Mortal Combat

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Fatality!
"Mortal Combat"
死闘 ()
(Shitō)
"Death Match"
Production code TF: A-52
Production company TV Tokyo, NAS
Airdate October 3, 2003 (English, United Kingdom)
December 12, 2003 (English, United States)
December 26, 2003 (Japanese)
Writer Ryō Motohira
English adaptation Terry Klassen
Director Hidehito Ueda,
Mitsuru Kawasaki (asst. dir.),
Munetaka Abe (animation dir.)
Animation studio Actas Inc.
Continuity Unicron Trilogy

Optimus and Galvatron wage their final brutal battle, while the rest of the Transformers deal with Unicron.

Synopsis

Unicron is no longer functional, his body lying dormant in space. Hot Shot lets the assembled armies return to Cybertron to begin the rebuilding.

Inside of Unicron, Galvatron holds onto the idea that he can still become the sole ruler of the universe. Now that Unicron is gone, it's left to Optimus Prime and Galvatron to finish the war. Optimus and the kids try to argue that now that the two militaries have been united, there's no need to continue the fight, but Galvatron reminds his foe that the hatred left over from an unfinished war would repower Unicron.

On Cybertron, Side Swipe alerts the other that Unicron is in motion again. Hot Shot decides to go to Unicron to retrieve Optimus Prime, but Jetfire takes Hot Shot's place. Cyclonus follows Jetfire.

Optimus says goodbye to the children; the kids don't want to go, but he convinces them that the final battle must be fought. After throwing away the Matrix (because this isn't a battle between Autobots and Decepticons, but Optimus' vision for peace against Galvatron's lust for conflict), Prime starts the fight with some gunfire and a knee to Galvatron's face. When Galvatron gets up, he and Prime blast their firepower at each other.

Outside of Unicron, Jetfire and Cyclonus pick up the kids and bring them back to Cybertron. The kids report on what the two leaders are doing, and it seems Unicron isn't quite dead either. Under heavy pressure, Hot Shot orders the attack against Unicron to be resumed, with special care taken not to harm the leaders.

Inside, Optimus Prime and Galvatron continue to rumble. Prime throws one of his wheels directly into Galvatron's primary cannon. The resulting explosion blasts Galvatron through a wall, but the Decepticon is only amused by the ferocity of the combat. Unicron's words echo in Prime's mind. Galvatron uses his extending antlers to toss Prime around. Prime breaks off the blades and uses them against his rival, but Galvatron scores a critical hit through Optimus with his hidden wrist blade.

When we come back, we'll be terrible cel-shaded CGI!

The Transformers buzz around Unicron, blasting him through his own trenches. Alexis notices that during the combat, a large, growing black hole has appeared on Unicron's surface.

Optimus Prime stands up, refusing to give up the fight. Decompression sends the warriors outside of Unicron, onto his external surface. Galvatron acquires a nearby pipe to use as a battle staff, but Optimus displays amazing agility and stands on the staff, prancing along it to kick Galvatron in the face. While Galvatron is still stunned, Optimus hefts his foe and cramps Galvatron's midsection, but in the process, the metal pipe is shoved down Prime's back.

The two warriors break for a moment, and Galvatron admits that even though he lost the battle, he enjoyed the thrill of it. The moment of peace between the two is disturbed by Unicron transforming into his planet mode. Prime is stuck holding onto Galvatron as the two are sucked toward Unicron's maw. Galvatron, determined to see only one winner of the war (even if it isn't him) instructs Prime to let him fall. Prime refuses, so Galvatron cuts himself loose and free-falls into oblivion. As soon as Galvatron is absorbed, Unicron vanishes. Left floating in space, Optimus decides he's unworthy of the Matrix.

Sometime later, Hot Shot and Jetfire return the kids to Earth. They agree that they've all learned a lot from each other ever since their first encounter. Carlos, Fred, and Billy start to cry. Alexis gazes down at her pendant that contains the Mars stone that Starscream gave her, smiling sadly as if remembering him. With the war over, Optimus Prime narrates the closing moments. But, hidden behind a distant planet, Unicron endures.

