Downshift (G1)

2025-01-06T00:47:59Z

ThePorty but in TFwiki: /* The Transformers */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Downshift}}
:''Downshift is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[File:G1DownshiftMTMTE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|''[[Runabout (G1)|Those]] [[Runamuck (G1)|punks]] will rue the day they [[Decepticon Graffiti!|made trouble]] on MY watch.'']]
'''Downshift''' is an [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]] who's dedicated to his job, but sometimes his superiors wish he wasn't so ''much'' so. As both a security agent<ref name="flyer">"[[You Have Been Chosen.]]" [[Pack-in material#Mail-order flyers|pack-in flyer]]</ref><ref name="Dreamwave">Downshift's [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] [[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|''More Than Meets the Eye'' comic]] profile</ref> and a scout,<ref name="Takara">Downshift's [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] bio, in the [http://tflab.net/japaspe/tf2010/rp05.html original Japanese] and [[User talk:Apcog#Translating the Omnibot bios|fan-translated English]]. Note that "Camshaft" is the relevant one, since their names were switched in Japan.</ref> he tends to think that guarding something means not just securing the object of his duty, but also actively seeking out foes ''before'' they strike, whatever entanglements this may produce and however vulnerable this may actually leave his charges.

He keeps up-to-date on all the latest law enforcement and military security tactics, and his disarmament techniques are at an expert level.<ref name="Dreamwave" /> He takes great pride in being on the cutting edge of anti-Decepticon spy warfare, but his excitability can lead to mistakes.<ref name="Takara" />

He and the other Omnibots are [[:Category:Dimension hoppers|dimension-hoppers]],<ref name="flyer" /><ref name="Binaltech">Overdrive's ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Binaltech]]'' toy pack-in bio in [http://www.fantofan.jp/photo%20gallery/binartech/bt-12/bt-12a.jpg fan-translated English.]</ref> so it's unclear whether his appearances in various [[Continuity|realities]] are separate entities or the same individual.

==Fiction==
===S.T.A.R.S. pack-in flyers===
[[File:Lookinsideforaspecialoffer.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Everybody STAND BACK. This mall looks like it's been ''improperly securitized."'']]

Downshift and the other two Omnibots were featured in several [[S.T.A.R.S. continuity|recruitment messages]] directed at [[human]] allies. The first message detailed the Omnibots' arrival on [[Earth]]: The [[Autobot]]s marooned on that planet had sent an S.O.S. to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], despite not knowing if anyone would be there to receive it. Luckily, their plea was answered in the form of the Omnibots, [[Powerdasher]]s, and [[Time Warrior (G1)|Time Warrior]]s. The Omnibots quickly adapted to Earth's highways, scouting for and attacking [[Decepticon]]s. {{storylink|Reinforcements from Cybertron!}} This message was later repeated almost verbatim, with minor changes made to accommodate a recruitment drive for [[S.T.A.R.S.]] {{storylink|The battle is far from over!}}

The Omnibot [[Overdrive]] personally narrated the next message, describing how he and his comrades had turned the tide in the Autobots' favor and were gearing up to strike at hidden Decepticon bases. However, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] was holding back until human allies had been mobilized. Overdrive seemed to be speaking specifically to military personnel, and his message segued into the activities of [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] and [[Cobra]]. {{storylink|Earthlings: THE S.T.A.R.S. need your help now!}}

The next pair of messages told the story of [[Johnny (G1)|Johnny]], a young S.T.A.R.S. member whose town came under [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]'s energy-draining attack. He summoned a squad of [[Autobot Cars|Autobot cars]] as well as the Omnibots, but it is unknown how the presumed battle unfolded. {{storylink|Have the Decepticons defeated us once and for all?}} {{storylink|Can one boy, alone, hold back the evil Decepticons?}}

The final message involving the Omnibots was delivered from [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] to the potential new S.T.A.R.S. Commander. Magnus provided the first glimpse into Downshift's personality (that he was a security agent), then claimed that the Omnibots were "destined to fight a war in another universe on March 31, 1987" if the S.T.A.R.S. Commander did not requisition them. {{storylink|You Have Been Chosen.}} And, indeed, they were absent from all future messages.
{{-}}

===Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
[[File:TrainWars Downshift.jpg|thumb]]
====''Legends'' comic====
Downshift was among the Autobots who defended [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]] when the Decepticons came to steal the [[Transform Super Cog]]. {{storylink|Slugslinger's Ambition}}

