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Go for Unicron!

2026-05-11T00:33:44Z

Chase eX: /* Foreign localization */

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=16
|title="Go for Unicron!"
|japanese=めざせ! ユニクロン
|romaji=Mezase! Unicron
|translation=Aim for! Unicron
|image=E16_titlecard.jpg
|caption=This is about when people started to reevaluate their [[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)#Reception|opinions]] of ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]''.
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Masayuki Ōseki]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[April 23|23 April]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[July 3]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Rodimus rescues Scorponok, while the Autobots launch a powerful new starship.''' 
or, 
'''GET IN THE SHIP!'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Energon-Prowl-Pratfall.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|left|Why? Why? Why was I programmed to feel pain?]]

[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] recalls [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]]'s torture as the bait for a trap for [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]]. Trapped against the planet's [[Energon grid (technology)|energon grid]], Scorponok screams in agony. Alpha Q observes and frets, promising that if it continues they will rescue him.

From [[Midway Gate Station 0-8]], [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] contacts [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. He's tracking the two [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s that [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] tagged; they're light years apart, in two different planetary systems. The [[Autobot]]s suspect their enemy has two bases.

Megatron and [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] are growing bored waiting for a response for their trap, when [[Team Rodimus's ship|a ship]] approaches. Aboard, [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] and [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] voice concerns about [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]]'s plan to rescue Scorponok, but nevertheless refuse to let him go out solo.

The ship lands near Scorponok's position, and is intercepted by Starscream. A battle between him and the three Autobots ensues. Megatron and his troops arrive and attack; he trades words with Rodimus, revealing that they've clashed before. The fight continues. Rodimus [[Powerlinx]] with Prowl, and the three Autobots capably hold their own against Megatron's troops. When even Megatron takes a fall, he orders his damaged troops to retreat. Rodimus offers to transport the injured Scorponok back to his planet, eliciting surprise from the Decepticon. Alpha Q speaks, warning that Rodimus cannot be trusted.

[[File:Energon-MirandaII-1st-Appearance.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|Hovering like a [[Miranda Jones|loving wife and mother]].]]

On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]] presents a new craft he's developed: the ''[[Miranda II]]'', a massive, highly durable vessel powered by its own [[Energon tower (technology)|energon tower]], allowing the Autobots to expand their search for [[energon]]. Prime assembles his team, which to [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]]'s surprise includes [[Misha Miramond|Misha]]. The ship launches. Its first mission is to destroy two transmitters "placed on either end of the planetary system", thereby destroying Unicron. The Decepticons detect the ship, and move to respond.

The ''Miranda II'' deploys its [[Energon Ring]], generating a [[space bridge]], but the Decepticons arrive and prepare to attack. Misha prepares to deploy the ship's [[energon shield]], but [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] damages the Energon Ring before the space bridge can be activated. The [[Omnicon]]s, the only ones capable of handling the energon, deploy to repair it, while the Autobots engage the Decepticons. Ironhide defends the Omnicons, but accidentally knocks Snow Cat into them, leaving them dazed.

[[File:Energon-Demolishor-Death.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|left|Oh no, not again!]]

Kicker volunteers to head out and repair the space bridge. He suits up and heads into the explosive battlefield... only to immediately lose control and go tumbling head over heels. The Autobots coach him into regaining control, and Kicker sets to the repairs while Ironhide holds off Starscream. The bridge is repaired, and Misha activates both the bridge and the energon shield. As an alarmed Ironhide and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] both watch, the rapidly expanding shield grows toward Optimus and Megatron, who are engaged in battle. Demolishor flies in to push his leader aside, and is caught by the field. As a bright light engulfs him, Ironhide flashes back to their time on Earth together, and... rather calmly notes that they'd better get going.

Demolishor begins to disintegrate, vows that Optimus Prime will pay for this, and then explodes. Ironhide watches and again notes that they should get in the ship, which he does backward. A small glowing [[spark]] descends from the explosion, landing in the palm of Megatron's hands. He leads his remaining troops away, while the ''Miranda II'' heads into the warp gate.

Amid a somber atmosphere on the bridge, Prime thanks Kicker for his help; Kicker modestly shrugs it off, thanks Misha for ''her'' help, and notes that there's still a lot more work ahead. As Ironhide gazes out the windows at the passing space, nobody much notices that their former comrade just [[death|died]].
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (8)
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (9)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (10)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (11)
*[[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] (13)
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (14)
*[[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] (15)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] (20)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]] (21)
*[[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]] (24)
*[[Prime Force]] (25)

|c2=
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (1)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] (2)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (12)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (16)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (17)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (5)
*[[Brian Jones]] (18)
*[[Kicker Jones]] (19)
*[[Misha Miramond]] (23)

|c4=
*[[Alpha Quintesson]] (4)
*[[Blackout (Terrorcon)|Blackout]]s (7)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (22)
}}

==Quotes==
"Oh my! We simply ''must'' help Scorponok!" 
"Don't worry. He will survive. But if it continues, we must rescue him." 
"But what if it's one of Megatron's ''traps''?!" 
"Quit your worrying!" 
"I can't help it! You ''know'' I have a soft spot for Scorponok!" 
"Be patient. We won't leave him to perish."
:—'''Alpha Q''' monologues

"Hang in there Kicker! Just use your body to control your momentum HEYYYYYY! You gotta do what I say, you understand? ...Use your body, Kicker! It'll help you move in zero gravity!"
:—'''Ironhide''' speaks in run-on sentences. Nonsensical run-on sentences.

"Just look what you've done to me. You will pay for this, Prime! Mark my words, you'll pay."
:—'''Demolishor''' seems only mildly annoyed about being killed.

"HURRY, GET IN THE SHIP!"
:—'''Ironhide'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s "reaction" to the death of his old comrade Demolishor
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Super Link''===
*The original mission is simply to ''investigate'' the system where the transmitters have been located—not to destroy the transmitters! In ''Super Link'', Prime then vows that they won't return until they've destroyed Unicron. ''Energon'' somehow skews this into a statement that destroying the transmitters will also destroy Unicron.
*Ironhide's nonsense about "using your body" was originally a "you are not alone" pep talk.
*In what may be the single worst dubbing gaffe in the entire series, everyone's reactions to Demolishor's death are completely wiped away:
**In ''Super Link'', the flashback to Demolishor on Earth is the moment that Ironhide realizes that it was Demolishor who had been caught by the energon grid. In ''Energon'', since nobody seems to notice Demolishor's plight, it comes off as completely random.
**When Demolishor pushes Ironhide out of the way in ''Super Link'', he yells, "MOVE!" and Ironhide is taken by surprise at this disruption. In ''Energon'', he is completely unfazed by this event. In fact, ''Energon'' treats it as though this event didn't even happen—like the people watching the footage missed it (to be fair, it's a blink-and-you'll-miss-it sequence).
**Demolishor's "you'll pay for this" was originally an entreaty to Ironhide to remember him, along with a last "rookie" pot shot.
**Megatron's "this is far from over" was originally a quiet salute to Demolishor's final act.
**Ironhide's anguished yells of Demolishor's name are entirely replaced by him urging the others to board the ''Miranda II''. Ironically, in ''Super Link'', '''everyone else''' is urging Ironhide to get on board! In case you were wondering why it looked like everyone was dragging Ironhide aboard as opposed to him willingly walking (backwards) into the ship... yeah.
*The ending conversation on the bridge is somewhat reduced in impact, with Misha originally mentioning Kicker's fear of space, and he saying that he thinks he's moved on from it.

===Pain count===
*"Uh?": 13
*"We need/they want energon": 2
*"It's time to": 4
*"We've gotta": 1
*"(Let's) Do it/this": 7
*"Gimme a break": 1

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Too many errors in one frame-Go for Unicron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|What the hell happened here?]]
*Strongarm at one point refers to Skyblast as Ironhide.
*Perceptor is depicted as the same size as a standard Autobot once again.
*There is at ''least'' one clip where everything has just gone horribly wrong.
**Kicker is only a head and is shown wearing his helmet when he isn't wearing it before or after the clip. It would also seem that the cel was meant to be placed over the edge of the balcony, not sideways and in the air away from it.
**Strongarm and Skyblast are meant to be in the forefront but are instead placed behind everyone and are depicted as very, ''very'' large because of this.
**Jetfire is shown to be the same height as Hot Shot, when he should be around the size of Ironhide. Oddly, Ironhide is grossly out of scale also.
**You can barely see Inferno, who should most likely be in front of the other Autobots, rather than behind them. He also appears to jump around the scene much like earlier in the episode.
**Ironically, Optimus Prime is the ''only'' one in [[scale]] in the ''entire'' scene based on the background and everyone around him is far too small.
*Strongarm responds to Skyblast in one scene with Hot Shot's voice.
*Ironhide is shown reporting to Kicker with Strongarm's voice.

===Continuity notes===
[[File:Go for Unicron-Landmine Turret.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
*Demolishor dies this episode. However, much like [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] in ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'', his [[spark]] survived the damage.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Landmine's shoulder smokestacks are rotated around and used as cannons.
**His trailer also used as a turret, firing lasers from the crane arm.
***Despite actually having a turret mode in the toy's instructions, the turret shown in the show is just the standard trailer mode.
**[[Powerlinx]] Rodimus uses Rodimus's energon blaster.
**Megatron fires lasers from all over his body, much like Optimus Prime does from time to time.
**Demolishor is shown to have a normal eye underneath his right "monocle."
*Powerlinx forms:
**Landmine Brute Mode
**Powerlinx Rodimus with Prowl
**Optimus Prime [[Super Mode]]

===Continuity errors===
*Last episode ended with both the comet and Scorponok apparently annihilated against the energon grid. In a rather clumsy (and strangely animated) retcon, Scorponok survives when his particular chunk of the comet is hurled into space during the destruction of the comet, which now fragments instead of vaporizing and also is now made of rock instead of metal and now sort of flies off into space in a neatly funneled stream of rocks and did we mention that Scorponok is not even ''scratched'' after all this mistreatment?
*During Carlos's briefing, Inferno can't decide where to stand and jumps all over the place.
*When [[Team Rodimus (Energon)|Team Rodimus]] arrives to rescue Scorponok, the interior view from their cockpit window suggests that they are parked right in front of the Terrorcon leader—when in the next shot, the ship is only ''just'' shown crash-landing on the [[Decepticon mobile fortress|mobile fortress]], and quite a bit away from Scorponok.
*When engaged with the Decepticons and making a leap for Megatron, for a split-second Powerlinx Rodimus has been swapped with Rodimus's CGI model, before being corrected again in the very next scene.

===Trivia===
*[[Brian Dobson]] stands in for his brother [[Paul Dobson|Paul]] as Rodimus's voice.
*In a typical case of ''Energon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s sluggish space opera plot pacing, the first third of this episode has nothing at all to do with the rest.
*Demolishor's anguished expression as he disintegrates on the energon shield is drawn by hand.

===Foreign localization===
'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Verso Unicron'''" ("Towards Unicron")
::*Ironhide's report to Kicker, unlike in English, is correctly given in Ironhide's voice instead of Strongarm's. Despite that, the mistake about Strongarm once talking in Hot Shot's voice isn't corrected.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 004 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Energon Grid (episode)

2026-05-01T00:29:06Z

Chase eX: /* Foreign localization */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the eponymous shield technology|Energon grid (technology)}}
{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=14
|prev=Kicker Beware!
|next=Rodimus Friend or Foe?
|title="Energon Grid"
|japanese=エネルゴングリッド発動
|romaji=Energon Grid Hatsudō
|translation=Energon Grid Engaged
|image=E14_titlecard.jpg
|caption=Because the ''Armada'' grid is so passé.
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Naoki Ōhira]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[April 9|9 April]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[July 1]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Megatron creates three giant comets and launches them at the Earth, intending to devastate the planet.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Energon-Cel-Megatron-Straining.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|left|Megatron strains so hard the CGI renderer can't keep up.]]

[[Unicron]]'s body shakes and rattles, as [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] struggles to create several "comets" to destroy [[Earth]] and the [[Autobot]]s, inspired by [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]]'s attempt to crush the Autobots with the mobile fortress on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]]. Scorponok is angry that he's not leading the mission, as [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] and the others push the comets toward [[Earth]]. [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] observes and speculates that this will destroy the whole planet... making it easy for him to collect the [[energon]].

[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] detects the three comets approaching. Scorponok wonders why they aren't using the warp gate; Tidal Wave replies that the purpose of the attack is to strike fear into the [[human]]s.

The Autobots work to get the [[energon grid (technology)|energon grid]] fully operational before the comets arrive in six hours. [[Lunar City]] is protected, and the troops move on to [[Ocean City]]. Soon only [[Desert City]] remains, but the tower output there isn't at full strength yet. [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]], [[Misha Miramond|Misha]] and [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] wait for the fireworks.

Megatron decides that once all the humans are dead, he wants their [[spark]]s brought to him, so he can create a new batch of soldiers. [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] tells him that won't work.

[[File:Energon-Optimus-And-Dr-Jones.jpg‎|upright=1.3|thumb|C'mon, gizza lookee!]]

[[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]] still can't locate the problem, so Kicker and Misha head to [[Desert City]] aboard [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], with Ironhide following. Jetfire lifts Kicker and Ironhide up to the suborbital portion of the tower.

As the reformatted [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] remains bound to the wall, Megatron laughs in anticipation of Earth's destruction and the Autobots' fear. Demolishor reflects that he's becoming mad with his own power, but when Megatron asks, he simply offers up that [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s destruction will be a good thing.

Prime and [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] meet up with Jetfire in space. If the grids fail, Lunar City will be the front line, and the Autobots will have to stop the comets themselves. Alpha Q watches and speculates that they can't possibly do it, and that the energon will be his soon.

Ironhide lowers Kicker deep into the darkness of the tower, noting as he does that if they don't fix the problem, it's all over. Ironhide wonders why humans bother struggling to survive when they have such short lives; Kicker replies that it's just part of being alive, and that every human wants to live as long as possible. Ironhide doesn't quite get it.

[[File:Energon-Rodimus-Into-Torpedo.jpg‎|upright=1.3|thumb|left|Geronimo!]]

Suddenly, Kicker sees something in the darkness. Ironhide's lights reveal a pair of [[Blackout (Terrorcon)|blue-colored]] [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s, who attack. Ironhide shoots down their [[energon weapon]]s. Alpha Q tells one of the Blackouts that he must not shoot at the human and the Autobot...a voice that Kicker hears. Alpha Q reviews Ironhide and Kicker's conversation.

Kicker reports in to Misha, who sends a [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] to check out the problem. Ironhide and Kicker suddenly see several inert [[Omnicon]]s below the two Terrorcons. They deduce that there was a battle; Misha says they can't get there in time, and Kicker will have to handle it.

The comets have passed [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], so Prime's team prepares to engage them.

Kicker takes Ironhide's [[energon star]], reasoning that it will lure the Terrorcons out. When they fail to follow, he realizes that they're damaged and can't fly, so he leaps down to them. They open fire, hitting Ironhide.

The comets are nearly to Earth. Megatron and Demolishor arrive to watch the show, the latter not so happy about it. At Lunar City, [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] orders the city's defenses to attack the passing comet; Prime's team also attacks, though it seems to be doing little good.

[[File:Energon-Kicker-Feed-Terrorcons.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Eat up, my pretties...]]

Kicker offers the energon star to the Terrorcons, saying that they just need a little help. Alpha Q is intrigued.

Suddenly, Hot Shot and Prime see a fleet of blue-hued Terrorcons approaching... led by [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]]! The creatures smash into the comet, breaching its hull; Rodimus enters and destroys it from within. Megatron responds by deciding to smash the other two into Earth.

The Terrorcons eat the energon and self-heal; Kicker calls in to Misha. Outside, the other two are approaching. Prime's team magically glows with the power of energon, and tries to push them away. Megatron observes with delight, as tidal waves begin to rise on Earth. Dr. Jones orders Prime's team to clear out, as the grid activates just in time, destroying the comets. The [[Decepticon]]s retreat under fire from Ocean City, and the Autobots enjoy the fireworks.

Kicker senses [[Team Rodimus's ship|a ship of unknown origin]], landing near the city. He realizes it's come to pick up the two stray Terrorcons. It lifts off into the sky and through the grid. Ironhide realizes it's a [[Transformer|Cybertronian]] ship and wonders who's piloting it; Kicker votes to just let them go, certain that it's a friend, possibly Rodimus. Ironhide reveals that he put a homing device on one of the Terrorcons, which he regards as a great joke on Kicker, prompting Kicker to kick him.

Alpha Q wonders why he helped the Autobots, and how Rodimus controls the Terrorcons; he decides that Kicker is the key to the energon.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (9)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (11)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (14)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]]s (15)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]]s (16)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (17)
*[[Prime Force]] (20)
*[[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] (21)
*[[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] (22)
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (23)

|c2=
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (3)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (5)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] (18)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (7)
*[[Brian Jones]] (10)
*[[Misha Miramond]] (12)
*[[Kicker Jones]] (13)

|c4=
*[[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] (6)
*[[Blackout (Terrorcon)|Blackout]]s (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"Once we've destroyed the Earth, collect the energon and bring me all of the ''humans''' sparks as well. I think I'm going to use them to create a new batch of soldiers for my army." 
"But, sir. You can't do that." 
"Why not?" 
"Well, the humans' spark is fragile." 
"WHAT?! Impossible! Their spark's not eternal?" 
"One life. That's ''all'' they've got." 
"Bahh. Then they really ''are'' poorly designed." 
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Demolishor''' <s>bring you your dose of nonsensical dialog</s> discuss the drawbacks of human anatomy.

"Whoah. That's ''amazing!''" 
"It's the ''power of energon.''"
:—'''Ironhide''' and '''Kicker''' watch a Terrorcon self-heal, and really really really want you to buy those toys.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Super Link''===
*''Energon'' adds in a lot of explication about Megatron's plan in the early scenes, which were mostly silent for ''Super Link''.
*Alpha Q wonders if it's right to allow Earth to be destroyed, a point lost in ''Energon''.
*''Energon'' changes the Desert City tower's output from 10 percent to 70 percent—quite a difference.
*Demolishor tells Megatron that humans don't ''have'' sparks, and that if they die, that's it for them. Megatron replies that they're an inferior species. ''Energon'' warps this conversation around a bit, making it sound rather nonsensical (see quotes above).
*In ''Super Link'', Megatron more pointedly asks Demolishor if he still has feelings for Earth.
*Ironhide and Kicker's conversation on the nature of human life isn't changed much for ''Energon'', but it also omits Kicker likening his own life to the glow of fireworks, thereby diminishing a running theme of the episode.
*Misha responds to Kicker that she ''already'' sent Skyblast(s) to investigate, thereby explaining where the inert Omnicons came from. ''Energon'' mutates this into her saying she ''will'' send Omnicons, only to say a second later that her group can't get there in time.
*''Energon'' no longer explicitly states that one of the comets has pulled ahead of the other two, though it remains discernible from the animation... sorta.
*Alpha Q's closing self-conversation is more a debate on whether he wants to help the Autobots and protect the Earth. ''Energon'' makes this somewhat less clear.

===Pain count===
*"Uh?": 17
*"We've gotta": 1
*"Take it Easy": 1
*"No way": 1
*"What's going on": 1
*"Aw, great": 1

===Animation and technical errors===
*Kicker tells Ironhide to hold the ''light'' steady, when it's the ''rope'' that's moving around. The same error repeats in ''Super Link''.
*The clip showing the tracker on one of the Terrorcons is reused in the [[Rodimus Friend or Foe?|next episode]] after the Terrorcon had been discovered spying on Megatron. The incapacitated state that the Terrorcon is in would indicate that this close-up was ''actually'' made for the next episode rather than this one; meaning this episode is the one that reuses the clip. Confused yet?

===Continuity notes===
*Following his upgrade [[Kicker Beware!|last episode]], Snow Cat (formerly known as Cyclonus) is still restrained by the cables Megatron used to upgrade him.
*Gadgets and powers:
**The Autobots ''actually'' use their [[energon star]]s to boost their power this episode.
**Optimus Prime switches Fire-1 and Digger-3 from arm and leg mode respectively.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Optimus Prime [[Super Mode]]
**Optimus Prime Super Mode (alternate Fire-1 and Digger-3 configuration)

===Continuity errors===
*A comical moment relies on Ironhide barely managing to grab hold of Jetfire as he flies up the tower, in defiance of all the Transformers' previously-demonstrated ability to fly just about anywhere.
*If the Terrorcons are draining the tower's energon, why do they need to be given energon to heal themselves?
*Kicker and Ironhide never did anything to actually fix the tower (on screen, at least).

===Trivia===
*[[Richard Newman]] stands in for Megatron this episode. Oddly, Newman was never a part of the ''Energon'' cast, meaning he was called in for this one-off voiceover role.
*As Jetfire arrives at Desert City, one of the Omnicons in the background is rather amusingly kicking his legs around as he's pulled up by a cable.

===Foreign localization===
'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''La griglia di energon'''" ("The Energon Grid")
::*The problem about Kicker telling Ironhide to hold the light steady instead of the rope is solved since he, instead, simply tells him to give him some light.
::*Interestingly, in this episode Hot Shot calls Rodimus "Rodimus Prime", as [[Hot Rod (G1)|in G1]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 004 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Wii/PS2)

2026-04-15T21:50:51Z

Chase eX: /* Differences between the Game and Movie */

{{cleanup|July 2009|This is clearly not up to our standards}}

{{nav-rotf-game}}
{{videogame
|title=''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen''
|image=Wii Revenge of the Fallen cover.jpg
|caption=
|developer=[[Krome Studios]]
|publisher=[[Activision]]
|date=[[June 23]], [[2009]] (NA) [[June 24]], 2009 (AU) [[June 26]], 2009 (EU)
|platform=[[PlayStation]] 2, [[Wii]]
|ratings=ESRB: T PEGI: 12+
}}
'''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen''' is the video game adaptation of the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|film]] of the same name for the Wii and PS2. It was developed by [[Krome Studios]] and shares a few developers with the [[Transformers (Armada PS2)|earlier ''Armada''-based game]], due to Krome's acquisition of [[Melbourne House]] (the developers of said game) in 2006.<ref>http://videogames.yahoo.com/news-1325222</ref> The two games are considerably different from the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|Xbox 360 and PS3 versions]], even using different gameplay. It was panned by critics because of limited transformation, linear levels and repetitive gameplay.

==Synopsis==
With [[Megatron (Movie)/games|Megatron]] destroyed, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/games|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots have begun fighting off the remaining Decepticons. However, Starscream and [[The Fallen|his master]] are not going down without a fight...

In space, an innocent satellite is just floating around when [[Soundwave (ROTF)|mysterious, alien satellite]] docks with it. Quickly, Soundwave locates a [[NEST]] convoy and orders [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] and [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]] to intercept. Sideways steals the convoy's cargo, while Demolishor causes destruction.

===Chapter 1: Optimus Invades===
:'' Character: [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/games|Optimus Prime]] ''

Meanwhile, the Decepticons have taken control of a NEST gun and are firing at planes. Two Autobot fighter jets go down, but before the [[Stratosphere|large transport plane]] explodes, Optimus Prime leaps out. As he falls toward Shanghai, Decepticon [[Seeker Sniper|ranged warriors]] intercept him. While Optimus is firing at them with his [[Ion blaster|light weapons]], the NEST gun continues firing at ''him''. And on top of all that, ground-based Decepticons are firing huge missiles. When Prime defeats the warriors, a [[Thrust (Movie)|ranged lieutenant]] takes him on. After defeating him, three more warriors come at him, so he cuts one in half, and quickly dispatches of the other two. He then lands and orders the Autobots to report. Bumblebee is chasing Sideways, and Ironhide is on Demolishor's tail.

===Chapter 2: Ironhide vs. Demolishor===
:'' Character: [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ''

Ironhide blows up and smashes his way through numerous Decepticon drones, eventually jumping between walls onto a rooftop and winning a shootout with Decepticon long range warriors. Ironhide jumps off the building onto the street, toppling a tower crane with his light weapon as [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]] is under it. This knocks Demolishor into a pit, where he appears to be digging for something. Ironhide takes out Demolishor's top wheel and finally kills the larger Decepticon with three punches to the head.

===Chapter 3: Pursuit Over Shanghai===
:'' Character: [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] ''

Bumblebee transforms and calls for assistance, warning that he's found [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]]. As he runs through the city streets, several Decepticon soldiers swoop down and open fire. Returning fire, Bumblebee ducks behind a bus, which explodes. As he continues, Bumblebee finds that Sideways is on top of the taller buildings of [[Shanghai|the city]]. Leaping from wall to wall, Bumblebee reaches the top of a tower and dispatches two more Air Warriors. As he continues atop the buildings, Bumblebee blasts any Decepticon in his way and finally reaches Sideways...

===Chapter 4: Sideways Goes to Ground===
:'' Character: [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] ''

...who calls [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], asking for a little help. Bumblebee replies that Sideways will need a lot of help, as he is close enough to hear his whining transmission. Sideways transforms and races through Shanghai's busy streets. As he is about to escape from Bumblebee, Sideways is intercepted by a fire truck, which transforms into an Autobot warrior. Transforming into robot form, Sideways returns fire and ends the miserable Autobot's life. As more Autobots intercept Sideways, Soundwave has sends backup, with waves of Decepticons assaulting the Autobots. Inches from Sideways, Bumblebee transforms and Sideways is carried away by Starscream. Growling, Bumblebee turns to Optimus and apologizes, saying that they got away...

===Chapter 5: Starscream Strikes===
:'' Character: [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ''

Starscream launches an attack on aircraft carriers, deployed to destroy generators powering the shields that defend the main platform tower of NEST that conserves the crushed Decepticon leader Megatron. Air Warriors attack Starscream, forcing them to flee or he will destroy them. Then Starscream blows up the generators allowing Sideways to enter.

===Chapter 6: From the Depths===
:'' Character: [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] ''

With the naval fleet now decimated, Sideways enters the platform, deployed to enter and destroy power generators. He infiltrates and revives Megatron.

===Chapter 7: The Devastator===
:'' Character: [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/games|Optimus Prime]] ''

Megatron sends Devastator to Shanghai causing destruction. NEST Team orders Optimus, Bumblebee and Ironhide to stop Devastator before he can cause more destruction. Optimus swings through, defeating every drone that comes his way. Bumblebee contacts Optimus to backup, but then Starscream (damn it!) takes the little Autobot, forcing Optimus to attack Devastator. Then, Devastator launches Optimus to the bridge, destroyed by Demolishor with Ironhide telling Prime to use the pillars to destroy Devastator's missile launchers. Then Optimus finally attacks Devastator with two energy canisters sent by NEST. Optimus makes Devastator swallow the energy dock's power and finally destroys him. Then, Optimus finds a piece of ancient Cybertronian Technology that Devastator unearthed. NEST Team decides to take it to a secret Russian base where it'll never get found. On their way out, Optimus and Ironhide discover that Bumblebee has been taken by the Decepticons, and are now tasked with getting him back.

===Chapter 8: Bumblebee Breaks Free===
:'' Character: [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] ''

Held captive in the Decepticon base, Bumblebee is freed by an unlikely ally. None other than [[Jetfire (Movie)|Jetfire]], the old bot himself.

===Chapter 9: Megatron's Glory===
:'' Character: [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ''

As hostile forces invade the base, Megatron must reach the hangar to confront Optimus Prime. He manages to take the Autobots and Optimus down all by himself, and vows to destroy Bumblebee. With Prime out of the picture, the Fallen sends Megatron to recover the last of his artifacts, to his dismay as he wanted Starscream sent first. As they argue, Bumblebee watches from afar. He and Jetfire put his body to rest, as they split up.

===Chapter 10: Starscream's Path===
:'' Character: [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ''

Optimus Prime is defeated, but the Autobots aren't out of the picture yet! Starscream launches an attack on the Russian base found earlier, taking out their defenses so that Megatron can find the Artifact. After destroying waves of Humans, Autobots, and turrets, Starscream reigns supreme and claims himself invincible.

===Chapter 11: Megatron's Onslaught===
:'' Character: [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ''

With the Human and Autobot defenses severly compromised, Megatron enters the Russian base to retrieve the Artifact, with Starscream helping along the way. On his way, he's ambushed by Autobots who are clearly no match for him. Upon collecting the Artifact, Starscream is very disappointed in its small size, but Megatron assures him that it will doom all life on the planet. As Jetfire watches afar, Megatron and Starscream head to activate the [[Star Harvester]].

===Chapter 12: Jetfire's Gift===
:'' Character: [[Jetfire (Movie)|Jetfire]] ''

The Decepticons now have the power to activate the Star Harvester and destroy Earth. Alone, Jetfire must reach Earth's only chance for survival, a faint Energon signature belonging to Optimus Prime. Megatron shoots him down on the way to Egypt, so Jetfire must go on foot. In the middle of the desert, a damaged Optimus calls for help, only to get spotted by Starscream and has a missile launched at him. Jetfire swoops in and takes the missile, severally damaging him. Jetfire introduces himself, and helps Optimus accomplish his mission by combining with him. Reunited with his Autobots, Optimus rallies them to fight the Decepticons as he flies away to stop Megatron and the Fallen, once and for all.

===Chapter 13: Ironhide's Stand===
:'' Character: [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ''

The Autobots must act fast to prevent Earth's destruction, as Ironhide disables cannons to allow Optimus to fly in. After taking down the last cannon, he gets taken down by Moronitron- I mean Megatron. Before Megatron can finish off such heroic nonsense, Optimus swoops in to save him, and the two duke it out once more!

===Chapter 14: Prime's Return===
:'' Character: [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/games|Optimus Prime]] ''

Crash landing in an arena, Optimus Prime and Megatron fight to the death, with Optimus coming out on top. Despite this, Megatron still brags about the Fallen and how the Decepticons will win no matter what. Optimus had enough so he slaps him and flies away to confront the Fallen.

===Chapter 15: Final Showdown===
:'' Character: [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/games|Optimus Prime]] ''

To save Earth, Optimus Prime must defeat the most formidable of all Decepticons - The Fallen! Megatron and Starscream teleport out, so the Fallen has to play with portals and throw random objects at Optimus, to no avail. Optimus tells him he's wrong for sacrificing human lives even for the sake of his own, and the Fallen states that Optimus' cowardice for the humans will be his undoing (<s> [[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|foreshadowing...]] </s>). So Optimus gladly sacrifices the Fallen by taking him up to the Star Harvester beam, destroying him and the Harvester in the process. Back on the ground, the Autobots rebuild the pyramid as Bumblebee and Ironhide bicker. Optimus calls Sam and Mikaela, hoping both Humans and Cybertronians can unite in peace without the Decepticons to worry about.

Back in the Nemesis, Megatron claims the Fallen's throne, and his new, yet to be activated army...

{{gamestub}}

==Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|nonumbering=true
|h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
'''Playable'''
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/games|Optimus Prime]]/Powered-Up Optimus Prime ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)/games|Bumblebee]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
*[[Jetfire (Movie)|Jetfire]] ([[Clive Revill]])

'''Nonplayable'''
* [[Autobot Melee Warrior|Autobot Melee Warriors]]
* [[Autobot Ranged Warrior|Autobot Ranged Warriors]]
* [[Autobot Sergeant|Autobot Sergeants]]
* [[Autobot Captain|Autobot Captains]]

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
'''Playable'''
*[[Megatron (Movie)/games|Megatron]]/Megatron (Flight) ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)/games|Starscream]] ([[Charlie Adler]])
*[[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]* ([[Peter Jessop]])

'''Bosses'''
*[[The Fallen]] ([[James Arnold Taylor]])
*[[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]] ([[Fred Tatasciore]])
*[[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] (Fred Tatasciore)

'''Nonplayable'''
* [[Decepticon Melee Warrior|Decepticon Melee Warriors]]
* [[Decepticon Ranged Warrior|Decepticon Ranged Warriors]]
* [[Decepticon Sergeant|Decepticon Sergeants]]
* [[Decepticon Captain|Decepticon Captains]]
|nonumbering=true

|c3=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Mikaela Banes]] ([[Megan Fox]])
}}

==Quotes==
'''Jetfire''': Calm yourself, child. I am no enemy. 
'''Bumblebee''': You're no Autobot. 
'''Jetfire''': The universe is larger than your understanding of it. My motivations are larger than those of your petty war. 
'''Bumblebee''': Mind your words, old man. I've lost friends in this petty war. 
:—Bumblebee converses with Jetfire aggresively.

'''Optimus Prime''': Megatron, you fight for nothing. That is why you will never win. 
:—Optimus Prime taunts Megatron during their fight.

==Differences between the Game and Movie==
Krome was clearly writing the game on a different planet than the movie's script, even more than [[Luxoflux]].

* Sideways doesn't die in Shanghai.
* Ironhide, rather than Optimus, kills Demolishor.
* Instead of the forest, Megatron wounds Optimus in the Decepticon base.
* Optimus does not die, but is damaged.
* The Fallen appears to be in total command of the Decepticons even before Megatron revives, as he is the one calling the shots.
* Sam and Mikaela aren't in the game, except for a brief phone conversation with Optimus, and even then, it is only their voices.
* Optimus kills The Fallen by putting him in front of the Star Harvester's beam.
* The battle with Devastator happens in the ''first'' battle. While Optimus, Ironhide, and Bumblebee are cleaning up in Shanghai, Devastator appears out of nowhere and attacks.
* Also, Optimus Prime, rather than a railgun, kills Devastator.
* Instead of looking for the Matrix, The Fallen looks for pieces of the Harvester, saying he already has the Matrix. We... probably don't want to know what that means.
* Instead of being trapped in the Smithsonian, [[Jetfire (Movie)|Jetfire]] is in the Decepticon base.

==Notes==
* You are unable to transform in robot missions, but able to transform in driving missions, and can [[Bumblebee (Animated)|jump from wall to wall]]. [[Transformers Animated: The Game|Sounds kind of familiar]].
* The ranged Warriors look a lot like Breakaway, but they are blue.
* While in the first game, cars (and humans) seemed nearly invincible until you shot them, in this game, if you so much as ''step on'' a car, it ''explodes''.
* Jetfire can beat the ''snot'' out of Decepticons by ''stepping on them''!

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.transformersgame.com/ Official website]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Revenge of the Fallen (Wii/PS2)}}
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen games]]

The Legend of Rodimus

2026-04-15T00:36:44Z

Chase eX: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=11
|prev=Energon Tower (episode)
|next=Crisis in Jungle City
|title="The Legend of Rodimus"
|japanese=ちっぽけな宇宙
|romaji=Chippoke na Uchū
|translation=This Tiny Universe
|image=E11_titlecard.jpg
|caption=[[Hot Rod (G1)|Once upon a time, there was this guy who replaced Optimus Prime.]]
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Masayuki Ōseki]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[March 19|19 March]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[April 9]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Megatron confronts Starscream, Kicker faces the fears of his past, and a legendary Autobot returns.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Energon-Hot-Shot-Facepalm.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|left|Even his comrades are annoyed.]]

The [[Decepticon]]s' [[Decepticon mobile fortress|mobile fortress]] emerges from a deep space warp gate and crashes violently into... something. [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] emerges amid the wreckage and questions his troops about what went wrong.

[[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] gloats that he will have all the [[energon]] before Megatron even notices, and will bring all of [[Unicron]] to life.

On [[Earth]], another [[energon tower]] emerges from a warp gate above [[Blizzard City]], stabilized by [[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flares]] under [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]]'s supervision. In the mines below, [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] and [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] are looking for energon. Kicker speculates that nobody seems to understand how dangerous the mission is, and flashes back to his father assigning him to lead the search, and to a much earlier time when his father lowered him into a deep, dark mine shaft as a young child.

Taking a break from the search, Ironhide tries to pep talk Kicker into appreciating his father more. Hot Shot arrives and relates the tale of his own hero, the legendary [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]], who was last seen traveling into the future.

Within Unicron(?), Megatron proposes stealing more energon from Earth. [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] counters that the energon towers make such an attack too dangerous without more energon, and proposes continuing to mine energon from [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] instead. Megatron will only hear of a path of conquest, but gives Scorponok leave to carry out his idea regardless. Scorponok angrily blasts his way out, and departs with a fleet of [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s, musing that Megatron isn't as in control as he'd like to think.

[[File:Energon-Giant-Megatron-Head.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|''Energon'' would go on to steal the title of "Most Hated ''Transformers'' series" from ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]''. [[Grand Mal|Picture unrelated]].]]

Outside Unicron, [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] approaches, entering and searching for Megatron.

Ironhide tells Kicker more about Rodimus. Amid the endless [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|civil war]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Rodimus emerged "8,000 eons ago" and rallied the [[Autobot]]s around a message of peace, calling for the Autobots to leave and find a new world to live in peace. Kicker points out that this makes [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] look bad, but Ironhide says that Optimus stayed and led the Autobots, making the current rebuilding of Cybertron possible, and that Prime is his greatest hero. Rodimus was last seen going from planet to planet, looking for Transformers who were lost in space.

On Mars, Scorponok finds the former base empty and abandoned, and deploys his Terrorcons to claim the energon... in the name of Alpha Q. As they do, a suspiciously well-timed trio appears in the distance.

Starscream approaches the sleeping Megatron, and tries to stab him through the chest, but is met with a huge surge of energy. Megatron vanishes; Demolishor engages Starscream; the other Decepticons arrive. Megatron has gained the power of [[invisibility]] through his union with Unicron, and easily assaults Starscream with a horde of duplicates and energon shards. Starscream tries to flee, but the big floating head of Megatron pursues and captures him, placing him in an empty void.

[[File:Energon-Starscream-Dark.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|left|Starscream takes a shot in the dark.]]

Megatron lectures Starscream, reminding him that he used to be one of his troops, and threatens to leave him in the darkness forever. Starscream goes mad, opening fire in all directions, then lets slip that he was working for Alpha Q.

Kicker has had it with energon mining, and tells Ironhide about an energon expedition when he was a kid, when he lost control in deep space and drifted aimlessly. Landing on an asteroid, he resumed contact with [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]], but then got trapped in a cave-in, left alone in the dark. Ironhide isn't very sympathetic, telling Kicker that Rodimus overcame ''his'' fears, and that he isn't a kid anymore. Ironhide gives up lecturing and storms off; Kicker says he'll find his own way out.

Megatron speaks to Starscream: he has no idea who he is, and has forgotten all his ties to the world. Megatron is the only thing he can believe in, and will shape his reality now. He urges Starscream to use his rage, and revel in destruction. He appears and stabs Starscream through the chest with [[Energon Sword|his sword]], demanding his allegiance in exchange for allowing him to live.

Kicker forges ahead through the dark, and finds an energon seam. As he does, Ironhide returns with the [[Omnicon]]s. He apologizes for being harsh, and the Omnicons find a large seam of energon.

On Mars, the mysterious figure attacks Scorponok's Terrorcons. Observing from afar, Alpha Q notes that Rodimus has returned.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]]s (7)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]]s (8)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (10)
*[[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]]s (11)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (12)
*[[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] (17)
*[[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] (18)
*[[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (19)
*[[Prime Force]] (20)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (21)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (4)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (16)

|c3=
*[[Kicker Jones]] (9)
*[[Brian Jones|Dr. Brian Jones]] (13)

|c4=
*[[Alpha Quintesson]] (6)
*[[Battle Ravage]]s (14)
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]]s (15)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Megatron:''' "What's going on here, huh? Did someone set the wrong coordinates for the warp gate?...Who's responsible for this? I want answers!" 
'''Cyclonus:''' "Gee, I don't know! You got me, boss!" 
'''Megatron:''' "Ah, I see. ''Renovations''. Of course! Is that it? How amusing." 
'''Scorponok:''' "It could be that Unicron is deteriorating from the lack of energon, sir. That could be what happened." 
'''Megatron:''' "Scorponok. You know that can't be!" 
'''Scorponok:''' "Hrnnnn."
:—The Decepticons bring you your daily dose of nonsensical dialog.

"Now listen up. We're going to raid, conquer, and destroy. I will accept nothing less than that, Scorponok!"
:—'''Megatron''' lays down the law to Scorponok

"All we do is battle, and nothing happens. Fighting all the time has left Cybertron in ruins. If this continues, we'll have no future. Let's leave and create a better world! Join me! Let's find a place that we can call home. Yes! We will never look back."
:—'''Ironhide''' recites Rodimus's "famous speech"

"Are you afraid of the dark? Well, you should be, Starscream. Because I'm ''IN IT.''" 
:—'''Megatron''' delivers a surprisingly awesome line.

"''You'' have an important decision to make! Say you'll join me or I'll let you slip away into the ''darkness''. I, Megatron, am your only leader now. Say my name and I'll spare you. What is my name, Starscream?" 
"...Megatron..." 
"''Say it again.''" 
"''Meg-a-tron!''"
:—'''Megatron''' establishes the pecking order for '''Starscream'''.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Super Link''===
*The opening scene's animation is missing the background image of Unicron that the fortress crashes into. Without it, Megatron's ship just seems to be floating through empty space, only to abruptly crash into something that wasn't there before.
*The opening conversation is likewise a bit more coherent in ''Super Link'', as Megatron claims that various walls and passages he's created have disappeared, and Scorponok states that Unicron is regressing since he's not been given energon lately. The "walls and passages" got mangulated into "renovations" for ''Energon''.
*Unicron is regressing because Alpha Q stole his energon, as he gloats to himself in ''Super Link''. ''Energon'' omits this bit of back story, which was not actually shown on-screen; the plot point is therefore entirely lost, leaving a typical example of things seeming to happen for no reason at all. However, he does make vague comments that "Megatron doesn't have a clue" and "the energon will be all ours", which do sort of hint at the answer. Kinda sorta.
*In ''Super Link'', Ironhide tells Hot Shot about his own hero-worship of him, with Hot Shot doing a face-palm in response. In ''Energon'', Ironhide just says that he was telling Kicker to respect his father, making Hot Shot's reaction into nonsense.
*The backgrounds of this same scene are incomplete in ''Energon''. ''Super Link'' features a mountain-side niche for Ironhide and Kicker, and an interior passage behind Hot Shot, rather than open sky.
*Rodimus originally "journeyed toward the future", in a metaphoric sense. ''Energon'' hilariously mistranslates this to say that Rodimus was last seen "traveling into the future".
*When Ironhide tells Kicker about Rodimus, the silhouettes of Rodimus, Prowl and Landmine are shown, but it's a recycled shot from their later arrival on Mars. ''Super Link'' features a new matte painting instead (featuring several [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1]] [[character model]]s as the original members of [[Team Rodimus (Energon)|Team Rodimus]]). This painting reappears in several subsequent episodes, and appears in the beginning of "[[Rodimus Friend or Foe?]]" in ''Energon''.
*Rodimus's original speech mentions a call not to fear the vastness of space, giving some context to Ironhide's later claim that Rodimus overcame his fears.
*Ironhide doesn't say he's starting to "talk" like Kicker (he isn't), but rather has acquired his habit of kicking things.
*The "say my name" bit with Starscream is an ''Energon'' addition.

===Pain count===
*"Uh?": 13
*"We need/they want energon": 9
*"We've gotta": 1
*"Come on": 2

===Continuity notes===
*Megatron's reasoning is rather petulantly circular: they can't attack Earth because they need more energon to do so; therefore, they must attack Earth to get more energon, allowing them to attack Earth.
*By the end of this episode, the four Decepticons who came to Earth at the beginning of ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' (and the [[Unicron Trilogy]] as a whole) have been reunited.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Scorponok fires from his hip cannons.
**Using his influence over the Terrorcons, Scorponok orders a squadron of Divebombs to suicide-bomb an entrance into a cave.
**Megatron temporarily merges with Unicron to gain the upperhand over Starscream.
*[[Powerlinx]] forms:
**Optimus Prime [[Super Mode]]

===Continuity errors===
*"I'll find my own way out of here"—at no point is it implied that Kicker was lost to begin with.

===Trivia===
*So Rodimus just ''happens'' to show up just as Hot Shot and Ironhide just ''happen'' to be spinning yarns about him. ''Riiiiiight''.
*Megatron's upgraded [[Energon Sword]] has been corrected in color and the model now replicates the toy… ''at least it was for a second or two''.

===Foreign localization===
'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''La leggenda di Rodimus'''" ("The Legend of Rodimus")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 003 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

{{DEFAULTSORT:Legend of Rodimus}}
[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Energon Tower (episode)

2026-04-14T02:34:29Z

Chase eX: /* Continuity notes */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the spotlight building|energon tower (technology)}}

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=10
|prev=Battle of the Asteroid Belt
|next=The Legend of Rodimus
|title="Energon Tower"
|japanese=出現! エネルゴンタワー
|romaji=Shutsgen! Energon Tower
|translation=Appear! Energon Tower
|image=E10_titlecard.jpg
|caption=Following Armada Tower, and followed by Cybertron Tower.
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Naoki Ōhira]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[March 12|12 March]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[April 9]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''The Autobots and humans work to complete an energon tower defense grid for Earth before the Decepticons can find out about it.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Energon-Megatron-Tentacles.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|left|Thank Primus Starscream isn't here.]]

[[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]] arrives at [[Ocean City]] to push for and oversee his [[energon tower (technology)|energon tower]] project, to [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]]'s surprise. The project gets underway with [[Earth Federation]] backing and massive work crews both [[human]] and [[Transformer]]. Kicker notes that it's the biggest project "since building [[Armed City]]".

[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] reports to Dr. Jones about incoming supplies, and recalls the terror of [[Unicron]]. She offers to help get more personnel, but Dr. Jones says that it's not necessary. By re-using existing structures, they expect the project to take about a week.

[[Sally Jones|Sally]] and [[Miranda Jones]] return to Ocean City, wondering if Dr. Jones and Kicker will get along this time. Kicker is worrying to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] about a possible attack during the construction, when Dr. Jones comes looking for him, annoying him by calling him "Junior". Kicker turns him down for lunch and leaves with [[Misha Miramond|Misha]].

[[File:Energon-Pillar-Of-Faces.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|Do you think it screams?]]

On [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] is bored as the [[energon]] scavenging operations drag on, but [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] promises him action soon. Soon, the time comes to return to Unicron. Megatron vows to create a new [[Decepticon mobile fortress|mobile fortress]], and does so. Within Unicron, Megatron has [[Energon Sword|his sword]] recreated into a more powerful weapon. [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is thrown slightly for a loop by when Megatron questions him about Ocean City; Megatron then orders the [[Decepticon]]s to attack while Prime is stationed there. [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] observes the Decepticons leaving Unicron aboard the mobile fortress, and figures it's the perfect chance to steal back the energon, dispatching [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s.

Kicker has traveled with Misha to [[Jungle City]], anxious to get away from his dad. He detects an incoming attack. Ocean City braces for attack.

The [[Autobot]]s and the automated defenses hold off the Terrorcons, but Megatron emerges from the sea and attacks Optimus Prime with his new sword. Demolishor winds up facing off with Ironhide, and hesitates till he's goaded into action by Megatron.

[[File:Energon-Decepticons-Flee-Tower.jpg‎|upright=1.2|thumb|left|So it repels Decepticons but not Autobots? If, hypothetically, [[Inferno (Energon)|an Autobot]] were forcibly turned evil, what would be the result?]]

[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] breaks off from the battle to pursue [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]]. Dr. Jones leaves a shelter in the middle of the fight to go help, with Sally following. Ironhide contacts Kicker, who ignores him. Sally follows up, telling him that their dad is injured.

The Transformers square off: [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] vs. Scorponok, [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] and [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] vs. [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]; Demolishor vs. Ironhide; Optimus Prime vs. Megatron. Megatron taunts Prime that Unicron's revival is already underway.

Alpha Q and [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] observe the Terrorcons returning from Unicron's body, loaded with energon for Unicron's revival.

Kicker arrives in the middle of the battle aboard [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] and gives some tactical help to the Autobots. Scorponok attacks him, but suddenly a huge tower begins to arise from Ocean City. It sends a beam into the sky, enhanced by a team of [[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flares]]. Something huge emerges from the sky—the energon tower! It lands and connects with the energon tower, glowing red with energy. The pulses begin destroying the Terrorcons, and Megatron orders a retreat. Dr. Jones emerges, alive and well, and rejoicing in the energy pulses washing over the city.

Kicker yells at Sally for lying about their dad being injured; she counters that it was the only way to get him to return. Dr. Jones explains his "energon shockwave assault" to the Autobots. Prime worries that, having seen the energon tower, Megatron will be back soon.

Megatron angrily wonders how the Autobots built the tower without him finding out. And Alpha Q observes as Unicron's head flickers with new energy; it won't be long now.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (1)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (3)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (9)
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (17)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]]s (18)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]] (19)
*[[Prime Force]] (20)
*[[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]]s (22)

|c2=
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (11)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (12)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (13)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (15)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (16)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (21)

|c3=
*[[Brian Jones]] (4)
*[[Kicker Jones]] (5)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (6)
*[[Sally Jones]] (7)
*[[Miranda Jones]] (8)
*[[Misha Miramond]] (10)

|c4=
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]]s (11)
*[[Battle Ravage]]s (14)
*[[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] (17)
}}

==Quotes==
"Let's just hope they're getting some R and R or something, till we get the tower up." 
"That's a good idea! Hook 'em up with some kind of vacation package would ya?" (Laughs joyfully)
:—'''Alexis''' and '''Dr. Jones''', who always seems to find humor in everything anyone says.

"Demolishor! I understand Optimus Prime is stationed in your old home town." 
"Yes, I mean — it's more or less the same place." 
"Inarticulate as always." 
"Forgive me, sir; it's just, I spent a lot of time away, so even though I ''come'' from there—" 
"Never mind!"
:—'''Megatron''' isn't going to let '''Demolishor''' have an easy time.

"You just bought yourself a first-class ticket to annihilationville! HAHAHAHA! Barbecue, anyone?!" 
"Yeah, and you're the main course!"
:—'''Cyclonus''' opens fire and '''Inferno''' implies he wants to eat him.

"What is this monstrosity?" 
"Big. BIG!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Tidal Wave''', who gets right to the point

"Uhhh.... translation, anybody?"
:—'''Ironhide''' watches <s>the ''Energon'' cartoon</s> the energon tower descend.

"What is this stuff, anyway?" 
"It's the awesome power of energon! ''Amazing.''"
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Optimus Prime''' want you to buy those toys!
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Super Link''===
A ''huge'' number of backgrounds were not finished for the ''Energon'' version of this episode. Most of the time, an adequate substitute was used (in fact it's not clear why some of them even needed to be changed), but in a couple of places it makes the story less clear.

*''Super Link'' and ''Energon'' use different opening shots of [[Ocean City]], and again when Sally and her mom arrive.
*''Energon'' takes an idle thought by Kicker about how "each of the armed cities" will have its own energon tower, and turns it into the wildly nonsensical statement that "this was the biggest project since the construction of [[Armed City]]".
*Immediately after, Kicker's impressed thought that "I never would have thought of that" gets mutilated into a scornful "I don't know ''what'' these people are thinking".
*In ''Energon'', the cables that attach Megatron to Unicron are missing their color. ''Super Link'' also adds some glowing effects to the cables as they power up, and likewise to Megatron's eyes.
*''Energon'' makes Megatron's dialog while creating the new mobile fortress somewhat at odds with the animation. He proclaims "we WILL create a new fortress", only for it to happen just a second later; he then orders the Terrorcons to "seek out what will be your new home", as if it wasn't right there in front of them. In ''Super Link'', he simply orders Unicron to create the fortress, then tells the Terrorcons that it is their home now.
*Demolishor's statement that he's spent a lot of time away (quoted above) was originally a statement that ''Optimus Prime'' often leaves Ocean City, and might not be there.
*''Super Link'' features full coloration on the demonic faces that briefly appear around Megatron's sword. They also glow green before exploding. In ''Energon'', they're simply shaded blue.
*Alpha Q's "no one here but us!" is, of course, an ''Energon'' flub, since Alpha Q isn't in Unicron's body.
*''Super Link'' features new establishing shots of [[Jungle City]], scrolling through cliffs and showing the tower under construction. ''Energon'' recycles some still shots of the ancient pyramids instead.
*Kicker's thought "you don't know the half of it" is purely an ''Energon'' addition.
*Still more unfinished/changed backgrounds as Dr. Jones leaves the shelter, and Sally arrives in the control room.
*Scorponok's "Poison Claw" line, rather inexplicably said in reference to his ''tail'', was original just a line about some "poison".
*The Signal Flares' bizarre cry of "SOREEEE!" (a nonsense word said for emphasis of action) as they bring in the tower is changed to a simple and more Western-palatable "Fire!" for ''Energon''.
*More unfinished animation: the bottom of the descending energon tower looks like a fuzzy [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. ''Super Link'' replaces this with a darkened orb.
*''Energon'' lacks any animation to show the suborbital top of the tower activating. In ''Super Link'', a different background painting is used, with red energon pulses.

===Pain count===
*"Uh?": 12

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:EnergonTower new sword.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
*When Megatron orders his soldiers to leave through the portal with him, Tidal Wave's growls can be heard very briefly, yet Tidal Wave isn't present in the scene.
*Megatron's new [[Energon Sword]] is colored entirely green, the turret is rotated 180 degrees, and the blade is stuck onto the outside of it, all of which is inaccurate to the toy and later depictions.
*Once again, Tidal Wave is exaggerated in size. He is depicted as being the size of a city—while being ''in a city''—as he goes to crush Hot Shot, who should actually be up to Tidal Wave's knee—''not'' the size of his palm.
*The top of the energon tower connection is missing when it extends.

===Continuity notes===
*The energon towers are built using existing cities/towers.
*Alpha Q has almost fully powered up Unicron's head.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Megatron upgrades his [[Energon Sword]] into a miniature version of his old tank body.
**Demolishor's tank form is linked to the bottom of Cyclonus's helicopter mode.
**Scorponok uses his cab cannons and tail cannons in scorpion mode.
**Powerlinx Inferno uses his shoulder cannons.
**Optimus Prime (in his [[Super Mode]]) launches Fire-1 at Megatron, to which Fire-1 vibrates on Megatron causing harm? Uh... ''Right''.
**The [[Energon Blaster]] makes a brief reappearance.
**The Signal Flares combine their beams (in vehicle mode) to direct the connections of energon tower for the first time.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Optimus Prime Super Mode
**Powerlinx Inferno with Hot Shot (first use)

===Continuity errors===
*How did the Decepticons manage to get so close to Ocean City without being detected?
*Just where Scorponok is going, and why it's so important, is never quite made clear.
*Demolishor cuts off Ironhide's pursuit of Scorponok, but for some reason it's not actually shown on-screen.
*Sally isn't shown leaving the shelter; we don't realize she's done so till she arrives in the control center.

===Trivia===
*Apart from the conversation between Dr. Jones and Alexis, this episode's dialog actually flows pretty well.
*Scorponok is ''really'' enjoying the battle, laughing madly through the whole thing.
*The generic Autobots don't get slagged for once.
*In some scenes where Kicker is riding Skyblast in vehicle mode, Skyblast is drawn by hand.

===Foreign localization===
'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''La torre di energon'''" ("The Energon Tower")
::*After Megatron creates the fortress, "seek out what will be your new home" is changed to "and visit your new home", hence solving the problem of the future tense. Still, before that, he talks in future tense while saying that they '''will''' create a new fortress.
::*When Megatron talks to Demolishor, "hometown" is translated as "native town", despite the fact that Demolishor obviously wasn't born there.
::*When Scorponok talks about his "poison claw", it is changed to "poisoned sting", which makes more sense since he was talking about his tail.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 003 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Energon Tower (episode)

2026-04-14T02:31:24Z

Chase eX: /* Differences with Super Link */

{{disambig2|the cartoon episode|the spotlight building|energon tower (technology)}}

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=10
|prev=Battle of the Asteroid Belt
|next=The Legend of Rodimus
|title="Energon Tower"
|japanese=出現! エネルゴンタワー
|romaji=Shutsgen! Energon Tower
|translation=Appear! Energon Tower
|image=E10_titlecard.jpg
|caption=Following Armada Tower, and followed by Cybertron Tower.
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Naoki Ōhira]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[March 12|12 March]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[April 9]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''The Autobots and humans work to complete an energon tower defense grid for Earth before the Decepticons can find out about it.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Energon-Megatron-Tentacles.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|left|Thank Primus Starscream isn't here.]]

[[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]] arrives at [[Ocean City]] to push for and oversee his [[energon tower (technology)|energon tower]] project, to [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]]'s surprise. The project gets underway with [[Earth Federation]] backing and massive work crews both [[human]] and [[Transformer]]. Kicker notes that it's the biggest project "since building [[Armed City]]".

[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] reports to Dr. Jones about incoming supplies, and recalls the terror of [[Unicron]]. She offers to help get more personnel, but Dr. Jones says that it's not necessary. By re-using existing structures, they expect the project to take about a week.

[[Sally Jones|Sally]] and [[Miranda Jones]] return to Ocean City, wondering if Dr. Jones and Kicker will get along this time. Kicker is worrying to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] about a possible attack during the construction, when Dr. Jones comes looking for him, annoying him by calling him "Junior". Kicker turns him down for lunch and leaves with [[Misha Miramond|Misha]].

[[File:Energon-Pillar-Of-Faces.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|Do you think it screams?]]

On [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] is bored as the [[energon]] scavenging operations drag on, but [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] promises him action soon. Soon, the time comes to return to Unicron. Megatron vows to create a new [[Decepticon mobile fortress|mobile fortress]], and does so. Within Unicron, Megatron has [[Energon Sword|his sword]] recreated into a more powerful weapon. [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is thrown slightly for a loop by when Megatron questions him about Ocean City; Megatron then orders the [[Decepticon]]s to attack while Prime is stationed there. [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] observes the Decepticons leaving Unicron aboard the mobile fortress, and figures it's the perfect chance to steal back the energon, dispatching [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s.

Kicker has traveled with Misha to [[Jungle City]], anxious to get away from his dad. He detects an incoming attack. Ocean City braces for attack.

The [[Autobot]]s and the automated defenses hold off the Terrorcons, but Megatron emerges from the sea and attacks Optimus Prime with his new sword. Demolishor winds up facing off with Ironhide, and hesitates till he's goaded into action by Megatron.

[[File:Energon-Decepticons-Flee-Tower.jpg‎|upright=1.2|thumb|left|So it repels Decepticons but not Autobots? If, hypothetically, [[Inferno (Energon)|an Autobot]] were forcibly turned evil, what would be the result?]]

[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] breaks off from the battle to pursue [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]]. Dr. Jones leaves a shelter in the middle of the fight to go help, with Sally following. Ironhide contacts Kicker, who ignores him. Sally follows up, telling him that their dad is injured.

The Transformers square off: [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] vs. Scorponok, [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] and [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] vs. [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]; Demolishor vs. Ironhide; Optimus Prime vs. Megatron. Megatron taunts Prime that Unicron's revival is already underway.

Alpha Q and [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] observe the Terrorcons returning from Unicron's body, loaded with energon for Unicron's revival.

Kicker arrives in the middle of the battle aboard [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] and gives some tactical help to the Autobots. Scorponok attacks him, but suddenly a huge tower begins to arise from Ocean City. It sends a beam into the sky, enhanced by a team of [[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flares]]. Something huge emerges from the sky—the energon tower! It lands and connects with the energon tower, glowing red with energy. The pulses begin destroying the Terrorcons, and Megatron orders a retreat. Dr. Jones emerges, alive and well, and rejoicing in the energy pulses washing over the city.

Kicker yells at Sally for lying about their dad being injured; she counters that it was the only way to get him to return. Dr. Jones explains his "energon shockwave assault" to the Autobots. Prime worries that, having seen the energon tower, Megatron will be back soon.

Megatron angrily wonders how the Autobots built the tower without him finding out. And Alpha Q observes as Unicron's head flickers with new energy; it won't be long now.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (1)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (3)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (9)
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (17)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]]s (18)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]] (19)
*[[Prime Force]] (20)
*[[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]]s (22)

|c2=
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (11)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (12)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (13)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (15)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (16)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (21)

|c3=
*[[Brian Jones]] (4)
*[[Kicker Jones]] (5)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (6)
*[[Sally Jones]] (7)
*[[Miranda Jones]] (8)
*[[Misha Miramond]] (10)

|c4=
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]]s (11)
*[[Battle Ravage]]s (14)
*[[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] (17)
}}

==Quotes==
"Let's just hope they're getting some R and R or something, till we get the tower up." 
"That's a good idea! Hook 'em up with some kind of vacation package would ya?" (Laughs joyfully)
:—'''Alexis''' and '''Dr. Jones''', who always seems to find humor in everything anyone says.

"Demolishor! I understand Optimus Prime is stationed in your old home town." 
"Yes, I mean — it's more or less the same place." 
"Inarticulate as always." 
"Forgive me, sir; it's just, I spent a lot of time away, so even though I ''come'' from there—" 
"Never mind!"
:—'''Megatron''' isn't going to let '''Demolishor''' have an easy time.

"You just bought yourself a first-class ticket to annihilationville! HAHAHAHA! Barbecue, anyone?!" 
"Yeah, and you're the main course!"
:—'''Cyclonus''' opens fire and '''Inferno''' implies he wants to eat him.

"What is this monstrosity?" 
"Big. BIG!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Tidal Wave''', who gets right to the point

"Uhhh.... translation, anybody?"
:—'''Ironhide''' watches <s>the ''Energon'' cartoon</s> the energon tower descend.

"What is this stuff, anyway?" 
"It's the awesome power of energon! ''Amazing.''"
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Optimus Prime''' want you to buy those toys!
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Super Link''===
A ''huge'' number of backgrounds were not finished for the ''Energon'' version of this episode. Most of the time, an adequate substitute was used (in fact it's not clear why some of them even needed to be changed), but in a couple of places it makes the story less clear.

*''Super Link'' and ''Energon'' use different opening shots of [[Ocean City]], and again when Sally and her mom arrive.
*''Energon'' takes an idle thought by Kicker about how "each of the armed cities" will have its own energon tower, and turns it into the wildly nonsensical statement that "this was the biggest project since the construction of [[Armed City]]".
*Immediately after, Kicker's impressed thought that "I never would have thought of that" gets mutilated into a scornful "I don't know ''what'' these people are thinking".
*In ''Energon'', the cables that attach Megatron to Unicron are missing their color. ''Super Link'' also adds some glowing effects to the cables as they power up, and likewise to Megatron's eyes.
*''Energon'' makes Megatron's dialog while creating the new mobile fortress somewhat at odds with the animation. He proclaims "we WILL create a new fortress", only for it to happen just a second later; he then orders the Terrorcons to "seek out what will be your new home", as if it wasn't right there in front of them. In ''Super Link'', he simply orders Unicron to create the fortress, then tells the Terrorcons that it is their home now.
*Demolishor's statement that he's spent a lot of time away (quoted above) was originally a statement that ''Optimus Prime'' often leaves Ocean City, and might not be there.
*''Super Link'' features full coloration on the demonic faces that briefly appear around Megatron's sword. They also glow green before exploding. In ''Energon'', they're simply shaded blue.
*Alpha Q's "no one here but us!" is, of course, an ''Energon'' flub, since Alpha Q isn't in Unicron's body.
*''Super Link'' features new establishing shots of [[Jungle City]], scrolling through cliffs and showing the tower under construction. ''Energon'' recycles some still shots of the ancient pyramids instead.
*Kicker's thought "you don't know the half of it" is purely an ''Energon'' addition.
*Still more unfinished/changed backgrounds as Dr. Jones leaves the shelter, and Sally arrives in the control room.
*Scorponok's "Poison Claw" line, rather inexplicably said in reference to his ''tail'', was original just a line about some "poison".
*The Signal Flares' bizarre cry of "SOREEEE!" (a nonsense word said for emphasis of action) as they bring in the tower is changed to a simple and more Western-palatable "Fire!" for ''Energon''.
*More unfinished animation: the bottom of the descending energon tower looks like a fuzzy [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. ''Super Link'' replaces this with a darkened orb.
*''Energon'' lacks any animation to show the suborbital top of the tower activating. In ''Super Link'', a different background painting is used, with red energon pulses.

===Pain count===
*"Uh?": 12

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:EnergonTower new sword.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
*When Megatron orders his soldiers to leave through the portal with him, Tidal Wave's growls can be heard very briefly, yet Tidal Wave isn't present in the scene.
*Megatron's new [[Energon Sword]] is colored entirely green, the turret is rotated 180 degrees, and the blade is stuck onto the outside of it, all of which is inaccurate to the toy and later depictions.
*Once again, Tidal Wave is exaggerated in size. He is depicted as being the size of a city—while being ''in a city''—as he goes to crush Hot Shot, who should actually be up to Tidal Wave's knee—''not'' the size of his palm.
*The top of the energon tower connection is missing when it extends.

===Continuity notes===
*The energon towers are built using existing cities/towers.
*Alpha Q has almost fully powered up Unicron's head.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Megatron upgrades his [[Energon Sword]] into a miniature version of his old tank body.
**Demolishor's tank form is linked to the bottom of Cyclonus's helicopter mode.
**Scorponok uses his cab cannons and tail cannons in scorpion mode.
**Powerlinx Inferno uses his shoulder cannons.
**Optimus Prime (in his [[Super Mode]]) launches Fire-1 at Megatron, to which Fire-1 vibrates on Megatron causing harm? Uh...''Right''.
**The [[Energon Blaster]] makes a brief reappearance.
**The Signal Flares combine their beams (in vehicle mode) to direct the connections of energon tower for the first time.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Optimus Prime Super Mode
**Powerlinx Inferno with Hot Shot (first use)

===Continuity errors===
*How did the Decepticons manage to get so close to Ocean City without being detected?
*Just where Scorponok is going, and why it's so important, is never quite made clear.
*Demolishor cuts off Ironhide's pursuit of Scorponok, but for some reason it's not actually shown on-screen.
*Sally isn't shown leaving the shelter; we don't realize she's done so till she arrives in the control center.

===Trivia===
*Apart from the conversation between Dr. Jones and Alexis, this episode's dialog actually flows pretty well.
*Scorponok is ''really'' enjoying the battle, laughing madly through the whole thing.
*The generic Autobots don't get slagged for once.
*In some scenes where Kicker is riding Skyblast in vehicle mode, Skyblast is drawn by hand.

===Foreign localization===
'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''La torre di energon'''" ("The Energon Tower")
::*After Megatron creates the fortress, "seek out what will be your new home" is changed to "and visit your new home", hence solving the problem of the future tense. Still, before that, he talks in future tense while saying that they '''will''' create a new fortress.
::*When Megatron talks to Demolishor, "hometown" is translated as "native town", despite the fact that Demolishor obviously wasn't born there.
::*When Scorponok talks about his "poison claw", it is changed to "poisoned sting", which makes more sense since he was talking about his tail.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 003 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Megatron Raid

2026-04-06T00:37:11Z

Chase eX: /* Foreign localization */

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=7
|prev=Megatron Resurrected
|next=Starscream the Mysterious Mercenary
|title="Megatron Raid"
|japanese=デストロン襲来!
|romaji=Destron Shūrai!
|translation=Destron Invasion!
|image=MegatronRaid_Megsmanipulation.jpg
|caption="Want to join the Decepticons again? We've got energon goodies!"
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Naoki Ōhira]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[February 20|20 February]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[March 13]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Revived, Megatron leads an assault on Ocean City, and Demolishor's loyalties are put to the test.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:MegatronRaid HotShot injured.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|MISTER STOOLS, SPEAK TO ME!]]

[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] provides a recap of the recent disastrous events. The [[Autobot]]s are shocked at [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]]'s injuries, while [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]], seeing his worst nightmare, urges him to respond. Unfortunately, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] is dealing with ''his'' worst nightmare a few feet away: [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is alive. Prime realizes that he's come for the [[energon]] to go after [[Unicron]]. [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] and Ironhide want to kick some skidplate, but Optimus Prime calls for a retreat so Hot Shot can be treated. He warns Megatron that if he wants more energon, he'll have to go through Prime. Megatron is thoroughly unimpressed, saying that his [[Energon Sword|sword]] gives him an incredible advantage. Megatron lets them go but demands that they surrender all their energon next time they meet.

Unicron is weakening, and so [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] plans to steal back their energon via a new agent: the revived [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]]!

[[File:MegatronRaid Unicronhead.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|No, this picture is not upside-down.]]

Hot Shot is lowered into an energon pool to heal his injuries. [[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]] is nearly done duplicating Megatron's sword. [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] brings up the topic of [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] again, but Prime still takes no action. Demolishor is bored on guard duty.

Megatron has his [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s release their energon onto Unicron. They give him an [[energon star]] power-up, and he sends them away for more. And once they've revived Unicron, Megatron will use him as a weapon of conquest.

[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] is being rather painfully repaired. [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] tells him he's lucky he got repaired at all, since he'd used the [[Decepticon]]s. Scorponok wonders why Megatron didn't destroy Optimus Prime on [[Earth]], and in a rare moment of deep thinking, Tidal Wave tells him to figure it out for himself. If he does, Tidal Wave might start to trust him. Scorponok mutters that Megatron was just afraid. Probably not what Tidal Wave was thinking.

[[File:MegatronRaid Demolishor seagull.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|Nature...good...]]

Jetfire tells Kicker about the [[Omnicon]]s' craft. Jetfire muses that they seem to know just where they belong.

A [[space bridge]] has materialized out over the ocean; Optimus Prime suspects a trap and sends Jetfire to investigate. Prime forbids Kicker to go with him, adding that Kicker is not going on missions anymore, fearing that Megatron will want him for his special abilities. Ironhide and Prime follow Jetfire.

Jetfire arrives at the space bridge to find empty air...then ''something'' materializes and knocks him away. Another space bridge opens up near [[Ocean City]], and Starscream attacks Optimus Prime as hordes of Terrorcons pour out of the sky. Demolishor helps defend the city—until Megatron appears in their midst.

[[File:Raidsword.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|Because swords are more powerful than guns.]]

Starscream is handily defeating Prime with his [[teleportation]] [[ability]]. Megatron lands before Demolishor, who's suitably confused. Ironhide wants to attack Megatron in revenge, but Demolishor restrains Ironhide...then knocks him aside. Demolishor pledges himself to Megatron, who immediately demands a test of loyalty by having him open the city's gates.

With Kicker's help, Prime drives off Starscream. When Demolishor hesitates to open the gates, Megatron orders Demolishor to fire on him. Demolishor can't do it; instead he turns and blasts the city gates open, and the Terrorcons pour in. Prime arrives to battle Megatron.

Hot Shot revives in time to help Inferno drive off the Terrorcons in the city, while Kicker holds them off with a copy of Megatron's sword, which he then hands off to Prime, putting the foes on equal footing.

More Autobots arrive carrying copies of the sword, and the Decepticons are surrounded. Megatron uses specially treated energon to transport his troops away. Despite Ironhide's pleas, Demolishor goes with him, and Prime laments that they couldn't change his mind. Starscream briefly re-materializes and chuckles.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (1)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (2)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Prime Force]] (5)
*[[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]] (15)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (16)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]]s (19)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]]s (20)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (6)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (7)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (8)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (11)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (17)

|c3=
*[[Kicker Jones]] (10)

|c4=
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]]s (9)
*[[Unicron]] (12)
*[[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] (13)
*[[Battle Ravage]]s (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"Megatron..." 
"Well, it's just like old times, isn't it?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''', together again.

"I know what you're after, Megatron. ''You'' want our ''energon!''"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' reads his enemies like a book. A very short, simple book.

''Ohh, they expect me to stare at the clouds all day. Is that what it means to be part of the ''Autobot'' team?''
:—'''Demolishor'''

"Couldn't you be a little more gentle?" 
"You used us, Scorponok. You should be grateful that I chose to repair you at all." 
"But I helped revive Megatron!" 
"All you wanted was Megatron's power, but you were too weak." 
"Wait! I want to ask you something." 
"What is it?" 
"Megatron ''could'' have destroyed Optimus Prime. Why would he pass up a perfect chance like the one he had back on the planet?" 
"If you can figure that out, then maybe I will begin to trust you more." 
"Hnn. I think he was just afraid!"
:—'''Scorponok''' and '''Tidal Wave'''

"Uhhhh...moh—uhhhhh..."
:—'''Demolishor''' is speechless at Megatron's revival

"Don't do it! You're no match for him!" 
"Let go! Don't you understand I have to do this? That rat Megatron almost destroyed my friend Hot Shot!" 
"Sorry, I didn't even know that." 
[''Ironhide breaks free of Demolishor's grip, so Demolishor grabs him and punches him in the stomach''] 
"...Hey, why did you hit me?" 
[''Ironhide collapses''] 
"I'm tired of hiding who I am! Sorry, Ironhide!"
:—'''Demolishor''' and '''Ironhide''' conflict on more than one level

"Listen...closely. Turn and face me, Demolishor. Now. Raise your weapons and fire at me. ...DO IT! I'm your enemy now. Go ahead and fire on me!"
:—'''Megatron''' knows exactly how to push Demolishor's buttons
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Super Link''===
This episode is rife with ''Energon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s penchant for inserting extra dialog. The ''Super Link'' version features terse dialog, fitting with the tense dynamics as Megatron returns and Demolishor faces a hard choice. ''Energon'' pads this out with lengthy rambling monologues. Examples include: Inferno's opening monologue, Prime and Megatron's initial confrontation, and Prime's speech at the episode's end.

*Prime's order to distribute one copy of [[Energon Sword|Megatron's Sword]] to each city is a bizarre mutation of his line in ''Super Link'', where he orders Signal Flare to recall each of the cities' Skyblasts to help produce the swords.
*Demolishor's thoughts while on guard are an ''Energon'' addition. To the show's credit, it adds a little more to Demolishor's arc while also improving a rather eventless scene.
*All of the Terrorcons' dialog is an ''Energon'' addition.
*Scorponok and Tidal Wave's conversation is translated almost precisely, apart from the final line: Scorponok doesn't think Megatron is ''afraid'', but rather blames it on his "chivalry".
*A small bit of unfinished animation sees Starscream materializing against blue skies in one of two shots. In ''Super Link'', the still-open warp gate is behind him in both shots.
*Megatron's "if you want to live to see the future" rebuke to Demolishor is an ''Energon'' addition; in ''Super Link'' he simply tells him "good job". (''Energon'' in general frequently adds such threats and insults to Megatron's dialog, as if he wasn't nasty enough already).
*In ''Super Link'', some internal monologue by Kicker continues the episode's theme of searching for one's place (mentioned earlier as he observes the Omnicons.) It's absent in ''Energon'', leaving this theme rather obscured.
*There is some minor variation in battle scene editing just before Jetfire and Ironhide [[Powerlinx]]. Neither version is particularly clear or preferable.
*''Energon'' replaces some yammering from Prime about how "energon is for life" with some more mundane yammering about how, with the copies of Megatron's Sword, "our strength is about equal."

===Pain count===
*"Uh?": 17, not including Demolishor's very justified confusion upon seeing Megatron.
*"We need/they want energon": 7
*"We've gotta": 2

===Animation and technical errors===
*Inferno is shown saying "There's no way! Never!" in Ironhide's voice.
*The Divebomb that flies up to Megatron in deep space is animated against a blue sky with clouds.
*The Energon star said Divebomb gives Megatron randomly disappears, reappears, and is misaligned from Megatron's shoulder port in various ways throughout the episode.
*When Signal Flare is reporting progress on duplication of Megatron's Sword to Optimus Prime, Signal Flare's face is entirely red.
*During Scorponok and Tidal Wave's chat, Scorponok's left eye is oddly visible through his visor.
*Moments after Optimus received an Energon chip from Strongarm, the chip was gone.
*When Kicker runs into Ocean City's human control room, he says aloud "Hey, you guys, they're overrunning the city!" despite nobody else being in the room.
*Near the end of the episode, Kicker and the Omnicons arrive to back up Optimus Prime. However, none of the other Transformers are actually there as they approach.
*When Megatron activates his emergency space bridge, Kicker covers his face from the glare, but the animation suddenly cuts to him with his arms at his side again.
*The energy sphere from the space bridge extends over Ironhide/Jetfire, making it appear as though the Powerlinxed Autobot would be beamed out as well.
*Not strictly speaking an ''error'' per se, but rather a case of [[show-accuracy|toy accuracy]] gone horribly wrong: Starscream's hands form closed fists, and in common with his toy, the design of his forearms make him unable to open them. This means he cannot take hold or let go of anything, and indeed we never actually see him picking up or dropping anything throughout the course of the series.

===Continuity notes===
*This episode is once again narrated by Inferno.
*Starscream was killed near the end of ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'', after a long and conflicted history with the Decepticons, the Autobots, and the humans. Now he's back, his mind a blank slate. You may think this is leading up to something, but nope, his entire character arc consists of him briefly working for Alpha Q, then being tormented by Megatron, whom he then unquestioningly serves for the rest of the series.
**He would later be released from Megatron's grip after [[Unicron|Alpha Q's sun]] collapses into a [[Unicron Singularity|black hole]] at the beginning of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]''. From his release he re-develops his independence. His character development in ''Armada'', sadly remains dead with his original body.
*It's not explained just yet in the series, but Starscream and Megatron's return to life is something that is accomplished through Unicron's power. It is revealed in "[[Alpha Q: Identity]]", that anything he destroys or devours can be reversed due to everything continuing to live inside him to some extent. This also partially explains why Megatron was able to react when Cyclonus kicked his corpse in the [[Megatron Resurrected|previous episode]] and how he was able to feed off of the energon being used to revive the Chaos Bringer.
**Additionally, ''Armada'' hinted towards the notion of life after being devoured more than once; When Galvatron, the kids and the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] were fused with Unicron's [[Technorganic]] tissue, they remained alive inside a dream world as Unicron fed off of them. In the alternate reality the kids ended up in, they communicated with a version of Hot Shot who had been fused with Unicron's tissue and kept alive as the Chaos Bringer fed.
*This is the third episode to feature the Terrorcons speaking.
*Tidal Wave has a rare moment of intelligence during his conversation with Scorponok.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Megatron's new form seemingly allows him to use raw [[energon star]]s.
**As added toy-accuracy, Starscream's weapons are used in the most hilarious ways. They are first stored under his wings in jet mode (which is where they appear throughout most of the show) and are combined into his oversized sword in robot mode.
**Optimus Prime (in [[Super Mode]]) drill-kicks Starscream in the face.
**Megatron pulls his sword out of his energon star, much like the Autobots do with their [[energon weapon]]s.
**Everybody gets a replica of Megatron's Sword.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Optimus Prime Super Mode
**Powerlinx Ironhide with Jetfire

===Continuity errors===
*Why is Earth suddenly referred to as "the planet"?
*Considering the fact every Autobot and Omnicon in Ocean City was armed with a Megatron Sword by the end of the episode, Optimus Prime was being rather stingy when he said they would deliver ''one'' sword to each city to help in their defense.
*Considering how easy it is to tell that Starscream is Starscream, Optimus not recognising him seems a little strange. Not even recognising him as a ''Transformer'' significantly more so, since Optimus doesn't even know what "that thing" was.

===Transformers references===
*Starscream's new, partially-rebuilt form is an homage to Generation 1 [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]'s ghost form from season three of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]].

===Real-world references===
*While the liquefied energon tank is similar to the [[CR chamber]]s and CR tanks from ''Beast Wars'', in visual appearance, it owes more to the Bacta tanks seen in ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back]]''.

===Trivia===
*The end battle between Optimus Prime and Megatron is quite well animated by the standards of ''Energon''.
*The scene where Optimus and Megatron clash swords (which eventually causes an explosion) was used in the intro sequence of ''Super Link''.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Le raid de Megatron'''" ("Megatron's Raid")
::*Inferno does not have his pitch voice effect during the opening narration. During this rare instance, we can hear [[Romain Redler]]'s unmodified normal voice.
::*As usual since episode 2, Demolishor is called "Demolisher" instead of "Démolisseur".
::*Like several Transformers, the cities are usually not referred by name. Instead of saying "Everyone is going back to Ocean City at once", Optimus Prime says "Everyone immediately returns to the ocean base".
::*While the English dub does not make the same mistake twice, the French dub goes overconfident and dubs Megatron's line "Not when I have this sword with me" by "As you can see I got the Star Saber back".
::*When Jetfire repeats Kicker's "Why?" before answering it, the French voice actor does it as a genuine "Why?", making the scene confusing.
::*30 miles becomes... 30 kilometers. Sure! Later in the episode, 1 mile becomes, of course, 1 kilometer.
::*[[Yoann Sover]] says Jetfire's lines "I'll investigate. Come one Kicker, you want to go with me?" and "Commander, it's all clear!" in the fancy voice he does for Strongarm instead of his hoarse Jetfire voice. While he's at it, he also uses his Strongarm voice to do Ironhide's "Okay!" after Jetfire tells him to combine.

'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''L'incursione di Megatron'''" ("Megatron's Raid")
::*Jetfire isn't voiced by his regular actor in the scene in which he flies and meets Starscream.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 2: The Return of Megatron ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 2: The Return of Megatron (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 2: The Return of Megatron (Paramount)
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 002 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 2: The Return of Megatron (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 2: The Return of Megatron (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 2: The Return of Megatron (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume One (Shout! Factory)

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Megatron Resurrected

2026-04-03T22:39:24Z

Chase eX: /* Differences with Super Link */

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=6
|prev=The New Cybertron City
|next=Megatron Raid
|title="Megatron Resurrected"
|japanese=復活! ガルバトロン
|romaji=Fukkatsu! Galvatron
|translation=Resurrection! Galvatron
|image=Energon MegatronResurrected titlecloseup.jpg
|caption= That decade-long nap did wonders for his complexion.
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Naoki Ōhira]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[February 13|13 February]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[March 6]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''With the Autobots under pressure from constant attacks, things take a turn for the worse as Megatron returns from the dead.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Inferno Megatron Resurrected.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb]]

As [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] narrates, over the past several months, the [[Autobot]]s under the command of [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] have been on edge due to the ceaseless attacks by the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s. As the enemy swoops down on [[Blizzard City]], Inferno's command, he believed that this time the Autobots were ready for them, Blizzard City's defensive cannons blasting the [[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]] drones out of the sky. On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] leads Terrorcons over the remains of the Autobot base where cannons appear out of the ground, swiftly destroying the drones. At [[Canyon City]], [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] uses a similar tactic to lure [[Battle Ravage]] drones into the firing line of artillery cannons embedded into canyon rock. [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] expresses frustration at the new defenses on [[Earth]] preventing their quest to secure [[energon]].

At [[Jungle City]] in the [[Amazon]], as they watch [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] [[Omnicon]]s install defense cannons into the city, [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] congratulates [[Misha Miramond|Misha]] on coming up with the idea to use energon to power their weapons. She dejectedly responds that in truth, that idea was unintentional, as she was researching peaceful usages for energon. Kicker tries to cheer her up by explaining that their weapons are to defend themselves. As Misha mentions what a mentor [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]] had been to her, Kicker senses an imminent attack on their location.

Outside, Optimus Prime defends Jungle City against the first wave of Terrorcons led by the treacherous [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]]. As the city explodes around them, the Omnicons are annoyed at interruptions to their important work. Misha orders the [[human]] crew to open their unfinished artillery bays and fire on the enemy. The Omnicons finally complete work, but the humans need to wait for their energon levels to rise.

Kicker lassos a Battle Ravage drone and allows it to lead him to Jungle City's energon mines and sniff out the energon, to the gratitude of the Omnicons. With their power at maximum, the defensive artillery sends [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]], [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] and the surviving Terrorcons packing. [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] and Ironhide arrives via the [[space bridge]] soon after the enemy retreat, with the younger Autobot expressing disappointment at missing out on battle.

[[File:Energon MegatronisBack.jpg|150px|thumb|left|"Galvatron is no more... behold: Megatron!" ...whaaat?]]
[[File:EnergonMegatron punishScorponok.jpg|150px|thumb|Meet my subordinates... ...General Foot and Major Fist!]]

Inside [[Unicron]], Alpha Q angrily berates Scorponok for their defeat, stating that they don't have enough energon to revive [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]], and even more for Unicron. Inside the cavern with Megatron's corpse, Cyclonus and Tidal Wave apologize to their dead leader for not securing the energon needed to revive him. Cyclonus then told Tidal Wave that they will never revive Megatron, kicking his leader's corpse. Suddenly, Megatron's voice filled the cavern, telling his former minion to stop doing that. When Tidal Wave defends Megatron, Cyclonus reminded him how badly they were always treated and that he prefers Megatron to stay this way, kicking the corpse again. And again Megatron asks Cyclonus what he just said. Scorponok enters brandishing Megatron's [[Energon Sword]], claiming that Megatron has been stealing their energon reserves and that the Terrorcon intends to rectify the problem, to the shock of Cyclonus and Tidal Wave. Megatron begins to drain energon from Unicron, prompting Scorponok to stab the spark sword into Megatron's chest, ceasing the energy flow. Suddenly, the energon drain violently restarts, and pulls the Energon Sword completely into Megatron's chest. As the other Transformers watch in awed shock, Megatron bursts out of his old body like an insect in a cocoon.

Megatron demands to know who had dared to use his power, and promises that the transgressor will pay for their disrespect. Quickly destroying Scorponok's summoned Divebomb drones, Megatron tears off the Terrorcon general's tail and proceeds to beat him into a mangled pulp. Megatron is about to deliver a killing blow when Scorponok says that his actions were at the bidding of Alpha Q. Megatron decides to spare Scorponok for now, but [[Branding|brands]] the Terrorcon with a Decepticon symbol and forces him to lead the Decepticons to Alpha Q. Alpha Q greets Megatron amicably, but soon realizes that Megatron has taken control of the Terrorcons. Alpha Q runs, with the Decepticons in pursuit, chasing him to what appears to be a dead end. As Megatron gloats, Alpha Q defiantly declares that while Megatron may have been stealing their energon, only Alpha Q had been carrying out Unicron's agenda. With that, the section Alpha Q had taken refuge in splits apart from the rest of Unicron's body, revealing itself to be the Chaos Bringer's head. Megatron can only watch as the head warps itself to destinations unknown, but quickly declares to his men that they should forget the treacherous alien and concentrate on attacking the Autobots and securing energon, despite Scorponok's advice of extreme caution.

At [[Ocean City]], Kicker demands the space bridge be opened, for radar has picked up an attack on [[Plains City]]. Despite Ironhide's assurances that Hot Shot will be able to handle it, Kicker doubts that they can deal with the new threat. At the battle of Plains City, Megatron holds the battered Scorponok as his personal shield against the Autobot defense artillery before throwing the Terrorcon commander into the water below. On the ground, Hot Shot cannot believe his optics as Megatron flies into his line of fire.

It is the next morning as reinforcements arrive at the devastated Plains City, and are greeted by a victorious Megatron. Noting their obvious surprise, Megatron tosses Hot Shot's [[stasis lock]]ed body (minus an arm) at the Autobots' feet, to the shock of Ironhide.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (1)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (3)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (6)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]]s (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (11)
*[[Prime Force]] (12)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]]s (14)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (18)

|c2=
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (10)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (15)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (16)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (17)

|c3=
*[[Kicker Jones]] (8)
*[[Misha Miramond]] (9)
*Jungle City scientists (13)

|c4=
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]]s (2)
*[[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] (4)
*[[Battle Ravage]]s (5)
}}

==Quotes==
"Megatron lives! Megatron lives! Megatron lives!"
:—'''Tidal Wave''' reacting to Megatron's resurrection.

"I...am...back."
:—'''Megatron''''s first words after his rebirth.

'"Who is this one... who ''dares'' to use my power? Tell me!" 
"I didn't think you'd notice. You seemed a bit...distracted." 
"You'll ''pay'' for this!"
:—'''Megatron''' demands to know who is using his spark-sword, and '''Scorponok''''s answer does nothing to help matters.

"Ha, ha, ha! I have never felt more alive! For that I thank you, Scorponok!"
:—'''Megatron''' gloats as he holds Scorponok's torn off tail.

'''Megatron:''' "I commend you on your fortitude, Scorponok. Yet did you really believe you could keep ''me'' in a ''coma''?" 
[''Megatron attempts to crush Scorponok with his heel, only for the Terrorcon leader to grab it at the last moment''] 
'''Megatron:''' "It's good to be back. So good." 
'''Cyclonus:''' "Uh, Megatron sir? Don't you think the poor guy's suffered enough already?" 
'''Megatron:''' "Don't be silly! Why, I'm just getting started!" 
[''Megatron steps down hard, breaking Scorponok's elbow and crushing it'']
:—'''Megatron''' punishes Scorponok for his treachery.

"How am I supposed to believe, Cyclonus, after you had the nerve to kick me while I was down?"
:—'''Megatron''', forgetting that he ''is'' the kinda guy to kick someone when they're down.

"Welcome to ''my'' team, Scorponok."
:—'''Megatron''' "drafts" Scorponok into the Decepticons.

"Time to test your loyalty, Scorponok: Be my shield! 
[''Megatron holds Scorponok in front of him in flight, whereupon Scorponok is repeatedly blasted by Autobot defenses''] 
"You pass! Now, out of my way!" 
[''He drops Scorponok aaaalllll the way to the ground'']
:—'''Megatron''', clearly enjoying himself.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Super Link''===
Nothing essential to the plot is lost in ''Energon'', but quite a few changes don't make sense either within the episode or in the larger context of the series.

The issue of Megatron to Galvatron to Megatron is avoided in ''Super Link''. Megatron remained Megatron throughout all of ''Legends of the Microns'', unlike in ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'', where Megatron became Galvatron when he got his new paint-job. Megatron constantly renaming himself in the English version is typically regarded as a Hasbro mandate to retain both the "Megatron" and "Galvatron" trademarks.

====Random insertions====
*Inferno's opening narration is an ''Energon'' addition. ''Super Link'' features silence instead. Likewise for most of Jetfire's banter.
*Cyclonus's observation, "We're trapped!", is ''Energon'' nonsense. In ''Super Link'', he merely remarks on the barrier that protects Alpha Q.
*''Energon'' adds some grunting from Hot Shot as Megatron tosses him around. Considering he's supposed to be unconscious, this doesn't make much sense. It is possible however, that the grunting was added to assure the younger, more impressionable viewers that Hot Shot was still alive.

====Random changes====
[[File:Kicker Misha Romance.jpg|thumb|200px]]
*''Energon'' has Kicker praising Misha for beating his dad to the punch, and Misha responding that she learned everything from him. The ''Super Link'' version of this conversation credits it as a joint venture.
*As they part before the battle, Misha says something that makes Kicker blush. In ''Super Link'', she says that she'll work hard for love, and for Kicker. ''Energon'' diminishes this to a, admittedly, much more subtle "you know how much I worry about you".
*During Megatron's resurrection, Scorponok's sword gets sucked into Megatron in ''Super Link''. In ''Energon'', it merely fades away.
*Scorponok's dismissive "I didn't think you'd notice" is more of a surprised "you knew what was happening?" in ''Super Link''.
*A ''Super Link'' bit with Megatron forcing Scorponok to address him with a ''-sama'' honorific is, naturally, changed in ''Energon''.
{{-}}

====Nonsense====
[[File:Energon E06 swordcomparison.jpg|thumb|150px]]
*Prime's bizarre question of "I wonder why Kicker left me here alone to defend myself" is purely an ''Energon'' insertion; Prime originally just comments that Kicker must have thought of something interesting.
*In ''Super Link'', Alpha Q is certainly upset with Scorponok's failure, but as can be seen from the animation, he recognizes that their energon is being stolen by Megatron. ''Energon'' replaces this realization with Alpha Q telling Scorponok that he's expendable... a claim which runs strongly against what we see of Alpha Q's attitude towards Scorponok later in the episode and the series.
*In ''Super Link'', as he sees Megatron's power, Alpha Q tells Scorponok that there's a change of plans. ''Energon'' changes this to Alpha Q somehow trying to speak directly to Megatron.
*In ''Super Link'', as he prepares to flee, Alpha Q says that he's the only one who understands Unicron's structure, a preface to Alpha Q separating Unicron's head from his body. In place of this dialog, ''Energon'', at the behest of [[Hasbro]], continues its strange injection of Alpha Q somehow ''serving'' Unicron, by having Alpha Q claim defiantly that he is the only one who has carried out Unicron's will.
*Kicker implies that he knows about Megatron's revival before anyone on Earth ever sees him. ("Guess who just showed up!") In ''Super Link'', he merely senses that something is wrong, and that there's someone new on the scene.
**Oddly, this weird addition to the dialogue makes Kicker's powers seem a little more on the "overpowered" side.

===Pain count===
*"Uh?": 13
*"We need/they want energon": 5
*"It's time to": 4
*"We've gotta": 1
*"Aw, come on": 2
*"Gimme a break": 2

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Energon E06 pencilerror.jpg|thumb|"Don't look, I'm not finished yet!"]]
*In one shot, the original pencil sketch can be partially made out behind Strongarm.
*When Ironhide rubs his nose, his forearm clips right through his chest.
*This is one of several early episodes where Misha is referred to as Mika ("MEEK-ah" in this episode, "MIKE-uh" in others.)
*When Optimus Prime appears at the beginning of this episode in vehicle mode, his front wheels are missing.
*Not really a glitch or mistake, but the animators cheated by having Optimus Prime's transformation into robot mode covered by an explosion.
*When Optimus deploys the Prime Force, it reuses animation from the first episode. You can even see the Ocean City suspension bridge in the background!
*A scientist says that they can't fire the defense lasers because Strongarm and Skyblast are in the way. When Misha fires anyways, 2 Skyblasts are the ones who need to get outta the way.
*Copter-2 flies up to him without spinning its rotors.
*Kicker is very proud of himself for bringing a Terrorcon to "find the energon for us", but the energon that the Terrorcon "finds" is already exposed and visible.
*After Megatron picks Scorponok up by his head, as the camera pans down to reveal Megatron's fist hitting Scorponok's chest, Megatron's own chest is missing his Decepticon symbol.
*The speed of Alpha Q's running varies wildly.
*When Ironhide reacts to Kicker's panic of the attack on Plains City, his bicep clips through his forearm as he bends his right arm.
*The left arm Megatron uses to toss Hot Shot to the Autobots is disembodied and not connected to anything. It also immediately disappears after Hot Shot has left his hand.
*Tidal Wave's shoulders and shoulder joints are positioned wrong throughout the episode, making his shoulders sit higher than normal.

===Continuity notes===
*This is one of the few times we see anything akin to the actual creation of Terrorcons, as they fly out of some glowy light nodes within Unicron to attack Megatron.
*Megatron appears to have gained new powers. It is unclear whether they are a result of him feeding on the energon used to revive Unicron or from him being merged with Unicron's [[Technorganic]] tissue for the past ten years, taking a little of the Chaos Bringer's power with him into his new body.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Ironhide wields a copy of [[Energon Sword|Megatron's Sword]]. However, see ''Continuity errors'' below.
**Digger-3 drills its opponents.
**Optimus Prime (in his [[Super Mode]]) fires lasers from the wrist-mounted turret on Fire-1.
**Megatron summons his sword out of nowhere.
**Megatron can also brand bots with Decepticon insignias from balls of energy.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Optimus Prime Super Mode

===Continuity errors===
*After transforming, Optimus Prime turns to his [[trailer]], which then tips over to launch his [[Prime Force]] drones. For some reason Optimus Prime's order for them to deploy is not dubbed in.
*When Optimus Prime combines with his drones into Super Mode, actor [[Garry Chalk]] does not have enough time to order Submarine-4 to combine before the footage cuts to the next segment of the stock footage.
*It is not clear why Alpha Q claims they were to resurrect Megatron, yet sent Scorponok to eliminate him. Then again, Alpha Q ''is'' a few bots short of a [[Special Teams|Special Team]].
*It is unclear why Optimus Prime's reinforcements took so long to reach Plains City.
*The various Skyblasts in this episode have different voices. Previously, they all had the same voice.
*At one point Cyclonus described Alpha Q to Megatron, then in the next scene after Megatron bursts into Alpha Q's chamber Cyclonus says "What is that thing!?"
*How do cannons on both sides of a canyon manage to avoid destroying each other?
*The gun turrets are normally shown as regularly spaced. When it's time for them to shoot at Tidal Wave and Scorponok, however, they're suddenly scattered randomly across the rock wall, coincidentally with gaps ''exactly'' the size of Scorponok and Tidal Wave in the battery.
*All the gun turrets in the episode are shown as having their front end facing in whatever direction they're expected to shoot...Except the battery which fires at Tidal Wave and Demolishor, which are for some reason turned 90 degrees so they have to aim their guns straight up just to fire into the canyon.
*When Ironhide is leading the Terrorcons into the turrets at the beginning of the episode, he has Megatron's sword. Presumably, the animators meant to give him the [[Energon Saber]]. The Autobots do manage to make copies of Megatron's Sword in the next episode though, so perhaps the animators got confused.

===Transformers references===
[[File:Unicron Head Energon.jpg|thumb|200px]]
*When Alpha Q escapes from Megatron, Unicron's head detaches from his body, a visual homage to Unicron's destruction in [[The Transformers: The Movie|the 1986 ''Transformers'' animated movie]].

===Real-world references===
*Cyclonus reacts to Megatron's reactivation much like a B-movie mad scientist bringing a monster to life.
{{--}}

===Trivia===
[[File:Scorponok Face.jpg|thumb|200px]]
*When Jungle City's defense cannons reveal themselves, Tidal Wave reacts with a comical anime giant sweatdrop, one of the few times the Unicron Trilogy series uses traditional anime visual gags.
*A bit of a hindsight observation, but Megatron sheds his old body like a caterpillar that has reached its chrysalis form and is now grown into a butterfly. Makes for a bit of a visual pun, as he was a caterpillar tank whose body hardened into a lifeless shell once he perished, went dormant for a while, then crumbled away, and he reemerged upgraded to a brand new alt mode that has wings.
*Megatron gives Scorponok swollen chipmunk cheeks (similar to bruising) as he curb-stomps the living daylights out of him. In terms of metal, it is likely meant to indicate dents, as his face also has signs of cracking.
{{--}}

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''La résurrection de Megatron'''" ("Megatron's resurrection")
::*Like in English, Misha is called Mika.
::*In the cavern, Megatron's voice has no reverb at all when talking to Cyclonus, he just sounds normal like if he had already awakened.
::*Ironhide screaming "Hot Shot!" at the end of the episode is dubbed by "He ''killed'' him!".

'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Il ritorno di Megatron'''" ("Megatron's Return")
::*Misha's name is corrected.
::*While, in English, when Optimus combines into Super Mode, he doesn't order Submarine-4 to combine, in Italian he does so.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 2: The Return of Megatron ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 2: The Return of Megatron (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 2: The Return of Megatron (Paramount)
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 002 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 2: The Return of Megatron (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 2: The Return of Megatron (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 2: The Return of Megatron (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume One (Shout! Factory)

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

The New Cybertron City

2026-03-29T22:02:24Z

Chase eX: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=5
|prev=Megatron's Sword
|next=Megatron Resurrected
|title="The New Cybertron City"
|japanese=新たなサイバトロンシティ
|romaji=Arata na Cybertron City
|translation=
|image=E5_titlecard.jpg
|caption=For the last time, we're not calling it Destron City!
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Masayuki Ōseki]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[February 6|6 February]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[February 28]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy continuity|Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''An energon scout team on a frozen mountain is the target of the latest Terrorcon attack.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Energon-Cyclonus-Galvatron-Corpse.jpg‎|230px|thumb|left|He is not pining! He has passed on! He is no more! He has ceased to be! Bereft of life, he rests in peace! He has kicked the bucket, run down the curtain and joined the choir invisible! He is an ex-Decepticon!]]

[[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] wanders lost through a snow-blown wasteland, finding an [[energon]] beam coming down from the sky and having no recollection of how he got there. He sees a familiar mountain... then wakes up in his own bed.

He looks up the mountain on his computer, confident that it's an [[energon point]].

Kicker, a [[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]], and [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] scout the mountain for energon, ahead of a main team including [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]], [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]]. Ironhide's not happy about the unhelpful Demolishor coming along, while Demolishor is still stunned by the possibility of [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] being alive.

[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] arrive at [[Unicron]] with more energon and find Megatron's corpse. Cyclonus beats on him a bit, trying to wake him up. They go question [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] about it, only to get sent off by [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] for—you guessed it—more energon.

[[Rad White|Rad]] and [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]] have restored and improved the [[Prime Force]] drones, and they send them back to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] on [[Earth]]. Prime gets an update on the scout team and orders the energon point's coordinates relayed to Dr. Jones as soon as they find it. [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] voices concern over Demolishor's loyalty, but Prime won't hear it.

Demolishor refuses to help carry supplies, leading to a childish argument between him and Ironhide that nearly comes to blows. Hot Shot stifles it, but Demolishor stomps off in a huff.

[[File:NewCybertronCity ironhide and demolishor.jpg‎|230px|thumb|"Quit being such a poopy-head" "You're the poopy-head!"]]

Fog and snow cancel the search mission, and soon Kicker is caught in a whiteout and falls into a crevasse. Hot Shot sends Demolishor and Ironhide off together to look for Kicker.

In a daze at the bottom of a ravine, Kicker recalls drifting weightless as a child, aboard a starship as he and his family head home. They make a stop to find energon, and young Kicker feels nervous...

Kicker wakes up and realizes his predicament. Hot Shot makes radio contact with him and notifies the others.

In [[Ocean City]], [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] detects an enemy force headed directly for Kicker's position. Cyclonus and Tidal Wave arrive and attack, causing an avalanche that sweeps away Hot Shot. [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s attack Ironhide and Demolishor.

[[File:Energon-New-Cybertron-City.jpg|230px|thumb|left|That's no moon!]]

Kicker tries to fly out with Grindor, but the walls are too steep. An avalanche deposits enough snow to get them closer to the top, where Kicker detects the energon seam, though he still can't reach it.

Hot Shot meets up with Ironhide and Demolishor, who are battling the Terrorcons. Cyclonus arrives, and he and Hot Shot spar verbally for Demolishor's loyalty. Cyclonus leaves after seeing the Strongarm, assuming that's where the energon will be. Demolishor continues to fight alongside the Autobots.

Strongarm retrieves Kicker and Grindor, and he transmits their coordinates to Dr. Jones on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Optimus and Inferno arrive and lead the recon team away as the Terrorcons start digging for energon. Dr. Jones activates "a present", and something huge descends from the sky: [[Cybertron City (city)|Cybertron City]]! The Terrorcons flee, but many are crushed by the descending city. The city lands and seals the energon point.

Scorponok arrives and leads a new attack, but the city's defenses make mincemeat of his troops. A [[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]] scans Scorponok for "[[cloning]] purposes", explaining that he's "planning for the future". Overmatched, Scorponok retreats with no energon.

Demolishor reasons that if Megatron was alive, he'd have been out on the front lines of the battle. Kicker reflects that even now, his dad is still looking after him.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarms]] (3)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (4)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (5)
*[[Prime Force]] (11)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (14)
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (15)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (16)
*[[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]] (19)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] (20)

|c2=
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (6)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (8)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (9)

|c3=
*[[Kicker Jones]] (1)
*[[Rad White]] (12)
*[[Brian Jones]] (13)

|c4=
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (2)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (10)
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebombs]] (7)
*[[Battle Ravage]]s (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"Talk to me, your evilness! I'm here for ya! Yoo-hoo! Anybody in there?" [''beats on Megatron''] 
"Stop that!"
:—'''Cyclonus''' and '''Tidal Wave'''

"Hey, why don't you carry some stuff?" 
"No. I'm not some kind of pack animal. That's a job for rookies like ''you''!"
:—'''Ironhide''' and '''Demolishor''' start to squabble.

"Ironhide, apologize to Demolishor." 
"Why should I have to apologize?! He ''started'' it!"
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Ironhide'''

"I sent Strongarm to the ravine to help him get out of there, Ironhide." 
"So you know where he is?!" 
"Yeah. And it's a real deep one."
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Ironhide''' are awkward conversationalists.

'''Hot Shot:''' "Demolishor, you're our friend! You know you can trust us!" 
'''Demolishor:''' "I'm your friend?" 
'''Cyclonus:''' "Sheesh, don't be such a sap! He's only ''saying'' that!"
:–'''Cyclonus''' is not one for sentiments.

"Optimus Prime! Super mode! Powerlinx! Optimus Prime! Super mode!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''', going to his Super Mode via Powerlinx.

''He can't be alive. Cause if he were, he would have been out on that front line for sure. At least... that's the Megatron I remember.''
:—'''Demolishor''' continues to wonder.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Super Link''===
This episode is remarkably faithful to ''Super Link'', with very little changed or lost.
*Demolishor ''insists'' on looking for Kicker, considering it part of his job as guard.
*The sensing rod that young Kicker plants in the ground glows red in ''Super Link''. This bit of animation is missing in ''Energon''.
*''Energon'' adds a soft white border to Kicker's flashback scenes, an admittedly nice touch.
*Kicker's eye makes a very loud *whump* noise when he awakes from his first dream.

===Pain count===
*"Uh?": 10
*"We need/want energon": 5
*"We're a team": 2
*"Let's do it": 1

===Animation and technical errors===
*As with [[Cybertron City (episode)|the first episode]], this episode's title fails to localize the faction name "Cybertron" to "Autobot".
*When Strongarm is talking to Kicker at the beginning the episode, his mouth stops moving after the first line of dialogue.
*After Strongarm says that he's going to head back to get his equipment and says he'd feel bad making the Autobots lug his equipment around, Kicker responds to himself/Grindor with "Those Omnicons are real team players." While not necessarily an error per se, the line just comes off as a rather sarcastic remark instead of genuine. It is likely just a poor line for the scene—though given Kicker's attitude towards Transformers, it's just as easy to write this off as a backhanded compliment.
*As Cyclonus and Tidal Wave enter Unicron in search of Megatron/Galvatron, Tidal Wave is once again over-exaggerated in size. Cyclonus is shown to be about two or three of Tidal wave's heads tall, when he should roughly be the height of Tidal Wave's lower leg (from foot to lower knee).
**Coming face to face with the corpse of the Decepticon leader, the scale is corrected—including Megatron's corpse.
*When Hot Shot loses contact with Kicker, Demolishor responds with the deeper Strongarm voice—which also happens to be a different voice to the Strongarm in this episode.
*Rad calls the Prime Force by its Japanese name, Grand Force.
*Hilariously, when Optimus and his men run outside of the city to fight Scorponok and the Terrorcons again, they aren't animated, meaning their character models slide into view without any movement whatsoever.

===Continuity notes===
*The Decepticons arrive delivering the energon that was raided [[Megatron's Sword|last episode]], to Unicron.
*The Prime Force were damaged last episode.
*This is the second time the Terrorcons are shown to speak. The last episode was the first of these rare instances.
*Kicker's bratty and anti-authority attitude is revealed to stem from childhood trauma caused by his father treating him as a ''human Energon detector'' instead of his son.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Demolishor has a red [[energon star]] on his left shoulder, right where his Mini-Con [[Powerlinx]] point is. Unfortunately, this can't be replicated with the toy.
**Signal Flare uses his [[Energon weapon|Energy Cutter]] blade/radar dish to scan [[Energon Sword|Megatron's Sword]].
*Powerlinx forms:
**Optimus Prime [[Super Mode]]

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:* ''Title:'' ?
::*Due to the two only released DVDs having only episodes 1 to 4 and 6 to 9, the French dub of this episode is one of the lost ones.

'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Trappola di ghiaccio'''" ("Ice Trap")
::*Ironhide's first two lines aren't voiced by his actor.
::*Unlike in English, Rad doesn't call Prime Force by its Japanese name.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 002 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume One (Shout! Factory)

{{DEFAULTSORT:New Cybertron City}}
[[Category:Energon episodes]]

The New Cybertron City

2026-03-29T22:00:14Z

Chase eX: /* Differences with Super Link */

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=5
|prev=Megatron's Sword
|next=Megatron Resurrected
|title="The New Cybertron City"
|japanese=新たなサイバトロンシティ
|romaji=Arata na Cybertron City
|translation=
|image=E5_titlecard.jpg
|caption=For the last time, we're not calling it Destron City!
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Masayuki Ōseki]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[February 6|6 February]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[February 28]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy continuity|Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''An energon scout team on a frozen mountain is the target of the latest Terrorcon attack.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Energon-Cyclonus-Galvatron-Corpse.jpg‎|230px|thumb|left|He is not pining! He has passed on! He is no more! He has ceased to be! Bereft of life, he rests in peace! He has kicked the bucket, run down the curtain and joined the choir invisible! He is an ex-Decepticon!]]

[[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] wanders lost through a snow-blown wasteland, finding an [[energon]] beam coming down from the sky and having no recollection of how he got there. He sees a familiar mountain... then wakes up in his own bed.

He looks up the mountain on his computer, confident that it's an [[energon point]].

Kicker, a [[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]], and [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] scout the mountain for energon, ahead of a main team including [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]], [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]]. Ironhide's not happy about the unhelpful Demolishor coming along, while Demolishor is still stunned by the possibility of [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] being alive.

[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] arrive at [[Unicron]] with more energon and find Megatron's corpse. Cyclonus beats on him a bit, trying to wake him up. They go question [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] about it, only to get sent off by [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] for—you guessed it—more energon.

[[Rad White|Rad]] and [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]] have restored and improved the [[Prime Force]] drones, and they send them back to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] on [[Earth]]. Prime gets an update on the scout team and orders the energon point's coordinates relayed to Dr. Jones as soon as they find it. [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] voices concern over Demolishor's loyalty, but Prime won't hear it.

Demolishor refuses to help carry supplies, leading to a childish argument between him and Ironhide that nearly comes to blows. Hot Shot stifles it, but Demolishor stomps off in a huff.

[[File:NewCybertronCity ironhide and demolishor.jpg‎|230px|thumb|"Quit being such a poopy-head" "You're the poopy-head!"]]

Fog and snow cancel the search mission, and soon Kicker is caught in a whiteout and falls into a crevasse. Hot Shot sends Demolishor and Ironhide off together to look for Kicker.

In a daze at the bottom of a ravine, Kicker recalls drifting weightless as a child, aboard a starship as he and his family head home. They make a stop to find energon, and young Kicker feels nervous...

Kicker wakes up and realizes his predicament. Hot Shot makes radio contact with him and notifies the others.

In [[Ocean City]], [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] detects an enemy force headed directly for Kicker's position. Cyclonus and Tidal Wave arrive and attack, causing an avalanche that sweeps away Hot Shot. [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s attack Ironhide and Demolishor.

[[File:Energon-New-Cybertron-City.jpg|230px|thumb|left|That's no moon!]]

Kicker tries to fly out with Grindor, but the walls are too steep. An avalanche deposits enough snow to get them closer to the top, where Kicker detects the energon seam, though he still can't reach it.

Hot Shot meets up with Ironhide and Demolishor, who are battling the Terrorcons. Cyclonus arrives, and he and Hot Shot spar verbally for Demolishor's loyalty. Cyclonus leaves after seeing the Strongarm, assuming that's where the energon will be. Demolishor continues to fight alongside the Autobots.

Strongarm retrieves Kicker and Grindor, and he transmits their coordinates to Dr. Jones on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Optimus and Inferno arrive and lead the recon team away as the Terrorcons start digging for energon. Dr. Jones activates "a present", and something huge descends from the sky: [[Cybertron City (city)|Cybertron City]]! The Terrorcons flee, but many are crushed by the descending city. The city lands and seals the energon point.

Scorponok arrives and leads a new attack, but the city's defenses make mincemeat of his troops. A [[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]] scans Scorponok for "[[cloning]] purposes", explaining that he's "planning for the future". Overmatched, Scorponok retreats with no energon.

Demolishor reasons that if Megatron was alive, he'd have been out on the front lines of the battle. Kicker reflects that even now, his dad is still looking after him.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarms]] (3)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (4)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (5)
*[[Prime Force]] (11)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (14)
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (15)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (16)
*[[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]] (19)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] (20)

|c2=
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (6)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (8)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (9)

|c3=
*[[Kicker Jones]] (1)
*[[Rad White]] (12)
*[[Brian Jones]] (13)

|c4=
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (2)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (10)
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebombs]] (7)
*[[Battle Ravage]]s (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"Talk to me, your evilness! I'm here for ya! Yoo-hoo! Anybody in there?" [''beats on Megatron''] 
"Stop that!"
:—'''Cyclonus''' and '''Tidal Wave'''

"Hey, why don't you carry some stuff?" 
"No. I'm not some kind of pack animal. That's a job for rookies like ''you''!"
:—'''Ironhide''' and '''Demolishor''' start to squabble.

"Ironhide, apologize to Demolishor." 
"Why should I have to apologize?! He ''started'' it!"
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Ironhide'''

"I sent Strongarm to the ravine to help him get out of there, Ironhide." 
"So you know where he is?!" 
"Yeah. And it's a real deep one."
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Ironhide''' are awkward conversationalists.

'''Hot Shot:''' "Demolishor, you're our friend! You know you can trust us!" 
'''Demolishor:''' "I'm your friend?" 
'''Cyclonus:''' "Sheesh, don't be such a sap! He's only ''saying'' that!"
:–'''Cyclonus''' is not one for sentiments.

"Optimus Prime! Super mode! Powerlinx! Optimus Prime! Super mode!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''', going to his Super Mode via Powerlinx.

''He can't be alive. Cause if he were, he would have been out on that front line for sure. At least... that's the Megatron I remember.''
:—'''Demolishor''' continues to wonder.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Super Link''===
This episode is remarkably faithful to ''Super Link'', with very little changed or lost.
*Demolishor ''insists'' on looking for Kicker, considering it part of his job as guard.
*The sensing rod that young Kicker plants in the ground glows red in ''Super Link''. This bit of animation is missing in ''Energon''.
*''Energon'' adds a soft white border to Kicker's flashback scenes, an admittedly nice touch.
*Kicker's eye makes a very loud *whump* noise when he awakes from his first dream.

===Pain count===
*"Uh?": 10
*"We need/want energon": 5
*"We're a team": 2
*"Let's do it": 1

===Animation and technical errors===
*As with [[Cybertron City (episode)|the first episode]], this episode's title fails to localize the faction name "Cybertron" to "Autobot".
*When Strongarm is talking to Kicker at the beginning the episode, his mouth stops moving after the first line of dialogue.
*After Strongarm says that he's going to head back to get his equipment and says he'd feel bad making the Autobots lug his equipment around, Kicker responds to himself/Grindor with "Those Omnicons are real team players." While not necessarily an error per se, the line just comes off as a rather a sarcastic remark instead of genuine. It is likely just a poor line for the scene—though given Kicker's attitude towards Transformers, it's just as easy to write this off as a backhanded compliment.
*As Cyclonus and Tidal Wave enter Unicron in search of Megatron/Galvatron, Tidal Wave is once again over-exaggerated in size. Cyclonus is shown to be about two or three of Tidal wave's heads tall, when he should roughly be the height of Tidal Wave's lower leg (from foot to lower knee).
**Coming face to face with the corpse of the Decepticon leader, the scale is corrected—including Megatron's corpse.
*When Hot Shot loses contact with Kicker, Demolishor responds with the deeper Strongarm voice—which also happens to be a different voice to the Strongarm in this episode.
*Rad calls the Prime Force by its Japanese name, Grand Force.
*Hilariously, when Optimus and his men run outside of the city to fight Scorponok and the Terrorcons again, they aren't animated, meaning their character models slide into view without any movement whatsoever.

===Continuity notes===
*The Decepticons arrive delivering the energon that was raided [[Megatron's Sword|last episode]], to Unicron.
*The Prime Force were damaged last episode.
*This is the second time the Terrorcons are shown to speak. The last episode was the first of these rare instances.
*Kicker's bratty and anti-authority attitude is revealed to stem from childhood trauma caused by his father treating him as a ''human Energon detector'' instead of his son.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Demolishor has a red [[energon star]] on his left shoulder, right where his Mini-Con [[Powerlinx]] point is. Unfortunately, this can't be replicated with the toy.
**Signal Flare uses his [[Energon weapon|Energy Cutter]] blade/radar dish to scan [[Energon Sword|Megatron's Sword]].
*Powerlinx forms:
**Optimus Prime [[Super Mode]]

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:* ''Title:'' ?
::*Due to the two only released DVDs having only episodes 1 to 4 and 6 to 9, the French dub of this episode is one of the lost ones.

'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Trappola di ghiaccio'''" ("Ice Trap")
::*Ironhide's first two lines aren't voiced by his actor.
::*Unlike in English, Rad doesn't call Prime Force by its Japanese name.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 002 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume One (Shout! Factory)

{{DEFAULTSORT:New Cybertron City}}
[[Category:Energon episodes]]

The New Cybertron City

2026-03-29T21:59:15Z

Chase eX: /* Quotes */

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=5
|prev=Megatron's Sword
|next=Megatron Resurrected
|title="The New Cybertron City"
|japanese=新たなサイバトロンシティ
|romaji=Arata na Cybertron City
|translation=
|image=E5_titlecard.jpg
|caption=For the last time, we're not calling it Destron City!
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Masayuki Ōseki]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[February 6|6 February]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[February 28]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy continuity|Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''An energon scout team on a frozen mountain is the target of the latest Terrorcon attack.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Energon-Cyclonus-Galvatron-Corpse.jpg‎|230px|thumb|left|He is not pining! He has passed on! He is no more! He has ceased to be! Bereft of life, he rests in peace! He has kicked the bucket, run down the curtain and joined the choir invisible! He is an ex-Decepticon!]]

[[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] wanders lost through a snow-blown wasteland, finding an [[energon]] beam coming down from the sky and having no recollection of how he got there. He sees a familiar mountain... then wakes up in his own bed.

He looks up the mountain on his computer, confident that it's an [[energon point]].

Kicker, a [[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]], and [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] scout the mountain for energon, ahead of a main team including [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]], [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]]. Ironhide's not happy about the unhelpful Demolishor coming along, while Demolishor is still stunned by the possibility of [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] being alive.

[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] arrive at [[Unicron]] with more energon and find Megatron's corpse. Cyclonus beats on him a bit, trying to wake him up. They go question [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] about it, only to get sent off by [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] for—you guessed it—more energon.

[[Rad White|Rad]] and [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]] have restored and improved the [[Prime Force]] drones, and they send them back to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] on [[Earth]]. Prime gets an update on the scout team and orders the energon point's coordinates relayed to Dr. Jones as soon as they find it. [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] voices concern over Demolishor's loyalty, but Prime won't hear it.

Demolishor refuses to help carry supplies, leading to a childish argument between him and Ironhide that nearly comes to blows. Hot Shot stifles it, but Demolishor stomps off in a huff.

[[File:NewCybertronCity ironhide and demolishor.jpg‎|230px|thumb|"Quit being such a poopy-head" "You're the poopy-head!"]]

Fog and snow cancel the search mission, and soon Kicker is caught in a whiteout and falls into a crevasse. Hot Shot sends Demolishor and Ironhide off together to look for Kicker.

In a daze at the bottom of a ravine, Kicker recalls drifting weightless as a child, aboard a starship as he and his family head home. They make a stop to find energon, and young Kicker feels nervous...

Kicker wakes up and realizes his predicament. Hot Shot makes radio contact with him and notifies the others.

In [[Ocean City]], [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] detects an enemy force headed directly for Kicker's position. Cyclonus and Tidal Wave arrive and attack, causing an avalanche that sweeps away Hot Shot. [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s attack Ironhide and Demolishor.

[[File:Energon-New-Cybertron-City.jpg|230px|thumb|left|That's no moon!]]

Kicker tries to fly out with Grindor, but the walls are too steep. An avalanche deposits enough snow to get them closer to the top, where Kicker detects the energon seam, though he still can't reach it.

Hot Shot meets up with Ironhide and Demolishor, who are battling the Terrorcons. Cyclonus arrives, and he and Hot Shot spar verbally for Demolishor's loyalty. Cyclonus leaves after seeing the Strongarm, assuming that's where the energon will be. Demolishor continues to fight alongside the Autobots.

Strongarm retrieves Kicker and Grindor, and he transmits their coordinates to Dr. Jones on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Optimus and Inferno arrive and lead the recon team away as the Terrorcons start digging for energon. Dr. Jones activates "a present", and something huge descends from the sky: [[Cybertron City (city)|Cybertron City]]! The Terrorcons flee, but many are crushed by the descending city. The city lands and seals the energon point.

Scorponok arrives and leads a new attack, but the city's defenses make mincemeat of his troops. A [[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]] scans Scorponok for "[[cloning]] purposes", explaining that he's "planning for the future". Overmatched, Scorponok retreats with no energon.

Demolishor reasons that if Megatron was alive, he'd have been out on the front lines of the battle. Kicker reflects that even now, his dad is still looking after him.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarms]] (3)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (4)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (5)
*[[Prime Force]] (11)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (14)
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (15)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (16)
*[[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]] (19)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] (20)

|c2=
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (6)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (8)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (9)

|c3=
*[[Kicker Jones]] (1)
*[[Rad White]] (12)
*[[Brian Jones]] (13)

|c4=
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (2)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (10)
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebombs]] (7)
*[[Battle Ravage]]s (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"Talk to me, your evilness! I'm here for ya! Yoo-hoo! Anybody in there?" [''beats on Megatron''] 
"Stop that!"
:—'''Cyclonus''' and '''Tidal Wave'''

"Hey, why don't you carry some stuff?" 
"No. I'm not some kind of pack animal. That's a job for rookies like ''you''!"
:—'''Ironhide''' and '''Demolishor''' start to squabble.

"Ironhide, apologize to Demolishor." 
"Why should I have to apologize?! He ''started'' it!"
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Ironhide'''

"I sent Strongarm to the ravine to help him get out of there, Ironhide." 
"So you know where he is?!" 
"Yeah. And it's a real deep one."
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Ironhide''' are awkward conversationalists.

'''Hot Shot:''' "Demolishor, you're our friend! You know you can trust us!" 
'''Demolishor:''' "I'm your friend?" 
'''Cyclonus:''' "Sheesh, don't be such a sap! He's only ''saying'' that!"
:–'''Cyclonus''' is not one for sentiments.

"Optimus Prime! Super mode! Powerlinx! Optimus Prime! Super mode!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''', going to his Super Mode via Powerlinx.

''He can't be alive. Cause if he were, he would have been out on that front line for sure. At least... that's the Megatron I remember.''
:—'''Demolishor''' continues to wonder.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Super Link''===
This episode's is remarkably faithful to ''Super Link'', with very little changed or lost.
*Demolishor ''insists'' on looking for Kicker, considering it part of his job as guard.
*The sensing rod that young Kicker plants in the ground glows red in ''Super Link''. This bit of animation is missing in ''Energon''.
*''Energon'' adds a soft white border to Kicker's flashback scenes, an admittedly nice touch.
*Kicker's eye makes a very loud *whump* noise when he awakes from his first dream.

===Pain count===
*"Uh?": 10
*"We need/want energon": 5
*"We're a team": 2
*"Let's do it": 1

===Animation and technical errors===
*As with [[Cybertron City (episode)|the first episode]], this episode's title fails to localize the faction name "Cybertron" to "Autobot".
*When Strongarm is talking to Kicker at the beginning the episode, his mouth stops moving after the first line of dialogue.
*After Strongarm says that he's going to head back to get his equipment and says he'd feel bad making the Autobots lug his equipment around, Kicker responds to himself/Grindor with "Those Omnicons are real team players." While not necessarily an error per se, the line just comes off as a rather a sarcastic remark instead of genuine. It is likely just a poor line for the scene—though given Kicker's attitude towards Transformers, it's just as easy to write this off as a backhanded compliment.
*As Cyclonus and Tidal Wave enter Unicron in search of Megatron/Galvatron, Tidal Wave is once again over-exaggerated in size. Cyclonus is shown to be about two or three of Tidal wave's heads tall, when he should roughly be the height of Tidal Wave's lower leg (from foot to lower knee).
**Coming face to face with the corpse of the Decepticon leader, the scale is corrected—including Megatron's corpse.
*When Hot Shot loses contact with Kicker, Demolishor responds with the deeper Strongarm voice—which also happens to be a different voice to the Strongarm in this episode.
*Rad calls the Prime Force by its Japanese name, Grand Force.
*Hilariously, when Optimus and his men run outside of the city to fight Scorponok and the Terrorcons again, they aren't animated, meaning their character models slide into view without any movement whatsoever.

===Continuity notes===
*The Decepticons arrive delivering the energon that was raided [[Megatron's Sword|last episode]], to Unicron.
*The Prime Force were damaged last episode.
*This is the second time the Terrorcons are shown to speak. The last episode was the first of these rare instances.
*Kicker's bratty and anti-authority attitude is revealed to stem from childhood trauma caused by his father treating him as a ''human Energon detector'' instead of his son.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Demolishor has a red [[energon star]] on his left shoulder, right where his Mini-Con [[Powerlinx]] point is. Unfortunately, this can't be replicated with the toy.
**Signal Flare uses his [[Energon weapon|Energy Cutter]] blade/radar dish to scan [[Energon Sword|Megatron's Sword]].
*Powerlinx forms:
**Optimus Prime [[Super Mode]]

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:* ''Title:'' ?
::*Due to the two only released DVDs having only episodes 1 to 4 and 6 to 9, the French dub of this episode is one of the lost ones.

'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Trappola di ghiaccio'''" ("Ice Trap")
::*Ironhide's first two lines aren't voiced by his actor.
::*Unlike in English, Rad doesn't call Prime Force by its Japanese name.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 002 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume One (Shout! Factory)

{{DEFAULTSORT:New Cybertron City}}
[[Category:Energon episodes]]

The New Cybertron City

2026-03-29T21:58:55Z

Chase eX: /* Synopsis */

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=5
|prev=Megatron's Sword
|next=Megatron Resurrected
|title="The New Cybertron City"
|japanese=新たなサイバトロンシティ
|romaji=Arata na Cybertron City
|translation=
|image=E5_titlecard.jpg
|caption=For the last time, we're not calling it Destron City!
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Masayuki Ōseki]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[February 6|6 February]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[February 28]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy continuity|Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''An energon scout team on a frozen mountain is the target of the latest Terrorcon attack.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Energon-Cyclonus-Galvatron-Corpse.jpg‎|230px|thumb|left|He is not pining! He has passed on! He is no more! He has ceased to be! Bereft of life, he rests in peace! He has kicked the bucket, run down the curtain and joined the choir invisible! He is an ex-Decepticon!]]

[[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] wanders lost through a snow-blown wasteland, finding an [[energon]] beam coming down from the sky and having no recollection of how he got there. He sees a familiar mountain... then wakes up in his own bed.

He looks up the mountain on his computer, confident that it's an [[energon point]].

Kicker, a [[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]], and [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] scout the mountain for energon, ahead of a main team including [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]], [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]]. Ironhide's not happy about the unhelpful Demolishor coming along, while Demolishor is still stunned by the possibility of [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] being alive.

[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] arrive at [[Unicron]] with more energon and find Megatron's corpse. Cyclonus beats on him a bit, trying to wake him up. They go question [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] about it, only to get sent off by [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] for—you guessed it—more energon.

[[Rad White|Rad]] and [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]] have restored and improved the [[Prime Force]] drones, and they send them back to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] on [[Earth]]. Prime gets an update on the scout team and orders the energon point's coordinates relayed to Dr. Jones as soon as they find it. [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] voices concern over Demolishor's loyalty, but Prime won't hear it.

Demolishor refuses to help carry supplies, leading to a childish argument between him and Ironhide that nearly comes to blows. Hot Shot stifles it, but Demolishor stomps off in a huff.

[[File:NewCybertronCity ironhide and demolishor.jpg‎|230px|thumb|"Quit being such a poopy-head" "You're the poopy-head!"]]

Fog and snow cancel the search mission, and soon Kicker is caught in a whiteout and falls into a crevasse. Hot Shot sends Demolishor and Ironhide off together to look for Kicker.

In a daze at the bottom of a ravine, Kicker recalls drifting weightless as a child, aboard a starship as he and his family head home. They make a stop to find energon, and young Kicker feels nervous...

Kicker wakes up and realizes his predicament. Hot Shot makes radio contact with him and notifies the others.

