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Transformation

2019-11-21T16:41:03Z

MisterNickel: /* Function */

{{disambig3|Transformation}}
{{disambigr|Transform|the Japanese image song|Transform!}}
[[File:OpTransformsSu.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|You put your right leg out...]]
'''Transformation''' (or '''Transform''' if you failed English class) is the process by which a [[Transformer]] alters his or her form between modes. The term "transformation scheme" refers specifically to the way in which the parts of an individual Transformer move and shift in relation to each other during transformation. These should not be confused with [[reformatting]], a type of full-body upgrade.

The technical details of transformation, as well as the manner in which the art was introduced to the Transformers themselves, vary between [[continuity|continuities]]. When the issue is addressed at all, transformation is usually treated as an innovation from some point early in Cybertronian history rather than something that was literally always with them. The Transformers were, at the time of their genesis, simply Cybertronians — mechanical life-forms — and became "Transformers" only later. However, just as often in ''Transformers'' fiction the "origin" of transforming is simply not discussed.

In most continuities, transformation is not a trait limited to Cybertronians. Both sentient alien races (such as [[Junkion (species)|Junkions]] and some portrayals of the [[Lithone (species)|Lithones]]) and animals (such as the [[lightpole]] on Jupiter's moon [[Io]] or the parasitic [[scraplet]]s) exhibit the same ability. The [[Quintesson]]s also incorporated transformation into some of their later creations including the [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]], [[Allicon]]s, and [[Overcharge (G1)|Overcharge drones]]. Some examples of transforming robotic aliens, however, can be traced to [[Cybertronian colonies|colonization]] in the distant past by Cybertronians. The G1 planet [[Paradron]], as well as the main planets in the [[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|''Cybertron'' franchise]] are examples of this.

{{quote|TSCHE-<small>CHU-CHU-CHU</small>-TSCHE|yes, there is a canonical spelling|[[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|"Liars, A to D" part 1]]}}

==Special transformation types==
===High-speed transformation===
Some Transformers, specifically the Autobot [[Jumpstarter]]s and the Decepticon [[Battlecharger]]s, are specifically designed to transform much faster than ordinary Transformers, usually taking less than half of an Earth second to switch from robot to [[alternate mode|alt mode]] or vice versa. How much this ability depends on physical versus mental capabilities is unknown. In the [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity]], [[Triple Changer]]s were also stated to have unusually fast transformations (roughly twice the normal speed, whatever that is).

===Multiple alternate modes===
[[File:Quickswitch's various transformations from Dreamwave's More than Meets the Eye .jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|"How can you (transform) all six?" It's IMPOSSIBLE!!]]
Robots with multiple transformations (Triple Changers, et al.) are a special case. Though there seems to be some aspect of natural aptitude at play in one's ability to master multiple forms (for example, ''[[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye]]'' referred to a "genetic potential" within the [[spark]]s of such robots), and of course the special physical construction granting those forms, the balance of the matter seems to be one of training. Most [[Six Changer]]s, like [[Sixshot]] and [[Quickswitch]], are said to have mastered their plethora of transformations through rigorous study. Similarly, the ''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (cartoon)|Rescue Bots]]'' cartoon showed [[Heatwave (RB)|Heatwave]] going through an extensive training regiment to adopt an aquatic alt-mode in addition to his firetruck form (though this didn't seem to be the case earlier when the [[Rescue Bot]]s adopted their additional "Rescue Dinobot" alt-modes).

Not counting the [[Shifter]]s capable of changing into any shape, the largest number of modes exhibited by any single individual to date is [[Megatron (RID)|RID Galvatron]], who had ten. That's as many modes as a [[Stentarian]] Decabot!

===Adaptable bodies===
Some groups of transforming lifeforms such as the [[Go-Bot (species)|Go-Bots]] use a process similar to reformatting to more radically alter their forms while transforming. This ability to start with one [[robot mode|robot]] and [[alternate mode|alternate form]] and transform easily to entirely different variations without extensive mechanical work comes from [[Go-Brillium|unique metals]] in the Go-Bots' bodies, and does not apply to most Transformers.

In the [[Movie (franchise)|Movie]] continuity family, Bumblebee seems to demonstrate this ability in the prequel novel ''[[Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday|Ghosts of Yesterday]]''. He descends to the desert planet in his cometary [[Transition form]] and transforms to robot mode. Upon realizing he needs to travel quickly, Bumblebee transforms into a very basic four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. The narration explains that he created this altmode from an internal memory database of vehicle forms. The entire process seems to take practically no time at all, as if he were just transforming into his alt mode as all Transformers do. The narration does not imply that this ability is only possessed by Bumblebee, and indeed the movie suggests that all Transformers in this continuity can switch altmodes almost at will.

===Transformation cogs===
{{Main|Transformation cog}}
[[File:Transformation cog.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|MacGuffin du jour.]]
In the G1 animated series, the city Transformers [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] are both specifically stated to possess devices known as [[transformation cog]]s that somehow control their transformation processes, and are essential to allow them to transform at all. Such cogs were rarely mentioned in contemporary fiction — even in other continuities — so it is not clear if all Transformers required them, or if Metroplex and Trypticon were special cases, perhaps because of their size. More recently, the [[2005 IDW continuity]] has incorporated them in a more prevalent manner, together with the [[spark]] and the [[brain module]] the transformation cog was part of the "[[Rossum's Trinity]]" principle of Cybertronian biology. Enough damage to one of the three would cause the other two to shut down, killing the Transformer in question, {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}} though they can be purposefully removed, making the subject a [[Monoformer]] no longer able to transform. {{Storylink|Life After the Big Bang}} The Aligned continuity also features T-Cogs as present in all transformers. Loss of a T-cog can lead to reversion to [[robot mode]]. {{storylink|Operation Bumblebee, Part 1}} {{storylink|Operation Bumblebee, Part 2}}

One mention of transformation cogs outside of those continuities is that [[Nitrostreak]] ("Unit One" of the [[Maximal Command Security Force]]) had his cog damaged in a firefight with [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s henchmen {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}.

==Fiction==
[[File:OP transforms.gif|upright=1.4|thumb|Optimus Prime: Lord of the Dance.]]
===Generation 1 continuity family===
====Marvel Comics continuity====
=====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comic=====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] was the first Transformer, fashioning his metal prison into a robotic semblance of his original form. [[Primus]], watching from a distance, was all like, "Oh ''snap'', robots that turn into things? Why didn't ''I'' think of that?" and quickly trained his own children to do the same thing. {{storylink|The Primal Scream}}

Some accounts credit the development of transformation to [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] and the [[Decepticon]]s, with the [[Autobot]]s later copying the technique. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}} This, perhaps, implies that the potential for transformation instilled by Primus was dormant until Megatron realised it, or that it was forgotten and rediscovered at some point.

