Power Core Combiners

This article is about the real-world toyline. For the in-fiction technology, see Power Core Combination.

Power Core Combiners is a subline within the 2010 Transformers franchise and carries with it all the continuity ambiguity that that entails. Its aesthetic and limited fiction seem inspired by the live-action film series, but nothing can be said for certain.

The design of the toys relies heavily on the titular gimmick, combination. Every main character is a "Commander" sold with either a Mini-Con (which connects in several configurations) or a set of four drone vehicles (which connect as limbs to form a larger robot). The Mini-Cons and drones can be attached to any Commander, so hundreds of combinations are possible between all of the figures.

Unlike the Mini-Cons of previous lines, the Power Core Combiner Mini-Cons lack their own independent vehicle or animal modes. Rather, they turn from robots into accessories for their Commanders. In vehicle mode, a Commander can use a Mini-Con as a weapon or tool. In robot mode, a Commander can wield a Mini-Con as a hand-held weapon or wear him as armor.

The drones are similar to Energon Optimus Prime's "Prime Force", being vehicles with no robot modes. In fact, they are even more limited than the Prime Force, as an arm-drone cannot become a leg-drone (or vice versa). However, the fact that there are several teams of drones who can be swapped among Commanders adds a Scramble-City-esque dimension of play. Also, people who love Transformers but hate transforming can breathe easy in the knowledge that the drones automorph into and out of limb mode simply by being plugged into and removed from a Commander.

While so far, the combinations seem to be very straightforward, "Transformers insider" Patrick Stewart claimed that the designers had been able to create a gestalt consisting of thirty-two prototyped toys, suggesting the commander-type combination is only a first step.

Fiction

The toys' packaging presents a simple storyline about Power Core Combination technology being found on Earth. A more robust account was published in the Collectors' Club magazine #32. As of yet there has been no narrative fiction, only summaries and bios. As for which larger continuity (if any) this fits into, clues are scant and contradictory: The "Gestalt Process" is described in horrific terms that match only the live-action film series; however, Huffer's bio says that he's "just as inclined to grumble as he's ever been," despite having never appeared in the movie universe before. Rather, this is clearly inspired by his Generation 1 namesake. Any conclusions are up to the reader to make.

Toys

Power Core Combiners

Commander 2-packs

Each 2-pack contains a Commander (who turns into a robot and a vehicle) and a Mini-Con (who turns into a robot and various accessory modes for the Commander). Each Commander also has a torso mode with a different head, and this can be combined with any of the drone sets from the 5-packs (see below). Commanders also have standard Mini-Con ports, so they are compatible with any Mini-Cons, not just the transparent, neon-colored new ones.

Wave 1

• Huffer (semi cab) and Caliburst (cannon)
• Searchlight (rescue helicopter) and Backwind (winch)
• Smolder (fire department brush truck) and Chopster (axe)

Wave 2

• Icepick (snowcat arctic vehicle) and Chainclaw (
• Leadfoot (F1 racer) and Pinpoint (cannon/engine)
• Sledge (rockwheel trencher construction vehicle) and Throttler (drill)

Future Waves

• Windburn (Searchlight redeco) and Darkray (Caliburst redeco)
• Darkstream (Skyburst redeco) and Razorbeam (Chopster redeco)
• Steelshot (Bombshock redeco) and Beacon (Backwind redeco)
• Heavytread (tank) and Groundspike
• Skyhammer (fighter jet) and Airlift

5-packs

Each 5-pack contains a Commander (who turns into a robot and a vehicle) and four drones (which turn into vehicles and limbs). The drones have an automatic "deploy" transformation when they attach and an automatic retract feature to vehicle mode when detached. Arm-drones and leg-drones cannot swap functions. Each drone has Mini-Con Powerlinx hardpoints. Any set of drones can combine with any Commander, even the ones sold in 2-packs.

Wave 1

• Bombshock with Combaticon drones
• Skyburst with Aerialbots drones

Wave 2

• Double Clutch with Rallybot drones
• Mudslinger with Destructicon drones

Future Waves

• Stakeout (Smolder redeco) with Protectobot drones (Arialbot & Combaticon redecoes)
• Crankcase (Huffer redeco) with Destron drones (Arialbot & Combaticon redecoes)
• Steamhammer with Constructicon drones
• Grimstone (styracosaur) with Dinobots drones