====Wars comics====
When [[The Fallen]] attacked [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in the hopes of merging with [[Vector Sigma]], [[Overdrive]] sought additional help using the power of his [[Quantum Dial]]. Further empowering the dial with the help of the Oracle, Overdrive reached across space and time to recruit inter-dimensional warriors, as well as his fellow Omnibots, Downshift and Camshaft. {{storylink|Train Wars}} The Fallen assumed a combination form, however, and managed to impale Downshift and the reinforcements using energy spikes. [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], the [[Trainbot]]s, the [[Sixtrain|Train Team]], and the [[Sixliner|Liner Team]] soon arrived to turn the tide, and the Fallen was ultimately defeated. In the aftermath, Downshift and the Omnibots returned the foreign warriors home after the battle. {{storylink|Train Wars 2}}
{{--}}

===''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers''===
[[File:Omnibots group.jpg|left|thumb|Downshift is the one pointing at his crotch. With ''that look'' on his face.]]

During a massive battle on Cybertron, Galvatron introduced his latest combining warrior, [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]]. Predaking simultaneously took out [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], and [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] with a single punch, causing much worry for the Autobots, as [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] was already engaged in battle on Earth.

[[File:Downshift vehicle.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Upshift?]]
From out of nowhere came [[Camshaft (G1)|Camshaft]], Downshift and Overdrive. They swiftly shifted into vehicle mode(s) and circled Predaking, tying up his legs with cable. Predaking swatted at them to no avail!

Then the Omnibots transformed into their battle modes and...''drove'' at Predaking, which caused him to topple backwards onto [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], taking them all out.

The assembled Autobots cheered for these three mighty warriors of great justice. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 5|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers #5}}
{{--}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
[[File:Omnibots passive aggression.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Downshift and his fellow Omnibots acted as guards outside the detention facility on Cybertron. {{storylink|Cold War (issue)|Cold War}} After [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] unleashed Menasor on [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], the Omnibots were sent by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] to stop him. They did not succeed and may have been killed by the rampaging giant. {{storylink|Passive Aggression}}
{{--}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Stormbringer issue 1|''Stormbringer'' #1]]}}
[[File:Downshift punched IDW24.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Watch your language!]]

Downshift hung out with fellow Omnibot Overdrive on the [[Autobot Orbital Command Hub]] under the command of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 1|Stormbringer #1}} He remained on the Hub under [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]'s command, when [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] was brought to them by [[Ku'arn]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}} When [[Nova Prime|Nemesis Prime]] broke into the Hub, Downshift was part of the defensive line to keep him at bay, but he and his teammates were called off the assault by Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}}

He later served as the security chief at the [[Kimia Facility]], and was quite proud of the "top-notch" defenses he oversaw. When [[Cloudburst]] and [[Grotusque]] arrived for a routine inspection of the space station, Downshift took personal offense to their presence, assuming his job performance was under scrutiny. He was in the midst of telling the two to take a hike when [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] and an army of [[Sweep (G1)|Sweep]]s began laying siege to the place. Downshift managed to lament the cruel irony of the situation right before Cyclonus caved his face in. {{storylink|Chaos Part One: Lamentations|Lamentations}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
[[File:Downshift_G1_Toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Downshift''' ([[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]], 1984)}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Camshaft'''
:*''Accessories'': 2 "Magnetic-Guided Rocket Launchers", "[[Rust-ray rifle|Rust Rifle]]"
{{toydesigner|[[Kōjin Ōno]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' Downshift (aka Camshaft in Japan) transforms into a white Toyota Celica Supra (or as it was known in Japan at the time, Celica XX) sports car. He also has a third "flight/attack" mode, which flips down his side panels, revealing mounting points for his "Magnetic-Guided Rocket Launchers", plus reveals a rooftop double-barreled blaster (which can also serve as a clip for his "Rust Rifle").

:Early releases of Downshift have "CELICA" printed on his license plate decal. Later releases blanked this out for obvious reasons.

