and later helped the other Autobots try to reason with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] when the boy was placed in a robot body and went a little nuts. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}} He was hanging around Autobot HQ when [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] detected strange readings from the bottom of the Atlantic, but didn't bother volunteering to go check it out. {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}} At one point, he helped the other Autobots construct [[detection plate]]s to increase Headquarter's security grid. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}}

[[Image:PrimeProblem Windcharger scrap.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]
Much like the other Autobots, Windcharger was bemused by Optimus Prime's odd behavior after one particular battle, and even more confused when a second Optimus drove into Headquarters. Their test to determine the real Prime proved inconclusive, however the Autobots were alerted by strange energy readings from the crevasse the earlier battle had taken place at. Returning to the scene, they battled the Decepticons again, however Windcharger and Spike spotted Starscream acting oddly, and found Megatron's control center, from which he was controlling the false Prime.

Before they could return to warn the other Autobots, the pair were spotted, and Windcharger was knocked into the crevasse, where he only escaped destruction by transforming — his vehicle mode tires insulated him from the [[korlonium crystal]]s filling the crevasse. He was able to climb out and warn the other Autobots. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

[[Image:PrimeTarget Optimus addresses Autobots.jpg|left|thumb|200px]]
Windcharger was around when [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] attempted to demonstrate how he'd taught the Dinobots to better control their abilities. It didn't go well. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} When Megatron supercharged himself with the [[Heart of Cybertron]], Windcharger helped defend Headquarters against the Decepticon leader. {{storylink|Microbots}} All of the Autobots were banished from Earth after the Decepticons framed them with an elaborate plan. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} They almost crashed into the sun, but made it back to Earth safely. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

After a close call with [[Cybertonium]] depletion, Windcharger was around for a ceremony honoring Spike, [[Carly]] and the Dinobots for retrieving more of the valuable substance from Cybertron. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}} He, Huffer and Ironhide blasted Decepticon drones in New York City. {{storylink|Make Tracks}} After [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and Bumblebee disappeared, Windcharger took part in the search. As the other Autobots were picked off by [[Lord Chumley]] and his servant [[Dinsmoore]], Windcharger narrowly escaped one of their fiendish traps. He regrouped at HQ with the other Autobots in time for Chumley to deliver his challenge to Optimus. {{storylink|Prime Target}}

[[Image:Windcharger wheeljack otp.jpg|right|180px|thumb|He got better... maybe.]]
Windcharger was among the five Autobots who disguised themselves as [[Stunticon|Stunticons]] in order to halt one of Megatron's evil schemes; he camouflaged himself as [[Wildrider]]. When the group was forced to become a fake [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], Windcharger's magnetic powers were essential to pull the Autobots together for the illusion. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

Windcharger was among the Autobots killed at the [[Battle of Autobot City]]; [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] pulled his corpse into the shelter of a bunker and laid it alongside that of [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

===Find Your Fate Junior===
When [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] uses a [[cerebro-shell]] to control the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] and send them on a violent rampage, it is up to Windcharger to use his magnetic powers to remove the shells from a distance. But how far away should he stand? If he stands too close, he may rip the Dinobots to shreds! If he stands too far away, his powers may have no effect and everyone will die. Choose, little boy, choose. {{storylink|Dinobots Strike Back}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{note|Events from the [[Keepers Trilogy]] novels are in italics.}}
Windcharger was among the crew of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crashed on [[Earth]], and awoke in 1984 to battle the Decepticons. When the Autobots defeated the Decepticons and planned to return to Cybertron aboard the [[Ark II]], Windcharger was one of many Transformers recovered by Lazarus after the starship exploded over the Arctic. In 2002, the Decepticons broke free of Lazarus' control before the Autobots, and tore through their captive enemies. Optimus Prime and a free group of Autobots did some spot-welding to repair as many comrades as they could in a hurry, but Windcharger was too badly damaged and remained off-line until after the resulting battle in [[San Francisco]] was over. {{storylink|Prime Directive}}

''When Optimus Prime and Megatron joined forces against the U.S. military, Windcharger was on hand with the Autobots in confronting the President's forces. He was one of the first to fall before the assault of the [[Deconstructionite|deconstructionites]]. {{storylink|Fusion (novel)|Fusion}}''

When Shockwave arrived from Cybertron, proclaiming a new era of peace, Optimus Prime and a number of other Autobots were forced to surrender to his fantastically violent security force. Windcharger was left behind on Earth as part of a small unit led by [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} When a group of Decepticons returned to Earth under Starscream's command, Windcharger was deactivated battling the brutal [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], and left to rust at the bottom of a lake. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} He was eventually brought back on line with the help of [[Earth Defense Command]]. {{storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}}

===IDW comics continuity===
After [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback]] were killed in the line of duty, Windcharger attended their funeral along with the other Autobots working in [[Kaon]] Security Services with [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3}}

===Binaltech continuity (unused)===
Honda S-2000 was planned to be the new body of Windcharger, but [[Unicron]] took it away [[Decepticharge|for someone else]].

Or not.

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
*'''Windcharger''' (Mini Vehicle, 1984/2003)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''12'''

[[Image:G1Windcharger toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|What, no face? Ripoff!]]
: Released in the first year of Transformers in the same color as its [[Micro Change|Microchange]] version, and later on in a darker shade of red, Windcharger transforms into a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am sports car. The Microchange toyline was meant to depict robots that turn into toy cars, which attests to the somewhat cartoonish proportions of Windcharger's Trans Am mode.

: In 2003, toy company [[Fun4All]] made four different keychains, based on four of the original Generation 1 [[Mini Vehicle]] molds, Windcharger among them. This version is almost identical to the original, only it has a ring on the front bumper to attach the chain portion (and no face paint). In Japan, all four keychains were released in blind-packed boxes and were also made as all-black "chase" versions.

: This mold was also used to make [[Camaro]], and was [[Retool|retooled]] to make [[Tailgate]]. The keychain version of the toy was [[Redeco|redecoed]] into the [[BotCon Europe]] [[exclusive]] [[Rook (Universe)|Rook]].

===Alternators===
*'''Windcharger''' (Alternator, 2004)
**''Alternator ID number'': '''10'''
**''Accessories'': Engine-shield

[[Image:AltWindcharger toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Who am I and what happened to my gun?!!]]
: Originally designed to be an updated version of the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]] [[Overdrive]], it ended up having its name changed to Windcharger by [[Hasbro]] after they were unable to obtain the trademark for Overdrive. (The toy ''was'' released as Overdrive as part of the Japanese ''Binaltech'' line, however.) He transforms into a 1:24-scale licensed Honda S2000 sports car with a removable "ragtop" roof.

: Aside from the lack of die-cast metal, the major difference between Windcharger and Overdrive is that Windcharger lacks the long drive-shaft/barrel for his engine/rifle accessory, which was even called a "shield" on the packaging. This was at the request of Honda's USA branch, who didn't like the idea of "their" toy toting a gun around. Since Honda's Japanese department had no such objections, however, ''Binaltech'' Overdrive did include an unchanged barrel. Other minor differences include slightly different visors, the paint applications on the front grille, and Overdrive being right-hand drive for Japan, while Windcharger is left-hand drive for the US.

: This mold was [[Retool|retooled]] into [[Decepticharge]], which was planned to be released in Japan as [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] but ultimately scrapped. It was, however, later released as [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]].

{{-}}

==Trivia==
[[Image:Windcharger-COTP01.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Yo, Kup." "Hey. Aren't you dead?" "Nope." "Huh. 'Kay."]]
* Poor ol' Windcharger is the only Autobot who doesn't get a name-check or a chance to use his special powers at any point during the show's three-part pilot, "[[More than Meets the Eye]]". In fact, he doesn't even get to ''speak'' until "[[Divide and Conquer]]". All he gets to do is get beat up by [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]].