[[File:City of Fear! Fizzle and Sizzle transform.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.2|Sometimes Transformers were shown phasing through a patchy cloud. We think this is due to artistic license.]]
''It would appear that neglecting to transform between [[alternate mode|alt mode]] and [[robot mode]] at least on occasion had physical feedback consequences: whilst battling [[Flame (Marvel)|Flame]], [[Xaaron|Emirate Xaaron]] was well aware that, having failed to transform for hundreds of years, the shock to his system upon transforming to combat mode had a good chance of killing him. Which just goes to show that Continuing Physical Exercise Is Important For Everyday Health.'' {{storylink|Meltdown!}}

''Just as importantly, neglecting to have all one's body parts connected at the time of attempting transformation was also a very painful, if not impossible, process.'' {{storylink|Deadly Games!}}

[[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] eventually lost his ability to transform after using [[Nucleon (substance)|Nucleon]] for fuel. {{storylink|Still Life!}}

=====''Regeneration One''=====
Grimlock's ability to transform was restored when [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]] transplanted his spark into a new body, one with transformative capabilities. {{storylink|Natural Selection, Part Two}}
{{-}}

====Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
=====''The Transformers'' cartoon=====
[[File:Bumblebee transforming.gif|upright=1.3|thumb|Just lying down is a transformation]]
Transformation was an [[Autobot]] innovation, developed during their first war with the [[Decepticon]]s when it became apparent that they could not match their firepower and strength. The art of transformation allowed the Autobots to disguise their forms, thereby allowing for stealthy attacks on their enemies. This strategy met with great success, and the Decepticons were defeated, allowing the era of peacetime known as the [[Golden Age|Golden Age of Cybertron]] to settle in. The Decepticons subsequently adopted transformation technology themselves, coupled with [[robot mode]] [[flight|flight powers]], and re-ignited the [[Great War (G1)|civil war]]. {{storylink|War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn}}

Transformers generally seem able to shift modes at will, although in cases where they have suffered severe physical injuries, transformation is sometimes a strain. In one case, [[A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court (episode)|and one case only]], a Transformer indicated that staying in his altmode was too energy consumptive, and had to revert to his robot mode: [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]], when trapped in medieval [[United Kingdom|England]] and low on fuel. This problem seems to almost never come up, even in cases where Transformers are very low on energy, so its significance is unknown. Perhaps walking is simply more energy efficient than moving his tank treads.

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
[[File:Headmasters tf stuck.jpg|left|thumb|Ow.]]
With the introduction of the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], transformation was established to be quite a rigorous task that, at least initially, required intense physical and mental concentration to accomplish, honed over a period of in-depth training. These small robots left Cybertron during the wars millions of years ago, but were so young that they had not actually learned how to transform yet. To survive the harsh climate of the [[Master (planet)|planet]] they crash-landed on, they developed [[Transtector]]s—normal-sized Transformer bodies that they would be able to connect to—and underwent a period of prolonged, intensive training so that they could learn to transform and link up with them. Even the most promising candidates struggled when they first connected with their Transtectors, spasming and becoming stuck between modes as they attempted to trigger the conversion. {{storylink|The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery}}
{{-}}

====Action Master toy packaging blurb====
Transformation is achieved by a Transformer's Figure Alteration [[System]]s. [[Nucleon (substance)|Nucleon]] use converts these systems into Energy Storage Reactors, eliminating the ability to transform.
{{-}}

====Beast Wars cartoon continuity====
=====''Beast Wars'' cartoon=====
''Beast Wars''-era Transformers have their transformation sequences controlled by the same onboard computers which manage a variety of other body functions, such as [[stasis lock]]. Transformation is triggered by a command to this computer, usually done by voice, but sometimes with a thought. These computers may have been a part of the [[Great Upgrade]], and once activated they choreograph the shifting body parts, allowing the Transformer to continue to concentrate on other matters. This is in-line with the Japanese portrayal of transformation, in that it suggests transformation is a mentally rigorous task (at least in the sense that it requires a few seconds of concentration), which is now conveniently removed from the equation.

[[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] considered [[Transmutate (character)|Transmutate]] to be useless because it couldn't transform. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

=====''Beast Machines'' cartoon=====
Post-reformatting, the new [[technorganic]] forms granted to Cybertron's inhabitants lacked on-board computers, requiring them to re-learn the mental disciplines involved. It may be that a technorganic transformation is more difficult even than a traditional transformation, as the reformatted Maximals often reverted to their [[beast mode]]s upon losing their concentration or emotional "center". This notion that the transformed state requires constant effort may be related to Warpath's statement about his tank mode consuming more energy (mentioned above).

Due to their technorganic nature, the Maximals of Beast Machines do not transform via any recognized mechanical process. Rather, in many cases their limbs actually change shape via an unknown means, presumably part and parcel of their new condition. One of the most prominent examples of this is [[Noble (BM)|Noble]], who transforms between two extremely dissimilar and wholly organic forms.

====2005 IDW continuity====
[[File:TarnAltMode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
The historical origin of transformation is unknown but the Transformers associate it with the god [[Adaptus]]. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}} [[Reproduction#2005 IDW continuity|Forged]] Cybertronians naturally grow their alt-modes in the protoform stage {{storylink|Silent Light}} {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 1|Shining Armor #1}} {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 2}} whereas the alt-modes of "[[Reproduction#2005 IDW continuity|constructed cold]]" 'bots are determined by their pre-built chassis. {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 2: Stet|Stet}} {{storylink|Your First Mistake}}

Before energy rationing, some Transformers could mass-shift when transforming into smaller modes. {{storylink|Escalation issue 3}}

Depending on your alt mode, transforming is a key part of combat. In a fight, [[Kick-Off (G1)|Kick-Off]] accused his opponent of being a wimp for switching to alt mode and not staying in humanoid form. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}}

Some Transformers can become addicted to transforming. This is a dangerous problem: too much transforming in too short a space of time will burn out your transformation cog. While transformation cogs can be replaced, Transformers will die if a substitute cog isn't quickly found. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} {{storylink|How Ratchet Got His Hands Back}} Following the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], a treatment for this condition was available. {{storylink|How Ratchet Got His Hands Back}} Shortly after expiring, corpses have [[rigor morphis]], where dead bodies will reflexively transform into their preferred shape. This is sometimes the alt mode. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} {{storylink|The Sensuous Frame}}

The Autobot known as [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] can identify an Autobot just by their transformation sound. [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] can do the same ''and'' hear their emotional state. Among his data is a field recording of an ancient, ten-minute-long transformation sequence. {{storylink|Interiors}} {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations}}

In the past, the political philosophy known as [[Functionism]] employed a strict social hierarchy based on alternate modes; Cybertronians were expected to fill vocations appropriate to their alternate mode with little social mobility. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}} "Everyone's Shape Serves a Purpose" became a popular Functionist slogan, though many Transformers with [[beast mode]]s and members of the "[[disposable class]]" were looked down upon: the former because their alternate modes served no purpose, {{storylink|The Crucible}} and the latter because their overwhelmingly common alternate modes made them useful tools for other Cybertronians. {{storylink|Before & After}}

Members of the [[Militant Monoform Movement]] symbolically reject Adaptus by removing their transformation cogs; this got them demonised in the past and even in the present, when everyone claims to be more relaxed about Monoformers, prejudice still exists and a Monoformer may be the victim of shape-hate crimes. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 2}} {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}}

