Size changing

2010-01-17T16:20:01Z

Qorcheldno: /* Shrinking */

Although [[Scale|scale has never exactly been a deep concern]] when it comes to Transformers, given that the series has featured F-15 jets not much larger than sports cars, it is not uncommon for certain Transformers to clearly and deliberately '''change size''' when transforming from one mode to the next. The methods employed for this startling alteration in physicality have differed from timeline to timeline, and have long been a heavily debated aspect of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] technology.

==Examples==
Note that many of the Transformers named here have also transformed at certain times ''without'' shrinking or enlarging, retaining an alternate mode to scale with their robot mode. It doesn't help mass-shifting logic though. If anything it only results in ''more'' questions.

===Shrinking===
The most famous examples of size-changing Transformers are [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], who becomes a pistol, and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], who both become stereo cassette players.[[Image:C:\Documents and Settings\울트라 슈퍼 캐오틱한 초딩의 개념세상\My Documents\My Pictures\짤방\질량과부피보전법칙 무시하라.gif]] These Transformers visibly shrink as they transform, assuming one of two sizes — one that allows another Transformer to wield or operate them, and another, even smaller size that allows them to be transported in car-alts or used by humans.

Other shrinking Transformers include [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and the [[Mini-Cassette]]s.

[[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]]'s ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Transformers Universe]]'' bio notes that he has a defect in his transformation circuitry, which often results in him not being able to complete his transformation by not growing back to his [[robot mode]]'s full size.

One of [[Deep Cover]]'s [[ability|abilities]] is being able to shrink to 1/40th his size for brief periods of time.

===Enlarging===
Conversely, Transformers have been known to grow in size when assuming their [[Alternate mode|altmodes]] — the most prominent example is surely [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], whose space shuttle mode could become large enough to convey a whole contingent of Decepticon warriors, and even allow [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] to form inside him. Similarly, [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] transforms from a robot of roughly average size (occasionally depicted as somewhat tall, but never ''huge'') into a jet and then into an entire aircraft carrier, of the type used to transport '''dozens''' of jets. Other Transformers that enlarge in such a manner also generally do so for the purposes of transporting others; they include [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]. [[Combiner|Combiners]] are often larger in their combined form than their robot modes would otherwise indicate - in fact, in the episode "[[Chaos (episode)|Chaos]]", [[Predaking]] is explicitly shown to enlarge after his combination is complete. In the original animated series many of the Transformers arguably enlarged or shrank in vehicle mode to a lesser extent, this is most notable among groups such as the [[Seeker (body-type)|Decepticon]] [[Conehead|jets]] and [[Mini Vehicle|minibots]], whose altmodes [[Scale|could not possibly turn into robots that are the size they are depicted otherwise]]. Whether this was truly intended to indicate actual size changes, was merely "lazy animation", or was simply a stylistic choice designed to emphasise the awesome stature of robot-mode Cybertronians, is a matter of individual opinion.

[[Magnificus]] has a matter-enlarging scope, which he used to make [[Ga'mede]] fit in in the macroverse.

===Implicit size changing===
[[Image:MakeHoistHuffer.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Mass displacement my boron compressor.]]
Transformers that act as transport for other Transformers often implicitly change size to do so. However, size changing is rarely explicitly depicted in these cases. Instead, the following method is used: A character such as [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] transforms in-frame from robot to shuttle with no visible expansion of size relative to his surroundings. Cut. In the following shot his fellow Decepticons are shown running into frame, suddenly relatively tiny in stature so that they can board the shuttle. Although Astrotrain has not been shown to actually grow, one has to infer that this is more likely than that all his confederates have individually shrunk.

The same change-in-scale-via-implicit-size-changing is used with [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and other characters used as transport. For example, in the episode "[[Make Tracks]]", [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], who is depicted as one of the larger Autobots in robot mode, is shown riding inside [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], a Minibot whose truck mode is usually depicted as being smaller than Optimus Prime's. So either Huffer is extremely large in that scene, or Hoist is suddenly the size of a human.

(The other explanation is that the animators simply hoped no one would notice the sudden change in scale. Since ''Transformers'' is usually targeted at kids, there's probably some truth to this.)

===Pretenders===
Although the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original American cartoon]] did not feature any [[Pretender|Pretenders]], the Japanese-only continuity did, in their series ''[[Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]''. Here the Pretenders did not have outer shells so much as ill-defined holistic transformations which explicitly involved size-changing, allowing the Autobots to convincingly pass themselves off as humans. Also, Autobot Pretenders' shells are able to perform size changing in the ''[[Super-God Masterforce (manga)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' manga. The Decepticons, by comparison, chose to retain their gigantic proportions when in Pretender-mode.

Although never depicted in any of their actual fiction, [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye]]'' encyclopedia stated that Pretender shells use shrinking technology to achieve the ''[[Super-God Masterforce (franchise)|Masterforce]]''-like capacity to pass the wearer off as a real human (or other small lifeform of choice). (Intriguingly, the profile also obliquely implies that Pretender technology would later lead to the development of the faux-organic beast modes of the [[Beast Era]].)

==Explanations==
Although size-changing has been evident in Transformers from the very beginning, the original animated series and comic books never address the topic, and it was regarded as simply being the way of things. Fandom debate on the topic has seemingly inspired later fiction to offer varying explanations on how it functions.

===Dreamwave===
[[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] offered two explanations for size-changing within its continuity.

The first, to explain enlarging, was '''parts compression''' – the notion that the Transformers in question, such as Astrotrain and [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]], had many dense layers of armor in robot mode, which then slid out, expanding to create a much larger, but less-strongly-armored vehicle mode. Fans have referred to this as the "origami Transformers" explanation, and it appeared in their ''[[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye]]'' encyclopedia.

The second explanation, to justify shrinking, was '''mass conversion'''. This method put it that Transformers like Soundwave were genetically endowed with the ability to transform not simply their bodies, but their entire molecular structure. This ability, not under their conscious control, only activates when they transform, shifting their atoms according to a pre-determined schematic.

===IDW===
[[Image:Massdisplacement.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Shrinky-dink.]]
[[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''[[Escalation (IDW)|Escalation]]'' sees Megatron employ a '''mass-displacement sequence''', physically discarding a portion of his bodily mass to allow himself to shrink to a human-scaled pistol of appropriate weight and density. What with E equalling mc², the loss of this amount of mass (shunted to an undisclosed location in space and time) results in a volatile energy discharge, requiring bystanders to step away lest they be injured by the forces released - not that Megatron would care.

Due to the energy shortage (and seeming near-total depletion of Transformers' primary fuel source, [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]]) caused by their war, mass displacement hasn't been commonplace for a very long time. Since it requires a huge amount of energy, the technology had practically vanished until the discovery of [[Ore-13]] on [[Earth]].

===2007 movie===
The creators of the [[Transformers (2007)|2007 live-action movie]] explicitly avoided including any Transformers who could change size, wishing to avoid the necessary suspension of disbelief. Therefore, any observed [[scale]] problems are genuine scale problems. (And there are a few, most notably human-sized [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]]'s head turning into a tiny cell phone.) That said, size-changing technology clearly exists in ''some'' form in the movie continuity, as [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] somehow shrinks the [[AllSpark (Movie)|All Spark]] down to a manageable size and mass. Thus far, there's no evidence this trick can be applied to anything except the All Spark.