In [[Ocean City]], [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] detects an enemy force headed directly for Kicker's position. Cyclonus and Tidal Wave arrive and attack, causing an avalanche that sweeps away Hot Shot. [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s attack Ironhide and Demolishor.

[[File:Energon-New-Cybertron-City.jpg|230px|thumb|left|That's no moon!]]

Kicker tries to fly out with Grindor, but the walls are too steep. An avalanche deposits enough snow to get them closer to the top, where Kicker detects the energon seam, though he still can't reach it.

Hot Shot meets up with Ironhide and Demolishor, who are battling the Terrorcons. Cyclonus arrives, and he and Hot Shot spar verbally for Demolishor's loyalty. Cyclonus leaves after seeing the Strongarm, assuming that's where the energon will be. Demolishor continues to fight alongside the Autobots.

Strongarm retrieves Kicker and Grindor, and he transmits their coordinates to Dr. Jones on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Optimus and Inferno arrive and lead the recon team away as the Terrorcons start digging for energon. Dr. Jones activates "a present", and something huge descends from the sky: [[Cybertron City (city)|Cybertron City]]! The Terrorcons flee, but many are crushed by the descending city. The city lands and seals the energon point.

Scorponok arrives and leads a new attack, but the city's defenses make mincemeat of his troops. A [[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]] scans Scorponok for "[[cloning]] purposes", explaining that he's "planning for the future". Overmatched, Scorponok retreats with no energon.

Demolishor reasons that if Megatron was alive, he'd have been out on the front lines of the battle. Kicker reflects that even now, his dad is still looking after him.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarms]] (3)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (4)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (5)
*[[Prime Force]] (11)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (14)
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (15)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (16)
*[[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]] (19)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] (20)

|c2=
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (6)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (8)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (9)

|c3=
*[[Kicker Jones]] (1)
*[[Rad White]] (12)
*[[Brian Jones]] (13)

|c4=
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (2)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (10)
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebombs]] (7)
*[[Battle Ravage]]s (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"Talk to me, your evilness! I'm here for ya! Yoo-hoo! Anybody in there?" [''beats on Megatron''] 
"Stop that!"
:—'''Cyclonus''' and '''Tidal Wave'''

"Hey, why don't you carry some stuff?" 
"No. I'm not some kind of pack animal. That's a job for rookies like ''you''!"
:—'''Ironhide''' and '''Demolishor''' start to squabble.

"Ironhide, apologize to Demolishor." 
"Why should I have to apologize?! He ''started'' it!"
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Ironhide'''

"I sent Strongarm to the ravine to help him get out of there, Ironhide." 
"So you know where he is?!" 
"Yeah. And it's a real deep one."
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Ironhide''' are awkward conversationalists.

'''Hot Shot:''' "Demolishor, you're our friend! You know you can trust us!" 
'''Demolishor:''' "I'm your friend?" 
'''Cyclonus:''' "Sheesh, don't be such a sap! He's only ''saying'' that!"
:–'''Cyclonus''' is not one for sentiments.

"Optimus Prime! Super mode! Powerlinx! Optimus Prime! Super mode!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''', going to his Super Mode via Powerlinx.

''He can't be alive. Cause if he were, he would have been out on that front line for sure. At least...that's the Megatron I remember.''
:—'''Demolishor''' continues to wonder.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Super Link''===
This episode's is remarkably faithful to ''Super Link'', with very little changed or lost.
*Demolishor ''insists'' on looking for Kicker, considering it part of his job as guard.
*The sensing rod that young Kicker plants in the ground glows red in ''Super Link''. This bit of animation is missing in ''Energon''.
*''Energon'' adds a soft white border to Kicker's flashback scenes, an admittedly nice touch.
*Kicker's eye makes a very loud *whump* noise when he awakes from his first dream.

===Pain count===
*"Uh?": 10
*"We need/want energon": 5
*"We're a team": 2
*"Let's do it": 1

===Animation and technical errors===
*As with [[Cybertron City (episode)|the first episode]], this episode's title fails to localize the faction name "Cybertron" to "Autobot".
*When Strongarm is talking to Kicker at the beginning the episode, his mouth stops moving after the first line of dialogue.
*After Strongarm says that he's going to head back to get his equipment and says he'd feel bad making the Autobots lug his equipment around, Kicker responds to himself/Grindor with "Those Omnicons are real team players." While not necessarily an error per se, the line just comes off as a rather a sarcastic remark instead of genuine. It is likely just a poor line for the scene—though given Kicker's attitude towards Transformers, it's just as easy to write this off as a backhanded compliment.
*As Cyclonus and Tidal Wave enter Unicron in search of Megatron/Galvatron, Tidal Wave is once again over-exaggerated in size. Cyclonus is shown to be about two or three of Tidal wave's heads tall, when he should roughly be the height of Tidal Wave's lower leg (from foot to lower knee).
**Coming face to face with the corpse of the Decepticon leader, the scale is corrected—including Megatron's corpse.
*When Hot Shot loses contact with Kicker, Demolishor responds with the deeper Strongarm voice—which also happens to be a different voice to the Strongarm in this episode.
*Rad calls the Prime Force by its Japanese name, Grand Force.
*Hilariously, when Optimus and his men run outside of the city to fight Scorponok and the Terrorcons again, they aren't animated, meaning their character models slide into view without any movement whatsoever.

===Continuity notes===
*The Decepticons arrive delivering the energon that was raided [[Megatron's Sword|last episode]], to Unicron.
*The Prime Force were damaged last episode.
*This is the second time the Terrorcons are shown to speak. The last episode was the first of these rare instances.
*Kicker's bratty and anti-authority attitude is revealed to stem from childhood trauma caused by his father treating him as a ''human Energon detector'' instead of his son.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Demolishor has a red [[energon star]] on his left shoulder, right where his Mini-Con [[Powerlinx]] point is. Unfortunately, this can't be replicated with the toy.
**Signal Flare uses his [[Energon weapon|Energy Cutter]] blade/radar dish to scan [[Energon Sword|Megatron's Sword]].
*Powerlinx forms:
**Optimus Prime [[Super Mode]]

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:* ''Title:'' ?
::*Due to the two only released DVDs having only episodes 1 to 4 and 6 to 9, the French dub of this episode is one of the lost ones.

'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Trappola di ghiaccio'''" ("Ice Trap")
::*Ironhide's first two lines aren't voiced by his actor.
::*Unlike in English, Rad doesn't call Prime Force by its Japanese name.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 002 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume One (Shout! Factory)

{{DEFAULTSORT:New Cybertron City}}
[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Megatron's Sword

2026-03-29T16:37:25Z

Chase eX: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{disambig2|the ''Energon'' episode|the weapon sometimes called "Megatron's Sword"|Energon Sword}}

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=4
|prev=Scorpinok (episode)
|next=The New Cybertron City
|title="Megatron's Sword"
|japanese=メガトロンの証
|romaji=Megatron no Akashi
|translation=Proof of Megatron
|image=Energon Megatron'sSword.JPG
|caption=Not your father's {{w|Excalibur}}
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Tadao Ōkubo]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[January 30|30 January]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[February 21]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''The survivors on Mars are attacked again, but the Autobots must turn their attention elsewhere.'''

==Synopsis==
{{noteslonly}}
[[File:E4 Tidal Wave.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2]]

A group of [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s arrive at [[Unicron]], offloading the [[energon]] they captured to help restore the Chaos Bringer. [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] complains that the restorations are not happening fast enough, due to the [[Autobot]]s' interference. Alpha Q plots their destruction by reviving [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]], but first, he requires more energon, so he orders [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] to initiate another raid.

In a practice session, [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] aren't having much luck in [[Powerlinx]]ing, as Ironhide can't seem to properly synchronize his breathing with Jetfire. Jetfire leaves in a huff, but Ironhide seems to have a revelation.

Meanwhile, Scorponok's [[Decepticon mobile fortress|mobile fortress]] approaches [[Mars (planet)|Mars]]. At the battered [[Mars City]] base, a group of rookie Autobots have found a new energon source and make [[radio]] contact for backup. They nervously await a response.

The transmission makes its way to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] where [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]] passes message on to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] on [[Earth]] and asks for backup. Optimus orders the evacuation of Mars City, as there are no [[Omnicon]]s present to mine the energon that has been discovered. Ironhide, ''realizing that the rookies on Mars are his friends'', jumps at the chance to join the mission.

Two unidentified Transformers approach Mars City. The Autobots on Mars prepare to defend themselves, as [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] makes his arrival, telling the rookies to stand down, as he is a friend. When he gets confirmation that the planet is rich with energon, he begins his attack. Hordes of Terrorcons swoop in taking out the first line of defense, meanwhile, Tidal Wave blasts into the mine, confronting the [[Energon Saber|Energon Saber Mini-Con Team]], who manages to fly past the slow titan, before sustaining any damage.

In [[Ocean City]], the Autobots are about to deploy, when Optimus suddenly hesitates to leave the city, anticipating an attack in their absence. He calls off the mission, much to Ironhide and [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]]'s frustration. Kicker waits for the attack to come when he suddenly senses something; a [[space bridge]] opens, and a squad of [[Omnicon]]s arrives, along with the missing [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]]. An excited [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] greets his old comrade with a friendly spar match, as the crazed-Cyclonus taunts him, saying that he's forgotten how to fight. ''During the scuffle, Demolishor tells Cyclonus the rumor of Megatron's return to lead the Decepticons to a new glory, to which Cyclonus and Demolishor brush it off, claiming that Tidal Wave is foolish to believe that it's true''. The Energon Saber Team arrives as well, reporting the situation on Mars.

[[File:Energon AlphaQ with Megatron'sSword.JPG|thumb|left|upright=1.2|Star Saber or Lightsaber? You decide.]]

In space, Scorponok's mobile fortress returns to Unicron, where Alpha Q delivers the [[Energon Sword]] to Scorponok; ''a sword crafted from Galvatron's corpse and infused with his [[spark]]''.

Back on Earth, Ironhide and Kicker are restless and want to go help out on Mars. Meanwhile in [[Plains City]], a [[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]] drone shows up, causing the Transformers stationed there to prepare for an attack. Upon hearing that Plains City is now under attack, the Autobots of Ocean City prepare to move out. Optimus orders Demolishor, Cyclonus, the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action]] and Energon Saber [[Mini-Con]]s to stay behind to guard the city while they're gone, but the two [[Decepticon]]s ultimately disobey his orders and head off on their own anyway.

At Plains City, Scorponok and Tidal Wave lead the Terrorcons into battle. There, Cyclonus and Demolishor find themselves facing off against their old comrade. When Optimus's team arrives, he sends Hot Shot to draw the Terrorcons away, while Ironhide helps out any civilians that may be left in the city.

[[File:Demolishor MegSword.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]

As Tidal Wave argues and fights with Cyclonus, Scorponok unleashes the Energon Sword's power. As Ironhide and Kicker enter the city's mine, Kicker notices that he can't sense anyone, meaning that everyone must have already evacuated. Upon seeing the sword, Prime wonders if Megatron could really ''still'' be alive, while Demolishor and Cyclonus freak out as a result of the news. Tidal Wave declares that with energon, they can resurrect him—to which Cyclonus decides to switch sides; leaving Demolishor behind in startled in disbelief.

Kicker and Ironhide return to the city's surface, where the Energon Saber Team combines and offers themselves to Kicker as a weapon/hoverboard. At Jetfire's request, he and Ironhide manage to successfully Powerlinx, while Kicker tosses the Energon Saber to them; allowing them to save Optimus from Scorponok. Optimus and Ironhide double-team Scorponok, who retreats before they can do any damage. Scorponok leads his troops away, and Cyclonus follows. Demolishor is left full of doubts.

Following the battle, Optimus thanks Ironhide for the save and ''the two share a moment of solace over the fallen Autobots on Mars''. Optimus reassures him that despite the day's tragedies, he did well.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (4)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (5)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (9)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (13)
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (14)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]]s (19)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]]s (20)
*[[Prime Force]] (24)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s corpse (3)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (15)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (17)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (21)

|c3=
*[[Rad White]] (10)
*[[Brian Jones]] (11)
*[[Kicker Jones]] (12)

|c4=
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]]s (1)
*[[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] (2)
*[[Scattor (Energon)|Scattor]] (6)
*[[Skyboom (Energon)|Skyboom]] (7)
*[[Wreckage (Energon)|Wreckage]] (8)
*[[Battle Ravage]]s (16)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (17)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (18)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (22)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (23)
}}

==Quotes==
"Look. The energon flows through him. Perhaps we can ''use'' him!"'
:—'''Alpha Q''' hasn't thought this whole reviving-Megatron thing through very well.

"Yes, Optimus. There is still some energon at Mars City. We thought that it had been completely decimated but a hidden reserve was discovered by a squadron of Mini-Cons. I was hoping you could send a support team there to investigate." 
"There are Mini-Cons at Mars City?"
:—'''Dr. Jones''', who doesn't know what "decimated" means and can't keep track of current events, and '''Optimus Prime''', who can't keep track of his own troops.

"Mars City?! I'm in! I know I can teach those rookies a thing or two. You gotta let me lead the mission, sir!"
:—'''Ironhide''' is a victim of bad dubbing

"Huh? Where are those Autobots go."
:—'''Demolishor''' speak pretty one day.

"You chump! Scorponok wants you to believe Megatron is still alive to ''use'' you!" 
"But I have proof!" 
"Oh yeah? Well let's see it then!" 
"Not now. Later." 
"I ''knew'' you'd say that! Heheheahahahaha!"
:—'''Cyclonus''' reasons with '''Tidal Wave'''. Now ''there's'' a true battle of the wits.

'''Demolishor''': "Megatron's still alive?!" 
'''Cyclonus''': "What do mean he's still alive?! He can't be! Can he?" 
'''Tidal Wave''': "We need energon for his resurrection." 
'''Cyclonus''': "No problemo! HAHAHAHA!" 
:—'''Cyclonus''' defects in his own unique way.

"Kicker. Help me. I don't know what I am anymore!"
:—'''Demolishor''''s self-doubt begins to grow.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Super Link''===
A lot of this episode's plot points—specifically those revolving around the Energon Sword and the Autobots on Mars—are screwed up in the English version of the episode. In order to convey the most accurate recount of the episode's events, we have merged plot points from both dubs, [[#Synopsis|as seen above]].

*Jetfire claims that Ironhide needs to "synchronize his breathing" in order for them to combine. Err, ''riiight''. In ''Super Link'', he talked about feeling the pulse of his [[Spark of Combination]].
*''Energon'' presents the Autobots manning Mars City as Mini-Cons, when in actuality, they're Optimus Prime's own team of trainees, as seen in the [[Cybertron City (episode)|first episode]] of the series. This is why Ironhide is so determined to accompany Prime's team to Mars (to save his old friends), and why Prime and he share an emotional moment at the end of the episode (because they fail to save them).
*In ''Super Link'', when Cyclonus arrives, Demolishor tells him a rumor that Megatron has been revived; Cyclonus is skeptical, and they both think Tidal Wave is an idiot for going along with it. In ''Energon'', Cyclonus tells Demolishor a rumor that ''Scorponok'' has been revived, despite the fact that neither of them have ever met Scorponok before.
*In ''Super Link'', the sword was made from Megatron and infused with his [[spark]]. ''Energon'' mangled this into the sword having belonged to Megatron.
*The entire point of this episode—which is that the surviving Autobots on Mars have possibly been wiped out—is pretty much glossed over. Can't have a bunch of guys getting killed in a kids show airing in the West!

===Pain count===
*"Uh?": 3
*"We need/they want energon": 6
*"We've gotta": 4
*"Let's do it": 1

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Scorponok blacklines.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|His outlines are on their way to competing with the sword blade in thickness.]]
[[File:MegatronsSwordIronhideHand.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Look ma, no hands!]]
*In ''Energon'' when Jetfire and Ironhide go outside the base to help the Mini-Cons, as they run, the background of the main tower doesn't move. It does in ''Super Link''.
*In ''Energon'' when the Terrorcons begin bombarding the stone city fortress, the music track switches. This is because in ''Super Link'', there was no music before the attack commenced.
*In one of the more famous ''Energon'' dub gaffes, Alpha Q claims that the Energon Sword is the "[[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]]", which makes absolutely no sense.
*When Scorponok is first handed the Energon Sword, his entire body outline hasn't been resized to match his model's sizing for the scene. As the camera pulls out, his model's outline returns to normal, meaning that they enlarged the CGI model to create the zoom effect. A cheatsy but ingenious animation trick, unfortunately executed ''very'' poorly.
*In ''Energon'', when Ironhide says, "Oh no! Earth's under attack!", Ironhide is somehow missing his left foot and there is a very large smoothing error on the windshield of his right shin. The few seconds immediately preceding it, Ironhide has no mouth animations whatsoever during his whole conversation with Kicker about Mini-Cons.
*In ''Energon'', Scorponok gives Tidal Wave an order, the camera then zoom-pans-in on Tidal Wave while a crudely animated nutcracker style mouth says "EN-ER-GOOONN". Scorponok then transforms out of the shot. Tidal Wave's mouth moving is a dub-only addition as is Scorponok transforming. In ''Super Link'', Tidal Wave drops down out of the shot and the camera zoom-pans-in on Scorponok, who then does not transform, which makes sense, since he is next seen still in robot mode.
*In ''Energon'' when Scorponok first uses the Energon Sword against Hot Shot a red shape is shown instead of the completed flame effect seen in ''Super Link''. Later when Scorponok destroys Optimus Prime's [[Prime Force]] drone units with a sweep of the Energon Sword, red circles appear, instead of the properly animated explosions seen in ''Super Link''. Also, in this shot Optimus and Scorponok are hovering in mid-air. In ''Super Link'' a foreground painting of the bridge covers up this error so it looks like they are standing & sitting on the bridge.
*When Cyclonus tells Tidal Wave that he is being used by Scorponok, his propellers stop moving for a minute before the angle changes.
*Tidal Wave's size is exaggerated as he attack Cyclonus, much like it is back in ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]''.
*The animation of the ending battle sequence is amazingly unclear.
*When Ironhide and Jetfire finally Powerlinx together, they refer to it as "Super Linking," which is obviously the Japanese term.

*Ironhide and Jetfire's combined form ''has no hands'' for the entirety of him wielding the Energon Saber during the final fight. Well, that's not entirely true; his completely unused concept art hands appear and disappear from inside the forearms from shot to shot.

===Continuity notes===
*This is the first time the Terrorcons are shown to speak.
*It appears Megatron's most loyal Decepticons were assigned to different posts as they are likely to cause trouble when placed together—something that is evident when Demolishor and Cyclonus disobey Optimus Prime's direct orders.
*Demolishor starts to question his loyalties.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Scorponok wields the [[Energon Sword]].
**Kicker can apparently sense living creatures/Transformers, not just danger and energon.
**Scorponok's visor is down for battle.
**Kicker uses the [[Energon Saber]] as a hover board.
**Powerlinx Ironhide [[Powerlinx]] with the Energon Saber.
**Optimus Prime disengages from his [[Super Mode]] and launches his Prime Force components at Scorponok, much like he did with his [[Trailer|container]] in the ''Armada'' episode "[[Trust (Armada)|Trust]]".
*Powerlinx forms:
**Optimus Prime Super Mode
**Energon Saber (first use)
**Powerlinx Ironhide with Jetfire (first use)

===Continuity errors===
*The fact that Mars City was previously a smoking bomb crater, with no detected life signs, is completely forgotten in this episode. Instead, Dr. Jones reports to Prime that an energon source has been discovered there, rather than the more crucial fact that there were survivors of the first attack.
*Why at this point would Demolishor know or care who Scorponok is?
*Skyboom is called "Sonar" by Optimus—perhaps not so surprising since Skyboom's toy is a retool of [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]].
*Cyclonus was last seen guarding the moon base before it was attacked and destroyed in "[[Cybertron City (episode)|Cybertron City]]". So... where's he ''been'' all this time?. And why were there Omnicons with him when he came back?
*All the characters recognise the sword as Megatron's, when he ''never used it before''. This manages to make even ''less'' sense in the Japanese version, where the sword was explicitly created anew by Alpha Q.

===Trivia===
*More spiffy generics in this one, both in Mars City and in the unnamed [[Plains City]]. One of the Mars group is totally wearing a trash can lid on his head. With some slight modification, this same character model would later be recycled as [[Padlock (Energon)|Padlock]], the only distinguishing factor between the two of them being that Padlock lacks a mouth.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''L'épée de Megatron'''" ("Megatron's Sword")
::*Demolishor is called "Demolisher" again instead of "Démolisseur", his name from ''Armada'' and episode 1 of ''Energon''.
::*Instead of saying that two Transformers are approaching the planet, Dr. Jones says that "two transport ships are approaching the planet".
::*Optimus Prime's line "Good, I'm glad to hear that" still has the TV effect, despite the shot taking place in the Autobot base.
::*The bot's line "His name is Tidal Wave" is dubbed by "He probably comes as a friend".
::*Kicker's lines "What are you talking about, Optimus?" and "But, what for?" mistakenly have the usual huge pitch effect applied to the robot voices.
::*Optimus forgets punctuation! While in English he says "They're going to have to make it back on their own. Inferno, send out an emergency order to all Autobots", in French he says "They'll need to make it back on their own, Inferno. Send out an emergency order to all Autobots". It makes the phrase sound like he answers to Inferno when it's actually Jetfire who asked.
::*Like in the English dub, Alpha Q claims that the sword is "the famous Star Saber".
::*Skyblast's line "Okay you bots, gather around for your Energon booster shot" is said with a very nasal, twit voice.
::*For whatever reason, Kicker and Optimus both call Ironhide "Strongarm" once he combined with Jetfire.

'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''La spada di Megatron'''" ("Megatron's Sword")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount)
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 001 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume One (Shout! Factory)

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Energon Stars

2026-03-27T00:21:15Z

Chase eX: /* Foreign localization */

{{disambig2|the episode|the titular objects|Energon star}}

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=2
|prev=Cybertron City (episode)
|next=Scorpinok (episode)
|title="Energon Stars"
|japanese=輝け! エネルゴンスター
|romaji=Kagakaye! Energon Star
|translation=Shine! Energon Stars
|image=E2_titlecard.jpg
|caption= The red ones make Autobots go faster. Ironically, so do the stars. Take one punch and kiss it goodbye!
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Jun Kawagoe]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[January 16|16 January]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[February 7]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''The Autobots prepare for the Terrorcons' second strike, but it's not where they expected.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]], now a diplomat for the [[Earth Federation]], is driven into [[Ocean City]] on [[Earth]]. She meets [[Sally Jones|Sally]], but can't stay and chat as she has a meeting, much to Sally's disappointment.

Meanwhile, [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] is marvelling at his new armor in his room, when an alarm sounds. He panics, thinking the city is under another attack and trips over a bench. Following this, he realizes—much to his frustration, that the alarm is sounding for the meeting.

[[File:Energon-Optimus-Holds-Kicker.jpg|230px|thumb|left|A rather interesting specimen, wouldn't you say?]]

At the meeting, Prime, [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] and others watch a satellite transmission showing a motionless [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], repeating his name and being carried away by a swarm of [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s. A closeup reveals that the creatures collect [[energon]] through their mouths an turn it into [[energon star]]s. Alexis explains that through searching their data, they have deduced the creatures are high-tech androids, called "Terrorcons". [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]] theorizes that the Terrorcons' next target will be the energon mines on [[Earth]], to which Alexis agrees. However, to fight the Terrorcons would go against the [[Earth Federation Treaty]], which forbids [[Transformer]]s to take up arms against other Transformers. Kicker doesn't take well to this, of course, and interrupts the meeting.

Alexis concludes that the only option is to evacuate Ocean City. Kicker starts shouting and arguing, demanding that nobody take him away from Earth. Optimus allows him to stay on Earth with the [[Autobot]]s, but tells him he'd better learn to follow orders. Meanwhile, a [[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]] wonders if the [[Omnicon]]s will be evacuated too, but before he can get an answer, a [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] verbally drags him away to get back to work.

As the evacuation of the city proceeds, Kicker watches Sally leave and comments on how strange it will be without them. [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] informs him that he is now Kicker's guardian. Neither Kicker nor Ironhide are particularly happy about the situation.

Optimus Prime sends a [[radio]] transmission informing the other troops that they are moving to Defcon level 4 and that they know very little about their enemy. All humans residing in the other Autobot cities have been ordered to evacuate except for [[Misha Miramond|Misha]], who is in [[Desert City]], and Kicker in Ocean City. An angry Kicker fails at convincing Misha to evacuate to safety via video transmission while Ocean City submerges.

[[File:Energon-Tidal-Wave-Carried-Away.jpg|230px|thumb|He was once [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron's]] huge secret weapon, now being carried off by the guys who explode in one hit. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.]]

Ironhide grumbles about having to guard a boring [[human]] and vows that one day he'll get his [[Spark of Combination]]... then reality sets in and Ironhide deflates.

On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] can hardly wait for the battle to start, already firing off his guns. His shots are answered as a horde of Terrorcons fight back. Prime is taken by surprise, having anticipated an attack on Earth. Under Optimus's orders, [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] prepares to take the [[space bridge]] to the Moon as an initial reinforcement, while Kicker and Ironhide show up last minute asking to tag along. Optimus refuses Ironhide but gives in to Kicker's stubbornness, allowing him to ride with Jetfire. Ironhide is relieved to be rid of Kicker for a short while.

Some time following Jetfire's departure, Ocean City raises and activates another space bridge. Preparing to leave, Hot Shot assures Ironhide that Prime will hear about it if he does well. Just before departing, the Omnicons power up Prime's team with [[energon star]]s, and the team then drives off into the space bridge.

[[File:Energon-Kicker-Finds-Mine.jpg|230px|thumb|left|Hello? Anyone there?]]

On the Moon, Jetfire and Kicker have their hands full. Prime's team arrives and counterattacks, while Ironhide heads for the energon mines. After passing several fallen Transformers near the entrance, Ironhide heads down the elevator shaft, interrupting the Terrorcons at work there. Despite his [[energon star]] running out, he holds his own against them for a while. Kicker arrives to back Ironhide up just as he touches a [[Battle Ravage]]'s raw energon star, incapacitating him. Kicker then makes use of Ironhide's cannons and fires on the remaining Terrorcons in the cave, just as Optimus and Hot Shot arrive to back the pair up. The surviving Terrorcons retreat.

Meanwhile, inside [[Unicron]], the surviving Terrorcons return with the energon. [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] muses that his army will soon be more powerful than even the [[Decepticon]]s, as [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] arises from a pit of energon...

Back on Earth, the Autobots make their return with the damaged Ironhide, who blames himself for the loss. Kicker starts to storm off, but Prime forcefully reminds him that Ironhide is his partner, so the human tries to cheer him up—kicking him and arguing with him. Though unorthodox, it works.

Demolishor asks what happened on the Moon and asks the Autobots if they saw Cyclonus or Tidal Wave there. The Autobots report that there was no trace of them—to which Demolishor says that they would've looked harder, had they been Autobots. Optimus promises that they'll find them and bring them back.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (9)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (11)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]]s (12)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]]s (13)
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (16)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (17)
*[[Generic|Generic Autobot]]s (18 - 22)

|c2=
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (2)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (5)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (23)

|c3=
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (1)
*[[Sally Jones]] (3)
*[[Kicker Jones]] (4)
*[[Miranda Jones]] (10)
*[[Misha Miramond]] (14)

|c4=
*[[Battle Ravage]]s (6)
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]]s (7)
*[[Primus]] (15)
*[[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] (24)
*[[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (25)
}}

==Quotes==
"Under Section 47(f) it states that Transformers shall not take up arms against other Transformers." 
"''YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS!'' So what are we gonna do?! Just sit back and watch?!"
:—'''Alexis''' lays down the law and '''Kicker''' unleashes the first "You can't be serious" in Energon. Ugh.

"Aw, man. It's gonna be weird without them." 
"Okay, Kicker. Listen up. Optimus gave me very strict orders to keep an eye on you." 
"Gah, gimme a break!" 
"I don't like this any better... than you do, kid." 
''(Kicker starts messing around on his phone.)'' 
"HEY! Are you even listening?!" 
"Whatever."
:—'''Kicker''', '''Ironhide''', and the beginning of a <s>horrible</s> beautiful partnership.

"I should be fighting with the others. ''But no.'' I should be on Optimus's team. ''But no!'' I should have the spark of combination that Primus gave to Optimus! ''BUT NO!'' I got nothing!"
:—'''Ironhide''' prepares the audience for 50 more episodes of whining.

"I ''ordered'' you to team up with Ironhide! Or did you forget that." 
"Aw, gimme a break." 
"If you want to ignore my orders, then I have no choice but to send you back to your ''mother''." 
"You ''wouldn't!''" 
"''Try me.''"
:—'''Optimus''' knows how to push '''Kicker'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s buttons
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Super Link''===
*In ''Super Link'', Alexis doesn't just tell Sally about a meeting; she has her help assemble everyone. Sally is a bit unsure about telling her brother. ''Energon'' mangles their conversation in all sorts of strange ways, including having ''Sally'' say that she thought she'd never get past Demolishor (even though she lives in the city), and having her ask Alexis if she's seen Kicker around—even though Alexis just got there. The Paramount DVD skips this scene altogether!
*Alexis identifies the attackers as "Transformers," not "Terrorcons" as in ''Energon''.
*In ''Energon'', Alexis says that the Earth government has declared that Transformers can't take up arms against other Transformers. What she's supposed to be explaining is that the Earth government has declared the battle to be entirely between Transformers, and hence is unwilling to interfere. That is why Kicker abruptly blows his stack at Alexis and everyone else. The Paramount DVD version awkwardly deletes all lines of dialog referring to the treaty, creating more confusion as to what Kicker is even supposed to be objecting to.
*''Energon'' then makes it sound like Alexis is calling for the evacuation of the entire planet, rather than just Ocean City.
*Subtitles in the ''Super Link'' version identify [[Plains City]], [[Jungle City]], and [[Desert City]] during Prime's evacuation announcement. They remain unnamed in ''Energon''.
*In ''Energon'', Ironhide throws a fit during his flashback, saying that he's not allowed to do anything and he's gained nothing, ending with him saying that he's the bottom of the totem pole. In ''Super Link'' instead, he calmly drops some exposition saying that to join Team Convoy (Optimus and his crew), he needs a combination spark and laments that he doesn't have one yet when he snaps back to reality.
*During Ironhide's flashback in ''Super Link'', there's a close-up of Ironhide in Primus's chamber with his jaw slightly dropped as he watches Inferno and Jetfire get combination sparks. The background quickly changes to Ironhide in Ocean City, showing that he's doing the exact same pose with his jaw still dropped. ''Energon'' cuts the close-up, ruining the joke entirely.
*''Super Link'' Ironhide is more angry that Kicker gets to leave ahead of him than relieved at being rid of him.
*Hot Shot's quick pep-talk to Ironhide is slightly different between the two versions. In ''Energon'', Hot Shot says that if Ironhide does a good job on the mission, he'll tell Optimus about it. In ''Super Link'', Hot Shot says that if Ironhide does good, Optimus will be sure to notice him.
*Optimus originally tells the overconfident Ironhide not to rely too heavily on the [[Energon star]], a point lost in ''Energon''.
*In ''Energon'', Optimus is absurdly ticked off at Kicker and threatens to send him back to his mother. In ''Super Link'', Optimus sounds a lot more calm yet stern, and is silent when ''Energon'' Optimus said "Try me."

===Pain count===
*"Uh?": 29
*"Listen up": 1
*"It's time to": 2
*"(X) is counting on you/me/us": 1
*"Gimme a break": 2
*"You can't be serious": 1
*"Aw man": 4

===Animation and technical errors===
*Misha is mistakenly called "Mika" this episode.
*When Kicker is jumping on Demolishor and Hot Shot to yell at Alexis, he's missing the black neck piece of his suit.
*When Kicker kicks Ironhide's head towards the end of the episode, his head moves ''before'' he kicks it.
*When Cyclonus fires wildly into space and in return, gets blasted by a whole swarm of Divebombs, you can hear the bird calls but space is completely empty. ''Super Link'' fixes this error by adding new animation of the swarm slowly approaching in the distance.
*The animation of Kicker forcing himself into Jetfire's cockpit is all messed up in ''Energon''. He flies up on Grindor as Jetfire ''opens'' his cockpit for Kicker despite Jetfire not wanting him to tag along. Kicker starts kicking the ''air'', and then jumps inside Jetfire. ''Super Link'' fixes this by simply having Kicker kick Jetfire's cockpit open and jumping inside.
*As Optimus, Hot Shot and Ironhide prepare to leave, Demolishor's voice asks "You're bringing the Omnicons with us, Optimus?"—Demolishor isn't even present in the scene.
*As a real-world error; the Autobots, Terrorcons and Kicker should all be lightly pouncing on the Moon's surface due to the atmosphere. This is likely down to the animation not being able to replicate these movements.

===Continuity notes===
*As per the title, this episode introduces the [[energon star]]s.
**The first few episodes use the energon stars as a plotpoint to provide suspense, showing the stars rapidly depleting; requiring the Autobots to use the energy boost sparingly. Later episodes drop this plotpoint entirely, making them last an entire battle sequence, entire episode or multiple episodes in a row, without any signs of depletion.
*Cyclonus's psyche appears to be just as messed up as it was ten years ago. Some things never change.
*Optimus has two small, hilarious out-of-character moments this episode. The first is when he expresses frustration towards Kicker's attitude and spontaneous unpredictability. The second is Optimus threatening to send Kicker back to his mother.
*Demolishor's reaction towards his fellow Decepticons not returning with the Autobots at the end of the episode, further implies a lack of equality between the two factions.
*Gadgets and powers:
**The Divebombs throw their combined [[Energon weapon|Energy Raiden]]s as boomerangs. When attached to their forearms they can also be used as shields.
**The Autobots' refined energon stars give the user the ability to fly around in red energon shield domes that blow up Terrorcons.
**The Battle Ravages use their tail flails in robot mode.

===Continuity errors===
*Demolishor asking "who was that?" at the start of the episode implies he either forgot about Alexis or doesn't recognize her after a decade. This could possibly be a mix of bad writing, bad continuity, and Demolishor's stupidity on display yet again.
*The [[Mars City|Mars base]] is misidentified as "Cyber City"; later Ocean City is misidentified as "Cybertron City" ''and'' "Cyber City".
*Are they energon "chips" per Skyblast; energon "cells" per Optimus Prime; or energon "stars" per the title?
**The re-dub on the Paramount DVD revises both "chips" and "cells" to "stars", despite the fact that they are called energon chips in the ''Energon'' toyline...
*Ironhide doesn't even fire a shot before his energon star fades out.
*Prime is initially fine with Kicker running off with Jetfire, yet later berates him for not teaming up with Ironhide.
*Hot Shot complains about running out of energon, even though he still clearly has an energon star. (The Japanese version has the animation revised so that Hot Shot's star does fade away, while the English re-dub replaces his complaint with an assurance that he'll take point.)
*Optimus tells Jetfire to use the space bridge so as not to waste time raising the city. Then, as soon as Jetfire leaves, Optimus raises the city anyway just to use the space bridge.
*When Strongarm wonders if the Omnicons will be evacuated, Skyblast says "we can't worry about ''them''", as if they're not Omnicons.

===Transformers references===
*As Optimus transforms during his stock transformation upon arriving at the moon, Generation 1 transformation sounds can be heard.

===Real-world references===
*Optimus says that the entire world is on {{w|DEFCON|DEFCON Level Four}}, a term used by the American military which means increased intelligence and military readiness.

===Trivia===
*When Optimus manhandles Kicker, his hand appears to be hand-drawn, as the CGI department seems to lack the means to realistically pose and articulate Optimus's hand grabbing a much smaller two-dimensional character in three dimensions.
*During the opening briefing scene, Hot Shot's shoulder-[[kibble]]/shoulderpads are shown angled straight up in order to even out the space for other [[Transformer]]s in the room—specifically, Ironhide's shoulder cannon assembly which also happens to be angled upwards to make space.
*Alexis states that the "Terrorcons", are a high-tech pack of androids.
*Cyclonus's arm-cannons (missiles on the toy) and the tips of his rotor blades are miscolored gold. These colors won't be corrected until "[[Battle of the Asteroid Belt]]."

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''L'énergie miraculeuse'''" ("The Miraculous Energy")
::*Despite being called "Démolisseur" in ''Armada'' and in episode 1 of ''Energon'', Demolishor is called "Demolisher" in this episode, both by Sally and Jetfire.
::*Skyblast is dubbed by [[Olivier Destrez]] instead of [[Romain Redler]], just for this episode.
::*Tidal Wave does not say his name at all.
::*Like in the English dub, Misha is called Mika.
::*Optimus Prime's line "Jetfire, Kicker, give me an update!" is weirdly translated by "What do you think the situation is like here?". Everything to avoid saying names!
::*Speaking of avoiding names, Ironhide's name is dodged 4 times in a row, despite the cast saying it in the previous episode:
:::*Kicker's line "No Ironhide, don't do it! Don't touch it !" is dubbed by "No, wait, don't touch this! Don't touch it!".
:::*Kicker's next "Ironhide!" is dubbed by "Hey, do you hear me?".
:::*Optimus Prime's line "Ironhide! Are you all right?" is dubbed by "What's wrong with him? Is he hurt?".
:::*Hot Shot's line "Ironhide, are you okay?" is dubbed by "Are you okay, pal?".

'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Le stelle di energon'''" ("The Energon Stars")
::*When Strongarm wonders if the Omnicons will be evacuated, Skyblast says: "Don't think about it" instead of: "We can't worry about them", correcting the mistake in English.
::*Misha's name is corrected.
::*Energon stars are always called by this name. They're never called "chips" or "cells".

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount)
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 001 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume One (Shout! Factory)

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Cybertron City (episode)

2026-03-26T23:45:21Z

Chase eX: /* Continuity errors */

{{disambig3|Cybertron City}}
{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=1
|prev=Mortal Combat
|next=Energon Stars
|title="Cybertron City"
|japanese=浮上! オーシャンシティ
|romaji=Fujō! Ocean City
|translation=Arise! Ocean City
|image=E1_titlecard.jpg
|caption=You're going to wish Hot Shot had a trigger finger.
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Yutaka Satoh]], [[Jun Kawagoe]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[January 9|9 January]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[January 31]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy continuity|Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Ten years after the defeat of Unicron, a new threat arises...'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Energon Ocean City rises.jpg|thumb|left|200px|We built this city on rock and roll!]]

Deep within the shattered remains of [[Unicron]], [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]]—one of Unicron's many victims—is resurrected, to gather [[energon]] to revive Unicron. Alpha Q releases a horde of energon-eating [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s, which will scavenge [[Earth]]'s abundant supplies of the power source.

As [[Ocean City]] and its bridge rise and unfold from one of Earth's oceans, [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] narrates: it has been ten years since [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and Unicron disappeared in the depths of space. He and the other surviving [[Decepticon]]s have had to suffer through working with the [[Autobot]]s and [[human]]s in search of energon, and he's ''not'' happy about it.

The city has surfaced so that the human known as [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] can go out on [[High Wire (Armada)|his motorbike]] and get some fresh air, much to Demolishor's consternation. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] shows up too, and berates Demolishor for neglecting his work before running off in pursuit of the wayward Kicker. Kicker's tired of being cooped up in the submerged city and taking orders from 'bots. Suddenly, his hair flashes golden.

[[File:Cybertron City Optimus and Ironhide train.jpg|thumb|200px|Primedouken!]]

Below the waves, the [[Omnicon]]s are hard at work mining; they suddenly hit a golden glowing seam.

On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Rad White|Rad]] pays a visit to Earth's [[Extraterrestrial Research and Development Center]], where he communicates briefly with [[Sally Jones|Sally]]. Rad tells Kicker's father, [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]], that the Omnicons have hit a big vein of energon right where Dr. Jones predicted. Energon is a clean energy source, needed to get Earth through an energy crisis, as well as the [[Transformer]]s' requirements for the repair of Cybertron.

On an asteroid colony, two 'bots give the stoic [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] a hard time about his terminal silence. Suddenly, a barrage of lights from the depths of space pound the colony, as the mysterious Terrorcon drones attack.

In a training arena, [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] spars with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], and is ready to go again despite getting put down. Optimus comments that the young 'bot reminds him a lot of Hot Shot, which Ironhide regards as about the best compliment ever.

Rad and Dr. Jones report the attack to Optimus, telling him that their [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] depot is under attack, as reported by [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]]. Prime speaks with [[Primus]] about the strange development. Prime rounds up [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] to check out the situation, and Ironhide insists on coming too. Rad activates a [[space bridge]] gate, and the four Autobots roll out.

[[File:E01 shinjiface.jpg|left|200px|thumb|This is my "Shinji" face.]]

Arriving on Mars, the four find the smoking ruins of [[Mars City]]. The team detects no life, even though there were many Transformers working there. They quickly head to Earth.

At Ocean City, Sally and [[Miranda Jones|her mother]] observe the Omnicons' energon research, and squabble with Kicker. Kicker recalls arriving on planet Cybertron as a very young boy with his father, and meeting the gargantuan and rather terrifying Autobots. Present-day Kicker grumbles that he doesn't need any [[Transformer]]s to protect him.

Carlos reports that the Mars base was destroyed by asteroids. Kicker urgently tells Hot Shot that they're under attack, and he must submerge the city. He and Hot Shot race outside.

[[File:E01 glowing kicker.jpg|200px|thumb|'''Finding God:''' Yer doing it wrong!]]

In a flashback sequence...

:''Optimus Prime searches for a young Kicker, who, driven by his fear of the Autobots, has run away and hidden in a restricted zone. Falling into a void, Kicker is snared by a glowing light. The voice of Primus speaks, wondering what energy source powers humans. Primus then bestows Kicker with a sixth-sense granting him the ability to detect danger and energon.''

Present day, Hot Shot and Kicker observe as a huge swarm of Terrorcons appear in the sky, opening fire. Hot Shot returns fire. Demolishor soon finds himself against a pile of the creatures. The timely arrival of Optimus's crew saves Kicker from another group. Prime unleashes his [[Prime Force]] drones, then gives Hot Shot a [[Spark of Combination]], allowing him to [[Powerlinx]] with Inferno. [[Super Mode|Prime merges with his drones]], and blows away a ton of the Terrorcons.

Kicker leaps aboard Ironhide and makes good use of his cannon, but ultimately has to be saved by Prime, who launches a suit from his Spark of Combination to protect him from a fall. The surprised Kicker is told that the suit was made for him by his father. Kicker is furious—this is his planet and nobody can tell him what to do!

Alpha Q observes that the first attack was a failure, but there are many hands yet to be played.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (8)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]]s (9)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]]s (10)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (15)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (16)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (17)
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (18)
*[[Prime Force]] (24)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s corpse (4)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (5)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (14)

|c3=
*[[Kicker Jones]] (6)
*[[Rad White]] (11)
*[[Sally Jones]] (12)
*[[Brian Jones]] (13)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (19)
*[[Miranda Jones]] (21)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (22, flashback)

|c4=
*[[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] (1)
*[[Battle Ravage]]s (2)
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]]s (3)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (7)
*[[Primus]] (20)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (23)
}}

==Quotes==
"You're not the boss of me, Autobot!"
:—'''Demolishor''' apparently liked taking orders from [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|his last boss]] more.

"Tidal Wave like Asteroid Belt."
:—'''Tidal Wave''' enjoying the view on the moon.

"She said our Earth station has detected molecular activity at the precise coordinates where you suspected energon to be."
:—'''Rad''' begins the grand ''Energon'' tradition of things making no sense at all.

"Man! This is great!" 
"Just... Zip it."
:—'''Ironhide''' loves the Space Bridge! '''Jetfire''' doesn't love that Ironhide loves the Space Bridge.

"Is that energon?" 
"Yes. It's the energy source that all Transformers need to survive, Sally." 
"I'm not sure I get it, Mom."
:—'''Sally''' and '''Mrs. Jones''', who doesn't know much about biology.

"Kicker! Don't be an idiot!"
:—'''Hot Shot''' is a real optimist.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Super Link''===
*There are two distinct English-language dubs of this episode—a version broadcast on television, which is a straight dub of the Japanese edition of the episode, and the substantially-altered version released on the Paramount DVD. In addition to a ''heavily'' re-written script, the DVD version re-orders several scenes, chief among them the opening sequence with Alpha Q and Kicker's flashbacks, and inserts a new opening monologue from Optimus Prime, along with clips from ''Armada''. The original televised version of the episode was restored for the Shout! Factory release, and appears on streaming platforms such as [[Tubi]].
*The prolonged sequence of Ocean City rising up from beneath the waves differs across the various editions of this episode. The ''Super Link'' version features only music and sound effects. The TV-broadcast version of ''Energon'' features a monologue from Demolishor touching upon the events of the last ten years, to cement the series as a continuation of ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]''. The Paramount DVD version replaces this monologue with an argument between Kicker and [[Misha Miramond|Misha]] about raising the city. Misha does not actually appear in the episode, though, and shouldn't actually ''be'' in Ocean City anyway.
*In the opening sequence of this episode, Alpha Q states that Unicron has brought him back online, in order to stop Unicron from going offline—a claim that is totally at odds with what we will learn of the character and his history as the series progresses. As an error, it's entirely confined to ''Energon'', but unlike the multitude of errors that would come to populate ''Energon'', this was most likely a very deliberately inserted line. This "minion of Unicron" role was Hasbro's intention for the character, and is how he is portrayed in the [[Transformers: Energon (comic)|Dreamwave comic]], but the Japanese production staff wound up creating an entirely different story for the character that contradicted it. To get things back in order, the line was deleted from the Paramount DVD release of the ''Energon'' episode.
*Curiously, the Paramount DVD version of this episode removed the cameos of young Alexis, Carlos, and Rad departing the Autobot starship [[Axalon (Armada)|''Axalon'']] from Kicker's flashback sequence, instead jumping straight to Dr. Jones and Kicker leaving the vessel.

===Pain count===
The "Uh?"s start very early:
*"Uh?": 9
*"It's time to": 1
*"Gimme a break!": 1

===Animation and technical errors===
*This episode's English title fails to localize the faction name "Cybertron" to "Autobot".
*In the version broadcast on television, there is an audio synch mistake when Rad and Dr. Jones watch Prime's Autobots depart for Mars; their dialogue begins too soon, cringingly causing their lip movements to lag behind it. Surprisingly, this was fixed for the DVD release.
*During the attack on Ocean City, Sally wonders where her brother is, and her mother adds "Where's Kicker?" in Sally's voice. Oops. This was not fixed for the DVD release.
*Kicker references the military clock position system. He yells "9 o'clock!" before kicking Ironhide's head to the left to shoot the Divebomb drones. Although it's true that "9 o'clock" means "left", the way Ironhide is facing is closer to 10 or 11 o'clock.
**In the Paramount DVD release, Kicker instead yells at Ironhide to "pay attention!", removing the slight error.
*During the conversation between Optimus, Ironhide, and Jetfire about whether Ironhide can come along and if he's "uploaded his Spark of Combination," Ironhide salutes Jetfire. Nearly his entire hand clips through his head.
*In this episode, and with every subsequent use of this stock animation, when Hot Shot becomes the top half of a combination, his head just detaches and launches out of the frame while the disconnected toy-accurate armature to which it ''should'' be connected flips around incredibly fast. A second head appears from behind the chest via an obscured camera angle to plop down on the blank neck. It's likely the animators couldn't reconcile how their Hot Shot model, which has no sort of armature behind the head at all, works with how the combined mode was supposed to transform, so they just faked it. Considering this is the ''only'' shot where the Hot Shot model is fully toy accurate with said armature and Powerlinx clips under his head, the whole sequence is just baffling.
*At the very end of the episode, Alpha Q says there are "plenty of Cybertron Earth cities". Again, "Cybertron" is the Japanese name for "Autobot" that wasn't translated.

===Continuity notes===
*Just like ''Armada'', it is never explicitly stated what year the events of ''Energon'' take place. All [[canon]] sources establish each show in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]] taking place ten years apart from one another, starting with the then-future year of [[2010]], meaning ''Energon'' takes place in [[2020]].
**However, the Paramount DVD release suggests it's been 20 years since the [[Unicron Battles]], making it [[2030]], which is the year the events of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' take place.
**In the ''Armada'' episode "[[Chase (episode)|Chase]]", [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]]'s laptop has [[2002]] listed as the year, obviously due to the year the episode was animated/released, long before 2010 became the established year.
*The Paramount DVD release with Optimus Prime recapping the story so far shows footage of the Unicron Battles from ''Armada.''
*The corpse of [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] is briefly shown in the opening scene, when the camera is moving through Unicron's body.
*While the returning Autobots and [[Mini-Con]]s from ''Armada'' have been upgraded into entirely new bodies, fit with new weapons systems and alternate forms, the extent of the returning Decepticons' upgrades are merely reduced to new color schemes. This, topped off with the fact that the Decepticons only serve as guards of energon mining facilities, suggests there is no equality between the Autobots and Decepticons. Who are the ''real'' villains again?
*The poor [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Mini-Cons]] have had their roles reduced to washing cars and being used as Kicker's transportation.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Kicker can sense Energon and danger, a power bestowed upon him by Primus.
**Terrorcons have the ability to eat raw Energon and convert it into [[Energon star]]s.
**Copter-2 can slice through enemies with its rotor blades.
**Digger-3 can create whirlwinds with its drill.
**Submarine-4 fires torpedoes.
**Optimus carries the [[Spark of Combination]] in his chest where his [[Matrix of Leadership]] used to be. He also carried Kicker's armor inside the Spark of Combination too.
**Ironhide can deploy his head in vehicle mode like a [[Sweep (G1)|Sweep]].
**Powerlinx Hot Shot wields both his and Inferno's weapons.
**Optimus fires his "Energon Blast" attack in [[Super Mode]].
*[[Powerlinx]] forms:
**Perceptor (first use)
**Powerlinx Hot Shot with Inferno (first use)
**Optimus Prime Super Mode (first use)

===Continuity errors===
*In Optimus Prime's opening monologue in the Paramount DVD version of the episode, he refers to the series as taking place 20 years after the Unicron Battles of ''Armada'', rather than 10.
**In the same opening monologue, he incorrectly names Galvatron "Megatron", likely due to ''Energon'' having everyone going back to calling him Megatron.
*Optimus Prime is somehow able to identify the Terrorcons by name, before he has any way to know what they are. Again, this line was not in ''Super Link'', and was removed for the Paramount DVD release of ''Energon''.
*As stated [[#Differences with Super Link|above]] the Paramount DVD version of the episode has Misha placed in Ocean City, when subsequent episodes reveal she had been in [[Desert City]] the entire time, hence the conversation featured in the [[Energon Stars|next episode]], post-evacuation, has Misha and Kicker talking from screens rather than in person.

===Transformers references===
[[File:EnergonCybertronCityTakaraBike.jpg|200px|thumb]]
*A close-up of High Wire's motorbike mode reveals TAKARA branding, an obvious reference to [[TakaraTomy]] (who at the time was still just called "Takara" before the brand merge with Tomy in [[2006]]).
*The aforementioned inequality between Autobots and Decepticons is very similar to the state of Cybertron during the [[Beast Era]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].

===Real-world references===
*According to the ''[[Transformers: Energon Official Guidebook]]'', the sparring match was Optimus Prime training the others in the martial arts discipline {{w|Kumite}}.
*As stated above, Kicker references the {{w|Clock position}} while he's on top of Ironhide.
*Before the Terrorcons attack, High Wire is seen washing a car that clearly resembles the Toyota Trueno AE86 from the racing manga and anime series ''{{w|Initial D}}''.

===Trivia===
*Compared to later episodes, this one is ''astonishingly'' well-animated and acted.
*Kicker is apparently able to raise and lower the city without anyone stopping him or even asking why.
*The space shuttles the humans use are partarially designed to reflect Jetfire's shuttle mode. The most significant difference between the two is the absence of the red booster rocket portion that forms Jetfire's legs and torso in robot mode. This would also mean in-universe that Jetfire has since reformatted into the newest Earth model of space shuttle.
*Due to use of an earlier unfinished CGI model, Jetfire's rifle is incorrectly colored gray. The colors won't be corrected until "[[Starscream the Mysterious Mercenary]]."
{{--}}

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Cybertron City'''"
::*Alpha Q calls the Terrorcons "Terricans" but at the end of the episode Optimus Prime says "Terrorcons".
::*[[Jim Redler]] was chosen to voice the protagonist Kicker. Consequently, the role of Carlos he dubbed in ''Armada'' is given to [[Yoann Sover]]. But... Yoann Sover used to dub Rad in ''Armada''! So, Rad is now dubbed by newcomer [[Vincent Barazzoni]].
::*As usual, several names are dodged:
:::*Demolishor's line "Oh, it's only you, Kicker!" is dubbed by "Ah, it's you!". Then, his "Kicker!" is dubbed by "Come back!". However, Kicker's name will always be pronounced in the rest of the episode.
:::*One of the bots' line "Hey Tidal Wave! Did you hear the good news?" is dubbed by "Hey listen to this, finally some good news!" which makes the scene sounds like the two bots just chat together.
:::*During the subsequent Terrorcon attack, Tidal Wave does not say his name. Instead, one of the two bots screams "Help!".
::*Carlos' line "And according to our reports it was destroyed by some kinds of asteroids!" is mistakenly dubbed by "And according to the latest reports, it has been completely destroyed by some kind of ''androids''", which does not make sense. It's most likely a reading error from the actor that the team didn't bother to correct.
::*For some reason, Kicker's line "It's not, now fire!" is dubbed all of a sudden by Michel Dodane in his Optimus Prime voice. Weirdly, the usual robot effect is present on the voice.

'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Cybertron City'''"
::*Once, Jetfire uses the word "Transformer" (without an S at the end) as a plural.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount)
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 001 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume One (Shout! Factory)

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Cybertron City (episode)

2026-03-26T23:44:16Z

Chase eX: /* Continuity notes */

{{disambig3|Cybertron City}}
{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=1
|prev=Mortal Combat
|next=Energon Stars
|title="Cybertron City"
|japanese=浮上! オーシャンシティ
|romaji=Fujō! Ocean City
|translation=Arise! Ocean City
|image=E1_titlecard.jpg
|caption=You're going to wish Hot Shot had a trigger finger.
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Yutaka Satoh]], [[Jun Kawagoe]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[January 9|9 January]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[January 31]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy continuity|Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Ten years after the defeat of Unicron, a new threat arises...'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Energon Ocean City rises.jpg|thumb|left|200px|We built this city on rock and roll!]]

Deep within the shattered remains of [[Unicron]], [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]]—one of Unicron's many victims—is resurrected, to gather [[energon]] to revive Unicron. Alpha Q releases a horde of energon-eating [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]]s, which will scavenge [[Earth]]'s abundant supplies of the power source.

As [[Ocean City]] and its bridge rise and unfold from one of Earth's oceans, [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] narrates: it has been ten years since [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and Unicron disappeared in the depths of space. He and the other surviving [[Decepticon]]s have had to suffer through working with the [[Autobot]]s and [[human]]s in search of energon, and he's ''not'' happy about it.

The city has surfaced so that the human known as [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] can go out on [[High Wire (Armada)|his motorbike]] and get some fresh air, much to Demolishor's consternation. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] shows up too, and berates Demolishor for neglecting his work before running off in pursuit of the wayward Kicker. Kicker's tired of being cooped up in the submerged city and taking orders from 'bots. Suddenly, his hair flashes golden.

[[File:Cybertron City Optimus and Ironhide train.jpg|thumb|200px|Primedouken!]]

Below the waves, the [[Omnicon]]s are hard at work mining; they suddenly hit a golden glowing seam.

On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Rad White|Rad]] pays a visit to Earth's [[Extraterrestrial Research and Development Center]], where he communicates briefly with [[Sally Jones|Sally]]. Rad tells Kicker's father, [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]], that the Omnicons have hit a big vein of energon right where Dr. Jones predicted. Energon is a clean energy source, needed to get Earth through an energy crisis, as well as the [[Transformer]]s' requirements for the repair of Cybertron.

On an asteroid colony, two 'bots give the stoic [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] a hard time about his terminal silence. Suddenly, a barrage of lights from the depths of space pound the colony, as the mysterious Terrorcon drones attack.

In a training arena, [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] spars with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], and is ready to go again despite getting put down. Optimus comments that the young 'bot reminds him a lot of Hot Shot, which Ironhide regards as about the best compliment ever.

Rad and Dr. Jones report the attack to Optimus, telling him that their [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] depot is under attack, as reported by [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]]. Prime speaks with [[Primus]] about the strange development. Prime rounds up [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] to check out the situation, and Ironhide insists on coming too. Rad activates a [[space bridge]] gate, and the four Autobots roll out.

[[File:E01 shinjiface.jpg|left|200px|thumb|This is my "Shinji" face.]]

Arriving on Mars, the four find the smoking ruins of [[Mars City]]. The team detects no life, even though there were many Transformers working there. They quickly head to Earth.

At Ocean City, Sally and [[Miranda Jones|her mother]] observe the Omnicons' energon research, and squabble with Kicker. Kicker recalls arriving on planet Cybertron as a very young boy with his father, and meeting the gargantuan and rather terrifying Autobots. Present-day Kicker grumbles that he doesn't need any [[Transformer]]s to protect him.

Carlos reports that the Mars base was destroyed by asteroids. Kicker urgently tells Hot Shot that they're under attack, and he must submerge the city. He and Hot Shot race outside.

[[File:E01 glowing kicker.jpg|200px|thumb|'''Finding God:''' Yer doing it wrong!]]

In a flashback sequence...

:''Optimus Prime searches for a young Kicker, who, driven by his fear of the Autobots, has run away and hidden in a restricted zone. Falling into a void, Kicker is snared by a glowing light. The voice of Primus speaks, wondering what energy source powers humans. Primus then bestows Kicker with a sixth-sense granting him the ability to detect danger and energon.''

Present day, Hot Shot and Kicker observe as a huge swarm of Terrorcons appear in the sky, opening fire. Hot Shot returns fire. Demolishor soon finds himself against a pile of the creatures. The timely arrival of Optimus's crew saves Kicker from another group. Prime unleashes his [[Prime Force]] drones, then gives Hot Shot a [[Spark of Combination]], allowing him to [[Powerlinx]] with Inferno. [[Super Mode|Prime merges with his drones]], and blows away a ton of the Terrorcons.

Kicker leaps aboard Ironhide and makes good use of his cannon, but ultimately has to be saved by Prime, who launches a suit from his Spark of Combination to protect him from a fall. The surprised Kicker is told that the suit was made for him by his father. Kicker is furious—this is his planet and nobody can tell him what to do!

Alpha Q observes that the first attack was a failure, but there are many hands yet to be played.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (8)
*[[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]]s (9)
*[[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]]s (10)
*[[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (15)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (16)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (17)
*[[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (18)
*[[Prime Force]] (24)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s corpse (4)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (5)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (14)

|c3=
*[[Kicker Jones]] (6)
*[[Rad White]] (11)
*[[Sally Jones]] (12)
*[[Brian Jones]] (13)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (19)
*[[Miranda Jones]] (21)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (22, flashback)

|c4=
*[[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] (1)
*[[Battle Ravage]]s (2)
*[[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb]]s (3)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (7)
*[[Primus]] (20)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (23)
}}

==Quotes==
"You're not the boss of me, Autobot!"
:—'''Demolishor''' apparently liked taking orders from [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|his last boss]] more.

"Tidal Wave like Asteroid Belt."
:—'''Tidal Wave''' enjoying the view on the moon.

"She said our Earth station has detected molecular activity at the precise coordinates where you suspected energon to be."
:—'''Rad''' begins the grand ''Energon'' tradition of things making no sense at all.

"Man! This is great!" 
"Just... Zip it."
:—'''Ironhide''' loves the Space Bridge! '''Jetfire''' doesn't love that Ironhide loves the Space Bridge.

"Is that energon?" 
"Yes. It's the energy source that all Transformers need to survive, Sally." 
"I'm not sure I get it, Mom."
:—'''Sally''' and '''Mrs. Jones''', who doesn't know much about biology.

"Kicker! Don't be an idiot!"
:—'''Hot Shot''' is a real optimist.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Super Link''===
*There are two distinct English-language dubs of this episode—a version broadcast on television, which is a straight dub of the Japanese edition of the episode, and the substantially-altered version released on the Paramount DVD. In addition to a ''heavily'' re-written script, the DVD version re-orders several scenes, chief among them the opening sequence with Alpha Q and Kicker's flashbacks, and inserts a new opening monologue from Optimus Prime, along with clips from ''Armada''. The original televised version of the episode was restored for the Shout! Factory release, and appears on streaming platforms such as [[Tubi]].
*The prolonged sequence of Ocean City rising up from beneath the waves differs across the various editions of this episode. The ''Super Link'' version features only music and sound effects. The TV-broadcast version of ''Energon'' features a monologue from Demolishor touching upon the events of the last ten years, to cement the series as a continuation of ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]''. The Paramount DVD version replaces this monologue with an argument between Kicker and [[Misha Miramond|Misha]] about raising the city. Misha does not actually appear in the episode, though, and shouldn't actually ''be'' in Ocean City anyway.
*In the opening sequence of this episode, Alpha Q states that Unicron has brought him back online, in order to stop Unicron from going offline—a claim that is totally at odds with what we will learn of the character and his history as the series progresses. As an error, it's entirely confined to ''Energon'', but unlike the multitude of errors that would come to populate ''Energon'', this was most likely a very deliberately inserted line. This "minion of Unicron" role was Hasbro's intention for the character, and is how he is portrayed in the [[Transformers: Energon (comic)|Dreamwave comic]], but the Japanese production staff wound up creating an entirely different story for the character that contradicted it. To get things back in order, the line was deleted from the Paramount DVD release of the ''Energon'' episode.
*Curiously, the Paramount DVD version of this episode removed the cameos of young Alexis, Carlos, and Rad departing the Autobot starship [[Axalon (Armada)|''Axalon'']] from Kicker's flashback sequence, instead jumping straight to Dr. Jones and Kicker leaving the vessel.

===Pain count===
The "Uh?"s start very early:
*"Uh?": 9
*"It's time to": 1
*"Gimme a break!": 1

===Animation and technical errors===
*This episode's English title fails to localize the faction name "Cybertron" to "Autobot".
*In the version broadcast on television, there is an audio synch mistake when Rad and Dr. Jones watch Prime's Autobots depart for Mars; their dialogue begins too soon, cringingly causing their lip movements to lag behind it. Surprisingly, this was fixed for the DVD release.
*During the attack on Ocean City, Sally wonders where her brother is, and her mother adds "Where's Kicker?" in Sally's voice. Oops. This was not fixed for the DVD release.
*Kicker references the military clock position system. He yells "9 o'clock!" before kicking Ironhide's head to the left to shoot the Divebomb drones. Although it's true that "9 o'clock" means "left", the way Ironhide is facing is closer to 10 or 11 o'clock.
**In the Paramount DVD release, Kicker instead yells at Ironhide to "pay attention!", removing the slight error.
*During the conversation between Optimus, Ironhide, and Jetfire about whether Ironhide can come along and if he's "uploaded his Spark of Combination," Ironhide salutes Jetfire. Nearly his entire hand clips through his head.
*In this episode, and with every subsequent use of this stock animation, when Hot Shot becomes the top half of a combination, his head just detaches and launches out of the frame while the disconnected toy-accurate armature to which it ''should'' be connected flips around incredibly fast. A second head appears from behind the chest via an obscured camera angle to plop down on the blank neck. It's likely the animators couldn't reconcile how their Hot Shot model, which has no sort of armature behind the head at all, works with how the combined mode was supposed to transform, so they just faked it. Considering this is the ''only'' shot where the Hot Shot model is fully toy accurate with said armature and Powerlinx clips under his head, the whole sequence is just baffling.
*At the very end of the episode, Alpha Q says there are "plenty of Cybertron Earth cities". Again, "Cybertron" is the Japanese name for "Autobot" that wasn't translated.

===Continuity notes===
*Just like ''Armada'', it is never explicitly stated what year the events of ''Energon'' take place. All [[canon]] sources establish each show in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]] taking place ten years apart from one another, starting with the then-future year of [[2010]], meaning ''Energon'' takes place in [[2020]].
**However, the Paramount DVD release suggests it's been 20 years since the [[Unicron Battles]], making it [[2030]], which is the year the events of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' take place.
**In the ''Armada'' episode "[[Chase (episode)|Chase]]", [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]]'s laptop has [[2002]] listed as the year, obviously due to the year the episode was animated/released, long before 2010 became the established year.
*The Paramount DVD release with Optimus Prime recapping the story so far shows footage of the Unicron Battles from ''Armada.''
*The corpse of [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] is briefly shown in the opening scene, when the camera is moving through Unicron's body.
*While the returning Autobots and [[Mini-Con]]s from ''Armada'' have been upgraded into entirely new bodies, fit with new weapons systems and alternate forms, the extent of the returning Decepticons' upgrades are merely reduced to new color schemes. This, topped off with the fact that the Decepticons only serve as guards of energon mining facilities, suggests there is no equality between the Autobots and Decepticons. Who are the ''real'' villains again?
*The poor [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Mini-Cons]] have had their roles reduced to washing cars and being used as Kicker's transportation.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Kicker can sense Energon and danger, a power bestowed upon him by Primus.
**Terrorcons have the ability to eat raw Energon and convert it into [[Energon star]]s.
**Copter-2 can slice through enemies with its rotor blades.
**Digger-3 can create whirlwinds with its drill.
**Submarine-4 fires torpedoes.
**Optimus carries the [[Spark of Combination]] in his chest where his [[Matrix of Leadership]] used to be. He also carried Kicker's armor inside the Spark of Combination too.
**Ironhide can deploy his head in vehicle mode like a [[Sweep (G1)|Sweep]].
**Powerlinx Hot Shot wields both his and Inferno's weapons.
**Optimus fires his "Energon Blast" attack in [[Super Mode]].
*[[Powerlinx]] forms:
**Perceptor (first use)
**Powerlinx Hot Shot with Inferno (first use)
**Optimus Prime Super Mode (first use)

===Continuity errors===
*In Optimus Prime's opening monologue in the Paramount DVD version of the episode, he refers to the series as taking place 20 years after the Unicron Battles of ''Armada'', rather than 10.
**In the same opening monologue, he incorrectly names Galvatron "Megatron", likely due to Energon having everyone going back to calling him Megatron.
*Optimus Prime is somehow able to identify the Terrorcons by name, before he has any way to know what they are. Again, this line was not in ''Super Link'', and was removed for the Paramount DVD release of ''Energon''.
*As stated [[#Differences with Super Link|above]] the Paramount DVD version of the episode has Misha placed in Ocean City, when subsequent episodes reveal she had been in [[Desert City]] the entire time, hence the conversation featured in the [[Energon Stars|next episode]], post-evacuation, has Misha and Kicker talking from screens rather than in person.

===Transformers references===
[[File:EnergonCybertronCityTakaraBike.jpg|200px|thumb]]
*A close-up of High Wire's motorbike mode reveals TAKARA branding, an obvious reference to [[TakaraTomy]] (who at the time was still just called "Takara" before the brand merge with Tomy in [[2006]]).
*The aforementioned inequality between Autobots and Decepticons is very similar to the state of Cybertron during the [[Beast Era]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].

===Real-world references===
*According to the ''[[Transformers: Energon Official Guidebook]]'', the sparring match was Optimus Prime training the others in the martial arts discipline {{w|Kumite}}.
*As stated above, Kicker references the {{w|Clock position}} while he's on top of Ironhide.
*Before the Terrorcons attack, High Wire is seen washing a car that clearly resembles the Toyota Trueno AE86 from the racing manga and anime series ''{{w|Initial D}}''.

===Trivia===
*Compared to later episodes, this one is ''astonishingly'' well-animated and acted.
*Kicker is apparently able to raise and lower the city without anyone stopping him or even asking why.
*The space shuttles the humans use are partarially designed to reflect Jetfire's shuttle mode. The most significant difference between the two is the absence of the red booster rocket portion that forms Jetfire's legs and torso in robot mode. This would also mean in-universe that Jetfire has since reformatted into the newest Earth model of space shuttle.
*Due to use of an earlier unfinished CGI model, Jetfire's rifle is incorrectly colored gray. The colors won't be corrected until "[[Starscream the Mysterious Mercenary]]."
{{--}}

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Cybertron City'''"
::*Alpha Q calls the Terrorcons "Terricans" but at the end of the episode Optimus Prime says "Terrorcons".
::*[[Jim Redler]] was chosen to voice the protagonist Kicker. Consequently, the role of Carlos he dubbed in ''Armada'' is given to [[Yoann Sover]]. But... Yoann Sover used to dub Rad in ''Armada''! So, Rad is now dubbed by newcomer [[Vincent Barazzoni]].
::*As usual, several names are dodged:
:::*Demolishor's line "Oh, it's only you, Kicker!" is dubbed by "Ah, it's you!". Then, his "Kicker!" is dubbed by "Come back!". However, Kicker's name will always be pronounced in the rest of the episode.
:::*One of the bots' line "Hey Tidal Wave! Did you hear the good news?" is dubbed by "Hey listen to this, finally some good news!" which makes the scene sounds like the two bots just chat together.
:::*During the subsequent Terrorcon attack, Tidal Wave does not say his name. Instead, one of the two bots screams "Help!".
::*Carlos' line "And according to our reports it was destroyed by some kinds of asteroids!" is mistakenly dubbed by "And according to the latest reports, it has been completely destroyed by some kind of ''androids''", which does not make sense. It's most likely a reading error from the actor that the team didn't bother to correct.
::*For some reason, Kicker's line "It's not, now fire!" is dubbed all of a sudden by Michel Dodane in his Optimus Prime voice. Weirdly, the usual robot effect is present on the voice.

'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Cybertron City'''"
::*Once, Jetfire uses the word "Transformer" (without an S at the end) as a plural.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount)
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 001 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume 1: The Battle for Energon (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection (Paramount) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — Volume One (Shout! Factory)

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Transformers The Game (console)

2026-03-04T23:41:08Z

Chase eX: /* Notes */

{{nav-movie-game}}
{{videogame
|title=''Transformers The Game''
|image=Transformers The Game cover.jpg
|caption=If you're a mid-to-late-00s kid and remember this game, then your childhood was... Probably pretty average, I guess?
|developer=[[Traveller's Tales]]
|publisher=[[Activision]]
|date=[[June 19]], [[2007]] (NA) [[June 20]], 2007 (AU) [[July 20]], 2007 (EU) [[February 7]], [[2008]] (JP, PS3/PS2) [[March 13]], [[2008]] (JP, Wii)
|platform=[[PlayStation]] 2, [[Wii]], PlayStation 3, [[Xbox]] 360, PC DVD-ROM
|ratings=ESRB: T PEGI: 12+ CER0:B
}}
{{--}}
'''''Transformers The Game''''' is the video game adaptation of the [[Transformers (film)|2007 live-action movie]]. Developed by [[Traveller's Tales]] with cinematic cutscenes animated by [[Blur Studio]] for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii and PC via DVD-ROM, the game follows several of the movie's robotic characters through a loose approximation of the movie's plot. The game has two campaigns, one for each faction. It was the first Transformers game published by [[Activision]] in 21 years.

Several '''[[Transformers The Game|other versions]]''' of the title were released for other platforms.

==Synopsis==
===Autobots===
====Level 1: The Suburbs====
[[file:BumblebeeBarricadeGameFight.jpg|upright=1.25|thumb|left|BONK!]]
[[Bumblebee (Movie)/games|Bumblebee]] crashes down to [[Earth]], ending up in [[Bay Demolitions]]. The Autobot [[Scanning|scans]] a yellow Camaro, and is contacted by [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/games|Optimus Prime]], who tells him to find an object that will help lead them to the missing [[AllSpark]], but warns him to beware [[Decepticon]] drones. Bumblebee zooms off to a construction site and defeats some of the drones, but even more drones fall from the sky, destroying major parts of the town until Bumblebee defeats them. After defeating them, he scans the corpses and discovers the Decepticons have found a [[Transformer]] code linked to [[Megatron (Movie)/games|Megatron]] in a [[Archibald Witwicky's glasses|family artifact]] of [[Sam Witwicky]]. Seeking to protect him the Decepticons, Bumblebee drives to his home and he overhears Sam's [[Ron Witwicky|father]] promise him he will buy him a car the next day. On Optimus's orders, Bumblebee races to [[Bobby Bolivia]]'s [[Bolivia's Finest Quality Used Cars and Petting Zoo|used car lot]], defeating more Decepticon drones marching through the streets along the way. With the path cleared, Bumblebee reaches Bolivia's and gets himself purchased by Sam.

The next day while Sam is at school, [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] attacks him, but Bumblebee stops the Decepticon, pursuing him to prevent further human casualties. After defeating Barricade, Bumblebee is ordered to destroy radio towers that have been hacked by the Decepticons to prevent the [[Autobot]]s from landing, then clear a landing zone. The Autobots touch down and scan new [[alternate mode]]s before gathering at the rendezvous point.

====Level 2: More Than Meets the Eye====
[[File:Shockwave movie.jpg|thumb|upright=1.45|Logic, etc. etc.]]
[[file:JazzIsUselessMovie.jpg|upright=1.30|left|thumb|You... wouldn't happen to know where the Taco store is, would you?]]
After a very brief explanation of what is going on, [[Sector Seven]] finds the Autobots. In his new alt mode, Bumblebee takes Sam and [[Mikaela Banes]] to safety, while [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] distracts Sector Seven. Unfortunately, Jazz's luck runs out and he is eventually caught, only to be saved from the humans and a subsequent Decepticon drone attack by Ironhide.

Sector Seven manages to catch Bumblebee in a net and parades him around the city, but Optimus follow in vehicle mode and eventually catches hold. Before he can rescue his comrade, he is dislodged by the arriving Decepticon [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], who begins to destroy the city. Optimus and Shockwave clash, ultimately resulting in Shockwave's destruction. Investigating Shockwave's body, Optimus finds the glasses and intercepts a transmission from [[Starscream (Movie)/games|Starscream]] that the Decepticons have found Megatron in [[Hoover Dam]], along with the AllSpark. Their mission now clear, Optimus rolls out with the rest of the Autobots.

====Level 3: Inside Hoover Dam====
[[file:BumblebeeBay.jpg|upright=1.45|thumb|Micheal Bay endorses this message]]
In [[Hoover Dam]], Bumblebee is being held in a force field, but manages to escape when a power surge disables it. While exploring, Bumblebee discovers the AllSpark hidden behind a 'laser grid. Commanded by Prime to retrieve the relic, Bumblebee battles the security robots and destroys the command center consoles, only to discover this would not be enough to disable the grid. Next, Bumblebee desroyed a set of cooling fans, causing the generators powering the grid to overheat and explode. After destroying the last of the generators, Bumblebee entered the holding chamber andbegan to shrink the AllSpark to portable size fending of the security drones as he did so. Unfortunately, Megatron begins to thaw out and attacks Bumblebee as well. Bumblebee manages to escape with Sam, Mikaela, and the AllSpark, but Starscream and [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] arrive at the dam shortly there after to release their leader.

====Level 4: The Last Stand====
[[file:JazzStarscreamBattle.jpg|thumb|left|Walk up to him slowly with your gun out, [[Starscream_(G1)/Generation_1_cartoon_continuity|because that ALWAYS works.]]]]
Upon arriving in [[Mission City]], the Allspark becomes overloaded with energy and creates some energon drones. Bumblebee loses control and gets himself stuck in a building, but is rescued by Ironhide. Starscream appears and begins attacking, but is swiftly engaged by Jazz, who kills Starscream, Blackout, and their drone minions. Unfortunately, [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] arrives and manages to finally finish Jazz off, angering Ironhide. After chasing Brawl throughout the city, Ironhide finally kills him and his drones, avenging Jazz's death.

Barricade tries to take the AllSpark, but Bumblebee confronts and kills him. Before he can savor his victory, Bumblebee is effortlessly flicked aside by Megatron. Fearing for their lives, Sam and Mikaela take the AllSpark and hide in one of the nearby buildings.

====Level 5: The Ultimate Doom====
Megatron manages to find Sam and Mikaela, but before he can grab the AllSpark, Optimus arrives and engages him in a final battle. After a long and grueling fight, Megatron finally goes down. Believing his foe vanquished, Optimus turns to Sam as the human hands him the AllSpark. However, Megatron reveals himself to still be alive and leaps at the heroes. Grabbing Megatron's flail, Optimus pulls the Decepticon towards him and shoves the cube into his chest, killing him.

Later, Optimus and the other Autobots reflect on the events that have transpired. Though the AllSpark is lost, they have found themselves a new home, one which Optimus now vows to protect.

===Decepticons===

====Level 1: SOCCENT Military Base====
[[File:VGBlackoutE1M3Intro.jpg|thumb|left|"Time for a delicious, cool... what? [[Pepsi]]?!"]]

Blackout shot down an MH-53 and scanned it as his vehicle mode, and then proceeded to the [[SOCCENT Forward Operations Base]] in [[Qatar]]. At [[Starscream (Movie)/games|Starscream's]] command, he destroys the entire base.

[[File:VGBlackoutE1M4Intro.gif|thumb|"Damn it, Scorponok, that is NOT my [[Powerlinx]] plug!"]]
Some humans managed to scramble their communication vehicles, and [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] was dispatched to deal with the situation and succeeded. Meanwhile, Blackout went to destroy a communication array, hoping to steal their mainframes and data, since they contained important information about the location of the AllSpark.

Scorponok then returned to Blackout, whereupon Starscream informed that some human reinforcements were on the way to prevent their escape, but Blackout managed to destroy them all. After that, Starscream informed them that there wasn't any concrete information on the data, but a human was in possession of an artifact whose origin matched with the information they acquired. Blackout and Scorponok then leave Qatar.

====Level 2: The Hunt For Sam Witwicky====

Barricade landed in Tranquility, and scanned a Saleen S281 police car near a donut store (because cops like donuts) and got in contact with Starscream. Starscream informed him he was there to find the artifact, which happened to be a pair of glasses. and that Barricade must do it before the Autobots do.

[[File:VGBarricadeE2M2Intro.jpg|thumb|This is what is technically known as a bad idea.]]
Starscream informed Barricade that they might not be the only Transformers in the area, and ordered him to investigate. Driving around town, he was attacked by Autobot drones. After destroying all the drones in the area, Starscream told him to head to the power plant in order to find [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], who discovered interesting information about their mission. Upon arrival, Barricade encountered Sector Seven, who had captured Frenzy. Finding himself dealing with a Sector Seven SUV which could enter buildings, Barricade tore down all the nearby buildings in his search for Frenzy. However, he became trapped inside a Sector Seven SUV whose drivers used the explosions caused by the Decepticon to their advantage, escaped the building and hid inside another one without causing damage (because they're Sector Seven, they knew how to do that).

After repeating this several times, Barricade eventually cornered Frenzy's captors at the local shopping mall, destroying the entire building and killing everyone inside. After freeing Frenzy, he passed all the information that he gathered to Barricade, who then contacted Starscream with the information. Frenzy discovered that a human named Sam Witwicky was in possession of the artifact that revealed the location of Megatron.

[[File:VGBarricadeE2M4Gameplay.gif|left|thumb|This is what you'll be doing for approximately 90% of the time you're in Tranquility, so get used to it.]]
Bumblebee then showed up heading for the police station, forcing Barricade stop the Autobot in order to find Sam. This forced Bumblebee to use a shockwave attack that destroyed a huge area of town by accident every time he used it and stunned Barricade. Still, Barricade won the upper hand against Bumblebee, then chased him down to the local [[Bay Demolition]], only to be ambushed by Autobot drones who were hiding there. Barricade defeated all of them.

Barricade collected information about Sam through the databank in the police station. There, he cornered Sam with Mikaela, but when he was about to attack them, Bumblebee intervened, picked them both up and escaped to safety. Then, Bumblebee returned to engage him.

By using the same tactics from their last encounter, Barricade defeated Bumblebee. Knowing what will happen if he kept fighting, Bumblebee drove off, Barricade followed, and they battled again. Bumblebee was eventually killed. Barricade then threatened to harm the humans if Sam didn't give him the glasses. Sam then gave up the glasses and fled. Sam and Mikaela were then surrounded by Sector Seven and placed under arrest.

====Level 3: A Gathering Force ====

With the location of Megatron and the AllSpark now known, Starscream gathered the remaining Decepticons. He approached a secret human airbase to search for [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] and Brawl, but upon arriving his radar was jammed by local human communications equipment. Frenzy, who decided to speak in [[Cybertronian language|Cybertronian]] to be annoying, came in contact with Starscream to request locations to destroy. After doing that, Bonecrusher was located.

[[File:VGStarscreamE3M4Gameplay.jpg|thumb|"Brawl! You're a tank! Use your tank parts!" "I can't, I'm shy." "What?!"]]
[[File:VGStarscreamE3M3Intro.jpg|left|thumb|"None shall stand in my way!" "Your talking privileges are hereby revoked, Bonecrusher."]]
Bonecrusher had stealthily hidden himself until he was surrounded by turrets firing paralyzing electrical energy at him. Starscream, rather than reprimanding him for this idiocy, destroyed turrets and escorted him onto the runway. They found themselves surrounded by flying drones, which upon careful inspection (actually consisting of shooting down the aircraft, picking it up and then throwing it away) had actually been made using technology based on Megatron's biology. Realizing this, Starscream no doubt viewed destroying these vehicles as useful practice.

Following on from this, Brawl got the courage to move out, and Bonecrusher went to meet with him. They immediately encountered` human tanks that fires the same electricity that paralyzed Bonecrusher earlier. Starscream then went to do everything himself again, flying back and forth using everything he has to destroy the tanks and save his rather apathetic comrades from self-imposed doom. With the base destroyed and all the Decepticons united, Starscream then ordered them all to make for the rendezvous point.

Starscream and Blackout arrived at the [[Hoover Dam]] and started to destroy it, some Autobot Drones who managed to secretly follow Sam and Mikaela's kinnapers to their base tried to defend it but to no avail, as in the end, Megatron was finally free. Starscream and Blackout then bowed before their lord, who then declared they have much to do.

====Level 4: City of the Machines====

Because of everything that happened in Hoover Dam, the Autobots managed to set the humans free and they got the cube. Megatron sent his Decepticons ahead of him except for Starscream, Brawl and Bonecrusher, who would proceed to Mission City. Barricade arrived there and informed Megatron that Sam went into hiding with the AllSpark, Megatron asks him if he knows what will be at stake if he fails, but Barricade stated that it will be done.

[[File:VGBlackoutE4M3Gameplay.jpg|left|thumb|"I didn't touch anything!"]]
Jazz was protecting Sam and Mikaela when Barricade arrived. Jazz ordered both of them to get away so that he and Barricade could fight. After taking too much damage, Jazz knew that he would suffer Bumblebee's fate if he kept fighting and decided to run away.

[[File:VGMegatronE4M4Guitar.jpg|thumb|Megatron prepares to unleash his impression of [[Soundwave (Animated)|someone else]].]]
Barricade managed to catch up to Jazz and killed him, his last words being "Optimus, I tried". Megatron detected an huge energy signature coming from the city's park and ordered Scorponok to determine what it was. There, they discovered the AllSpark caused various machines to come to life. Scorponok had to kill all the [[Energon drone|Energon drones]] in the area before more were generated. After all of them were destroyed, Scorponok threatened the humans if they don't give the AllSpark to him. Sam was about to hand over the AllSpark when Ironhide intervened and ordered Sam to flee while he took care of the scorpion-esque Decepticon. Blackout was angered by this mistreatment of his pet, and vowed to give Ironhide the honor of dying by his blade.

[[File:BlackoutIronhideFightE4M4.jpg|thumb|This is what is technically known as CHEATING.]]
Ironhide used every weapon he had: every Autobot drone type except for Mixmaster and Dreadwing, and Ironhide himself used the dastardly tactic of being invincible for most of the battle, unleashing a never-ending torrent of rockets which Blackout could do nothing about whenever he approached Ironhide too closely. He only became vulnerable after all the drones in the area were destroyed. Despite this, Blackout finally killed him; Mikaela and Sam finally find Optimus to inform him of the rest of the Autobots demise, leaving Optimus alone to defend them and the Allspark as he drives off to hide Sam and Mikaela.

Megatron finally arrived in the city, where he formulated a plan to take possession of the AllSpark once and for all. This plan consisted of Megatron trying to coax Optimus out of hiding by destroying the city at random, and after destroying a huge part of it, Megatron followed a beacon sent by Prime, thinking he would fight him there, only to be ambushed by some Autobot drones. This led to Megatron destroying multiple waves drones across the city; he finally found Optimus Prime at the top of the tallest building in the city, and climbed it. When he reached the top, they both battled and fell back to the streets.

====Level 5: Day of the Machines====
[[File:TFTG Decepticon Ending Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]

Back on the ground, the final battle began. This largely consisted of Megatron attacking Prime with every melee attack he had. After some attacking, Optimus would run away while Megatron fought the drones. After the Drones were destroyed, Megatron then flew around, trying to find Optimus who was with Sam, protecting the AllSpark. Soon, Megatron found them and Sam escaped, allowing both of them to continue the battle. Starscream and Blackout each attempt to ambush Optimus but are no match for him and are quickly knocked out. Eventually, Optimus got exhausted and Megatron hit him in the head using his whip-chain with all his strength, killing him right in front of Sam. Megatron finally took the cube and absorbed it, creating a fire wave that killed everyone in the area.

Life on Earth as we know is now over. Megatron decided that the [[Atlantis, Arise!|Lincoln Memorial would make a fine throne from which to rule the world]]. All the Decepticons who were absent from the battle joined together to watch the eradication of the human race. After sitting in his new throne, Megatron sent his Decepticons to finish conquering the planet, since they were done here. Barricade thought himself suitable for the job and obliged, and promptly got up while the others watched.

==Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|nonumbering=true
|c1=
'''Playable'''
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/games|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)/games|Bumblebee]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] ([[Andrew Kishino]])

'''Non-playable'''
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Fred Tatasciore]])
|c2=
'''Playable'''
*[[Megatron (Movie)/games|Megatron]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)/games|Starscream]] ([[Daniel Ross]])
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] ([[Keith David]])
*[[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] ([[Noah Nelson]])
*[[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]]

'''Non-playable'''
*[[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]]
*[[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] ([[Daniel Riordan]])*
*[[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] ([[David Sobolov]])
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]]
|h3=Drones|c3=
*[[Dropkick (Movie)|Dropkick]]
*[[Payload (Movie)|Payload]]
*[[Scrapper (Movie)|Scrapper]]
*[[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]]
*[[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]]
*[[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]]
*[[Mixmaster (Movie)|Mixmaster]]
*[[Energon drone]]
|h4='''[[Human]]s'''|c4=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Mikaela Banes]] ([[Megan Fox]])
}}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>While Bonecrusher does not speak in the game, Riordan is credited with voicing him in the game's credits. Unused voice clips of his (and Brawl's) can be found in the game's files.

==Gameplay==
In each chapter, players control a pre-determined Autobot or Decepticon, and are placed in a small open-world area they can freely explore. All the robots can walk, run, evade, jump, transform into a vehicle and vice-versa, climb walls, block attacks and have six attack types: light ranged weapon, heavy ranged weapon, melee attack, and the abilities to grab and throw objects such as cars, lamp posts, trees, etc, use a long object like a lamp post as a sword, and to use an special attack which can only be executed when pressing the melee attack button while holding the block button.

Each of the playable characters have different statistics and properties. For example, Barricade and Bumblebee are the most evenly balanced, Starscream does higher weapon damage and lower melee damage, and Ironhide has the highest ammo capacity of any character.

===Drone Variants===
Both sides of the conflict have access to drones, and thus each side has random encounters that you will occasionally have to battle in small skirmishes. Each has their own AI and attack pattern, along with set weaknesses.

* '''Scrappers''': The grunts of this game, but not necessarily the most common. Their AI is a relatively simple one in that they just shoot a missile at you, and than charge at you and try to melee you the rest of the way. They cannot shield themselves from gunfire which makes these guys easy to destroy in hordes.
*'''Swindles''': The common mooks of this game, and the most frequently encountered not just in missions but in those small little out-of-story skirmishes. They frequently charge at you 1 missile at a time, and once in melee range they will try to punch you. They can shield themselves, but it's very uncommon, and they can easily be dispatched.
*'''Dropkicks''': The "heavy lifters" of the common drone type, they're usually seen using Swindles as cannon fodder and firing missiles at you from a distance. They are also the only drones smart enough to throw stuff at you, and autoblock attacks from all ranged weapons except for Blackout’s heavy weapon.
*'''Longarms''': The most common of the "Throw stuff at them to make them stop" types, these guys walk up to you slowly while flailing around a giant and long wire cable with a hook attached to it, knocking the poor player all over the place. Throwing cars is not advisable though, unless you are Optimus Prime, seeing as when most characters throw cars, it's thrown from above, so it will usually hit the top of the hitbox instead of hitting the Longarm drone.
*'''Payloads''': These drones charge at you headfirst, but their reckless charge means you can jump around them. Once they start looking around aimlessly, throw something at them or punch them to knock them out of the AI state. They will go back into charging phase after you land a hit, so be sure to combo them before running away. Be prepared, since they always come in pairs.
* '''Dreadwings''': Dreadwings are uncommon drones that, when encountered, will fly in and land in a ring of expanding fire that will launch you away from them. They will then have the audacity to run at you nonstop, and spam their flamethrowers. And the flamethrowers have a deceptively ''large'' range, making it hard for you as the player to throw items at them. And once you land a decent combo on them, they fly away, regain about 5% of their health, and come back at you, forcing you to repeat the same process until they are defeated.
* '''Mixmasters''': The most uncommon type of drone encountered, these guys cannot be damaged by conventional means, and require that you grab an object, throw it at them, knock them over, pick them up, and throw them at a random building or onto the floor, (or simply hit them with a thrown object if they happen to be in their cement mixer alternate mode). Their slow speed makes them relatively easy to fight though, as you can usually knock them down extremely easily, but they can easily kill an unprepared player as their missiles deal some massive damage.

===Sub Missions===
Represented by large glowing boxes containing symbols of said Sub Mission, they provide challenges for those who wanted to pay energon cubes to play a "mini-game" where the player must complete the objective before time runs out. So if you want to unlock everything, or just take a break from what's happening in the story mode? Well, good news for you; every single time you beat a Sub Mission, a new mini-game opens up, offering more energon cubes in exchange for more energon cubes and maybe the occasional bonus content.

Sub Missions come in six types:
*Hunt: Hunt down all the vehicles and destroy them. (You just chase down and destroy a bunch of cars within the time limit. It would be easier were it not for the driving).
*Scavenger: Find all the cogs within the marked area. (They're not really well hidden, and the map shows them in little green blips, so it's pretty easy).
*Attack: Defeat all the enemies. (It's very easy, mostly because this is just a challenge version of the average drone battles in the game).
*Sumo: Push all the opponents out of the ring. Careful you don't get knocked out! (It's WAY harder than it looks, mostly due in fact that Longarms just exist, and Mixmasters are the most common enemy types faced here. You heard that right, '''MIXMASTER DRONES.''').
*Race: Race to the finish line. (Every checkpoint does lower the timer, but you lose time for transforming, which happens often because the buildings are coated with a substance that makes you transform the moment you touch it. And you have to race in order to reach the checkpoints in time. Are you mad? '''''YOU WILL BE''''').
*Destruction: Destroy the place within the marked area. (This is a challenge version of the missions in the Decepticon campaign where you have to destroy the area. No wonder why this Sub Mission isn't available to play in the Autobot campaign).

===Cybertron Levels===
A "Bonus Level" set on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] is unlocked after completing all oher levels, one for each campaign. Players control Optimus Prime or Megatron, with their ability to transform disabled, and must destroy 35 drones to complete the level. Unfortunately, Cybertron's look in both levels doesn't resemble the G1 cartoon, nor the opening cinematic or the scenes from the movie.

===Unlockables===
The game includes a "Bonus Features" menu with several items to be unlocked. These unlockables can be obtained via any or all of the following methods:
*Collecting 15 glowing yellow cubes (100 hidden per level). Technically some levels do contain only 95 cubes, but when playing the level 'A Gathering Force', the player is automatically awarded 5 cubes.
:Note: One does not need to collect 15 cubes in a single level to unlock a bonus feature; the game counts total cubes found, and once 15 are collected, a bonus feature is unlocked. This explains why there are 100 cubes in each level, even though bonus features are only unlocked every 15 cubes.
*Collecting a hidden Autobot or Decepticon faction symbol, with five hidden on each level.
*Completing a chapter.
*Completing a sub mission.
*Completing a level, including the bonus Cybertron levels
*Completing a skill, including: Throw, Speed (when in land vehicle mode), Slide (when in land vehicle mode), Jump (when in land vehicle mode), Evil (for Decepticons), Heroic (for Autobots) and Destruction (for Decepticons).

The unlockable bonus features are separated into three sections:
* Bonus Movies: consisting of four commercials for the 2007 movie and the intro sequences of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'', ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'', and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' cartoons.
* Bonus Gallery: an image gallery with 158 images in total. Featuring concept art, toy box art images, models of the characters seen in game, and covers of past Transformers comics by [[Marvel Comics]], [[Dreamwave Productions]], and [[IDW Publishing]].
* G1 characters: five alternate character skins, including the following:
**Three toy-inspired "skins" can be unlocked, including [[Jazz (Movie)#Deluxe Class toys|Generation 1 Jazz]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys|Robo-Vision Optimus Prime]] (minus flames) and [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys|Generation 1 Starscream]] (minus the resculpted head).
*Similarly, one can unlock Generation 1 [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], replacing their movie counterparts with new 3D models as opposed to simple skin recolors. Optimus Prime converts into his original truck mode, but [[Transformers: Go-Bots (franchise)|fires from his fists]] rather than using his trademark [[ion blaster]]. Megatron cannot transform into his gun mode, but instead starts flying in robot mode when the "transform" button is pressed.

==Achievement list==
When completing various goals and tasks during the game, Xbox 360 players will be rewarded as part of the "Achievement" meta-goal system. Each Achievement has a Gamerscore value that adds to the player's total Gamerscore across all games played; up to 42 Achievements collectively worth 1000 Gamerscore can be earned in ''Transformers The Game''. The other versions do not feature any in-game achievements, as the game was not released on Steam and predates the implementation of the Trophy system on PlayStation 3.

{| border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=5
| '''Icon'''
| '''Achievement name'''
| '''Achievement description'''
| '''Gamerscore'''
| '''Icon'''
| '''Achievement name'''
| '''Achievement description'''
| '''Gamerscore'''
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Suburban Hero
|Bumblebee helped protect Sam in The Suburbs (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Neighbourhood Watch
|You continued your defense of The Suburbs as Jazz and Optimus Prime (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Could You Describe the Ruckus?
|Bumblebee caused a disturbance in order to escape the Hoover Dam with the AllSpark. (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Downtown Defender
|The Last Stand has been made. There's only one thing left to do… (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Look to the Stars
|Megatron and the Decepticons are finished. Earth is safe...for now… (Secret)
|50 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Sand Blaster
|The humans have much to fear. Qatar is destroyed. (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Surburban Scourge
|The Autobots fall before you. The Suburbs are done for. (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Air Traffic Destroyer
|Starscream's power knows no bounds. The airbase's defenses are obsolete. (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Downtown Demolisher
|The city is in ruins. There's only one thing left to do… (secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Finish this Planet
|Optimus and the Autobots are but a memory. Earth is yours. (Secret)
|50 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|What Challenge?
|You have handled a challenge with ease. Complete your first Challenge sub-mission.
|10 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Suburban Hero Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in The Suburbs (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Neighborhood Watch Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in the suburbs (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|The Ruckus? Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in Inside Hoover Dam (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Downtown Defender Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in Autobot City. (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Sand Blaster Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in Qatar Desert. (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Suburban Scourge Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in The Hunt for Sam Witwicky. (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Air Traffic Destroyer Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in the Airbase. (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Downtown Demolisher Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in the Decepticon City. (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Transform and Roll Out
|You've transformed for the first time.
|10 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Robots in Disguise
|You've transformed 500 times.
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Pride of Optimus Prime
|200 Decepticon Drones have met their match.
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Pride of Megatron
|200 Autobot Drones have fallen before you.
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Wrong Way!
|You're living dangerously. Ram 250 Cars.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Pride of Bumblebee
|You've scouted the world thoroughly. All the secret icons have been collected.
|60 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Shot Putter
|You've sent objects flying. Achieved full Throw Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Speed Demon
|You've really burned rubber. Achieved full Speed Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Sideways Motion
|You can handle turns with ease. Achieved full Slide Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|We Don't Need Roads
|Who needs roads when you can fly through the air? Achieved full Jump Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Root of all Evil
|You take pride in destroying your enemies. Achieved full Evil Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Pride of Ironhide
|You are the epitome of an Autobot. Achieved full Heroic Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Pride of Brawl
|Your destruction comes naturally as a Decepticon. Achieved full Destruction Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Mad Skillz
|You are skilled beyond belief. Achieved all Skill items on all levels.
|40 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Batter Up
|Find a bat and make your enemy fly. (Secret)
|10 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Ring-A-Ding-Ding
|Dial up some pain for your enemy. Use the Helio phone as a weapon. (Secret)
|10 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Pit Crew
|Stop your enemy in their tracks!! Use a large tire to harm your enemy. (Secret)
|10 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|I know Kung-Fu
|You are quite skilled Grasshoppa. Perform 1000 punches. (Secret)
|30 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Weapon Systems Inactive
|Your enemy knows the might of your fist. Complete Suburbs Chapter 1 using only melee attacks. (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Land Shark
|The enemy can't hit you if they can't see you. Spend 2 minutes underground. (Secret)
|10 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Sharp Shooter
|You're destructive and efficient. Complete Airbase Chapter 3 with more than 2:30 minutes remaining. (Secret)
|40 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Turbo? We don’t need no turbo!
|You've got a lead foot and it shows. Complete Hoover Internal Chapter 2 without using boost. (Secret)
|30 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Keeper of the AllSpark
|There is no Transformer that stands greater than you. You have achieved 100% completion.
|75 {{gamerscore}}
|}

==Cut and unused content==

Perhaps owing to a somewhat rushed development cycle, ''Transformers the Game'' has a staggering amount of beta content that did not make it into the final game. A good portion of this content has been datamined from the game's many multiplatform releases and can be found extensively listed on the ''The Cutting Room Floor''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s page for the game <ref>[https://tcrf.net/Transformers:_The_Game_(Windows) Transformers: The Game (Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii)] on ''The Cutting Room Floor''</ref>, but down below we'll only list some of the more interesting examples (as well as a few others not featured on TCRF as a result of being discovered from other sources beyond datamining). Writer [[Flint Dille]] said that most of his work for the project did not end up in the game. <ref>{{citesocial|quote=I did have a one brief foray, two actually, for the first Michael Bay Transformer game. That most of what I did ended up on, you know, not in the game. Because the game got stunted.|link=https://youtu.be/nS-7a3jIBGc?si=riXqYL_k7mmCF4tK|name=Flint Dille|site=YouTube|year=2019|month=11|day=19}}</ref>

===Levels===
[[File:HooverExt-TransformersTheGame.jpg|thumb|250px|If you saw this video as a kid and couldn't find this place in-game, then you know the pain — especially when Tim from school kept lying about this being a secret level screw you Tim I want my Legends Class Optimus Prime back and -]]
*An entire level set in the exterior of Hoover Dam was to be featured in both campaigns, internally named HOOVEREXT for the Autobots and HOOVERDAM for the Decepticons. It was first discovered through surviving text strings assigned to a nonexistent level with the aforementioned name, describing a Decepticon attack culminating in a fight against Bonecrusher for the Autobots and the resurrection of Megatron for the Decepticons, corresponding with the order of events shown in the film. This was further corroborated by multiple making-of featurettes, where footage of an earlier beta build of the game shows what clearly is an exterior map of Hoover Dam that isn't featured anywhere in the actual retail release.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I97UImtAQ6g</ref> For a while, these appeared to be the only surviving remains of Hooverext, leading the small but dedicated modding community for the game to speculate that whatever was left of the map would never get to see the light of day - that is, until TT Games founder Jon Burton streamed a look at two prototype builds featuring the fabled level on his GameHut YouTube channel.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5d9G0SQw_8</ref> This reinvigorated the interest of modders, which until now had primarily worked on the PC version of the game, and led to the idea of instead datamining the console releases. Finally, only a couple of weeks later, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE01Os_O76c the entire level was surprisingly discovered lurking in the Wii version all along!] In another note, the entire playable level was also discovered on the PS3 version, but it has two versions, a default one for Hi-Res with broken mountains, and a Low-Res version, which is a copy of the Xbox 360 prototype version of the level for some reason. Both levels suffer from their programming being from an outdated version of the engine, which makes these levels from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rg3YJeqWLM easy to straight up unplayable.]
**There are also [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M83Dwx-AGQY two] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTxxmOckjFg cutscenes] surviving from the deleted stage (with one of them being briefly featured in one of the aforementioned making-of videos), as well as multiple strings of dialogues for the Chapters in the Level. <ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDm710zwUxg</ref>
***The final retail version includes the dam in a pre-rendered cutscene at the end of Mission 3 on both campaigns. This uses the once playable map as a basis, similarly to how most other FMVs in the game were rendered using pre-existing maps as background.
**On a complimentary note, both the [[Transformers The Game (PSP)|Playstation Portable]] and [[Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Nintendo DS]] versions of the game feature levels set in the exterior of Hoover Dam, making the removal of this one an interesting oddity.
**There are unused voicelines relating to the HooverExt missions by Optimus Prime on the PS3 version of the original game.
*There are also other unused <s> Tranquility </s> levels in this game, such as BLACKOUTTRANQUILITY, TESTTRANQUILITY, AUTOBONUS1, CVIEW, and STARTSCREEN. CVIEW and STARTSCREEN are thought to be the character model viewer and the early version of the start screen, but only have one file and that is their LEVEL.CFG, making them completely unplayable. The other levels, however, are playable. BLACKOUTTRANQUILITY doesn't have accessible missions, but the SPLINE.DAT reveals that the level has early data of The Hunt for Sam Witwicky level. TESTTRANQUILITY is a test level used for testing the various AI of each of the characters and submissions. AUTOBONUS1 was possibly going to be a bonus level unlockable after completing the Autobot campaign, in which you collect and throw 10 dounts. The counter is broken, so that means if you do what the level wants you to do, the level doesn't end, and you'll be stuck until you exit the level or the timer runs out.
*As seen in the aforementioned GameHut livestream, other levels also suffered substantial alterations between their early builds and the final retail version. Whereas some locations like Tranquility and Mission City remain pretty much identical in alphas dating back as far as November 2006, others like the interior of Hoover Dam and the bonus Cybertron levels were entirely redesigned from the ground up. The former featured a tighter, somewhat more movie-accurate look and layout that ended up being discarded in favor of the wider industrial area seen in the final game, whereas the latter was a surprisingly massive map directly based on artwork from the brief flashback sequence in the film.
[[File:TFTG_Unused_City_BurgerKing_Megatron.jpg|250px|thumb|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxhjAiP9hk8 "Yeah, a whopper. No cheese, no onions."]]]
*If you play with the High-Res city files on Low-Res mode on PC, a weird early and unfinished city appears when you load into the level. It features cut [[Pepsi]] signs and even a [[Burger King]] replacing Chip Chase's!

===Character models===
[[File:TFTG_Unused_EvilBumblebee.jpg|thumb]]
*Ratchet, despite never appearing in both campaigns, has high res and low res models for both his robot and vehicle mode, but only 3 animations are left over for him, rendering him basically unplayable. Thankfully, a [https://youtu.be/JYAE95tlw6c?si=puChs-q6S_aivAt5 mod] exists that does make him playable.
*A strange retexture of Bumblebee in the classic Camaro form that replaces most of his distinctive yellow with a muddy dark red, oddly titled as "evilbumblebee" in the game files. We have no idea how it got there or what its purpose was, though it does sound heavily exploitable for a creepypasta if anyone's interested in writing one.
*A variant of the [[Payload (Movie)|Payload]] drone crudely textured with a shoddily compressed [[Pepsi]] livery, most likely cut early in development.
*On the PS3 version, there are also ''A LOT'' of unused character files and folders, including Bumblebee_BCK, an early version of the Hi-Res Bumblebee model with it's own animations. This was primarily seen in promotional screenshots of the game.

===Weapons and abilities===
*An unused version of Optimus Prime's gun with animations, based on concept art, which can be restored with easy modding. A picture of Optimus with this gun out can be seen on the back of the packaging for the game. Oops.
*There are tons of unused dialogue on all versions, with the most notable being the PS3 version, with prototype grunt sounds, Optimus saying you've won a mission or lost voiced by [[Peter Cullen]] himself, and alternate takes of all of Ironhide's lines.
*There are unused special abilities in the game's files, with most of them based on concept art, including:
**A reel in ability for the Longarm Drones, being able to reel the player in with their hook and attack them.
**A special shield ability for the Mixmaster Drones, being able to ricochet shots to the player and having a more powerful counter attack.
**An electrocute ability for the Scrapper Drones, being able to jump on the player and electrocute them.
**A pickup ability for the Dropkick Drones, being able to pick up and throw the player while standing.
**A healing ability possibly meant for Ratchet, being able to heal the player.
**An unknown "SapEnergy" ability with no mention of it anywhere other than the combat script file, leaving it a mystery as to how it would work or who would use it. A common theory is that it was intended to be used by Ratchet to damage enemies in the Decepticon campaign.

===Sound===
*Two orchestral tracks, "mx_city_barricade_1" and "mx_city_skorponok_1", were cut from the final Mission City chapters. Both are still available in full as .wav files.
*Some of the music tracks in the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' videogame]] have their in-game files labelled with the prefix "mx_hoover_ext", suggesting that they might have been directly re-purposed from the previously-mentioned extinct exterior Hoover Dam level from ''Transformers The Game''. <ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhaoVtEPfO0</ref>
*There are also some unused SFX files, such as splashing into water.

===Others===
[[File:CONTROLLERSCREEN SKORPONOK PC.jpg|220px|thumb]]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkwobdKzzQA&list=PL3XAX4htSEIU01KK49biOAMbXCFLWEJO6&index=80 There are a few debug options leftover in all versions of the game.]
*Seven cutscenes (one for '''More Than Meets The Eye''', one for '''Inside Hoover Dam''', one for '''The Ultimate Doom''', and four for '''A Gathering Force'''.) were cut from the final release. All of these can be found on Youtube. <ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKD7jCplFNo</ref>
*A cut controller screen for Scorponok exists on all platforms with their respective console controllers. Controller screens are used for loading into a level, so maybe there was a cut Scorponok level? We'll let this wiki decide.
*There are multiple unused VFX listings in the files, but almost none of them exist, such as a VFX listing for a Grenade.
*A buttload of unused animations. Brawl, Bonecrusher, Blackout, Optimus, Megatron, and Starscream all have downed animations, but none for being picked up. Starscream has a scrapped climbing animation, and Brawl, Bonecrusher, and most of the drones have unused object-grabbing animations.

==Release==
===Versions===
[[File:TransformersTheGame 2007 consolecovers.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|One of these things is not like the others...]]
*'''PlayStation 2'''
**The PS2 version is the highest-reviewed, despite limitations on draw distance, physics and damage persistence. In this version, Blackout, Starscream and Barricade start missions 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Decepticon campaign in their altmodes, while for some reason the PS3 version has them start as robots. Reviews noted it suffers from fewer frame rate issues than other versions.
*'''Nintendo Wii'''
**The Wii version is very similar to the PS2 version, with the addition of motion-sensor gimmicks that [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/transformersthegame?q=transformers reviewers were resoundingly unimpressed by].
*'''Xbox 360'''
**The 360 version featured improved graphics, more persistent environmental damage, and more physics objects, including ridiculous clouds of rubble that eject themselves from buildings if you so much as look at them funny. The latter is generally annoying, since they get in the way when driving.
**The 360 version, as might be expected, also features Achievements, though calling them that is somewhat of an exaggeration. There's one for pressing the "transform" button once. This version suffers less from frame rate issues and has better lighting than the PS3 version.
**It was also available in a limited "Cybertron Edition" that featured exclusive packaging art, a "Making Of" DVD, a code to unlock the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] bonus levels early, and [[Movie Prequel issue 1|issue 1 of the ''Transformers'' movie prequel comic]] by [[Simon Furman]], [[Don Figueroa]] and [[Josh Burcham]]. It was exclusive to Gamestop/EB stores.
**For 500 Microsoft points, players can download an add-on that unlocks everything in the game. While this does not disable Achievements like the cheat codes do, a message that reads ''"This item has been unlocked by a downloadable content pack"'' appears below any bonus features that have not been earned through gameplay.
*'''PlayStation 3'''
**The PS3, like the 360 version, featured the same improved graphics, environmental damage, and extra physics objects. The same flaws, however, still apply to how the environmental damage and physics objects interact with the player. Oops.
**The PS3 version suffers from more frame rate issues than the 360 version, typical of lazy porting. For some reason, this includes frame rate issues in the FMV cinematics when the console itself ''isn't doing anything''.
**SixAxis motion control is also added for Decepticons with aircraft altmodes ([[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]], [[Starscream (Movie)/games|Starscream]] and [[Megatron (Movie)/games|Megatron]]). It's disabled by default.
*'''PC DVD-ROM'''
**The PC version is exactly like the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions. It, however, does not feature the same exclusive flaws or bonuses of either console version. The physics are still crazy, though. The loading screens replaces the instructions of how to play with images from the opening and cinematics and allow players to setup the controller the way it so chooses.
**High-Detail mode on PC suffers from a multitude of issues. The projectile models are missing on PC for High-Detail, meaning you'll be shooting nothing but special effects. High-Detail Airbase suffers from broken road textures, rendering most of the roads in pitch black. None of these issues are present on PS3/360.

==Differences between the Game and Movie==

[[File:VG-E3Allspark.jpg|thumb|The Quarterspark.]]
*Almost all plotlines relating to humans have been removed; the game has nothing involving [[William Lennox|soldiers]] (replaced by communication trucks, helicopters and tanks), [[Seymour Simmons|agents]] (replaced by [[Landmine (Movie)|Buggies]] and [[Stockade (Movie)|SUVs]]), or [[Glen Whitmann|comic relief]] (replaced by the cutscenes). Even Sam has barely any role beyond "holder of the MacGuffins."
*Video game Bumblebee breaks free inside Hoover Dam and has to deactivate a silly laser grid to get to the AllSpark. Sam turns up at the end of the mission just in time to leave.
*The game's AllSpark is tiny, only four or five times taller than Bumblebee, unlike the movie's city block-sized cube. It's housed in the same room as Megatron. Whoever wanted things to be this way could be asking for the end of the world!
*In the Autobot Campaign, Barricade is present at the Mission City battle. Same for Scorponok in the Decepticon Campaign.
*Autobot Campaign: Brawl is killed by Ironhide after the former killed Jazz. In the movie, he is killed by Bumblebee.
*Autobot Campaign: Brawl kills Jazz after the latter kills Blackout and Starscream. In the Decepticon campaign, Barricade kills him. Either way, Megatron doesn't.
*Autobot Campaign: Blackout is killed by Jazz. In the movie, he is killed by [[William Lennox|Lennox]].
*Autobot Campaign: Starscream and Barricade are killed. In the movie, they both survive.
*Frenzy has [[FIRRIB|red eyes]]!
*Shockwave makes an appearance!
*Autobot Campaign: Optimus, rather than Sam, kills Megatron with the AllSpark.
*Decepticon Campaign: Shoving the All Spark cube into his ''own'' chest does not kill Megatron.
*Decepticon Campaign: [[The Agenda (Part III)|The Autobots lose! Evil triumphs!]]

==Technical errors and oddities==

===Glitches===
*The PS2 version sometimes features a bizarre error; in the opening cinematic to Barricade's first mission in Mission City, after Jazz's door slams there is no further post-recording sound work. This means Barricade's voice is completely unaltered. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h3KWLGt5-w He sounds like Sideshow Bob]. The Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360 versions have the effects added correctly.
*In the final Chapter of "A Gathering Force", it's just this side of entirely possible to be ''too good'' at it. If the final set of gun turrets facing Bonecrusher is destroyed too fast, he'll reach the last checkpoint before Brawl does and transform. Unfortunately, the turrets' ability to actually take damage is pretexted on ''Brawl'' transforming, so all you can do is stand around waiting for Bonecrusher to drop dead. Bonecrusher hates poor bug testing.
*The Dreadwing AI doesn't properly turn off when activating a Chapter during Mission 3, but thankfully the drone will despawn once you actually start the mission. <s>Doesn't stop them from being pesky and persistent motherfragging pains in the aft. </s>
**To make Dreadwings even more annoying, someone didn't do a proper bug test, so the Spawn variable for Dreadwings is active '''AT ALL TIMES''' during "A Gathering Force". This means that a Dreadwing is able to spawn ANYWHERE, during ANY CHAPTER if you even so much as decide to land and walk around in robot mode. Oh yeah, you heard us right. Dreadwings can spawn during the BRAWL AND BONECRUSHER ESCORT CHAPTERS. WHERE YOU ARE REQUIRED TO BE IN ROBOT MODE TO DESTROY THOSE ELECTRICITY TURRETS. '''''ARGH.'''''
*Barricade's shield attack's hitbox extends beyond his arm for some reason.
* In a rather '''frustrating''' case of poor bug testing for all of the main consoles, any drone encountered in Mission City will cause you ''HOURS'' upon '''HOURS''' of Frustration. There are many spots and even frame perfect PIXELS on buildings that do not have collision hitboxes, which means if a drone is in free-fall (you throwing them, or slapping them with a heavy enough object during which their Hitboxes move at a rate that can allow their hitbox to warp past those of other larger hitboxes simply because that's what they were programmed to do) they WILL get stuck in the buildings if their collison hitboxes end up stuck behind those of the collision hitboxes of buildings. Which means you have to memorize which buildings in Mission city don't have those missing collision hitboxes, because if you don't you'll end up having to reset the entire level, all because a single Payload or Longarm got stuck behind a building. This coincidentally includes a MAJORITY of the buildings during the Ironhide fight in Mission Park, and all of the buildings in the far corner map where Megatron has to fight Payloads and Longarms. <s> Many controllers have been lost. Let their noble cause be remembered. </s>
* As a rather weird side-effect of the game's Physics engine, nitro-boosting at a certain angle as Bumblebee or Jazz over the destructible bridge portions of the Mission City Train System will cause the Vehicle Mode to get launched straight into the stratosphere.
*Because the end of mission "mission complete" screens follow straight on from the game play, some very strange things can happen in them. A good example is the above mission; if Scorponok ends the mission firing at the ground in front of the statue at one end of the park, the "mission complete" screen will show ''his own bullets hitting him''. (The same thing can happen anywhere in the game.)

===Developer oversights===
*In the second chapter of "The Suburbs", Swindle drones are ''walking down the street'' to Sam's house. '''WHY''' they even bother to have altmodes is not clear.
*The final Autobot mission in Hoover Dam's depiction of the defrosting Megatron is all kinds of screwy:
**Before the mission is triggered, he's shown covered in a layer of ice.
**In the pre-mission cutscene, there's suddenly not a hint of ice on him at all. When Bumblebee walks near him, his head turns to look at the Autobot, despite the fact he's supposed to be frozen and immobile.
**As the mission starts, he's encased in ice again, save his left arm which is shifted to the left (his left) of the section of ice that should be around it, which is just kind of hanging there.
**When the cutscene plays during the mission, Megatron breaks the ice surrounding his left arm, and there's clearly none on his face.
**When gameplay resumes, there's ice on his face again.
**In the end of mission cutscene, he's suddenly defrosted right down to his hips.
**[[B.O.T. (episode)|Argh.]]
* Regarding the Battle logistics for the Autobots...
** Despite the fact that the human military is allied with the Autobots at this current moment in time, they'll still attack the Autobots even though the Decepticons are the ones causing all the damage to everything.
** Despite the fact you can destroy the building Bumblebee is stuck in... he'll still be stuck in there somehow.
** During the cutscene, Starscream uses his regular Jet-mode missiles, but in the actual game he uses some form of super-explosive missiles. Michael Bay must've had a say in that.
** In that same mission, when Blackout joins in the cutscene, he fires his bot-mode missiles instead of the usual rapid fire missiles that he has in Helicopter mode.
**When the game cuts back to the action, Blackout is firing his Rapid Fire missiles.
*Regarding Time for the Autobots...
** When Starscream starts desecrating buildings, the time is morning.
** When Jazz confronts Starscream the sun is setting...
** Midway through the fight, Starscream is "damaged" but it's now Noon.
** At the end of the mission Brawl shows up and it's Sunset again.
** When Ironhide confronts Brawl, it's sunset, but by the time Ironhide kills Brawl it's Noon again.
** Bumblebee drives off to confront Barricade at Noon. He faces off against Barricade at Sunset.
**Midway through the fight, Bumblebee knocks Barricade into a bus, and it's noon again. It stays this way for a while (Thankfully.)
**Bumblebee defeats Barricade by Sunset. Than Megatron shows up, and Megatron and Optimus fight at Sunset. In the final mission, it's still noon.
**It goes back to sunset when Optimus defeats Megatron.
** Regarding the Decepticons...
** Bonecrusher, Brawl, and Starscream are completely absent from the fight.
** Jazz is seen transporting Sam and Mikaela, but Sam doesn't have the Allspark. Barricade must really hate fleshlings.
**When Barricade confronts Jazz it's Sunset.
** When Barricade knocks down Jazz, it's Noon.
** When Barricade kills Jazz... you should already know at this point.
**'''[[B.O.T. (episode)|Argh.]]'''
*After the last mission of Chapter 3, a cutscene will trigger of Blackout and Starscream trashing Hoover Dam, Blackout tosses a gas tank at three defending Autobots who seem to be red Swindles... Which is the color of the Decepticon Swindle drones, not their Autobot variants.
**This cutscene in the Autobot Campaign is also the only time in the game where drones aligned with the player's faction are seen. This could be an oversight from recycling footage.
**Also, they appear to be shooting from their ''fingers''.
*The opening infographic of "City of the Machines" states that Bumblebee has escaped to the city with the Allspark. Of course Bumblebee was already killed in "The Hunt for Sam Witwicky", and likewise isn't seen for the rest of the game with Jazz now transporting Sam and Mikaela. This is referring to the Bumblebee fight that would've taken place in the scrapped "Megatron, Arise!" level, where Bumblebee is probably dead ''for good''. Since the level was scrapped, this is likely an oversight the developers forgot to correct.
*In Decepticon Chapter 4, mission 2's intro cinematic has Scorponok firing from a Gatling gun in his tail. This weapon doesn't exist (although he can use it for melee attacks).
*Starscream was probably the most unfinished character in the entire game. His normal fall animation doesn't occur in the game properly, which means if he falls after he jumps, he'll still be in his jump animation unlike everyone else in the game. The animation can only trigger when falling from a building. On top of that, he doesn't use his Playerland animation at all, meaning that if you get in a Dreadwing drone's landing radius and get knocked away fall, he won't roll back up like everyone else, and will just stand there waiting for him to get back up.
*Before the final battle in the Autobot campaign, Energon drones are ''just lying around on the street'' waiting to be brought to life by the AllSpark.
*Scorponok is the only playable character that can't jump, climb or pick up debris. This means that there are several Decepticon insignias and glowing yellow cubes that are unattainable when playing as him.
*In the opening cinematic for Blackout, the entire army personnel fires at him, without any consequence whatsoever. However, when playing as any character in Tranquility or Mission City, police officers with standard pistols can damage you.
*In Chapter 2, Mission 2 of the Autobots campaign, a cutscene has a Dropkick and Swindle drone tossing Jazz next to a house. As they are about to finish him off, Ironhide attacks the two drones by slamming into them in vehicle mode. When he transforms, the drones just magically disappear.
*Speaking of cutscene oddities, Blackout is sand colored during the SOCCENT cutscenes, but during gameplay he is [[Grindor (ROTF)|light gray]].
**Even more so, in the initial cutscene of Plight of the Bumblebee, as Barricade scans the humans, Mikaela is misspelled as "Mikela".
*In the final chapter of City of the Machines right before reaching the tallest building in Mission City, Megatron speaks in Starscream's voice due to a programming error.
*There are many size errors revolving around Bonecrusher and Brawl. During ''Sinister Saviour'' and ''Warpath'', they are shown to be about the same height as Starscream (31 ft), while during the opening cutscene of ''Fireworks'', Bonecrusher is half his size and during ''For The Fallen'' Brawl is the same height as Ironhide (22 ft).
*Optimus Prime has color issues between his truck and robot modes, such as the cab's roof: In robot mode it's red, while in vehicle mode it's blue with red flames. Robo-vision Optimus's truck mode's front half is red and back half is blue, but the back half (Sleeper and back fenders) forms his back and part of his arms, which are '''[[FIRRIB|red]]''', while the front fenders form his ankles, which are '''blue'''.
*The Decepticon Cybertron level actually has no music or ambience coded to play. The game defaults to playing the main menu theme.

===Other oddities and quirks===
[[File:TFTG city tint on & off.jpg|thumb|Wouldn't be a 2000s game without the old piss filter ''(Left: Brightness filter on / Right: Brightness filter off)'']]
*For whatever reason, Bonecrusher is immortal when you play as him.
* You cannot destroy the top halves of buildings, but the bottom halves of the buildings are susceptible to all sorts of damage.
** Alongside that, you can climb on thin air.
*Transformer Protoforms have to [[Scanning|scan]] their altmodes after landing as per the movie; however, drones have an Earth vehicle altmode the instant they land; presumably, so does Shockwave, since Tranquility is a little light on purple Apaches or purple howitzers.
*Curiously, there is an added brightness layer with a green-ish tint on all of the city levels. It's not noticeable on PS2 or Wii, but it's very noticeable on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC, and requires modding to be disabled.
*The residents of Tranquility are apparently capable of rebuilding a power station's gas tank farm within less than an hour, then rebuilding the entire tank farm and three of the chimneys ''again'' within less than six.
*Autobots still have the "Destruction" unlock gauge appear, but it crosses out faction symbols rather than having them appear. If it's filled, a large red X goes to the left side of the screen instead of a faction symbol; however, whether by accident or design, this doesn't actually do ''anything'', and the Autobots are free to be as destructive as the Decepticons. It doesn't help that this gauge is filled by causing damage to ''any'' scenery and has to be maxed out multiple times while destroying, for example, the clamps that hold the All Spark.
*Other cars are like cardboard. Jazz can ram into a truck, and it will go ''flying in the air''. However, Bumblebee, who should be much heavier doesn't knock them over with such ease. The same can be said about drones and Bot alt-modes. Ironhide, Jazz, or any other character in game can ram into any alt-mode and send them flying. Although you yourself will fly too.
*Guns are often useless in this game. Any drone beyond a Swindle drone will shield themselves from your gunfire, and anything that can be shot at can be destroyed five times faster if you punch it, throw something at it or whack it with a random piece of debris.
** This makes playing as Ironhide a little more difficult, as Ironhide has a 50% ''chance'' to replace the last melee hit with a cannon shot.
*** Doesn't make it better that when a projectile hits a barrier or shield, it will reflect and '''can deal damage to you!''' ''Great.''
*Starscream sounds a lot like {{w|Grover}}.
*Since ''Generation 1'' Optimus Prime is a skin of Optimus Prime, many would think ''Generation 1'' Megatron would be a skin of Megatron with his attributes. Instead, he has Optimus Prime's attributes, featuring his moves, weapons, and even features a blue Autobot shield instead of a red Decepticon one, making him more like an Optimus Prime who can fly. Weird.
*Jazz’s High-Res model suffers from misplaced textures, which can make his armor look broken. This is most apparent in cutscenes where he doesn’t speak. Strangely, G1 Jazz doesn’t suffer from this.
*Starscream is programmed not to climb, possibly because the buildings in his level are short enough to get on top of. Because of this, his climbing animations go unused.
*During cutscenes where the respective character doesn't speak, they will be modelled using their highly detailed PS3/Xbox 360/PC version. In cutscenes where they do, some characters will use their low resolution Wii/PS2 counterparts. This is most notable with Ironhide's realistic model oddly being blue and having a visible mouth instead of the faceplate of the Low-Res counterpart, and Starscream.
{{--}}

==Toys inspired by this game==
===Direct game tie-ins===
A first for ''Transformers'' videogames, a handful of toys would be released [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|under the 2007 movie toyline]] as direct tie-ins to ''Transformers The Game'', with the packaging featuring a label above the toys that describes them "''As seen in the TRANSFORMERS Video-Game''" (or its equivalent in [[Multilingual packaging|multilingual versions]]). This small [[subline imprint]] consisted of five unique molds, all based around the enemy drone characters for the videogame.

{|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Deluxe Class'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Swindle (Movie)#Toys|Swindle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dreadwing (Movie)#Toys|Dreadwing]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Longarm (Movie)#Toys|Longarm]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Payload (Movie)#Toys|Payload]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dropkick (Movie)#Toys|Dropkick]]}}
|
|width="100%" valign="top"|[[File:Movie_Deluxe_Swindle_toy1.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Deluxe Swindle]]
|}

===Other figures===
A few other figures in the 2007 toyline are also de facto game tie-ins despite not being marketed with the aforementioned "''As seen in the TRANSFORMERS Video-Game''" subline imprint. These include Robo-Vision Optimus Prime and the Generation 1 redecos of Jazz and Starscream, all of which, as mentioned, are special unlockable skins in ''Transformers The Game''. A pair of redecos for the aforementioned drone molds - released under the 2008 ''[[AllSpark Power]]'' subline imprint - are also seemingly inspired by the opposing factions' versions of their respective units.

{|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Deluxe Class'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (Movie)#TargetG1|Autobot Jazz (G1 deco)]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Salvage (Movie)#Toys|Salvage]] (Inspired by the Autobot Dropkick unit)}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Overcast (Movie)#Toys|Overcast]] (Inspired by the Autobot Dreadwing unit)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Voyager Class'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Robovision|Robo-Vision Optimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (Movie)/toys#TargetG1|Starscream (G1 deco)]]}}
|
|width="100%" valign="top"|[[File:Movie G1Jazz toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Deluxe Autobot Jazz with G1 deco]]
|}

Beyond the 2007 toyline, [[Dirt Boss (ROTF)|Dirt Boss]] from the [[2009]] ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'' line-up would also feature a design distinctively based on the Scrapper drone. He would later be repainted into orange as [[Deadlift]], making the similarities between the two designs all the more evident.

==Reception==

The game's Metacritic scores [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/transformersthegame?q=transformers hover] [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/transformersthegame?q=transformers around] [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/transformersthegame?q=transformers fifty-five] [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/transformersthegame?q=transformers percent]. It was criticised for poor driving controls, blocky graphics, repetitive missions and dull combat but generally praised by the random destruction.

