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The Next Best Thing to Being There!

2015-01-29T14:16:33Z

Shockwavenumber1:

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (US)]] #10
|prev=DIS-Integrated Circuits!
|next=Brainstorm!
|title="The Next Best Thing to Being There!"
|seriesissue2=[[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|''The Transformers'' (UK)]] #35–36
|prev2=DIS-Integrated Circuits!
|next2=Brainstorm!
|image=MarvelUS-10.jpg
|caption=When there's no more room in hell, the Constructicons will walk the Earth.
|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]
|date=July 1985
|coverdate=November 1985
|writer=[[Bob Budiansky]]
|penciler=[[Ricardo Villamonte]]
|inker=[[Brad Joyce]]
|colorist=[[Nelson Yomtov|Nel Yomtov]]
|letterer=[[Janice Chiang]]
|editor=[[Mike Carlin]]
|continuity=[[Marvel Comics continuity]]
}}

'''The Autobots must stop the Decepticons from sending a message to Cybertron. But the Decepticons have a rather large surprise for them...'''

==Synopsis==
[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] succeeds in creating the first of his new generation of [[Decepticon]]s—the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. They immediately depart with [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] on their first mission, to build a [[transdimensional radiowave scrambler]] with which to contact their home planet of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].

[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] gives [[G.B. Blackrock]] a tour of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. Along the way, they encounter the homesick [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], who's been focused on repairing the interstellar comm system instead of his primary assignment. Blackrock offers the [[Autobot]]s a way to spy on the Decepticons within Blackrock's [[Blackrock Aerospace Assembly Plant Number One|aerospace plant]] using a bugged telephone system. They are interrupted, however, by an [[inter-Autobot radio]] message from [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]], who they learn of the attack by [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and six mysterious construction vehicles on the aerospace plant and send a team to intercept them.

Elsewhere, [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] returns home from his heart attack, and is surprised to find that [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster]] has actually cleared out the repair shop's entire backlog of automobiles. Buster wonders how to explain to his father his recent experience with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], and the subsequent powers he's gained.

Near the site of the Constructicon project, trucker [[Bomber Bill]] looks forward to a return home after a long assignment, but his [[Bessie|truck]] is stolen by the Constructicons as raw material for the scrambler. Determined to get home, Bomber Bill attempts to follow the thieves, and meets the Autobots on the way. Huffer offers a lift to the human.

The Autobots attack the Constructicons, who reveal their ability to combine into the super-robot, [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. The others distract the slow-witted giant, but Huffer hesitates to destroy the scrambler, which he sees as a rare chance to contact home. The delay is enough time for Soundwave to charge the scrambler and begin sending his signal to Cybertron; Bomber Bill destroys the scrambler, but most of Soundwave's message goes through. Their mission accomplished, the Decepticons retreat. Huffer thanks Bomber Bill for his help, but laments that while the trucker can go home now, he can't.

At the aerospace plant, Shockwave discovers that Optimus Prime may no longer possess the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]]. If this proves true, Shockwave no longer has any reason to allow Prime to live. The Autobots, listening in from the Ark, are helpless.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (12)
* [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (13)
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (14)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (15)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (16)
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (17)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (18)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] (19)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (26)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (27)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (29) ([[#Errors|see below]])

|c2=
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (2)
* [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (5)
* [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (6)
* [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (7)
* [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (8)
* [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (9)
* [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (10)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (20)
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] (21)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] (28)
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (30)

|c3=
*[[Gabe]] (3)
*[[Ferdy]] (4)
* [[G.B. Blackrock]] (11)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (22)
* [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]] (23)
* [[Bomber Bill]] (24)
* [[Ethel]] (25)
}}

==Quotes==
"'''Devastator, you miswired clod! Get over here and destroy this Autobot before he ruins everything!" 
"Destroy... Destroy Autobot... Destroy Autobot... which one... not these Autobots..."
:—What '''Soundwave''' and '''Devastator''' have here is a failure to communicate!

"Fellow Autobots... I ask you to forgive me for my poor judgement. I... I allowed my longing for beloved Cybertron to blind me. I don't know if I can ever make up for my mistake." 
"We all drive off the road sometimes when it comes to wantin' to go home, Huffer! Ain't nothin' else that can eat at your insides like '''that''' feelin'! ...We're all the '''same''', big buddy! We suffer from the same achin' and we '''all''' make mistakes!" 
"You're right, Bomber Bill -- except we're not '''quite''' the same. '''You''' can go home now... '''I''' can't."
:—'''Huffer''' and '''Bomber Bill'''

==Notes==
===Artwork and technical errors===
* The half-completed Jetfire doesn't really look like Jetfire, aside from being a jet and having his colors; the pointed nosecone may be from his earlier toy-based character model.
* Prime's head is drawn as a sort of round generic lump for most of the issue, until the last page.
* Page 13:
** Ironhide is colored like Ratchet, and Jazz is drawn and colored instead of Bluestreak.
** The narration calls for [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], though he never shows up. Additionally, his name is spelled as "Sides Swipe".
* Page 15, panel 2 - the Autobots are rendered as a group of generic vehicles.
* Page 16, panel 4 - Bluestreak is drawn and colored as Prowl; an unidentifiable 'bot next to him is colored like Sunstreaker.
* Page 17:
** Panel 1 - Bluestreak is once again drawn and colored as Prowl, and is missing his door-wings.
** Panel 2 - Bumblebee has headlights on his shoulders, making him look a bit like a miscolored Bluestreak.
* Page 18: Ironhide is colored like Devastator.
* Page 19, panel 2: Bumblebee is actually a yellow-and-blue Windcharger; Bluestreak is drawn as a generic.
* Page 20: Soundwave's head has been strangely stylized throughout the issue, but when he threatens Bomber Bill it's especially bizarre.
* Page 21:
** Panel 5: One more Prowl-as-Bluestreak.
** Panel 6: There's two Bluestreaks, and Mirage, who shouldn't be there.

===Continuity errors===
* On page 4, the text says Scavenger transforms into a "truck crane"; he's actually a power shovel.
* Scavenger is also, strangely enough, shown as the leader of the Constructicons. Most often Scrapper is the leader, with Scavenger at the very bottom of the totem pole. Nonetheless, it seems to be Scrapper who's actually giving the order to transform, amid a jumble of transforming overlapping Constructicon parts.
* When Shockwave created the Constructicons, he made their [[brain module]]s first and only created their bodies this issue. Why does he create Jetfire's body first, before knowing that he'll be able to put life into it?
* Shockwave then breaks his own word, attempting to infuse life into Jetfire while he's still a half-finished shell; earlier he said he was going to infuse him with life after he was "whole".
* The narration notes that Cybertron is "hundreds of light years away". Back in issue #1 it was circling Alpha Centauri, only four light years away.

===Continuity notes===
* The Autobots resume repairing the Ark, a process that will finally be completed in [[Child's Play (issue)|issue #35]].
* Jazz is presumably being repaired after his battle with Starscream, Frenzy and Circuit Breaker, shown last issue.
* Sunstreaker is noted as being badly damaged, building on the scene in [[The New Order|issue #5]], when Shockwave blasted him point-blank as an example to the detained [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]], and explaining his absence last issue.
* [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] is introduced here, although only as an unfinished, lifeless shell.
* This is the last issue in which Prime's severed head is drawn with its antennae detached, with tubes and wires connecting them to the head. In the next two issues, it is drawn with the standard "wires holding the head" shown in issues [[The New Order|#5]] and [[The Worse of Two Evils!|#6]].

===Real-life references===
* After the usual rounds in [[Portland]] and rural [[Oregon]], the rest of the issue is set in southeastern [[Idaho]].

===UK printing===
'''Issue #35:'''
*'''Backup strips:''' ''Machine Man - "Rime of the Ancient Wrecker!" Part 1'', ''[[Robo-Capers]]'' and ''Matt and the Cat''
* Page orders were changed for the UK printing to provide a more effective "cliffhanger" ending for issue #35. US page 11 was printed before pages 9 and 10. A caption was also removed from the last panel of page 10. The upshot of this change was that Bomber Bill was introduced 2 pages earlier in the UK version of this issue than in the US.
'''Issue #36:'''
*'''Backup strips:''' ''Machine Man - "Rime of the Ancient Wrecker!" Part 2'', ''Robo-Capers'' and ''Matt and the Cat''
* Issue #36 of the UK comic included "[[Robot War|Robot War II]]", the second in an irregular series of text features summarising events seen in the comic so far.

===Other trivia===

===Transformers references===

===Covers (3)===
<gallery>
File:MarvelUS-10.jpg|'''US issue #10''' - Devastator was momentarily distracted by the tiny dancing Bluestreak on his fist
File:MarvelUK-035.jpg|'''UK issue #35''' - Muahahahaha!!!
File:MarvelUK-036.jpg|'''UK issue #36''' - Ramp up the lime green, folks!
</gallery>
* '''US cover:''' Devastator smacking down the Autobots, by [[Kyle Baker]].
* '''UK issue #35 cover:''' Shockwave creates a Constructicon brain, by [[John Ridgway]].
* '''UK issue #36 cover:''' reuse of art from US cover.

===Advertisements===
*Young Astronaut Program
*Oreo "The A-Maze-ing Oreo! Chocolate Sandwich Cookie"
*Bonkers! candy Robot-Watch mailaway ("two kinds of space-age fun")
*Reese's Pieces "Fribgridgit"
*Diversified Products' Orbatron barbells and weight benches
*Mile High Comics (2 pages)
*Pineapple Kids Club glow-in-the-dark posters
*Olympic Sales Club
*Peter Porker, the Spectacular Spider-Ham
*Marvel subscriptions order form
*Bullpen Bulletins & Checklist
*Honeycomb cereal Big Time Baseball contest

===Reprints===
*1987 — [[The Transformers Comics Magazine issue 5|''The Transformers Comics Magazine'' #5]]
*2003 — ''[[Transformers: New Order]]''
*2008 — ''[[Classic Transformers Volume 1]]''
*2011 — ''[[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 1]]''

{{DEFAULTSORT:Next Best Thing to Being There!}}
[[Category:Marvel US issues]]
[[Category:Marvel UK issues]]

Skids (G1)

2014-11-22T23:08:28Z

Shockwavenumber1:

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Skids}}
:''Skids is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:Skidsg1.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Everyone forgets me, even me.]]
'''Skids''' is a theoretician. This is appropriate, as some would say his existence is merely theoretical; everyone forgets who he is or that he was there. But if they got to know him, they'd learn that he likes to daydream, get built into furniture, and pick up cowboy chicks.

Skids is a fast learner, voraciously absorbing and compartmentalizing new information he receives. This allows him to adapt to new environments and unexpected situations very quickly. His calm, observant nature and tendency to fade into the background sometimes causes some to question his ability to fight, but make no mistake; Skids can handle himself in battle.

He'd just rather...listen to some music, y'know?

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Michael Chain]] (English, "[[Quest for Survival]]"), [[Dan Gilvezan]] (English, "[[Triple Takeover]]"), [[Keiichi Nanba]] (Japanese, "Quest for Survival"), [[Ken Shiroyama]] (Japanese, "Triple Takeover")|[[Roberto Alexander]] (Latin American)}}

[[File:Skidsanimated.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Hoist, Prime, and Skids ogle Bumblebee's animation model.]]
Like many of the Autobots who first appeared in 1985, the exact circumstances behind Skids joining the original group of Earth-based Autobots remain unknown. Skids first appeared as part of a strike force that was sent to stop the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] from ravaging a human farm, only to meet with failure. Apparently injured in the battle, Skids underwent some repairs by [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] upon return to Autobot Headquarters, where he responded incredulously to [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]]'s report that he had retrieved [[robotic insecticide]] from the planet [[Floron III]] to deal with the Insecticon threat. {{storylink|Quest for Survival}}

[[File:TripleTakeover Skids.jpg|thumb|Racing into obscurity.]]
Later, Skids was part of a team sent to investigate bombs that were raining down on a city from a football stadium (the work of the [[Triple Changer]] [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]). Blitzwing, however, had the stadium surrounded by a massive "Zone Defense" maze built by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], and while attempting to traverse it, Skids crashed into [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and was driven over by tank-mode Blitzwing. Skids and the other Autobots' remains were then gathered by [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]], who built a throne for himself out of them. These Autobots were soon rescued and quickly rebuilt, and participated in the crises that ensued as Blitzwing, [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] vied for Decepticon leadership. Following that skirmish, Prowl opined that [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] was the greatest leader in the universe, which prompted himself, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] to form themselves into a throne for Prime; Prime refused to sit, saying that thrones were for Decepticons—he'd rather roll. {{storylink|Triple Takeover}}

{{--}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====''Story of Binaltech''=====
[[File:Binaltech skids cardart.jpg|left|upright=1.2|thumb|After using up all of his vacation and sick days, Skids returned to work to find that the Transformers cartoon had been cancelled.]]
Skids was the first of the Binaltech Autobots created simply with the intent of upgrading an existing, healthy Transformer, rather than in the name of repairing one that had been injured. Outfitted with self-repairing nanomechanical antibodies, Skids's body can, barring heavy damage in battle, theoretically function for thousands of years without maintenance. In both his original and new body, Skids dedicated time to studying the chronal warp on [[Dinobot Island (G1)|Dinobot Island]], which gave rise to the Autobot strategy known as "[[Operation: Distant Thunder]]", a last-ditch scheme should the Decepticons tamper with the fabric of space-time. That horror occurred in [[2004]] when Ravage used the [[Kronosphere]] to alter the timeline, and Skids prepared to initiate the plan and send [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]'s memory data back in time to avert the catastrophe. {{storylink|Darkest Hour (prose)|Darkest Hour}}

The data probe was launched, but as the timeline was righting itself a [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]] arrived, and manipulated the temporal wave to preserve the Binaltech timeline separate from the original continuity. Possessed by the Spark of the [[Optimus Primal/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Protector]], hailing from some future point in time, Nemesis Prime informed Skids and the others that their timeline was destined to produce great warriors capable of safeguarding the entire multiverse, and therefore must continue on its new course. {{storylink|Binal Time}}
{{-}}

=====''Henkei! Henkei!''=====
[[File:Skids and screech.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb]]
When Skids successfully proved the existence of particles able to cross over between dimensions, he put his discovery to work for the forces of good, coating his armor in these "Dimension Slide" particles and endowing himself with the power to move between realities, as well as a snazzy new green paintjob. In this quest to examine anomalies within the multiverse, Skids found he could summon other versions of himself from different dimensions to aid him, but for unknown reasons, one of these alternate versions wound up trapped in Skids's home dimension, unable to return to his own world. Named "[[Screech (Generations)|Screech]]" (presumably to save all the Autobots a headache), this alternate Skids teamed up with his counterpart, and together, the pair worked as "Quantum Operatives" policing the multiverse while searching for a way to get Screech home. {{storylink|#Toys|Skids's toy bio}} {{storylink|Screech (Generations)|Screech's toy bio}}

Hot on the trail of one such multiversal anomaly, Skids and Screech pursued [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]]'s ghost across the multiverse to a [[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (franchise)|parallel dimension]] where he was causing trouble. While the two dimension-hoppers kept the ghost busy with wordplay and pop culture references, the [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] of that world used his illusion casting powers to scare Starscream into fleeing the dimension by projecting an illusion of his greatest fear: [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]! {{storylink|Starscream's New Body}}
{{-}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Marvel22-heavy-traffic-skids-tracker.jpg|thumb|left|125px|Skids exists! Really!]]
In the event that the [[Ark (G1)|Ark's]] mission would require more manpower, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] had several Autobots encode copies of their personalities as light patterns within [[crystalline containment vessel]]s, including Skids. When a large number of Prime's troops were then injured during the opening volleys of the war on [[Earth]], Prime arranged for the construction of new bodies, which the personalities were then programmed into, bringing Skids and the others to life "for a second time".