'Til all are undone.

(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

Autobots Decepticons Humans Mini-Cons Other

Quotes

"This probably isn't the time to ask, but when are we gonna eat, you guys?"
"Zip it, Fred, or I'll give you my fist to chew on!"

—Fred and Billy


"Your mindless ambitions are fueled only by your greed. You'll stop at nothing to get what you want. I should have let Unicron destroy you!"

—Optimus Prime to Galvatron


"Why can't we all just get along?!"

—Fred


"Children, the future is yours!"
"Good riddance, humans!"

—Optimus Prime and Galvatron bid farewell to the kids in their own unique ways.


"Don't act surprised. This is exactly what you wanted. And I fight you not as the leader of the Autobots, but as the leader of all Transformers!"

—Optimus Prime tosses aside his Matrix of Leadership before attacking Galvatron.


"Farewell, Optimus Prime. Victory is all yours. Now go look after your men, they need you!"

—Galvatron's last words until Energon


"The war between the Autobots and the Decepticons has come to an end, and without the hatred between the two sides, there was no evil to feed Unicron, and he became powerless. Both Unicron and Megatron scattered into the far reaches of the universe. As for me, my purpose has been served. Cybertron is safe and Transformers live in peace with the Mini-Cons. So the next time you look out into space and see a peaceful star far, far away, it just might be Cybertron. TRANSFORM!"