Even after the Great War, alternate modes were seen as a big deal by some Transformers, who may feel shame {{storylink|How Ratchet Got His Hands Back}} or get defensive if their [[alternate mode|alt mode]] is something that's considered useless. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}

The colonist of the planet [[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]] had evolved in such a way that they were all [[twin]]s who each [[Micromaster Combiner|formed one half of a combined alternate mode]]. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 # 6}} As a result of [[Oiler]]'s death, {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 5: Future Glories Lost|Future Glories Lost}} his sister [[Slide]] could no longer transform. {{storylink|The Next Day, and the Next}}

====''Beast Wars: Uprising''====
Post-war Cybertron had such a high premium on [[energon]] that most [[Builder of Cybertron|Builders]] lacked the power reserves necessary to transform. {{storylink|Broken Windshields}} {{storylink|Head Games}} While most remained in robot mode, some, such as [[Black-Out]], were locked in their vehicle modes. {{storylink|Derailment}}

===Live action film series continuity===
[[File:Movie OptimusPrime highwaytransform1.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Cool to see, but it's a nightmare with regards to [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Leader Class toys 2|toy accuracy]].]]
Transformation requires an alternate mode which is [[Frenzy (Movie)|generally]] of similar mass to the Transformer's [[robot mode]]. Once taking the form, however, the Transformer appears to be able to reorder his physical structure, causing some of the outward appearances of the vehicle mode to disappear. For example, Optimus Prime displays an incredibly complex Transformation where some of his alternate mode's appearances seem to be absorbed into his body or outright disappear. This may be due to the [[Living metal#Live-action film series|self-regenerating molecular armor]]'s possibly fluid [[trans-scan]]ning abilities.

[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|Human-created]] Transformers change forms by disassembling into the Transformium particles of which they are composed and reconstituting into their alternate form. As with Cybertronian Transformers, this process does not allow arbitrary forms to be taken, as [[Stinger (AOE)|each]] must have its forms programmed into them. {{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction}}
{{-}}

===''Animated'' continuity===
Transforming is something that can be done for exercise. In "[[Autoboot Camp]]", [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Minor]] had recruits perform ''[[transform-up]]s'', rapidly switching from their robot to their vehicle form while in a {{w|prone position}}.

===''Shattered Glass''===
Transformation was invented by the rebel leader [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]] to counter the numerical superiority of the Autobots. As a result of their ability to hide in plain sight, his followers dubbed themselves the Decepticons. The Autobots eventually acquired the blueprints to this technology and replicated it among their own troops, with [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]] wanting to use its camouflage potential to conquer other planets. {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}}

===Aligned continuity===
====''The Covenant of Primus''====
The original [[Thirteen]] all possessed the ability to transform but when the Cybertronian race was born, [[Alpha Trion (WFC)|Alpha Trion]] overrode [[Prima]]'s desire to inform the newborn species about their potential for transformation. The rogue creations of [[Quintus Prime]], the [[Quintesson]]s, were aware of this dormant power. Upon landing on Cybertron, they "bestowed" this gift upon the awed Cybertronian race, claiming it was part of the Quintessons' benevolent intentions to "uplift" the Cybertronian race, when in reality, they were remotely activating the T-Cog. As the rule of the Quintessons grew crueler and more decadent, the resistance intercepted the newborn [[Silverbolt (WFC)|Silverbolt]] from the [[Well of All Sparks]] with an examination of him revealing that the T-Cog, and thus the ability to transform, was a natural part of Cybertronian biology.

The legendary T-Cog of [[Amalgamous Prime]] was eventually found in orbit of a [[black hole]] by a group of refugees fleeing the destruction of [[Neutronia]]. Exposure to the energies of the artifact gave the colonists the potential for infinite transformation and they rebranded themselves as the [[Mutacon]]s. {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus}}

====Aligned novels====
After emerging from the [[Well of All Sparks]], newborn Cybertronians had to learn how to transform. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}} A rare sub-species of Cybertronians, the [[Shifter]]s, were able to transform into others of their kind, an ability which made them highly valued as spies. {{storylink|Transformers: Exiles|Exiles}}

====''Transformers: Fall of Cybertron''====
After reformatting the [[Lightning Strike Coalition|Lightning Strike Coalition Force]] with [[Dinosaur (dinosaur)|alien]] alternate modes, [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] deliberately barred [[Grimlock (WFC)|Grimlock]]'s ability to transform, wanting the Autobot to figure that he could now transform only when sufficiently angry. The other members of the group still retained their full transformation potential however. {{storylink|Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron}}

====''Prime'' cartoon====
A Cybertronian's ability to transform was controlled via their T-Cog. Damage to, or loss of, the T-Cog left Cybertronians unable to transform. {{storylink|Operation Bumblebee, Part 1}}

After [[MECH]] had determined the purpose of the organ, they baited a trap for any Cybertronian and harvested [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]'s T-Cog, depriving him of his ability to transform or even access his internal weapons. {{storylink|Operation Bumblebee, Part 1}} After the scout reclaimed his T-Cog, MECH harvested [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]]'s leaving the Seeker stuck in his robot mode. {{storylink|Operation Bumblebee, Part 2}}

After [[cloning]] [[Starscream clone (Prime)|himself]], Starscream was shocked to find his [[CNA]] had provided the clones with working T-Cogs and transformation abilities. {{storylink|Armada (episode)|Armada}} In exchange for the [[Omega Key]]s and a return to the Decepticon ranks, {{storylink|Patch (episode)|Patch}} [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] had Starscream's T-Cog reinstalled much to his delight. {{storylink|Regeneration (Prime)|Regeneration}}

After witnessing several [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] transforming, [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] began to wonder if he too could transform and access a robot mode. He could. This was little surprise to Shockwave who knew transformation to a be a fundamental aspect of Cybertronian biology. Nonetheless this was enough for Megatron to terminate Project: Predacon in the fear the beasts would turn on him. {{storylink|Evolution}} [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] was equally troubled by Predaking's transformation. {{storylink|Minus One}}

==The noise==
===Technical description===
Transformation is often accompanied by a [[media:Tf sound.ogg|distinct noise]] — an 8 Hz pulse, repeated five times, with each pulse lasting a roughly equal amount of time, whose pitch can be represented by the absolute value of a declining (for [[alternate mode|alt mode]] to [[robot mode]]) or increasing (for robot mode to alt-mode) sine wave. In the G1 series, the sine wave generally increased when a Transformer changed to his robot mode, and declined when he converted to vehicle form (or whichever mode was smaller/shorter.) In general, the larger the robot, the deeper the pitch of the sound, and the longer the duration of the pulses.

[[Combiner]] teams have been shown to transform one component at a time, or simultaneously, into their gestalt forms. When transforming simultaneously, the pulses may sound as though they are looping over each other for one or more cycles, depending on how quickly the team members complete their combination. One-at-a-time combinations are usually accompanied by a metal "clank" when each component makes a connection. Electrostatic discharges, though rare, are also possible during such combinations.