* Windcharger makes a post-mortem appearance in the third season episode "[[Call of the Primitives]]" as the energy creature [[Tornedron]] attacks [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Whether this appearance was accidental or if he "got better" (like [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]) is unknown.

* The retool of ''[[Alternators]]'' [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] was originally planned to be Windcharger (presumably in red), with the vehicle mode being a convertible. Ultimately, however, the toy ended up as [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] instead, with a new head sculpt. The head sculpt originally intended for Ford-Windcharger eventually ended up being used for the retool of the actual "Windcharger" toy (the Honda S2000 mold) instead, now named "[[Decepticharge]]".

{{-}}
==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Windcharger/windcharger.htm Windcharger at TFU.info]
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Windcharger Windcharger's ''Universe'' profile at NFTA.net]

[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Mini Vehicles]]

Barrage (Insecticon)

2009-09-01T04:20:24Z

Boxotron:

{{factions|decepticon|ultracon}}
{{disambig2|the Generation 1 Insecticon|the Generation 1 Autobot Micromaster|Barrage (Micromaster)}}
:''Barrage is a [[Decepticon]] [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:DW G1Barrage.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Crotchguns!]]
'''Barrage''' believes winning is not enough, all must be leveled to the ground, and then the rubble should be burned and the ashes scattered to the wind. Merciless and cruel, he feels kindness of any sort is allowing the enemy hope, and that is unacceptable. He will shoot the retreating and the wounded, and even those taken prisoner. Barrage takes no prisoners. Then he'll keep firing until the battlefield is a smoldering crater. When he's deployed to a battlefield, even the other Decepticons take a few steps back. He's disliked even among their ranks. Maybe it's those beady, creepy little red eyes.

==Fiction==
===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:AgeofWrath1_Barrage.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Barrage speaks a delicious pun to an equally delicious hologram.]]
After the fragmentation of the Decepticon forces following [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s seeming destruction in a [[space bridge]] accident, Barrage joined [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]'s [[Ultracon|Ultracons]]. Along with fellow Ultracons [[Chop Shop]] and [[Venom (G1)|Venom]], he was involved in an altercation with [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]. Barrage accompanied his leader to the [[Autobot]]/Decepticon peace ceremony at [[Tyger Pax]], where he granted a brief, violent 'interview' to the holo-image of [[Slamdance]]. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath issue 1}}

When Megatron and his [[Aerospace Extermination Squadron]] retook [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and reunified the Decepticons, Barrage was assigned to supervise enslaved Autobot miners at [[Internment Camp Pi]] in [[Praxus]]. While there, he and [[Octane]] delivered a brutal beatdown to the rebellious [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], but were beaten back by [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]]. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath issue 2}}

Barrage, along with Chop Shop, [[Ransack (G1)|Ransack]], and Venom, remained on Cybertron following the departure of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and the [[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]. The planet's chronic [[Energon (fuel)|energon]] shortage reduced them to a vampiric existence, forcing them to capture [[Micromasters]] and drain them of their fuel. While pursuing [[Falcon (OC)|Falcon]] and [[Flanker]] in the [[Wastelands]], they ran into the middle of a conflict between the [[Hot Rod Patrol]] and [[Race Track Patrol]]. {{storylink|Destined For Nothing}}

[[Image:VictimsoftheRevolution_Barrage_dies.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
After devouring Falcon they soon set upon the other Micromasters, but were driven back by the timely arrival of [[Groundshaker]], who left with the Hot Rod Patrol. The subsequent arrival of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] prevented them from devouring the Race Track Patrol, but he did toss them Flanker as a snack. {{storylink|The Gray Race}} The Insecticons subsequently abducted the Race Track Patrol and several other Micromasters from [[Little Iacon]], in an attempt to ferret out the Hot Rod Patrol and gain some new recruits in the process. When [[Blaze Master]] refused to sign up, Barrage shot him unconscious. En route to Decepticon HQ, Barrage's [[sonic rifle]] was stolen by the kleptomaniacal Chop Shop. {{storylink|Recipe For Hate}} Upon reaching headquarters, Barrage and his cohorts were caught in the middle of a Micromaster invasion. After watching Ransack fall, Barrage was decapitated by [[Roadhandler (G1)|Roadhandler]]. {{storylink|Victims of the Revolution}}

{{-}}
===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs the Transformers'' comics continuity===
As part of [[Serpent O.R.]]'s forces, Barrage defended the newly unified Decepticon army's base against a combined Autobot/[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] strike force. In the course of the battle, he was shot by [[Lady Jaye]]. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:Stormbringer4 DCon groundforces.jpg|left|200px|thumb|YOOOOOOOOOOOO...Cons?]]
Barrage was stationed on board the ''[[Thanatos]]''. When [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] returned to decimate Cybertron once more, Barrage joined the battle under [[Headstrong]]'s command, serving as ground forces backing up [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and the Wreckers in their struggle. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 4|Stormbringer issue 4}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1 barrage toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Don't laugh at his guns.]]
*'''Barrage''' (Deluxe Insecticon, 1985)
**''Accessories:'' Gun, sword

:Barrage transforms into a predominantly green and yellow rhinoceros beetle. As a robot, it is among the most posable of all Generation 1 toys. It is also notable for being among the very few insect Transformers to have all of its beast mode legs folded away and out of sight in robot mode.

:Barrage's mold was originally released as part of the ''Armored Insect Battalion Beetras'' toyline by Japanese toymaker [[Takatoku Toys]]. The original version of this mold was named Beet Gadol.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Decepticon/Barrage/barrage.htm More information on Barrage at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
==Notes==
* Barrage, like all of the Deluxe Insecticons, was originally designed by [[Takatoku Toys]] for the ''Armored Insect Battalion Beetras'' (機甲虫隊ビートラス) toyline. Takatoku Toys went out of business before the end of the ''Beetras'' line and their assets were purchased by fellow Japanese toymaker [[Bandai]]. Bandai licensed Takatoku's Beetras molds (alongside toys from ''Special Armored Battalion Dorvack'' and ''Super Dimensional Fortress Macross'') to Hasbro in 1985 to make the Deluxe Insecticons.
* Neither Barrage nor the rest of the Deluxe Insecticons ever appeared in an episode of the original [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''Transformers'' cartoon series]]. As none of the Deluxe Insecticons were based on toys owned by [[Takara]], there is little likelihood that they will ever be reissued by TakaraTomy or Hasbro.

==External links==
*[http://www.diaclone.net/gattaioh/beet/gad/index.html Beet Gadol at Diaclone.net] (Japanese)

[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Insecticons]]
[[Category:Ultracons]]

Palace

2009-08-31T17:29:35Z

Boxotron:

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|series2=Micron Legend
|ep=8
|prev=Carnival
|next=Confrontation (episode)
|title=Palace
|japanese=神殿 (たから) - palace
|romaji=Shinden [Takara]
|translation=Temple (Treasure)
|image=Palace-Stone Panel.jpg
|caption=NOT this [[Wikipedia:Kingdom Hearts (series)|world's Keyhole]].
|production code=TF: A-08
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Takashi Sano]]
|animation studio=[[Actas]]
|airdate=[[October 18]], 2002 (English) [[February 28|28 February]] 2003 (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''The Autobots detect a desert Mini-Con.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Palace-Minicon Panel.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Arabian Nights]]
Following up on an old tale, the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] have arrived in the Sahara Desert to attempt to locate a Mini-Con. [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] fires on a passing helicopter which turns out to be an indignant [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]], who reports no success in locating the [[Mini-Con]]. After complaining about the ubiquitous sand, Cyclonus takes off again, the wash from his rotors covering Demolishor with sand. The tank Decepticon is further put out when the ground begins falling away.

