Beast Hunters (toyline): Difference between revisions

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Series 3 (2014): We don't need a whole paragraph saying 'fans bitched about this'. That applies to, like, every TF line ever, pretty much.
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{{disambig2|the subline imprint to Transformers: Prime|the team of Autobots from the ''Prime'' cartoon|Team Prime}}
{{disambig2|the subline imprint to Transformers: Prime|the team of Autobots from the ''Prime'' cartoon|Team Prime}}
[[Image:Beasthunters-logo1.png|right|300px|]]
[[Image:Beasthunters-logo1.png|right|300px|Beast Machines this ain't. Sorta.]]
'''Beast Hunters''' is the [[subline imprint]] for the second phase of the [[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Prime]] franchise, also extending into the [[Kre-O]] franchise.
'''Beast Hunters''' is the [[subline imprint]] for the second phase of the [[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Prime]] franchise, also extending into the [[Kre-O]] franchise.


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===Deluxe Class===
===Deluxe Class===
[[Hasbro]]'s [[Toy Fair 2013]] press release states that there are 16 planned Deluxes in the ''Beast Hunters'' line.
[[Image:PrimeBHtoy-Soundwave.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Soundwave, a Wave 1 Deluxe Class figure. The bright colors distract his prey.]]
[[Image:PrimeBHtoy-Soundwave.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Soundwave, a Wave 1 Deluxe Class figure. The bright colors distract his prey.]]


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*016 [[Prowl (WFC)#Deluxe|Prowl]] with [[Firelance Missile Launcher]] and [[Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] (retool/redeco of Smokescreen)
*016 [[Prowl (WFC)#Deluxe|Prowl]] with [[Firelance Missile Launcher]] and [[Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 24|Chapter 24]] (retool/redeco of Smokescreen)


{{-}}


===Voyager Class===
===Voyager Class===
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*004 [[Grimwing (Prime)|Grimwing]] with [[Blackbeak|Blackbeak Grapple Launcher]] and [[Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 15|Chapter 15]]
*004 [[Grimwing (Prime)|Grimwing]] with [[Blackbeak|Blackbeak Grapple Launcher]] and [[Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 15|Chapter 15]]
*005 [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)#Beast Hunters|Ultra Magnus]] with the [[Forge of Solus Prime#Beast Hunters|Forge of Solus Battle Hammer]] and [[Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] (retool/redeco of ''Prime: Robots in Disguise'' [[Optimus Prime (WFC)#Voyager|Optimus Prime]])
*005 [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)#Beast Hunters|Ultra Magnus]] with the [[Forge of Solus Prime#Beast Hunters|Forge of Solus Battle Hammer]] and [[Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 16|Chapter 16]] (retool/redeco of ''Prime: Robots in Disguise'' [[Optimus Prime (WFC)#Voyager|Optimus Prime]])
'''Wave 4'''
'''Wave 4'''
*006 [[Megatron (WFC)#Beast Hunters|Megatron/Sharkticon Megatron]] with [[Tartarex Warp Sword|Tartarex Warp Sword/Sharktooth Spear]] and [[Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] (retool/redeco of ''Prime: Robots in Disguise'' [[Megatron (WFC)#Voyager|Megatron]])
*006 [[Megatron (WFC)#Beast Hunters|Megatron/Sharkticon Megatron]] with [[Tartarex Warp Sword|Tartarex Warp Sword/Sharktooth Spear]] and [[Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 22|Chapter 22]] (retool/redeco of ''Prime: Robots in Disguise'' [[Megatron (WFC)#Voyager|Megatron]])


{{-}}


===Battlemaster Class===
===Battlemaster Class===
The Battlemaster class consists of [[redeco]]/[[retool|retools]] of the [[Transformers:_Prime_(toyline)#Weaponizers|Weaponizer Class]] toys of the previous series (especially in the common addition of new hand-held weapons).
[[Image:Beast-Hunters-Weaponizers-BeastTrackerOptimus.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Beast Tracker Optimus Prime, a Battlemaster Class figure. That cleaver won't be clean for long...]]
The Battlemaster class consists of [[redeco]]s/[[retool]]s of the [[Transformers: Prime (toyline)#Weaponizers|Weaponizer Class]] toys from the previous series (especially in the common addition of new hand-held weapons).