===Continuity locations===
[[File:Transformation Noise Arrival 4.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Bulkhead, are you okay? Your noise was misspelled.]]
Within the early years of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|G1 Cartoon]], almost all transformations were accompanied by the Noise in some manner, generally lasting the duration of the transformation sequence and being the only noise made by transformations. ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'' began with most Transformers still retaining the Noise, but around a third of the way into the series, its use became more intermittent, particularly for the Autobot Headmasters themselves. ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' still used the sound for the [[Pretender]]s' transformations in [[robot mode]], but the Autobot [[Headmaster Junior]]s and Autobot [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmasters]] had new sounds, with most of the Decepticons retaining the original. The Noise was dropped completely for ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (cartoon)|Victory]]'' and ''[[Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!|Zone]]''. By the era of the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'']], however, most characters made more complicated mechanical-sounding noises when transforming. In spite of this, the rebuilt [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] still made only the Noise when transforming.

The Noise was in fact first heard in the initial Transformers commercial for [[The Transformers (issue)|#1]] of the Marvel Comic, but only as part of the Transformers music track, the actual transformations being depicted with a series of generic mechanical sounds. The Noise was subsequently shown to occur the same as the animated series during television commercials throughout the rest of [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] and all the way through ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''. It appeared in the first [[Commercial/Beast Wars#1996|commercials]] for the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|''Beast Wars'' toyline]], featuring a [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] [[Commercial/Beast Wars#1996|clip]] of [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Optimus Primal (bat)]] vs [[Megatron (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Megatron (alligator)]] two-pack, but was dropped once the [[Commercial/Beast Wars|commercials]] started using footage from the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]].

The Noise did not appear again until [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|the 2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon]], where the Noise was heard uniformly among all Transformers at the very beginning of transformation sequences, rather than lasting the duration of the transformation like in the past.

Two new versions of the Noise were heard in ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'', and then the second version of the ''Armada'' Noise was used in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' (though not in ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]''). As with RiD, the timing of the Noise did not seem to correspond to the transformation sequence, instead playing at a random point during the sequence. The original version of the Noise was heard briefly in ''Armada'' as part of one of the background music tracks, and in ''Energon'' on occasion whenever part of the Japanese sound effects track was not completely dubbed over (the Noise being more prominent in ''Super Link'').

In the [[Transformers (film)|2007 movie]], the original Noise could be heard accompanying a portion of both [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]'s first transformation, and the conversion of the [[Nokia-bot]], though in both instances, a foreground object blocked the view of the robot at that instant, leaving it unclear if the Noise corresponded with any specific moving parts. The Noise could be heard during Bumblebee's off-screen transformation as he saves the kids while escaping Sector Seven, and a new, mixed and appropriately slowed version of the Noise also accompanied [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]'s later slow-motion transformation. In [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]], the noise plays rather clearly at the end of the film as Bumblebee transforms from Alt Mode to Robot Mode.

The Noise accompanies most or all transformation sequences in ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'', even minor ones including battle masks, [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]]'s "stinger" pop-out weapons, Blitzwing's changing of faces, Ratchet's magnets, and [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari's]] shape-shifting Key. In the case of smaller, specific parts, the Noise is sometimes played sped up or higher pitched. It was in [[Human Error, Part I|one particular episode]] of ''Animated'' that, for the first time in a series, we see any Transformer actually acknowledged the [http://filmsound.org/terminology/diegetic.htm existence of the Noise in-universe] (any more than they would acknowledge the musical score); in this situation manually generating it like any fan would was used as a motivational tool in a virtual environment. This unusual scenario therefore still sheds no light on the actual purpose of the Noise - it just confirmed that they hear it too.

In the ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron]]'' game, each character was given a unique transformation noise that was personalised for them. For example, [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime's]] version of the noise was very similar to the original version while [[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz's]] version incorporates kick drums.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEAiHRBpMcw</ref>

For ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' and 2015's ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Transformers: Robots in Disguise]]'', the Noise reappears, although consistently in "ascending" style, even when transforming to alt/vehicle mode. The individual tones are also more continuous and less discrete, for an almost "swishing" of parts sound.

In ''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (cartoon)|Transformers: Rescue Bots]]'', a more classic Noise is used, although like its ''[[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]]'' siblings, the ascending sound is used in both transformation directions. The Noise is also accompanied by metallic clanking sounds for its duration.

===Onomatopoeia===

In "[[Transformers Animated: The Arrival|The Arrival]]", the noise is consistently spelled "whrr-tschzz-tschzz-tschzz-chk."

[[Manga]] released in Japan consistently uses the onomatopoeia "gi-go-ga-go-go" (ギゴガゴゴ) to represent the Noise.

In 2012, IDW's More Than Meets the Eye issue 1 and Autocracy issue 12 write it as 'Tsche-chu-chu-chu-tsche' and 'TSCHE-CHU-CHU-CHE-TSCHE' respectively. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}

===Function===
According to dialogue said by Soundwave in the mobile game Transformers: Forged to Fight [Act 4, Chapter 2], the sound "is an Energon tracking signal sent during the quantum-shift of [their] atoms' position and purpose".

The sound designers of ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' envisioned it as the sound of [[energon]] moving through their bodies.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEAiHRBpMcw</ref>

However, Cy-Kill has claimed that it is caused by the inferior engineering of Cybertronians, noting that Go-Bots make no such noise when they transform. {{storylink|Transformers: Renegade Rhetoric}}

=="Transform" as a verb==
For reasons relating to intellectual property law, and the need to preserve "Transformers" as a [[trademark]], [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] do not use "transform" as a verb to describe this ability of Transformers in printed materials describing products. Instead synonyms such as "convert" and "morph" are used. Products that are not able to change modes are given a disclaimer such as "product does not convert". This disclaimer extends to the [[Kre-O]] Transformers and [[Kreon]] [[Micro-Changer]]s, indicating that "convert" is used in a technical sense that does not apply to the "disassemble and rebuild" [[play pattern]] of Kre-O toys.

For some time, this restriction didn't extend to in-fiction dialogue. However, in more recent times this has changed. [[James Roberts]] has said that Hasbro has asked that other terms be used when writing IDW comics such as ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More Than Meets the Eye]]''. Exceptions have been made, though, when dialogue or drama strongly called for it, such as the NAIL who transformed himself to death. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}<ref>[http://www.transmissionspodcast.com/2015/03/transmissions-episode-94-james-roberts-mtmte-elegant-chaos-interview/ Transmissions podcast #94 - James Roberts MTMTE Elegant Chaos Interview]</ref> In ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'', [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] actually commands [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] to "change form and roll out", and [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] only ordered his team to "[[Roll out|transform and roll out]]" twice during the ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' cartoon, opting instead for a "roll out" for the majority of the series.