The Mini-Con alarm also sends the [[Autobot|Autobots]] with their three young human friends to the desert, where [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] immediately discovers that his tires don't get much in the way of traction. They prepare to search the desert on foot, but before they get the chance, Demolishor fires on them. While the kids and their Mini-Cons scatter, the Autobots take cover and attempt to locate the source of the weapons fire. Hot Shot combines with [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] to attempt to return fire, and is almost blasted but [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus]] knocks him out of the way.

[[Image:Palace-Exploring.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
[[Alexis]] spots Demolishor, but before the three kids can execute a diversion, the panicked Decepticon begins sinking into the sand. As [[Rad White|Rad]] shouts a warning, [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] also falls into the growing hole and is grabbed by [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]]. Demolishor calls out to [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] as he disappears beneath the sand and, up on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] reports the SOS to their leader. The kids all begin sinking into the pit and Rad releases [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] to fetch help.

Meanwhile the Autobots have realised that the kids are missing, and begin looking. They quickly locate Laserbeak in the sand but their search is interrupted by the arrival of Megatron, Cyclonus and Starscream.

The kids recover to find themselves in a ruined palace in a cavern beneath the desert. They explore in the hopes of finding a way out, and find the Mini-Con [[Insignia|symbol]] carved into a ceiling. After a discussion on what it might mean, Alexis warns the others to watch out for Decepticons, who'll be hunting for the Mini-Con as well.

Topside, the Autobots and Decepticons fight. Megatron enquires what they've done with Demolishor, but Optimus naturally doesn't know.

[[Image:Palace-Security Eyes.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Uhmm... Want some Clear Eyes?]]
In the ruin, Carlos sees a glowing eye symbol appearing on the wall and believes he's seeing things. He joins his friends only to realise that there are a couple dozen glowing red eye symbols floating in the air ahead of them. Demolisher is not far from them and, hearing their cries, begins breaking through walls to find them. He soon locates the three kids and their Mini-Cons, and is promptly attacked by the mechanical spiders which have been menacing the group.

Above ground, the battle still rages on. Megatron wonders again where Demolishor's gotten to.

[[Image:Palace-Reeeeeaaaach!.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You don't wanna know what's going on below.]]
The kids stumble on a large statue-lined chamber, at the end of which is the [[Mini-Con storage panel]] they've been searching for. After admiring the sight for some time, Carlos steps forward and triggers a trap and Rad has to save him from a huge falling boulder. Demolishor turns up, having disposed of the mechanical spiders, and heads for the Mini-Con panel as well. As the kids move to block him, the floor begins caving in, cutting them off from both Decepticon and Mini-Con. Demolishor manages to cling to the side, climbing back up and running along the floor as it collapses behind him. To add to his troubles, the statues begin firing energy pulses at him as well. The three Street Action Mini-Cons combine into [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] in order to save Rad and Carlos from another falling boulder. Finally Demolisher is able to grab the Mini-Con and begins making for the surface in tank mode.

[[Image:Hotshotarmada.jpg|left|180px|thumb|ThE DiRt TaStEs LiKe JaAm!]]
Up above, the warring Transformers are startled when the ground begins falling away. Demolishor climbs out of the growing pit to report success in obtaining the Mini-Con. As Hot Shot jumps into the pit, Demolishor activates the new Mini-Con, [[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]], and begins firing on the Autobots. Megatron orders a withdrawal as they've obtained the Mini-Con and the Decepticons teleport away. Hot Shot soon emerges from the sand carrying Perceptor and the three kids.

Back on the Moon, Megatron demands Demolishor turn over the Mini-Con, much to the Decepticon's dismay.
{{-}}
==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] (9)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (10)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (17)

|c2=
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (2)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (4)
*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] (15)
*[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] (16)

|c3=
*[[Rad White]] (5)
*[[Alexis]] (6)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (7)

|h4=[[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]]|c4=
*[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (1)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (11)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (12)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (13)
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (14)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (18)
*[[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (19)
}}

==Quotes==
[[Image:Palace-Dusty Demolishor.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Wait, but aren't you a desert tank?]]
"I tell ya, I got sand in my mouth, sand in my joints; I even have sand in places I'd rather not mention, but no Mini-" 
"Well, keep looking!"
:—'''Cyclonus''' and '''Demolishor''' hate sand.

"You think any mole-like dudes live down here?" 
"Boy, Carlos, with your imagination, you should write comic books. You are one strange guy."
:—'''Carlos''' and '''Rad''' explore the ruined palace.

[[Image:Palace-Demolishor smug.jpg|right|200px|thumb|SaY, dIrT ''dOeS'' tAsTe LiKe JaAm!]]
"Hey you, what did you do with the kids?" 
"I ate them. And they were quite tasty, too."
:—'''Hot Shot''' talks about the kids, but '''Demolishor''' is only concerned with food.

"But that isn't fair, sir!" 
"Not fair? Why I'll show you what's not fair." 
"Well, actually sir, you really don't have to." 
"No no no, really, I insist. I said I was going to show you what's not fair and so I shall show you what's not fair. Why don't you come a little closer, Demolisher, so I can give you a hands-on demonstration, [[Megatron (BW)|yesss]]."
:—'''Demolisher''' and '''Megatron'''.

==Other Notes==
===Animation/technical errors===
*Hot Shot calls Jolt "Grindor".

===Transformers references===
* Ruins under the Sahara Desert were also seen in the ''[[Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' episode "[[Peril from the Past]]".
* [[David Kaye]] was able to fit a nice long "yes" into the dialogue, a staple from his earlier [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]].

===Real world references===
[[Image:Palace-Treasure.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"That belongs in a museum!"]]
*Carlos makes a reference to Harrison Ford in relation to [[wikipedia:Indiana_Jones|archaeology]].

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

User:Boxotron

2009-08-31T17:24:47Z

Boxotron: Removing all content from page

Scavenger (Armada)

2009-08-31T07:54:53Z

Boxotron: /* Armada */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Scavenger}}
:''Scavenger is an [[Autobot]] in the [[Armada (franchise)|Armada]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] continuity family.''

[[Image:Scavengerut.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Scavenger hates Mini-Cons."]]
A former instructor at [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s top military academy, '''Scavenger''' sets the bar high. It was his (and [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]]'s) strict training regimen for the now-legendary Autobot leader [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] that has pushed the Autobots to countless victories. Not easily impressed, Scavenger despises cockiness and values only true skill. Like Optimus Prime, he sees potential in the young [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]. Hot Shot is hotheaded and cocksure, especially now that he wields the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] sword. Scavenger sees this as a problem.

But it's nothing that can't be beaten out of him.

:''Japanese name:'' '''Devastar'''
:''Polish name:'' '''Grabarz''' ("Gravedigger")

==Fiction==
===Dreamwave comics continuity===
====''Armada''====
A million years ago, [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] and Scavenger were guarding the entrance to [[Autobase (Armada)|Autobase: Cybertron]] when [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] barged in, demanding to know where [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] was. Smokescreen informed him that Prime was in the satellite room and asked if anything was wrong. All Hot Shot would say was that wrong doesn't begin to describe the situation. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 1|Dreamwave Armada issue 1}} What had transpired was that a group of renegade cybertronians calling themselves "[[Decepticon|Decepticons]]" were attacking [[Mini-Con]] villages]] and capturing the inhabitants for some reason. While sifting through the rubble of of Village C-52, Scavenger opined that it looks like the diminutive Mini-Cons tried to put up a fight, but didn't stand a chance. Soon afterwards, [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], the Decepticon leader, attacked [[Cyber City]], with his captured Mini-Cons re-engineered to [[Powerlinx|powerlink]] with [[Bulk|bulks]], providing them great power. The Autobots were beaten up and forced to retreat. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 2|Dreamwave Armada issue 2}}