—Optimus Prime's last words until Energon

Notes

Differences with Legends of the Microns

  • The opening is silent in Legends of the Microns until Hot Shot speaks, meanwhile Armada has Jim Conrad narrate the opening, recapping the last episode's events of how the union manage to neutralize Unicron, but an old battle is about to begin.
  • Hot Shot hopes that Optimus and Galvatron manage to get out of Unicron safely in Armada, and Scavenger suggests they shouldn't worry too much since they can handle themselves. In Legends of the Microns, Hot Shots asks if they escaped Unicron and Scavenger imagines those two can handle themselves but unsure of what to do now. Hot Shot then says that if taking down Unicron happened earlier, they would retrieve them, but figured they need a break in Legends of the Microns, but Armada only has him say they'll meet them back on Cybertron.
  • Optimus and Galvatron's conversation before they clash essentially is the same in both dubs, but the points made are almost entirely different. Armada noticeably throws in being the ruler of the universe whereas Legends of the Microns is about trying to embrace your nature.
    • Legends of the Microns has Galvatron ask Optimus what was the purpose of their long struggle and was it to only awaken Unicron, before claiming they fought each other to preserve their true sense themselves and not to be Unicron's puppets. The kids(Particularly Fred) are confused about all of this talk of maintaining a true sense of who you are, and Galvatron reminds them he only joined forces with Optimus to take down Unicron, and now that he is defeated, there is no reason to continue the alliance. Alexis then asks why Starscream sacrificed himself for, which Galvatron asks why, and the former replies with how it was to unite all Transformers. Galvatron continues that even if the Decpticons and Autobots join hands, he can never reconcile the differences with him and Optimus, causing the latter to ask if the battle with Unicron was pointless. Galvatron then says the battle itself wasn't pointless, but it can only have meaning if the party with justice must gain victory, and Optimus replies with own, saying that as long as evil resides in the hearts of the Transformers, Unicron will only grow stronger, and that's what the battle has wrought. The kids all agree with Optimus, to which Galvatron asks if that's what he truly believes and mentions that he couldn't answer Sideways' question, before asking again if Optimus' hatred of him was a motivator to fight for all these ages. When Optimus says who is, Galvatron replies with "That again" before saying he wants to seek Optimus' true feelings as a Transformer.
    • Armada makes Galvatron say that if they don't continue their battle then all of their fighting has been pointless, before making a very unwanted claim of how there can only be one ruler of the universe. The kids respond with annoyance except for Fred and Billy, with the former asking when they are gonna eat and the latter replies that he would give him his fist to chew on. Galvatron says it is now time to take care of the other obstacle that stands in his way before Alexis jumps reminding him on why Starscream sacrificed himself, to which the former answers because he was a fool before the latter says that he wanted everyone to leave in peace. Galvatron tells the kids to understand the simple concept of only one person ruling the universe before claiming that it's going to be him, then Optimus asks if battling Unicron was just a means to an end. Galvatron confirms this and says he used him in order to further his ambitions, asking if it's wrong to think highly of yourself to which Optimus says yes and continues that he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Then in a bit of an out of character moment, claims that he should've let Unicorn destroy him. Galvatron says that this conversation is interesting but Optimus failed to comprehend his own argument before reminding him of what Unicron said about their dilemma, and asks if Optimus is either oppressing his hatred of him or he actually likes him. Once Optimus reintroduces himself, Galvaron replies with how he never changes, and says Optimus can deny his hatred all he wants, but he knows the real truth in his heart.
  • When Unicron starts to move, Hot Shot suggests it's maybe better if they wait until Optimus gets back to figure out what to do, then later says no to Red Alert's suggestion this is the best opportunity to retrieve him and the kids and that everyone should stay here and be on lookout in Armada. Legends of the Microns is mostly the same, but Hot Shot instead asks if Optimus, Galvatron, and the kids are still inside Unicron, then when responding to Red Alert's suggestion mentions that the fleet's on standby. He then says what are the chances of Unicron attacking and if anything does happen, he can always count on Jetfire to take charge.
  • Jetfire speaks in a lot more of a commanding tone when suggesting that he goes and retrieves everyone on Unicron in Armada compared to Legends of the Microns. When Jetfire leaves and Cyclonus catches up with him, Armada plays the theme song whereas no music is present in Legends of the Microns.
  • The kids' departure from Optimus and Galvatron brings in more differences yet still being somewhat the same thing in between dubs:
    Animation changes between Armada (left) and Legends of the Microns screencaps (right).
    • Before pointing out the differences between the dialogue, there are some surprising animation shot changes in between versions.