==See also==
*[[Transformation (toys)]]
*[[Role of transformation]]
*[[Transformation paralysis]]
*[[Mode lock]]
*[[Suppressor (device)]]
*[[Transfixatron]]
*[[Transformation Lock Lens]]
*[[Transformation virus]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Transformer culture]]

Transformation

2019-11-21T16:40:02Z

MisterNickel:

{{disambig3|Transformation}}
{{disambigr|Transform|the Japanese image song|Transform!}}
[[File:OpTransformsSu.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|You put your right leg out...]]
'''Transformation''' (or '''Transform''' if you failed English class) is the process by which a [[Transformer]] alters his or her form between modes. The term "transformation scheme" refers specifically to the way in which the parts of an individual Transformer move and shift in relation to each other during transformation. These should not be confused with [[reformatting]], a type of full-body upgrade.

The technical details of transformation, as well as the manner in which the art was introduced to the Transformers themselves, vary between [[continuity|continuities]]. When the issue is addressed at all, transformation is usually treated as an innovation from some point early in Cybertronian history rather than something that was literally always with them. The Transformers were, at the time of their genesis, simply Cybertronians — mechanical life-forms — and became "Transformers" only later. However, just as often in ''Transformers'' fiction the "origin" of transforming is simply not discussed.

In most continuities, transformation is not a trait limited to Cybertronians. Both sentient alien races (such as [[Junkion (species)|Junkions]] and some portrayals of the [[Lithone (species)|Lithones]]) and animals (such as the [[lightpole]] on Jupiter's moon [[Io]] or the parasitic [[scraplet]]s) exhibit the same ability. The [[Quintesson]]s also incorporated transformation into some of their later creations including the [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]], [[Allicon]]s, and [[Overcharge (G1)|Overcharge drones]]. Some examples of transforming robotic aliens, however, can be traced to [[Cybertronian colonies|colonization]] in the distant past by Cybertronians. The G1 planet [[Paradron]], as well as the main planets in the [[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|''Cybertron'' franchise]] are examples of this.

{{quote|TSCHE-<small>CHU-CHU-CHU</small>-TSCHE|yes, there is a canonical spelling|[[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|"Liars, A to D" part 1]]}}

==Special transformation types==
===High-speed transformation===
Some Transformers, specifically the Autobot [[Jumpstarter]]s and the Decepticon [[Battlecharger]]s, are specifically designed to transform much faster than ordinary Transformers, usually taking less than half of an Earth second to switch from robot to [[alternate mode|alt mode]] or vice versa. How much this ability depends on physical versus mental capabilities is unknown. In the [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity]], [[Triple Changer]]s were also stated to have unusually fast transformations (roughly twice the normal speed, whatever that is).

===Multiple alternate modes===
[[File:Quickswitch's various transformations from Dreamwave's More than Meets the Eye .jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|"How can you (transform) all six?" It's IMPOSSIBLE!!]]
Robots with multiple transformations (Triple Changers, et al.) are a special case. Though there seems to be some aspect of natural aptitude at play in one's ability to master multiple forms (for example, ''[[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye]]'' referred to a "genetic potential" within the [[spark]]s of such robots), and of course the special physical construction granting those forms, the balance of the matter seems to be one of training. Most [[Six Changer]]s, like [[Sixshot]] and [[Quickswitch]], are said to have mastered their plethora of transformations through rigorous study. Similarly, the ''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (cartoon)|Rescue Bots]]'' cartoon showed [[Heatwave (RB)|Heatwave]] going through an extensive training regiment to adopt an aquatic alt-mode in addition to his firetruck form (though this didn't seem to be the case earlier when the [[Rescue Bot]]s adopted their additional "Rescue Dinobot" alt-modes).

Not counting the [[Shifter]]s capable of changing into any shape, the largest number of modes exhibited by any single individual to date is [[Megatron (RID)|RID Galvatron]], who had ten. That's as many modes as a [[Stentarian]] Decabot!

===Adaptable bodies===
Some groups of transforming lifeforms such as the [[Go-Bot (species)|Go-Bots]] use a process similar to reformatting to more radically alter their forms while transforming. This ability to start with one [[robot mode|robot]] and [[alternate mode|alternate form]] and transform easily to entirely different variations without extensive mechanical work comes from [[Go-Brillium|unique metals]] in the Go-Bots' bodies, and does not apply to most Transformers.

In the [[Movie (franchise)|Movie]] continuity family, Bumblebee seems to demonstrate this ability in the prequel novel ''[[Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday|Ghosts of Yesterday]]''. He descends to the desert planet in his cometary [[Transition form]] and transforms to robot mode. Upon realizing he needs to travel quickly, Bumblebee transforms into a very basic four-wheeled all-terrain vehicle. The narration explains that he created this altmode from an internal memory database of vehicle forms. The entire process seems to take practically no time at all, as if he were just transforming into his alt mode as all Transformers do. The narration does not imply that this ability is only possessed by Bumblebee, and indeed the movie suggests that all Transformers in this continuity can switch altmodes almost at will.

===Transformation cogs===
{{Main|Transformation cog}}
[[File:Transformation cog.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|MacGuffin du jour.]]
In the G1 animated series, the city Transformers [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] are both specifically stated to possess devices known as [[transformation cog]]s that somehow control their transformation processes, and are essential to allow them to transform at all. Such cogs were rarely mentioned in contemporary fiction — even in other continuities — so it is not clear if all Transformers required them, or if Metroplex and Trypticon were special cases, perhaps because of their size. More recently, the [[2005 IDW continuity]] has incorporated them in a more prevalent manner, together with the [[spark]] and the [[brain module]] the transformation cog was part of the "[[Rossum's Trinity]]" principle of Cybertronian biology. Enough damage to one of the three would cause the other two to shut down, killing the Transformer in question, {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}} though they can be purposefully removed, making the subject a [[Monoformer]] no longer able to transform. {{Storylink|Life After the Big Bang}} The Aligned continuity also features T-Cogs as present in all transformers. Loss of a T-cog can lead to reversion to [[robot mode]]. {{storylink|Operation Bumblebee, Part 1}} {{storylink|Operation Bumblebee, Part 2}}

One mention of transformation cogs outside of those continuities is that [[Nitrostreak]] ("Unit One" of the [[Maximal Command Security Force]]) had his cog damaged in a firefight with [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s henchmen {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}.

==Fiction==
[[File:OP transforms.gif|upright=1.4|thumb|Optimus Prime: Lord of the Dance.]]
===Generation 1 continuity family===
====Marvel Comics continuity====
=====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comic=====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] was the first Transformer, fashioning his metal prison into a robotic semblance of his original form. [[Primus]], watching from a distance, was all like, "Oh ''snap'', robots that turn into things? Why didn't ''I'' think of that?" and quickly trained his own children to do the same thing. {{storylink|The Primal Scream}}

Some accounts credit the development of transformation to [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] and the [[Decepticon]]s, with the [[Autobot]]s later copying the technique. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}} This, perhaps, implies that the potential for transformation instilled by Primus was dormant until Megatron realised it, or that it was forgotten and rediscovered at some point.