===Fandom explanations===
[[Image:No mass shifting here.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Just when you thought you had it all figured out...]]
The issue of shrinking and enlarging was, in the early days of the online Transformers fandom, a frequently debated subject. The Transformers were clearly displacing their mass, to allow their shrunken forms to be operable – so where was that mass going? The postulated answer to this question was the invention of "[[subspace]]", the void of extradimensional space between realities. Subspace proved a handy answer to various other questions as well - see the concept's own article for details. IDW's "mass displacement" rationale essentially ''is'' the subspace explanation, without actually using the term.

And hey, if any of that doesn't grab you, a [[Beorht|wizard]] did it.

==Note==
When you see a character's size is [[:Image:Tinybluestreak.jpg|smaller]] [[:Image:Huge Ironhide and Small Ratchet.jpg|than]] [[:Image:CarnageMiniBlaster.jpg|usual]], well, it's just [[Animation error|a technical issue]].

[[Category:Technology]]

Size changing

2010-01-17T16:14:59Z

Qorcheldno: /* Shrinking */

Although [[Scale|scale has never exactly been a deep concern]] when it comes to Transformers, given that the series has featured F-15 jets not much larger than sports cars, it is not uncommon for certain Transformers to clearly and deliberately '''change size''' when transforming from one mode to the next. The methods employed for this startling alteration in physicality have differed from timeline to timeline, and have long been a heavily debated aspect of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] technology.

==Examples==
Note that many of the Transformers named here have also transformed at certain times ''without'' shrinking or enlarging, retaining an alternate mode to scale with their robot mode. It doesn't help mass-shifting logic though. If anything it only results in ''more'' questions.

===Shrinking===
The most famous examples of size-changing Transformers are [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], who becomes a pistol, and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], who both become stereo cassette players.[[Image:Example.jpg]] These Transformers visibly shrink as they transform, assuming one of two sizes — one that allows another Transformer to wield or operate them, and another, even smaller size that allows them to be transported in car-alts or used by humans.

Other shrinking Transformers include [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and the [[Mini-Cassette]]s.

[[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]]'s ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Transformers Universe]]'' bio notes that he has a defect in his transformation circuitry, which often results in him not being able to complete his transformation by not growing back to his [[robot mode]]'s full size.

One of [[Deep Cover]]'s [[ability|abilities]] is being able to shrink to 1/40th his size for brief periods of time.

===Enlarging===
Conversely, Transformers have been known to grow in size when assuming their [[Alternate mode|altmodes]] — the most prominent example is surely [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], whose space shuttle mode could become large enough to convey a whole contingent of Decepticon warriors, and even allow [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] to form inside him. Similarly, [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] transforms from a robot of roughly average size (occasionally depicted as somewhat tall, but never ''huge'') into a jet and then into an entire aircraft carrier, of the type used to transport '''dozens''' of jets. Other Transformers that enlarge in such a manner also generally do so for the purposes of transporting others; they include [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]. [[Combiner|Combiners]] are often larger in their combined form than their robot modes would otherwise indicate - in fact, in the episode "[[Chaos (episode)|Chaos]]", [[Predaking]] is explicitly shown to enlarge after his combination is complete. In the original animated series many of the Transformers arguably enlarged or shrank in vehicle mode to a lesser extent, this is most notable among groups such as the [[Seeker (body-type)|Decepticon]] [[Conehead|jets]] and [[Mini Vehicle|minibots]], whose altmodes [[Scale|could not possibly turn into robots that are the size they are depicted otherwise]]. Whether this was truly intended to indicate actual size changes, was merely "lazy animation", or was simply a stylistic choice designed to emphasise the awesome stature of robot-mode Cybertronians, is a matter of individual opinion.

[[Magnificus]] has a matter-enlarging scope, which he used to make [[Ga'mede]] fit in in the macroverse.

===Implicit size changing===
[[Image:MakeHoistHuffer.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Mass displacement my boron compressor.]]
Transformers that act as transport for other Transformers often implicitly change size to do so. However, size changing is rarely explicitly depicted in these cases. Instead, the following method is used: A character such as [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] transforms in-frame from robot to shuttle with no visible expansion of size relative to his surroundings. Cut. In the following shot his fellow Decepticons are shown running into frame, suddenly relatively tiny in stature so that they can board the shuttle. Although Astrotrain has not been shown to actually grow, one has to infer that this is more likely than that all his confederates have individually shrunk.

The same change-in-scale-via-implicit-size-changing is used with [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and other characters used as transport. For example, in the episode "[[Make Tracks]]", [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], who is depicted as one of the larger Autobots in robot mode, is shown riding inside [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], a Minibot whose truck mode is usually depicted as being smaller than Optimus Prime's. So either Huffer is extremely large in that scene, or Hoist is suddenly the size of a human.

(The other explanation is that the animators simply hoped no one would notice the sudden change in scale. Since ''Transformers'' is usually targeted at kids, there's probably some truth to this.)

===Pretenders===
Although the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original American cartoon]] did not feature any [[Pretender|Pretenders]], the Japanese-only continuity did, in their series ''[[Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]''. Here the Pretenders did not have outer shells so much as ill-defined holistic transformations which explicitly involved size-changing, allowing the Autobots to convincingly pass themselves off as humans. Also, Autobot Pretenders' shells are able to perform size changing in the ''[[Super-God Masterforce (manga)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' manga. The Decepticons, by comparison, chose to retain their gigantic proportions when in Pretender-mode.

Although never depicted in any of their actual fiction, [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye]]'' encyclopedia stated that Pretender shells use shrinking technology to achieve the ''[[Super-God Masterforce (franchise)|Masterforce]]''-like capacity to pass the wearer off as a real human (or other small lifeform of choice). (Intriguingly, the profile also obliquely implies that Pretender technology would later lead to the development of the faux-organic beast modes of the [[Beast Era]].)

==Explanations==
Although size-changing has been evident in Transformers from the very beginning, the original animated series and comic books never address the topic, and it was regarded as simply being the way of things. Fandom debate on the topic has seemingly inspired later fiction to offer varying explanations on how it functions.

===Dreamwave===
[[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] offered two explanations for size-changing within its continuity.

The first, to explain enlarging, was '''parts compression''' – the notion that the Transformers in question, such as Astrotrain and [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]], had many dense layers of armor in robot mode, which then slid out, expanding to create a much larger, but less-strongly-armored vehicle mode. Fans have referred to this as the "origami Transformers" explanation, and it appeared in their ''[[More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye]]'' encyclopedia.

The second explanation, to justify shrinking, was '''mass conversion'''. This method put it that Transformers like Soundwave were genetically endowed with the ability to transform not simply their bodies, but their entire molecular structure. This ability, not under their conscious control, only activates when they transform, shifting their atoms according to a pre-determined schematic.

===IDW===
[[Image:Massdisplacement.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Shrinky-dink.]]
[[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''[[Escalation (IDW)|Escalation]]'' sees Megatron employ a '''mass-displacement sequence''', physically discarding a portion of his bodily mass to allow himself to shrink to a human-scaled pistol of appropriate weight and density. What with E equalling mc², the loss of this amount of mass (shunted to an undisclosed location in space and time) results in a volatile energy discharge, requiring bystanders to step away lest they be injured by the forces released - not that Megatron would care.

Due to the energy shortage (and seeming near-total depletion of Transformers' primary fuel source, [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]]) caused by their war, mass displacement hasn't been commonplace for a very long time. Since it requires a huge amount of energy, the technology had practically vanished until the discovery of [[Ore-13]] on [[Earth]].