'''Wave 1'''
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)#BHWeaponizer|Beast Tracker Optimus Prime]] (retool of ''Prime'' Weaponizer Optimus Prime)
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)#BHWeaponizer|Beast Tracker Optimus Prime]] (retool of ''Prime'' Weaponizer Optimus Prime)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)#BHWeaponizer|Talking Bumblebee]] (retool of ''Prime'' Weaponizer Bumblebee)
*[[Bumblebee (WFC)#BHWeaponizer|Talking Bumblebee]] (retool of ''Prime'' Weaponizer Bumblebee)


{{-}}


===Ultimate Class===
===Ultimate Class===
[[Image:BHtoy-PredakingUltimate.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Beast Fire Predaking, a Wave 1 Ultimate Class figure. Now where's that [[Dragon's Bane|gunpowder]]?]]
[[Image:BHtoy-PredakingUltimate.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Beast Fire Predaking, an Ultimate Class figure. Now where's that [[Dragon's Bane|gunpowder]]?]]
A new size class, Ultimate Class figures are larger than Leader Class toys of previous lines, but have simpler transformations like the Weaponizer Class toys. They feature light-up gimmicks and spring-loaded missile launchers in some form. They also ship in separate assortments due to their differently shaped boxes.
A new size class, Ultimate Class figures are larger than Leader Class toys of previous lines, but have simpler transformations like the Weaponizer Class toys. They feature light-up gimmicks and spring-loaded missile launchers in some form. They also ship in separate assortments due to their differently shaped boxes.


'''Wave 1'''
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)#Ultimate|Beast Hunter Optimus Prime]] with [[Firebreath Cyclocannons]] and [[Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 17|Chapter 17]]
*[[Optimus Prime (WFC)#Ultimate|Beast Hunter Optimus Prime]] with [[Firebreath Cyclocannons]] and [[Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 17|Chapter 17]]
*[[Predaking (Prime)#Ultimate|Beast Fire Predaking]] with [[Infernum Blade]] and [[Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 18|Chapter 18]]
*[[Predaking (Prime)#Ultimate|Beast Fire Predaking]] with [[Infernum Blade]] and [[Tales of the Beast Hunters Chapter 18|Chapter 18]]
{{Note|Beast Fire Predaking was available as general retail release in regular ''Beast Hunters'' packaging in various international markets such as Canada, Singapore, the Philippines, and Australia. In the United States, he was sold, without any changes to the toy itself, as a [[Target]] [[exclusive]] in ''[[Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising|Predacons Rising]]'' packaging instead.}}
{{Note|Beast Fire Predaking was available as general retail release in regular ''Beast Hunters'' packaging in various international markets such as Canada, Singapore, the Philippines, and Australia. In the United States, he was sold, without any changes to the toy itself, as a [[Target]] [[exclusive]] in ''[[Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising|Predacons Rising]]'' packaging instead.}}


{{--}}


==Series 3 (2014)==
==Series 3 (2014)==
At this point, the ''Beast Hunters'' line was refreshed to align with Hasbro's new goal of making main line toys easier to transform for children in the target age group (to the point where bits of the instructions are printed on the back). For the initial Deluxe Class offerings, this was accomplished by up-scaling the designs of several ''[[Cyberverse]]'' Legion Class figures, the Voyager class figures followed likewise (but also mixes in new designs too).
At this point, the ''Beast Hunters'' line was refreshed to align with Hasbro's new goal of making main line toys easier to transform for children in the target age group.  