[[File:City of Fear! Fizzle and Sizzle transform.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.2|Sometimes Transformers were shown phasing through a patchy cloud. We think this is due to artistic license.]]
''It would appear that neglecting to transform between [[alternate mode|alt mode]] and [[robot mode]] at least on occasion had physical feedback consequences: whilst battling [[Flame (Marvel)|Flame]], [[Xaaron|Emirate Xaaron]] was well aware that, having failed to transform for hundreds of years, the shock to his system upon transforming to combat mode had a good chance of killing him. Which just goes to show that Continuing Physical Exercise Is Important For Everyday Health.'' {{storylink|Meltdown!}}

''Just as importantly, neglecting to have all one's body parts connected at the time of attempting transformation was also a very painful, if not impossible, process.'' {{storylink|Deadly Games!}}

[[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] eventually lost his ability to transform after using [[Nucleon (substance)|Nucleon]] for fuel. {{storylink|Still Life!}}

=====''Regeneration One''=====
Grimlock's ability to transform was restored when [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]] transplanted his spark into a new body, one with transformative capabilities. {{storylink|Natural Selection, Part Two}}
{{-}}

====Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
=====''The Transformers'' cartoon=====
[[File:Bumblebee transforming.gif|upright=1.3|thumb|Just lying down is a transformation]]
Transformation was an [[Autobot]] innovation, developed during their first war with the [[Decepticon]]s when it became apparent that they could not match their firepower and strength. The art of transformation allowed the Autobots to disguise their forms, thereby allowing for stealthy attacks on their enemies. This strategy met with great success, and the Decepticons were defeated, allowing the era of peacetime known as the [[Golden Age|Golden Age of Cybertron]] to settle in. The Decepticons subsequently adopted transformation technology themselves, coupled with [[robot mode]] [[flight|flight powers]], and re-ignited the [[Great War (G1)|civil war]]. {{storylink|War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn}}

Transformers generally seem able to shift modes at will, although in cases where they have suffered severe physical injuries, transformation is sometimes a strain. In one case, [[A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court (episode)|and one case only]], a Transformer indicated that staying in his altmode was too energy consumptive, and had to revert to his robot mode: [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]], when trapped in medieval [[United Kingdom|England]] and low on fuel. This problem seems to almost never come up, even in cases where Transformers are very low on energy, so its significance is unknown. Perhaps walking is simply more energy efficient than moving his tank treads.

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
[[File:Headmasters tf stuck.jpg|left|thumb|Ow.]]
With the introduction of the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], transformation was established to be quite a rigorous task that, at least initially, required intense physical and mental concentration to accomplish, honed over a period of in-depth training. These small robots left Cybertron during the wars millions of years ago, but were so young that they had not actually learned how to transform yet. To survive the harsh climate of the [[Master (planet)|planet]] they crash-landed on, they developed [[Transtector]]s—normal-sized Transformer bodies that they would be able to connect to—and underwent a period of prolonged, intensive training so that they could learn to transform and link up with them. Even the most promising candidates struggled when they first connected with their Transtectors, spasming and becoming stuck between modes as they attempted to trigger the conversion. {{storylink|The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery}}
{{-}}

====Action Master toy packaging blurb====
Transformation is achieved by a Transformer's Figure Alteration [[System]]s. [[Nucleon (substance)|Nucleon]] use converts these systems into Energy Storage Reactors, eliminating the ability to transform.
{{-}}

====Beast Wars cartoon continuity====
=====''Beast Wars'' cartoon=====
''Beast Wars''-era Transformers have their transformation sequences controlled by the same onboard computers which manage a variety of other body functions, such as [[stasis lock]]. Transformation is triggered by a command to this computer, usually done by voice, but sometimes with a thought. These computers may have been a part of the [[Great Upgrade]], and once activated they choreograph the shifting body parts, allowing the Transformer to continue to concentrate on other matters. This is in-line with the Japanese portrayal of transformation, in that it suggests transformation is a mentally rigorous task (at least in the sense that it requires a few seconds of concentration), which is now conveniently removed from the equation.

[[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] considered [[Transmutate (character)|Transmutate]] to be useless because it couldn't transform. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

=====''Beast Machines'' cartoon=====
Post-reformatting, the new [[technorganic]] forms granted to Cybertron's inhabitants lacked on-board computers, requiring them to re-learn the mental disciplines involved. It may be that a technorganic transformation is more difficult even than a traditional transformation, as the reformatted Maximals often reverted to their [[beast mode]]s upon losing their concentration or emotional "center". This notion that the transformed state requires constant effort may be related to Warpath's statement about his tank mode consuming more energy (mentioned above).

Due to their technorganic nature, the Maximals of Beast Machines do not transform via any recognized mechanical process. Rather, in many cases their limbs actually change shape via an unknown means, presumably part and parcel of their new condition. One of the most prominent examples of this is [[Noble (BM)|Noble]], who transforms between two extremely dissimilar and wholly organic forms.

====2005 IDW continuity====
[[File:TarnAltMode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
The historical origin of transformation is unknown but the Transformers associate it with the god [[Adaptus]]. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}} [[Reproduction#2005 IDW continuity|Forged]] Cybertronians naturally grow their alt-modes in the protoform stage {{storylink|Silent Light}} {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 1|Shining Armor #1}} {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 2}} whereas the alt-modes of "[[Reproduction#2005 IDW continuity|constructed cold]]" 'bots are determined by their pre-built chassis. {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 2: Stet|Stet}} {{storylink|Your First Mistake}}

Before energy rationing, some Transformers could mass-shift when transforming into smaller modes. {{storylink|Escalation issue 3}}

Depending on your alt mode, transforming is a key part of combat. In a fight, [[Kick-Off (G1)|Kick-Off]] accused his opponent of being a wimp for switching to alt mode and not staying in humanoid form. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}}

Some Transformers can become addicted to transforming. This is a dangerous problem: too much transforming in too short a space of time will burn out your transformation cog. While transformation cogs can be replaced, Transformers will die if a substitute cog isn't quickly found. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} {{storylink|How Ratchet Got His Hands Back}} Following the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], a treatment for this condition was available. {{storylink|How Ratchet Got His Hands Back}} Shortly after expiring, corpses have [[rigor morphis]], where dead bodies will reflexively transform into their preferred shape. This is sometimes the alt mode. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} {{storylink|The Sensuous Frame}}

The Autobot known as [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] can identify an Autobot just by their transformation sound. [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] can do the same ''and'' hear their emotional state. Among his data is a field recording of an ancient, ten-minute-long transformation sequence. {{storylink|Interiors}} {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations}}

In the past, the political philosophy known as [[Functionism]] employed a strict social hierarchy based on alternate modes; Cybertronians were expected to fill vocations appropriate to their alternate mode with little social mobility. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}} "Everyone's Shape Serves a Purpose" became a popular Functionist slogan, though many Transformers with [[beast mode]]s and members of the "[[disposable class]]" were looked down upon: the former because their alternate modes served no purpose, {{storylink|The Crucible}} and the latter because their overwhelmingly common alternate modes made them useful tools for other Cybertronians. {{storylink|Before & After}}

Members of the [[Militant Monoform Movement]] symbolically reject Adaptus by removing their transformation cogs; this got them demonised in the past and even in the present, when everyone claims to be more relaxed about Monoformers, prejudice still exists and a Monoformer may be the victim of shape-hate crimes. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 2}} {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}}