===2007 movie===
The creators of the [[Transformers (2007)|2007 live-action movie]] explicitly avoided including any Transformers who could change size, wishing to avoid the necessary suspension of disbelief. Therefore, any observed [[scale]] problems are genuine scale problems. (And there are a few, most notably human-sized [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]]'s head turning into a tiny cell phone.) That said, size-changing technology clearly exists in ''some'' form in the movie continuity, as [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] somehow shrinks the [[AllSpark (Movie)|All Spark]] down to a manageable size and mass. Thus far, there's no evidence this trick can be applied to anything except the All Spark.

===Fandom explanations===
[[Image:No mass shifting here.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Just when you thought you had it all figured out...]]
The issue of shrinking and enlarging was, in the early days of the online Transformers fandom, a frequently debated subject. The Transformers were clearly displacing their mass, to allow their shrunken forms to be operable – so where was that mass going? The postulated answer to this question was the invention of "[[subspace]]", the void of extradimensional space between realities. Subspace proved a handy answer to various other questions as well - see the concept's own article for details. IDW's "mass displacement" rationale essentially ''is'' the subspace explanation, without actually using the term.

And hey, if any of that doesn't grab you, a [[Beorht|wizard]] did it.

==Note==
When you see a character's size is [[:Image:Tinybluestreak.jpg|smaller]] [[:Image:Huge Ironhide and Small Ratchet.jpg|than]] [[:Image:CarnageMiniBlaster.jpg|usual]], well, it's just [[Animation error|a technical issue]].

[[Category:Technology]]

Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)

2010-01-16T10:12:49Z

Qorcheldno: /* Characters */

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

'''''Transformers: War for Cybertron''''' is a video game developed by [[High Moon Studios]] and published by [[Activision Blizzard|Activision]], set before the Transformers take their war to [[Earth]]. [[Hasbro]] intends it to act as a foundation for ''[[Transformers brand| Transformers]]'' franchise storylines for years to come, and so they've been giving a lot of input and stressing character development.<ref name="tfw2005">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/video-games-17/tfw2005-war-for-cybertron-interview-with-aaron-archer-and-matt-tieger-168910/ War for Cybertron interview with Aaron Archer and Matt Tieger @ TFW2005.com]</ref> There are both a [[Decepticon]] and an [[Autobot]] campaign with distinct, linear storylines; the Decepticon campaign occurs chronologically before the Autobot campaign, but [[Fandom| fans]] can play through them in whichever order they prefer.<ref>[http://www.seibertron.com/news/index.php?f_keyword=war+for+cybertron Seibertron Q&A with Activision]</ref>

The game itself will be an over-the-shoulder third-person shooter in which the player can choose his character from a small roster of either Autobots or Decepticons. The game will be released on [[July 22]], [[2010]], for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and PC.
{{quote|One shall stand.|Optimus}}
:{{quote|One shall fall.|Megatron}}

==Synopsis==

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

The game is set during the early days of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] is searching for a dangerous power source known as [[Dark Energon]] to fuel his conquest of the planet. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] has come to prominence after joining the fight following an attack on [[Iacon]], but he is not yet leader of the Autobots. [[Starscream]] joins the Decepticons as second-in-command, but does not consider either Optimus or Megatron to have the planet's best interests at heart. (We will apparently learn ''why'' Starscream is such a whopping traitor and why Megatron [[:Image:Infiltration6_takeyourpunishment.jpg|doesn't just]] [[:Image:Swordscream.JPG|kill him]])

==Characters==
At the start of each level, the player can choose from one of three characters. The characters available will shift from level to level. Known playable characters include:

'''Autobots'''
*[[Optimus_Prime_(G1)#War_for_Cybertron_video_game|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]]) ([http://gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2009/12/11/transformers-war-for-cybertron-character-profile-optimus-prime.aspx ''WfC'' character profile])
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]
'''Decepticons'''
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] ([http://gameinformer.com/games/transformers_war_for_cybertron/b/xbox360/archive/2009/12/18/transformers-war-for-cybertron-character-profile-megatron.aspx ''WfC'' character profile])
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] ([http://gameinformer.com/games/transformers_war_for_cybertron/b/xbox360/archive/2009/12/23/transformers-war-for-cybertron-character-profile-starscream.aspx ''WfC'' character profile])
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]

The Decepticon campaign includes a boss battle with [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and the Autobot campaign includes defending [[Iacon]]. [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] appears in the IGN trailer, but he's, uh, probably not playable. Players should expect references to Cybertron locations taken from all previous Transformer stories, "things which may have only been referenced once, in one comic way back when, could be used and expanded upon."<ref name="tfw2005"/>

...They're totally reading the Wiki, aren't they? Hello, designers!

<center><gallery>
Image:WfC-IGN-Bumblebee.jpg|Bumblebee fires his weapon.
Image:WfC-IGN-RatchetBumblebeePrime.jpg|Ratchet, Bumblebee, and Prime in battle.
Image:WfC-IGN-OmegaSupreme.jpg|Omega Supreme attacks a platoon of Decepticons.
Image:WfC-IGN-StarscreamMegatron.jpg|Starscream and Megatron get ready for the ground assault.
Image:WfC-IGN-StarscreamMegatronSoundwave.jpg|More Decepticons!
Image:WfC-IGN-Soundwave.jpg|Soundwave sneaks around.
Image:WfC-IGN-Trypticon.jpg|Holy Primus.

</gallery></center>

==Features==
* Campaigns will be co-op both online and off for the first time in a Transformers game.
* All playable characters have two special abilities, such as absorbing health from enemies or marking targets.
* The game will run on the Unreal engine.
* High Moon is prepared to "support the game after release," meaning either patches or downloadable content.
* Online Multiplayer is being developed for the game.
* All environments, including cover, can be destroyed.

==Production==

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

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

==Operation Transmission Recovery==

As an early marketing campaign, the game's website included the feature "Operation Transmission Recovery": using transmission and coordinate dials, you could pick up "transmissions" from Cybertron (or "video clips/images" to you and me). There are two dials, blue (outer) and yellow (inner). using mouse you can drag the dial to set coordinates

The blue dial is set by aligning it to marks on outer circle when aligned it becomes a blue ring. After that the yellow dial is set so that signal strength is full (meter on right). Once a transmission is unlocked its symbol lights up and total recovered increases a little bit. When you reach 100% it tells you how many hours remain until next batch.

As of 12 Jan 2010, following transmissions were available (Batch 9), almost all of them are part of second trailer (link below)

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

==Notes==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.transformersgame.com/ Official site]
*[http://www.gametrailers.com/video/exclusive-debut-transformers-war/59860 Exclusive trailer via 'Game Trailers TV']
*[http://ps3.ign.com/dor/objects/54929/transformers-war-for-cybertron/videos/transformerscyber_trl_revealtrailer_10710.html;jsessionid=8yroitu115mw Second, fuller trailer from IGN]
*[http://gameinformer.com/mag/cybertron.aspx Behind the scenes bios and information from ''Game Informer'' magazine.]
*[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/6450/20/ Press release]
*[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=64957 Try this Allspark link for game images if you're feeling lucky.]

[[Category: Video games]]

Chip Chase

2010-01-14T02:41:44Z

Qorcheldno: /* The Transformers cartoon */

:''Chip is a [[human]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:RollForIt Chip Chase at the mike.jpg|right|300px|thumb|It's a cartoon from the '80s. By law, ''Transformers'' has to have at least one character in a wheelchair.]]

