Partformer
A partformer (also part-former or partsformer or parts-former, also sometimes Lego-former) is a fandom term for a Transformer toy that transforms by removing pieces of one form, then reattaching them to assemble the other form. This term is often used derisively, as the parts can often be lost in between modes (especially when they don't have anywhere to go in one mode or another), and the concept itself is seen as "cheating" with the puzzle aspect of a Transformer when any kibble can simply be removed and stuck back on anywhere.
By and large, more modern engineering technology has removed this style of transformation from the line. However, it is still fairly commonplace to have figures with alt-mode parts that detach to become hand-held weapons and accessories. Some customisers will also use partsforming in order to achieve a better robot mode, by moving the kibble to different parts of the body. In particular, this is more the rule than the exception with fanmade "upgrade sets", which often involve adding new parts to the toy that can't easily integrate with the original engineering.
Notable examples
Individual figures
- Generation 1 Omega Supreme is probably the prime example of a "partformer", since all of his robot mode limbs and backpack are formed from pieces separate from his central tank body.
- All Generation 1 Seeker molds required the jet mode's wings, tailfins, and weapons to be removed before transformation, and then reattached (along with the robot's fists, which simply sat around in jet mode) to complete the robot form.
- Generation 1 Ratchet and Ironhide require the vast majority of the van mode to be separated and transformed into an auxiliary gun-station.
- Energon Tow-Line has his entire lower vehicle portion as a leftover part that can be transformed into a mobile battle/repair platform. Lazy engineering, a loving homage to G1 Ratchet and Ironhide, or both? You decide!
Toylines and subseries
- The vast majority of Generation 1 Headmaster figures cannot be transformed with their head pilots in place. This would later carry on into the Titan Masters, the CHUG equivalent of the Headmasters.
- Perhaps unsurprisingly, this applies to most LEGO-esque construction block toylines that have featured Transformers:
- Built to Rule, Hasbro's first foray into a construction system, featured characters with a very basic humanoid-like skeleton that is vaguely transformable (as in, it can fold the limbs into a slightly more compact position, and that's about it) where both their robot and vehicle modes are built around, therefore requiring a partial but nonetheless significant disassembly of most of the toy in the process.
- Nanoblock 's Choro-Q rendition of Convoy and Bumblebee require the complete disassembly of one mode to build the other (though notably, other larger Diablock Transformers sets managed to avoid this with some clever engineering).
- Kre-O predominantly features sets that require complete disassembly to be Transformed, with the only official exception being the small tail-end Battle Changers subseries that actually featured traditionally transformable characters. Some of the Micro-Changers can also be converted with only generous amounts of partsforming, though even that usually takes some modifications.
See also
- Kibble, especially the original definition of the term.