For a million years the civil war raged on, the once-proud Autobots struggled to defend themselves against the powerful, Mini-Con augmented Decepticons, who were in possession of Cybertron's only remaining Mini-Cons, the others having escaped at the beginning of the conflict. Hope came in the form of a Mini-Con Reactivation Signal sent from a distant world called [[Earth]] and the Autobots resolved to go there and fight for Truth, Justice and Freedom. Almost immediately after arriving on Earth, Smokescreen was destroying public property and suggesting that they simply smash their way across the planet to find the Mini-Cons, a plan that Scavenger agreed to, as Cybertron was their priority. This callous attitude earned them both a sharp, furious rebuke from Optimus Prime, who refused to stoop down to the level of the Decepticons. However, he also understood their frustration, telling them to save their anger for the Decepticons. Scavenger apologised for being out of line, suggesting that his logic chip was damaged. Unfortunately for the Autobots, the Decepticons had already arrived and were chasing after [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug's]] group of Mini-Cons and their human friends, [[Rad White|Rad]], [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] and [[Alexis]]. Prime and Scavenger arrived just in time to smash [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] out of the sky. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 4|Dreamwave Armada issue 4}} While Optimus Prime kept Megatron distracted by trash talking the Decepticon's failure to defeat the Autobots with all of their power, Smokescreen snuck up and demolished the cliff face Megatron was perched upon with his ''head''. Scavenger noted that at least Smokescreen didn't injure anything important. Eventually Megatron powerlinked with all of his Mini-Cons and gained the upper hand, but help came in the form of [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]]'s group of Mini-Cons, who powerlinked with the Autobots. [[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] linked with Scavenger, giving him extra punching power. At a tactical disadvantage, the Decepticons were forced to flee. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 5|Dreamwave Armada issue 5}}

{{charstubfiction}}

Scavenger, despite being a bulldozer, swerved out of the way of the approaching tank-mode Demolishor and fell down a hill. This apparently knocked him out.

Really. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 2|Worlds Collide, Part 2}}

====''Energon''====
He's still alive.

{{charstubfiction}}

===''Armada'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Ward Perry]] (English), [[Keiji Fujiwara]] (Japanese), [[Staffan Lindberg]] (Swedish)

[[Image:Pre-arm-scavenger.JPG|left|180px|thumb|GAME OVER, MAN!]]
Scavenger was hired by [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] for his skills as a mercenary and a bounty hunter for [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]], due to the troubles Megatron was having with the troops under his command. Scavenger claimed that at first he did not know whether to accept the contract or not, until he saw the sorry state of the Decepticons after their defeat at the hands of Hot Shot and the Star Saber. His mocking lack of respect or fear for Megatron intimidated the other Decepticons, as well as earning [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream's]] hatred.

His first appearance on Earth was during an observation of a battle between Starscream and Hot Shot. Noting that Hot Shot only won because the Star Saber sensed its wielder's inexperience, Scavenger challenged the younger Autobot and soundly beat him, despite suffering a serious wound. {{storylink|Overmatch|Overmatch}}

Later, it was revealed that Scavenger was in fact an Autobot spy working on the behalf of Optimus Prime. After locating [[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]], he set his goal on misleading the Decepticons. It is unclear how long Scavenger posed as a Decepticon, but Megatron takes note of his "legacy" in deciding to trust him.

Scavenger performed his spy duties so well, that he surprised most of the Autobots when he turned over an important member of the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom shield]] to Megatron. Scavenger continued to serve Megatron until abruptly turning on the Decepticons and aiding Optimus Prime. Scavenger revealed his past with Prime as a teacher and fellow soldier before taking Hot Shot under his wing. Scavenger believes in hard work, but is also prone to bouts of laziness.

He served with the Autobots until the end of the [[Unicron Battles]].

{{charstubfiction}}

===''Timelines''===
With the [[Unicron Singularity]] forcing the evacuation of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Scavenger and a number of Autobot leaders were summoned to the ''[[Iron Hope]]'', where [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)|Ultra Magnus]] dispatched them across the galaxy to locate the lost Autobot colony worlds. Scavenger was given command of the ''[[DieCast]]'' and sent to [[Zeta Persei]]. {{storylink|Force of Habit|Force of Habit}}

==Toys==
===Armada===
[[Image:ArmadaScavenger toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Walk like a maaan...]]
*'''Scavenger with Rollbar''' (Max-Con, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MC-07'''
**''Accessories'': Missile

: Scavenger transforms into a large green [[wikipedia:Loader|front-end loader]] featuring functional rubber treads. Rollbar (in robot mode) can be placed inside the driver's cabin, and pressing down on the Mini-Con activates engine start up and revving sounds. Pushing Scavenger forward will cause the large purple drum wheel at the back to rotate, making driving sounds, and as he rolls forward, his shovel blade will move up and down.

: In robot mode, Scavenger has no "useful" leg articulation whatsoever. His legs are halves of the shovel blade clipped onto the purple drum wheel. Pushing Scavenger forward in robot mode rotates the wheel, moving the leg-facades up and down in a simulation of walking. Each step is accompanying by a stomp sound effect. Moving his arms up and down activates a crashing metal sound effect. Powerlinxing a Mini-Con to the active Powerlinx port on his hip then pulling it back fires a purple projectile, as well as activating a laser firing sound.

: This mold was used to make [[Treadbolt]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/ArmScavenger/scavenger.htm More information on Scavenger at TFU.info]''

===Merchandise===
* '''Devastar''' (Super Collection Figure, 2003)
{{charstubtoys}}

==Trivia==
* From a design standpoint, Scavenger is essentially an homage to the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. His coloring is the same distinctive green and purple of the Constructicons, his name, of course, is based off [[Scavenger (G1)|one of the Constructicons]] (while his Japanese name is the same as [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]'s), and his alternate form is that of a bulldozer, similar to [[Bonecrusher (G1)|another Constructicon]]. In addition, his Cybertronic robot mode, seen in the episode "[[Trust (Armada)|Trust]]", uses a rifle drawn to resemble Devastator's.

* Scavenger was based off a [http://tfarchive.com/fandom/transtech/?dgallery_show=original/Scavenger02.jpg character design] of the same name for the aborted [[Transtech]] line.

[[Category:Armada characters]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Double agents]]
[[Category:Toys with sound]]

Jackpot (G1)

2009-08-31T00:38:24Z

Boxotron: /* TransTech */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the Generation 1 Action Master|the Transformers artist|Matt Kuphaldt}}
:''Jackpot is an [[Autobot]] [[Action Master]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[Image:Jackpot.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Hit me. Hit me. Hit me. Uh, hit me. Hit me.]]
'''Jackpot''' seems to have "lucky" built into his core programming. He really gets a kick out of placing bets on dangerous predicaments and coming out on top. The higher the stakes, the happier he is. He once bet a [[Decepticon]] guard he could escape from the cell he was being held in... and now that Decepticon is in the cell Jackpot formerly inhabited.

To tilt things even further in his favor, Jackpot relies on his avian [[Action Master partner|partner]] [[Sights]] to scout out information beforehand. Of course, some are just waiting for the day Jackpot's luck runs out... which might have disastrous results for the Autobot.

{{quote|"''Whoooohooo!'' We ditched them! We're home free!"
"We got lucky."
"Of ''course'' we did, ''I'm'' here."|'''Jackpot''' & '''[[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]]'''|"[[Gone Too Far]]"|noquote=true}}

:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Gros Lot'''
:''Italian name:'' '''Inspector'''

==Fiction==
===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:SpotlightArcee RadJackpot WHOMPH.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Cybertronian casinos use drastic measures to discourage card-counters.]]
Jackpot was one of the Autobots working on the [[Garrus-9]] penal colony when [[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzai-Tron]] raided it. He was apparently blown up in the first salvo. In the long run, maybe this was lucky... but probably not. {{storylink|Spotlight: Arcee}}
{{--}}
===''TransTech''===
[[Image:Jackpot GoneTooFar.jpg|left|250px|thumb|]]
When Jackpot and [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]] arrived on [[Axiom Nexus]] via a [[space bridge]] accident, they both were processed, given identification cards and bolts, and sent out with their guide [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]]. After listening to Scattorshot explain the city—an explanation involving quantum mechanics much to Jackpot's irritation—Jackpot merrily dragged the reluctant Hubcap deeper into the city.