[[File:Skidsnatives.jpg|100px|right|thumb|We bet you can't.]]
Now in a new body that transformed into a blue van equipped with a bandana-wearing driver, Skids went with Bumblebee and the other new Autobots to learn about their new home. Along the way he learned about an upcoming [[Brick Springhorn]] concert, and immediately took a liking to the music of Earth and the possibilities of what could be learned from interacting with mankind. When the concert turned out to be the target of a Decepticon attack, Skids and the others were forced into action, engaging Shockwave and three Decepticon jets in battle. They quickly retreated after routing their foes, so that the show could go on. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}

When [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] ran out of fuel in the middle of the [[Powder River Basin]] in [[Wyoming]], Optimus Prime took Skids and a few other Autobots to prevent harm to the humans who had discovered him. Unfortunately, these humans (and their [[United States military|military]]) forced the Autobots into a retreat. {{storylink|I, Robot-Master!}}

Skids voiced some concerns about Optimus's plans to raid the heavily fortified [[Wyoming base|Decepticon base]] for information on the combining process, but Prime vetoed them. En route, distracted by a human radio station, Skids nearly forgot to activate his facsimile driver; a moment later he accidentally clipped the car of hot-tempered [[Jake Dalrymple]], who pursued the Autobots on their mission. Despite the wall of weaponry facing them, Skids made it through the battle unscathed; but as the Autobots retreated with the information, they encountered Jake Dalrymple again, who distracted Skids just enough for [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to blast him off a cliff. Although Optimus Prime mourned the loss of Skids, neither the Autobot leader nor any other Autobot thought to recover the believed deactivated body of Skids later after their mission had been completed. {{storylink|Command Performances!}}

[[File:Marvelus-21-showdown-skids-beyourcar.jpg|thumb|left|200px|IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.]]
Lying crippled and unable to transform, Skids was shortly discovered by register girl [[Charlene (cowgirl)|Charlene]], who, thinking he was an ordinary van, had him fixed up with the intent of keeping him for herself. Skids was open to the idea at first, preferring a peaceful life to that of a warrior, but after another bout of road rage with Dalrymple, the unearthly stunts he performed left him no option but to reveal his true nature of Charlene.

[[File:Charleneskids.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|right|''Baby you can be my car And maybe I'll wash you'']]
A somewhat unusual [[Transformer romance|relationship]] ensued between the two, but more trouble soon came Skids's way in the form of [[Donny Finkleberg]], who was being hunted down by Ravage. Fleeing from the Decepticon with Charlene and Donny, Skids hid out at an abandoned mining town, but yet again, the raging Dalrymple tracked him down and shattered his windshield, knocking him unconscious and into a dream where he died through his refusal to attack Megatron and save Charlene. Reawakening, he engaged Ravage in battle again, finally finding the strength to act, and causing his foe to tumble down a mineshaft. Skids then parted ways with Charlene, having come to the realisation that their two roles in life were too different for their relationship to work out. {{storylink|Showdown!}}

[[File:Marvel22-heavy-traffic-skids-reason.jpg|thumb|left|200px| ]]
Skids returned to the Ark with Finkleberg, with Optimus pleased to find him alive. Jetfire was sent to verify Finkleberg's claim about a [[Cybertron Seven|group of missing Autobots]], uncovering a trail of spilled Transformer fuel. {{storylink|Aerialbots over America!}} Skids was outfitted with a chemical tracker to follow the fuel trail; taking Finkelberg with him, he began tracing the fuel back to its source. En route, he broke cover to save a trapped driver from some downed power lines, a move that caught the Decepticons' attention. The newly created Stunticons were dispatched to "ambush" Skids - by acting as though they were his allies. The humans' [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team]] and the Aerialbots soon arrived and engaged in a three-way battle. When it was over, the Aerialbots were defeated, the Autobots' reputation was smeared, and the Stunticons were triumphant; Skids could do little but clear out to continue his mission with Finkleberg. Unfortunately, money still governed Finkleberg's actions, and that evening he sold out Skids to RAAT's leader [[Walter Barnett (G1)|Walter Barnett]] while Skids was deactivated for the night. {{storylink|Heavy Traffic!}}

[[File:DecepticonGraffiti-CBDonnySkids.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Shoulda stuck with the nice cowboy lady.]]
Skids was disassembled for study, but when the Decepticons [[Runabout (G1)|Runabout]] and [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] appeared on Earth and began defacing landmarks, RAAT operative [[Circuit Breaker (G1)|Circuit Breaker]] was forced to enter into a deal with the Autobots to stop them. Skids and the other Autobots' components were combined to form a [[Circuit Breaker's Autobot suit|jury-rigged robot]] that Circuit Breaker used to stop the [[Battlecharger]]s, but in return for their co-operation, Skids and the Autobots were allowed to go free. {{storylink|Decepticon Graffiti!}}

''On the return trip to the Ark, however, Skids was abruptly torn from reality when the future Decepticon [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] [[time travel|traveled back in time]] from [[2006]], shunting Skids into [[Limbo]] to maintain temporal balance.'' {{storylink|Fallen Angel}}
{{-}}
{{note|While Skids was lost to Limbo in the UK comics, no such fate befell him in the American stories. Luckily enough for continuity's sake, he never did anything important in the US comics again, only showing up in crowd scenes: He attended Optimus Prime's funeral {{storylink|Funeral for a Friend!}}, witnessed the arrival of the Spacehikers {{storylink|Spacehikers!}} and watched [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] fight for Autobot leadership on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]]. He was presumably either offlined during the subsequent Decepticon ambush, {{storylink|Totaled!}} or during [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream's]] [[Underbase]] powered rampage. {{storylink|Dark Star}} To maintain consistency, the UK printings of these stories either redrew Skids into a different, [[generic]] robot, or erased him from the art entirely.}}

[[File:Skidslimbo.jpg|100px|thumb|left|Oh, hey, remember Skids?]]
[[File:Skidssurvivors.jpg|right|200px|thumb|And then he stole [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]]'s head.]]
''Skids remained in Limbo for two years while Galvatron ran amok on Earth, his mind steadily succumbing to the dream-illusions created by the [[Limbo parasite|parasites]] native to the realm. {{storylink|Time Wars}} With Galvatron's eventual destruction during the [[Time Wars]], Skids was finally returned to Earth, but he had spent too long in Limbo—the Limbo parasites had succeeded in shaping a reality from his dreams, and the nightmarish monsters that he had imagined materialised on Earth with him. Fleeing from the beasts, who desired to merge with Skids so that they might become more powerful, Skids lured them into a [[Hudden Nuclear Power Plant|nuclear power plant]] which he had planned to detonate, wiping out the monsters and himself, but the remnants of the Autobot [[Wrecker]]s—joined by [[Catilla (G1)|Catilla]] and [[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]] of the Decepticon [[Mayhem Attack Squad]]—arrived to aid him, defeating the monsters. Skids joined with this group of Transformers, forming the [[Survivors]].'' {{storylink|Survivors!}}

[[File:Grimlockwasthatwise.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Hey, who here remembers when I was damaged and shoved into the medbay? No? Well, that makes all of us.]]
Grimlock traveled to [[Hydrus Four]] to use [[Nucleon]] to revive the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. Returning to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], he also pumped Nucleon into the med bays, reviving Skids and several others, and headed towards [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Grimlock used the Ark as a blunt instrument across [[Unicron]]'s head, forcing Skids and the others to evacuate and join the battle against the Chaos Bringer. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}}
{{-}}

=====Earthforce=====
{{earthforcefiction}}
When Carnivac ran off on his own to avenge Catilla's death, Skids and the other Survivors insisted Springer contact Grimlock and the Earthforce for back-up. Hooked up with these Autobot reinforcements, they stormed the Mayhem Attack Squad's tropical island base to save their friend. Skids personally confronted [[Octopunch (G1)|Octopunch]] in single combat, holding his own against the murderous [[Pretender]]. {{storylink|Where Wolf?}}

On a later mission for Earthforce, Skids and the Survivors protected an [[oil tanker]] from [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]], while the rest of the Decepticons were trying to distract the Autobots with an all-out assault on their base. Undeterred by the sleight-of-hand, the Survivors caught up with Starscream in the [[Gulf of Mexico]]. Skids used a flying leap by Carnivac as a distraction to catch Starscream with his liquid nitrogen cannon, and then [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] knocked the Decepticon commander into the drink. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer!}}

====''Regeneration One''====
{{noterg1}}
In [[2012]], when Optimus Prime discovered Megatron was still active on Earth, he took a detachment of Autobots, including Skids, to put an end to the tyrant's menace once and for all. Battling Megatron's reanimated Decepticon [[zombie]]s as the two leaders clashed, Skids called dibs on taking out [[Overbite (G1)|Overbite]]. {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 5}}

After the battle, Skids and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] attended to [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] as he recovered from a [[Scraplet]] infection. He then departed Earth with the other Autobots. {{storylink|Natural Selection, Part One}}

===''Find Your Fate Junior''===
{{Note|As the following stories are [[multipath adventure]]s, details will vary depending on the path taken. See individual pages for information on alternate paths.}}
====Dinobots Strike Back====
{{note|In the first book in this series, Skids transforms into a red compact, matching the description of his toy's Honda City Turbo [[alt-mode]] in one of its [[Diaclone]] color schemes. He is apparently even smaller than Bumblebee}}
[[File:DinobotsStrikeBackBumbleandSkidsinSub.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Seen here pouting because he gets no screen time.]]
Although Skids had reported the strange electromagnetic readings he'd been getting from [[Dolphin's Bay]] even before [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] sent [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] to [[Bandit's Bluff]] to remove the [[cerebro-shell]]s from the rampaging [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], it took [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock's]] report that evening to prompt Optimus to have Skids investigate it for possible Decepticon activity. Prime chose [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] to accompany him in [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack's]] [[Star mini-submarine|new mini-submarine]], but wasn't sure whether to assign [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] to the mission as well, since Skids clearly didn't want him along.

If Prime left Sludge out, Skids celebrated by absentmindedly crashing into [[Mount Lomas]], crumpling his hood and causing Bumblebee to notice a suspicious trail in the woods. If the pair followed it instead of continuing to the bay, they walked into a trap set by [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] and [[Gravedigger]], who disassembled Bumblebee and Skids to serve as the first components of the [[Autobot Memorial Power Plant]].

If they continued to Dolphin's Bay and the sub, Skids traced electromagnetic waves back to some [[black coral]], then hacked into a Decepticon computer and learned of a plot to convert the coral into superfuel. Bumblebee then exited the hatch to break a piece off, triggering an explosion which trapped him in a canyon beneath broken columns of crimson coral. Without underwater gear, Skids had only two options: If he went back to the channel for help, Seaspray used his laser to free Bumblebee, then tried to sail back to the Ark, only to have Starscream blow all three of them up with a cluster bomb. If Skids tried translating some nearby dolphins' language, he succeeded in five minutes, talking the three largest dolphins into moving the broken coral. Skids and Bumblebee brought the black coral and his report back to Optimus Prime, ensuring an Autobot victory.

If Prime ''did'' include Sludge, Skids and Bumblebee made it to the bay first, then used the sub to track the readings to an underwater cave. Bumblebee entered it, radioed Skids about Operation Black Coral, then failed to reemerge. If Skids chose to return to the Ark for help, two possible endings saw an Autobot assault save Bumblebee and destroy the Decepticons' base. If Skids tried to radio Bumblebee, the sub was promptly hit by a sonic attack from Frenzy, making it go haywire and tear through the bay. Whether Skids tried to stop it by activating the backup systems or shorting the controls out with his electron blaster, he was saved by Sludge, ensuring an Autobot victory in two more endings. {{storylink|Dinobots Strike Back}}

===3H comics===
[[File:Skidswreckers2.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|In the context of science, "theory" does not mean "guess" or "hunch", Rodimus. You should probably pay attention.]]
Skids was among the senior scientists (including [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]], and [[Rad]]) who questioned [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]]'s plan to send out the best of the remaining Autobot science and research members to establish deep-space reconnaissance posts. {{storylink|Betrayal}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
8.2 million years ago, Skids was in the [[Chamber of the Ancients]], observing the ceremony in which [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optronix]] was given the [[Matrix of Leadership]] and transformed into [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. Immediately, three Decepticon assassins attacked, and though Skids acted to protect the new Prime, his arm was cut off by [[Umbra]]. {{storylink|The War Within issue 1|The War Within #1}}

Skids was repaired and he returned to his post at the [[Decagon]]. While Prime was absent, Skids picked up radar of incoming Decepticon invaders and a transmission from the force's field commander, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. {{storylink|The War Within issue 2|The War Within #2}} Skids manned auto-defenses from inside the Decagon until they and their [[Omega Sentinel (G1)|Omega Sentinel]] units were destroyed. Picking up their personal weaponry, Skids and the other Autobots were all that was left to defend [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], but defend it they did and Shockwave's forces were driven back. {{storylink|The War Within issue 3|The War Within #3}}

During the Dark Ages, Skids served with [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]'s faction of Autobots. {{storylink|Devastation}} The team got involved in a skirmish with [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and the giant Decepticon jumped onto a building in which Skids was trying to hide, crushing him. He survived though. {{storylink|Revelation (The Dark Ages)|Revelation}}

Skids was not among the Autobots who traveled to Earth aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], remaining behind on Cybertron as the planet slipped into the deactivated state known as the [[Great Shutdown]]. When Shockwave began reactivating the planet and successfully unified the Autobot and Decepticon factions, Skids was a member of the council of Autobots who served to represent their faction in the alliance. Few of the council members were actually suited for leadership, however, and slowly found themselves giving more and more control to Shockwave. Eventually, the example shown by the Ark's returning crew and several homegrown Autobot insurgency cells tore the blinders from the council's optics, and Skids gathered his fellow councilmen in taking to the streets and ousting the Decepticons from power. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' continuity===
During an Autobot peace ceremony on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Skids reported to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] that [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] had yet to find the Autobots and [[G.I. Joe (team)|Joes]] that had gone missing while chasing [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]] Their conversation was then interrupted due to a Decepticon attack. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 3|The Art of War #3}}

Skids was later stationed on the ''[[Arc II]]'' on Earth, where he helped his comrades in the field by warning them about incoming G.I. Joe [[S.H.A.R.C.]]s. When the ship came under attack by the [[Pretender Monster]]s, Skids was knocked out by [[Icepick (G1)|Icepick]] while alerting the others on board. {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 1 of 2}} He was sent to [[Pit (G.I. Joe)|the Pit]] for repairs and was expected to quickly recover from his injuries. {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 2 of 2}}

===''TransTech''===
In an Offworld Zone of [[Axiom Nexus]], a Skids was yet another victim of [[Bulletbike (TransTech)|Bulletbike]], murdered for a cred-key. {{storylink|I, Lowtech}}

===IDW Generation 1 continuity===
[[File:Skidsbacksoff.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|-gulp-]]
Before the [[Great War (G1)|war]], Skids trained as a theoretician at the [[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Senator Shockwave]]'s [[Jhiaxian Academy of Advanced Technology|Academy of Advanced Technology]], {{storylink| Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}} secretly recruited to the school because of his status as an "[[outlier]]" with special powers—in Skids's case, a "super-learning" ability that allowed him to master many skills. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}} He was present at the academy on the day that [[Roller (IDW)|Roller]] and [[Ratchet (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ratchet]] arrived to take Shockwave into protective custody, and his attempt to stop them was quickly quashed when the towering Roller intimidated him into silence. {{storylink| Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}} It was not long, however, before Skids's teacher returned and recruited him and classmates "[[Glitch (IDW)|Glitch]]" and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] for a plan formulated by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]] to steal a bomb disguised as the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] from [[Nominus Prime]]'s body as it lay in the [[Primal Basilica]]. Skids was somewhat disappointed that his sole contribution to the plan was not one of his many skills, but merely the fact he had a grappling hook in his arm that they could use to lower Pax into the Basilica, but despite a minor snag when the technology-disrupting Glitch accidentally jammed his hook's winch, the mission was a success. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}}

[[File:Getaway Skids ArmTheLonely.jpg|thumb|He's been trained to kick your ass. Theoretically, of course.]]

After graduating to full-fledged theoretician status, Skids went on to join the [[Diplomatic Corps]], to work to persuade other races to support the Autobot cause. {{storylink|Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|Who's Afraid of the DJD?}} At some point, he disappeared under currently unknown circumstances and was believed dead, {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}} though the first clue that he yet lived came in the form of a mysterious message from the future that was sent—albeit too late to be heeded—to the Autobots departing to find the lost [[Knights of Cybertron]], which warned: "Don't let them take Skids". {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} Skids had, in fact, become part of [[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]]'s covert [[Special Operations]]. Partnered with [[Getaway]], he was sent to attempt an "assassination" on [[Tyrest (G1)|Tyrest]], using a [[nudge gun]] to implant the impulse to resign in the Chief Justice's mind. The plan failed, and Skids was only able to escape using a shuttle made from [[mode lock]]ed [[Legislator]]s. Using the nudge gun's other charge, Skids erased his own memory after setting the shuttle to home in on the nearest of his handlers, the [[Duobot]]s. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}}

[[File:LiarsAtoD2-Skids.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|How do you like me now?]]