==Notes==
*''Transformers The Game'' is one of only two Activision-published ''Transformers'' games, alongside ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (console)|Rise of the Dark Spark]]'', to be released in Japan, albeit only on PS3, PS2, and Wii.
*The Autobots and Decepticons ''really'' like transforming into robots. Optimus likes it so much, he jumps thirty feet into the air every time he does it.
* Some of the transformation animations seem to be based on their contemporary mainline toys. For example, Bumblebee's arms are formed from his car roof like his deluxe class 2008 Camaro toy, and Optimus's arms flip out from his truck cabin while his legs are formed from his truck nose (despite being the opposite in the movies) like his leader class toy.
*It's assumed that both sides of the conflict are cannibals, seeing as how killing a Cybertronian opponent somehow replenishes your health.
*Rather than do the sane thing and pan away, we get to watch a robot-mode protoform Bumblebee and Barricade grow kibble after scanning their respective car modes. This looks roughly twice as ridiculous as what you're currently imagining.
*Punching your enemies in the face repeatedly is "heroic" when Autobots do it, but "evil" when Decepticons do it. Sounds like a double standard!
*Blackout is [[Show-accuracy|toy accurate]] in the game, in that his main rotor is his melee weapon, rather than his tail rotor as in the movie.
*Tranquility features a large number of Generation 1 references, with adverts for "[[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s Hotdogs," "[[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]]'s Fish and Chips," a [[Tranquility Mall|local mall]] called "[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]" and a fast food restaurant named "[[Chip Chase|Chip Chase's]]". As a more recent reference, there is also a building site belonging to "[[Bay Demolition]]". There is also a place called [[Frank Welker|Frank]] & [[Peter Cullen|Peter]]'s cafe.
*One Autobot isn't explicitly killed in the Decepticon campaign: Ratchet (who does die in the [[Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|DS Version]]). Three Decepticons aren't killed in the Autobot campaign: Bonecrusher, Scorponok and Frenzy. The only character who dies in ''both'' campaigns is, unsurprisingly enough, Jazz (though Blackout isn't present in the final Decepticon cutscene after he was last being punched out by Optimus Prime, making his status uncertain). Even when every other bit of movie canon is thrown out the window, he ''still'' can't make it out alive.
*Jazz's last words of 'Optimus... I tried' are the same as in the DS version.
*Bumblebee uses some kind of [[axe (weapon)|axe]] when he fights with a three-punch combo, probably referencing one of his earlier concept designs.
*Jazz's special attack is a sword, which he had in early concept art and his Deluxe Class toy.
*Ratchet, Bonecrusher, Brawl, and Frenzy aren't playable. However, Ratchet has a model and lacking necessary animations to make him fully playable. It's possible that, had he made it into the final game, he would've been just a health dispenser.
*Throwing vehicles at buildings barely puts a dent in the structure. Instead of making a hole or even damaging it at all, cars and trucks thrown at buildings bounce off the building and often hit you instead.
*G1 Megatron flies rather than turning into a gun.
*Movie Megatron has the largest hitbox of any transformer in the game, which unfortunately makes it so that his hitbox extends outside his shield.
*If you stand in front of a building, you automatically start climbing it. If you idle while doing this as Blackout, they will scratch their butt. Optimus looks like he's doing the same, but he's just shaking his arm.
*In Mission City, there's a giant guitar on a building. If you grab it as Bumblebee or Barricade, it looks like they're playing it.
*Dreadwings are an absolute nightmare. Did we ever tell you how much we hate Dreadwings in this game?

==External links==

*[http://www.transformersgame.com Official website for Transformers: The Game]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Movie video games]]

Transformers The Game (console)

2026-03-04T23:34:53Z

Chase eX: /* Developer oversights */

{{nav-movie-game}}
{{videogame
|title=''Transformers The Game''
|image=Transformers The Game cover.jpg
|caption=If you're a mid-to-late-00s kid and remember this game, then your childhood was... Probably pretty average, I guess?
|developer=[[Traveller's Tales]]
|publisher=[[Activision]]
|date=[[June 19]], [[2007]] (NA) [[June 20]], 2007 (AU) [[July 20]], 2007 (EU) [[February 7]], [[2008]] (JP, PS3/PS2) [[March 13]], [[2008]] (JP, Wii)
|platform=[[PlayStation]] 2, [[Wii]], PlayStation 3, [[Xbox]] 360, PC DVD-ROM
|ratings=ESRB: T PEGI: 12+ CER0:B
}}
{{--}}
'''''Transformers The Game''''' is the video game adaptation of the [[Transformers (film)|2007 live-action movie]]. Developed by [[Traveller's Tales]] with cinematic cutscenes animated by [[Blur Studio]] for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii and PC via DVD-ROM, the game follows several of the movie's robotic characters through a loose approximation of the movie's plot. The game has two campaigns, one for each faction. It was the first Transformers game published by [[Activision]] in 21 years.

Several '''[[Transformers The Game|other versions]]''' of the title were released for other platforms.

==Synopsis==
===Autobots===
====Level 1: The Suburbs====
[[file:BumblebeeBarricadeGameFight.jpg|upright=1.25|thumb|left|BONK!]]
[[Bumblebee (Movie)/games|Bumblebee]] crashes down to [[Earth]], ending up in [[Bay Demolitions]]. The Autobot [[Scanning|scans]] a yellow Camaro, and is contacted by [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/games|Optimus Prime]], who tells him to find an object that will help lead them to the missing [[AllSpark]], but warns him to beware [[Decepticon]] drones. Bumblebee zooms off to a construction site and defeats some of the drones, but even more drones fall from the sky, destroying major parts of the town until Bumblebee defeats them. After defeating them, he scans the corpses and discovers the Decepticons have found a [[Transformer]] code linked to [[Megatron (Movie)/games|Megatron]] in a [[Archibald Witwicky's glasses|family artifact]] of [[Sam Witwicky]]. Seeking to protect him the Decepticons, Bumblebee drives to his home and he overhears Sam's [[Ron Witwicky|father]] promise him he will buy him a car the next day. On Optimus's orders, Bumblebee races to [[Bobby Bolivia]]'s [[Bolivia's Finest Quality Used Cars and Petting Zoo|used car lot]], defeating more Decepticon drones marching through the streets along the way. With the path cleared, Bumblebee reaches Bolivia's and gets himself purchased by Sam.

The next day while Sam is at school, [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] attacks him, but Bumblebee stops the Decepticon, pursuing him to prevent further human casualties. After defeating Barricade, Bumblebee is ordered to destroy radio towers that have been hacked by the Decepticons to prevent the [[Autobot]]s from landing, then clear a landing zone. The Autobots touch down and scan new [[alternate mode]]s before gathering at the rendezvous point.

====Level 2: More Than Meets the Eye====
[[File:Shockwave movie.jpg|thumb|upright=1.45|Logic, etc. etc.]]
[[file:JazzIsUselessMovie.jpg|upright=1.30|left|thumb|You... wouldn't happen to know where the Taco store is, would you?]]
After a very brief explanation of what is going on, [[Sector Seven]] finds the Autobots. In his new alt mode, Bumblebee takes Sam and [[Mikaela Banes]] to safety, while [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] distracts Sector Seven. Unfortunately, Jazz's luck runs out and he is eventually caught, only to be saved from the humans and a subsequent Decepticon drone attack by Ironhide.

Sector Seven manages to catch Bumblebee in a net and parades him around the city, but Optimus follow in vehicle mode and eventually catches hold. Before he can rescue his comrade, he is dislodged by the arriving Decepticon [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], who begins to destroy the city. Optimus and Shockwave clash, ultimately resulting in Shockwave's destruction. Investigating Shockwave's body, Optimus finds the glasses and intercepts a transmission from [[Starscream (Movie)/games|Starscream]] that the Decepticons have found Megatron in [[Hoover Dam]], along with the AllSpark. Their mission now clear, Optimus rolls out with the rest of the Autobots.

====Level 3: Inside Hoover Dam====
[[file:BumblebeeBay.jpg|upright=1.45|thumb|Micheal Bay endorses this message]]
In [[Hoover Dam]], Bumblebee is being held in a force field, but manages to escape when a power surge disables it. While exploring, Bumblebee discovers the AllSpark hidden behind a 'laser grid. Commanded by Prime to retrieve the relic, Bumblebee battles the security robots and destroys the command center consoles, only to discover this would not be enough to disable the grid. Next, Bumblebee desroyed a set of cooling fans, causing the generators powering the grid to overheat and explode. After destroying the last of the generators, Bumblebee entered the holding chamber andbegan to shrink the AllSpark to portable size fending of the security drones as he did so. Unfortunately, Megatron begins to thaw out and attacks Bumblebee as well. Bumblebee manages to escape with Sam, Mikaela, and the AllSpark, but Starscream and [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] arrive at the dam shortly there after to release their leader.

====Level 4: The Last Stand====
[[file:JazzStarscreamBattle.jpg|thumb|left|Walk up to him slowly with your gun out, [[Starscream_(G1)/Generation_1_cartoon_continuity|because that ALWAYS works.]]]]
Upon arriving in [[Mission City]], the Allspark becomes overloaded with energy and creates some energon drones. Bumblebee loses control and gets himself stuck in a building, but is rescued by Ironhide. Starscream appears and begins attacking, but is swiftly engaged by Jazz, who kills Starscream, Blackout, and their drone minions. Unfortunately, [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] arrives and manages to finally finish Jazz off, angering Ironhide. After chasing Brawl throughout the city, Ironhide finally kills him and his drones, avenging Jazz's death.

Barricade tries to take the AllSpark, but Bumblebee confronts and kills him. Before he can savor his victory, Bumblebee is effortlessly flicked aside by Megatron. Fearing for their lives, Sam and Mikaela take the AllSpark and hide in one of the nearby buildings.

====Level 5: The Ultimate Doom====
Megatron manages to find Sam and Mikaela, but before he can grab the AllSpark, Optimus arrives and engages him in a final battle. After a long and grueling fight, Megatron finally goes down. Believing his foe vanquished, Optimus turns to Sam as the human hands him the AllSpark. However, Megatron reveals himself to still be alive and leaps at the heroes. Grabbing Megatron's flail, Optimus pulls the Decepticon towards him and shoves the cube into his chest, killing him.

Later, Optimus and the other Autobots reflect on the events that have transpired. Though the AllSpark is lost, they have found themselves a new home, one which Optimus now vows to protect.

===Decepticons===

====Level 1: SOCCENT Military Base====
[[File:VGBlackoutE1M3Intro.jpg|thumb|left|"Time for a delicious, cool... what? [[Pepsi]]?!"]]

Blackout shot down an MH-53 and scanned it as his vehicle mode, and then proceeded to the [[SOCCENT Forward Operations Base]] in [[Qatar]]. At [[Starscream (Movie)/games|Starscream's]] command, he destroys the entire base.

[[File:VGBlackoutE1M4Intro.gif|thumb|"Damn it, Scorponok, that is NOT my [[Powerlinx]] plug!"]]
Some humans managed to scramble their communication vehicles, and [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] was dispatched to deal with the situation and succeeded. Meanwhile, Blackout went to destroy a communication array, hoping to steal their mainframes and data, since they contained important information about the location of the AllSpark.

Scorponok then returned to Blackout, whereupon Starscream informed that some human reinforcements were on the way to prevent their escape, but Blackout managed to destroy them all. After that, Starscream informed them that there wasn't any concrete information on the data, but a human was in possession of an artifact whose origin matched with the information they acquired. Blackout and Scorponok then leave Qatar.

====Level 2: The Hunt For Sam Witwicky====

Barricade landed in Tranquility, and scanned a Saleen S281 police car near a donut store (because cops like donuts) and got in contact with Starscream. Starscream informed him he was there to find the artifact, which happened to be a pair of glasses. and that Barricade must do it before the Autobots do.

[[File:VGBarricadeE2M2Intro.jpg|thumb|This is what is technically known as a bad idea.]]
Starscream informed Barricade that they might not be the only Transformers in the area, and ordered him to investigate. Driving around town, he was attacked by Autobot drones. After destroying all the drones in the area, Starscream told him to head to the power plant in order to find [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], who discovered interesting information about their mission. Upon arrival, Barricade encountered Sector Seven, who had captured Frenzy. Finding himself dealing with a Sector Seven SUV which could enter buildings, Barricade tore down all the nearby buildings in his search for Frenzy. However, he became trapped inside a Sector Seven SUV whose drivers used the explosions caused by the Decepticon to their advantage, escaped the building and hid inside another one without causing damage (because they're Sector Seven, they knew how to do that).

After repeating this several times, Barricade eventually cornered Frenzy's captors at the local shopping mall, destroying the entire building and killing everyone inside. After freeing Frenzy, he passed all the information that he gathered to Barricade, who then contacted Starscream with the information. Frenzy discovered that a human named Sam Witwicky was in possession of the artifact that revealed the location of Megatron.

[[File:VGBarricadeE2M4Gameplay.gif|left|thumb|This is what you'll be doing for approximately 90% of the time you're in Tranquility, so get used to it.]]
Bumblebee then showed up heading for the police station, forcing Barricade stop the Autobot in order to find Sam. This forced Bumblebee to use a shockwave attack that destroyed a huge area of town by accident every time he used it and stunned Barricade. Still, Barricade won the upper hand against Bumblebee, then chased him down to the local [[Bay Demolition]], only to be ambushed by Autobot drones who were hiding there. Barricade defeated all of them.

Barricade collected information about Sam through the databank in the police station. There, he cornered Sam with Mikaela, but when he was about to attack them, Bumblebee intervened, picked them both up and escaped to safety. Then, Bumblebee returned to engage him.

By using the same tactics from their last encounter, Barricade defeated Bumblebee. Knowing what will happen if he kept fighting, Bumblebee drove off, Barricade followed, and they battled again. Bumblebee was eventually killed. Barricade then threatened to harm the humans if Sam didn't give him the glasses. Sam then gave up the glasses and fled. Sam and Mikaela were then surrounded by Sector Seven and placed under arrest.

====Level 3: A Gathering Force ====

With the location of Megatron and the AllSpark now known, Starscream gathered the remaining Decepticons. He approached a secret human airbase to search for [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] and Brawl, but upon arriving his radar was jammed by local human communications equipment. Frenzy, who decided to speak in [[Cybertronian language|Cybertronian]] to be annoying, came in contact with Starscream to request locations to destroy. After doing that, Bonecrusher was located.

[[File:VGStarscreamE3M4Gameplay.jpg|thumb|"Brawl! You're a tank! Use your tank parts!" "I can't, I'm shy." "What?!"]]
[[File:VGStarscreamE3M3Intro.jpg|left|thumb|"None shall stand in my way!" "Your talking privileges are hereby revoked, Bonecrusher."]]
Bonecrusher had stealthily hidden himself until he was surrounded by turrets firing paralyzing electrical energy at him. Starscream, rather than reprimanding him for this idiocy, destroyed turrets and escorted him onto the runway. They found themselves surrounded by flying drones, which upon careful inspection (actually consisting of shooting down the aircraft, picking it up and then throwing it away) had actually been made using technology based on Megatron's biology. Realizing this, Starscream no doubt viewed destroying these vehicles as useful practice.

Following on from this, Brawl got the courage to move out, and Bonecrusher went to meet with him. They immediately encountered` human tanks that fires the same electricity that paralyzed Bonecrusher earlier. Starscream then went to do everything himself again, flying back and forth using everything he has to destroy the tanks and save his rather apathetic comrades from self-imposed doom. With the base destroyed and all the Decepticons united, Starscream then ordered them all to make for the rendezvous point.

Starscream and Blackout arrived at the [[Hoover Dam]] and started to destroy it, some Autobot Drones who managed to secretly follow Sam and Mikaela's kinnapers to their base tried to defend it but to no avail, as in the end, Megatron was finally free. Starscream and Blackout then bowed before their lord, who then declared they have much to do.

====Level 4: City of the Machines====

Because of everything that happened in Hoover Dam, the Autobots managed to set the humans free and they got the cube. Megatron sent his Decepticons ahead of him except for Starscream, Brawl and Bonecrusher, who would proceed to Mission City. Barricade arrived there and informed Megatron that Sam went into hiding with the AllSpark, Megatron asks him if he knows what will be at stake if he fails, but Barricade stated that it will be done.

[[File:VGBlackoutE4M3Gameplay.jpg|left|thumb|"I didn't touch anything!"]]
Jazz was protecting Sam and Mikaela when Barricade arrived. Jazz ordered both of them to get away so that he and Barricade could fight. After taking too much damage, Jazz knew that he would suffer Bumblebee's fate if he kept fighting and decided to run away.

[[File:VGMegatronE4M4Guitar.jpg|thumb|Megatron prepares to unleash his impression of [[Soundwave (Animated)|someone else]].]]
Barricade managed to catch up to Jazz and killed him, his last words being "Optimus, I tried". Megatron detected an huge energy signature coming from the city's park and ordered Scorponok to determine what it was. There, they discovered the AllSpark caused various machines to come to life. Scorponok had to kill all the [[Energon drone|Energon drones]] in the area before more were generated. After all of them were destroyed, Scorponok threatened the humans if they don't give the AllSpark to him. Sam was about to hand over the AllSpark when Ironhide intervened and ordered Sam to flee while he took care of the scorpion-esque Decepticon. Blackout was angered by this mistreatment of his pet, and vowed to give Ironhide the honor of dying by his blade.

[[File:BlackoutIronhideFightE4M4.jpg|thumb|This is what is technically known as CHEATING.]]
Ironhide used every weapon he had: every Autobot drone type except for Mixmaster and Dreadwing, and Ironhide himself used the dastardly tactic of being invincible for most of the battle, unleashing a never-ending torrent of rockets which Blackout could do nothing about whenever he approached Ironhide too closely. He only became vulnerable after all the drones in the area were destroyed. Despite this, Blackout finally killed him; Mikaela and Sam finally find Optimus to inform him of the rest of the Autobots demise, leaving Optimus alone to defend them and the Allspark as he drives off to hide Sam and Mikaela.

Megatron finally arrived in the city, where he formulated a plan to take possession of the AllSpark once and for all. This plan consisted of Megatron trying to coax Optimus out of hiding by destroying the city at random, and after destroying a huge part of it, Megatron followed a beacon sent by Prime, thinking he would fight him there, only to be ambushed by some Autobot drones. This led to Megatron destroying multiple waves drones across the city; he finally found Optimus Prime at the top of the tallest building in the city, and climbed it. When he reached the top, they both battled and fell back to the streets.

====Level 5: Day of the Machines====
[[File:TFTG Decepticon Ending Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]

Back on the ground, the final battle began. This largely consisted of Megatron attacking Prime with every melee attack he had. After some attacking, Optimus would run away while Megatron fought the drones. After the Drones were destroyed, Megatron then flew around, trying to find Optimus who was with Sam, protecting the AllSpark. Soon, Megatron found them and Sam escaped, allowing both of them to continue the battle. Starscream and Blackout each attempt to ambush Optimus but are no match for him and are quickly knocked out. Eventually, Optimus got exhausted and Megatron hit him in the head using his whip-chain with all his strength, killing him right in front of Sam. Megatron finally took the cube and absorbed it, creating a fire wave that killed everyone in the area.

Life on Earth as we know is now over. Megatron decided that the [[Atlantis, Arise!|Lincoln Memorial would make a fine throne from which to rule the world]]. All the Decepticons who were absent from the battle joined together to watch the eradication of the human race. After sitting in his new throne, Megatron sent his Decepticons to finish conquering the planet, since they were done here. Barricade thought himself suitable for the job and obliged, and promptly got up while the others watched.

==Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|nonumbering=true
|c1=
'''Playable'''
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/games|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)/games|Bumblebee]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] ([[Andrew Kishino]])

'''Non-playable'''
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Fred Tatasciore]])
|c2=
'''Playable'''
*[[Megatron (Movie)/games|Megatron]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)/games|Starscream]] ([[Daniel Ross]])
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] ([[Keith David]])
*[[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] ([[Noah Nelson]])
*[[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]]

'''Non-playable'''
*[[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]]
*[[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] ([[Daniel Riordan]])*
*[[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] ([[David Sobolov]])
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]]
|h3=Drones|c3=
*[[Dropkick (Movie)|Dropkick]]
*[[Payload (Movie)|Payload]]
*[[Scrapper (Movie)|Scrapper]]
*[[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]]
*[[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]]
*[[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]]
*[[Mixmaster (Movie)|Mixmaster]]
*[[Energon drone]]
|h4='''[[Human]]s'''|c4=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Mikaela Banes]] ([[Megan Fox]])
}}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>While Bonecrusher does not speak in the game, Riordan is credited with voicing him in the game's credits. Unused voice clips of his (and Brawl's) can be found in the game's files.

==Gameplay==
In each chapter, players control a pre-determined Autobot or Decepticon, and are placed in a small open-world area they can freely explore. All the robots can walk, run, evade, jump, transform into a vehicle and vice-versa, climb walls, block attacks and have six attack types: light ranged weapon, heavy ranged weapon, melee attack, and the abilities to grab and throw objects such as cars, lamp posts, trees, etc, use a long object like a lamp post as a sword, and to use an special attack which can only be executed when pressing the melee attack button while holding the block button.

Each of the playable characters have different statistics and properties. For example, Barricade and Bumblebee are the most evenly balanced, Starscream does higher weapon damage and lower melee damage, and Ironhide has the highest ammo capacity of any character.

===Drone Variants===
Both sides of the conflict have access to drones, and thus each side has random encounters that you will occasionally have to battle in small skirmishes. Each has their own AI and attack pattern, along with set weaknesses.

* '''Scrappers''': The grunts of this game, but not necessarily the most common. Their AI is a relatively simple one in that they just shoot a missile at you, and than charge at you and try to melee you the rest of the way. They cannot shield themselves from gunfire which makes these guys easy to destroy in hordes.
*'''Swindles''': The common mooks of this game, and the most frequently encountered not just in missions but in those small little out-of-story skirmishes. They frequently charge at you 1 missile at a time, and once in melee range they will try to punch you. They can shield themselves, but it's very uncommon, and they can easily be dispatched.
*'''Dropkicks''': The "heavy lifters" of the common drone type, they're usually seen using Swindles as cannon fodder and firing missiles at you from a distance. They are also the only drones smart enough to throw stuff at you, and autoblock attacks from all ranged weapons except for Blackout’s heavy weapon.
*'''Longarms''': The most common of the "Throw stuff at them to make them stop" types, these guys walk up to you slowly while flailing around a giant and long wire cable with a hook attached to it, knocking the poor player all over the place. Throwing cars is not advisable though, unless you are Optimus Prime, seeing as when most characters throw cars, it's thrown from above, so it will usually hit the top of the hitbox instead of hitting the Longarm drone.
*'''Payloads''': These drones charge at you headfirst, but their reckless charge means you can jump around them. Once they start looking around aimlessly, throw something at them or punch them to knock them out of the AI state. They will go back into charging phase after you land a hit, so be sure to combo them before running away. Be prepared, since they always come in pairs.
* '''Dreadwings''': Dreadwings are uncommon drones that, when encountered, will fly in and land in a ring of expanding fire that will launch you away from them. They will then have the audacity to run at you nonstop, and spam their flamethrowers. And the flamethrowers have a deceptively ''large'' range, making it hard for you as the player to throw items at them. And once you land a decent combo on them, they fly away, regain about 5% of their health, and come back at you, forcing you to repeat the same process until they are defeated.
* '''Mixmasters''': The most uncommon type of drone encountered, these guys cannot be damaged by conventional means, and require that you grab an object, throw it at them, knock them over, pick them up, and throw them at a random building or onto the floor, (or simply hit them with a thrown object if they happen to be in their cement mixer alternate mode). Their slow speed makes them relatively easy to fight though, as you can usually knock them down extremely easily, but they can easily kill an unprepared player as their missiles deal some massive damage.

===Sub Missions===
Represented by large glowing boxes containing symbols of said Sub Mission, they provide challenges for those who wanted to pay energon cubes to play a "mini-game" where the player must complete the objective before time runs out. So if you want to unlock everything, or just take a break from what's happening in the story mode? Well, good news for you; every single time you beat a Sub Mission, a new mini-game opens up, offering more energon cubes in exchange for more energon cubes and maybe the occasional bonus content.

Sub Missions come in six types:
*Hunt: Hunt down all the vehicles and destroy them. (You just chase down and destroy a bunch of cars within the time limit. It would be easier were it not for the driving).
*Scavenger: Find all the cogs within the marked area. (They're not really well hidden, and the map shows them in little green blips, so it's pretty easy).
*Attack: Defeat all the enemies. (It's very easy, mostly because this is just a challenge version of the average drone battles in the game).
*Sumo: Push all the opponents out of the ring. Careful you don't get knocked out! (It's WAY harder than it looks, mostly due in fact that Longarms just exist, and Mixmasters are the most common enemy types faced here. You heard that right, '''MIXMASTER DRONES.''').
*Race: Race to the finish line. (Every checkpoint does lower the timer, but you lose time for transforming, which happens often because the buildings are coated with a substance that makes you transform the moment you touch it. And you have to race in order to reach the checkpoints in time. Are you mad? '''''YOU WILL BE''''').
*Destruction: Destroy the place within the marked area. (This is a challenge version of the missions in the Decepticon campaign where you have to destroy the area. No wonder why this Sub Mission isn't available to play in the Autobot campaign).

===Cybertron Levels===
A "Bonus Level" set on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] is unlocked after completing all oher levels, one for each campaign. Players control Optimus Prime or Megatron, with their ability to transform disabled, and must destroy 35 drones to complete the level. Unfortunately, Cybertron's look in both levels doesn't resemble the G1 cartoon, nor the opening cinematic or the scenes from the movie.

===Unlockables===
The game includes a "Bonus Features" menu with several items to be unlocked. These unlockables can be obtained via any or all of the following methods:
*Collecting 15 glowing yellow cubes (100 hidden per level). Technically some levels do contain only 95 cubes, but when playing the level 'A Gathering Force', the player is automatically awarded 5 cubes.
:Note: One does not need to collect 15 cubes in a single level to unlock a bonus feature; the game counts total cubes found, and once 15 are collected, a bonus feature is unlocked. This explains why there are 100 cubes in each level, even though bonus features are only unlocked every 15 cubes.
*Collecting a hidden Autobot or Decepticon faction symbol, with five hidden on each level.
*Completing a chapter.
*Completing a sub mission.
*Completing a level, including the bonus Cybertron levels
*Completing a skill, including: Throw, Speed (when in land vehicle mode), Slide (when in land vehicle mode), Jump (when in land vehicle mode), Evil (for Decepticons), Heroic (for Autobots) and Destruction (for Decepticons).

The unlockable bonus features are separated into three sections:
* Bonus Movies: consisting of four commercials for the 2007 movie and the intro sequences of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'', ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'', and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' cartoons.
* Bonus Gallery: an image gallery with 158 images in total. Featuring concept art, toy box art images, models of the characters seen in game, and covers of past Transformers comics by [[Marvel Comics]], [[Dreamwave Productions]], and [[IDW Publishing]].
* G1 characters: five alternate character skins, including the following:
**Three toy-inspired "skins" can be unlocked, including [[Jazz (Movie)#Deluxe Class toys|Generation 1 Jazz]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys|Robo-Vision Optimus Prime]] (minus flames) and [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys|Generation 1 Starscream]] (minus the resculpted head).
*Similarly, one can unlock Generation 1 [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], replacing their movie counterparts with new 3D models as opposed to simple skin recolors. Optimus Prime converts into his original truck mode, but [[Transformers: Go-Bots (franchise)|fires from his fists]] rather than using his trademark [[ion blaster]]. Megatron cannot transform into his gun mode, but instead starts flying in robot mode when the "transform" button is pressed.

==Achievement list==
When completing various goals and tasks during the game, Xbox 360 players will be rewarded as part of the "Achievement" meta-goal system. Each Achievement has a Gamerscore value that adds to the player's total Gamerscore across all games played; up to 42 Achievements collectively worth 1000 Gamerscore can be earned in ''Transformers The Game''. The other versions do not feature any in-game achievements, as the game was not released on Steam and predates the implementation of the Trophy system on PlayStation 3.

{| border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=5
| '''Icon'''
| '''Achievement name'''
| '''Achievement description'''
| '''Gamerscore'''
| '''Icon'''
| '''Achievement name'''
| '''Achievement description'''
| '''Gamerscore'''
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Suburban Hero
|Bumblebee helped protect Sam in The Suburbs (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Neighbourhood Watch
|You continued your defense of The Suburbs as Jazz and Optimus Prime (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Could You Describe the Ruckus?
|Bumblebee caused a disturbance in order to escape the Hoover Dam with the AllSpark. (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Downtown Defender
|The Last Stand has been made. There's only one thing left to do… (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Look to the Stars
|Megatron and the Decepticons are finished. Earth is safe...for now… (Secret)
|50 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Sand Blaster
|The humans have much to fear. Qatar is destroyed. (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Surburban Scourge
|The Autobots fall before you. The Suburbs are done for. (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Air Traffic Destroyer
|Starscream's power knows no bounds. The airbase's defenses are obsolete. (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Downtown Demolisher
|The city is in ruins. There's only one thing left to do… (secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Finish this Planet
|Optimus and the Autobots are but a memory. Earth is yours. (Secret)
|50 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|What Challenge?
|You have handled a challenge with ease. Complete your first Challenge sub-mission.
|10 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Suburban Hero Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in The Suburbs (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Neighborhood Watch Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in the suburbs (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|The Ruckus? Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in Inside Hoover Dam (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Downtown Defender Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in Autobot City. (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Sand Blaster Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in Qatar Desert. (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Suburban Scourge Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in The Hunt for Sam Witwicky. (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Air Traffic Destroyer Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in the Airbase. (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Downtown Demolisher Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in the Decepticon City. (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Transform and Roll Out
|You've transformed for the first time.
|10 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Robots in Disguise
|You've transformed 500 times.
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Pride of Optimus Prime
|200 Decepticon Drones have met their match.
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Pride of Megatron
|200 Autobot Drones have fallen before you.
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Wrong Way!
|You're living dangerously. Ram 250 Cars.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Pride of Bumblebee
|You've scouted the world thoroughly. All the secret icons have been collected.
|60 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Shot Putter
|You've sent objects flying. Achieved full Throw Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Speed Demon
|You've really burned rubber. Achieved full Speed Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Sideways Motion
|You can handle turns with ease. Achieved full Slide Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|We Don't Need Roads
|Who needs roads when you can fly through the air? Achieved full Jump Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Root of all Evil
|You take pride in destroying your enemies. Achieved full Evil Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Pride of Ironhide
|You are the epitome of an Autobot. Achieved full Heroic Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Pride of Brawl
|Your destruction comes naturally as a Decepticon. Achieved full Destruction Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Mad Skillz
|You are skilled beyond belief. Achieved all Skill items on all levels.
|40 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Batter Up
|Find a bat and make your enemy fly. (Secret)
|10 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Ring-A-Ding-Ding
|Dial up some pain for your enemy. Use the Helio phone as a weapon. (Secret)
|10 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Pit Crew
|Stop your enemy in their tracks!! Use a large tire to harm your enemy. (Secret)
|10 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|I know Kung-Fu
|You are quite skilled Grasshoppa. Perform 1000 punches. (Secret)
|30 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Weapon Systems Inactive
|Your enemy knows the might of your fist. Complete Suburbs Chapter 1 using only melee attacks. (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Land Shark
|The enemy can't hit you if they can't see you. Spend 2 minutes underground. (Secret)
|10 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Sharp Shooter
|You're destructive and efficient. Complete Airbase Chapter 3 with more than 2:30 minutes remaining. (Secret)
|40 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Turbo? We don’t need no turbo!
|You've got a lead foot and it shows. Complete Hoover Internal Chapter 2 without using boost. (Secret)
|30 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Keeper of the AllSpark
|There is no Transformer that stands greater than you. You have achieved 100% completion.
|75 {{gamerscore}}
|}

==Cut and unused content==

Perhaps owing to a somewhat rushed development cycle, ''Transformers the Game'' has a staggering amount of beta content that did not make it into the final game. A good portion of this content has been datamined from the game's many multiplatform releases and can be found extensively listed on the ''The Cutting Room Floor''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s page for the game <ref>[https://tcrf.net/Transformers:_The_Game_(Windows) Transformers: The Game (Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii)] on ''The Cutting Room Floor''</ref>, but down below we'll only list some of the more interesting examples (as well as a few others not featured on TCRF as a result of being discovered from other sources beyond datamining). Writer [[Flint Dille]] said that most of his work for the project did not end up in the game. <ref>{{citesocial|quote=I did have a one brief foray, two actually, for the first Michael Bay Transformer game. That most of what I did ended up on, you know, not in the game. Because the game got stunted.|link=https://youtu.be/nS-7a3jIBGc?si=riXqYL_k7mmCF4tK|name=Flint Dille|site=YouTube|year=2019|month=11|day=19}}</ref>

===Levels===
[[File:HooverExt-TransformersTheGame.jpg|thumb|250px|If you saw this video as a kid and couldn't find this place in-game, then you know the pain — especially when Tim from school kept lying about this being a secret level screw you Tim I want my Legends Class Optimus Prime back and -]]
*An entire level set in the exterior of Hoover Dam was to be featured in both campaigns, internally named HOOVEREXT for the Autobots and HOOVERDAM for the Decepticons. It was first discovered through surviving text strings assigned to a nonexistent level with the aforementioned name, describing a Decepticon attack culminating in a fight against Bonecrusher for the Autobots and the resurrection of Megatron for the Decepticons, corresponding with the order of events shown in the film. This was further corroborated by multiple making-of featurettes, where footage of an earlier beta build of the game shows what clearly is an exterior map of Hoover Dam that isn't featured anywhere in the actual retail release.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I97UImtAQ6g</ref> For a while, these appeared to be the only surviving remains of Hooverext, leading the small but dedicated modding community for the game to speculate that whatever was left of the map would never get to see the light of day - that is, until TT Games founder Jon Burton streamed a look at two prototype builds featuring the fabled level on his GameHut YouTube channel.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5d9G0SQw_8</ref> This reinvigorated the interest of modders, which until now had primarily worked on the PC version of the game, and led to the idea of instead datamining the console releases. Finally, only a couple of weeks later, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE01Os_O76c the entire level was surprisingly discovered lurking in the Wii version all along!] In another note, the entire playable level was also discovered on the PS3 version, but it has two versions, a default one for Hi-Res with broken mountains, and a Low-Res version, which is a copy of the Xbox 360 prototype version of the level for some reason. Both levels suffer from their programming being from an outdated version of the engine, which makes these levels from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rg3YJeqWLM easy to straight up unplayable.]
**There are also [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M83Dwx-AGQY two] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTxxmOckjFg cutscenes] surviving from the deleted stage (with one of them being briefly featured in one of the aforementioned making-of videos), as well as multiple strings of dialogues for the Chapters in the Level. <ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDm710zwUxg</ref>
***The final retail version includes the dam in a pre-rendered cutscene at the end of Mission 3 on both campaigns. This uses the once playable map as a basis, similarly to how most other FMVs in the game were rendered using pre-existing maps as background.
**On a complimentary note, both the [[Transformers The Game (PSP)|Playstation Portable]] and [[Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Nintendo DS]] versions of the game feature levels set in the exterior of Hoover Dam, making the removal of this one an interesting oddity.
**There are unused voicelines relating to the HooverExt missions by Optimus Prime on the PS3 version of the original game.
*There are also other unused <s> Tranquility </s> levels in this game, such as BLACKOUTTRANQUILITY, TESTTRANQUILITY, AUTOBONUS1, CVIEW, and STARTSCREEN. CVIEW and STARTSCREEN are thought to be the character model viewer and the early version of the start screen, but only have one file and that is their LEVEL.CFG, making them completely unplayable. The other levels, however, are playable. BLACKOUTTRANQUILITY doesn't have accessible missions, but the SPLINE.DAT reveals that the level has early data of The Hunt for Sam Witwicky level. TESTTRANQUILITY is a test level used for testing the various AI of each of the characters and submissions. AUTOBONUS1 was possibly going to be a bonus level unlockable after completing the Autobot campaign, in which you collect and throw 10 dounts. The counter is broken, so that means if you do what the level wants you to do, the level doesn't end, and you'll be stuck until you exit the level or the timer runs out.
*As seen in the aforementioned GameHut livestream, other levels also suffered substantial alterations between their early builds and the final retail version. Whereas some locations like Tranquility and Mission City remain pretty much identical in alphas dating back as far as November 2006, others like the interior of Hoover Dam and the bonus Cybertron levels were entirely redesigned from the ground up. The former featured a tighter, somewhat more movie-accurate look and layout that ended up being discarded in favor of the wider industrial area seen in the final game, whereas the latter was a surprisingly massive map directly based on artwork from the brief flashback sequence in the film.
[[File:TFTG_Unused_City_BurgerKing_Megatron.jpg|250px|thumb|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxhjAiP9hk8 "Yeah, a whopper. No cheese, no onions."]]]
*If you play with the High-Res city files on Low-Res mode on PC, a weird early and unfinished city appears when you load into the level. It features cut [[Pepsi]] signs and even a [[Burger King]] replacing Chip Chase's!

===Character models===
[[File:TFTG_Unused_EvilBumblebee.jpg|thumb]]
*Ratchet, despite never appearing in both campaigns, has high res and low res models for both his robot and vehicle mode, but only 3 animations are left over for him, rendering him basically unplayable. Thankfully, a [https://youtu.be/JYAE95tlw6c?si=puChs-q6S_aivAt5 mod] exists that does make him playable.
*A strange retexture of Bumblebee in the classic Camaro form that replaces most of his distinctive yellow with a muddy dark red, oddly titled as "evilbumblebee" in the game files. We have no idea how it got there or what its purpose was, though it does sound heavily exploitable for a creepypasta if anyone's interested in writing one.
*A variant of the [[Payload (Movie)|Payload]] drone crudely textured with a shoddily compressed [[Pepsi]] livery, most likely cut early in development.
*On the PS3 version, there are also ''A LOT'' of unused character files and folders, including Bumblebee_BCK, an early version of the Hi-Res Bumblebee model with it's own animations. This was primarily seen in promotional screenshots of the game.

===Weapons and abilities===
*An unused version of Optimus Prime's gun with animations, based on concept art, which can be restored with easy modding. A picture of Optimus with this gun out can be seen on the back of the packaging for the game. Oops.
*There are tons of unused dialogue on all versions, with the most notable being the PS3 version, with prototype grunt sounds, Optimus saying you've won a mission or lost voiced by [[Peter Cullen]] himself, and alternate takes of all of Ironhide's lines.
*There are unused special abilities in the game's files, with most of them based on concept art, including:
**A reel in ability for the Longarm Drones, being able to reel the player in with their hook and attack them.
**A special shield ability for the Mixmaster Drones, being able to ricochet shots to the player and having a more powerful counter attack.
**An electrocute ability for the Scrapper Drones, being able to jump on the player and electrocute them.
**A pickup ability for the Dropkick Drones, being able to pick up and throw the player while standing.
**A healing ability possibly meant for Ratchet, being able to heal the player.
**An unknown "SapEnergy" ability with no mention of it anywhere other than the combat script file, leaving it a mystery as to how it would work or who would use it. A common theory is that it was intended to be used by Ratchet to damage enemies in the Decepticon campaign.

===Sound===
*Two orchestral tracks, "mx_city_barricade_1" and "mx_city_skorponok_1", were cut from the final Mission City chapters. Both are still available in full as .wav files.
*Some of the music tracks in the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' videogame]] have their in-game files labelled with the prefix "mx_hoover_ext", suggesting that they might have been directly re-purposed from the previously-mentioned extinct exterior Hoover Dam level from ''Transformers The Game''. <ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhaoVtEPfO0</ref>
*There are also some unused SFX files, such as splashing into water.

===Others===
[[File:CONTROLLERSCREEN SKORPONOK PC.jpg|220px|thumb]]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkwobdKzzQA&list=PL3XAX4htSEIU01KK49biOAMbXCFLWEJO6&index=80 There are a few debug options leftover in all versions of the game.]
*Seven cutscenes (one for '''More Than Meets The Eye''', one for '''Inside Hoover Dam''', one for '''The Ultimate Doom''', and four for '''A Gathering Force'''.) were cut from the final release. All of these can be found on Youtube. <ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKD7jCplFNo</ref>
*A cut controller screen for Scorponok exists on all platforms with their respective console controllers. Controller screens are used for loading into a level, so maybe there was a cut Scorponok level? We'll let this wiki decide.
*There are multiple unused VFX listings in the files, but almost none of them exist, such as a VFX listing for a Grenade.
*A buttload of unused animations. Brawl, Bonecrusher, Blackout, Optimus, Megatron, and Starscream all have downed animations, but none for being picked up. Starscream has a scrapped climbing animation, and Brawl, Bonecrusher, and most of the drones have unused object-grabbing animations.

==Release==
===Versions===
[[File:TransformersTheGame 2007 consolecovers.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|One of these things is not like the others...]]
*'''PlayStation 2'''
**The PS2 version is the highest-reviewed, despite limitations on draw distance, physics and damage persistence. In this version, Blackout, Starscream and Barricade start missions 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Decepticon campaign in their altmodes, while for some reason the PS3 version has them start as robots. Reviews noted it suffers from fewer frame rate issues than other versions.
*'''Nintendo Wii'''
**The Wii version is very similar to the PS2 version, with the addition of motion-sensor gimmicks that [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/transformersthegame?q=transformers reviewers were resoundingly unimpressed by].
*'''Xbox 360'''
**The 360 version featured improved graphics, more persistent environmental damage, and more physics objects, including ridiculous clouds of rubble that eject themselves from buildings if you so much as look at them funny. The latter is generally annoying, since they get in the way when driving.
**The 360 version, as might be expected, also features Achievements, though calling them that is somewhat of an exaggeration. There's one for pressing the "transform" button once. This version suffers less from frame rate issues and has better lighting than the PS3 version.
**It was also available in a limited "Cybertron Edition" that featured exclusive packaging art, a "Making Of" DVD, a code to unlock the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] bonus levels early, and [[Movie Prequel issue 1|issue 1 of the ''Transformers'' movie prequel comic]] by [[Simon Furman]], [[Don Figueroa]] and [[Josh Burcham]]. It was exclusive to Gamestop/EB stores.
**For 500 Microsoft points, players can download an add-on that unlocks everything in the game. While this does not disable Achievements like the cheat codes do, a message that reads ''"This item has been unlocked by a downloadable content pack"'' appears below any bonus features that have not been earned through gameplay.
*'''PlayStation 3'''
**The PS3, like the 360 version, featured the same improved graphics, environmental damage, and extra physics objects. The same flaws, however, still apply to how the environmental damage and physics objects interact with the player. Oops.
**The PS3 version suffers from more frame rate issues than the 360 version, typical of lazy porting. For some reason, this includes frame rate issues in the FMV cinematics when the console itself ''isn't doing anything''.
**SixAxis motion control is also added for Decepticons with aircraft altmodes ([[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]], [[Starscream (Movie)/games|Starscream]] and [[Megatron (Movie)/games|Megatron]]). It's disabled by default.
*'''PC DVD-ROM'''
**The PC version is exactly like the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions. It, however, does not feature the same exclusive flaws or bonuses of either console version. The physics are still crazy, though. The loading screens replaces the instructions of how to play with images from the opening and cinematics and allow players to setup the controller the way it so chooses.
**High-Detail mode on PC suffers from a multitude of issues. The projectile models are missing on PC for High-Detail, meaning you'll be shooting nothing but special effects. High-Detail Airbase suffers from broken road textures, rendering most of the roads in pitch black. None of these issues are present on PS3/360.

==Differences between the Game and Movie==

[[File:VG-E3Allspark.jpg|thumb|The Quarterspark.]]
*Almost all plotlines relating to humans have been removed; the game has nothing involving [[William Lennox|soldiers]] (replaced by communication trucks, helicopters and tanks), [[Seymour Simmons|agents]] (replaced by [[Landmine (Movie)|Buggies]] and [[Stockade (Movie)|SUVs]]), or [[Glen Whitmann|comic relief]] (replaced by the cutscenes). Even Sam has barely any role beyond "holder of the MacGuffins."
*Video game Bumblebee breaks free inside Hoover Dam and has to deactivate a silly laser grid to get to the AllSpark. Sam turns up at the end of the mission just in time to leave.
*The game's AllSpark is tiny, only four or five times taller than Bumblebee, unlike the movie's city block-sized cube. It's housed in the same room as Megatron. Whoever wanted things to be this way could be asking for the end of the world!
*In the Autobot Campaign, Barricade is present at the Mission City battle. Same for Scorponok in the Decepticon Campaign.
*Autobot Campaign: Brawl is killed by Ironhide after the former killed Jazz. In the movie, he is killed by Bumblebee.
*Autobot Campaign: Brawl kills Jazz after the latter kills Blackout and Starscream. In the Decepticon campaign, Barricade kills him. Either way, Megatron doesn't.
*Autobot Campaign: Blackout is killed by Jazz. In the movie, he is killed by [[William Lennox|Lennox]].
*Autobot Campaign: Starscream and Barricade are killed. In the movie, they both survive.
*Frenzy has [[FIRRIB|red eyes]]!
*Shockwave makes an appearance!
*Autobot Campaign: Optimus, rather than Sam, kills Megatron with the AllSpark.
*Decepticon Campaign: Shoving the All Spark cube into his ''own'' chest does not kill Megatron.
*Decepticon Campaign: [[The Agenda (Part III)|The Autobots lose! Evil triumphs!]]

==Technical errors and oddities==

===Glitches===
*The PS2 version sometimes features a bizarre error; in the opening cinematic to Barricade's first mission in Mission City, after Jazz's door slams there is no further post-recording sound work. This means Barricade's voice is completely unaltered. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h3KWLGt5-w He sounds like Sideshow Bob]. The Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360 versions have the effects added correctly.
*In the final Chapter of "A Gathering Force", it's just this side of entirely possible to be ''too good'' at it. If the final set of gun turrets facing Bonecrusher is destroyed too fast, he'll reach the last checkpoint before Brawl does and transform. Unfortunately, the turrets' ability to actually take damage is pretexted on ''Brawl'' transforming, so all you can do is stand around waiting for Bonecrusher to drop dead. Bonecrusher hates poor bug testing.
*The Dreadwing AI doesn't properly turn off when activating a Chapter during Mission 3, but thankfully the drone will despawn once you actually start the mission. <s>Doesn't stop them from being pesky and persistent motherfragging pains in the aft. </s>
**To make Dreadwings even more annoying, someone didn't do a proper bug test, so the Spawn variable for Dreadwings is active '''AT ALL TIMES''' during "A Gathering Force". This means that a Dreadwing is able to spawn ANYWHERE, during ANY CHAPTER if you even so much as decide to land and walk around in robot mode. Oh yeah, you heard us right. Dreadwings can spawn during the BRAWL AND BONECRUSHER ESCORT CHAPTERS. WHERE YOU ARE REQUIRED TO BE IN ROBOT MODE TO DESTROY THOSE ELECTRICITY TURRETS. '''''ARGH.'''''
*Barricade's shield attack's hitbox extends beyond his arm for some reason.
* In a rather '''frustrating''' case of poor bug testing for all of the main consoles, any drone encountered in Mission City will cause you ''HOURS'' upon '''HOURS''' of Frustration. There are many spots and even frame perfect PIXELS on buildings that do not have collision hitboxes, which means if a drone is in free-fall (you throwing them, or slapping them with a heavy enough object during which their Hitboxes move at a rate that can allow their hitbox to warp past those of other larger hitboxes simply because that's what they were programmed to do) they WILL get stuck in the buildings if their collison hitboxes end up stuck behind those of the collision hitboxes of buildings. Which means you have to memorize which buildings in Mission city don't have those missing collision hitboxes, because if you don't you'll end up having to reset the entire level, all because a single Payload or Longarm got stuck behind a building. This coincidentally includes a MAJORITY of the buildings during the Ironhide fight in Mission Park, and all of the buildings in the far corner map where Megatron has to fight Payloads and Longarms. <s> Many controllers have been lost. Let their noble cause be remembered. </s>
* As a rather weird side-effect of the game's Physics engine, nitro-boosting at a certain angle as Bumblebee or Jazz over the destructible bridge portions of the Mission City Train System will cause the Vehicle Mode to get launched straight into the stratosphere.
*Because the end of mission "mission complete" screens follow straight on from the game play, some very strange things can happen in them. A good example is the above mission; if Scorponok ends the mission firing at the ground in front of the statue at one end of the park, the "mission complete" screen will show ''his own bullets hitting him''. (The same thing can happen anywhere in the game.)

===Developer oversights===
*In the second chapter of "The Suburbs", Swindle drones are ''walking down the street'' to Sam's house. '''WHY''' they even bother to have altmodes is not clear.
*The final Autobot mission in Hoover Dam's depiction of the defrosting Megatron is all kinds of screwy:
**Before the mission is triggered, he's shown covered in a layer of ice.
**In the pre-mission cutscene, there's suddenly not a hint of ice on him at all. When Bumblebee walks near him, his head turns to look at the Autobot, despite the fact he's supposed to be frozen and immobile.
**As the mission starts, he's encased in ice again, save his left arm which is shifted to the left (his left) of the section of ice that should be around it, which is just kind of hanging there.
**When the cutscene plays during the mission, Megatron breaks the ice surrounding his left arm, and there's clearly none on his face.
**When gameplay resumes, there's ice on his face again.
**In the end of mission cutscene, he's suddenly defrosted right down to his hips.
**[[B.O.T. (episode)|Argh.]]
* Regarding the Battle logistics for the Autobots...
** Despite the fact that the human military is allied with the Autobots at this current moment in time, they'll still attack the Autobots even though the Decepticons are the ones causing all the damage to everything.
** Despite the fact you can destroy the building Bumblebee is stuck in... he'll still be stuck in there somehow.
** During the cutscene, Starscream uses his regular Jet-mode missiles, but in the actual game he uses some form of super-explosive missiles. Michael Bay must've had a say in that.
** In that same mission, when Blackout joins in the cutscene, he fires his bot-mode missiles instead of the usual rapid fire missiles that he has in Helicopter mode.
**When the game cuts back to the action, Blackout is firing his Rapid Fire missiles.
*Regarding Time for the Autobots...
** When Starscream starts desecrating buildings, the time is morning.
** When Jazz confronts Starscream the sun is setting...
** Midway through the fight, Starscream is "damaged" but it's now Noon.
** At the end of the mission Brawl shows up and it's Sunset again.
** When Ironhide confronts Brawl, it's sunset, but by the time Ironhide kills Brawl it's Noon again.
** Bumblebee drives off to confront Barricade at Noon. He faces off against Barricade at Sunset.
**Midway through the fight, Bumblebee knocks Barricade into a bus, and it's noon again. It stays this way for a while (Thankfully.)
**Bumblebee defeats Barricade by Sunset. Than Megatron shows up, and Megatron and Optimus fight at Sunset. In the final mission, it's still noon.
**It goes back to sunset when Optimus defeats Megatron.
** Regarding the Decepticons...
** Bonecrusher, Brawl, and Starscream are completely absent from the fight.
** Jazz is seen transporting Sam and Mikaela, but Sam doesn't have the Allspark. Barricade must really hate fleshlings.
**When Barricade confronts Jazz it's Sunset.
** When Barricade knocks down Jazz, it's Noon.
** When Barricade kills Jazz... you should already know at this point.
**'''[[B.O.T. (episode)|Argh.]]'''
*After the last mission of Chapter 3, a cutscene will trigger of Blackout and Starscream trashing Hoover Dam, Blackout tosses a gas tank at three defending Autobots who seem to be red Swindles... Which is the color of the Decepticon Swindle drones, not their Autobot variants.
**This cutscene in the Autobot Campaign is also the only time in the game where drones aligned with the player's faction are seen. This could be an oversight from recycling footage.
**Also, they appear to be shooting from their ''fingers''.
*The opening infographic of "City of the Machines" states that Bumblebee has escaped to the city with the Allspark. Of course Bumblebee was already killed in "The Hunt for Sam Witwicky", and likewise isn't seen for the rest of the game with Jazz now transporting Sam and Mikaela. This is referring to the Bumblebee fight that would've taken place in the scrapped "Megatron, Arise!" level, where Bumblebee is probably dead ''for good''. Since the level was scrapped, this is likely an oversight the developers forgot to correct.
*In Decepticon Chapter 4, mission 2's intro cinematic has Scorponok firing from a Gatling gun in his tail. This weapon doesn't exist (although he can use it for melee attacks).
*Starscream was probably the most unfinished character in the entire game. His normal fall animation doesn't occur in the game properly, which means if he falls after he jumps, he'll still be in his jump animation unlike everyone else in the game. The animation can only trigger when falling from a building. On top of that, he doesn't use his Playerland animation at all, meaning that if you get in a Dreadwing drone's landing radius and get knocked away fall, he won't roll back up like everyone else, and will just stand there waiting for him to get back up.
*Before the final battle in the Autobot campaign, Energon drones are ''just lying around on the street'' waiting to be brought to life by the AllSpark.
*Scorponok is the only playable character that can't jump, climb or pick up debris. This means that there are several Decepticon insignias and glowing yellow cubes that are unattainable when playing as him.
*In the opening cinematic for Blackout, the entire army personnel fires at him, without any consequence whatsoever. However, when playing as any character in Tranquility or Mission City, police officers with standard pistols can damage you.
*In Chapter 2, Mission 2 of the Autobots campaign, a cutscene has a Dropkick and Swindle drone tossing Jazz next to a house. As they are about to finish him off, Ironhide attacks the two drones by slamming into them in vehicle mode. When he transforms, the drones just magically disappear.
*Speaking of cutscene oddities, Blackout is sand colored during the SOCCENT cutscenes, but during gameplay he is [[Grindor (ROTF)|light gray]].
**Even more so, in the initial cutscene of Plight of the Bumblebee, as Barricade scans the humans, Mikaela is misspelled as "Mikela".
*In the final chapter of City of the Machines right before reaching the tallest building in Mission City, Megatron speaks in Starscream's voice due to a programming error.
*There are many size errors revolving around Bonecrusher and Brawl. During ''Sinister Saviour'' and ''Warpath'', they are shown to be about the same height as Starscream (31 ft), while during the opening cutscene of ''Fireworks'', Bonecrusher is half his size and during ''For The Fallen'' Brawl is the same height as Ironhide (22 ft).
*Optimus Prime has color issues between his truck and robot modes, such as the cab's roof: In robot mode it's red, while in vehicle mode it's blue with red flames. Robo-vision Optimus's truck mode's front half is red and back half is blue, but the back half (Sleeper and back fenders) forms his back and part of his arms, which are '''[[FIRRIB|red]]''', while the front fenders form his ankles, which are '''blue'''.
*The Decepticon Cybertron level actually has no music or ambience coded to play. The game defaults to playing the main menu theme.

===Other oddities and quirks===
[[File:TFTG city tint on & off.jpg|thumb|Wouldn't be a 2000s game without the old piss filter ''(Left: Brightness filter on / Right: Brightness filter off)'']]
*For whatever reason, Bonecrusher is immortal when you play as him.
* You cannot destroy the top halves of buildings, but the bottom halves of the buildings are susceptible to all sorts of damage.
** Alongside that, you can climb on thin air.
*Transformer Protoforms have to [[Scanning|scan]] their altmodes after landing as per the movie; however, drones have an Earth vehicle altmode the instant they land; presumably, so does Shockwave, since Tranquility is a little light on purple Apaches or purple howitzers.
*Curiously, there is an added brightness layer with a green-ish tint on all of the city levels. It's not noticeable on PS2 or Wii, but it's very noticeable on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC, and requires modding to be disabled.
*The residents of Tranquility are apparently capable of rebuilding a power station's gas tank farm within less than an hour, then rebuilding the entire tank farm and three of the chimneys ''again'' within less than six.
*Autobots still have the "Destruction" unlock gauge appear, but it crosses out faction symbols rather than having them appear. If it's filled, a large red X goes to the left side of the screen instead of a faction symbol; however, whether by accident or design, this doesn't actually do ''anything'', and the Autobots are free to be as destructive as the Decepticons. It doesn't help that this gauge is filled by causing damage to ''any'' scenery and has to be maxed out multiple times while destroying, for example, the clamps that hold the All Spark.
*Other cars are like cardboard. Jazz can ram into a truck, and it will go ''flying in the air''. However, Bumblebee, who should be much heavier doesn't knock them over with such ease. The same can be said about drones and Bot alt-modes. Ironhide, Jazz, or any other character in game can ram into any alt-mode and send them flying. Although you yourself will fly too.
*Guns are often useless in this game. Any drone beyond a Swindle drone will shield themselves from your gunfire, and anything that can be shot at can be destroyed five times faster if you punch it, throw something at it or whack it with a random piece of debris.
** This makes playing as Ironhide a little more difficult, as Ironhide has a 50% ''chance'' to replace the last melee hit with a cannon shot.
*** Doesn't make it better that when a projectile hits a barrier or shield, it will reflect and '''can deal damage to you!''' ''Great.''
*Starscream sounds a lot like {{w|Grover}}.
*Since ''Generation 1'' Optimus Prime is a skin of Optimus Prime, many would think ''Generation 1'' Megatron would be a skin of Megatron with his attributes. Instead, he has Optimus Prime's attributes, featuring his moves, weapons, and even features a blue Autobot shield instead of a red Decepticon one, making him more like an Optimus Prime who can fly. Weird.
*Jazz’s High-Res model suffers from misplaced textures, which can make his armor look broken. This is most apparent in cutscenes where he doesn’t speak. Strangely, G1 Jazz doesn’t suffer from this.
*Starscream is programmed not to climb, possibly because the buildings in his level are short enough to get on top of. Because of this, his climbing animations go unused.
*During cutscenes where the respective character doesn't speak, they will be modelled using their highly detailed PS3/Xbox 360/PC version. In cutscenes where they do, some characters will use their low resolution Wii/PS2 counterparts. This is most notable with Ironhide's realistic model oddly being blue and having a visible mouth instead of the faceplate of the Low-Res counterpart, and Starscream.
{{--}}

==Toys inspired by this game==
===Direct game tie-ins===
A first for ''Transformers'' videogames, a handful of toys would be released [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|under the 2007 movie toyline]] as direct tie-ins to ''Transformers The Game'', with the packaging featuring a label above the toys that describes them "''As seen in the TRANSFORMERS Video-Game''" (or its equivalent in [[Multilingual packaging|multilingual versions]]). This small [[subline imprint]] consisted of five unique molds, all based around the enemy drone characters for the videogame.

{|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Deluxe Class'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Swindle (Movie)#Toys|Swindle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dreadwing (Movie)#Toys|Dreadwing]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Longarm (Movie)#Toys|Longarm]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Payload (Movie)#Toys|Payload]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dropkick (Movie)#Toys|Dropkick]]}}
|
|width="100%" valign="top"|[[File:Movie_Deluxe_Swindle_toy1.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Deluxe Swindle]]
|}

===Other figures===
A few other figures in the 2007 toyline are also de facto game tie-ins despite not being marketed with the aforementioned "''As seen in the TRANSFORMERS Video-Game''" subline imprint. These include Robo-Vision Optimus Prime and the Generation 1 redecos of Jazz and Starscream, all of which, as mentioned, are special unlockable skins in ''Transformers The Game''. A pair of redecos for the aforementioned drone molds - released under the 2008 ''[[AllSpark Power]]'' subline imprint - are also seemingly inspired by the opposing factions' versions of their respective units.

{|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Deluxe Class'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (Movie)#TargetG1|Autobot Jazz (G1 deco)]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Salvage (Movie)#Toys|Salvage]] (Inspired by the Autobot Dropkick unit)}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Overcast (Movie)#Toys|Overcast]] (Inspired by the Autobot Dreadwing unit)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Voyager Class'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Robovision|Robo-Vision Optimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (Movie)/toys#TargetG1|Starscream (G1 deco)]]}}
|
|width="100%" valign="top"|[[File:Movie G1Jazz toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Deluxe Autobot Jazz with G1 deco]]
|}

Beyond the 2007 toyline, [[Dirt Boss (ROTF)|Dirt Boss]] from the [[2009]] ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'' line-up would also feature a design distinctively based on the Scrapper drone. He would later be repainted into orange as [[Deadlift]], making the similarities between the two designs all the more evident.

==Reception==

The game's Metacritic scores [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/transformersthegame?q=transformers hover] [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/transformersthegame?q=transformers around] [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/transformersthegame?q=transformers fifty-five] [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/transformersthegame?q=transformers percent]. It was criticised for poor driving controls, blocky graphics, repetitive missions and dull combat but generally praised by the random destruction.

==Notes==
*''Transformers The Game'' is one of only two Activision-published ''Transformers'' games, alongside ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (console)|Rise of the Dark Spark]]'', to be released in Japan, albeit only on PS3, PS2, and Wii.
*The Autobots and Decepticons ''really'' like transforming into robots. Optimus likes it so much, he jumps thirty feet into the air every time he does it.
* Some of the transformation animations seem to be based on their contemporary mainline toys. For example, Bumblebee's arms are formed from his car roof like his deluxe class 2008 Camaro toy, and Optimus's arms flip out from his truck cabin while his legs are formed from his truck nose (despite being the opposite in the movies) like his leader class toy.
*It's assumed that both sides of the conflict are cannibals, seeing as how killing a Cybertronian opponent somehow replenishes your health.
*Rather than do the sane thing and pan away, we get to watch a robot-mode protoform Bumblebee and Barricade grow kibble after scanning their respective car modes. This looks roughly twice as ridiculous as what you're currently imagining.
*Punching your enemies in the face repeatedly is "heroic" when Autobots do it, but "evil" when Decepticons do it. Sounds like a double standard!
*Blackout is [[Show-accuracy|toy accurate]] in the game, in that his main rotor is his melee weapon, rather than his tail rotor as in the movie.
*Tranquility features a large number of Generation 1 references, with adverts for "[[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s Hotdogs," "[[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]]'s Fish and Chips," a [[Tranquility Mall|local mall]] called "[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]" and a fast food restaurant named "[[Chip Chase|Chip Chase's]]". As a more recent reference, there is also a building site belonging to "[[Bay Demolition]]". There is also a place called [[Frank Welker|Frank]] & [[Peter Cullen|Peter]]'s cafe.
*One Autobot isn't explicitly killed in the Decepticon campaign: Ratchet (who does die in the [[Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|DS Version]]). Three Decepticons aren't killed in the Autobot campaign: Bonecrusher, Scorponok and Frenzy. The only character who dies in ''both'' campaigns is, unsurprisingly enough, Jazz.(Though Blackout isn't present in the final Decepticon cutscene after he was last being punched out by Optimus Prime, making his status uncertain) Even when every other bit of movie canon is thrown out the window, he ''still'' can't make it out alive.
*Jazz's last words of 'Optimus... I tried' are the same as in the DS version.
*Bumblebee uses some kind of [[axe (weapon)|axe]] when he fights with a three-punch combo, probably referencing one of his earlier concept designs.
*Jazz's special attack is a sword, which he had in early concept art and his Deluxe Class toy.
*Ratchet, Bonecrusher, Brawl, and Frenzy aren't playable. However, Ratchet has a model and lacking necessary animations to make him fully playable. It's possible that, had he made it into the final game, he would've been just a health dispenser.
*Throwing vehicles at buildings barely puts a dent in the structure. Instead of making a hole or even damaging it at all, cars and trucks thrown at buildings bounce off the building and often hit you instead.
*G1 Megatron flies rather than turning into a gun.
*Movie Megatron has the largest hitbox of any transformer in the game, which unfortunately makes it so that his hitbox extends outside his shield.
*If you stand in front of a building, you automatically start climbing it. If you idle while doing this as Blackout, they will scratch their butt. Optimus looks like he's doing the same, but he's just shaking his arm.
*In Mission City, there's a giant guitar on a building. If you grab it as Bumblebee or Barricade, it looks like they're playing it.
*Dreadwings are an absolute nightmare. Did we ever tell you how much we hate Dreadwings in this game?

==External links==

*[http://www.transformersgame.com Official website for Transformers: The Game]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Movie video games]]

Transformers The Game (console)

2026-03-04T23:19:51Z

Chase eX: /* Unlockables */

{{nav-movie-game}}
{{videogame
|title=''Transformers The Game''
|image=Transformers The Game cover.jpg
|caption=If you're a mid-to-late-00s kid and remember this game, then your childhood was... Probably pretty average, I guess?
|developer=[[Traveller's Tales]]
|publisher=[[Activision]]
|date=[[June 19]], [[2007]] (NA) [[June 20]], 2007 (AU) [[July 20]], 2007 (EU) [[February 7]], [[2008]] (JP, PS3/PS2) [[March 13]], [[2008]] (JP, Wii)
|platform=[[PlayStation]] 2, [[Wii]], PlayStation 3, [[Xbox]] 360, PC DVD-ROM
|ratings=ESRB: T PEGI: 12+ CER0:B
}}
{{--}}
'''''Transformers The Game''''' is the video game adaptation of the [[Transformers (film)|2007 live-action movie]]. Developed by [[Traveller's Tales]] with cinematic cutscenes animated by [[Blur Studio]] for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii and PC via DVD-ROM, the game follows several of the movie's robotic characters through a loose approximation of the movie's plot. The game has two campaigns, one for each faction. It was the first Transformers game published by [[Activision]] in 21 years.

Several '''[[Transformers The Game|other versions]]''' of the title were released for other platforms.

==Synopsis==
===Autobots===
====Level 1: The Suburbs====
[[file:BumblebeeBarricadeGameFight.jpg|upright=1.25|thumb|left|BONK!]]
[[Bumblebee (Movie)/games|Bumblebee]] crashes down to [[Earth]], ending up in [[Bay Demolitions]]. The Autobot [[Scanning|scans]] a yellow Camaro, and is contacted by [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/games|Optimus Prime]], who tells him to find an object that will help lead them to the missing [[AllSpark]], but warns him to beware [[Decepticon]] drones. Bumblebee zooms off to a construction site and defeats some of the drones, but even more drones fall from the sky, destroying major parts of the town until Bumblebee defeats them. After defeating them, he scans the corpses and discovers the Decepticons have found a [[Transformer]] code linked to [[Megatron (Movie)/games|Megatron]] in a [[Archibald Witwicky's glasses|family artifact]] of [[Sam Witwicky]]. Seeking to protect him the Decepticons, Bumblebee drives to his home and he overhears Sam's [[Ron Witwicky|father]] promise him he will buy him a car the next day. On Optimus's orders, Bumblebee races to [[Bobby Bolivia]]'s [[Bolivia's Finest Quality Used Cars and Petting Zoo|used car lot]], defeating more Decepticon drones marching through the streets along the way. With the path cleared, Bumblebee reaches Bolivia's and gets himself purchased by Sam.

The next day while Sam is at school, [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] attacks him, but Bumblebee stops the Decepticon, pursuing him to prevent further human casualties. After defeating Barricade, Bumblebee is ordered to destroy radio towers that have been hacked by the Decepticons to prevent the [[Autobot]]s from landing, then clear a landing zone. The Autobots touch down and scan new [[alternate mode]]s before gathering at the rendezvous point.

====Level 2: More Than Meets the Eye====
[[File:Shockwave movie.jpg|thumb|upright=1.45|Logic, etc. etc.]]
[[file:JazzIsUselessMovie.jpg|upright=1.30|left|thumb|You... wouldn't happen to know where the Taco store is, would you?]]
After a very brief explanation of what is going on, [[Sector Seven]] finds the Autobots. In his new alt mode, Bumblebee takes Sam and [[Mikaela Banes]] to safety, while [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] distracts Sector Seven. Unfortunately, Jazz's luck runs out and he is eventually caught, only to be saved from the humans and a subsequent Decepticon drone attack by Ironhide.

Sector Seven manages to catch Bumblebee in a net and parades him around the city, but Optimus follow in vehicle mode and eventually catches hold. Before he can rescue his comrade, he is dislodged by the arriving Decepticon [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], who begins to destroy the city. Optimus and Shockwave clash, ultimately resulting in Shockwave's destruction. Investigating Shockwave's body, Optimus finds the glasses and intercepts a transmission from [[Starscream (Movie)/games|Starscream]] that the Decepticons have found Megatron in [[Hoover Dam]], along with the AllSpark. Their mission now clear, Optimus rolls out with the rest of the Autobots.

====Level 3: Inside Hoover Dam====
[[file:BumblebeeBay.jpg|upright=1.45|thumb|Micheal Bay endorses this message]]
In [[Hoover Dam]], Bumblebee is being held in a force field, but manages to escape when a power surge disables it. While exploring, Bumblebee discovers the AllSpark hidden behind a 'laser grid. Commanded by Prime to retrieve the relic, Bumblebee battles the security robots and destroys the command center consoles, only to discover this would not be enough to disable the grid. Next, Bumblebee desroyed a set of cooling fans, causing the generators powering the grid to overheat and explode. After destroying the last of the generators, Bumblebee entered the holding chamber andbegan to shrink the AllSpark to portable size fending of the security drones as he did so. Unfortunately, Megatron begins to thaw out and attacks Bumblebee as well. Bumblebee manages to escape with Sam, Mikaela, and the AllSpark, but Starscream and [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] arrive at the dam shortly there after to release their leader.

====Level 4: The Last Stand====
[[file:JazzStarscreamBattle.jpg|thumb|left|Walk up to him slowly with your gun out, [[Starscream_(G1)/Generation_1_cartoon_continuity|because that ALWAYS works.]]]]
Upon arriving in [[Mission City]], the Allspark becomes overloaded with energy and creates some energon drones. Bumblebee loses control and gets himself stuck in a building, but is rescued by Ironhide. Starscream appears and begins attacking, but is swiftly engaged by Jazz, who kills Starscream, Blackout, and their drone minions. Unfortunately, [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] arrives and manages to finally finish Jazz off, angering Ironhide. After chasing Brawl throughout the city, Ironhide finally kills him and his drones, avenging Jazz's death.

Barricade tries to take the AllSpark, but Bumblebee confronts and kills him. Before he can savor his victory, Bumblebee is effortlessly flicked aside by Megatron. Fearing for their lives, Sam and Mikaela take the AllSpark and hide in one of the nearby buildings.

====Level 5: The Ultimate Doom====
Megatron manages to find Sam and Mikaela, but before he can grab the AllSpark, Optimus arrives and engages him in a final battle. After a long and grueling fight, Megatron finally goes down. Believing his foe vanquished, Optimus turns to Sam as the human hands him the AllSpark. However, Megatron reveals himself to still be alive and leaps at the heroes. Grabbing Megatron's flail, Optimus pulls the Decepticon towards him and shoves the cube into his chest, killing him.

Later, Optimus and the other Autobots reflect on the events that have transpired. Though the AllSpark is lost, they have found themselves a new home, one which Optimus now vows to protect.

===Decepticons===

====Level 1: SOCCENT Military Base====
[[File:VGBlackoutE1M3Intro.jpg|thumb|left|"Time for a delicious, cool... what? [[Pepsi]]?!"]]

Blackout shot down an MH-53 and scanned it as his vehicle mode, and then proceeded to the [[SOCCENT Forward Operations Base]] in [[Qatar]]. At [[Starscream (Movie)/games|Starscream's]] command, he destroys the entire base.

[[File:VGBlackoutE1M4Intro.gif|thumb|"Damn it, Scorponok, that is NOT my [[Powerlinx]] plug!"]]
Some humans managed to scramble their communication vehicles, and [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] was dispatched to deal with the situation and succeeded. Meanwhile, Blackout went to destroy a communication array, hoping to steal their mainframes and data, since they contained important information about the location of the AllSpark.

Scorponok then returned to Blackout, whereupon Starscream informed that some human reinforcements were on the way to prevent their escape, but Blackout managed to destroy them all. After that, Starscream informed them that there wasn't any concrete information on the data, but a human was in possession of an artifact whose origin matched with the information they acquired. Blackout and Scorponok then leave Qatar.

====Level 2: The Hunt For Sam Witwicky====

Barricade landed in Tranquility, and scanned a Saleen S281 police car near a donut store (because cops like donuts) and got in contact with Starscream. Starscream informed him he was there to find the artifact, which happened to be a pair of glasses. and that Barricade must do it before the Autobots do.

[[File:VGBarricadeE2M2Intro.jpg|thumb|This is what is technically known as a bad idea.]]
Starscream informed Barricade that they might not be the only Transformers in the area, and ordered him to investigate. Driving around town, he was attacked by Autobot drones. After destroying all the drones in the area, Starscream told him to head to the power plant in order to find [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], who discovered interesting information about their mission. Upon arrival, Barricade encountered Sector Seven, who had captured Frenzy. Finding himself dealing with a Sector Seven SUV which could enter buildings, Barricade tore down all the nearby buildings in his search for Frenzy. However, he became trapped inside a Sector Seven SUV whose drivers used the explosions caused by the Decepticon to their advantage, escaped the building and hid inside another one without causing damage (because they're Sector Seven, they knew how to do that).

After repeating this several times, Barricade eventually cornered Frenzy's captors at the local shopping mall, destroying the entire building and killing everyone inside. After freeing Frenzy, he passed all the information that he gathered to Barricade, who then contacted Starscream with the information. Frenzy discovered that a human named Sam Witwicky was in possession of the artifact that revealed the location of Megatron.

[[File:VGBarricadeE2M4Gameplay.gif|left|thumb|This is what you'll be doing for approximately 90% of the time you're in Tranquility, so get used to it.]]
Bumblebee then showed up heading for the police station, forcing Barricade stop the Autobot in order to find Sam. This forced Bumblebee to use a shockwave attack that destroyed a huge area of town by accident every time he used it and stunned Barricade. Still, Barricade won the upper hand against Bumblebee, then chased him down to the local [[Bay Demolition]], only to be ambushed by Autobot drones who were hiding there. Barricade defeated all of them.

Barricade collected information about Sam through the databank in the police station. There, he cornered Sam with Mikaela, but when he was about to attack them, Bumblebee intervened, picked them both up and escaped to safety. Then, Bumblebee returned to engage him.

By using the same tactics from their last encounter, Barricade defeated Bumblebee. Knowing what will happen if he kept fighting, Bumblebee drove off, Barricade followed, and they battled again. Bumblebee was eventually killed. Barricade then threatened to harm the humans if Sam didn't give him the glasses. Sam then gave up the glasses and fled. Sam and Mikaela were then surrounded by Sector Seven and placed under arrest.

====Level 3: A Gathering Force ====

With the location of Megatron and the AllSpark now known, Starscream gathered the remaining Decepticons. He approached a secret human airbase to search for [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] and Brawl, but upon arriving his radar was jammed by local human communications equipment. Frenzy, who decided to speak in [[Cybertronian language|Cybertronian]] to be annoying, came in contact with Starscream to request locations to destroy. After doing that, Bonecrusher was located.

[[File:VGStarscreamE3M4Gameplay.jpg|thumb|"Brawl! You're a tank! Use your tank parts!" "I can't, I'm shy." "What?!"]]
[[File:VGStarscreamE3M3Intro.jpg|left|thumb|"None shall stand in my way!" "Your talking privileges are hereby revoked, Bonecrusher."]]
Bonecrusher had stealthily hidden himself until he was surrounded by turrets firing paralyzing electrical energy at him. Starscream, rather than reprimanding him for this idiocy, destroyed turrets and escorted him onto the runway. They found themselves surrounded by flying drones, which upon careful inspection (actually consisting of shooting down the aircraft, picking it up and then throwing it away) had actually been made using technology based on Megatron's biology. Realizing this, Starscream no doubt viewed destroying these vehicles as useful practice.

Following on from this, Brawl got the courage to move out, and Bonecrusher went to meet with him. They immediately encountered` human tanks that fires the same electricity that paralyzed Bonecrusher earlier. Starscream then went to do everything himself again, flying back and forth using everything he has to destroy the tanks and save his rather apathetic comrades from self-imposed doom. With the base destroyed and all the Decepticons united, Starscream then ordered them all to make for the rendezvous point.

Starscream and Blackout arrived at the [[Hoover Dam]] and started to destroy it, some Autobot Drones who managed to secretly follow Sam and Mikaela's kinnapers to their base tried to defend it but to no avail, as in the end, Megatron was finally free. Starscream and Blackout then bowed before their lord, who then declared they have much to do.

====Level 4: City of the Machines====

Because of everything that happened in Hoover Dam, the Autobots managed to set the humans free and they got the cube. Megatron sent his Decepticons ahead of him except for Starscream, Brawl and Bonecrusher, who would proceed to Mission City. Barricade arrived there and informed Megatron that Sam went into hiding with the AllSpark, Megatron asks him if he knows what will be at stake if he fails, but Barricade stated that it will be done.

[[File:VGBlackoutE4M3Gameplay.jpg|left|thumb|"I didn't touch anything!"]]
Jazz was protecting Sam and Mikaela when Barricade arrived. Jazz ordered both of them to get away so that he and Barricade could fight. After taking too much damage, Jazz knew that he would suffer Bumblebee's fate if he kept fighting and decided to run away.

[[File:VGMegatronE4M4Guitar.jpg|thumb|Megatron prepares to unleash his impression of [[Soundwave (Animated)|someone else]].]]
Barricade managed to catch up to Jazz and killed him, his last words being "Optimus, I tried". Megatron detected an huge energy signature coming from the city's park and ordered Scorponok to determine what it was. There, they discovered the AllSpark caused various machines to come to life. Scorponok had to kill all the [[Energon drone|Energon drones]] in the area before more were generated. After all of them were destroyed, Scorponok threatened the humans if they don't give the AllSpark to him. Sam was about to hand over the AllSpark when Ironhide intervened and ordered Sam to flee while he took care of the scorpion-esque Decepticon. Blackout was angered by this mistreatment of his pet, and vowed to give Ironhide the honor of dying by his blade.

[[File:BlackoutIronhideFightE4M4.jpg|thumb|This is what is technically known as CHEATING.]]
Ironhide used every weapon he had: every Autobot drone type except for Mixmaster and Dreadwing, and Ironhide himself used the dastardly tactic of being invincible for most of the battle, unleashing a never-ending torrent of rockets which Blackout could do nothing about whenever he approached Ironhide too closely. He only became vulnerable after all the drones in the area were destroyed. Despite this, Blackout finally killed him; Mikaela and Sam finally find Optimus to inform him of the rest of the Autobots demise, leaving Optimus alone to defend them and the Allspark as he drives off to hide Sam and Mikaela.

Megatron finally arrived in the city, where he formulated a plan to take possession of the AllSpark once and for all. This plan consisted of Megatron trying to coax Optimus out of hiding by destroying the city at random, and after destroying a huge part of it, Megatron followed a beacon sent by Prime, thinking he would fight him there, only to be ambushed by some Autobot drones. This led to Megatron destroying multiple waves drones across the city; he finally found Optimus Prime at the top of the tallest building in the city, and climbed it. When he reached the top, they both battled and fell back to the streets.

====Level 5: Day of the Machines====
[[File:TFTG Decepticon Ending Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]

Back on the ground, the final battle began. This largely consisted of Megatron attacking Prime with every melee attack he had. After some attacking, Optimus would run away while Megatron fought the drones. After the Drones were destroyed, Megatron then flew around, trying to find Optimus who was with Sam, protecting the AllSpark. Soon, Megatron found them and Sam escaped, allowing both of them to continue the battle. Starscream and Blackout each attempt to ambush Optimus but are no match for him and are quickly knocked out. Eventually, Optimus got exhausted and Megatron hit him in the head using his whip-chain with all his strength, killing him right in front of Sam. Megatron finally took the cube and absorbed it, creating a fire wave that killed everyone in the area.

Life on Earth as we know is now over. Megatron decided that the [[Atlantis, Arise!|Lincoln Memorial would make a fine throne from which to rule the world]]. All the Decepticons who were absent from the battle joined together to watch the eradication of the human race. After sitting in his new throne, Megatron sent his Decepticons to finish conquering the planet, since they were done here. Barricade thought himself suitable for the job and obliged, and promptly got up while the others watched.

==Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|nonumbering=true
|c1=
'''Playable'''
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/games|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)/games|Bumblebee]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] ([[Andrew Kishino]])

'''Non-playable'''
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Fred Tatasciore]])
|c2=
'''Playable'''
*[[Megatron (Movie)/games|Megatron]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)/games|Starscream]] ([[Daniel Ross]])
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] ([[Keith David]])
*[[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] ([[Noah Nelson]])
*[[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]]

'''Non-playable'''
*[[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]]
*[[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] ([[Daniel Riordan]])*
*[[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] ([[David Sobolov]])
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]]
|h3=Drones|c3=
*[[Dropkick (Movie)|Dropkick]]
*[[Payload (Movie)|Payload]]
*[[Scrapper (Movie)|Scrapper]]
*[[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]]
*[[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]]
*[[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]]
*[[Mixmaster (Movie)|Mixmaster]]
*[[Energon drone]]
|h4='''[[Human]]s'''|c4=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Mikaela Banes]] ([[Megan Fox]])
}}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>While Bonecrusher does not speak in the game, Riordan is credited with voicing him in the game's credits. Unused voice clips of his (and Brawl's) can be found in the game's files.

==Gameplay==
In each chapter, players control a pre-determined Autobot or Decepticon, and are placed in a small open-world area they can freely explore. All the robots can walk, run, evade, jump, transform into a vehicle and vice-versa, climb walls, block attacks and have six attack types: light ranged weapon, heavy ranged weapon, melee attack, and the abilities to grab and throw objects such as cars, lamp posts, trees, etc, use a long object like a lamp post as a sword, and to use an special attack which can only be executed when pressing the melee attack button while holding the block button.

Each of the playable characters have different statistics and properties. For example, Barricade and Bumblebee are the most evenly balanced, Starscream does higher weapon damage and lower melee damage, and Ironhide has the highest ammo capacity of any character.

===Drone Variants===
Both sides of the conflict have access to drones, and thus each side has random encounters that you will occasionally have to battle in small skirmishes. Each has their own AI and attack pattern, along with set weaknesses.

* '''Scrappers''': The grunts of this game, but not necessarily the most common. Their AI is a relatively simple one in that they just shoot a missile at you, and than charge at you and try to melee you the rest of the way. They cannot shield themselves from gunfire which makes these guys easy to destroy in hordes.
*'''Swindles''': The common mooks of this game, and the most frequently encountered not just in missions but in those small little out-of-story skirmishes. They frequently charge at you 1 missile at a time, and once in melee range they will try to punch you. They can shield themselves, but it's very uncommon, and they can easily be dispatched.
*'''Dropkicks''': The "heavy lifters" of the common drone type, they're usually seen using Swindles as cannon fodder and firing missiles at you from a distance. They are also the only drones smart enough to throw stuff at you, and autoblock attacks from all ranged weapons except for Blackout’s heavy weapon.
*'''Longarms''': The most common of the "Throw stuff at them to make them stop" types, these guys walk up to you slowly while flailing around a giant and long wire cable with a hook attached to it, knocking the poor player all over the place. Throwing cars is not advisable though, unless you are Optimus Prime, seeing as when most characters throw cars, it's thrown from above, so it will usually hit the top of the hitbox instead of hitting the Longarm drone.
*'''Payloads''': These drones charge at you headfirst, but their reckless charge means you can jump around them. Once they start looking around aimlessly, throw something at them or punch them to knock them out of the AI state. They will go back into charging phase after you land a hit, so be sure to combo them before running away. Be prepared, since they always come in pairs.
* '''Dreadwings''': Dreadwings are uncommon drones that, when encountered, will fly in and land in a ring of expanding fire that will launch you away from them. They will then have the audacity to run at you nonstop, and spam their flamethrowers. And the flamethrowers have a deceptively ''large'' range, making it hard for you as the player to throw items at them. And once you land a decent combo on them, they fly away, regain about 5% of their health, and come back at you, forcing you to repeat the same process until they are defeated.
* '''Mixmasters''': The most uncommon type of drone encountered, these guys cannot be damaged by conventional means, and require that you grab an object, throw it at them, knock them over, pick them up, and throw them at a random building or onto the floor, (or simply hit them with a thrown object if they happen to be in their cement mixer alternate mode). Their slow speed makes them relatively easy to fight though, as you can usually knock them down extremely easily, but they can easily kill an unprepared player as their missiles deal some massive damage.

===Sub Missions===
Represented by large glowing boxes containing symbols of said Sub Mission, they provide challenges for those who wanted to pay energon cubes to play a "mini-game" where the player must complete the objective before time runs out. So if you want to unlock everything, or just take a break from what's happening in the story mode? Well, good news for you; every single time you beat a Sub Mission, a new mini-game opens up, offering more energon cubes in exchange for more energon cubes and maybe the occasional bonus content.

Sub Missions come in six types:
*Hunt: Hunt down all the vehicles and destroy them. (You just chase down and destroy a bunch of cars within the time limit. It would be easier were it not for the driving).
*Scavenger: Find all the cogs within the marked area. (They're not really well hidden, and the map shows them in little green blips, so it's pretty easy).
*Attack: Defeat all the enemies. (It's very easy, mostly because this is just a challenge version of the average drone battles in the game).
*Sumo: Push all the opponents out of the ring. Careful you don't get knocked out! (It's WAY harder than it looks, mostly due in fact that Longarms just exist, and Mixmasters are the most common enemy types faced here. You heard that right, '''MIXMASTER DRONES.''').
*Race: Race to the finish line. (Every checkpoint does lower the timer, but you lose time for transforming, which happens often because the buildings are coated with a substance that makes you transform the moment you touch it. And you have to race in order to reach the checkpoints in time. Are you mad? '''''YOU WILL BE''''').
*Destruction: Destroy the place within the marked area. (This is a challenge version of the missions in the Decepticon campaign where you have to destroy the area. No wonder why this Sub Mission isn't available to play in the Autobot campaign).

===Cybertron Levels===
A "Bonus Level" set on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] is unlocked after completing all oher levels, one for each campaign. Players control Optimus Prime or Megatron, with their ability to transform disabled, and must destroy 35 drones to complete the level. Unfortunately, Cybertron's look in both levels doesn't resemble the G1 cartoon, nor the opening cinematic or the scenes from the movie.

===Unlockables===
The game includes a "Bonus Features" menu with several items to be unlocked. These unlockables can be obtained via any or all of the following methods:
*Collecting 15 glowing yellow cubes (100 hidden per level). Technically some levels do contain only 95 cubes, but when playing the level 'A Gathering Force', the player is automatically awarded 5 cubes.
:Note: One does not need to collect 15 cubes in a single level to unlock a bonus feature; the game counts total cubes found, and once 15 are collected, a bonus feature is unlocked. This explains why there are 100 cubes in each level, even though bonus features are only unlocked every 15 cubes.
*Collecting a hidden Autobot or Decepticon faction symbol, with five hidden on each level.
*Completing a chapter.
*Completing a sub mission.
*Completing a level, including the bonus Cybertron levels
*Completing a skill, including: Throw, Speed (when in land vehicle mode), Slide (when in land vehicle mode), Jump (when in land vehicle mode), Evil (for Decepticons), Heroic (for Autobots) and Destruction (for Decepticons).

The unlockable bonus features are separated into three sections:
* Bonus Movies: consisting of four commercials for the 2007 movie and the intro sequences of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'', ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'', and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' cartoons.
* Bonus Gallery: an image gallery with 158 images in total. Featuring concept art, toy box art images, models of the characters seen in game, and covers of past Transformers comics by [[Marvel Comics]], [[Dreamwave Productions]], and [[IDW Publishing]].
* G1 characters: five alternate character skins, including the following:
**Three toy-inspired "skins" can be unlocked, including [[Jazz (Movie)#Deluxe Class toys|Generation 1 Jazz]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys|Robo-Vision Optimus Prime]] (minus flames) and [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys|Generation 1 Starscream]] (minus the resculpted head).
*Similarly, one can unlock Generation 1 [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], replacing their movie counterparts with new 3D models as opposed to simple skin recolors. Optimus Prime converts into his original truck mode, but [[Transformers: Go-Bots (franchise)|fires from his fists]] rather than using his trademark [[ion blaster]]. Megatron cannot transform into his gun mode, but instead starts flying in robot mode when the "transform" button is pressed.

==Achievement list==
When completing various goals and tasks during the game, Xbox 360 players will be rewarded as part of the "Achievement" meta-goal system. Each Achievement has a Gamerscore value that adds to the player's total Gamerscore across all games played; up to 42 Achievements collectively worth 1000 Gamerscore can be earned in ''Transformers The Game''. The other versions do not feature any in-game achievements, as the game was not released on Steam and predates the implementation of the Trophy system on PlayStation 3.

{| border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=5
| '''Icon'''
| '''Achievement name'''
| '''Achievement description'''
| '''Gamerscore'''
| '''Icon'''
| '''Achievement name'''
| '''Achievement description'''
| '''Gamerscore'''
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Suburban Hero
|Bumblebee helped protect Sam in The Suburbs (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Neighbourhood Watch
|You continued your defense of The Suburbs as Jazz and Optimus Prime (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Could You Describe the Ruckus?
|Bumblebee caused a disturbance in order to escape the Hoover Dam with the AllSpark. (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Downtown Defender
|The Last Stand has been made. There's only one thing left to do… (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Look to the Stars
|Megatron and the Decepticons are finished. Earth is safe...for now… (Secret)
|50 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Sand Blaster
|The humans have much to fear. Qatar is destroyed. (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Surburban Scourge
|The Autobots fall before you. The Suburbs are done for. (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Air Traffic Destroyer
|Starscream's power knows no bounds. The airbase's defenses are obsolete. (Secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Downtown Demolisher
|The city is in ruins. There's only one thing left to do… (secret)
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Finish this Planet
|Optimus and the Autobots are but a memory. Earth is yours. (Secret)
|50 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|What Challenge?
|You have handled a challenge with ease. Complete your first Challenge sub-mission.
|10 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Suburban Hero Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in The Suburbs (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Neighborhood Watch Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in the suburbs (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|The Ruckus? Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in Inside Hoover Dam (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Downtown Defender Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in Autobot City. (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Sand Blaster Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in Qatar Desert. (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Suburban Scourge Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in The Hunt for Sam Witwicky. (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Air Traffic Destroyer Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in the Airbase. (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Downtown Demolisher Challenger
|Completed all challenge sub-missions in the Decepticon City. (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Transform and Roll Out
|You've transformed for the first time.
|10 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Robots in Disguise
|You've transformed 500 times.
|25 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Pride of Optimus Prime
|200 Decepticon Drones have met their match.
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Pride of Megatron
|200 Autobot Drones have fallen before you.
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Wrong Way!
|You're living dangerously. Ram 250 Cars.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Pride of Bumblebee
|You've scouted the world thoroughly. All the secret icons have been collected.
|60 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Shot Putter
|You've sent objects flying. Achieved full Throw Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Speed Demon
|You've really burned rubber. Achieved full Speed Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Sideways Motion
|You can handle turns with ease. Achieved full Slide Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|We Don't Need Roads
|Who needs roads when you can fly through the air? Achieved full Jump Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Root of all Evil
|You take pride in destroying your enemies. Achieved full Evil Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Pride of Ironhide
|You are the epitome of an Autobot. Achieved full Heroic Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Pride of Brawl
|Your destruction comes naturally as a Decepticon. Achieved full Destruction Skill.
|15 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Mad Skillz
|You are skilled beyond belief. Achieved all Skill items on all levels.
|40 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Batter Up
|Find a bat and make your enemy fly. (Secret)
|10 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Ring-A-Ding-Ding
|Dial up some pain for your enemy. Use the Helio phone as a weapon. (Secret)
|10 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Pit Crew
|Stop your enemy in their tracks!! Use a large tire to harm your enemy. (Secret)
|10 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|I know Kung-Fu
|You are quite skilled Grasshoppa. Perform 1000 punches. (Secret)
|30 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Weapon Systems Inactive
|Your enemy knows the might of your fist. Complete Suburbs Chapter 1 using only melee attacks. (Secret)
|20 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Land Shark
|The enemy can't hit you if they can't see you. Spend 2 minutes underground. (Secret)
|10 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Sharp Shooter
|You're destructive and efficient. Complete Airbase Chapter 3 with more than 2:30 minutes remaining. (Secret)
|40 {{gamerscore}}
|-
|[[File:Transformers The Game secret achievement.jpg]]
|Turbo? We don’t need no turbo!
|You've got a lead foot and it shows. Complete Hoover Internal Chapter 2 without using boost. (Secret)
|30 {{gamerscore}}
|[[File:Transformers The Game achievement.jpg]]
|Keeper of the AllSpark
|There is no Transformer that stands greater than you. You have achieved 100% completion.
|75 {{gamerscore}}
|}

==Cut and unused content==

Perhaps owing to a somewhat rushed development cycle, ''Transformers the Game'' has a staggering amount of beta content that did not make it into the final game. A good portion of this content has been datamined from the game's many multiplatform releases and can be found extensively listed on the ''The Cutting Room Floor''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s page for the game <ref>[https://tcrf.net/Transformers:_The_Game_(Windows) Transformers: The Game (Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii)] on ''The Cutting Room Floor''</ref>, but down below we'll only list some of the more interesting examples (as well as a few others not featured on TCRF as a result of being discovered from other sources beyond datamining). Writer [[Flint Dille]] said that most of his work for the project did not end up in the game. <ref>{{citesocial|quote=I did have a one brief foray, two actually, for the first Michael Bay Transformer game. That most of what I did ended up on, you know, not in the game. Because the game got stunted.|link=https://youtu.be/nS-7a3jIBGc?si=riXqYL_k7mmCF4tK|name=Flint Dille|site=YouTube|year=2019|month=11|day=19}}</ref>

===Levels===
[[File:HooverExt-TransformersTheGame.jpg|thumb|250px|If you saw this video as a kid and couldn't find this place in-game, then you know the pain — especially when Tim from school kept lying about this being a secret level screw you Tim I want my Legends Class Optimus Prime back and -]]
*An entire level set in the exterior of Hoover Dam was to be featured in both campaigns, internally named HOOVEREXT for the Autobots and HOOVERDAM for the Decepticons. It was first discovered through surviving text strings assigned to a nonexistent level with the aforementioned name, describing a Decepticon attack culminating in a fight against Bonecrusher for the Autobots and the resurrection of Megatron for the Decepticons, corresponding with the order of events shown in the film. This was further corroborated by multiple making-of featurettes, where footage of an earlier beta build of the game shows what clearly is an exterior map of Hoover Dam that isn't featured anywhere in the actual retail release.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I97UImtAQ6g</ref> For a while, these appeared to be the only surviving remains of Hooverext, leading the small but dedicated modding community for the game to speculate that whatever was left of the map would never get to see the light of day - that is, until TT Games founder Jon Burton streamed a look at two prototype builds featuring the fabled level on his GameHut YouTube channel.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5d9G0SQw_8</ref> This reinvigorated the interest of modders, which until now had primarily worked on the PC version of the game, and led to the idea of instead datamining the console releases. Finally, only a couple of weeks later, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE01Os_O76c the entire level was surprisingly discovered lurking in the Wii version all along!] In another note, the entire playable level was also discovered on the PS3 version, but it has two versions, a default one for Hi-Res with broken mountains, and a Low-Res version, which is a copy of the Xbox 360 prototype version of the level for some reason. Both levels suffer from their programming being from an outdated version of the engine, which makes these levels from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rg3YJeqWLM easy to straight up unplayable.]
**There are also [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M83Dwx-AGQY two] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTxxmOckjFg cutscenes] surviving from the deleted stage (with one of them being briefly featured in one of the aforementioned making-of videos), as well as multiple strings of dialogues for the Chapters in the Level. <ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDm710zwUxg</ref>
***The final retail version includes the dam in a pre-rendered cutscene at the end of Mission 3 on both campaigns. This uses the once playable map as a basis, similarly to how most other FMVs in the game were rendered using pre-existing maps as background.
**On a complimentary note, both the [[Transformers The Game (PSP)|Playstation Portable]] and [[Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Nintendo DS]] versions of the game feature levels set in the exterior of Hoover Dam, making the removal of this one an interesting oddity.
**There are unused voicelines relating to the HooverExt missions by Optimus Prime on the PS3 version of the original game.
*There are also other unused <s> Tranquility </s> levels in this game, such as BLACKOUTTRANQUILITY, TESTTRANQUILITY, AUTOBONUS1, CVIEW, and STARTSCREEN. CVIEW and STARTSCREEN are thought to be the character model viewer and the early version of the start screen, but only have one file and that is their LEVEL.CFG, making them completely unplayable. The other levels, however, are playable. BLACKOUTTRANQUILITY doesn't have accessible missions, but the SPLINE.DAT reveals that the level has early data of The Hunt for Sam Witwicky level. TESTTRANQUILITY is a test level used for testing the various AI of each of the characters and submissions. AUTOBONUS1 was possibly going to be a bonus level unlockable after completing the Autobot campaign, in which you collect and throw 10 dounts. The counter is broken, so that means if you do what the level wants you to do, the level doesn't end, and you'll be stuck until you exit the level or the timer runs out.
*As seen in the aforementioned GameHut livestream, other levels also suffered substantial alterations between their early builds and the final retail version. Whereas some locations like Tranquility and Mission City remain pretty much identical in alphas dating back as far as November 2006, others like the interior of Hoover Dam and the bonus Cybertron levels were entirely redesigned from the ground up. The former featured a tighter, somewhat more movie-accurate look and layout that ended up being discarded in favor of the wider industrial area seen in the final game, whereas the latter was a surprisingly massive map directly based on artwork from the brief flashback sequence in the film.
[[File:TFTG_Unused_City_BurgerKing_Megatron.jpg|250px|thumb|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxhjAiP9hk8 "Yeah, a whopper. No cheese, no onions."]]]
*If you play with the High-Res city files on Low-Res mode on PC, a weird early and unfinished city appears when you load into the level. It features cut [[Pepsi]] signs and even a [[Burger King]] replacing Chip Chase's!

===Character models===
[[File:TFTG_Unused_EvilBumblebee.jpg|thumb]]
*Ratchet, despite never appearing in both campaigns, has high res and low res models for both his robot and vehicle mode, but only 3 animations are left over for him, rendering him basically unplayable. Thankfully, a [https://youtu.be/JYAE95tlw6c?si=puChs-q6S_aivAt5 mod] exists that does make him playable.
*A strange retexture of Bumblebee in the classic Camaro form that replaces most of his distinctive yellow with a muddy dark red, oddly titled as "evilbumblebee" in the game files. We have no idea how it got there or what its purpose was, though it does sound heavily exploitable for a creepypasta if anyone's interested in writing one.
*A variant of the [[Payload (Movie)|Payload]] drone crudely textured with a shoddily compressed [[Pepsi]] livery, most likely cut early in development.
*On the PS3 version, there are also ''A LOT'' of unused character files and folders, including Bumblebee_BCK, an early version of the Hi-Res Bumblebee model with it's own animations. This was primarily seen in promotional screenshots of the game.

===Weapons and abilities===
*An unused version of Optimus Prime's gun with animations, based on concept art, which can be restored with easy modding. A picture of Optimus with this gun out can be seen on the back of the packaging for the game. Oops.
*There are tons of unused dialogue on all versions, with the most notable being the PS3 version, with prototype grunt sounds, Optimus saying you've won a mission or lost voiced by [[Peter Cullen]] himself, and alternate takes of all of Ironhide's lines.
*There are unused special abilities in the game's files, with most of them based on concept art, including:
**A reel in ability for the Longarm Drones, being able to reel the player in with their hook and attack them.
**A special shield ability for the Mixmaster Drones, being able to ricochet shots to the player and having a more powerful counter attack.
**An electrocute ability for the Scrapper Drones, being able to jump on the player and electrocute them.
**A pickup ability for the Dropkick Drones, being able to pick up and throw the player while standing.
**A healing ability possibly meant for Ratchet, being able to heal the player.
**An unknown "SapEnergy" ability with no mention of it anywhere other than the combat script file, leaving it a mystery as to how it would work or who would use it. A common theory is that it was intended to be used by Ratchet to damage enemies in the Decepticon campaign.

===Sound===
*Two orchestral tracks, "mx_city_barricade_1" and "mx_city_skorponok_1", were cut from the final Mission City chapters. Both are still available in full as .wav files.
*Some of the music tracks in the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' videogame]] have their in-game files labelled with the prefix "mx_hoover_ext", suggesting that they might have been directly re-purposed from the previously-mentioned extinct exterior Hoover Dam level from ''Transformers The Game''. <ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhaoVtEPfO0</ref>
*There are also some unused SFX files, such as splashing into water.

===Others===
[[File:CONTROLLERSCREEN SKORPONOK PC.jpg|220px|thumb]]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkwobdKzzQA&list=PL3XAX4htSEIU01KK49biOAMbXCFLWEJO6&index=80 There are a few debug options leftover in all versions of the game.]
*Seven cutscenes (one for '''More Than Meets The Eye''', one for '''Inside Hoover Dam''', one for '''The Ultimate Doom''', and four for '''A Gathering Force'''.) were cut from the final release. All of these can be found on Youtube. <ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKD7jCplFNo</ref>
*A cut controller screen for Scorponok exists on all platforms with their respective console controllers. Controller screens are used for loading into a level, so maybe there was a cut Scorponok level? We'll let this wiki decide.
*There are multiple unused VFX listings in the files, but almost none of them exist, such as a VFX listing for a Grenade.
*A buttload of unused animations. Brawl, Bonecrusher, Blackout, Optimus, Megatron, and Starscream all have downed animations, but none for being picked up. Starscream has a scrapped climbing animation, and Brawl, Bonecrusher, and most of the drones have unused object-grabbing animations.

==Release==
===Versions===
[[File:TransformersTheGame 2007 consolecovers.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|One of these things is not like the others...]]
*'''PlayStation 2'''
**The PS2 version is the highest-reviewed, despite limitations on draw distance, physics and damage persistence. In this version, Blackout, Starscream and Barricade start missions 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Decepticon campaign in their altmodes, while for some reason the PS3 version has them start as robots. Reviews noted it suffers from fewer frame rate issues than other versions.
*'''Nintendo Wii'''
**The Wii version is very similar to the PS2 version, with the addition of motion-sensor gimmicks that [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/transformersthegame?q=transformers reviewers were resoundingly unimpressed by].
*'''Xbox 360'''
**The 360 version featured improved graphics, more persistent environmental damage, and more physics objects, including ridiculous clouds of rubble that eject themselves from buildings if you so much as look at them funny. The latter is generally annoying, since they get in the way when driving.
**The 360 version, as might be expected, also features Achievements, though calling them that is somewhat of an exaggeration. There's one for pressing the "transform" button once. This version suffers less from frame rate issues and has better lighting than the PS3 version.
**It was also available in a limited "Cybertron Edition" that featured exclusive packaging art, a "Making Of" DVD, a code to unlock the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] bonus levels early, and [[Movie Prequel issue 1|issue 1 of the ''Transformers'' movie prequel comic]] by [[Simon Furman]], [[Don Figueroa]] and [[Josh Burcham]]. It was exclusive to Gamestop/EB stores.
**For 500 Microsoft points, players can download an add-on that unlocks everything in the game. While this does not disable Achievements like the cheat codes do, a message that reads ''"This item has been unlocked by a downloadable content pack"'' appears below any bonus features that have not been earned through gameplay.
*'''PlayStation 3'''
**The PS3, like the 360 version, featured the same improved graphics, environmental damage, and extra physics objects. The same flaws, however, still apply to how the environmental damage and physics objects interact with the player. Oops.
**The PS3 version suffers from more frame rate issues than the 360 version, typical of lazy porting. For some reason, this includes frame rate issues in the FMV cinematics when the console itself ''isn't doing anything''.
**SixAxis motion control is also added for Decepticons with aircraft altmodes ([[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]], [[Starscream (Movie)/games|Starscream]] and [[Megatron (Movie)/games|Megatron]]). It's disabled by default.
*'''PC DVD-ROM'''
**The PC version is exactly like the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions. It, however, does not feature the same exclusive flaws or bonuses of either console version. The physics are still crazy, though. The loading screens replaces the instructions of how to play with images from the opening and cinematics and allow players to setup the controller the way it so chooses.
**High-Detail mode on PC suffers from a multitude of issues. The projectile models are missing on PC for High-Detail, meaning you'll be shooting nothing but special effects. High-Detail Airbase suffers from broken road textures, rendering most of the roads in pitch black. None of these issues are present on PS3/360.

==Differences between the Game and Movie==

[[File:VG-E3Allspark.jpg|thumb|The Quarterspark.]]
*Almost all plotlines relating to humans have been removed; the game has nothing involving [[William Lennox|soldiers]] (replaced by communication trucks, helicopters and tanks), [[Seymour Simmons|agents]] (replaced by [[Landmine (Movie)|Buggies]] and [[Stockade (Movie)|SUVs]]), or [[Glen Whitmann|comic relief]] (replaced by the cutscenes). Even Sam has barely any role beyond "holder of the MacGuffins."
*Video game Bumblebee breaks free inside Hoover Dam and has to deactivate a silly laser grid to get to the AllSpark. Sam turns up at the end of the mission just in time to leave.
*The game's AllSpark is tiny, only four or five times taller than Bumblebee, unlike the movie's city block-sized cube. It's housed in the same room as Megatron. Whoever wanted things to be this way could be asking for the end of the world!
*In the Autobot Campaign, Barricade is present at the Mission City battle. Same for Scorponok in the Decepticon Campaign.
*Autobot Campaign: Brawl is killed by Ironhide after the former killed Jazz. In the movie, he is killed by Bumblebee.
*Autobot Campaign: Brawl kills Jazz after the latter kills Blackout and Starscream. In the Decepticon campaign, Barricade kills him. Either way, Megatron doesn't.
*Autobot Campaign: Blackout is killed by Jazz. In the movie, he is killed by [[William Lennox|Lennox]].
*Autobot Campaign: Starscream and Barricade are killed. In the movie, they both survive.
*Frenzy has [[FIRRIB|red eyes]]!
*Shockwave makes an appearance!
*Autobot Campaign: Optimus, rather than Sam, kills Megatron with the AllSpark.
*Decepticon Campaign: Shoving the All Spark cube into his ''own'' chest does not kill Megatron.
*Decepticon Campaign: [[The Agenda (Part III)|The Autobots lose! Evil triumphs!]]

==Technical errors and oddities==

===Glitches===
*The PS2 version sometimes features a bizarre error; in the opening cinematic to Barricade's first mission in Mission City, after Jazz's door slams there is no further post-recording sound work. This means Barricade's voice is completely unaltered. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h3KWLGt5-w He sounds like Sideshow Bob]. The Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360 versions have the effects added correctly.
*In the final Chapter of "A Gathering Force", it's just this side of entirely possible to be ''too good'' at it. If the final set of gun turrets facing Bonecrusher is destroyed too fast, he'll reach the last checkpoint before Brawl does and transform. Unfortunately, the turrets' ability to actually take damage is pretexted on ''Brawl'' transforming, so all you can do is stand around waiting for Bonecrusher to drop dead. Bonecrusher hates poor bug testing.
*The Dreadwing AI doesn't properly turn off when activating a Chapter during Mission 3, but thankfully the drone will despawn once you actually start the mission. <s>Doesn't stop them from being pesky and persistent motherfragging pains in the aft. </s>
**To make Dreadwings even more annoying, someone didn't do a proper bug test, so the Spawn variable for Dreadwings is active '''AT ALL TIMES''' during "A Gathering Force". This means that a Dreadwing is able to spawn ANYWHERE, during ANY CHAPTER if you even so much as decide to land and walk around in robot mode. Oh yeah, you heard us right. Dreadwings can spawn during the BRAWL AND BONECRUSHER ESCORT CHAPTERS. WHERE YOU ARE REQUIRED TO BE IN ROBOT MODE TO DESTROY THOSE ELECTRICITY TURRETS. '''''ARGH.'''''
*Barricade's shield attack's hitbox extends beyond his arm for some reason.
* In a rather '''frustrating''' case of poor bug testing for all of the main consoles, any drone encountered in Mission City will cause you ''HOURS'' upon '''HOURS''' of Frustration. There are many spots and even frame perfect PIXELS on buildings that do not have collision hitboxes, which means if a drone is in free-fall (you throwing them, or slapping them with a heavy enough object during which their Hitboxes move at a rate that can allow their hitbox to warp past those of other larger hitboxes simply because that's what they were programmed to do) they WILL get stuck in the buildings if their collison hitboxes end up stuck behind those of the collision hitboxes of buildings. Which means you have to memorize which buildings in Mission city don't have those missing collision hitboxes, because if you don't you'll end up having to reset the entire level, all because a single Payload or Longarm got stuck behind a building. This coincidentally includes a MAJORITY of the buildings during the Ironhide fight in Mission Park, and all of the buildings in the far corner map where Megatron has to fight Payloads and Longarms. <s> Many controllers have been lost. Let their noble cause be remembered. </s>
* As a rather weird side-effect of the game's Physics engine, nitro-boosting at a certain angle as Bumblebee or Jazz over the destructible bridge portions of the Mission City Train System will cause the Vehicle Mode to get launched straight into the stratosphere.
*Because the end of mission "mission complete" screens follow straight on from the game play, some very strange things can happen in them. A good example is the above mission; if Scorponok ends the mission firing at the ground in front of the statue at one end of the park, the "mission complete" screen will show ''his own bullets hitting him''. (The same thing can happen anywhere in the game.)

===Developer oversights===
*In the second chapter of "The Suburbs", Swindle drones are ''walking down the street'' to Sam's house. '''WHY''' they even bother to have altmodes is not clear.
*The final Autobot mission in Hoover Dam's depiction of the defrosting Megatron is all kinds of screwy:
**Before the mission is triggered, he's shown covered in a layer of ice.
**In the pre-mission cutscene, there's suddenly not a hint of ice on him at all. When Bumblebee walks near him, his head turns to look at the Autobot, despite the fact he's supposed to be frozen and immobile.
**As the mission starts, he's encased in ice again, save his left arm which is shifted to the left (his left) of the section of ice that should be around it, which is just kind of hanging there.
**When the cutscene plays during the mission, Megatron breaks the ice surrounding his left arm, and there's clearly none on his face.
**When gameplay resumes, there's ice on his face again.
**In the end of mission cutscene, he's suddenly defrosted right down to his hips.
**[[B.O.T. (episode)|Argh.]]
* Regarding the Battle logistics for the Autobots...
** Despite the fact that the Human military is allied with the autobots at this current moment in time, they'll still attack the autobots even though the decepticons are the ones causing all the damage to everything.
** Despite the fact you can destroy the building Bumblebee is stuck in... he'll still be stuck in there somehow.
** During the cutscene, Starscream uses his regular Jet-mode missiles, but in the actual game he uses some form of super-explosive missiles. Michael Bay must've had a say in that.
** In that same mission, when Blackout joins in the cutscene, he fires his bot-mode missiles instead of the usual rapid fire missiles that he has in Helicopter mode.
**When the game cuts back to the action, Blackout is firing his Rapid Fire missiles.
*Regarding Time for the Autobots...
** When Starscream starts desecrating buildings, the time is morning.
** When Jazz confronts Starscream the sun is setting...
** Midway through the fight, Starscream is "damaged" but it's now Noon.
** At the end of the mission Brawl shows up and it's Sunset again.
** When Ironhide confronts Brawl, it's sunset, but by the time Ironhide kills Brawl it's Noon again.
** Bumblebee drives off to confront Barricade at Noon. He faces off against Barricade at Sunset.
**Midway through the fight, Bumblebee knocks Barricade into a bus, and it's noon again. It stays this way for a while (Thankfully.)
**Bumblebee defeats Barricade by Sunset. Than Megatron shows up, and Megatron and Optimus fight at Sunset. In the final mission, it's still noon.
**It goes back to sunset when Optimus defeats Megatron.
** Regarding the Decepticons...
** Bonecrusher, Brawl, and Starscream are completely absent from the fight.
** Jazz is seen transporting Sam and Mikaela, but Sam doesn't have the Allspark. Barricade must really hate fleshlings.
**When Barricade confronts Jazz it's Sunset.
** When Barricade knocks down Jazz, it's Noon.
** When Barricade kills Jazz... you should already know at this point.
**'''[[B.O.T. (episode)|Argh.]]'''
*After the last mission of Chapter 3, a cutscene will trigger of Blackout and Starscream trashing Hoover Dam, Blackout tosses a gas tank at three defending Autobots who seem to be red Swindles... Which is the color of the Decepticon Swindle drones, not their Autobot variants.
**This cutscene in the Autobot Campaign is also the only time in the game where drones aligned with the player's faction are seen. This could be an oversight from recycling footage.
**Also, they appear to be shooting from their ''fingers''.
*The opening infographic of "City of the Machines" states that Bumblebee has escaped to the city with the Allspark. Of course Bumblebee was already killed in "The Hunt for Sam Witwicky", and likewise isn't seen for the rest of the game with Jazz now transporting Sam and Mikaela. This is referring to the Bumblebee fight that would've taken place in the scrapped "Megatron, Arise!" level, where Bumblebee is probably dead ''for good''. Since the level was scrapped, this is likely an oversight the developers forgot to correct.
*In Decepticon Chapter 4, mission 2's intro cinematic has Scorponok firing from a Gatling gun in his tail. This weapon doesn't exist (although he can use it for melee attacks).
*Starscream was probably the most unfinished character in the entire game. His normal fall animation doesn't occur in the game properly, which means if he falls after he jumps, he'll still be in his jump animation unlike everyone else in the game. The animation can only trigger when falling from a building. On top of that, he doesn't use his Playerland animation at all, meaning that if you get in a Dreadwing drone's landing radius and get knocked away fall, he won't roll back up like everyone else, and will just stand there waiting for him to get back up.
*Before the final battle in the Autobot campaign, Energon drones are ''just lying around on the street'' waiting to be brought to life by the AllSpark.
*Scorponok is the only playable character that can't jump, climb or pick up debris. This means that there are several Decepticon insignias and glowing yellow cubes that are unattainable when playing as him.
*In the opening cinematic for Blackout, the entire army personnel fires at him, without any consequence whatsoever. However, when playing as any character in Tranquility or Mission City, police officers with standard pistols can damage you.
*In Chapter 2, Mission 2 of the Autobots campaign, a cutscene has a Dropkick and Swindle drone tossing Jazz next to a house. As they are about to finish him off, Ironhide attacks the two drones by slamming into them in vehicle mode. When he transforms, the drones just magically disappear.
*Speaking of cutscene oddities, Blackout is sand colored during the SOCCENT cutscenes, but during gameplay he is [[Grindor (ROTF)|light gray]].
**Even more so, in the initial cutscene of Plight of the Bumblebee, as Barricade scans the humans, Mikaela is misspelled as "Mikela".
*In the final chapter of City of the Machines right before reaching the tallest building in Mission City, Megatron speaks in Starscream's voice due to a programming error.
*There are many size errors revolving around Bonecrusher and Brawl. During ''Sinister Saviour'' and ''Warpath'', they are shown to be about the same height as Starscream (31 ft), while during the opening cutscene of ''Fireworks'', Bonecrusher is half his size and during ''For The Fallen'' Brawl is the same height as Ironhide (22 ft).
*Optimus Prime has color issues between his truck and robot modes, such as the cab's roof: In robot mode it's red, while in vehicle mode it's blue with red flames. Robo-vision Optimus's truck mode's front half is red and back half is blue, but the back half (Sleeper and back fenders) forms his back and part of his arms, which are '''[[FIRRIB|red]]''', while the front fenders form his ankles, which are '''blue'''.
*The Decepticon Cybertron level actually has no music or ambience coded to play. The game defaults to playing the main menu theme.

===Other oddities and quirks===
[[File:TFTG city tint on & off.jpg|thumb|Wouldn't be a 2000s game without the old piss filter ''(Left: Brightness filter on / Right: Brightness filter off)'']]
*For whatever reason, Bonecrusher is immortal when you play as him.
* You cannot destroy the top halves of buildings, but the bottom halves of the buildings are susceptible to all sorts of damage.
** Alongside that, you can climb on thin air.
*Transformer Protoforms have to [[Scanning|scan]] their altmodes after landing as per the movie; however, drones have an Earth vehicle altmode the instant they land; presumably, so does Shockwave, since Tranquility is a little light on purple Apaches or purple howitzers.
*Curiously, there is an added brightness layer with a green-ish tint on all of the city levels. It's not noticeable on PS2 or Wii, but it's very noticeable on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC, and requires modding to be disabled.
*The residents of Tranquility are apparently capable of rebuilding a power station's gas tank farm within less than an hour, then rebuilding the entire tank farm and three of the chimneys ''again'' within less than six.
*Autobots still have the "Destruction" unlock gauge appear, but it crosses out faction symbols rather than having them appear. If it's filled, a large red X goes to the left side of the screen instead of a faction symbol; however, whether by accident or design, this doesn't actually do ''anything'', and the Autobots are free to be as destructive as the Decepticons. It doesn't help that this gauge is filled by causing damage to ''any'' scenery and has to be maxed out multiple times while destroying, for example, the clamps that hold the All Spark.
*Other cars are like cardboard. Jazz can ram into a truck, and it will go ''flying in the air''. However, Bumblebee, who should be much heavier doesn't knock them over with such ease. The same can be said about drones and Bot alt-modes. Ironhide, Jazz, or any other character in game can ram into any alt-mode and send them flying. Although you yourself will fly too.
*Guns are often useless in this game. Any drone beyond a Swindle drone will shield themselves from your gunfire, and anything that can be shot at can be destroyed five times faster if you punch it, throw something at it or whack it with a random piece of debris.
** This makes playing as Ironhide a little more difficult, as Ironhide has a 50% ''chance'' to replace the last melee hit with a cannon shot.
*** Doesn't make it better that when a projectile hits a barrier or shield, it will reflect and '''can deal damage to you!''' ''Great.''
*Starscream sounds a lot like {{w|Grover}}.
*Since ''Generation 1'' Optimus Prime is a skin of Optimus Prime, many would think ''Generation 1'' Megatron would be a skin of Megatron with his attributes. Instead, he has Optimus Prime's attributes, featuring his moves, weapons, and even features a blue Autobot shield instead of a red Decepticon one, making him more like an Optimus Prime who can fly. Weird.
*Jazz’s High-Res model suffers from misplaced textures, which can make his armor look broken. This is most apparent in cutscenes where he doesn’t speak. Strangely, G1 Jazz doesn’t suffer from this.
*Starscream is programmed not to climb, possibly because the buildings in his level are short enough to get on top of. Because of this, his climbing animations go unused.
*During cutscenes where the respective character doesn't speak, they will be modelled using their highly detailed PS3/Xbox 360/PC version. In cutscenes where they do, some characters will use their low resolution Wii/PS2 counterparts. This is most notable with Ironhide's realistic model oddly being blue and having a visible mouth instead of the faceplate of the Low-Res counterpart, and Starscream.
{{--}}

==Toys inspired by this game==
===Direct game tie-ins===
A first for ''Transformers'' videogames, a handful of toys would be released [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|under the 2007 movie toyline]] as direct tie-ins to ''Transformers The Game'', with the packaging featuring a label above the toys that describes them "''As seen in the TRANSFORMERS Video-Game''" (or its equivalent in [[Multilingual packaging|multilingual versions]]). This small [[subline imprint]] consisted of five unique molds, all based around the enemy drone characters for the videogame.

{|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Deluxe Class'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Swindle (Movie)#Toys|Swindle]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dreadwing (Movie)#Toys|Dreadwing]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Longarm (Movie)#Toys|Longarm]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Payload (Movie)#Toys|Payload]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dropkick (Movie)#Toys|Dropkick]]}}
|
|width="100%" valign="top"|[[File:Movie_Deluxe_Swindle_toy1.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Deluxe Swindle]]
|}

===Other figures===
A few other figures in the 2007 toyline are also de facto game tie-ins despite not being marketed with the aforementioned "''As seen in the TRANSFORMERS Video-Game''" subline imprint. These include Robo-Vision Optimus Prime and the Generation 1 redecos of Jazz and Starscream, all of which, as mentioned, are special unlockable skins in ''Transformers The Game''. A pair of redecos for the aforementioned drone molds - released under the 2008 ''[[AllSpark Power]]'' subline imprint - are also seemingly inspired by the opposing factions' versions of their respective units.

{|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Deluxe Class'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Jazz (Movie)#TargetG1|Autobot Jazz (G1 deco)]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Salvage (Movie)#Toys|Salvage]] (Inspired by the Autobot Dropkick unit)}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Overcast (Movie)#Toys|Overcast]] (Inspired by the Autobot Dreadwing unit)}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Voyager Class'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Robovision|Robo-Vision Optimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (Movie)/toys#TargetG1|Starscream (G1 deco)]]}}
|
|width="100%" valign="top"|[[File:Movie G1Jazz toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Deluxe Autobot Jazz with G1 deco]]
|}

Beyond the 2007 toyline, [[Dirt Boss (ROTF)|Dirt Boss]] from the [[2009]] ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'' line-up would also feature a design distinctively based on the Scrapper drone. He would later be repainted into orange as [[Deadlift]], making the similarities between the two designs all the more evident.

==Reception==

The game's Metacritic scores [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/transformersthegame?q=transformers hover] [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/transformersthegame?q=transformers around] [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/transformersthegame?q=transformers fifty-five] [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/transformersthegame?q=transformers percent]. It was criticised for poor driving controls, blocky graphics, repetitive missions and dull combat but generally praised by the random destruction.

==Notes==
*''Transformers The Game'' is one of only two Activision-published ''Transformers'' games, alongside ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (console)|Rise of the Dark Spark]]'', to be released in Japan, albeit only on PS3, PS2, and Wii.
*The Autobots and Decepticons ''really'' like transforming into robots. Optimus likes it so much, he jumps thirty feet into the air every time he does it.
* Some of the transformation animations seem to be based on their contemporary mainline toys. For example, Bumblebee's arms are formed from his car roof like his deluxe class 2008 Camaro toy, and Optimus's arms flip out from his truck cabin while his legs are formed from his truck nose (despite being the opposite in the movies) like his leader class toy.
*It's assumed that both sides of the conflict are cannibals, seeing as how killing a Cybertronian opponent somehow replenishes your health.
*Rather than do the sane thing and pan away, we get to watch a robot-mode protoform Bumblebee and Barricade grow kibble after scanning their respective car modes. This looks roughly twice as ridiculous as what you're currently imagining.
*Punching your enemies in the face repeatedly is "heroic" when Autobots do it, but "evil" when Decepticons do it. Sounds like a double standard!
*Blackout is [[Show-accuracy|toy accurate]] in the game, in that his main rotor is his melee weapon, rather than his tail rotor as in the movie.
*Tranquility features a large number of Generation 1 references, with adverts for "[[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s Hotdogs," "[[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]]'s Fish and Chips," a [[Tranquility Mall|local mall]] called "[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]" and a fast food restaurant named "[[Chip Chase|Chip Chase's]]". As a more recent reference, there is also a building site belonging to "[[Bay Demolition]]". There is also a place called [[Frank Welker|Frank]] & [[Peter Cullen|Peter]]'s cafe.
*One Autobot isn't explicitly killed in the Decepticon campaign: Ratchet (who does die in the [[Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|DS Version]]). Three Decepticons aren't killed in the Autobot campaign: Bonecrusher, Scorponok and Frenzy. The only character who dies in ''both'' campaigns is, unsurprisingly enough, Jazz.(Though Blackout isn't present in the final Decepticon cutscene after he was last being punched out by Optimus Prime, making his status uncertain) Even when every other bit of movie canon is thrown out the window, he ''still'' can't make it out alive.
*Jazz's last words of 'Optimus... I tried' are the same as in the DS version.
*Bumblebee uses some kind of [[axe (weapon)|axe]] when he fights with a three-punch combo, probably referencing one of his earlier concept designs.
*Jazz's special attack is a sword, which he had in early concept art and his Deluxe Class toy.
*Ratchet, Bonecrusher, Brawl, and Frenzy aren't playable. However, Ratchet has a model and lacking necessary animations to make him fully playable. It's possible that, had he made it into the final game, he would've been just a health dispenser.
*Throwing vehicles at buildings barely puts a dent in the structure. Instead of making a hole or even damaging it at all, cars and trucks thrown at buildings bounce off the building and often hit you instead.
*G1 Megatron flies rather than turning into a gun.
*Movie Megatron has the largest hitbox of any transformer in the game, which unfortunately makes it so that his hitbox extends outside his shield.
*If you stand in front of a building, you automatically start climbing it. If you idle while doing this as Blackout, they will scratch their butt. Optimus looks like he's doing the same, but he's just shaking his arm.
*In Mission City, there's a giant guitar on a building. If you grab it as Bumblebee or Barricade, it looks like they're playing it.
*Dreadwings are an absolute nightmare. Did we ever tell you how much we hate Dreadwings in this game?

==External links==

*[http://www.transformersgame.com Official website for Transformers: The Game]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Movie video games]]

Transformers (Armada PS2)

2026-02-25T15:12:59Z

Chase eX: /* Impressions and sales */

{{disambig3.5|the English PlayStation 2 game based on ''Armada''|the Japanese PlayStation 2 game based on G1|The Transformers (G1 PS2)|Transformers}}
{{Nav-armada}}
{{videogame
|title=''Transformers''
|image=TF atari.jpg
|caption=[[The Transformers (G1 PS2)|That's]] not a game. ''[shhhhhlink]'' '''This''' is a game!
|developer=[[Melbourne House]]
|publisher=[[Atari, Inc.|Atari]]
|date=[[May 7]], 2004 (EU) [[May 11]], 2004 (NA) 2004 (KR)
|platform=PlayStation 2
|ratings=ESRB: T
|credits=Transformers (Armada PS2)/credits
}}
'''''Transformers''''' is a 2004 video game for the [[PlayStation|PlayStation 2]], developed by [[Melbourne House]] and published by [[Atari, Inc.|Atari]]. It is based on the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' series, though it does not follow any pre-established storyline. The game features three Autobots traveling around the Earth to retrieve the missing Mini-Cons before the Decepticons. In September 2005, Atari released a "Director's Cut" of the game exclusively in the UK, which was identical aside from the inclusion of a bonus DVD containing a "Making Of Documentary".

==Plot==
Millions of years ago, the [[Mini-Con]]s fled [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and crash landed on ancient [[Earth]], going into stasis all around the planet. In the present, the [[Decepticon]]s have conquered nearly all of Cybertron thanks to their [[Decepticlone]] army. As they overtake [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], only [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] stand in their way. Optimus and [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] face off on a building until they are interrupted by the Mini-Con distress beacon. Both sides head off to Earth to recover the Mini-Cons.

[[File:Transformers_2004_Video_Game_Fullspeed_Released.jpg|thumb|left|"Finally, the egg cracks open!"]]
From their headquarters, the Autobots head out one-at-a-time through their space bridge to the different regions around Earth, beginning with the [[Amazon]]. After collecting Mini-Cons scattered around the region and fighting through Decepticlone patrols, they are confronted by [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] in some ruins at the top of a mountain. Cyclonus declares Earth to now be Decepticon property and leaves one of the Decepticlone Heavy Units to attack them. After destroying the Heavy Unit, the Autobots reunite and discover the Mini-Cons [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]], and [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]], who send out a call to the other Mini-Cons on Earth. The three Mini-Cons then partner up with the Autobots.

Following the signal, the Autobots then head to [[Antarctica]]. After making their way through an icy canyon, they come to a large open glacial area. While collecting Mini-Cons and avoiding Decepticlone Sentry Drones, they follow smoke to a human plane that had been shot down. They then make their way to a nearby research facility where a Mini-Con has been discovered and engage the numerous enemy guards. [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] then erupts from the facility in a massive explosion and attacks the Autobot, both with his sword and his jet mode. After defeating Starscream, Optimus orders the Autobots back to the Amazon to stop Cyclonus, unaware that Starscream still functions.

In a deeper part of the Amazon, the Autobots make their way through the terrain and many Decepticlone enemies, including Guerilla Units, Artillery Units, Sentries, and Turrets. They make their way into and through a large ancient pyramid and, after reaching the base, take an elevator to the very top, where they are attacked by Cyclonus in his helicopter mode. After being defeated, Cyclonus crashes into the pyramid and explodes, while the Autobots observe the enemy Dropships flying away towards the [[Atlantic Ocean]].

[[File:Transformers_2004_Tidal_Wave.jpg|thumb|Your biggest nightmare... literally.]]
The Dropships arrive at [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], in his massive warship mode, in the Mid-Atlantic. The Autobots make their way across multiple small islands and gain the ability to glide after finding the Mini-Con [[Slipstream (Armada)|Slipstream]]. After fighting Jet Snipers and making it to a high enough island, the Autobot glides onto the warship, avoiding missile fire from its turrets. After fighting the many Decpticlone units on board and finding a way into the ship, they make their way to the warship's control room and learn that its destination is [[Alaska]]. It is then that Tidal Wave transforms from his warship form to his massive, towering robot form. Due to his massive size and heavily armored body, the only spot the Autobots are capable of wounding him is his head. After sustaining enough damage, Tidal Wave's internal systems begin to explode and he collapses into the ocean.