Jackpot wanted to go to the most lawless part of the city, while Hubcap wanted to stay somewhere slightly safer, so they compromised and eventually ended up at the ''[[The Blue Deployer]]'' in the middle. Hubcap wandered off to gamble, while Jackpot was greeted by [[Cryotek (TransTech)|Cryotek]] while ordering a drink at the bar. Later he made his way to the gambling area himself, though more interested in gambling on the roulette wheel [[Roulette|croupier]] than at any of the tables.

Eventually he caught up with Hubcap, who was in a high-stakes quantum physics card game with [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]]. Jackpot's luck aura clashed with the quantum probabilities, causing Hubcap to lose all of their money. But Gutcruncher was impressed with Hubcap's skills, offering him (and Jackpot as Hubcap's "business consultant") a job if they met him at a certain time and location the next day. Though both [[Autobot]]s were skeptical, Cryotek urged them to go, and their curiosity and need for money won out.

When the two arrived, they realized they had been invited to Gutcruncher leading the "lowtech" gang members of Axiom Nexus in a revolution. Before they could start panicking, an energy shot went past their heads and killed Gutcruncher... and everyone else immediately thought they did it. The two realized they'd been set up and made a run for it, Jackpot hanging off the top of Hubcap's altmode. One of the gang members latched onto Hubcap and Jackpot kicked him in the face, causing the gang member's laser shot to go astray and strike a fluid main. As the fluid flushed out the gang members, the two Autobots narrowly outpaced the wave, the resulting geyser launching them to safety.

When they soon discovered the police wanted them now as well, Jackpot convinced Hubcap that they should return to ''The Blue Deployer'', figuring that was the last place they would be expected to go. Cryotek was unwilling to protect them, however, so Jackpot had a new plan—find the real killer themselves to clear their names. Hubcap thought that was insane, but Jackpot accidentally bumped into a policebot before he could convince Hubcap otherwise. He and Hubcap tried to escape again, but were caught.

The two were interrogated by [[Cheetor (TransTech)|Cheetor]] and [[Stungun]], including Stungun mistakenly assuming Jackpot being an [[Action Master]] meant he had a [[nucleon|drug]] problem. The officers knew the two couldn't have assassinated Gutcruncher, but still wanted them in protective custody, so Jackpot had Hubcap smoke Cheetor out by reminding him of "that one time on Antares 3". Jackpot then sent Stungun sprawling with a punch, and he and Hubcap ran off yet again.

They headed towards the ''[[Widow's Cafe Cybertronian]]'', a potential hideout gateway recommended by Cryotek. But once there they got literally tripped up by more gang members, one of whom shot at Jackpot. The shot struck the middle of Jackpot's ID bolt and ricocheted into a [[Detectas|police officer]] tailing them, sending the officer crashing to the ground. That started a chain reaction which downed a neon sign, electrocuting the gang members. The Autobots left the damaged officer behind as they made yet another run for it.

Jackpot was in bad need of a rest to recover his nucleon and energon stores by that point, but before they could hide in one of the abandoned buildings in the area, they were approached by Cryotek's flunky [[Black Shadow]]. Black Shadow revealed that he had killed Gutcruncher and set the two up, and now was going to kill them and throw their bodies to the gangs, so the two split up and ran for it. Jackpot ended up being pursued by Black Shadow's robotic shell, and got into a fistfight with it after it chased him into a dead end alleyway.

The fight ended up going badly for Jackpot, and he eventually found himself beaten and completely depleted. But just as the shell was about to execute him, it suddenly cracked apart and crumbled to the ground, due to Hubcap having been able to get the real Black Shadow found out and killed elsewhere. After learning the news from Hubcap, Jackpot strolled confidently out of the alleyway... and bumped right into [[Airazor (BW)|Officer Airazor]].

Their names finally cleared of Gutcruncher's assassination, the two were given expedited exit visas back to their home universe, having been classified as "undesirables" after all their antics. Though instead of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] or [[Earth]], the [[Transcendent Technomorph|TransTechs]] sent the two Autobots to the backwater planet [[Zegris]] instead. They ended up landing on and taking out [[Killzone]], a Decepticon who had been terrorizing the populace. After finding out why a Decepticon would be interested in a backwater planet, the two were all too happy to help the aliens deal with their millions of tons of horrible [[Energon cube|exploding pink rocks]]... {{storylink|Gone Too Far}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Jackpot toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Considering the placement of that cannon, I'm not sure I want to know what it fires]]
*'''Jackpot w/ Sights''' (Action Master, 1990)
**''Accessories'': Sights partner, "Heat Induced Photon Rifle"

: As an [[Action Master]], Jackpot is a non-transforming action figure, though his design shows parts of a sports-car alternate mode, likely a [[wikipedia:Ferrari Testarossa|Ferrari Testarossa]]. He was sold on an individual card with his [[Action Master partner|partner]] [[Sights]], who can transform into a (very) large rifle. He is compatible with any other Action Master weapon or vehicle.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1990/Autobot/Jackpot/jackpot.htm More information on Jackpot at TFU.info]''
{{--}}
==Trivia==
* Jackpot has a big thing for [[Female Transformer|fembots]] (especially ones with racing stripes), despite it being the one aspect of life where he isn't (getting) lucky.
* [[Greg Sepelak]] has mentioned that Jackpot's personality in "[[Gone Too Far]]" was inspired by "the goofy, gabby, pun-hurling [[wikipedia:Tony Oliver|Tony-Oliver]]-voiced version" of [[wikipedia:Lupin III|Lupin III]]. [http://www.allspark.com/content/view/4436/16/]

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Strategists]]
[[Category:TransTech characters]]

Squawktalk (G1)

2009-08-30T22:27:53Z

Boxotron:

{{Picsneeded|Toy}}

{{factions|decepticon}}
:''Squawktalk is a [[Decepticon]] [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Mini-Cassette]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Squawktalk cardart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He's the Decepticon cassette bird. Not Laserbeak, the OTHER Decepticon cassette bird. No, not Buzzsaw. The other, other one. NO, Ratbat's not even a bird. YES, there IS another one. ...Poor Squawktalk. :-(]]
'''Squawktalk''' can request a cracker in over 6500 languages. He loves to hear bizarre languages and dialects, as he finds it soothing and relaxing. To this end, he talks constantly, even when he has nothing to say. This has not particularly endeared him to his comrades, who eagerly await for Squawktalk to have to translate something—even if it won't shut him up, at least he'll be talking about something ''important''.

Squawktalk can combine with [[Beastbox]] to form [[Squawkbox]].

:''French-Canadian name'': '''Loquace'''

==Fiction==
===Madman ''The Transformers'' comic===
[[Image:Madman comic Soundwave ejects tapes.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Laserbeak and Buzzsaw, as loyal members of the Birds of Prey Union, were unyielding in the pay negotiations. Eventually the Decepticons hired a strikebreaker. Poor Squawktalk. :-(]]
In the year 2001, Squawktalk accompanied [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and several other Decepticon mini-Cassettes to spy on the construction site of [[Autobot City]] on [[Earth]]. The team recorded a secret meeting between [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] where the two Autobot leaders discussed hiding the [[Matrix of Leadership|Autobot Matrix of Leadership]] in a bunker on the building site. Once the majority of the Autobots had left for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Soundwave deployed Squawktalk, Beastbox, [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], [[Slugfest (G1)|Slugfest]] and [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]] to begin excavation. Squawktalk combined with Beastbox into Squawkbox and successfully dug up the Matrix, but was then run over by the Autobot [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]. {{storylink|The Transformers (Madman)|The Transformers}}
{{-}}
===''TransTech''===
Squawktalk is one of countless "offworlders" residing in [[Axiom Nexus]]. He was seen hanging out with [[Beastbox]], as usual. {{storylink|Gone Too Far}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1 Squawkbox toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|80's media and 80's fashion. Can you tell?]]
* '''Beastbox and Squawktalk''' (Mini-Cassette 2-pack, 1988)
**''Accessories'': 2 "Sonic Boomers"

:Squawktalk transforms from a blue microcassette designed to fit into [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]]'s chest, into a bird. He has two "Sonic Boomers" which can be attached to his bird mode. He was sold with [[Beastbox]], and he combines with him to form [[Squawkbox]].