'''Chip Chase''' is [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]'s best friend and a staunch ally to the [[Autobot]]s. Despite their high level of technology, the Autobots will often consult Chip, benefiting from his genius-level IQ and skills in computer programming and electronics, in addition to several other fields of science. He will often be found hanging out with distinguished scientists and academics, as well as developing new technology with [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] for use in the fight against the [[Decepticon]]s. For Chip, the fact he's confined to a wheelchair is barely an impediment.

{{quote|No one's ever really disabled so long as he has courage.|Chip Chase|"[[Divide and Conquer]]"}}

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

[[Image:RollForIt TheInternets.jpg|left|200px|thumb|In 1984, the Internet was only used by nerds to complain about how terrible Transformers was.[http://groups.google.com/group/net.comics/msg/1cdaf7df610e0376?dmode=source&hl=en]]]

Chip Chase came to the attention of the Autobots as a friend of Spike Witwicky and the whiz behind [[Doctor Alcazar|Dr. Alcazar]]'s [[antimatter]] formula project. He, Spike and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] paid a visit to Alcazar's desert laboratory to pick up a disk which would allow Chip's home computer to interface with the more powerful computer at the lab. On the way home, they were alerted to an imminent Decepticon attack, and Chip rushed inside to alert Dr. Alcazar by computer. The warning allowed Alcazar to upload the antimatter formula to Chip's PC. Meanwhile, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl's]] battle computer had been disabled during a battle, and he contacted Chip's computer in search of help. Chip was able to help him chase off the Decepticons.

[[Image:RollForIt FloppyDisk destruction.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Holy crap, man.]]
Unfortunately, the Decepticons had traced the formula to Chip's computer. He memorized the formula and ''tore up'' the floppy disk containing it. The Decepticons proceeded to kidnap him, and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] plucked the formula from his mind anyway. As the Decepticons began manufacturing antimatter, Chip was rescued by Spike, Bumblebee, [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]. The Decepticons turned up at [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]], with Megatron transforming into a powerful antimatter gun, but Chip was able to attach Wheeljack's remote control device to [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], turning the Decepticons' own weapon against them. [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] pronounced Chip a hero. {{storylink|Roll for It}}

Chip was attempting to help a weapons factory increase their productivity when the Decepticon [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s attacked it. He was able to transmit a distress signal to the Autobots, and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] swiftly arrived to take on the three Decepticons. Chip warned him of a heat-seeking missile, seemingly before it did anything to indicate it was heat-seeking. Weird. A stray blast hit the computer, but Chip's life was saved by Optimus shielding him from the resulting explosion. Prime was badly damaged, necessitating a trip to Wheeljack's lab on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to collect a vital component, the [[Cosmotron]]. Chip used [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to predict the next location of the Decepticon [[space bridge]] and tagged along on the mission on the basis that they needed a computer genius to get through the lock the Decepticons had placed on the door of the lab. They quickly gained entrance to the lab and located the necessary part Optimus needed, but a [[Rainmaker|group of Seekers]] created acid rain, to which Chip was strangely immune. He was able to rally the Autobots, encouraging them to overcome their vulnerability to the acid rain. They rushed the Cosmotron back to Optimus, arriving in time to save his life. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}}

[[Image:WarDinobots Chip warning Autobots.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"so then I took that floppy, and I was like "BAYM!" and ravage was all like, Dayuumn, son!"]]
Late one night at an observatory, Chip spotted a strange meteor headed for [[Earth]] and alerted the Autobots, accompanying them to the location he had calculated the meteor would touch down. Spike suggested that they dub it [[Meteorini Chipperoni]] in his honor. After the meteor became a meteorite, Optimus obtained a sample, and they returned to headquarters. Wheeljack's analysis of the meteorite fragment revealed it was highly unstable, sending Optimus on a mission back to the crash site. Meanwhile the Autobots set about building two more [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s based on Chip's suggestions of a stegosaurus and a pteranodon. [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] were completed in time to fly to Optimus Prime's aid, the other three Dinobots having been turned against him by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. Chip and the others arrived to find [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and Optimus already making up. {{storylink|War of the Dinobots}}

Chip was present when Megatron challenged Optimus to a duel, and he accompanied the Autobots to watch the fight, musing to [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] that it reminded him of ancient Roman gladiatorial combat. Despite all their cheering, and much to Chip's disbelief, Optimus was soundly defeated. However, when they got back to HQ, Chip was able to use Teletraan I to analyse Optimus's damaged parts and determine that Megatron had cheated, rendering the result of the contest void under Cybertronian law. {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}}

[[Image:Chipchase.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Mein Führer, I can valk!]]
After watching a Formula 1 race with Spike, Chip came up with the idea of the Autobots holding a race for charity. The pair took the idea to Optimus Prime, and the race was soon set up. Megatron used the opportunity to test his new [[Transfixatron]] on the Autobots, and the two boys were forced to make their escape in Bumblebee. Returning to HQ, Chip consulted Teletraan I, revealing the nature of Megatron's new invention, and Wheeljack and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] were able to construct a grenade to reverse the effects of the device. They headed out to where the Autobots had been taken and immediately engaged the Decepticons. Spike passed the grenade to Chip, who ''stood up in his wheelchair'' to catch it, then managed to get close enough to throw it into the Autobots' midst before [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] intercepted him. The Autobot forces regained the ability to transform and battled the Decepticons into a retreat. Ratchet bemoaned the resulting repair work he was going to have to do, much to Spike and Chip's amusement. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}}

[[Image:TheCore Chip in Wheeljack.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]
Chip and Wheeljack developed the [[dominator disc]]s, intended to bring [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] under Autobot control. Once the discs were placed on the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s and they formed Devastator, Chip activated the discs, and the combiner promptly turned on the other Decepticons. Chip was overjoyed at the success of their invention, but the next time they faced the Decepticons, Megatron was able to use an electronic disruptor to override the dominator discs. Wheeljack and Chip worked frantically to get the now-wild Devastator back under their control, as the Decepticons' giant drill neared the center of the Earth, but it was only with the addition of Megatron's disruptor that they were able to succeed. Although Devastator stopped the drill, he was firmly a Decepticon again. Chip was greatly disappointed, but Optimus told him to hang on to his dreams. {{storylink|The Core}}

[[Image:DinobotIsland2 Spike Chip and Beachcomber.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Hey man, did you know that you could like, hack into your own brain?"
"Shut up."]]
Perplexed at the appearance of strange time warps, the Autobots consulted Chip, who was able to use Teletraan I to locate two more warps. With [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]]'s help, he soon traced the source of the temporal disturbances to [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]]. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}}

When the Mayor of [[Central City (G1)|Central City]] organised [[Autobot Day]], Chip turned out with Spike and Sparkplug to join the cheering crowd. They then reacted with disbelief when a recording produced by [[Shawn Berger]] appeared to incriminate the Autobots in stealing energy, but joined in solidarity with their friends, even as the rest of the crowd turned hostile. Optimus and the others were put on trial. Chip attempted unsuccessfully to stall things while Spike looked for evidence to prove the Autobots' innocence, but he and Sparkplug were soon forced to give their farewells, as the Autobots were launched into space aboard a rocket. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} With mounting disbelief and horror, Chip and Sparkplug witnessed [[Decepticon Day]], though Chip still held out hope that Spike would find some evidence to exonerate the Autobots. Naturally, it wasn't long before the other shoe dropped, and Megatron proclaimed himself ruler of Earth.