It was in this amnesiac state that he arrived on the planet where the ''[[Lost Light]]'' had crashed. Abruptly, the mode lock deactivated and the ship began transforming, so Skids made an impulsive decision: he reactivated the lock, sent the ship crashing into the surface, and bailed out. Making it to the ground safely, Skids found himself under attack from the Legislators that had made up his ship — though one of them had been killed in the crash, the other two were coming after him with giant swords and fire breath. Skids came upon the deceased bodies of two Autobots who had failed to survive the ''Lost Light'' crash—[[Hyperion (G1)|Hyperion]] and [[Polaris]]—and used their weapons and abilities to eliminate another of the pursuing robots. Running from the lone survivor, Skids came upon a small party of Autobots from the ''Lost Light'', who deactivated the inhibitor claw for him, allowing him to access his weapons and destroy last Legislator. Skids was invited to join the crew of the ''Lost Light'', though he was less than enthusiastic about [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]'s proposition that the pair of them should team up. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

[[File:LiarsAtoD3-RungSkids.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|MEANWHILE IN A 20 MILE RADIUS OF THIS EVENT]]
When a [[Sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeater]] got loose aboard the ''Lost Light'', requiring the crew to be sealed in their quarters, Skids, having decided to exploit his missing memories to entirely reinvent himself and deciding he disliked confinement, left through the ventilation system. Drawn by [[Rung (G1)|Rung]]'s cries, he saved the psychiatrist from a close call with the Sparkeater, and at [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]]'s request, led the creature through the vents to the engine room where Rodimus disposed of it. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}} As a celebration of the death of the Sparkeater, Swerve opened a [[Swerve's|bar]] where Skids got drunk together with [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]]. He failed to notice that Chromedome stole his gun while he was messing around with his grappling hook and a server-robot. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}} {{storylink|Rules of Disengagement}} After attending a ceremony to commend Chromedome, [[Brainstorm]] and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] on recent heroics, {{storylink|The Reluctant Specialist}} Skids was next spotted still hanging out at the bar with some other Autobots as [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] put Chromedome's ability to identify an Autobot based on their transformation sound to the test. {{storylink|Interiors}} He later tried to comfort Swerve following his accidental shooting of Rung. {{storylink|Rules of Disengagement}}

When a swarm of [[Nanocon]]s that had lain dormant inside [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s body were mysteriously reactivated, Skids and a few others were shrunk by Brainstorm's mass-displacement gun and sent inside Magnus to eliminate them. Once that was dealt with, Skids attended [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]]'s Autobot Initiation Ceremony, during which he relayed Swerve's report from the engine room that dead crewmember [[Ore]] had come back to life. The chaos only continued when Skids and a team of Autobots were abruptly teleported by [[Galactic Council]] to the planet [[Theophany]], there to investigate the razing of [[Crystal City]]. Beneath the city, they found a slumbering [[Metrotitan (body-type)|Metrotitan]], leading to discussions on the Transformers' creation myths and the meaning of life; Skids and Chromedome shared a belief that life was shaped not by destiny or gods, but by interactions with others. Skids theorized that both the Nanocons and Ore had come back to life thanks to the psychic emanations of the Metrotitan, then helped [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] fend off the Galactic Council's forces until the Autobots could free the Metrotitan, which teleported them all back to the ''Lost Light'' and quantum-jumped the ship to safety. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|You, Me, and Other Revelations}}

[[File:CybertronianHomesickBlues-SkidsRung.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.85|"Legs: Yes. Bow-tie: Cool...I can buy a fez."]]

Inspired by their talk, Skids requested that Chromedome use his [[mnemosurgery]] to unlock his lost memories; Chromedome discovered that only Skids's last year of memories had been erased, while the others had been repressed by a trauma so horrific he did not dare restore them. Chromedome was, however, able to identify the music in his head as the "[[The Empyrean Suite]]", and hoped he would never learn its significance. {{storylink|Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|Who's Afraid of the DJD?}}

Skids was among the group of Autobots gathered by [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] in Swerve's bar to help tell a story to aid in Rung's mental recovery. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}} When his old altercation with Roller came up, Whirl called him a wuss, and he countered that his skills as a theoretician wouldn't have been useful in a fight. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}} At the culmination of the story Rung still showed no signs of recovery...until Skids deliberately mispronounced his name a couple of times, prompting the psychiatrist to speak and correct him. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}} The storytelling session was brought to an end by the sounding of alarm to ready the crew for a battle with Decepticons on the planet [[Temptoria]]; during the fight, Skids, Chromedome and [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] battled [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]]. {{storylink|Before & After}} Later, to unwind, Skids joined the crew of the ''Lost Light'' on some "shore leave" on the planet [[Hedonia]], where he tried out his new personality-generated [[holomatter]] avatar, only to find his amnesia kept it from creating a fake identity for him. As the group played the "Nemesis Game", Skids identified [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] as his worst enemy, and then wound up getting into a drunken brawl with [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]]. {{storylink|Cybertronian Homesick Blues}} Skids bought Rodimus a [[Galactic Council]] captain's hat as a souvenir of the trip. {{storylink|Signal to Noise}}

[[File:TheFecundMoon-Skids.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Skids kind of lost it a bit after Charlene left.]]

When the mass-murdering Decepticon [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] ran wild on the ship, Skids joined in the futile effort to hold back his rampage. {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}} Overlord was ejected from the ship thanks to the sacrifice of Rewind, and Skids tried to console Chromedome over the loss of his lover, only to find that the mnemosurgeon was eerily calm about the whole thing. {{storylink|The Gloaming}} When the ''Lost Light'' encountered the long lost satellite [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], Skids got Chromedome to accompany the band of Autobots heading to the surface to see if the satellite had a way to return Skids's memories. He went to the ship's oil reservoir for some alone time, where he was attacked by a number of [[Legislator]]s. {{storylink|Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|The Fecund Moon}} While he managed to hold them off long enough for Swerve to arrive to help, a [[Star Saber (Victory)|mysterious and enigmatic robot]] appeared behind him, and impaled him with a large sword. {{storylink|Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|House of Ambus}}

Fortunately for Skids, he survived this, and was later teleported by Star Saber into a cell which contained Rodimus' crew. Perceptor examined his wound, while Swerve explained what happened to them. After Skids said that he would apologize for whatever he had done to Tyrest, Star Saber returned to the cell, carrying his [[Getaway|"Partner in crime"]] with him. Chromedome then explained that when he read Skids' mind, he had done it wrong, and misinterpreted the remnant memory as an "Imperative to escape". In actuality though, it was a name, Getaway. {{storylink|Remain in Light 3 of 5: The Divided Self|The Divided Self}} Getaway was able to fill Skids in on his lost memories of their ill-fated mission to change Tyrest's mind, and explained Tyrest's mad plan to reach [[Cyberutopia]]. With the newcomer's help, Skids and the others were freed from the cell and confronted Tyrest, only to be incapacitated by the lawmaker's suggestion weapon. {{storylink|Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|Arm the Lonely}}

Thanks to Tailgate, the suggestion weapon was disabled, and Skids cuffed [[Pharma (G1)|Pharma]], only for the medic to promptly escape when his back was turned. The Autobots caught up with him at Tyrest's gate to Cyberutopia, but only Skids, finally at peace with himself, was able to step through the guilt-detecting force field. He found himself standing on a strange landscape being talked to by a multi-colored [[spark]]. On hearing cries for help from Rung, he dashed back through the portal to help fight the Legislators until Tailgate was able to shut them down with some amendments to the law. {{storylink|Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|This Calamitous Life}}

Before the ''Lost Light'' left Luna 1, Skids played a film compiled by Rewind to detail the ship's voyage. Unfortunately the film failed to impress the members of the [[Circle of Light]] who rejected any notion of joining the crew. {{storylink|Little Victories}}

==Games==
===3D Battle-Card Game===
Skids was one of [[Optimus Primal]]'s many Autobot allies in a fight against [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s Decepticon forces, in what might possibly have been an inter-universe battle. {{storylink|3D Battle-Card Game#Energon Wars expansion|Energon Wars Expansion Set}}
{{-}}
===''Transformers Legends''===
During the war on Cybertron, Skids was among a group of Autobots led by [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], who went to [[Tyrest (polity)|Tyrest]] in an attempt to reason with [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. They were ambushed by the Decepticons, and Sentinel Prime was killed. {{storylink|The War Within}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
{{anchor|G1v1}}
[[File:G1 Skids toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Introducing the new Nikahimi Deathtrap. With its poly-cotton body shell, it's the fastest car in the world... to open with the jaws of life. The Nikahimi Deathtrap—the last car you'll ever drive.]]
*'''Skids''' (Autobot Car, 1984/1985)
**''Accessories'': "Liquid nitrogen rifle", "twin electron blaster", "rocket pod" launcher, 3 rockets
:Skids began life as part of [[TakaraTomy]]'s ''[[Diaclone]]'' toyline, where he was known simply by the name of his alternate mode, the [[wikipedia:Honda City Turbo|Honda City Turbo]], and was available in blue, red or black color schemes (see [[#Notes|Notes]], below). The blue version of the figure was used by [[Hasbro]] as part of the ''Transformers'' toyline, sans a small scooter accessory that the ''Diaclone'' figure had come with which stored inside his trunk. Despite sharing this common point of origin with many of his fellow Autobot cars, he features a few unusual touches: his rear wheels fold into his feet for added robot-mode stability, and his weapons attach by clipping over his forearms, rather than plugging into his fists. Among his armament is a "rocket pod", the spring-loaded missile-firing mechanism of which was neutered for Hasbro's release of the figure.

:Because Skids was not one of the original eleven [[Autobot Cars]] released at the line's inception, he is commonly grouped in with the later 1985 Autobot Cars both fictionally and in the minds of [[fandom|fans]]. However, Skids was actually added to the 1984 assortment some time before the 1985 wave was released (December 1984 is the current earliest confirmed availability of the figure), during which time he came in 1984 packaging including a "TM" mark by the "Transformers" logo, rather than a "(R)" mark. Like the other 1984 cars, at least some of these early Skids releases lacked the [[rubsign]] on the roof that would later be added to all Transformers toys in 1985. He was also one of the ''rarest'' mass-release G1 figures, with just one Skids included per every ''two'' [[Case|shipping cases]].

:Skids has been reissued several times; this article lists each reissue separately where appropriate. This mold itself is a [[retool]] of an earlier ''Diaclone'' toy, the Honda City R; this earlier tooling was used to make [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] and the ''[[Transformers Generations 2009]]'' exclusive [[Screech (Generations)|Screech]].

::*''[http://www.transformerland.com/wiki/toy-info/transformers-g1-autobot-cars-skids/519/ Patent info, price guide, and further reading on Skids at Transformerland.com]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/Skids/skids.htm More information on Skids at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|VSZ}}
[[File:G1toy vsz set.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Skids & Sunstreaker vs Buzzsaw''' (multi-pack, 1985)
**''ID number'': '''VSZ'''
**''Accessories'': "Liquid nitrogen rifle", "twin electron blaster", "rocket pod" launcher, 3 rockets
: Skids was not released on his own in the Japanese Generation 1 toyline, and was instead available only in a multi-pack with [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], which was also the only way to get the other two on the Japanese market at the time. This box set remains a considerable rarity on the secondary market.
{{-}}

===The Transformers Collection===
[[File:TF Collection 3 Skids.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Skids''' (reissue, [[September 27|9-27]]-[[2002]])
**''ID number'': '''3'''
**''Accessories'': "Liquid nitrogen rifle", "twin electron blaster", "rocket pod" launcher, 3 rockets

:Skids received his first reissue in 2002, when [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] made him available as part of their "book-box" ''[[The Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]]'' series, surprising many with the inclusion of such an overlooked character so early in the line. He features no significant differences from the original (save for a working missile launcher, as with the original Japanese release), though the figure suffered from a common, if not universal, problem: an excess of plastic on the underside of Skids's right foot means that his rear wheel can not fold down flat beneath it, resulting in a slightly unstable robot mode. Since the original Japanese figure was released only in a giftset, Skids did not get a [[List of Japanese ID numbers|Japanese ID number]] at the time, a situation this reissue rectifies by retroactively giving him the ID number '''96''' on the included [[Tech Spec]] and [[bio]] card.

:The aforementioned Crosscut was released exclusively through [[e-HOBBY]] in conjunction with this reissue.

::*''[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue/Skids_template.html More information on Transformers Collection Skids at TF-1.com]
{{-}}

===Commemorative Series===
[[File:G1toy commemorative skids.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Skids''' (reissue, 2004)
**''Accessories'': "Liquid nitrogen rifle", "twin electron blaster", "rocket pod" launcher, 3 rockets

:Skids got his first Hasbro reissue as part of the eighth wave of their ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' line, [[exclusive]] to [[Toys"R"Us]] stores. He features no notable differences from the earlier Takara ''Transformers Collection'' release, except for the fact that his launcher's spring has been removed.
{{-}}

===Alternators===
[[File:Alt Skids toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Heavily clearanced so fanboys could customize him into Ironhide.]]
{{anchor|Alt}}
*'''Autobot Skids''' (2005)
**''Alternator ID number'': '''17'''
**''Japanese ID number'': '''BT-16'''
**''Accessories'': Engine-rifle

:Skids transforms into a 1:24-scale blue Scion xB. All four doors open, revealing a fully-detailed realistic interior with seats for a driver and passengers, plus his hood pops open to reveal his engine. His robot mode is very reminiscent of his original toy, with his head sculpt based off his animation model with toy details. His engine pops out and unfolds to become his hand-held pistol.

:The Hasbro ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' release (part of the first wave of new "bubble packaging" toys) differs from the [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] ''Binaltech'' release in that it has a much darker shade of blue, tinted windows, and various Scion-type tampographed flame decals. The Japanese release naturally has die cast metal parts, is painted a lighter shade of blue, and has different paint decos. It also includes a sheet of stickers, including flames resembling the ones printed on the ''Alternators'' version, as well as some Generation-1-style red stripes, and most humorously, a Japanese "New Driver" badge.

:This mold was also used to make ''[[The Transformers: Binaltech Asterisk|Binaltech Asterisk]]'' [[Blaster (G1)#Binaltech Asterisk|Broadblast]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/AltSkids/skids.htm More information on ''Alternators'' Skids at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Encore===
[[File:G1toy encore skids.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Skids''' (reissue, 2009)
*''ID number:'' '''18'''
**''Accessories'': "Liquid nitrogen rifle", "twin electron blaster", "rocket pod" launcher, 3 rockets

:TakaraTomy reissued Skids again in October 2009 as part of their ''[[Transformers Encore]]'' series. This version of the figure shifted its colors a little, changing him from tomato-red and blue to cherry-red and blueish-purple, as well as noticeably lightening the translucent blue plastic used for his windows. His Autobot symbol and tail light stickers were replaced with [[tampograph]]s, while some of his other stickers were updated slightly, including his factory-applied front grill sticker. Like past reissues, this figure too suffered with an unstable robot mode, and ''both'' feet had wheels that would not fold away flat.
{{-}}

[[File:G1toy quantum operative skids.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|You sure you can call this an homage?]]
*'''Skids & Screech Quantum Operative Ver.''' (exclusive multi-pack, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' "Material acceleration pistol", dual-barreled gun, "quantum shield" launcher, 3 rockets, scooter

:"Quantum Operative" Skids is a green redeco of the original Generation 1 toy, available in conjunction with his ''Encore'' release, and including for the first time the scooter accessory that was eliminated from the ''Diaclone'' toy for his original Transformers release. He was sold in a set with [[Screech (Generations)|Screech]] that was a mail-away [[exclusive]] available only with volume 3 of [[Million Publishing]]'s ''[[Transformers Generations 2009]]''. While Skids's colors are an homage to ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]], Screech is likewise a match for Skids's twin [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]].