[[File:Transformers_2004_Unicron_Core.jpg‎|thumb|left|So, this is what a planet-eater's stomach looks like.]]
The Autobots then head to Alaska, believing it to be the location of Megatron's base, and make their way through a large mountainous region. They use a cave system to travel through one of the mountains and up to higher ground. Starscream, piloting a starship, purposely crashes the ship in an attempt to crush the Autobot. The ship ends up on a steep cliff and the Autobots infiltrate it. After making their way through the ship and battling through its Decepticlone crew, they confront Starscream on the bridge. The scuffle causes the cliff edge to be destroyed and the ship is sent plunging into the valley below. The impact of the crash buries the bow deep into the snow, forcing the Autobots to climb their way up and out to the surface. Once they make it out of the ship, they are confronted by Starscream once again. After being defeated, Starscream is interrogated by Optimus Prime. After proving less than cooperative, Starscream is knocked out and Red Alert hacks his warp transponder.

[[File:Transformers_2004_Cybertron_Ending.jpg|thumb|[['Til all are one]]!]]
Thanks to the info extracted from Starscream, the Autobots have discovered Megatron's true base: a volcanic island in the [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]]. The Autobots are forced to glide and fight through the hundreds of various types of Decepticlones swarming the island. They make their way around the island's perimeter then up the side of the active volcano at its center. They descend onto a platform built above the lava and Megatron reveals himself and attacks the Autobots. After a long and fierce battle, Megatron is defeated and the volcano begins to erupt. Optimus Prime attempts to save his nemesis, but after delivering a final bitter insult, Megatron allows himself to fall into the lava and perish. The Autobots escape the volcano and believe they are victorious, unaware that far away, [[Unicron]] looms over Cybertron.

Unicron hovers over Cybertron and begins to destroy the planet. The Autobots then return to their home with all of the rescued Mini-Cons, who combine their power to give the Autobots the strength to stop Unicron. Given a special jetpack and extra power, the Autobot flies around Cybertron and into Unicron's maw itself to attack his core before he can destroy the planet. After suffering enough damage, Unicron utters his final words before his body erupts in a massive explosion. The Autobots and Mini-Cons then celebrate as Cybertron is now safe and at peace.

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

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

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

|nonumbering=true
}}

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

==Gameplay==
[[Image: Autobots_HQ_Iacon_City_Gate.jpg|thumb|Please remove any liquids from your bag before entering the warp gate.]]
In the game, players take control of one of three [[Autobot]]s ([[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]], or [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]), each with unique gameplay styles and capable of transforming between modes at any time. The Mini-Cons [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]], and [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] join their toy-partners after the player completes the first level, acting as support fighters that follow the player and shoot at enemies. The player can also "Powerlinx" with their partner Mini-Con, allowing for a Max Payne-style "bullet time" mode, though this drains the player's health.

Players explore large open environments in third person, finding hidden Mini-Cons (including multiple original Mini-Con characters not part of the [[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|toyline]]) and battling generic Decepticlone forces and larger Decepticon bosses. Once collected, up to four Mini-Cons can be equipped at a time, one for each of the controller's shoulder buttons, each of which gives the player access to a new weapon or ability. Some combinations of Mini-Cons also have additional synergistic effects, such as faster weapon recharging or a larger life meter. Players can leave levels without completing them through [[warp gate]]s, and return to any previously-played level to discover more areas using their newly collected Mini-Cons. In addition to Mini-Cons, players can also collect [[Data-Con]]s that unlock bonus features in the game's main menu, including game artwork (development sketches, renders, and the like), toy instructions, toy prototype photos, the toy pack-in mini-comics, and five previously-unavailable-elsewhere [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]]-era [[public service announcement|PSA]]s.

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

===Tracks===
{{collist|3|
# Amazon Theme 1
# Amazon Theme 2
# Antarctica Theme
# Starscream Fight Theme 1
# Deep Amazon Theme 1
# Deep Amazon Theme 2
# Cyclonus Fight Theme (by Regurgitator)
# Mid-Atlantic Theme
# Tidal Wave Fight Theme
# Alaska Theme 1
# Alaska Theme 2
# Starship Theme 1
# Starship Theme 2
# Starscream Fight Theme 2
# Pacific Island Theme
# Megatron Fight Theme
# Cybertron 1
# Cybertron 2
}}

===Themes===
# ''Transformers: Armada'' television theme
# ''Transformers'' orchestral theme arranged by [[Ric Formosa]]
# ''Transformers'' by [[The Brown Hornet]]
# ''Transformers'' theme by [[Dropbox]]
# ''Transformers'' theme by [[Regurgitator]]
# ''Wishbone'' by Dropbox

==Cut Content==
As with many games, ''Transformers'' has a good chunk of content which was cut or changed prior to release. A non-exhaustive list includes:

* Jetbikes were ridable vehicles which could carry the player and Medium Units. Medium Units piloting the Jetbike can be observed delivering out-of-range Medium Units to the player in order to sustain firefights. As the Jetbike is only a two-seater, this isn't a very effective way of transporting troops. The bike also has built-in machine guns which the player can utilize as a weapon.
* Unused data suggests that [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] were once intended to be playable characters. Unfortunately, it appears there wasn't much work put into them before they were cut.<ref>[https://tcrf.net/Transformers_(PlayStation_2,_International)#Cut_Characters Cut Characters - Transformers (PlayStation 2, International) - The Cutting Room Floor]</ref>
* Two additional enemy types, the Lightning Rod and Heavy Tank, were cut during development. While a plethora of enemies were conceptualized for the game, these two in particular got far enough into development to have been implemented into the game to some extent. Concept art of the Lightning Rod can be viewed in the Extras Menu, while the Heavy Tank only appears in two Pacific Island storyboards.
* At least '''''21''''' Mini-Cons were cut from the game. Three of the most notable ones include:
** Endgame (Dark Energon Gun) can summon a black hole which deals an absurd amount of damage to enemies. Enemies who don't immediately perish from its immense power will ragdoll and get sucked into its center whilst taking damage. The player can charge the Dark Energon Gun to increase the size of the black hole. This Mini-Con was cut very late in development and has most of its data present in the final game. Endgame was originally found on the lone Dropship patrolling the volcano in the Pacific Island level. The Mini-Con's appearance would have been similar to [[Twister (Armada)|Twister]], with a red color palette.
** Bug-Out (Emergency Warp Gate) can summon an emergency warp gate in front of the player, returning them to HQ. However, this only functions one-way, with the player unable to immediately return to the spot they were warped from.
** Fake-Out (Decoy Launcher) is described as summoning a holographic projection of the Autobot to lure enemies. Fake-Out is the least functional, as its holographic projection is a mere half-ellipse which fails to distract enemies.
** Other Mini-Cons which were cut include a tier 1 Ribbon Beam, an upgraded Energon Shield, a tier 1 Heavy Cannon, and a stronger version of the Impact Gun. Some of the more peculiar cut Mini-Cons include a Repulsion Beam, an Airstrike weapon, an Energon Whip, and a "Cold Projector". It's difficult to ascertain how these particular Mini-Cons could have functioned.
* Development sketches unlocked in the game show that several characters were ultimately dropped from the original plans. [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] was to be a level-boss in the caves, and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]'s partner Mini-Con [[Ramjet (Armada)|Ramjet]] was going to harass players before they could board the Decepticon battleship.
* Design sketches reveal that initial plans for the levels were different than what is present in the final game.
** The Amazon and Deep Amazon levels were originally merged, with Cyclonus being the boss of the level.
** Antarctica originally featured objectives present in both the Alaska and Starship levels, with Demolishor being the boss fight.
** Pacific Island (which was initially named Easter Island) originally featured objectives from Mid-Atlantic, such as boarding and fighting Tidal Wave. There was also an additional level nicknamed "Volcano" which was cut, with its concepts being implemented into Pacific Island.
* Most of the music underwent changes prior to release. A few music tracks were cut from the game as well.
** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mca-yIuEMaU An early version of Tidal Wave's theme] features flailing guitars one minute into the soundtrack.
** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9bi2o0e7e4 Cyclonus' theme was completely different.]
** Probably by accident, the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYXEBld4SRs&list=PLiCxnQ1A26wj6orm-2slM2Z10J71oHSMW&index=46 intro to Megatron's boss theme] doesn't play, instead going straight into the main composition when the fight begins. Whoops.
** An early build contains an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tig4a6e7do instrumental version of the ''Armada'' cartoon theme.]
* Earlier iterations of Pacific Island featured rainy weather. While rain effects are disabled on the level, various regions of the level are still set up for rainfall.
* The game's difficulties, in descending order, are internally referred to as Normal, Hard, and Extreme. Unused text indicate that an Easy difficulty was cut.
** Also evident by unused text, the Turbo Mode cheat code was considered to be a difficulty mode at some point, with Extras Menu items locked behind it.
* A variety of audio transmissions belonging to both the Autobots and Decepticons were cut. These only exist in text and were not professionally voice-acted.<ref>[https://tcrf.net/Transformers_(PlayStation_2,_International)/Unused_Text#Cut_Transmissions Cut Transmissions - Unused Text - Transformers (PlayStation 2, International) - The Cutting Room Floor]</ref>
** The Autobot transmissions detail Scavenger, Smokescreen, [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]], and [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] investigating the "Hyper Power cloning tech" being used to create the Decepticlones on [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]]. It's eventually discovered that Decepticon forces raided Junkion to steal the Hyper Power cloning tech and left the planet in ruin. The transmissions eventually conclude with Junkion being destroyed by a monster, with it heading straight for Cybertron.
** Decepticon audio transmissions often involved Megatron bickering with his troops or demanding they complete various tasks. Tidal Wave speaks in the Mid-Atlantic transmission, while [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] shows up to intimidate Megatron on Unicron's behalf in the Pacific Island transmission.
* A clip of Megatron proclaiming "I still function!" to act as sequel bait was cut from the credits.
* At some point in development, Data-Cons were referred to as [[Golden Disk (disambiguation)|Golden Disks]].

==Demos==
Prior to the game's release, Atari distributed demo discs for the game, consisting of the "Amazon Basin" level playable with a single character. In the UK, fans could sign up online<ref>{{citesocial|link=https://www.neo-geo.com/forums/index.php?threads/free-transformers-demo-disc-ps2.81221/|name=MVS Matt|site=Neo-Geo|title=Free Transformers Demo Disc (PS2)|year=2004|month=04|day=26}}</ref><ref>{{citesocial|quote='Transformers' demo Complete the form below to receive a 'Transformers' demo CD and, if you wish, receive updates from Atari. CDs will be despatched within 28 days. Offer available within UK only.|link=https://web.archive.org/web/20060425192437/http://www.jointhelist.com:80/atari/tf/transformers.html|site=Atari}}</ref> to receive a free copy of ''Transformers: Red Alert'' in the mail.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=So I got a pleasant surprise this afternoon in the post, my very own copy of the Transformers game Demo: Red Alert version. [...] As it's a demo version these options are limited however and only Red Alert is selectable as the title of the Demo suggests. You can however check out both Hot Shot and Optimus Prime sitting in their chairs. A nice touch is Hot Shot tapping his fingers and wiggling his knees, signifying his impatience to start the battle. Prime and Red Alert sit still, only moving slightly. Once a character is selected you may choose which level to tackle, the only selectable level is the Amazon Basin.|link=https://web.archive.org/web/20041030193238/http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=43688|name=Twin Twist|site=TFW2005|title=Game Demo Review: Transformers (Red Alert)|year=2004|month=04|day=17}}</ref> ''Transformers: Optimus Prime'' was offered for free to customers who pre-ordered the game from {{w|Game (retailer)|GAME}}. ''Transformers: Hot Shot'' was distributed via the ''{{w|MCV/Develop|MCV}}'' trade magazine,<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Ok i dont know if this should go here as it is only a first play of the demo given free with MCV today and should be on PS2 official magazine this month.|link=https://bordersdown.net/forum/gaming/first-play/9104-transformers-ps2-1-level-demo|name=Family Fry|site=Bordersdown|title=Transformers (PS2 1 Level Demo)|year=2004|month=04|day=02}}</ref> and likely via other means. Issue #46 of ''{{w|PlayStation Official Magazine – UK#Official UK PlayStation 2 Magazine|Official PlayStation 2 Magazine}}'' came with a customary demo disc featuring ''Transformers'' amongst other titles.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=I recently picked up the last disk i needed to have all 3 character demos from the Armada PS2 game. Didn't know till recently that hotshot had a separate demo, the only one I knew of was the PS2 Magazine release.
Demo L-R Hotshot, Red Alert, Optimus Prime|link=https://twitter.com/walruslaw/status/1326675533321572354|name=walruslaw|site=Twitter|year=2020|month=11|day=11}}</ref><ref>{{citesocial|quote=Unused Megatron Mock Quotes (If they were used in the game, I've never heard them!), with one of them exclusive to the PS2 Magazine #46 Demo|link=https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/transformers-armada-ps2-demo-alpha-unreleased-material-thread.1157862/#post-16061094|name=bullettrain|site=TFW2005|title=TRANSFORMERS ARMADA <nowiki>[PS2] DEMO / ALPHA / UNRELEASED MATERIAL THREAD</nowiki>|year=2018|month=08|day=18}}</ref><ref>{{citesocial|quote=Great news for the UK, there´s even more Transformers PS2 goodness coming your way! In addition to the Red Alert demo mailed out by Atari, there are two other demo discs, each featuring the game´s other playable characters, Optimus Prime and Hot Shot. The Optimus Prime demo is available in '''Game''' stores across the UK free of charge when you pre-order (just ask for the demo disc at the counter), and the Hot Shot demo is packed in with this month´s issue of the Official Playstation 2 Magazine. So there´s lots more PS2 fun out there for UK fans right now - grab those demo discs while you can!|link=https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/hot-shot-and-optimus-prime-ps2-game-demo039s-for-t/2490/|site=Seibertron|title=Hot Shot and Optimus Prime PS2 Game Demo's For The UK|year=2004|month=04|day=23}}</ref>

==Impressions and sales==
The game was well received by critics and fans alike, and at the time was often considered to be the best of all ''Transformers'' video games, despite this being damning with faint praise. Some review sites and magazines seemed to reject the game outright for [[GEEWUN|not being based]] on the [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] series, though some seemed to begrudgingly accept it due to the gameplay and graphic flair, the latter being one notable standout considering the difficulty of developing games for the PS2, especially as the game sported graphical effects not commonly found in most titles of the era while also maintaining a smooth framerate.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC0_ylWrOB8 PS2 Atari Melbourne House Transformers Graphics and foliage]</ref>

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

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

In 2010, ''Transformers'' was ranked #83 in the Top 100 PlayStation 2 Games list by IGN.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20101029212350/http://www.ign.com/top-ps2-games/83 Transformers - #83 Top PS2 Games - IGN]</ref>

==Cancelled follow-ups==
In an interview with Eurogamer, director and executive producer [[Andrew Carter]] mentioned the possibility of future sequels being released on non-PS2 hardware.<ref>[https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/i_transformers_ps2 Melbourne House: Transform! - Eurogamer]</ref> The team developed a pitch for a PlayStation Portable game, titled ''Transformers: 2nd Strike'', which reused assets from the PS2 game but featured strategy gameplay more conducive to the portable format. However, this never made it past the proof of concept stage.<ref>[https://www.allspark.com/a-look-at-transformers-2nd-strike-the-psp-armada-game-port-that-never-was/ A look at "Transformers: 2nd Strike", the PSP Armada game port that never was - The Allspark]</ref>

Melbourne House had also begun work on a sequel based in part upon the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' series. The general story for the sequel would have placed the game immediately after the ending of the ''Armada'' game, with the death of Unicron causing a black hole to form near Cybertron. In order to save the planet, players would have to travel around the galaxy, visit different worlds, and gather keys in order to transform Cybertron and save it from destruction. However, according to a member of the Melbourne House team, the ''Cybertron'' game was only a few months into development when Atari moved the studio onto a different project, effectively nixing the sequel.

Dang.

==Notes==
===Transformers references===
* Some of the dialog used in cutscenes is recycled from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

===Real-world references===
*Each of the locations on Earth (except for Alaska, for some reason) are given geographic coordinates if the player presses the circle button in the Drop Zone select menu.
**The Amazon's coordinates are given as 10S-60W, which would place the level in the [[Brazil|Brazilian]] state of {{w|Mato Grosso}}, about 64km from the town of {{w|Aripuanã}}.
**Antarctica's coordinates are given as 66S-33W, which would place it in the open water of the {{w|Weddell Sea}}, nowhere near land!
**The Deep Amazon's coordinates are given as 12S-70W, which would place it on the banks of the {{w|Las Piedras River}} within the {{w|Department of Madre de Dios}}, [[Peru]].
**The Mid-Atlantic's coordinates are given as 43N-29W, which would place the atoll roughly 456km directly north of the {{w|Azores}}.
**The Pacific Island's coordinates are given as 25S-150W, which would place the island roughly 184km southwest of the French Polynesian island of {{w|Tubuai}}.

===Errors===
* A rare glitch sometimes occurs at Megatron's death, in which when he falls down, his tank barrel sticks out of...[[Anatomic euphemism#Gearbox|an unusual location on his body]].
* Very rarely, enemies can end up underneath the map. While it's impossible for you to actually shoot them, their projectiles can hit you just fine!
* It's a result of gameplay contrivance, but the scale during and after the Unicron battle are way off. Cybertron (and, by extension, Unicron) are ''reaaaally'' tiny. (For planets, anyway.) It takes Optimus about 10 seconds to travel the whole surface of Cybertron and his body is almost as wide as some of the "skyscrapers" seen jutting out from Cybertron's surface. In the final cutscene, at the camera zooms out from the tower that the Autobots are standing on, one can see Cybertron's curvature, meaning that either the buildings (and the Autobots) are '''''HUGE''''' or Cybertron is pathetically tiny.

===Trivia===
[[Image: Optimus_Prime_Ragdoll_Effect.jpg|thumb|Ouch.]]
*''Transformers'' uses Melbourne House's proprietary game engine, allowing for large, detailed outdoor levels with no slowdown. An impressive feat of the engine is allowing for many ragdolls to be on-screen at once. Oh and of course, be prepared for your character to ragdoll around ''a lot.''
* At the game's launch party, Atari's venue served several [[Mini-Con Madness (Armada)|signature drinks]] named for the game-exclusive Mini-Cons.
* Hidden in the files of the game is the first story draft written for the game.<ref>Found in all versions of the retail game at ''tfa.zip\LEVELS\EPISODES\07_EASTERISLAND\CINEMA\MEGATRONSAYS1-3.CS''</ref> It features many characters who appear in the ''Armada'' cartoon series and a completely different premise. The full story can be read [https://pastebin.com/3RRg29vS here.]
* One of the game's working titles was ''Transformers Armada: Prelude to [[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]''. Another one, used in pack-in [[catalog]]s during the ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' line, was ''Transformers Armada: Battle for Energon''.
* During his boss battle, Cyclonus is shown with the cockpit design similar to the third mode of his Mini-Con partner Crumplezone, indicating the latter being Powerlinxed with him. This would mean that the Autobots essentially kill the Mini-Con along with his master, as the cockpit piece is attached to Cyclonus when he crashes into the temple and explodes. His character model omits his folded up default cockpit kibble.
* It is possible to get an alternate 'Bad Ending'. This ending can be achieved if Cybertron's health meter gets to zero. The full motion video of this ending will be unlocked (as well in the gallery), showing Cybertron's destruction by [[Unicron]].
* During the end credits of the game, Tidal Wave is doing push-ups while the Decepticlones are all doing jumping jacks and side-bends. So that's how Decepticons keep in shape.
* In the 'Recruit' difficulty, you need to collect 30 Mini-Cons to form the Matrix Cannon, 35 in the 'Veteran' difficulty, and 40 in the 'Commander' difficulty.. Which means all of them. All hail the cheats.
* The ragdoll physics are ''hilarious''.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.atari.com/transformers/ Official ''Transformers'' game page at Atari.com] (dead link)
*[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/chartspot-may-2004/1100-6101516/ ''Transformers'' game rankings for May 2004 at Gamespot]
*[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-ps2-soundtrack-news/2441/ News post from Seibertron.com for Atari's announcement of Regurgitator's involvement]

{{gamestub}}

[[Category:Armada media]]
[[Category:Unicron Trilogy video games]]

Mortal Combat

2026-02-16T00:26:04Z

Chase eX: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=52
|prev=Origin
|next=Cybertron City (episode)
|title="Mortal Combat"
|japanese=死闘
|romaji=Shitō
|translation=Death Match
|image=Armada 52 - Prime hangon to Galvatron.jpg
|caption=Fatality!
|production code=TF: A-52
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]], [[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.), [[Munetaka Abe]] (animation dir.)
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[October 3]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 12]], [[2003]] (English, United States) [[December 26]], [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Optimus and Galvatron wage their final brutal battle, while the rest of the Transformers deal with Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Unicron]] is no longer functional, his body lying dormant in space. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] lets the assembled armies return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to begin the rebuilding.

[[File:MortalCombat galvatron sacrifice.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left]]
Inside of Unicron, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] holds onto the idea that he can still become the sole ruler of the universe. Now that Unicron is gone, it's left to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and Galvatron to finish the war. Optimus and the kids try to argue that now that the two armies are now united, there's no need to continue the fight. Still, Galvatron reminds his foe that the hatred left over from an unfinished war would repower Unicron.

On Cybertron, [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] alerts the other that Unicron is in motion again. Hot Shot decides to go to Unicron to retrieve Optimus Prime, but [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] takes Hot Shot's place. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] follows Jetfire.

Optimus says goodbye to the children; they don't want to go, but Prime convinces them that he and Galvatron must have their final battle. After throwing away the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]—since this isn't a battle between Autobots and Decepticons, but Optimus' vision for peace against Galvatron's lust for conflict— Prime starts the fight with some gunfire and a knee to Galvatron's face. When Galvatron gets up, he and Prime blast their firepower at each other.

Jetfire and Cyclonus pick up the kids outside Unicron and bring them back to Cybertron. The kids report what the two leaders are doing, and it seems Unicron isn't dead either. Under heavy pressure, Hot Shot orders the attack against Unicron to be resumed, with special care taken not to harm the leaders.

Inside, Optimus Prime and Galvatron continue to rumble. Prime throws one of his wheels directly into Galvatron's primary cannon. The resulting explosion blasts Galvatron through a wall, but the ferocity of the combat only amuses the Decepticon. Unicron's words echo in Prime's mind. Galvatron uses his extending antlers to toss Prime around. Prime breaks off the blades and uses them against his rival, but Galvatron scores a critical hit through Optimus with his hidden wrist blade.

[[File:Mortal Combat Hot Shot Jetfire.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|When we come back, we'll be terrible cel-shaded CGI!]]
The [[Transformer]]s buzz around Unicron, blasting him through his trenches. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] notices that a large, growing black hole has appeared on Unicron's surface during the combat.

Optimus Prime stands up, refusing to give up the fight. Decompression sends the warriors outside of Unicron onto his external surface. The Autobot and Decepticon forces notice this, but Optimus instructs Hot Shot to lead the others into continuing the assault on Unicron while he and Galvatron continue to duel. Galvatron acquires a nearby pipe to use as a battle staff, but Optimus displays amazing agility and stands on the staff, prancing along it to kick Galvatron in the face. While Galvatron is still stunned, Optimus hefts his foe and cramps Galvatron's midsection, but the metal pipe gets shoved down Prime's back in the process.

[[File:Unicron-behind-a-planet-Armada.jpg|thumb|left]]
The two warriors break for a moment, and Galvatron admits that he enjoyed the thrill of the battle despite losing it. The moment of peace between the two is disturbed by Unicron transforming into his planet mode. Prime is stuck holding onto Galvatron as the two get sucked toward Unicron's maw. Determined to see only one winner of the war (even if it isn't him), Galvatron instructs Prime to let him fall. Prime refuses, so Galvatron cuts himself loose and free-falls into oblivion. As soon as Galvatron is absorbed, Unicron vanishes. Left floating in space, Optimus decides he's unworthy of the Matrix.

Sometime later, Hot Shot and Jetfire return the kids to Earth. They agree that they've learned much from each other since their first encounter. [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]], and [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] start to cry. Alexis gazes down at her pendant that contains the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] stone that [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] gave her, sadly smiling as if remembering him. Rad asks what happened to Optimus, but Hot Shot assures him that Optimus will be all right, wherever he is. After the Autobots and Mini-Cons leave to rebuild Cybertron, Optimus Prime narrates the closing moments. With the war over, and the former hatred between the Autobot and Decepticon factions no more, a new era can begin for the Transformers. But, hidden behind a distant planet, Unicron endures.

[['Til all are one|'Til all are]] [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|undone.]]
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (2)
* [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (3)
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (4)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)
* [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (13)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (14)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (15)
* [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (16)
* [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] (24)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (5)
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (17)
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (18)
* [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (19)
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (23)

|c3=
* [[Rad White|Rad]] (7)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (8)
* [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (10)
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (11)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] (12)
*[[Race Mini-Con Team]] (20)
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (21)
*[[Space Mini-Con Team]] (22)

|h5=Other|c5=
* [[Unicron]] (1)
}}

==Quotes==
"This probably isn't the time to ask, but when are we gonna eat, you guys?" 
"Zip it, Fred, or I'll give you my fist to chew on!" 
:—'''Fred''' and '''Billy'''

"Your mindless ambitions are fueled only by your greed. You'll stop at nothing to get what you want. I should have let Unicron destroy you!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' to Galvatron

"Why can't we all just get along?!"
:—'''Fred'''

"Children, the future is yours!" 
"Good riddance, humans!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Galvatron''' bid farewell to the kids in their unique ways.

"Don't act surprised. This is exactly what you wanted. And I fight you not as the leader of the Autobots, but as the leader of ''all'' Transformers!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' tosses aside his Matrix of Leadership before attacking Galvatron.

"Farewell, Optimus Prime. Victory is all yours. Now go look after your men, they need you!"
:—'''Galvatron's''' last words until ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''

"The war between the Autobots and the Decepticons has come to an end, and without the hatred between the two sides, there was no evil to feed Unicron, and he became powerless. Both Unicron and Megatron scattered into the far reaches of the universe. As for me, my purpose has been served. Cybertron is safe and Transformers live in peace with the Mini-Cons. So the next time you look out into space and see a peaceful star far, far away, it just might be Cybertron. TRANSFORM!"
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' last words until ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''

{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
* The opening is silent in ''Legends of the Microns'' until Hot Shot speaks. Meanwhile, ''Armada'' has [[Jim Conrad]] narrate the opening, recapping the last episode's events of how the union managed to neutralize Unicron, but an old battle is about to begin.
* Hot Shot hopes that Optimus and Galvatron will get out of Unicron safely in ''Armada'', and Scavenger suggests they shouldn't worry too much since they can handle themselves. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shots asks if they escaped Unicron. Scavenger imagines those two can handle themselves but is unsure what to do now. Hot Shot then says that if taking down Unicron happened earlier, they would retrieve them, but figured they need a break in ''Legends of the Microns'', but ''Armada'' only has him say they'll meet them back on Cybertron.
* Optimus and Galvatron's conversation before they clash is ''essentially'' the same in both dubs, but the points made are almost entirely different. ''Armada'' noticeably throws in being the ruler of the universe, whereas ''Legends of the Microns'' is about trying to embrace your nature.
** ''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron ask Optimus what their long struggle's purpose was and whether it was to only awaken Unicron before claiming they fought each other to preserve their true sense of selves and not to be Unicron's puppets. The kids—particularly Fred—are confused about this talk about maintaining a true sense of self. Galvatron reminds them he only joined forces with Optimus to take down Unicron, and now that he is defeated, there is no reason to continue the alliance. Alexis then asks why Starscream sacrificed himself, to which Galvatron also asks why, and Alexis replies with how it was to unite all Transformers. Galvatron continues that even if the Decepticons and Autobots join hands, he can never reconcile the differences between him and Optimus, causing the latter to ask if the battle with Unicron was pointless. Galvatron then says the battle itself wasn't pointless, but it can only have meaning if the party with justice must gain victory. Optimus replies with his own, saying that Unicron will only grow stronger as long as evil resides in the Transformers' hearts, and that's what the battle has wrought. The kids agree with Optimus, to which Galvatron asks if that's what he truly believes and mentions that he couldn't answer Sideways' question before asking again if Optimus' hatred of him was a motivator to fight all this time. When Optimus asks who is, Galvatron replies with "That again" before saying he wants to seek Optimus' true feelings as a Transformer.
** ''Armada'' makes Galvatron say that if they don't continue their battle, all their fighting has been pointless before making a very unwanted claim of how the universe can have only one ruler. The kids respond with annoyance except for Fred and Billy, with the former asking when they're gonna eat and the latter saying that he would give him his fist to chew on. Galvatron says it's now time to deal with the other obstacle before Alexis jumps in, reminding him of why Starscream sacrificed himself, to which Galvatron answers that Starscream was a fool before Alexis says that he wanted everyone to leave in peace. Galvatron tells the kids to understand the simple concept of only one person ruling the universe before claiming that it's going to be him, then Optimus asks if battling Unicron was just a means to an end. Galvatron confirms this and says he used him to further his ambitions, asking if it's wrong to think highly of yourself, to which Optimus says yes and continues that he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Then, in a bit of an out-of-character moment, he claims that he should've let Unicron destroy Galvatron. Galvatron says that this conversation is interesting, but Optimus fails to comprehend his own argument before reminding him of what Unicron said about their dilemma and asks if Optimus is either oppressing his hatred of him or actually likes him. Once Optimus reintroduces himself, Galvatron replies that he never changes and says Prime can deny his hatred all he wants, but he knows the real truth in his heart.
* When Unicron starts to move, Hot Shot suggests it's maybe better if they wait until Optimus gets back to figure out what to do, then later says no to Red Alert's suggestion that this is the best opportunity to retrieve him and the kids and that everyone should stay here and be on the lookout in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' is mostly the same, but Hot Shot asks if Optimus, Galvatron, and the kids are still inside Unicron, then when responding to Red Alert's suggestion, mentions that the fleet's on standby. He then asks what the chances of Unicron attacking are, and if anything does happen, he can always count on Jetfire to take charge.
* Jetfire speaks in a lot more of a commanding tone when suggesting that he goes and retrieves everyone on Unicron in ''Armada'' compared to ''Legends of the Microns''. When Jetfire leaves, and Cyclonus catches up with him, ''Armada'' plays the [[Theme song|theme song]] whereas no music is present in ''Legends of the Microns''.
[[File:Mortal Combat animation changes.jpg|thumb|340px|Animation changes between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' screencaps (right).]]
* The kids' departure from Optimus and Galvatron brings in more differences, yet still being ''somewhat'' the same thing in between dubs:
** Before pointing out the differences between the dialogue, there are some surprising animation shot changes between versions.
*** When Optimus says the children's names before his speech, ''Armada'' has an exclusive pan of the kids. ''Legends of the Microns'' instead uses a later shot of Optimus looking down on the kids during this sequence (see right).
*** After Optimus tells the Mini-Cons to look after the kids, High Wire, Grindor, and Sureshock's shot are drawn differently in each version, with the Japanese dub swapping places between High Wire and Grindor to provide more consistency on who is where (see right).
** ''Armada'' has Galvatron ask the kids to step aside since he and Optimus have "business" to take care of, then Carlos says they aren't going anywhere, and Billy confidently says Optimus isn't going to fight. Galvatron mockingly replies that Optimus will let himself get obliterated before the latter thanks the kids for helping the Autobots save the Mini-Cons. Optimus then assures Galvatron is right about ending hate in the universe and that he must now finish what he started. Sureshock asks Optimus why he should fight after he entrusts them with the children, with the latter then saying it's the only way to achieve peace. Rad tells him he shouldn't let Galvatron suck him into this but later realizes Optimus isn't going to change. He then asks if they'll see each other again soon, and Optimus assures him that they will, and he'll always remember him. Optimus and Galvatron then bid the kids farewell, as quoted above.
** In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron asks the kids to leave Unicron since this is his and Optimus' fight, with Carlos asking why he still can't understand what they are saying and Billy reaffirming that there's no need to fight. Galvatron says it doesn't look like Optimus believes that before the latter says to the kids that they would've never been able to defeat Unicron without their help, but apologizes for going to fight with Galvatron and that he's still a regular Transformer when one removes the "Supreme Commander" title from him. Optimus trusts the Mini-Cons to take care of the children and assures them that they all must rely on their strength to carry on, which makes Rad ask if he is going to fight. Rad thanks Optimus for everything that has happened, and the latter assures vice versa and that he wouldn't be standing here today without Rad. High Wire says all of the kids' names whenever his eyes glow, and Optimus tells them farewell and to head toward the future. Galvatron is silent here.
* Galvatron talks about being only with Optimus in ''Armada'', to which Optimus says that the time of speeches is over and it's time to end their quarrel, then later says Galvatron shouldn't be surprised and that this is what he wants before throwing the Matrix out. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron asking Optimus what's wrong, with Prime replying that he was right, which is why they'll fight as Transformers from this point onward.
* After tossing the Matrix before his final battle against Galvatron, Optimus says that he's fighting him not as a Commander "but as a Transformer called Optimus Prime!"
* After Optimus shoots at Galvatron, he comments on how he was the first one to attack in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' has him say that Optimus is not superior to him.
* When Cyclonus stops shooting at Unicron, he says he just got carried away in ''Armada'' whereas ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say, "I guess so..." Jetfire's reaction is also changed from him telling Cyclonus to knock it off in the English dub, but immediately remarks of Optimus and the others being inside Unicron in Japanese.
* When Jetfire notices the kids coming out of Unicron, ''Armada'' has Rad sounding shocked about the teleportation he just witnessed, but ''Legends of the Microns'' has him silent and instead has Jetfire point out the kids.
* The union's discussion back at the [[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]] is subtly different between versions:
** ''Legends of the Microns'' has Hoist ask how they are supposed to protect space with Unicron floating around, which Scavenger then asks what they are going to do since he's just there defenseless. Wheeljack asks Hot Shot what's the purpose of uniting the Transformers race before encouraging him to think, and then Demolishor reminds everyone that Galvatron is still inside Unicron. Side Swipe reminds everyone that Optimus is there too, to which Blurr responds that the two leaders are focusing intently on their duel, but he can't say why. Hot Shot then concludes that this might be their only chance to destroy Unicron, and even if Optimus is still inside, they must carry out the attack.
** ''Armada'' has Hoist suggest that they should wait for Jetfire and the kids to return before they do anything, with Scavenger agreeing. Wheeljack suggests to Hot Shot they should commence an assault now before Demolishor and Sideswipe remind him that the two leaders are still inside Unicron and they might get hit. Blurr says that it might be best for Optimus to return first, and he doesn't think they have a choice, and then Hot Shot evaluates that Unicron can't be fully recovered, nor Optimus and Galvatron should get hurt before he announces the assault.
* ''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot's announcement longer than ''Armada'', which also focuses more on Optimus and Galvatron being inside than the actual attack.
* After Galvatron gets thrown off course due to his blaster getting clogged, ''Armada'' has Galvatron saying he didn't expect Optimus to defend himself, but he's glad that he is his old self again, and all of this reminds him of the good old days. His laugh during this also has an echo effect. Meanwhile, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron says this is what he expects from a top-class Transformer who fights and then remarks on how fun this is.
* Unicron's words hovering over Optimus gives the same intent in both dubs, but like with "[[Origin]]," there's no mention of Optimus being like Galvatron if he doesn't have the Matrix in ''Armada'' and instead, Unicron talks about he loves the smell of battle.
[[File:Mortal Combat ML Exclusive Shot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|An exclusive ''Legends of the Microns'' shot—too disturbing for the kids?]]
* When the scene cuts back to their duel, ''Legends of the Microns'' adds a short clip where Galvatron rips out his destroyed cannon to throw it at Optimus before striking him with his horns (see right). ''Armada'' only shows Optimus blocking a seemingly random object thrown at him.
* Where High Wire says that Sideways was eliminated and Unicron is only in a dormant state in ''Armada'', ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say that defeating Sideways didn't kill off Unicron. In the same shot, Carlos asks what High Wire means in ''Legends of the Microns'', but says, "Mind saying that in English?" in Armada.
* Alexis in ''Armada'' makes it so that the hole in Unicron's armor seemingly opens itself, making Billy's response awkward. Rad also wonders if it's a telltale sign that Optimus is okay. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Alexis say the union managed to punch a hole in Unicron's armor, so Billy getting excited is more appropriate here, and Rad asks if Optimus is alright with no relation to the hole.
* Wheeljack says they are about to launch the second wave in ''Armada'', but tells the ''attack'' wave company to follow him ''Legends of the Microns''.
* Galvatron tells Optimus that he demands satisfaction since it can't end anti-climatically in ''Armada'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' has him ask if that's all he got and if this is how their grudge is going to end after thousands of years. Optimus says, "End?" before chuckling in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' has him say that he wishes he could accommodate Galvatron. Galvatron then tells Optimus to get up so he can destroy him, with the latter replying to not count on it''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' simply has Galvatron telling Optimus to get up, and the latter says this isn't over yet.
* Galvatron says, "That's the enemy I've come to know!" after Optimus gets up in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' has him say, "That's more like it, Prime!"
* Galvatron replies to his men about beating Unicron to forget about him and that his power will be his, then reminds Optimus about their battle in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say that Unicron is nothing but scrap metal now, and his excitement has only just begun. Additionally, Optimus says to Hot Shot he'll take care of Galvatron and tells him and everyone to attack Unicron with everything they got in the English dub. In contrast, he tells Hot Shot to leave him and Galvatron alone in the Japanese dub, and from this point onward, Hot Shot is in command.
* Hot Shot says Optimus' name in ''Legends of the Microns'' but says "No problem," in ''Armada'' in a tired tone.
* ''Armada'' uses the theme song's insert trance version for the remainder of Optimus and Galvatron's fight and plays right when Hot Shot commands everyone to attack. ''Legends of the Microns'' instead uses "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|Theme of Megatron - Attack by Villains]]" and plays it when Unicron is transforming.
* When the kids notice the Matrix floating in space, Jetfire asks what Rad just said in ''Legends of the Microns'', but doesn't say anything in ''Armada''. Additionally ''Armada'' has Alexis asking why he would take it off, with Carlos saying that's too freaky, followed by Billy saying there has to be a reason. Then Fred suggests that maybe there's something Optimus is not telling them. ''Legends of the Microns'' moves Alexis' line of why Optimus would take the Matrix off to Carlos; Billy says he has no idea, and Fred responds in fear, asking if this means Optimus is not the commander anymore.
* The shot of Optimus panting was redrawn in ''Legends of the Microns'' to have more accurate shading and proportions (see above).
* Once again, Optimus and Galvatron's conversation after they fought is a lot different between dubs, especially with Optimus:
** In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron tells Optimus that he is incredibly strong and that while he can't go on due to him falling apart, the battle was fun. Optimus then agrees despite him hating to admit it, followed by Galvatron saying as long as he knows how to fight, they are both the same, and Transformers love to fight overall. Optimus agrees with this, too, and says we're forged with a warrior's instincts, but he seeks the light beyond the combat and says that justice is indeed obtained by winning in the end, which he tried to deny before the fight. Galvatron responds in delight to what Optimus just said but tells him never to forget that justice can only be obtained through the hardships of battle.
** ''Armada'' has Galvatron say that this is the old Optimus he used to know, and follows that he has nothing left to offer and Optimus won fair and square, but the latter thinks they should call it a draw. Galvatron remarks how they went at it after all these years of being evenly matched and admits he enjoyed every nanosecond of it. Optimus apologizes that he can never admit to a joined battle, but it was necessary to remain at peace even if he might never see that day and hopes whoever survives this will remove evil from the universe. Galvatron then laughs and says that Optimus is right about never surviving beyond today, which means that he would now be the supreme commander.
* Near the end, where Optimus refuses to let go of Galvatron from being sucked into Unicron, Galvatron practically yells at Optimus to let go so Unicron will die from the lack of evil and to watch over the others after slicing his tread in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' goes philosophical as Galvatron observes that both might've been looking for the same thing despite their differences, and Optimus is the light while he represents the dark. On slicing his tread, Galvatron adds that even in the next generation/world, Prime is destined to be his rival, darkness will exist as long as there's light, and not forget that evil is eternal. Optimus yells his rival's name after Galvatron disappears into Unicron in ''Armada'', but whispers "Megatron" in ''Legends of the Microns''.
* Optimus not wanting the Matrix is the same in both versions, but ''Legends of the Microns'' also has him say that even now, he's still not worthy of carrying it, which better concludes his arc of being worthy of the Matrix, starting with "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]."
* The final moments with the Transformers and children is subtly different in the dubs, but nothing too major, unlike the past examples:
* ''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot say that he now believes they'll always be comrades no matter what happens, with Carlos agreeing and saying it doesn't matter if they're on Earth or Cybertron, and Jetfire agrees with that. He then says that they learned lessons from the kids, with Alexis saying the kids themselves learned a lot from them too. Fred asks if everyone is going to rebuild Cybertron, and Hot Shot says yes, and it doesn't matter if it's the Autobots, Decepticons, or Mini-Cons, since they all want to build a new Transformer world. Billy responds that they'll also try making Earth the most peaceful planet in the universe, and After disjointing from Perceptor, High Wire says goodbye and thank you. Alexis tells Sureshock that she is truly grateful, and Carlos then says he's not going to cry about the departure along with Fred, with Billy telling them to knock it off since they already are and Fred snapping back that he's not. Rad then asks about Optimus, with Hot Shot stating not to worry and that even without the Matrix, he'll always be their commander, with Jetfire in agreement. Rad then gives his final monologue, saying their real adventure has just begun.
* In ''Armada'', Hot Shot says they will never forget the kids, and Carlos replies with vice versa. Jetfire then thanks the kids for all they taught them, with Alexis saying they learned a lot from them. Fred asks Hot Shot and Jetfire to stop by Earth if they are ever in the Solar System, which the former promises but says it might be a long time to come since Cybertron is being rebuilt and with the war being over, with Billy happily stating that the Autobots and Decepticons are finally getting along. High Wire tells the kids that they'll always be in the Mini-Cons' memory, with Rad saying vice versa and Alexis saying they'll never forget them. When Carlos is holding back from crying, he says this is harder than he thought, and when Billy points out that they are balling like babies, Fred points out that he's crying too. When Rad asks about Optimus, Hot Shot says he's not sure where Prime is but is sure he's out there somewhere, with Jetfire then stating he's right here in all of their hearts. Rad agrees and gives his final monologue of Optimus always being a part of them no matter where they are or go.
** When the kids get dropped off by Hot Shot and Jetfire, and they thank them for it, the shot of them talking is redrawn in ''Legends of the Microns'' to have more posing than ''Armada''.
* Optimus's ending narration in ''Armada'' is the aftermath of Unicron's defeat, saying that Unicron has become powerless with the war over, and he and Galvatron have scattered across the universe. Optimus states that he's served his purpose now that Cybertron is safe and the Transformers live in peace with the Mini-Cons and mentions that if you see a peaceful star far away, it might be Cybertron. ''Legends of the Microns'' gives Optimus a more sincere narration that flows more with Unicron feeding off of hatred, with him talking about how even a battle fought for justice will always produce a degree of hate. However, to prevent Unicron's revival, you must have faith and a heart that ever seeks justice, and as long as you believe in that, anyone can become your comrade.

===Translation errors===
* After tossing out the Matrix before his final battle to the death against Galvatron, Optimus says, "I fight you not as the leader of the Autobots, but as the leader of all Transformers!" This uncharacteristic ego is totally at odds with Prime's stated motivations otherwise in the series; lo and behold, the original Japanese isn't him claiming sovereignty over his entire species, but rather stating that he's simply fighting Megatron as an individual Transformer, not as the Autobot commander.
* After the hole appears on Unicron's surface, Hot Shot orders the fleet, "It's time to shift into stealth mode!" They obviously do not do this, not remotely in any sense. In the original line, Hot Shot is simply ordering everyone to attack Unicron's moving parts.
* Jetfire tells Hot Shot, "Unicron's headed back to Cybertron!" This does not appear to be the case at all. In the original line, Jetfire correctly observes that Unicron is changing to his planet mode.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:ArmadaRhinoxTV.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"We never had any evil gods on prehistoric Earth."]]
* In the brief flashes to the struggle against Unicron from [[Origin|the previous episode]], ''Legends of the Microns'' uses the less detailed shot of Unicron hovering in front of Cybertron from the ''Armada'' airing.
* Optimus's busted truck wheel shrinks down considerably to fit inside Galvatron's cannon to jam it.
* There's an awkward silence when High Wire's eyes start glowing up, and he's supposed to talk when that happens. ''Legends of the Microns'' has High Wire say each kid's name when his eyes glow, so this error gets fixed.
* When Tidal Wave and his fleet show up to attack Unicron, he looks off-model and lacks detail (notice the missing cannons). ''Legends of the Microns'' entirely redraws him with a more accurate model and makes his animation less jagged (see above).
* When Hot Shot yells "Attack!" as Unicron transforms back into planet mode, the animation shows the Transformer fleet ''escaping'' (which would make sense), suggesting Hot Shot's line was a scripting error. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say Optimus' name.
* Rhinox is colored like his original [[Rhinox (BW)/toys#TM1|Transmetal toy]] instead of his ''Armada'' toy.

===Continuity notes===
[[File:Armada 52 - Prime and no Matrix.jpg|thumb|How many Autobot [[insignia]]s does he have...?]]
* Does it seem like Alexis's hair grows slightly longer during the Unicron Battles?
* According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', Optimus and Galvatron's final battle is settling their differences and answering the questions Sideways asked in the previous episode.
* Rhinox makes his only physical debut in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]. [[Ask Vector Prime]] revealed in [[2015]] that Rhinox perished during the battle; Vector Prime also revealed that poor [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]'s upgrades were left incomplete due to Rhinox's death.
* This episode is the first time in the series that characters bleed upon receiving damage. As Optimus and Galvatron duel, parts of Unicron's insides take damage, with slightly yellowish-white liquid pouring out. Later, as the Decepticon leader rips a pipe from Unicron's armor to use as a weapon, bright red liquid pours out from where the pipe used to be. Additionally, when Galvatron slices Prime's chest with his wrist blade, his wound is briefly highlighted with bright red.
* In the second-to-last shot, Prime returns to his original colors but hasn't reclaimed the Matrix, as his Matrix compartment is visibly empty during his transformation.
* This episode marks the last time [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]], [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]], [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]]—if you don't think [[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]] from ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' is the same one—[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]], and [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] appear in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]].
** This also marks the last time Billy and Fred appear in the Unicron Trilogy, as they don't return in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' nor ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]''{{'}}s final episode. The reason is most likely because, according to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', the team never planned on making them staple cast members, and they only lasted this long since the team never got around to writing them out.
* Even with Galvatron sacrificing himself to remove evil from the universe, Unicron survived, marking the gateway to ''Energon''.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Since being deactivated, Unicron automatically reverts to planet mode as a defense mechanism.
** Grindor can fly in skateboard mode; "[[Base]]" and "[[Comrade]]" previously alluded to this ability.
** The Mini-Con super weapons seem able to fly, which seems to be a common feature among Mini-Con super weapons/Powerlinxed forms, as seen with the [[Magnawing]] in ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'', the [[Energon Saber]] in ''Energon'', and the [[Umbral Blaster]] in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act|Cybertron]]'' comic.
** The Mini-Cons tap into the [[Linkage (dimension)|Linkage dimension]] to phase them and the kids through Unicron's armor.
** Galvatron hasn't used his antlers to attack anyone since he went by the name "Megatron" in "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]." Additionally, while having been shown to be able to use them to create electrical currents, this is the first time he's used them to shock his opponent.
** Galvatron uses his wrist blade for the first and last time in this episode, using it twice.
** Optimus has ninja-like reflexes and can tip-toe on thin pipes—''what a badass.''
** Unicron can warp.

===Continuity errors===
* During the end of their duel, Galvatron strikes a metal pipe in Optimus's back, who tries to pull it out unsuccessfully in a later shot, after which the pipe completely disappears.

===Transformers references===
* [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] is visible in the hangar during the raid against Unicron. Because of the unanticipated success of ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', he and the other ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' remolds were released, but they were unable to receive larger roles in [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|the show]].

===Real-world references===
* The Autobot/Decepticon fighters flying and firing down Unicron's trenches are an obvious nod to ''{{w|Star Wars (film)|Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope}}'s'' [[Death Star]] trench run.

===Trivia===
[[File:Tf ml 01 52 comparison title card.jpg|upright=1.0|thumb|Time for kanji quiz, kids!]]
* The English dub of "Mortal Combat" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 12]], 2003.
* Unlike the previous 51 episodes, the title card in this episode's Japanese airing didn't have the usual alternate-reading {{w|furigana}} over the {{w|kanji}} title as seen on the right.
* According to the ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'':
** When the team finished making this episode, they all felt a sense of completion, like when Optimus sacrificed himself in "Crisis," and felt this series expanded the Transformers brand into a new direction, with it being slightly different from past iterations. The team also hopes that viewers can think about what they made.
** Optimus and Galvatron's final battle is perhaps the show's crowning achievement, nothing short of spectacular. ''And how!''
*** The fact that Optimus fights Galvatron with his fists and ingenuity, while Galvatron uses all the weapons at his disposal and his trump card knife proves Prime is the superior fighter.
** [[Munetaka Abe]]'s primary concern when animating was how to convey emotion with Optimus before the fight since he only has eyes, unlike Galvatron. Abe was also surprised when he heard about Optimus throwing the Matrix away in this episode.
** [[Hidehito Ueda]] thinks "trust" is the keyword of this series, so he wanted Optimus's last message in the episode to convey that and use it as a settlement for not only what Optimus endured throughout the show but what the team experienced while making it.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Unicrons Ende'''" ("Unicron's End")
:* ''Original airdate:'' [[January 16|16 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''A végső csata'''" ("The Final Battle")

'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''L'ultima battaglia'''" ("The Last Battle")

'''Portuguese'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Combate Mortal'''" ("Mortal Combat")
{{--}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 13 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Studios]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Mortal Combat

2026-02-16T00:23:33Z

Chase eX: /* Differences with Legends of the Microns */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=52
|prev=Origin
|next=Cybertron City (episode)
|title="Mortal Combat"
|japanese=死闘
|romaji=Shitō
|translation=Death Match
|image=Armada 52 - Prime hangon to Galvatron.jpg
|caption=Fatality!
|production code=TF: A-52
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]], [[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.), [[Munetaka Abe]] (animation dir.)
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[October 3]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 12]], [[2003]] (English, United States) [[December 26]], [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Optimus and Galvatron wage their final brutal battle, while the rest of the Transformers deal with Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Unicron]] is no longer functional, his body lying dormant in space. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] lets the assembled armies return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to begin the rebuilding.

[[File:MortalCombat galvatron sacrifice.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left]]
Inside of Unicron, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] holds onto the idea that he can still become the sole ruler of the universe. Now that Unicron is gone, it's left to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and Galvatron to finish the war. Optimus and the kids try to argue that now that the two armies are now united, there's no need to continue the fight. Still, Galvatron reminds his foe that the hatred left over from an unfinished war would repower Unicron.

On Cybertron, [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] alerts the other that Unicron is in motion again. Hot Shot decides to go to Unicron to retrieve Optimus Prime, but [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] takes Hot Shot's place. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] follows Jetfire.

Optimus says goodbye to the children; they don't want to go, but Prime convinces them that he and Galvatron must have their final battle. After throwing away the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]—since this isn't a battle between Autobots and Decepticons, but Optimus' vision for peace against Galvatron's lust for conflict— Prime starts the fight with some gunfire and a knee to Galvatron's face. When Galvatron gets up, he and Prime blast their firepower at each other.

Jetfire and Cyclonus pick up the kids outside Unicron and bring them back to Cybertron. The kids report what the two leaders are doing, and it seems Unicron isn't dead either. Under heavy pressure, Hot Shot orders the attack against Unicron to be resumed, with special care taken not to harm the leaders.

Inside, Optimus Prime and Galvatron continue to rumble. Prime throws one of his wheels directly into Galvatron's primary cannon. The resulting explosion blasts Galvatron through a wall, but the ferocity of the combat only amuses the Decepticon. Unicron's words echo in Prime's mind. Galvatron uses his extending antlers to toss Prime around. Prime breaks off the blades and uses them against his rival, but Galvatron scores a critical hit through Optimus with his hidden wrist blade.

[[File:Mortal Combat Hot Shot Jetfire.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|When we come back, we'll be terrible cel-shaded CGI!]]
The [[Transformer]]s buzz around Unicron, blasting him through his trenches. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] notices that a large, growing black hole has appeared on Unicron's surface during the combat.

Optimus Prime stands up, refusing to give up the fight. Decompression sends the warriors outside of Unicron onto his external surface. The Autobot and Decepticon forces notice this, but Optimus instructs Hot Shot to lead the others into continuing the assault on Unicron while he and Galvatron continue to duel. Galvatron acquires a nearby pipe to use as a battle staff, but Optimus displays amazing agility and stands on the staff, prancing along it to kick Galvatron in the face. While Galvatron is still stunned, Optimus hefts his foe and cramps Galvatron's midsection, but the metal pipe gets shoved down Prime's back in the process.

[[File:Unicron-behind-a-planet-Armada.jpg|thumb|left]]
The two warriors break for a moment, and Galvatron admits that he enjoyed the thrill of the battle despite losing it. The moment of peace between the two is disturbed by Unicron transforming into his planet mode. Prime is stuck holding onto Galvatron as the two get sucked toward Unicron's maw. Determined to see only one winner of the war (even if it isn't him), Galvatron instructs Prime to let him fall. Prime refuses, so Galvatron cuts himself loose and free-falls into oblivion. As soon as Galvatron is absorbed, Unicron vanishes. Left floating in space, Optimus decides he's unworthy of the Matrix.

Sometime later, Hot Shot and Jetfire return the kids to Earth. They agree that they've learned much from each other since their first encounter. [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]], and [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] start to cry. Alexis gazes down at her pendant that contains the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] stone that [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] gave her, sadly smiling as if remembering him. Rad asks what happened to Optimus, but Hot Shot assures him that Optimus will be all right, wherever he is. After the Autobots and Mini-Cons leave to rebuild Cybertron, Optimus Prime narrates the closing moments. With the war over, and the former hatred between the Autobot and Decepticon factions no more, a new era can begin for the Transformers. But, hidden behind a distant planet, Unicron endures.

[['Til all are one|'Til all are]] [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|undone.]]
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (2)
* [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (3)
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (4)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)
* [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (13)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (14)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (15)
* [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (16)
* [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] (24)

|c2=
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (5)
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (17)
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (18)
* [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (19)
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (23)

|c3=
* [[Rad White|Rad]] (7)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (8)
* [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (10)
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (11)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] (12)
*[[Race Mini-Con Team]] (20)
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (21)
*[[Space Mini-Con Team]] (22)

|h5=Other|c5=
* [[Unicron]] (1)
}}

==Quotes==
"This probably isn't the time to ask, but when are we gonna eat, you guys?" 
"Zip it, Fred, or I'll give you my fist to chew on!" 
:—'''Fred''' and '''Billy'''

"Your mindless ambitions are fueled only by your greed. You'll stop at nothing to get what you want. I should have let Unicron destroy you!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' to Galvatron

"Why can't we all just get along?!"
:—'''Fred'''

"Children, the future is yours!" 
"Good riddance, humans!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Galvatron''' bid farewell to the kids in their unique ways.

"Don't act surprised. This is exactly what you wanted. And I fight you not as the leader of the Autobots, but as the leader of ''all'' Transformers!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' tosses aside his Matrix of Leadership before attacking Galvatron.

"Farewell, Optimus Prime. Victory is all yours. Now go look after your men, they need you!"
:—'''Galvatron's''' last words until ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''

"The war between the Autobots and the Decepticons has come to an end, and without the hatred between the two sides, there was no evil to feed Unicron, and he became powerless. Both Unicron and Megatron scattered into the far reaches of the universe. As for me, my purpose has been served. Cybertron is safe and Transformers live in peace with the Mini-Cons. So the next time you look out into space and see a peaceful star far, far away, it just might be Cybertron. TRANSFORM!"
:—'''Optimus Prime's''' last words until ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]''

{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
* The opening is silent in ''Legends of the Microns'' until Hot Shot speaks. Meanwhile, ''Armada'' has [[Jim Conrad]] narrate the opening, recapping the last episode's events of how the union managed to neutralize Unicron, but an old battle is about to begin.
* Hot Shot hopes that Optimus and Galvatron will get out of Unicron safely in ''Armada'', and Scavenger suggests they shouldn't worry too much since they can handle themselves. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shots asks if they escaped Unicron. Scavenger imagines those two can handle themselves but is unsure what to do now. Hot Shot then says that if taking down Unicron happened earlier, they would retrieve them, but figured they need a break in ''Legends of the Microns'', but ''Armada'' only has him say they'll meet them back on Cybertron.
* Optimus and Galvatron's conversation before they clash is ''essentially'' the same in both dubs, but the points made are almost entirely different. ''Armada'' noticeably throws in being the ruler of the universe, whereas ''Legends of the Microns'' is about trying to embrace your nature.
** ''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron ask Optimus what their long struggle's purpose was and whether it was to only awaken Unicron before claiming they fought each other to preserve their true sense of selves and not to be Unicron's puppets. The kids—particularly Fred—are confused about this talk about maintaining a true sense of self. Galvatron reminds them he only joined forces with Optimus to take down Unicron, and now that he is defeated, there is no reason to continue the alliance. Alexis then asks why Starscream sacrificed himself, to which Galvatron also asks why, and Alexis replies with how it was to unite all Transformers. Galvatron continues that even if the Decepticons and Autobots join hands, he can never reconcile the differences between him and Optimus, causing the latter to ask if the battle with Unicron was pointless. Galvatron then says the battle itself wasn't pointless, but it can only have meaning if the party with justice must gain victory. Optimus replies with his own, saying that Unicron will only grow stronger as long as evil resides in the Transformers' hearts, and that's what the battle has wrought. The kids agree with Optimus, to which Galvatron asks if that's what he truly believes and mentions that he couldn't answer Sideways' question before asking again if Optimus' hatred of him was a motivator to fight all this time. When Optimus asks who is, Galvatron replies with "That again" before saying he wants to seek Optimus' true feelings as a Transformer.
** ''Armada'' makes Galvatron say that if they don't continue their battle, all their fighting has been pointless before making a very unwanted claim of how the universe can have only one ruler. The kids respond with annoyance except for Fred and Billy, with the former asking when they're gonna eat and the latter saying that he would give him his fist to chew on. Galvatron says it's now time to deal with the other obstacle before Alexis jumps in, reminding him of why Starscream sacrificed himself, to which Galvatron answers that Starscream was a fool before Alexis says that he wanted everyone to leave in peace. Galvatron tells the kids to understand the simple concept of only one person ruling the universe before claiming that it's going to be him, then Optimus asks if battling Unicron was just a means to an end. Galvatron confirms this and says he used him to further his ambitions, asking if it's wrong to think highly of yourself, to which Optimus says yes and continues that he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Then, in a bit of an out-of-character moment, he claims that he should've let Unicron destroy Galvatron. Galvatron says that this conversation is interesting, but Optimus fails to comprehend his own argument before reminding him of what Unicron said about their dilemma and asks if Optimus is either oppressing his hatred of him or actually likes him. Once Optimus reintroduces himself, Galvatron replies that he never changes and says Prime can deny his hatred all he wants, but he knows the real truth in his heart.
* When Unicron starts to move, Hot Shot suggests it's maybe better if they wait until Optimus gets back to figure out what to do, then later says no to Red Alert's suggestion that this is the best opportunity to retrieve him and the kids and that everyone should stay here and be on the lookout in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' is mostly the same, but Hot Shot asks if Optimus, Galvatron, and the kids are still inside Unicron, then when responding to Red Alert's suggestion, mentions that the fleet's on standby. He then asks what the chances of Unicron attacking are, and if anything does happen, he can always count on Jetfire to take charge.
* Jetfire speaks in a lot more of a commanding tone when suggesting that he goes and retrieves everyone on Unicron in ''Armada'' compared to ''Legends of the Microns''. When Jetfire leaves, and Cyclonus catches up with him, ''Armada'' plays the [[Theme song|theme song]] whereas no music is present in ''Legends of the Microns''.
[[File:Mortal Combat animation changes.jpg|thumb|340px|Animation changes between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' screencaps (right).]]
* The kids' departure from Optimus and Galvatron brings in more differences, yet still being ''somewhat'' the same thing in between dubs:
** Before pointing out the differences between the dialogue, there are some surprising animation shot changes between versions.
*** When Optimus says the children's names before his speech, ''Armada'' has an exclusive pan of the kids. ''Legends of the Microns'' instead uses a later shot of Optimus looking down on the kids during this sequence (see right).
*** After Optimus tells the Mini-Cons to look after the kids, High Wire, Grindor, and Sureshock's shot are drawn differently in each version, with the Japanese dub swapping places between High Wire and Grindor to provide more consistency on who is where (see right).
** ''Armada'' has Galvatron ask the kids to step aside since he and Optimus have "business" to take care of, then Carlos says they aren't going anywhere, and Billy confidently says Optimus isn't going to fight. Galvatron mockingly replies that Optimus will let himself get obliterated before the latter thanks the kids for helping the Autobots save the Mini-Cons. Optimus then assures Galvatron is right about ending hate in the universe and that he must now finish what he started. Sureshock asks Optimus why he should fight after he entrusts them with the children, with the latter then saying it's the only way to achieve peace. Rad tells him he shouldn't let Galvatron suck him into this but later realizes Optimus isn't going to change. He then asks if they'll see each other again soon, and Optimus assures him that they will, and he'll always remember him. Optimus and Galvatron then bid the kids farewell, as quoted above.
** In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron asks the kids to leave Unicron since this is his and Optimus' fight, with Carlos asking why he still can't understand what they are saying and Billy reaffirming that there's no need to fight. Galvatron says it doesn't look like Optimus believes that before the latter says to the kids that they would've never been able to defeat Unicron without their help, but apologizes for going to fight with Galvatron and that he's still a regular Transformer when one removes the "Supreme Commander" title from him. Optimus trusts the Mini-Cons to take care of the children and assures them that they all must rely on their strength to carry on, which makes Rad ask if he is going to fight. Rad thanks Optimus for everything that has happened, and the latter assures vice versa and that he wouldn't be standing here today without Rad. High Wire says all of the kids' names whenever his eyes glow, and Optimus tells them farewell and to head toward the future. Galvatron is silent here.
* Galvatron talks about being only with Optimus in ''Armada'', to which Optimus says that the time of speeches is over and it's time to end their quarrel, then later says Galvatron shouldn't be surprised and that this is what he wants before throwing the Matrix out. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron asking Optimus what's wrong, with Prime replying that he was right, which is why they'll fight as Transformers from this point onward.
* After tossing the Matrix before his final battle against Galvatron, Optimus says that he's fighting him not as a Commander "but as a Transformer called Optimus Prime!"
* After Optimus shoots at Galvatron, he comments on how he was the first one to attack in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' has him say that Optimus is not superior to him.
* When Cyclonus stops shooting at Unicron, he says he just got carried away in ''Armada'' whereas ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say, "I guess so..." Jetfire's reaction is also changed from him telling Cyclonus to knock it off in the English dub, but immediately remarks of Optimus and the others being inside Unicron in Japanese.
* When Jetfire notices the kids coming out of Unicron, ''Armada'' has Rad sounding shocked about the teleportation he just witnessed, but ''Legends of the Microns'' has him silent and instead has Jetfire point out the kids.
* The union's discussion back at the [[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]] is subtly different between versions:
** ''Legends of the Microns'' has Hoist ask how they are supposed to protect space with Unicron floating around, which Scavenger then asks what they are going to do since he's just there defenseless. Wheeljack asks Hot Shot what's the purpose of uniting the Transformers race before encouraging him to think, and then Demolishor reminds everyone that Galvatron is still inside Unicron. Side Swipe reminds everyone that Optimus is there too, to which Blurr responds that the two leaders are focusing intently on their duel, but he can't say why. Hot Shot then concludes that this might be their only chance to destroy Unicron, and even if Optimus is still inside, they must carry out the attack.
** ''Armada'' has Hoist suggest that they should wait for Jetfire and the kids to return before they do anything, with Scavenger agreeing. Wheeljack suggests to Hot Shot they should commence an assault now before Demolishor and Sideswipe remind him that the two leaders are still inside Unicron and they might get hit. Blurr says that it might be best for Optimus to return first, and he doesn't think they have a choice, and then Hot Shot evaluates that Unicron can't be fully recovered, nor Optimus and Galvatron should get hurt before he announces the assault.
* ''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot's announcement longer than ''Armada'', which also focuses more on Optimus and Galvatron being inside than the actual attack.
* After Galvatron gets thrown off course due to his blaster getting clogged, ''Armada'' has Galvatron saying he didn't expect Optimus to defend himself, but he's glad that he is his old self again, and all of this reminds him of the good old days. His laugh during this also has an echo effect. Meanwhile, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron says this is what he expects from a top-class Transformer who fights and then remarks on how fun this is.
* Unicron's words hovering over Optimus gives the same intent in both dubs, but like with "[[Origin]]," there's no mention of Optimus being like Galvatron if he doesn't have the Matrix in ''Armada'' and instead, Unicron talks about he loves the smell of battle.
[[File:Mortal Combat ML Exclusive Shot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|An exclusive ''Legends of the Microns'' shot—too disturbing for the kids?]]
* When the scene cuts back to their duel, ''Legends of the Microns'' adds a short clip where Galvatron rips out his destroyed cannon to throw it at Optimus before striking him with his horns (see right). ''Armada'' only shows Optimus blocking a seemingly random object thrown at him.
* Where High Wire says that Sideways was eliminated and Unicron is only in a dormant state in ''Armada'', ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say that defeating Sideways didn't kill off Unicron. In the same shot, Carlos asks what High Wire means in ''Legends of the Microns'', but says, "Mind saying that in English?" in Armada.
* Alexis in ''Armada'' makes it so that the hole in Unicron's armor seemingly opens itself, making Billy's response awkward. Rad also wonders if it's a telltale sign that Optimus is okay. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Alexis say the union managed to punch a hole in Unicron's armor, so Billy getting excited is more appropriate here, and Rad asks if Optimus is alright with no relation to the hole.
* Wheeljack says they are about to launch the second wave in ''Armada'', but tells the ''attack'' wave company to follow him ''Legends of the Microns''.
* Galvatron tells Optimus that he demands satisfaction since it can't end anti-climatically in ''Armada'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' has him ask if that's all he got and if this is how their grudge is going to end after thousands of years. Optimus says, "End?" before chuckling in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' has him say that he wishes he could accommodate Galvatron. Galvatron then tells Optimus to get up so he can destroy him, with the latter replying to not count on it''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' simply has Galvatron telling Optimus to get up, and the latter says this isn't over yet.
* Galvatron says, "That's the enemy I've come to know!" after Optimus gets up in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' has him say, "That's more like it, Prime!"
* Galvatron replies to his men about beating Unicron to forget about him and that his power will be his, then reminds Optimus about their battle in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say that Unicron is nothing but scrap metal now, and his excitement has only just begun. Additionally, Optimus says to Hot Shot he'll take care of Galvatron and tells him and everyone to attack Unicron with everything they got in the English dub. In contrast, he tells Hot Shot to leave him and Galvatron alone in the Japanese dub, and from this point onward, Hot Shot is in command.
* Hot Shot says Optimus' name in ''Legends of the Microns'' but says "No problem," in ''Armada'' in a tired tone.
* ''Armada'' uses the theme song's insert trance version for the remainder of Optimus and Galvatron's fight and plays right when Hot Shot commands everyone to attack. ''Legends of the Microns'' instead uses "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|Theme of Megatron - Attack by Villains]]" and plays it when Unicron is transforming.
* When the kids notice the Matrix floating in space, Jetfire asks what Rad just said in ''Legends of the Microns'', but doesn't say anything in ''Armada''. Additionally ''Armada'' has Alexis asking why he would take it off, with Carlos saying that's too freaky, followed by Billy saying there has to be a reason. Then Fred suggests that maybe there's something Optimus is not telling them. ''Legends of the Microns'' moves Alexis' line of why Optimus would take the Matrix off to Carlos; Billy says he has no idea, and Fred responds in fear, asking if this means Optimus is not the commander anymore.
* The shot of Optimus panting was redrawn in ''Legends of the Microns'' to have more accurate shading and proportions (see above).
* Once again, Optimus and Galvatron's conversation after they fought is a lot different between dubs, especially with Optimus:
** In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron tells Optimus that he is incredibly strong and that while he can't go on due to him falling apart, the battle was fun. Optimus then agrees despite him hating to admit it, followed by Galvatron saying as long as he knows how to fight, they are both the same, and Transformers love to fight overall. Optimus agrees with this, too, and says we're forged with a warrior's instincts, but he seeks the light beyond the combat and says that justice is indeed obtained by winning in the end, which he tried to deny before the fight. Galvatron responds in delight to what Optimus just said but tells him never to forget that justice can only be obtained through the hardships of battle.
** ''Armada'' has Galvatron say that this is the old Optimus he used to know, and follows that he has nothing left to offer and Optimus won fair and square, but the latter thinks they should call it a draw. Galvatron remarks how they went at it after all these years of being evenly matched and admits he enjoyed every nanosecond of it. Optimus apologizes that he can never admit to a joined battle, but it was necessary to remain at peace even if he might never see that day and hopes whoever survives this will remove evil from the universe. Galvatron then laughs and says that Optimus is right about never surviving beyond today, which means that he would now be the supreme commander.
* Near the end, where Optimus refuses to let go of Galvatron from being sucked into Unicron, Galvatron practically yells at Optimus to let go so Unicron will die from the lack of evil and to watch over the others after slicing his tread in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' goes philosophical as Galvatron observes that both might've been looking for the same thing despite their differences, and Optimus is the light while he represents the dark. On slicing his tread, Galvatron adds that even in the next generation/world, Prime is destined to be his rival, darkness will exist as long as there's light, and not forget that evil is eternal. Optimus yells his rival's name after Galvatron disappears into Unicron in ''Armada'', but whispers "Megatron" in ''Legends of the Microns''.
* Optimus not wanting the Matrix is the same in both versions, but ''Legends of the Microns'' also has him say that even now, he's still not worthy of carrying it, which better concludes his arc of being worthy of the Matrix, starting with "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]."
* The final moments with the Transformers and children is subtly different in the dubs, but nothing too major, unlike the past examples:
* ''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot say that he now believes they'll always be comrades no matter what happens, with Carlos agreeing and saying it doesn't matter if they're on Earth or Cybertron, and Jetfire agrees with that. He then says that they learned lessons from the kids, with Alexis saying the kids themselves learned a lot from them too. Fred asks if everyone is going to rebuild Cybertron, and Hot Shot says yes, and it doesn't matter if it's the Autobots, Decepticons, or Mini-Cons, since they all want to build a new Transformer world. Billy responds that they'll also try making Earth the most peaceful planet in the universe, and After disjointing from Perceptor, High Wire says goodbye and thank you. Alexis tells Sureshock that she is truly grateful, and Carlos then says he's not going to cry about the departure along with Fred, with Billy telling them to knock it off since they already are and Fred snapping back that he's not. Rad then asks about Optimus, with Hot Shot stating not to worry and that even without the Matrix, he'll always be their commander, with Jetfire in agreement. Rad then gives his final monologue, saying their real adventure has just begun.
* In ''Armada'', Hot Shot says they will never forget the kids, and Carlos replies with vice versa. Jetfire then thanks the kids for all they taught them, with Alexis saying they learned a lot from them. Fred asks Hot Shot and Jetfire to stop by Earth if they are ever in the Solar System, which the former promises but says it might be a long time to come since Cybertron is being rebuilt and with the war being over, with Billy happily stating that the Autobots and Decepticons are finally getting along. High Wire tells the kids that they'll always be in the Mini-Cons' memory, with Rad saying vice versa and Alexis saying they'll never forget them. When Carlos is holding back from crying, he says this is harder than he thought, and when Billy points out that they are balling like babies, Fred points out that he's crying too. When Rad asks about Optimus, Hot Shot says he's not sure where Prime is but is sure he's out there somewhere, with Jetfire then stating he's right here in all of their hearts. Rad agrees and gives his final monologue of Optimus always being a part of them no matter where they are or go.
** When the kids get dropped off by Hot Shot and Jetfire, and they thank them for it, the shot of them talking is redrawn in ''Legends of the Microns'' to have more posing than ''Armada''.
* Optimus's ending narration in ''Armada'' is the aftermath of Unicron's defeat, saying that Unicron has become powerless with the war over, and he and Galvatron have scattered across the universe. Optimus states that he's served his purpose now that Cybertron is safe and the Transformers live in peace with the Mini-Cons and mentions that if you see a peaceful star far away, it might be Cybertron. ''Legends of the Microns'' gives Optimus a more sincere narration that flows more with Unicron feeding off of hatred, with him talking about how even a battle fought for justice will always produce a degree of hate. However, to prevent Unicron's revival, you must have faith and a heart that ever seeks justice, and as long as you believe in that, anyone can become your comrade.

===Translation errors===
* After tossing out the Matrix before his final battle to the death against Galvatron, Optimus says, "I fight you not as the leader of the Autobots, but as the leader of all Transformers!" This uncharacteristic ego is totally at odds with Prime's stated motivations otherwise in the series; lo and behold, the original Japanese isn't him claiming sovereignty over his entire species, but rather stating that he's simply fighting Megatron as an individual Transformer, not as the Autobot commander.
* After the hole appears on Unicron's surface, Hot Shot orders the fleet, "It's time to shift into stealth mode!" They obviously do not do this, not remotely in any sense. In the original line, Hot Shot is simply ordering everyone to attack Unicron's moving parts.
* Jetfire tells Hot Shot, "Unicron's headed back to Cybertron!" This does not appear to be the case at all. In the original line, Jetfire correctly observes that Unicron is changing to his planet mode.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:ArmadaRhinoxTV.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"We never had any evil gods on prehistoric Earth."]]
* In the brief flashes to the struggle against Unicron from [[Origin|the previous episode]], ''Legends of the Microns'' uses the less detailed shot of Unicron hovering in front of Cybertron from the ''Armada'' airing.
* Optimus's busted truck wheel shrinks down considerably to fit inside Galvatron's cannon to jam it.
* There's an awkward silence when High Wire's eyes start glowing up, and he's supposed to talk when that happens. ''Legends of the Microns'' has High Wire say each kid's name when his eyes glow, so this error gets fixed.
* When Tidal Wave and his fleet show up to attack Unicron, he looks off-model and lacks detail(Notice the missing canons). ''Legends of the Microns'' entirely redraws him with a more accurate model and makes his animation less jagged (see above).
* When Hot Shot yells "Attack!" as Unicron transforms back into planet mode, the animation shows the Transformer fleet ''escaping'' (which would make sense), suggesting Hot Shot's line was a scripting error. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him say Optimus' name.
* Rhinox is colored like his original [[Rhinox (BW)/toys#TM1|Transmetal toy]] instead of his ''Armada'' toy.

===Continuity notes===
[[File:Armada 52 - Prime and no Matrix.jpg|thumb|How many Autobot [[insignia]]s does he have...?]]
* Does it seem like Alexis's hair grows slightly longer during the Unicron Battles?
* According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', Optimus and Galvatron's final battle is settling their differences and answering the questions Sideways asked in the previous episode.
* Rhinox makes his only physical debut in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]. [[Ask Vector Prime]] revealed in [[2015]] that Rhinox perished during the battle; Vector Prime also revealed that poor [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]'s upgrades were left incomplete due to Rhinox's death.
* This episode is the first time in the series that characters bleed upon receiving damage. As Optimus and Galvatron duel, parts of Unicron's insides take damage, with slightly yellowish-white liquid pouring out. Later, as the Decepticon leader rips a pipe from Unicron's armor to use as a weapon, bright red liquid pours out from where the pipe used to be. Additionally, when Galvatron slices Prime's chest with his wrist blade, his wound is briefly highlighted with bright red.
* In the second-to-last shot, Prime returns to his original colors but hasn't reclaimed the Matrix, as his Matrix compartment is visibly empty during his transformation.
* This episode marks the last time [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]], [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]], [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]]—if you don't think [[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]] from ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' is the same one—[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]], and [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] appear in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]].
** This also marks the last time Billy and Fred appear in the Unicron Trilogy, as they don't return in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' nor ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]''{{'}}s final episode. The reason is most likely because, according to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', the team never planned on making them staple cast members, and they only lasted this long since the team never got around to writing them out.
* Even with Galvatron sacrificing himself to remove evil from the universe, Unicron survived, marking the gateway to ''Energon''.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Since being deactivated, Unicron automatically reverts to planet mode as a defense mechanism.
** Grindor can fly in skateboard mode; "[[Base]]" and "[[Comrade]]" previously alluded to this ability.
** The Mini-Con super weapons seem able to fly, which seems to be a common feature among Mini-Con super weapons/Powerlinxed forms, as seen with the [[Magnawing]] in ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'', the [[Energon Saber]] in ''Energon'', and the [[Umbral Blaster]] in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act|Cybertron]]'' comic.
** The Mini-Cons tap into the [[Linkage (dimension)|Linkage dimension]] to phase them and the kids through Unicron's armor.
** Galvatron hasn't used his antlers to attack anyone since he went by the name "Megatron" in "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]." Additionally, while having been shown to be able to use them to create electrical currents, this is the first time he's used them to shock his opponent.
** Galvatron uses his wrist blade for the first and last time in this episode, using it twice.
** Optimus has ninja-like reflexes and can tip-toe on thin pipes—''what a badass.''
** Unicron can warp.

===Continuity errors===
* During the end of their duel, Galvatron strikes a metal pipe in Optimus's back, who tries to pull it out unsuccessfully in a later shot, after which the pipe completely disappears.

===Transformers references===
* [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] is visible in the hangar during the raid against Unicron. Because of the unanticipated success of ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', he and the other ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' remolds were released, but they were unable to receive larger roles in [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|the show]].

===Real-world references===
* The Autobot/Decepticon fighters flying and firing down Unicron's trenches are an obvious nod to ''{{w|Star Wars (film)|Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope}}'s'' [[Death Star]] trench run.

===Trivia===
[[File:Tf ml 01 52 comparison title card.jpg|upright=1.0|thumb|Time for kanji quiz, kids!]]
* The English dub of "Mortal Combat" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 12]], 2003.
* Unlike the previous 51 episodes, the title card in this episode's Japanese airing didn't have the usual alternate-reading {{w|furigana}} over the {{w|kanji}} title as seen on the right.
* According to the ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'':
** When the team finished making this episode, they all felt a sense of completion, like when Optimus sacrificed himself in "Crisis," and felt this series expanded the Transformers brand into a new direction, with it being slightly different from past iterations. The team also hopes that viewers can think about what they made.
** Optimus and Galvatron's final battle is perhaps the show's crowning achievement, nothing short of spectacular. ''And how!''
*** The fact that Optimus fights Galvatron with his fists and ingenuity, while Galvatron uses all the weapons at his disposal and his trump card knife proves Prime is the superior fighter.
** [[Munetaka Abe]]'s primary concern when animating was how to convey emotion with Optimus before the fight since he only has eyes, unlike Galvatron. Abe was also surprised when he heard about Optimus throwing the Matrix away in this episode.
** [[Hidehito Ueda]] thinks "trust" is the keyword of this series, so he wanted Optimus's last message in the episode to convey that and use it as a settlement for not only what Optimus endured throughout the show but what the team experienced while making it.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Unicrons Ende'''" ("Unicron's End")
:* ''Original airdate:'' [[January 16|16 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''A végső csata'''" ("The Final Battle")

'''Italian'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''L'ultima battaglia'''" ("The Last Battle")

'''Portuguese'''
:* ''Title:'' "'''Combate Mortal'''" ("Mortal Combat")
{{--}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 13 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Studios]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Alliance

2026-02-14T22:59:02Z

Chase eX: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{disambig3|Alliance}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=49
|prev=Cramp
|next=Union
|title="Alliance"
|furigana=ゆにくろん
|japanese=覚醒
|romaji=Unicron
|translation=Awakening: Unicron
|image=Unicronalliance.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-49
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 30]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[December 5]], 2003 (Japanese) [[December 9]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Starscream's sacrifice spurs the Autobots and the Decepticons to join forces. But Unicron awakens...'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Sshot-arm-494-remains.jpg|left|thumb|You failed, your highness. I'm a Jedi, like my father before me...yeah...]]
[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is astonished to hear about the truce between the two armies and asks if [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] is functioning. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] is disgusted that they're doing this simply because the traitorous [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] asked that they do it, but then suggests that they simply use the idea of a truce to ambush the [[Autobot]]s. Outraged, Galvatron makes Cyclonus respect his authority with the usual amount of physical punishment. Galvatron is upset at how poorly things have turned out, but Starscream's sacrifice has convinced him: they're going to ally with the Autobots...for now in order to stop [[Unicron]]. Galvatron went far stating of the reasons of why Starscream rebelled against him in the first place, calling him a true soldier.

[[File:Sshot-arm-491-ships.jpg|thumb|Not all Autobot spaceships know how to swim.]]
Seeing Galvatron's point of the crisis, the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s agree to the truce, except for Cyclonus, who is still disgusted by this. Inside of Unicron, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] plan their inevitable victory and conquest of the universe. The power of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] allows Unicron to shed the remains of his moon-disguise shell. The dark god hovers over [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], sucking up parts of the terrain. Both armies evacuate the surface, assisted by the [[Mini-Con]] swarm.

In a ceremonial procedure, Galvatron and his Decepticons meet with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots for a handshake to seal the truce. The leaders shake hands, and [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] also grabs on as his way of representing the allegiance of the Mini-Cons. The kids observe this, astonished that it's actually happening. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] begins to tear up and when [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] asks her if she's all right, she says she was just remembering Starscream and how he would have loved to see this happening for himself. Forming a single front, the Autobot/Decepticon [[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|armada]] heads towards Unicron. The first volley of fire does no damage against their enemy. Two larger ships perform reconnaissance and are blasted, so a team of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]], Demolishor, and Cyclonus (and some others) are sent in, based on a theory that smaller ships will elude Unicron's detection. On Unicron's surface, Cyclonus and the generics fly away to break stuff, and Demolishor leaves to avoid Hot Shot, leaving the two Autobots by themselves.

[[File:Alliance Redshirts.jpg|thumb|left|Balls of DOOOOM!!!!]]
Unicron's geography shifts and folds, disturbing his visitors and causing Demolishor to lose [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]]. From the base, Galvatron suggests another attack, which Optimus Prime makes sure won't harm the recon crew, who have their hands full fighting against swarms of [[Dead End Drone]]s. Demolishor saves Cyclonus from falling into a fissure, while the Autobots assist their begrudging allies. Demolishor saves Side Swipe from falling into another fissure, and Hot Shot thanks the Decepticon by re-uniting Demolishor with Blackout—a tender moment. Optimus and Galvatron arrive to bring the group home.

From a distance, the armada witnesses Unicron complete his transformation into [[robot mode]], ready to devour the planet.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (18)
* [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (19)
* [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (20)
* [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (21)
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (22)
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (23)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (25)
* Generic Autobots

|c2=
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (2)
* [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (3)
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (4)
* [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (6)
* Generic Decepticons

|c3=
* [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (9)
* [[Rad White|Rad]] (13)
* [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (14)
* [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (15)
* [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (16)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
* [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (10)
* [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (11)
* [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (12)
* [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (24)
* [[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (26)
* [[Dead End Drone]]s (27)

|h5=Other|c5=
* [[Unicron]] (1)
* [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (7)
* [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (8)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Jetfire Shake Hands.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Believe it or not, this ''is'' the correct [[scale]] between the two characters.]]

"Right now, all I can think about is the comrade we lost. Sure, he challenged my authority in a failed coup attempt, and even though Starscream was a traitor, he never lost sight of his oath to the Decepticons. He was a true soldier, unlike most of ''you''!"
:—'''Galvatron''' defends Starscream's memory from the jibes of the other Decepticons.

'''Demolishor:''' "I'm only doing this because I'm following Galvatron's orders." 
'''Cyclonus:''' "Ha! I can't believe I'm fighting for harmony! What a load of bunk! I'm a lean, mean, fighting machine! Hahahaha!" 
'''Side Swipe:''' "I gotta work with this guy? I'm not so sure about this."
:—The truce gets off to a shaky start.

"Tidal Wave..." 
"Uh...nice meetin' ya."
:—'''Tidal Wave''' and '''Jetfire''' shaking hands.

"I can't believe I just saved Prime!"
:—An incredulous '''Galvatron''' after he destroys a cannon targeted at Optimus Prime.

'''Rad:''' "I've never seen anything like it... it's like I'm staring into the face of pure evil..." 
'''Everyone at once:''' "He's gigantic!"
:—'''The kids''' are definitely going to need therapy when this is all over.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*At the start of the episode, Demolishor and Cyclonus question Galvatron's decision to join the Autobots without moving their mouths. This is due to the dub extending their lines, as in the original they didn't speak during the shot where their faces are shown.
*The original has Demolishor lamenting Starscream's death, while in the ''Armada'' he claims he was a traitor who got what he deserved.
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot tells Demolishor to be quiet even though the latter just says he doesn't want to get shot by Unicron. ''Legends of the Microns'' just has Demolishor's saying that the Autobots sound overly optimistic, with Hot Shot's responding with "What was that?!"

===Animation and technical errors===
*Strangely, some errors present are exclusive to ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' actually fixes them. Granted, it's a ''very'' small number and the episode is otherwise the same animation wise, but still odd, especially since it's ''always'' the opposite. This is the only episode of the entire cartoon that has this quirk, so guess someone must've messed up which version to broadcast. This includes:
**When Galvatron delivers his speech after punching Cyclonus, Wheeljack is colored like [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]]. ''Armada'' has him colored properly (albeit with the red eyes remaining). However, in a later shot when the Decepticons are running, Wheeljack is once again incorrectly colored with Sparkplug's palette.
**When Galvatron shoots at Unicron, his blaster is incorrectly colored white. ''Armada'' fixes this by making it the proper black, dark gray, and yellow.
** In two shots while in planet mode, Unicron is missing one of his arms.
**When the Autobots and Decepticons go to Unicron with their pods, the former faction seemingly stop in the air when they are trying to land. ''Armada'' fixes this by making them actually land on the ground.
*At several points throughout the opening scene, the Decepticons are all drawn with hideously faulty character models with poor proportions and lack of detail.
*As the Decepticons prepare to launch the ship to escape from Unicron's gravitational pull, generic Decepticons using [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]], [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]], and the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]]'s [[character model]]s are standing in the ship's hangar bay.
*The [[Race Mini-Con Team|Race Team Mini-Con]] Mirage appears among the Mini-Cons there, but he should be with Thrust inside Unicron by now, as the traitorous Decepticon had stolen the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] several episodes earlier. However, this could be just another case of model reuse.
*In the same scene, Wheeljack has been colored as Sideways.
*Several of the Mini-Cons protecting the ''Axalon'' and the Autobot fleet during the lift-off from Cybertron use Generation 1 character models instead of Mini-Con character models.
*The four generic Decepticons on the mission to Unicron change colour between each shot.
*When Unicron begins to transform, part of the ring that surrounds his planet mode is missing.
*When Jet Optimus attacks the Dead End Drones surrounding Hot Shot and Demolishor's recon team, the laser blast comes from in front of the first drone destroyed, rather than behind (the direction from which Prime is coming).
*Unless [[size changing]] occurs when Galvatron and Tidal Wave combine, there's no way Galvatron should be able to pick up Demolishor and Cyclonus with each hand.
*When shaking hands with Tidal Wave, Jetfire's wings are shortened to just above his head. This is possibly to continue the tradition of exaggerating Tidal Wave's size.
**Oddly, despite the change in length of his wings, the characters are drawn to be in accurate [[scale]] with one another.
*When Optimus gives the order to fire only on Unicron's northern hemisphere, the very next shot shows Unicron being fired upon all over his planet mode.

===Continuity notes===
*Despite destroying Starscream for firing upon him in the previous episode, Unicron doesn't seem to mind Galvatron doing exactly the same thing.
*Assuming the episode was entirely in real-time, Unicron's transformation took close to seven minutes.
*The three Mini-Con super weapons are used to fully restore Unicron's power. Guess the Mini-Cons really are Unicron's cells.
*Unicron's innards appear to be [[technorganic]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Unicron fires lasers from the chunks on the right side of his planet mode (the ones that house the Mini-Con gimmick to fire the leg missiles on the toy).
**Unicron's surface can deploy drones to attack any unwanted guests, specifically the Autobots and Decepticons.
**Mid-transformation, Unicron uses his shoulder/planet horns to fire an energy beam at Jet Optimus.
**The inside of Hot Shot's shin apparently has hollow space, big enough to store a Mini-Con. As an added piece of toy acurracy, his shins open on the transformation hinges of his toy.
**Unicron has a surface-based turret he uses to try to shoot Optimus in the back.

===Continuity errors===
*Cyclonus is in danger of falling into a hole, having apparently forgotten that ''he can fly'', which he was doing ''moments before''. It's possible that he's just that stupid, but not likely.

===Transformers references===
*Several parts of Unicron's transformation sequence are a visual homage to his transformation in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

===Trivia===
[[File:Armada decepticons alliance.jpg|thumb|Galvatron...Emperor Palpatine...What's the difference?]]
*The English version of "Alliance" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 9]], 2003.
*Various cameos appear in the hand-shaking scene, including [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and a palette-swapped [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] of the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]].
*The generic Decepticons sent to Unicron to assist the named characters have Generation 1 character models (namely [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] and [[Buster (G1)|Buster]]) but with radically different color schemes. They totally {{w|Redshirt (character)|all died}}.
*Various [[generic]] Mini-Cons use the Generation 1 [[Throttlebot]] designs.
*Unicron's transformation sequence, while homaging the Generation 1 version of the sequence, also transforms accurately to the toy.
*Yes, the combined forces of Autobots, Decepticons, and Mini-Cons is what the "Armada" in the title of the series stands for.
*According to ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'':
**Cyclonus saying that fighting is the only thing makes him feel alive might be one of his few highlights.
**The time during the making of these last episodes were particularly difficult. Everyone was desperate for the final episode to be finished and only such a difficult thing was remembered.
***[[Munetaka Abe]] was busy with animating Starscream's death in "[[Cramp]]", Unicron's transformation in this episode, Overload's robot mode in "[[Union]]", and being the animation director for "[[Mortal Combat]]". When commenting on Unicron's transformation, Abe stated he used quite a bit of motion tweeks so that the animation didn't take too much time to work on. It was hard but he had a lot of fun.
***[[Hidehito Ueda]] was troubled with the storyboards for "[[Portent]]", "[[Union]]", and "[[Mortal Combat]]", while [[Takeshi Sano]] and [[Masami Nagata]] worked as the storyboarder and animation director respectively for "[[Drift (episode)|Drift]]" and "[[Origin]]".

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mit vereinten Kräften'''" ("With Joint Forces")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 13|13 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Felderítés'''" ("Recon")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Alleanza'''" ("Alliance")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Aliança'''" ("Alliance")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 13 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' - Best of the Autobots (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Cramp

2026-02-12T23:37:36Z

Chase eX: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=48
|prev=Portent
|next=Alliance
|title="Cramp"
|furigana=しんねん
|japanese=決死
|romaji=Shinnen
|translation=Prepared for Death: Conviction
|image=Starscreamheroicdeath.jpg
|caption="Tell my tale to those who ask. Tell it truly, the ill deeds along with the good, and let me be judged accordingly..."
|production code=TF: A-48
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]], [[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.)
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 29]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 28|28 November]] 2003 (Japanese) [[December 8]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Starscream prepares to do whatever it takes to convince Galvatron the threat of Unicron is real.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Starsmack.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Galvatron blasts Starscream with his rarely seen armpit-laser.]]
[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] pleads to [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] that [[Unicron]]'s threat is real (as Starscream has first-hand experience in the beast's bowels); hoping to convince his leader that perhaps an [[Autobot]] and [[Decepticon]] alliance is the safest course to ensure [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s survival. When Starscream refuses to stop pleading, Galvatron slaps his subordinate into a wall to silence him. The Decepticon leader is confident his military can overcome both the Autobots and Unicron. Starscream continues to stress the danger of Unicron, and Galvatron starts to swing his [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]].

[[File:Cramp-Starscreamdies.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|[[Code of Hero|The rest is... silence]]. Well, [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|not really]], but don't you kinda wish it was?]]
The Autobots are still optimistic, believing there's a chance a diplomatic conference could lead to a truce between the two sides, meaning they can't take aggressive action against the Decepticons, only defensive. Nevertheless, Galvatron, armed with the Star Saber and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], flies into battle, ready to negotiate with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] using firepower. Prime responds by combining with [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] and heading away from the thick of the fight.

By a [[Megatron statue|monolithic statue of Megatron]], Starscream wonders what he needs to do, and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]]'s words of encouragement run through his head.

Away from the armies, Galvatron and Optimus Prime send their men away, leaving the two leaders to battle one on one. Through the struggle, Galvatron admits that he still considers Unicron an Autobot hoax, and with the Star Saber, he has the upper hand against Prime. However, as soon as Galvatron breaks Prime's metal, an explosion disturbs the showdown. Starscream walks from the smoke.

The rest of the Autobots struggle to hold their ground, unable to cause any real damage to the Decepticons. Alexis has faith that things will be okay. Meanwhile, Unicron's lunar shell peels off thousands of miles away, and the behemoth attacks the assembled Mini-Con cluster.

[[File:Cramp-Swindleejects.jpg|left|thumb|I'm not crying! I just have something in my eyes.]]
Starscream quits the Decepticons and challenges Galvatron to one-on-one combat. The two clash, quickly cutting into each other. However, Starscream displays skill beyond the last time he battled Megatron. Lightning from Unicron carves into the landscape around them. The two warriors ignore it and continue their struggle, but in an instant, the Star Saber plunges into Starscream's torso, and the impaled Decepticon falls.

Lying with the blade sticking out of him, Starscream speaks earnestly to Galvatron, pointing out that Galvatron's arrogance drove the situation to be what it is. Despite his injury, Starscream stands up and reiterates his wishes for a truce between the two Cybertronian factions against Unicron. With his final desire said, Starscream joins with his [[Mini-Con]] to fire his [[Proton cannon]]s upwards at Unicron. Unicron fires back, disintegrating Starscream, much to Galvatron and Optimus's shock. Aboard the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'', Alexis's [[Good Luck Necklace|luck charm]] breaks, and she runs outside to look out the window and sees Starscream's laser blast fade away.

[[File:Cramp-AlexismournsStarscream.jpg|left|thumb|I never got to tell Starscream that I loved him!]]
Realizing Starscream was right about Unicron's threat, Galvatron remembers their shared experiences and ''finally'' decides to join forces with Optimus Prime. He starts by offering the Star Saber to Optimus... But from the crater Starscream died in, a dark cloud emerges and grabs the Star Saber! The cloud forms into [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]], who escapes the two leaders through the underground portal, collapsing the tunnels so the Autobots and Decepticons can't follow him. Upon witnessing Sideways's escape, Optimus and Galvatron fear for the worst to come.

After Optimus tells them about Starscream's death over the monitor, the kids are devastated, especially Alexis, who begins crying. She then bolts from the room and slams her fist on the window that displays Unicron in grief. When [[Rad White|Rad]] appears behind her, she smacks his shoulders, asking why Starscream would do that to himself, and Rad does his best to console her.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (8)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (9)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (10)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (14)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (15)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (16)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (18)
*[[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] (21)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (2)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (3)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (4)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (5)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (20)

|c3=
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (6)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (7)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (11)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (12)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (13)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (19) (Powerlinxed with Galvatron)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (23)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (25)
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (26)

|h5=Other|c5=
*[[Unicron]] (22)
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (27)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Cramp-Galvatronregrets.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|You'll miss me when I'm gone!]]
"How long have we been adversaries, Optimus? It seems like since the beginning of time. And I suppose I do have a certain respect for you, but I digress, you might have fooled Starscream with your little Truce ploy, but I am nobody's fool. Now let's end this charade, shall we?"
:—'''Galvatron''' faces off against Optimus Prime in the 'negotiations.'

"May I suggest that you have lost your mind?!"
:—'''Galvatron''' to Starscream, who has just challenged him to a duel.

"I tried to gain favor from you. But nothing was ever good enough. No matter how many battles I fought, you always found fault. Then I saw how Optimus treated his men, and I realized he was a leader of integrity. Unlike you." 
"You were too weak to ever gain my respect." 
"None of that matters now. You must listen — do as Optimus says and join forces with the Autobots, or else every last one of us is doomed! Please sir... do it for me..."
:—'''Starscream''' pours his spark out to '''Galvatron''' after being impaled by the Star Saber

"It's time to finish this once and for all! Activate Proton Cannon! YOU'RE ALL MINE, UNICRON!!!"
:—'''Starscream's''' heroic last words before shooting at Unicron.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*Starscream asks why Megatron wants to cling to his rivalry with Optimus and says that the universe will soon be no more after witnessing Unicron's power. Galvatron says he's now aware of Unicron's existence and understands the need to destroy him but still refuses to work with Optimus. ''Armada'' rephrases the rivalry as a "petty argument" and changes Galvatron and Starscream's dialogue to Galvatron, warning Starscream not to test his patience or contemplate betraying him again.
*Cyclonus and Demolishor's lines to Starscream are changed to the former calling Starscream a coward and the latter asking what there is to worry about since Unicron is "just some planet that became our moon." Then Starscream calls them idiots for not understanding Unicron's true horror.
*In ''Armada'', Galvatron says Optimus will be sorry and that he'll also deal with Unicron. However, as he believes there can't be two supreme commanders, he's more focused on eliminating his competition before facing Unicron. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron says he never said the two factions couldn't join forces, but he'll have to deal with Prime first. He plans to kill Optimus and merge the Autobots into the Decepticon army, claiming Optimus is his sworn enemy and there's no tomorrow if he doesn't defeat Prime.
*Galvatron offers Starscream command over the Autobots after defeating Optimus. ''Armada'' has Galvatron requesting Starscream's complete loyalty.
*Before the episode title appears, Cyclonus says Starscream can wait there at HQ since their "Autobot Commander" only needs to sit on his throne.
*The kids discuss if they and the Autobots can trust Galvatron or believe anything he says, as Carlos says that Galvatron is constantly manipulating things. Alexis states that's why they need to negotiate. Then Optimus says that she's right, and Galvatron should understand the need for the Autobots and Decepticons to combine forces to combat Unicron. Rad worries about another fight breaking out, but Billy assures him that Optimus won't lose, and Optimus says he will try to avoid a clash with Galvatron.
*Afterward, an anxious Smokescreen demands the 'Cons to show themselves. Then Blurr reminds him the 'Cons are additional strength to help take down Unicron so they can't be too rough with them; Hot Shot tells Smokescreen they're counting on him, and Smokescreen answers, "I know! Use our heads, right?"
*Unlike ''Armada'', Demolishor explicitly says "Hot Shot and the others" are with Optimus. Then Galvatron entrusts Demolishor with handling them, but in ''Armada'', Galvatron tells Demolishor to "spare me [him] the details."
*Hot Shot is surprised when the Decepticons start firing. Blurr and Side Swipe's dialogue is changed to the former saying that the Autobots are now in the thick of things and the latter saying the Decepticons seemingly don't want to negotiate.
*In ''Armada'', Red Alert has a cynical outlook while talking about Wheeljack. Like Carlos, he truly believed Wheeljack changed sides before insisting that one will always be a Decepticon after becoming one. Then Carlos gripes that it's now hard distinguishing who's friend or foe, and Fred agrees. Red Alert says they should focus on their side more than the Decepticons, and Carlos agrees they should support their comrades. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert is less pessimistic, saying Wheeljack made a temporary truce to track down Thrust but will become a trustworthy Autobot ally if Optimus successfully negotiates with Galvatron. Carlos asks if that's like Scavenger, and Fred thinks it would. Then Red Alert says Hot Shot and Wheeljack's dynamic is similar to that between Optimus and Scavenger, making Carlos say that in that case, they should hope that Prime pulls off the negotiation.
*When Optimus combines with Jetfire and Overload and later breaks from them, ''Armada'' plays the ''Transformers'' theme and spams the transformation sound effect. In contrast, ''Legends of the Microns'' plays Prime's Super Mode theme, "Super Convoy," during the Powerlinx sequence. The Japanese dub later plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|Theme of Megatron - Attack by Villains]]," fitting the tense situation better.
*''Armada'' has awkward silence after Jetfire's line as he forces away Tidal Wave because Jetfire says his lines without pausing. ''Legends of the Microns'' has a second-long pause between the lines, so there's no silence at the end of the shot.
*Optimus and Galvatron's dialogue differs significantly between the dubs:
**''Armada'' portrays Galvatron as very gung-ho about fighting Optimus as though it's how they'll "negotiate." He remains cynical about the reality of Unicron's threat and only cares about eliminating Optimus so he can be the universe's sole ruler. Optimus offers to talk once Galvatron cools off and later says the generic line about Galvatron's lust for power disgusting him. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Galvatron's quip about needing to shut Optimus down to his offering to show Prime his "true incompetence." It continues his string of thoughts from earlier and the prior episode about believing two Supreme Commanders are too many and unnecessary to defeat Unicron. Thinking negotiating is needless, Galvatron wants to show he's the superior leader and orders Optimus to fight him. Optimus is silent until he calls Jetfire. After Optimus Powerlinx with Jetfire and Overload and flies off, Galvatron is confused about why Prime won't fight. Optimus asks Galvatron why he can't understand that they should make peace. When Optimus offers Galvatron command, Galvatron thinks Prime is mocking him and says Prime's presence will disrupt "the command structure" even if he steps down and demands Prime to show his power.
**After Tidal Wave and Jetfire leave, ''Armada'' has Galvatron suggest he and Optimus "cut to the chase" now that they're alone. He admits to respecting Prime somewhat but isn't falling for his "truce ploy" charade like Starscream did (as quoted above), still focusing on who will rule the universe. He later mocks Optimus for waiting for the Mini-Cons to rescue him, saying that won't happen. The Japanese version makes their exchange more philosophical: Galvatron mentions what Smokescreen told him about trust among the Autobots, remarking how it's pathetic, and calls Optimus a fool to bind himself with such vague notions. He says Starscream is no different and has had the same silly ideas after returning from the Autobots; Optimus says Starscream awakened to his true self as a Transformer after spending time on both sides. There is some silence after Galvatron demands Optimus to stop feeding him lies in ''Armada'' because the English dub shortens Optimus's line about Starscream, making Galvatron's reply come sooner than it does in ''Legends of the Microns''. Galvatron claims Starscream might be a worse traitor than Thrust. He insists that trust is nonsense, saying that one's power is something worth believing in; power is everything, and justice without it means nothing. Then Galvatron mocks Prime, asking if he's frustrated and sad since the Mini-Cons Optimus fought to save are now under his control and itching to dish out the killing blow.
*The Japanese dub uses the mid-episode [[commercial bumper]]s, while ''Armada'' uses the Autobot and Decepticon logos from the [[scene transition]]s with the transformation sound effect.
*Starscream says he won't hesitate to betray Galvatron because he must stand by his beliefs. Optimus says this isn't Starscream's fight, but the latter asserts otherwise. Galvatron says Starscream has become "a boring person" and asks if working with the Autobots is necessary; Starscream answers it is for "the future of the Transformers" and not just defeating Unicron and declares he will take command of the Decepticons after besting Galvatron. Galvatron dismisses it as wishful thinking and says Starscream will never beat him, but Starscream states he won't know until he tries.
*Carlos, Billy, and Fred's conversation in the Japanese dub shows them confused by how the negotiation looks no different than a regular Autobot and Decepticon encounter; Billy concludes it's something they'd expect when the factions meet. Then Alexis says things will be fine as she's sure something will change.
*Galvatron questions if Starscream infused his wingblade with his spark's power, to which Starscream answers that he's put every bit of his energy into it to defeat him. Then Optimus says there's no point trying to stop them since Starscream is so determined; Optimus has only one line during the scene in ''Armada'', so there's some silence afterward.
*When Unicron changes form again, Alexis says to look instead of asking what's happening, and Rad sounds more shocked. After Alexis's line about the Mini-Cons approaching Unicron, Billy has a line begging them to stop before Fred says Unicron is attacking the Mini-Cons. After stopping High Wire, Rad urges him to tell the other Mini-Cons to hide somewhere rather than stay put.
* ''Armada'' reduces Galvatron's dialogue to chalking up that Starscream's actions are due to his programming going haywire and offering to put him out of his misery. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream scolds Galvatron for believing nobody could be his equal since he's so overconfident in his strength and declares that he will show him the power of a warrior willing to risk his life for his beliefs. Galvatron admits Starscream's newfound convictions deserve some respect, to which Starscream says the same for Galvatron's stubbornness. Galvatron wonders when the change started since Starscream never escaped his influence when he had ambition. Galvatron says something else is driving Starscream now, asking if the Autobots or the children are compelling him. Not understanding why Starscream would face him over something trivial, Galvatron asks if Starscream is betraying him for real this time before deciding that Starscream will never beat him as he keeps believing in things like trust and kindness.
*After the lightning strike from Unicron, the Japanese dub adds screaming to the shot after Demolishor and Wheeljack. Then Galvatron admits being surprised by Starscream's increased strength and that maybe trust isn't a fleeting concept. Starscream internally says Galvatron's name during his close-up, and Galvatron says never to drop his guard until the fight is over.
*Just before Galvatron impales Starscream, the animation is tweaked to clarify that the latter "switched off" his sword with no intention of blocking the fatal blow. The two don't exchange jibes here; they only say the other's name, and Galvatron kneels, realizing what Starscream has done and acknowledging the latter's power, while Starscream says he's still not as strong as Galvatron.
*Starscream's final moments are subtly different between the two versions:
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Starscream admire Megatron as an ultimate warrior he could never hope to beat and say he wanted Megatron to notice him. Megatron gently tells Starscream to stop speaking, later calling him a fool for persisting. Starscream says he'd never gotten the chance to talk to him like this without laying his life on the line first and calls Optimus a leader worthy of trust. After imploring both factions to team up, Starscream says a lot has happened. When unleashing his final attack, Starscream says, "SPARK OF MY SOUL...UNLEASH EVERY BIT OF YOUR POWER! NULL RAY CANNON!" The following scenes of his demise are silent except for Megatron gasping.
**In ''Armada'', Starscream says that he could never break the oath he swore to Galvatron as a Decepticon. He talks about his desperation to please Galvatron and that if Galvatron had given him the respect he wanted their fight could've been avoided, while comparing him to Optimus as an unintegral leader (a monologue played again during the montage). Galvatron is much more verbally hostile towards Starscream, acting infuriated rather than shocked when he realizes Starscream planned to die, and calling him too weak to be worthy of respect. Instead of remarking on all that has happened, Starscream reiterates his plea for the Autobots and Decepticons to unite: "Please sir, do it for me." Starscream's last words are not simply calling on his power, but defiantly saying, "You're all mine, Unicron!" When Starscream is then obliterated, his death wail can be heard, unlike the Japanese version.
*After Starscream's last moments in ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus tells Swindle to come with him since his partner isn't here anymore. ''Armada'' has Optimus claim that Starscream was a brave soldier until the end.
*Galvatron's memories of Starscream replays his final monologue in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' instead has the montage feature moments of Starscream boasting, pleading, and wanting Megatron's recognition throughout the series.
*When Sideways steals the Star Saber, he declares that he now has all the keys. He says Unicron is the only one worthy of it and congratulates Galvatron and Optimus for their "good work." After Sideways escapes, Galvatron exclaims how this nightmare could worsen in ''Armada'' but remarks on Sideways fleeing underground in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The scene of Sideways destroying the underground tunnel now has an effect added to his maniacal laughter to make it sound disembodied. After this, the scene of the kids' reactions upon learning of Starscream's death is silent, whereas their responses are heard in ''Armada''.
*In ''Armada'', Rad's closing narration is that Starscream was gone, and his demise seemed to be in vain. Then he says, like everything in life, everyone would have to wait to learn the purpose of Starscream's actions; for now, all they had were too many unanswered questions. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis gives the narration, which contains a small glimmer of hope, unlike the English version. She says Starscream has died, but perhaps someday, the tears of sorrow over his death will become ones of determination, swearing that his efforts won't be wasted.

===Animation and technical errors===
*In the opening scene, Demolishor has four fingers and one thumb on each hand.
*Galvatron's hands are small stubs after swinging the Star Saber at Starscream in the opening.
*In the shots where Hoist warns Blurr not to fire upon the Decepticons except in self-defense, and after the others promise to cover Hot Shot, Blurr's entire gun is colored one solid orange shade.
*Scavenger's chest is partially off-model after the Decepticons begin firing upon the Autobots.
*Galvatron's mouth doesn't move when he says, "Let the negotiations begin!"
*Before Optimus calls for Jetfire, Galvatron's turret is partially miscolored dark gray.
*Galvatron's eyes are seemingly closed after Optimus Powerlinx with Jetfire and Overload.
*Jetfire shoots Tidal Wave in the eye...with the back of his rifle? The Japanese dub fixes this error.
*After Galvatron slashes Optimus with the Star Saber, one can hear the sound of crackling electricity from a wound, but Optimus looks unscathed until his next shot.
*Galvatron says, "What?" too soon in two scenes: first, before the explosion goes off behind him, seemingly out of surprise about gaining the upper hand when the Star Saber cuts Optimus's shoulder, and later when Sideways steals the Star Saber. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the timing by having Galvatron say it the first time while turning around ''after'' the explosion and later a second after Sideways takes the sword from him and Optimus.
*Starscream's mouth doesn't move when he speaks after appearing out of the smoke.
*As Starscream descends after catching his wing blade, Galvatron exclaims fearfully despite his brash overconfidence a moment ago. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he appropriately shouts "What?!" in shock instead.
*As Galvatron slaps Starscream during their duel, his right hand is drawn as a standard hand instead of its traditional claw-looking design.
*As Starscream fires on Unicron, his canopy is shown to be intact, despite being shattered by the Star Saber earlier. This may not be an error, however, given Powerlinx has been shown to heal wounds before.
*Starscream calls his Powerlinx weapon a "Proton Cannon." The Japanese version keeps the cannons' previous name, the Null-Laser Cannon, suggesting a translation error.
*Wheeljack says, "What's happening?" in Demolishor's voice. The Japanese version doesn't have this mistake.
*When Alexis goes to the window to see Starscream's Photon Cannon fail to reach Unicron, the Autobot symbol on the back of her suit changes from red to blue.
*When Galvatron raises the Star Saber before his memory montage, the inner part of his right shoulder is detached from the rest, already in its later position, before he lifts his arm.

===Continuity notes===
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Billy refers to Galvatron as "stag beetle head," the nickname Thrust previously used in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]."
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Galvatron references what Smokescreen said to him in "[[Sacrifice]]" about trust binding the Autobots together.
*Galvatron refers to the time when Sparkplug saved Optimus in "[[Decisive Battle]]"; he might also mean when the Mini-Cons turned against him to save Optimus in "[[Vow]]."
*In the Japanese dub, Galvatron remarks about Starscream's ambition, which he previously did in "[[Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion]]."
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' calls this episode the last of the show's Starscream saga.
*Prepare yourself for when [[Megatron Raid|Starscream returns]] in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' since his compelling character arc in ''Armada'' goes out the window like it never happened.
*Gadgets and powers:
**This is the first time Optimus combines with Overload while in his Jet Optimus configuration with Jetfire, with bonus stock transformation footage. However, Optimus combines with Jetfire first, only to fly a relatively short distance, making the combination with Overload pretty pointless other than [[To sell toys| to show they can.]]
**Starscream uses his wing blade against Galvatron.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Galvatron Powerlinx with the Star Saber for the last time.
**Starscream Powerlinx with Swindle to unleash his Null Laser Cannon against Unicron. The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' deems it the last time a Transformer Powerlinx with a Mini-Con in the series.

===Continuity errors===
*At Megatron's statue, Starscream determines that he must protect the humans, but why would he defend all the kids when Alexis is the only one he knows well enough? Alexis is also who he thinks of at that moment. The Japanese dub correctly has Starscream resolving not to let ''Alexis'' die.
*How does Tidal Wave know to Powerlinx with Galvatron when Galvatron never gives the order and only says they're leaving to face Optimus? ''Legends of the Microns'' has Galvatron tell Tidal Wave to combine with him.
*Why would Red Alert believe there's no turning back once a Transformer becomes a Decepticon? Did he completely forget that Scavenger is an ex-Decepticon? There also must've been other rare cases of Decepticons becoming Autobots, and vice versa.
*Galvatron tells Tidal Wave to attack Optimus when they split up, but Tidal Wave does nothing until later. Galvatron only commands Tidal Wave to uncombine with him in the Japanese dub since Optimus just split from Jetfire and Overload, and Galvatron wishes to even things out.
*Tidal Wave is significantly smaller and weaker than previously depicted. Jetfire, shown not much smaller than Tidal Wave, shoulder-blocks and lifts off with him in a single movement.
*Alexis's pendant cracks upon Starscream's death; it somehow connected to his spark, but previous episodes never really built up that detail or alluded to it. Since the necklace has only appeared in two episodes, this feature almost seems like an afterthought for drama's sake.
**In the same scene, why does Rad ask Alexis what's happening outside when she doesn't know more than he does? He correctly asks her if something is wrong in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Why does Rad give the closing narration when Alexis had the bond with Starscream, and his death devastates her more than anyone else? The Japanese dub rightly has Alexis deliver the narration.

===Transformers references===
*Starscream's death by crumbling into a pile of debris resembles [[Generation 1 cartoon continuity|G1]] [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream's]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
*Many parts of Galvatron and Starscream's speeches quote lyrics from ''[[The Touch]]'', like 'I'm nobody's fool' (see above) or Starscream's 'after all is said and done.'

===Real-world references===
*Fred's "The horror! The horror!" line is from ''{{w|Heart of Darkness}}'', the novel adapted into the film ''{{w|Apocalypse Now}}''.
*Galvatron gives Starscream one last chance not to fight, and when Starscream declines, Galvatron's "Is that your final answer?" line might be a reference to ''{{w|Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?}}''.
*Galvatron tells Optimus the Autobots and Decepticons could never work together since they're like oil and water. It refers to the proverb about oil and water, as oil always tries to stay separate from water whenever combined; it explains how beings with specific traits can never mix, no matter what anyone does.

===Trivia===
[[File:Cramp - no ML title card.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|Foreshadowing? Why, no!]]
*The episode's English version first aired in the United Kingdom on the {{w|Sky One}} channel when the network ran an around-the-clock promotion of American magician/"endurance artist" {{w|David Blaine}}'s controversial London stunt, complete with an obnoxious '''DAVID BLAINE''' onscreen overlay. It aired in the United States on [[December 8]], 2003.
*There's no title card in ''Legends of the Microns''; the title appears over Starscream. This way of showing the episode titles was only done previously in "[[Linkup]]."
*Optimus calls Starscream's Mini-Con Swindle instead of Zapmaster. So logically, Swindle received a color change like Starscream did (instead of him exchanging his Mini-Con for a new one in different colors).
*Starscream's proton cannon blasts don't even touch Unicron. You can see them dissipate before Alexis's eyes before they reach him. Most heartwrenching suicide ever?
*Starscream's sword is surprisingly powerful in this episode, durable enough to clash with the Star Saber without any visible damage. Due to his upgrade after Nemesis Prime kicked his skidplate? Nah.
*This episode is one of few without an opening narration.
*This is the second time in the Japanese dub that a Transformer says, "Spark of my soul..." The last time was by Optimus Prime in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]."
*''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals the following:
**The episode's highlights include Magna Jet Convoy's debut and the first half of the climactic fight: Optimus vs. Galvatron, which serves as a prelude to their final battle. The main highlight is the battle's second half with Starscream and Galvatron's last fight.
**[[Hidehito Ueda]] says that Galvatron expressing his feelings about Starscream wasn't in the scenario initially, but he wanted Galvatron to tell them.
**Ueda jokes about wanting Starscream to return as a ghost in ''Super Link'' before becoming a [[Pretender]] and marrying Alexis.
**The first moments for this episode that appeared in Ueda's mind when reading the scenario were Starscream's Null Laser Cannons not reaching Unicron, Alexis watching them stop short, and the silent scene of the children's reactions to Starscream's death at the end.
**Starscream died not as a Decepticon but as a Transformer.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Das Friedensangebot'''" ("Peace-Offering")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 12|12 January]] [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Párbaj'''" ("Duel")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La morsa'''" ("The Grip")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Obstáculo'''" ("Obstacle")

[[Category: Armada episodes]]

Portent

2026-02-12T22:21:22Z

Chase eX: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=47
|prev=Drift (episode)
|next=Cramp
|title="Portent"
|furigana=ぺんだんと
|japanese=信頼
|romaji=Pendant
|translation=Faith: Pendant
|image=Portentcap.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-47
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Shigenori Awai]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 28]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 21|21 November]] 2003 (Japanese) [[December 5]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Starscream, Hot Shot, and the rest continue their pursuit of Thrust, arriving at a portal to a strange organic area. The rest of the Autobots gather to fight Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Sshot-47-4-corpse.jpg|left|thumb|This was the ''lucky'' one.]]
In the mysterious tunnels within [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the kids explain to [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] and [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] that [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] brought the kids to where they are. Hot Shot advises the kids to return to the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'', where it's safer, but the kids argue they can be useful, eventually convincing their gigantic metal pals. The group radios back to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] with their status, while [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] feel neglected.

[[File:Jetfire Unicron.jpg|thumb|200px]]
Meanwhile, [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] continue to order [[Autobot]]s to withdraw from their positions. [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] relays to Jetfire orders from Optimus Prime to assist Hot Shot and Wheeljack below. [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] is satisfied with the Autobots' retreat, allowing his forces to take over Cybertron easily.

[[File:Sshot-71-1-face.jpg|left|thumb|"I can't give you my license officer" 
"Why not?" 
"BECAUSE YOU ARE HEADCRAB ZOMBIE!"]]
[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], still running from Starscream, dives through a [[Cybertron-Unicron warp gate|strange portal]]. Starscream bravely follows into the unknown. On the other side, in an organic-looking area with [[Transformer]] husks around, [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] finally appears. Starscream arrives soon after. Next, Hot Shot's group prepares to follow through the portal, with [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] making sure to put on a [[Good Luck Necklace|good luck charm]] first.

Sideways and Starscream come face to face, and as is tradition, Starscream declines an offer to join up with [[Unicron]]'s side of the conflict before the battle. Sideways attacks Starscream with a swarm of [[bot-spider]]s. Hot Shot's team runs to assist, but more parasites attack Wheeljack and Hot Shot.

[[File:Portent kids vs tendrils.jpg|thumb]]
The kids try to rouse the [[Mini-Con]] weapons into freeing themselves from Thrust's possession, and whistling from [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] helps the effort. Thrust and Sideways ignore the kids and leave, their tracks covered by tendrils. Hot Shot and Wheeljack connect their backs and form an utterly silly-looking cyclone with no other options. Alexis lets Starscream join the team because she's Starscream's friend.

Sideways plugs the Mini-Con weapons into Unicron's core processor, angry at Thrust for having not grabbed the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]].

As the team moves through the caverns, they run into more suspiciously organic obstacles, separating Starscream and Alexis from the rest of the crew. Starscream goes airborne to fly Alexis to safety, but Alexis (stupid) hops off Starscream (more stupid) to retrieve the good luck charm she dropped (even sillier). Starscream saves her.

[[File:Sshot-47-5-crowd.jpg|left|thumb|Just because Jhi loves generics.]]
Everybody manages to make it to the surface, finding themselves on Cybertron's moon. The surface shatters and quakes, with Jetfire arriving in time to save Hot Shot, Wheeljack, the Mini-Cons, and the kids. From a distance, it becomes evident that Unicron has been hibernating inside the moon from the start. On Cybertron's surface, Wheeljack departs. Starscream also begins leaving before Alexis stops him, begging him to stay. Starscream thinks it wouldn't be fair if he betrayed them again, but Alexis knows he wouldn't do that. Starscream ponders for a moment before turning back to thank her for trusting and believing in him. As he leaves, Alexis says his name sadly and clutches her pendant.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (1)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (13)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (15)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (23)

|c2=
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (14)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (17)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (18)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (20)

|c3=
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (3)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (4)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (5)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (11)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (12)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (6)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (7)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (8)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (22)

|h5=Other|c5=
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (19)
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (21)
*[[Unicron]] (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"All right! Well, that was some fireworks display, fellas, but who said you can start the party without me?" 
"Show-off."
:—'''Jetfire''' and '''Tidal Wave'''

"You were wondering what kind of place this is. Well, for you, it's a graveyard. Goodbye, Starscream!"
:—'''Sideways''' welcomes Starscream to Unicron.