[[Image:MegatronsMasterPlan2 Thrust holding Chip.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]
Chip was put to work with the rest of the humans at a power station, but he quickly came up with a plan. During a diversion engineered by Spike, Chip stowed away on a truck which passed near Autobot Headquarters. There he consulted Teletraan I, only to discover that the Autobot ship had hurtled into the [[Sun]] and exploded. Before he could check up on [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] burst through the ceiling and blasted the computer. Chip furiously turned on the Decepticon, who simply laughed and took him back to the power station. A despondent Chip returned to work, but his trip had inadvertently benefited the Autobots: With Teletraan I's control over Cosmos's guidance systems severed, they were able to return to Earth to confront the Decepticons. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

When a group of Autobots, including Optimus Prime, disappeared through a space bridge to unknown coordinates, Chip tried unsuccessfully to use Teletraan I to locate them. {{storylink|Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play}}
{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====Scramble City=====
[[Image:ScrambleCarlyChip01.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Chip can't stand (ha ha) to face the badly drawn Carly.]]
Chip can be seen alongside Spike, Sparkplug and [[Carly]], helping to construct [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|Scramble City}}

=====Binaltech=====
When [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl's]] [[laser core]] was lost to [[subspace]] in a [[GT System|GT]] Transfer accident (a technology he himself helped to create), Chip Chase volunteered to sacrifice his very own soul in order to breathe life into the now-lifeless Prowl-2, stating, "Twenty years ago, we met thanks to an online message from you. Your battle computer was down, and in its place, I—" {{storylink|Roll for It}} while something flashed in the back of his mind: "Your intelligence and personality are already in this frame. In which case..." With the help of [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], Chip's consciousness was transported into Prowl's frame. The new entity created in this fusion was virtually indistinguishable from Prowl's old persona, thanks to copies of the original Prowl's [[memory core]] and [[Datatrax]], while a separate neurocomputer handles Chip's thought processes. Meanwhile, Chip's real body was stored in stasis in an [[Earth Defense Command|EDC]] medical facility.

{{note|At least one [[Beast Wars Sourcebook|continuity]] had this new spark used for [[Prowl II]], which makes no sense, since Binaltech is separate from [[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]].}}

==Notes==
* The idea for Chip's character grew out of very early plans for the series, which involved two human allies for the Autobots named "[[Eddie Fairchild and Matt Conroy|Eddie Fairchild]]" and "[[Eddie Fairchild and Matt Conroy|Matt Conroy]]". Eddie was the prototypical version of Spike, but when the Matt character was conceived as an "elder brother figure" for Eddie, the idea to make the younger boy handicapped, and hence more dependent on the Autobots, was briefly considered. Evidently, this idea went in a slightly different direction and wound up inspiring Chip. [http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#149]
* In "Roll for It", Chip has a remarkably advanced (or at least ridiculously expensive) desktop computer for 1984. It contains, among other things, a 16-million-color monitor (Chip's view of the Decepticons was no different than Prowl's), a microphone, dial-up networking, speakers, and a sound card that could interpret Prowl's speech. Maybe he's friends with [[Ethan Zachary]].
[[Image:RollForIt Chip Chase banners.jpg|thumb|right|200px|That's a lot of tuition fees!]]
* Also in "Roll for It", Chip has no less than four pennants displayed on his wall: "PIERCE" (probably referring to [[wikipedia:Franklin Pierce University|Franklin Pierce University]]), "[[Wikipedia:University of Southern California|USC]]", "[[wikipedia:California State University, Northridge|CSUN]]" and "YAL", commonly assumed to be a reference to [[Wikipedia:Yale_University|Yale University]].
* Chip and [[Carly]] never appeared in the same episode during the entire US run. Coincidence!? '''''Shocking dual identity!?''''' (Or maybe the two of them just can't stand to be in the same room for whatever reason...) The only time they're both seen on screen is near the beginning of "[[Scramble City]]". Blink twice and you'll miss 'em.
*Although he was last seen in "[[Scramble City]]" and was absent through the entirety of the series' [[The Transformers (cartoon)#Season_3|third season]], the producers of the Japanese-exclusive ''[[The Headmasters (cartoon)|Headmasters]]'' apparently had plans to include an adult version of Chip in that series' first episode. A character design of an adult Chip can be seen in the ''[[Transformers Generations]]'' reference book and ''[[The Ark II — A Compendium of Japanese Character Designs|The Ark II]]'' Japanese character models book.
* He may easily be the most advanced human who ever lived.
* In the [[Transformers The Game (console)|2007 live-action movie console game]], there is a fast food place called [[Chip Chase's]]. The restaurant's logo features Chip's grinning mug. Wonder if the TV ads are as scary as the ones featuring the [[Burger King]].

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chase, Chip}}
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Humans]]
[[Category:Scientists]]

The Ultimate Weapon

2010-01-12T14:44:51Z

Qorcheldno: /* Animation or technical glitches */

{{disambig2|the episode|the eponymous device|Ultimate Weapon}}
{{episode|
|series=G1toon
|series2=2010
|ep=84
|ep2=20
|next=The Big Broadcast of 2006 (episode)
|image=G1 UltimateWeapon Oldlady.jpg
|caption=Rejected from Hell's Grannies.
|title="The Ultimate Weapon"
|production code=700-104
|airdate=[[November 10]], 1986
|written by=[[Arthur Byron Cover]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''While Galvatron threatens the Autobots with a vague and mysterious "ultimate weapon", First Aid leaves the Autobots.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 究極の武器 (''Kyūkyoku no Buki'', "The Ultimate Weapon")
:''German title:'' "'''Das Transformationsmodul'''" ("The Transformation-Modul")
:''German'' Generation 2 '' title:'' "'''Der große Bluff'''" ("The big Bluff")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:G1 UltimateWeapon civilunrest.jpg|left|170px|thumb|The stripes are to help them blend into the herd.]]

In the far-flung future of 2006, the Netherlands is the most violent nation on Earth. Bands of roving French street gangs throw grenades into windmills for no obvious reason. Unable to rely on the police, old ladies begin arming themselves in their gardens. Desperate, the police turn to the Autobots, who seek to stem the fighting. The [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]], after some harshing on the part of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], roll out to stop the violence. [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] tries to calm Rodimus, saying he's just as good a commander as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] was. Rodimus, however, feels that he will never live up to the legendary [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]]'s legacy. Who could?

Arriving in the city, the [[Decepticon]]s attack, and [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] is injured. [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] takes him to Metroplex to get repairs, while Galvatron attacks. Retreating, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] taunts Rodimus with the threat of the [[Ultimate Weapon]]. At [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] breaks in and manages to steal Metroplex's transformation cog. First Aid tries to reason with Swindle, but the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] merely shoots the Autobot medic, then leaves. Amid a fleet of naval destroyers, [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] rises from the sea and eats a ship before destroying the rest. Galvatron tells Trypticon to hurry to Metroplex, but realizes when and when not to push the dinosaur. Swindle arrives and attempts to haggle for the cog. Galvatron offers him a limited-time deal: Hand over the cog, or see his life get ended.

[[Image:G1 UltimateWeapon Defensorcatchestrain.jpg|right|170px|thumb|It's just a flesh wound—er, armor wound.]]