      • When Optimus says the children's names before he says his speech, Armada actually has an exclusive pan of the kids. Legends of the Microns instead just uses a later shot of Optimus looking down on the kids during this sequence.
      • After Optimus tells the Mini-Cons to look after the kids, High Wire, Grindor, and Sureshock's shot are drawn differently in each version, with the Japanese dub swapping places between High Wire and Grindor to provide more consistency on where is who.
    • Armada has Galvatron ask the kids to step aside since he and Optimus have "business" to take care of, then Carlos says they aren't going anywhere and Billy confidently says Optimus isn't going to fight. Galvatron replies mockingly that Optimus is going to let himself get obliterated before the latter tells the kids his personal thank you for helping the Autobots save the Mini-Cons. Optimus then assures Galvatron is right about needing to end hate in the universe and that he now has to finish what he started. Sureshock asks Optimus why he should fight after he entrusts them with the children, with the latter then saying it's the only way to achieve peace, then Rad tells him he shouldn't let Galvatron suck him into this but later realizes Optimus isn't going to change. He then asks if they'll see each other again soon, and Optimus assures that they will and he'll always remember him. Optimus and Galvatron then give their final farewells to the kids(See above.)
    • Galvatron asks the kids to leave Unicron since this is his and Optimus' fight in Legends of the Microns, with Carlos in return asking why he still can't understand what they are saying and Billy reaffirming that there is no need to fight. Galvatron says that it doesn't look like Optimus believes that before the latter says to the kids that they would've never been able to defeat Unicron with their help, but apologizes for going to fight with Galvatron and that he's still a regular Transformer when you remove the "Supreme Commander" title from him. Optimus trusts the Mini-Cons to take care of the children and assures them that they all must rely on their own strength to carry forward, which makes Rad ask if he's really going to fight. Rad thanks Optimus for everything that has happened, with the latter assuring vice versa and that he wouldn't be standing here today without him. High Wire says all of the kids' names when he glows multiple times, and Optimus tells them farewell and to head towards the future.
  • Galvatron talks about being only with Optimus in Armada, to which Optimus says that the time of speeches are over and it's time to end their quarrel, then later says he shouldn't be surprised and that this is exactly what he wants before throwing the Matrix out. Legends of the Microns has Galvatron asking Optimus what's wrong, with Prime replying that he was right, which is why from this point onward they'll fight as Transformers.
  • After tossing the Matrix before his final battle against Galvatron, Optimus says that he's fighting him not as a Commander "but as a Transformer called Optimus Prime!"
  • After Optimus shoots at Galvatron, he comments on how he was the first one to attack in Legends of the Microns, whereas Armada has him say that Optimus is not superior to him.
  • When Cyclonus stops shooting at Unicron, he says he just got carried away in Armada whereas Legends of the Microns has him say "I guess so..." Jetfire's reaction is also changed from him telling Cyclonus to knock it off in the English dub, but immediately remarks of Optimus and the others being inside Unicron in Japanese.
  • When Jetfire notices the kids coming out of Unicron, Armada has Rad sounding shocked about the teleportation he just witnessed, but Legends of the Microns has him silent and instead has Jetfire point out the kids.
  • The union's discussion back at the Axalon is subtly different between versions:
    • Legends of the Microns has Hoist ask how they are supposed to protect space with Unicron floating around, which Scavenger then asks what they are going to do since he's just there defenseless. Wheeljack asks Hot Shot what's the purpose of uniting the Transformers race before encouraging him to think, and then Demolishor reminds everyone that Galvatron is still inside Unicron. Side Swipe reminds everyone that Optimus is there too, to which Blurr responds that the two leaders are focusing intently on their duel, but he can't say why. Hot Shot then comes to the conclusion that this might be their only chance to destroy Unicron, and even if Optimus is still inside, they must carry out the attack.
    • Armada has Hoist suggest that they should wait for Jetfire and the kids to return before they do anything, with Scavenger agreeing, but Wheeljack suggests to Hot Shot they should commence an assault now before Demolishor and Sideswipe remind him that the two leaders are still inside Unicron and they might get hit. Blurr says that it might be best for Optimus to return first and he doesn't think they have choice, and then Hot Shot evaluates that Unicron can't be fully recovered nor Optimus and Galvatron should get hurt before he announces the assault.
  • Legends of the Microns has Hot Shot's announcement longer compared to Armada, which also focused more on Optimus and Galvatron being inside than the actual attack.
  • After Galvatron gets thrown off course due to his blaster getting clogged, Armada has Galvatron saying he didn't expect Optimus defending himself, but he's glad that he is his old self again and all of this reminds him of the good old days. His laugh during this also has an echo effect. Meanwhile in Legends of the Microns, Galvatron says this is what he expects from a top class Transformer who fights, and then remarks on how fun this is.
