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An '''alternate mode''' (commonly shortened to "'''altmode'''," "'''alt mode'''," or "'''alt-mode'''," also known as a '''"trans-form"''', a '''"transform"''', a '''"changeform"''', or an '''"alt-form"'''<ref>"Bot-form" and "alt-form" were used to describe a Transformer's two modes in [[Transformers: Exiles]].</ref>) is a term used to describe a Transformer's non-robot form, whether it be vehicle, animal, or otherwise. Various, more specific, terms are also sometimes used—vehicle mode, gun mode, tank mode, etc. | An '''alternate mode''' (commonly shortened to "'''altmode'''," "'''alt mode'''," or "'''alt-mode'''," also known as a '''"trans-form"''', a '''"transform"''', a '''"changeform"''', or an '''"alt-form"'''<ref>"Bot-form" and "alt-form" were used to describe a Transformer's two modes in [[Transformers: Exiles]].</ref>) is a term used to describe a [[Transformer]]'s non-robot form, whether it be vehicle, animal, or otherwise. Various, more specific, terms are also sometimes used—vehicle mode, gun mode, tank mode, etc. | ||
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 (G1)|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 animalistic—are at least self-mobile. | 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 (G1)|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 animalistic—are at least self-mobile. | ||
Revision as of 21:08, 19 March 2014
An alternate mode (commonly shortened to "altmode," "alt mode," or "alt-mode," also known as a "trans-form", a "transform", a "changeform", or an "alt-form"[1]) is a term used to describe a Transformer's non-robot form, whether it be vehicle, animal, or otherwise. Various, more specific, terms are also sometimes used—vehicle mode, gun mode, tank mode, etc.
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 animalistic—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.[2] 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.
Beast mode
Fiction
When a Transformer takes on an alternate mode for the purpose of disguise, they are mimicking that form, they don't actually become what that form represents. They are "robots in disguise". To accomplish this, they physically alter their forms, and when necessary, use holograms to help maintain the disguise illusion, especially when battle damage or lack of a driver might otherwise give them away.[3]
Generation 1 cartoon
Optimus Prime reversed the polarity of his windshield to clear his vision during a bad thunderstorm, indicating he sees out of his windows. The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
Marvel comics continuity
Getaway lost complete vision in his right headlights and partial vision in his left headlights during the Armornecking Incident. Getaway's Universe profile
IDW Generation 1 continuity
In the old days of the Senate, your alt mode decided your job and status in life: the Functionists existed to make sure you stuck to it, telling everyone that every alt mode had a purpose. Relinquishment Clinics sprung up, allowing the rich to 'borrow' another body so they could enjoy another alt mode. Post Hoc A brave few like Whirl were able to convince the Functionists to let them do a job that had nothing to do with what they transformed into. Interiors
If you choose not to have an alt mode, you can be the victim of shapism. Life After the Big Bang
Prime cartoon
Transformers rarely had alternate modes when they first arrived on Earth and would scan a new mode, usually from whatever vehicles were nearby. Megatron and Shockwave retained their Cybertronian alternate mode.
References
- ↑ "Bot-form" and "alt-form" were used to describe a Transformer's two modes in Transformers: Exiles.
- ↑ alt.toys.transformers, Fanfic: GoTP Plot Blurb!
- ↑ This is true across all continuities. Hasbro Q&A/August 2009: Answers.