At Metroplex, First Aid is feeling guilty over his pacifism. While Rodimus maintains that he would never force First Aid to violate his beliefs, First Aid decides to leave to clear his head. Learning that Trypticon is coming, the Autobots roll out. Reaching a nearby city, Trypticon menaces a train, but [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] manages to save it, even with only one arm. The [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] move in to attack. [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] gets shot down, while [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] flies into Trypticon's stomach through his mouth, firing all the while. Injured, Trypticon is forced to retreat. However, it's only bought them time, as Metroplex is still the only one who can fight Trypticon, and he's locked in city mode. Even with the cog, First Aid is the only one who understands Metroplex's systems enough to fix him. [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] decides to track down his AWOL teammate.

[[Image:G1 UltimateWeapon TrypticontacklesMetroplex.jpg|left|170px|thumb|City rivalry takes on a whole new meaning.]]

Rodimus and Magnus head for Trypticon's hiding place, with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] posing as repairmen. [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]], nearly duped, realizes that the cars are Autobots due to the pollution-free fuel that they are using. Daniel is thrown off a cliff, but Magnus saves him. Rodimus and Magnus distract the Decepticons while Spike and Daniel steal Trypticon's cog. Returning to Metroplex, they install Trypticon's cog in Metroplex, while the Decepticons install Metroplex's cog in Trypticon. (It's easy to get lost, but just pay attention and it will make sense.) Convinced that he "can still smash", Trypticon heads for battle. Metroplex [[Transformation|transforms]] from [[Alternate mode|city mode]], but both cities are suffering problems.

[[Image:G1 UltimateWeapon UltimateWeapon%21.jpg|right|170px|thumb|Behold: the label gun of DOOM!]]

At a junkyard, First Aid is keeping [[NUL-A]], a junkyard robot, company while fixing abandoned refrigerators in an effort to think about something other than the Autobots. Hot Spot finds him and informs him of Metroplex's problem. Though still unsure of rejoining the Autobots, First Aid realizes that Metroplex's danger is more important. Meanwhile, Trypticon has gained the advantage and thrown Metroplex into a nearby lake. (Talk about irony.) Heading for Metroplex, First Aid manages to get inside and properly align the transformation cog, allowing Metroplex to transform fully. Metroplex throws Trypticon deeper into the lake, and the dinosaur sinks. Galvatron threatens to use the Ultimate Weapon, but Rodimus realizes that the weapon is a bluff. Out of options, Galvatron retreats. First Aid's faith in his work is restored, and Rodimus's confidence is emboldened, at least until the next time he has a crisis of faith.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (1)
* [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (2)
* [[Rodimus Prime (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] (3)
* [[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (4)
* [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (5)
* [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (6)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (7)
* [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] (14)
* [[Ramhorn]] (15)
* [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (16)
* [[Scamper]] (18)
* [[Slammer]] (19)
* [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (22)
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (29)
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (30)
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (31)
* [[Slingshot]] (32)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (33)
|c2=
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (8)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (9)
* [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (10)
* [[Predaking]] (11)
* [[Octane]] (12)
* [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] (13)
* [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (17)
* [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (20)
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (21)
* [[Motormaster]] (23)
* [[Drag Strip]] (24)
* [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (25)
* [[Wildrider]] (26)
* [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (27)
* [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (28)
|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (34)
* [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] (35)
|c4=
* [[NUL-A]] (36)
}}

==Quotes==
'''First Aid''': I'm taking him back to Metroplex for repairs! 
'''Galvatron''': Better get ''used'' to the trip, Autobot. 
'''Rodimus''': Why don't you get used to ''losing'', Galvatron? It's all you ever do!
:—Rodimus Prime hits the Decepticons where it hurts: in the war record.

"Hey! Wait a second! Who are you? Where'd you come from? How'd you get in?!?" 
''[Swindle shoots the floor from under Scamper and Slammer, causing the Autobots to crash]'' 
"No time to answer stupid questions!"
:—'''Scamper''', the world's worst security guard, is blasted by '''Swindle'''.

"I heard you were a pacifist, but I don't believe there's a Transformer who won't fight for his life!" 
"I don't believe in fighting. I'm a medic, not a warrior." 
"Then you'll ''die'' for your beliefs!"
:—'''Swindle''' taunts '''First Aid'''.

[[Image:Ultimate Weapon Trypticon hungry.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Never play Battleship with Trypticon]]

'''Trypticon''': Best humans can do? 
''[Trypticon tosses battleship halves at attacking ships]'' 
'''Galvatron''': Come, Trypticon, stop trifling with that! Metroplex awaits. 
'''Trypticon''': Trypticon hungry!
:—Trypticon finds that naval destroyers taste great ''and'' are less filling.

''[Spike runs into Cyclonus]'' 
'''Cyclonus:''' ''Humans...''" 
'''Spike:''' Uh, everything's fine in there. Uh, the problem must be somewhere else. 
'''Cyclonus:''' Then don't dawdle, human. Trypticon must be repaired at once... for the greater glory of Galvatron! 
'''Spike:''' You got it, you got it... sheesh, dunno why anybody'd wanna work for such a bunch of grumpy employers.
:— A rather clueless Cyclonus lets Spike and Daniel get away with Trypticon's transformation cog.

"Hey, keep it down! This is a residential area!" 
"Trypticon turn Metroplex into slum!"
:—'''Metroplex''' and '''Trypticon''' discuss urban renewal in a whole new way.

'''Galvatron''': I still have my ultimate weapon, Rodimus! Surrender now, or I'll unleash its force upon you all! 
'''Rodimus Prime''': ''[to Ultra Magnus]'' You know, I think I've finally started to wise up. If such a weapon existed, he'd have used it a long time ago! 
'''Galvatron''': I tell you for the last time, Rodimus. Surrender, or there won't be an Earth left to protect! Surrender! This is your last chance, or— 
'''Rodimus Prime''': You're bluffing, Galvatron. 
'''Galvatron''': I tell you this is the end! 
'''Rodimus Prime:''' You're right. It is, because I used the real 'ultimate weapon'...my ''mind''! 
'''Galvatron''': Stay back! 
''[Rodimus Prime continues walking towards Galvatron]'' 
'''Galvatron''': I said stay back! 
''[Rodimus Prime continues walking; Galvatron throws the "ultimate weapon" control device on the ground]'' 
'''Galvatron''': Aarh! There will be another day, Rodimus! 
''[Galvatron retreats]'' 
'''Rodimus Prime''': And we'll be ready.
:—Galvatron's less-than-impressive bluff is called by Rodimus Prime.

==Notes==
* It is unclear what species of robot [[NUL-A]] is, as his speech and mannerisms clearly demonstrate him to be sentient rather than some kind of human-built drone.

* When Trypticon attacks Metroplex, the animation is of a noticeably higher quality than the rest of the episode and the norm of the overall series.

===Animation or technical glitches===
*The guns carried by the rebels disappear when they run up to the windmill and throw their grenades, and reappear as they run away.

*The laser beam the old woman fires from her pistol is red, but the laser beam that actually hits the car tires is blue.

*When Ultra Magnus orders Steeljaw and Ramhorn to attack, he wields a completely different gun than the one he normally uses. His normal gun reappears in subsequent shots.

*When Galvatron responds to Rodimus Prime's question during the village battle, Cyclonus's mouth is missing. Similarly, in the end of the episode, when First Aid declares his return to the Autobots, Rodimus' mouth is missing, too, but reappears when he starts talking.

*Adding to this, and turning the whole mouth-animation-thing into a complete mess up, when First Aid declares he's leaving the Autobots, Hot Spot is depicted as actually ''having'' a mouth in several shots, including close-ups and speaking lines, despite the fact that normally he is shown with an Optimus Prime-like moving [[mouthplate]].