:Amusingly, the color scheme for this exclusive was accidentally revealed early by TakaraTomy when they [[:File:Encore Skids Tokyo Toy Show 2009.jpg|mistakenly included its missile launcher]], denoted by its bright green launching tab, with the normal ''Encore'' version that was on display at Tokyo Toy Show 2009.<ref name="internat">[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/5790/20/ TakaraTomy Accidentally Gives Clue to TF Generations Vol. 3 Mail Away Figure?!]</ref>
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Cybertron/Skids/skids.htm More information on Quantum Operative Skids at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Generations===
[[File:Generations Skids.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|The theoretician the world deserves, not the one it needs right now.]]
*'''Autobot Skids''' (Deluxe, 2013)
**''Series / Number'': '''02 / #009'''
**''Accessories:'' Nudge gun & nitrogen gun (combine to form rifle)

:Part of the seventh wave of 2012-onwards ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' Deluxe Class toys, ''[[Thrilling 30]]'' "Autobot Skids" transforms from a contemporary-looking hatchback into a robot mode largely based on [[Alex Milne]]'s design for [[IDW Publishing|IDW's]] ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' comic, most notably featuring that body's numerous integrated weapons. He also includes the [[nudge gun]] carried by Skids in said comic and a new version of the liquid nitrogen rifle from his original toy, the two of which can combine into a larger rifle. Both weapons can peg onto his hands or vehicle sides via [[5mm post]].

:There are numerous reports of the figure's hips being assembled the [[Misassembly|wrong way round]], thus affecting the car mode as well as hampering the leg articulation (and it could even result in the ball joints at the waist snapping off), this can simply be fixed by popping them out and swapping them to the right place (just as long as you are careful with the aforementioned ball joints). At least some later releases fixed this issue.

:He comes packaged with the [[Little Victories|twenty-second issue]] of IDW's aforementioned ''More than Meets the Eye'' comic series, featuring a cropped version of its retailer incentive cover, which is called out as a 'Hasbro Exclusive Cover' on its front. Skids was [[redeco]]ed into ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Age of Extinction]]'' [[Rollbar (AOE)|Rollbar]] and [[retool]]ed into ''Generations'' [[Crosscut (Autobot)#Generations|Crosscut]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/GenSkids/skids.htm More information on ''Generations'' Skids at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Decoy===
[[File:Decoy skids.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Cybertron Hero Collection 22''' (multi-pack, 1986)

:Skids was among the many characters rendered by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] as part of their series of 1.5" soft rubber ''keshigomu'' figurines. Like all the figures in the series, Skids featured a number sculpted into his back that was the sum total of his [[Tech Spec]]s, for use in the various games that could be played with the figurines. He was available in red as part of a 22-piece box set of Autobot figures, in peach as part of various other randomly-packed box sets released by Takara subsidiary [[Seven]], and in a wide variety of different colors in "gachapon" capsule machines.

*'''Skids''' (1987)
**''Decoy number:'' '''12'''

:The Skids figurine was later brought over to [[Hasbro]] markets as part of the [[Decoy]] promotion, largely identical to the Japanese release except for the fact that the number on his back was replaced with a simple "checklist" number. Like all Autobot Decoys, he was a randomly-chosen pack-in available with the carded [[Throttlebot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Decoys/Skids/skids.htm More information on Decoy Skids at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

'''3d Battle-Card Game'''

{{anchor|3DBC}}[[File:EnergonWarsSkids.jpg|thumb|Are, uh, you sure you're a G1 character?]]
*'''Skids''' (3D Battle-Card, 2007)
:A 26-point "common" character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]]'s "Energon Wars" expansion, Skids "transforms" into a grey pickup truck of indeterminate make. He uses the same parts layout as [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and [[Dropkick]].

:He is equipped with a LN2 Cryo Rifle, an Electron Blaster, and a Rocket Launcher, which are similar to his G1 weapons — but due to the interdimensional nature of the Energon Wars subset, the Battle-Card may or may not also represent the [[Skids (Movie)|live-action movie Skids]].
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[File:DiacloneSkids.jpg|thumb|A rainbow of theoretical flavors.]]
[[File:Skidsdiacloneconceptart.jpg|thumb|Suck it, Ironhide! This head was mine first!]]
*The ''[[Diaclone]]'' version of Skids was additionally available in black or red. Neither of these color schemes has been used within the ''Transformers'' toyline as yet, but with [[TakaraTomy|Takara]], you never know.
*Skids' animation model head appears to be based on early ''Diaclone'' promotional concept art. The toy's head would be different... and ultimately different from the [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] head shown in his instructions, which also popped up a few times in the UK comics.
*Though Skids' toy turned into a Honda City Turbo, his car mode was often misinterpreted in Transformers fiction as one of the then-new minivans, despite the fact that a Honda City Turbo is a subcompact car, and as such, could theoretically be stowed in the back seat of an actual minivan. This is likely because most Americans in 1985 wouldn't know what a subcompact car is.
*As Skids was released in the interim between the original 1984 launch and the big push of new 1985 figures, the character consequently fell by the wayside in the Generation 1 fiction of the 1980s. He was not included in the commercial promoting the new 1985 range of Autobot Cars, as he wasn't technically part of it. Similarly, he was also left out of the list of new 1985 product in the Generation 1 cartoon's [[production bible]] intended for inclusion in the show's second season, and as such, only managed to appear in little more than cameo roles in just two episodes, speaking one line in each and voiced by a different actor each time. He fared a little better in the Marvel comics, debuting alongside (an incomplete roster of) the other 1985 cars, but after getting an issue dedicated to himself, he all but completely vanished from the book and was banished to [[limbo]] by the UK comic for upwards of 100 issues, abandoned and forgotten.
*In the "[[Survivors!]]" story, Skids was suddenly drawn with the original Diaclone toy's head (which years later would be used for the new character [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]]). "Survivors!"' artist, [[Dan Reed]], previously drew him with his real head, so it'd be interesting to learn why and how this change happened. (He would later mysteriously regain his own face.)
*In more recent years, toys sporting the name "Skids" have required an additional "Autobot" prefix for [[trademark]] reasons, hence making the official name "'''Autobot Skids'''".

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Skids''' (スキッズ ''Sukizzu'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Shā chē''' (China, 刹车, "Brake")
*''French:'' '''Platon''' ("Plato")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Szán'''
*''Italian:'' '''Furetto''' ("Ferret")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Patins''' (Brazil comic, "Skate"), '''Pe-de-cabra''' (Portugal comic, "Crowbar")
*''Russian:'' '''Tormoz''' (Тормоз, "Brake")

==External links==
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Skids Skids's ''Universe'' profile at NTFA.net]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Council members]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Exclusives]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:Regeneration One Autobots]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]

Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (console)

2014-10-09T14:24:02Z

Shockwavenumber1:

{{Disambig2|the home console/PC version|the Nintendo 3DS version|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (3DS)}}
{{videogame
|title=''Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark''
|prev=Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)
|next=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron
|title2=
|prev2=
|next2=
|image=Rise Of The Dark Spark Cover.jpg
|caption=USA cover
|publisher=[[ActiVision]]
|developer=[[Edge of Reality]]
|platforms=[[PlayStation 3]] & [[PlayStation 4|4]] [[Xbox 360]] & [[Xbox One|One]] [[Nintendo Wii U]] [[PC]]
|date=
|continuity=[[Aligned continuity family]] [[Movie continuity]]
|chronology=Between ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|War for Cybertron]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' Alternate version of ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]''
|price=
|rating=ESRB: Teen PEGI: 12
|music=
}}

'''''Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark''''' is a video game jointly-created by both [[Hasbro]] and [[Activision Blizzard|Activision]], released on June 24, [[2014]] in Europe and North America, and June 25 in Australia<ref>http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/05/transformers-rise-of-the-dark-spark-release-date-revealed</ref>. Developed by [[Edge of Reality]] for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U and PC<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/article/transformers-rise-of-the-dark-spark-announced-3ds-version-to-be-strategy-rpg "Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark" announced; 3DS version to be Strategy RPG]</ref>, it incorporates elements of both the ''Transformers'' [[Live-action film series|film franchise]] and the ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|War for Cybertron]]'' / ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' games. The story will take place before the Ark is launched in the Aligned continuity, while it also occurs simultaneously with the events of ''Age of Extinction'' and its aftermath. It features over forty playable characters, slightly fewer than [[Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (3DS)|the Nintendo 3DS version]]. <ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/video-games-17/new-rise-of-the-dark-spark-preview-from-game-informer-179722/</ref>

==Synopsis==
===Chapter I: The Dark Spark===
:'' Character: [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] ''
Above [[Earth]], a strange object flies through space, destroying a satellite in orbit. The mysterious item flies past a ship, piloted by none other than the legendary mercenary [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]. One of his henchmen arrives in the cockpit and asks Lockdown what it was. He replies that it is "the past come calling." [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]], the Decepticon-turned-Autobot, arrives in a burning city to investigate. He notices that something crash-landed nearby. He contacts [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], leader of the Autobots, and tells him about the strange object.
Prime instructs Drift to investigate the crash site, but while Drift is en route, Lockdown's goons attack the city. Recognizing that they are not [[Decepticon]]s, Drift reports to Optimus, who correctly guesses that they are mercenaries (much to Drift's disdain). Drift takes out all three mercenaries and, at Optimus's instruction, equips himself with blasters to better fight with, he continues to the site of the crash, taking out mercenaries as he goes. Drift meets up with Optimus and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], and the three arrive at the crash site. The Autobots discover an object that Drift does not recognize, but its appearance horrifies Optimus. To make things worse, Lockdown's henchman have arrived first. After another fight, the Autobots walk to the edge of the crater, and Optimus reveals to Drift that it is the Dark Spark. Before it can be retrieved, Lockdown arrives and steals the artifact for himself. The Dark Spark's power prevents him from intervening, and all he can do is furiously watch as Lockdown departs in his ship for parts unknown.

===Chapter II: The Lost Vault===
:'' Characters: [[Soundwave (WFC)]]/ [[Shockwave (WFC)]]''
As Shockwave and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] fly through the an ancient, abandoned Cybertronian city, Starscream complains of Megatron sending him on a fool's errand to find a mystical relic that may or may not exist. As this sparks a discussion between Shockwave and Starscream, Soundwave chimes in over the com link, demanding "less talk". As the three 'cons make their way through the city and into an ancient vault, they are met with heavy resistance from feral cybernetic life forms Shockwave has dubbed "[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticons]]".
Upon destroying the Insecticons attacking them, Shockwave splits off from the group, hoping to find out more about the vault thy are in and what is hidden in it. He never gets the chance, however, as he is attacked by, to his surprise, [[Sharpshot|three]] [[Kickback (FOC)|sentient]] [[Hardshell (Prime)|insecticons]]. Inadvertently insulting them, (kind of) and incurring their wrath they all attack him, and are all soundly defeated.
As Soundwave and Starscream come upon more Insecticons, they go about opening up the vault further so that they can keep moving. Upon defeating the attacking Insecticons, Starscream is alarmed at the appearance of Hardshell, and begins shooting at him, only to be stopped by Shockwave, who reveals Hardshell, along with Kickback and Sharpshot, to be "new recruits" to the Decepticon cause. Sharpshot points the Decepticons in the direction of the Dark Spark before departing with the other Insecticons.
The Decepticons continue their trek further into the vault, they are met with resistance in the form of auto turrets and Crystal Guardians as they deactivate the chamber to the Dark Spark. While doing so, Soundwave begins to notice Autobot energy signatures on his scanners, but Shockwave passes them off as glitches. Soon, the Decepticons arrive, triumphant, at the entrance to the chamber holding the Dark Spark.

===Chapter III: Getaway===
:'' Character: [[Sideswipe (WFC)]]''
Sideswipe and [[Ironhide (WFC)|Ironhide]] have been tailing the aforementioned Decepticon trio through their whole trip to find the Dark Spark, and have arrived at the Dark Spark before the Decepticons. Ironhide, wishing to be long gone before they are found, Ironhide takes the Dark Spark. As the Autobots are leaving, marveling at their luck, the Decepticons enter the chamber, and, enraged that the Autobots beat them to the Dark Spark, open fire. Ironhide and Sideswipe barely escape from the chamber as security measures cause it to close itself up, trapping the Decepticons inside. Starscream is enraged, but Shockwave bids him to calm down, as Soundwave had released [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] before they entered the chamber, and the small bird-bot would ensure they are not trapped for long.
Meanwhile, Sideswipe and Ironhide are running into resistance from the Insecticons, and Sideswipe must juggle keeping the Insecticons away from Ironhide and the Dark Spark, along with using his grappling hook to ''pull Ironhide'' up through the tunnel to the exit. As Sideswipe and Ironhide keep moving, they get separated when Sideswipe accidentally closes a blast door between himself and Ironhide. As Sideswipe fights off swarming Insecticons, Ironhide opens up another path for him to travel through, allowing them to meet up again.
As they reach the scheduled rendezvous point (some abandoned subway tunnels), Ironhide reports to [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Prime]] that they have the Dark Spark. They are greeted at the rendezvous point by Optimus himself and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]. As Optimus and the others fight off the swarming Insecticons, Sideswipe is ordered to get to the control control panel for the subway and call a train Sideswipe is successful, but the train, being revealed to be on a timer, leaves as quickly as it came, with only Bumblebee onboard. Optimus declares that they will have to hold the line against the Insecticons until the next train arrives.
As the Autobots fend off the the Decepticons, Starscream, having been freed by Laserbeak, arrives, triumphantly demanding that the Autobots surrender or face his wrath. The Insecticons proceed to swarm him. As Starscream is distracted by the Insecticons, the next train arrives, and the Autobots board, departing for Iacon. As the train leaves, Shockwave and Soundwave arrive, just in time for Starscream to finish off the Insecticons and berate them for not coming sooner and letting the Autobots get away. Shockwave simply looks at Starscream, then presses a switch on his arm, causing the train, which had been wired, to explode.

===Chapter IV: Possession===
:'' Character: [[Sharpshot]]''
Shockwave, believing Optimus Prime has the Dark Spark, hides in the ruble of the smoldering train. Sharpshot appears and informs Shockwave of the Dark Spark's real location, with Ironhide, and the two set off to get it. After a short firefight, Shockwave seizes the Dark Spark from a heavily damaged Ironhide and begins to head for [[Kaon]]. The bridge is destroyed while he is on it, but he manages to escape before he falls. Sharpshot transforms into insect mode and covers him as he advances along the walkway, eventually barred by an energy barrier. Sharpshot destroys the energy barrier, allowing Shockwave to progress, only to be met by another one. After destroying the second barrier, Shockwave is met by a duo of [[Titan (Unit)|Titans]], which cause him to jump off the walkway. He lands in an ancient research labratory, and, after inserting some [[Moleculon fuse|moleculon fuses]], some history of the Dark Spark is revealed. When Sharpshot journeys down into the catacombs to activate the final switch, he is attacked by [[Crystal Guardians]]. Sharpshot returns to Shockwave, and the two exit the facility. Outside, they are found by [[Vortex (FOC)|Vortex]], who alerts the other [[Combaticon (WFC)|Combaticons]]. [[Onslaught (WFC)|Onslaught]] and [[Swindle (FOC)|Swindle]] arrive soon after. Onslaught orders a reluctant Swindle to escort Shockwave and Sharpshot to Kaon.