"Unicron will awaken, and both the Autobots and Decepticons will be destroyed. They will become a distant memory. The Mini-Cons' true destiny will be revealed. Those who helped will be rewarded, and all others will suffer Unicron's wrath."
:—'''Sideways''' makes with the spoilers.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
[[File:Portent-animation-changes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' (right).]]
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot asks Rad why the kids came to Cybertron. Rad says they came to help the Autobots rescue the Mini-Cons, and that the kids felt useless waiting around on the ''Axalon'', which Carlos backs up as he says it was boring. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it slightly as Hot Shot asks why the kids are there rather than addressing Rad. Rad explains that they came down with High Wire, Sureshock, and Grindor to save the Mini-Con weapons Thrust took, and then Carlos says the enemy found them first. Alexis says Starscream ended up rescuing them and that he's still an ally after all; in ''Armada'', Alexis refers to Starscream as "a good friend" of the kids.
*Carlos tells Alexis not to jump to conclusions about Starscream being an ally since saving them was probably accidental. Alexis retorts that it doesn't matter and asks why the others don't trust Starscream. Hot Shot says Starscream needs to be more honest in ''Legends of the Microns'' but says he needs to surrender in ''Armada''. Then, instead of asking if Starscream is still chasing Thrust as he does in ''Armada'', Wheeljack asks if ''they'' should keep chasing Thrust.
*Carlos tells Hot Shot they won't save the Mini-Cons if they stand around arguing, and Alexis asks if Hot Shot wants Unicron to get the Requiem Blaster and Skyboom Shield. Wheeljack says the kids could be useful in ''Armada'', but says they're right in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The Japanese dub removes the transformation sound from many scenes where ''Armada'' added it.
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot asks Optimus if the kids have permission to go but asks if ''he'' has Prime's consent in the Japanese dub. Then in ''Legends of the Microns'', the scene goes silent until Optimus says his line when he nods. After getting Prime's approval, Alexis and Carlos cheer in unison, and the kids sound more excited. The lighting inside the ship and on the characters is increased slightly.
*Jetfire doesn't speak until the shot of him flying over the planet. He sternly tells the combatants that now's not the time to fight. In ''Armada'', he quips about the "fireworks" and the party starting without him; his order for the Autobots to retreat is laid back instead of urgent as it is in the Japanese dub.
*In ''Armada'', Hoist says the Autobots forces are combining to battle their new enemy Unicron, whose power is unlike anything previously encountered. Then Blurr says they must stop Unicron at any cost as all Transformers' fate hangs in the balance. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hoist says Unicron is the Autobots' real enemy, and he will devour all Transformers regardless of faction. Blurr continues by saying Unicron will eradicate both the Autobots and Decepticons, so now is not the time for the Autobots to fight the Decepticons.
*While thinking to himself, Megatron believes that teaming up with the Autobots will be pointless if he achieves a true victory against Optimus. The ''Armada'' version is similar but arrogant compared to the contemplative Japanese version. Instead of considering the idea of the Transformers teaming up, Megatron stubbornly balks at the thought, saying the Autobots and Decepticons will never be allies as long as he's in charge.
*The scene of Thrust running from Starscream before entering the portal is silent. Later, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Sideways says Thrust is being followed. Then the scene goes silent until Thrust apologizes. ''Armada'' changes Sideways's line to him asking Thrust if he knows he's still being followed, and there's filler dialogue added to remove the Japanese dub's silence. Also, unlike the Japanese version, Thrust alerts Sideways to Starscream's arrival.
*Rather than ask if Thrust escaped through the portal, Carlos says he can't see anything through it. Rad says they can't give up looking for him, Alexis remarks that it's why they are there, and Carlos replies in agreement. ''Armada'' lightens their dialogue by having Alexis take a jab at Carlos for being scared and Carlos firing back.
*Alexis calls her necklace an "important amulet" in the Japanese dub but calls it her "good luck charm" in ''Armada''.
*The Japanese dub lowers the sound of the Transformers' footsteps.
*Thrust is silent as Sideways tries and fails to lure Starscream into joining them. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Sideways asks if Starscream hates Megatron before Starscream calls Sideways the object of his hatred. ''Armada'' warps their dialogue into Sideways claiming they could finish off Galvatron together, and Starscream saying he wants to destroy Sideways.
*After Sideways chastises Starscream for his loyalty to Megatron in ''Legends of the Microns'', he chuckles for a bit before silently raising his arm. ''Armada'' gives him an extra line, and he laughs in the next shot as the bot-spiders appear. In the Japanese dub, Sideways is silent while Starscream slashes the bot-spiders.
*The shot of the Transformer corpse in the Japanese dub is silent; in ''Armada'', Carlos states the obvious about it.
*The shot of Alexis before she runs off to help Starscream is redrawn with high-quality animation, and the animation of her boarding Sureshock is modified to be more realistic (see right).
*More bot-spiders are added to later scenes. ''Armada'' adds Hot Shot's line as he, Alexis, and Wheeljack arrive; the shot's Japanese version is silent. Instead of wondering what the bot-spiders are like she does in ''Armada'', Alexis says Starscream's name. Then, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Wheeljack asks Starscream if he's okay. After Starscream's lines, Hot Shot says the former's name. The bot parasites are unnamed in the Japanese dub.
*When he unleashes more parasites on Hot Shot and Wheeljack, Sideways calls them "pathetic fools" in ''Legends of the Microns'' but says "it's feeding time" in ''Armada''. The later scene of Sideways telling the Autobots to get over that the Mini-Con weapons now belong to Unicron is silent.
*Instead of calling the kids "an audience," Thrust mocks their useless effort to awaken the Mini-Cons since they can't hear them and asks the kids if doing so during combat would be problematic. Then, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos calls Thrust a "mean spirited squid-head," and Rad says the Mini-Cons aren't weapons. The kids are entirely redrawn in the Japanese dub, with Carlos and Rad's animation showing the most change. Sideways says the kids will be lost without the Autobots in ''Armada'' but says they won't live long whether Thrust shoots them or not in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Carlos doesn't have any dialogue when the tendrils grab him, and the shot of the kids falling back after Perceptor saves them is redrawn to be more natural (see right).
*''Armada'' plays the insert Transformers theme as Hot Shot and Wheeljack perform their move, while ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Invincible Power]]." Then no music plays in ''Armada'' until Sureshock stops by Alexis, where "Invincible Power" starts playing in the English dub. The music doesn't stop abruptly in the Japanese dub.
*Perceptor speaks after Hot Shot and Wheeljack help him in ''Armada'', but he doesn't talk in the Japanese version. Starscream telling the others to stop Sideways is also an ''Armada'' addition to cover the silence from ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The Japanese dub has Starscream ask Alexis why she cares about him, with Alexis answering that they're still comrades as she has always believed that. ''Armada'' warps the dialogue into Alexis giving Starscream some generic gush about friends needing to help each other.
*Carlos's line about the tunnel is heard sooner, and Alexis's line to Starscream about falling behind is an ''Armada'' addition as the scene is silent in the Japanese dub.
*In Unicron's core processor, ''Armada'' reduces Thrust to more of a sniveling worm than his portrayal in ''Legends of the Microns'', primarily due to ''Armada''{{'}}s added filler dialogue. The Japanese dub also has Sideways ask Thrust how the latter expects to approach Megatron after failing to get the Star Saber. After Sideways sets down the Requiem Blaster and Skyboom Shield in ''Legends of the Microns'', the ground is now animated as latching onto them, and the rest of the scene is silent.
*''Legends of the Microns'' adds some frames of Wheeljack grabbing a tendril. The Japanese dub also adds glowing circuit lines and an electrical effect to the severed tendrils after the acid wave appears (see right).
*''Legends of the Microns'' redraws Hot Shot with high-quality animation when he turns to see Starscream, Alexis, and Sureshock getting separated from him and the others (see right).
*The Japanese dub shortens Rad's line after he contacts Alexis, so he only tells the others about her escaping with Starscream. Then the scene goes silent until Hot Shot sees more acid coming, and he tells everyone to run in the next shot.
*Before jumping off Starscream in ''Armada'', Alexis says she needs to retrieve her lucky charm before stubbornly telling the reluctant Starscream that she needs it since they won't be safe without it. Then Starscream tells Sureshock to bring Alexis back. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream doesn't know about the pendant initially, as Alexis tells him about it later after thanking him and Sureshock. She desperately begs him to stop since she lost something important to her. Starscream is surprised when Alexis jumps off, and she is primarily silent while she tumbles. After Sureshock jumps off, Starscream is surprised again, calling the Mini-Con impulsive like Alexis.
*Instead of calmly saying that something is causing Cybertron's moon to crumble, the Japanese dub has Starscream shocked by the revelation that he and the others were inside Cybertron's moon. After he says his line, there's some new animation where Alexis looks down for a moment before off to the side as she does in ''Armada''.
*The shots of Wheeljack, Hot Shot, and the boys reaching the moon's surface and before Jetfire saves them are silent. As the ground between Hot Shot and Wheeljack splits, the frame zooms toward them in ''Armada'' but doesn't in ''Legends of the Microns''. After Jetfire rescues them, the Japanese dub replaces his quip with him asking, "What is this?"
*Rad and Carlos say that Cybertron's moon is Unicron in unison as his horns emerge; the English version is silent. In ''Armada'', Hot Shot asks if it's Unicron, to which Jetfire says he believed Unicron to be a myth. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot asks his question in shock before Alexis says it is undoubtedly Unicron though she can barely believe it.
*In ''Armada'', Jetfire says that Unicron spied on Cybertron and the Transformers the whole time; in ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream says the line instead. Then ''Armada'' adds some filler dialogue to the following two scenes of everyone reacting to Unicron's reveal. One of the generic Autobots is heard in the Japanese dub asking, "Is that Unicron?"
*After Wheeljack says he's moving on despite enjoying fighting alongside Hot Shot again, there's an awkward silence in ''Armada'' before he continues speaking. There's none in ''Legends of the Microns'' as Wheeljack's line is longer.
*The Japanese dub redraws Alexis as she asks Starscream to stay and assures him that he wouldn't betray his friends, changing her facial expression from stoic to despondent (see right). After Alexis tells Starscream he wouldn't betray his friends, Starscream says he's no longer sure of anything in ''Armada'', but he's silent in ''Legend of the Microns''. After Starscream thanks Alexis for believing in him, the sound of his footsteps is heavily toned down so that the music takes precedence, emphasizing the scene's emotion.
*In ''Legend of the Microns'', the shot of Alexis watching Starscream walk away is entirely redrawn, with her face showing the most change, now looking more anguished compared to the ''Armada'' version. Her dialogue is now an internal monologue in which she says she will always believe in Starscream. However, in ''Armada'', Alexis begins the closing narration once she clutches her pendant; in the Japanese dub, she starts it after the scene dissolves to Starscream.
*Alexis's ending narration in ''Armada'' is long-winded as she talks about how, while watching Starscream walk away, Alexis realized there's a lot about the Transformers she didn't understand as the scars from their age-old battle run deeper than she knew. She says if new "battle lines" are drawn in response to Unicron's appearance, then trust will become harder to come by. Unlike the ''Armada'' version, which connects to the subplot of some characters' lingering trust issues with Starscream, the ''Legends of the Microns'' version is brief and sincere as Alexis says she could only hear her heartbeat as she watched Starscream walk away. The episode's last few seconds are silent.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Carlos calls Grindor "Sureshock," and Alexis later refers to Sureshock as "Grindor."
*In some shots, the Autobot and Decepticon symbols are missing or just dots.
*When Carlos and Alexis argue with Hot Shot, Wheeljack's right eye is gray.
*When the kids speak to Optimus, the neck segments of their spacesuits are missing.
*In the first shot of Thrust, he isn't carrying the Skyboom Shield or Requiem Blaster. The two weapons reappear as he jumps into the portal.
*The children's gloves are gone in some shots. The Japanese dub adds their gloves to the scene of Alexis and Rad trying to save Carlos.
**When Carlos reacts to the Transformer corpse in the same shot, he stops mid-pose like his animation is incomplete. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos is redrawn doing the full pose; however, his skin tone is darker than his ungloved hands (see above).
*As Alexis, Carlos, and Rad react to the corpse, the white parts of Carlos's helmet are gray, and it looks like the visor is gone.
*A couple of bot-spiders in the background don't move in some scenes.
*When encountering Sideways in the organic cavern, Wheeljack's face is grey for two shots. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes his face color, but it's still gray under Wheeljack's eyes.
*When the camera pans to the ridge after Sideways sics bot-spiders on Wheeljack and Hot Shot, the ridge is empty, but the kids and their Mini-Cons appear on it in the next shot. The Japanese dub adds the kids and High Wire to the scene.
*As Rad spies on Thrust holding the Requiem Blaster and Skyboom Shield, they're colored like part of Thrust.
*In the initial shot of the kids and Mini-Cons on the ledge, Rad has Carlos and Alexis on his right and left, respectively. However, while trying to awaken the Skyboom Shield and Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons, Carlos is suddenly between Alexis and Rad. Then Rad is back in the middle when the scene cuts back to the kids.
*Perceptor looks very off-model, and he's silent when he tries to awaken the Skyboom Shield and Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes his model, and he emits the frequency sound.
*When the tendrils first appear, they're gray-colored. Their color changes between shots after this, except after Starscream saves Sureshock. The tendrils are always gray-colored in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When Hot Shot and Wheeljack start spinning, they go from left to right, and the direction they're spinning in changes depending on the shot afterward.
**The dust they kick up doesn't match the ground's color, and it becomes purple as they finish their move. The dust is purple throughout in the Japanese dub.
*In one shot before Starscream shoots the rest of the parasites, they look mostly transparent.
**Starscream is off-model as he destroys them. The Japanese dub has him redrawn accurately (see above).
*Alexis's helmet is partially miscolored when she talks to Starscream in one shot. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the color placement.
*While Jetfire walks through the tunnel, the scene cuts to the others' location when he says he hopes to find them. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos's line about the creepy atmosphere is heard instead.
*Before Sideways places the Requiem Blaster and Skyboom Shield in Unicron's core processor, he isn't seen holding them, unlike the previous shot.
*Before they and the others get attacked in the tunnel, Rad and Carlos's helmets' visor frames are partially miscolored white. The Japanese dub corrects the error.
**Also, Carlos was behind Rad in the previous shot of the group, but he's missing when the scene cuts from Sideways and Thrust, only to return in the next shot.
*In some shots, the kids' visor frames are a bit off-model as they have a shaded color on the inside against their foreheads. The Japanese dub either removes it or changes it to a shadow effect.
*When Hot Shot and company flee from the acid, his thighs are briefly gray instead of black.
*There seems to be a haze effect over the acid and the miscolored pink steam emitted when it dissolves the severed tendril in three shots. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the effect and changes the steam's color to white.
*During the shot of Starscream running towards the screen as the path closes, Alexis and Sureshock appear whenever Starscream swings his sword out to his right side. Also, after Hot Shot notices the closing pathway, Starscream is missing from the frame. The Japanese dub fixes the latter issue.
*The animation of Alexis jumping into Starscream's hand is a bit shoddy.
*When Alexis jumps off Starscream, several parts of her model are miscolored: her eyes are red instead of dark-green, her suit's visor frame is colored greyish instead of pink, the shoulder region is grayish-pink rather than light-gray, and the blue lining around the cuff and waist are red-violet instead. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects all of these errors.
*Before seeing her pendant on the ground, the neck portion of Alexis's suit is missing. The glints of her eyes are also missing, making her look possessed. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes both mistakes.
*Her spacesuit's neck is missing when the tendrils grab Sureshock.
*The tendril around Sureshock's neck is gray after Starscream cuts it.
*Before Jetfire saves Wheeljack and Hot Shot, the latter two float in the chasm forming beneath them, unaffected by gravity, despite being on the ground in the previous scene.
*The shot of Starscream with Alexis and Sureshock after emerging from Cybertron's moon vibrates, although they're in midair. It doesn't vibrate in the Japanese dub.
*When Wheeljack leaves Hot Shot at the end, his back doesn't look as it should. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Wheeljack is entirely redrawn with his back now on model (see above).

===Continuity notes===
*Alexis made a pendant from her piece of the rock Starscream gifted the children in "[[Mars (episode)|Mars]]."
*Unicron is revealed to have been hiding in plain sight as Cybertron's moon.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Jetfire uses his Plasma Blaster.
**Starscream uses his Wing Blade.
**Hot Shot and Wheeljack perform a move from their days as friends where they stand back-to-back and spin in unison.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:Portent Alexis charm.jpg|thumb|Sureshock desires the precious. Sureshock shall have the precious.]]
*In the Japanese dub, Carlos tells Hot Shot that the enemy found the kids after they descended to the planet. However, the accurate answer is that the kids more or less stumbled upon Thrust and Starscream, as seen in the previous episode.
*Alexis says Starscream found the kids and brought them to the planet, which isn't true. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it to Alexis saying that Starscream saved them.
*Why does Carlos start whooping before Hot Shot stops him from taking off with Grindor as if he's forgotten the gravity of the situation? ''Legends of the Microns'' removes it, so it's not an issue.
*During Hot Shot's transmission to Optimus, Alexis wears her pendant even though she technically hasn't put it on yet.
**In some later scenes, the pendant isn't visible after Alexis puts it on. The Japanese dub adds it back in some instances.
*In his inner monologue, Megatron regards Hot Shot as being under Optimus's "control" and claims to now have complete control of Cybertron, though beforehand, he said that he's achieved "''most''" of his goal as in he hasn't succeeded yet. In the Japanese dub, Megatron says "command" instead of "control" and that Cybertron is "''almost''" under his control.
*After Alexis, Sureshock, and Starscream get separated from Hot Shot and the others, Rad looks to the side and says, "Look, it's Laserbeak!" even though he has Laserbeak. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad remembers Laserbeak, and he's reanimated about to take Laserbeak out of his pocket (see above).
*Alexis says she made her lucky pendant from a rock she found on Cybertron when it's actually from Mars (as mentioned above). ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this error.
*When Rad and Hot Shot mention the crumbling moon, the scene makes it seem they're talking about Cybertron since they're looking at it. The Japanese dub fixes this by changing their lines to Rad being shocked by the sight of Cybertron and Hot Shot wondering what's happening.

===Transformers references===
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream mentions the [[Pit (BW)|Pit]] before following Thrust through the portal.
*The Japanese dub has Carlos call Thrust by his nickname "squidhead" in one scene.
*Jetfire calls himself a "Knight of the Sky" twice in the Japanese dub.

===Trivia===
*The English version of "Portent" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on [[December 5]], 2003.
*Similarly with "[[Threaten]]," ''Legends of the Microns'' following episode preview narration doesn't end with the usual "Fight, Convoy! TRANSFORM!" line, and instead ends with Alexis in shock about something involving Starscream.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' reveals these tidbits about the episode:
**The central theme is the mystery of Unicron.
**Alexis's belief in Starscream leads him down a new path.
**As soon as they saw Unicron's toy, the team knew how they wanted his transformation from Cybertron's moon to play out.
*Like "[[Soldier (episode)|Soldier]]" and "[[Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion]]," this episode is one of the few without significant musical changes between the dubs, except when Hot Shot and Wheeljack perform their joint attack.
*Like "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]," this episode is one of few in the series lacking an opening monologue in both dubs.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ein Zeichen'''" ("A Sign")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 19|19 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hajsza és menekülés'''" ("Chase and Escape")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'inseguimento'''" ("The Pursuit")
::*Unlike in English, Alexis correctly states that the stone comes from Mars.
::*Starscream incorrectly states that the moon is ''part'' of Unicron, instead of saying that it is Unicron himself.

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Presságio'''" ("Portent")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Drift (episode)

2026-02-10T19:47:10Z

Chase eX: /* Continuity errors */

{{disambig3|Drift}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=46
|prev=Dash (episode)
|next=Portent
|title="Drift"
|furigana=しんじつ
|japanese=運命
|romaji=Shinjitsu
|translation=Fate: Truth
|image=driftepisode.jpg
|caption=It's ''Armada''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Wolverine.
|production code=TF: A-46
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|director=[[Hidehito Ueda]], [[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.)
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 27]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 14|14 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 28]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Everybody's hunt for Thrust leads to the revelation of the truth behind the Mini-Cons.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-1.jpg|left|thumb|It's a very "Gundam" moment.]]
With [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] gone, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] orders [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] to find the traitorous [[Decepticon]] who stole both the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom]] shield and the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. He disregards the [[Autobot]]s' activities and commands all his resources to hunt Thrust down. [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] and [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] are already on Thrust's trail.

Meanwhile, the Autobots are having difficulty getting the soldiers to withdraw from their fortifications. The soldiers are reluctant to let the threat of [[Unicron]] trivialize all the work they've done to try to take back the planet.

[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-2.jpg|thumb|This is when [[fan fiction|fanfics]] happen.]]

[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] walks in on [[Rad White|Rad]] having a shower. Rad considers how much of a major difference in their lives it made to meet the [[Mini-Con]]s, and he speculates it might have been part of a larger design, based on a strange feeling he might have met [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] in the past. Carlos dismisses the theory entirely.

[[File:Drift kids hide from Decepticon.jpg|left|thumb|"As usual, this is a six-person infiltration mission." 
"Weapons and equipment OSP?" 
"Yes. This is a top-secret black op. Don't expect any official support."]]

Hot Shot and Wheeljack radio the news about Thrust to [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], and High Wire sees on the video that the tunnels the two Autobots are venturing through are the same tunnels where the Mini-Cons were created. After disconnecting, Hot Shot and Wheeljack also notice the suspicious organic nature of the caverns. [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] also hounds Thrust on his own. The three kids, donning their color-coded space suits, also head to the same tunnels, guided by Rad's gut instinct.

The first to locate Thrust is Starscream, so Thrust offers Starscream a job under Unicron. Starscream declines the offer and then he hears [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] call out his name, indicating the kids have arrived. Noticing the kids, Thrust points the Requiem Blaster at them, threatening to shoot. Starscream attempts to stop him, but Thrust turns back to him and fires a shot from the Requiem Blaster, blowing Starscream into the distance. Alexis calls out his name in fear and in the blaze of light from the blast...

:''A younger Rad awakens on his mother's lap in the family car. Rad inquires about where the [[Transformer]]s are, but the parents dismiss his ramblings. High Wire's voice calls Rad's consciousness to another point in time.''

[[File:Screenshot-arm-47-4.jpg|thumb|Bradley's mom has got it goin' on.]]

:''In mysteriously colorful caves, the three kids see Hot Shot's body strapped to the terrain. Hot Shot doesn't identify the kids, but just mentions that the Mini-Cons were created by Unicron's cells. He brings their attention to other Transformers, lying dormant and embedded into the walls of the mysterious cavern, even the Decepticons. As Rad deduces that he and his friends have gone millions of years into the past, Alexis is creeped out. Hot Shot's body begins to be absorbed into the cavern, and there's another flash of time.''

:''The three kids witness several Mini-Cons emerge from glowing eggs, knowing they're watching the Mini-Cons being created by Unicron. Rad sees High Wire, but when he tries to speak to his friend, all he receives is a mind's glimpse at Unicron. Rad, creating a kind of "bootstrap" paradox, instructs the Mini-Cons to find their way to [[Earth]]. High Wire reads a few images of Earth from Rad's mind.''

Starscream's life is saved by time reversing just a bit as the kids' minds return to the present. Seizing the second chance, the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] combine and save Starscream's life, giving him a brief window to get close enough to be in no danger from the Requiem Blaster. An upwards shot alerts the two exploring Autobots to the location of the battle and brings the cavern down, letting Thrust get away while Starscream protects the children.

Once the debris from the cavern stops falling, Alexis thanks Starscream. He smiles warmly at her and takes off after Thrust, continuing his hunt. High Wire speaks with Rad, validating Rad's theory that he had met the Mini-Cons before meeting on Earth. Hot Shot and Wheeljack arrive and are astounded to hear what Hot Shot had told the kids millions of years before.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (4)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (6)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (9)
*Autobot soldier (10)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (11)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (23)

|c2=
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
*Decepticon soldier #1 (16)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (17)
*Decepticon soldier #2 (22)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (26)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (12)
*[[Rad White]] (13)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (20)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (21)
*[[Rad White's parents|Rad's mother]] (24)
*[[Rad White's parents|Rad's father]] (25)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (14)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (15)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (19)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (27)
|h5=Other|c5=
*[[Unicron]] (28) (silhouette)
}}

==Quotes==
"Withdraw? Come on, you've got to be kidding me. Do you realize how many sacrifices we've had to make to defend this place? 
"Sacrifices or not, an order is order".
:—An '''Autobot soldier''' questions '''Hoist's''' orders.

"Be careful, Hot Shot! I almost bought the big one here!" 
"Aw, it's not too bad." ''[falls down hole]''
:—'''Wheeljack's''' warning goes ignored by '''Hot Shot''', to the latter's peril.

"I'd rather fight and die than follow the likes of you and Unicron."
:—'''Starscream''' refuses Thrust's offer with a furmanism.

"Who would have thought the Mini-Cons were created by Unicron's cells?"
:—'''Past Hot Shot''' spoils the show's big twist for anyone waiting to see it.

"So much for evolution. At one time we were told we could use them. But instead, we were the ones who were being used."
:—'''Past Hot Shot''' savors the irony.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
{{stub}}

===Translation errors===
* In ''Armada'', Rad hypothesises, "Somehow, we've gone back into the past, millions of years ago—before we met High Wire, and any of the Transformers." This doesn't make sense, though, as Hot Shot describes the Mini-Cons turning on the Transformers, which never happened in the show's backstory. This is because, in Japanese, Rad only describes it as a world where the kids never met the Mini-Cons—rather than set in the past, it's supposed to be an alternate-timeline present day!
* The alternate Hot Shot says, "So much for evolution," when addressing using the Mini-Cons—"Evolution" being the Japanese term for [[Powerlinx|Powerlinking]]. Of course, the line still just about works in a less-literal sense, so it's a relatively minor error.

===Animation and technical errors===
* When the kids see the dead Transformers in the alternate world, Optimus is correctly shown in his Cybertronian form (since he never came to Earth), but his chest is colored white instead of red. Meanwhile, Megatron is in his Cybertronian body in the long shot, but in his Earth model in the close-up.

===Continuity notes===
* Rad met High Wire before he and the other Mini-Cons arrived on Earth four million years ago as the latter's time skip powers shows, explaining why the ''[[Exodus (Armada)|Exodus]]'' journeyed to Earth when the show began, and how the kids can understand their Mini-Con partners when they speak.
* This episode marks the first time Starscream and Alexis meet since he rejoined the Decepticons.
* Gadgets and powers:
** High Wire has time skip and alternate reality abilities activated after Thrust blasts Starscream with the Requiem Blaster.

===Continuity errors===
* The recap dialogue at the start of the episode doesn't match that of the same events shown in [[Dash (episode)|the previous episode]].
* If the Autobots had [[Depart|no intention of bringing the humans along]] when building the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'' and only agreed at the last moment, why is there a human-sized shower on board?

===Transformers references===
* The tunnels under [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s surface have cables and vines which are "[[technorganic|fused and organic]]".

===Trivia===
* The Autobot arguing with Hoist has [[Lander]]'s character model with a different color scheme.
* Minus the wings, [[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]]'s character model turns up as one of the Decepticons searching for the kids.
* According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'':
** [[Takeshi Sano]] explains that this episode's events was one of the hardest parts to do and apologizes for the story being a bit difficult to understand.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Zurück in die Vergangenheit'''" ("Back to the Past")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 18|18 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Visszatérés'''" ("Return")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il passato'''" ("The Past")
::*The title for this episode was previously used for "[[Past]]" and "[[Past II]]". Still, we cant' really say that there are two episodes with the same title since, in that case, in was divided in "First part" and "Second part".

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Impulso'''" ("Impulse")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Dash (episode)

2026-02-10T00:04:52Z

Chase eX: /* Continuity errors */

{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig3|Dash}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=45
|prev=Uprising (Armada)
|next=Drift (episode)
|title="Dash"
|furigana=うらぎり
|japanese=確信
|romaji=Uragiri
|translation=Confidence: Betrayal
|image=dash.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-45
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]
|director=[[Tomio Yamauchi|Tokio Yamauchi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 26]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[November 7|7 November]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 21]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Hot Shot goes on a solo mission to convince Galvatron that the Autobots and Decepticons should unite to stop Unicron.'''

==Synopsis==
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] command the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s not to pay any attention to the black hole outside and to disregard the [[Autobot]]s' offer for a collaborative effort against it. While away from the rest of the Decepticons, Thrust cackles at how he's manipulating both armies.

[[File:Dash-Hot Shot on fire.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]
The Autobots wait, impatient and tense. The kids aboard the ship feel depressed as they watch the combat lights on Cybertron's surface. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] passes them on his way to personally charge into the Decepticons' stronghold and reason with Galvatron. The kids and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] do their best to dissuade him—but [[Rad White|Rad]] realizes that everybody should let Hot Shot go and convinces the others that it's the best idea.

[[File:Dash-Galvatron breaks Hydra Cannon.jpg|200px|thumb]]
Once Hot Shot is gone, the rest of the Autobots fly to assist [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] but come under attack. The [[Mini-Con]]s help by forming several holographic copies of the ship to distract the Decepticons.

Fully armed, Hot Shot takes a small craft and buzzes through the Decepticon's defenses to their front door. He motors around their base, passing plenty of opposition. Eventually, [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] arrives to fight Hot Shot one-on-one. The rumble between the two carries on into the Decepticons' throne room, where Thrust was seconds away from receiving the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] from Galvatron.

[[File:Dash-Galvatron warns Thrust.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]
Wheeljack tries to convince Galvatron to listen to Hot Shot's message, and Wheeljack's compassion convinces Galvatron to open his ears. As Hot Shot explains Unicron, Galvatron notices Thrust panicking and connects the sudden presence of [[Unicron]] to the ''[[Hydra Cannon]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s un-Cybertronian technology. Starscream pipes up, mentioning that Thrust has been conspiring against Galvatron. With his plans exposed, Thrust grabs the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]], and the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] and reveals that he's been working in the service of Unicron, then he runs away. Starscream, Hot Shot, and Wheeljack chase after the traitor.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (7)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (8)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (11)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (12)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (13)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (14)
*Autobot officer (26)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)
*Decepticon weapons officer (20)
*Decepticon fleet commander (21)
*Decepticon infantry commander (22)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (25)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (15)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (16)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (17)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (18)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (19)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (23)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"...and stop overworking your brain by thinking!"
:—'''Thrust''' to Cyclonus

"Ugh, ripoff. I'm a decorated flying ace and thanks to these Decepticons, I've been grounded."
:—'''Jetfire''' faces the biggest challenge of his life.

"I wonder what's gonna happen now." 
"Stressful times like these call for large quantities of comfort food."
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' show just what humans are made of.

"Galvatron, you were never worthy of controlling the Transformers. I've got news for you: You're nothing compared to my true master, Unicron!"
:—'''Thrust''' declares his true allegiance
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*After Scavenger stops Hoist from going after Hot Shot, Scavenger states it's important that the Autobots stay together right now and that Hot Shot can take care of himself. The kids then object that Hot Shot needs their help since he is doing it for all of them, but Blurr says it's too risky to follow him, and the Decepticons will be all over them. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this dialogue to a more negative tone as Scavenger says Hot Shot would have to face punishment for his decision disrupting military discipline. Then the kids say that Hot Shot is doing what he thinks is best for the Autobots, followed by Blurr saying they aren't playing any games. The shot of the kids is also entirely redrawn from the ''Armada'' version.
*The last scene has Thrust saying with the Mini-Con weapons he stole, he can finally see Unicron in ''Legends of the Microns'', but he's silent in ''Armada''. It's the opposite when Starscream appears, as he's silent in the Japanese dub but says he's coming for Thrust in ''Armada''.

===Translation errors===
*While staking out the surface of the planet, Jetfire says "let's see if I can turn things around", as if he's about to launch his own plan against the Decepticons. In Japanese, the line is more along the lines of "just you wait, Decepticons", explaining why it doesn't go anywhere.
*As the kids try to talk Hot Shot out of infiltrating the Decepticon base to convince Galvatron to join forces after all, Billy says, "You can't change his mind, Alexis!" Would it surprise you to learn that in the original Japanese, he wasn't addressing Alexis, but rather speaking to Hot Shot, ''same as the other kids?'' Clearly, it's "You can't change [Galvatron's] mind, [Hot Shot]!"
*When Hot Shot is setting off on this unauthorized mission, Red Alert finally agrees, "All right, I'll cover for you!" He then apparently immediately goes to tell all the other Autobots. In Japanese, Red Alert's only agreeing to let Hot Shot go, and says nothing about "covering" for him.
** In Japanese, Red Alert does mention "one more thing", referring to the otherwise-unexplained asteroid camoflage—when Hot Shot uses it to slip past the Decepticon ships, he even says, "Hey, thanks a lot, Red Alert! I owe you one!" in the dub.
*As Hot Shot leaves, Rad says: "He'll be all right, guys. Hot Shot's smart, he knows how to take care of himself." In the subsequent scene, when all the Autobots are discussing this, Scavenger says almost the exact same thing: "Hot Shot can take care of himself." At this, the kids immediately become upset and insist that the Autobots should follow and back him up—including Rad, who protests: "But what if Hot Shot can convince Galvatron to join us?" Dude sure seems to have lost faith in Hot Shot pretty quick! The original conversation in Japanese is different, and so naturally doesn't have this inconsistency.
*Multiple times this episode, ''Armada'' forgets to translate the name of the heroic faction—the "Cybertrons" in Japanese. When referring to the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'', the [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]]-lookalike starship officer says, "The Cybertron ship has begun to move!" Later, he says, "Sir! Which one of these is the real Cybertron ship?" But then when he refers to the ship for a third and final time, suddenly the translators ''do'' remember what they're supposed to be doing, and he instead says, "We've got them now. One of those is the ''real'' Autobot ship." At the end of the episode, meanwhile, Scavenger says: "Deep inside, Optimus appreciates what Hot Shot did for us today—but he's the commander of the Cybertron army and he can't play favorites."

===Animation and technical errors===
*Demolishor has an Autobot logo, albeit purple in the fifth shot.
*The second time Jetfire radios the other Autobots, he's colored like Optimus. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this mistake.
*Right after Jetfire radios the Autobots, Blurr's head is behind his seat's headrest.
*Wheeljack's Autobot insignia is colored purple in one shot.
*When Thrust declares his true loyalty to Unicron, he initially appears without the Requiem Blaster and the Skyboom Shield he grabbed moments before, instead of holding one of his missile launchers (which are also missing from his legs). They appear subsequently after a reaction shot of Galvatron.
*After the Decepticons are all blown away by Thrust's spinning wings attack, the spinning animation has disappeared, and he merely fades away instead of being animated running away (which is how he escapes moments later).

===Continuity notes===
*Rad feeling that he met High Wire before his arrival on Earth foreshadows the reveal in the [[Drift (episode)|next episode]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Hot Shot wields two generic rifles and a portable turret in this episode.
**Wheeljack uses his guns as swords.
**This episode depicts the only use of Thrust's toy spinning wing gimmick, though he activates it independently of his Mini-Con [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]].

===Continuity errors===
*It is unclear how Wheeljack's missile/guns/sword things can withstand the Star Saber's power when he saves Hot Shot from Galvatron's enraged attack.
*According to Starscream all the way back in "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]", lasers don't run out of ammo. Despite this, one of Hot Shot's laser rifles ran out of ammo while storming the Decepticon base.

===Trivia===
[[File:Generic Space Team Mini-Cons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]? What are you doing here? [[Spychanger|How did you get so small]]?]]
*The Decepticon starship crew attacking the ''Axalon'' use recoloured [[character model]]s of [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] Decepticons Misfire and [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]].
*Alongside Bonecrusher and Grindor, [[generic]] recolors of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] appear very briefly. The generic recolor of [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] also somewhat resembles the [[2001]] ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' Basic Class [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Basic|Optimus Prime]] toy, while [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]]'s recolor shares Thrust's color scheme.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some tidbits on this episode:
**Wheeljack was thinking of rejoining the Autobots once he chases Thrust with Hot Shot; however, [[Hidehito Ueda]] thought it would be emotionally unforgivable, which is why he returns to Galvatron in "[[Portent]]."
**Wheeljack's loyalty and Thrust's true intentions being at play in this episode raise the team's tension.
**The Decepticon's base alarm is played by Rad's voice actor, while Fred's voice actor plays the Decepticon soldiers during Hot Shot's break-in.
*Though the [[character model]] of Generation 1 Decepticon [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] also appears as a Decepticon weapons officer in the blockade fleet, he later appears in different colors, missing half of his cockpit backpack as an Autobot questioning Optimus Prime's orders for a withdrawal.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Enthüllungen'''" ("Revelations")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 17|17 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Összeütközés'''" ("Collision")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La missione'''" ("The Mission")
::*Red Alert never states that he's going to cover for Hot Shot, which in fact makes more sense.

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Golpe'''" ("Hit")

===Toys inspired by this episode===
{{Twoimages|File:DashHotShotGuns.jpg|w1=200
|File:Legacytoy-PowerlinxHotShotJolt.jpg|w2=250|caption= |float=right}}
*'''''[[Transformers: Legacy#Legacy: Evolution|Transformers: Legacy: Evolution]]'' [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#LegacyPowerlinx|Armada Universe Powerlinx Hot Shot]] / [[Jolt (Armada)#Legacy|Armada Universe Jolt]] (Multi-pack, 2023)
: The two rifles Hot Shot wields in this episode were immortalised in plastic as part of a multipack with Jolt and some [[Fire Blast effect]]s in the ''Legacy: Evolution'' toyline.
{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 12 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Uprising (Armada)

2026-02-09T20:05:40Z

Chase eX: /* Foreign localization */

{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig3|Uprising}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=44
|prev=Puppet
|next=Dash (episode)
|title="Uprising"
|furigana=せいばーとろん
|japanese=帰還
|romaji=Cybertron
|translation=Return: Cybertron
|image=Uprising-SidewaysSpookyGhost.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-44
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Ken'ichi Ishikura]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 25]], [[2003]] (English, United Kingdom) [[October 31|31 October]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 14]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''The Autobots arrive on Cybertron to find Galvatron has already conquered it, but a larger evil still approaches.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Decepticon Uprising.jpg|thumb|200px|left]]
As [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]'s ship reaches [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], a fleet of ships rises from the surface of the planet to meet it. Using the [[Mini-Con]] weapons, the [[Decepticon]] leader is easily able to take down two of the ships, and he sends his men to the surface of the planet to engage the [[Autobot]]s below in combat. Although [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] hesitates, believing Galvatron will steal all the glory, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] says simply to follow his lead and the universe will be theirs.

Meanwhile, the Autobots are struggling to repair their ship after the damage it sustained during the last clash with the Decepticons. The kids worry that they're sitting ducks should the Decepticons decide to come back. Although [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]]'s calculations suggest that the heaviest fighting will be in the north of Cybertron, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]] decides they'll set down in the south rather than going into battle immediately. With the drive finally repaired, they hit warp.

From space, Cybertron looks deserted. [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] and [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] suddenly become excited and jump out an airlock, closely followed by [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]]. The boy watches as, cloaked in balls of green light, the swarm of Mini-Cons all begin to come together. Blurr intercepts Carlos. On the ship, the kids realise the Mini-Cons are forming a shield of some sort while what appears to be a black hole hangs menacingly in space. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] believes that this means [[Unicron]] is coming. Optimus and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] merge and go to talk to High Wire. A phantasm of [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] appears and is fired on by the Mini-Cons. After telling the Mini-Cons to get lost, the apparition promptly disappears again.

The Decepticons realise that Optimus's group of Autobots have arrived.

The kids and the Autobots discuss the impending arrival of Unicron and the situation on Cybertron. Though the Autobots want to mount a single surprise attack, Optimus believes that a more dispersed attack is required. They touch down individually in pods to find a ruined landscape, and begin searching for survivors. Optimus and Jetfire soon run into trouble in the form of Galvatron and his men. Starscream and Thrust hang back above the fight. With the two Autobots pinned down, Optimus contacts the [[Axalon (Armada)|''Axalon'']] and orders the launch of [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]. [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] is hesitant, as it will leave the ship and Mini-Cons unprotected, but Red Alert reminds him it's an order. Optimus powerlinks with Overload and begins blasting the Decepticons.

Elsewhere, the other Autobots are fighting more Decepticons while searching for Autobot survivors. Autobot ships begin rising out of the ground and opening fire on the Decepticon fleet.

The kids on the ''Axalon'' realise their Mini-Cons have gone missing again and intercept the trio at the airlock, ready to go out and join the battle. Carlos is opposed to it, but the other kids feel that the Mini-Cons have a right to go out and fight for their home planet.

Galvatron and Optimus meet in one-on-one battle, but Optimus tells his foe of the oncoming danger going by the name of Unicron. Galvatron doesn't believe him, naturally, but the discussion is momentary interrupted by the ground quaking and a chunk of building almost hitting the Decepticon leader. Optimus points dramatically to the sky at the black hole. Chunks of ground begin floating upwards. Soon the debris and even the ships hanging in the sky begin to be sucked towards the black hole.

Thrust gloats that the plan is coming together, much to Starscream's confusion. Soon they notice a new activity: The Mini-Cons begin to pour into the black hole. More Mini-Cons reinforce the shield, and energy begins to rain down on Cybertron. The voice of the Mini-Cons implores for the fighting to stop.

Galvatron is still skeptical of Optimus, even when [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] reports that the Mini-Cons have driven off whatever was attacking the planet, but he calls a retreat. Optimus orders the Autobots back to the ''Axalon''. Thrust observes that the Mini-Cons have stopped their attack on the black hole.

Sideways swears that the Mini-Cons will pay for their attack.

The kids and Autobots thank the Mini-Cons, but High Wire says that Unicron will be back, and the Mini-Cons will protect them again.

Galvatron still thinks Unicron is just an Autobot trick. Thrust muses that this foolish belief will make things much easier for his true master.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (7)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (8)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (19)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (21)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (22)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (23)
*[[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] (24)
*[[generic|generic Autobots]]

|c2=
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (1)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (2)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (3)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (5)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (6)
*[[generic|generic Decepticons]]

|c3=
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (11)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (12)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (14)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (15)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (17)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (13)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (16)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (18)
*[[Spiral]] (19)
*[[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] (20)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (25, ''Powerlinxed with Galvatron'')
*[[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] (27, ''Powerlinxed with Scavenger'')

|c5=
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
"This is where the battle begins and ends, gentlemen."
:—'''Thrust'''

"I can't believe it has come to this!" 
"What are you talking about?!" 
"You know! The Mini-Cons are becoming heroes!" 
"...you lost it."
:—'''Starscream''' thinks about the Mini-Cons, and '''Thrust''' has no idea what the heck he means.

"Optimus Prime is marching right into the palm of my hand, where I will crush him."
:—'''Galvatron'''

'''Hot Shot:''' "You're saying Sideways was out there?" 
'''Optimus:''' "I am, Hot Shot. But that's not who the Mini-Cons are warning us about. Our real enemy lies even further beyond Sideways, and that's why they want to protect us." 
'''Jetfire:''' "Who could that be?" 
'''Optimus:''' "It's Unicron! And he's heading straight for us."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' realizes that something evil's watching over yo- I mean, the Autobots.

"Welcome to Cybertron! It's so nice of you to join us. At least now we'll be able to bury you on your home planet, Optimus Prime."
:—'''Galvatron'''

"This war transcends far beyond us, Galvatron. A force is coming, and you and I alone cannot stop it."
:—'''Optimus''' attempts to warn Galvatron about Unicron.

"Would ya like a little cheese with your whine?"
:—'''Jetfire''' tries to be a generously insulting waiter for Cyclonus.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*During one of the opening pans with the assembled Decepticons in the background, ''Legends of the Microns'' removes an emblem from the floor in the foreground.
*When Thrust first speaks to Starscream, the wing on Thrust's left arm sticks out at a different angle. Thrust doesn't raise his arms at the end of the shot in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*During the zoom-in on the moon just before the title card, ''Legends of the Microns'' omits two of the incoming lasers seen in ''Armada'', yet their sound effects can still be heard.
*''Legends of the Microns'' corrects some coloring confusion between Blurr's vehicle-mode canopy and the chair in which he is sitting when Optimus Prime asks him about landing coordinates, making the canopy consistently red with gray trim and the chair consistently mint green. It also removes an odd barrier behind Blurr which turns out to have been completely concealing Red Alert!
*After Rad and Alexis first observe Cybertron, High Wire does not speak Japanese in ''Legends of the Microns'', only his usual beeps.
*''Armada'' shows lots of Mini-Con light balls "raining" straight down past the ''Axalon'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' has just seven of them whirling in circles.
*When Carlos pounds on the doors to the airlock, ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the white from his eyes.
*As Carlos floats out the airlock, the ceiling behind him is a dull brown in ''Armada'' but a medium blue in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In the crowd of glowing Mini-Cons, the two in front who look like [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] in ''Armada'' are replaced with [[Spiral]] and [[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Upon cutting from the crew's speculation back to Blurr in space, the black hole is much smaller in ''Legends of the Microns'' than in the same shot in ''Armada''.
*High Wire only beeps instead of speaking Japanese to Jet Optimus in space in ''Legends of the Microns'' as well.
*After Sideways vanishes, the black hole is already present at the start of the next shot in ''Legends of the Microns'' but has to fade back into view in ''Armada''.
*Where the doors open to reveal Carlos and the Mini-Cons' return in ''Armada'', ''Legends of the Microns'' has them already standing in front of closed doors, yet there's still the sound of doors moving then.
*The Mini-Con speech phenomenon gets switched around when the kids ask the Mini-Cons about Unicron: High Wire only beeps in ''Armada'', but he speaks of "the Mini-Cons' enemy" in Japanese in ''Legends of the Microns'' and lights up his eyes yellow as he does so!
*In the exterior establishing shot for the Autobots conferring, Cybertron fills much more of the frame in ''Armada'', taking a while to even enter the frame in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The Decepticon fleet's lasers that somehow became yellow upon impacting Cybertron in ''Armada'' were correctly recolored back to purple for ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When Jetfire remarks on the ambush, Optimus Prime's gray arm in ''Armada'' is recolored to its usual blue and yellow for ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Different music plays from when Optimus Prime transforms to Super Mode until the kids notice the Mini-Cons have left again.
*The first random Decepticon that Hot Shot attacks is recolored in ''Legends of the Microns'' to match the colors he receives on falling down in ''Armada''. The fourth Decepticon to take a hit is also recolored, possibly because ''Armada'' gave him the same color scheme as the first Decepticon.
*When the Mini-Cons are about to leave again, the second door to the airlock waits for the first door to open completely in ''Legends of the Microns'', but ''Armada'' has it open halfway simultaneously first.
*In their last shot before the Mini-Cons are outside again, Carlos and Rad are redrawn so that Rad doesn't appear to be rolling his eyes upward in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After Galvatron dramatically leaps down to challenge Optimus Prime, ''Legends of the Microns'' adds an inert Overload to the background and Optimus Prime to the foreground, and it zooms out to reveal Prime there.
*When Galvatron charges at Optimus Prime with the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]], he only has diagonal speed lines behind him in ''Armada'' but has an actual Cybertron background pulling back in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When Optimus Prime stops Galvatron's sword hand, Optimus's own hand is recolored and his arm redrawn for ''Legends of the Microns'' for being erroneously drawn in Super Mode for this scene in ''Armada''.
*As Optimus tries to get through to Galvatron about the threat of Unicron, the (likely recycled) closeup of Galvatron's face from ''Armada'' is replaced by a whole new shot of Optimus and Galvatron leaning into each other. Then the following panning closeup of Optimus is entirely redrawn; notably, ''Armada'' features an unusual "radiator shutters" interpretation of his helmet crest that becomes a flat sheet of rectangles for ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The reverse shot of Galvatron grappling with Optimus Prime is redrawn for ''Legends of the Microns'' because Optimus is again in Super Mode by mistake in ''Armada''. The shot is also less cropped in ''Legends of the Microns'', bringing Optimus's face into the frame. And when Galvatron pushes him away, ''Legends of the Microns'' has an actual full-body animation of Optimus staggering back where ''Armada'' simply recycles the previous closeup with a bounce and a zoom-out to imply his steps.
*''Legends of the Microns'' adds Optimus Prime to the shot where the falling wreck near-misses Galvatron, making them both have to dash out of the way.
*The shot of the black hole that pans left in ''Armada'' pans right in ''Legends of the Microns'' and has a different space background with Cybertron added to the foreground.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', the rubble that rises out of Cybertron has been recolored from blue to brown in the wide shot of Optimus Prime and Galvatron and behind Galvatron in his subsequent closeup, yet it's still blue in the rest of the scene, including in front of Optimus's face! Must be some varied ground there.
*The Mini-Cons glow much brighter when they first streak away in ''Armada''; ''Legends of the Microns'' recolors the streaks to the same shade of yellow they have in the rest of the scene.
*''Legends of the Microns'' adds a pillar of wreckage for Cyclonus to crash into in two shots where he appears to be pinned against nothing in ''Armada''. It does appear in ''Armada'' the second and fourth times it should, however.
*High Wire and Grindor both get to speak words in both English and Japanese in the end, but their eyes only glow yellow for the Japanese dub.
*When Demolishor objects to Galvatron's certainty at the end, their faces have been redrawn for ''Legends of the Microns''. For Galvatron this mainly makes his eyes shiny and his chin a little flatter. For Demolishor this makes his eyes more uneven, and he shifts into a grimace instead of a pucker of surprise.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Assuming that the Autobot ships in the opening were large battleships and not Transformers, they noticeably shrink in size when Galvatron began to slash them apart with the Star Saber.
*Alexis calls Sureshock "Grindor", again.
*Optimus Prime refers to the ''Axalon'' as the ''Axion''.
**Shortly afterwards (just before he orders Overload to be launched), his left arm is colored entirely gray.
*In a shot where Galvatron boasts to Optimus while combined with Tidal Wave, the right arm armor piece is not drawn in. All the while the Requiem Blaster he's holding is miscolored dark purple and grey like the said armor piece he's missing.
*Hot Shot punches a [[generic]] Decepticon who has a yellow body and blue helmet and arms as the punch lands, and a blue body and a yellow helmet and arms as he hits the ground. That Powerlinx upgrade must really pack a wallop.
*When the Decepticons are to "take care of the small fry first" Wheeljack and the Autobot Generics that appear just afterward, are shown to fire without weapons, with shots coming from their [[GoBots|FISTS]]! The Autobot generics' hands are also clearly supposed to be clutching guns.
*Rollbar is briefly shown Powerlinxed with Scavenger. Unfortunately, the Mini-Con is coloured green and is easily lost among Scavenger's body.

===Continuity notes===
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' explains that is the start of the Cybertron decisive battle.
*This episode marks the last time Optimus uses his [[trailer]] to combine into [[Super Mode]], or in this case, [[Overload (Armada)|Megaweapon mode]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Overload's trailer mode has the ability to hover/fly.
**Jetfire appears to be wielding a small generic pistol of some sort this episode.

===Trivia===
*It takes an amazingly short time for Galvatron to lay all of Cybertron to ruin.
*[[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]'s [[character model]]s get used again, as generic Autobot soldiers who face the initial Decepticon attack, and again as Mini-Cons. Countless other uses of [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] characters models are shown, the most noticeable being the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s and [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' has some interesting tidbits:
**When the meeting for this episode started, [[Hidehito Ueda]] explained its events to [[Ken'ichi Ishikura]], who was confused with how to work off that. As soon as Ueda said he was serious and that he's going to erase the black hole, Ishikura immediately got to work.
**Sideways' voice actor had to laugh for more than 30 seconds. {{W|Goku|Now imagine doing that for a longer period of time.}}
**Grindor in the Japanese dub shares his voice actor with [[Rad White|Rad]], whereas the Decepticon soldier who was saved by the Mini-Cons has [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]]'s voice actor.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Der Aufstand'''" ("The Uprising")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 16|16 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ütközet'''" ("Clash")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La rivolta'''" ("The Uprising")
::*Unlike in English, the ''Axalon'' isn't misnamed as "''Axion''".
::*Alexis's line: "Are there any Mini-Cons left on Cybertron?" is pronounced as if she was surprised to know that there are other Mini-Cons there, sounding pretty much as: "[What! You mean] there are other Mini-Cons left on Cybertron?!".

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Levante'''" ("Raise")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 11 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Puppet

2026-02-09T17:30:21Z

Chase eX: /* Trivia */

{{picsneeded}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=43
|prev=Miracle (episode)
|next=Uprising (Armada)
|title="Puppet"
|furigana=にせもの
|japanese=怪物
|romaji=Nisemono
|translation=Monster: Counterfeit
|image=puppet.jpg
|caption=[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime!]] Your time has come; this is the dawn of a new age! The age of the regenerating faces!
|production code=TF: A-43
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[September 19]], [[2003]] (English, Canada) [[October 24|24 October]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[November 7]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Autobots and Decepticons land on a mysterious planet where there's an evil version of Optimus.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Metal Forest.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Not [[Skaro]].]]
On the bridge of [[Hydra Cannon|his ship]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] blogs to himself about how happy he is that [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] is alive again, which confuses his minions.

On top of the hull of the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'', Optimus Prime gets reintroduced to his crew, and the [[Mini-Con]]s escorting the ship. But the welcoming party is cut short by an electrical space anomaly that suddenly appeared in the ship's path. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] are pulled into the hole, which fades away.

On [[Salt planet|a strange alien landscape]], Hot Shot and Red Alert reawaken. Red Alert quickly acts responsibly and sends a beacon to the [[Autobot]] ship. Next, the two survey the irregular terrain they arrived in. A dark copy of Optimus Prime assaults and chases the two.

Elsewhere, the [[Decepticon]]s begin their hunt on the planet for their enemies. Their attention is brought to the noise of the Autobots' fight. The three Decepticons transform to assist the black scourge who introduces himself as [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]]. Using an amazing ability to alter his own shape, Nemesis Prime turns on Megatron, holding the Decepticon leader in the air.

The Decepticons and Autobots both fight against Nemesis Prime, but the battle quickly comes down to Megatron resorting to the use of the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. The resulting explosion destroys the Prime-doppelganger and damages the Autobots.

In space, the Mini-Cons guide the Autobot ship to the planet with their two missing friends.

[[File:Mini-Cons Puppet.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Megatron prepares to finish off both Autobots. [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] interjects, suggesting using the Autobots as captives. Megatron buys Starscream's disguised compassion. Nemesis Prime re-forms from fragments on the ground and battles the Decepticons again, this time with [[Vorpal Saber|a sword]], but the arrival of Mini-Cons takes the menace down. Before they leave again, the Mini-Cons bathe the gathered [[Bulk]]s in energy, repairing them and giving the large Transformers as well as themselves [[spontaneous recoloration|new colors]] and a boost in power.

The ''Axalon'' arrives over the planet, dropping Optimus and Overload onto the surface. A giant Nemesis Prime emerges from the ground for a third attempt at destroying the [[Transformer]]s. When Optimus and Megatron combine their ordnance, the creature finally dies, revealing a brief transparent image of [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] before vanishing. With Nemesis Prime destroyed, the planet begins to disintegrate, and so the Autobots and Decepticons return to their ships and continue on their voyage to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (3)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (4)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (5)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (14)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (15)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Sideswipe]] (16)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (17)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (28)
*[[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] (29)

|c2=
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (6)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron/Galvatron]] (7)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (12)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (13)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (21)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (22)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (8)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (9)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (10)
*[[Rad White]] (11)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (18)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (1)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (2)
*[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (23)
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (24)
*[[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] (25)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (26)
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (27)

|c5=
*[[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]] (20)
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (30)
}}

==Quotes==
"I got kinda banged up and it looks like I sustained some collateral damage."
:—'''Red Alert''' gives Hot Shot an enigmatic damage report.

"Nemesis Prime will... destroy!"
:—'''Nemesis Prime'''

"This fighting... must end..."
:—'''Longarm''' just wants peace and love, man.

"I look like.... Thundercracker."
:—'''Starscream'''

"As Galvatron, I have even more power!"
:—'''Meg-err, Galvatron'''

"Megatron! Blast 'em with the Requiem Blaster!" 
"''Galvatron'' to you."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' knows how to destroy Nemesis, but '''Galvatron''' is more concerned with his fancy new name.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*As with last episode's handling of the name "Hoist", the ''Armada'' dub writers for this episode do some hasty edits to accommodate Hasbro's trademarks for the upgraded characters.
**Starscream remarks, "-I look like- Thundercracker!" after receiving his new colors, with the delivery oddly clipped in a way that suggests the line was cut down from a longer take. This replaces dialogue in the original Japanese script where he expresses confusion over his body having been repaired.
**Megatron, meanwhile, renames himself, announcing, "As Galvatron, I have even more power!" He later corrects Optimus Prime by saying, "''Galvatron'' to you," and subsequently Thrust, saying "Just call me Galvatron!"
**Finally, Nemesis Prime is given a couple of spoken lines entirely to identify himself to the audience: "I am Nemesis Prime!" and "Nemesis Prime will... destroy!" In the original Japanese, he never speaks, simply growling monstrously the whole time.
*In ''Armada'', Demolishor says, "Look, it's the Autobots!", to which Megatron responds, "And they're on the run again. Some things never seem to change, do they?" The exchange in Japanese is completely different, as Demolishor wonders if Nemesis Prime could be Optimus, with Megatron responding that he doesn't care as long as it would help him destroy the Autobots.
*''Armada'' moves the idea of Nemesis Prime being mistaken for Optimus later; once the Decepticons catch up to him, Megatron remarks: "Yesss, it's so good to see you again, Optimus Prime! You've changed." The Japanese dialogue instead has Megatron ordering Nemesis Prime to attack the Autobots, with the irony then being that the monster attacks ''him'' instead.
*In ''Armada'', Longarm gets a spoken line of dialogue: "This fighting must end." While in keeping with the themes of the show, it reads a little silly right before the Mini-Cons magically repair the Autobots and Decepticons so they can carry on fighting—what did you think was gonna happen, buddy? In the Japanese version of the episode, the Mini-Cons are silent while they dish out the upgrades, heightening the sense of mystery.

===Animation and technical errors===
*When the Decepticons arrive on the planet after tracking Red Alert's S.O.S, Megatron is combined with Tidal Wave. They give chase, but when Megatron is next seen in vehicle mode, Tidal Wave has totally vanished; he reappears after Megatron switches back to robot form, going through the whole stock-footage combination!
*Just before Megatron is grabbed by Nemesis Prime, he has a purple Autobot insignia.
*Due to its use of stock footage, Tidal Wave's sudden appearance to combine with Megatron depicts blue (i.e.: Earth) skies behind him rather than the green skies of the strange planet. The Autobots' stock transformations to vehicle mode use the correct sky, but keep the brown color for typical Earth ground, instead of the washed-out salt of the strange planet.
*In the wide shot after Optimus lands, he is colored like Nemesis Prime.
*In the scene where we get a full view of Optimus and Overload, Optimus has the caterpillar threads of his trailer painted as if they were tires.
*Leader-1 arrives with the other Mini-Cons to give their injured partners a power-up and yet is still visibly attached to Megatron/Galvatron's tank turret.

===Continuity notes===
*The intro to the episode has a unique narration that mentions the kids, which flows into a recap of [[Miracle (episode)|the last episode]].
*Much like Sideways, Nemesis Prime is an extension of [[Unicron]] and has abilities beyond comprehension.
**It is also unclear whether Sideways ''is'' or ''isn't'' Nemesis Prime. The episode title and the image of Sideways after Nemesis Prime's demise seems to suggest that Nemesis Prime is a puppet of Sideways, who in turn is a puppet of Unicron.
*The [[Vorpal Saber]], originally released in toy form as the "Dark Saber", is made up of evil clones of the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Star Saber Mini-Cons]]. While not presented in this episode as individuals, the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] would give them official English names and bios further cementing them as the Saber used in the show.
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]], [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]], and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] all get their Mini-Con Powerlinx armor in this episode.
**Only the Decepticons' Mini-Con partners appear in recolored forms after this episode:
***Leader-1 ([[Powerlinx]]ed with Galvatron) appears in "[[Uprising (Armada)|Uprising]]", "[[Cramp]]" and "[[Union]]".
***Swindle appears in "Cramp".
***And Blackout appears in "Union".
**Starscream comments that he now looks like [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]]. Thundercracker would later make his debut in the ''Cybertron'' cartoon.
**Megatron declares himself "Galvatron". This is not the [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|last]] [[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|time]] you'll see him do this in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]].
*Overload debuts this episode. Although, for all the gimmicks the toy has, Overload basically serves entirely as a ''{{w|deus ex machina}}''. He has no character development whatsoever and is just a piece of equipment. His sudden appearance was on the "to-do" list of things [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] wanted to explain in the ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'' comics, but there was never time for it and so Overload only received a cameo in the story.
**Eventually, Overload's story would be told in two more forms of fiction. The first being a toy bio for the [[2008]] ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Overload toy, a form which Overload had since reformatted into after the events of ''Armada'' and began searching for answers to his mysterious past. The second was told by Ichikawa in collaboration with [[Ask Vector Prime]], where he finally got the chance to tell the untold story from the ''Linkage'' comics.
**Before and during this episode, Overload had been partially rebuilt by [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] from an earlier form and gained [[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]] as a binary-bonded partner. Overload's upgrades were never completed before he was deployed into battle alongside Optimus Prime and thus, he had no recollection of how he got there or who he was. ''([[Overload (Armada)#Cartoon continuity|See Overload's article for more]]).''
*Gadgets and powers:
**Red Alert has an alert beacon in the panel on his right leg.
**Nemesis Prime, being a clone of Optimus Prime, has all of the same abilities, one of which is the hand-blasting ability Optimus uses frequently throughout the show.
**He can also use the missile pods on his container in vehicle mode.
**Nemesis Prime also has the ability to morph his size and shape and also extend his limbs at will.
**Nemesis Prime can summon the Vorpal Saber, an evil clone of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]].
**This is the last time Hot Shot uses his Axelzooka and in turn, his visor. Ironically, Hot Shot's Powerlinx toy has a remolded head without a poseable visor. ''[[to sell toys|It's almost like they did this intentionally]]''.
**Overload can link onto the back of Optimus's container.
**Optimus Powerlinx with Overload while in his [[Super Mode]] for the first time, forming his "Megaweapon" form.
**Optimus uses his Megaweapon cannons to take out Nemesis Prime.

===Continuity errors===
*Nemesis Prime rips out Megatron's main cannon, and cuts Demolishor's blasters and Starscream's wing with his sword, but when the Decepticons are repaired by the Mini-Cons, they are shown to be in more extensive state of disrepair, with cracks all over their bodies, and Demolishor and Starscream looking like their respective parts have been torn rather than cut off.
**In a shot where Nemesis turns around to confront Starscream, Demolishor's blasters are intact.

===Transformers references===
*When Megatron first catches up to the Autobots and "Optimus Prime", he says [[Megatron (BW)|"Yessssss"]].
*Hot Shot (who is called Hot Rod in ''Legends of the Microns''), receives a deco resembling [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]].

===Trivia===
*The English version of "Puppet" aired in Canada first. It aired in the United States on [[November 7]], [[2003]].
*Because of his horizontal back [[kibble]] (which includes his cannons), it would be difficult for Starscream to normally lay flat on his back, with previous (and future) episodes indicating his kibble just sinks into the ground. In the scene where he receives his Powerlinx colors, his back kibble is actually shown to fold upwards.
*Nemesis Prime is shown to have a [[trailer]] when he transforms into vehicle mode, however, his only figure released in the toyline was a redeco of the smaller Super-Con Optimus Prime, which never came with a trailer.
*If Tidal Wave is Powerlinxed with Megatron when ''he'' gets ''his'' upgrades, where are Tidal Wave's?
*After Starscream receives his upgrade, he remarks that he looks like [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]]. This was a concession to the Hasbro release of the "Powerlinx Starscream" figure, which was intended to be a separate character like [[Thundercracker (G1)|Generation 1 Thundercracker]] was.
**Likewise, Thundercracker and Galvatron's Mini-Con partners, as well as the Dark Saber, also received different names and characterizations in toy form outside of Japan. This would prove to be a [[Beachcomber (Energon)|common]] [[Mirage (Energon)|business]] [[Overcast (Energon)|practice]] [[Landquake (Energon)|throughout]] the [[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|second part]] of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] too.
{{-}}

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nemesis Prime'''" ("Nemesis Prime")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 15|15 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Új ellenség'''" ("New Enemy")
::*The narrator mistakenly refers to Sparkplug by Incinerator's name. Later, when Hot Shot recognizes the form of Sideways rising from Nemesis Prime, he gasps Side Swipe's name. Starscream's reference to Thundercracker is also lost in the dub; he instead makes the odd remark that "it is... like lightning".

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''In trappola'''" ("Trapped")
::*Thundercracker isn't named. Instead of saying: "I look like... Thundercracker!", Starscream says: "My wounds... are no longer there!".

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Fantoche'''" ("Puppet")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 11 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Best Of The Decepticons ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Miracle (episode)

2026-02-07T01:25:45Z

Chase eX: /* Continuity errors */

{{Picsneeded}}

{{disambig2|the ''Armada'' episode|the Generation 1 Autobot|Miracle (G1)}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=42
|prev=Depart
|next=Puppet
|title="Miracle"
|furigana=ふっかつ
|japanese=奇跡
|romaji=Fukkatsu
|translation=Miracle: Revival
|image=miracle.jpg
|caption=He's back. What a surprise.
|production code=TF: A-42
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]
|director=[[Shin'ichirō Aoki]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]], [[Big Bang (company)|Big Bang]]
|airdate=[[September 12]], [[2003]] (English, Canada) [[October 17|17 October]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[October 31]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Autobots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons... IN SPAAAAAACE!'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Sshot-arm-42-1.jpg|left|150px|thumb|So first [[:File:Crisis Optimus blocks Hydra Cannon.jpg|this]] happens, and then nine months later, a Prime pops out like this.]]

Aboard the [[Autobot]] spaceship ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'', [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] and her friends look back on Earth as they head towards [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] eats some chocolate and [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] cries that he forgot his video camera. On the bridge, [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] and the [[Autobot]]s salute Earth and the memory of [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]].

On the [[Hydra Cannon|Decepticons' ship]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] orders the ship to be turned around so the Autobots can be destroyed.

[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], still holding Optimus Prime's [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], meets with several [[Mini-Con]]s. Moments later, hundreds of glowing lights swarm around the Autobot ship. [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]]—in [[English]]—introduces the lights as Mini-Con friends. After the swarm of Mini-Cons are introduced, the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] trigger a flashback in the humans to [[Chase (episode)|that time]] they saw a big evil in [[Cyberspace]]. High Wire names the evil [[Unicron]].

[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] tries to pilot the ''Axalon'' through an asteroid field. In the thick of the space debris, the [[Decepticon]]s start their attack. Alexis notices the Mini-Cons also running to help the Autobots in the battle. [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] fights against [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] fights against Blurr, and [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and Hot Shot continue their long-standing grudge. [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] erratically battles against [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]]. Megatron easily overpowers [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]].

When Megatron aims the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] at the ''Axalon'', Hot Shot stands in his way. Meanwhile, on the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s hull, [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] and Sparkplug present the Matrix to the swarm of their gathered friends. Several Mini-Cons plunge into the Matrix, where something begins to take shape.

Megatron degrades Hot Shot, but a large sphere of green light swoops around and knocks Megatron aside. To everybody's astonishment, Optimus Prime stands alive. With a Max Flare, Optimus ruins the Decepticon's attack. Megatron is glad that Optimus is back.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Sideswipe]] (9)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (10)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (11)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (12)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (13)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (14)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (15)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (28)

|c2=
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (16)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (17)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (18)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (19)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (22)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (23)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (24)

|c3=
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (1)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (2)
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (3)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (4)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (5)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (6)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (7)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (8)
*[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (20)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (25)
*[[Iceberg]] (26)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (27)

|c5=
*[[Unicron]] (21, ''flashback'')
}}

==Quotes==
'''Carlos:''' "Hey dude, what's he saying?" 
'''Rad:''' "Haven't got a clue? What's wrong?" 
'''High Wire:''' "Enemy."

"Unicron..."
:—'''High Wire'''

"Oof! Gagh! Enough! Are those Mini-Cons firing at me?!" 
"You're mine, pencilhead! YEEHAAW!"
:—'''Thrust''' receives another head-related insult now that '''Jetfire's''' around!

"BWAHAHA! HOOHOOHOO! It doesn't seem like work when ya LOVE your job!" 
"Enjoy it while you can! 'cause you're about to get TERMINATED!"
:—'''Cyclonus''' is having too much fun for '''Blurr''' to handle.

"That's it! I'll give you to the count of three to get offa me!" 
"Like you can count."
:—'''Demolishor''' and '''Scavenger'''

"I'd never thought I'd say this, but it's good to have you back, Prime."
:—'''Megatron''', pleased that his old foe is alive
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
* The ''Armada'' dub localises Carlos' dialogue slightly so he says, "What, you wanna high-five?" when the Street Action Mini-Con Team hold their hands up. This is cute!
* In ''Armada'', Megatron recognizes Optimus as soon as the newly resurrected Autobot commander speaks to him from inside the orb of light. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he keeps questioning the figure's identity up until Optimus blasts him before appearing clearly.
* Megatron being glad to have Optimus back has the same intention in both dubs, but the English version has him outright say it, whereas the Japanese version makes Megatron call Optimus a "tenacious" bot.

===Translation errors===
* While not exactly an error per se, Smokescreen's renaming into Hoist is entirely a dub change made at Hasbro's behest, awkwardly shoehorned into dialogue here. As explained below, the dub writers aren't consistent about the change even within the context of this very episode!
* From the start here, Megatron seems to fixate on dealing with the Autobots. Meanwhile, at the end of last episode, he specifically ordered his Decepticons to ignore the Autobots, as he didn't view them as a problem. Of course, Megatron's changing whims are central to his character—but the inter-episode transition comes off as jarring here. In Japanese, Megatron ''starts'' this episode consistently with last time, intending to ignore the Autobots, but changes his mind onscreen, with the Decepticons reacting to his contradictory orders. Perhaps the dub writers, having already forgotten the events of last episode, thought this was unnecessarily complicated within the context of this episode.
* In ''Armada'', Megatron specifically asks, "Demolishor, exactly where are the Autobots now?" Inexplicably, Demolishor acts like there's any ambiguity in this question: "Which Autobots, Megatron?" Maybe he's just stupid? In the original Japanese, Megatron doesn't specify that he's talking about the Autobots, so Demolishor has to get clarification who he's asking about.
* When the Mini-Cons first appear, Hoist says: "Well, that's strange. I never knew it was possible to detect Mini-Cons on our radar." You may recall that the Autobots using their radar to detect Mini-Cons was, in fact, the instigating event for nearly every episode of this show until recently—so maybe he's just stupid? Sure enough, the original Japanese dialogue actually has him wondering why the alarm ''isn't'' going off, if a bunch of Mini-Cons have just showed up.
** Red Alert's response, "We can Smokescreen, when they've turned on their signal beacon transmitter," makes much more sense in this context, but the localisation team has somehow already forgotten that Smokescreen is supposed to be called Hoist now. Maybe Red Alert is just an asshole?
* During the flashback to footage from "[[Chase (episode)|Chase]]", the script has been newly translated, with a new dub being recorded that contains minor differences.
* When Alexis sees [[Iceberg]] in the hallway, she bizarrely addresses him as "Junk". This is actually the Japanese name for the character left untranslated; apparently, Takara was under the impression that the Mini-Con turned into some kind of garbage plow! Of course, this is only time this Mini-Con ever appears in the show, so it's not like it matters anyway.
* As Megatron lines up a shot against Scavenger, who has Demolishor pinned, a relieved Demolishor says "Yes, the Requiem Blaster!"—despite the fact that he'll obviously be caught in the blast. Maybe he's just stupid? In the original Japanese, he instead pleads Megatron not to take the shot.
* As the Mini-Cons gather up into a big glowing orb, with Sparkplug at the center, Hot Shot says: "That you, Optimus?" Could Hot Shot's ability to recognise Optimus Prime before he's even been fully resurrected be a sign of his affinity to the Matrix???!!! No, the dub team just mistranslated Hot Shot addressing Sparkplug by name—as in Japan, the Mini-Con is simply called "Prime".
* After witnessing the resurrection of Optimus, Thrust complains, "No! This is going to ruin everything I've planned..." It's unclear how this specific surprise actually changes Thrust's plans in any way. In Japanese, he simply expresses shock over Prime somehow coming back from the dead.

===Animation and technical errors===
* Optimus is missing the jaw on his Autobot logo in the last shot.
* Just before Optimus is about to go into his Super Mode, Megatron Powerlinxed with Tidal Wave doesn't appear to be in his Full Blast Mode configuration and instead appears in his normal mode. Weird, isn't it?
* In the shots of Earth, North America is badly deformed, with the peninsula of Baja California and the adjacent Gulf of California both being significantly larger than they should be, while the Gulf of Mexico is extremely undersized. And most of Central America appears to be entirely absent.

===Continuity notes===
[[File:Flashbox.jpg|150px|thumb|"Don't shoot! I don't know anything about Anonymous!"]]
* Smokescreen finally has his name changed to Hoist; a later edit to the series would instead move this revelation to "[[Remorse]]".
* The arrival of the Mini-Cons is explained in the ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'' series of comics that came with each Japanese ''Legends of the Microns'' DVD release.
* This episode debuts several [[generic]] non-toy Mini-Cons with unique designs. The camera-like Mini-Con would later be named [[Flashbox (Armada)|Flashbox]] in a short online bio from the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]].
* [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] and [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] rally the Mini-Cons with the same ethereal melody [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]] sung back in "[[Desperate]]".
* In [[Remorse|previous]] [[Depart|episodes]], Megatron began to feel empty after [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|Optimus Prime's death]] in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]". This episode he is somewhat happy to see his nemesis has come back to life.

===Continuity errors===
* Billy mentions that he forgot his video camera. Where's [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]]?
* [[Depart|Last episode]], Thrust said that it was only a matter of time before the Autobots would pass the Decepticons and beat them to Cybertron. This episode, he reassures Megatron that the Autobots will never catch up to them.
* Look, we've got to ask—what the hell's going on with Blurr's characterisation in this episode? He sincerely expresses wonderment at both Earth and the Mini-Cons, then later sincerely apologises when Hoist makes fun of his piloting! It's like he's suddenly become a nice person.
* Even though a shot from the Requiem Blaster is enough to fatally injure Smokescreen back in "[[Sacrifice]]", when Side Swipe gets hit all it really does is knock him into a nearby asteroid with no serious injuries.

===Real-world references===
* Megatron says that it's "time to sink a battleship," presumably referencing the {{w|Battleship (game)|popular kids game}} manufactured by [[Hasbro]].
* [[Star Wars (franchise)|Lightsaber sounds and R2-D2 beeps]] are heard when Optimus Prime is being reborn.

===Trivia===
* The usual Prime-transforming sequence runs at the start of the episode, rather than after the first scene.
* This isn't [[Afterdeath!|the first]] [[Gone but Not Forgotten!|time that]] Megatron has struggled to cope with the death of his nemesis Optimus Prime.
* The series-long animation error of Optimus Prime's mouthplate flashing yellow when transforming into Super Mode doesn't occur in this episode.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ein Wunder'''" ("A Miracle")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 12|12 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Csoda'''" ("Miracle")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il miracolo'''" ("The Miracle")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Milagre'''" ("Miracle")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 11 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Remorse

2026-02-04T02:57:01Z

Chase eX: /* Continuity notes */

{{picsneeded}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=40
|prev=Crisis (Armada)
|next=Depart
|title="Remorse"
|furigana=あせり
|japanese=悔恨
|romaji=Aseri
|translation=Regret: Impatience
|image=remorse.jpg
|caption=Megatron takes his nemesis not becoming a Masterpiece toy poorly.
|production code=TF: A-40
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Yukio Okazaki]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[August 20]], [[2003]] (English, Canada) [[October 3]], [[2003]] (Japanese) [[October 17]], [[2003]] (English, United States)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''The Autobots mourn the loss of Optimus Prime, and Hot Shot is hit particularly hard.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Remorse-Angry Hot Shot.jpg|left|200px|thumb]]
The [[Decepticon]]s celebrate the destruction of [[Autobot]] leader [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. While [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] laughs, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] stay calm, regretting the victory (for different reasons). Acting glad, Megatron orders his crew to return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].

In the Autobot base, the kids have trouble coming to terms with Optimus Prime's death, with [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] openly crying. [[Rad White|Rad]] understands that Optimus knew he would die and mourns that nobody on Earth would know that Optimus died to save all humans.

A week later, the Autobots are still depressed, but repressing their sadness to get work done has increased tensions. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] gets frustrated with how passively the other Autobots have been handling Optimus Prime's death and goes to the launching dock to meet with [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]. He recalls accusing Optimus of letting the Decepticons get the upper hand by allowing Starscream to join the Autobots. Jetfire returns from his mission to the Decepticons' now-abandoned moonbase, and Hot Shot promptly demands that Jetfire take him into space to hunt down the Decepticons vengefully.

[[File:Remorse-Hot Shot VS Scavenger.jpg|200px|thumb]]
The other Autobots arrive and try to stress the importance of finishing the [[Axalon (Armada)|spaceship]], but Hot Shot tells his friends to shut up. Insulted, [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] throws Hot Shot to the ground and commands him to be silent while dragging the younger Autobot away. The two warp out, and [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] follows. The rest of the kids and Autobots are left wondering Scavenger's intentions.

[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] determines Scavenger and Hot Shot to be on an abandoned highway. Scavenger brutalizes Hot Shot and demands he fights back; Hot Shot avoids most of Scavenger's punches but doesn't retaliate. The kids and other Autobots watch as Hot Shot gets thrown around. Hot Shot finally fights back when Scavenger mentions Optimus. When the two Transformers press their weight against each other, Scavenger says Hot Shot made him switch sides. Scavenger, between punches, explains that Optimus had integrity, and that's why he let Starscream join the Autobots. Watching the fight with the other Autobots, who refuse to help Hot Shot, Alexis realizes Hot Shot blames himself for Optimus Prime's death.

Hot Shot retreats from Scavenger, still convinced that they need to avenge Optimus. [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] encounters Hot Shot on the freeway, but Hot Shot escapes again. The kids try to reason with the Autobots that abusing Hot Shot won't help him overcome his anxieties—but Red Alert is adamant that aggressive therapy is necessary.

[[File:Remorse-Hot Shot becoming leader.jpg|left|200px|thumb]]
[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] blocks Hot Shot's path and prepares to open fire against his brother. The [[Mini-Con]]s join in forming the barricade, bringing Hot Shot to an advanced stop; even Jolt abandons Hot Shot to join the other Mini-Cons. Hot Shot remembers Optimus Prime's word about trusting the Mini-Cons. Thanks to the Mini-Cons, Hot Shot has a moment of clarity, recalling the meaning of the war with the Decepticons.

Hot Shot apologizes to the assembled Mini-Cons and Autobots, wanting to re-join and help in the fight against the Decepticons as part of the team again. With the Autobots' morale revitalized, Jetfire announces that he's making Hot Shot the new Autobot commander. Scavenger arrives and starts to swing at the new commander, but Hot Shot doesn't flinch. Scavenger cuts his punch before hitting and gives Hot Shot his approval.

Later that evening, Jetfire tries to give Hot Shot the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], but Hot Shot declines. Instead, he announces that he'll only lead the Autobots until the team returns to Cybertron. Working together, the team gets back to work, ready to stop the Decepticons.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen/Hoist]] (12)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (13)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (14)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (15)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (16)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (17)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (18) (flashback)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (19)

|c2=
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (4)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)

|c3=
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (7)
*[[Rad White]] (8)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (9)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (10)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (11)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (20)
*[[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] (21)
*[[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]] (22)
*[[Nightbeat (Armada)|Nightbeat]] (23)
*[[Liftor]] (24)
*[[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] (25)
*[[Comettor (Armada)|Comettor]] (26)
*[[Oval]] (27)
*[[Spiral]] (28)
*[[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]] (29)
*[[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] (30)
}}

==Quotes==
"Do you have any idea why I left the Decepticons and came over to the Autobots?" 
"Better money?" 
"I joined because of you."
:—'''Scavenger''' and '''Hot Shot'''

"That complete lack of fear has served you well, Hot Shot."
:—'''Scavenger''' hasn't been paying attention.

"Wow, either I'm overheating or I just heard Optimus speak to me directly from the other side." 
"Hey, that doesn't surprise me. In fact, I bet Optimus woulda chosen you to become the next commander of the Autobots."
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Jetfire''' in a WTF moment

"Yo, Autobots! Saddle up! We're going back to Cybertron!"
:—'''Hot Shot''' gets down with the kids.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*The opening flashback of the previous episode has Rad narrating how he thought it was all over for Earth, but Optimus sacrificed himself to save it in ''Armada''. Rad doesn't narrate until Optimus's close-up art in ''Legends of the Microns'', expressing how he couldn't believe what happened. The Japanese dub contains SFX throughout the flashback, while ''Armada'' only features the characters' voices. Rad's narration about what happened after Prime's death is shorter than in ''Armada'' and doesn't mention the humans returning to their daily lives; plus, his comment about the Autobots being on edge comes later than in ''Armada'' (after Hoist drops some equipment).
*When the Autobots are arguing while building the ''Axalon'', Hoist's insult to Red Alert is more insensitive in ''Legends of the Microns'', directly explaining why he couldn't fix Optimus. Scavenger and Side Swipe's following lines have them tell Hoist that it was uncalled for before Blurr steps in and tells everyone to knock it off.
*Hot Shot tells the other Autobots that they should avenge Optimus instead of building the ''Axalon'' in ''Legends of the Microns'', but ''Armada'' only has him ask why they are making it since the Decepticons are already gone. Additionally, Hoist entirely agrees with Hot Shot in ''Armada'' but stops himself before saying anything in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*During Hot Shot and Scavenger's fight on the bridge, Alexis asks them to stop, and instead of saying this is the last chance for Hot Shot to prove himself to everyone, Jetfire says Hot Shot has been ''provoking'' everyone, which is why they can't stop it.
*Hot Shot and Scavenger's argument during their fight on the bridge is heavily different between dubs:
**''Legends of the Microns'' has Scavenger asks if they're fighting to take revenge for Optimus, which Hot Shot replies with yes; otherwise, he is never satisfied, but everyone is so heartless for not thinking the same thing. Scavenger calls Hot Shot a fool when throwing him into the wall and then says he brought this upon himself. ''Armada'' warps this into having Scavenger asking what Optimus would do in this situation, with Hot Shot saying he would fight and not get pushed around. Hot Shot then says he'd show what he's got before Scavenger gives him a head's up for his upcoming attack.
**Before the commercial break, Scavenger asks Hot Shot if he wants to start pointless fights, and the latter points out that's what Scavenger's doing. Scavenger then asks if Hot Shot's ideals are eye to eye before saying to charge at him. Except for Hot Shot's scream, the rest of the scene is silent. ''Armada'' changes this to have Hot Shot pointlessly ask what he's done, and Scavenger tells him to think about it. This scene's last few seconds also have Scavenger say that if Hot Shot doesn't know his place in the Autobots, he can't help him.
**After the commercial break, Scavenger tells Hot Shot he joined the Autobots for his sake, and the latter responds with not understanding. Scavenger then mentions when Hot Shot believed in Sideways and recklessly attacked the [[Lunar Base (Armada)|Lunar Base]]. Despite Hot Shot claiming he was an idiot back then, Scavenger says Hot Shot's spirit made him change sides. Scavenger also mentions similarities to when Optimus trusted Starscream, and because of this, he saw the future in Hot Shot. Hot Shot responds that he doesn't understand but knows that Optimus died while he is still alive himself and says it's frustrating. Scavenger then mentions that everyone is still here because of it and tells Hot Shot that the war isn't for revenge but to press towards the future. ''Armada'' makes the whole conversation more focused on Hot Shot calling out Optimus for trusting Starscream, with Scavenger calling Hot Shot "way out of line" as Optimus stuck to his decision, which made him an integral leader.
**When Hot Shot is shaking, he says he doesn't get the feelings inside him in ''Armada'' but says he doesn't know any other way to do this in ''Legends of the Microns''.
**Before leaving, Hot Shot says he can't forgive himself, so the only choice he has is revenge in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then Scavenger responds that if that's all he can think about, he should remove himself from the Autobots. ''Armada'' changes Hot Shot's line to him saying he wants to get even with the Decepticons and makes Scavenger less hostile.
*When the kids figure out why Hot Shot has been feeling terribly lately, ''Legends of the Microns'' clarifies that he blames himself for Optimus's death more than the ''Armada'' version. Alexis also asks Jetfire why he can't understand that instead of asking him to stop. Jetfire is silent in his shot, whereas ''Armada'' has him say Scavenger knows what he's doing.
*Instead of wishing Scavenger went easier on Hot Shot, Side Swipe says that's not the person he knows in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Before Blurr jumps in, Hot Shot asks Optimus what he should do in the Japanese dub, whereas ''Armada'' has him wish Prime was here and mentions that he doesn't even know where he's going.
*When Blurr rams into Hot Shot, he sarcastically asks if he's the one that started this fight in ''Legends of the Microns'', but says he's going to end it in ''Armada''. Additionally, when Hot Shot gets away from Blurr, the latter doesn't ask the former to return.
*When the Autobots prepare to space bridge to where Hot Shot is, Red Alert tells Alexis this is how warriors do things in ''Legends of the Microns'', and when Alexis repeats what he said, he tells her to sit back and watch. Meanwhile, in ''Armada'', Red Alert says it has to be done this way and instructs the kids to trust them.
*When Hot Shot encounters Side Swipe, ''Armada'' makes the latter say that as usual, he went off on his own without considering how everyone else feels. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Side Swipe less aggressive, saying that everyone is thinking about taking revenge for Optimus, but they can't figure out why Hot Shot is acting so strange lately. Hot Shot responds that he's not like anyone else, then abruptly ends his sentence before charging at Side Swipe. ''Armada'' changes this to have Hot Shot say he doesn't need permission from Side Swipe to do anything. Once more, Hot Shot yells "out of my way" in ''Armada'' but gives a considerable shut up in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When the Autobot's Mini-Cons appear, Hot Shot's reaction is more shock in ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' makes him tell the Mini-Cons to stay away from him.
*When the Optimus illusion appears, Hot Shot only says Optimus's name in the Japanese dub, but the English dub has him say he has to help him. Optimus then tells Hot Shot not to forget about his friends in ''Armada'' but says that's enough in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When Hot Shot apologizes to everyone for his behavior, he mentions how he even made the Mini-Cons his enemies and thanks everyone for saving him in ''Legends of the Microns''. ''Armada'' changes this slightly to him saying that he needs everyone's help and can't do it alone.

====Second English dub====
Two separate English dubs of this episode are known to exist. When the series initially aired, eight episodes passed after Smokescreen's reformatting (in "[[Regeneration (Armada)|Regeneration]]") before the show started addressing him by the new name under which his upgraded toy was sold, "Hoist" (in "[[Miracle (episode)|Miracle]]"). However, this episode's dub was updated at some point to alter dialogue from Fred and Red Alert to introduce Smokescreen's new name a bit sooner.

*Where Fred originally merely asked, "Is there any way we can fix Optimus?" in the modified dub, he adds, "the way we fixed up Smokescreen? I mean, Hoist?"
*Red Alert's response goes from: "I'm sorry. It can't be done. Optimus's body released its spark when it blocked the Hydra Cannon's blast, and without it, there's no way we can bring him back. I wish there was some way we could, but we're just going to have to pull ourselves together and carry on without him." to "No. I'm sorry, we can't. Optimus's body released its spark when it blocked the Hydra Cannon. We saved Smokescreen's spark and were able to reformat him into Hoist. I wish there was some way that we could, but we're just going to have to carry on without him."
*In the next scene, where Red originally addressed Smokescreen by his original name, he now calls him Hoist.

Additionally, this version added "The Unicron Battles" opening to the episode, replacing the original; that opening wasn't added to the series's original broadcast until the [[Depart|next episode]]. Presumably, this redub would have been carried out sometime during 2003–2005, when [[Voicebox Productions]] was working on the Unicron Trilogy; yet, it was absent from [[Rhino Entertainment]]'s 2006 DVD release of the series and isn't known to have been broadcast or released in any form until [[Shout! Factory]]'s 2014 DVD release. However, nobody actually ''noticed'' the change until 2020, when TFWiki user Bag of Magic Food spotted it while watching the series on [[Tubi]]!

===Animation and technical glitches===
*During his first line in the episode, Hot Shot has enormous hips.
*When Scavenger tells Hot Shot they're not friends, he's wearing a (red) Decepticon symbol.
*There's some awkward silence after Hot Shot tells Side Swipe they are on the same side. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the mistake by adding a line before the shot cuts to a new one.
*When Hot Shot asks Optimus for help in his vision, you can see the corner of a Decepticon symbol instead of an Autobot one.
*When the other Autobots come to see Hot Shot after the latter realizes what happened, Blurr is taller than the other Autobots.
*After Hot Shot has his vision, Smokescreen's eyes are too close together and too big.

===Continuity notes===
*Optimus and Megatron had been fighting for roughly ten million years, the time given by Starscream as the war's current length from the episode "[[Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion]]." With Optimus suddenly gone, it seems Megatron misses his foe.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' explains that Red Alert saying that Optimus's extinguished spark and being unable to be revived in the same way as Smokescreen reveals the Transformers' lives.
*Some flashback footage in this episode is taken from "[[Vow]]," specifically the scene where Optimus is walking towards Megatron and the Mini-Cons.

===Continuity errors===
*The flashback of Hot Shot blaming Optimus for accepting Starscream isn't exactly what he said in "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]." ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have this error.
**Interestingly, it seems more of a direct translation of what Hot Shot said in the Japanese version of "Crisis."
*Contrary to what Scavenger says in this episode, he was only an Autobot spy, not a real Decepticon; however, ''Legends of the Microns'' suggests that he genuinely worked for the Decepticons before joining the Autobots.
**He was a Decepticon a ''very'' long time ago, but that was long before he met Hot Shot.<ref>Mentioned by Red Alert to the kids in the episode "[[Trust (Armada)|Trust]]."</ref>
*Scavenger also says that there was no way Hot Shot could've known that "[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] was working with the Decepticons." The moment he talks about is from the episode "[[Credulous]]," but Sideways wasn't working with the Decepticons until the end of that episode. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Scavenger tell Hot Shot he believed in a comrade who didn't deserve it instead, so it's not an error.

===Trivia===
*This episode's Japanese dub debuts the [[commercial bumper]] of Jet Optimus and Overload Powerlinxing.
**Additionally, it now uses [[Transformer: Dream Again|the first Japanese opening song]]'s opening riff instead of the exclusive Autobot and Decepticon themes.
*In Germany, this episode followed "[[Carnival]]." RTL II—the channel that aired the show—stated that Hasbro Germany insisted on having the whole series aired in just two months to promote the toyline better.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Reue'''" ("Remorse")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 10|10 December]] [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Gyász'''" ("Mourning")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il rimorso'''" ("The Remorse")
::*When Hot Shot can't stand repairing the spaceship anymore, "Come on!" is weirdly translated as "Let's move!".

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Remorso'''" ("Remorse")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 10 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Best Of The Decepticons ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])
{{--}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Rescue

2026-01-29T20:03:36Z

Chase eX: /* Differences with Legends of the Microns */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=35
|prev=Regeneration (Armada)
|next=Mars (episode)
|title="Rescue"
|furigana=かいほう
|japanese=救出
|romaji=Kaihō
|translation=Rescue: Liberation
|image=rescue.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-35
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|director=[[Ken'ichi Ishikura]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[April 26]], [[2003]] (English) [[September 5|5 September]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Autobots attack the Decepticon base on the Moon and make a discovery.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Rescue tidal wave kicked.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Hot Shot masters the [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumble Kick]]!!]]
By himself, [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] grumpily cleans up the [[Decepticon]]s' base after [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]]'s rampage. Turning around, he is surprised to see Starscream standing right behind him, and he drops some of the items he was carrying on his foot. Then Starscream introduces his new running crew: the [[Autobot]]s. Naturally, Demolishor activates the alarm.

The Autobots and Decepticons meet in [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s throne room. Megatron fires the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] at Starscream, but [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] blocks the shot with the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]]. Bright light from the impact fills the room, blinding the Autobots long enough for Megatron to retreat, leaving his troops behind to finish the battle. The Autobots and Decepticons engage in combat with each other, with [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] attempting to take on [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] on his own. While Starscream is blinded by his vengeance, [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] and [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] are assigned to locate [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]].

[[File:Rescue mini-cons.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Good guys, bad guys, and explosions as far as the eye can see...]]
Perceptor plays Jerry, running away from Demolishor's Tom. When Demolishor backs Perceptor into a corner, Laserbeak flies into Demolishor's face just long enough to ruin the Decepticon's aim. While Demolishor stumbles about, Hot Shot arrives to punch him down. Perceptor runs ahead and finds himself in an encounter with Tidal Wave, and again Hot Shot comes to the Mini-Con's rescue. But because of Tidal Wave's power and size, Hot Shot has more difficulty taking the Decepticon down. Perceptor then leaves.

[[File:Rescue hot shot and starscream.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|If this is the power of teamwork, leave everyone out.]]
Perceptor finds all his captured [[Mini-Con]] brethren in a hidden underground facility, where they're being put to work to assemble a [[Hydra Cannon|gigantic spaceship]]. Perceptor has some blippy dialogue with the other Mini-Cons, during which Megatron attacks. When Megatron grabs Perceptor by the neck, the Mini-Cons begin one of their irregular chants, like the one played when the Requiem Blaster first formed. The Mini-Cons all stop working on the spaceship and surround an annoyed Megatron. When Megatron attempts to punish the insolent machines, Hot Shot attacks and covers the Mini-Cons' escape. Tidal Wave arrives just in time to watch Megatron and Hot Shot race out, but Smokescreen shows up to keep Tidal Wave company.

Side Swipe and Perceptor guide all the emancipated Mini-Cons through the Decepticons' warp gate to the Autobot base.

Megatron and Hot Shot continue to battle. Megatron is finally about to deactivate the Autobot, but Starscream slices Megatron's cannon off. Against both Hot Shot and Starscream, Megatron falls. With the Mini-Cons safe, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] calls his forces to return to the Autobot base, but Starscream would rather stay to finish off Megatron. Starscream agrees to return with the Autobots but is left feeling upset about it.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (3)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (5)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (6)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]] (7)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (13)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (19)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (20)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (21)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (22)

|c2=
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (9)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (10)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (11)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (12)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (14)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (15)
*[[Rad White]] (16)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (17)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (18)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (4)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (23)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (24)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (25)
*[[Waterlog (Armada)|Waterlog]] (26)
*[[Spiral]] (27)
*[[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] (28)
*[[Gunbarrel (Armada)|Gunbarrel]] (29)
*[[Oval]] (30)
*[[Thunderwing (Armada)|Thunderwing]] (31)
*[[Dualor (Armada)|Dualor]] (32)
*[[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]] (33)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (34)
*[[Oceanglide]] (35)
*[[Stormcloud (Armada)|Stormcloud]] (36)
*[[Knock Out (Armada)|Knock Out]] (37)
*[[Wreckage (Armada)|Wreckage]] (38)
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (39)
}}

==Quotes==
"Boy, what a showoff! So who died and put Mr. Conehead in charge?" 
"Stop your whining, Cyclonus."
:—'''Cyclonus''' and '''Tidal Wave'''

"What kind of leader runs and leaves his men to fight alone?! You're a coward, Megatron!"
:—'''Starscream''' raises a good point.

"This is the most beautiful sound I've ever heard in my life."
:—'''Alexis''' on hearing the Mini-Cons sing

"Thank you, Tidal Wave appreciates."
:—'''Tidal Wave''' after being helped out of a hole by Smokescreen.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*Demolishor hopes Megatron will make Starscream pay for his "betrayal" rather than "stupidity." After surprising him, Starscream asks Demolishor what he was saying and asks if he's going to end up getting slagged. Then Starscream says he's "still alive and kicking!" In ''Armada'', Starscream states that Demolishor should get it off his chest so that it doesn't eat away at him and settle things with him unless he doesn't have the guts.
*A snippet of [[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|"Charge!"]] plays as the Autobots infiltrate the Decepticon base. Demolishor says Optimus's name in surprise. Then Starscream reveals to Demolishor that he led the Autobots through the warp point, and Demolishor asks Starscream how he could betray the Decepticons. ''Armada'' has Demolishor stating the obvious about them coming through the warp gate.
*Hearing the alarm, Thrust wonders if there was an accident in the control room, and Cyclonus says the Autobots aren't bold enough to invade the base successfully.
*After Optimus orders the Autobots to spread out and attack, Jetfire replies, "Understood!" but Starscream speaks in his place in ''Armada''.
*In ''Armada'', Cyclonus admits to being wrong about the Autobots' inability to infiltrate the base. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says he never thought they'd get to this level of bravery. A moment later, Optimus doesn't address Megatron when entering the throne room, Thrust asks how the Autobots got in, and Megatron brags that he now has Prime "at his [my] fingertips."
*''Armada'' gives Starscream an extra line before calling Megatron a coward, asking what kind of leader runs and leaves his soldiers to fight alone.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos says that he didn't think the Decepticons would use the Requiem Blaster rather than stating the Autobots don't stand a chance against it. Then Rad says it's not the time for Carlos to be saying that.
*As he leaps at Tidal Wave, Side Swipe says it's a move Hot Shot taught him called the "Giant Upper." Then Scavenger calls him an idiot for being a newbie getting carried away and tells him to take cover.
*''Armada'' has Demolishor's line to Laserbeak said sooner.
*Alexis asks Perceptor if he's detected the Mini-Cons' signal, but in ''Armada'' she tells Hot Shot that Perceptor will lead him to the captive Mini-Cons.
*Instead of Rad being frustrated about not being able to be helpful enough, he wonders where the Mini-Cons could be.
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot asking the kids if the data Starscream provided could be helpful, leading to Alexis explaining the base's unmatching blueprints better than how ''Armada'' handles it with Hot Shot asking how Starscream is doing instead.
*Tidal Wave praises the Street Action Mini-Con Team's speed when they split apart. Then Hot Shot calls Tidal Wave a slowpoke, and Tidal Wave shouts back that he's not. The Japanese dub removes the transformation sound effect from the Mini-Con's recombining.
*After Perceptor goes ahead, ''Armada'' makes Hot Shot's following line an internal monologue as the Japanese dub animates his mouth.
*''Armada'' adds Alexis calling the boys over to look at the monitor to remove the Japanese version's silence. Only Alexis speaks when later asking if Megatron is using the Mini-Cons to build a spaceship.
*Before Perceptor calls to the Mini-Cons, the scene is silent in ''Legends of the Microns'', so ''Armada'' adds lines for Carlos, Rad, and Alexis.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron tells Perceptor the Mini-Cons follow his orders and claims to be impressed with Perceptor managing to make it this far. Then he says Perceptor won't escape before demanding him to stop. ''Armada'' has Megatron tell his Mini-Con slaves to keep up the excellent work, and he coldly welcomes Perceptor to his "hive of workers."
*When Perceptor loses his balance and falls, ''Armada'' adds Megatron's line saying he will pay for this.
*In ''Armada'', Megatron telling Perceptor to scream is changed to telling him it's pointless for him to struggle.
*While the Mini-Cons sing, Megatron wonders why in ''Armada'', though in ''Legends of the Microns'' he remembers the last time it happened in "[[Desperate]]," perfectly lining up with the flashback to [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]]. Rather than asking where the Mini-Con's chanting is coming from, Optimus also seemingly remembers it from before.
*Rad calls what's happening amazing instead of freaky. Then Carlos finishes Alexis's sentence, saying the Mini-Cons are responding to Perceptor's call. Alexis's flashback to Sky Blast is silent. Then instead of calling the Mini-Cons' song "the most beautiful thing she's ever heard," Alexis says it's like she is listening to their souls' voice.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says he won't hesitate to shoot. Then after using Leader-1 to give the Mini-Cons warning shots, ''Armada'' adds Megatron's line of him threatening to dispose of any Mini-Con that chooses to disobey him to remove the Japanese dub's silence. Instead of challenging Megatron, Hot Shot expresses his outrage for Megatron firing at the Mini-Cons. ''Legends of the Microns'' plays [[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|"Cybertrons, Transform!"]] when Hot Shot appears while ''Armada'' plays different music.
*Megatron says Hot Shot can't escape before they transform, with the sound effect removed. He says the Autobot is merely annoying him in ''Armada''.
[[File:Rescue-New-Shots.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Japanese dub-exclusive shots.]]
*Instead of quoting the Energizer Bunny (see below), Hoist offers to show off his new body's power before getting Tidal Wave unstuck. As Hoist lifts his arm and grabs Tidal Wave, ''Armada'' uses a stock footage background (see below), but the Japanese dub doesn't.
*Side Swipe tells the Mini-Cons to stay in line and hurry rather than translating for Perceptor.
*''Armada'' omits Thrust's line about needing to stop the Autobots.
*As he and Megatron fight outside, the shots from Hot Shot's gun are yellow in ''Armada'' but red in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*''Legends of the Microns'' extends the scene of Hot Shot at gunpoint by panning to the left to show Megatron. Then the scene pans up to show Megatron's face and cuts to the first-person shot of Megatron looking at Hot Shot. ''Armada'' starts with a low-quality still image of Hot Shot and cuts to the POV shot of Megatron looking at Hot Shot before the pan-up shot of Megatron and repeating the previous point of view shot. Megatron asks who's there after his tank turret gets sliced off.
*When Starscream reappears, some of [[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|"Cybertrons, Transform!"]] plays instead of the Transformers theme. Instead of saying Megatron doesn't scare him anymore, Starscream announces himself to Megatron after saving Hot Shot. In ''Armada'', Starscream declares to Megatron that he is now fighting evil, and Megatron says Starscream doesn't know what evil is. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream says he's waited a long time for this, and Megatron says he doesn't know what Starscream wants.
*Instead of the prior close-up of Hot Shot, ''Legends of the Microns'' shows a new shot of him ''and'' Starscream descending upon Megatron as he shoots at them. Then after Megatron gets kicked in the face, there's another added wide shot of Hot Shot, Starscream, and a falling Megatron, all in mid-air (see right).
*''Armada'' adds a slow-motion effect to the scene of Megatron falling to extend it. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the effect, and Megatron is silent as he falls.
*As Megatron gets up in ''Armada'', Hot Shot asks Starscream if he heard something, and Starscream says it was probably the wind and tells Hot Shot to get going. Wind in outer space? In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot addresses Starscream before the latter tells Hot Shot to go and says that he's staying behind.
*After Starscream initially refuses Optimus's command to retreat, ''Armada'' has Optimus giving Starscream an ultimatum: Show he's now an Autobot by retreating with the others or show his true colors by staying behind. Then Optimus gives Starscream a long lecture insisting he chooses between fighting with either the Autobots or Decepticons, which plays over the last couple of scenes showing the rescued Mini-Cons teleporting into the Autobot base. After that, Starscream yells that there isn't a right decision before storming off, with Optimus calmly telling him to take his time. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus doesn't talk to Starscream again until the panning shot, telling him he's now an Autobot and their comrade, and they should pull back now that they've saved the Mini-Cons. Optimus's dialogue stops before Starscream lowers the Star Saber, with the rest of the episode being silent except for Starscream declaring this mission wasn't a victory.

===Animation and technical errors===
*After Demolishor pushes the alarm button, for a shot, the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] is drawn in the distinct shape of Starscream's regular wing-blade. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects it.
*Optimus tells Hot Shot the Autobots will "regroup and attack again," but the others proceed to split up instead. Prime correctly orders everyone to "spread out and attack" in the Japanese dub.
*After Megatron fires the Requiem Blaster, Thrust suggests that Megatron fall back ''"with"'' his men, but only Megatron leaves. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the mistake by having Thrust tell only Megatron to escape.
*As Starscream demands Megatron to show himself, the Star Saber's blade is colored yellow rather than blue.
*Wheeljack looks slightly scared as he blocks Hot Shot's path.
*When Demolishor's lasers fire after Laserbeak attacks him, they suddenly turn yellow in ''Armada''. They stay purple in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*As Megatrons grabs Perceptor, his hand looks more like Tidal Wave's, especially the color.
*Tidal Wave's size in [[robot mode]] is incredibly inconsistent from shot to shot, ranging from huge to only just larger than the other Decepticons (to fit indoors).
*Tidal Wave's mouth often doesn't move when he talks.
*As everyone listens to the Mini-Cons' song, it looks like Starscream's wings doubled in size.
*Megatron's face is miscolored dark gray like his head when the Mini-Cons surround him.
[[File:Rescue smokescreen hits tidal wave.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Do we ''really'' want to know what's happening?]]
*When Smokescreen hits the stuck Tidal Wave, the latter is briefly miscolored.
*Lots of animation shortcuts are used to depict the Mini-Con hordes, including:
**Looped sequences, making it appear as though the same Mini-Cons are running past repeatedly.
**In one shot, as Perceptor guides the Mini-Cons out of the construction facility, they're ''all'' depicted as horribly miscolored models of High Wire, Grindor, and Sureshock.
**In one shot of Mini-Cons teleporting into the Autobot base, most of them have the same upper body with some sharing the same leg colors.
**In the shot following, the kids and four [[Spiral]]s are on-screen together. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this mistake as there's only one Spiral and the other three Mini-Cons are all different models (see below).
*The scene of the three Mini-Cons arriving at the Autobot base recycles the background for the Decepticons' warp gate in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this error as the background of the Autobot's launch gate is used instead.
*Megatron calls Perceptor "Preceptor" when they first encounter each other in the base's Mini-Con construction zone.
*When the Mini-Cons start freaking out, as Megatron and Hot Shot begin fighting each other, a black generic Mini-Con using [[Oval]]'s model is missing his head.
*When Megatron starts shooting at Hot Shot, his lasers go from red to purple and then yellow. In ''Legends of the Microns'', they begin as red, but they stay purple once they turn that color.
*After Hot Shot sends Jolt after Megatron, the Mini-Con disappears and never goes after Megatron. Hot Shot also suddenly gets a gun that comes flying out of nowhere in the next scene. It appears again when he and Megatron continue their brawl outside but disappears in the following scene when Hot Shot is under fire from Megatron. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot only calls Jolt and doesn't tell him to get Megatron.
*As Side Swipe has the Mini-Cons line up, Starscream is positioned as turned to his left, but he is in the same stance in his next scene, making his former position incorrect. He's also wielding an orange pistol that came from who knows where.
*After Hot Shot and Starscream take him down, Megatron has Tidal Wave's Dark Fleet Armor components on his arms while he falls and lands. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes them.
*In one scene, Starscream has purple miscolored spots on his arms.
*In a shot of Optimus, Starscream, and Hot Shot outside the base, Starscream's wings are miscolored.

===Continuity notes===
[[File:New Generic Mini-Con.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
*The Skyboom Shield reappears for the first time since being knocked out of Optimus's hands in "Desperate."
*Scavenger, Blurr, and Side Swipe are barely seen during the battle. Blurr, in particular, is only shown in a few panning shots of the Autobots firing.
*This episode shows more Mini-Cons than any other, which begs the question: where did the Decepticons gain all these Mini-Cons? The only logical reason is either off-screen collecting (which [[Vow|isn't]] [[Runaway|uncommon]]) or they happen to be Mini-Cons that remained in the half of the ''[[Exodus (Armada)|Exodus]]'' that the Decepticons are currently using as a base.
*In the final clip in the Autobot base, an entirely original [[generic]] Mini-Con is shown (see right).
*Gadgets and weapons:
**Tidal wave fires lasers from his fist.
**The Mini-Con port in Smokescreen's hand is capable of firing lasers.
**Scavenger fires lasers from his fingers.
**Smokescreen also appears to Powerlinx with the Skyboom Shield using the port in his hand, something that using the Mini-Con port on Dirt Boss's back can replicate.
**Thrust uses Inferno's back cannon, something that the toy is capable of doing.
**Wheeljack dual-wields his guns.
**Leader-1 is Powerlinxed on Megatron's left forearm.
**Jolt hands Hot Shot the double-barreled blaster, something that hasn't been shown on-screen before. Usually, the blaster is attached to Jolt's vehicle mode, or it's in Hot Shot's hand; it's never been shown given to him beforehand.
**Megatron uses his Full Blast Mode without Powerlinxing with Leader-1. Simultaneously, Megatron uses Leader-1 as a pistol.

===Continuity errors===
*Starscream says that Demolishor is why he changed sides, but how's it Demolishor's fault anyway? Was it because Megatron ordered him to take the Star Saber Mini-Cons from Starscream in the prior episode, or some other reason? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this glaring error as Starscream explains his defection by telling Demolishor they aren't comrades anymore, so why wouldn't he join their enemies? After all, {{w|the enemy of my enemy is my friend}}.
*Due to the recycling of animation models, some Autobot-aligned Mini-Cons are seen in Megatron's construction facility, most glaring examples being [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] and [[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]], two components of the Skyboom Shield. At one point, even [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] can be seen in the crowd of Mini-Cons standing up to Megatron.

===Transformers references===
*Thrust is called a "[[conehead]]", a term occasionally used for group of [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] his [[Thrust (G1)|namesake]] was part of; though in ''Legends of the Microns'', his nickname is "squid-head".
*Side Swipe is nicknamed "Swiper," a possible reference to [[Andrew Frankel]].

===Real-world references===
*As he attacks Tidal Wave, Side Swipe says, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall."
*Smokescreen says with his new armor that he keeps going and going, just like {{w|Energizer Bunny|a certain pink, sandal-wearing, drumming bunny}}.

===Trivia===
[[File:Rescue Speed Team Generics.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*The kanji 救出 would be ''kyūshutsu'', while ''kaihō'' would be used for 解放 in this context.
*The green Oval generic is briefly seen several times this episode. The red Spiral generic can also be seen briefly.
*Demolishor calls Laserbeak a vulture, however his Japanese name "Cyberhawk" says that he's, well... a hawk.
*This episode is one of the few lacking an opening ''and'' ending narration.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die Befreiung der Mini-Cons'''" ("The Liberation of the Mini-Cons")
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mentőakció, 1. rész'''" ("Rescue Mission, Part 1")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il salvataggio'''" ("The Rescue")

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''마이크론 구출작전'''" ("Micron Rescue Operation")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Salvamento'''" ("Salvage")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 9 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Battle for the Mini-Cons ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Regeneration (Armada)

2026-01-29T03:53:37Z

Chase eX: /* Foreign localization */

{{disambig2|the episode from ''Armada''|the episode from Prime|Regeneration (Prime)}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=34
|prev=Sacrifice
|next=Rescue
|title="Regeneration"
|furigana=すぱーく
|japanese=生命
|romaji=Spark
|translation=Life: Spark
|image=regeneration.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-34
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]], [[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] (asst. dir.)
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[April 19]], [[2003]] (English) [[August 29|29 August]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Smokescreen fights for his life while Starscream defects to the Autobots.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Regeneration Red Alert's face.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|You don't want to know what he's seeing.]]
While [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] carefully disassembles [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] in hopes of saving his comrade, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the other [[Autobot]]s explain to the kids the mechanics of [[Transformer]]s' [[spark]]s. Red Alert reports that Smokescreen has a solid chance of survival, and then Red's face distorts nonsensically. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] swears revenge against the [[Decepticon]]s for the damage they did to Smokescreen.

In the Decepticons' base, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] enjoys having the power of the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] under his control. A grumpy [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] then enters, resentful of his abandonment in the jungle. [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] feigns concern, and Starscream punches Thrust into a wall. While [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] are glad to see Thrust get what's coming to him, Megatron dismisses all his forces.

Starscream and the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] enjoy a repairing energy bath (hot!). Demolishor comes to retrieve the [[Mini-Con]]s. Starscream and Demolishor almost get into a confrontation, but Demolishor relinquishes his duty to Starscream.

Thrust and Megatron plot in private to abuse Starscream further, although Megatron is too busy enjoying Thrust's compliments to realize Thrust is manipulating him. Starscream overhears the conspiracy and combines the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] to take Thrust and Megatron down. The other Decepticons rush in to stop Starscream, so Starscream runs to the teleport chamber. Starscream proves that he can use the Star Saber to block the Requiem Blaster on his way out and flies to Earth.

[[File:Regeneration Side Swipe flees.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Does anybody think Side Swipe can honestly handle Starscream?]]
The Autobot sensors detect Starscream's presence in [[Earth]]'s atmosphere. Hot Shot and Side Swipe rush out to fight Starscream. [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], in pursuit of Starscream, switches his target to Hot Shot. Optimus Prime and Jetfire arrive to fight off Tidal Wave in their combined form, but they're unable to do any damage; luckily for them, the simple-minded giant is focused on attacking Starscream. Starscream then tosses the Star Saber to Jet Optimus, who uses it to slice off one of Tidal Wave's gun emplacements, and Tidal Wave retreats.

[[File:Regeneration minicons hug Starscream.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Stockholm Subroutine.]]
Starscream explains his story to the Autobots inside their base. Hot Shot passionately argues that it's wrong for them to offer Starscream refuge, particularly after Megatron severely injured Smokescreen. Hot Shot mentions the Autobots have already suffered betrayal from [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]], so [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] points out that he, too technically falls into the "betrayer" category. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] is the first one to suggest Starscream should stay, to the bewilderment of [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], but [[Rad White|Rad]] agrees with her. With votes of confidence from Alexis, Rad, and the Mini-Cons, Optimus declares that Starscream is now one of them.

Outside, Hot Shot and Starscream formally have a showdown. Inside, the other Autobots debate who should be the one to tell them to stop their pointless grudge match when Red Alert comes in to report that the operation was successful, but Smokescreen needed a new body.

Hot Shot and Starscream continue pounding each other, but a new challenger interrupts them by throwing boulders. The new Transformer quickly takes down Starscream and Hot Shot. When the new Autobot speaks, Hot Shot figures it out: it's Smokescreen in a new body. Smokescreen explains to the younger soldiers that being on the Autobot team means just getting along.

With data from Starscream, the Autobots are ready to lead an attack on the Decepticons. They gather in the warp gate. Next stop: the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]].
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (2)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (3)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (4)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (5)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (6)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (7)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen/Hoist]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (15)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (16)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (17)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (18)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (19)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (23)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (9)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (10)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (11)
*[[Rad White]] (12)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (13)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (20)
*[[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (21)
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (22)
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (24)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (25)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (26)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (27)
}}

==Quotes==
"You mean my heart looks like that?"
:—'''Fred''' has no concept of biology.

"Well, Starscream, you're still alive. I suppose congratulations are in order."
:—'''Megatron''', showing the usual faith in his men.

'''Starscream:''' "Powerlink! Star Saber sword!" 
''(Starscream begins screaming and swinging the Star Saber all over the place.)'' 
'''Megatron:''' "What?! What are you doing?!" 
'''Thrust:''' "It's a rebellion! Starscream is starting a rebellion! ''RUN BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!''"
:—'''Starscream''' snaps, confusing '''Megatron''' and scaring the hell out of '''Thrust.'''

'''Carlos:''' "Yeah, go get 'em!" 
'''Billy:''' "Yeah, it's payback time for Smokescreen!" 
'''Fred:''' "AND FREEDOM!"
:—The kids watch Hot Shot and Side Swipe rush out to confront Starscream.

"Hey, would ya back off? I'm trying to avenge my friend here! I won't be long!"
:—'''Hot Shot'''

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*''Armada'' dramatizes Rad's opening narration and extends it to just before the opening bumper. ''Legends of the Microns'' has it short and right to the point as Rad says, "Smokescreen risked his life to protect the Mini-Cons...But now, Smokescreen lays here dying."; the narration ends before Smokescreen's spark gets removed.
*In ''Armada'', Fred asks if his heart resembles a spark (as quoted above), and Billy sarcastically says Fred's would be smaller. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred follows up on Jetfire's statement about Earth's understanding of a soul, asking about the universe's view, to which Billy remarks, "It's still a soul, isn't it?".
*Besides the Requiem Blaster destroying about 90% of Smokescreen's body, the remaining 10% is functioning weakly.
*Red Alert worries about not restoring Smokescreen's body exactly as it was in ''Armada'' but fears his chances of success are slim with the tech he currently has in the Japanese dub.
*Rather than declaring Megatron will pay for what he did to Smokescreen, Hot Shot says the Autobots let it happen.
*The Japanese dub reverses Megatron's opening lines. Before declaring the universe will be his, Megatron says the Decepticons have nothing to fear since they now possess the Requiem Blaster. Then, while pointing the weapon at Thrust, Megatron asks if he agrees.
*Megatron offers to reward Thrust for his successful operation in ''Armada'', but admits being "a ''bit'' impressed" with him in ''Legends of the Microns''. Thrust is silent when bowing to Megatron. Then Megatron says Thrust earned the right to call himself a Decepticon in ''Armada''. He states that Thrust is a true expert and callous tactician in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After Starscream knocks Thrust into the wall, Starscream asks, "Why did you close it off?" Then Thrust claims Starscream misunderstands since the others didn't abandon him. Starscream asks why Thrust closed the warp gate on him and says, "Because of you... I..." In ''Armada'', Thrust says he doesn't know what Starscream's talking about, and Starscream claims Thrust closed off the warp gate on purpose.
*In ''Armada'', Thrust says he didn't abandon Starscream but had to do it due to a change in the plan, and Starscream would've done the same. Then Starscream says he's not listening to Thrust's lies anymore. Thrust says the others were forced the close the warp gate after receiving new intel, and Starscream says Thrust will say anything to save himself in the Japanese dub.
*Wheeljack says Thrust will die in ''Legends of the Microns'', but Thrust is getting trashed in ''Armada''. Demolishor says Thrust has a foul mouth instead of Thrust deserving a beatdown.
*Starscream is silent after Megatron stops his assault on Thrust.
*After he invites the Mini-Cons into the energy bath, ''Legends of the Microns'' gives Starscream an extra line in which he tells them not to fight.
*The conversation between Thrust and Megatron is mostly the same, but it makes a few different points:
**In ''Armada'', Megatron says Starscream has every right to be angry due to suffering a lot, and Thrust says that Starscream brought it upon himself. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says he doesn't blame Starscream for being mad after being left behind as a "sacrifice stone" before Thrust tells Megatron he shouldn't be so blunt in saying that.
**Megatron doesn't berate Thrust for not handling himself when Starscream attacked him, and Thrust says it was worth it since they acquired the Requiem Blaster.
**Instead of Megatron claiming that Starscream is proving to be more valuable than initially thought due to bringing back the Star Saber, he states his fear of losing the sword and that having it back is a "wonderful miscalculation." Then instead of thinking Starscream is proving to be more valuable than he initially thought, Megatron says Starscream never stops surprising him and Thrust.
**Rather than suggesting sending in Starscream first during the next battle with the Autobots and agreeing with Megatron about keeping him around longer, Thrust plays fortuneteller and ''predicts'' things getting more challenging for Starscream; however, his "reading" might be premature.
**Megatron boasts about Starscream being unaware of what he's gotten himself into in ''Armada'', but calls Starscream unlucky in ''Legends of the Microns''.
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', Thrust doesn't say anything about learning from Megatron. Instead, he asserts it's no surprise that Megatron's cold willingness to sacrifice his men led to their victory.
*Starscream alerts Megatron and Thrust to his presence after cursing them under his breath; he grunts to himself in ''Armada'' instead. The English dub is the correct version, given that Starscream's mouth doesn't move in the shot.
*''Legends of the Microns'' plays the track "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Destruction Order]]" when Starscream unleashes his fury.
*Thrust tells Demolishor to grab Starscream instead of labeling Starscream a traitor.
*When Megatron and Starscream face each other in ''Armada'', Megatron says he has always been suspicious of Starscream and that the latter could never handle the responsibility of leading the Decepticons as his emotions have taken over him. Starscream tells Megatron that he can think whatever he wants since he no longer cares. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron tells Starscream that he's not thinking things through and is suffering from "momentary impulses." Starscream replies that it's only wishful thinking on Megatron's part. ''Armada'' replays the track from when Starscream began raging during this scene before transitioning to the insert Transformers theme, but the Japanese dub plays "For The Glory!" throughout here.
*Tidal Wave calls after Starscream before making him crash in ''Legends of the Microns''; this happens earlier in ''Armada'' when they enter Earth's atmosphere.
*In ''Armada'', Jetfire questions why Hot Shot and Side Swipe would head out on their own, but he says they left to intercept the Decepticons but also notes how the situation looks different in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then Scavenger quips how they do as they please.
*As Carlos, Billy, and Fred cheer for Hot Shot and Side Swipe for trying to avenge Smokescreen in ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred says, "We're cheering you on!".
*Blurr believes that Tidal Wave chasing Starscream might be another diversion.
*The scene of Starscream getting shot down by Tidal Wave before eventually surrendering himself to the Autobots has several differences from ''Armada'', mainly lines of dialogue being either removed or added:
**Instead of telling the Star Saber Mini-Cons to stay with him, Starscream asks if they're alright.
**Starscream tells Hot Shot and Side Swipe to forget about him since Tidal Wave is still after him, and Hot Shot asks him what he means. In ''Armada'', Starscream tells them they don't want to be caught in his situation, and Hot Shot calls Starscream "the one who's caught."
**The scenes of Tidal Wave firing at Hot Shot and Starscream, Optimus taking the Star Saber, and Prime thanking Starscream are silent.
*Jetfire points out that Megatron abandoned Starscream, so the latter wasn't around during what happened to Smokescreen.
*Rad notes the Air Defense Mini-Con Team's concern for Starscream and says the Mini-Cons wouldn't feel that way towards a true Decepticon.
*Optimus addresses the Autobots when he says Starscream is now a part of their team in ''Armada'' but talks directly to Starscream in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Starscream tells the Autobots to analyze his data to find a way to sneak into the Decepticon base in ''Armada''. He's more specific in ''Legends of the Microns'', revealing he downloaded the locking coordinates for the Decepticons' warp gate before escaping.
*''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't have Hot Shot and Starscream grunting off-screen just before Jetstorm and Jolt leave.
*While analyzing Starscream's data, Side Swipe claims the type of warp gate the Decepticons use is similar to the Autobots' launch gate.
*While charging at Smokescreen with his sword, Starscream asks if he's an enemy.
*The panning shot of the Autobots at the end goes from right to left in ''Armada'' but left to right in ''Legends of the Microns''. Jetfire and Blurr speak during the scene in ''Armada'', but it's changed to Optimus and Scavenger in the Japanese dub, with Scavenger's mouth seen moving as the camera stops panning.

===Animation and technical errors===
*The tips of the top and right pliers that remove Smokescreen's spark are missing.
*The background ceiling behind Optimus moves slightly between the two shots of him talking to Red Alert.
*Starscream appears to knock Thrust into a pre-existing crater in a wall, though the way Thrust later looks at it when discussing Starscream suggests it was supposed to be made by the impact.
*For some reason, Starscream sounds confused after Megatron orders him to fix his damaged body. The Japanese dub fixes it to have Starscream sound resigned instead.
*While repairing himself in the energy bath, Starscream tells Sonar, Runway, and Jetstorm they shouldn't worry about him; however, this doesn't line up with the Mini-Cons nodding in the following scene. It makes sense in ''Legends of the Microns'' as it has Starscream ''asking'' the Mini-Cons if they're worried about him.
*The Mini-Cons' size changes between shots when Starscream talks to Demolishor.
*After Starscream steps out from behind the corner, Megatron asks if it's him even though it's obvious; this doesn't happen in ''Legends of the Microns'', as Megatron only says Starscream's name.
**At the same time, Megatron doesn't sound surprised despite looking so. He is surprised by Starscream's appearance in ''Legends of the Microns'' and has an appropriately surprised tone of voice.
**The Decepticon symbol on Megatron's chest is missing in the same shot.
*Thrust says Starscream is starting a rebellion, but that's highly exaggerated. He says Starscream is rebelling in the Japanese dub.
*Starscream calls his Null Laser Cannon the "Nuru Beam" Cannon twice. It would appear the dub's writers just transliterated the Japanese katakana for "Null" (ヌル) and called it a day.
*Starscream's Null Laser Cannon goes from purple to red between shots when he fires at Cyclonus and Wheeljack.
*Megatron and Starscream's mouths don't move during their confrontation.
*The custom music that plays during Starscream and Megatron's face-off overlaps the track used in the Japanese dub. ''Legends of the Microns'' plays only one background track during the scene.
*When Starscream fires his Null Laser Cannon the second time, his mouth doesn't move.
*After Side Swipe and Hot Shot end their training session, Side Swipe's mouth opens a second before he starts talking. Side Swipe's dialogue moves in sync with his mouth in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The children's positions change between shots while they watch the monitor with the Autobots. Some kids are also absent in some shots.
*After Hot Shot and Side Swipe leave the base, it looks like Starscream and Tidal Wave have swapped places on the monitor before switching back.
*After Tidal Wave shoots him down, Starscream is missing his left wing, but it's attached again seconds later.
*Starscream disappears when he finishes crashing.
*Starscream says, "Here ''they'' come!" to Side Swipe and Hot Shot before Tidal Wave fires at them. The Japanese dub fixes it so that Starscream says, "Here ''he'' comes!" instead.
*As Tidal Wave advances on Hot Shot, his animation cel is misplaced.
*Scavenger's chest is miscolored like his body while he says it wouldn't be right to send Starscream back to the Decepticons.
*Rad singles out Runway for being upset though it was Jetstorm visibly reacting a moment ago. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this mistake.
*As Jetstorm and Jolt arrive to alert the Autobots of Hot Shot and Starscream's fight, Optimus incorrectly refers to Jetstorm as Runway; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects the mistake. After Jetstorm and Jolt land, Runway and Sonar suddenly replace them. The Mini-Cons switch back and forth for the next couple of cuts: Runway and Sonar appear whenever seen from the front, and Jetstorm and Jolt return when viewed from behind. By the end of the scene, Jetstorm is back, but Jolt has disappeared.
*When Smokescreen pushes Starscream back after catching his sword, the sword is attached to him in wing form despite Smokescreen tearing the blade away from him an instant prior.
*After Smokescreen knocks him down, Starscream's mouth moves, but nothing comes out.
*Blurr's Autobot symbol is missing during the ending pan of the Autobots.
*On the final shot of the Moon, the sides of the screen have a faint white glow, but in the Japanese dub, it's the top and bottom edges instead.

===Continuity notes===
[[File:Tidal Wave and Destron Moonbase.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb]]
*''Armada'' shows a naked [[spark]] for the first time.
*We also see a [[Transformer]] take an energy bath for the first time, which seems to have similar properties to a [[CR chamber]]. However, previously, Transformers in this universe were shown repairing themselves with tools.
*Tidal Wave is floating above the Decepticon base in its first shot.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' states this episode marks the beginning of Starscream and Alexis' side story.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Smokescreen's new body is still strong enough to throw boulders. Since he no longer has a crane arm to throw them, he uses his shovel arm like a catapult.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Starscream uses his Null Laser Cannon.
**Hot Shot uses Jolt double-barreled cannon while Powerlinxed in vehicle mode.
**Optimus and Jetfire Powerlinx and form Jet Optimus.
**Jet Optimus briefly Powerlinx with the Star Saber for the first and only time.

===Continuity errors===
*Thrust refers to putting the Requiem Blaster "back" in Megatron's hands, but he hadn't possessed it before "[[Sacrifice]]." ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this mistake as Thrust says they "acquired" the Requiem Blaster.
*The Autobots saluted Smokescreen in the previous episode, implying he had died, with Optimus even saying they will never forget him. He is [barely] alive in this episode, and Optimus isn't surprised.

===Trivia===
[[File:Hoist Sunset Regeneration.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Look at me! I'm Hasbro colored!"]]
*The kanji 生命 would be ''seimei'', while ''supāku'' is only written in katakana, as スパーク.
*So, Starscream's story arc is forced forward by Megatron betraying Starscream? That's like... bizarro-G1.
*During the scene after Smokescreen gets rebuilt, the sunset lighting reflects his [[Hasbro]] toy colors.
*''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals that [[Mitsuru Kawasaki]] compares this episode's events to a German soldier who surrenders to the Allied Forces during World War II but didn't expect Starscream and Alexis's subplot to take a more depressing turn later in the show.
*This episode is one of the show's few lacking an ending narration, like "[[Prehistory]]," and the Japanese version of "[[Detection]]."

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ein Neuer Anfang'''" ("A New Beginning")
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but got dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Átállás'''" ("Desertion")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rigenerazione'''" ("Regeneration")
::*Instead of telling Fred that is heart is smaller that the spark, in Italian he says that his heart is "fattier" (which is somehow the opposite). In fact, while, in English, he was trying to explain him how a human heart is, in Italian he's just mocking him.
::*When Sideswipe and Jetfire are quarelling, in theory you should hear Alexis's voice at a high volume and the two Autobots' voices in the background, but in Italian this was reversed and Alexis's voice is barely audible. [[Gale#Foreign localization|This isn't the first time something like this happens...]]

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''다시 태어난 스모키'''" ("Reborn Smoky")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Regeneração'''" ("Regeneration")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 9 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Sacrifice

2026-01-29T00:50:37Z

Chase eX: /* Continuity notes */

{{Picsneeded}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=33
|prev=Past II
|next=Regeneration (Armada)
|title="Sacrifice"
|furigana=すていし
|japanese=犠牲
|romaji=Suteishi
|translation=Scapegoat: Sacrificed Stone
|image=sacrifice.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-33
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Shigeki Hatakeyama]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[April 12]], [[2003]] (English) [[August 22|22 August]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Megatron sends Starscream on a suicide mission and an Autobot falls in battle.'''

==Synopsis==
On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] discuss the necessary tactics needed for the [[Decepticon]]s to obtain the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. Megatron agrees to give up the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] for the time, but only on the condition that Thrust's plan is effective, or else Thrust will pay.

[[File:Autobot_stealth_sacrifice.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Has it occurred to them that if they want to hide, they might be slightly less visible in vehicle mode?]]
The [[Autobot]]s hide in the jungle due to an anonymous tip that the Decepticons are in the area. [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] stay behind at the Autobot base, protecting the [[Space Mini-Con Team|Space Team]] [[Mini-Con]]s, in case the Decepticons attack. Smokescreen tries to make friends with the Mini-Cons, while the kids debate the ethics of using the Mini-Cons in battle. At the same time, the Autobots in the jungle have a similar debate.

[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] detects Starscream in the area. Armed with the Star Saber, [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] screams and tries to draw out the Autobots with yelling. After Starscream begins to destroy the jungle, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] combine to fight back. Spying from a distance, Megatron and his goons wonder where the Requiem Blaster is. [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] and the [[Sea Mini-Con Team]] also fire into the forest to draw out the rest of the Autobots.

The kids and Red Alert find their equipment at the base is malfunctioning, courtesy of [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]]. Sideways also telepathically whispers images of the Requiem Blaster in the Autobot base to Thrust, but the tactician dismisses the message as a hallucination.

In the sky, Starscream strikes at Optimus Prime. With a flash of lightning, it suddenly starts to rain all over the forest. After the two warriors land, Optimus tries to reason with Starscream, but Starscream never listens and attacks the Autobot leader. Yet, not a single slash connects. Eventually, the Star Saber deactivates (possibly damaged from the rain), so Starscream calls for help from the other Decepticons. But to his dismay, Starscream finds all the other Decepticons have abandoned him, leaving Starscream on his own against the six Autobots. Before the six can beat down on the lone Decepticon, Laserbeak relays to the team that the Decepticons have invaded the base. The Autobots teleport home, leaving Starscream to cry in the rain.

[[File:Smokescreen dies sacrifice.jpg|200px|thumb|If you squint really, ''really'' hard, you can see that he's giving Megatron the finger.]]
The Autobots find their base trashed, with the kids in hiding. With help from Sideways, the Decepticons were able to invade the base and bypass the security systems that stopped them [[Swoop (episode)|before]]. In another section of the base, Smokescreen tries to protect the Mini-Cons. Megatron blows into the room and tears past Smokescreen, claiming the three Mini-Cons and combining them into the Requiem Blaster. Smokescreen refuses to stay down and takes on Megatron by himself, but Megatron fires his blaster right at Smokescreen.

A torrent of energy pours from the blaster, shoving Smokescreen right through one of the walls, his scream stunning the Autobots and humans. Smokescreen rises again with a vast hole through his torso and his pieces in lousy shape even after heavy abuse. The Autobot approaches Megatron while the air around him still ripples in the heat of the last blast. The determination of the melting Autobot scares the Decepticons into retreating with their prize.

In Optimus's arms, Smokescreen deactivates. The Autobots salute their fallen comrade and Optimus screams in sadness.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (3)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (4)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (5)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (6)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (10)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (17)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (2)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (18)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (20)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (21)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (24)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (25)

|c3=
*[[Rad White]] (11)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (12)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (13)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (14)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (15)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Space Mini-Con Team]] (9)
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (19)
*[[Sea Mini-Con Team]] (22)

|c5=
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (23)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Starscream:''' "Here I come, Autobots! You're all mine! So come out from your hiding places, you cowards, and face the most powerful Decepticon in the universe!" 
'''Jetfire:''' "Boy, sure doesn't have a self-image problem, does he?"
:—'''Jetfire''' calling the kettle black.

'''Demolishor:''' "I'm not talking to you, Eraserhead, I'm talking to Megatron. So butt out, will ya?"
:—Not the [[Crisis (Armada)#Quotes|last time]] someone will mock Thrust's head.

'''Sideways:''' "There shall never be peace in this universe, there must always be war."
:—A glimpse of Sideways's true motives.

"You're trying to intimidate me! But it won't work! NEVER! <s>Tidal Wave!</s> Shockwave! Thrust! Cyclonus! Megatron! Demolishor! AAAANYYYBOOODYYY!? WHY HAVE YOU ALL ABANDONED MEEEE?!"
:—'''Starscream''' realizes he's been abandoned by the Decepticons.

"''(inhales)'' WHY HAVE YOU ABANDONED ME, MEGATRON?! WHY?! WHY?! WHYYYYY?!"
:—'''Starscream''' is left all alone, and has what can only be described as a full-blown mental breakdown.