*As Silverbolt exits Trypticon's mouth, he's coloured like Air Raid.

*Daniel is unusually tall in this episode. When he and Spike are involved in the clandestine operation to steal Trypticon's transformation cog, he is almost as tall as his dad.

*When Spike tells Daniel that they'll be just in time for their rendezvous, Spike is not carrying the toolbox containing the transforming cog. It reappears when they exit Trypticon.

*Trypticon completely misses Metroplex when they fire on each other, yet Metroplex falls down.

*Greeting First Aid's return, Ultra Magnus holds the medic's hands. Oddly, instead of letting go as he did with Rodimus Prime, First Aid appears to continue to hold Ultra Magnus's hands throughout his dialogue about agreeing to help the Autobots. "Please let go of my hand, Ultra Magnus."

* When Galvatron declares that while Trypticon may have been defeated he still lives, his laser cannon is enormous.

* As Rodimus Prime tells Ultra Magnus that he has finally wised-up to Galvatron's bluff, Ultra Magnus' left shoulder overlaps Rodimus' rear wing, even though Rodimus is standing closest to the viewer and should instead overlap Ultra Magnus.

===Continuity errors===
*When the monorail train was endangered during Trypticon's initial rampage, wouldn't it have been a hell of a lot easier to have a ''two-armed'' Superion catch it rather than a ''one-armed'' Defensor?

*Galvatron acts a whole lot saner in this episode then he usually is in the third season. He's not as sane as in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', of course, but it's somewhere. Of course in the same vein, it seems unlikely that the usually gun crazy Galvatron would try to bluff anything.

*During their initial assault in the village, [[Octane]] is seen among the firing Decepticons, even though Galvatron had placed a price on his head in "[[Starscream's Ghost]]".

*Similarly, [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] is hovering next to Galvatron during Trypticon's attack on the naval fleet, even though he was banished from the Decepticons following "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]".

===Trivia===
*While not an out-and-out mistake, the Autobots' assertion that ''only'' First Aid could adjust the transformation cog for Metroplex seems a little dubious. [[Pipes]], who was seen installing the thing in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]", surely would've been able to, if not Perceptor or the load of other Autobot handymen running around. Of course, it is possible that those guys were all off Earth at the time. ''Coincidentally'' though, as seen in "[[Scramble City]]", First Aid ''was'' one of the original workers on Metroplex.

*Vortex almost finds out about Spike and Daniel's plan merely from the clean Autobot fumes Rodimus Prime and Ultra Magnus exhaust, but does not seem to notice that the vehicles are quite obviously the two Autobot leaders nor the fact that Daniel is way too young to drive (which might be okay, as Transformers must not necessarily be aware of human laws, or even know there's a difference between adult and underage humans, but whatever).

*How the mighty have fallen part 1: This episode suggests that the Decepticons operating on Earth now hire legitimate human workers for repair duties, instead of just enslaving them as they would have done in the past.

*How the mighty have fallen part 2: Menasor [[To sell toys|is defeated by a single blast]] from the Autobots, despite previous outings that showed him to be one of the most powerful Decepticon combiners. Later, the entire Stunticon team are soundly and totally defeated (off-camera) by Rodimus Prime and Ultra Magnus, despite previous outings depicting them as a serious threat to the Autobots.

*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] seems ''really'' upbeat in this episode, for some reason.

*Taking into account how often Decepticons have attacked an Autobot base in the past, does anyone else think that positioning Metroplex near a human residential area is a ''really'' bad idea?

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_ultimate_weapon.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Weapon}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Cosmic Rust (episode)

2010-01-05T14:40:14Z

Qorcheldno: /* Continuity errors */

{{disambig2|the episode in which Cosmic Rust appears|the titular term of the episode|Cosmic Rust (disease)}}
{{episode
|image=Rusted megatron.jpg
|caption=Don't ask, dude... Don't ask.
|series=G1toon
|ep=61
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=48
|title="Cosmic Rust"
|written by=[[Paul Davids]]
|production code=700-60
|airdate=[[December 26]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''After finding a new weapon, Megatron becomes infected with a strange disease... one he intends to use against the Autobots.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 恐怖のコスミックルスト! (''Kyōfu no Cosmic Rust!'', "The Terrifying Cosmic Rust!")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Cosmic Rust Megatron infected.JPG|left|150px|thumb|WhY mY sHoUlDeRs hURt?]]

While flying through space in [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], Megatron, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] discover a planet with the Autobot [[Insignia|symbol]] visible from orbit. Heading to investigate, they find a deserted city and a pillar inscribed with [[Cybertronian languages|Ancient Autobot]]. Activating a recorded message, they are warned to leave, or never return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]... all in rhyme. Disregarding the warnings, the [[Decepticon]]s discover a [[Lightning Bug]]. While attempting to move it, they set it off, causing the ceiling above them to be destroyed. Megatron is pleased—the Autobots have created a weapon that will allow him to destroy them. While leaving the planet, an asteroid follows Astrotrain (look, just go with the flow) and Megatron destroys it. Bad idea, as the debris penetrates Astrotrain, with one piece hitting Megatron in the shoulder. Heading for their [[Victory (ship)|base]], Starscream removes the rock, only to discover that Megatron's shoulder is covered in ruuusttt.

In [[New York City]], [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] is being awarded for his creation of [[corrostop]], a new solution which prevents rust and corrosion. The Autobots plan to spray all the world's monuments with it, but for the moment, they only have enough to spray the [[Statue of Liberty]]. Meanwhile, Megatron's health is deteriorating rapidly, and he orders the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] to bring him Perceptor. Heading for Liberty Island, the Decepticons capture Perceptor and load him into [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], with the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] in pursuit. The Autobot jets follow the kidnappers all the way to the Decepticon base, but the [[Conehead]]s use the Lightning Bug to drive them off.

Taken within their base, Perceptor is horrified to discover that Megatron is covered in rust. The Decepticon leader offers Perceptor a chance to end the [[Great War (G1)|war]] in exchange for curing him. As Perceptor analyzes the Decepticon, he discovers that Megatron is infected with a metallic plague and that the lightning bug is exacerbating the condition. Perceptor offers Megatron corrostop, which manages to wash the rust away. Megatron declares that the Decepticons are about to be cured.

[[Image:Kentucky fried aerialbot.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Kentucky Fried Aerialbot.]]

At the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot base]], the Aerialbots are explaining what happened to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], when Megatron contacts the Autobot leader. Megatron says that Prime has until noon to reach Perceptor, or sunlight focused through his lens will ignite the fuse on a bomb and blow him to pieces. Despite knowing it's a trap, Prime takes all the Autobots with him to rescue Perceptor. As the Autobots arrive, Perceptor warns them to keep away, but Prime pulls Perceptor away once the bomb ignites and explodes, only for Perceptor to reveal that he is infected with [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]].

[[Image:Cosmic Rust Perceptor kick.JPG|left|150px|thumb|Fonzie would be proud.]]

Returning to the base, the Autobots query [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]], who tells them of the fate of [[Antilla]], the world the Decepticons visited. Then, the Autobots notice that they're infected with Cosmic Rust as well. Worse, Megatron is using the Lightning Bug to make the plague spread. Their only hope is corrostop, but [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] have discovered that [[Ingredient X]], an important ingredient for making corrostop, is gone. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] suspects that they can use the matter duplicator to make more, if he and Perceptor can fix it. Meanwhile, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] does his best to stem the tide, but they're fading fast. Megatron is watching via [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], loving every minute of it, only to learn that the matter duplicator now works, thanks to <s>kicking</s> a unique solution provided by Perceptor. All they need is some corrostop from the Statue of Liberty to replicate.