:While this set was available in the [[Hasbro]] line at standard retail, [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] released it only as a mail-order toy, along with a few other Hasbro toys from that same year. The pair cost 980 yen and 2 [[Robot Point]]s.
{{--}}

==Notes==
* In Japan, Squawktalk's bird mode was specified to be an eagle.

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1988/Decepticon/Squawktalk/squawktalk.htm Squawktalk at TFU.info]

[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:Masterforce characters]]
[[Category:Mini-Cassettes]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:TransTech characters]]

Blazemaster (ROTF)

2009-08-23T17:43:08Z

Boxotron:

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the news chopper from [[Revenge of the Fallen]]|the [[Generation 1]] [[Micromaster]]|Blaze Master}}
{{disambig2|the Autobot helicopter from Revenge of the Fallen|the Decepticon helicopter from Revenge of the Fallen|Blademaster}}
:''Blazemaster is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Blaze Master ROTF Deluxe toy.jpg|right|thumb|350px|It's all fun and games until the [[zombie]]s show up and we all have to pile onto this guy and head for the nearest shopping mall...]]
'''Blazemaster''' is thought by many of his Autobot comrades to be haywire. He will fly over Decepticons, intentionally alerting them of his presence. Once that's done, he starts dropping corrosive gel on them, watching as they run for their lives.

He transforms into a Channel 7 news copter.
{{TOCclear}}
==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====Deluxe Class Toys====
*'''Blazemaster''' (2009)
{{charstubtoys}}
{{charstub}}

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]
[[Category:Toy-only characters]]

Blazemaster (ROTF)

2009-08-23T16:58:31Z

Boxotron:

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the news chopper from [[Revenge of the Fallen]]|the [[Generation 1]] [[Micromaster]]|Blaze Master}}
{{disambig2|the Autobot helicopter from Revenge of the Fallen|the Decepticon helicopter from Revenge of the Fallen|Blademaster}}
:''Blazemaster is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Blaze Master ROTF Deluxe toy.jpg|right|thumb|350px|It's all fun and games until the [[zombie]]s show up and we all have to pile onto this guy and head for the nearest shopping mall...]]
'''Blazemaster''' is thought by many of his Autobot comrades to be haywire. He will fly over Decepticons, intentionally alerting them of his presence. Once that's done, he starts dropping corrosive gel on them, watching as they run for their lives.

He transforms into a Channel 7 new copter.
{{TOCclear}}
==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====Deluxe Class Toys====
*'''Blazemaster''' (2009)
{{charstubtoys}}
{{charstub}}

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]
[[Category:Toy-only characters]]

Dune Runner (ROTF)

2009-08-23T16:39:23Z

Boxotron: /* Scout Class Toys */

{{factions|autobot|NEST}}
{{disambig2|the live-action movie series Autobot|the ''Armada'' [[Mini-Con]]|Dune Runner (Armada)}}
:''Dune Runner is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:ROTF Dune Runner Scout.jpg|thumb|300px|]]

Back on Cybertron, most rolling surfaces are flat, lightly textured roads - perfect for speed and traction. It wasn't until he got to earth that '''Dune Runner''' experienced anything like sand or shale. He can't say he enjoys his new vehicle mode, but he appreciates that it lets him patrol the deserts and mountains, where many Decepticons have taken to hiding.

He also happens to look a lot like [[Landmine (Movie)|Landmine]]!

==Toys==
===''Revenge of the Fallen''===
====Scout Class Toys====
*'''Dune Runner''' (Scout, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RA-16'''

:''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Dune Runner is a Scout class toy that bears a strong resemblance in vehicle mode to the [[Movie (toyline)|2007 ''Transformers'' toyline's]] [[Landmine (Movie)|Landmine]]. However, Landmine was a Deluxe class figure and transformed very differently to Dune Runner, so obviously, Dune Runner is '''NOT''' a [[retool]] of Landmine. An undocumented feature in the figure are heel struts that you can flip out. The toy was packaged with them flipped in.

{{charstubtoys}}
{{-}}

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:NEST]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]
[[Category:Toy-only characters]]

Talk:Soundwave (ROTF)

2009-08-23T16:32:23Z

Boxotron: /* Soundwave's Packaging */

==Toy in stores==
* I just got Soundwave in a shop in Belgium, is that even posible when this page says it's not on shelves now?--[[User:Sunjumper|Sunjumper]] 15:51, 28 March 2009 (EDT)

== Whaa? ==

What happened to my edit? I added a mainpic then it just disappeared {{unsigned|Ikkwave}}

:The picture was crappy so it was removed. -[[User:Mazenoise|Mazenoise]] 06:01, 17 June 2009 (EDT)

:Oh ok XD [[User:Ikkwave|Ikkwave]] 01:02, 19 June 2009 (EDT)

== Head in ROTF ==

Anybody else agree on Soundwave's head in the movie actually being that armoured decoy head the toy has on the back? Looking at the toy that matches far more with what I saw on screen, but I'll know for sure near end of this week when I go and see it again.[[User:Dead Metal|Dead Metal]] 06:51, 29 June 2009 (EDT)

==Toy shoulders==

:''The configuration for the satellite mode depicted in the toy's instructions is not the way Soundwave appears in the film, featuring a different angling for the panels on his shoulders. It's not a big change, but transforming the toy in accordance with his movie appearance ''does'' help to distinguish the jet from the satellite a little, since otherwise, virtually the only difference is in the positioning of the large panel "wings".''

What, exactly, is that referring to? Although many fans (and the official press photos) skip it, the toy's instructions '''do''' show a change in the shoulder panels' position between the jet and the satellite: that's the only way the satellite's panels plug into them. I tried to look at the shoulders the last time I saw the movie, but they looked like the properly transformed version. Before I just delete that section, can someone show me what I'm missing? --[[User:Buttbutt|Buttbutt]] 19:32, 2 July 2009 (EDT)

:Essentially, the toy shows the panels folded down against the shoulders - not bent in the middle and actually plugged into the circular grooves as they are for jet and robot modes, but straight, flat and downwardly-pointing. In the film, they're rotated 90 degrees, fanned out, with the large, flat side (with the orange circle) facing outward. Well, inasmuch as what you see in the movie looks anything ''like'' the toy. He's got two panels fanned out on either side of his head. I suppose, though, after a moment of reflection, that his panels shift and move about so much in the film that it might be a bit negligible. It's just that without it, the only difference between the two modes is bending the shoulder panels down a bit and clicking the large wing-panels into them. - [[User:Chris McFeely|Chris McFeely]] 19:42, 2 July 2009 (EDT)

