Alternate mode: Difference between revisions
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An '''alternate mode''' (commonly shortened to "'''altmode'''" or "'''alt mode'''") is a term used to describe a Transformer's non-humanoid form, whether it be vehicle, animal, or otherwise. | An '''alternate mode''' (commonly shortened to "'''altmode'''" or "'''alt mode'''") is a term used to describe a Transformer's non-humanoid form, whether it be vehicle, animal, or otherwise. | ||
Some Transformers don't have a humanoid form, so in those special cases, the altmode is perceived to be the mode which is more geared towards utility or disguise while their | Some Transformers don't have a humanoid form, so in those special cases, the altmode is perceived to be the mode which is more geared towards utility or disguise while their [[robot mode]] is the one geared more towards interaction with other Transformers. For example, for the G1 characters [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], their animal forms are their primary mode, and the cassettes their alternate modes. Even [[Grand Slam]] and [[Raindance]], who transform from cassettes to vehicles, would be thought of as having a cassette alternate mode, as their vehicle forms -- while not humanoid or anamalistic -- are at least self-mobile. | ||
Transformers with more than two modes are usually considered to have multiple altmodes. ([[Punch]]/[[Counterpunch]] on the other hand has one altmode and two robot modes.) | Transformers with more than two modes are usually considered to have multiple altmodes. ([[Punch]]/[[Counterpunch]] on the other hand has one altmode and two robot modes.) | ||
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==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*[[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes]] | *[[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes]] | ||
*[[Popular beast alternate modes]] | *[[Popular beast alternate modes]] | ||
Revision as of 19:04, 17 May 2008
An alternate mode (commonly shortened to "altmode" or "alt mode") is a term used to describe a Transformer's non-humanoid form, whether it be vehicle, animal, or otherwise.
Some Transformers don't have a humanoid form, so in those special cases, the altmode is perceived to be the mode which is more geared towards utility or disguise while their robot mode is the one geared more towards interaction with other Transformers. For example, for the G1 characters Laserbeak and Ravage, their animal forms are their primary mode, and the cassettes their alternate modes. Even Grand Slam and Raindance, who transform from cassettes to vehicles, would be thought of as having a cassette alternate mode, as their vehicle forms -- while not humanoid or anamalistic -- are at least self-mobile.
Transformers with more than two modes are usually considered to have multiple altmodes. (Punch/Counterpunch on the other hand has one altmode and two robot modes.)
In the cartoon episode "The Killing Jar," the Quintesson scientist refers to the Quintesson guard's transformation as his alternate mode, the first such use of this term in the official fiction.
The earliest recorded use in the fandom of the shortened term "alt mode" is an alt.toys.transformers post from March 1994 [1]. From the context, it appears that the term was already understood by fans at that time, as the post's author does not explain what he means.