[[Image:Cosmic Rust Autobots Statue of Liberty.JPG|right|150px|thumb|"You maniacs! You blew it up!"]]

Heading to the Statue of Liberty, Megatron orders the Stunticons to form [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and use the Lightning Bug to destroy the statue. However, the Autobots are already there, and the Aerialbots form [[Superion (G1)|Superion]]. The Autobot [[combiner]] is able to defeat [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] and destroy the Lightning Bug. Megatron, out of ideas, orders a retreat. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] is quite pleased: they not only saved themselves, but also Lady Liberty.

{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* Ancient rhyming Autobot (5)
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (7)
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (11)
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (12)
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (13)
* [[Slingshot]] (14)
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (15)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (16)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (17)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (18)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (19)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (20)
* [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (21)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (22)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (23)
* [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (24)
* [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (34)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (35)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (36)
* [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (37)
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (38)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (39)
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (40)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (41)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (42)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (43)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (44)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (45)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (46)
* [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (50)

|c2=
* [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (1)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (2)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (3)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (4)
* [[Motormaster]] (25)
* [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (26)
* [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (27)
* [[Wildrider]] (29)
* [[Drag Strip]] (30)
* [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (31)
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (32)
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (33)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (47)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (48)
* [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (49)

|c3=
* [[National Scientific Achievement]] meeting emcee (6)
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (8)
* [[Carly]] (9)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (10)
* Female television reporter (28)
}}

==Quotes==
"Starscream! Keep your grubby fingers off that. It could be a booby trap!" 
"What trap? This is a prehistoric communication device, you uneducated dolt!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''', doing what they do best.

"Where there's a curse on the door, there's treasure on the other side."
:—'''Starscream''', who has never seen an Indiana Jones movie.

"If that's a lightning bug, I'd sure hate to meet up with a dragonfly."
:—'''Astrotrain''' hates big bugs (nearly his size) and he cannot lie.

"Unfortunately, the operation is successful."
:—'''Starscream''' bemoans removing an infected meteor fragment from Megatron.

"It's some weird kind of heat ray—and it ''works''!"
:—'''Air Raid''' expresses not-unjustified amazement at the efficiency of the Decepticons' weapon-of-the-day.

"Somebody's gotta get us back to Cybertron, Prime. I never thought the end would come like this."
:—'''Bumblebee''', dying from Cosmic Rust and apparently wanting to destroy his home planet.

"The Cosmic Rust has infiltrated your logic circuits." 
"Maybe so, but I'll bet it hasn't affected my aim."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* In the shot that pans over the Autobots spraying down the Statue of Liberty, Gears is colored in Rumble's blue and purple.
* Apparently, Blitzwing is large enough in [[Alternate mode|flight mode]] to carry the Stunticons and Perceptor.
* When Megatron's left arm falls to pieces from the rust infection, his fusion cannon is attached to his upper arm instead of its usual place on his forearm.
* After arriving at Fox Creek Canyon to rescue Perceptor, Optimus transforms to robot mode, but he has ''no feet''!

===Continuity errors===
* Astrotrain, who got damaged a lot more by the infectious meteor than Megatron, is never shown to be infected. Starscream should likewise be infected, having pulled out the asteroid fragment from Megatron, but again this is never shown. Megatron's statement that "Decepticons—'''we''' are about to be cured!" implies that he's not the only victim, though the story focus in general implies that he is.
* When Perceptor was voluntarily released by Megatron, ''the entire army'' of the Autobots(or as good as) joined in for picking up their fellow scientist. So many bots are unnecessarily needed for such a simple mission. Wow. I'm impressed.
* Couldn't Prime have moved the explosives away from the infected and very contagious Perceptor, rather than vice versa? Though the Cosmic Rust seems capable of spreading through the air, Prime could at least ''try'' not to get infected.
* According to Teletraan I, the "Lost Legion" of Autobots had already colonized Antilla ''at [[MSTF|the dawn of time]]''. That's a pretty ambitious timetable!
* Apparently, the Decepticons' entire hope of victory relied on Menasor being able to destroy the Statue of Liberty with the Lightning Bug, and not Menasor's own tendency to smash everything he looks at.
* Perceptor didn't keep a ''single drop'' of corrostop? Not even a laboratory sample? Not even inside the tanks of the spray hoses used to coat the Statue of Liberty?
* Despite its seemingly great potential for all sorts of useful purposes (or mischief, as the Decepticons are well aware of its existence), the Matter Duplicator is never seen again.
* In this episode, [[Cosmos]] is able to determine for certain that there is no more [[Ingredient X]] in the universe. Yet throughout seasons 2 and 3, it is determined that the Transformers are unable to tell whether and where other rare and important chemicals exist, [[The Golden Lagoon|even when they are on earth]], and that they are constantly discovering [[Paradron|new planets]] which they had [[Quintessa|never]] [[Junk|seen]] [[Unicron|before]].

===Real-world references===
* Teletraan I calls the fallen Autobot civilization the "13th Legion—the Lost Legion". This could be a reference to the Lost Tribe of Israel, which was also the 13th Tribe.
* Writer Paul Davids mentioned that the idea of a plague spreading amongst the Transformers was inspired in part by the AIDS crisis of the 1980s.

===Trivia===
* This episode was originally going to be the Generation 1 cartoon's first attempt to introduce the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] into its continuity, ''before'' ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''! In the finished episode, Starscream merely laments that none of the Decepticons can read "[[Cybertronian_languages|Ancient Autobot]]". In the script, however, Megatron ''can'' read the language, and translates it, discovering that the Thirteenth Legion came to Antilla during "the first millennium after the creation of the Autobot Matrix". Starscream dates this to five hundred thousand years before they left for Earth (which is to say, 4.5 million years ago). This, of course, would conflict greatly with what we would go on to learn of the Matrix when it was properly introduced, and, indeed, is not even internally consistent with the rest of the script itself, which claims (pretty stupidly) that the legion has been on Antilla since the "dawn of time".
* Megatron coughs while infected with Cosmic Rust, despite [[Humanization|not having lungs]].
* One wonders if the reason that the Decepticons haven't yet won the war is that Megatron himself is an enormous pansy. One little chunk of asteroid embedded in his shoulder has him throwing a fit about how terribly wounded he is. Not to mention when his Lightning Bug gets ruined, he orders a retreat despite the Autobots currently being weakened by Cosmic Rust.
* For some reason, Megatron would rather trust Starscream to give him medical attention than, say, ''[[Hook_(G1)|anyone]] [[Bombshell_(G1)|else]] [[Soundwave_(G1)|on]] [[Constructicons_(G1)|base]]''.
* Blitzwing is used as a means to transport Decepticons in a way that Astrotrain is usually used. He even mass shifts to become large enough to fit lots of Decepticons the way that Astrotrain does. It does make sense to use Blitzwing since Astrotrain is injured and so this is not an animation mistake, Blitzwing was meant to be used this way.
* Fox Creek Canyon said to be "just three miles from [Autobot] headquarters". The real Fox Creek Canyon is in Idaho near the Wyoming border. This would seem to contradict the Autobot HQ being in Oregon or at Mt. St. Helens. Or maybe Megatron lied about the distance.
* A UK VHS video release (paired with the episode "[[Masquerade]]") mis-spelled the title as "Comic Rust". Comic indeed.

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/cosmic_rust.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]