Even after the Great War, alternate modes were seen as a big deal by some Transformers, who may feel shame {{storylink|How Ratchet Got His Hands Back}} or get defensive if their [[alternate mode|alt mode]] is something that's considered useless. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}

The colonist of the planet [[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]] had evolved in such a way that they were all [[twin]]s who each [[Micromaster Combiner|formed one half of a combined alternate mode]]. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 # 6}} As a result of [[Oiler]]'s death, {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 5: Future Glories Lost|Future Glories Lost}} his sister [[Slide]] could no longer transform. {{storylink|The Next Day, and the Next}}

====''Beast Wars: Uprising''====
Post-war Cybertron had such a high premium on [[energon]] that most [[Builder of Cybertron|Builders]] lacked the power reserves necessary to transform. {{storylink|Broken Windshields}} {{storylink|Head Games}} While most remained in robot mode, some, such as [[Black-Out]], were locked in their vehicle modes. {{storylink|Derailment}}

===Live action film series continuity===
[[File:Movie OptimusPrime highwaytransform1.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Cool to see, but it's a nightmare with regards to [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Leader Class toys 2|toy accuracy]].]]
Transformation requires an alternate mode which is [[Frenzy (Movie)|generally]] of similar mass to the Transformer's [[robot mode]]. Once taking the form, however, the Transformer appears to be able to reorder his physical structure, causing some of the outward appearances of the vehicle mode to disappear. For example, Optimus Prime displays an incredibly complex Transformation where some of his alternate mode's appearances seem to be absorbed into his body or outright disappear. This may be due to the [[Living metal#Live-action film series|self-regenerating molecular armor]]'s possibly fluid [[trans-scan]]ning abilities.

[[Kinetic Solutions Incorporated|Human-created]] Transformers change forms by disassembling into the Transformium particles of which they are composed and reconstituting into their alternate form. As with Cybertronian Transformers, this process does not allow arbitrary forms to be taken, as [[Stinger (AOE)|each]] must have its forms programmed into them. {{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction}}
{{-}}

===''Animated'' continuity===
Transforming is something that can be done for exercise. In "[[Autoboot Camp]]", [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Minor]] had recruits perform ''[[transform-up]]s'', rapidly switching from their robot to their vehicle form while in a {{w|prone position}}.

===''Shattered Glass''===
Transformation was invented by the rebel leader [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]] to counter the numerical superiority of the Autobots. As a result of their ability to hide in plain sight, his followers dubbed themselves the Decepticons. The Autobots eventually acquired the blueprints to this technology and replicated it among their own troops, with [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]] wanting to use its camouflage potential to conquer other planets. {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}}

===Aligned continuity===
====''The Covenant of Primus''====
The original [[Thirteen]] all possessed the ability to transform but when the Cybertronian race was born, [[Alpha Trion (WFC)|Alpha Trion]] overrode [[Prima]]'s desire to inform the newborn species about their potential for transformation. The rogue creations of [[Quintus Prime]], the [[Quintesson]]s, were aware of this dormant power. Upon landing on Cybertron, they "bestowed" this gift upon the awed Cybertronian race, claiming it was part of the Quintessons' benevolent intentions to "uplift" the Cybertronian race, when in reality, they were remotely activating the T-Cog. As the rule of the Quintessons grew crueler and more decadent, the resistance intercepted the newborn [[Silverbolt (WFC)|Silverbolt]] from the [[Well of All Sparks]] with an examination of him revealing that the T-Cog, and thus the ability to transform, was a natural part of Cybertronian biology.

The legendary T-Cog of [[Amalgamous Prime]] was eventually found in orbit of a [[black hole]] by a group of refugees fleeing the destruction of [[Neutronia]]. Exposure to the energies of the artifact gave the colonists the potential for infinite transformation and they rebranded themselves as the [[Mutacon]]s. {{storylink|Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus}}

====Aligned novels====
After emerging from the [[Well of All Sparks]], newborn Cybertronians had to learn how to transform. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}} A rare sub-species of Cybertronians, the [[Shifter]]s, were able to transform into others of their kind, an ability which made them highly valued as spies. {{storylink|Transformers: Exiles|Exiles}}

====''Transformers: Fall of Cybertron''====
After reformatting the [[Lightning Strike Coalition|Lightning Strike Coalition Force]] with [[Dinosaur (dinosaur)|alien]] alternate modes, [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] deliberately barred [[Grimlock (WFC)|Grimlock]]'s ability to transform, wanting the Autobot to figure that he could now transform only when sufficiently angry. The other members of the group still retained their full transformation potential however. {{storylink|Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron}}

====''Prime'' cartoon====
A Cybertronian's ability to transform was controlled via their T-Cog. Damage to, or loss of, the T-Cog left Cybertronians unable to transform. {{storylink|Operation Bumblebee, Part 1}}

After [[MECH]] had determined the purpose of the organ, they baited a trap for any Cybertronian and harvested [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]'s T-Cog, depriving him of his ability to transform or even access his internal weapons. {{storylink|Operation Bumblebee, Part 1}} After the scout reclaimed his T-Cog, MECH harvested [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]]'s leaving the Seeker stuck in his robot mode. {{storylink|Operation Bumblebee, Part 2}}

After [[cloning]] [[Starscream clone (Prime)|himself]], Starscream was shocked to find his [[CNA]] had provided the clones with working T-Cogs and transformation abilities. {{storylink|Armada (episode)|Armada}} In exchange for the [[Omega Key]]s and a return to the Decepticon ranks, {{storylink|Patch (episode)|Patch}} [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] had Starscream's T-Cog reinstalled much to his delight. {{storylink|Regeneration (Prime)|Regeneration}}

After witnessing several [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] transforming, [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] began to wonder if he too could transform and access a robot mode. He could. This was little surprise to Shockwave who knew transformation to a be a fundamental aspect of Cybertronian biology. Nonetheless this was enough for Megatron to terminate Project: Predacon in the fear the beasts would turn on him. {{storylink|Evolution}} [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] was equally troubled by Predaking's transformation. {{storylink|Minus One}}

==The noise==
===Technical description===
Transformation is often accompanied by a [[media:Tf sound.ogg|distinct noise]] — an 8 Hz pulse, repeated five times, with each pulse lasting a roughly equal amount of time, whose pitch can be represented by the absolute value of a declining (for [[alternate mode|alt mode]] to [[robot mode]]) or increasing (for robot mode to alt-mode) sine wave. In the G1 series, the sine wave generally increased when a Transformer changed to his robot mode, and declined when he converted to vehicle form (or whichever mode was smaller/shorter.) In general, the larger the robot, the deeper the pitch of the sound, and the longer the duration of the pulses.

[[Combiner]] teams have been shown to transform one component at a time, or simultaneously, into their gestalt forms. When transforming simultaneously, the pulses may sound as though they are looping over each other for one or more cycles, depending on how quickly the team members complete their combination. One-at-a-time combinations are usually accompanied by a metal "clank" when each component makes a connection. Electrostatic discharges, though rare, are also possible during such combinations.