"Okay... now take it easy, soldier..."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' comforts a fatally injured Smokescreen.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*The opening dialogue between Megatron and Thrust is largely unchanged but has a few differences: In ''Armada'', Thrust plans to draw out the Autobots, so the Decepticons should prepare. Megatron wants to give the Autobots "a warm Decepticon welcome" and threatens Thrust with serious consequences should he fail. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes the exchange cryptic as it gives no clear details. Megatron asks if Thrust requests to take charge of the plan, which Thrust confirms. Then Megatron says he pities "that poor fool" (Starscream) before entrusting Thrust to lead the operation, which Thrust swears to make successful by putting his life on the line.
*In the first half of Rad's opening narration for ''Armada'', he claims the Autobots were "mysteriously informed" about the Decepticons being in the jungle but were unknowingly walking into a trap. However, in the Japanese dub, he says the Decepticons issued the Autobots a challenge in a jungle location; it ends mid-sentence without mentioning the trick as the Autobots' dialogue begins.
*In ''Armada'', Jetfire has a bad feeling, but Scavenger couldn't care less and tells him to focus. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Jetfire asks what kind of "party locale" the Decepticons invited them to, and Scavenger says they need to be ready to counter the 'Cons as the Autobots can't predict their movements. After Hot Shot and Blurr speak, Jetfire complains about the humidity in ''Armada'' but asks if the invitation mentioned the party's starting time in the Japanese dub. Then Optimus says it only said the place and date, and Jetfire curses how it's annoying in ''Legends of the Microns''. In ''Armada'', Optimus lectures Jetfire on how "patience is a virtue," and the latter expresses casual indifference.
*During the second half of Rad's narration, he says Optimus would have perished, and the Decepticons would've won and conquered the universe if the Requiem Blaster hadn't arrived during the previous fight. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says that the Autobots underestimated how the combat would escalate during the last battle, and the Requiem Blaster's arrival saved them.
*Smokescreen says Optimus called him the best one for the job to look after the Mini-Cons, and he'll guard them with his life. Instead of explaining things to the Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons in "plain English," Smokescreen says he still can't understand their language.
*In ''Armada'', Rad tells Carlos that the Mini-Cons don't want to fight, and Carlos says they have to. Then Alexis says they're missing the point of what Optimus is doing. Rad and Carlos aren't arguing in the Japanese dub, as Rad doesn't speak to Carlos here, and Alexis says the Mini-Cons' reluctance to fight is why Optimus is letting the Decepticons think the Autobots took the Requiem Blaster with them. Then, in the Japanese dub, Jetfire says the 'Cons won't dare attack directly if they believe the Autobots will use it even if they don't use the weapon, and it's what Optimus plans.
*Scavenger tells Hot Shot to quit yapping about not bringing the Requiem Blaster and says that Optimus knows what he's doing in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Scavenger says the Decepticons can't "grasp the concept of someone not using a powerful weapon," and that by leaving the Mini-Cons with Smokescreen, the Autobots can still follow their ideals while battling the Decepticons.
*Hot Shot hates not having the Requiem Blaster before Jetfire calls the Autobots sitting ducks in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot tells Scavenger he understands, and then Jetfire asks what the hosts are doing as the guests have arrived.
*After Rad says Starscream has shown up, Jetfire and Hot Shot sound slightly on edge in ''Armada'', but not as much in ''Legends of the Microns'' as Jetfire quips about the Decepticons sending out "a single maid."
[[File:Sacrifice animation changes.jpg|thumb|290px|Animation changes between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' screencaps (right).]]
*Instead of repeating that Starscream is an idiot for thinking he's invincible, Hot Shot jokes that he's an "adorable little guy."
*Starscream announces using his Null Ray Cannon to force the Autobots from hiding in the Japanese dub, whereas ''Armada'' extends his line about flushing them out.
*The two first-person POV shots of Demolishor looking through the binoculars have the center boundary box surrounded by black in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' fills in the black with the surrounding environment: the jungle (see right) and later the clouds.
*Thrust doesn't speak until the close-up of the other Decepticons in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor talks after Megatron to confirm the Autobots still haven't shown themselves as the camera zooms toward the Decepticons, leading into the next scene. Thrust stops talking before Megatron turns his head, while ''Armada'' extends Thrust's line and removes the pause between him and Starscream present in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The Japanese dub gives Jetfire a line before Optimus gives the go-ahead for him and Jetfire to Powerlinx. ''Armada'' extends Starscream and Optimus's lines; Prime doesn't speak until he turns his head in the Japanese dub. ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Cybertrons, Transform!]]" during Prime and Jetfire's Powerlinx sequence; ''Armada'' plays the insert Transformers theme.
*Megatron orders Tidal Wave to combine with him instead of going after Jet Optimus. Megatron later declares he must always know the Requiem Blaster's location and orders Thrust to tell Starscream to keep Jet Optimus busy by creating as much havoc as possible.
*While the Sea Mini-Con Team fires at them, Hot Shot says they need to keep running and tells Blurr that he'll see him later in the Japanese dub. He says the laser blasts still sting regardless, and Blurr urges him to follow in ''Armada''.
*Instead of telling Demolishor to keep looking for the Requiem Blaster, Megatron says Smokescreen may be the key. Thrust agrees but says they'll have to use all their strength to draw Smokescreen out since they don't know where he's hiding. ''Armada'' has Thrust call Demolishor a moron before the latter leaves to remove the Japanese dub's silence.
*In ''Armada'', Megatron asks if anyone can follow a simple order before explaining why he gave the Star Saber to Starscream. ''Legends of the Microns'' slightly reverses Megatron's dialogue as he first says he wouldn't have loaned the Star Saber to Starscream if he was going to fight Optimus and asks why Starscream can't follow a simple objective.
*''Armada'' gives Thrust an extra line after the scene cuts to Jet Optimus and Starscream; Starscream and Optimus each have a line during that time in ''Legends of the Microns'', with Starscream threatening to behead Jet Optimus with the Star Saber. Then Starscream brags that Megatron gave it to him personally; Optimus asks if Starscream can handle the sword's power, and Starscream tells him to shut up, so he will let Prime find out.
*Red Alert reacts in shock when Smokescreen and the Space Mini-Con Team appear on the monitor, asking how it's happening when the scene cuts to Rad. In ''Armada'', Red Alert is relatively calm, merely chalks it up to "the switcher" malfunctioning, and the English dub changes his line to be that the system is unresponsive. Rad is entirely redrawn with a more detailed model at the end of the scene in the Japanese dub (see right).
*Sideways's laughing starts as Rad looks up in ''Legends of the Microns'' but after the scene cuts to the monitor in ''Armada''. Then he says, "Surprise!" in ''Armada'', but says that he found the Blaster Mini-Cons in the Japanese dub. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds an audio effect to his voice, making it sound disembodied, while he sounds normal in ''Armada''.
*As Starscream and Jet Optimus discuss the war's meaning in the rain before dueling again, there is a wide shot that's static in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' makes it a focus-shifting pan over from a praying mantis eating a snail added to the foreground (see right). Curiously, ''Armada'' does include the follow-up shot of the goo-dripping shell falling. Their argument differs considerably between the dubs:
**In ''Armada'', it starts with Optimus asking Starscream the standard question, "After you beat me, then what?". Starscream replies that the Decepticons will win, the Autobots will be over, and Megatron will soon rule the universe. Then Jet Optimus says it's not about them but control over the Mini-Cons, who don't want to fight, so Starscream retorts that the Mini-Cons are only pawns in the war.
**''Legends of the Microns'' has more intellectual dialogue as they examine their natures as Transformers. Jet Optimus asks Starscream if he's ever thought about what's the point of them fighting. Starscream says achieving victory is combat's purpose but admits to also contemplating why they fight. Starscream says he became a Decepticon while Prime became an Autobot after eons of fighting in an endless war, but it doesn't change that he keeps asking why they're fighting. Jet Optimus states the Autobots and Decepticons can learn from the Mini-Cons since they have no desire to fight. Starscream exclaims that Autobots and Decepticons only exist to fight each other and, questioning Prime's claim about the Mini-Cons, shouts that the Star Saber moves as he wants.
*Sideways appearing to Thrust seems out-of-nowhere in ''Armada'' and appears in a close-up shot. Sideways alerts Thrust to his appearance with his laughter and appears, making the latter transform in ''Legends of the Microns'' (see right). More of Sideways's head is visible in the next shot, and there's now an effect over the images of him, Smokescreen, and the Mini-Cons, making them look distorted instead of faded as they are in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' also has Sideways visible in the background when he talks to Thrust, and his image wipes out from top to bottom instead of fading away. Besides saying there will never be peace (as quoted above), the specter of Sideways tells Thrust he found "the key to the fighting." The Japanese dub maintains the effect on Sideways's voice while he still sounds normal in ''Armada''.
*After wondering what Sideways is planning this time, Thrust decides that if the image he saw of Smokescreen and the Blaster Mini-Cons is a fact, it explains everything. Then he says sacrificing Starscream is now the best option. In ''Armada'', Thrust believes he imagined the image before saying it's time to end Starscream. The next shot of Megatron has him asking where the Requiem Blaster is like a frustrated child in ''Armada'', but asking, "What? The Requiem Blaster is...?" in a surprised tone as if Thrust told him about what he saw off-screen.
*The next shot of Jet Optimus is silent in the Japanese dub. Then Starscream asks what's wrong and if he won't shoot back due to fearing the Star Saber. Starscream calls him a fool, and Optimus demands that he leave the Mini-Cons out of the war. Then Starscream says he's the only one the Star Saber Mini-Cons want to fight alongside, making their sudden unresponsiveness flow more naturally than in ''Armada''. After they refuse to respond, Starscream tries using his Null Laser Cannon, but Swindle ignores him too. Determined to end Jet Optimus's "foolish banter," Starscream calls for Tidal Wave and Cyclonus so they can crush Jet Optimus together and shouts if they don't know how to follow their battle captain's orders when they don't show up.
*Hot Shot tells Starscream that his fellow 'Cons already left, and Starscream refuses to believe it; Side Swipe says it to Starscream in ''Armada''. Then Blurr mocks Starscream for his team betraying him. Starscream still thinks they're lying, but Scavenger says it's true, after which Hot Shot repeats to Starscream how the Decepticons abandoned him.
*After crying out for Megatron and his teammates, Starscream demands them to open the warp gate for him in ''Legends of the Microns'', but distraughtly asks why they abandoned him in ''Armada''. He later demands the Autobots to wait as they warp back to their base in the Japanese dub. Alone in the rain, ''Armada'' has Starscream continue screaming to the heavens about being stranded. He subtly contemplates his situation in ''Legends of the Microns'', asking himself, "I've truly been abandoned? I...What am I...doing?" The Japanese dub removes the musical sting at the end of the scene.
*After Blurr asks the boys if they're okay, ''Armada'' adds Fred's line as he merely makes a sound in exasperation in the Japanese dub. Then Scavenger asks if Red Alert left, and Carlos answers that he did but can't protect Smokescreen alone, so Hot Shot says the Autobots will back them up.
*Smokescreen says he'll protect the Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons at all costs to repay Prime's trust in him. Instead of telling them to quiet down, Smokescreen says they're friends, so there's no need to thank him. Thrust doesn't speak until the camera cuts to him and Megatron and doesn't finish his train of thought about Smokescreen's fate should he refuse to comply. After attacking Thrust, Smokescreen says the Autobots' strength stems from their unity, and Megatron dismisses it as nonsense and asks if Smokescreen blindly trusts his comrades to save him.
*Instead of the insert Transformers tune that's inappropriate for the Autobots' dire situation, ''Legends of the Microns'' continues playing "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|Crisis on Planet Cybertron]]" from the previous scene.
*Rather than saying to Scavenger how he thought he could hold off the Decepticons, Red Alert says, "Megatron and Thrust...If...If this continues..." Red Alert swears, Scavenger tells him not to give up, and Optimus says he's right. After telling Smokescreen that he doesn't have time for this, Megatron says the Mini-Cons combined into the Requiem Blaster at his command. Then Megatron brags about an unexpectedly easy victory in ''Armada'' but derides how trust is a fragile thing in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says the Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons don't have a consciousness anymore; only their capacity as a weapon remains. Then he muses at the irony in how the Autobots will be beaten by what they protected. Smokescreen doesn't speak again until he's back on his feet and says trust is powerful, as he said before.
*Smokescreen's death scene is slightly different in ''Legends of the Microns''. The background is colored deep red and white in the shot where the Requiem Blaster's beam pierces him (see right); the shot of everyone's reactions is silent and colored deep red, and Smokescreen is silent while going through the wall.
*Megatron remarks on the Requiem Blaster's incredible power and laughs maniacally in the Japanese dub, but ''Armada'' gives him an extra line.
*When the fatally wounded Smokescreen tries walking, he glows with orange energy that fades away when Optimus takes him in his arms (see right).
*When Optimus comes around the corner and says Smokescreen's name, the shot pans out in ''Armada'', but it's a still image in ''Legends of the Microns''. After standing, Smokescreen says Megatron will never have the Mini-Cons as long as he lives; Smokescreen only moans in pain in ''Armada''. The Decepticons have more appalled reactions to him.
*Optimus doesn't talk until after Smokescreen's last words, and the other Autobots are silent after Smokescreen deactivates. Only Carlos and Fred say anything as the kids grieve, and the Autobots salute Smokescreen in the Japanese dub; Optimus's line is an ''Armada'' addition.
*''Armada'' extends and dramatizes Rad's ending narration as he says it's the first time he saw Optimus so emotional, realizing the Autobots could feel pain, that the fight was personal for Optimus and Prime wanted revenge at any cost. ''Legends of the Microns'' keeps it short and frank but makes it more compelling as Rad says it was the first time the kids heard Optimus intensely cry out of grief and the first time they saw what happens in battle.
*In ''Armada'', the Earth moves to the right, partially going behind the portion of the Moon. The shot slowly pans away from Earth and stays visible in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The episode's last few seconds, where Optimus holds Smokescreen's body in the pillar of light, are silent.

===Animation and technical errors===
*In the Japanese dub's opening scene, Megatron has a line during his first close-up, but his mouth doesn't move. ''Armada'' changed it to have Thrust speak at that point; however, when Megatron talks after him, Megatron's mouth still doesn't move, although it's mostly out of frame. Their dialogue here might be internal, but it isn't clarified.
*The background with Megatron's throne is missing during his final shot before the opening bumper; only a black void is visible.
*Smokescreen's left-hand fingers are miscolored orange during one shot when he talks to the Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons.
*At one point, Scavenger's hands are mismatched: His right hand has square-shaped fingertips, while his left hand has pointy triangular fingertips. Fortunately, only one of the square-shaped fingers is visible due to Scavenger's arms' position, so the error is excusable.
*Jetfire's mouthplate is colored white in one shot after the kids point out that Starscream has appeared.
*Starscream appears back in the jungle despite his previous shot showing him in the sky. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes it so that he's above the trees in both shots (see above).
*Starscream's Null Ray Cannon is miscolored yellow.
*After Thrust speaks to him on the cliff, Megatron's left eye is off-model.
*Although Starscream is heard during Jetfire's close-up before he Powerlinx with Optimus, Starscream is nowhere in sight. The Japanese dub animates Starscream flying overhead and out of the shot.
*In the next shot of Optimus, part of his chest grille is miscolored yellow. The Japanese dub corrects the mistake.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron's mouth doesn't move during his line before commanding Tidal Wave to Powerlinx with him.
*Jet Optimus tells Starscream that his objective is to free the Mini-Cons ''"and'' they make up the Star Saber," which is grammatically incorrect since he means the Mini-Cons in general, not only the Air Defense Mini-Con Team. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects the error as Jet Optimus refers to the Star Saber Mini-Cons.
*In one shot in the rainy forest, Starscream looks like he'd shrunk to half the Autobots' size.
*As Cyclonus, Wheeljack, and Demolishor blast the base, Wheeljack's slashed Autobot symbol is missing.
*As Megatron stands over Smokescreen while holding the Requiem Blaster, Megatron says that "''those''" Mini-Cons are his now, which is grammatically incorrect as he meant to say "''these''."
*After Megatron blasts Smokescreen, Cyclonus has three extra windows on his chest. He still has the extra windows in the shot of the Decepticons reacting to the wounded Smokescreen.
*Just before the Decepticons teleport out of the Autobot base, Smokescreen's antenna/horn is colored blue instead of orange. In the scenes of Smokescreen dying afterward, his antenna/horn is missing.

===Continuity notes===
*The Decepticons using an unaware Starscream as a distraction and abandoning him is the last straw. The ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' says Starscream's moment alone in the rain in his final shot begins a new story focused on him.
*The [[Sea Mini-Con Team]] debuts in this episode; the Decepticons seemingly captured them off-screen at some point.
*Demolishor calls Thrust "squid-head" in the Japanese dub.
*Before Jet Optimus and Starscream's fight in the rain begins, their discussion in ''Legends of the Microns'' is somewhat a spiritual continuation of when Starscream pondered why the Transformers keep fighting in "[[Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion]]."
*The Anti-Sideways firewall Red Alert installed all the way back in "[[Tactician|Tactician]]" isn't doing its job whatsoever.
*In the Japanese dub, Scavenger tells Starscream that he should know Megatron's penchant for dirty tricks better than anyone... and he should. He ''really'', ''REALLY'' should.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron will bring up Smokescreen's words to him about trust between the Autobots in "[[Cramp]]."
*Gadgets and powers:
**Starscream uses his Null Laser Cannon.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Starscream wields the Star Saber.
**Optimus and Jetfire combine into Jet Optimus.
**Megatron Powerlinx with the Requiem Blaster for the first time.

===Continuity errors===
*The Autobots should stop frequently talking aloud about how they left the Requiem Blaster behind if they don't want the Decepticons to know they didn't bring it with them, especially Hot Shot.
*Why does Rad introduce himself in the opening narration when we already know his voice by now? He doesn't do this in the Japanese dub. He also says the Autobots ''learned'' the Mini-Cons didn't want others using them as weapons, but they've already known this for a while. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says they ''understood'' the Mini-Cons' reluctance to be weaponized.
**In both dubs, Rad says the Reqiuem Blaster revealed itself during the last battle when the weapon's first appearance was ''four'' episodes ago in "[[Desperate]]."
*The Autobots have somehow forgotten they also possess the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]].
*In ''Armada'', Tidal Wave is referred to by his Japanese name, Shockwave, throughout this episode.
*Smokescreen has seemingly forgotten that the Decepticons [[Swoop (episode)|already invaded the base once]].
*Why is Carlos arguing with Rad again that the reluctant Mini-Cons have to fight after coming to understand otherwise like everyone else in "[[Runaway]]"? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this mistake by having Carlos say that not wanting to fight is what the Mini-Cons said.
*Rad states the obvious about Laserbeak locking onto something. He instead says, "They're here!" in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After Thrust tells him Starscream is fighting Optimus, Megatron says he ordered Starscream to leave Prime for him; however, Megatron said no such thing. Megatron correctly reiterates that he commanded Starscream only to keep Optimus distracted in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Why don't the other kids believe Fred about someone messing with the camera when Rad said the monitor crashed a few seconds ago? The Japanese dub changes Rad's line to him saying that the Transformers are locked in a stalemate, making Fred noticing the camera getting switched around more of a surprise.
*Why does Thrust decide to ditch Starscream after dismissing what Sideways showed him as a hallucination, jokingly or not? Thrust doesn't write it off in ''Legends of the Microns''.
**Plus, deserting Starscream for "playing way above his head" seems like a weak reason, especially since Thrust gives a somewhat different rationale in the following episode. In ''Legends of the Microns'', it's clear from the get-go that abandoning Starscream was always part of the plan.
*In the Japanese dub, Blurr asks, "How could this happen?" after Alexis says the Decepticons invaded the base so smoothly because of Sideways. Maybe it's for drama's sake, but Blurr has no reason to ask that question as Alexis already gave it.
*Rad's ending narration makes several ridiculous claims: he realized the Autobots feel pain; the fight was personal for Optimus, and Prime wanted vengeance. First off, Rad learned the Autobots are more than just machines and capable of emotion at the end of "[[Jungle]]." Then, about Optimus, the fight is personal for everyone rather than only him, and he never seeks retribution for Smokescreen in future episodes. Hot Shot and Side Swipe are the only ones who try to avenge him at all, as the following episode shows. Therefore, Rad's closing monologue in ''Armada'' is a load of bull. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it so that it makes sense.

===Real-world references===
*In one scene from the Japanese dub, Thrust compares Starscream to a stone to sacrifice in {{w|Go (game)|Go}}, a board game that originated in ancient China. It has a strategy where a player sacrifices a stone to gain more territory, similar to a chess player forgoing a pawn to gain an advantage against the opponent. Hot Shot also calls Starscream a sacrificial stone in a later scene.
*In one scene, Demolishor calls Thrust "Eraserhead" (quoted above), another clever insult for his head shape. "Eraserhead" is also the name of an acclaimed {{w|Eraserhead|David Lynch film}}.

===Trivia===
*The kanji 犠牲 would be ''gisei'', while ''suteishi'' is used for 捨て石, 捨石, 棄て石, or 棄石.
*As the ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' explains, the episode title refers to Starscream ''and'' Smokescreen: the Decepticons abandon Starscream as their "sacrificed stone," pushing him into a corner, and Smokescreen ironically gets shot by the thing he tried to protect.
**It also explains that this episode is where the kids truly realize they are fighting in a war.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Smokescreens Ende'''" ("Smokescreens End")
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Áldozat'''" ("Sacrifice")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il sacrificio'''" ("The Sacrifice")
::*Unlike in English, Tidal Wave is never called by his Japanese name.

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''값진 희생'''" ("Precious Sacrifice")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sacrifício'''" ("Sacrifice")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 9 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Sacrifice

2026-01-29T00:46:09Z

Chase eX: /* Differences with Legends of the Microns */

{{Picsneeded}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=33
|prev=Past II
|next=Regeneration (Armada)
|title="Sacrifice"
|furigana=すていし
|japanese=犠牲
|romaji=Suteishi
|translation=Scapegoat: Sacrificed Stone
|image=sacrifice.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-33
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Shigeki Hatakeyama]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[April 12]], [[2003]] (English) [[August 22|22 August]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Megatron sends Starscream on a suicide mission and an Autobot falls in battle.'''

==Synopsis==
On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] discuss the necessary tactics needed for the [[Decepticon]]s to obtain the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. Megatron agrees to give up the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] for the time, but only on the condition that Thrust's plan is effective, or else Thrust will pay.

[[File:Autobot_stealth_sacrifice.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Has it occurred to them that if they want to hide, they might be slightly less visible in vehicle mode?]]
The [[Autobot]]s hide in the jungle due to an anonymous tip that the Decepticons are in the area. [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] stay behind at the Autobot base, protecting the [[Space Mini-Con Team|Space Team]] [[Mini-Con]]s, in case the Decepticons attack. Smokescreen tries to make friends with the Mini-Cons, while the kids debate the ethics of using the Mini-Cons in battle. At the same time, the Autobots in the jungle have a similar debate.

[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] detects Starscream in the area. Armed with the Star Saber, [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] screams and tries to draw out the Autobots with yelling. After Starscream begins to destroy the jungle, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] combine to fight back. Spying from a distance, Megatron and his goons wonder where the Requiem Blaster is. [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] and the [[Sea Mini-Con Team]] also fire into the forest to draw out the rest of the Autobots.

The kids and Red Alert find their equipment at the base is malfunctioning, courtesy of [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]]. Sideways also telepathically whispers images of the Requiem Blaster in the Autobot base to Thrust, but the tactician dismisses the message as a hallucination.

In the sky, Starscream strikes at Optimus Prime. With a flash of lightning, it suddenly starts to rain all over the forest. After the two warriors land, Optimus tries to reason with Starscream, but Starscream never listens and attacks the Autobot leader. Yet, not a single slash connects. Eventually, the Star Saber deactivates (possibly damaged from the rain), so Starscream calls for help from the other Decepticons. But to his dismay, Starscream finds all the other Decepticons have abandoned him, leaving Starscream on his own against the six Autobots. Before the six can beat down on the lone Decepticon, Laserbeak relays to the team that the Decepticons have invaded the base. The Autobots teleport home, leaving Starscream to cry in the rain.

[[File:Smokescreen dies sacrifice.jpg|200px|thumb|If you squint really, ''really'' hard, you can see that he's giving Megatron the finger.]]
The Autobots find their base trashed, with the kids in hiding. With help from Sideways, the Decepticons were able to invade the base and bypass the security systems that stopped them [[Swoop (episode)|before]]. In another section of the base, Smokescreen tries to protect the Mini-Cons. Megatron blows into the room and tears past Smokescreen, claiming the three Mini-Cons and combining them into the Requiem Blaster. Smokescreen refuses to stay down and takes on Megatron by himself, but Megatron fires his blaster right at Smokescreen.

A torrent of energy pours from the blaster, shoving Smokescreen right through one of the walls, his scream stunning the Autobots and humans. Smokescreen rises again with a vast hole through his torso and his pieces in lousy shape even after heavy abuse. The Autobot approaches Megatron while the air around him still ripples in the heat of the last blast. The determination of the melting Autobot scares the Decepticons into retreating with their prize.

In Optimus's arms, Smokescreen deactivates. The Autobots salute their fallen comrade and Optimus screams in sadness.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (3)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (4)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (5)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (6)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (10)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (17)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (2)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (18)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (20)
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (21)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (24)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (25)

|c3=
*[[Rad White]] (11)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (12)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (13)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (14)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (15)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Space Mini-Con Team]] (9)
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (19)
*[[Sea Mini-Con Team]] (22)

|c5=
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (23)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Starscream:''' "Here I come, Autobots! You're all mine! So come out from your hiding places, you cowards, and face the most powerful Decepticon in the universe!" 
'''Jetfire:''' "Boy, sure doesn't have a self-image problem, does he?"
:—'''Jetfire''' calling the kettle black.

'''Demolishor:''' "I'm not talking to you, Eraserhead, I'm talking to Megatron. So butt out, will ya?"
:—Not the [[Crisis (Armada)#Quotes|last time]] someone will mock Thrust's head.

'''Sideways:''' "There shall never be peace in this universe, there must always be war."
:—A glimpse of Sideways's true motives.

"You're trying to intimidate me! But it won't work! NEVER! <s>Tidal Wave!</s> Shockwave! Thrust! Cyclonus! Megatron! Demolishor! AAAANYYYBOOODYYY!? WHY HAVE YOU ALL ABANDONED MEEEE?!"
:—'''Starscream''' realizes he's been abandoned by the Decepticons.

"''(inhales)'' WHY HAVE YOU ABANDONED ME, MEGATRON?! WHY?! WHY?! WHYYYYY?!"
:—'''Starscream''' is left all alone, and has what can only be described as a full-blown mental breakdown.

"Okay... now take it easy, soldier..."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' comforts a fatally injured Smokescreen.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*The opening dialogue between Megatron and Thrust is largely unchanged but has a few differences: In ''Armada'', Thrust plans to draw out the Autobots, so the Decepticons should prepare. Megatron wants to give the Autobots "a warm Decepticon welcome" and threatens Thrust with serious consequences should he fail. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes the exchange cryptic as it gives no clear details. Megatron asks if Thrust requests to take charge of the plan, which Thrust confirms. Then Megatron says he pities "that poor fool" (Starscream) before entrusting Thrust to lead the operation, which Thrust swears to make successful by putting his life on the line.
*In the first half of Rad's opening narration for ''Armada'', he claims the Autobots were "mysteriously informed" about the Decepticons being in the jungle but were unknowingly walking into a trap. However, in the Japanese dub, he says the Decepticons issued the Autobots a challenge in a jungle location; it ends mid-sentence without mentioning the trick as the Autobots' dialogue begins.
*In ''Armada'', Jetfire has a bad feeling, but Scavenger couldn't care less and tells him to focus. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Jetfire asks what kind of "party locale" the Decepticons invited them to, and Scavenger says they need to be ready to counter the 'Cons as the Autobots can't predict their movements. After Hot Shot and Blurr speak, Jetfire complains about the humidity in ''Armada'' but asks if the invitation mentioned the party's starting time in the Japanese dub. Then Optimus says it only said the place and date, and Jetfire curses how it's annoying in ''Legends of the Microns''. In ''Armada'', Optimus lectures Jetfire on how "patience is a virtue," and the latter expresses casual indifference.
*During the second half of Rad's narration, he says Optimus would have perished, and the Decepticons would've won and conquered the universe if the Requiem Blaster hadn't arrived during the previous fight. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says that the Autobots underestimated how the combat would escalate during the last battle, and the Requiem Blaster's arrival saved them.
*Smokescreen says Optimus called him the best one for the job to look after the Mini-Cons, and he'll guard them with his life. Instead of explaining things to the Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons in "plain English," Smokescreen says he still can't understand their language.
*In ''Armada'', Rad tells Carlos that the Mini-Cons don't want to fight, and Carlos says they have to. Then Alexis says they're missing the point of what Optimus is doing. Rad and Carlos aren't arguing in the Japanese dub, as Rad doesn't speak to Carlos here, and Alexis says the Mini-Cons' reluctance to fight is why Optimus is letting the Decepticons think the Autobots took the Requiem Blaster with them. Then, in the Japanese dub, Jetfire says the 'Cons won't dare attack directly if they believe the Autobots will use it even if they don't use the weapon, and it's what Optimus plans.
*Scavenger tells Hot Shot to quit yapping about not bringing the Requiem Blaster and says that Optimus knows what he's doing in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Scavenger says the Decepticons can't "grasp the concept of someone not using a powerful weapon," and that by leaving the Mini-Cons with Smokescreen, the Autobots can still follow their ideals while battling the Decepticons.
*Hot Shot hates not having the Requiem Blaster before Jetfire calls the Autobots sitting ducks in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot tells Scavenger he understands, and then Jetfire asks what the hosts are doing as the guests have arrived.
*After Rad says Starscream has shown up, Jetfire and Hot Shot sound slightly on edge in ''Armada'', but not as much in ''Legends of the Microns'' as Jetfire quips about the Decepticons sending out "a single maid."
[[File:Sacrifice animation changes.jpg|thumb|290px|Animation changes between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' screencaps (right).]]
*Instead of repeating that Starscream is an idiot for thinking he's invincible, Hot Shot jokes that he's an "adorable little guy."
*Starscream announces using his Null Ray Cannon to force the Autobots from hiding in the Japanese dub, whereas ''Armada'' extends his line about flushing them out.
*The two first-person POV shots of Demolishor looking through the binoculars have the center boundary box surrounded by black in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' fills in the black with the surrounding environment: the jungle (see right) and later the clouds.
*Thrust doesn't speak until the close-up of the other Decepticons in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor talks after Megatron to confirm the Autobots still haven't shown themselves as the camera zooms toward the Decepticons, leading into the next scene. Thrust stops talking before Megatron turns his head, while ''Armada'' extends Thrust's line and removes the pause between him and Starscream present in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The Japanese dub gives Jetfire a line before Optimus gives the go-ahead for him and Jetfire to Powerlinx. ''Armada'' extends Starscream and Optimus's lines; Prime doesn't speak until he turns his head in the Japanese dub. ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Cybertrons, Transform!]]" during Prime and Jetfire's Powerlinx sequence; ''Armada'' plays the insert Transformers theme.
*Megatron orders Tidal Wave to combine with him instead of going after Jet Optimus. Megatron later declares he must always know the Requiem Blaster's location and orders Thrust to tell Starscream to keep Jet Optimus busy by creating as much havoc as possible.
*While the Sea Mini-Con Team fires at them, Hot Shot says they need to keep running and tells Blurr that he'll see him later in the Japanese dub. He says the laser blasts still sting regardless, and Blurr urges him to follow in ''Armada''.
*Instead of telling Demolishor to keep looking for the Requiem Blaster, Megatron says Smokescreen may be the key. Thrust agrees but says they'll have to use all their strength to draw Smokescreen out since they don't know where he's hiding. ''Armada'' has Thrust call Demolishor a moron before the latter leaves to remove the Japanese dub's silence.
*In ''Armada'', Megatron asks if anyone can follow a simple order before explaining why he gave the Star Saber to Starscream. ''Legends of the Microns'' slightly reverses Megatron's dialogue as he first says he wouldn't have loaned the Star Saber to Starscream if he was going to fight Optimus and asks why Starscream can't follow a simple objective.
*''Armada'' gives Thrust an extra line after the scene cuts to Jet Optimus and Starscream; Starscream and Optimus each have a line during that time in ''Legends of the Microns'', with Starscream threatening to behead Jet Optimus with the Star Saber. Then Starscream brags that Megatron gave it to him personally; Optimus asks if Starscream can handle the sword's power, and Starscream tells him to shut up, so he will let Prime find out.
*Red Alert reacts in shock when Smokescreen and the Space Mini-Con Team appear on the monitor, asking how it's happening when the scene cuts to Rad. In ''Armada'', Red Alert is relatively calm, merely chalks it up to "the switcher" malfunctioning, and the English dub changes his line to be that the system is unresponsive. Rad is entirely redrawn with a more detailed model at the end of the scene in the Japanese dub (see right).
*Sideways's laughing starts as Rad looks up in ''Legends of the Microns'' but after the scene cuts to the monitor in ''Armada''. Then he says, "Surprise!" in ''Armada'', but says that he found the Blaster Mini-Cons in the Japanese dub. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds an audio effect to his voice, making it sound disembodied, while he sounds normal in ''Armada''.
*As Starscream and Jet Optimus discuss the war's meaning in the rain before dueling again, there is a wide shot that's static in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' makes it a focus-shifting pan over from a praying mantis eating a snail added to the foreground (see right). Curiously, ''Armada'' does include the follow-up shot of the goo-dripping shell falling. Their argument differs considerably between the dubs:
**In ''Armada'', it starts with Optimus asking Starscream the standard question, "After you beat me, then what?". Starscream replies that the Decepticons will win, the Autobots will be over, and Megatron will soon rule the universe. Then Jet Optimus says it's not about them but control over the Mini-Cons, who don't want to fight, so Starscream retorts that the Mini-Cons are only pawns in the war.
**''Legends of the Microns'' has more intellectual dialogue as they examine their natures as Transformers. Jet Optimus asks Starscream if he's ever thought about what's the point of them fighting. Starscream says achieving victory is combat's purpose but admits to also contemplating why they fight. Starscream says he became a Decepticon while Prime became an Autobot after eons of fighting in an endless war, but it doesn't change that he keeps asking why they're fighting. Jet Optimus states the Autobots and Decepticons can learn from the Mini-Cons since they have no desire to fight. Starscream exclaims that Autobots and Decepticons only exist to fight each other and, questioning Prime's claim about the Mini-Cons, shouts that the Star Saber moves as he wants.
*Sideways appearing to Thrust seems out-of-nowhere in ''Armada'' and appears in a close-up shot. Sideways alerts Thrust to his appearance with his laughter and appears, making the latter transform in ''Legends of the Microns'' (see right). More of Sideways's head is visible in the next shot, and there's now an effect over the images of him, Smokescreen, and the Mini-Cons, making them look distorted instead of faded as they are in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' also has Sideways visible in the background when he talks to Thrust, and his image wipes out from top to bottom instead of fading away. Besides saying there will never be peace (as quoted above), the specter of Sideways tells Thrust he found "the key to the fighting." The Japanese dub maintains the effect on Sideways's voice while he still sounds normal in ''Armada''.
*After wondering what Sideways is planning this time, Thrust decides that if the image he saw of Smokescreen and the Blaster Mini-Cons is a fact, it explains everything. Then he says sacrificing Starscream is now the best option. In ''Armada'', Thrust believes he imagined the image before saying it's time to end Starscream. The next shot of Megatron has him asking where the Requiem Blaster is like a frustrated child in ''Armada'', but asking, "What? The Requiem Blaster is...?" in a surprised tone as if Thrust told him about what he saw off-screen.
*The next shot of Jet Optimus is silent in the Japanese dub. Then Starscream asks what's wrong and if he won't shoot back due to fearing the Star Saber. Starscream calls him a fool, and Optimus demands that he leave the Mini-Cons out of the war. Then Starscream says he's the only one the Star Saber Mini-Cons want to fight alongside, making their sudden unresponsiveness flow more naturally than in ''Armada''. After they refuse to respond, Starscream tries using his Null Laser Cannon, but Swindle ignores him too. Determined to end Jet Optimus's "foolish banter," Starscream calls for Tidal Wave and Cyclonus so they can crush Jet Optimus together and shouts if they don't know how to follow their battle captain's orders when they don't show up.
*Hot Shot tells Starscream that his fellow 'Cons already left, and Starscream refuses to believe it; Side Swipe says it to Starscream in ''Armada''. Then Blurr mocks Starscream for his team betraying him. Starscream still thinks they're lying, but Scavenger says it's true, after which Hot Shot repeats to Starscream how the Decepticons abandoned him.
*After crying out for Megatron and his teammates, Starscream demands them to open the warp gate for him in ''Legends of the Microns'', but distraughtly asks why they abandoned him in ''Armada''. He later demands the Autobots to wait as they warp back to their base in the Japanese dub. Alone in the rain, ''Armada'' has Starscream continue screaming to the heavens about being stranded. He subtly contemplates his situation in ''Legends of the Microns'', asking himself, "I've truly been abandoned? I...What am I...doing?" The Japanese dub removes the musical sting at the end of the scene.
*After Blurr asks the boys if they're okay, ''Armada'' adds Fred's line as he merely makes a sound in exasperation in the Japanese dub. Then Scavenger asks if Red Alert left, and Carlos answers that he did but can't protect Smokescreen alone, so Hot Shot says the Autobots will back them up.
*Smokescreen says he'll protect the Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons at all costs to repay Prime's trust in him. Instead of telling them to quiet down, Smokescreen says they're friends, so there's no need to thank him. Thrust doesn't speak until the camera cuts to him and Megatron and doesn't finish his train of thought about Smokescreen's fate should he refuse to comply. After attacking Thrust, Smokescreen says the Autobots' strength stems from their unity, and Megatron dismisses it as nonsense and asks if Smokescreen blindly trusts his comrades to save him.
*Instead of the insert Transformers tune that's inappropriate for the Autobots' dire situation, ''Legends of the Microns'' continues playing "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 2|Crisis on Planet Cybertron]]" from the previous scene.
*Rather than saying to Scavenger how he thought he could hold off the Decepticons, Red Alert says, "Megatron and Thrust...If...If this continues..." Red Alert swears, Scavenger tells him not to give up, and Optimus says he's right. After telling Smokescreen that he doesn't have time for this, Megatron says the Mini-Cons combined into the Requiem Blaster at his command. Then Megatron brags about an unexpectedly easy victory in ''Armada'' but derides how trust is a fragile thing in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says the Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons don't have a consciousness anymore; only their capacity as a weapon remains. Then he muses at the irony in how the Autobots will be beaten by what they protected. Smokescreen doesn't speak again until he's back on his feet and says trust is powerful, as he said before.
*Smokescreen's death scene is slightly different in ''Legends of the Microns''. The background is colored deep red and white in the shot where the Requiem Blaster's beam pierces him (see right); the shot of everyone's reactions is silent and colored deep red, and Smokescreen is silent while going through the wall.
*Megatron remarks on the Requiem Blaster's incredible power and laughs maniacally in the Japanese dub, but ''Armada'' gives him an extra line.
*When the fatally wounded Smokescreen tries walking, he glows with orange energy that fades away when Optimus takes him in his arms (see right).
*When Optimus comes around the corner and says Smokescreen's name, the shot pans out in ''Armada'', but it's a still image in ''Legends of the Microns''. After standing, Smokescreen says Megatron will never have the Mini-Cons as long as he lives; Smokescreen only moans in pain in ''Armada''. The Decepticons have more appalled reactions to him.
*Optimus doesn't talk until after Smokescreen's last words, and the other Autobots are silent after Smokescreen deactivates. Only Carlos and Fred say anything as the kids grieve, and the Autobots salute Smokescreen in the Japanese dub; Optimus's line is an ''Armada'' addition.
*''Armada'' extends and dramatizes Rad's ending narration as he says it's the first time he saw Optimus so emotional, realizing the Autobots could feel pain, that the fight was personal for Optimus and Prime wanted revenge at any cost. ''Legends of the Microns'' keeps it short and frank but makes it more compelling as Rad says it was the first time the kids heard Optimus intensely cry out of grief and the first time they saw what happens in battle.
*In ''Armada'', the Earth moves to the right, partially going behind the portion of the Moon. The shot slowly pans away from Earth and stays visible in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The episode's last few seconds, where Optimus holds Smokescreen's body in the pillar of light, are silent.

===Animation and technical errors===
*In the Japanese dub's opening scene, Megatron has a line during his first close-up, but his mouth doesn't move. ''Armada'' changed it to have Thrust speak at that point; however, when Megatron talks after him, Megatron's mouth still doesn't move, although it's mostly out of frame. Their dialogue here might be internal, but it isn't clarified.
*The background with Megatron's throne is missing during his final shot before the opening bumper; only a black void is visible.
*Smokescreen's left-hand fingers are miscolored orange during one shot when he talks to the Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons.
*At one point, Scavenger's hands are mismatched: His right hand has square-shaped fingertips, while his left hand has pointy triangular fingertips. Fortunately, only one of the square-shaped fingers is visible due to Scavenger's arms' position, so the error is excusable.
*Jetfire's mouthplate is colored white in one shot after the kids point out that Starscream has appeared.
*Starscream appears back in the jungle despite his previous shot showing him in the sky. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes it so that he's above the trees in both shots (see above).
*Starscream's Null Ray Cannon is miscolored yellow.
*After Thrust speaks to him on the cliff, Megatron's left eye is off-model.
*Although Starscream is heard during Jetfire's close-up before he Powerlinx with Optimus, Starscream is nowhere in sight. The Japanese dub animates Starscream flying overhead and out of the shot.
*In the next shot of Optimus, part of his chest grille is miscolored yellow. The Japanese dub corrects the mistake.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron's mouth doesn't move during his line before commanding Tidal Wave to Powerlinx with him.
*Jet Optimus tells Starscream that his objective is to free the Mini-Cons ''"and'' they make up the Star Saber," which is grammatically incorrect since he means the Mini-Cons in general, not only the Air Defense Mini-Con Team. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects the error as Jet Optimus refers to the Star Saber Mini-Cons.
*In one shot in the rainy forest, Starscream looks like he'd shrunk to half the Autobots' size.
*As Cyclonus, Wheeljack, and Demolishor blast the base, Wheeljack's slashed Autobot symbol is missing.
*As Megatron stands over Smokescreen while holding the Requiem Blaster, Megatron says that "''those''" Mini-Cons are his now, which is grammatically incorrect as he meant to say "''these''."
*After Megatron blasts Smokescreen, Cyclonus has three extra windows on his chest. He still has the extra windows in the shot of the Decepticons reacting to the wounded Smokescreen.
*Just before the Decepticons teleport out of the Autobot base, Smokescreen's antenna/horn is colored blue instead of orange. In the scenes of Smokescreen dying afterward, his antenna/horn is missing.

===Continuity notes===
*The Decepticons using an unaware Starscream as a distraction and abandoning him is the last straw. The ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' says Starscream's moment alone in the rain in his final shot begins a new story focused on him.
*The [[Sea Mini-Con Team]] debuts in this episode; the Decepticons seemingly captured them off-screen at some point.
*Demolishor calls Thrust "squid-head" in the Japanese dub.
*Before Jet Optimus and Starscream's fight in the rain begins, their discussion in ''Legends of the Microns'' is somewhat a spiritual continuation of when Starscream pondered why the Transformers keep fighting in "[[Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion]]."
*The Anti-Sideways firewall Red Alert installed all the way back in "[[Tactician|Tactician]]" isn't doing its job whatsoever.
*In the Japanese dub, Scavenger tells Starscream that he should know Megatron's penchant for dirty tricks better than anyone...and he should. He ''really'', ''REALLY'' should.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron will bring up Smokescreen's words to him about trust between the Autobots in "[[Cramp]]."
*Gadgets and powers:
**Starscream uses his Null Laser Cannon.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Starscream wields the Star Saber.
**Optimus and Jetfire combine into Jet Optimus.
**Megatron Powerlinx with the Requiem Blaster for the first time.

===Continuity errors===
*The Autobots should stop frequently talking aloud about how they left the Requiem Blaster behind if they don't want the Decepticons to know they didn't bring it with them, especially Hot Shot.
*Why does Rad introduce himself in the opening narration when we already know his voice by now? He doesn't do this in the Japanese dub. He also says the Autobots ''learned'' the Mini-Cons didn't want others using them as weapons, but they've already known this for a while. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says they ''understood'' the Mini-Cons' reluctance to be weaponized.
**In both dubs, Rad says the Reqiuem Blaster revealed itself during the last battle when the weapon's first appearance was ''four'' episodes ago in "[[Desperate]]."
*The Autobots have somehow forgotten they also possess the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]].
*In ''Armada'', Tidal Wave is referred to by his Japanese name, Shockwave, throughout this episode.
*Smokescreen has seemingly forgotten that the Decepticons [[Swoop (episode)|already invaded the base once]].
*Why is Carlos arguing with Rad again that the reluctant Mini-Cons have to fight after coming to understand otherwise like everyone else in "[[Runaway]]"? ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this mistake by having Carlos say that not wanting to fight is what the Mini-Cons said.
*Rad states the obvious about Laserbeak locking onto something. He instead says, "They're here!" in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After Thrust tells him Starscream is fighting Optimus, Megatron says he ordered Starscream to leave Prime for him; however, Megatron said no such thing. Megatron correctly reiterates that he commanded Starscream only to keep Optimus distracted in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Why don't the other kids believe Fred about someone messing with the camera when Rad said the monitor crashed a few seconds ago? The Japanese dub changes Rad's line to him saying that the Transformers are locked in a stalemate, making Fred noticing the camera getting switched around more of a surprise.
*Why does Thrust decide to ditch Starscream after dismissing what Sideways showed him as a hallucination, jokingly or not? Thrust doesn't write it off in ''Legends of the Microns''.
**Plus, deserting Starscream for "playing way above his head" seems like a weak reason, especially since Thrust gives a somewhat different rationale in the following episode. In ''Legends of the Microns'', it's clear from the get-go that abandoning Starscream was always part of the plan.
*In the Japanese dub, Blurr asks, "How could this happen?" after Alexis says the Decepticons invaded the base so smoothly because of Sideways. Maybe it's for drama's sake, but Blurr has no reason to ask that question as Alexis already gave it.
*Rad's ending narration makes several ridiculous claims: he realized the Autobots feel pain; the fight was personal for Optimus, and Prime wanted vengeance. First off, Rad learned the Autobots are more than just machines and capable of emotion at the end of "[[Jungle]]." Then, about Optimus, the fight is personal for everyone rather than only him, and he never seeks retribution for Smokescreen in future episodes. Hot Shot and Side Swipe are the only ones who try to avenge him at all, as the following episode shows. Therefore, Rad's closing monologue in ''Armada'' is a load of bull. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it so that it makes sense.

===Real-world references===
*In one scene from the Japanese dub, Thrust compares Starscream to a stone to sacrifice in {{w|Go (game)|Go}}, a board game that originated in ancient China. It has a strategy where a player sacrifices a stone to gain more territory, similar to a chess player forgoing a pawn to gain an advantage against the opponent. Hot Shot also calls Starscream a sacrificial stone in a later scene.
*In one scene, Demolishor calls Thrust "Eraserhead" (quoted above), another clever insult for his head shape. "Eraserhead" is also the name of an acclaimed {{w|Eraserhead|David Lynch film}}.

===Trivia===
*The kanji 犠牲 would be ''gisei'', while ''suteishi'' is used for 捨て石, 捨石, 棄て石, or 棄石.
*As the ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' explains, the episode title refers to Starscream ''and'' Smokescreen: the Decepticons abandon Starscream as their "sacrificed stone," pushing him into a corner, and Smokescreen ironically gets shot by the thing he tried to protect.
**It also explains that this episode is where the kids truly realize they are fighting in a war.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Smokescreens Ende'''" ("Smokescreens End")
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Áldozat'''" ("Sacrifice")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il sacrificio'''" ("The Sacrifice")
::*Unlike in English, Tidal Wave is never called by his Japanese name.

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''값진 희생'''" ("Precious Sacrifice")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sacrifício'''" ("Sacrifice")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 9 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Past II

2026-01-27T17:55:05Z

Chase eX: /* Foreign localization */

{{picsneeded}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=32
|prev=Past
|next=Sacrifice
|title="Past II"
|furigana=けっちゃく
|japanese=過去後編
|romaji=Ketchaku
|translation=Past, Part 2: Conclusion
|image=pasttwo.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-32
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]
|director=[[Shigenori Awai]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[April 5]], [[2003]] (English) [[August 15|15 August]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Hot Shot refuses to do to Side Swipe what he didn't to Wheeljack.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] fires a shot into [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]]'s chest at close range, to finalize his switch to the [[Decepticon]]s. His business for the day concluded, Wheeljack vanishes, leaving an injured Hot Shot wondering how his friend could have made such a dramatic turn for the worse. Unable to cope with the trauma, he blacks out.

Hot Shot wakes up in the [[Autobot]]s' infirmary, having been brought back to the Autobots' base by [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]]. Wondering how he could have been so betrayed, Hot Shot tries to recall the last time he saw Wheeljack.

''On a fiery battlefield on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Wheeljack is left held down while Hot Shot runs to get some help to help lift the debris. But after getting out of the blaze, Hot Shot's superior refuses to allow Hot Shot to return. Ignoring his superior's orders and threats, Hot Shot runs back into the fire, but passes out from the heat. Later, he wakes up alone''.

[[File:Screenshot-arm-32-1.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Guys, I think you're both using the wrong expression.]]
[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] reveals to [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] that he knew about Hot Shot losing his friend, which is why Hot Shot was one of the troops chosen to come to [[Earth]]. Back in the infirmary, Side Swipe tries to convince Hot Shot to forgive himself, even if Wheeljack won't. Trying to collect his thoughts, Hot Shot drives out on his own, and runs into [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]].

[[File:PastII thrust injured.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Anybody ever tell you that you look like Mojo Jojo?"]]
Wheeljack and Hot Shot meet up at an abandoned industrial station. Wheeljack relates the [[Transformer]]s' obsession with wars to the humans' own tendency to wage wars. The two battle, but Hot Shot shows an initial reluctance to fight back. When Wheeljack draws his weapon, Hot Shot offers to let Wheeljack execute him with no resistance. Side Swipe interferes, and a failed attempt to save Hot Shot sets the industrial complex on fire. Wheeljack laughs and takes advantage of the situation by abducting Side Swipe. As Wheeljack carries Side Swipe into the inferno, he mockingly suggests Hot Shot save his sidekick.

Hot Shot crawls through the burning factory looking for his friend. Thrust tries to play a part in Wheeljack's grudge match, but Wheeljack blasts the Decepticon jet away—revealing his own location to Hot Shot. Working his way through the flames and metal, Hot Shot locates and frees Side Swipe. The two barely manage to get away as the container Side Swipe was set on explodes. Meanwhile, Wheeljack encounters Megatron.

On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], Wheeljack pledges his loyalty to the Decepticons.

At the Autobot base, Side Swipe declares himself "like family" to Hot Shot and chases Hot Shot for hugs. The other kids have a laugh at Alexis becoming too attached to [[Fighter Machine|the video game]] she learned to play from Billy and Fred.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (2)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (6)
*[[Sentinel Minor|Autobot soldier]] (7)
*[[Endo]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (9)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (15)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (16)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (17)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (10)
*[[Rad White]] (11)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (12)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (13)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (14)
}}

==Quotes==
"I've come to get my revenge."
:—'''Wheeljack''', who isn't out for revenge, no sir.

"I wonder what's clogging up his tailpipe. Boy, those Autobots sure are a moody bunch."
:—'''Thrust'''

"Side Swipe, I'm on my way to help you! Sit tight!" 
"No, don't come up here, it's too dangerous! Would ya get out of here? This tank is gonna explode!" 
"No chance pal, I'm coming to save ya?" 
"Then would ya hurry up?"
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Side Swipe'''

"I think somebody needs a hug!"
:—'''Side Swipe''', chasing Hot Shot.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*Hot Shot and Side Swipe's conversation of the former's past at the base is subtly different between dubs, with ''Armada'' continuing the need to make Hot Shot's promise to Wheeljack played at face value.
**Side Swipe claims to Hot Shot in ''Armada'' that he didn't abandon anyone and was trying to follow orders, in which the latter disagrees and says that he should've stayed with Wheeljack since Autobots always stay together. Hot Shot also guesses that he was only thinking about himself during the incident.
**Side Swipe tells Hot Shot he didn't abandon Wheeljack and that the Autobot soldier blocked him off from going back to him in ''Legends of the Microns''. Hot Shot then admits he really ''did'' abandon Wheeljack due to his cowardice, and by using that promise as an excuse, no one could blame him for what happened to Wheeljack. Hot Shot only went back to the flames because he felt last second guilt, thus him saying that he's fighting his darker side feels more natural than in the English dub.
*''Armada'' omits a conclusion drawn by Optimus and Blurr during their conversation: Wheeljack "missed" his shot because he didn't want to kill Hot Shot, he wanted to give him the chance to forget the past and fight him just as another Decepticon without holding back.
*Wheeljack and Hot Shot's connection is a lot more complicated in ''Legends of the Microns.'' Despite being enemies on the battlefield, Wheeljack and Hot Shot still consider each other friends, but they are now destined to fight as members of opposing factions. ''Armada'' erases this and dumbs it down by making Wheeljack explicitly state they are not friends, and never will be friends again.
*''Armada'' has Rad and Carlos refer to the [[Fighter Machine]]s in the video game they're playing as "Mini-Cons", suggesting the humans are forcing the Mini-Cons to fight to the death for entertainment. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the pair discuss the logicstics of learning fighting moves from a game.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:TF-Armada-Past-II-Decepticon-Hot-Shot.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|In [[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]], Hot Shot is still a good guy.]]
*Hot Shot is briefly drawn with a Decepticon logo. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this to the correct Autobot logo.
*After catching Side Swipe, Wheeljack is drawn with an obvious Autobot logo on his forearm for several shots.

===Continuity notes===
*As stated above, ''Legends of the Microns'' concludes Optimus and Blurr's conversation with Wheeljack purposely missing Hot Shot's spark in hopes that he can forget about the past since he got what he deserved. This implies that Wheeljack had forgiven Hot Shot before entering [[Earth]], and confronted him so he can move on from the guilt.
*Hot Shot feeling remorse over his past actions gets revisited in [[Crisis (Armada)|later]] [[Remorse|episodes]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Side Swipe uses his pistol with the bayonet attached this time.

===Continuity errors===
*In the previous episode, Wheeljack claimed that he had not come for revenge; however, in the recap of this episode, he says that he HAS come for revenge. The "I've come for revenge" line is not present in ''Legends of the Microns'', but Wheeljack's actions in both this episode and the previous one make it clear the he ''does'' want revenge.
*Unless Side Swipe was somehow a bystander during the flashback, why would he tell Hot Shot to remember what happened when he hasn't heard about it nor Wheeljack up until this point? ''Legends of the Microns'' removes this line, so it’s a non-issue.
*How did Hot Shot know to meet Wheeljack where he did? Who knows! Both versions of the show never explain this.
*In the flashback, Megatron is shown in his current Earth form.

===Transformers references===
*At one point when playing the game, Alexis hums the [[Theme song|opening theme]].

===Trivia===
[[File:Megatron-look-a-like-Fighter-Machine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Little did anyone know, this was actually Megatron's estranged son.]]
*The kanji 過去 would be ''kako'' and 後編 would be pronounced as ''kōhen'', while "''ketchaku''" is used for either 決着 or 結着 (決着 is usually seen).
*When Alexis realizes she's playing the game too much, you see a [[Fighter Machine]] that resembles Megatron on the screen.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Der Überläufer, Teil 2'''" ("The Renegade, Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV, but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A múlt árnyai, 2. rész'''" ("Shadows of the Past, Part 2")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il passato (seconda parte)'''" ("The Past (Second Part)")
::*The lip syncing in Hot Shot's line: "Side Swipe, I'm on my way to help you! Sit tight!" is totally inconsistent.

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''적이 된 친구'''" ("Friend turned Enemy")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Przeszłość'''" ("Past")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Passado II'''" ("Past II")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 8 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:10 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Flashbacks ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Past II

2026-01-27T17:52:36Z

Chase eX: /* Differences with Legends of the Microns */

{{picsneeded}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=32
|prev=Past
|next=Sacrifice
|title="Past II"
|furigana=けっちゃく
|japanese=過去後編
|romaji=Ketchaku
|translation=Past, Part 2: Conclusion
|image=pasttwo.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-32
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|englishadaptation=[[Ward Perry]]
|director=[[Shigenori Awai]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[April 5]], [[2003]] (English) [[August 15|15 August]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Hot Shot refuses to do to Side Swipe what he didn't to Wheeljack.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] fires a shot into [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]]'s chest at close range, to finalize his switch to the [[Decepticon]]s. His business for the day concluded, Wheeljack vanishes, leaving an injured Hot Shot wondering how his friend could have made such a dramatic turn for the worse. Unable to cope with the trauma, he blacks out.

Hot Shot wakes up in the [[Autobot]]s' infirmary, having been brought back to the Autobots' base by [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]]. Wondering how he could have been so betrayed, Hot Shot tries to recall the last time he saw Wheeljack.

''On a fiery battlefield on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Wheeljack is left held down while Hot Shot runs to get some help to help lift the debris. But after getting out of the blaze, Hot Shot's superior refuses to allow Hot Shot to return. Ignoring his superior's orders and threats, Hot Shot runs back into the fire, but passes out from the heat. Later, he wakes up alone''.

[[File:Screenshot-arm-32-1.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Guys, I think you're both using the wrong expression.]]
[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] reveals to [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] that he knew about Hot Shot losing his friend, which is why Hot Shot was one of the troops chosen to come to [[Earth]]. Back in the infirmary, Side Swipe tries to convince Hot Shot to forgive himself, even if Wheeljack won't. Trying to collect his thoughts, Hot Shot drives out on his own, and runs into [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]].

[[File:PastII thrust injured.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Anybody ever tell you that you look like Mojo Jojo?"]]
Wheeljack and Hot Shot meet up at an abandoned industrial station. Wheeljack relates the [[Transformer]]s' obsession with wars to the humans' own tendency to wage wars. The two battle, but Hot Shot shows an initial reluctance to fight back. When Wheeljack draws his weapon, Hot Shot offers to let Wheeljack execute him with no resistance. Side Swipe interferes, and a failed attempt to save Hot Shot sets the industrial complex on fire. Wheeljack laughs and takes advantage of the situation by abducting Side Swipe. As Wheeljack carries Side Swipe into the inferno, he mockingly suggests Hot Shot save his sidekick.

Hot Shot crawls through the burning factory looking for his friend. Thrust tries to play a part in Wheeljack's grudge match, but Wheeljack blasts the Decepticon jet away—revealing his own location to Hot Shot. Working his way through the flames and metal, Hot Shot locates and frees Side Swipe. The two barely manage to get away as the container Side Swipe was set on explodes. Meanwhile, Wheeljack encounters Megatron.

On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], Wheeljack pledges his loyalty to the Decepticons.

At the Autobot base, Side Swipe declares himself "like family" to Hot Shot and chases Hot Shot for hugs. The other kids have a laugh at Alexis becoming too attached to [[Fighter Machine|the video game]] she learned to play from Billy and Fred.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (2)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (6)
*[[Sentinel Minor|Autobot soldier]] (7)
*[[Endo]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (9)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (15)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (16)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (17)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (10)
*[[Rad White]] (11)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (12)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (13)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (14)
}}

==Quotes==
"I've come to get my revenge."
:—'''Wheeljack''', who isn't out for revenge, no sir.

"I wonder what's clogging up his tailpipe. Boy, those Autobots sure are a moody bunch."
:—'''Thrust'''

"Side Swipe, I'm on my way to help you! Sit tight!" 
"No, don't come up here, it's too dangerous! Would ya get out of here? This tank is gonna explode!" 
"No chance pal, I'm coming to save ya?" 
"Then would ya hurry up?"
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Side Swipe'''

"I think somebody needs a hug!"
:—'''Side Swipe''', chasing Hot Shot.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*Hot Shot and Side Swipe's conversation of the former's past at the base is subtly different between dubs, with ''Armada'' continuing the need to make Hot Shot's promise to Wheeljack played at face value.
**Side Swipe claims to Hot Shot in ''Armada'' that he didn't abandon anyone and was trying to follow orders, in which the latter disagrees and says that he should've stayed with Wheeljack since Autobots always stay together. Hot Shot also guesses that he was only thinking about himself during the incident.
**Side Swipe tells Hot Shot he didn't abandon Wheeljack and that the Autobot soldier blocked him off from going back to him in ''Legends of the Microns''. Hot Shot then admits he really ''did'' abandon Wheeljack due to his cowardice, and by using that promise as an excuse, no one could blame him for what happened to Wheeljack. Hot Shot only went back to the flames because he felt last second guilt, thus him saying that he's fighting his darker side feels more natural than in the English dub.
*''Armada'' omits a conclusion drawn by Optimus and Blurr during their conversation: Wheeljack "missed" his shot because he didn't want to kill Hot Shot, he wanted to give him the chance to forget the past and fight him just as another Decepticon without holding back.
*Wheeljack and Hot Shot's connection is a lot more complicated in ''Legends of the Microns.'' Despite being enemies on the battlefield, Wheeljack and Hot Shot still consider each other friends, but they are now destined to fight as members of opposing factions. ''Armada'' erases this and dumbs it down by making Wheeljack explicitly state they are not friends, and never will be friends again.
*''Armada'' has Rad and Carlos refer to the [[Fighter Machine]]s in the video game they're playing as "Mini-Cons", suggesting the humans are forcing the Mini-Cons to fight to the death for entertainment. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the pair discuss the logicstics of learning fighting moves from a game.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:TF-Armada-Past-II-Decepticon-Hot-Shot.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|In [[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]], Hot Shot is still a good guy.]]
*Hot Shot is briefly drawn with a Decepticon logo. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this to the correct Autobot logo.
*After catching Side Swipe, Wheeljack is drawn with an obvious Autobot logo on his forearm for several shots.

===Continuity notes===
*As stated above, ''Legends of the Microns'' concludes Optimus and Blurr's conversation with Wheeljack purposely missing Hot Shot's spark in hopes that he can forget about the past since he got what he deserved. This implies that Wheeljack had forgiven Hot Shot before entering [[Earth]], and confronted him so he can move on from the guilt.
*Hot Shot feeling remorse over his past actions gets revisited in [[Crisis (Armada)|later]] [[Remorse|episodes]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Side Swipe uses his pistol with the bayonet attached this time.

===Continuity errors===
*In the previous episode, Wheeljack claimed that he had not come for revenge; however, in the recap of this episode, he says that he HAS come for revenge. The "I've come for revenge" line is not present in ''Legends of the Microns'', but Wheeljack's actions in both this episode and the previous one make it clear the he ''does'' want revenge.
*Unless Side Swipe was somehow a bystander during the flashback, why would he tell Hot Shot to remember what happened when he hasn't heard about it nor Wheeljack up until this point? ''Legends of the Microns'' removes this line, so it’s a non-issue.
*How did Hot Shot know to meet Wheeljack where he did? Who knows! Both versions of the show never explain this.
*In the flashback, Megatron is shown in his current Earth form.

===Transformers references===
*At one point when playing the game, Alexis hums the [[Theme song|opening theme]].

===Trivia===
[[File:Megatron-look-a-like-Fighter-Machine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Little did anyone know, this was actually Megatron's estranged son.]]
*The kanji 過去 would be ''kako'' and 後編 would be pronounced as ''kōhen'', while "''ketchaku''" is used for either 決着 or 結着 (決着 is usually seen).
*When Alexis realizes she's playing the game too much, you see a [[Fighter Machine]] that resembles Megatron on the screen.

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Der Überläufer, Teil 2'''" ("The Renegade, Part 2")
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV, but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A múlt árnyai, 2. rész'''" ("Shadows of the Past, Part 2")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il passato (seconda parte)'''" ("The Past (Second Part)")
::*The lip syncing in Hot Shot's line: "Sideswipe, I'm on my way to help you! Sit tight!" is totally inconsistent.

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''적이 된 친구'''" ("Friend turned Enemy")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Przeszłość'''" ("Past")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Passado II'''" ("Past II")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 8 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:10 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Flashbacks ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Desperate

2026-01-26T05:20:30Z

Chase eX: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{Picsneeded}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=29
|prev=Awakening (Armada)
|next=Runaway
|title="Desperate"
|furigana=うたごえ
|japanese=共鳴
|romaji=Utagoe
|translation=Resonance: Singing Voice
|image=desperatemegatron.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-29
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Yukio Okazaki]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[March 15]], [[2003]] (English) [[July 25|25 July]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''With the Autobots losing badly, the kids search for the Mini-Cons needed for the Requiem Blaster.'''

==Synopsis==
As [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] towers over [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] on the beach, the other [[Autobot]]s fire on the [[Decepticon]], giving their leader time to escape but causing the giant Decepticon to turn his weapons on them.

In the caves around the Autobot base, the newly discovered [[Mini-Con]] [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]] takes a shot at the kids. [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] attempts tackling the rogue Mini-Con, who hides behind [[Rad White|Rad]], making him realize that Sky Blast is merely frightened and tries to calm him. The three [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Mini-Cons]] combine into [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]], but Rad stops Perceptor's incoming attack and proves Sky Blast's fear to the others.

[[File:Desperate Tidal Wave blocked.jpg|left|275px|thumb]]
Tidal Wave destroys Optimus's cover on the beach, and the Autobots again combine their firepower to distract the giant. He walks towards them, shrugging off the weapons fire and laughing. Although Optimus calls for a retreat, [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] calls for the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] and uses it to block Tidal Wave's punch. [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] tries to come to Hot Shot's aid but is slapped away by the Decepticon. Optimus kicks Tidal Wave in the head, finally felling the titan, and [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] orders [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] and a group of Mini-Cons into the battle. The Autobots begin to fall back, and Optimus takes to the air once more with Tidal Wave in pursuit and runs straight into [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]].

[[File:Desperate demolishor and minicons.jpg|thumb|275px]]
[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] worries about the Autobots, but she and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] are relieved when the other kids turn up with Sky Blast. Though the boys joke around, she tells them the Autobots are in trouble, and they need to send Sky Blast to the battlefield quickly.

As the Decepticons bombard Optimus with gunfire, Thrust informs his leader that they've reserved the final blow for him. Tidal Wave swoops down, breaking into several pieces that [[Powerlinx]] with Megatron, granting him a more powerful form. The Autobots fire on the Decepticon leader as he lifts off, and Megatron and Optimus trade laser fire.

Alarmed, Red Alert starts towards the launch room, but Alexis stops him, reminding him that the only way to help Optimus is to assemble the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. Sky Blast is too afraid to help until Rad promises that he and Red Alert will be there to protect him. The trio, along with [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], warps to the beach and begins looking for the second [[Space Mini-Con Team|Space Mini-Con]] while Alexis alerts the other Autobots. Hot Shot is dispatched from the battle to help, but [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] pursues him. Meanwhile, Thrust spots Red Alert, but Blurr intercepts him. Red Alert lends Blurr a hand, and Rad takes a moment to reassure Sky Blast.

In the sky above, Megatron announces it's time to finish it and wields the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]]. At Alexis's instruction, [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] fires the Skyboom Shield into the air, where Optimus can catch it.

Sky Blast is still frightened by the raging battle, which Rad explains is because the Mini-Cons were made to be laborers, not fighters. Red Alert shields the trio from an incoming laser and gets knocked to the ground. Hot Shot arrives in time to save them from a second shell. The Autobot stresses the importance of finding the other two Mini-Cons, but Rad asks what they'll do if the other Mini-Cons don't want to fight either. Sky Blast walks away and then begins playing a musical sequence so loud that the Autobots and Decepticons stop battling in surprise. High above, the Star Saber and Skyboom Shield resonate, drawing together and releasing two beams of energy. As the power fades, Megatron knocks the shield from Optimus's hands and closes in for the kill.

[[File:Armada_Requiem_Blaster_combined.jpg|left|275px|thumb]]
A wall of surf reveals a new Mini-Con, [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]], and Blurr has to restrain Thrust from grabbing it. Megatron slices Optimus in half, separating the Autobot leader from [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], who transforms and immediately comes under fire from Megatron. Optimus himself plummets towards the ground. Sky Blast runs forward, playing his musical sequence once again, and on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Astroscope]] awakens. The three Space Mini-Cons combine into the Requiem Blaster, and both Optimus and Thrust reach for it. While they struggle, the weapon goes off, almost hitting Megatron. Finally, Optimus takes control of the blaster and kicks Thrust away. Aiming the blaster downwards, Optimus uses it as a retro-rocket to slow his descent, landing safely. Rad realizes that the Mini-Cons weren't afraid of fighting, just of the power they possess falling into the wrong hands.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (3)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (4)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (5)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (6)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (26)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (27)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (31)

|c2=
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (2)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (16)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (17)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (18)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (28)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (29)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (9)
*[[Rad White]] (10)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (11)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (14)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (25)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]] (7)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (8)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (12)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (13)
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (15)
*[[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]] (19)
*[[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]] (20)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (21)
*[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (22)
*[[Air Military Mini-Con Team]] (23)
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (24)
*[[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] (30)
*[[Astroscope]] (32)
}}

==Quotes==
"Oh boy, here we go again."
:—'''Thrust''', spotting an incoming Optimus

"Ha ha ha! The power is mine!"
:—'''Megatron''' has a Captain Planet moment.

"Shoulda stayed in bed."
:—'''Hot Shot''' after being attacked by Starscream

"Fee fi fo fum, I smell wimpy Autobot scum!"
:—'''Cyclonus''', massacring the classics again

"I ran into some trouble with Cyclonus back there. Boy, that is one disturbed Decepticon."
:—'''Hot Shot''' speaks the truth.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*Alexis delivers the opening narration, recounting Sideways' warning about the Requiem Blaster and asking what will happen if they let its Mini-Cons reawaken. [[Jim Conrad]] gives it in ''Armada'' instead, saying the Requiem Blaster could turn the tide in the war.
*''Armada'' adds Rad saying that Sky Blast isn't responding; he only asks "What's wrong?" in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then ''Armada'' has Jim Conrad continue narrating, asking if the Autobots can locate the other two Requiem Blaster Mini-Cons before the Decepticons after finding one. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis closes out her narration by saying they are still unsure of what will happen.
*Instead of saying Sky Blast is creeping him out, Carlos says, "Somehow... something isn't quite right here." After Sky Blast shoots at them, Carlos says, "Look out!"
*Carlos tells Rad to run after Sky Blast goes behind him. Rad's brief internal line about Sky Blast being scared is now during Rad's close-up in the Japanese dub.
*In the Japanese dub, Carlos and Billy tell Rad to watch out, and that Sky Blast will shoot him, respectively. ''Armada'' downplays the potential danger by having Carlos ask Rad if he's crazy and Billy telling him to run.
*After Rad assures Sky Blast that they're not enemies, ''Armada'' adds a random buzzing sound to the shot of Sky Blast.
*In ''Armada'', Carlos says Sky Blast is as scared as the kids. He puzzledly asks if the Mini-Con is scared ''of'' them in the Japanese dub.
*In ''Armada'', Thrust says everything is going according to plan before Megatron brags that the Decepticons should prepare for their victory party. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Thrust finds the Autobots struggling amusing, but his line abruptly ends as he seems to become doubtful. Then Megatron says, "Even if you can block him, the elephant will always be able to squash an ant."
*In ''Armada'', when Jet Optimus appears and saves Hot Shot, he has a line before kicking Tidal Wave in the face, and the Transformers [[theme song]] plays. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the music doesn't change and, instead of speaking before kicking Tidal Wave, Optimus tells Hot Shot to dodge him as he falls over.
*Megatron is fed up after Tidal Wave topples over in ''Armada'', but he merely warns the Autobots not to underestimate the Decepticons in the Japanese dub.
*Instead of ordering the Autobots to retreat and return fire, Optimus tells them to try their offensive formation again, after which he'll attack from above.
*In ''Armada'', Alexis moans about feeling helpless before Red Alert says finding the Requiem Blaster first is their only hope, which Alexis agrees with as long as the weapon exists. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis is annoyed about the Autobots repeating their hit and run tactics, and the dub reverses her and Red Alert's lines about the Requiem Blaster. Then Carlos addresses Sky Blast to follow instead of calling Alexis.
*Rad doesn't tell Alexis about finding Sky Blast until a second after the scene cuts to him and the others rather than immediately. Then Alexis says Rad's name frantically, and after speaking to him, she talks to Sky Blast; she asks if he knows where his comrades are and tells him they might show themselves if he calls out to them. ''Armada'' has a second of awkward silence after Alexis finishes talking. Then Rad asks if it's that simple, and Alexis says it's their best hope. In ''Armada'', Rad asks if anyone found the other two Mini-Cons, and Alexis says not yet.
*In ''Armada'', Carlos jokes about the guys protecting Alexis, and she says it's not the time for jokes. In the Japanese dub, he says catching Sky Blast took a lot of effort, and Alexis says they can discuss that another time.
*Optimus asks if Megatron's forces are still coming, and he doesn't speak until just before the scene cuts. Then Thrust boasts that Optimus is "trapped like a rat," so the battle will soon be over. ''Armada'' extends Prime's line to remove the Japanese dub's silence.
*Megatron questions what's going on after Powerlinxing with Tidal Wave and expresses delight upon learning he can now fly. He generically revels in his power boost and declares it's time to finish things in ''Armada'' (his "Captain Planet" moment).
*Megatron is silent as he flies toward Optimus, and so is Prime as the Air Military Team attacks him. Unlike ''Armada'', Optimus is shocked by Megatron's appearance in the clouds. Then Megatron dares Optimus to come at him, and Prime doesn't answer back before shooting him.
*After stopping Red Alert, Alexis says they need a new kind of power for this situation. Unlike ''Armada'', where she sounds composed, Alexis desperately begs Sky Blast to help them, rightly stressing the dilemma's direness.
*Alexis doesn't speak until after the shot of Red Alert leaving and says he is going, so they should hurry. Later, before leaving the base with Sky Blast, Red Alert, and Rad, Carlos tells Sky Blast not to worry since he's going with them too. The Transformers theme plays again when they warp to the battlefield in ''Armada''; the music doesn't change in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In ''Armada'', Red Alert tells Rad and Carlos to check the monitor for the other Mini-Cons' signal. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he asks Sky Blast where his comrades are, and Rad asks Sky Blast if he wants to find them.
*When Alexis informs the Autobots about Red Alert bringing Sky Blast, she asks if anyone can hear her, and Hot Shot says he's busy. In ''Armada'', Hot Shot grumbles about Red Alert's "great timing." The English dub adds Hot Shot's line about staying in bed as the scene is silent in the Japanese dub.
*Cyclonus calls Hot Shot a "stray sheep" when following him from above.
*Blurr is silent when he appears to block Thrust before challenging him.
*The Transformers theme returns after the mid-episode [[commercial bumper]] in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Sky Blast talks after Rad assures him they will be fine as the Autobots protect them. The Mini-Con is silent after Rad speaks in ''Armada''. Then Megatron threatens to slice Optimus in half, and ''Armada'' adds his maniacal laughter to the wide shot of him and Optimus since the Japanese version is silent. Alexis doesn't tell Smokescreen to pass the Skyboom Shield to Optimus until Smokescreen appears onscreen.
*''Armada'' has Megatron quip about the Skyboom Shield needing batteries and demanding Sky Blast. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he asks if the firepower is too much for the shield and mocks Prime's refusal to attack the Air Military Team.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos asks Sky Blast if he still hasn't detected his two comrades; Carlos tries appealing to him by saying they're fighting to win his freedom, and that's why the Autobots fight so desperately. ''Armada'' changes Carlos's dialogue to him complaining to Rad that the Autobots will get wiped out if they keep standing around doing nothing and don't act fast. After the explosion goes off near them, Carlos says, "That's it." in ''Armada'' but shouts, "Come on!" in the Japanese dub, and he sounds more frustrated. Carlos thinks Rad's belief that the Mini-Cons hate fighting is nonsense in ''Armada'' but asks Rad what he's saying in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*The following discussion between Rad and Carlos differs between the dubs:
**In ''Armada'', Rad says the Mini-Cons were laborers that the Decepticons forced to fight, which is why the Autobots sent them off into space. He says they can only win the war with the Mini-Cons' help, which Carlos says is his point. Then Rad says Carlos shouldn't rush into things, and all they can do is wait until the Mini-Cons are ready.
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says the Mini-Cons fled Cybertron out of fear of the war. The flashback to the Mini-Con ship leaving Cybertron and the following shot of Sky Blast are silent. Then Rad says they can't force reluctant Mini-Cons back onto the battlefield. Carlos brings up Optimus and the others, so Rad tells him the Autobots don't want to force anyone to fight. They tried by bringing Sky Blast, but if the Mini-Cons truly hate fighting, nothing will happen to Optimus.
*Then Red Alert says they're under attack in ''Armada''. He says the laser is a stray blast in the Japanese dub. After Red gets hit, Rad states the obvious in ''Armada'' but shouts Red Alert's name in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot calls Cyclonus disturbed before noticing Sky Blast. Rad says Sky Blast is still scared to fight. Hot Shot tells him Optimus can't last long, so they need to find the other two Mini-Cons fast. Then Rad asks what they will do if the other Mini-Cons don't want to fight either. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot tells Rad and Carlos not to worry as he'll keep the stray shots away from them. Rad implores Hot Shot not to risk himself for them before the latter tells Rad and Carlos to hurry and do whatever they're planning. Optimus is taking a beating, and the Autobots need Sky Blast's power, but Rad shouts that Hot Shot can't use the Mini-Con.
*Rad only refers to Sky Blast instead of immediately guessing that he's calling the other Mini-Cons. Later, when the Star Saber and Skyboom Shield come together, Optimus again asks what's happening.
*While looking at Sky Blast, Rad passively agrees with Carlos about the remarkable sight in ''Armada'', but wonders if it's alright in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*As he attacks Jetfire, Megatron says it was foolish of him and Optimus to split up to avoid the Star Saber and that he won't let Jetfire save Prime; he will reduce Jetfire to scrap while the latter falls to the bottom of the sea.
*''Armada'' plays the Transformers theme again when Astroscope appears.
*Everyone's shocked reactions are silent in the Japanese dub, while ''Armada'' has them audibly gasping in awe. The viewer only hears the ocean water in the background in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis gives an ominous ending narration as she says the Mini-Cons were scared of their terrifying power rather than being too scared to fight. In ''Armada'', Rad gives a lengthened and somewhat upbeat version that doesn't suit the ending's tone. He says the Mini-Cons were more afraid of their power and others using that strength for evil than participating in battle as he thought, repeatedly saying that he was glad to be proven wrong.

===Animation and technical errors===
*Scavenger's body is miscolored dark like his chest in the opening scene after Tidal Wave fires at the Autobots.
*When Sky Blast shoots at the boys and other Mini-Cons the second time, his laser changes from seafoam green to lime green between shots.
*Rad calls Perceptor "Leader-1". This mistake never happens in the Japanese dub.
*After Rad stops Perceptor, Billy says, "Holy cow!" but his mouth doesn't move. He is silent in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Rad's chuckling after the others realize Sky Blast's fear of them is unusually deep, more like an adult's. This error doesn't happen in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Tidal Wave's size seems to vary between shots.
*During the scene where Jet Optimus meets Thrust face to face above the clouds, there are ''nine'' Mini-Cons present. It's clear that three of them are the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]] and another three are the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]], but who are the other ''three''? C'mon, [[Ask Vector Prime]] and [[Transformers Collectors' Club]], you had the perfect chance to [[retcon]] in some more Mini-Cons!
*The Skyboom Shield's glow effect is colored light green in some scenes rather than yellow.
*As Rad tells Alexis that Sky Blast is scared, Rad is suddenly wearing his jumpsuit.
*Smokescreen is missing his antenna/horn after he fires the Requiem Blaster for the second time. Maybe that strange edge on the side of his head is his antenna/horn, but if so, it's on the wrong side.
*Despite not being in Full Blast Mode before combining with Tidal Wave, Megatron is already configured into it when the combination starts (as that is how the stock footage is animated). Moreover, Leader 1 appears on Megatron's turret and remains there, even after the stock footage, though he's on the beach firing at the Autobots with Blackout.
**Some scenes fix this inconsistency by not having Leader-1 present in the combined form.
*After Carlos shushes himself, the scene of him, Rad, and Sky Blast in Red Alert's cab has two sudden jump cuts like a second of animation is missing both times.
*When Megatron starts flying after combining with Tidal Wave, his mouth is open, but he's silent. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron starts laughing as he revels in his new ability to fly.
*When Rad tells Sky Blast there's no need to worry after Blurr and Red Alert fend off Thrust, Rad's mouth still moves after saying his line. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad briefly pauses as he speaks, so this error doesn't happen.
*Megatron doesn't have a mouth when asking if Optimus forgot to put batteries in the Skyboom Shield.
*Optimus holds the Skyboom Shield upside down before it clashes with the Star Saber. The Japanese dub corrects this mistake.
*When the sword and shield come together in the Japanese dub, Megatron says, "What?" but his mouth doesn't move. ''Armada'' has Megatron grunt instead.
*In ''Armada'', everyone keeps stating that "the Mini-Cons are alive" whenever they do something. ''What?'' In the Japanese dub, Alexis says, "The Mini-Cons' cries!" while Carlos later says, "Incredible!" instead.
*Sometimes the Autobots fire purple lasers.

===Continuity notes===
*The last time any of the kids joined the Autobots on the battlefield was in "[[Gale]]."
*A brief flashback to the Mini-Cons' ship during the Cybertronian war from "[[Prehistory]]" reappears in this episode.
*Optimus says, "Incredible!" when the Star Saber and Skyboom Shield clash and release the energy surge. He previously did this when it happened the first time near the end of "[[Decisive Battle]]." In ''Legends of the Microns'', he asks what is happening, just as he did in that episode.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Leader-1, Inferno, Blackout, and Crumplezone all fire lasers in their vehicle modes.
**Tidal Wave and Megatron Powerlinx for the first time.
**Megatron's Powerlinxed form allows him to fly. He also fires lasers from the Tidal Wave component on his right arm.
**Shortly after Red Alert's arrival, Starscream attacks Hot Shot in a half-transformed configuration, with this legs still back and nosecone up. Whether intentional or not, the toy can easily reproduce it.
**Jet Optimus Powerlinx with the Skyboom Shield.
**Sky Blast sings the Mini-Con tune, causing the Skyboom Shield and Star Saber to combine their powers to activate Astroscope and Payload.
**Optimus Prime Powerlinx with the Requiem Blaster for the first time.

===Continuity errors===
*Why does Rad chuckle after Fred's line about Sky Blast defending himself by scaring them? In ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred says Sky Blast is cute despite his big size.
*After Optimus's failed attack against the Powerlinxed Megatron, Alexis says Optimus is hurt, except Megatron hasn't attacked him yet. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis rightly says Prime is in danger.
*Thrust somehow knows about the warning Sideways gave about the Requiem Blaster, even though Sideways sent it specifically to the Autobot base. It's not an error in ''Legends of the Microns'' since Thrust probably remembers how Sideways cryptically let on about the weapon to the Decepticons near the end of "[[Detection]]."
*Optimus explained in "Prehistory" that the Mini-Cons decided to leave Cybertron; therefore, Rad telling Carlos the Autobots sent the Mini-Cons off contradicts Prime's account. The Japanese version correctly has Rad say the Mini-Cons fled Cybertron.
*How does Red Alert know to tell Rad and Carlos to take cover before the laser blast appears? He doesn't do so until ''after'' seeing the blast in the Japanese dub.
*Megatron already knows the Mini-Cons can communicate with each other, so why does it surprise him here? In ''Legends of the Microns'', instead of being surprised, he believes the Mini-Cons' cry was a sign of Optimus's impending doom, so he should be the one to end Prime's life.
*For some reason, Alexis gives the opening and ending monologues in the Japanese dub. Though ''Armada'' has Jim Conrad and Rad take turns, it would've made sense for Rad to be the narrator both times since he's the one who spends the episode advocating the point of not forcing Mini-Cons to fight when they don't want to until learning otherwise at the end.

===Real-world references===
*Cyclonus's "Fee-fi-fo-fum" line refers to the giant from ''"{{w|Jack and the Beanstalk}}"''.

===Trivia===
*The kanji 共鳴 would be pronounced as ''kyōmei'', while ''utagoe'' is used for 歌声.
*This episode is one of the few where Jim Conrad gives the opening narration, like "Decisive Battle."

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Aller guten Dinge sind Drei'''" ("All good things come in threes")
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Közel a vég'''" ("The End is Near")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Resistenza estrema'''" ("Extreme Resistance")
::*After Carlos says: "Aw, dude! This is totally awesome!" Rad says "Yeah!" immediately. In fact, when he's actully supposed to say it, he moves his mouth without talking.
::*Alexis's line: "Oh, Optimus!" is heard too late, after she started moving her mouth.

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''아스트로빔의 탄생'''" ("Astrobeam's Birth")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Desperacja'''" ("Desperation")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Desesperado'''" ("Desperate")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 8 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:10 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Power of the Mini-Cons ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Awakening (Armada)

2026-01-25T23:12:13Z

Chase eX: /* Differences with Legends of the Microns */

{{disambig3|Awakening}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=28
|prev=Detection
|next=Desperate
|title="Awakening"
|furigana=しょうげき
|japanese=豪腕
|romaji=Shōgeki
|translation=Stout Arm: Shock
|image=awakeningtidalwave3.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-28
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Shigeki Hatakeyama]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[March 8]], [[2003]] (English) [[July 18|18 July]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Decepticon reinforcements arrive, and the hunt is on for a new weapon.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:awakeningtidalwave.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Getting from A to B is easy; doing so in style is the real challenge.]]

The [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s are fighting on a beach as something huge moves into range. The ground begins to shake, causing everyone to stop fighting and look up in wonder. The ship crashes into the surf, and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] announces that [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] has arrived from the planet [[Dabola]] with reinforcements. [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] asks for a demonstration of Tidal Wave's abilities and, at Thrust's urging, the ship opens fire on the Autobots. [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] attempts to line up a shot, but is injured by weapons fire. [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] clash above the battlefield. [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] and [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] link with their [[Mini-Con]]s, diving into the ocean to attack the ship from below. Thrust attempts to take out Jetfire, who transforms to [[robot mode]], grabbing Thrust for a power-dive into the sea. Unfortunately the Decepticon becomes invisible long enough to escape. Jetfire turns his attention to the Decepticon ship in an attempt to draw its fire, but soon realises he's no match for its fire power.

[[File:awakeningblurrhotshot.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb]]
Explosions rock the huge ship as Hot Shot and Blurr begin firing on it from beneath the waves. The pair grab the side of the ship, pushing it over before sharing a celebratory high-five on its upturned hull. Thrust flees as they turn their weapons on him. Back at base, the kids celebrate, but the alarm soon sounds for the detection of two new Mini-Cons, which means the Autobots now have three to collect. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] is confused, however, by the reported location of the Mini-Cons. At that moment, the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] run in and tell the kids that one of the detected Mini-Cons is located somewhere on the base. [[Rad White|Rad]], [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] run after the three Street Action Mini-Cons.

In the caves around the base, a [[Mini-Con storage panel]] glows, as does another in a crevasse on the Moon. The third one pulses, lying on the sand of the beach where the Autobots and Decepticons are battling.

Megatron looks disgusted that Thrust's reinforcements have sunk, and the Decepticon tactician calls out desperately to Tidal Wave.

Alexis works out one of the Mini-Cons they're searching for is on the Moon. [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] promptly appears on the monitor, saying he's impressed she figured it out and that he's got a message for them. The three Mini-Cons can unite to form the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]], a weapon with massive destructive power. He says the Autobots must find the Mini-Cons to win their current battle, which puzzles Alexis as the Autobots appear to be winning. [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] thinks there's some merit to what Sideways has said.

The Autobots are indeed on the verge of winning their battle when the ground begins to shake once more. A huge robot emerges from the ocean—Tidal Wave. The massive robot opens fire on the Autobots, and Alexis realises that Sideways was right.

The kids trudge through the caves after their Mini-Cons, with Fred complaining loudly. Finally he gives out a cry and the others discover he's fallen through the rock floor, revealing a flight of stairs.

[[File:awakeningtidalwave4.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"How many warning shots do Vulcans usually fire?" "None."]]

Meanwhile, the Autobots are still pinned down on the beach. Optimus and Jetfire Powerlinx to launch an attack on Tidal Wave.

The kids find the first of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]], [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]], and introduce themselves.

Jet Optimus loses his weapon and is blasted by Tidal Wave while trying to retrieve it. He drops into the sea as the Decepticon laughs.

The kids are confused as Sky Blast takes a step back and fires at High Wire. The Mini-Con runs off, despite their protests, and they give chase.

Back on the beach, the Autobots fire on Tidal Wave to allow Optimus time to escape. He's able to get to cover, but the Decepticon turns his weapons on the other Autobots instead. With the Autobots taken care of, Tidal Wave returns his attention back to Optimus, looming over him while the Autobot leader can do no more than hide behind a boulder.

[[Desperate|To be continued...]]
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (2)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (3)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (6)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (12)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (18)

|c2=
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (1)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (7)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (8)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (9)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (10)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (11)

|c3=
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (13)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (14)
*[[Rad White]] (15)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (16)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (17)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]] (19)
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (20)
*[[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]]/[[Terradive (Armada)|Terradive]] (21)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (22)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (23)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (24)
*[[Liftor]] (27)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (28)
*[[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]] (29)

|c5=
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
"All right, who's our next victim? How about conehead there?"
:—'''Hot Shot''' getting cocky.

"Ah, would you stop whining, Fred?" 
"I can't! I was born this way."
:—'''Carlos''' and '''Fred'''.

"Hey guys, my thighs are rubbing and my underwear's riding up."
:—TMI, '''Fred''', TMI.

"Hey, Fred, are you sure you didn't land on your head?"
:—'''Carlos'''

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus Prime deduces "Something is coming this way!". Way to go, Sherlock. Whereas in ''Armada'', he asks Hot Shot if he feels the earth trembling.
*Hot Rod shocked, asked what was Tidal Wave. ''Legends of the Microns'' He answers Optimus question to check it out
*Smokescreen originally grunts and Blurr shouts to run. As in ''Armada'' he says to retreat
*''Legends of the Microns'' Megatron laughs and exclaim that "this looks like it'll be quite fun!". As in ''Armada'' he says they could use more help for the troops.
*''Armada'' describes Tidal Wave as "leading his troops to victory" on the planet [[Dabola]], but... does the slow-witted, barely-verbal Tidal Wave really strike you as the "leader" type? The original, subtly-different ''Legends of the Microns'' dialogue refers to "his cannons beams leading the Decepticons to victory," attributing the wins to the power he brings to the battlefield, rather than to him being a commander. ''Legends of the Microns'' also mentions a second planet where Tidal Wave brought the Decepticons victory named [[Dekunon]], in addition to Dabola, and "countless other worlds".
*Carlos thinks that even if they rescued the Minicons the Autobots would still be in danger, Meanwhile in ''Armada'' he expects Optimus to do all the work
*In ''Legends of the Microns'' Hot Shot praises Tidal Wave firepower as in Armada he exclains that they are "pinned down but good"
*Blurr has a dialogue worried about the minicons showing that since ''Reiforcement'' he is more caring to the Mini-Cons,He is cut by Jetfire saying that they cant move with the barrage of lasers. ''Armada'' however cut Blurr's line entirely and only made Jetfire talk worrying that the Decepticons will collect the Mini-Cons instead of them.
*Smokescreen loudly shouts that he will take care of Tidal Wave. ''Legends of the Microns'' He says he'll try to take down
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Tidal Wave (known in Japan as "Shockwave") is distinguished by the verbal tic of slowly chanting his own name, as well as the Japanese word ''gōwan'' (豪腕), meaning "strong arm". This isn't really carried over to ''Armada'', but, as ever, the rushed, slipshod nature of the ''Armada'' dub makes it hard to discern if this was on purpose. In this episode, at least, his chants are mostly replaced with laughter, and while he will occasionally intone his name in future episodes, the quirk is largely communicated in English by having him refer to himself in the third person in [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]-esque caveman-speak. However, the English dub of sequel series ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' ''will'' keep the trait, turning his chants of "Tidal Wave... Tidal Wave... Tidal Wave..." into one of the character's most recognizable attributes.

{{stub}}

===Animation and technical errors===
*In the opening pan across the Autobots, the rocks in front of them jump to the left between frames.
*After Blurr Powerlinx with Incinerator (deploying his wings in the process) and Hot Shot Powerlinx with Jolt, the two jump a dune. During and after this jump, Blurr's wings are folded back into his pre-Powerlinxed configuration and Incinerator is nowhere to be seen.
*Carlos calls Grindor "High Wire".
*The narrator refers to Tidal Wave as "Shockwave", his Japanese name.
*When running for cover, Optimus Prime's head is huge compared to his body.
*Hot Shot's face briefly turns yellow as he runs from Tidal Wave's barrage of lasers.
*When Alexis realizes that Sideways told the truth and that the Autobots need help, the top of Red Alert's right arm is miscolored yellow.

===Continuity notes===
[[File:Thrust Minicon.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb]]
*Tidal Wave arrives on [[Earth]] from planet [[Dabola]], where it is said that he had led the Decepticons to victory.
*The firewall Red Alert created in "[[Tactician]]" to keep Sideways from contacting the Autobot base didn't work, and it [[Sacrifice|won't be the last time]] it doesn't work, either.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Tidal Wave uses his "Cannonball Laser Storm"/"Laser Cannonball Attack". This is him using all of his turrets in both modes. He also fires from his chest and armpit Mini-Con ports.
**Hot Shot fires his Axlezooka from the side rather than the top, as he runs to Smokescreen.
**Jetfire can fire lasers from his shoulder pads.
**Jetfire's shield is also used for once!
**Thrust and Inferno fire lasers from their hands. At least Thrust has thruster hands to accomplish this.
**Apparently, Inferno can fly, however, see [[#Continuity errors|below]].
**Blurr oddly fires lasers from the back end of his rifle; the stranger part is the fact that it's firing from his holster.
**Together, Hot Shot and Blurr somehow have the strength to capsize an entire battleship.
**Sky Blast fires lasers from his cockpit hand.

===Continuity errors===
*Hot Shot and Blurr are seen driving underwater, something they can't normally do without the aid of [[Aqua Booster]]s.
*Inferno is flying next to Thrust during their aerial attack on Jetfire. Later, when Thrust retreats, [[Terradive (Armada)|Terradive]] is seen in his place. It's uncertain which Mini-Con is really supposed to be there. Given that Inferno hasn't shown the ability to fly before, it's likely meant to be Terradive.
*The Autobots have been using the base's scanner to detect Mini-Cons for quite a while now, but the scanner only ''NOW'' realizes there's a Mini-Con right inside of it.

===Transformers references===
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] refers to [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] as a "[[Conehead]]", a fan-term used to describe the group of [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s from Generation 1, of which [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] was a part. Given the dubious nature of ''Armada''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s dub, however, it's open to question if this was deliberately done.

===Trivia===
{{Twoimages|File:Thrust-LOTM-DVD-cover-pose.jpg|w1=200
|File:Tf micron legend vol 08.jpg|w2=150|caption=See? It's the same pose but in reverse!|float=right}}
* The kanji 豪腕 would be pronounced as ''gōwan'', while ''shōgeki'' is used for 衝撃.
* This is the only episode in the series where the narrator in the opening gives very cliffhanger-esque closing monologue in place of Rad.
* Thrust is seen briefly in his ''Legends of the Microns'' Vol. 8 DVD cover pose.
* This episode was put onto the [[Transformers: Universe CD-ROM|''Universe'' CD-ROM]] and packed with toys in the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' toyline in [[2003]].

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Der Riesenroboter'''" ("The Giant Robot")
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV, but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ébredés'''" ("Awakening")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il risveglio'''" ("The Awakening")
::*Unlike in English, Tidal Wave is never called by his Japanese name.
::*At the end the narrator misnames the series as ''Transformer: Armada'' instead of ''Transformer'''s''': Armada''.

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''거대전함 쇼크'''" ("Giant Battleship Shock")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Przebudzenie'''" ("Awakening")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Despertar'''" ("Awakening")
{{--}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;CD-ROM
[[File:Flag of UN.png|20px|Worldwide]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Universe'' ([[Hasbro]])
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 7 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:09 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]

Linkup

2026-01-25T03:17:56Z

Chase eX: /* Continuity errors */

{{picsneeded}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=26
|prev=Tactician
|next=Detection
|title="Linkup"
|furigana=りんくあっぷ
|japanese=合身
|romaji=Link Up
|translation=Fusion: Link Up
|image=Armada_ep_26_jet_optimus.JPG
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-26
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[January 29]], [[2003]] (UK, English premiere) [[January 31]], 2003 (USA) [[July 4|4 July]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''With Optimus in the repair bay, Jetfire is the Autobots' best hope against the Decepticons.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] was critically damaged in a recent battle with the [[Decepticon]]s, and the prognosis is uncertain. [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] tells the kids that [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] will fill in for Optimus while the leader is in the repair bay. However, [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] and the kids are unimpressed by Jetfire's overconfident bragging.

[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is also unimpressed but at the failure of [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]]'s plan. Its failure merely amuses [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]], and Thrust blames it on a miscalculation in the form of Jetfire. He says he'll develop a new plan and interprets some shooting stars as a sure victory sign.

The [[Autobot]]s discuss Thrust and how he led the Decepticons to victory on the planets: [[Vector]], [[Ogre]], and [[Duke (planet)|Duke]], almost wiping out the Autobots. [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] thinks they have nothing to worry about on that score now that Jetfire is on their team. [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] attempts to report to Jetfire, but the Autobot doesn't speak [[Mini-Con]]; [[Rad White|Rad]] has to translate that there's a suspicious bot flying over the base. They soon recognize Thrust, and Jetfire immediately runs off to confront the Decepticon.

Thrust takes off as soon as he sees Jetfire coming, goading the Autobot into following. Unsurprisingly, they reach a zone where the Decepticons are waiting. The kids plead with Jetfire not to fire on the swarm of Mini-Cons accompanying them, and he assures them he won't and shoots at Cyclonus, who protests that Thrust said the Autobot wouldn't fire with the Mini-Cons around. Thrust orders the Mini-Cons to attack, and soon Jetfire is being strafed with laser fire. Starscream closes in, but Jetfire dodges the Null Laser Cannon.

The Autobots puzzle over how to help Jetfire at the base when [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] spots an island near the battle. [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]], Hot Shot, and [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] warp to the island, and Smokescreen prepares to fire his longarm cannon, but Demolishor and [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] blast him. Demolishor boasts that Thrust plans to steal the Skyboom Shield and opens fire on the Autobots, forced to use the shield for cover.

[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]], still at the base, admires the Decepticons' trap, but the kids think he should take action. Rad contacts Red Alert in the repair bay and informs him of the situation, letting him know they need Optimus.

[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] arrives on the island and tells his men to get on with it and demand the Shield. Megatron summons the Star Saber at Hot Shot's goading and begins the attack anew. Hot Shot suggests they should withdraw; Smokescreen is confident the Skyboom Shield will protect them, but the other two Autobots talk him into fleeing. The trio begins their escape, hampered by the Decepticons' weapons fire.

Jetfire attempts to aid them but gets surrounded by the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]] and is again almost blasted by Starscream. He flies towards the Decepticon, but a blast from the Null Laser Cannon grazes him. Jetfire is unable to shoot at Thrust when the Mini-Cons surround him again.

Red Alert reports that Optimus is almost combat-ready, and Carlos stresses the situation's urgency.

Megatron has Smokescreen pinned down on the island while Blurr and Hot Shot are busy with Demolishor and Sideways.

While Red Alert and Scavenger are about to join the battle, an alarm indicates that someone's in the launch area: Optimus Prime! Though Red Alert and the kids protest that he's not ready, Optimus asks to be warped to Jetfire's coordinates.

As Thrust and Starscream prepare to annihilate Jetfire, Optimus appears overhead. The Autobot leader freefalls towards Jetfire and the pair [[Powerlinx|combine]]. After dealing with Starscream, Optimus flies to the island and knocks Megatron into the ocean. For an encore, he picks up Demolishor and drops the protesting Decepticon into the water; Sideways wisely retreats. The impressed kids celebrate the Autobots' victory.

Optimus suggests to Jetfire that he might want to exercise more caution next time, to which the Autobot says he's learned his lesson.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (1)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (3)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (4)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (15)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (16)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (17)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (21)

|c2=
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (10)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (11)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (12)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (13)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (24)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (5)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (6)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (7)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (8)
*[[Rad White]] (9)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (18)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (19)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (20)
*[[Air Military Mini-Con Team]] (22)
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (23)
*[[Mirror]] (25)
}}

==Quotes==
"He'll be signing autographs later."
:—'''Hot Shot''' on Jetfire's smug boasting

"It's time for you to taste my plasma blaster. See if this makes your teeth whiter and brighter."
:—'''Jetfire''', shooting at Cyclonus

"I am Demolishor, the fierce Decepticon warrior!"
:—'''Demolishor''' introduces himself 26 episodes too late.

"In your dreams! If you want it, why don't you come and get it? That is, unless you're a little bit of a wimp. Well, are ya?"
:—'''Hot Shot''' taunts Megatron. Brave lad.

"They don't call him Starscream for nothing."
:—'''Optimus''', after Starscream falls screaming through the clouds

'''Demolishor:''' "Oh no! Agh! He's got me! Put me down! Pleeeease! Lemme go! I hate water!" 
'''Optimus:''' "...okay." 
'''Demolishor:''' "N-no! Wait! I was only kidding! Don't drop me! NOOOOOOOO!" 
''(Demolishor crashes into the ocean)''
:—'''Demolishor''' gets exactly what he asked for.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
[[File:Linkup-animation-changes.jpg|thumb|290px|''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' screencaps (right).]]
*In ''Armada'', the opening narration (given by [[Jim Conrad]]) is how the Autobot team's greatest fear has been realized: Optimus being injured in battle, and they're now unsure whether or not he'll recover. The Japanese dub lacks an opening narration and is silent until Fred speaks. He asks if Optimus is broken, so Billy calls him an idiot and says it's more accurate to say that Optimus is ''injured'' since he's still alive.
*Instead of Jetfire's "cocky superhero" dialogue, ''Legends of the Microns'' maintains the opening scene's overall tone to show Jetfire's overconfidence. It adds that he was considered Optimus's "greatest right-hand Sub-Commander" on Cybertron. It changes Hot Shot's line about Jetfire signing autographs to him noting how the latter brags about himself, and Jetfire says it's one of his strengths.
*Demolishor addresses Thrust during his rant and even mentions the Air Military Mini-Con Team. ''Armada'' has an awkward silence after Demolishor stops talking; in ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor's dialogue extends into the next scene, removing the silence.
*Thrust says he will form a new battle plan as defeating the Autobots has become more critical with Jetfire's arrival. Instead of threatening Thrust that his next plan better not fail, Megatron entrusts him with forming a new strategy.
*The first zoom out from Megatron as he laughs is faster while the second one is slower. He also doesn't start laughing until after the initial zoom-out.
*The shots of the EKG and Optimus on the screen are silent.
*In ''Armada'', the camera makes a nauseating continuous pan from Blurr to Hot Shot, then Scavenger, and back to Hot Shot. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the constant camera movement and quickly pans to Hot Shot and Scavenger when they speak, so their lines don't begin off-screen. Vector is the first planet Blurr mentions when he talks about Thrust in ''Armada''; ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it to Babil, and the next three are Ogre, [[Droi]], and Duke. In ''Armada'', Hot Shot says the Autobots were thrashed and almost wiped out due to Thrust. He asks Blurr if those other planets are where the Decepticons utterly crushed Autobots in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*''Legends of the Microns'' reanimates the scene of Billy and Jetfire talking. Now, Jetfire's finger comes up when Billy starts talking, and Billy's fist and Jetfire's finger line up for a moment before Jetfire lowers his finger (see right). Carlos speaks to Jetfire after Billy finishes, and Jetfire talks after turning away. Jetfire is now animated to look down when he hears High Wire.
*Jetfire's "Ready or not, Thrust. Here I come," line is now "I can't stand it when someone else is flying over my head!" During this scene, ''Armada'' speeds up Jetfire's running so that he's near the end of the hallway and Hot Shot's leg obscures him. The Japanese dub slows Jetfire down slightly, so he's only halfway down the hall, and Hot Shot's leg partially covers him.
*During the shot where Thrust gives the order to attack in ''Armada'', ''Legends of the Microns'' gives Jetfire a line before him.
*The camera zooms toward the monitor as Alexis warns Jetfire, and when the scene cuts back to the monitor later, it's silent. ''Legends of the Microns'' has the camera zoom away from the monitor, and Rad's line about telling Jetfire not to shoot at the Decepticons' Mini-Cons is heard during the monitor's second viewing. The Japanese dub also shows fully animated images on the monitor similar to actual video footage instead of bright-colored stills as ''Armada'' has (see right). The second shot of the monitor has more room around the sides, making the buttons on the right in full view while ''Armada'' has them cut off. Rad tells Jetfire not to hit the Mini-Cons when the scene cuts to the monitor the second time.
*A rainbow ring is added around Jetfire's shadow against the clouds.
*''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the Air Military Mini-Con Team's jerky movement while flying ahead of Jetfire. The shot of Jetfire pulling back when they block his path is now a second longer than in the English dub.
*Cyclonus laughs ''after'' telling the Mini-Cons to follow him instead of before. He's also animated to move first instead of him and the Mini-Cons moving all at once.
*''Armada'' starts playing the theme song when Jetfire transforms, while ''Legends of the Microns'' keeps playing "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Desperate Situation]]"; both tracks stops before Thrust orders the cross-fire attack. After which, there is a clear look at the Air Military Mini-Con Team. Jetfire is heard reacting to the shots as he takes them, and he also says, "So that's how you want to play this?" Cyclonus's line about getting payback is now, "We'll just give it back to ya!"
*The joke that Jetfire makes when firing his blaster at Cyclonus is different in both versions. In ''Armada'', he compares his weapon to toothpaste (see quote above), while in ''Legends of the Microns'', he continues the running joke of the battle being a "party" by calling his weapon a potluck
*Rather than say that Thrust is right about underestimating him, Jetfire says he never hesitates to face the bad guys. Then ''Armada'' has Billy comment on how Jetfire is enjoying himself before Carlos cheers on the Autobot. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Billy says Jetfire is too carefree, and Carlos declares that he (himself) is enjoying what he sees before cheering for Jetfire.
*The Japanese dub adds a green filter effect to the shot of Starscream's crosshairs locking onto Jetfire (see right), and just before firing his Null Laser Cannon, Starscream says, "Take this!"
*In ''Armada'', after the clouds part and the Null Laser Cannon blasts approach Jetfire, it cuts to him dodging them and whites out. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the shot doesn't cut away (see right); the white-out effect is gone, and there's an added scene of the blasts hitting the ocean before panning to Jetfire.
*The bird's eye view of the island in ''Armada'' is a generic flat drawing with no detail, and the surrounding water is equally bland. In ''Legends of the Microns'', they are fully detailed with depth in the colors (see right).
*The theme tune starts as Blurr, Smokescreen, and Hot Shot arrive on the island, ending after Smokescreen gets shot in ''Armada''. "Invincible Power" plays as Smokescreen prepares to launch the Skyboom Shield in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Instead of pointlessly introducing himself as he does in ''Armada'', Demolishor announces himself as "The Decepticons' greatest warrior."; The shot also focuses on Demolishor until he finishes cackling. After the camera pans from him to Sideways, the shot focuses on Sideways for a second shorter than in ''Armada''.
*In ''Armada'', the shot of Scavenger admiring Thrust's plan is a reused one from the Autobots' earlier discussion about Thrust. ''Legends of the Microns'' has a new reanimated frontal close-up (see right), after which Carlos tells Scavenger to quit admiring Thrust's handiwork.
*When Rad speaks to Red Alert on the monitor, the shot doesn't zoom in, and the lights in Optimus's dashboard come on slowly instead of blinking.
*''Armada'' has Megatron act like he's taken aback by Hot Shot challenging him. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him offended by the Autobot's foolishness to refuse his "only act of mercy."
*Instead of calling Smokescreen too weak to handle the Skyboom Shield, Megatron says Smokescreen can't handle the shield's power since Optimus isn't around.
*After this, Demolishor and Sideways agree to strike the Autobots with two simultaneous assaults in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor instead asks the Autobots if they can handle another collision between the shield and saber; Sideways says the reaction might be bigger this time.
*In ''Armada'', the Transformers theme starts when Hot Shot, Smokescreen, and Blurr retreat and ends when the scene cuts to Carlos. ''Legends of the Microns'' continues playing "For The Glory!" until then.
*''Legends of the Microns'' flips the shot of Jetfire dodging Starscream's second Null Laser Cannon so that he's on the right rather than left; the ''Armada'' version is the correct one in this case. ''Armada'' merely shows a giant geyser from the Null Laser Cannon's impact before the scene flash-cuts to Jetfire, while ''Legends of the Microns'' has the background glow purple as the effect makes a giant wave with the flash-cut removed.
*The drizzle from the geyser stops when Thrust starts talking in ''Armada'' but it ends when the scene cuts from him to Jetfire in ''Legends of the Microns''. After telling Jetfire he's trapped, Thrust says his plan will ensure that the Autobot stays that way, so Jetfire's body will have to hold out.
*''Legends of the Microns'' removes another flash-cut when Starscream shoots his Null Laser Cannon at Jetfire again. When Jetfire gets hit by Starscream, the Null Laser Cannon beam is extended, and the clouds don't disappear when Jetfire falls.
*Before the cables attached to Optimus disconnect, ''Armada'' extends Carlos's line to cover the silence.
*The shot of Megatron facing an injured Smokescreen is cropped on the top and right so that half of Smokescreen is out of frame. Megatron looks a bit closer in the shot and more imposing (see right).
*In ''Armada'', Rad asks Red Alert and Scavenger what will happen to Optimus if they leave, and they don't answer. Rad's body faces the side with his arms bent; he doesn't move again until Carlos says his lines about Optimus still being immobilized and that someone should stay behind. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad asks Red Alert if Optimus is his top priority, repositioning himself when he finishes speaking. Red Alert tries to answer Rad before Carlos says Optimus is still inactive and that taking care of Prime is Red Alert's job.
*When Optimus tells the others to trust him before Scavenger enters the coordinates, he says the line immediately in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says it two seconds after the scene cuts from Fred, reducing the scene's silence.
*''Armada'' starts playing the theme song's insert trance version as Optimus heads out, and it ends after Jet Optimus drops Demolishor into the ocean. ''Legends of the Microns'' keeps playing "For The Glory!" before changing to "Destrons Ferocious Attack!" when Optimus arrives in battle. Then "Super Convoy" plays when he and Jetfire combine, and it stops during the pan-up shot of the redrawn Jet Optimus.
*When Thrust tells Starscream to begin the final assault in ''Armada'', the camera pans to the upper-left as soon as Thrust speaks and stays on his arm until he finishes his line. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the camera moves after he says Starscream's name, and the shot ends as soon as Thrust extends his arm. Starscream responds in the next shot, but while he locks onto Jetfire in ''Armada''. The shot of Starscream is also redrawn, with the jagged movement removed.
*Starscream's targeting crosshairs are brighter and easier to see. After Optimus appears, Starscream calls him out to Thrust by name, and Thrust is heard reacting.
*Thrust's laughter is extended into the shot of Optimus continuing to fall toward Jetfire. Then, as a subtle visual hint, ''Legends of the Microns'' adds a slight white twinkle in Optimus and Jetfire's eyes as they trade glances before initiating their combination, during which they speak in unison.
*The reactionary dialogue of Thrust and Sideways concerning Optimus and Jetfire's combination is altered as they're shocked and confused about what happened. Also, Red Alert only refers to Optimus instead of asking, "What is this?"
*The scene of Jet Optimus shooting Starscream down is heavily reanimated. The shot of Starscream now shows him flying to the left above the clouds. Jet Optimus flies into the frame and fires at the Decepticon in his correct colors. The shot of Jet Optimus firing at Starscream is now a wider shot with a clearer view of the Autobot (see right). Instead of making the "Star''scream''" pun, Jet Optimus comments about taking care of one pest.
*The shot of Starscream falling from the sky as Megatron sees him is sped up in ''Armada'' as Starscream is already out of frame when Megatron turns around. It's not an issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' since Starscream falls at a slower rate, so Megatron sees Starscream falling when he turns. ''Armada'' uses a bright flickering flash to portray Starscream getting shot in the clouds; ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this to a subtle glow effect. As Jet Optimus approaches him, the shots of Prime coming in the distance are redrawn still images (see right), and Jet Optimus isn't as close to Megatron in the shot of the latter trying to block him with the Star Saber. Furthermore, the shot of Megatron falling is slowed down slightly, but it's the same length as the ''Armada'' version.
*The close-up shot of Demolishor firing at Jet Optimus is cropped, and his lasers are more brightly colored so that his fingers aren't as visible in the Japanese dub. In this shot, he also asks who Jet Optimus is.
*In ''Armada'', Demolishor says he hates water before Jet Optimus drops him while Demolishor yells that he's afraid of ''heights'' while he falls in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After the battle, as Thrust stands on the cloud and looks below him, he immediately fixes himself upright after saying he didn't know Optimus and Jetfire could combine. He also laughs as he transforms and flies away.
*Alexis expresses relief instead of agreeing with the praises made by Carlos, Billy, and Fred. Then Scavenger notes how Optimus and Jetfire can combine and how he never imagined they could pull it off before congratulating them.
*Optimus chuckles and warns Jetfire to be more cautious after looking up in ''Legends of the Microns'' but speaks to Jetfire immediately in ''Armada''. Jetfire mentions that he and Optimus fought together in the Air Brigade on Cybertron. After this, the shot of Optimus is entirely redrawn with him facing the camera (see right), telling Jetfire not to let his guard down since they're on the front lines.
*Instead of Smokescreen snarking about Jetfire being lucky that Optimus showed up, he laments how he, Hot Shot, and Blurr couldn't save Jetfire themselves. After this, Hot Shot says what a pain it was on how Thrust toyed with them, and in agreement, Blurr states that he's upset about their lack of foresight.
*In ''Armada'', after Jetfire says there's nothing to worry about now that he's here, Hot Shot snarks at him for forgetting his lesson to take things more seriously. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot interrupts Jetfire, tells him not to get carried away, and asks if he's already forgotten that they are on the front lines.
*During Rad's ending narration, he says Jetfire is slightly overconfident but raises the team's spirits despite his mistakes. Since ''Armada'' ignores the subplot on Jetfire's overconfidence, Rad says the team would need Jetfire's "contagious optimism" to face future battles.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Linkup Jet Prime Comparison.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|U.S. version (left), Japanese version (right)]]
*Although ''Legends of the Microns'' has numerous minor animation changes, "Linkup" is one of the most prominent examples as the number of errors puts this episode up there with "[[Decisive Battle]]." Multiple scenes were entirely redrawn and reanimated with higher quality animation than the ''Armada'' version. Among the changes: Jet Optimus with his Super Mode colors and the wrong legs were fixed, while numerous close-up shots were also redrawn.
*When Red Alert tells the kids about Optimus's status in the opening scene, the headlights on his chest are miscolored; this happens again when Rad contacts him later, but only Red Alert's left headlight is miscolored. The Japanese dub replaces the later shot of Red Alert with high-quality animation (see above).
*Static shots of Jetfire and the kids and a scene of Hot Shot from later in the episode are used during the opening dialogue. ''Legends of the Microns'' has new fully animated scenes (see above).
*During the close-up of Demolishor after zooming into the Decepticon base, the brown on the right side of his face "bleeds" into the outer yellow part.
*Demolishor's mouth moves while the shot pans from him to Starscream and Cyclonus, but he's not talking. The Japanese dub fixes the issue by panning to Cyclonus and Starscream faster.
*During Cyclonus and Starscream's scene of finding enjoyment in Thrust's plan from the previous episode, their mouths don't move, and Starscream's wings are missing. The Japanese dub fixes these errors (see above).
*The background with the jagged edges surrounding Megatron while he laughs is mistakenly seen first since it's supposed to go over the background with the hole in the ship, as seen earlier while Demolishor was speaking; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this.
*When Megatron starts laughing on his throne, his face is miscolored as dark gray like his horns, and the black around his eyes are so thick they make his eyes look puny. The Japanese dub fixes Megatron's eyes but not his face color (see above). For some reason, ''Legends of the Microns'' makes Megatron's throne a single color in the same scene.
*The Decepticon [[insignia]] on Megatron's chest disappears in several scenes.
*When Smokescreen says, "It's Thrust?" he lacks his antenna/horn. He's missing it again when the Autobots are looking at Thrust on a monitor, a third time when he says, "Optimus sir," and a fourth time when the Autobots laugh at the end. Smokescreen's right eye looks bigger than his left, similar to Demolishor's in the next shot.
*During the continuous shot, while Blurr, Hot Shot, and Scavenger discuss Thrust, a sound effect plays when the camera moves to Hot Shot, but nothing is animated to justify it. ''Legends of the Microns'' reveals the sound effect is from Blurr moving his blaster, and he is redrawn accordingly.
**In the same scene, Scavenger says Hot Shot would've been "too young to battle on Cybertron" to know about Thrust. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the wording so that Scavenger says Hot Shot would've been relatively young ''during'' that battle.
*Alexis is missing during the shot of Fred, Billy, Carlos talking about Thrust and Jetfire.
*When Rad translates what High Wire is trying to tell Jetfire, Rad says "They" (referring to High Wire, Sureshock, and Grindor) instead of "He." When Jetfire asks why High Wire didn't tell him earlier about the suspicious bot flying over the base in the Japanese dub, Rad translates that High Wire said ''he'' did say that before.
*After seeing Thrust on the monitor, Scavenger has a shadow under his right eye; ''Legends of the Microns'' removes it.
*In the shot of the children, Smokescreen, Jetfire, and Hot Shot looking at the monitor, the Autobot symbol on Jetfire's chest is missing.
*When Sureshock and Alexis speak, the scene cuts to a still of a later shot of Smokescreen, Jetfire, and Hot Shot; it's reused seconds later as they react to seeing Thrust on the monitor. Their mouths don't move, the railing the kids are leaning against is missing, and there's an awkward silence before Jetfire leaves the scene. First, ''Legends of the Microns'' adds a new scene of Sureshock while the kids are in the background when she and Alexis speak (see above). Then, in the later shot, the railing is there, the Autobots' mouths now move with Hot Shot and Smokescreen having lines, and when Jetfire runs off, he goes entirely off-screen with Hot Shot reacting to it.
*When Jetfire flies after Thrust, the Decepticon's glare is miscolored orange; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects it and makes it white.
*One shot shows Jetfire flying towards the Decepticons and the Mini-Cons but no sign of Thrust in front of him, only for Thrust to suddenly return in the next shot; the Japanese dub fixes this by replacing Jetfire with Thrust.
*As Laserbeak flies ''behind'' Thrust, the Decepticon's underbelly stops moving, and despite going behind Thrust, Laserbeak can still get a clear picture of what's going on. The monitor shows a still image with ''Jetfire'' in the shot among the Decepticons, and later the monitor shows another still image of the 'Cons without Jetfire. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Laserbeak goes under Thrust, whose underbelly doesn't stop moving.
*For most of the episode, the Autobot HQ monitors display a bright-colored picture similar to a first-person POV shot instead of images on a screen. They're all animated to look like live video feeds in ''Legends of the Microns'' (see above).
*The Japanese dub replaces Jetfire's profile shot while preparing to fire his Plasma Blaster at Cyclonus with high-quality animation with proper coloring, shadows, and additional details (see above).
*Jetfire's blast is a plain straight shot, but it's out of proportion and wide enough to take up most of the two shots it's in; in ''Legends of the Microns'', the red beam is narrower and has branches along the sides.
*When Thrust states that he didn't think Jetfire would attack, Thrust is miscolored orange.
*In one shot, Jetfire moves away from the camera before it zooms toward his leg for an extreme close-up, and he isn't animated. ''Legends of the Microns'' only has Jetfire come toward the camera, and as he does, we get an animated close-up of him from top to bottom. In the next shot, ''Armada'' has Jetfire unanimated over clouds moving in the background. ''Legends of the Microns'' has higher quality animation; Jetfire moves away from the camera with his Plasma Blaster visible and repositions his legs.
*During Thrust's cross-fire attack, Jetstorm is miscolored gray, and the shots fired by Cyclonus and the Mini-Cons are yellow instead of purple. They're fixed in the Japanese dub.
*Hot Shot's position changes between shots as the other Autobots prepare to leave and help Jetfire.
*As Smokescreen readies to launch the Skyboom Shield, a laser blast is heard, but Smokescreen doesn't react as his close-up remains static. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds a new shot with Smokescreen at a distance, showing his Longarm Launcher getting blasted and him reacting to it (see above).
*When Rad calls Red Alert for an update on Optimus, Rad points at the console. ''Legends of the Microns'' animates his arm going out of frame.
*In the shot of Blurr, Smokescreen, and Hot Shot taking cover after Demolishor asks where Optimus is, Smokescreen's longarm cannon is miscolored as dark blue in ''Armada''. The Japanese dub makes it the correct shade.
*The ends of Starscream's Null Laser Cannons are miscolored red, and the blasts look like individual shots in the first shot of them going through the clouds. The Japanese dub corrects the Cannons' color and reanimates the initial shot, so the blast looks like a single beam.
*While Hot Shot, Blurr, and Smokescreen take cover behind the Skyboom Shield as Demolishor fires at them, the shield glows in its close-up shot, but it isn't in the next one. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes it, so the shield glows in both shots.
*Hot Shot, Smokescreen, Blurr, Sideways, Demolishor, and Megatron seem to be positioned wrong in their face-off shots together as the 'Cons look and fire downward, but the Autobots are above them.
**Sideways and Demolishor are also slightly off-model in the two shots with Megatron's legs on either side in the foreground; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects them.
*In the overhead shot of Hot Shot, Blurr, and Smokescreen retreating, Smokescreen doesn't have the Skyboom Shield.
*In the shots after Megatron shows up with the Autobots in the background, Smokescreen's crane looks undamaged.
*Thrust refers to the Air Military Mini-Con Team as the Air ''Defense'' Team (which is concurrently busy being the Star Saber). He uses the correct term in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When Megatron attacks Smokescreen with the Star Saber, the Skyboom Shield is miscolored blue and orange like the Autobot's body. In addition, Smokescreen's arm is miscolored to match the shield; it's corrected in the Japanese dub.
*Alexis asks, "Who's that?" (which is grammatically incorrect), after which there is a "Humph" sound, and Alexis says someone's on the launching dock. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the grammar error as Alexis now asks, "''What'' is that?" Then Scavenger asks what's going on, and Alexis says the launch gate has been activated.
*When setting the warp coordinates for Optimus, Scavenger refers to them as the ''"landing"'' coordinates, but there's no such thing as landing in midair. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Scavenger says "the ''arrival point''" instead.
*After Optimus falls past Thrust while freefalling, Carlos and Fred let out cheerful and encouraging screams for Optimus despite having worried facial expressions; Carlos's mouth is always open while only Fred's mouth moves. In ''Legends of the Microns'', they're afraid Optimus will get smashed to bits from the fall after Thrust dodges him; their mouths are also reanimated as Carlos speaks first and Fred talks after him. Billy looks shocked with his mouth agape in both versions.
*During the quick cuts as Prime approaches Jetfire, the area under Optimus's eye is miscolored red; the Japanese dub corrects it.
**An extra frame is added before each cut of Optimus closing in on Jetfire, so the movement appears jagged. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the added frames, making Optimus's movement fluid by comparison.
*Jet Optimus is drawn incorrectly three times: when firing at Starscream, his chest is colored red instead of white and has a red Decepticon insignia; after that, as he grabs Demolishor, his legs are shown as those of his trailer; and later, when Jet Optimus is landing on the island, he is shown with his lower body being from his trailer, instead of them being Jetfire. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes all of these errors.
*When Starscream falls through the clouds after he's shot down, the cloud wisps are miscolored like dark gray smoke; ''Legends of the Microns'' correct it.
*Megatron lacks the shadow around his eyes after seeing Starscream fall. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds them back.
*In the shot of Megatron falling, he doesn't have the Star Saber.
*Multiple times, Carlos's eyes have whites, but ''Legends of the Microns'' removes them.
*In the shot of the Autobots at the end, Blurr's model is incomplete, Smokescreen's crane hook is miscolored gray, and Jetfire's face is partially miscolored white. ''Legends of the Microns'' only fixes the error with Blurr.

===Continuity notes===
*Thrust seeing the shooting stars as a sure sign of victory continues his quirk of playing fortune-teller as previously established in "Tactician."
*The [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada War]]<ref>The name given in the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] story, ''[[Force of Habit]]'', for the events that take place before and during the ''Armada'' cartoon, including "The Unicron Battles".</ref> is revealed to have taken place on countless other planets besides [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and [[Earth]]. Three known planets that the Decepticons triumphed in battle with the Autobots under Thrust's leadership are [[Vector]], [[Ogre]], and [[Duke (planet)|Duke]].
*This episode is the second time the Japanese dub mentions the Mini-Con [[Servility Program]], after introducing it in "[[Vow]]." However, it's the first and only time ''Armada'' brings it up.
*The beginning of Jetfire and Optimus's Powerlinx sequence, which remains in every appearance of the sequence afterward, results from their combination occurring midair. The toys can replicate the shield attaching to Optimus and the Plasma Blaster/thruster adhering to the shield.
*Strangely, the Jet Optimus transformation sequences don't have Optimus's mouthplate suffer the color-changing animation error present in the Super Mode Optimus sequence.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Megatron Powerlinx with the Star Saber.
**Optimus Prime and Jetfire Powerlinx for the first time, forming '''Jet Optimus'''. They're the first [[Transformer]]s to show the ability to Powerlinx (aside from the Mini-Cons) in the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]. [[Ask Vector Prime]] would establish in [[2015]] that [[Rhinox (Armada)|Rhinox]] made the combination modifications to Jetfire.
**Jet Optimus uses Jetfire's Plasma Blaster.

===Continuity errors===
*Optimus didn't seem so severely damaged at the end of "[[Tactician]]" that he'd require a whole episode in the repair bay. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert is simply doing maintenance work on Optimus.
*In the Decepticons' first scene, when Demolishor complains about Thrust, he refers to him as a military "leader" though he's a tactician; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this mistake.
*The color of Thrust's jet blasts alternates between orange and blue. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this and has them orange throughout the episode.
*During the shot of Jetfire and Billy talking, Rad is missing despite being there in the previous shot, but the Japanese dub fixes the error.
*Hot Shot asks Scavenger how "they" are supposed to land to help Jetfire out at sea as if he refers to the Autobots excluding himself and Scavenger. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot uses the correct word "we."
*After stock footage of Smokescreen readying his launcher, the shot cuts to a reused close-up shot of his face until the sound of an explosion is heard, the screen then switching to Hot Shot and Blurr. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds an animated shot of Smokescreen getting his crane-arm blasted off (see above); the Japanese dub also corrects Smokescreen's line and changes it from "Wait a second, who is that?" to "But who did that?!"
*When Megatron tries to strike the Autobots with the Star Saber, a big rock appears behind Smokescreen, and it's suddenly split in half; ''Legends of the Microns'' shows the Star Saber swipe across the scene and take out a chunk of the background.
*Optimus requests to be warped to Jetfire's coordinates but appears near Thrust instead. The Japanese dub fixes this error by having Prime ordering the others to send him to ''Thrust's'' position instead of Jetfire's.
*As Optimus freefalls toward Thrust, there's a shot of him with his arms ahead of him like Superman, but Optimus's arms are at his sides again when Thrust dodges him in the next shot. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this by having Prime's arms at his sides the whole time.
*After the scene of Carlos, Billy, and Fred's reactions, Optimus is seen with his thrusters active and cloud trails coming from his body. However, they are suddenly gone in the next shot of Optimus falling towards Jetfire. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes these details (see above).
*At the start of Jet Optimus's [[stock footage|combination sequence]], Jetfire first throws his gun and then his shield to Optimus to give him a makeshift jetpack, but it's the shield that attaches to Prime's back before the gun.
*Optimus and Jetfire's combined form is referred to as "Jet Convoy" (the Japanese name for Jet Optimus) throughout the episode after its debut.
*As Jet Optimus flies toward Demolishor, the background smoke is miscolored blue; the Japanese dub corrects it and makes the smoke dark gray. For some reason, during this shot in ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor's shots are fixed to be Decepticon purple instead of Autobot red as they are in ''Armada'', yet they're red in the next shot. ''Armada'' has Demolishor's shots miscolored red throughout.
*In the shots of Jet Optimus carrying Demolishor, dropping him, and the shot afterward, Jet Optimus appears to be hovering in ''Armada''; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this by adding the propulsion effect to Jet Optimus's feet.
*The shot of Sideways riding away after the battle is a recycled shot from "[[Gale]]"; the Japanese dub corrects it.
*In his ending narration for ''Armada'', Rad refers to this episode as an intro to Jetfire, which is false; he might mean Jetfire's personality since he technically first appeared in the previous episode.