:Both [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] released him only through mail-order promotions rather than at regular retail (though in the US, some grocery store chains ultimately got bins full of them at discount). In the US, Downshift cost $5 and 4 [[Robot Point]]s; they first appeared in the vey first mail-away offer, "[[Reinforcements from Cybertron!]]". In Japan, he cost 980 yen and 2 Robot Points.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/Downshift/downshift.htm More information on Downshift at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Generations'' (Japan)===
[[File:TFGenerations2014 Rejected Downshift.jpg|thumb|]]
*'''Camshaft''' (<strike>[[2015]]</strike>)
**''Accessories:'' Presumably 2 wrenches, 1 shoulder launcher

: A mock-up of a new Japanese "Camshaft" toy in the form of a ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Deluxe Class [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Generations|Wheeljack]] redeco was shown in ''[[Transformers Generations 2014 Volume 1]]'' as one of ten potential exclusives for [[Transformers Generations 2014 Volume 2|Vol. 2]]. The mock-up promised that if produced, the final product would make use of some [[Tracks (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Turbo Tracks]] tooling. During the [[Fan polls#Generations Magazine Exclusive Character Popularity Vote|fan poll]] held to determine which of the ten would be produced, however, Downshift placed dead last, having claimed only 1% of the votes. The indignity!<ref>[http://millionhero.sblo.jp/article/101898683.html Poll results at Hero-X]</ref>
{{2010TracksMold}}
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===''Transformers Trading Card Game''===
[[File:W3CPrivateDownshift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Private Downshift, Special Ops•Security Agent''' (2019)
**'''Wave 3C: Convention Pack 2019'''
**''Rarity: '''''RT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T02/T03'''
**''Stars: ''8
{{--}}

==Notes==
*The road to having a personality has been a long and rocky one for Downshift.
**The bio included with his North American toy was buried in his instructions, and all it said was that the Omnibots were in the early stages of their evolution and had not yet been tested.<ref>[http://www.botchthecrab.com/archive/decoder.asp?CharName=Downshift&ImgURL=/archive/instructions/autobot/1985/instr_downshift.jpg Downshift's original English-language instruction-sheet bio] (such as it is; see third panel)</ref>
**He was given his "Security Agent" function in the [[You Have Been Chosen.|last mail-in flyer that offered him]], just in time for him to venture off into "another dimension." That would be the long and short of his official English-language characterization for almost twenty years.
**In Japan, [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] ''did'' release a bio with the toy, though his function of "Scout" did not match up with the American one.<ref name="Takara" />
**None of this reflected the profile found in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic]] [[Production bible|bible]], which was written in both [[The Transformers Universe|''Transformers Universe'']] form and in the pared-down style of an on-package bio (with [[Tech Spec]]s, even!), giving him a very different personality from any other portrayal: His function wasn't "Security Agent" or "Scout," but rather "Air Defense," and he was said to be depressed and war-weary, only grudgingly following orders. His one joy came from Earth and human children, since they were something fresh and new that had nothing to do with the millennia of war he had known.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20071230230833/http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=40992 Downshift's Marvel comic bible profile]</ref> This was never officially released to the public, only seeing the light of day on The Allspark Forums in [[2007]] thanks to [[Jim Sorenson]].
**The English-speaking public finally got an official profile for Downshift in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s 2003 [[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|''More Than Meets the Eye'' comic]]. This naturally presented ''another'' personality, which seemed to take Takara's overeagerness and apply it to Hasbro's security-agent function.
*Downshift was originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Double Changer Celica XX". There are no notable differences between the ''Transformers'' and ''Diaclone'' versions, save the obvious addition of [[insignia|faction symbols]] and the aforementioned sticker variation.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Camshaft''' (カムシャフト ''Kamushafuto''), '''Downshift''' (ダウンシフト ''Daunshifuto'')

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Dreamwave Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:Security officers]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]

File:Downshift G1 Toy.jpg

2024-12-30T05:50:58Z

ThePorty but in TFwiki: ThePorty but in TFwiki uploaded a new version of "File:Downshift G1 Toy.jpg": Reverted to version as of 05:49, 30 December 2024

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[[Category:Generation 1 toy images]]

File:Downshift G1 Toy.jpg

2024-12-30T05:50:47Z

ThePorty but in TFwiki: ThePorty but in TFwiki uploaded a new version of "File:Downshift G1 Toy.jpg": Reverted to version as of 01:26, 20 January 2017

{{unknown source}}
[[Category:Generation 1 toy images]]

File:Downshift G1 Toy.jpg

2024-12-30T05:49:22Z

ThePorty but in TFwiki: ThePorty but in TFwiki uploaded a new version of "File:Downshift G1 Toy.jpg": better background, includes third flying/attack mode.

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[[Category:Generation 1 toy images]]

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Downshift (G1)

File:Downshift G1 Toy.jpg

File:Downshift G1 Toy.jpg

File:Downshift G1 Toy.jpg