===Chapter V: Hustle===
:'' Character: [[Swindle (FOC)]]''

===Chapter VI: Gates of Kaon===
:'' Characters: [[Swindle (FOC)]]/ [[Bruticus (WFC)]]''

===Chapter VII: Infiltration===
:'' Character: [[Optimus Prime (WFC)]]''

===Chapter VIII: A Desperate Plan===
:'' Character: [[Jetfire (WFC)]]''

===Chapter IX: Ascension===
:'' Character: [[Optimus Prime (WFC)]]''

===Chapter X: Hunted ===
:'' Character: [[Bumblebee (Movie)]] ''

===Chapter XI: Investigation ===
:'' Characters: [[Bumblebee (Movie)]]/ [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] ''

===Chapter XII: Ambushed===
:''Characters: [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]]/ [[Grimlock (AOE)]]''

===Chapter XIII: Extinction===
:'' Character: [[Grimlock (AOE)]]''

===Chapter XIII: Locked Down===
:'' Character: [[Optimus Prime (Movie)]]''

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=Movie Autobots
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] ([[Chris Jai Alex]])
*[[Grimlock (AOE)|Grimlock]] ([[Gregg Berger]])

|h2=Mercenaries
|c2=
*[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] (Gregg Berger)
*[[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] (via [[Walmart]] pre-order/DLC)
*[[Mercenary|Mercenaries]]

|h3=Aligned Autobots
|c3=
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (Peter Cullen)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Grimlock (WFC)|Grimlock]]
*[[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz]] ([[Troy Baker]])
*[[Jetfire (WFC)|Jetfire]] (Troy Baker)
*[[Sideswipe (WFC)|Sideswipe]] ([[Travis Willingham]])
*[[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] ([[Nolan North]])
*[[Ironhide (WFC)|Ironhide]] ([[Keith Szarabajka]])
*[[Hound (Prime)|Hound]]
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]]
*[[Air Raid (WFC)|Air Raid]]
*[[Silverbolt (WFC)|Silverbolt]]
*[[Scattershot (WFC)|Scattershot]]
*[[Snarl (FOC)|Snarl]]
*[[Perceptor (Prime)|Perceptor]] ([[Jim Ward]])
*[[Warpath (WFC)|Warpath]]
*[[Sentinel Zeta Prime|Zeta Prime]]
*[[Slug (FOC)|Slug]]
*[[Swoop (WFC)|Swoop]]
*[[Ultra Magnus (Prime)|Ultra Magnus]]
|h4=Aligned Decepticons
|c4=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] ([[Fred Tatasciore]])
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] ([[Sam Riegel]])
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] ([[Steve Blum]])
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] ([[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]])
*[[Rumble (WFC)|Rumble]] ([[Keith Silverstein]])
*[[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]]
*[[Swindle (FOC)|Swindle]] (Steve Blum)
*[[Brawl (WFC)|Brawl]]
*[[Onslaught (WFC)|Onslaught]] (Travis Willingham)
*[[Blast Off (FOC)|Blast Off]] (Keith Silverstein)
*[[Vortex (FOC)|Vortex]] ([[Dave Boat]])
*[[Bruticus (WFC)|Bruticus]] (Nolan North)
*[[Kickback (FOC)|Kickback]] (Troy Baker)
*[[Sharpshot]] (Steve Blum)
*[[Hardshell (Prime)|Hardshell]] ([[Scott Whyte]])
*[[Thundercracker (WFC)|Thundercracker]] (via Gamestop pre-order/DLC)
*[[Skywarp (WFC)|Skywarp]] (via Gamestop pre-order/DLC)
*[[Quake (FOC)|Quake]]
*[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]]
*[[Dead End (WFC)|Dead End]]
*[[Dragstrip (WFC)|Dragstrip]]
*[[Demolishor (WFC)|Demolishor]]
|h5=Other
|c5=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Generation 1 Optimus Prime]] (Peter Cullen)

|nonumbering=true
}}

==Quotes==
"Soundwave, did Shockwave make a ''joke'' back there? 
"AFFIRMATIVE." 
"Was it intentional? 
"AFFIRMATIVE" 
"You know Soundwave, you've become quite the conversationalist." 
"AFFIRMATIVE"
:-'''Starscream''' and '''Soundwave''' discuss Shockwave's brief moment of humor.

''[A failed headshot prompts the Decepticon [[Titan (Unit)|Titan]] to turn towards Bee and Drift]'' 
'''Bumblebee:''' ''[Surprised beeps]'' 
'''Drift''': Bee, I have formed a plan: '''Run!'''
:-'''Drift''', coming up with brilliant impromptu plans.

'''Swindle:''' "No sign of the bug ''[Sharpshot]''. Oh well, can't say I'm sad to see him go." 
'''Shockwave:''' "Are you implying that you two were not forming a ''long and lasting bond of friendship''?" 
''' Swindle:''' "You can't be serious?"
:-'''Shockwave''' discusses with Swindle about his <s> slash fic </s> observations of the two.

''' Jetfire:''' "I used to be ''stationed'' on [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]]. I know my way around." 
''' Perceptor:''' "Your knowledge is based on the ''erroneous'' notion that Trypticon's layout was not altered during his conversion from space station to ''smoldering wreck''." 
'''Jetfire:''' "Point taken... Lead the way little buddy."

"The only future to master is one's own. The [[fandom|humans]] understand this. Yet they also understand that [[Generation 1 (franchise)|the past]] is the genesis of all things, and must be [[GEEWUN|afforded proper deference]]."
:-'''Movie Optimus Prime''' is willing to segue into a Generation One epilogue...but he's going to be meta about it.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*The Cybertron portion of the game occurs between ''War for Cybertron'' and ''Fall of Cybertron'' – the ''[[Ark (WFC)|Ark]]'' is under construction, [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]] still lies where he crashed, and we see Shockwave discover the [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] for the first time. However, there is one notable inconsistency – see 'Errors' below.
*The ''Age of Extinction'' story, meanwhile, is utterly irreconcilable with the events of the film – the Autobots have an existing alliance with the [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]], and Optimus Prime and Bumblebee sport the new bodies they acquire during the film, yet Lockdown is perfectly alive and Prime is active on Earth. Stinger's brief cameo as a mercenary is similarly impossible to reconcile.
*Audio logs speak of the [[Patterner]]s and [[Galvatron (COP)|Galvatron]] indicating that studies of the [[Dark Spark]] took place during the Age of Origins in ''[[Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus]]''
*Starscream sarcastically makes note of how Soundwave is becoming a "conversationalist", likely alluding to the vow of silence he takes and employs during the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Prime'']] cartoon.
*Like his [[Drift (G1)|namesake]], [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] was once a Decepticon before switching allegiance to join the Autobots, as noted by [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] when the former was held captive. Whether this background also applies to the film is unknown, given the above differences in the continuity.

===Errors===
*Despite the game's script clearly positioning it before the events of ''Fall of Cybertron'', Megatron is depicted in the new body he acquired only part-way through that game.
*Ironhide and Sideswipe encounter an Insecticon Bruiser despite Shockwave creating them in FOC.
*The live-action film universe Matrix of Leadership uses the model from the Aligned games, rather than the very different Matrix design first seen in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''.
*Lockdown's model has a Decepticon insignia and is undersized.
*Although he can fly, Shockwave remains on the ground when delivering the Dark Spark to Megatron. It is revealed two chapters later, that "if the Dark Spark where to be dropped from height it would cause massive damage to Kaon." This is an error because in chapter 4 he ''jumps off a ledge and into a gorge'', appearing to be hurt when he lands, with no consequences at all.

===Trivia===
* ''Rise of the Dark Spark'' marks a [[PlayStation]] 4 milestone by being the very first game to support the PlayStation Store pre-loading feature introduced in the console's 1.70 update.<ref>[http://blog.us.playstation.com/2014/06/18/pre-order-pre-load-upcoming-ps4-games/ PlayStation Blog: Pre-Order, Pre-Load Upcoming PS4 Games]</ref>
* As a shout-out, some of the playable characters quote their [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] bios, notably Shockwave chiding Starscream with, "Clarity of thought before rashness of action." and Blast Off telling Swindle, "I destroy Autobots by choice, not command."
* The game notably features the return of the use of "[[Slag (slang)|slag]]" as a common expletive, having been replaced with "[[scrap]]" for the majority of the Aligned continuity thus far.
*In the first level of the game there's a billboard that reads, "Vote Berger for Mayor", an obvious reference to the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] character [[Shawn Berger]], who expressed such mayoral desires in the two-part episode "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|Megatron's Master Plan]]".
*The Crystal Guardians the Decepticons face in chapter 2 are all [[generic]]s with the body-type of [[Sentinel Zeta Prime|Zeta Prime]].
*During Escalation, Earth characters are noticeably bigger than Cybertron characters with Earth Optimus hilariously towering over Warpath.
*While not quite an error, it is worth noting that the relationship between Bumblebee and Drift is much more friendly than in the movie. Lockdown also is very different. In the game, greed and personal power seems to be his primary motivation, while in the movie Lockdown simply wanted fair payment for his services as he talks about how inferior humans are and how he thinks extremely highly of his creators.

===Foreign names===
*''Europe:'' '''''Transformers: The Dark Spark'''''
*''Russia:'' '''Трансформеры: Битва за Тёмную Искру''' (''Transformers: Battle for the Dark Spark'')

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{gamestub}}

==External links==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj-lD5gthQ8 Announcement trailer]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMfLEbUqGyQ G1 Optimus Prime trailer]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0azQrLC07OI Bumblebee trailer]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKT6KeuEGi0 Gameplay trailer]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bae87EGy-1E Bruticus trailer]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMZn4uBsOAY Grimlock trailer]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=288YItFXPfI Gampelay trailer - Escalation]

[[Category:Video games]]

Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (console)

2014-10-07T23:29:58Z

Shockwavenumber1: /* Chapter IV: Possession */

{{Disambig2|the home console/PC version|the Nintendo 3DS version|Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (3DS)}}
{{videogame
|title=''Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark''
|prev=Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)
|next=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron
|title2=
|prev2=
|next2=
|image=Rise Of The Dark Spark Cover.jpg
|caption=USA cover
|publisher=[[ActiVision]]
|developer=[[Edge of Reality]]
|platforms=[[PlayStation 3]] & [[PlayStation 4|4]] [[Xbox 360]] & [[Xbox One|One]] [[Nintendo Wii U]] [[PC]]
|date=
|continuity=[[Aligned continuity family]] [[Movie continuity]]
|chronology=Between ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|War for Cybertron]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' Alternate version of ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]''
|price=
|rating=ESRB: Teen PEGI: 12
|music=
}}

'''''Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark''''' is a video game jointly-created by both [[Hasbro]] and [[Activision Blizzard|Activision]], released on June 24, [[2014]] in Europe and North America, and June 25 in Australia<ref>http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/05/transformers-rise-of-the-dark-spark-release-date-revealed</ref>. Developed by [[Edge of Reality]] for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U and PC<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/article/transformers-rise-of-the-dark-spark-announced-3ds-version-to-be-strategy-rpg "Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark" announced; 3DS version to be Strategy RPG]</ref>, it incorporates elements of both the ''Transformers'' [[Live-action film series|film franchise]] and the ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|War for Cybertron]]'' / ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' games. The story will take place before the Ark is launched in the Aligned continuity, while it also occurs simultaneously with the events of ''Age of Extinction'' and its aftermath. It features over forty playable characters, slightly fewer than [[Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark (3DS)|the Nintendo 3DS version]]. <ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/video-games-17/new-rise-of-the-dark-spark-preview-from-game-informer-179722/</ref>

==Synopsis==
===Chapter I: The Dark Spark===
:'' Character: [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] ''
Above [[Earth]], a strange object flies through space, destroying a satellite in orbit. The mysterious item flies past a ship, piloted by none other than the legendary mercenary [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]. One of his henchmen arrives in the cockpit and asks Lockdown what it was. He replies that it is "the past come calling." [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]], the Decepticon-turned-Autobot, arrives in a burning city to investigate. He notices that something crash-landed nearby. He contacts [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], leader of the Autobots, and tells him about the strange object.
Prime instructs Drift to investigate the crash site, but while Drift is en route, Lockdown's goons attack the city. Recognizing that they are not [[Decepticon]]s, Drift reports to Optimus, who correctly guesses that they are mercenaries (much to Drift's disdain). Drift takes out all three mercenaries and, at Optimus's instruction, equips himself with blasters to better fight with, he continues to the site of the crash, taking out mercenaries as he goes. Drift meets up with Optimus and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], and the three arrive at the crash site. The Autobots discover an object that Drift does not recognize, but its appearance horrifies Optimus. To make things worse, Lockdown's henchman have arrived first. After another fight, the Autobots walk to the edge of the crater, and Optimus reveals to Drift that it is the Dark Spark. Before it can be retrieved, Lockdown arrives and steals the artifact for himself. The Dark Spark's power prevents him from intervening, and all he can do is furiously watch as Lockdown departs in his ship for parts unknown.

===Chapter II: The Lost Vault===
:'' Characters: [[Soundwave (WFC)]]/ [[Shockwave (WFC)]]''
As Shockwave and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] fly through the an ancient, abandoned Cybertronian city, Starscream complains of Megatron sending him on a fool's errand to find a mystical relic that may or may not exist. As this sparks a discussion between Shockwave and Starscream, Soundwave chimes in over the com link, demanding "less talk". As the three 'cons make their way through the city and into an ancient vault, they are met with heavy resistance from feral cybernetic life forms Shockwave has dubbed "[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticons]]".
Upon destroying the Insecticons attacking them, Shockwave splits off from the group, hoping to find out more about the vault thy are in and what is hidden in it. He never gets the chance, however, as he is attacked by, to his surprise, [[Sharpshot|three]] [[Kickback (FOC)|sentient]] [[Hardshell (Prime)|insecticons]]. Inadvertently insulting them, (kind of) and incurring their wrath they all attack him, and are all soundly defeated.
As Soundwave and Starscream come upon more Insecticons, they go about opening up the vault further so that they can keep moving. Upon defeating the attacking Insecticons, Starscream is alarmed at the appearance of Hardshell, and begins shooting at him, only to be stopped by Shockwave, who reveals Hardshell, along with Kickback and Sharpshot, to be "new recruits" to the Decepticon cause. Sharpshot points the Decepticons in the direction of the Dark Spark before departing with the other Insecticons.
The Decepticons continue their trek further into the vault, they are met with resistance in the form of auto turrets and Crystal Guardians as they deactivate the chamber to the Dark Spark. While doing so, Soundwave begins to notice Autobot energy signatures on his scanners, but Shockwave passes them off as glitches. Soon, the Decepticons arrive, triumphant, at the entrance to the chamber holding the Dark Spark.

===Chapter III: Getaway===
:'' Character: [[Sideswipe (WFC)]]''
Sideswipe and [[Ironhide (WFC)|Ironhide]] have been tailing the aforementioned Decepticon trio through their whole trip to find the Dark Spark, and have arrived at the Dark Spark before the Decepticons. Ironhide, wishing to be long gone before they are found, Ironhide takes the Dark Spark. As the Autobots are leaving, marveling at their luck, the Decepticons enter the chamber, and, enraged that the Autobots beat them to the Dark Spark, open fire. Ironhide and Sideswipe barely escape from the chamber as security measures cause it to close itself up, trapping the Decepticons inside. Starscream is enraged, but Shockwave bids him to calm down, as Soundwave had released [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] before they entered the chamber, and the small bird-bot would ensure they are not trapped for long.
Meanwhile, Sideswipe and Ironhide are running into resistance from the Insecticons, and Sideswipe must juggle keeping the Insecticons away from Ironhide and the Dark Spark, along with using his grappling hook to ''pull Ironhide'' up through the tunnel to the exit. As Sideswipe and Ironhide keep moving, they get separated when Sideswipe accidentally closes a blast door between himself and Ironhide. As Sideswipe fights off swarming Insecticons, Ironhide opens up another path for him to travel through, allowing them to meet up again.
As they reach the scheduled rendezvous point (some abandoned subway tunnels), Ironhide reports to [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Prime]] that they have the Dark Spark. They are greeted at the rendezvous point by Optimus himself and [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]. As Optimus and the others fight off the swarming Insecticons, Sideswipe is ordered to get to the control control panel for the subway and call a train Sideswipe is successful, but the train, being revealed to be on a timer, leaves as quickly as it came, with only Bumblebee onboard. Optimus declares that they will have to hold the line against the Insecticons until the next train arrives.
As the Autobots fend off the the Decepticons, Starscream, having been freed by Laserbeak, arrives, triumphantly demanding that the Autobots surrender or face his wrath. The Insecticons proceed to swarm him. As Starscream is distracted by the Insecticons, the next train arrives, and the Autobots board, departing for Iacon. As the train leaves, Shockwave and Soundwave arrive, just in time for Starscream to finish off the Insecticons and berate them for not coming sooner and letting the Autobots get away. Shockwave simply looks at Starscream, then presses a switch on his arm, causing the train, which had been wired, to explode.