===Deluxe Class===
===Deluxe Class===
[[Image:PrimeBHtoy-WindrazorDeluxe2014.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Windrazor, a Series 3 Deluxe Class figure. Who needs Abominus when you've got a sweet mace?]]
For the initial Deluxe Class offerings, this was accomplished by up-scaling the designs of several ''[[Cyberverse]]'' Legion Class figures, with the [[packaging]] even featuring bits of the instructions printed on the back. Though featuring new weapons, the toys in this size class were essentially direct translations of the smaller designs, thus retaining their primitive [[articulation]]. The two Predacons, in this instance, lost their ability to combine, lacking the appropriate pegs.
'''Wave 6'''
'''Wave 6'''
*001 [[Bumblebee (WFC)#BHDeluxe2014|Bumblebee]] (upscaled ''Cyberverse'' Legion Class [[Bumblebee (WFC)#BHCyberverse|Bumblebee]])
*001 [[Bumblebee (WFC)#BHDeluxe2014|Bumblebee]] (upscaled ''Cyberverse'' Legion Class [[Bumblebee (WFC)#BHCyberverse|Bumblebee]])
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*003 [[Smokescreen (Prime)#BHDeluxe2014|Smokescreen]] (upscaled ''Cyberverse'' Legion Class [[Smokescreen (Prime)#Cyberverse|Smokescreen]])
*003 [[Smokescreen (Prime)#BHDeluxe2014|Smokescreen]] (upscaled ''Cyberverse'' Legion Class [[Smokescreen (Prime)#Cyberverse|Smokescreen]])
*004 [[Windrazor (Prime)#Deluxe|Windrazor]] with Dragontooth Mace (upscaled ''Cyberverse'' Legion Class [[Windrazor (Prime)#Cyberverse|Windrazor]])
*004 [[Windrazor (Prime)#Deluxe|Windrazor]] with Dragontooth Mace (upscaled ''Cyberverse'' Legion Class [[Windrazor (Prime)#Cyberverse|Windrazor]])
{{comingsoontoy}}
 
{{-}}


===Voyager Class===
===Voyager Class===
[[Image:PrimeBHtoy-Series3VoyagerOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Optimus Prime, a Series 3 Voyager Class figure. He's been eating his vegetables!]]
The Voyager Class figures followed a slightly-different path, with the figures featuring transformations based on their respective ''Cyberverse'' Commander Class toys, but this time borrowing several design elements from their larger figures, as well as adding articulation appropriate for this size. With the lessened complexity, the toys in this size class ended up becoming ''HUGE'', being more on par with Ultra Class toys from previous toylines, such as [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|''Universe'' (2008)]].
'''Wave 5'''
'''Wave 5'''
* 001 [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] (upscaled ''[[Cyberverse]]'' Commander Class [[Optimus Prime (WFC)#BHCyberverse|Optimus Prime]])
* 001 [[Optimus Prime (WFC)#BHVoyager2014|Optimus Prime]] (upscaled ''Cyberverse'' Commander Class [[Optimus Prime (WFC)#BHCyberverse|Optimus Prime]])
* 002 [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] (new mold)
* 002 [[Predaking (Prime)#2014Voyager|Predaking]] (upscaled ''Cyberverse'' Commander Class [[Predaking (Prime)#Cyberverse|Predaking]])
{{comingsoontoy}}
 
{{--}}


==Cyberverse==
==Cyberverse==
The Cyberverse figures for their third series adapted the Beast Hunters theme, in the retooling of old molds as well as the introduction of new molds (particularly for the new characters/forms, the predacons and the molds originally intended for Series 2 before moving to Series 3.
The ''Cyberverse'' figures for the third series adapted the Beast Hunters theme, in the retooling of old molds, as well as the introduction of new molds (particularly for the new characters/forms, the Predacons, and the molds originally intended for Series 2 before moving to Series 3).


{{main|Cyberverse#Series 3|l1=Cyberverse (Series 3)}}
{{main|Cyberverse#Series 3|l1=Cyberverse (Series 3)}}

Revision as of 07:55, 6 April 2014

This article is about the subline imprint to Transformers: Prime. For the team of Autobots from the Prime cartoon, see Team Prime.
Beast Machines this ain't. Sorta.
Beast Machines this ain't. Sorta.

Beast Hunters is the subline imprint for the second phase of the Prime franchise, also extending into the Kre-O franchise.

This change was made to reflect the theme of the third season of the cartoon, in which the Autobots contend with not just Megatron's Decepticons, but also with the Predacons (well, sort of...).