  • Unicron's words hovering over Optimus gives the same intent in both dubs, but like with "Origin", there's no mention of Optimus being like Galvatron if he doesn't have the Matrix in Armada and instead Unicron talks about he loves the smell of battle.
  • When the scene cuts back to their duel, Legends of the Microns includes a short clip where Galvatron rips out his destroyed cannon to throw it at Optimus before striking him with his horns. Armada only shows Optimus blocking a seemingly random object thrown at him.
    Legends of the Micron's exclusive animation that adds to the run time by a little. Too disturbing for the kids?
  • Where High Wire says that Sideways was eliminated and Unicron is only in a dormant state in Armada, Legends of the Microns has him say that defeating Sideways didn't kill off Unicron. Carlos in this same shot asks what does High Wire means in Legends of the Microns, but says "Mind saying that in English?" in Armada.
  • Alexis in Armada makes it so that the hole in Unicron's armor is like it's opening up itself, which makes Billy's response awkward. Rad also wonders if it's a telltale sign that Optimus is okay. Legends of the Microns has her say the union managed to punch a hole in Unicron's armor, so Billy getting excited is a lot more appropriate here, and Rad just asks if Optimus is alright with no relation to the hole.
  • Wheeljack says they are about to launch the second wave in Armada, but tells the attack wave company to follow him Legends of the Microns.
  • Galvatron tells Optimus that he demands satisfaction since it can't end anti-climatically in Armada, while Legends of the Microns has him ask if that's all he got and this is how their grudge is going to end after thousands of years. Optimus says "End?" before chuckling in Legends of the Microns, whereas Armada as him say that he wishes he could accommodate Galvatron. Galvatron then tells Optimus to get up so he can destroy him, with the latter replying to not count on itArmada. Legends of the Microns simply has Galvatron telling Optimus to get up and the latter says this isn't over yet.
  • Galvatron says "That's the enemy I've come to know!" after Optimus gets up in Legends of the Microns, whereas Armada has him say "That's more like it, Prime!"
  • Galvatron replies to his men about beating Unicron to forget about him and that his power will be his, then reminds Optimus about their battle in Armada. Legends of the Microns has him say that Unicron is nothing but scrap metal now, and his excitement has only just begun. Additionally, Optimus says to Hot Shot he'll take care of Galvatron, and tells him and everyone to attack Unicron with everything they got in the English dub, whereas he tells Hot Shot to leave him and Galvatron alone in the Japanese dub, and from this point onward Hot Shot is in command.
  • Hot Shot says Optimus' name in Legends of the Microns but says no problem Armada in a tone like he's worn out.
  • Armada uses the theme song's insert trance version for the remainder of Optimus and Galvatron's fight, and plays right when Hot Shot commands everyone to attack. Legends of the Microns instead uses "Attack by Villains" and plays it when Unicron is transforming.
  • When the kids notice Optimus' Matrix floating in space, Jetfire comes in asking what Rad just said in Legends of the Microns, but doesn't say anything at all in Armada. Additionally Armada has Alexis asking why he would take it off, with Carlos saying that's too freaky, followed by Billy saying there has to be a reason and then Fred suggesting maybe there's something Optimus is not telling them. Legends of the Microns moves Alexis' line of why Optimus would take the Matrix off to Carlos, Billy simply says he has no idea, and Fred responds in fear asking if this means Optimus is not the commander anymore.
  • The shot of Optimus panting was redrawn inLegends of the Microns to have more accurate shading and proportions.
  • Once again, Optimus and Galvatron's conversation after they fought is a lot different between dubs, especially with Optimus:
    • In Legends of the Microns, Galvatron tells Optimus that he is incredibly strong and that while he can't go on due to him falling apart, the battle was fun. Optimus then agrees despite him hating to admit, followed by Galvatron saying as long as he knows how to fight, they are both the same and Transformers love to fight overall. Optimus agrees with this too and says we are forged with a warrior's instincts, but he seeks the light beyond the combat and says that justice is indeed obtained by winning in the end, which he tried to deny before the fight. Galvatron responds in delight to what Optimus just said, but tells him to never forget that justice can only be obtained through the hardships of battle.
    • Armada has Galvatron say that this is the old Optimus he used to know, and follows that he has nothing left to offer and Optimus won fair and square, but the latter thinks they should call it a draw. Galvatron remarks how they really went at it after all these years of being evenly matched, and admits he enjoyed every nanosecond of it. Optimus apologizes that he can never admit to a joined battle, but it was necessary to remain at peace even if he might never see that day, and hopes that whoever survives this will remove evil from the universe. Galvatron then laughs and says that Optimus is right about never surviving beyond today, and this means that he would now be supreme commander.