===Chapter IV: Possession===
:'' Character: [[Sharpshot]]''
Shockwave, believing Optimus Prime has the Dark Spark, hides in the ruble of the smoldering train. Sharpshot appears and informs Shockwave of the Dark Spark's real location, with Ironhide, and the two set off to get it. After a short firefight, Shockwave seizes the Dark Spark from a heavily damaged Ironhide and begins to head for [[Kaon]]. The bridge is destroyed while he is on it, but he manages to escape before he falls. Sharpshot transforms into insect mode and covers him as he advances along the walkway, eventually barred by an energy barrier. Sharpshot destroys the energy barrier, allowing Shockwave to progress, only to be met by another one. After destroying the second barrier, Shockwave is met by a duo of [[Titan (Unit)|Titans]], which cause him to jump off the walkway. He lands in an ancient research labratory, and, after inserting some [[Moleculon fuse|moleculon fuses]], some history of the Dark Spark is revealed. When Sharpshot journeys down into the catacombs to activate the final switch, he is attacked by [[Crystal Guardians]]. Sharpshot returns to Shockwave, and the two exit the facility. Outside, they are found by [[Vortex (FOC)|Vortex]], who alerts the other [[Combaticon (WFC)|Combaticons]]. [[Onslaught (WFC)|Onslaught]] and [[Swindle (FOC)|Swindle]] arrive soon after. Onslaught orders a reluctant Swindle to escort Shockwave and Sharpshot to Kaon.

===Chapter V: Hustle===
:'' Character: [[Swindle (FOC)]]''

===Chapter VI: Gates of Kaon===
:'' Characters: [[Swindle (FOC)]]/ [[Bruticus (WFC)]]''

===Chapter VII: Infiltration===
:'' Character: [[Optimus Prime (WFC)]]''

===Chapter VIII: A Desperate Plan===
:'' Character: [[Jetfire (WFC)]]''

===Chapter IX: Ascension===
:'' Character: [[Optimus Prime (WFC)]]''

===Chapter X: Hunted ===
:'' Character: [[Bumblebee (Movie)]] ''

===Chapter XI: Investigation ===
:'' Characters: [[Bumblebee (Movie)]]/ [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] ''

===Chapter XII: Ambushed===
:''Characters: [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]]/ [[Grimlock (AOE)]]''

===Chapter XIII: Extinction===
:'' Character: [[Grimlock (AOE)]]''

===Chapter XIII: Locked Down===
:'' Character: [[Optimus Prime (Movie)]]''

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=Movie Autobots
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] ([[Chris Jai Alex]])
*[[Grimlock (AOE)|Grimlock]] ([[Gregg Berger]])

|h2=Mercenaries
|c2=
*[[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] (Gregg Berger)
*[[Stinger (AOE)|Stinger]] (via [[Walmart]] pre-order/DLC)
*[[Mercenary|Mercenaries]]

|h3=Aligned Autobots
|c3=
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (Peter Cullen)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Grimlock (WFC)|Grimlock]]
*[[Jazz (WFC)|Jazz]] ([[Troy Baker]])
*[[Jetfire (WFC)|Jetfire]] (Troy Baker)
*[[Sideswipe (WFC)|Sideswipe]] ([[Travis Willingham]])
*[[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]] ([[Nolan North]])
*[[Ironhide (WFC)|Ironhide]] ([[Keith Szarabajka]])
*[[Hound (Prime)|Hound]]
*[[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]]
*[[Air Raid (WFC)|Air Raid]]
*[[Silverbolt (WFC)|Silverbolt]]
*[[Scattershot (WFC)|Scattershot]]
*[[Snarl (FOC)|Snarl]]
*[[Perceptor (Prime)|Perceptor]] ([[Jim Ward]])
*[[Warpath (WFC)|Warpath]]
*[[Sentinel Zeta Prime|Zeta Prime]]
*[[Slug (FOC)|Slug]]
*[[Swoop (WFC)|Swoop]]
*[[Ultra Magnus (Prime)|Ultra Magnus]]
|h4=Aligned Decepticons
|c4=
*[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] ([[Fred Tatasciore]])
*[[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] ([[Sam Riegel]])
*[[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]] ([[Steve Blum]])
*[[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]] ([[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]])
*[[Rumble (WFC)|Rumble]] ([[Keith Silverstein]])
*[[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]]
*[[Swindle (FOC)|Swindle]] (Steve Blum)
*[[Brawl (WFC)|Brawl]]
*[[Onslaught (WFC)|Onslaught]] (Travis Willingham)
*[[Blast Off (FOC)|Blast Off]] (Keith Silverstein)
*[[Vortex (FOC)|Vortex]] ([[Dave Boat]])
*[[Bruticus (WFC)|Bruticus]] (Nolan North)
*[[Kickback (FOC)|Kickback]] (Troy Baker)
*[[Sharpshot]] (Steve Blum)
*[[Hardshell (Prime)|Hardshell]] ([[Scott Whyte]])
*[[Thundercracker (WFC)|Thundercracker]] (via Gamestop pre-order/DLC)
*[[Skywarp (WFC)|Skywarp]] (via Gamestop pre-order/DLC)
*[[Quake (FOC)|Quake]]
*[[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]]
*[[Dead End (WFC)|Dead End]]
*[[Dragstrip (WFC)|Dragstrip]]
*[[Demolishor (WFC)|Demolishor]]
|h5=Other
|c5=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Generation 1 Optimus Prime]] (Peter Cullen)

|nonumbering=true
}}

==Quotes==
"Soundwave, did Shockwave make a ''joke'' back there? 
"AFFIRMATIVE." 
"Was it intentional? 
"AFFIRMATIVE" 
"You know Soundwave, you've become quite the conversationalist." 
"AFFIRMATIVE"
:-'''Starscream''' and '''Soundwave''' discuss Shockwave's brief moment of humor.

''[A failed headshot prompts the Decepticon [[Titan (Unit)|Titan]] to turn towards Bee and Drift]'' 
'''Bumblebee:''' ''[Surprised beeps]'' 
'''Drift''': Bee, I have formed a plan: '''Run!'''
:-'''Drift''', coming up with brilliant impromptu plans.

'''Swindle:''' "No sign of the bug ''[Sharpshot]''. Oh well, can't say I'm sad to see him go." 
'''Shockwave:''' "Are you implying that you two were not forming a ''long and lasting bond of friendship''?" 
''' Swindle:''' "You can't be serious?"
:-'''Shockwave''' discusses with Swindle about his <s> slash fic </s> observations of the two.

''' Jetfire:''' "I used to be ''stationed'' on [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]]. I know my way around." 
''' Perceptor:''' "Your knowledge is based on the ''erroneous'' notion that Trypticon's layout was not altered during his conversion from space station to ''smoldering wreck''." 
'''Jetfire:''' "Point taken... Lead the way little buddy."

"The only future to master is one's own. The [[fandom|humans]] understand this. Yet they also understand that [[Generation 1 (franchise)|the past]] is the genesis of all things, and must be [[GEEWUN|afforded proper deference]]."
:-'''Movie Optimus Prime''' is willing to segue into a Generation One epilogue...but he's going to be meta about it.

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*The Cybertron portion of the game occurs between ''War for Cybertron'' and ''Fall of Cybertron'' – the ''[[Ark (WFC)|Ark]]'' is under construction, [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]] still lies where he crashed, and we see Shockwave discover the [[Insecticon (WFC)|Insecticons]] for the first time. However, there is one notable inconsistency – see 'Errors' below.
*The ''Age of Extinction'' story, meanwhile, is utterly irreconcilable with the events of the film – the Autobots have an existing alliance with the [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]], and Optimus Prime and Bumblebee sport the new bodies they acquire during the film, yet Lockdown is perfectly alive and Prime is active on Earth. Stinger's brief cameo as a mercenary is similarly impossible to reconcile.
*Audio logs speak of the [[Patterner]]s and [[Galvatron (COP)|Galvatron]] indicating that studies of the [[Dark Spark]] took place during the Age of Origins in ''[[Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus]]''
*Starscream sarcastically makes note of how Soundwave is becoming a "conversationalist", likely alluding to the vow of silence he takes and employs during the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Prime'']] cartoon.
*Like his [[Drift (G1)|namesake]], [[Drift (ROTF)|Drift]] was once a Decepticon before switching allegiance to join the Autobots, as noted by [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]] when the former was held captive. Whether this background also applies to the film is unknown, given the above differences in the continuity.

===Errors===
*Despite the game's script clearly positioning it before the events of ''Fall of Cybertron'', Megatron is depicted in the new body he acquired only part-way through that game.
*Ironhide and Sideswipe encounter an Insecticon Bruiser despite Shockwave creating them in FOC.
*The live-action film universe Matrix of Leadership uses the model from the Aligned games, rather than the very different Matrix design first seen in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''.
*Lockdown's model has a Decepticon insignia and is undersized.

===Trivia===
* ''Rise of the Dark Spark'' marks a [[PlayStation]] 4 milestone by being the very first game to support the PlayStation Store pre-loading feature introduced in the console's 1.70 update.<ref>[http://blog.us.playstation.com/2014/06/18/pre-order-pre-load-upcoming-ps4-games/ PlayStation Blog: Pre-Order, Pre-Load Upcoming PS4 Games]</ref>
* As a shout-out, some of the playable characters quote their [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] bios, notably Shockwave chiding Starscream with, "Clarity of thought before rashness of action." and Blast Off telling Swindle, "I destroy Autobots by choice, not command."
* The game notably features the return of the use of "[[Slag (slang)|slag]]" as a common expletive, having been replaced with "[[scrap]]" for the majority of the Aligned continuity thus far.
*In the first level of the game there's a billboard that reads, "Vote Berger for Mayor", an obvious reference to the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] character [[Shawn Berger]], who expressed such mayoral desires in the two-part episode "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|Megatron's Master Plan]]".
*The Crystal Guardians the Decepticons face in chapter 2 are all [[generic]]s with the body-type of [[Sentinel Zeta Prime|Zeta Prime]].
*During Escalation, Earth characters are noticeably bigger than Cybertron characters with Earth Optimus hilariously towering over Warpath.
*While not quite an error, it is worth noting that the relationship between Bumblebee and Drift is much more friendly than in the movie. Lockdown also is very different. In the game, greed and personal power seems to be his primary motivation, while in the movie Lockdown simply wanted fair payment for his services as he talks about how inferior humans are and how he thinks extremely highly of his creators.

===Foreign names===
*''Europe:'' '''''Transformers: The Dark Spark'''''
*''Russia:'' '''Трансформеры: Битва за Тёмную Искру''' (''Transformers: Battle for the Dark Spark'')

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{gamestub}}

==External links==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj-lD5gthQ8 Announcement trailer]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMfLEbUqGyQ G1 Optimus Prime trailer]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0azQrLC07OI Bumblebee trailer]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKT6KeuEGi0 Gameplay trailer]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bae87EGy-1E Bruticus trailer]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMZn4uBsOAY Grimlock trailer]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=288YItFXPfI Gampelay trailer - Escalation]

[[Category:Video games]]

Choices

2014-09-16T15:30:34Z

Shockwavenumber1:

{{Comicstory
|series=autocracy|issueno=7
|prev=Purge
|next=Overthrown
|caption=
|image=Autocracy 7.jpg
|title="Choices"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[April 11]], [[2012]]
|coverdate=
|story by=[[Chris Metzen]] & [[Flint Dille]]
|art by=[[Livio Ramondelli]]
|letters by=[[Robbie Robbins]]
|editor=[[John Barber]] & [[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Before the war]]
}}
'''Betrayed by Zeta Prime, Orion Pax only has one person to turn to... Megatron.'''

==Synopsis==
Just as [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]] is about to execute [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]], he is interrupted by [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] and his [[Decepticon]]s. Seeing a chance to kill two birds with one stone, Zeta tries to kill Megatron with his [[vamparc ribbon]], but the weapon sucks up too much [[energon]] and overloads due to the Decepticon leader shielding himself with several unlucky civilians. Unwilling to face Megatron unarmed, Zeta makes his escape, and the Decepticons take Orion Pax and his unit back to [[Kaon]].

At [[Kolkular]], Orion Pax is repaired by [[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]] and admits to Megatron that he was right about Zeta Prime's crimes. Megatron again offers that they work together against Zeta's rule, telling Orion he has no other choice but to trust him. [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] are squabbling in another room when Shockwave enters and announces that everything has been decided.

Meanwhile, Orion Pax is reassuring [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Hot Rod]], who is in deep regret after destroying Nyon, telling him that making difficult decisions and carrying the burden afterwards is a big part of being a leader. He then makes a difficult decision of his own as he meets with Megatron and shakes hands with him in front of the other Autobots...

==Featured characters==
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]] (1)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]] (2)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Bumblebee]] (16)
*[[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]] (18)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (20)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (21)

|c2=
*? (3)
*? (4)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (5)
*[[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] (6)
*[[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] (7)
*? (8)
*? (9)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (10)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (11)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (12)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (13)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (14)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (15)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]] (17)
*[[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]] (19)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (23)

|c4=
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Hot Rod]] (22)
}}
{{issuestub}}

Rewind (G1)

2014-09-11T01:38:22Z

Shockwavenumber1:

{{factions|autobot|protector}}
{{featured}}
{{disambig3.5|the heroic Autobot Mini-Cassette know-it-all|information on his evil counterpart, if you didn't know he had one|Rewind (SG)|Rewind}}
:'' Did you know that Rewind is an [[Autobot]] [[Autobot Mini-Cassette|Mini-Cassette]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]?''

[[File:G1 MadmansParadise Rewind inscriptions.jpg|upright=1.95|thumb|"Did you know that the names 'Rewind' and 'Eject' come from ACTUAL BUTTONS on a tape player? It's true, it's true!"]]
Did You Know that '''Rewind'''...

*Is the undisputed Autobot trivia master?
*Can store more data than even a [[floppy disk]], whether in robot mode or mighty microcassette mode?
*Isn't terribly selective with the data he stores, gathering up every tidbit of information he can find until it gives him a splitting electronic headache?
*Can unleash the light from his internal data storage matrix to become a blinding beacon?
*Would never lose on ''Jeopardy!'', but isn't always able to remember the useful things he knows until it's too late?
*Can tell you useful facts about [[New Jersey (Earth)|New Jersey]] ([[New Jersey (Ganzvort)|both of them]])?

(''[[The Transformers Universe]] bio. [[New York City|New York]]: [[Marvel Comics]], 1986.'')

{{quote|This all looks familiar! It's in my databanks someplace, but I can't quite...|Rewind|"[[Forever Is a Long Time Coming]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
[[File:G1 ForeverIsALongTime Rewind dunno.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Hey, did you know that my toy has a red eye visor but Eject has an orange visor? Let me tell you more."]]
'''Did You Know that Rewind in the ''Transformers'' Cartoon...'''
*Was voiced by [[Townsend Coleman]] in the English language, [[Yoku Shioya]] in the Japanese language and [[Héctor Vieyra]] in the Latin American dub?
*Became one of [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster's]] cassettes sometime between 1986 and 2005?
*Helped Blaster and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] defend the communications tower during the [[Battle of Autobot City]]?
*[[User:ItsWalky#Characters who have defeated Ravage|Successfully shot Ravage]] several times while doing so?
(''[[Ron Friedman]]. ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. [[New York City|New York]]: [[Sunbow Productions]], 1986.'')

*Accompanied Blaster on a mission to investigate chronal energy signals emanating from an asteroid that had existed for 1,000,200,043 years and seven months?
*Travelled back in time to the [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|First Great Cybertronian War]]?
*Successfully fought against both [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]] and [[Dark Guardian]]s?
*Used his knowledge (after an initial false start) to recognize both the Guardians and the [[Quintesson]]s attempt to change history by stopping the Autobot slave rebellion?
*Spoke 17 lines of dialogue with 154 words during the accounting of these events?
(''[[Gerry Conway]] and [[Carla Conway]]. "[[Forever Is a Long Time Coming]]". New York: Sunbow Productions, 1986.'')

*Helped [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] track down a missing [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] by identifying what Steeljaw found to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]]?
*Can translate ancient Quintesson inscriptions?
*Identified that a long-hidden chamber near the capital central of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] was used for banishing criminals to a variety of alternate dimensions as punishment for their crimes?
*Successfully determined that Daniel was banished to [[Menonia]]?
*Participated in a Menonian battle against [[Mara-Al-Utha]], a Quintesson exiled for practicing [[magic]]?
(''[[Craig Rand]]. "[[Madman's Paradise]]". New York: Sunbow Productions, 1986.'')
{{-}}

====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
'''Did You Know that Rewind in the ''Headmasters'' Cartoon...'''
[[File:HM4 Rewind rides Steeljaw.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"Did you know my weight is easily within the load bearing capacity of a [[cybercat]]? I just found out myself!"]]
*Was voiced by [[Ken Yamaguchi]] in the Japanese language?
*Helped find [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and his cassettes while they were spying on Autobot forces in [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]?
*Joined the hunt to find the hidden [[Matrix of Leadership]]?
(''[[Toyohiro Ando]]. "[[The Mystery of Planet Master]]". [[Tokyo]]: [[Toei|Toei Animation Co., Ltd.]], 1987.'')

