Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)
Overview
Autobots and Decepticons face their ongoing battle to destroy each other's forces in a world where once-fundamental rules are valid no longer. The do not feud over Energon; now they fight to recover four ancient artifacts of great power: the Cyber Planet Keys, dormant for ages on Earth, Speed, Jungle, and Giant Planets. Unicron is no more; in his place, sheer empty Void without will or being, in the form of a massive black hole, threatens to devour the entire universe. The conflict, too, draws many to itself, as whole worlds of previously unknown neutrals join forces with either side. Even time proves no barrier, and figures from the forgotten past appear to join the fight against universal extinction!
Toyline overview
There are five planets, two factions, and one unifying feature: the cyber key. These clear-plastic disks with key-like projections now activate special weapons and hidden features, much like the Minicons of Armada, even on figures remolded from previous lines. The gimmicks are less intrusive than Armada; articulation suffers far less for their inclusion, though some lower-priced figures do lack a little when compared to Energon. Combination has all but disappeared -- but not completely. Each toy is assigned a planet. This determines which Cyber Key is included, but also seems to correlate with some design choices, as will be seen below. Each Cyber Key comes with a code printed on the back. For a list of codes, go to Cyber Key Codes.
Earth Planet toy overview
These generally convert into fairly normal Earth vehicles. Robot modes are angular and normally proportioned for humanoid Transformers. Faces are traditionally styled.
Speed Planet toy overview
Alternate modes are fantasy racing vehicles, with transparent plastic tires. Dave Van Domelen has proposed that these tires are formed of controllable polymers which he has dubbed 'tachymers'. Vehicle modes are futuristic and occasionally Vehicon-like in appearance. Robot modes are rather traditional but not as strictly so as Earth Planet. Earth Planet designs : G1 1984 :: Speed Planet designs : G1 1987.
Jungle Planet toy overview
Alternate modes are robotic beasts. Styling is sometimes very organic in shape and even in texture, but not really to the point of techno- organism. Robot modes and faces are widely varied, and hark back to the Beast Era in creative differences from the 'standard' humanoid model. Jungle Planet designs : BW Transmetals, per the above analogy.
Giant Planet toy overview
Giant Planet robots are gargantuan in appearance, relying on detail and proportion to create an impression of massive size.
In general, the more alien the planet's culture is to our Earthen existence, the more unfamiliar its figure designs are.
Autobot
Legends of Cybertron
Scout Class
Cybertron Planet Scouts
Earth Planet Scouts
Jungle Planet Scouts
Speed Planet Scouts
Deluxe
Cybertron Deluxes
Earth Planet Deluxes
Giant Planet Deluxes
Jungle Planet Deluxes
Planet X Deluxes
Speed Planet Deluxes
Voyager Class
Cybertron Voyagers
Earth Planet Voyagers
Giant Planet Voyagers
Jungle Planet Voyagers
Ultra Class
Cybertron Ultras
Earth Planet Ultras
Leader Class
Earth Planet Leaders
Giant Planet Leaders
Decepticon
Legends of Cybertron
Scout Class
Cybertron Scouts
Earth Planet Scouts
Jungle Planet Scouts
Speed Planet Scouts
Deluxe
Cybertron Deluxes
Earth Planet Deluxes
Giant Planet Deluxes
Jungle Planet Deluxes
Planet X Deluxes
Speed Planet Deluxes
Voyager Class
Cybertron Voyagers
- Starscream
- (Toys 'R' US exlusive two-pack w/Vector Prime)
Earth Planet Voyagers
Planet X Voyager
Speed Planet Voyagers
Ultra
Earth Planet Ultras
Giant Planet Ultras
Jungle Planet Ultras
Leader Class
Earth Planet Leaders
Giant Planet Leaders
Supreme
Earth Planet Supremes
Minicon
Versus Packs
Sky Attack Team v. Air Defense Team
- Razorclaw vs. Steamhammer
- Shockwave vs. Tankor
- Sky Lynx vs. Thunderblast
Lunar Assault Team v. Exploration Team
Sky Terror Team v. Unnamed Emergency Team Recolor
- Ramjet vs. Scythe
- Sunstorm vs. Checkpoint
- Thrust vs. Anti-Blaze