===Trivia===
[[File:Linkup - No ML Title Card.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|]]
*The kanji 合身 is pronounced as ''gasshin''.
*Shooting stars on the Moon are impossible because it has no atmosphere to burn objects.
*According to ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'':
**This episode displays Jetfire's light-hearted personality to show his difference from Optimus since it would've been difficult if they were both calm and collected leaders.
**This episode shows how Thrust is an effective tactician, making double or triple strategies, and how dangerous the Decepticons can be when they fight with proper strategy rather than brute force.
*This episode is a rare instance of no title card appearing in ''Legends of the Microns'', with the title instead appearing over Optimus getting repaired. It happens again later in "[[Cramp]]."

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le remplaçant'''" ("The Substitute")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 24]], [[2004]]
::*This is the last surely dubbed episode. It is unknown if the rest of the series has been dubbed and broadcast.

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Der Powerlink'''" ("The Powerlink")
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Csatlakozás'''" ("Joining")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ben tornato Jetfire'''" ("Welcome Back Jetfire")
::*After Thrust talks about the stars being a sign of Megatron's victory, in English only Megatron is heard laughing, while, in Italian, also Thrust's laugh is heard.
::*While in English Smokescreen knows Thrust's name since he says: "It's Thrust?", in Italian he asks who he is and Scavenger tells him that his name is Thrust.
::*"Two birds with one stone" is translated as "two pidgeons with a single shot" despite the Italian equivalent being "two pidgeons with one broad bean".

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''스나이퍼 vs 제트파이어'''" ("Sniper vs Jetfire")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Połączenie'''" ("Link")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Conexão'''" ("Connection")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 7 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:09 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Tactician

2026-01-24T01:54:38Z

Chase eX: /* Synopsis */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=25
|prev=Chase (episode)
|next=Linkup
|title="Tactician"
|furigana=ちえもの
|japanese=軍師
|romaji=Chiemono
|translation=Tactician: Wise Person
|image=Arm_ep_25_thrust_sky.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-25
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]]
|director=[[Satoru Kusuda]], [[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[January 28]], [[2003]] (UK, English premiere) [[January 30]], 2003 (USA) [[June 27|27 June]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''A new figure emerges, throwing the balance of power among the Decepticons out of whack.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Arm ep25 jetfire in space.JPG|left|thumb]]
A space shuttle is cruising through space when it encounters a bizarre flying object. Unable to hail the thing, the crew braces as it scans their shuttle. The object then flies off, revealing itself to be a look-alike for the said shuttle.

[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] then tells the other kids about the incident, but no one except [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] appears to take him seriously.

On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], an invisible figure approaches the Decepticon base. He strolls into the facility, opening a door; inside the room are several [[Mini-Con]]s the being says are locked away. One of them, [[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]], bravely walks forward and gets chosen to be this invisible figure's Mini-Con. The rest, trembling earlier, are left in the room when the form leaves them, and the door is closed.

[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] flies over a battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. The kids ask where [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] is and are relieved to see that he's on the battlefield. Expressly, the kids are relieved that Sideways cannot hack into their system again, and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] informs them that he put a new firewall into place so that another incident can't happen again.

[[File:Arm ep 25 blurr head dance.JPG|thumb|]]
Laserbeak then spots a Mini-Con crystal embedded in the side of the canyon where the battle is taking place, and so [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] volunteers to retrieve it. [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] orders [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] to intercept, but [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] shoots Cyclonus down. The fight soon degenerates into a brawl, with Megatron forming the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] using the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] as a counter. Overhead, the same invisible figure notes how poorly the Decepticons are fighting and questions why Megatron is only using the Saber at half strength. Scavenger and Laserbeak note that someone else is on the battlefield, but as they've already retrieved the crystal and Megatron has ordered a retreat, they seem to pay it no further heed.

Back on the Moon, Megatron is about to take the Decepticons to task for their recent failure when Cyclonus and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] start in on each other. Their fight is interrupted by a mysterious voice scrutinizing all of them for their loss. Demolishor sees Inferno in the back of the room and charges towards him, but the invisible figure trips him up. The form continues to criticize the Decepticons and then apologizes to Megatron for his late arrival. The entity then reveals himself to be [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], who Megatron refers to as his “dear, dear friend” and welcomes him to Earth.

Later on, a furious Demolishor punches a wall out of anger over his being humiliated. Demolishor expresses his rage towards Thrust, only to have Cyclonus and [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] point out that Thrust is a master of mimicry who has never suffered defeat in combat. Demolishor comments about seeing how good Thrust is by making him go up against the Autobots. Sideways then looks around the room but says that it was nothing when Starscream asks what Sideways is doing. The scene ends with a shot of a cloaked Thrust walking out of the room.

Back on Earth, [[Rad White|Rad]], Alexis, and [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] cheer over the new arrival—the Mini-Con [[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]]. The [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] greets Prowl, with [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] volunteering to show him around. [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]], Smokescreen, and [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] celebrate their new victory but soon get into a spat with Red Alert and Smokescreen, who advocate caution. They are interrupted by Optimus, who they tell that nothing is happening.

On the Moon, Starscream is practicing while Demolishor and Cyclonus watch. They banter a little bit about how Thrust is their new secret weapon, then note that Sideways has gone missing again; it's speculated that he may be taking a nap. Instead, Sideways drives off in motorcycle mode while Thrust watches.

[[File:Arm ep25 megs and thrust.JPG|left|thumb|He's the Escargoon to Megatron's Dedede.]]
Thrust is then seen in Megatron's throne room, discussing matters with Megatron. Thrust notes that Starscream is suited for second-in-command status but is otherwise not impressed with Megatron's soldiers. Thrust offers to go into battle with Megatron's soldiers to observe them, but with the stipulation that he can possess the Star Saber. Megatron initially refuses, but a beam of light shining into the throne room allows Thrust a chance to talk Megatron into it through metaphor.

The Decepticons, save for Sideways, are then assembled in the throne room. Megatron informs them that Thrust will lead the next mission, with Starscream as his second. Demolishor protests that Megatron told him he was the second in command, and Cyclonus adds that they don't know the plan. Demolishor and Cyclonus protest further when told to follow simple orders, but Megatron will have none of it.

At the Autobot base, a Mini-Con alarm goes off. Optimus tells Red Alert to stay back while the rest of the Autobots warp to the site.

At the alarm site, Cyclonus flies up to the others and notes that he destroyed the transmitter. Thrust orders Starscream to stand by with the Mini-Cons, and tells Megatron to hold onto the Star Saber for the time being.

The Autobots arrive at a gully; Optimus gives them marching orders, and they all enter. Starscream radios back to Thrust that the Autobots are falling for the trap, and Thrust orders him not to attack just yet. Thrust then takes off with the Air Defense Team, telling Megatron to wait there.

As the Autobots enter the gully, they get attacked from the air, driving them further into the ravine, where Demolishor and Sideways ambush them. Smokescreen takes cover behind the Skyboom Shield while the others duck behind some rocks. Thrust, Starscream, and the Mini-Cons attack from above. Thrust orders the others to focus on Smokescreen, and Cyclonus joins in with Sideways and Demolishor, resulting in Optimus telling the others to charge through. Just as Optimus blows past the three Decepticons, however, he is stopped by Megatron. Scavenger sees that Optimus needs help and rushes to take over the Skyboom Shield from Smokescreen. But then all of the Decepticons aside from Megatron start to concentrate their fire, pinning Scavenger, Smokescreen, and the Shield in place.

Megatron pulls out the Star Saber and tries to use it against Optimus. Optimus transforms into his truck mode (minus his trailer) and races backward into a clearing. Megatron follows Optimus and mocks him for his choice since he's now further away from the others. Optimus tries to fight Megatron, but Megatron overpowers him and prepares to deliver the killing blow.

Watching it on the monitor, the kids start to panic. However, Red Alert sees a bright flash of light and tells them to keep calm.

[[File:Arm ep25 jetfire.jpg|thumb|Not to be confused with [[Jetfire (G1)#The Transformers cartoon|Skyfire]]. Maybe.]]
That flash of light promptly shoots down the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]] before revealing itself to be an armed space shuttle. It starts to dogfight with Starscream, and then both transform into robot mode; the shuttle identifies himself as [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], second in command of the Autobots. Jetfire then promptly shoots Starscream down before strafing the gully, allowing the other Autobots to move forward, blast Sideways, Demolishor, and Cyclonus before jumping Megatron. Seeing that he's outnumbered now, Megatron orders everyone to retreat. Thrust protests the order but also falls back after getting shot by Jetfire.

Jetfire and the other Autobots share a moment as they finally meet back up. A voice-over by Rad talks about how, despite this being a quiet moment, the war was about to heat up, and Jetfire would play an important role.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (2)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (17)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (18)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (19)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (20)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (21)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (27)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (28)

|c2=
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (8)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (22)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (23)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (24)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (25)
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (26)

|c3=
*Shuttle Astronauts (1)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (3)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (4)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (5)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (6)
*[[Rad White]] (7)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Terradive (Armada)|Terradive]] (9)
*[[Gunbarrel (Armada)|Gunbarrel]] (10)
*[[Thunderwing (Armada)|Thunderwing]] (11)
*[[Knock Out (Armada)|Knock Out]] (12)
*[[Spin]] (13)
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (14)
*[[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]] (15)
*[[Fetch]] (16)
*[[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (29)
*[[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (30)
*[[Liftor]] (33)
*[[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]] (31)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (32)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (33)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (34)
*[[Mirror]] (35)
}}

==Quotes==
"And if he does, we'll pound 'im!" 
"Pound 'im good!"
:—'''Billy''' and '''Fred''' on what they'll do to Sideways if he tries to hack them again.

"Oh, great, time to get shot at again. Why couldn't I have just been a normal 'bot working in a factory?"
:—'''Starscream'''

"I'm quite sure your plans are impeccable, Thrust, but my main concern is that my men aren't capable of following them."
:—'''Megatron''' has no faith in his troops.

"You better watch out, you better not cry, 'cause you're gonna get blasted!"
:—'''Cyclonus''' massacres the classics.

"We have to get out of this gully! Transform!" 
"Euuuaaagh! Just another day at the office."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' rolls for safety, '''Cyclonus''' has no idea he's not in an office.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*In ''Armada'', the shuttle pilot announces disengaging the autopilot. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he tells his crew to begin evasive maneuvers quickly. The Japanese dub goes silent until the pilot says they're under attack as something's gotten hold of the shuttle. While the shuttle gets scanned, the crew screams only for a second.
*Billy sounds indifferent about the two shuttles almost hitting each other in ''Armada'', but he asks Fred if it was just a near-miss in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then, in ''Armada'', Billy teases Fred for possibly hearing the story wrong; in ''Legends of the Microns'', Billy asks Fred what the second object could have been.
*In ''Armada''{{'}}s opening narration, Alexis says the others thought Fred was probably confused, but a larger mystery laid ahead. In ''Legends of the Microns'', she wonders what the mysterious object could be as they had no idea at the time.
*The Mini-Cons held in the random closet that Thrust accesses changes between the English and Japanese dubs; specifically, [[Knock Out (Armada)|Knock Out]] replaces [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]], and [[Dualor (Armada)|Dualor]] stands in for [[Mirror]], while the generic versions of [[Oval]] and [[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] become brighter. [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]] generic's colors are changed to match those of his [[Exdimensions]] toy, which would later be [[repurposing|repurposed]] as "[[Spin]]."
*Thrust says the Mini-Cons were locked away for years in ''Armada'' but doesn't mention any timespan in ''Legends of the Microns''. The Japanese dub adds an echo effect to Thrust's voice while he's cloaked.
*''Legends of the Microns'' plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Invincible Power]]" while ''Armada'' plays the insert Transformers theme when the kids find the Mini-Con panel.
*Smokescreen says, "That's as far as you go!" before shooting down Cyclonus.
*Megatron grumbles about Cyclonus getting beaten easily again in the Japanese dub, but about being saddled with embarrassing misfits in ''Armada''. Then Optimus orders the Autobots to cover Scavenger and change their formation, but Megatron says it won't make any difference.
*After summoning the Star Saber, Megatron says he's charging in alone in ''Legends of the Microns'' but orders his men to follow him in ''Armada''. Starscream complains about moving in to get reshot in ''Armada'' (quoted above), but in ''Legends of the Microns'', he says Megatron's action is rash, but it can't be helped as there's no other choice.
*''Armada'' plays "Invincible Power" when Megatron brings out the Star Saber. Then it switches back to the insert trance version of the theme tune as Optimus charges forward before playing "Invincible Power" again when Megatron orders a retreat. The Japanese dub continues playing "Invincible Power."
*While watching the battle, Thrust says Megatron should stop using the Star Saber at half its strength in ''Armada'' but says, "the universe's strongest sword will be in tears" if the Decepticons only fight with brute force in ''Legends of the Microns''. The scene goes silent until Smokescreen speaks. Then, in ''Armada'', Thrust asks why the Decepticons are weak. The Japanese dub makes it more explicit that Thrust is taking notes he will implement with his plan at the end of the episode, like noticing the Decepticons using only brute force and Smokescreen being integral in the Autobots' formation.
*Before he warps away, Megatron says, "I'll remember this!" instead of generically swearing that he will return.
*Amid their cheering, the kids say that the fight was too easy.
*Rather than shouting at his men for their incompetence, Megatron subtly says, "Damn it...Time and time again..." Cyclonus and Demolishor argue about one not backing up the other in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Cyclonus chides Demolishor for not using his head while Demolishor says Cyclonus keeps getting his head knocked around.
*After hearing Thrust the first time, Demolishor questioning Sideways is extended, and Sideways answers in ''Armada'' to fill in the Japanese dub's silence. Instead of calling the Decepticons a pitiful lot, Thrust insults Demolishor for not recognizing his own comrade's voices before sympathizing with Megatron's foul mood. Megatron laughs after Thrust trips Demolishor instead of talking. After revealing himself, ''Armada'' has Thrust say he arrived just in time while he assures Megatron doesn't need to worry now that he's there in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In ''Armada'', Demolishor is steamed about Thrust humiliating him. Starscream says Thrust is reportedly undefeated. Cyclonus claims Thrust is a "master of mimicry," able to copy his opponent's power via energy absorption. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor is frustrated by Thrust's arrival. Starscream says Thrust is the type to do anything to win. Then Cyclonus claims to have heard rumors about the "cold-blooded tactician, Thrust" and his perfect record of flawless plans. Starscream tells Demolishor that Thrust came not to fight but teach the Decepticons how to beat the Autobots in ''Armada''. Then Demolishor says he is unimpressed, and after noticing Thrust, Sideways tells Starscream nothing is wrong. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says Thrust is not someone who fights, yet they have to accept his battle commands, causing Demolishor's hatred for Thrust to grow. Then Sideways tells Starscream that he saw something suspicious.
*After Prowl and High Wire get introduced, Alexis says the latter should meet the other Mini-Cons, and Carlos says the Autobots should easily win the war at this rate.
*In ''Armada'', Red Alert says he prefers to "air on the side of caution," and Scavenger tells Hot Shot to quit messing around and listen to Red. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red says overconfidence can lead to mistakes, and Scavenger tells Hot Shot to listen since Red Alert is only worried about him.
*While watching Starscream swing his sword around, ''Armada'' has Cyclonus brag that the Decepticons can't lose now that they have Thrust as their secret weapon. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes the topic to Cyclonus quipping about the former thinking he can beat an enemy he can't see. Then Cyclonus tells Starscream that Sideways is taking a stroll; in ''Armada'', he merely guesses that Sideways is napping.
*Thrust tells Megatron that Starscream should be the Operational Commander. Though Megatron worries that might be a problem, Thrust assures him the operations will succeed as long as Starscream follows his instructions. Though he doesn't doubt Thrust's plans, Megatron says they're sometimes a handful and that he wants a total victory. Thrust thinks he will be fighting as well, and Megatron asks if he's willing to do that. Then Thrust says he needs the Star Saber, but Megatron is apprehensive. As the sun's rays shine upon the ground between them, Thrust claims it's a good omen that they have a clear path ahead, convincing Megatron to leave everything to him. The shot of Thrust at the end of the scene is silent. ''Armada'' has Thrust and Megatron mention the others more throughout the conversation.
*In ''Armada'', Demolishor says Megatron considered him second-in-command instead of Starscream. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says he doesn't know his role in Thrust's plan. Instead of telling Demolishor to stop his petulance, Megatron orders to prepare to leave and begin the attack immediately. Then he says he is looking forward to it after looking at Earth, seeing it as another positive sign. Thrust backs this up by saying all of the data points to a Decepticon victory.
*''Armada'' plays the theme song as the Autobots leave their base while ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "Let's Roll Out, Cybertrons!". Alexis tells the team to do their best before Carlos cheers them on in the Japanese dub.
*Scavenger comments on the gulley being narrow in ''Legends of the Microns'' but says it doesn't feel right in ''Armada''.
*After the first shots get fired in the gulley, Optimus tells the Autobots to take cover in ''Armada'' but to keep moving in ''Legends of the Microns''. When Cyclonus reappears, he explains the transmitter sent out a false signal to lure the Autobots into a trap.
*Optimus decides to try and break through the Decepticons after Scavenger's line of the Autobots' current formation, leaving them unable to counterattack. ''Armada'' plays the Transformers theme again here, while "Invincible Power" plays in ''Legends of the Microns''; both tracks end when Prime reverses into the clearing. Later, Scavenger says Prime is under threat from the Star Saber; he doesn't mention the sword in ''Armada''.
*After Optimus exits the chasm and enters the open field, Megatron mocks him for taking himself further away from any backup in ''Armada''. He taunts that Prime still can't hope to win, even in an open space, as he still lacks reinforcements in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When the ball of light appears, Alexis thinks of what it could be, Carlos says they're done for since it might be another enemy, and Red is silent.
*''Armada'' plays the insert theme song when Jetfire arrives in battle while ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "Charge!" instead. Jetfire announces his arrival by whooping in the Japanese dub.
*Demolishor asks what is happening in ''Armada'', but in ''Legends of the Microns'', Scavenger says the Autobots can now push through, and Demolishor says the Decepticons aren't letting that happen.
*Realizing he's been beat, Megatron gives Optimus the generic "It's not over yet" line in ''Armada'', while he says, "So much for a good omen..." in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After the Decepticons retreat, Jetfire comments that Thrust ignored him, and the overshot shot of him looking at the other Autobots is silent. He mocks them for being put on the ropes by the 'Cons and says Smokescreen is just as out of shape but later reveals he's just joking.
*In the ending narration for ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis says Jetfire turned out to be the strange object seen near Mars and notes how the Decepticons' battle plan differed from their past ones. In ''Armada'', Rad gives the narration instead; however, it focuses on Jetfire and strangely doesn't connect to Thrust though this is also his first appearance. He says Jetfire's arrival strengthened the Autobot team, and though the team got to share some laughs, Jetfire would play an essential role in future battles as things heat up.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Tactician-New-Shots.jpg|thumb|Japanese-exclusive shots.]]
*After the episode title card, the screen goes black as four seconds of animation are missing. ''Legends of the Microns'' inserts a shot of the Decepticon base (see right).
*Smokescreen's Longarm Cannon doesn't complete its animation during the opening battle; his cannon flips out but disappears back into its crane configuration before the beam comes from where the barrel should be.
*When Starscream is firing on Optimus Prime, his lower legs are miscolored all-white.
*When the Decepticons retreat, Starscream's sword is purple instead of red.
*Prowl is colored entirely green.
*After Demolishor punches the wall and when Starscream tells him that Thrust didn't come to fight, the top half of Cyclonus's chest is miscolored.
*The Autobot and Decepticon symbols are either drawn off-model or large dots in some shots.
*In Megatron's throne room after the mid-episode [[commercial bumper]], the sides of Starscream's head are miscolored to match his face.
*When cutting back to the Autobot base as the alarm sounds, the screen goes dark for seconds like earlier. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds a shot panning down to inside the base, reused from "[[Base]]" (see right), before cutting to Alexis, Rad, and Carlos running.
*The Decepticons and Mini-Con are very off-model in their shots on the high ledge.
*In both dubs, Megatron's line starts before his mouth moves when the Star Saber separates.
*When Optimus tells Smokescreen to take point, Smokescreen's antenna/horn is missing; it is missing again for two cuts when Scavenger moves to shield Smokescreen with the Skyboom Shield, and also when Scavenger tells Megatron to go home.
*In the gorge with Sideways and Demolishor, Cyclonus is tilting up, although his rotor blades make it seem like he's tilting forward. He's suddenly correctly positioned when Optimus drives beneath him.
*Optimus's feet are miscolored blue after bypassing Sideways, Cyclonus, and Demolishor.
*Immediately after Prime transforms, there's an awkward silence after Megatron demands him to freeze. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes it by giving Megatron an extra line so that he says, "Hold it! Your opponent...shall be me!"
*In one shot, Sideways, Cyclonus, and Demolishor look superimposed into another part of the ravine with Optimus and Megatron in the center, and the latter two look Mini-Con-sized.
*When Optimus flees from Megatron, the clearing's overhead shot makes Optimus look like a box truck instead of a standard semi.
*During the battle in the clearing, Optimus is only tall as Megatron's waist; just a few seconds earlier, he stood as high as Megatron's chest. However, Optimus is leaning at an angle when in the clearing, so his size difference may not be an error.
*When Jetfire appears near the end, Cyclonus's helicopter mode has four windows for a split second before he transforms inside the ravine.
*When he transforms after Jetfire, part of Starscream's head is miscolored like his face for a second.

===Continuity notes===
*This episode features the second time a Transformer scans an alt-mode since Optimus Prime did so in "[[Metamorphosis (Armada)|Metamorphosis]]."
*Thrust and the [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]] debut in this episode.
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', Inferno starts developing stealth capabilities after Thrust chooses him.
*During the canyon fight sequence, Starscream comments that he doesn't want to get reshot at; this seemingly throwaway line will set the stage for what happens in the upcoming episodes.
*The kids and Autobots mention Sideways's break-in a few times as it occurred in the [[Chase (episode)|previous episode]]. Alexis also mentions that Red Alert installed a new firewall to prevent it from happening again.
*Prowl appears for the first and last time in the cartoon. He'd later appear during the [[Unicron Battles]] in [[Linkage Part 13|issue #13]] of the ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'' comic.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert tells Hot Shot that one can make mistakes by being reckless, calling back to how Hot Shot's overconfidence made him lose the Star Saber in "[[Credulous]]."
*In [[2015]], [[Ask Vector Prime]] [[repurposing|repurposed]] the [[Exdimensions]] as entirely new characters, nicely in hand with [[Spin]]'s deco appearing in this episode.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Knock Out is present among the Decepticon Mini-Cons in [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]]'s place. It would be easy to write this off as simple model reuse since he defected to the Autobots in "[[Vow]]"; however, he is later seen in Decepticon possession in "[[Runaway]]" with all the other Mini-Cons that defected. Given that the Decepticons stole [[Spiral]] offscreen, the Decepticons possibly stole these Mini-Cons back offscreen too.
*After his cameo in "[[Prehistory]]" and seeing his silhouette in the past episode, Jetfire formally debuts in this episode.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Thrust has invisibility/stealth capabilities; the ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' explains digital compositing made the effect.
**According to Cyclonus, Thrust is a "master at mimicry," able to "duplicate the fighting power of his opponent, simply by absorbing their energy."
**The Air Military Mini-Con Team and [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]]s fire lasers in their vehicle modes.
**Thrust fires lasers from his wing missiles.
**Jetfire fires lasers from his wing missiles.
**Jetfire carries his shield for the first time.
**Jetfire uses his Plasma Blaster for the first time.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Megatron Powerlinx with the Star Saber.
**Smokescreen Powerlinx with Liftor.
**Optimus Prime, Smokescreen, and Scavenger Powerlinx with the Skyboom Shield for the first time.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:TacticianMiniConChanges.jpg|thumb|American group (top), Japanese group (bottom).]]
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] is shown in the same room as the Air Military Mini-Cons and Inferno; this is a continuity error, as they're all revealed to be on Earth with Megatron, though it could be just an example of model reuse.
*Megatron welcomes Thrust to ''Earth'' even though they are on Earth's ''moon''. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Megatron say that Thrust has finally arrived.
*The series never shows Thrust's proclaimed mimic ability; it's not an issue in the Japanese version since it never mentions any such power.
*Where did Billy and Fred disappear to in the middle of the episode before returning in the end?
*Optimus orders Smokescreen to take point in the ravine, with Hot Shot and Blurr staying together while Optimus and Scavenger take the lead. But when they enter the gully, Hot Shot leads with Smokescreen in the back and the rest in the middle. The Japanese dub fixes the mistake as Prime tells Smokescreen the Autobots will depend on his support as they enter formation, with Hot Shot paired with Blurr and Optimus with Scavenger.
*Cyclonus suddenly appears in helicopter mode alongside Sideways and Demolishor at the ambush point with no explanation given. The shot where he first appears also shows something resembling a transmitter located beneath him; this transmitter was absent in the shot of Sideways and Demolishor springing the ambush and isn't visible when Optimus tries to get through.
**Oddly, Cyclonus earlier told Thrust that he ''destroyed'' the transmitter. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this error by having Cyclonus say he ''installed'' the transmitter.
*''Armada'' completely ignores the point of the transmitter. ''Legends of the Microns'' clarifies that the Decepticons used it to trick the Autobots.
*After asking Megatron for the Star Saber, it's like Thrust suddenly changes his mind as he says Megatron can keep it for now, but he will need the sword to deal the final blow to Optimus, and Megatron is oddly okay with that. Thrust doesn't shift gears in the Japanese dub; he assures Megatron will have the Star Saber back to kill Prime himself, and Megatron tells Thrust he better remember that.
*After cornering Optimus, Megatron commands the Star Saber Mini-Cons to attack, but they never do, and Megatron has the Star Saber in his next scene. He calls the Mini-Cons to him instead in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When trying to pass the Skyboom Shield to Optimus, Scavenger refers to it as "''my'' shield." ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this grammar error.
*After Smokescreen shoots Megatron in the back, the shot of Optimus is reused from "[[Overmatch]]," but as a close-up, it has an overcast sky behind him even though it was clear a moment ago. The shot gets reused seconds later, but it suddenly changes to a medium close-up of Prime. The Japanese dub corrects the background, and it's a medium close-up shot both times to keep continuity.
*Hot Shot asks if it's Jetfire despite Optimus saying his name a few seconds ago. This mistake doesn't happen in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Why does Rad give the ending narration after Alexis gave the first? ''Legends of the Microns'' has Alexis give both monologues.
**The ending narration doesn't answer the question of the strange object's identity in the opening, reducing it to a throwaway detail. The Japanese dub includes mentioning Jetfire as the mysterious object in the beginning.

===Real-world references===
*While arguing with Demolishor in the Japanese dub, Cyclonus says to him, "Dem's fightin' words!"
*Cyclonus briefly does a riff on the song, "{{w|Santa Claus is Coming to Town}}" in the gulley.
*Scavenger says the Decepticons are all over the Autobots like "ants at a picnic," a phrase used to describe someone annoying.
*Thrust's personality was based on a '''Onmyōji''' (陰陽師), someone who practices '''{{w|Onmyōdō}}''' (陰陽道), a traditional Japanese system that's a blend of natural sciences and occultism based on the Chinese philosophies of Wuxing and Yin-and-Yang. True to the concept, ''Legends of the Microns'' portrays Thrust often using divination to plan strategies and determine omens of victory.

===Trivia===
*The furigana ちえもの could be read as 知恵者, although technically it would be pronounced as ''chie'''sha'''''. The kanji 軍師 would be pronounced as ''gunshi''.
*"Tactician" first aired in the United States on [[January 30]], [[2003]].
*[[Garry Chalk]] sounds very bored in this episode.
*The clip of Starscream with his miscolored white legs is shown on the preview used in the "Battle For The Mini-Cons" DVD.
*According to the ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'':
**Starscream's voice actor is the captain in the episode opening while Fred and Sideways's VAs play the pilots.
**This is the show's first episode to show both the Autobots and Decepticons gain a new member.
**Thrust's introduction marks a turning point in the show's story.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Tacticien'''" ("Tactitian")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 17]], [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A taktikus'''" ("The Tactician")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Piano di battaglia'''" ("Battle Plan")
::*In Billy's line: "No, you probably heard it wrong!", "heard" is changed to "saw", although Fred didn't actually see it! Then, when Fred suggests that the accident was caused by a meteor, in Italian he says "a meteorite" (which makes no sense since meteorites are on Earth).

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''투명로봇 스나이퍼'''" ("Invisible Robot Sniper")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Strateg'''" ("Strategist")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Tático'''" ("Tactician")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 7 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:09 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Battle for the Mini-Cons ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Chase (episode)

2026-01-23T20:56:14Z

Chase eX: /* Differences with Legends of the Microns */

{{disambig3|Chase}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=24
|prev=Rebellion (Armada)
|next=Tactician
|title="Chase"
|furigana=かげ
|japanese=幻影
|romaji=Kage
|translation=Illusion: Shadow
|image=chasesideways.jpg
|caption="Topham, help me! I'll turn myself in I swear!" "End of the line, slaghead."
|production code=TF: A-24
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Ryō Motohira]]
|director=[[Mihiro Yamaguchi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]], [[Studio Guts]], [[Big Bang (company)|Big Bang]]
|airdate=[[January 27]], [[2003]] (UK, English premiere) [[January 29]], 2003 (USA) [[June 20|20 June]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''The kids and their transforming partners are sucked into a digital world of Sideways's creation, where they meet a truly frightening harbinger of Chaos.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] complains about being bored with hanging out in the [[Autobot]] base all the time. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] tells him that being in the Autobot base is serious business. [[Rad White|Rad]] does his best to calm Alexis, and Carlos references the Autobots' sound defense system, but Alexis refuses to chill and assertively walks off with Sureshock.

Elsewhere, the Autobots fight the [[Decepticon]]s.

Alexis panics because she can't locate anything on the Autobots' radar, as the Autobots' monitors are all solid black. When Alexis's laptop freezes, Rad speculates that the technical problems could be an internet virus or a hacker. Alexis confirms Rad's suspicions and takes countermeasures, but it's too late. The kids watch as the virus devours their system.

Desperate, Alexis tries to hard reboot, then disconnects by removing her computer's network wire. The [[Mini-Con]]s try to deactivate the rest of the Autobot computers; however, physics take a back seat as the digital disruption spreads off the monitors and forms a spatial anomaly inside the room, solidifying into the shape of [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]].

[[File:Screenshot-arm-24-1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Rad and Carlos catch a bad case of Photoshop.]]
With Alexis's best efforts at a technical solution rendered useless, Rad tries to disengage Sideways by literally smashing the Autobots' computer consoles. Alexis and Carlos join in the destruction, causing Sideways to disintegrate and get sucked into a vortex from one of the Autobot monitors. In Sideways's place, a colorful show of light shines on the kids and their Mini-Cons, sucking the "spirits" out of their bodies and sending the kids into the same vortex that swallowed Sideways.

At the battle, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] notices [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] fall (and [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] steps on it). [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] knows this means something has happened to the kids. [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] arrive in the Autobots' control room and find the bodies of their friends unresponsive to any stimuli and glowing in eerie inverted colors. The Mini-Cons are also affected, and Fred concludes that someone turned their friends into [[zombie]]s.

The three kids and the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Team]] (who are not zombies) find themselves in an area with no ground, only a few abstract shapes floating in the air. Soon as Rad and Carlos begin to have fun swimming around this reality, Sideways drives up and introduces the kids to [[Cyberspace]]. He claims there's no way out of Cyberspace and tries to take one of their Mini-Cons. The kids speed away from the Decepticon.

[[File:Screenshot-arm-24-2.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|The recolors now show up before the actual character.]]
Eventually, the kids fall into an area that looks like outer space, with the six of them floating towards what appears to be [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Passed by two light flashes, the kids see a strange glowing purple shape, followed by a dark blue form with yellow bursts behind it.

Passing right through Cybertron (instead of crashing), Sideways reappears (holding [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]]) and reveals that everything the kids see in Cyberspace is an illusion. Alexis considers this and openly speculates that if Sideways was in control of the illusion, he could seize all the Mini-Cons and wouldn't need to make demands. Sideways gets angry, confirming her theory.

In reality, the Autobots have returned from battle and are confused by the comatose kids and smashed machinery. Fred suggests using Alexis's laptop as a starting point for figuring out what's going on.

[[File:Screenshot-arm-24-3.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Look familiar?]]
In Cyberspace, Sideways grows frustrated with the kids, who have figured out that he can't harm them. Sureshock escapes Sideways's non-existent clutches and floats back to his friends. Seriously angered, Sideways opens fire on the kids, but the kids are entirely uninjured.

When a roaring is heard, Sideways suddenly apologizes to the kids and asks them to keep the entire encounter a secret. Alexis gets a strong feeling of some overwhelming evil, and Rad thinks that's a sign the kids should go now. Possibly thanks to Red Alert's programming, a white square becomes visible in Cyberspace. The kids head for the light and barely escape consumption by a massive circular singularity.

At the Autobot base, Rad wakes up and finds the other two kids, and the Mini-Cons made it out of Cyberspace alive; even Laserbeak survived getting stepped on. Everybody has a big laugh, and Rad closes by wondering what that sinister evil force was.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (10)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (11)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (15)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (17)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (18)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (19)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (8)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (9)
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (12)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] (1)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (2)
*[[Rad White|Rad]] (3)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (13)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (14)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (4)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (5)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (6)
*[[Mirror]] (16)

|c5=Other|c5=
*[[Unicron]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==
"Holy guacamole! It's Sideways!"
:—'''Carlos''', not being a horrible ethnic stereotype at all

"I guess this means I'm gonna miss lunch. My blood sugar is getting dangerously low, Billy!"
:—'''Fred''', with his mind on the essential things

"Oh, yay. I'm surrounded by morons."
:—'''Alexis''', in exasperated female anime cliché mode

""Internet"? Speak English, wouldja?"
:—'''Sideways''' doesn't know what the Internet is, and that's probably for the best.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*''Armada'' extends Carlos's line about the importance of looking after the base. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Carlos say he's tired of hearing that protecting the base is an important job. Then ''Armada'' adds Alexis demanding Carlos not to mock her. Rad says nothing ever happens whenever the kids guard the base, but he tells Alexis to stop being paranoid like the Decepticons will attack in five minutes in ''Armada''.
*In ''Armada'', Alexis goes off at the boys for telling her to relax and implores them on how they must always be ready before calling them hopeless. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the boys calling the new defense system ''perfect'' and believing the Decepticons can ''never'' warp into the base again makes Alexis snap at them since she says they aren't sure. Before calling Rad and Carlos "hopeless children," Alexis says the Decepticons are determined, and they have no way of knowing what they're planning or how they'll attack. The scene is silent when Alexis walks off.
*Rad's opening narration in ''Armada'' is how he and Carlos knew Alexis was right about Megatron attacking the base at any time but hated her for rubbing it in their faces and sometimes treating them like they're still little kids. ''Legends of the Microns'' gives the narration a serious tone and foreshadows the episode's upcoming event as Rad reflects on how they shouldn't be quick to say "never," and how the kids would quickly learn the truth behind the adage, "Never say never."
*During the shot of laser fire in the dust cloud, ''Armada'' gives Hot Shot an extra line to remove the silence.
*Depending on the dub, the children's dialogue hits different points:
**''Armada'' has Alexis say that she can't locate the Autobots, while she asks where the Mini-Con is and says it's somewhere nearby in ''Legends of the Microns''. Following this, Carlos says Sideways vanished from the grid in ''Armada'' but says he can't see Sideways on the battlefield in ''Legends of the Microns''.
**Then, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad and Alexis don't mention the Decepticons, and Alexis doesn't know why her computer is acting up and why she can't communicate with Laserbeak.
**Rad says the base's AI is connected to Alexis's laptop, and a hacker or virus could be responsible if Alexis's computer also has an Internet connection.
**Alexis doesn't say her computer is rebooting and instead notices unknown content in the AI, confirming a hacker's presence. Then she tracks it instead of loading an anti-virus program. The shot of Alexis putting her screen on the base's monitor is silent.
**''Armada'' adds Rad and Carlos's lines to fill in the silence before Alexis talks. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis asks who could be responsible. Carlos says the Decepticons, and Rad thinks the Decepticons are trying to steal intel while the Autobots are away. Then Alexis says the virus is growing, that it's coming from her computer and it'll quickly breach the system, but she can't stop it. To cover the silence, ''Armada'' adds Carlos's line of how he should've stayed in bed.
**After Alexis says she can't disconnect, it's silent until after she takes out the wires. Then Alexis translates Sureshock as wanting to shut off the central computer to stop the virus in ''Armada'', but in ''Legends of the Microns'', Sureshock says to cut the whole base's power. In ''Armada'', Carlos's line about the monitor coming to life and his two lines afterward are filler. Rad asks Alexis if she's alright twice to cover the silence of the shot of Sideways materializing.
**After Carlos recognizes Sideways, Alexis asks why he's in the base, and Rad says it's not the time to wonder why since they need to stop Sideways. Rad curses before grabbing the metal rod, and while Carlos and Rad smash the console, they call Sideways a scumbag and traitor and demand him to leave, respectively. Unlike ''Armada'', Sideways's voice now sounds garbled and digitized. Later, the wide shot of the kids and Mini-Cons after Sideways disintegrates the ball of light takes up the screen is silent, and the kids' screams now sound otherworldly.
*Megatron doesn't say anything before punching Optimus as the latter reacts to Laserbeak falling instead.
*After finding Rad, Carlos, Alexis, and the Mini-Cons, Fred asks Billy what happened before Billy says he doesn't know but believes Megatron is responsible. Fred laments about the Autobots not being there. Instead of crying about his blood sugar (as quoted above), Fred asks Billy what they should do. Then, after seeing the others on the monitor, Billy reacts with shock in ''Armada'' but says Rad's name in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Rad thinks they are now in the fourth dimension in ''Armada'' but a dream world in ''Legends of the Microns''. ''Armada'' extends Carlos's line to begin as soon as the scene cuts away from Rad.
*Rad and Carlos aren't as noisy while they mess around, and instead of calling the boys morons (as quoted above), Alexis remarks they really are children.
*In ''Armada'', Sideways says he hacked the system to access the Autobots' database. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says he had to connect to the Internet to invade the base's network. Then he says the kids and their Mini-Cons' futile resistance brought them into his Cyberspace, rather than Sideways saying ''he'' brought them there to get rid of them as he does in ''Armada''.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', when asked about how he was able to breach the Autobot's network, Sideways plays dumb. Afterwards, he confesses that he used the Internet. In ''Armada'', Sideways is telling the truth, and he genuinely has no idea what the Internet is, despite being able to hack into the Autobot's base.
*The kids proceed to threaten Sideways in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' connects the kids' dialogue to their subplot. They tell him off for calling their resistance pitiful, saying they stayed at the base since they are fighting alongside the Autobots, not because they're useless. Then, in ''Armada'', Sideways mocks the kids and says the Autobots only pretended to let them help before demanding the Mini-Cons and threatening the kids. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he ridicules their belief in fighting beside the Autobots since the kids' opposition led to their current dilemma. Then he says the kids will be responsible if he takes the Mini-Cons, saying, "That's what fighting is like."
*After eluding Sideways, Rad states the obvious about the Mini-Cons in ''Armada'' but cheers about losing Sideways in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then Alexis and Rad admire the beauty of the sight before Rad questions whether or not they're all in a dream. Alexis's line about the constellations is ''Armada''-exclusive. Carlos agrees the place is beautiful but also thinks it's scary. Instead of Rad telling Carlos to stop whining, he says protecting the Mini-Cons and finding a way out will be their answer to Sideways. Then Alexis says they can't give up, but Carlos remains hesitant.
*When they see Cybertron, Rad says it appears they are going there, and Alexis asks why in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says they should check it out, and Alexis asks how they are supposed to get there. The kids are silent in the next shot. Carlos remarks about the passing light beams, and Alexis doesn't speak until she fears everyone crashing into Cybertron.
*After passing through Cybertron, Rad says it was just a hologram in ''Armada'' but realizes "the space" is an illusion in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then, after confirming Rad's suspicion, Sideways brags about how realistic it is in ''Armada'' but says that he created it in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus asks what happened before Red Alert says his line. Fred asks if the Autobots can use Alexis's laptop to reverse Sideways's intrusion, Red Alert says he could trace Sideways's path, and Optimus doesn't compliment Fred.
*After the kids figure out Sideways's inability to control the Cyberspace illusion, he starts panicking and apologizing to them in ''Armada'', but addresses an unseen entity in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then as the dark cloud approaches, Rad says they should run since it doesn't look like an illusion.
*After rescuing the others, Billy says he's unsure if stopping the virus did much to help the planet. Alexis sarcastically praising Billy and Fred is ''Armada''-exclusive. She is more gracious with her praise in the Japanese dub. Then, rather than say they should celebrate, Fred wants to imagine the look on Sideways's face.
*In ''Armada'', Alexis tells Carlos they did see Cybertron unless they dreamt the whole thing. In ''Legends of the Microns'', she wonders what the other things they saw were.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Red Alert tells the kids that the original Laserbeak could not be retrieved, but he built a newer, upgraded model. In ''Armada'', Red Alert tells the kids Laserbeak was destroyed in combat until everyone is caught off-guard by Laserbeak's return.
*In Rad's closing narration in ''Armada'', he sometimes can't believe what happened wasn't a dream and says only time will tell if the kids really saw Cybertron and an evil force more powerful than Megatron. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad recalls how amazing the whole experience was, including seeing Cybertron, but wonders why the kids couldn't remember it.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Chase Prime.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Yeah, baby. Sing...for the King."]]
*The Transformers' models later look low-quality in the second glimpse of the battle compared to their earlier models.
*The brightness level of the Cyberspace backgrounds sometimes increases between shots.
*The background shifts slightly as Sideways circles the kids and Mini-Cons.
*The silhouettes of both [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]'s and [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]'s Cybertronian modes differ from their respective close-up shots. Tidal Wave looks more round and compressed, and Jetfire has a silhouette of the Earth-based shuttle mode he acquires in the [[Tactician|next episode]].
*Cybertron looks identical after the kids and Mini-Cons pass through it when it should be flipped horizontally like a mirror image.
*Sideways has blocky fingers when he first grabs Sureshock, but they later become rounded.
*In the Autobot group scene where Red Alert reports that his scans indicate Sideways's work, Optimus's crotch is huge.
*The kids call Sureshock "Grindor" when telling the Mini-Con to escape from Sideways. They call Sureshock by her proper name in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Fred and Billy's mouths don't move as they tell Rad to wake up.

===Conitinuity notes===
*In the opening, Rad, Alexis, and Carlos reference the time the Decepticons invaded the Autobot base back in "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]."
*This episode gives a new meaning to the "virus" insults that Sideways received in "[[Credulous]]."
*According to Alexis's laptop, the date is [[February 4]], [[2002]], becoming somewhat redundant when the show was later established to take place in [[2010]].
**The time Alexis runs the scan on her laptop is 19:7:10 (7:07 pm). What are 11-13-year-olds still doing out at this time? Man, they have some cool parents.
*One of the brightly-colored objects that the kids pass before they go through Cybertron is Jetfire in his Cybertronian vehicle mode, drawn as Generation 1 [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'s VF-1S fighter mode.
*The other brightly colored object, outlined in purple, is Tidal Wave's Cybertronian form. It partially resembles Generation 1 [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in his laser cannon mode. Perhaps not coincidentally, Tidal Wave was known as Shockwave in Japan.
*Indicating that he wasn't playing dumb as Alexis believed, Sideways (and probably, by proxy, the rest of the [[Transformer]]s in general) doesn't know what the [[Internet]] is.
*The past few episodes have heavily implied that Sideways is serving an unseen entity; this is one of the few instances in the early part of ''Armada'' portraying Sideways as an individual, rather than the extension of Unicron that he is later shown to be.
**The ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' cartoon and by extension, the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron: Balancing Act|Cybertron]]'' comic would later establish that Sideways and [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] cut a deal with Unicron. Given that Sideways and the [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] [[Noisemaze Mass Production Type Version|natives]] all share a body ''very'' different to Sideways's ''Armada'' body, it would suggest that his consciousness was shifted into a puppet-like shell Unicron could use to control him.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Optimus uses his Big Punch attack against Megatron.

===Continuity errors===
*Carlos says Red Alert is out on patrol, although he is seen fighting the Decepticons with the other Autobots. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this with Carlos saying instead that Red Alert left with the others.
*It's as if Rad completely forgot about the Decepticons attacking the base in "Swoop"; Carlos even mentions the protective shield from that episode. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this issue with Alexis outright asking Rad if he's forgotten about that. Then Carlos and Rad say Red Alert renovated the base's defense system afterward, and the Decepticons won't be able to warp into the base anymore.
*When the base gets hacked, the kids talk about the virus destroying a program but never specify what it is or what it does. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes all mentions of a program.
*Rad gives an overcomplicated explanation of Alexis's computer program transmitting her commands through "microwaves" from the base, saying that Alexis might've picked up a virus because of how the laptop connects to the "microwave tower" through the Internet. Without in-depth research on how the Internet works, Rad couldn't possibly deliver such an interpretation. The Japanese dub simplifies Rad's reasoning, making it easier for viewers to understand.
*Rad suspects Megatron of already stealing the Autobots' intel, but how would he know that? ''Legends of the Microns'' removes this.
*Rad makes the crazy claim that they've been disconnected from the net, but how would he know after just looking at the monitor? ''Legends of the Microns'' changes this to Rad urging Alexis to disconnect.
*As Sideways materializes, Rad suddenly says they can't turn the power off though it has nothing to do with what he's seeing. Rad says nothing can come out of the monitor since the power ''is'' off in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Alexis accuses Sideways of hacking "our" computer even though it was just her laptop. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this error.
*Where were Billy and Fred, and what were they doing before Rad, Alexis, Carlos, and their Mini-Cons got sucked into Cyberspace? It's like they conveniently dodged a bullet so they could be heroes in this episode.
*After Sideways confirms the Cyberspace is an illusion, why does Alexis continue saying it only exists in the children's minds? She doesn't say this in the Japanese dub.
*Carlos, Alexis, and Rad forget to mention the other things they saw besides Cybertron, i.e., Tidal Wave and Jetfire's obscure forms. Alexis brings them up in the Japanese dub.
*Red Alert is surprised by Laserbeak's appearance in the end, like Laserbeak managed to survive somehow miraculously. ''Legends of the Microns'' shows that's not the case as, despite being unable to retrieve Laserbeak, Red Alert reveals that he upgraded Laserbeak again.
*The episode forgets about the minor subplot established in the opening of the children being fed up with the Autobots leaving them in the base. ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't and addresses it in the middle of the episode as the kids confront Sideways.

===Transformers references===
*The version of Unicron shown in this episode is based on the [[Unicron/Generation 1|G1 version]] rather than the ''Armada'' version.

===Real-world references===
*Alexis's laptop uses {{w|Microsoft Windows}} and {{w|Internet Explorer}}.
*"gundamfinal"{{sic}} is mentioned in among the coding jargon that Red Alert types into the computer to release the kids from Cyberspace. A reference to the various ''{{w|Gundam}}'' toy and model lines by [[Bandai]]. ''Gundam'' also happens to be an inspiration for some of the ''Armada'' designs by [[Aaron Archer]], most notably, Optimus Prime's [[Super Mode]].

===Trivia===
*The kanji 幻影 would be pronounced as "''gen'ei''," while "''kage''" uses 影 in this episode's context.
*Also present among the lists of coding jargon that Red Alert types into the computer are more random words and phrases; some of the most visible examples include: "BigBang," "NOmoreWar," "ThisisapenWhoareyouHowolderyou," "YoungBloods," "TransformersGX." There also appear to be possible uses of romanized Japanese in the mix. What any of this stuff means is beyond us. Many of it seems to be inside jokes or a test to see ''[[User:Fanofcoolstuff27|who]]'' is paying attention to these small details.
*This episode is one of few in the series with no music differences between the dubs besides the episode title card and mid-episode [[commercial bumper]]s.
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'':
**After telling Sideways that they're fighting with the Autobots and not just staying at the base, [[Hidehito Ueda]] didn't know how to see the kids staying behind at Autobot HQ in future episodes, regarding the reason as an excuse in hindsight.
**The team wanted to tease Unicron's appearance casually before revealing him fully near the show's end. Unicron's teased appearance in this episode made American fansites go into a frenzy.
*This is one of the few episodes with a lot of focus on the kids.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Un virus envahissant'''" ("An Invasive Virus")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 10]], [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hipertér'''" ("Hyperspace")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Illusione'''" ("Illusion")
::*When Alexis mentions the Internet, in Italian she simply says "the Net"... but then Sideways actually calls it "'''Internet'''"! How he managed to get the name without having heard about it before is a mystery we'll never solve...

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''이상한 경험'''" ("Strange Experience")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Porwanie'''" ("Abduction")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Caçada'''" ("Hunt")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 6 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Battle for the Mini-Cons ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Rebellion (Armada)

2026-01-23T05:27:26Z

Chase eX: /* Continuity errors */

{{Picsneeded}}
{{disambig2|the ''Armada'' episode|the ''Prime'' episode|Rebellion (Prime)}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=23
|prev=Vow
|next=Chase (episode)
|title="Rebellion"
|furigana=かくご
|japanese=謀反
|romaji=Kakugo
|translation=Rebellion: Resolution
|image=Rebelliontitle.jpg
|caption=One small step for schemers, one giant leap to overthrow a guy called Megatron.
|production code=TF: A-23
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Takashi Sano]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[January 26]], [[2003]] (UK, English premiere) [[January 28]], 2003 (USA) [[June 13|13 June]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''One fine day on the Moon. Sideways manipulates, Starscream evaluates. Cyclonus snores, Megatron roars. You'll always have Demolishor!'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Armada Rebellion Megs SS abuse1.jpg|left|thumb|And the fangirls go WILD.]]
Alone on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] notes that [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s poor leadership is the key to the [[Decepticon]]s' recent string of losses—Sideways must do something if he wants to keep the conflict going. As he records, he gazes at the sky, a dark region of deep space without stars.

Soon afterward, Megatron and the other Decepticons return from battle, called back by Sideways, who claims to be suffering from damage in his leg. Megatron is unimpressed and annoyed, and even more annoyed when, practically in mid-sentence, [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] takes a nap.

[[File:Rebellionbadreception.jpg|thumb|Man, the Cartoon Network reception up here is terrible.]]
When [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] arrives, Megatron brutalizes and belittles him as punishment for failing during battle, even though he was only obediently operating under Megatron's direct orders. [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] blasts into the room and intervenes, possibly saving Starscream's life. Megatron leaves, and Starscream goes on his own soon after. After briefly questioning Demolishor about his unquestioning loyalty to Megatron, Sideways follows Starscream. When Cyclonus doesn't wake up, and even Megatron is napping on his throne, Demolishor concedes the Decepticons' morale is embarrassing.

Starscream, who accidentally fell down a hill, cries out in anguish. Nearby, Sideways sympathizes with Starscream about how Megatron is operating irrationally. Before leaving again, Sideways alludes to a familiar concept: Starscream commanding the Decepticons.

Megatron, hearing from Sideways a different perspective on his disciplinary actions, is manipulated. Sideways escalates the tension between Starscream and Megatron by suggesting Megatron's position is dependent on possessing the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]].

Questioning his position, Starscream projects his doubt onto Demolishor and uses it as reassurance that they're both soldiers, even if he was born into a war and still doesn't know its ideology and purpose. Demolishor is confused by Starscream's rationalization and feels that the still-napping Cyclonus is the only Decepticon without issues.

[[File:Armada Rebellion Megs SS fight.jpg|250px|thumb|Well, he still treats his troops better than G1 Galvatron.]]
In a hallway, Starscream has come to disregard his misgivings and continue to obey Megatron. But Sideways pushes Starscream over the edge with a falsified order he claims to be relaying directly from Megatron. As Starscream storms out to find Megatron, Demolishor wakes Cyclonus so they can prevent the confrontation, but Cyclonus is more interested in being an audience to the brawl.

Megatron wagers the Star Saber on his victory. When Cyclonus arrives to watch, Starscream loses his sword and gets a beatdown from Megatron. Megatron picks Starscream off the ground and re-states what's at stake: Everything. After Megatron's speech, Starscream delivers an uppercut and follows up with several sound blows, getting cheers from Cyclonus. But a hit from Megatron sends Starscream through the air.

[[File:Armada Rebellion grab.jpg|left|thumb|Kiss me, you fool.]]
Megatron holds the Star Saber in Starscream's face, and despite his earlier promise, he lets Starscream live, flaunting that he knows Starscream's psychological weakness. Sideways muses that Megatron had victory but walked away from it. He saw weakness in Megatron through Starscream; he prophesies that one day the Decepticon leader will regret what happened here, and it will be his ruin.

The next time the Decepticons enter battle, they fight with recharged vigor; somehow, the conflict reaching its climax on the Moon re-established Megatron's leadership, which benefitted the rest of the team.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (3)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (4)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (5)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Mirror]] (6)
}}

==Quotes==
"There's gotta be a reason we fight. Because there's no point in continuing unless there is. This war is over ten million years old. In fact, I've been a warrior ever since my spark left the [[Iacon chamber]], and I was merged into the army of Megatron. The only difference between me and an Autobot is the way we do battle and the code of the Decepticons. I guess I'm starting to get a little... confused. But you shouldn't be. We are soldiers sworn to obey Megatron; capture the Mini-Cons and return to Cybertron triumphant."
:—'''Starscream''', in [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] rambling speech mode.

'''Demolishor:''' What is going on with everyone here? Ever since we lost that battle, everyone's gone loopy. 
''(glances at Cyclonus, who's still sleeping and snoring)'' 
Well, at least some things never change around here. But Cyclonus is starting to look like the only sane one.
:—You know the Decepticons are in deep doo-doo when the nutty guy's considered the 'only sane one.'

"This time, it's a fight to the finish, and I won't accept any of your lame excuses. Do you understand me, you worthless grunt? I hope to realize what is at stake here. The Star Saber and supreme command of the Decepticons go to the winner. Why, you could rule the universe if you were victorious. There is no greater prize, and this is your one chance to attain it, so don't blow it, dolt. But just remember this, Starscream, I won't show you mercy. You will be an example to my men, to prevent any further insubordination."
:—'''Megatron''' simultaneously insults Starscream's pride and incentivizes him to fight harder.

"You win, Megatron. Now just.. get it over with." 
"You're giving up? I expected more of you! At least ''beg'' me to spare your worthless life! Or is your foolish pride getting in the way of even that, Starscream? Well, ''is it?'' Your problem is you have a conscience. You don't have the stomach to finish the fight because you play by the rules. Well, then, you'll never come out on top, Starscream."
:— '''Starscream''' asks for death, and '''Megatron''' gives him a complete evaluation instead.

"Ha, you had the upper hand, Megatron, and then you walked away before it was over. A true leader would never leave a fight half-fought. I see weakness and one day, it will come back to haunt you. And it will be your ''ruin''."
:—'''Sideways''', observing Megatron's refusal to finish off Starscream (with superb delivery by [[Paul Dobson]])

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*Sideways doesn't begin his report until the bird's-eye view shot of him. He says the Autobots are now the dominant faction rather than gaining the advantage. The Star Saber, Skyboom Shield, and Requiem Blaster will soon fall into their hands, making the Autobots overpowered in battle. Hence, he needs to act immediately to deal with this development. In ''Armada'', Sideways points out the Decepticons' recent losing streak due to their disorganization and how it's about to change.
*Megatron starts speaking to Sideways during the former's close-up shot. He asks why Sideways retreated; Sideways answers that his leg was damaged. ''Armada'' makes it seem like Sideways called Megatron back to base before Megatron asks if he's pulling a joke.
*Cyclonus teases Sideways after returning from battle in ''Armada''. ''Legends of the Microns'' has him rambling about the Decepticons' losing streak, with this one being their third in a row.
*Starscream's first line is changed to reflect the dark mood in the base better. Megatron is also calm and collected when telling Starscream to follow him.
*In ''Armada'', Starscream stammers as he asks Megatron if something is wrong, and Megatron tells Starscream that he's terminated. Then Sideways says Megatron will exterminate Starscream and blames the latter for his failure. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream is silent as Megatron approaches, and the latter sternly asks Starscream what he just said. Then Demolishor asks what the sound heard was, and Sideways calls Megatron a hypocrite who abuses his men for his losses.
*Rather than saying Starscream also fails at following orders, Megatron asks if Starscream can't do anything but what he's told and if he's even capable of using his head.
*In ''Armada'', Megatron says what he did to Starscream was a fitting punishment for insubordination. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes him crueler as he says it was a bore and that his men are all pitifully dull. Starscream later tells Demolishor that he has unfinished business in ''Armada'' but tells him to be quiet in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Starscream doesn't say anything before he flies off. Sideways quips on how the former's departure is a fine example of teamwork among comrades. Then, after Sideways leaves, Demolishor asks what he means about why the latter is loyal to Megatron.
*''Legends of the Microns'' gives Sideways an extra line about it being time for him to make a gamble since the Decepticons will be over if things remain in their current state. He doesn't mention Megatron maiming the others.
*The camera zooms closer to the Decepticon base as Cyclonus snores and Demolishor calls him a lazy jerk.
*As Starscream repeatedly stabs his wing blade into the ground, ''Armada'' has him rant about Megatron humiliating him while he only swears in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then, in ''Armada'', Sideways asks Starscream if he will make a bet. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he tells Starscream that he can beat Megatron with his sword.
*In ''Armada'', Sideways says Megatron has gone off the deep end, and Starscream agrees. When talking about who is better suited to be the leader, Sideways says Starscream knows who he's referring to but won't admit it. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Sideways is more cryptic as he asks Starscream if he also believes someone else is more suitable to lead the Decepticons. Then he says sometimes it's best to welcome change per a situation's atmosphere.
*When Sideways manipulates Megatron, ''Legends of the Microns'' goes right to the point with a calm Megatron not liking what Sideways says yet remaining confident Starscream could never rebel against him as the latter knows he would lose. Sideways says Megatron must do something; otherwise, Starscream's rebellious spirit will grow. However, Megatron then calls Starscream one of his most important subordinates, so Sideways doesn't know whether Megatron is more intelligent than he looks or a total idiot. Sideways says Megatron risks giving Starscream the upper hand unless he deals with him now, but Megatron says he'll use the Star Saber to crush Starscream. Then Sideways goads Megatron with how he believes the latter feels stronger while wielding the Star Saber, as Starscream can't compete with the weapon. This claim makes Megatron snap at Sideways, declaring he doesn't need the Star Saber to beat Starscream and can quickly kill him with his bare hands. With Megatron's response, Sideways determines him to be an idiot.
*Compared to how cynical and bitter he is in ''Armada'' (as quoted above), Starscream is more reflective and tactful during his talk with Demolishor in ''Legends of the Microns''; Starscream also periodically pauses speaking in the Japanese dub, whereas he talks almost nonstop in ''Armada''. He goes through the ship's historical records on the Mini-Cons for clues on why the Transformers keep fighting. He tells Demolishor that despite only knowing to fight since birth, they're like the Autobots, who also fight without hesitation. Then Starscream says he and Demolishor wouldn't hesitate to battle Megatron if they were born as Autobots instead. Demolishor asks what Starscream is trying to say, and Starscream says Demolishor is probably right, but no one can do anything about it now.
*The Star Saber is redrawn in the scene of Megatron asleep outside with it. In the next scene with Starscream and Demolishor, the latter says Megatron crossed the line by attacking Starscream in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says the Decepticons' losing streak is getting the better of Megatron since he's now more irritable than ever.
*After Sideways gives Starscream the order from Megatron, Sideways says that Megatron said guarding the warp gate is a task befitting one who can only do as he's told. In ''Armada'', Sideways claims Starscream is the only one Megatron trusts with the job. Immediately after this exchange, Starscream thinks about the order's absurdness in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Starscream has no internal dialogue, and he's redrawn. After he throws Demolishor aside, ''Armada'' has Starscream say he's fed up with his unjust treatment, while the assignment being stated for one who can only do as he's told angers him in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In the scene with Sideways in the throne room, Starscream surmises that Megatron is "waiting" for him outside. He doesn't come to that conclusion in ''Armada''; instead, he says, "He's mine!"
*In ''Armada'', Demolishor tells Cyclonus if they don't stop Starscream, the Decepticons can kiss their morale goodbye. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor says the group's unity is at stake instead.
*Sideways tells Cyclonus he told Starscream he wasn't ready to face Megatron, but Starscream wouldn't listen in ''Armada''. Sideways says he pities Starscream but doubts he will survive the fight in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After decking Starscream with several blows, Megatron tells him to stand up since they're only getting started. After Megatron says the winner gets the Star Saber and command of the Decepticons, he says Starscream shouldn't blow his only chance to get such a grand prize in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron asks whether it's what Starscream always wanted or if he's already quit.
*Immediately afterward, in ''Armada'' (as quoted above), Megatron says he won't hold back and will make an example of Starscream to quell future rebellion ideas. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron tells Starscream he wouldn't believe him if he said he never considered being the leader. He asks if Starscream's ambition has ended and demands he not delude himself with "pitiful self-righteousness."
*Instead of saying Megatron never planning to use the Star Saber against Starscream will ruin everything, Sideways says there must be another reason since "Megatron's not the type to do that."
*Megatron says Starscream will never beat him as long as the latter's pride holds back his ambition. In ''Armada'', Megatron says he is the winner since he understands Starscream's weaknesses of having a conscience and playing by the rules.
*Sideways says he now knows Megatron's weakness, but his naivety stopped him from killing Starscream. The following shots of Starscream lying defeated are silent.
*During the final scenes of the Decepticons and Autobots fighting, ''Armada'' plays its "insert" version of the Transformers [[theme song]], but ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Invincible Power]]."
*In ''Armada'', Sideways's closing narration ties into the subplot of the Decepticons' low morale and lack of unity. He notes their boosted resolve despite his failed plan to take down Megatron, enjoying how the team fights as one again; however, there's still no clear winner in sight between the two factions. ''Legends of the Microns'' connects it to Sideways's subplot to balance the factions' power; it ends more ominously and feels less like a cliffhanger. Sideways says the strength between the Autobots and Decepticons suddenly became more balanced, and they're now one step closer to the day when their fight will lead to their destruction.
*In the last shot, Starscream's yelling stops when the screen goes black, and the final musical sting from the opening theme's trance version plays after Sideways finishes speaking in ''Armada''. Starscream's yell echoes as Sideways completes the narration in the Japanese dub, and Sideways's voice sounds disembodied.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Rebellion animation changes.jpg|thumb|285px|Some animation differences between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' (right). It's like night and day, right?]]
*The episode's animation shifts from high quality (particularly for close-ups and specific sequences) to average, mainly as Megatron defeats Starscream, going from a high-quality shot of Starscream slowly falling to the ground to a lower-quality shot of him landing (see right). Different lower-quality shots at the end of Megatron and Starscream's duel are redrawn to provide more consistent animation quality in the Japanese dub. However, several quick shots of the two seen in the Japanese cut of the fight are reused from the unfinished animation seen in the American cut.
*As Megatron turns away after this scene, his Decepticon symbols are missing from his shoulders, and he seriously lacks in-drawn detail. ''Legends of the Microns'' replaces Megatron's low-quality model with a redrawn one, complete with the symbols on his shoulders.
*The background doesn't match the previous shot during Sideways's close-up after the other Decepticons warp back to base.
*When Demolishor tells Megatron that Cyclonus has fallen asleep, Cyclonus doesn't have a face, but we can still hear him snoring.
*As Megatron walks toward Starscream before brutalizing him, Megatron's walking animation stops after the first step, but the walking sound effect is still audible. ''Legends of the Microns'' reanimates Megatron as walking, but his arms are now stationary.
*When Starscream tries reasoning with Megatron that he followed his orders, parts of his body, like between his arms and the top of his chest, are heavily shadowed. The Japanese dub either removes the unnecessary shadows or lessens them; however, for some reason, ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the shadow above Starscream's eyes, though it's present in ''Armada''.
*After trying to open the doors, Demolishor says Megatron "locked ''us'' in here" (referring to himself and Sideways) when really, Megatron locked himself and Starscream in the room. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Demolishor's line to saying a key is needed to open the doors.
*After Starscream passes Demolishor and leaves the room, Demolishor's Decepticon insignia is a plain purple shape.
*In the next shot of Starscream from behind, he is a bit off-model, and some of the lightning on him is wrong. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this (see right).
*After Starscream flies off, the right side of Demolishor's face is yellow, like his head.
*After the shot of Starscream raising his wing blade, the background resembles the inside of the base, although he's outside.
*In the wide shot of Sideways and Starscream talking, Sideways's sides are blue rather than yellow.
*When Sideways tells Starscream that Megatron is afraid of him, Starscream doesn't move and looks shocked throughout the shot.
*Starscream lacks the shadow above his eyes in some shots.
*In another shot during the same scene, the Decepticon symbols on Starscream's wings have circles around them.
*When Starscream responds to Sideways in the corridor after Sideways says Megatron only depends on Starscream to carry out his order, Starscream's body moves, but his shoulder thrusters don't.
*In the scene of Starscream and Demolishor fighting in the corridor, they are both off-model, and Sideways has vanished. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds Sideways back into the scene; Starscream and Demolishor are entirely redrawn, and the background is slightly shifted to the right (see right).
*In two shots where Demolishor and Cyclonus watch Megatron and Starscream fight in the distance, the top of Megatron's body just below his neck is miscolored red.
*In the close-ups of Demolishor, after Cyclonus drops him, the lighting effect of his left eye is miscolored black.
*During the last scene, there's an awkward silence after Megatron speaks to Demolishor. The Japanese dub removes it as Megatron doesn't immediately say his line after the scene cuts. Also, Megatron commands Demolishor to look ''after'' the Mini-Cons. In ''Legends of the Microns'', his command is for Demolishor to ''find'' the Mini-Con panel.

===Continuity notes===
*The opening scene, where Sideways gazes up at a dark, starless region of space, is a clue to his [[Unicron|true allegiance]], which the [[Chase (episode)|following episode]] reveals.
*Sideways's log also reveals that the Cybertronian date in this episode is "Astrodate Nimbus 3391," and his ID code is "002348".
*This episode is the first to mention the Requiem Blaster (though by its Japanese name, as explained below).
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'', Sideways aims to destroy both factions.
*Since the Autobots gained a fair chunk of the Decepticons' Mini-Cons in the [[Vow|last episode]], the Decepticons appear to be losing every recent battle, something that Megatron is very displeased with and takes his frustrations out on Starscream.
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' calls this episode the second in the "Starscream saga."
*Starscream's loyalty to the Decepticon cause starts wavering more in this episode.
*Demolishor is once again left to fix the Decepticon team alone.
*According to Starscream in the English dub, the Transformers war is over 10 million years old.
*This episode is the only one in the series without any humans and barely any Autobots.
*The part about Starscream wondering why the Transformers fight comes up again in the Japanese version of "[[Sacrifice]]."
*This episode has the show's first fight between Starscream and Megatron, although Sideways caused it through his manipulations.
*During their fight, the Japanese dub has Megatron scold Starscream for lacking ambition; Megatron brings up Starscream's ambition again in "[[Cramp]]."
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' states the main difference between Megatron and Starscream becomes clear in this episode, arguably that Starscream is more "human" than Megatron, which will lead to fascinating developments for Starscream in the future.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Sideways's arm cannons aren't attached in this episode. Since he isn't participating in any battles, he seems to have removed them. The toy's arm cannons are pressure-fire missiles and are easily removable.
**Cyclonus carries Demolishor in vehicle mode, a practice he repeats in ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]''.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Blurr Powerlinx with the Skyboom Shield for the first time.

===Continuity errors===
*Sideways says the Autobots possess the Star Saber, Skyboom Shield, and Astro Blaster (the Requiem Blaster's Japanese name) in his opening log entry. However, the Decepticons still have the sword, the Autobots have the shield, while the show won't introduce the Requiem Blaster until "[[Desperate]]." He also says the Decepticons don't have the necessary organization to keep the weapons in their possession, but they never had all the weapons in the first place. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these glaring errors; Sideways says the Autobots will soon possess all three weapons and become too strong, removing the mention of the Decepticons ever having the weapons beforehand.
*Somehow, Sideways knows that Megatron plans to exterminate Starscream, but how could he have possibly heard Megatron say that? The Japanese dub instead has Sideways calling Megatron a hypocrite who takes his losses out on his men.
*The background changes between the scenes of Starscream flying off and Sideways talking to Demolishor. ''Legends of the Microns'' switches it in Starscream's shot to match that of Sideways and Demolishor; however, the background of the ''Armada'' version of Starscream's scene is correct in this case (see above).
*Starscream claims Demolishor has beef with Megatron and should get over it, but it's more like Starscream's talking about himself. The Japanese dub doesn't have this issue since the point of their talk is entirely different.
*After this, Demolishor grumbles about everyone going "loopy" after losing the previous battle, despite the Decepticons already noted as suffering their third loss in a row at the episode's start. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this as Demolishor mentions the recent ''string'' of losses making everyone go crazy... at least, everyone except Cyclonus.
*Megatron refers to the Transformers as "Cybertronians," a term for their race that isn't often used through most ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' fiction.

===Real-world references===
*Sideways's log entry sequence is based on the ''[[Star Trek]]'' characters' logs that provide exposition for the ongoing plot.
*Megatron's line that incompetent morons surround him is a version of Scar's "I'm surrounded by idiots" line from ''The Lion King''.
*Megatron says before pounding Starscream, "You're terminated." It's an apparent reference to ''The Terminator''; even the music that plays during Starscream's second Megatron apparition sounds like a dead ringer for the Terminator theme.

===Trivia===
*The kanji 謀反 would be pronounced as "''muhon''" or "''bouhan''," while "''kakugo''" uses 覚悟.
*"Rebellion" first aired in the United States on [[January 28]], [[2003]].
*Cyclonus is briefly shown [[humanization|drooling]] after he falls asleep.
*Few other ''Transformers'' episodes focus exclusively on the Decepticons, with some Autobots only having brief appearances at the end.
*This episode marks the first time in the series that a Transformer gives the opening and ending narrations instead of one of the kids, a given since this is a human-less episode.
*Surprisingly, this episode's English dub doesn't spam the transformation sound effect and only uses it once after Cyclonus drops off Demolishor. ''Legends of the Microns'' doesn't use it at all here. This episode's ''Armada'' dub has no drastic musical changes except the last scene with the Autobots.
*Starscream's discussion with Demolishor in the Japanese dub about wanting answers for why the Transformers keep fighting later becomes a lyric in the second opening song, "[[Transformers: Kōtetsu no Yūki]]."
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' claims that Megatron can never win, regardless of whether or not Starscream is stronger than him. Interesting.
**It even calls Megatron "an attractive killer"; well, let's face it, there's no disputing the guy has some charisma.
*The ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'' reveals that [[Yūjin Ishikawa]] wanted to try a new take on Starscream's betrayal and Optimus Prime's death in the series. He felt a Starscream who doesn't betray wouldn't please Transformers fans, so there are glimpses of him backstabbing Megatron for his self-interests in "[[Soldier (episode)|Soldier]]" and "[[Jungle]]," similar to past Starscreams. However, Starscream slowly grows and evolves, like Hot Shot; the producers' treatment of Starscream changed after realizing he'd be the only Decepticon with character development.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rébellion'''" ("Rebellion")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[January 3]], [[2004]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Lázadás'''" ("Rebellion")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ribellione'''" ("Rebellion")
::*For some reasons, in Sideways's first line, the terms "log" and "astral date" are left in English.

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''스크림의 반란'''" ("Scream's Rebellion")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rebelia'''" ("Rebellion")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rebelião'''" ("Rebellion")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 6 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Decisive Battle

2026-01-22T00:23:09Z

Chase eX: /* Animation and technical errors */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=21
|prev=Reinforcement
|next=Vow
|title="Decisive Battle"
|furigana=きざし
|japanese=前兆
|romaji=Kizashi
|translation=Omen
|image=Megsmeteor.jpg
|caption=You and I are a lot alike, meteor, except I'm a Decepticon, and you're dust!
|production code=TF: A-21
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|englishadaptation=[[Terry Klassen]] and [[Heather Ann Puttock]]
|director=[[Mitsuko Ohya]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[January 24]], [[2003]] (English) [[May 30|30 May]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''With the power of the Skyboom Shield at his disposal, Megatron invites the Autobots to what could be the last battle.'''

==Synopsis==
Testing the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom]] Shield's power, [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] disintegrates an entire comet. Satisfied with his new toy's strength, Megatron anticipates the next conflict will allow the [[Decepticon]]s to end the routine of battling for new [[Mini-Con]]s and finish the [[Autobot]]s.

In the Autobots' base, [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] runs through an obstacle course of suspended metal pieces, while the Mini-Cons try to slow him down by tossing stuff at him. But before Hot Shot can win, [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] catches up and captures the flag. [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] arrives and asks to join in the training, and Blurr goads Smokescreen to attempt a run by challenging his performance hardware. While taking several hits in the process, Smokescreen eventually manages to grab the flag.

[[File:Screenshot-arm-21-2.jpg|left|thumb|Autobots have the best screensavers.]]
In the control room, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] receives a direct challenge from Megatron. Optimus knows that despite being hopelessly overpowered, it's his job to accept the challenge. The Autobots all rush out to warp to the location Megatron specified.

When the Autobots arrive at the battle site, Megatron summons his [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] and Skyboom Shield. He tells [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] to hold back as he anticipates that he can defeat the Autobots singlehandedly with his new weapons. The shield blocks attacks from Hot Shot and Blurr, and then all of the Autobots' firepower. Megatron moves forward and slices apart Optimus's rifle. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] and Demolishor contribute by raining down gunfire on the scattering Autobots, separating Megatron and Optimus from the rest of the group.

[[File:Whyourshouldershurt.jpg|thumb|Surrender now maggots and you will not be harmed! Psyche!]]
Hot Shot and Blurr notice Optimus fighting Megatron alone, and they transform and rush to aid their leader. [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and Cyclonus chase the duo from the air. Hot Shot provides cover fire while Blurr attempts to lose his pursuers. Blurr and Hot Shot trade positions, and Cyclonus and Starscream eventually fly out of range. Starscream Powerlinx with [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] and "lays a pounding" on the two cars.

In a move that even Demolishor finds rash, [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] dives directly toward [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] but gets quickly blasted away. Tired of the Decepticons holding an advantage, Smokescreen Powerlinx with [[Liftor]] and disables Starscream before Demolishor rolls a large boulder at Smokescreen, pinning him to the ground. When Cyclonus observes the Decepticons are maintaining their advantage, Sideways blasts him out of the sky, unseen by anyone.

Near a crevice, Optimus is still surviving against Megatron. Hot Shot and Blurr arrive to distract Megatron, allowing Optimus to grab onto the Skyboom Shield while Megatron still holds it. Trying to slice Optimus away, Megatron accidentally tosses the shield into the crevice. Furious, he attempts to impale Optimus, but [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] stops him.

[[File:Tinyhead.jpg|left|thumb|[[Rob Ruffolo|Ruffolo]]?]]
With Megatron intending to finish Optimus by slicing through Sparkplug, the Skyboom Shield activates and levitates from the fissure to protect the Autobot. The two weapons used against each other send out a bright light that [[Rad White|Rad]] notes as similar to the light that reactivated all the Mini-Cons at the [[First Encounter|start]] of their Earth encounters.

Having lost the shield, the Decepticons retreat. The Autobots congratulate Smokescreen for changing the tide of battle (before a rock trapped him, that is), and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] hugs [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]].
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (6)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (11)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (17)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (18)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (19)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (20)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (2)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (3)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (4)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (5)

|c3=
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (12)
*[[Rad White]] (13)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (14)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (15)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (16)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (7)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (8)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (9)
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (10)
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (21)
*[[Race Mini-Con Team]] (22)
*[[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]] (23)
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (24)
*[[Liftor]] (25)
*[[Mirror]] (26)
*[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (27)
}}

==Quotes==
"Decepticons, I think we are ready. The final and ''decisive battle'' against the Autobots is finally at hand."
:—'''Megatron''' knows the name of what episode he's in!

"He kinda reminds me of myself when I was working out more." 
"Somehow, I find that a little hard to believe, Fred."
:—'''Fred''' pays '''Blurr''' a dubious compliment.

"We've been expecting you, Optimus." 
"Didn't think we'd show, did ya, ya overgrown motherboard?"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Hot Shot''', who should have his audio receptors checked

"Huh?! TRANSFORM!" 
"Hey! Where are you going!?" 
"For a Sunday drive! Whaddya think, ya moron!?" 
"He's such a kidder... TRAAAANSFORM!"
:—'''Cyclonus''' and '''Starscream''' chase Hot Shot and Blurr.

"Lock onto shield."
:—'''Sparkplug''' gives us the first words spoken by a Mini-Con.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*While the episode's animation doesn't get any significant overhaul, ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the most glaring issues like adding proper laser and lighting effects where the black spots are and editing reused footage to match the episode.
*''Armada''{{'}}s opening narration about the meteor heading towards the Decepticons base is exclusive to the English dub.
*Megatron laughing as the meteor approaches is an ''Armada'' addition to cover the Japanese dub's silence.
*The distortion effect seen in the last two shots of Megatron blocking the meteor is exclusive to ''Armada''.
*In ''Armada'', the Skyboom Shield glows, and fragments of the comet are left. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the glow effect is more elaborate with an added starburst effect.
*''Armada'' has Megatron sarcastically thank Sideways for his input before commanding him never again to question his authority and asking Sideways if he has any "tricks up his sleeve" that he hasn't shared. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron asks Sideways what other proof he needs that Megatron can handle the shield after witnessing the comet's destruction and if he has another reason for objecting.
*The shot of the Earth just before the [[commercial bumper]] is silent in ''Armada'', but Megatron's laughter from the previous shot extends into it in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In ''Armada'', Fred says he used to be physically fit, and Blurr finds it hard to believe (quoted above). In ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred follows up on Billy's remark on never seeing metal move so fast, and Blurr says, "Why not ask something equally dumb like how birds fly?" Then Hot Shot says Blurr's harsh personality still needs some work, instead of calling him a show-off like in ''Armada''.
*After this, Blurr is heard saying "Huh?" in ''Armada'', but ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it to "Once more!"
*In ''Armada'', Blurr quips about Smokescreen not having the same "performance chip"(?) as himself and Hot Shot and doesn't want to embarrass him. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says Smokescreen can't keep up with them in terms of speed, and it's ''their'' training.
*Rather than saying that Smokescreen "smokes" Hot Shot on the obstacle course, Blurr isn't impressed and says it's still his and Hot Shot's job to fight, just as he previously believed. Then Rad says Hot Shot has catching up to do in ''Armada'' but calls what Smokescreen did "a different kind of training" in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In his message to the Autobots in ''Armada'', Megatron says the Earth will be at the decisive battle's mercy before showing the map. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he tells them to go to the point marked on the map if they're brave enough to face him. Then he gives the ultimatum that he will destroy the world if they refuse.
*In ''Armada'', Optimus says he has to face Megatron to protect the Earth; ''Legends of the Microns'' has Optimus include the peace throughout the universe.
*Blurr says Hot Shot isn't going to the battle with the others in ''Armada'', but in ''Legends of the Microns'', he's talking about Smokescreen's crane and says he won't get to use it.
*Fred and Billy cheer on the Autobots with Carlos, instead of Fred telling them to be back for dinner and Billy telling him to shut up as they do in ''Armada''.
*The first narration heard in ''Legends of the Microns'' is Rad repeating what Optimus just told him about how there's a time to take action despite unfavorable odds.
*As the Decepticons wait for the Autobots, Demolishor speaks when the scene stops panning; Megatron says the Autobots will come since they always say how heroic they are to the end; Megatron's laughing extends into the shot of Sideways and ends when Cyclonus speaks.
*After slicing Prime's gun, Megatron's animation of swinging the Star Saber at him is entirely redrawn.
*In ''Armada'', Cyclonus and Demolishor quip about the Autobots running around like headless chickens and how they should join the fight. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Cyclonus says one shouldn't turn their back on an enemy, and Demolishor says they won't get in Megatron's way.
*When Optimus fires at Megatron, Megatron once again brags about how attacking him is futile. ''Armada'' changes this to Megatron asking if Optimus will surrender and adds Prime's response as he doesn't answer in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*''Armada'' has Carlos cheer for Optimus despite looking worried in the next shot. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he shouts in concern for Optimus, and Fred's line is changed to him cheering Prime on.
*The close-up of Optimus after Megatron cuts his arm is changed to remove the motion lines and have skewed shadow effects on the upper-left and lower-right corners. Then Megatron laughs and says Prime is out of luck. Carlos and Rad's following dialogue is changed to focus on Optimus.
*As he and Hot Shot take cover, Blurr's dialogue reminds himself about teamwork in ''Armada'' but remarking on Cyclonus and Starscream being too close in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Bits of Cyclonus's and Starscream's dialogue are either removed or changed not to be as quippy as they are in ''Armada''.
*The shot of Sideways after Red Alert shoots him is now a close-up.
*Blurr is silent after Smokescreen saves him and Hot Shot. Then Demolishor gripes about having to deal with the Autobots alone, rather than trying to figure out their weak point.
*The first shot of Sideways after he shoots down Cyclonus is silent before he casually says in the next shot, "Guess I had to do it..."
*The Skyboom Shield's colors are now dulled when it falls into the crevice.
*Optimus reacts to Sparkplug's sudden appearance. Sparkplug's line (quoted above) isn't in ''Legends of the Microns'', and his mouth isn't animated since he uses the Mini-Con language.
*When the Star Saber and Skyboom Shield collide, the scene is silent; the shield's glow is slightly lowered so viewers can make the sword out, and the lighting effect in the shots of Megatron and Optimus and Sparkplug is increased. Instead of being in awe, Optimus asks what is happening like Megatron.
*Scavenger says the Autobots won the fight thanks to Smokescreen providing backup and enabling Hot Shot and Blurr to help Optimus. Then instead of cutting from Hot Shot to Blurr as in ''Armada'', the scene pans from one to the other.
*During Rad's closing narration in ''Armada'', he says as everyone celebrates the victory, the light beam from the sword and shield's collision went into space like it has a purpose. The scene also fades from the Autobots to the shot of the beam entering outer space. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos gives the narration, which is mostly the same, but the part about the beam having a purpose is removed and replaced with him wondering where it could be heading. Instead of the fade between scenes, the shot pans up from the Autobots toward the sky.

===Animation and technical errors===
This episode's animation is quite atrocious in general; it's arguably the worst ''Armada'' episode in terms of how many errors one can find:
*From the get-go, with the opening scene on the Moon, the numerous amount of errors are a telltale sign for the animation quality of this episode:
**During the shot of the meteor with the moon in the background, the camera pans toward the top-left corner and back down toward the bottom right. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the screen only pans in the bottom-right direction, straightening out the meteor's trajectory.
**In the close-up shots of the Skyboom Shield blocking the meteor and its fragments drifting into space after it's destroyed, the specks of moondust are miscolored brown. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes them the proper light gray color.
**In the shot of Megatron blocking the meteor before the fade to white, the background is the starry sky instead of the previous shots' blue stock background. ''Legends of the Microns'' uses the blue background throughout.
**In the final shot of Megatron with the shield after he disintegrates the comet, some of its fragments are static despite other pieces moving in the same shot. The Japanese dub fixes this so that all the meteor fragments move entirely out of frame.
**When Megatron says now is the time for the decisive battle, his mouth doesn't move.
**In some shots of Sideways, the yellow sides of his chest are blue. It's corrected in the Japanese dub.
**During the shot of Megatron's internal monologue, a shadowed part of his green shoulder tread suddenly becomes highlighted when he starts laughing. This error doesn't happen in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When Smokescreen first appears, he is again missing his antenna/horn... and also when he's swinging his crane arm in circles... and AGAIN when the Autobots show up for the decisive battle.
*In the Japanese dub, Optimus says that Megatron's transmission was "intercepted" instead of received.
*In the wide shot of Megatron in his transmission, the background changes. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the Decepticon base's background shot remains consistent throughout the message.
*Carlos saying that the "creep" Megatron gives him the creeps makes zero sense since someone giving another the creeps makes the other person scared, and Carlos looks more annoyed than afraid. The Japanese dub changes this line to have Carlos call Megatron a pest and an arrogant jerk instead.
*The whites of Carlos's eyes appear in some scenes.
*During the titular battle itself:
**Megatron calls out "Star Saber! Powerlink!" when the Skyboom Shield is being formed.
**After Megatron forms the Star Saber and Skyboom Shield, Demolishor has two mouths.
**When Hot Shot fires the first shot at Megatron, his left eye doesn't have its black outline. In ''Legends of the Microns'', neither of his eyes has the outline.
**When the Autobots all shoot at Megatron at the battle's start, Optimus's mouthplate is blue; corrected in the Japanese dub.
**When he blocks the Autobots' fire with the shield, Megatron's horns are colored red.
**Many insignias are missing throughout the episode.
**When going to help Optimus, Blurr's chest is red, where his Autobot symbol should be.
**At one point, Hot Shot's Autobot insignia is just a red upside-down pentagon.
**There is another time where Megatron's insignia on his right shoulder is just a jumbled, purple mess of a polygon.
**Starscream appears in a couple of shots as a solid black dot with wings.
**The same stock footage of Megatron slashing at Optimus with the Star Saber and him dodging is used again a minute later.
**When Cyclonus and Demolishor start shooting, it looks like a frame of animation is missing. Then the Autobots in the next shot are all off-model.
**During the cutaways to the kids, Billy's face looks misshapen.
**When Blurr and Hot Shot try to save Optimus by transforming into vehicle mode and racing over to Megatron, Hot Shot proceeds to turn around, transform, and then turn around again and drive after Blurr... but why?
**Starscream looks off-model in several scenes.
**Cyclonus is off-model when he transforms, and in the shot of Starscream flying backward, Cyclonus has barely moved since his previous shot. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the latter issue as Cyclonus is redrawn with an accurate model.
**When Starscream transforms, the background is the blue sky, and in the next shot, he is seen flying backward. The Japanese dub fixes these errors.
**As Blurr and Hot Shot are driving, the black smoke and gravel are superimposed over their dirt trails, and it looks as if it's from gunfire even though Cyclonus and Starscream haven't begun shooting at them yet. It's fixed in ''Legends of the Microns'' as the ground only shows the Autobots' dirt trails, and it isn't disturbed until the Decepticons fire.
**After Powerlinxing with Incinerator, Blurr floats in the middle of the frame before being back on the ground in the next shot. He's closer to the ground in the Japanese dub.
**In the shot of Cyclonus and Starscream firing (pictured right), Blurr is missing despite being heard giving dialogue, Hot Shot is out in the open, and the Decepticons don't move. The Japanese dub corrects these errors by adding Blurr on the left, moving Hot Shot behind the rock in the background, and animating the Decepticons as entering the shot.
**As Hot Shot provides cover fire for Blurr, the rock and ground where the former is are gone; ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this mistake.
**There is an unnecessary freeze-frame when Blurr drives away from Starscream's and Cyclonus's fire. He is in the middle of driving, floats in the air while the sound of fire continues, and then appears on the ground with dust still in the air. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the freeze-frame is gone, Blurr doesn't float, and he exits the shot driving on the ground.
**There are various instances of what should be glowing energy appearing black, such as Starscream's exhaust and the shot that takes down Cyclonus.
**When he drives away from Cyclonus and Starscream, Hot Shot appears to be diagonal, although the ground is flat.
**At one point, when Blurr transforms, he drives away mid-transformation in the front. Scavenger is missing his Autobot insignia in the next shot. The rock by Demolishor looks pasted into the scene, there is some small unknown aircraft next to him, and the light rings on the horizon are slightly off from where Starscream and Cyclonus are shooting. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects all of these mistakes.
**In one shot, Blurr is driving in place before transforming, and he towers over the mountains in the background. The Japanese dub fixes these problems with Blurr animated as driving before he transforms, and the mountains are their proper size.
**Demolishor's Decepticon insignia is gone in one shot, and instead, the whole "box" where it should be is colored purple.
**The ends of Starscream's wings are cropped in one shot.
**When Starscream fires the Null Laser Cannon, the background is the sky, and as the lasers descend to Earth, the background stays blue. The Japanese dub corrects the backdrop to the ground below.
**When Sideways leaves Demolishor, the latter's face under his left eye is miscolored yellow like his head in one shot.
**Red Alert says Cyclonus and Starscream are "all over ''us''" when they're only attacking Hot Shot and Blurr. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this error.
**The boulder Demolishor pushes toward Smokescreen doesn't match the other rocks' color in its first scene and later when it hits Smokescreen. While the boulder chases Smokescreen, it jumps back and forth twice in one shot. The Japanese dub fixes both issues.
**The short scene where Sideways shoots down Cyclonus is reused from "[[Overmatch]]", where he was struck down by a flying shard of Starscream's sword, making it look like the scene suddenly takes place at night. The only changes being the shard replaced with a flying black disk and Cyclonus missing his spinning rotor. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the reused nighttime background, fully redraws Cyclonus as getting hit by laser fire, complete with his spinning rotor.
**Before Megatron strikes Optimus with the final blow, he is holding the Skyboom Shield upside-down. This error is corrected in its next visible frame.
**A few seconds later, when Megatron attempts to hurt Hot Shot and Blurr with the Star Saber, the screen awkwardly turns all black for two seconds as the Star Saber goes down over it. In ''Armada'', the screen has some splotches on it, but it's all-black in ''Legends of the Microns''.
**When Optimus tries to take the shield from Megatron, some colors in the shot flicker in places and Megatron's arm holding the shield doesn't move. There are no flickering colors in ''Legends of the Microns'', and Megatron is completely redrawn with his arm now moving.
**When the Skyboom Shield falls into the crevice, it appears to be falling smack in the middle. In the next shot, however, it catches on the side and sticks into solid air.
**After Megatron loses the shield, he raises Star Saber, and the arm holding it vanishes. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this.
**When the shield glows in the crevice, the glow effect is just a couple of bright-colored lines around it, and the surrounding rocks aren't affected. In '''Legends of the Microns'', the shield glows white, and the stones around it change color.
**When Megatron prepares to kill him and Sparkplug in the next shot, Optimus tells Megatron to watch it, but why? '''Legends of the Microns'' removes Optimus's line.
**When Megatron raises the Star Saber to strike the killing blow, his mouth moves, but he is only yelling, and the Star Saber is off-model. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says, "Go to the Pit!" The sword is redrawn with a lens flare effect added to it.
**The Skyboom Shield isn't glowing as it rises behind Optimus. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects it.
**As Megatron brings the sword down, his cannon turret is cropped in one frame, and the Star Saber doesn't have the blue glow effect around it.
**The kids react to the energy blast born from the Star Saber and Skyboom Shield's collision, but the monitor is all blue. The Japanese dub shows the energy blast on the screen.
**When the energy blast disappears into the sky, Optimus has an out-of-place cube next to the truck side window on his back, and his waist is colored red instead of grey. The Star Saber's handle is also colored purple like Megatron's hand.
**When Megatron teleports away after losing the Skyboom Shield, besides the missing Decepticon symbol on his chest, his animation model is drawn with several mistakes (pictured above): his chest and arms being enormous compared to his head and lower body, his shoulder threads, and rear tank turret being even more massive, and the side of his right shoulder thread is gray instead of green.
*When Smokescreen and Scavenger arrive, the walking sound effect is heard, and they are moving their arms, but they're already close to the screen. ''Legends of the Microns'' reanimates the scene, so they walk toward the screen. The shot is reused a few seconds later, but the Japanese dub replaces it with Smokescreen's new close-up shot.

===Continuity notes===
*Blurr has seemingly settled in with the Autobots and the kids... ''mostly''. He even cracks a joke towards Fred's compliment.
*This episode marks the first time a Mini-Con speaks English (in the English dub).
*Sideways's poorly thought-out attack on Red Alert could've been to intentionally get himself disabled, helping the sides stay level, so the conflict endures; this is consistent with his secret long-term agenda. He has also been shown trying not to make this battle the "final battle" by telling Megatron that he is not ready to use the Skyboom Shield, so they should not fight just yet.
*When he raises the Star Saber to strike Optimus and Sparkplug near the end in the Japanese dub, Megatron again references [[Pit (BW)|the Pit]].
*As mentioned in the episode "[[Ruin]]", using the Star Saber and the Skyboom Shield against each other creates immense destructive energy; this foreshadows [[Hydra Cannon|a bigger plot device]] in later episodes.
**Likewise, the beam of energy sent into space from the colliding weapons foreshadows [[Unicron|a greater threat]] to come.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Megatron Powerlinx with the Skyboom Shield for the first time.
**Blurr has super speed. He may not be as fast as [[Blurr (G1)|other]] [[Blurr (Animated)|characters]] of the [[Blurr (Cybertron)#Timelines|same name]], but he ''is'' faster than most other bots in ''Armada''. He also has ninja-like reflexes and abilities.
**Optimus uses his rifle in his standard robot mode for the first time. All previous uses were either in flashbacks on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] or Decepticon training Holograms.
**Smokescreen picks up boulders with his crane arm and tosses them at Decepticons.
**Starscream Powerlinx with Swindle and uses his Null Laser Cannons in vehicle mode for the first time.
**Sparkplug speaks English, only in ''Armada''.
**It's not entirely clear, but it appears Sparkplug Powerlinx with the Skyboom Shield.

===Continuity errors===
*As Megatron blocks the meteor with the Skyboom Shield, the moondust is brown in one scene (explained above) but light gray in the next. Also, between shots, the shield's glow changes from yellow to white, and the shield isn't visible in the latter shot. In the Japanese dub, the moondust stays gray, the shield remains visible, and its glow is yellow (except for the final shot).
*When he faces the Earth, the rest of the Decepticons are behind Megatron. In the shot of the Earth appearing over the moon's horizon, Megatron is alone, and he seems to be in a different location as the rocky terrain in the foreground is now smooth. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds the other Decepticons behind Megatron as he laughs and corrects the foreground.
*When Megatron summons the Star Saber and Skyboom Shield before the fight starts, he refers to ''both'' weapons by the name "Star Saber" in the English dub. The Japanese dub corrects this issue.
*How can Megatron say, "Final attack!" in the middle of the episode? His line is changed to "Take this!" in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Rad tells the Autobots to keep firing, and then, for some reason, Red Alert ignores Rad and turns his attention to Optimus. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad tells the Autobots to help Prime as he's about to get killed.
*After Blurr takes cover from Starscream and Cyclonus, he disappears from the next shot, although he is still heard speaking. Blurr reappears in the scene after Hot Shot starts shooting at the Decepticons. Blurr doesn't vanish in the Japanese dub.
*In the English dub, Starscream refers to his Null Laser Cannon as "Light Beam" in one scene.
*Megatron says to Optimus, "It looks like you boys have been busy out here," but if he refers to the other Autobots or Decepticons, it doesn't sense with his following line about it being the end for Optimus. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Megatron's line to him saying that Optimus has fought a long time.
*When Sparkplug appears, he's off-center to the right on the shot but appears in the middle of Optimus's chest in his next scene. The Japanese dub corrects this by having Sparkplug appear in the frame's center in his first shot.

===Transformers references===
*Megatron references the Pit in ''Legends of the Microns''.

===Real-world references===
*As Blurr and Hot Shot arrive to help Optimus in the Japanese dub, Blurr says, "Don't you forget about us!" An offbeat reference to the song, "{{W|Don't You (Forget About Me)}}," made famous by ''The Breakfast Club''.

===Trivia===
*The kanji 前兆 would be pronounced as "''zenchō''," while "''kizashi''" uses 兆しor 萌し.
*This is one of the three ''Armada'' episodes with more than one word in the title.
*The opening narration has changed for this episode. It didn't set up the whole Mini-Con premise but rather the small plot point of the rogue meteor heading for the Decepticon base.
*This episode's title gets "title dropped" a few times.
*While Cyclonus throwing out Earthen quotes and references isn't something new, this episode features a ''lot'' of them.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Une bataille décisive'''" ("A Decisive Battle")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 20]], [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Döntő ütközet'''" ("Decisive Clash")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Battaglia decisiva'''" ("Decisive Battle")
::*The meteor at the beginning of the episode is wrongly called "meteorite".
::*Megatron's line: "Your days as my adversaries are over!" is traslated as: "You don't have many days left to live!", making it look like he wanted them to live at least some days... although that's not the case...
::*Cyclonus's line: "Your buddy Smokescreen is stuck between a rock and, well... another rock!" is translated literally. The problem is that, in Italian, the sentence "to be stuck between a rock and a hard place" doesn't exists as a double-meaning popular saying (the Italian equivalent should instead be "to find yourself between the anvil and the hammer"), totally losing the pun.

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''운명의 결투'''" ("Destiny's Duel")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Decydująca bitwa'''" ("Decisive Battle")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Batalha Decisiva'''" ("Decisive Battle")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 6 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Best Battles ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

;VideoNow
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 ''Transformers: Armada'' ([[Tiger Electronics]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Reinforcement

2026-01-21T19:41:26Z

Chase eX: /* Differences with Legends of the Microns */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=20
|prev=Vacation
|next=Decisive Battle
|title="Reinforcement"
|furigana=あらて
|japanese=援軍
|romaji=Arate
|translation=Reinforcement: Newcomer
|image=Reinforcement-Blurr.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-20
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Shigeki Hatakeyama]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[January 23]], [[2003]] (English) [[May 23|23 May]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''Scavenger introduces the Autobots to Blurr, the Autobot who nobody really gets along with.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Reinforcement-Demolishor target practice.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Let the guy with gun-fingers hold onto the valuable item? Brilliant!]]
It's another day at the office where the [[Autobot]]s battle the [[Decepticon]]s for a [[Mini-Con]]. The kids watch the Autobots' base (with [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] also there this time). While [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] holds off the Autobots, [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] digs up the Mini-Con. In a rare moment of competence, [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] blasts away Red Alert's attempt to snipe Demolishor. But just as the Decepticons teleport home, the Mini-Con is blasted from Demolishor's hands by a new Autobot, who [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] introduces as [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]]. Blurr activates the Mini-Con panel, which turns out to be [[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]].

The kids greet the Autobots returning home from victory and show interest in their new friend Blurr, who barely acknowledges the kids.

[[File:Reinforcement-Blurr's people skills.jpg|200px|thumb]]
Later, Incinerator makes beepy conversation with the Street Action Mini-Cons. The five kids try to start a discussion with Blurr but get sidetracked by the topic of Fred's fat stomach. When [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] arrives, Blurr icily departs, so [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], Billy, and Fred give chase. Blurr almost mistakes them for the enemy when they jump out and surprise him, so he tells them off. Hot Shot tries to break through Blurr's tough-guy persona, and Blurr explains that he doesn't need to have a personality.

The Decepticons detect the activation of a new Mini-Con and head out. Demolishor takes extra caution not to lose the Mini-Con at the last minute like last time. And Megatron barely registers that the two captured panels containing the components of the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] have begun resonating.

The Decepticons arrive at the general location where the Mini-Con [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]] has already activated and begun to run laps around a human-made racetrack. The Autobots arrive soon after and try to intercept Downshift. Hot Shot and Blurr pursue while the rest of the Autobots and Decepticons get into a standing firefight.

[[File:Reinforcement-Cyclonus yoink.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Yoink!]]
On the track, Hot Shot and Blurr have conflicting directions and impact each other a few times. Blurr, however, is unresponsive. [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] uses his Mini-Con [[Liftor]] to blast away [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]], and Cyclonus. Blurr and Hot Shot have to stop and combine with their Mini-Cons to overcome the chasm interrupting the racetrack.

On the other side of the track, Blurr, in car mode, begins to rotate rapidly, blowing away Cyclonus and blowing Downshift into the empty stands. Blurr opens up fire on the Mini-Con, causing it to fall beneath the stands where Hot Shot catches it to Blurr's confusion. Cyclonus yanks the Mini-Con away, and the Decepticons retreat.

[[File:Reinforcement-Fist pound at sunset.jpg|200px|thumb|Robo-terrorist fist jab!]]
At the Autobot base, the kids scold Hot Shot for not getting along with Blurr. Hot Shot heads to apologize to Blurr, who appreciates the sentiment and concedes that he was unaware that the Mini-Cons were more than just tools, and that he doesn't interact with others very smoothly. Hot Shot and Blurr fistbump each other in respect, and everybody is happy they made a new special friend.

On the moon, Megatron returns with Downshift to discover that [[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]] and [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] have awakened on their own, and they combine to form the Skyboom Shield.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (1)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (2)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (3)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (4)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (5)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (11)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (17)

|c2=
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (6)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (7)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (8)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (9)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (10)

|c3=
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (12)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (13)
*[[Rad White]] (14)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (15)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (16)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]] (18)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (19)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (20)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (21)
*[[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]] (22)
*Sideways's [[Mirror|rider]] (23)
*[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (24)
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (25)
*[[Liftor]] (26)
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (27)
*[[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]] (28)
*[[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] (29)
}}

==Quotes==
"I hate when she's right, but this is one of those times."
:—'''Rad''', about Alexis

"I found my very own Mini-Con! Megatron will love me for this!"
:—'''Demolishor''', head of the Megatron/Demolishor slash club

"Sorry to break up the party."
:—'''Red Alert''', about to take a shot on Demolishor

[[File:Reinforcement-Fred's stomach.jpg|thumb|200px]]
"Arrogance and pride, a tragic combination, they cause a bot to make mistakes—like this."
:—'''Blurr''', also about to take a shot on Demolishor

"Hey, do you happen to have a website I could check out?"
:—'''Fred''', on meeting Blurr

"You might find such foolishness amusing, but remember; these are serious times. There's no room for childish pranks in an era of combat. Take my advice and act your age."
:—'''Blurr''' tells the kids to grow up

"Fry, Autobots, fryyy! HahaHAHAHA!"
:—Just '''Cyclonus''' being Cyclonus.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*The first line of dialogue heard in ''Legends of the Microns'' is when Megatron charges at Optimus with the Star Saber. Later, instead of offering to be "diplomatic" in choosing who to dismantle first, Megatron says he doesn't care either way.
*''Armada'' extends Carlos's line about the Decepticons, possibly grabbing another Mini-Con to cover the silence in the Japanese dub. During the shot of Red Alert running in the background behind Cyclonus, Rad's line about it being an ambush is exclusive to the English dub.
*Then, Rad's opening narration in ''Armada'' is about how, despite the Decepticons' long winning streak, the kids and Autobots are more determined than ever to save the Mini-Cons. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it slightly to have Rad say the 'Cons are holding a massive advantage in battle, but everyone believes the Autobots will rescue the Mini-Con from today's fight.
*Rad, Alexis, and Carlos's lines after Cyclonus shoots Red Alert fittingly sound more distressed and annoyed than the English version.
*Blurr's first line in ''Armada'' is about pride and arrogance (quoted above). In ''Legends of the Microns'', it's about the goddess of victory smiling upon him.
*Rad's monologue introducing Blurr is shortened a bit in ''Legends of the Microns'' to end just before the scene cuts to the close-up of Blurr holding the Mini-Con panel.
*Optimus doesn't understand Incinerator, so he doesn't refer to him by name.
*Hot Shot's line of asking if Blurr was on their side is cut in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After seeing Blurr on the launch gate, Billy's off-screen lines are exclusive to the English dub. Also, unlike ''Armada'', Carlos, Billy, and Fred tell Blurr their names when the kids introduce themselves.
*Instead of threatening that Demolishor will never step foot in the base again, Megatron threatens to sever Demolishor's hand.
*In ''Armada'', Fred comments on how he needs to work out, and Billy and Carlos ridicule and scold Fred for his stupidity and overeating. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred says his body isn't hard like Blurr's before Billy and Carlos say that's obvious since all the Transformers' bodies are hard. When Billy fights with Fred over his bag of chips, Billy tells Fred to share them in ''Armada'' but to hand them over in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When Hot Shot arrives, his line of wondering if he said something wrong is an ''Armada'' addition. Instead of telling Blurr to do better in trying to give him a complex, Hot Shot asks Blurr if he is listening.
*When Carlos and Billy surprise Blurr, Carlos's line ends when Blurr jumps into the air. In ''Armada'', Carlos has two separate lines in the scene: the first, where he says Blurr wasn't expecting them; the second is Carlos regretting sneaking up on Blurr. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he has the one line where he sheepishly tells Blurr that he and the others want to hang out.
*In ''Armada'', Blurr scolds the boys (as quoted above). ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it to Blurr not sounding as harsh, saying the Autobots are still on the front lines despite being in the base, and the boys should remember that messing around on the battlefield results in dire repercussions.
*Carlos and Alexis's lines heard in the next shot before Rad speaks are only in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos sounds more hurt by Blurr's scolding as he says they don't seem to be the type that Blurr likes. Then Alexis says, "No way..." in disbelief. The rest of the scene is silent except for Hot Shot's frustrated grunt at the end.
*When confronting Blurr, Hot Shot doesn't speak until entering the frame, and instead of accusing Blurr of being anti-social, he asks if Blurr heard his question. Blurr says it has nothing to do with Hot Shot. Hot Shot accuses Blurr of not caring about his comrades. Then Blurr says there's no time for that and that he can only rely on himself in battle.
*Smokescreen's line about Blurr "getting to know the staff" is replaced by him thinking that Blurr and Hot Shot are forming a rivalry, and instead of asking Red Alert about Blurr, Smokescreen takes Hot Shot's response as proof of his theory.
*Rad tells Optimus about ''two'' Mini-Cons heading toward the Autobots in ''Armada''; he only says one Mini-Con in ''Legends of the Microns''. The English dub is correct in this case as Rad is talking about Downshift ''and'' Swindle.
*''Armada'' adds Hot Shot's internal monologue about being stuck with Blurr.
*Red Alert tells Blurr off for throwing Swindle to him so hard. When Starscream calls for Swindle, he also tells Swindle to Powerlinx with him before repeating it.
*While driving after Downshift, Hot Shot only tells Blurr to stay out of his way. The English dub added his extra lines.
*Instead of Billy's "bot testosterone thing" line, he says Blurr and Hot Shot must think they're in a race, and later, he doesn't say that it's cool. Later, Smokescreen says he can't aim at Cyclonus because he's moving all over the place.
*After Blurr blows Hot Shot and Downshift into the stands, he says the Mini-Con won't "die" from it after Hot Shot asks if he was trying to "kill" the Mini-Con.
*Hot Shot sounds more aggravated when Blurr says they must capture the Mini-Con in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When Blurr starts shooting at the bleachers, even after Hot Shot tells him it's supposed to be a rescue, the latter calls the former a psycho in ''Armada'', whereas he just says no way in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*''Armada'' extends Blurr's dialogue in the scene of him asking Hot Shot why he saved Downshift.
*When Megatron announces that the Skyboom Shield is now complete, Scavenger simply replies in shock while repeating the weapon's name ''Legends of the Microns'', whereas ''Armada'' changes this to have him hope he heard what Megatron said wrong.
*In the scene of the kids scolding Hot Shot, he says he has no excuse for his actions, and Rad says Hot Shot doesn't need to trust Blurr like he does Optimus and ''Scavenger''.
*In the ending talk between Hot Shot and Blurr, ''Armada'' adds some extra lines, including internal monologues for Hot Shot, and extends them to cover the moments of silence from the Japanese dub. In ''Legends of the Microns'', after Blurr recognizes Incinerator as his partner, he says the same about the kids, and the battle taught him that.
*Rad's closing narration in ''Armada'' is more touchy-feely as he says making a new friend and having more people on their side makes up for losing another Mini-Con. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad says instead of the team being discouraged about losing the Mini-Con, Blurr joining them gave them hope.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Reinforcement-Shrinking Incinerator.jpg|200px|thumb]]
*The Autobot and Decepticon [[insignia]]s disappear regularly in some shots.
*After Blurr first transforms and during the Autobot pan, Smokescreen is missing his antenna/horn.
*Incinerator, relative to Blurr, shrinks visibly between his first appearance and the epilogue.
*In his first scene with Incinerator, Blurr is missing the shadow around his eyes.
*In some scenes, there is a black spot on either one or both of Hot Shot's arms.
*Hot Shot's mouth doesn't move when he asks if Blurr is on their side because the line is an ''Armada'' addition.
*As he tries to keep up with Billy and Carlos when they try to sneak up on Blurr, Fred's dialogue crosses over into the next shot of Blurr walking toward the screen.
*The background of the shot of Blurr reaching for his blaster before Carlos and Billy surprise him looks like it's from the control room instead of the corridor.
*When Demolishor says the new Mini-Con is nearby, it's as though he is talking to Blackout. The Japanese dub fixes this mistake so that Demolishor refers to Megatron instead.
*When the Decepticons jump the track's cliff, and the camera adjusts to a different angle, Swindle is visible as the first one to jump when it should be Downshift.
*As Blurr lowers his hands to grab Swindle, his hands already show Swindle on them even before he gets a hold of him. The same applies to Hot Shot when he grabs Downshift, and Downshift is miscolored red like Swindle in Hot Shot's hands.
*After Megatron and Demolishor jump off the cliff, the top of Optimus's mouthplate is miscolored blue.
*In one shot of Blurr and Hot Shot chasing Downshift in vehicle mode, Blurr's right side is orange instead of white.
*In the shot of the kids discussing Hot Shot and Blurr going at each other, Carlos's jacket is closed instead of open.
*Once Powerlixed with Liftor, Smokescreen calls him Longarm. This mistake never occurs in the Japanese dub.
*When Hot Shot catches Downshift and says, "Got ya," his mouth doesn't move. He doesn't say anything in the Japanese dub.

===Continuity notes===
*Scavenger was the one to call on Blurr to aid the Autobots on [[Earth]]. He trained the younger sharpshooter back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].
*After the Decepticons recovered the other two [[Race Mini-Con Team|Race Team Mini-Con]]s, Downshift somehow found a way to activate himself, something that hadn't been displayed in the show until now. The ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'' comics would establish in the [[Linkage Part 1|first issue]] that this [[Super Stunt Team|isn't exactly uncommon]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**Blurr uses his gun like a sniper's rifle.
**Downshift can deploy his robot head in vehicle mode.
**Smokescreen fires lasers from the end of his crane arm in robot mode. He hasn't Powerlinxed with Liftor and the gun isn't flipped out either. Weird.
**Despite the odd laser blasts he did before, Smokescreen later Powerlinx with Liftor for the first time, activating his "Longarm Cannon".
**Starscream Powerlinx with Swindle in vehicle mode. This move is only used in this episode as a source of transport for the Mini-Con.
**Scavenger fires lasers from his fist.
**Blurr Powerlinx with Incinerator for the first time, activating his vehicle flight mode.
**Blurr can create hurricanes by doing donuts in vehicle mode.

===Continuity errors===
*Demolishor says that he found his very own Mini-Con, [[Blackout (Armada)|although he already has one]]; interestingly, [[Palace|this happened to Demolishor before]] with [[Bonecrusher (Armada)|another Mini-Con]]. In the Japanese dub, he says, "I did it! Yours truly is greatest!" instead.

===Trivia===
*The kanji 援軍 would be pronounced as "''engun''," while "''arate''" uses 新手.
*Carlos nicknamed the Decepticons the "D-Cons."

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Un précieux renfort'''" ("A Valuable Reinforcement")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 13]], [[2003]]
::*This is the last episode released on DVD in French. The French dubs of episodes 21 to 52 are currently considered [[lost media]].

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Bajtársak'''" ("Comrades")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il nuovo alleato'''" ("The New Ally")
::*After Optimus tells the other Autobots that they have to do everything they can to save the Mini-Cons, the others are all supposed to talk at the same time, but in Italian, all the voices outside Blurr's are at a significantly lower volume. As a result, it looks like only Blurr is talking, with... someone else saying something in the background...
::*When Scavenger says: "I hope I just heard him wrong!", he's supposed to sound worried, but in Italian he actually sounds like he was almost sarcastic, like if someone just said something stupid and he replied ''à la'' "Please, tell me they didn't just said what I think they said...".
::*When Blurr says: "Apparently I know a lot about combat, and nothing about what it means to work with others..." and Hot-Shot replies: "Well, I wouldn't exactly say 'nothing'...", the word "nothing" is translated as ''nulla'' when Blurr says it, and as ''niente'' when Hot-Shot repeats it. ''Nulla'' and ''niente'' are both correct translations of "nothing", but the fact that Hot-Shot uses a different word while he was in fact supposed to quote Blurr makes little sense.

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''선볼트의 등장'''" ("Sunbolt's Appearance")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Wsparcie'''" ("Reinforcement")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Reforço'''" ("Reinforcement")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 5 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Le combat recommence... ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Conspiracy

2026-01-20T21:33:44Z

Chase eX: /* Differences with Legends of the Microns */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=17
|prev=Credulous
|next=Trust (Armada)
|title="Conspiracy"
|furigana=いんぼう
|japanese=策略
|romaji=Inbō
|translation=Scheme: Conspiracy
|image=Conspiracy-Scavenger.jpg
|caption=If you want something done right...
|production code=TF: A-17
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Satoru Kusuda]], [[Shigenori Awai]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[January 10]], [[2003]] (English) [[May 2|2 May]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}
'''At another battle for a Mini-Con panel, Megatron schemes to have the Star Saber handed to him.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Conspiracy-Showoff.jpg|left|200px|thumb]]
The [[Decepticon]]s are enjoying their recent success. [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] casually provokes [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] into attacking and then tauntingly holds the tank off with the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]]. Starscream walks away, laughing, while [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]], characteristically observing events from a distance, predicts that Starscream's arrogance will cause the faction's eventual failure.

In the [[Autobot]] base, things are looking down. [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] unintentionally lay the blame on [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]]. Later, when a repaired Hot Shot is watching the sunset, his moping is interrupted by the five kids making stupid faces. This display of crazy expression cheers the Autobot up. As soon as he's regained his enthusiasm, Optimus calls Hot Shot to go on another mission.

[[File:Conspiracy-Hot Shot vs Sideways.jpg|200px|thumb]]
The Autobots and Decepticons split up in thick foliage to search for the [[Mini-Con]]. Demolishor and Starscream again prepare to clash, but [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] puts his underlings back in line. Once the other Decepticons leave, Megatron instructs [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] to put "the plan" in motion. While considering his ambitions, Starscream comes under attack from laser fire, which everybody else heard. Not seeing his assailant, Starscream displays his power by slashing a tree and almost accidentally attacks the other Decepticons. Hot Shot runs into [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]], who transforms and drives away. Hot Shot chases after the traitor and heads right into Scavenger, who taunts Hot Shot while dodging the Autobot's attacks with ease.

[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]], [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]], [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]], [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]], Starscream, and Demolishor engage in an open firefight. Starscream comes under fire from Leader-1 once again and, unable to see the tiny Mini-Con, again almost accidentally slices Demolishor. Megatron, however, can leap out and block the slash. The Decepticons inquire as to why Starscream is attacking his comrades. The airborne 'Con tries to explain the accident, but nobody believes him, and eventually, it's agreed that Megatron should hold the Star Saber.

[[File:Conspiracy-Welcome back.jpg|left|200px|thumb]]
[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]], remotely piloted by the kids, finds the Mini-Con panel. At the same time, Demolishor's Mini-Con finds the panel as well. The Autobots and Decepticons engage each other once more, and Optimus forms his Super mode. Sideways and Hot Shot again race each other. By recalling what Scavenger said earlier, Hot Shot defeats the motorbike. Back at the battle, Scavenger grabs onto the Mini-Con panel, and the Decepticons return to base.

At the Decepticon base, the Mini-Con resonates with the other yellow Mini-Con panel. Scavenger then announces that his time with the Decepticons is over, though Megatron is dissatisfied with his resignation. Before leaving, Scavenger mockingly notices that Megatron's wound healed ''too quickly''. He soon arrives at the Autobot base, and Optimus orders Red Alert to let the Decepticon inside. Shaking hands with Optimus, Scavenger reveals that he spent his entire time with the Decepticons as an Autobot spy.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (3)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (5)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (7)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (30)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (22)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (23)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (24)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (28)
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (29)

|c3=
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (9)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (10)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (11)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (12)
*[[Rad White]] (13)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (2)
*[[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] (4)
*[[Liftor]] (6)
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (8)
*[[Dualor (Armada)|Dualor]] (15)
*[[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]] (16)
*[[Oval]] (17)
*[[Spiral]] (18)
*[[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] (19)
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (20)
*[[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] (21)
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (25)
*[[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (26)
*[[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (27)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (31)
*[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (32)
*[[Mirror]] (33)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Conspiracy-Pondering.jpg|200px|thumb|I'm getting too old for this scrap...]]
"What an arrogant cretin. I bet he's going to be the one that causes the downfall of the Decepticons..."
:—'''Scavenger''' doesn't hold a high opinion of Starscream.

"Would you get with the program, Starscream? You're really starting to bug my system." 
"Process this: You're finished!"
:—'''Demolishor''' is tired of hearing about '''Starscream''''s sword.

"You dented my armor, you creep! I don't have to hang around here and take this! Smash you later!"
:—'''Cyclonus''', after getting a smackdown from Optimus

[[File:Conspiracy faces.jpg|200px|thumb|Whoozh a good boy? WHOOZH A GOOD BOY?]]
"You saved me?" 
"Don't flatter yourself. It was the Star Saber that I saved. Now let's blast these Autobots!"
:—As unlikely as it seems, '''Starscream''' was just saved by '''Demolishor'''.

"I'm gonna hack you into the Matrix!"
:—'''Starscream''' to Red Alert

"I'm fine, that is, long as I know that you are all right. I did it for you." 
"Oh, Megatron, sir."
:—'''Megatron''' feigns concern for '''Demolishor'''.

"If you want me to, I will take the Star Saber. I only want what's best for the Decepticons. I promise I'll keep well hidden until my wounds heal."
:—A mock-subservient '''Megatron''' offers to take the Star Saber from Starscream for the good of the Decepticons. ''Right.''

"Go park yourself, Hot Shot!"
:—'''Sideways''' (almost) cusses out Hot Shot.

[[File:Conspiracy-Remembering advice.jpg|200px|thumb|Use the Force, Luke!]]
"You must first know yourself. Only then will you have a chance at defeating your opponent."
:—'''Scavenger''' goes Obi-Wan on Hot Shot.

"Scavenger, where will you go?" 
"Does your wound still cause you pain?" 
"What?" 
"It's amazing how fast you've healed..."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Scavenger''', who's wise to the whole plan.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*In his ''Armada'' opening narration, Rad says that he saw the Autobots were trying to hide the toll they were taking from their recent losing streak since the Decepticons took the Star Saber. ''Legends of the Microns'' replaces the bit about Rad noticing the Autobots trying to hide their wounds with him saying that they returned from their latest loss with injuries.
*In ''Armada'', Fred laments the Autobots now losing because Hot Shot couldn't hold onto the Star Saber. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes his line to be less insensitive; he now says the Star Saber was the best weapon after all.
*Starscream warns Demolishor to watch what he says in ''Armada'', but warns Cyclonus instead in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then Starscream asks Cyclonus if he wants to feel "God's wrath." While pointing the Star Saber at Demolishor, Starscream says to him, "Small fry should stay far back."
*Rather than agreeing with Starscream about Demolishor's recent "substandard" performance and telling the latter to watch his back, Megatron praises Starscream for performing admirably recently, saying he agrees with that much. Then Starscream brags about how the Star Saber Mini-Cons listen to whatever he says and that others should leave the sword to him.
*Scavenger says Starscream is the self-proclaimed strongest Decepticon in the universe. Demolishor asks if he'd mind reviewing training exercises again. Scavenger says he hasn't officially joined the 'Cons and tells Demolishor to train himself if he wants to improve. After Demolishor says Starscream has the Star Saber, Scavenger tells him to shut up and do as he's told to stay out of trouble. In ''Armada'', Scavenger says Starscream could cause the Decepticons' downfall with his arrogance (quoted above). Then Demolishor requests to download a strategic manual from Scavenger's mainframe. Scavenger claims that his files are off-limits and tells Demolishor not to involve him in planning an attack on Starscream, saying that Demolishor is on his own.
*Cyclonus lamely says, "I can't stand this" before walking off in ''Legends of the Microns''. ''Armada'' changes his line to quipping about going back to work, extended to cover the Japanese dub's silence.
*Megatron tells Demolishor he can guarantee the Star Saber will soon be in good hands in ''Armada'' but outright says it will be back in ''his'' hands in the Japanese dub.
*As Hot Shot mopes, ''Armada'' adds his inner dialogue about losing the Star Saber due to Sideways being a traitor as the Japanese version is silent. After Billy and Fred apologize, Hot Shot asks about the children's funny faces before saying he's okay. Fred wonders how the Autobots can reclaim the Star Saber, and Billy says Hot Shot "was just saying that." In ''Armada'', Fred indifferently agrees with Hot Shot that it won't be easy, and Billy tells Fred to keep his opinions to himself.
*Rather than complaining about being unable to see in the fog, Cyclonus moans about the forest's depressing look.
*In ''Armada'', Demolishor says Starscream is getting on his nerves, and Starscream tells Demolishor that he's finished. The Japanese dub changes their dialogue to Demolishor asking if Starscream is trying to insult Megatron, so Starscream asks what Demolishor would do if he did and calls him a lackey. Then Demolishor dares Starscream to repeat himself. During their standoff, the Japanese dub tones down Demolishor's growling to be more subtle, Starscream doesn't chuckle, and there's no dialogue. Then, instead of addressing them both, Megatron tells Demolishor that's enough.
*''Armada'' has Megatron order Leader-1 to "put the plan in motion," but ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Megatron's line to him telling Leader-1 that he has a job for him.
[[File:Conspiracy animation changes.jpg|thumb|290px|Some changes to the animation between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' (right)]]
*As Starscream walks in the fog, ''Legends of the Microns'' changes his line slightly to have him say that if he continues making Megatron nervous, becoming the Decepticon leader won't be a dream anymore. Later, the Japanese dub removes his inner dialogue before calling the Star Saber, and Starscream doesn't assume the Autobots are attacking, so he doesn't address them.
*When Starscream tells the other 'Cons about his unknown attacker, Megatron says the Autobots haven't shown themselves yet. Scavenger thinks they might be using a new tactic, and Megatron believes the Autobots are resorting to "desperate tactics" after constantly losing Mini-Cons lately. ''Armada'' has Megatron tell Starscream to be careful with the Star Saber. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says Starscream should consider himself lucky for escaping. Then Megatron complements Leader-1 and tells him to move on to Phase 2 of the plan in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says, "Forget about it. I'm already thinking about what to take next."
*In the Japanese dub, Hot Shot is shocked upon seeing Sideways, and Hot Shot asks if he approached the Autobots with ulterior motives. Then Sideways says it's because Hot Shot is the naive type, and Hot Shot calls him "shameless scum."
*The Japanese dub removes the transformation sound effect wherever ''Armada'' adds it.
*Instead of Cyclonus musing about having Optimus where he wants him, Cyclonus chuckles about Prime being a "ridiculously easy target."
*Scavenger doesn't mention the Star Saber when talking to Hot Shot. Despite previously saving Hot Shot, Scavenger says he won't let him escape easily this time, and Hot Shot asserts he didn't ask Scavenger to save him. He says the Autobot has some considerable fighting skills, but he can't ignore how Hot Shot's previous defeat was because he didn't learn anything, causing Hot Shot to say that's him and his way of fighting. While dodging Hot Shot's punches, Scavenger asks him if he thinks others can't read his repetitive movements. Scavenger says Hot Shot doesn't have what it takes to win in his current state before leaving.
*Red Alert calls his joint attack with Smokescreen "Operation D-Con" in ''Armada''; it's only "Operation D" in the Japanese dub.
*After Demolishor 'saves' him, Starscream again refers to him as a lackey. Later, in ''Armada'', just before he sees Leader-1, Scavenger says it's time for him to show his allegiance. He wonders which side will show their flaws in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Rather than threatening Red Alert (as quoted above), Starscream says it's payback time for what the Autobots tried to do to him.
*There are some differences in dialogue when Starscream loses the Star Saber to Megatron between the dubs, but the overall point is identical:
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor tells the others that Megatron saved him from the Star Saber. Megatron says his injury is nothing if he can protect his subordinates like Demolishor. Starscream says he was attacking an enemy who attacked him; Cyclonus asks if he's sure since it appeared Starscream was charging Demolishor, and Starscream says he was facing Red Alert. Sideways says the fog can confuse anyone into attacking a comrade by mistake. Demolishor says he was facing forward, and Starscream was the only one he knew was behind him. Cyclonus says Starscream having the Star Saber is too dangerous since it injured one of their own. Sideways says one of them might do the same someday, causing Cyclonus to ask if he's kidding and how they're supposed to fight alongside Starscream. After Cyclonus and Demolishor agree that Megatron should have the Star Saber, he tells Starscream that forming riffs at this point will lead to future conflicts among them, so he'll temporarily take the sword to stop any present concerns.
**Compared to the Japanese version, ''Armada'' is partially lighthearted near the end. Demolishor says Starscream attacked him. Megatron is more of a suck-up as he says he got hurt for Demolishor's sake. Cyclonus asks Starscream if he's now calling Demolishor an enemy. After Sideways's line about the fog, Demolishor says he'd be "half" himself if it weren't for Megatron. Cyclonus thinks they should take the Star Saber from Starscream as punishment, and though he agrees, Sideways jokes about not wanting to be Starscream's next victim. Then Cyclonus jokes about being nervous with Starscream standing behind him before suggesting that Megatron have the sword. Megatron says he'll take the sword if they insist as he wants what's best for the Decepticons.
*Megatron shows off holding the Star Saber to the Autobots in ''Armada'' and says it will end them. After Smokescreen's line, Red Alert asks if he's serious. Instead of bragging, Megatron says the forest will become the Autobots' grave, and Red Alert addresses Optimus rather than responding to Smokescreen in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*''Legends of the Microns'' plays the Optimus [[Super Mode]] theme "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Super Convoy]]" but ''Armada'' plays the opening Transformers theme. The Japanese dub doesn't have an awkward silent gap when the music changes after Hot Shot defeats Sideways.
*''Armada'' has Hot Shot's line about Sideways not escaping him again begin immediately. Hot Shot doesn't speak until his mouth is visible in the Japanese dub. Sideways mocks Hot Shot for not learning his lessons in the Japanese dub and tells him to give up instead of wasting his efforts.
*Instead of saying that Hot Shot doesn't belong on the open road, Sideways says the Autobot still uses the same single attack, and he can already see through his pattern. After beating Sideways, Hot Shot quips about how the former wished he had a seatbelt in ''Armada''. The Japanese dub changes Hot Shot's line to say he's also seen enough of Sideways's single attack patterns.
*Before leaving, Scavenger says taking the new Mini-Con was foolish on his part since it's useless to him. Then instead of remarking how quickly Megatron's wound healed, Scavenger says it's good that Megatron managed to get possession of it (the Star Saber).
*In the Autobot base, Scavenger says it was slightly out of the way and that the Decepticons' fate is sealed. ''Armada'' changes his dialogue to him saying he severed all ties with the 'Cons as he and Optimus planned.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Scavenger is characterised as genuinely switching sides at the end of the episode from the Decepticons to the Autobots, for reasons that will be explained as the series progresses. Optimus Prime assures his men that Scavenger is being truthful and is not here to spy on them for the Decepticons; the next episode will reveal Optimus and Scavenger's history, showing why Optimus is confident about trusting Scavenger. In a rare example of what appears to have been a conscious change, ''Armada'' instead presents Scavenger as having always been an Autobot, with Optimus's dialogue changed to explain that he was on a secret undercover spy mission among the Decepticons.
*In Rad's closing narration, he says that after some tough battles, Scavenger joining the Autobots now prepares them to counterattack the Decepticons. The ''Armada'' version is the same but with a more lively tone and adds the detail about the Decepticons still having the Star Saber and now possessing the two mystery Mini-Cons.