*Refused to go on missions because he was mourning Blaster's death?
*Was overjoyed when Blaster was resurrected as Twincast?
*Rode on Steeljaw as Twincast led them on a mission to stop the [[Madmachine]]?
(''Toyohiro Ando. "[[The Great Cassette Operation]]". Tokyo: Toei, 1987.'')

*Spied on the Decepticons as they planned to attack [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]?
(''[[Yoshihisa Araki]]. "[[Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1]]". Tokyo: Toei, 1987.'')

*Sneaked into the Decepticon base and spied on a conversation between Soundblaster and Sixshot about a meeting on [[Chaar]]?
*Accompanied Twincast to Chaar and took part in a fight with Soundblaster when they were spotted?
(''Toyohiro Ando. "[[Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears]]". Tokyo: Toei, 1987.'')

*Scouted planet [[Paradise]] with the rest of Twincast's cassettes?
(''Yoshihisa Araki. "[[Head Formation of Friendship]]". Tokyo: Toei, 1987.'')

*Helped comb Earth for information on the Decepticons' plans?
(''Yoshihisa Araki. "[[The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg]]". Tokyo: Toei, 1987.'')

*Patrolled Earth with the other cassettes after the Decepticons abandoned the planet?
(''Yoshihisa Araki. "[[Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 1)]]". Tokyo: Toei, 1987.'')

*Saved [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] from [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] along with his fellow cassettes during the final battle to save Earth?
*Joined in the "Final Formation" to give [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] enough power to destroy the Decepticons' [[Death Tower]]s?
(''Yoshihisa Araki. "[[The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)]]". Tokyo: Toei, 1988.'')

====''Alternity''====
'''Did You Know that Rewind in ''Alternity''...'''
*Became a member of the [[Protector]]s?
*Explained why [[Alternity]] [[Auto-avatar]]s were based on early 21st century vehicles?
(''[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]]. "[[Alternation]]". Tokyo: [[TakaraTomy|Tomy Co., Ltd.]], 2010.'')

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel UK future timelines====
[[File:Arcee rewind steeljaw.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|"Did you know that due to Marvel's practice of using blue to represent black, I can be easily confused with Eject?"]]
'''Did You Know that Rewind in the Marvel Generation 1 Comics...'''
*Was released from Blaster's chest along with his fellow cassettes by [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] to help even the odds after the other Autobots in Autobot City (including Blaster) were deactivated and crucified during a Quintesson attack on the city in 2008?
(''[[Simon Furman]]. "[[Space Pirates!]]". [[London]]: [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] Entertainment International Ltd., 1988.'')

===''The Transformers 3-D''===
'''Did You Know that Rewind in the ''Transformers 3-D'' Comic...'''
*Was the historian of the Autobots?
*Was consulted by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] after [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] retrieved a [[Logicon]] message tape that contained information on the [[Destructon]]s?
*Considered both the Destructons and the Logicons to be myths from a primitive past?
*Was subsequently asked by Optimus Prime to work out the coordinates to planet [[Metascan Alpha]], the apparent home of the Logicons?
*Noticed a spy in their midst and shot at him—but became confused by the spy seemingly being in two places at once? (It's because the Autobots were really facing [[Pounce]] and [[Wingspan]]!)
(''Williams, Fuget, Haxo, "Noodles" and Stephenson. "[[The War Against the Destructons, Chapter 1 of 3]]". El Cajon, California: [[Blackthorne Publishing]], 1988.'')

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
'''Did You Know that Rewind in the Dreamwave ''Generation 1'' Comics...'''
*Was a frequent partner of Blaster throughout the millennia, serving under him and Perceptor during the [[Age of Internment]]?
(''[[Simon Furman]]. ''[[Transformers: War Within: The Age of Wrath|The War Within: The Age of Wrath]]''. Markham, Ontario: [[Dreamwave Productions]], 2004.'')

*Was a part of Hot Rod and [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]]'s resistance movement when the [[Unified Cybertronian Government]] was corrupted from within by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]?
(''[[James McDonough|Brad Mick]]. "[[Countdown to Extinction (issue)|Countdown to Extinction]]". Markham, Ontario: Dreamwave Productions, 2003.'')

===IDW Generation 1 continuity===
'''Did You Know that Rewind in the IDW ''Generation 1'' Comics...'''
*Was too prominent a character to continue summarizing his story simply as trivia factoids?
(''[[James Roberts]]. ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye]]''. San Diego, California: [[IDW Publishing|Idea and Design Works, LLC]], 2012.'')
{{ongoing}}
[[File:BeforeandAfter-Rewindisold.jpg|left|thumb|upright=2.2|"Did you know I am old, tiny, and looking for my mustachioed ex-husband?"]]
Rewind is extremely old: he can remember when Cybertron switched to the [[New Calendar]], and predates the rise of the [[Functionism|Functionists]] and their [[Grand Cybertron Taxonomy]]. Within the new caste structure the Functionists imposed upon Cybertronian society, Rewind's memory stick alternate mode saw him labelled as a member of the [[Disposable class]], who were little better than slaves. Fortunately, Rewind was lucky enough to wind up working as a data receptacle for [[Dominus Ambus]], who treated him with respect and eventually became his friend, even fighting for civil rights for the Disposable class. Seeking a cure for the disease [[Cybercrosis]], Dominus departed Cybertron to search for [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], and Rewind accompanied him; their quest ended in failure, and when they returned to their homeworld, they discovered a [[Great War (G1)|civil war]] had broken out in their absence. Rewind joined the Autobot faction, but the war soon became a distant second concern for him when Dominus mysteriously disappeared. Rewind began a lifelong search for his friend, but when no sign that he still lived could be found, the archivist eventually started investigating the [[Relinquishment Clinic]]s, thinking that his friend may have committed suicide, and at he could at least gain some measure of peace by learning his fate. It was while visiting such a clinic, where he was confronted with failure yet again, that Rewind was approached by [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]], another Autobot waiting to die who had found something inside himself touched by Rewind's anguish. Together, the pair gave each other a reason to live and began a relationship that lasted for millions of years, but Rewind never stopped searching for Dominus. With a camera mounted to his head at all times to record anything and everything around him, Rewind even began to plumb seedier and seedier depths, procuring footage of deaths of all kinds, in hopes of one day finding something that would reveal Dominus's fate to him. Despite being named Rewind's [[Conjunx Endura]], Chromedome resigned himself to the fact he would only ever be the ''second'' most important person in Rewind's life. {{storylink|Before & After}}

[[File:LiarsAtoD1-Rewind.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|"Did you know that I have a camera attached to the side of my head at all times so that I can record everything?"]]
Rewind was among the Autobots stationed at the [[Kimia Facility]] at the time of the [[Chaos (IDW)|Chaos event]], and escaped an attack by [[Cyclonus (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Cyclonus]] and the [[Sweep]]s by fleeing in an escape pod with several other survivors. {{storylink|Chaos Part Three: Kings|Kings}} Returning to Cybertron, he was tasked with putting his mastery of language to use translating the inscription found within the [[Matrix of Leadership]], but even he struggled with it. {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}} When it was deduced that the Matrix contained a map believed to lead to the long-lost [[Knights of Cybertron]], Rewind elected to join [[Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Rodimus]]'s crew aboard the ''[[Lost Light]]'' in following the map. On the craft's launch day, Rewind purchased some more death footage from [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] before joining Chromedome and Ratchet in crossing the [[Mitteous Plateau]] to the ship, causing some grumbling from his partner that they were being forced to walk because of Rewind's non-mobile alternate mode. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} Upon launch, a malfunction of the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s quantum generators damaged the ship and hurled it into deep space; once the ship was set down on a planetoid, Rewind helped Chromedome and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] recover the damaged Cyclonus, who had been clinging to the hull. Returning to the ship, they met with [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] and [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]], and then witnessed a battle between the newly-arrived amnesiac [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] and a group of [[Legislator|mysterious robots]], which Rewind gleefully recorded. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

No sooner was the ''Lost Light'' airborne again than Rewind was called upon to help investigate the death of [[Shock (G1)|Shock]], identifying the murder as the work of a [[Sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeater]]. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|The Chaos of Warm Things}} Rodimus later called Rewind up to give Tailgate a history lesson about the war: having been in stasis throughout the conflict, Tailgate had decided that he wanted to be a Decepticon, but a super-compressed summary of the villains' actions during the war beamed straight into his head by Rewind quickly disabused him of the notion. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}}

When [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] discovered the footage Rewind had bought from Swindle and brought on board, he dubbed them "snuff movies" and punished the little 'bot by having him replace rivets on the ship's hull. He was soon joined in his task by Swerve, and the pair were then pressed into action when [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] took [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] and [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] hostage. Rewind projected footage of Max's torture at the hands of [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] at [[Garrus-9]] through a window from outside in order to distract him, while Swerve took a shot at him, but wound up grievously wounding Rung instead. {{storylink|Interiors}}

[[File:MTMTE2012Annual-RewindDataSlug.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|"Did you know that although I appear to be flying in [[data slug]] mode in these panels, this is not in fact possible for me to achieve?"]]
Against Rewind's wishes, Chromedome had begun using his [[mnemosurgery]] skills again, resulting in him reliving the experience of [[Skyfall (G1)|Skyfall]]'s death. After helping calm his partner, Rewind accompanied him to Tailgate's Autobot Initiation Ceremony, during which Rodimus was seized by a strange compulsion and drew some ancient Cybertronian on Tailgate's chest, which Rewind translated as "let me out". Shortly after, Rewind was among those teleported to the planet [[Theophany]] by the [[Galactic Council]] to investigate the abandoned [[Crystal City]]. Beneath the city, they found a [[Metrotitan (body-type)|Metrotitan]], whose psychic emanations were revealed as the cause of Rodimus's trance; the words, Cyclonus explained, were a plea from the titan that actually said "set me free". When the Autobots shrank the titan so it could teleport away, it sent them back to their ship and quantum-jumped them out of the Council's reach. {{storylink|Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|You, Me, and Other Revelations}}

With Rung's body repaired after the hostage ordeal, Rewind determined to heal his comatose mind by gathering together a group of other Transformers to tell stories of their shared experiences that would notionally help Rung's unresponsive mind form connections. The first two attempts didn't work out, {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}} so for the third try, Rewind got Chromedome, Ratchet, Skids, [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] and Whirl to help him tell a story about events set during the [[Clampdown]]. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}} The story didn't appear to be having any effect, {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}} but Rewind was determined to keep going, having discovered that Rung was strangely ubiquitous in Cybertronian history, having been presented for virtually ever major event in the planet's span. In the end, it was not the story, but Skids's deliberate mispronunciation of the psychiatrist's name that awoke him. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}}

[[File:MTMTE12 time's up.jpg|thumb|upright=1.95|Did you know that I nearly oiled myself at the realization that I was about to be blown up?]]
Rewind took part in an attack on a Decepticon battalion on [[Temptoria]], which kicked off with an argument between him and Chromedome, as he had previously promised his partner that he would not put himself in danger in this manner any more. The argument was cut off when Whirl dragged Rewind away to take footage of him during the attack; while Whirl and Cyclonus took care of the combat end of the mission, Rewind and Tailgate explored the Decepticon base and discovered the villains were using [[pink alchemy]] to drain [[energon]] from the natives. A bomb was wired to the chamber, so Rewind helped Tailgate to defuse it, but when the process went wrong, he wound up locked in the bomb chamber with Cyclonus. The larger 'bot shielded Rewind from the explosion, but the archivist was still badly damaged. He is returned to the Lost Light by Chromedome who reminds [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] that Rewind is allergic to Crude Energon and ultraviolet light. Rewind would have died had not Whirl (secretly responsible for locking them in as part of a deluded attempt to kill Cyclonus) volunteered to take part in jumpstarting his [[spark]]. {{storylink|Before & After}}

[[File:MTMTE13 Rewind's holomatter avatar.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.85|Did you know that my holomatter avatar is adorable?]]
After the crew and Rewind had recovered from the battle of Temptoria, Rewind was one of those invited with [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] and his "gang" to the tourist planet of [[Hedonia]] for a night of R& R. Rewind was one of the group who had the opportunity to scout the organics-only bar using his [[holomatter]] avatar, a 20-something human called, appropriately, ''Joe Human''. {{storylink|Cybertronian Homesick Blues}} While Swerve babysat a drunken Ultra Magnus, Rewind joined the others in the gift shop. Rewind suggested to them that if they were already in trouble with Ultra Magnus, they might as well get into some serious trouble by searching for the "dark secret" of Hedonia. He later convinced [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] not to buy any Hedonian tourist memory sticks, as he was recording his own version. {{storylink|Signal to Noise}}

Rung bought an Ark-1 model instead, which led Rewind to an impromptu showing of some ancient footage of the real Ark-1's opening ceremony. Before he could roll footage, an apparently drunk Cyclonus flew into a rage. With only twenty minutes to spare, Rewind helped the others to get a comatose Ultra Magnus back to the shuttle. {{storylink|Cybertronian Homesick Blues}}

Unknown to Rewind, Chromedome was busy interfacing with the secret Decepticon prisoner, [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]], who would later use Chromedome's memories to escape from his slow-cell prison. Rewind suspected something was going on, and visited Brainstorm to relay some of his suspicions. At that moment, Overlord killed [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] and the Lost Light was alerted to their emergency.

He followed the rest of the crew to find Overlord crippled by [[Trepan's Trigger]], the mnemonic process Chromedome had installed in the Phase-Sixer as a failsafe. Rewind felt betrayed by Chromedome's return to mnemosurgery, a dangerous practice which Chromedome had previously promised Rewind he would no longer do. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}} [[File:TheGloaming-iloveyou.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Did You Know that I love you? Or were you not aware? 
You're the smile on my face 
And I ain't going nowhere]] Rewind angrily told Chromedome that they would talk later, but the chance never came. When Fortress Maximus managed to put Overlord back into the slow cell, the doors had been wedged open by one of Drift's swords. The only way to close the cell was for Rewind to get into the cell and remove the sword from the inside.

As the ejection countdown began, Rewind apologised to a distraught Chromedome for things not working out. As the cell fell away from the ship, Rewind turned to find Overlord looming over him. What was said between the two is not known as Chromedome, only too aware of Overlord's depravity, rushed to blow up the ejected cell rather than leave Rewind to a sadist's mercy... {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}}

Later, a small red-tinted camera-unit floating in space was all that remained of Rewind, next to a fully intact and not-quite-dead Overlord.

Unknown to Chromedome, Rewind had the foresight to compose a message to his partner and eject it from the cell prior to the door's closing. After his ''in absentia'' funeral, Rewind's data-slug gave a grieving Chromedome a final message through a series of edited clips, finishing with the words ''I Love You.'' {{storylink|The Gloaming}}

For months after, Chromedome sat in his room playing the message over and over (and felt guilt over ''not'' searching for Dominus Ambus was he'd promised). One day, the end of the message was simply an anguished scream and he went to [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] for aid. The detective realised it wasn't just Chromedome imagining things when Rewind's ''ghost'' showed up for a second. Nightbeat called it a "[[data ghost]]", theorising it was the impression left on the physical world by the metaphysical weight of the data that Rewind carried. All this took a back seat when the ship began to disappear. {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|Towards Peace}} {{storylink|World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|Words Hang in the Air}}

{{spoiler|slaughterhouse|September 26th}}
Only a few hours after that, the remaining Autobots came across an alternate timeline's ''Lost Light'': one massacred by the [[Decepticon Justice Division]]. The only survivor was this ''Lost Light's'' Rewind! {{storylink|slaughterhouse}}
{{-}}

===Timelines===
[[File:Timeless-EjectChromedomeStylor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Let's have a go at Rewind because he turns into a super space tank and not a... giant memory stick or—or—whatever..."]]
'''Did You Know that Rewind in a small universe orbiting [[Primax 1005.19 Gamma]]...
*Was teamed with [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Stylor]]?
*Was obsessed with accessing the contents of the [[Vestigial Cortical Complex]]?
*Enlisted the help of [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]] as hired muscle?
*Successfully found and accessed the Complex's treasure trove of Decepticon secrets?
(''[[Jesse Wittenrich]] & [[Pete Sinclair]]. "[[Timeless]]". Fort Worth, [[Texas]]: [[Fun Publications]], [[2013]].'')
{{-}}

==Games==
===Transformers G1: Awakening===
[[File:Gluawakening rewind.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.85]]
'''Did You Know that Rewind in ''Transformers G1: Awakening''...'''
*Was among the Autobots who left [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], and spent four million years in stasis after it was shot down over Earth by the Decepticons?
*Was forced to remain inside Blaster until enough energy could be gathered to repair Blaster sufficiently for them to return to combat?
*Eventually was able to return to combat, shortly before the Autobots returned to Cybertron to assault the Decepticon fortress in an attempt to free the enslaved Autobots there?
(''"[[Transformers G1: Awakening]]". [[San Francisco]]: [[Glu|Glu Mobile]], 2010.'')
{{--}}
===''Transformers Legends''===
'''Did You Know that Rewind in ''Transformers Legends''...'''
*Occasionally got headaches from data overload?
*Had [[Sundor|Sunder]] attempt to help relieve his headaches by playing loud music?
(''Rewind's bio, ''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]''. San Francisco, [[Mobage]], 2013.'')
*Joined [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] in infiltrating a human science facility to try to safeguard the technology there from the Decepticons?
*Found that [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] had already wormed his way into the base?
(''"[[Espionage]]", ''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]''. San Francisco, [[Mobage]], 2013.'')