===Continuity locations===
[[File:Transformation Noise Arrival 4.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Bulkhead, are you okay? Your noise was misspelled.]]
Within the early years of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|G1 Cartoon]], almost all transformations were accompanied by the Noise in some manner, generally lasting the duration of the transformation sequence and being the only noise made by transformations. ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'' began with most Transformers still retaining the Noise, but around a third of the way into the series, its use became more intermittent, particularly for the Autobot Headmasters themselves. ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' still used the sound for the [[Pretender]]s' transformations in [[robot mode]], but the Autobot [[Headmaster Junior]]s and Autobot [[Godmaster (lifeform)|Godmasters]] had new sounds, with most of the Decepticons retaining the original. The Noise was dropped completely for ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (cartoon)|Victory]]'' and ''[[Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!|Zone]]''. By the era of the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'']], however, most characters made more complicated mechanical-sounding noises when transforming. In spite of this, the rebuilt [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] still made only the Noise when transforming.

The Noise was in fact first heard in the initial Transformers commercial for [[The Transformers (issue)|#1]] of the Marvel Comic, but only as part of the Transformers music track, the actual transformations being depicted with a series of generic mechanical sounds. The Noise was subsequently shown to occur the same as the animated series during television commercials throughout the rest of [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] and all the way through ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''. It appeared in the first [[Commercial/Beast Wars#1996|commercials]] for the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|''Beast Wars'' toyline]], featuring a [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] [[Commercial/Beast Wars#1996|clip]] of [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Optimus Primal (bat)]] vs [[Megatron (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Megatron (alligator)]] two-pack, but was dropped once the [[Commercial/Beast Wars|commercials]] started using footage from the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]].

The Noise did not appear again until [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|the 2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon]], where the Noise was heard uniformly among all Transformers at the very beginning of transformation sequences, rather than lasting the duration of the transformation like in the past.

Two new versions of the Noise were heard in ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'', and then the second version of the ''Armada'' Noise was used in ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' (though not in ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]''). As with RiD, the timing of the Noise did not seem to correspond to the transformation sequence, instead playing at a random point during the sequence. The original version of the Noise was heard briefly in ''Armada'' as part of one of the background music tracks, and in ''Energon'' on occasion whenever part of the Japanese sound effects track was not completely dubbed over (the Noise being more prominent in ''Super Link'').

In the [[Transformers (film)|2007 movie]], the original Noise could be heard accompanying a portion of both [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]'s first transformation, and the conversion of the [[Nokia-bot]], though in both instances, a foreground object blocked the view of the robot at that instant, leaving it unclear if the Noise corresponded with any specific moving parts. The Noise could be heard during Bumblebee's off-screen transformation as he saves the kids while escaping Sector Seven, and a new, mixed and appropriately slowed version of the Noise also accompanied [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]'s later slow-motion transformation. In [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]], the noise plays rather clearly at the end of the film as Bumblebee transforms from Alt Mode to Robot Mode.

The Noise accompanies most or all transformation sequences in ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'', even minor ones including battle masks, [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]]'s "stinger" pop-out weapons, Blitzwing's changing of faces, Ratchet's magnets, and [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari's]] shape-shifting Key. In the case of smaller, specific parts, the Noise is sometimes played sped up or higher pitched. It was in [[Human Error, Part I|one particular episode]] of ''Animated'' that, for the first time in a series, we see any Transformer actually acknowledged the [http://filmsound.org/terminology/diegetic.htm existence of the Noise in-universe] (any more than they would acknowledge the musical score); in this situation manually generating it like any fan would was used as a motivational tool in a virtual environment. This unusual scenario therefore still sheds no light on the actual purpose of the Noise - it just confirmed that they hear it too.

In the ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron]]'' game, each character was given a unique transformation noise that was personalised for them. For example, [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime's]] version of the noise was very similar to the original version while [[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz's]] version incorporates kick drums.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEAiHRBpMcw</ref>

For ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' and 2015's ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Transformers: Robots in Disguise]]'', the Noise reappears, although consistently in "ascending" style, even when transforming to alt/vehicle mode. The individual tones are also more continuous and less discrete, for an almost "swishing" of parts sound.

In ''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (cartoon)|Transformers: Rescue Bots]]'', a more classic Noise is used, although like its ''[[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]]'' siblings, the ascending sound is used in both transformation directions. The Noise is also accompanied by metallic clanking sounds for its duration.

===Onomatopoeia===

In "[[Transformers Animated: The Arrival|The Arrival]]", the noise is consistently spelled "whrr-tschzz-tschzz-tschzz-chk."

[[Manga]] released in Japan consistently uses the onomatopoeia "gi-go-ga-go-go" (ギゴガゴゴ) to represent the Noise.

In 2012, IDW's More Than Meets the Eye issue 1 and Autocracy issue 12 write it as 'Tsche-chu-chu-chu-tsche' and 'TSCHE-CHU-CHU-CHE-TSCHE' respectively. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}

===Function===
According to dialogue said by Soundwave the mobile game Transformers: Forged to Fight [Act 4, Chapter 2], the sound "is an Energon tracking signal sent during the quantum-shift of [their] atoms' position and purpose".

The sound designers of ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' envisioned it as the sound of [[energon]] moving through their bodies.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEAiHRBpMcw</ref>

However, Cy-Kill has claimed that it is caused by the inferior engineering of Cybertronians, noting that Go-Bots make no such noise when they transform. {{storylink|Transformers: Renegade Rhetoric}}

=="Transform" as a verb==
For reasons relating to intellectual property law, and the need to preserve "Transformers" as a [[trademark]], [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] do not use "transform" as a verb to describe this ability of Transformers in printed materials describing products. Instead synonyms such as "convert" and "morph" are used. Products that are not able to change modes are given a disclaimer such as "product does not convert". This disclaimer extends to the [[Kre-O]] Transformers and [[Kreon]] [[Micro-Changer]]s, indicating that "convert" is used in a technical sense that does not apply to the "disassemble and rebuild" [[play pattern]] of Kre-O toys.

For some time, this restriction didn't extend to in-fiction dialogue. However, in more recent times this has changed. [[James Roberts]] has said that Hasbro has asked that other terms be used when writing IDW comics such as ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More Than Meets the Eye]]''. Exceptions have been made, though, when dialogue or drama strongly called for it, such as the NAIL who transformed himself to death. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}}<ref>[http://www.transmissionspodcast.com/2015/03/transmissions-episode-94-james-roberts-mtmte-elegant-chaos-interview/ Transmissions podcast #94 - James Roberts MTMTE Elegant Chaos Interview]</ref> In ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'', [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]] actually commands [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] to "change form and roll out", and [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] only ordered his team to "[[Roll out|transform and roll out]]" twice during the ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' cartoon, opting instead for a "roll out" for the majority of the series.

==See also==
*[[Transformation (toys)]]
*[[Role of transformation]]
*[[Transformation paralysis]]
*[[Mode lock]]
*[[Suppressor (device)]]
*[[Transfixatron]]
*[[Transformation Lock Lens]]
*[[Transformation virus]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Technology]]
[[Category:Transformer culture]]