===Animation and technical errors===
*In some shots of Scavenger and Starscream, their jaws are miscolored to match their faces.
*When Scavenger calls Starscream "an arrogant cretin," his mouth doesn't move. In ''Legends of the Microns'', an offscreen Demolishor speaks at this point instead, cursing Starscream and accusing him of getting carried away.
**After this, how does Scavenger know to look up before Demolishor talks to him when there was a brief silence after Scavenger's line? In the Japanese dub, Demolishor acknowledges Scavenger before they talk.
*After Scavenger talks with Demolishor, his head is partially miscolored like his body. Sideways's torso is blue on the sides rather than yellow, and Cyclonus's chest windows are slightly off-model.
*Smokescreen's chest is partially miscolored during his first shot in the forest; the Japanese dub corrects it (see above).
*When Megatron and Demolishor turn and face Starscream before the Decepticons split up, it looks like Demolishor lost an eye.
*Part of Starscream's head is miscolored like his face in some shots.
*In two shots, Starscream has tire tread marks on his null-laser cannon thrusters.
*Like in the previous episode, Sideways's Decepticon symbol repeatedly appears and vanishes randomly between shots.
*Sideways's footsteps are heard before he appears, and he's initially see-through when emerging from the fog. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this by showing him in the shot as an obscure silhouette in time with his footsteps and reveals him fully as the camera zooms in (see above).
*The close-up of Megatron after he tells Starscream to be careful with the Star Saber has his face miscolored like Starscream's.
*When Hot Shot appears above the treeline to see Scavenger, he says, "That isn't Sideways!" but his mouth doesn't move. In the Japanese dub, Hot Shot says his line ''before'' appearing above the treeline.
*When Scavenger tells Hot Shot to do better, there's an awkward pause just before Scavenger completes his line. There is no pause in ''Legends of the Microns'' as Scavenger says his line about predicting Hot Shot's moves and calls him an amateur.
*After Demolishor saves Starscream from Red Alert and Smokescreen, the right side of Demolishor's face is yellow like his head.
*As Leader-1 attacks Starscream the second time, the Mini-Con's lasers are initially purple, but they become red in one shot and change back to purple.
**At first, there's no fog during the shot of Leader-1's laser blasts leading to Demolishor's silhouette, but then it comes out of nowhere heavily. ''Legends of the Microns'' has fog throughout the shot.
*During the scene where the Decepticons force Starscream to give Megatron the Star Saber, Sideways is wearing his Autobot head. ''Legends of the Microns'' correctly shows Sideways with his Decepticon head (see above).
*At one point, all of Megatron's Decepticon symbols are missing.
*Optimus mistakenly refers to Sparkplug as Jolt; ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this mistake.
*The Autobot and Decepticon symbols are off-model in some shots.
**Sometimes, the insignias are just colored dots.
**The Decepticon symbols on Starscream's wings have rings around them in some shots.
*After Scavenger and Optimus shake hands, part of Scavenger's chest changes color.
*Scavenger's Autobot insignia is missing in the team's final shot despite appearing a moment ago. The Japanese dub corrects the mistake.

===Continuity notes===
*The recently-acquired Mini-Cons in the Decepticon base include two previously unseen [[Street Speed Mini-Con Team]] members, their teammate Spiral (who the 'Cons seemingly took from the Autobots since her activation in "[[Gale]]"), the other two [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]] members, and Rollbar (whom Scavenger acquired in ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'' comic [[Linkage Part 4|issue #4]]).
*In a super-obvious foreshadowing moment, when Starscream threatens Demolishor and Demolishor looks to his teammates for backup, Sideways tells him, "Don't look at me. I'm not taking sides." He says that he's neutral in the Japanese dub.
*Hot Shot is still hurt about Sideways's betrayal [[Credulous|last episode]].
*Scavenger reminds Hot Shot about how he saved him from getting killed at the end of "Credulous."
*Scavenger gives Hot Shot the same advice he gave Starscream in "[[Overmatch]]" about needing to know himself better to become a great warrior.
*Starscream is forced to give the Star Saber to Megatron, who will rarely be seen without it after this point.
*The Decepticons capture the second of the three Skyboom Shield Mini-Cons.
*Optimus reveals Scavenger was a spy for the Autobots, and Scavenger joins them. ''Legends of the Microns'' has a significantly different reason on why Scavenger joined them, as explained in the [[Trust (Armada)|next episode]].
*Gadgets and powers:
**The Autobot Mini-Cons Sparkplug, Longarm, Liftor, and Jolt can weld using their fingertips.
**Leader-1 uses his gun barrels in vehicle mode for the first time.
**Optimus uses his "Big Punch" move to take down Cyclonus. The last time Prime used the attack was in "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]."
**This episode marks the third time Optimus Prime uses his Super Mode and only the second time he has Powerlinxed with Sparkplug. He hasn't done either since "[[Comrade]]."
***This episode marks the first time Optimus says his name before saying, "Super Mode! Transform!" just like in the Japanese dub.
***Optimus also refers to his attack as "Maxi Blast" instead of "Maximum Blast."
**Red Alert fires a red disc from his chest launcher instead of the rainbow discs he used back in "[[Soldier (episode)|Soldier]]."
*Powerlinx forms:
**Megatron Powerlinx with the Star Saber for the first time after losing it to Hot Shot in "Swoop." As it happens, Megatron was the only other Decepticon at this time whose toy had hands capable of holding the sword.

===Continuity errors===
*Starscream says that Sonar, Runway, and Jetstorm combine into the Star Saber, but we've already known this for some time. In the Japanese dub, he says the Decepticons should entrust him with the sword.
*Some forest shots have little to no fog despite Rad saying the area is famous for year-round fog. Sometimes, the mist goes from heavy to light at a moment's notice during or between shots. ''Legends of the Microns'' has mist throughout the forest scenes, and it darkens several scenes depending on the fog's heaviness (see above). The Japanese dub also depicts the sky as more overcast, unlike ''Armada'', which shows the mist only darkening the clouds and clear blue sky patches in between.
*Why doesn't Hot Shot recognize Scavenger's legs after losing Sideways when they're in plain view? The Japanese dub fixes this by adding more fog in the shot and obscuring Scavenger's silhouette (see above).
*Upon seeing Leader-1 enacting Megatron's plan to take the Star Saber, Scavenger says, "That's strange. A Mini-Con acting on its own." He's seemingly unaware that this is possible, which is rather odd since [[Linkage Part 3|he's already met Mini-Cons]] "[[Super Stunt Team|acting on their own]]."
*Demolishor says the new Mini-Con panel is coming to life, but this isn't true since he's looking at the previous one the Decepticons captured; it'll also be a while until the Mini-Con activates. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says the panel is responding instead.
**In the same scene, since Demolishor and Megatron refer to the new Mini-Con panels as "the second of the mystery Mini-Cons," it's as though the Decepticons have forgotten about the Skyboom Shield despite Scavenger telling Megatron about it back in "Overmatch." Megatron doesn't mention the shield until [[Reinforcement|three episodes later]]. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor calls the encased yellow panel the Skyboom Shield Mini-Con, and Megatron realizes the new one is the second part of the shield accordingly.

===Transformers references===
*In ''Armada'', Starscream threatens to hack Red Alert "into [[Matrix (disambiguation)|Matrix]]," probably referring to the [[Transformer afterlife]].

===Real-world references===
*Megatron's plan to take the Star Saber from Starscream is an example of {{w|gaslighting}}, where someone makes another person think they're going crazy and can't trust their judgment and gets others to believe the same about the victim and turn against them. Megatron uses Leader-1 to make Starscream think the Autobots are attacking him and nearly attack his comrades and "saves" Demolishor to convince the others that Starscream is mentally unstable and unfit to wield the Star Saber.
*Sideways tells the other Decepticons "not to jump the firewall," a riff on the phrase, "Don't jump the fence."

===Trivia===
*The kanji 策略 would be pronounced as "''sakuryaku''," while "''inbō''" is used for the kanji 陰謀.
*For a long time, and for reasons unknown, this episode wasn't available on [[Tubi]].
*According to the ''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'':
**One can describe the series as "a story of betrayal" as several characters lie, scheme, and double-cross each other. The team sought to make convincing stories that it was normal for meetings to last over ten hours.
**The production team regarded Spiral as Fred's partner Mini-Con.
**During recording, Scavenger had a Decepticon symbol on his chest that changed into the Autobot insignia in the final scene.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''L'Espion surprise'''" ("The Surprise Spy")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 22]], [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Csapda a ködben'''" ("A Trap in the Mist")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La congiura'''" ("The Conspiracy")

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''메가트론의 음모'''" ("Megatron's Conspiracy")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Intryga'''" ("Intrigue")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Conspiração'''" ("Conspiracy")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 5 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Le combat recommence... ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Gale

2026-01-20T01:13:13Z

Chase eX: /* Real-world references */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=15
|prev=Overmatch
|next=Credulous
|title="Gale"
|furigana=はやて
|japanese=疾風
|romaji=Hayate
|translation=Gale
|image=galeminicon.jpg
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-15
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Osamu Kamijō]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[December 20]], [[2002]] (English) [[April 18|18 April]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIm2WGD21hs
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''During a search for the latest Mini-Con, Scavenger and Hot Shot continue their rivalry on an unfinished highway. But who is the mysterious newcomer?'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Gale jaamsword.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Hot Shot pays tribute to his unused mold.]]
In another nameless city, a mysterious rider on a toyetic purple motorcycle from space lands.

In the [[Autobot]] base, [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] is practicing swinging his [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]]. [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] suspects that since the Star Saber is the mightiest in the universe, Hot Shot, by extension, is the strongest Transformer. However, [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] feels that's not exactly how things work. Soon [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] comes to tell Hot Shot they've detected another [[Mini-Con]], and the boys pledge to be Hot Shot's cheerleaders. In the control room, [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] determines the [[Mini-Con]] panel's location in a freeway tunnel in grid sector 29365. The Autobots rush into action, and the kids come along too for cheerleading purposes (with Red Alert's approval).

Already at the scene, [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] guard the outside of the tunnel and see the oncoming Autobots. Inside, [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] oversee [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]]'s digging, who resents having to do this labor.

Cyclonus transforms and uses his alt mode to force a civilian truck into lodging on the highway horizontally, hindering the traffic flow to delay the Autobots. Hot Shot uses Jolt to circumvent this traffic obstacle. At the same time, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]] drops off Billy and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] and speeds away. Shortly after, the boys encounter the mysterious purple bike drive pass to pick up one of them.

Hot Shot (carrying [[Rad White|Rad]] and Carlos) chases Cyclonus, while in turn, being chased down by Scavenger. Soon, Hot Shot drops off the kids, transforms, and summons the Star Saber to engage in Scavenger in direct combat again. Cyclonus attempts to take advantage of the fight by shooting Hot Shot from behind. However, as soon as Cyclonus misses, the cries of Billy, kidnapped by the motorcyclist, distract everybody.

[[File:Gale manyhugsofBilly.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|[[Alpha Quintesson|"I'll hug you."]]]]
The motorcyclist stops and lets Billy off so that Billy can hug Rad. (Fred, meanwhile, remains alone and unloved.) Then the purple bike returns to the duel between Scavenger and Hot Shot, and with an impressive jump, the cycle takes Cyclonus out of the sky. Just then, Alexis and the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Team]] arrive near the duel scene and meet up with Rad, Billy, and Carlos, who she yells at for abandoning her.

Scavenger and Hot Shot finally begin their battle, and Scavenger grabs Hot Shot out of a slow-motion leap and slams the Autobot into the ground. Seeing the highway's unfinished section, Hot Shot releases the Star Saber Mini-Cons and drives away, with Scavenger chasing. The motorcyclist continues following the fight.

Meanwhile, Fred still stands, all alone and forgotten.

The Autobots and [[Decepticon]]s battle in the tunnel, while Hot Shot and Scavenger drive right through, and Cyclonus gives up his struggle with Smokescreen to follow the duel. When Scavenger arrives on the highway's incomplete section, Hot Shot leaps from the sky and lands behind Scavenger. Hot Shot slices the entire segment of the road away with much vigor, causing it to fall. Scavenger barely manages to get back onto the road's stable section by hanging onto Cyclonus's flying alt mode. Defeated, Scavenger laughs and berates Hot Shot, saying that he will prove Hot Shot's incompetence another day. At that moment, the motorcyclist also laughs at Hot Shot.

Inside the tunnel, the defeated Decepticons teleport away again. Hot Shot, the kids, and the motorcyclist arrive in the tunnel too. Optimus thanks the stranger, and the bike transforms and introduces himself as [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]]. Smokescreen then announces that he's found the Mini-Con panel, which activates and reveals itself to be [[Spiral]].

[[File:Fred Spiral01.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|The inspiration for Energon's Powerlinxing.]]
Back at the Autobot base, Billy is riding around with Sideways some more, and Fred accepts an offer to ride on Spiral (translated by Carlos). Hot Shot and Red Alert agree that Sideways might not be entirely trustworthy; inside the base, Rad and Alexis also admit that they get a questionable vibe from him. After riding around on Spiral for a while, Fred inquires about the location of the bathroom.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (1)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (3)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (8)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (11)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (20)

|c2=
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (12)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (13)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (15)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (16)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (17)

|c3=
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (4)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (5)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (6)
*[[Rad White]] (7)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (9)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*Sideways's [[Mirror|rider]] (2)
*[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (14)
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (18)
*[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] (19)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (21)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (22)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (23)
*[[Spiral]] (24)
}}

==Quotes==
"I've got a bad feeling about this."
:—'''Alexis''', regarding the boys tagging along as Hot Shot's cheer squad. You and us both, sister.

"Lucky for us, Scavenger is here to do all the digging, don't you think, Starscream? Otherwise, you'd be in there getting your hands dirty." 
"Right! There's no way you'd catch me playing in the dirt like that." 
"If I had known I'd be the only one doing all the work down here, I would have never left Cybertron!"
:—Mine boss '''Megatron''' with '''Starscream''' and '''Scavenger'''.

"Billy, Fred—sorry, but it looks like things might get a little dangerous out here. I think it's best if you stay put up here for a while." 
"Aww, gee whiz! But I thought we were backup?" 
"Yeah...well...you can back us up from here! Oh, and stay put!"
:—'''Optimus''' dumps '''Billy''' and Fred on the side of the road.

[[File:Gale Needalift.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Surely this huge motorcycle doesn't attract any attention at all.]]
'''Fred:''' "Oh, this really bites, big time." 
'''Billy:''' "I told you we should have gone with Hot Shot, but no, you wouldn't listen, would you, doofus? 
''(A large purple motorcycle suddenly approaches)'' 
'''Billy:''' "Huh?" 
'''Fred:''' "Huh??" 
'''Sideways:'''"You lookin' to hitch a ride? I got room for one. That's it." 
'''Fred:''' "Hey, B-Billy, that bike—" 
'''Billy:''' "—talked to us! Wait a sec: Autobot or Decepticon?" 
:—'''Fred''' and '''Billy''' lament being dumped before the enigmatic '''Sideways''' approaches.

"Your battling days are over!" 
"Hahaha! I like a bot with a sense of humor!"
:—'''Hot Shot''' lamely trash-talks '''Scavenger'''.

"Hahahaha! Oh, ''joy!'' This is as easy as shooting bots in a barrel! Hahahahaha!"
:—'''Cyclonus'''

"Remember me?!? I'm Billy's friend!"
:—'''Fred''''s cry of loneliness after Hot Shot, Scavenger, and Sideways pass him without sparing a glance.

"Back on Cybertron, they used to call me Sideways. I guess I'm a bit of a drifter. Maybe that's why I'm here."
:—'''Sideways's''' self-introduction to the Autobots

"Oh, don't worry, Hot Shot. You must remember they're only human, and probably in a couple of days or so, they'll be all over you again."
:—'''Red Alert''', on the fickle nature of children

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*Rad's opening narration expositing over Sideways's arrival is an ''Armada'' addition. In ''Legends of the Microns'', his first narration comes later, when Rad gives his second one in ''Armada''.
*Hot Shot's flashback is silent except when Scavenger speaks at the end of it. Afterward, Hot Shot says, "Go away!" while swinging the Star Saber. In ''Armada'', Hot Shot says, "This isn't over yet Scavenger!" when the scene cuts to the boys watching.
*Instead of agreeing with Fred about Hot Shot being the universe's strongest Transformer, Billy asks Carlos if that is true. Then Hot Shot says that could be true since they could search the universe and not find another bot that's a match for himself.
*In ''Armada'', Red Alert tells Hot Shot they have work to do but says Hot Shot can't be serious about the claim he just made in ''Legends of the Microns''. ''Armada'' adds Hot Shot's mumbling after Red Alert's line. Then, depending on the dub, Red says either that Scavenger joined the Decepticons or asks Hot Shot if he already forgot what happened with Scavenger [[Overmatch|the last time]].
*''Armada'' has Hot Shot swearing to get even with Scavenger, Red Alert telling him that unless he unlocks the Star Saber's full power, it's useless, and Hot Shot telling Red to lay off. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot say he won't be careless the next time he faces Scavenger, Red Alert saying that Hot Shot shouldn't be making bold claims despite wielding the Star Saber, after which Hot Shot says that he knows and tells Red to stop lecturing him.
*Rad and Carlos's lines about Hot Shot's training improving and the kids being there for backup are changed to them assuring Hot Shot that they're rooting for him.
*For his opening monologue in the Japanese dub, Rad says that's when the boys understood Hot Shot's determination, and it's why they wanted to cheer him on no matter what. However, ''Armada'' makes the second narration carefree since Rad says though the boys thought it's lame for wanting to backup Hot Shot as he's one of the greatest bots in the universe, "It's the thought that counts."
*In ''Armada'', Alexis says the Mini-Con signal is in a freeway tunnel in "grid sector 29365". Afterward, Hot Shot claims the Autobots are "back in business" before Smokescreen says a line. She says in the central part of a highway in "a hill district at point 042451" in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then only Hot Shot speaks as he expresses excitement for the Mini-Con being on the highway, "his favorite place."
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot calls for his "backup" (the boys) and, after Alexis tells them to wait, Carlos and Rad tell her about their promise to support the Autobot in battle. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it to Hot Shot inviting the kids to tag along, Carlos repeating this to Alexis, and Rad telling her about cheering on Hot Shot. After Alexis says the boys will get in the way, Fred says, "Hot Shot needs us" in ''Armada'' but "We'll be fine" in ''Legends of the Microns''. After this, Hot Shot says the kids are coming along for moral support in ''Armada'', while ''Legends of the Microns'' has him make the cocky response that the humans will witness his "heroic exploits."
*''Armada'' has Smokescreen say that he thinks Alexis has a point while ''Legends of the Microns'' has him ask what should be done. When Optimus agrees to let the kids come along, he tells Hot Shot that he's responsible for them and tells the team to move out in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he tells the kids to listen to Hot Shot and get to safety immediately when the fighting starts. ''Armada'' has an awkward silence after Optimus finishes talking. Then ''Armada'' has Alexis say she has a bad feeling while the Japanese dub has her say, "Geez, I guess that's life..."
*Demolishor complaining about his "most useless assignment ever" is an ''Armada'' addition, and he moans some more before Cyclonus tells him to be quiet. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Demolishor say no one will be at a blocked-off tunnel, and Cyclonus says that makes searching for the panel easier.
*After Blackout detects something, the traffic shot is silent since Demolishor immediately asks Blackout if he senses the enemy. After Demolishor says Blackout must be imagining it, the shot zooming down the road is quiet until the Autobots are visible. Then Demolishor tells Cyclonus the Autobots are approaching, and Cyclonus tells Demolishor not to "lose his cool."
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Megatron order Starscream to watch the tunnel exit, with the latter claiming the task being more pleasant than digging. ''Armada'' makes Megatron muse about how Scavenger digging frees Starscream from getting his hands dirty, and Starscream agrees with the statement. Then after Megatron is alerted about the Autobots, he reacts with surprise. In ''Armada'', he orders to keep the Autobots busy, sounding more mildly annoyed than anything.
*When Scavenger expresses the desire to fight the Autobots, Megatron only mutters his name and says the Autobots can't be allowed to interfere. However, in ''Armada'', he says that Scavenger should ignore the Autobots and keep digging; ''Armada'' makes Scavenger disobey Megatron's order by leaving to fight Hot Shot in his next scene. Furthermore, the Japanese dub has Megatron order Cyclonus to cause a diversion on the freeway.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', the overhead shot of the traffic jam Cyclonus causes is silent. Then Red Alert asks what's in the sky, Hot Shot answers, Smokescreen's line is changed to have him ask if the Decepticons have already found the Mini-Con, and Optimus responds that they haven't. Instead of Hot Shot having an idea before Powerlinxing with Jolt, he says Cyclonus is getting away. After Hot Shot flies off the freeway, ''Armada'' gives him and Optimus extra lines to remove the Japanese dub's silence.
*While dropping off Billy and Fred, the scene's tone is more serious as Optimus says the boys should disembark since Scavenger has shown himself. As Billy laments "missing the show," Optimus apologizes and says the Autobots promised to protect the kids and that they'll return for Billy and Fred when the fighting is over. After this, Billy and Fred envy the other kids for riding with Hot Shot; ''Armada'' extends their dialogue to cover the silence in the scene of Sideways pulling up by them. When Sideways offers the boys a ride, Billy asks if the motorcycle is a Transformer.
*''Armada'' gives Cyclonus and Hot Shot filler to remove the silence in the following scene. In ''Legends of the Microns'', during the shot of Cyclonus, he says, "Keep following me!" The scene cuts to Hot Shot, who responds by yelling, "Hold it!" The next scene with them is silent. Then Rad tells the Autobot not to follow Cyclonus too far, and Carlos says everything will be fine since Hot Shot has the Star Saber. The next shot of Rad seeing Scavenger in Hot Shot's mirror is silent, and Rad says, "It's him!" Then Hot Shot tells Rad and Carlos to get out, and Rad wishes him luck. The transformation noise is also removed from Hot Shot and Scavenger transforming, and the Star Saber forming.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot says to bring it on, and Scavenger inquires, "Is it time for another interesting lesson?" ''Armada'' adds Carlos quipping to Rad after this as the standoff between the two bots is silent. Scavenger asks why Hot Shot doesn't attack him as he's defenseless. ''Armada'' makes him taunt Hot Shot for being scared and quip about the Star Saber's batteries running low, and then Rad tells Alexis a "Transformers showdown" is happening. Rad tells her that Hot Shot and Scavenger are just staring at each other in the Japanese dub. The video Rad transmits of the two is silent, and Alexis asks Red Alert if he can locate them instead of telling Rad to link his video feed into Red.
*After Alexis asks why Hot Shot and Scavenger are just standing around in ''Armada'', Smokescreen says, "Good question." In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says, "He's too scared to move..." without specifying who he means. Demolishor asking, "What'd I do now?" as he runs away from the tunnel entrance is added to the English dub.
*''Legends of the Microns'' has the Autobots realize the Decepticons are searching the tunnel for the Mini-Con since Scavenger came from there. Red Alert says Cyclonus is near Hot Shot, and Alexis says the Decepticon is targeting him. Cyclonus's "Shooting bots in a barrel" quip is changed to him claiming the other 'Cons will thank him for shooting an Autobot in the back.
*''Armada'' has Hot Shot act cocky and refuse to turn his back on Scavenger. However, ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the cockiness.
*''Armada'' makes Hot Shot quip about Cyclonus being "a lousy shot," but ''Legends of the Microns'' makes him say that he was caught off guard and ask what that (Sideways) was. When he's first seen riding Sideways, ''Armada'' has Billy claim that he's being "kidnapped"; Billy only cries for help in ''Legends of the Microns''. As Sideways speeds through Scavenger's legs, the latter merely calls him annoying. Then Billy only says that Sideways is a Transformer. Then Rad and Carlos react as shocked by the info while ''Armada'' has Rad puzzledly asking what they should do.
*Smokescreen asks who Sideways is, and Optimus asks if he's friend or foe before saying the Mini-Con panel is their main priority. After Optimus, Red Alert, and Smokescreen drive ahead, Alexis tells the Mini-Cons they should get going too.
*After Billy gets off Sideways, he cries Rad's name after latching onto him rather than begging to be saved, and Rad asks Billy if he is okay instead of being indifferent. ''Armada'' has Carlos ask whose idea it was to get on Sideways, and Billy swears it wasn't his. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos asks Billy why he was riding Sideways, and Billy says Sideways offered a ride. After Rad asks where Fred is, Billy says that Sideways could only fit one person, while in ''Armada'', Billy recalls leaving Fred on the bridge. After the above exchange in ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred says he's lonely.
*Rather than asking which side Sideways is on, Rad questions his identity. Then Hot Shot asks the same. Cyclonus's cackling and his line about "moving targets" are removed. Just before he starts firing at Sideways, he says he's not going to let him mess with the Decepticons. Cyclonus says that Sideways hit him in ''Armada'', but he doesn't in ''Legends of the Microns'' and asks why he is falling at all.
*Rather than sarcastically asking the boys for a status report, Alexis asks why they're getting excited.
*Hot Shot doesn't speak until after dodging Scavenger's arm. Scavenger tells Hot Shot to show him the weapon's real power instead of demanding him to hand it over. Then Carlos calls Hot Shot, and Rad says someone should do something. In ''Armada'', Rad and Alexis say it's weird and senseless that Sideways is only interested in Hot Shot and Scavenger's fight. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes them more insightful as they say Sideways is watching from the sidelines to see which of the two is stronger. Then ''Armada'' has Rad call Scavenger "an oversized CPU" and tells Hot Shot not to get intimidated by him; ''Legends of the Microns'' has Rad say, "This isn't a sideshow!" (to either Sideways or Hot Shot) and gives Alexis a line in which she cheers for Hot Shot.
*After Hot Shot and Scavenger transform, Rad says the kids will follow, but ''Armada'' has him say the kids are still the Autobot's backup. There's no transform sound effect in the scene, and Hot Shot doesn't say "Transform" until the Star Saber glistens in the sun.
*''Armada'' has Hot Shot and Scavenger hurl quippy insults at each other on the highway. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Scavenger quip about Hot Shot running back to Optimus for help as Hot Shot tells him to keep up. As Fred sees the highway chase going on, ''Armada'' has him presume the bots heard him and now need his help (quoted above). In ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred says the others have finally returned for him and shouts out for Hot Shot and Billy. After being abandoned again, Fred still calls after Hot Shot; Fred shouts louder in the Japanese dub.
*After flooring Starscream, Optimus says the Decepticon isn't getting away with this. During the close-up of Demolishor digging, ''Armada'' has him complain about hating Megatron yelling at him; ''Legends of the Microns'' has him frustratingly ask where Scavenger ran off.
*Cyclonus notices Scavenger while grappling with Smokescreen and tells Megatron that he'll handle it. Then Megatron demands Cyclonus not to run out on him. ''Armada'' makes no note of Scavenger here; instead, Cyclonus complains about doing everything himself, and Megatron commands him to return to his post.
*During the shot of the highway's incomplete section after exiting the tunnel, Scavenger doesn't speak until a second before the scene cuts to him, saying that Hot Shot disappeared. When Hot Shot slices through the rock while descending upon Scavenger, Hot Shot shouts, "I've won this!". After Hot Shot lands, Scavenger asks where he was aiming, and the Autobot answers, "Right here!". ''Armada'' plays the Transformers theme when Hot Shot reappears, but ''Legends of the Microns'' plays "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Cybertrons, Transform!]]."
*After Hot Shot defeats Scavenger, Hot Shot brags about Scavenger not expecting him to use the ground to his advantage, and that's the Star Saber's real power. Here, Scavenger is somewhat more humble in accepting defeat while debuffing Hot Shot for being at a low level and using a cheap trick to win, hindering his ability to realize the sword's true potential. As Scavenger leaves, Hot Shot demands that he come back in ''Armada'' but commands the former not to make fun of him in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Sideways note Hot Shot's "interesting" victory before Hot Shot asks why he's snooping around and challenges him to fight if he so desires. However, compared to the smart-aleck response he gives in ''Armada'', Sideways is more reserved here as he says that he can't fight Hot Shot since they're on the same side.
*While surrounded by the Autobots, ''Armada'' has Megatron ask Demolishor for Cyclonus and Scavenger's whereabouts and coming up empty. Then Megatron says the Decepticons have to retreat because of them. When Demolishor appears to object, Megatron quips that the former wants to continue digging, making Demolishor relent. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says they'll have to retreat without Cyclonus and Scavenger as reinforcements. Demolishor agrees, and Megatron says there's no other choice but to retreat.
*After the Decepticons warp, ''Armada'' has Optimus dare Megatron to keep running since there will soon be nowhere to hide from the Autobots. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes Optimus say he will face Megatron anytime and that the Autobots will neither run nor hide. Immediately after this, only Rad calls Optimus's name in ''Armada'' while both Rad ''and'' Hot Shot say it in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In ''Armada'', Hot Shot claims he was starting to worry about the kids, and Carlos snarks about the former going to tell the others that he defeated Scavenger on his own. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot is happy the kids are okay, and Carlos brings up how Sideways saved Hot Shot.
*After transforming, Sideways is slightly poetic when making introductions in ''Legends of the Microns'' as he says, "Like a gale which travels through the blades of grass. My name is Sideways. I'm just a wandering traveler." Rather than Alexis saying, "There's something strange about Sideways," she only says his name.
*Watching Billy ride on Sideways, Fred yells to Billy that Optimus said they're supposed to take turns and laments the unfairness. After Spiral offers to let Fred ride her, he hopes that she has a neat vehicle mode. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred's first line is changed, and after Billy passes by, Fred says he is riding Sideways next and calls Billy sneaky. Spiral offers Fred a ride, and he thinks it's cool.
*Hot Shot says the kids ditched him for Sideways. Red Alert claims children are candid with how strong figures naturally draw their attention, so Hot Shot needs to become stronger if he doesn't want to get left behind. To answer Hot Shot's question on whether Sideways is their ally, Red Alert says they'll know sooner or later, and Hot Shot says he's right.
*In ''Armada'', Alexis asks Rad why he's not outside ''with'' Sideways, and she says that she shares Rad's feeling about something being off about Sideways. Then, while voicing their suspicions, Alexis asks why Sideways would come to Earth to get involved in a war and tells Rad they should keep their concerns to themselves. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Alexis asks Rad if he fancied riding Sideways, and when Rad says he is concerned about "him," Alexis asks if he means Sideways and starts repeating the latter's gale quote. After the flashback shows Sideways completing it for Alexis, she says, "Only the strongest blades of grass can survive the fierce blasts of the wind." Rad asks for its meaning, and Alexis speculates that Sideways's purpose might be to test the Autobots' abilities' true extent.
*In ''Armada'', Carlos hopes Fred is having fun riding Spiral since his turn is next. However, Fred says Carlos can take his turn if he wants and abruptly asks for the bathroom. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Carlos praises Fred, saying he looks cool riding Spiral. Although Fred agrees that Spiral is incredible, he says she's "WAY too small!"
*Rad's ending narration in ''Armada'' says that even though the Autobot team keeps growing, apparently not everyone on it can be trusted and wonders if it's just a feeling. In ''Legends of the Microns'', the narration is about the team gaining Sideways as a new member, and Rad likes to think they will be comrades-in-arms someday despite what they're saying about him.

===Animation and technical errors===
*The white of Carlos's eye is visible as the boys run to join the mission before Alexis stops them.
*After Demolishor reports that the Autobots are closing in on their location, Megatron's left leg is miscolored grey and red.
*Rad looks cross-eyed in the shot of him before Hot Shot transforms.
*When Scavenger finishes transforming, his mouth is still open even though he's not talking; this isn't an issue in ''Legends of the Microns'' as Scavenger yelling out "Transform!" is extended.
*After Billy tells Rad and Carlos about Sideways being a Transformer, Carlos's mouth opens, but nothing comes out. Carlos is heard reacting in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*When he latches onto Rad, Billy's animated mouth is drawn over his closed mouth.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', during the scene of Billy, Rad, and Carlos turning toward Alexis, Billy says the latter's name, but his mouth doesn't move.
*Scavenger's chin is miscolored in some shots.
*When Red Alert tells Optimus they have a problem, Optimus says, "Hot Shot!" like he's clairvoyant. The Japanese dub corrects this by having Optimus ask Red Alert what's wrong instead.
*After Hot Shot leaves the tunnel, the bottom of Jolt's helicopter mode is flat. Scavenger seems to disappear only to return in the next scene since only Cyclonus leaves the tunnel after Hot Shot. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this by showing Scavenger exit the tunnel before Cyclonus.
*The transformation noise plays as Hot Shot descends with the Star Saber, but there's no clear reason for the sound to play at the moment. The Japanese dub doesn't play the sound.
*The shot of Scavenger after Hot Shot embeds the Star Saber in the road depicts Scavenger looking up despite Hot Shot being on the ground in front of him.
*When the Autobots surround Demolishor and Megatron, Smokescreen's crane is drawn incorrectly.
*The shot of Hot Shot before he looks at Sideways in the tunnel is reused from when he spoke to Sideways outside moments before.
*As Sideways arrives to meet the Autobots after the battle, he is animated to be slightly twitching in his close-up shot to show his bike still running. The dubbing team could've mistaken it as an indication of him having been supposed to chuckle, as he stays silent during this shot in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After Sideways transforms and introduces himself, the left bike wheel on his back turns in sync with his head. The animator probably mistook it as part of his head model.
*During the overhead shot of the kids, Autobots, and Sideways, the kids are colored like they're in their regular clothes rather than their orange suits.
*The background changes between the two shots of Sideways with his head turned to the side.
*The new Mini-Con, Spiral, is female, but she's referred to as a male. Just like poor Sureshock.
*While he and Carlos watch Billy riding Sideways at the end, Fred says that Billy gets to ride "all the time," even though this marks only the second time. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Fred says Billy is riding Sideways ''again''.

===Continuity notes===
*The Mini-Cons are the first [[Transformer]]s shown in the [[Unicron Trilogy]] not to hail from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], while Sideways is the second, originally from [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]].
*The last time the kids accompanied the Autobots on a mission was "[[Prehistory]]."
**This episode is the first time Billy and Fred join the team on a mission and wear the fashionable Autobot [[Suit|jumpsuit]]s. It's also the only time Billy and Fred wear the orange Autobot suits.
*Hot Shot has wanted to be on a highway ever since complaining about the lack of roads in the Japanese version of "[[Comrade]]."
*Demolishor complains about having to stand guard. He's going to be doing a lot of that [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|later]].
*As the Japanese dub notes, Billy and Fred see a Mini-Con awaken from stasis for the first time.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Sideways is a motorcycle seemingly capable of traveling through space without using a ship.
***Given that his original form seen in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' cartoon has flight capabilities, this doesn't seem as far-fetched as one might think. He's also working for Unicron at this point, so there are possibly some sweet chaos-bringer upgrades thrown in too.
**Scavenger can use his rear drum in vehicle mode for speedy digging operations.
**Scavenger does this bizarre thing where he rolls his treads on his arms and then slides forward as he's revving up for battle. A toy reference? An ability? What is happening?
**Rad uses Laserbeak as a walkie talkie. He follows this up by using Laserbeak as an actual video camera.
**Optimus opens one of his container's side compartments to let the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Mini-Cons]] out. Unfortunately, they don't open the way they do on the toy. Half a point for toy accuracy?
**Sideways's tires are seemingly sharp enough to cut into Cyclonus's metal framework. What has Unicron been feeding this guy?
**Mirror shows the rare ability to create a motorcycle rider disguise when riding Sideways, an ability never shown again.
*Powerlinx forms:
**Hot Shot Powerlinx with the Star Saber.
**Hot Shot Powerlinx with Jolt in vehicle mode.
**Cyclonus is ''very'' briefly seen Powerlinxed with Drill Bit and Crumplezone in vehicle mode simultaneously.
**Sideways Powerlinx with [[Rook (Armada)|Rook]] for the first time.

===Continuity errors===
*Rad's opening narration mentions a Decepticon causing trouble in the city, but unless he's psychic, Rad is only assuming things at this point; plus, no one knows Sideways's identity or allegiance yet. ''Legends of the Microns'' has no narration during Sideways' arrival, so it doesn’t have this issue.
*In the flashback, Scavenger says, "My Star Saber—is undefeatable," but in the previous episode (presumably Hot Shot's only encounter with Scavenger), he never said that. Besides, why would he say that, anyway? He wasn't even wielding the Star Saber. However, in ''Legends of the Microns'', Scavenger says the Star Saber is frightening, yet never said this in the preceding episode.
*In Autobot HQ, the boys say that the kids are Hot Shot's backup on this mission, but they act more like his cheerleaders than reinforcements. They say they're joining this mission to cheer Hot Shot on in battle in the Japanese dub, so it's not an issue.
*Megatron says that Scavenger will keep the Mini-Con he finds as his own; however, in [[Linkage Part 4|part 4]] of the ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'' comic, Scavenger picks up his Mini-Con soon after landing on Earth. As the line only exists in the ''Armada'' dub, the translation team was possibly entirely unaware of ''Linkage'', as it wasn't released until well after the episode's translation. In ''Legend of the Microns'', Megatron expresses anticipation of the Decepticons getting another Mini-Con, saying things will get more interesting.
*After Megatron says, "Nothing must interfere with our mission!" Cyclonus maniacally flies off on his own accord to cause the traffic jam, presumably in response to Megatron's previous "Keep them busy!" line. The Japanese dub clears up the confusion as Megatron orders Cyclonus to cause a distraction on the road to delay the Autobots.
*Red Alert reports to Optimus that a gridlock (created by Cyclonus) is ahead of them, shortly before spotting the culprit himself. Optimus muses that the Decepticons must not have found the Mini-Con yet, then suddenly states a blockade is ahead. Did he suddenly forget that Red Alert told him about it 11 seconds ago? The Japanese dub corrects the mistake since the Autobots see Cyclonus first, and Optimus notices the gridlock later, without anyone mentioning it beforehand.
*In the shot after Sideways offers a ride to Billy and Fred, Cyclonus is spontaneously Powerlinxed with [[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]] in cockpit mode, with [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]] in his undercarriage. In his next shot, he's back in his default helicopter mode with no Mini-Cons attached.
*After Hot Shot and Scavenger jump off the highway, Hot Shot lands on the ground and quickly transforms in a semi-stock animation sequence. However, he isn't shown stopping to let Rad and Carlos out, who were riding inside at the time. When Hot Shot and Scavenger prepare to fight, both boys are now outside and watching from afar. The Japanese dub works around this error by having Hot Shot tell the boys to get out before driving off the road and transforming.
**Going by ''Legends of the Microns'', if they got out while still on the highway, how do Rad and Carlos get to Hot Shot and Scavenger under the bridge in only a few seconds?
*How come Hot Shot doesn't question Sideways appearing between him and Scavenger while Cyclonus shoots at him? However, he does ask about Sideways's appearance in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Where does Billy's helmet come from whenever he's on Sideways?
*Optimus tells the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] to "stay with the kids," but at the time, the only one present is Alexis since the boys (except Fred) are watching Hot Shot and Scavenger fight. The Japanese version has Optimus counting on the Mini-Cons to protect the children instead.
*After getting dropped off on the highway, Alexis tells the Mini-Cons that they should follow the rest of the Autobots, but they later appear at Rad, Carlos, and Billy's location. The Japanese dub has Alexis say she and the Mini-Cons should get going instead.
*Alexis yells at the boys for abandoning her though Optimus is the one who left her alone on the freeway. She calmly asks where Fred is instead in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*During Hot Shot and Scavenger's fight, Billy and the Street Action Mini-Cons disappear in shots cutting back to the kids after Alexis arrives on the scene.
**After this point, the Mini-Cons seem to vanish from the rest of the episode.
*How do Hot Shot and Scavenger get back on the highway so fast?
*Hot Shot stabs the Star Saber a few feet into the road, but the entire street, including all of its support beams from the ground up, gets cut off.
*After Scavenger uses the involuntary Cyclonus as a ride, they seemingly fly off somewhere and go unseen for the rest of the episode.
*Much like Sureshock, Spiral is mistakenly referred to as a male, only this time in both dubs.

===Real-world references===
*As quoted above, Alexis borrows a popular quote from the ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' franchise. Carlos said it himself in "[[Palace]]."
*Before Hot Shot gets the jump on Scavenger near the end, Scavenger says, "Uh oh! I think I smell a bot." which is a play on words from the phrase "I think I smell a rat."

===Trivia===
[[File:Gale weirdfight.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|WTF?]]
*From this episode on, [[Jim Conrad]] narrates the [[title sequence]] introduction instead of Rad.
*With a fair bit of attention to detail, some shots display Scavenger's drum wheel creating sparks when he drives on asphalt at high speed.
*Just what the heck is Red Alert doing to Starscream during the Decepticon's struggle with Optimus?!
*The light shining from the Mini-Con panel bears a striking resemblance to the [[Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes]] logo—possibly an intentional visual nod since Spiral transforms into a {{w|Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203)}} luxury car.
*His introductory dialogue in the Japanese dub reveals Sideways as the episode's titular "gale."
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' reveals some interesting tidbits for this episode:
**Production was unaware that Sideways would become an important character in the future while making this episode.
**The numbers of the coordinates Alexis gives for the Mini-Con's location are a play on part of her phone number.
**Billy and Fred were originally planned to appear in 13 episodes, but they appeared in more in a twist of fate. So, for better or worse, Billy and Fred overstayed their welcome on the show.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Mystérieuse moto'''" ("The Mysterious Motorbike")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 8]], [[2003]]

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''A titokzatos idegen'''" ("The Mysterious Stranger")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Lotta sull'autostrada'''" ("Fight on the Highway")
::*Alexis's line: "Hey, you guys! Where do you think you're going?!" is at an extremely lower volume compared to the other voices, making it barely audible.

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''정체의'불명의 사니어'''" ("Obscure Identity Man")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Korek'''" ("Jam")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Tumulto'''" ("Turmoil")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 4 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Le combat recommence... ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Swoop (episode)

2026-01-19T17:32:13Z

Chase eX: /* Foreign localization */

{{disambig3|Swoop}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=13
|prev=Prehistory
|next=Overmatch
|title="Swoop"
|furigana=つるぎ
|japanese=聖剣
|romaji=Tsurugi
|translation=Holy Sword: Sword
|image=ArmadaSwoop_MegatronStarSaber.jpg
|caption=Sadly, [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] received no royalties for this episode.
|production code=TF: A-13
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[November 29]], [[2002]] (English) [[April 4|4 April]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ribJjGY4S6Y
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''The Decepticons, intent on completing the Star Saber, invade the Autobot base.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:ArmadaSwoop Starscreamstockreport.jpg|left|150px|thumb|"It says here the Dow Jones is down by 100 points!"]]
Patrolling the skies, [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] searches for the [[Autobot]] base's exact position, for which the [[Mini-Con]] [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] was able to determine the general location. [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is surprised that [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] can understand the Mini-Cons' language. Cyclonus finds the base, and Megatron, having gained another advantage, has a hearty laugh.

Within the Autobot base, [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]], [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], and [[Rad White|Rad]] start to give [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] the grand tour. But before the others can show Fred and Billy around, an alarm goes off, and Alexis, Carlos, and Rad rush to the control room, abandoning their friends. Billy has a brilliant idea for himself and Fred to explore. Meanwhile, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]] notes that a warp gate has opened within the base.

[[File:ArmadaSwoop Shotinthecrotch.jpg|150px|thumb|NUTSHOT!]]
Megatron, the [[Decepticon]]s, and Sonar arrive in the Autobot base, soon caught on security cameras. [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] activates some defense devices [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] built into the place. Billy, hopelessly lost as Fred predicted they would be, concedes that his navigational skills have failed him. Not noticing the humans, the Decepticons walk by and come under fire from the defense lasers, unwittingly endangering the two boys. Optimus characteristically orders a ceasefire; Megatron assumes it must be a system malfunction and presses forward.

[[File:ArmadaSwoop Megahorns.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Megatron is ''really'' happy to see Hot Shot!]]
Red Alert determines the Decepticons are tracking the [[Mini-Con storage panel]]s containing the other two [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] Mini-Cons, and Hot Shot eagerly rushes to confront them. Optimus takes the panels elsewhere, drawing the Decepticons away from the control room. Alexis then uses the room's computer to track Billy and Fred's movements.

On his own, Hot Shot attacks the Decepticons, but Megatron uses his antlers to grab Hot Shot's head, suspend the Autobot in the air, and then toss him aside. The other Autobots arrive, and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] activates a screen—of smoke!—to allow them to fall back into a separate chamber. By the time the Decepticons blast through the door, they only see Hot Shot drive away.

[[File:ArmadaSwoop Cyclonusteleport.jpg|200px|thumb|Out you two pixies go, through the door or out the window!]]
The Autobots use the chase to isolate each member of the Decepticons from the rest. Smokescreen lassos Demolishor while Red Alert baits [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] into a hall of mirrors, his reflected taunts leading the seeker into a trap pit.

The three friendly human kids find their two jerky peers, and Cyclonus finds all five of them. The Decepticon intends to capture and ransom them for the Mini-Cons, but Rad uses the Autobots' warp gate to teleport Cyclonus to someplace far away.

[[File:ArmadaSwoop Megatronlightning.jpg|left|150px|thumb|You gotta eat lightning and crap thunder!]]
The only Decepticon left, Megatron, gets double-teamed by Optimus and Hot Shot, but the skirmish leads to Megatron holding his cannon right up to Hot Shot's face. Sonar awakens his brethren, and Megatron seizes the Star Saber. But just as he brandishes his new weapon in the air, Optimus blasts it out of Megatron's hands, directly into Hot Shot's.

Megatron links with Leader-1 and offers Hot Shot one last chance to reconsider his side, which Hot Shot refuses, so Megatron opens fire. The torrent of energy blasts blows Hot Shot back, but the coaching of his human friends gives him the inspiration he needs to use the Star Saber to resist Megatron's gunfire. Megatron orders an immediate withdrawal after Hot Shot gets close enough to slice off one of his horns.

Optimus lets Hot Shot keep possession of the Star Saber, and the children celebrate this victory. On the Moon, Megatron wishes for revenge so hard it hurts.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (12)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (14)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (16)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (17)

|c2=
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (1)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (7)
*[[Rad White]] (8)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (9)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (10)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (11)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (2)
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (5)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (13)
*[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (18)
*[[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (19)
*[[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (20)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (21)
}}

==Quotes==
"Maybe they ran out of ammo." 
"Lasers don't run out of ammo!"
:—'''Cyclonus''' and '''Starscream''' trade ideas on why the automatic defenses have stopped shooting.

"Man, that laugh of yours is really annoying."
:—'''Hot Shot''' to Cyclonus.

"Try and download THIS!"
:—'''Hot Shot''' risks attacking Megatron with a lousy computer pun.

"...why do I have to do all this work?"
:—If you look up the word "grunt" in a dictionary, you'd probably find a picture of '''Demolishor'''

'''Billy:''' "Cyclo-butt!" 
'''Fred:''' "That's Cyclonapus!" 
'''Cyclonus:''' "It's ''Cyclonus''!" 
'''Billy:''' "...Thanks for clearing that up, mister." 
'''Fred:''' "You have a nice day!"
:—Billy, Fred, and Cyclonus in a rare '''purposeful''' ''Armada'' name mix-up

"Time for a SYSTEM CRASH!"
:—Lame computer pun #2 from '''Hot Shot''' as he tackles Megatron.

'''Megatron:''' "Yes, this is more like it, I'm going to pixelate every one of you Autobots." 
'''Optimus:''' "He's out of control." 
'''Megatron:''' "Now you will do as I say, hand over all your Mini-Cons to me, or I'll have no choice but to re-format your friend's memory bank." 
'''Hot Shot:''' "You... won't get anything from me!" 
'''Megatron:''' "Then I'll have to execute your program."
:—'''Megatron''' gets computer-pun vengeance on Optimus Prime and Hot Shot.

"For the last time: Access denied."
:—'''Hot Shot''' tries something different for rejecting Megatron's offer of allegiance: a computer pun!

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*In ''Armada''{{'}}s opening scene, Megatron berates Cyclonus for wasting time and not looking hard enough for the Autobot base. Cyclonus and Demolishor generally moan about how it's hard to find. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says they lent Cyclonus Blackout for a reason, after which Cyclonus disses Blackout's search capabilities, prompting Demolishor to defend his Mini-Con partner.
*Rather than asking Demolishor if he can also understand the Mini-Con language, Megatron says, "You idiot! Can you even sense the atmosphere in here?" Demolishor tries interpreting the question before Starscream says Demolishor is "too dense to get it."
*Starscream receives the warp coordinates from Cyclonus instead of those for the Autobot base. After finding the Autobot base, Megatron stops laughing before the scene cuts to the shot of the Moon and Earth in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', his laugh is heard during both scenes before the episode title card, and it sounds louder and more sinister.
*In ''Armada'', Fred worryingly says that he isn't a fan of surprises, but ''Legends of the Microns'' has him ask Carlos if the more surprising part of the Autobot base is coming up in an excited tone. Billy asks Rad if there are more exciting things to see rather than wondering why they're still waiting. The sound effect of the Star Saber's holographic projection is gone. Alexis says Carlos now acts like Billy and Fred's "sempai" rather than their tour guide.
*Billy only calls out for Carlos after he and Fred find themselves alone. Instead of Billy deciding he and Fred should explore the base alone, he says they should look for the others. Then Fred makes a point of their troubles worsening each time he listens to Billy. Fred says Billy has a knack for getting them lost in ''Armada''.
*Arriving in the Autobot base, Cyclonus gleefully says he's going to trash the place. After Megatron tells him to focus on the mission, Cyclonus says, "You're no fun at all."
*Billy says he forgot where the exit is instead of not knowing where they are in the base. When Billy and Fred see the Decepticons, Billy mistakenly calls Megatron "Mega-Shield," before Fred says, "No, you mean Megatrog!" In ''Armada'', Billy says, "Megafrog," and it's the only one used.
*In ''Armada'', the scene of Sonar pointing the way is silent. As Sonar points ahead in ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says, "I see, so it's the way, then?" as an internal monologue.
*When the defense systems ceasefire, Megatron rationalizes it as a systems malfunction in ''Armada''; however, he merely accepts it in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Hot Shot says the Decepticons know where they are and want a fight in ''Armada'' but asks why they're coming towards the Command Center in ''Legends of the Microns''. Later, Optimus is silent after Smokescreen asks him what they should do. Then Hot Shot storms off, determined to take Sonar from the Decepticons. He seeks to punish them for intruding into the base in ''Armada''.
*Optimus doesn't tell the kids to stay in the Control Room until he turns to look at them. Optimus says the line immediately in ''Armada'', so there's an awkward silence afterward until he continues talking.
*Cyclonus doesn't crack a joke about the Mini-Cons (or Autobots?) getting scared and running but talks about Sonar detecting the other Star Saber Mini-Cons and laughs. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes more sense as Hot Shot mocks Cyclonus's laughter and says that "tasteless laughing" is forbidden in the base. ''Armada'' has Hot Shot comment on Cyclonus's annoying laugh even though the latter barely laughed a moment ago. Then the Autobot tells the Decepticons to leave since they take trespassers very seriously.
*Megatron acknowledges Hot Shot, who then says that "persistent fools" also aren't allowed in the base and demands Megatron to hand over Sonar. Then Megatron calls Hot Shot a fool and extends his horns.
*While silhouetted in the smokescreen, we only hear Demolishor say that he can't see and Cyclonus calling the Autobots "clever bastards." Then Demolishor and Megatron tell whoever's firing to stop, with Megatron and Smokescreen talking simultaneously as the latter and Hot Shot escape. All the Decepticons talk over each other in ''Armada'', and their dialogue stops before the scene cuts to Smokescreen and Hot Shot.
*Optimus tells Hot Shot off for his recklessness instead of telling Hot Shot not to blame himself.
*After Cyclonus fails to transform in the corridor, Starscream says, "Looks like sensing the atmosphere is too much for you as well," harkening back to what Megatron said to Demolishor on the Moon.
*When they split up, Demolishor and Starscream call out for Megatron. Only Starscream's inner monologue is heard as he thinks to himself that finding the Mini-Cons should take priority over Megatron, and Demolishor is "overly loyal." Then Demolishor repeats Megatron's name. After Starscream tells Demolishor to try blasting the door again in ''Armada'', they ''both'' have internal dialogue: Starscream thinks about taking the Mini-Cons for himself, and Demolishor complains to himself about having to do all the work.
*Demolishor's scream now echoes as Smokescreen reels him back.
*After he finds Red Alert, ''Armada'' adds Starscream's incoherent mumbling to remove the Japanese version's silence.
*At the end of the scene where Red Alert traps Starscream, Red's line isn't about the Mini-Con panel being a fake; instead, he tells Starscream to sit quietly.
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Fred and Billy wondering if the Autobots or other kids will return for them instead of the Decepticons. They frantically apologize before Rad, Carlos, and Alexis reveal themselves. Depending on the dub, the subsequent dialogue differs: In ''Armada'', Billy tells the others never to ditch him and Fred again. Then Carlos tells Billy and Fred to expect surprises when hanging out with Rad, Alexis, and himself. When Rad says they should leave, Carlos makes the classic "trouble just around the corner" joke before Cyclonus appears. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Billy ask the others why they didn't rescue them sooner, and Carlos answers that they had to stop the Decepticons from finding the Mini-Cons. After Rad speaks, Carlos tells Billy and Fred to stay close to them this time. When Cyclonus finds the kids, he muses about finding "something else fun to play with this time." The louder background music and Billy, Fred, and Cyclonus exaggeratedly shouting their lines increase the scene's comical nature.
*In ''Armada,'' Billy and Fred screw up Cyclonus's name as "Cyclobutt" and "Cyclonapus". In ''Legends of the Microns'', where Cyclonus's name is "Sandstorm", Billy and Fred incorrectly call him "Sandsteam" and "Sandstop" instead.
*After Cyclonus sets the record straight with Billy and Fred about his name, Fred says, "Yes, Cyclonus!" and Billy says, "Forget about that! Run for it!" After Rad tells the other kids to hide, he has an extra line where he says he has an idea to get rid of Cyclonus. Cyclonus claiming that his sensors can detect the children's body heat isn't in ''Legends of the Microns''; instead, he tells the kids to come out in a high-pitched singsong manner, playing up the hide-and-seek game. Carlos later has a line before Fred and Billy after Rad warps Cyclonus out, which removes the awkward silence present in ''Armada''.
*Optimus tells Megatron outright that he fell into a trap; Megatron realizes that Hot Shot played him, and Hot Shot says Megatron didn't catch on quickly enough. As he gets electrocuted, Megatron says, "Don't underestimate me... I'll show you just why I'm Megatron, ''the [[Emperor of Destruction]]!''" Then, instead of Megatron's computer pun about "pixelating" the Autobots (quoted above), he says, "A worthless trick like this can't even be called a trap!"
*With Hot Shot at his mercy, Megatron quips about the trap helping stretch his shoulders. When Optimus approaches, Megatron warns him to stay back unless he wants something to happen to Hot Shot.
*In ''Armada'', Megatron reacts with a gleeful "That's it!" as the Star Saber forms. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he responds with a surprised "What!?" instead. After the Star Saber forms, Megatron says, "So this is the legendary power?!" instead of smugly claiming ownership of the blade. The Japanese dub also removes the transformation noise from the sequence.
*After Hot Shot catches the Star Saber, Megatron demands him to return it, rambling about being the most powerful Transformer worthy of it in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron demands "his sword" back and calls Leader-1 to combine for his Full Blast Mode.
*''Armada'' has Megatron give Hot Shot a proposal of allowing him to join the Decepticons by returning the Star Saber with the latter denying the offer and trying to attack, only to be pushed back, then thinking to himself about having to resist Megatron's power. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron mocks the Autobot for being weak and unable to protect Optimus, provoking Hot Shot to attack, and he silently grunts after falling back.
*Megatron says Hot Shot trying to wield the Star Saber is a pointless effort, and the farce is now over, with a dramatic echo effect added to the end of the second line before Hot Shot charges at Megatron. Then it takes about seven seconds for Hot Shot to connect with the Star Saber, instead of a split-second like in ''Armada''.
*While Hot Shot uses the Star Saber to block Megatron's attack, ''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot wondering if that's the sword's power, and Megatron reveling and desiring possession of it more than ever. ''Armada'' has Hot Shot getting used to the sword, while Megatron is taken aback by Hot Shot's ability to control the weapon.
*After Hot Shot slices Megatron, the Decepticon leader reacts in shock to his horn getting severed and says he'll remember this before retreating. The wide shot of Megatron and Hot Shot is now repositioned so that Megatron's head is visible at the top of the frame.
*Instead of referring to Megatron as "Megatroy" before Carlos finally corrects him, Fred once again calls the Decepticon leader "Megatrog."
*Alexis delivers the ending narration instead of Rad. The main difference between them is that Rad says the Star Saber ended up in Hot Shot's hands, while Alexis says it's how the sword came to be with Optimus's team.
*In the last scene, Megatron's damaged horn is visibly restored (see below). Megatron doesn't single out Hot Shot for his humiliation, and his swearing revenge is slightly shortened to finish as the scene cuts to the close-up of his hand. In ''Armada'', his scream holds a level tone and ends before the dissolve to the ending shot of the Moon. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron's yell starts at one level but intensifies during the dissolve and continues over the last shot.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Swoop-animation-changes.jpg|thumb|290px|Some animation changes between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' (right).]]
*While searching for the Autobot base in the opening scene, Cyclonus's canopy is missing.
*Megatron's throne is off-model.
*During the close-up of Sonar sitting upon Megatron's arm, Megatron's entire arm is miscolored red. In ''Legends of the Microns'', it's fixed and recolored gray but appears red for a split second before the scene cuts.
*Immediately after this, the outline of Demolishor's right eye is so thick that it looks like he's squinting.
*After finding the Autobot base, the extreme close-up of Megatron's face is reused footage from when he appears on Earth in "[[First Encounter]]," and the colors aren't updated to match his new appearance.
*Before the Star Saber projection shot, Fred's potato chip bag partially changes color when he and Billy look at each other.
*When Runway and Jetstorm react to Sonar's proximity by projecting the Star Saber's image, Carlos reacts to it by saying, "Hey! The Autobots shut off the force field! Follow me, you guys!" This line is presumably an error as there was no force field present. No one reacts to the Star Saber's holographic projection in the Japanese dub, and Carlos continues Billy and Fred's base tour.
*Billy's voice oddly doesn't echo in the halls after calling for the others to complete the tour. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds the echo effect to his voice.
*After Megatron warps into the Autobot base and instructs Sonar to find his partners, one of Sonar's chest panels is miscolored yellow.
*During the scene where Megatron asks Sonar where the other Star Saber Mini-Cons are, he uses the singular pronoun "it" instead of the proper plural pronoun "them." This mistake happens again when Megatron realizes Optimus has the Mini-Cons. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron only uses the singular term when Sonar points down the hall.
*As the base's defense system fires at the Decepticons in the Japanese version, Billy and Fred aren't visible but suddenly appear on the monitor's bottom-right corner in the next shot.
*When Optimus tells the kids to stay in the Control Room, he says, "Rad, you kids stay here and sit tight." but this is grammatically incorrect. The Japanese dub fixes it as Optimus says, "Rad, you and the others stay here."
*During Megatron's close-up, after he shouts, "Horn attack mode!" the horns toggle back and forth to create the illusion of them extending. However, this happens clumsily as the horns' tips repeatedly poke in and out of the edge of the screen, so it looks like Megatron is using them to rub his cheeks.
*After Megatron drops Hot Shot after grabbing him with his horns, the horns aren't animated as returning to their standard size even though they have the sound effect. ''Legends of the Microns'' shows the horns shrinking down.
*After Red Alert says, "Now, Smokescreen" (signaling Smokescreen to release the smokescreen), Smokescreen is missing his antenna/horn. It proceeds to vanish and reappear in the scenes after as well.
*Megatron scolds Cyclonus for shooting blindly in the smokescreen, but, based on the silhouette and their positions, ''Starscream'' and possibly ''Demolishor'' seem to be the ones firing. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the error by not naming whoever's shooting.
*The Decepticons' lasers change color at random throughout the episode, appearing as their signature purple in some shots but switching between yellow and red in others.
*After Megatron blasts the door, Cyclonus's chest has four windows on it instead of two.
*After failing to transform in the corridor, Cyclonus is miscolored like Demolishor; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects it (see right).
*After Starscream, Demolishor, and Cyclonus get separated from Megatron, the Decepticon symbols on the back of Starscream's wings are upside down.
*Cyclonus says, "I'll cut them off on the other side," but it's Starscream who, after suggesting they blast their way through, proceeds to do so while Cyclonus up and vanishes from Demolishor's side. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these mistakes with Starscream saying they should find another route, and then Cyclonus says, "I'll go this way, you go that way," with Cyclonus fully animated as exiting the shot.
*Before attempting to blast open the door that separated them from Megatron, Demolishor says to stand back although Starscream and Cyclonus already left a moment ago. As explained above, this error doesn't happen in the Japanese dub.
*As Starscream has his internal monologue, the corridor that's supposed to be behind Demolishor is now a wall; the hall returns in the next shot.
*When Smokescreen sneaks up behind Demolishor, it looks like Demolishor faces a long corridor despite being in front of a door seconds ago.
*It looks like Red Alert is ''in'' the mirror room with Starscream, and Starscream's mouth keeps moving after saying his line. Starscream strangely also doesn't reflect on any of the glass even after shooting it to pieces. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these mistakes and makes the scene more elaborate as the room is reminiscent of an {{w|infinity mirror}} room, with Starscream facing multiple reflections of himself. When Starscream shoots the glass, he faces the screen in ''Armada'', but in ''Legends of the Microns'', he isn't visible as him blasting the glass happens from his POV, and he now casts reflections on the glass shards (see right).
*Starscream's mouth not moving when he yells at Red Alert upon being trapped looks like an animation mistake because he says his line too early. Starscream says his line as he looks up at Red Alert in the Japanese version.
*During the shot of Optimus and Hot Shot watching Megatron get electrocuted, the Autobots are obscured while Megatron's legs are in focus on either side of the frame. The Japanese dub corrects this by reversing the effect so that Megatron's legs in the foreground are blurred, and Optimus and Hot Shot are in focus (see right).
*After being blasted by Megatron and Leader-1, Hot Shot's visor is briefly miscolored yellow.
*There are multiple instances where Megatron's Decepticon symbols are missing, whether it is the one on his chest, the two on his shoulders, or all three.
*Sonar disappears from Megatron's shoulder and reappears on it periodically.
*In Megatron's scene of shooting up the base, he looks superimposed since the poles on either side of him are so close together that his hands aren't clasped around them; another mistake that ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes (see right).
*Megatron's mouth doesn't move when he commands Sonar to awaken his partners.
*In the shot of Megatron holding the Star Saber, the sword is too bright to be seen clearly, and it blends into the background starburst. ''Legends of the Microns'' lowers the sword's brightness, so it's colored blue instead of white, and viewers can make out its outline.
*The animation of Megatron demanding Hot Shot to hand over the Star Saber is reused from "[[Base]]" when Megatron Powerlinx with Leader-1.
*In the scene of Rad telling Hot Shot to Powerlinx with the Star Saber, his eyes are drawn looking at the upper-right corner of the screen while the other kids look straight towards the camera and look like low-quality static models compared to Rad. They also don't blink and look like lifeless dolls. The Japanese version fixes it to have the other kids looking in the same direction as Rad. However, the other kids' bodies are still positioned towards the screen, instead of the right like Rad's.
*After Rad speaks to Hot Shot, Leader-1 is miscolored purple to match Megatron. Before Hot Shot charges at Megatron, Leader-1's coloration gets corrected in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After his horn gets sliced off, Megatron doesn't have the shadow around his eyes, though they return before he retreats.
*As he escapes from the pit just before the Decepticons retreat, the raised spots on Starscream arms are miscolored purple. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says he finally managed to climb out, but his mouth doesn't move.
*After the Decepticons retreat, Hot Shot's mouth doesn't move when he says using the Star Saber was intense; maybe this was meant to be internal dialogue. This part is silent in ''Legends of the Microns'' so it's not a mistake.
*Megatron's treads look perfectly smooth in his final shot.

===Continuity notes===
*Megatron can understand the Mini-Con language now, a nice follow-up to the Japanese version of "[[Metamorphosis (Armada)|Metamorphosis]]" where he admitted being clueless about what Leader-1 said, much to Starscream's amusement.
*The Autobot base's establishing shot is the same one seen in "[[Soldier (episode)|Soldier]]."
*After learning of the [[Transformer]]s' existence in "[[Carnival]]" and being openly included in the secret after being kidnapped in "[[Confrontation (episode)|Confrontation]]," Billy and Fred finally get to see the Autobot base for the first time.
**Fred and Billy aren't the only two to learn of the Autobot headquarters. In a strange twist of fate, the Decepticons discover the base too.
*In the Japanese dub, Alexis sarcastically dubs Carlos Billy and Fred's new "sempai." The last time any of the kids were called that term was in "[[Palace]]," when Optimus referred to the kids as the Autobots' sempai.
*In ''Armada'', Fred says Billy has a knack for getting them lost; he says their problems worsen each time he listens to Billy in ''Legends of the Microns''. Fred's right on both occasions, as past episodes like "First Encounter," "Metamorphosis," and "Carnival" have shown.
*The last time a character mentioned the "Emperor of Destruction" title in the Japanese dub was in "[[Base]]."
*The [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] is finally revealed after eight episodes of build-up, starting with "Soldier," and it ends up in Hot Shot's possession.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Sonar can track and activate his other [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|team members]], fitting for someone named after a kind of locator.
**Megatron uses his "Horn Attack Mode" for the first time, extending his antlers (or horns as they're called in this episode) to grab and throw around other Transformers.
**Smokescreen uses his chest winch and hook as a lasso in robot mode.
**Like in the episode "Palace," Starscream fires lasers from his lower chest again. His cockpit fins fold down out of the way of the lasers.
**Apparently, Cyclonus's sensors can detect human body heat, in ''Armada'' at least.
**Optimus uses his "Big Punch" attack for the third time to knock the Star Saber out of Megatron's hand.
*After Hot Shot Powerlinx with the Star Saber, it's the first time Megatron tells a character to "Go to the [[Pit (BW)|Pit]]!" in ''Legends of the Microns''. The last time any Decepticon used the term was in "Base."
*Powerlinx forms:
**Cyclonus Powerlinx with Crumplezone for the first time; Crumplezone forms his helicopter cockpit.
***Blackout somehow attaches to Cyclonus's undercarriage at the same time.
**Megatron uses his Full Blast Mode for the second time, after its debut in "Ruin."
**Hot Shot Powerlinx with the Star Saber for the first time.

===Continuity errors===
*Megatron claims Sonar is detecting the Autobots, but the Mini-Con has no reason to single out the Autobots themselves. The Japanese dub corrects it to have Megatron say that Sonar detects the dormant Runway and Jetstorm.
*Smokescreen answers Red Alert's cue to activate the smokescreen quite loudly, loud enough for the Decepticons to hear, though they're trying to be stealthy. The Japanese dub remedies this by having Smokescreen reply in an appropriately hushed tone.
*Why does Starscream want more Mini-Cons for himself? He probably can't Powerlinx with multiple Mini-Cons anyway, and Megatron might take them for himself as he did with Demolishor at the end of "Palace." The Japanese dub changes it so that Starscream is only trying to find the Mini-Cons instead.
*Cyclonus plans to capture the humans and trade them for the Mini-Cons, even though he already tried that and failed in "Confrontation." ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this by having Cyclonus chase the kids, thinking they'll lead him straight to Hot Shot.
*Why does Optimus tell Hot Shot to get Megatron after catching the Star Saber but stops him seconds later and gets himself injured? In ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus tells Hot Shot to look out as Megatron is about to unleash his Full Attack Mode, so he moves to save Hot Shot and gets wounded.
*Hot Shot saying, "Yes sir!" after Optimus puts him in charge of the Star Saber doesn't line up with Prime nodding, and the fact that Hot Shot looks surprised. The Japanese dub has Hot Shot react stunned by Prime's offer before accepting it after Optimus nods, so the scene now makes sense.

===Transformers references===
*Starscream gets caught in Red Alert's trap, kind of like [[Starscream (G1)|another Starscream]] [[Battle of Autobot City|another time]].
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', near the end, Megatron refers to himself as the Emperor of Destruction, a classic nod to the infamous title from Transformers lore.
*A Decepticon again references the Pit in ''Legends of the Microns''.

===Real-world references===
*When Megatron berates Demolishor for being surprised that he can now understand Mini-Cons in the Japanese dub, he uses a version of the phrase '''Kuki yome''' (空気読めない '''Kūki yome''')." It's usually used when someone is too dense to understand something or read a situation. Even Starscream says Demolishor is too stupid to understand what Megatron means.
*Starscream saying, "It a trap!" might be a blatant reference to the famous quote said by Admiral Ackbar in ''{{w|Return of the Jedi|Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi}}''.

===Trivia===
*The kanji 聖剣 would be pronounced as "''seiken''," while "''tsurugi''" is used for the kanji 剣.
*This episode was probably meant to be named "Sword" instead of "Swoop," as this episode's events have pretty much nothing to do with "swooping" and just about everything to do with a sword. The episode's Japanese title supports this. Guess someone goofed and wrote the wrong five-letter "Swo--" word. Oops.
*This episode is the first in which [[Jim Conrad]] narrates the opening instead of Rad and gives a new variation of the intro.
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', this is the first episode featuring the show's second variation Optimus's opening narration before the [[title sequence]] with scenes from "[[Underground (episode)|Underground]]," "[[Prehistory]]," and "[[Ruin]]" among others.
*Did Billy and Fred seriously not realize the initial sirens going off inside the Autobot base meant danger? They can't be THAT clueless.
**They also have weird difficulties remembering the names of the Decepticons, calling Megatron "Megafrog" (I mean, how would Fred associate Megs with frogs?) and later ”Megatroy,” and Cyclonus ”Cyclonopus," who quickly gets frustrated. In fairness, Fred's guesses are closer than Billy's, especially in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Hot Shot is responsible for the Autobot base's internal defense systems, explaining a ''lot''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot explains that Smokescreen and Red Alert installed them.
*Smokescreen activates... a SMOKESCREEN! As his Japanese name is "Grap," this probably wasn't an intentional bit.
*The Decepticons seemingly use paper.
*At the end of the Japanese dub, Billy refers to Megatron as a "fork-head." Given that Megatron's head (and to some extent, his shoulders) looks like a huge {{w|tuning fork}} with those horns, Billy's not wrong.
*This episode is one of the few without an opening narration.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' reveals that since ''Armada'' aired in the U.S. first, dubbing was close to [[Mortal Combat|the last episode]] when this episode aired in Japan, so production was now running smoothly at this point.
*This is the first episode since "Carnival" without any music changes between dubs except for the bumper themes.
*Fred has Mazeophobia, the fear of being lost.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Une visite mouvementée'''" ("An Eventful Visit")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 31]], [[2003]]

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Das Schwert der Mini-Cons'''" ("The Sword of the Mini-Cons")
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rajtaütés'''" ("Strike")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Spada Stellare'''" ("The Star Saber")
::*Alexis's line: "Well, what do you know? Carlos is a tour guide now..." is... not present at all, leaving some cringy seconds of her moving her mouth in complete silence and Rad reacting to nothing.
::*Megatron's line: "I know you Autobots are loyal to one other but this is ridiculous!" is incomprehensibly changed to: "Well done, Autobot! I see you made the right decision!"(???).

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''승리는 우리의 것'''" ("Victory is Ours")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Uderzenie'''" ("Strike")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Investida'''" ("Strike")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 4 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Best Of The Decepticons ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:04 ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Le combat recommence... ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Swoop (episode)

2026-01-19T17:15:27Z

Chase eX: /* Quotes */

{{disambig3|Swoop}}
{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=13
|prev=Prehistory
|next=Overmatch
|title="Swoop"
|furigana=つるぎ
|japanese=聖剣
|romaji=Tsurugi
|translation=Holy Sword: Sword
|image=ArmadaSwoop_MegatronStarSaber.jpg
|caption=Sadly, [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] received no royalties for this episode.
|production code=TF: A-13
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Isao Shizuya]]
|director=[[Masayuki Motsumoto]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[November 29]], [[2002]] (English) [[April 4|4 April]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ribJjGY4S6Y
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''The Decepticons, intent on completing the Star Saber, invade the Autobot base.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:ArmadaSwoop Starscreamstockreport.jpg|left|150px|thumb|"It says here the Dow Jones is down by 100 points!"]]
Patrolling the skies, [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] searches for the [[Autobot]] base's exact position, for which the [[Mini-Con]] [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] was able to determine the general location. [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] is surprised that [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] can understand the Mini-Cons' language. Cyclonus finds the base, and Megatron, having gained another advantage, has a hearty laugh.

Within the Autobot base, [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]], [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], and [[Rad White|Rad]] start to give [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] the grand tour. But before the others can show Fred and Billy around, an alarm goes off, and Alexis, Carlos, and Rad rush to the control room, abandoning their friends. Billy has a brilliant idea for himself and Fred to explore. Meanwhile, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]] notes that a warp gate has opened within the base.

[[File:ArmadaSwoop Shotinthecrotch.jpg|150px|thumb|NUTSHOT!]]
Megatron, the [[Decepticon]]s, and Sonar arrive in the Autobot base, soon caught on security cameras. [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] activates some defense devices [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] built into the place. Billy, hopelessly lost as Fred predicted they would be, concedes that his navigational skills have failed him. Not noticing the humans, the Decepticons walk by and come under fire from the defense lasers, unwittingly endangering the two boys. Optimus characteristically orders a ceasefire; Megatron assumes it must be a system malfunction and presses forward.

[[File:ArmadaSwoop Megahorns.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Megatron is ''really'' happy to see Hot Shot!]]
Red Alert determines the Decepticons are tracking the [[Mini-Con storage panel]]s containing the other two [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] Mini-Cons, and Hot Shot eagerly rushes to confront them. Optimus takes the panels elsewhere, drawing the Decepticons away from the control room. Alexis then uses the room's computer to track Billy and Fred's movements.

On his own, Hot Shot attacks the Decepticons, but Megatron uses his antlers to grab Hot Shot's head, suspend the Autobot in the air, and then toss him aside. The other Autobots arrive, and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] activates a screen—of smoke!—to allow them to fall back into a separate chamber. By the time the Decepticons blast through the door, they only see Hot Shot drive away.

[[File:ArmadaSwoop Cyclonusteleport.jpg|200px|thumb|Out you two pixies go, through the door or out the window!]]
The Autobots use the chase to isolate each member of the Decepticons from the rest. Smokescreen lassos Demolishor while Red Alert baits [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] into a hall of mirrors, his reflected taunts leading the seeker into a trap pit.

The three friendly human kids find their two jerky peers, and Cyclonus finds all five of them. The Decepticon intends to capture and ransom them for the Mini-Cons, but Rad uses the Autobots' warp gate to teleport Cyclonus to someplace far away.

[[File:ArmadaSwoop Megatronlightning.jpg|left|150px|thumb|You gotta eat lightning and crap thunder!]]
The only Decepticon left, Megatron, gets double-teamed by Optimus and Hot Shot, but the skirmish leads to Megatron holding his cannon right up to Hot Shot's face. Sonar awakens his brethren, and Megatron seizes the Star Saber. But just as he brandishes his new weapon in the air, Optimus blasts it out of Megatron's hands, directly into Hot Shot's.

Megatron links with Leader-1 and offers Hot Shot one last chance to reconsider his side, which Hot Shot refuses, so Megatron opens fire. The torrent of energy blasts blows Hot Shot back, but the coaching of his human friends gives him the inspiration he needs to use the Star Saber to resist Megatron's gunfire. Megatron orders an immediate withdrawal after Hot Shot gets close enough to slice off one of his horns.

Optimus lets Hot Shot keep possession of the Star Saber, and the children celebrate this victory. On the Moon, Megatron wishes for revenge so hard it hurts.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (12)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (14)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (16)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (17)

|c2=
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (1)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (6)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (7)
*[[Rad White]] (8)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (9)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (10)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (11)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (2)
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (5)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (13)
*[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (18)
*[[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (19)
*[[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (20)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (21)
}}

==Quotes==
"Maybe they ran out of ammo." 
"Lasers don't run out of ammo!"
:—'''Cyclonus''' and '''Starscream''' trade ideas on why the automatic defenses have stopped shooting.

"Man, that laugh of yours is really annoying."
:—'''Hot Shot''' to Cyclonus.

"Try and download THIS!"
:—'''Hot Shot''' risks attacking Megatron with a lousy computer pun.

"...why do I have to do all this work?"
:—If you look up the word "grunt" in a dictionary, you'd probably find a picture of '''Demolishor'''

'''Billy:''' "Cyclo-butt!" 
'''Fred:''' "That's Cyclonapus!" 
'''Cyclonus:''' "It's ''Cyclonus''!" 
'''Billy:''' "...Thanks for clearing that up, mister." 
'''Fred:''' "You have a nice day!"
:—Billy, Fred, and Cyclonus in a rare '''purposeful''' ''Armada'' name mix-up

"Time for a SYSTEM CRASH!"
:—Lame computer pun #2 from '''Hot Shot''' as he tackles Megatron.

'''Megatron:''' "Yes, this is more like it, I'm going to pixelate every one of you Autobots." 
'''Optimus:''' "He's out of control." 
'''Megatron:''' "Now you will do as I say, hand over all your Mini-Cons to me, or I'll have no choice but to re-format your friend's memory bank." 
'''Hot Shot:''' "You... won't get anything from me!" 
'''Megatron:''' "Then I'll have to execute your program."
:—'''Megatron''' gets computer-pun vengeance on Optimus Prime and Hot Shot.

"For the last time: Access denied."
:—'''Hot Shot''' tries something different for rejecting Megatron's offer of allegiance: a computer pun!

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*In ''Armada''{{'}}s opening scene, Megatron berates Cyclonus for wasting time and not looking hard enough for the Autobot base. Cyclonus and Demolishor generally moan about how it's hard to find. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says they lent Cyclonus Blackout for a reason, after which Cyclonus disses Blackout's search capabilities, prompting Demolishor to defend his Mini-Con partner.
*Rather than asking Demolishor if he can also understand the Mini-Con language, Megatron says, "You idiot! Can you even sense the atmosphere in here?" Demolishor tries interpreting the question before Starscream says Demolishor is "too dense to get it."
*Starscream receives the warp coordinates from Cyclonus instead of those for the Autobot base. After finding the Autobot base, Megatron stops laughing before the scene cuts to the shot of the Moon and Earth in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', his laugh is heard during both scenes before the episode title card, and it sounds louder and more sinister.
*In ''Armada'', Fred worryingly says that he isn't a fan of surprises, but ''Legends of the Microns'' has him ask Carlos if the more surprising part of the Autobot base is coming up in an excited tone. Billy asks Rad if there are more exciting things to see rather than wondering why they're still waiting. The sound effect of the Star Saber's holographic projection is gone. Alexis says Carlos now acts like Billy and Fred's "sempai" rather than their tour guide.
*Billy only calls out for Carlos after he and Fred find themselves alone. Instead of Billy deciding he and Fred should explore the base alone, he says they should look for the others. Then Fred makes a point of their troubles worsening each time he listens to Billy. Fred says Billy has a knack for getting them lost in ''Armada''.
*Arriving in the Autobot base, Cyclonus gleefully says he's going to trash the place. After Megatron tells him to focus on the mission, Cyclonus says, "You're no fun at all."
*Billy says he forgot where the exit is instead of not knowing where they are in the base. When Billy and Fred see the Decepticons, Billy mistakenly calls Megatron "Mega-Shield," before Fred says, "No, you mean Megatrog!" In ''Armada'', Billy says, "Megafrog," and it's the only one used.
*In ''Armada'', the scene of Sonar pointing the way is silent. As Sonar points ahead in ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron says, "I see, so it's the way, then?" as an internal monologue.
*When the defense systems ceasefire, Megatron rationalizes it as a systems malfunction in ''Armada''; however, he merely accepts it in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Hot Shot says the Decepticons know where they are and want a fight in ''Armada'' but asks why they're coming towards the Command Center in ''Legends of the Microns''. Later, Optimus is silent after Smokescreen asks him what they should do. Then Hot Shot storms off, determined to take Sonar from the Decepticons. He seeks to punish them for intruding into the base in ''Armada''.
*Optimus doesn't tell the kids to stay in the Control Room until he turns to look at them. Optimus says the line immediately in ''Armada'', so there's an awkward silence afterward until he continues talking.
*Cyclonus doesn't crack a joke about the Mini-Cons (or Autobots?) getting scared and running but talks about Sonar detecting the other Star Saber Mini-Cons and laughs. ''Legends of the Microns'' makes more sense as Hot Shot mocks Cyclonus's laughter and says that "tasteless laughing" is forbidden in the base. ''Armada'' has Hot Shot comment on Cyclonus's annoying laugh even though the latter barely laughed a moment ago. Then the Autobot tells the Decepticons to leave since they take trespassers very seriously.
*Megatron acknowledges Hot Shot, who then says that "persistent fools" also aren't allowed in the base and demands Megatron to hand over Sonar. Then Megatron calls Hot Shot a fool and extends his horns.
*While silhouetted in the smokescreen, we only hear Demolishor say that he can't see and Cyclonus calling the Autobots "clever bastards." Then Demolishor and Megatron tell whoever's firing to stop, with Megatron and Smokescreen talking simultaneously as the latter and Hot Shot escape. All the Decepticons talk over each other in ''Armada'', and their dialogue stops before the scene cuts to Smokescreen and Hot Shot.
*Optimus tells Hot Shot off for his recklessness instead of telling Hot Shot not to blame himself.
*After Cyclonus fails to transform in the corridor, Starscream says, "Looks like sensing the atmosphere is too much for you as well," harkening back to what Megatron said to Demolishor on the Moon.
*When they split up, Demolishor and Starscream call out for Megatron. Only Starscream's inner monologue is heard as he thinks to himself that finding the Mini-Cons should take priority over Megatron, and Demolishor is "overly loyal." Then Demolishor repeats Megatron's name. After Starscream tells Demolishor to try blasting the door again in ''Armada'', they ''both'' have internal dialogue: Starscream thinks about taking the Mini-Cons for himself, and Demolishor complains to himself about having to do all the work.
*Demolishor's scream now echoes as Smokescreen reels him back.
*After he finds Red Alert, ''Armada'' adds Starscream's incoherent mumbling to remove the Japanese version's silence.
*At the end of the scene where Red Alert traps Starscream, Red's line isn't about the Mini-Con panel being a fake; instead, he tells Starscream to sit quietly.
*''Legends of the Microns'' has Fred and Billy wondering if the Autobots or other kids will return for them instead of the Decepticons. They frantically apologize before Rad, Carlos, and Alexis reveal themselves. Depending on the dub, the subsequent dialogue differs: In ''Armada'', Billy tells the others never to ditch him and Fred again. Then Carlos tells Billy and Fred to expect surprises when hanging out with Rad, Alexis, and himself. When Rad says they should leave, Carlos makes the classic "trouble just around the corner" joke before Cyclonus appears. ''Legends of the Microns'' has Billy ask the others why they didn't rescue them sooner, and Carlos answers that they had to stop the Decepticons from finding the Mini-Cons. After Rad speaks, Carlos tells Billy and Fred to stay close to them this time. When Cyclonus finds the kids, he muses about finding "something else fun to play with this time." The louder background music and Billy, Fred, and Cyclonus exaggeratedly shouting their lines increase the scene's comical nature.
*In ''Armada,'' Billy and Fred screw up Cyclonus's name as "Cyclobutt" and "Cyclonapus". In ''Legends of the Microns'', where Cyclonus's name is "Sandstorm", Billy and Fred incorrectly call him "Sandsteam" and "Sandstop" instead.
*After Cyclonus sets the record straight with Billy and Fred about his name, Fred says, "Yes, Cyclonus!" and Billy says, "Forget about that! Run for it!" After Rad tells the other kids to hide, he has an extra line where he says he has an idea to get rid of Cyclonus. Cyclonus claiming that his sensors can detect the children's body heat isn't in ''Legends of the Microns''; instead, he tells the kids to come out in a high-pitched singsong manner, playing up the hide-and-seek game. Carlos later has a line before Fred and Billy after Rad warps Cyclonus out, which removes the awkward silence present in ''Armada''.
*Optimus tells Megatron outright that he fell into a trap; Megatron realizes that Hot Shot played him, and Hot Shot says Megatron didn't catch on quickly enough. As he gets electrocuted, Megatron says, "Don't underestimate me... I'll show you just why I'm Megatron, ''the [[Emperor of Destruction]]!''" Then, instead of Megatron's computer pun about "pixelating" the Autobots (quoted above), he says, "A worthless trick like this can't even be called a trap!"
*With Hot Shot at his mercy, Megatron quips about the trap helping stretch his shoulders. When Optimus approaches, Megatron warns him to stay back unless he wants something to happen to Hot Shot.
*In ''Armada'', Megatron reacts with a gleeful "That's it!" as the Star Saber forms. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he responds with a surprised "What!?" instead. After the Star Saber forms, Megatron says, "So this is the legendary power?!" instead of smugly claiming ownership of the blade. The Japanese dub also removes the transformation noise from the sequence.
*After Hot Shot catches the Star Saber, Megatron demands him to return it, rambling about being the most powerful Transformer worthy of it in ''Armada''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron demands "his sword" back and calls Leader-1 to combine for his Full Blast Mode.
*''Armada'' has Megatron give Hot Shot a proposal of allowing him to join the Decepticons by returning the Star Saber with the latter denying the offer and trying to attack, only to be pushed back, then thinking to himself about having to resist Megatron's power. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron mocks the Autobot for being weak and unable to protect Optimus, provoking Hot Shot to attack, and he silently grunts after falling back.
*Megatron says Hot Shot trying to wield the Star Saber is a pointless effort, and the farce is now over, with a dramatic echo effect added to the end of the second line before Hot Shot charges at Megatron. Then it takes about seven seconds for Hot Shot to connect with the Star Saber, instead of a split-second like in ''Armada''.
*While Hot Shot uses the Star Saber to block Megatron's attack, ''Legends of the Microns'' has Hot Shot wondering if that's the sword's power, and Megatron reveling and desiring possession of it more than ever. ''Armada'' has Hot Shot getting used to the sword, while Megatron is taken aback by Hot Shot's ability to control the weapon.
*After Hot Shot slices Megatron, the Decepticon leader reacts in shock to his horn getting severed and says he'll remember this before retreating. The wide shot of Megatron and Hot Shot is now repositioned so that Megatron's head is visible at the top of the frame.
*Instead of referring to Megatron as "Megatroy" before Carlos finally corrects him, Fred once again calls the Decepticon leader "Megatrog."
*Alexis delivers the ending narration instead of Rad. The main difference between them is that Rad says the Star Saber ended up in Hot Shot's hands, while Alexis says it's how the sword came to be with Optimus's team.
*In the last scene, Megatron's damaged horn is visibly restored (see below). Megatron doesn't single out Hot Shot for his humiliation, and his swearing revenge is slightly shortened to finish as the scene cuts to the close-up of his hand. In ''Armada'', his scream holds a level tone and ends before the dissolve to the ending shot of the Moon. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron's yell starts at one level but intensifies during the dissolve and continues over the last shot.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Swoop-animation-changes.jpg|thumb|290px|Some animation changes between ''Armada'' (left) and ''Legends of the Microns'' (right).]]
*While searching for the Autobot base in the opening scene, Cyclonus's canopy is missing.
*Megatron's throne is off-model.
*During the close-up of Sonar sitting upon Megatron's arm, Megatron's entire arm is miscolored red. In ''Legends of the Microns'', it's fixed and recolored gray but appears red for a split second before the scene cuts.
*Immediately after this, the outline of Demolishor's right eye is so thick that it looks like he's squinting.
*After finding the Autobot base, the extreme close-up of Megatron's face is reused footage from when he appears on Earth in "[[First Encounter]]," and the colors aren't updated to match his new appearance.
*Before the Star Saber projection shot, Fred's potato chip bag partially changes color when he and Billy look at each other.
*When Runway and Jetstorm react to Sonar's proximity by projecting the Star Saber's image, Carlos reacts to it by saying, "Hey! The Autobots shut off the force field! Follow me, you guys!" This line is presumably an error as there was no force field present. No one reacts to the Star Saber's holographic projection in the Japanese dub, and Carlos continues Billy and Fred's base tour.
*Billy's voice oddly doesn't echo in the halls after calling for the others to complete the tour. ''Legends of the Microns'' adds the echo effect to his voice.
*After Megatron warps into the Autobot base and instructs Sonar to find his partners, one of Sonar's chest panels is miscolored yellow.
*During the scene where Megatron asks Sonar where the other Star Saber Mini-Cons are, he uses the singular pronoun "it" instead of the proper plural pronoun "them." This mistake happens again when Megatron realizes Optimus has the Mini-Cons. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Megatron only uses the singular term when Sonar points down the hall.
*As the base's defense system fires at the Decepticons in the Japanese version, Billy and Fred aren't visible but suddenly appear on the monitor's bottom-right corner in the next shot.
*When Optimus tells the kids to stay in the Control Room, he says, "Rad, you kids stay here and sit tight." but this is grammatically incorrect. The Japanese dub fixes it as Optimus says, "Rad, you and the others stay here."
*During Megatron's close-up, after he shouts, "Horn attack mode!" the horns toggle back and forth to create the illusion of them extending. However, this happens clumsily as the horns' tips repeatedly poke in and out of the edge of the screen, so it looks like Megatron is using them to rub his cheeks.
*After Megatron drops Hot Shot after grabbing him with his horns, the horns aren't animated as returning to their standard size even though they have the sound effect. ''Legends of the Microns'' shows the horns shrinking down.
*After Red Alert says, "Now, Smokescreen" (signaling Smokescreen to release the smokescreen), Smokescreen is missing his antenna/horn. It proceeds to vanish and reappear in the scenes after as well.
*Megatron scolds Cyclonus for shooting blindly in the smokescreen, but, based on the silhouette and their positions, ''Starscream'' and possibly ''Demolishor'' seem to be the ones firing. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes the error by not naming whoever's shooting.
*The Decepticons' lasers change color at random throughout the episode, appearing as their signature purple in some shots but switching between yellow and red in others.
*After Megatron blasts the door, Cyclonus's chest has four windows on it instead of two.
*After failing to transform in the corridor, Cyclonus is miscolored like Demolishor; ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects it (see right).
*After Starscream, Demolishor, and Cyclonus get separated from Megatron, the Decepticon symbols on the back of Starscream's wings are upside down.
*Cyclonus says, "I'll cut them off on the other side," but it's Starscream who, after suggesting they blast their way through, proceeds to do so while Cyclonus up and vanishes from Demolishor's side. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these mistakes with Starscream saying they should find another route, and then Cyclonus says, "I'll go this way, you go that way," with Cyclonus fully animated as exiting the shot.
*Before attempting to blast open the door that separated them from Megatron, Demolishor says to stand back although Starscream and Cyclonus already left a moment ago. As explained above, this error doesn't happen in the Japanese dub.
*As Starscream has his internal monologue, the corridor that's supposed to be behind Demolishor is now a wall; the hall returns in the next shot.
*When Smokescreen sneaks up behind Demolishor, it looks like Demolishor faces a long corridor despite being in front of a door seconds ago.
*It looks like Red Alert is ''in'' the mirror room with Starscream, and Starscream's mouth keeps moving after saying his line. Starscream strangely also doesn't reflect on any of the glass even after shooting it to pieces. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes these mistakes and makes the scene more elaborate as the room is reminiscent of an {{w|infinity mirror}} room, with Starscream facing multiple reflections of himself. When Starscream shoots the glass, he faces the screen in ''Armada'', but in ''Legends of the Microns'', he isn't visible as him blasting the glass happens from his POV, and he now casts reflections on the glass shards (see right).
*Starscream's mouth not moving when he yells at Red Alert upon being trapped looks like an animation mistake because he says his line too early. Starscream says his line as he looks up at Red Alert in the Japanese version.
*During the shot of Optimus and Hot Shot watching Megatron get electrocuted, the Autobots are obscured while Megatron's legs are in focus on either side of the frame. The Japanese dub corrects this by reversing the effect so that Megatron's legs in the foreground are blurred, and Optimus and Hot Shot are in focus (see right).
*After being blasted by Megatron and Leader-1, Hot Shot's visor is briefly miscolored yellow.
*There are multiple instances where Megatron's Decepticon symbols are missing, whether it is the one on his chest, the two on his shoulders, or all three.
*Sonar disappears from Megatron's shoulder and reappears on it periodically.
*In Megatron's scene of shooting up the base, he looks superimposed since the poles on either side of him are so close together that his hands aren't clasped around them; another mistake that ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes (see right).
*Megatron's mouth doesn't move when he commands Sonar to awaken his partners.
*In the shot of Megatron holding the Star Saber, the sword is too bright to be seen clearly, and it blends into the background starburst. ''Legends of the Microns'' lowers the sword's brightness, so it's colored blue instead of white, and viewers can make out its outline.
*The animation of Megatron demanding Hot Shot to hand over the Star Saber is reused from "[[Base]]" when Megatron Powerlinx with Leader-1.
*In the scene of Rad telling Hot Shot to Powerlinx with the Star Saber, his eyes are drawn looking at the upper-right corner of the screen while the other kids look straight towards the camera and look like low-quality static models compared to Rad. They also don't blink and look like lifeless dolls. The Japanese version fixes it to have the other kids looking in the same direction as Rad. However, the other kids' bodies are still positioned towards the screen, instead of the right like Rad's.
*After Rad speaks to Hot Shot, Leader-1 is miscolored purple to match Megatron. Before Hot Shot charges at Megatron, Leader-1's coloration gets corrected in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After his horn gets sliced off, Megatron doesn't have the shadow around his eyes, though they return before he retreats.
*As he escapes from the pit just before the Decepticons retreat, the raised spots on Starscream arms are miscolored purple. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he says he finally managed to climb out, but his mouth doesn't move.
*After the Decepticons retreat, Hot Shot's mouth doesn't move when he says using the Star Saber was intense; maybe this was meant to be internal dialogue. This part is silent in ''Legends of the Microns'' so it's not a mistake.
*Megatron's treads look perfectly smooth in his final shot.

===Continuity notes===
*Megatron can understand the Mini-Con language now, a nice follow-up to the Japanese version of "[[Metamorphosis (Armada)|Metamorphosis]]" where he admitted being clueless about what Leader-1 said, much to Starscream's amusement.
*The Autobot base's establishing shot is the same one seen in "[[Soldier (episode)|Soldier]]."
*After learning of the [[Transformer]]s' existence in "[[Carnival]]" and being openly included in the secret after being kidnapped in "[[Confrontation (episode)|Confrontation]]," Billy and Fred finally get to see the Autobot base for the first time.
**Fred and Billy aren't the only two to learn of the Autobot headquarters. In a strange twist of fate, the Decepticons discover the base too.
*In the Japanese dub, Alexis sarcastically dubs Carlos Billy and Fred's new "sempai." The last time any of the kids were called that term was in "[[Palace]]," when Optimus referred to the kids as the Autobots' sempai.
*In ''Armada'', Fred says Billy has a knack for getting them lost; he says their problems worsen each time he listens to Billy in ''Legends of the Microns''. Fred's right on both occasions, as past episodes like "First Encounter," "Metamorphosis," and "Carnival" have shown.
*The last time a character mentioned the "Emperor of Destruction" title in the Japanese dub was in "[[Base]]."
*The [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] is finally revealed after eight episodes of build-up, starting with "Soldier," and it ends up in Hot Shot's possession.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Sonar can track and activate his other [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|team members]], fitting for someone named after a kind of locator.
**Megatron uses his "Horn Attack Mode" for the first time, extending his antlers (or horns as they're called in this episode) to grab and throw around other Transformers.
**Smokescreen uses his chest winch and hook as a lasso in robot mode.
**Like in the episode "Palace," Starscream fires lasers from his lower chest again. His cockpit fins fold down out of the way of the lasers.
**Apparently, Cyclonus's sensors can detect human body heat, in ''Armada'' at least.
**Optimus uses his "Big Punch" attack for the third time to knock the Star Saber out of Megatron's hand.
*After Hot Shot Powerlinx with the Star Saber, it's the first time Megatron tells a character to "Go to the [[Pit (BW)|Pit]]!" in ''Legends of the Microns''. The last time any Decepticon used the term was in "Base."
*Powerlinx forms:
**Cyclonus Powerlinx with Crumplezone for the first time; Crumplezone forms his helicopter cockpit.
***Blackout somehow attaches to Cyclonus's undercarriage at the same time.
**Megatron uses his Full Blast Mode for the second time, after its debut in "Ruin."
**Hot Shot Powerlinx with the Star Saber for the first time.

===Continuity errors===
*Megatron claims Sonar is detecting the Autobots, but the Mini-Con has no reason to single out the Autobots themselves. The Japanese dub corrects it to have Megatron say that Sonar detects the dormant Runway and Jetstorm.
*Smokescreen answers Red Alert's cue to activate the smokescreen quite loudly, loud enough for the Decepticons to hear, though they're trying to be stealthy. The Japanese dub remedies this by having Smokescreen reply in an appropriately hushed tone.
*Why does Starscream want more Mini-Cons for himself? He probably can't Powerlinx with multiple Mini-Cons anyway, and Megatron might take them for himself as he did with Demolishor at the end of "Palace." The Japanese dub changes it so that Starscream is only trying to find the Mini-Cons instead.
*Cyclonus plans to capture the humans and trade them for the Mini-Cons, even though he already tried that and failed in "Confrontation." ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this by having Cyclonus chase the kids, thinking they'll lead him straight to Hot Shot.
*Why does Optimus tell Hot Shot to get Megatron after catching the Star Saber but stops him seconds later and gets himself injured? In ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus tells Hot Shot to look out as Megatron is about to unleash his Full Attack Mode, so he moves to save Hot Shot and gets wounded.
*Hot Shot saying, "Yes sir!" after Optimus puts him in charge of the Star Saber doesn't line up with Prime nodding, and the fact that Hot Shot looks surprised. The Japanese dub has Hot Shot react stunned by Prime's offer before accepting it after Optimus nods, so the scene now makes sense.

===Transformers references===
*Starscream gets caught in Red Alert's trap, kind of like [[Starscream (G1)|another Starscream]] [[Battle of Autobot City|another time]].
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', near the end, Megatron refers to himself as the Emperor of Destruction, a classic nod to the infamous title from Transformers lore.
*A Decepticon again references the Pit in ''Legends of the Microns''.

===Real-world references===
*When Megatron berates Demolishor for being surprised that he can now understand Mini-Cons in the Japanese dub, he uses a version of the phrase '''Kuki yome''' (空気読めない '''Kūki yome''')." It's usually used when someone is too dense to understand something or read a situation. Even Starscream says Demolishor is too stupid to understand what Megatron means.
*Starscream saying, "It a trap!" might be a blatant reference to the famous quote said by Admiral Ackbar in ''{{w|Return of the Jedi|Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi}}''.

===Trivia===
*The kanji 聖剣 would be pronounced as "''seiken''," while "''tsurugi''" is used for the kanji 剣.
*This episode was probably meant to be named "Sword" instead of "Swoop," as this episode's events have pretty much nothing to do with "swooping" and just about everything to do with a sword. The episode's Japanese title supports this. Guess someone goofed and wrote the wrong five-letter "Swo--" word. Oops.
*This episode is the first in which [[Jim Conrad]] narrates the opening instead of Rad and gives a new variation of the intro.
**In ''Legends of the Microns'', this is the first episode featuring the show's second variation Optimus's opening narration before the [[title sequence]] with scenes from "[[Underground (episode)|Underground]]," "[[Prehistory]]," and "[[Ruin]]" among others.
*Did Billy and Fred seriously not realize the initial sirens going off inside the Autobot base meant danger? They can't be THAT clueless.
**They also have weird difficulties remembering the names of the Decepticons, calling Megatron "Megafrog" (I mean, how would Fred associate Megs with frogs?) and later ”Megatroy,” and Cyclonus ”Cyclonopus," who quickly gets frustrated. In fairness, Fred's guesses are closer than Billy's, especially in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*Hot Shot is responsible for the Autobot base's internal defense systems, explaining a ''lot''. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Hot Shot explains that Smokescreen and Red Alert installed them.
*Smokescreen activates... a SMOKESCREEN! As his Japanese name is "Grap," this probably wasn't an intentional bit.
*The Decepticons seemingly use paper.
*At the end of the Japanese dub, Billy refers to Megatron as a "fork-head." Given that Megatron's head (and to some extent, his shoulders) looks like a huge {{w|tuning fork}} with those horns, Billy's not wrong.
*This episode is one of the few without an opening narration.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' reveals that since ''Armada'' aired in the U.S. first, dubbing was close to [[Mortal Combat|the last episode]] when this episode aired in Japan, so production was now running smoothly at this point.
*This is the first episode since "Carnival" without any music changes between dubs except for the bumper themes.
*Fred has Mazeophobia, the fear of being lost.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Une visite mouvementée'''" ("An Eventful Visit")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 31]], [[2003]]

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Das Schwert der Mini-Cons'''" ("The Sword of the Mini-Cons")
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rajtaütés'''" ("Strike")

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Spada Stellare'''" ("The Star Saber")
::*Alexis's line: "Well, what? Do you know? Carlos is a tour guide now..." is... not present at all, leaving some cringy seconds of her moving her mouth in complete silence and Rad reacting to nothing.
::*Megatron's line: "I know you Autobots are loyal to one other but this is ridiculous!" is incomprehensibly changed to: "Well done, Autobot! I see you made the right decision!"(???).

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''승리는 우리의 것'''" ("Victory is Ours")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Uderzenie'''" ("Strike")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Investida'''" ("Strike")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 4 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Best Of The Decepticons ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:04 ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Le combat recommence... ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Prehistory

2026-01-19T00:19:52Z

Chase eX: /* Continuity notes */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=12
|prev=Ruin
|next=Swoop (episode)
|title="Prehistory"
|furigana=いきさつ
|japanese=理由
|romaji=Ikisatsu
|translation=Reason: The Whole Story
|image=Prehistory-Autobots vs Decepticons.jpg
|caption=Attack of the Clones
|production code=TF: A-12
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Keisuke Ōnishi]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]], [[Studio Guts]], [[Big Bang (company)|Big Bang]]
|airdate=[[November 22]], [[2002]] (English) [[March 28|28 March]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-bFJgv_7Aw
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''A Mini-Con is located on a volcanic island which soon erupts.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Prehistory-Battlefront.jpg|left|155px|thumb|When faction symbols attack!]]
Standing over the [[Mini-Con storage panel|Mini-Con panel]] retrieved from [[Antarctica]], [[Rad White|Rad]] muses that he finally knows [[Ruin|what happened to Atlantis]].

On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] grumbles about the dormant [[Mini-Con]] they've picked up. Despite provoking some small activity from it, he's unable to activate it.

Rad asks [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus]] if there's any way to stop the ongoing war with the [[Decepticon]]s. The [[Autobot]] leader explains how the war began four million years ago when the Decepticons began overwhelming [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] with their troops. Once the Decepticons and Autobots divided Cybertron into halves, the Mini-Con faction soon appeared and joined with both Decepticons and Autobots to increase their power. Realizing that they were causing the war, the Mini-Cons opted to leave Cybertron. The Decepticons attempted to block them, but the Mini-Con ship escaped with the Autobots' help. It crashed on Earth, and the rest is history. When Rad and Carlos found High Wire, they activated a signal that alerted Cybertron's inhabitants, who sent teams to Earth, resuming the war.

The Mini-Con alarm goes off, and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] quickly fixes the latest Mini-Con location on a volcanic island. The Autobots rush there with their young friends. The Decepticons also detect the Mini-Con.

[[File:Prehistory-Panels made to last.jpg|155px|thumb|The world's first hot plate.]]
On the island, Rad asks if it's possible to avoid involving the Mini-Cons in the battle; Optimus says using the Mini-Cons is the only way they can effectively stop the Decepticons from gaining more Mini-Cons. While they're talking, Megatron appears and opens fire on them. The Autobots return fire, with Optimus using his [[trailer]] as a weapons platform. [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] tries to convince Rad and [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] they should search for the Mini-Con, so Rad dispatches [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] to scout the island.

Soon, [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and Megatron [[Powerlinx]] with their Mini-Cons, prompting the Autobots' Mini-Cons to man the weapons on Optimus's trailer. Everyone is surprised, but Carlos points out they're just fighting back. Meanwhile, Laserbeak spots the Mini-Con panel at the end of an incomplete rail tunnel. Optimus orders his men to cover him while retrieving the Mini-Con, but the battle is interrupted by the volcano erupting. Lava erupts from the end of the rail tunnel, carrying the Mini-Con panel. Optimus finds himself falling into an opening fissure in the ground as the lava begins to spread across the island.

Red Alert tells [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] to get the kids to higher ground and has [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] dig a trench into diverting the lava. Taken to safety, the kids spot the Mini-Con floating on top of the lava, but so do the Decepticons. Starscream prevents Hot Shot from getting it first, but a burst of energy from the newly arrived Optimus halts the Decepticons. [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] grabs the Mini-Con but is fired on by [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]], and [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] and drops it. After Red Alert snatches the Mini-Con out of mid-air, the Decepticons retreat. Once the Mini-Con panel cools down, the kids watch as a ghostly Mini-Con form manifests over it.

[[File:Prehistory-Even when he loses, he wins.jpg|155px|thumb|"Rumble, bring me a newspaper!"]]
Back at base, Red Alert says the Mini-Cons may be the key to peace in the universe. However, the only way to solve the riddle is to collect them all.

Megatron tries again to awaken the Mini-Con from the ruins and finally succeeds, revealing [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]], one of the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Team]] which forms the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] sword. Megatron laughs in triumph.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] (8)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (11)
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] (18)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (12)
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (16)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (17)

|c3=
*[[Rad White]] (1)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (6)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (7)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (3)
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (4)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (5)
*[[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] (13)
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (14)
*[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (15)
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (19)
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (20)
*[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (21)
}}

==Quotes==
"The Autobots and Decepticons are all Transformers, aren't they? So there has to be ''some way'' all of you can get along without fighting."
:—'''Rad''' makes a gross oversimplification.

"Hurry up! Destroy those Autobots! You will not escape my wrath!" 
"We can't do that, Megatron! If we do, it'll give away our position!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Demolishor''', the latter of whom doesn't appear to notice that the Autobots already know where they are.

"Luckily, I fell into a chasm, and the lava passed right over me. I had to dig my way out, but I'm all right."
:—'''Optimus''' explains how he survived the lava.

"They're fighting to protect the universe!"
:—'''Alexis''', '''Carlos''', and '''Rad''', in unison.

"Niiiice"
:—'''Smokescreen''' responds in awe to Red Alert and Hot Shot Powerlinxing

"Fire away, gentlemen."
:—'''Megatron''' is uncharacteristically complimentary to his troops

"Cyclonus failed me again. That figures."
:—'''Megatron''', not surprised at Cyclonus's failure

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Legends of the Microns''===
*While looking at the Star Saber's distorted hologram, ''Armada''{{'}}s opening narration has Rad refer to the [[Ruin|previous episode]]'s ruins as Atlantis, saying its downfall was because Amphitrite's people couldn't control the Mini-Cons' power. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the Atlantis reference, and Rad says he knew the sword was once in the ruins and that the Mini-Cons' power was the cause for the city's destruction.
*After High Wire speaks to Rad in ''Armada'', Rad curiously asks, "What's that?" Then, in his internal monologue, he wonders ''why'' the Mini-Cons are on Earth since, as Amphitrite said, no good can come from fighting the Decepticons. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Rad's response to High Wire is changed to better match his mood in the scene as he's deep in thought, and he says, "Ah, nothing at all...". He doesn't mention Amphitrite in his internal monologue and instead asks ''what'' the Mini-Cons ''want'' out of the war since he believes fighting never brings anything pleasant with it.
*As Optimus recalls the Transformers' history, ''Legends of the Microns'' has scenes with long moments of silence that ''Armada'' fills with extra dialogue:
**After the shot of Cybertron, Optimus is silent until the Autobot team's scene in their Cybertronian forms, showing the Autobots' rise. "[[The Transformers Legends of the Microns: Sound of Evolution Vol. 1|Cybertrons, Transform!]]" plays during the scene's Japanese version while ''Armada'' plays the Transformers theme.
**When he brings up the Mini-Cons' first appearance and not knowing their origin in ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus says ''we'' (the Autobots) instead of referring to himself.
**The shot of Megatron attaching Leader-1 to his arm is silent, and so is that of Sparkplug Powerlinxing with Optimus. In the latter scene, Prime's line about Mini-Cons agreeing to join the Autobots against the Decepticons is changed to him saying that the Autobots had to borrow the Mini-Cons' power.
**During the scene that pans across the Mini-Cons, Optimus says they decided to leave Cybertron, and the Autobots gave their full support in ''Armada''. Optimus only says the Mini-Cons made an important decision in ''Legends of the Microns''. His line about them deciding to leave Cybertron is heard over the shot of the planet. Then his line about the Autobots' support is heard over the scene of the ''[[Exodus (Armada)|Exodus]]''. Optimus's line about them being loaded onto their ship is heard in the next scene showing the Mini-Cons on board. There is no mention of a skeleton crew, the Mini-Cons entering hibernation, or slipping under the radar.
**Optimus's line about the Decepticons uncovering the plan is heard during the scene panning across the Mini-Con panels. Then it's silent until the ''Exodus'' enters the warp gate, and Optimus says it traveled to a new world. ''Armada'' adds the bit about the Autobots trying to create a distraction to fill in the silence.
**In ''Armada'', Optimus says the ship was damaged by going through multiple warp gates before crash-landing on Earth four million years ago as the scene zooms out of his eye. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the detail about the ship being damaged. Then there's silence before he says it happened over four million years ago after the zoom out before the scene goes silent again.
*After the war flashback in ''Armada'', Optimus immediately speaks about Rad reawakening the Mini-Cons, with it being through either a twist of fate or destiny; this doesn't happen until the scene cuts to Rad and Optimus says it was a fateful encounter in ''Legends of the Microns''. Then ''Armada'' has Prime repeat how Rad unknowingly activated a homing beacon that reached the Transformers on Cybertron by touching High Wire's panel, reiterating how the Autobots tried to beat the Decepticons to Earth. In ''Legends of the Microns'', there's another long silent part after the boys' final flashback appearances until the scene showing the Autobots tracing the Mini-Cons to Earth on the monitor. Instead of addressing the Autobot assembly, Optimus tells Red Alert and Hot Shot they have no time to waste before entering the warp hole.
*After the alarm goes off, Alexis says another Mini-Con has awakened in ''Armada'', but the Japanese dub changes her line to say there's an emergency in the Pacific. ''Legends of the Microns'' also slightly tweaks Smokescreen's line to have him say that a Mini-Con is in the ocean ''again'', remembering the previous episode. The Japanese dub also changes Alexis's line in ''Armada'' about the volcanic island being abandoned to her noticing the decrepit water slide.
*In ''Armada'', Optimus tells Rad the only way to stop the Decepticons from abusing the Mini-Cons' power is for the Autobots to also use the Mini-Cons before Rad claims that's the reason why the Mini-Cons left Cybertron. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Prime's answer is more sincere as he says that as long as the Decepticons abuse the Mini-Cons, the Autobots have no choice but to fight for their sake. Then Rad says the Mini-Cons' hatred of war is why they left Cybertron.
*''Legends of the Microns'' changes Optimus's line of demanding the Decepticons to leave the island to him saying that he won't let them find the Mini-Con.
*Carlos is just as confused as Rad about why the Mini-Cons start shooting at the Decepticons; Megatron is equally puzzled by this development. In ''Armada'', Megatron states the obvious about the Mini-Cons attacking.
*Rather than speaking to the other Autobots, Optimus tells the Mini-Cons that the team will let them handle the fighting as they search for the panel.
*Carlos is curious about where the track leads rather than the tunnel's depth. Rad's line about its unfinished construction ends before the fade-in to the tunnel. Optimus later asks the kids if they're sure about the Mini-Con's location instead of complimenting them on finding it.
*After Smokescreen reacts to Red Alert and Hot Shot Powerlinxing with their Mini-Cons, Optimus says he's leaving things to them. Then Megatron demands the Autobots to hand over the panel. In ''Armada'', he repeats his earlier line about them not escaping his wrath.
*''Legends of the Microns'' either lowers the lava flow's sound effect or removes it from some scenes so that it's not as distracting as it is in ''Armada''.
*Carlos says, "No way!" after Rad says that Optimus probably fell into the magma.
*Megatron calls Starscream a "stupid lunkhead" after shooting and nearly hitting the Mini-Con panel.
*Instead of being shocked by Prime's return and claiming he finished off the Autobot leader, Megatron curses Optimus. Then ''Armada'' has Optimus once again demand Megatron to leave the island. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes Prime's line and connects it to the Mini-Cons as he says that he'll ''never'' let Megatron abuse their power.
*As High Wire, Sureshock, and Grindor fire at Cyclonus, the kids translate what they're saying: "We won't run away...We won't give up our comrades...In order to protect them...we'll fight together for their sake!"
*Cyclonus doesn't say anything before getting shot. Rather than singling out Cyclonus for the mission failing, Megatron calls all of his men "stupid morons" before ordering a retreat. Cyclonus also doesn't moan about being "robbed."
*Carlos wonders if the panel has cooled down yet in ''Armada'' but asks how it didn't melt in the lava in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*In ''Armada'', after Rad says the Mini-Cons also want to fight, Optimus says, "I know," as he nods, and when Rad says the kids will keep helping out, Optimus says it's not necessary. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Optimus nods and then says, "But.." before Rad cuts him off, and Optimus tells him this isn't the children's fight.
*In ''Armada'', Demolishor asks Megatron if he can activate the dormant Mini-Con. Megatron says he should now be able to since the Autobots found the other two panels and demands the Mini-Con to reveal itself. In ''Legends of the Microns'', Demolishor notices something about the panel, and Megatron wonders if it's because all three have now been obtained.
*The Japanese dub extends Megatron's laugh at the end for about two seconds.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Prehistory-Jetfire in charge.jpg|200px|thumb|"Gesundheit."]]
*Much of this episode's animation is low quality, with character models being of high quality only in a few scenes. It's also hard to hear some of this episode's music too.
*During the flashback showing the Transformers' history, the close-up of Megatron after Powerlinxing with Leader-1 debuted in the [[First Encounter|first episode]]; some episodes after this will reuse it. Plus, Megatron and Optimus's scene of them pushing against each other as they lock hands is also recycled animation from "First Encounter."
*It's stated that Optimus leaves Cybertron in [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]]'s hands. However, "Thrust" is [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]—the silhouette shown is Jetfire with the shuttle wings removed. The Japanese dub corrects this mistake.
*When Smokescreen says, "And they're not getting the Mini-Con either," he has two antenna/horns instead of one.
*While the Autobots and Decepticons have their firefight, Smokescreen's antenna/horn is colored yellow as if it were part of Hot Shot's body.
*In the shot of Rad and Alexis, while the kids and Mini-Cons are hiding, Rad is frozen with an out-of-place happy expression.
*During the shot of Megatron and Demolishor when Megatron orders the Autobots' destruction, saying they won't escape his wrath, he's in shadow despite being in direct sunlight like the other Decepticons seconds ago.
*The shot of Swindle in Starscream's hand is reused from "[[Jungle]]."
*There's either an Autobot insignia or a red spot on Smokescreen's roof in vehicle mode in some shots.
*Some of the Decepticons either lack their insignia(s), or the symbols are badly drawn as simple shapes lacking detail.
*When the Transformers Powerlinx with their Mini-Cons in this episode, their voices sound a bit off, like Red Alert sounding like Optimus (except Megatron's for some reason). This mistake is ''Armada''-exclusive.
*Before the Mini-Cons shoot at Cyclonus, his head is colored black instead of dark gray for one shot.
*The Autobots look off-model in two shots in their last scene at the base, mainly their chest sizes.
*Rad looks cross-eyed before bro-fisting with Carlos and Alexis.
*In the ending scene, Megatron refers to the Star Saber as the "Saber Sword." It's fixed in ''Legends of the Microns'' as he calls the Star Saber "his sword."
*As per ''Armada'' tradition, Sureshock and Grindor's names are mixed up throughout the episode, and Alexis refers to Sureshock as a male instead of a female.

===Continuity notes===
*This episode sheds some light on a lot of what we've seen in previous episodes that were left unexplained, such as the Mini-Con beacon that Rad activates upon discovering High Wire. This episode also gives us an in-depth rundown of how the Autobot/Decepticon war began.
*Rad refers to the ruin from the previous episode as "[[Atlantis]]." However, the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' cartoon would later establish that the ''real'' ''Atlantis'' was a Cybertronian vessel used for colonizing other worlds and was discovered by ancient [[human]]s who inhabited it as a city due to its large size. ''Legends of the Microns'' removes the reference, consistent with the Japanese dub of "Ruin."
**As the "Atlantis" line is only present in the ''Armada'' version of the show, it would prove to be an error once ''Cybertron'' came along. That being said, it could just be written off in-universe as Rad just putting two and two together based on the similarities with the legend.
**''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' comments on the mystery, stating that while it was never named in both episodes (Japanese dub), it is likely that the ruin belonged to Atlantis due to the Star Saber and [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] being called Orichalcums, which is a legendary metal from the island.
*''[[Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003]]'' explains that after learning about the Mini-Cons' destructive capabilities in "Ruin," this episode shows the children, especially Rad, now questioning the point of the Transformers' war.
*Rad's question as to why the Mini-Cons are on Earth won't get an answer until near the end of the series.
*This is the first and only episode that shows Smokescreen's Cybertronian form.
*As stated in the episode "[[Metamorphosis (Armada)|Metamorphosis]]," Leader-1 is shown in the flashback sequence as Megatron's Mini-Con partner during the war on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].
**As Optimus Prime also stated in the episode "[[Comrade]]," Sparkplug is also shown to be his partner Mini-Con on Cybertron. Two points for consistency!
*This episode features, in silhouette, Jetfire's first appearance.
*In ''Legends of the Microns'', Smokescreen gets frustrated when learning the new Mini-Con is in the ocean ''again'', like in the last episode. Luckily for him, it's on an island instead of underwater.
*This episode marks the first time an Autobot uses the term "[[Powerlinx]]." Cyclonus said it first in "[[Underground (episode)|Underground]]."
*This episode has Alexis using her phone for the fourth time after "Underground."
*Gadgets and powers:
**Optimus uses his container in its base form, firing his rifle like a turret from the top platform (something the pack-in product catalogs always showed the toy doing).
***The Autobot Mini-Cons use the turrets on Prime's container base for the second time. They use them as weapons this time instead of water cannons as they did in "Jungle."
**Hot Shot uses Jolt's double-barrelled cannon as a ''weapon'' for the first time.
**Smokescreen uses his crane arm and hook to dig a trench. When is he going to use the hook for its intended purpose?
**Optimus uses his "Big Punch" attack for the second time, after debuting it in "Jungle."
**Red Alert uses his shoulder grapple for the first time to retrieve the Mini-Con panel from a falling Cyclonus.
*Powerlinx forms:
**In his Cybertronian form, Megatron plugs Leader-1 into his right shoulder, increasing his cannon's strength.
*** Additionally, Megatron's cannon in his Cybertronian form is shown to fold forward and be held like a rifle. The [[character model]] for his Cybertronian design indicates that a handle is present on the barrel's firing end.
**In his Cybertronian form, Sparkplug Powerlinx on the back of Prime's left shoulder, increasing his forearm cannons/smokestacks' strength.
**Starscream Powerlinx with Swindle in robot mode.
**Megatron Powerlinx with Leader-1 in robot mode.
**Red Alert Powerlinx with Longarm in robot mode.
**Hot Shot Powerlinx with Jolt in robot mode.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:Prehistory-Smokescreen takes up gardening.jpg|200px|thumb|He found the secret zipper.]]
*How could Rad even have guessed that the Mini-Cons had anything to do with Atlantis's downfall before the last episode?
*It's like Rad has already forgotten about the Star Saber despite getting a distinct look at it in the previous episode; this isn't a problem in ''Legends of the Microns'' since he mentions the sword in his opening narration.
*Megatron wonders why the Mini-Con retrieved in the previous episode won't wake up, but he stated there was a reason why when he collected it. Megatron mysteriously knows Sonar will stay dormant until the other two panels are found, a continuity error continuing from the episode before. He claims to have waited for Sonar to scan his image and awaken. After failing to force Sonar to awaken, Megatron surmises that he needs the other two Mini-Cons before Sonar will activate. However, there's no error in ''Legends of the Microns'' since Megatron notices Sonar is still dormant, as he did in "Ruin." It's also seemingly his first time trying to activate the Mini-Con, and he's confused about why it won't awaken.
*Alexis claims she knew something has been bothering Rad before Carlos asks Rad if he's thinking about what Amphitrite said, but Carlos nodding doesn't make sense with his dialogue. ''Legends of the Microns'' changes it so that Alexis asks Rad what he means about someway for the Autobots to avoid a war with the Decepticons. Then Carlos nods and says Rad is right as Amphitrite also noted that the fighting should stop.
*According to Optimus, the Mini-Cons appeared during the war out of nowhere with no known origin, and they left because they were the ''cause'' of a war that was going on ages before anyone knew they even existed. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this glaring mistake to have Optimus say the Mini-Cons feared their ''entry'' into the war made matters worse.
*As noted above, Optimus says he left Cybertron in "Thrust's" hands, but Thrust is a Decepticon. ''Legend of the Microns'' corrects this error.
*Hot Shot fears the Decepticons will ambush the Autobots, but the 'Cons already attacked them by surprise. He notices the 'Cons finally showing themselves instead in ''Legends of the Microns''.
*After running to hide with the kids, Sureshock, Jolt, and Longarm strangely disappear until the Mini-Cons decide to help the Autobots fight.
*Weirdly enough, when Alexis suggests the kids find the panel, Rad and Carlos refuse, and Alexis asks if they're scared before Rad suggests using Laserbeak. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects it to the boys answering no after Alexis asks if they want ''the Decepticons'' to find the Mini-Con before suggesting they all get going.
*When Megatron says, "Hurry up! Destroy those Autobots! You will not escape my wrath!" he says ''"You"'' instead of ''"They"''. Then Demolishor tells Megatron that destroying the Autobots would give away the Decepticons' position even though they already know where the Decepticons are. ''Legends of the Microns'' corrects this, as Megatron now says not to let the Autobots phase them and push forward instead, and Demolishor tells him they can't move their "line of suppressing fire" anymore.
*Immediately after this, Starscream says they should send in a Mini-Con. After telling Swindle to get them, Starscream suddenly backtracks and Powerlinx with him, unleashing the Null Laser Cannon. The Decepticons never send a Mini-Con to look for the panel in this episode. ''Legends of the Microns'' fixes this with Starscream saying the Autobots are focused on finding the panel before Powerlinxing with Swindle.
*Before the volcano erupts, Megatron demands his men not to let the Autobots escape, although the Autobots are clearly making a stand and not going anywhere. He's telling his troops not to let the Autobots beat them in the Japanese dub.
*Smokescreen's small hook makes a surprisingly large trench while diverting the lava.
*Optimus Prime says the lava passed over him while he was in a chasm, so this lava doesn't respond to gravity appropriately somehow. His answer in ''Legends of the Microns'' is slightly more confusing as he says the ground gave out beneath him, but he was ''saved'' before falling into the lava river.
**When he remembers the panel in the same shot, Optimus hunches over like he's injured but makes no clear indication. In ''Legends of the Microns'', he stops mid-sentence and makes a wounded sound, clearly showing that he didn't return unscathed.
*As the kids and their Mini-Cons wait for the new one to awaken, Sureshock is behind Carlos and Alexis in the overhead shot, but Grindor appears in her place in the next shot and again later.
*As Red Alert explains that only the Mini-Cons know why they're believed capable of bringing peace to the universe, he says the same thing three times but in different ways. The Japanese dub has his dialogue flow more naturally since he says even the Autobots don't know the answer as it most likely lies within the Mini-Cons.
*The episode centers around Rad's question on how the Autobots can win the war and free the Mini-Cons without involving them. Optimus says that the Autobots using the Mini-Cons like the Decepticons is the only way to do it; however, the episode's ending doesn't exactly give the question a proper answer. It's not an issue in the Japanese dub since the message is slightly different and addressed accordingly. According to ''Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003'', Optimus says the Autobots must fight for the Mini-Cons' sake, but the Mini-Cons later show their willingness to take up arms and fight for their comrades' sake beside the Autobots, therefore answering Rad's question suitably.

===Transformers references===
*At the beginning of Prime's flashback, an army of ''Armada'' Starscreams with rifles is shown; this is likely a reference to the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s of [[The Transformers (franchise)|the original series]].
*Cybertron and practically everyone's Cybertronian form are seen in Prime's flashback.
*In Optimus Prime's flashback, several Generation 1 [[character model]]s were used as [[generic]] Transformers, including those of [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]], [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]], and ([[First Encounter|once again]]) [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]].

===Real-world references===
*Rad seems to think the underwater city in the previous episode was [[Atlantis]].

===Trivia===
*The kanji 理由 would be pronounced as "''riyū''," while "''ikisatsu''" is used for the kanji 経緯.
*Over a quarter of this episode is taken up with the flashback recounting the war's history.
*This episode also reuses ''much'' footage from the first episode, making it somewhat of a [[clip show]]. "[[Detection]]" is the next clip show episode in the series.
*This episode is one of the few without an ending monologue.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le Volcan'''" ("The Volcano")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 30]], [[2003]]

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die Vulkaninsel'''" ("The Volcanoisland")
:*''Original airdate:'' This episode was never shown on TV but was dubbed in 2003. The dub premiered in 2009 with the German DVD release of the show.

'''Hungarian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Tűzhányó'''" ("Volcano")
::*When the kids call out the names of the Mini-Cons who've taken up battle stances, they leave out Sparkplug. So when the shot cuts to him, there's just awkward silence. Most likely, the translator got so confused by all the name inconsistencies that they didn't know what to call him; [[Sparkplug (Armada)#Notes|he won't get his own name until later]].

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Vulcano'''" ("Volcano")

'''Korean'''
:*''Title:'' "'''평화의 수호자 마이크론'''" ("Guardians of Peace: Micron")

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Prehistoria'''" ("Prehistory")

'''Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Pré-História'''" ("Prehistory")

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' — Volume 3 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:04 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Flashbacks ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2005 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:04 ([[Universal]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Le combat recommence... ([[TFou Vidéo]]) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

[[Category:Armada episodes]]