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[File:G1-toy Rewind.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Did you know that the cassette-formers are at 1:1 scale for micro-cassettes? True fact."]]
*'''Rewind & Steeljaw''' (Cassette 2-pack, 1986/1987)
**'''Did You Know that the Cassette 2-Pack Rewind Toy...'''
***Has 2 "Adhesion Rifles" for accessories?
***Was released in [[Hasbro]]'s ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' toyline?
***Transforms from a humanoid robot to a micro-cassette and vice-versa?
***Is designed to fit in [[Blaster (G1)#Generation 1 2|Blaster]]'s chest compartment (though he rattles around a little bit...)?
***Has two notable [[variant]]s, one with gold-[[Vacuum metallizing|chromed]] weapons, and the other, more common version with silver-chromed weapons?
***Has [[Sticker|foil decal]]s that give his "cassette side" its detailing (and cover the screws holding it together) in some versions, while other versions use [[tampograph]]s?
***May or may not have any correlation between the guns and detailing variations?
***Was [[redeco]]ed to make [[Eject (G1)#Generation 1|Eject]], [[Flip Sides (G1)|Flip Sides]], [[Rosanna (KP)|Rosanna]], and [[Solarbot#VSE|Solarbot]], as well as ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Rewind (SG)|Rewind]]?
***Has 19 moving parts, including shoulder pads that are adjustable?
***Cannot hold his weapons in his fists, but has them mounted to the tape wheels inside his arms instead?
***Is held together with 6 screws, 2 metal bolts, and 11 plastic rivets?
***Came packaged with [[Steeljaw (G1)#Generation 1 2|Steeljaw]]?
{{-}}

{{anchor|JapanG1}}
*'''Rewind''' (Cassettebot, 1986/1987)
**'''Did You Know that the 1986 Japanese Rewind Toy...'''
***Has the Japanese ID numbers '''C-67''' and '''C-118'''?
***Also has 2 "Adhesion Rifles" for accessories?
***Was released in [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s markets as part of their ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers 2010 (toyline)|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers 2010]]'' line?
***Is identical to the 2-pack version?
***Was only sold individually, with silver guns and sticker detailing?
{{-}}

===Encore===
[[File:G1toy encore cassettes1.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Did you know that this new Autobot symbol on my torso also helps differentiate me from my original toy, in addition to being spiffy?"]]
*'''Great Cassette Operation''' (2009)
**'''Did You Know that this re-release of the Japanese Rewind Toy...'''
***Has the Japanese ID number '''15'''?
***Also has 2 "Adhesion Rifles" for accessories?
***Was only available in [[TakaraTomy]]'s ''[[Transformers Encore]]'' line of [[Generation 1 reissues|reissues]] in [[March 28]] of 2009?
***Also came packaged with [[Eject (G1)#Encore|Eject]], [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Encore|Ravage]], and [[Buzzsaw (G1)#Encore|Buzzsaw]]?
***Featured an Autobot symbol tampograph on his torso, which is new for this release?

{{-}}

===Timelines===
[[File:TCCSS2-Rewind.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Did you know that I've been working out?"]]
*'''Rewind''' (Scout, 2014)
**'''Did You Know that this release of the Transformers Collectors' Club Subscription Service 2.0 toy...'''
***Has two rifles/cannons as accessories?
***Was released in the ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Transformers Timelines]]'' toyline via the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]]?
***Is a redeco of ''[[Transformers United|United]]'' [[Frenzy (G1)#United|Frenzy]]/[[Rumble (G1)#United|Rumble]], which wasn't released in America?
***Probably shouldn't have his wiki entry be written in this style since he has a newly-[[retool]]ed head based on [[Nick Roche]]'s design as seen in IDW's ''More Than Meets The Eye'' ongoing series, where he wasn't so much a trivia nut?
***Transforms from a humanoid robot to a "super space tank", just as Rewind joked about ''not'' transforming into in "[[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It]]"?
***Is able to mount his rifles/cannons on his tank turret or his robot-mode forearms via [[C joint]] clips and bars?
***Has arms that can transform into spring-loaded pile-driver weapons?
***Was the fourth toy revealed for 2014's [[Transformers Figure Subscription Service]] series, and on Nick Roche's birthday ([[September 5]]th)?
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
*'''Did You Know that...'''
**For the original draft of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and several revisions, there was going to be only one humanoid Autobot Mini-Cassette, who was going to be called Bolts?<ref>[http://boltax.blogspot.com/2010/12/heritaage-auctions-transformers-movie.html The TFTM script draft at Disciples of Boltax]?</ref><ref>[http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/transformers.html An early script for ''The Transformers: The Movie'' at dailyscript.com]?</ref>
**Between the original draft and actual product, Bolts's role was split in two? Bolts was supposed to fight [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], which Rewind ended up doing in the movie ([[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]] dealt the described kick though). Bolts's attitude and tussle with [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] went to [[Eject (G1)|Eject]]. During their initial ejection from Blaster however, both Rewind and Eject swap color schemes multiple times for the duration of the scene.

===Foreign names===
*'''Did You Know that...'''
**Rewind's Japanese name is '''Rewind''', which is written in katakana as リワインド, which in turn is transliterated into the Latin alphabet as ''Riwaindo''?
**Rewind's French name in Canada is '''Mémorax'''?
**Rewind's Mandarin name in Taiwan is '''Dào-dài''' (倒帶), which means "Rewind"?
**Rewind's Mandarin name in China is '''Fatiao''' (发条), which means "Clockwork Spring"?
**Rewind's Russian name is '''Reverse''', which is written in Cyrillic as Реверс, which is transliterated into the Latin alphabet as ''Revers''?

==References==
'''Did You Know that the information on this article is from...'''
{{reflist}}

==External links==
'''Did You Know that you can find out more about Rewind...'''
*From his [http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Rewind/rewind.htm page at TFU.info]?
*From his [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Rewind Universe profile at NTFA.net]?

[[Category:Alternity Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Mini-Cassettes]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]

Infiltration protocol

2014-09-07T02:55:17Z

Shockwavenumber1: Um, this was a dollar sign...

:''The infiltration protocol is a [[Decepticon]] modus operandi from the [[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Siege mode bunker.jpg|upright=1.95|thumb|Purple prose on a red background.]]
The Decepticons under [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron's]] command follow a strict '''infiltration protocol'''—a carefully staged process of destabilizing and conquering inhabited planets. The staged conquest is highly secretive, with soldiers under strict orders not to break cover till late in process. Though brutal in its later phases, this tactic is still constrained by the [[Code of Interplanetary Conflict]]. Breaking protocol is extremely rare.

The Decepticon infiltration protocol has six phases:

'''Phase One''' presumably comprises the initial infiltration of a planet's society and gathering of intelligence.

'''Phase Two''' involves the agitation of pre-existing conflicts and igniting "international hotspots". Frequently this is accomplished with [[facsimile construct|facsimiles]]—artificial duplicates of key members of the planet's native population, equipped to duplicate the original's actions, memories and personalities, but programmed to serve the Decepticons' interests. The goal is to get the natives to obliterate themselves, without the Decepticons' direct involvement.

On occasion, the Decepticons will encounter unusual resistance, and see fit to use a special protocol known as [[mirror response mode]]. Whether this ''modus operandi'' is tied specifically to Phase Two is not known.

'''Phase Three''' is not described. It presumably continues agitation of conflict, but may involve direct—albeit discreet—involvement of the Decepticons (such as dealing with people who suspect outside influences, etc.).

'''Phase Four''' is not described. The Decepticons have presumably dropped cover to some extent by this point, possibly attacking the most destabilized areas of the planet directly.

'''Phase Five''' is not described, but it appears that the Decepticon presence is now known at this point.

A special ''modus operandi'' known as '''Siege Mode''' is typically initiated during Phase Five. Military protection of assets appears to be the goal of Siege Mode, implying that the Autobots or the natives are now making efforts to stop the Decepticons through straightforward military force; a massive above-ground fortress (variously known as the '''siege armature''' or '''siege mode armature''') is typically installed on the planet and used as a base of operations. Secrecy is no longer a concern.

'''Phase Six''', by all accounts, is pretty much the end of the world. Phase Six involves the invasion of destabilized planets on the brink of collapse and the elimination of any possible resistance. Three of the world-shatteringly powerful "[[Warriors Elite]]" were designated [[Phase Sixer]]s and specifically chosen for this task when the infiltration protocol was formulated: [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]], [[Black Shadow (Victory)|Black Shadow]] and [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]], though it is not uncommon for Sixshot to begin operations at Phase Five. All, or at least the vast majority of Decepticons specialized in this phase have fail-safes installed in their systems, to prevent their firepower and tactical acumen from being used against Megatron himself.

There is a legendary '''Phase Seven''' that would commence once the war is complete—repopulation.<ref>[[Rules of Disengagement]]</ref>

==Fiction==
===IDW Generation 1 continuity===
During the early years of the war, on [[Caldoon 4]], [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] slaughtered a battalion of Autobots before making his way to a meeting which involved [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]], [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] and [[Black Shadow (Victory)|Black Shadow]]. It was here he was informed that Megatron had finalized his infiltration protocol and that the assembled Decepticons would be his "[[Phase Sixer]]s"; three extremely powerful warriors who would visit planets on the verge of collapse and wipe out any possible resistance. While Black Shadow and Sixshot merely declared "For the Decepticons", Overlord was less pleased at the idea of simply being a weapon to point and shoot. When he asked what if he aspired for something more, Megatron informed him of two options; either do as he was told or refuse, in which case Megatron would hunt him down and rend him limb from limb.

Overlord was sobered by this ultimatum, but only momentarily. Overlord returned to the battle outside, and messily dispatched every Autobot save one. Overlord held [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]'s limp form, shattered but alive, and told him to let Megatron know that he'd chosen option two. Overlord transformed and left the planet, remarking that he'd be waiting for his former leader when the time came to make good on his ultimatum. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 2|Last Stand of the Wreckers #2}} What he ''didn't'' know was that Megatron had instructed [[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Shockwave]] to infect him with an [[Achilles virus]]. He found out after leaving Caldoon 4, when he realized he had a "tactical blind spot" and couldn't figure out how to hurt Megatron like he could everyone else. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 3|Last Stand of the Wreckers #3}}

[[Pyro (G1)|Pyro]]'s team on [[Hydrus 5]] successfully beat back the Decepticon infiltration unit, the [[Tremorcon]]s, that was on the brink of going to either Phase 4 or 5 (Pyro wasn't sure which). The planet suffered climate disruptions due to the weaponry used in the war and the Hydrusian temple was left smoldering, but Pyro considered that to be expected collateral damage. {{storylink|Bullets}}

Three years after the Decepticons began infiltrating [[Earth]], the security of the Decepticons' Phase One protocol was breached when the [[Machination]] agent [[Stoker]] infiltrated the Decepticons' bunker in [[Nebraska]]. The Decepticons—acting under [[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]]'s local command—risked further revealing themselves by entering siege mode for the purpose of erasing evidence Stoker collected. They killed Stoker, then tried to retrieve his [[SM-40]] computer from [[Verity Carlo]], who had stolen it. When they failed at that because of Autobot interference, they made do with destroying Stoker's mobile home, [[Auto Solutions|the business]] where Verity hid out, and the bus Stoker traveled on.

Starscream's entering siege mode so early in the infiltration process led Megatron himself to come to Earth to put the Decepticons back in line. When he arrived, he discovered Starscream had further broken protocol by moving their base of operations from Nebraska. Megatron reasserted his authority by thrashing [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], and [[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]]. He then moved the Decepticons up to Phase Two. {{storylink|The Transformers: Infiltration|Infiltration}}

The Decepticons initiated Phase Two operations by trying to spark a war between the Eastern European countries of [[Latveria]] and [[Symkaria]]. The operation was thwarted by an alliance of the [[Avengers]] and Autobots. {{storylink|New Avengers/Transformers}}

[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] was leading the Autobot counterforce on [[Varas Centralus]] when the Decepticons went to Phase Six. The [[Wrecker]]s were brought in to cause as much damage to the Decepticons as possible, even though the planet itself was likely a lost cause. The Wreckers were abruptly redeployed to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to take care of a situation developing there.

[[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]]'s unit on [[Nebulos]] appeared to be in either Phase One or Two when [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] attacked the planet. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 2|Stormbringer #2}} Darkwing considered letting Thunderwing do the work of devastating the world for them, but decided that Thunderwing might not leave much left over for the Decepticons to strip down. So his unit attacked. After failing miserably to stop Thunderwing, Darkwing and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] abandoned the planet. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 3|Stormbringer #3}}

Megatron sent [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] in search of fragile governments in [[Africa]] that could be toppled. {{storylink|Spotlight: Ramjet}} Decepticons attempted to covertly start a war between [[Soviet Union]] and [[Brasnya]], one of their breakaway republics. The Autobots successfully contained hostilities. Meanwhile, the Decepticons replaced a likely candidate for [[President of the United States]], Senator [[Alexander Holt]], with a facsimile. {{storylink|The Transformers: Escalation|Escalation}}

This defeat caused Megatron to abandon the phase structure, and he called in Phase Six specialist [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]]. The rest of the Earth-based Decepticons thought he had lost it and plotted against him to restore regular protocols. They awakened Starscream. Sixshot caused mayhem by shooting down the ''[[Ark-19]]'' {{storylink|Devastation issue 1|Devastation #1}} {{storylink|Devastation issue 2|Devastation #2}} and tracking down Earth-based Autobots. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]] and a group of his Autobots confronted him and engaged him in battle. Meanwhile, Senator Holt's facsimile replacement and a [[Deacon|four-star general facsimile]] lost contact with the Decepticons when infiltration protocols were abandoned. Unaware of the disorder amongst the Decepticons, they decided to proceed on their own and continued with [[Alpha-Scenario]] as planned. {{storylink|Devastation issue 3|Devastation #3}} Optimus Prime ordered a general retreat to the ''[[Ark-32]]'' via [[orbital jump]]—effectively abandoning Earth. {{storylink|Devastation issue 4|Devastation #4}}

The [[Reaper]]s attacked the Decepticons' Earth headquarters. Megatron recalled Sixshot to help repel these new invaders. In an act of defiance, Starscream deactivated Sixshot using his secret deactivation code. The rest of the Decepticons engaged the Reapers. {{storylink|Devastation issue 5|Devastation #5}} In the desperate battle that followed, all the Decepticons rallied around Megatron. The Decepticons quickly lost ground until [[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]] secretly intervened. The United States military appeared to be fully aware of the Decepticon presence. {{storylink|Devastation issue 6|Devastation #6}}

A year or so later, the infiltration protocols were abandoned when Megatron ordered an [[Surge (event)|all-out assault]] on all major Autobot outposts, including Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1|All Hail Megatron #1}} {{storylink|Bullets}} {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:IDW Generation 1]]
[[Category:Tactics]]