The toys sold under this banner transform into dragons (for Predacons), spiky, over-weaponized vehicles reminiscent of Mad Max (for Autobots), or vehicles with beastly traits (for Decepticons).

There may be some sort of video game to go with the franchise. [1]

In Japan, the Beast Hunters line was folded into the Transformers Go! toyline, which also includes some unique toys. How this will affect the Japanese branding of the Transformers: Prime animated series is unknown.

Series 2 (2013)

For this Series, on-package bios were reduced in length to just a sentence or two, and the instruction sheets instead feature facts about one of the figure's main weapons, as well as a chapter of the Tales of the Beast Hunters prose story, each of which focuses on the appropriate character in addition to continuing an ongoing story.

Deluxe Class

Soundwave, a Wave 1 Deluxe Class figure. The bright colors distract his prey.

Wave 1

Wave 2

Autobot Ratchet, a Wave 3 Deluxe Class figure. You should have eaten your apples.

Wave 3

Wave 4

Wave 5


Voyager Class

Shockwave, a Wave 2 Voyager Class figure. Online handle: "Scalewave".

Wave 1

Wave 2

Wave 3

Wave 4


Battlemaster Class

Beast Tracker Optimus Prime, a Battlemaster Class figure. That cleaver won't be clean for long...

The Battlemaster class consists of redecos/retools of the Weaponizer Class toys from the previous series (especially in the common addition of new hand-held weapons).


Ultimate Class

Beast Fire Predaking, an Ultimate Class figure. Now where's that gunpowder?

A new size class, Ultimate Class figures are larger than Leader Class toys of previous lines, but have simpler transformations like the Weaponizer Class toys. They feature light-up gimmicks and spring-loaded missile launchers in some form. They also ship in separate assortments due to their differently shaped boxes.

Beast Fire Predaking was available as general retail release in regular Beast Hunters packaging in various international markets such as Canada, Singapore, the Philippines, and Australia. In the United States, he was sold, without any changes to the toy itself, as a Target exclusive in Predacons Rising packaging instead.

Series 3 (2014)

At this point, the Beast Hunters line was refreshed to align with Hasbro's new goal of making main line toys easier to transform for children in the target age group.

Deluxe Class

File:PrimeBHtoy-WindrazorDeluxe2014.jpg
Windrazor, a Series 3 Deluxe Class figure. Who needs Abominus when you've got a sweet mace?

For the initial Deluxe Class offerings, this was accomplished by up-scaling the designs of several Cyberverse Legion Class figures, with the packaging even featuring bits of the instructions printed on the back. Though featuring new weapons, the toys in this size class were essentially direct translations of the smaller designs, thus retaining their primitive articulation. The two Predacons, in this instance, lost their ability to combine, lacking the appropriate pegs.

Wave 6


Voyager Class

Optimus Prime, a Series 3 Voyager Class figure. He's been eating his vegetables!

The Voyager Class figures followed a slightly-different path, with the figures featuring transformations based on their respective Cyberverse Commander Class toys, but this time borrowing several design elements from their larger figures, as well as adding articulation appropriate for this size. With the lessened complexity, the toys in this size class ended up becoming HUGE, being more on par with Ultra Class toys from previous toylines, such as Universe (2008).

Wave 5

Cyberverse

The Cyberverse figures for the third series adapted the Beast Hunters theme, in the retooling of old molds, as well as the introduction of new molds (particularly for the new characters/forms, the Predacons, and the molds originally intended for Series 2 before moving to Series 3).

Main article: Cyberverse (Series 3)

Kre-O

Main article: Kre-O Beast Hunters

Exclusives

Predacons Rising

European Toys"R"Us exclusive

Thus far, this two-pack has been only found at retail in Portugal, the United Kingdom and Germany, each time at Toys"R"Us stores. In Germany, it was explicitly advertised as a Toys"R"Us exclusive. Since the only known official stock photos have shown this two-pack in multilingual European packaging, it's currently unknown whether this set will ever be released outside Europe.

Footnotes