==New main picture==

'Rise of the Decepticons' has a good double-page picture of Soundwave hacking into the American satellite, which I feel would be a better choice for main picture as it really embodies his role in the film. Would it be okay to change it, or does TFWiki have an unofficial policy that main pictures have to be of TF's in their robot mode? [[User:Tarrn|Tarrn]] 05:44, 9 July 2009 (EDT)
:Given that Soundwave doesn't use his robot mode in his most prominent fiction appearance, I think it would be fine if the article's main imagine was of his satellite mode. --[[User:KilMichaelMcC|KilMichaelMcC]] 12:25, 9 July 2009 (EDT)
:Okay, seeing the actual picture in question... I don't think that makes a very good main pic at all. It is dominated by the actual satellite and not Soundwave himself. --[[User:KilMichaelMcC|KilMichaelMcC]] 13:25, 9 July 2009 (EDT)
::I could crop it to focus entirely on Soundwave, although it looks a little odd as his main body is entirely on the left-hand side of the picture unless you crop the right wing too. I'm going to try a version where it's centered on his head and see what people think.[[User:Tarrn|Tarrn]] 18:09, 9 July 2009 (EDT)

== Repeat? ==

Did anyone else notice how two of Soundwave's scenes were the same? Specifically, his first appearance, and his last. Anyone? [[Special:Contributions/24.89.74.34|24.89.74.34]] 02:23, 10 July 2009 (EDT)

== Soundwave's Packaging ==
On the back of his packaging it says, "Cannon converts to blade!" Is it me or is there a lack of cannon?
[[User:Boxotron|Boxotron]] 12:32, 23 August 2009 (EDT)

Talk:Soundwave (ROTF)

2009-08-23T16:32:01Z

Boxotron:

==Toy in stores==
* I just got Soundwave in a shop in Belgium, is that even posible when this page says it's not on shelves now?--[[User:Sunjumper|Sunjumper]] 15:51, 28 March 2009 (EDT)

== Whaa? ==

What happened to my edit? I added a mainpic then it just disappeared {{unsigned|Ikkwave}}

:The picture was crappy so it was removed. -[[User:Mazenoise|Mazenoise]] 06:01, 17 June 2009 (EDT)

:Oh ok XD [[User:Ikkwave|Ikkwave]] 01:02, 19 June 2009 (EDT)

== Head in ROTF ==

Anybody else agree on Soundwave's head in the movie actually being that armoured decoy head the toy has on the back? Looking at the toy that matches far more with what I saw on screen, but I'll know for sure near end of this week when I go and see it again.[[User:Dead Metal|Dead Metal]] 06:51, 29 June 2009 (EDT)

==Toy shoulders==

:''The configuration for the satellite mode depicted in the toy's instructions is not the way Soundwave appears in the film, featuring a different angling for the panels on his shoulders. It's not a big change, but transforming the toy in accordance with his movie appearance ''does'' help to distinguish the jet from the satellite a little, since otherwise, virtually the only difference is in the positioning of the large panel "wings".''

What, exactly, is that referring to? Although many fans (and the official press photos) skip it, the toy's instructions '''do''' show a change in the shoulder panels' position between the jet and the satellite: that's the only way the satellite's panels plug into them. I tried to look at the shoulders the last time I saw the movie, but they looked like the properly transformed version. Before I just delete that section, can someone show me what I'm missing? --[[User:Buttbutt|Buttbutt]] 19:32, 2 July 2009 (EDT)

:Essentially, the toy shows the panels folded down against the shoulders - not bent in the middle and actually plugged into the circular grooves as they are for jet and robot modes, but straight, flat and downwardly-pointing. In the film, they're rotated 90 degrees, fanned out, with the large, flat side (with the orange circle) facing outward. Well, inasmuch as what you see in the movie looks anything ''like'' the toy. He's got two panels fanned out on either side of his head. I suppose, though, after a moment of reflection, that his panels shift and move about so much in the film that it might be a bit negligible. It's just that without it, the only difference between the two modes is bending the shoulder panels down a bit and clicking the large wing-panels into them. - [[User:Chris McFeely|Chris McFeely]] 19:42, 2 July 2009 (EDT)

==New main picture==

'Rise of the Decepticons' has a good double-page picture of Soundwave hacking into the American satellite, which I feel would be a better choice for main picture as it really embodies his role in the film. Would it be okay to change it, or does TFWiki have an unofficial policy that main pictures have to be of TF's in their robot mode? [[User:Tarrn|Tarrn]] 05:44, 9 July 2009 (EDT)
:Given that Soundwave doesn't use his robot mode in his most prominent fiction appearance, I think it would be fine if the article's main imagine was of his satellite mode. --[[User:KilMichaelMcC|KilMichaelMcC]] 12:25, 9 July 2009 (EDT)
:Okay, seeing the actual picture in question... I don't think that makes a very good main pic at all. It is dominated by the actual satellite and not Soundwave himself. --[[User:KilMichaelMcC|KilMichaelMcC]] 13:25, 9 July 2009 (EDT)
::I could crop it to focus entirely on Soundwave, although it looks a little odd as his main body is entirely on the left-hand side of the picture unless you crop the right wing too. I'm going to try a version where it's centered on his head and see what people think.[[User:Tarrn|Tarrn]] 18:09, 9 July 2009 (EDT)

== Repeat? ==

Did anyone else notice how two of Soundwave's scenes were the same? Specifically, his first appearance, and his last. Anyone? [[Special:Contributions/24.89.74.34|24.89.74.34]] 02:23, 10 July 2009 (EDT)

== Soundwave's Packaging ==
On the back of his packaging it says, "Cnnon converts to blade!" Is it me or is there a lack of cannon?
[[User:Boxotron|Boxotron]] 12:32, 23 August 2009 (EDT)

Talk:Transformers Autobots/Decepticons

2009-08-10T20:47:26Z

Boxotron:

i Added the decpticon and autobots thing from its main page version..Odd that it wasn't already there. Srry I dont know howt to sign...I'm Chipmonk3288

== But is it good? ==

I know this might not be the place to come for reviews; but maybe there can be a "reception" section, or "The game received generally mixed reviews" or whatever. Or an external link to a review, maybe? Just throwing ideas out there.[[User:Animus|Animus]] 08:05, 24 December 2007 (UTC)Animus

== Wifi Not Working? ==

A while ago I attempted to connect to the server for the Allspark Wars, but it said there was a communications error. Did anyone else have the same problem? Has there been any official reason given for the problem, like the server being used for the new ROTF game? [[User:Boxotron|Boxotron]] 16:47, 10 August 2009 (EDT)

User:Boxotron

2009-08-10T20:46:05Z

Boxotron: New page: I am Boxotron. Am I a fleshie pretending to be a Cybertronian or am I a Cybertronian pretending to be a fleshie pretending to be a Cybertronian? You'll never know. Boxes are awesome.

I am Boxotron.

Am I a fleshie pretending to be a Cybertronian or am I a Cybertronian pretending to be a fleshie pretending to be a Cybertronian?

You'll never know.

Boxes are awesome.

Hot Shot (RID)

2009-08-10T01:16:10Z

Boxotron: /* Super Spy Changers catalog */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Hot Shot}}
{{picsneeded|toys}}
:''Hot Shot is the leader of the [[Autobot]] [[Spy Changer]]s in the [[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:RID Artfire HotShot biocard.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The heat is on. It's on the street.]]

'''Hot Shot''' has served with [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] for many years. His gruff exterior hides the tender heart of a [[Rhinox (BW)|pretty girly-man that wants to prance through wildflowers]].

Hot Shot's special jutsu is manipulating fire.

:''Japanese Name:'' '''Artfire''' (アートファイヤー ''Ātofaiyā'')

==Fiction==
===''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Michael McConnohie]] (English), [[Eiji Takemoto]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Hotshotrid.jpg|left|180px|thumb|He did come out as a burn-out technohippie]]
When the [[Predacon (RID)|Predacons]] stole a plutonium energy generator, [[T-AI]] called in the Spy Changers. Hot Shot, [[Crosswise (RID)|Crosswise]] and [[R.E.V.]] responded first, pursuing the Predacons onto the beach where they were joined by the other three Spy Changers. Hot Shot suggested a spot of "cyber-jousting", and climbed onto [[W.A.R.S.]]. The Predacons eventually escaped with a fake generator which the Spy Changers had swapped for the real one. {{storylink|Spychangers to the Rescue}}

After Optimus was captured and tortured by Megatron, the Spy Changers joined the [[Autobot Brothers]] in rescuing their leader and seeing off the Predacons. {{storylink|Sideburn's Obsession}}

[[Image:Mirage's Betrayal Hot shot.jpg|right|200px|thumb|This Hot Shot prefers a different flavor of [[JaAm]].]]
Later, the team tried to protect a ruby from Predacon theft, Hot Shot ordering Mirage onto a nearby roof to shoot the Predacons if all else failed. Mirage failed to take the shot and the Predacons got away. Though Hot Shot personally felt responsible, he was disturbed by Mirage's actions, especially when the Autobot failed to explain why he hadn't fired and even moreso when he appeared to have joined the Predacons. As it turned out, Mirage was undertaking a deception as he'd been bugged by [[Sky-Byte]], and Hot Shot welcomed him back to the team. {{storylink|Mirage's Betrayal}}

The Spy Changers also took part in the Great Race in an attempt to find [[Skid-Z (RID)|Skid-Z]]. Hot Shot was saved from Megatron's blinding blast by a warning from [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]], and attempted to tackle Megatron on his own, but failed. {{storylink|Skid Z's Choice}} On another occasion, the Spy Changers were called back to base to watch footage of various battles, but had to wrap up a fight with the Predacons first. {{storylink|Hope for the Future}}

[[Image:Hotshot fireblaster.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Hey, my toy can do that!]]
The Spy Changers accompanied [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] to [[Montrose Island]] where Predacon activity was causing the volcano to become violent. They attempted to keep [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] and [[Sky-Byte]] busy while Optimus went to use his blizzard storm on the volcano. When the volcano was ruptured and lava threatened the nearby resort, the Spy Changers used their Inferno Blast to divert its path. {{storylink|Volcano}}

Sent to stop the Decepticons from finding [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]], the Spy Changers jumped out in front of the foe and were soundly trounced by [[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]] and [[Rollbar (RID)|Rollbar]]. {{storylink|Fortress Maximus (episode)|Fortress Maximus}}

The Spy Changers took part in the ambush of the Decepticons after the Autobot base was discovered. {{storylink|Surprise Attack!}} After Galvatron's defeat, they celebrated by racing with Skid-Z. {{storylink|The Final Battle (RID)|The Final Battle}}

===Super Spy Changers catalog===
With [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] having departed Earth aboard [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]], the Autobots were unable to call upon his power when a new menace suddenly arose to challenge them. In order to combat this threat, a plan was put into motion to upgrade the Spy Changers with [[Spark Engine|Spark Engines]], granting them Super Modes.

Super Artfire gained the ability to manipulate blue, high-temperature flames and carried a more dignified presence of leadership.<ref>http://megazarak.hp.infoseek.co.jp/japaspe/carrobo/ssc.html Super Spy Changers story and bios in Japanese]</ref><ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/731/37/ English translation of story and bios]</ref>

==Toys==
===Robots in Disguise===
*'''Artfire''' (Spy Changer, 2000)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-005'''
**''Accessories'': Rifle

: A [[redeco]] of the ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bots]] [[Blowout]] mold, Artfire transforms into a Porsche 959 sports car. He features a through-axle construction that allows him to zip quickly along smooth surfaces in car mode, and is compatible with many "Hot Wheels" and "Matchbox" racetracks. His silver windshield has heat-sensitive paint that reveals an Autobot insignia, in a method similar to the original [[Rubsign|rubsigns]].

: This mold was also used to make the ''Generation 2'' Go-Bot versions of [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2001/Autobot/HotShot/hotshot.htm More information on Artfire at TFU.info]''

{{anchor|SC6pack}}
*'''Spy Changer DX6''' (Multi-pack, 2000)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-011'''
**''Accessories'': Rifle

: All six Spy Changers were not only sold as individuals in Japan, but in a six-piece gift set as well.

{{anchor|Juscoclear}}
*'''Artfire clear version''' (Spy Changer, 2000)
**''Accessories'': Rifle

: An [[exclusive]] [[redeco]] of Artfire in clear-red and clear-green plastics, this version was only available from [[JUSCO]] stores in Japan as a direct-mail premium to members of their "Peppy Kids Republic" (元気キッズ共和国, ''Genki Kidzu Kyōwakoku''), a sort of subsidiary/offshoot for selling baby goods and children's clothing. Since membership was open only to kids 12 and under and this version was shipped blind-packed, getting the entire set of six was extremely difficult.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Cybertron/ClearArtfire/artfire.htm More information on JUSCO clear Artfire at TFU.info]''

{{anchor|RID2-pack}}
[[Image:RIDHotShot-RIDtoy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Ability to stick to any surface not included.]]
*'''Hot Shot & R.E.V.''' (Basic, 2001)
**''Accessories'': Rifle

: Available only in a two-pack with [[R.E.V.]], the [[Hasbro]] version of Hot Shot replaces the heat-sensitive insignia with a normal Autobot insignia [[tampograph]] on the roof of the car. The window-paint changed to metallic blue, plus the toy was slighty [[Retool|retooled]] to have a locking tab on the windshield bottom to keep the car front end in place.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2001/Autobot/HotShot/hotshot.htm More information on Hot Shot at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|KB1}}
[[Image:RIDHotShot-KB1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|But does he crave JaAm?]]
*'''Hot Shot''' (Spy Changer, 2002)
**''Accessories'': Rifle

: All six original Spy Changers were redecoed using clear versions of their normal plastic colors (keeping their normal paint applications, though), and released on individual cards through [[KB Toys]] chains as [[Exclusive|exclusives]]. This packaging was the first to identify the team as "Spy Changers" in Hasbro markets.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/KBHotShot/hotshot.htm More information on KB Toys clear Hot Shot at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|TinyTin}}
*'''Hot Shot''' (Tiny Tins, 2002)
**''Accessories'': Rifle, carrying tin

: The normal Hasbro version of Hot Shot was released as part of the first assortment of [[Tiny Tins]] Transformers, coming with a carrying tin.

{{-}}{{anchor|Super}}
[[Image:RIDHotShot-Super.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Not [[negative universe]] Artfire.]]
*'''Super Artfire''' (Spy Changer, 2003)
**''Accessories'': Rifle

: Long after the ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Car Robots]]'' line ended in Japan, Takara put out individually-boxed redecoes of the Spy Changers. Artfire was given a reversed white and black deco, with clear-green inner robot parts. His flames are painted a shiny metallic blue.

: In each case of twelve Super Spy changers, two were all-clear-plastic versions (but keeping their paint applications). All six Spy Changers had a clear variant.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Cybertron/SuperArtfire/artfire.htm More information on Super Artfire at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Cybertron/ClearSuperArtfire/artfire.htm More information on clear Super Artfire at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|KB2}}
[[Image:RIDHotShot-KB2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Would be invisible if not for the fact that he's on fire.]]
*'''Hot Shot''' (Spy Changer, 2003)
**''Accessories'': Rifle

: A second round of clear-plastic KB Toys exclusive Spy Changers was released on individual cards. This time around, he was done in colorless, blue and red clear-plastics.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/HotShot/hotshot.htm More information on KB Toys clear white Hot Shot at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
* The color scheme and deco of the original Spychanger toy is an homage to [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Stepper]], an originally Japanese exclusive [[Targetmaster]] redeco of the 1984 [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] toy that's now better known as "Ricochet" outside Japan. Oddly enough, however, the original Japanese version of the Car Robots Spychanger used the name of Stepper's fellow Targetmaster, [[Artfire]].
* In Japan, Artfire is a [[relative]] of [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Fire Convoy]].

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Japanese-original characters]]
[[Category:Ninjas]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise characters]]
[[Category:Spy Changers]]
[[Category:Tiny Tins]]