  • Near the end, where Optimus refuses to let go of Galvatron from being sucked into Unicron, Galvatron practically yells at Optimus to let go so that Unicron will die from the lack of evil and to watch over the others after slicing his tread in Armada. Legends of the Microns goes philosophical as Galvatron observes that both might've been looking for the same thing despite their differences, and Optimus is the light while he represents dark. On slicing his tread, Galvatron adds that even in the next generation/world, Prime is destined to be his rival and that darkness will exist as long as there's light, and not to forget that evil is eternal. Optimus yells his rival's name after disappearing into Unicron in Armada, but whispers "Megatron" in Legends of the Microns.
  • Optimus not wanting the Matrix is the same in both versions, but Legends of the Microns has him additionally say that even now, he's still not worthy of carrying it, which concludes his arc better of being worthy of the Matrix, starting with Crisis.
  • The final moments with the Transformers and the children is subtly different in the dubs, but nothing too major unlike the past examples:
  • Legends of the Microns has Hot Shot say that he now believes that not matter what happens, they'll all always be comrades, with Carlos agreeing and says it doesn't matter if we are on Earth or Cybertron, and Jetfire agrees with that. He then says that they learned that lesson from the kids, with Alexis responding that they themselves learned a lot from them too. Fred asks if everyone is now going to rebuild Cybertron, and Hot Shot says yes and it doesn't matter if it's the Autobots, Decepticons, or Mini-Cons, since they all want to build a new Transformer world. Billy responds that they'll also try making Earth the most peaceful planet in the universe, and High Wire after disjointing from Perceptor says goodbye and thank you. Alexis tells Sureshock that she is truly grateful, and Carlos then says he's not going to cry about the departure along with Fred, with Billy telling them to knock it off since they already are, and Fred snapping back that he's not. Rad then asks about Optimus, with Hot Shot stating to not worry and even without the Matrix, he'll always be their commander, with Jetfire in agreement. Rad then gives out his final monologue on how their real adventure has just begun.
  • In Armada, Hot Shot says that they will never forget the kids, and Carlos replies with vice versa. Jetfire then thanks the kids for all the things they taught them, with Alexis saying that they actually learned a lot from them. Fred asks Hot Shot and Jetfire to stop by Earth if they are ever in the Solar System, which the former promises but says it might be a long time to come since Cybertron is being rebuilt and with the war being over, with Billy happily stating that the Autobots and Decpticons are finally getting along. High Wire says to the kids that they'll always be in the Mini-Cons' memory, with Rad saying vice versa and Alexis stating they'll never forget them. When Carlos is holding back from crying, he says this is harder than he thought, and when Billy points out that they are balling like little babies, Fred points out that he's crying too. When Rad asks about Optimus, Hot Shot says he's not sure where he is but he's sure he's out there somewhere, with Jetfire then stating he's right here in all of their hearts. Rad agrees and gives out his final monologue of Optimus always being a part of them no matter where they are or go.
    • When the kids are dropped off by Hot Shot and Jetfire and they thank them for it, the shot of them talking is redrawn in Legends of the Microns to have more posing in comparison to Armada.
  • Optimus's ending narration in Armada is the aftermath of Unicron's defeat, saying that Unicron has become powerless now with the war finished, and both he and Galvatron have scattered across the universe. Optimus states that he's served his purpose now that Cybertron is safe and the Transformers live in peace with the Mini-Cons and mentions that if you see a peaceful star far away, it might be Cybertron. Legends of the Microns gives Optimus a more sincere narration that flows more with Unicron feeding off of hatred, with him talking about how even a battle fought for justice will always produce a degree of hate. However, to prevent Unicron's revival, you must have faith and a heart that ever seeks justice, and as long as you believe in that, anyone can become your comrade.

Animation and technical errors

"We never had any evil gods on prehistoric Earth."
  • Optimus's busted truck wheel shrinks down considerably to fit inside Galvatron's cannon to jam it.
  • There's an awkward amount of silence when High Wire's eyes start glowing up, and he's supposed to talk when that happens. Legends of the Microns has High Wire say each kid's name when his eyes glow, so this error is fixed.
  • When Tidal Wave and his fleet show up to attack Unicron, he looks off model and lacks detail(Notice the missing canons). Legends of the Microns entirely redraws him in a lot more of an accurate model and makes his animation less jagged.
  • When Hot Shot yells "Attack!" as Unicron is transforming back into planet mode, the animation shows the Transformer fleet escaping (which would make sense), suggesting Hot Shot's line was a scripting error. Legends of the Microns simply as him say Optimus' name.
  • Rhinox is colored like his original Transmetal toy instead of his Armada toy.

Continuity notes

How many Autobot insignias does he have...?
  • Does it seem like Alexis's hair grows slightly longer during the Unicron Battles?
  • According to the Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003, Optimus and Galvatron's final battle is about settling their differences and answering the questions Sideways asked in the previous episode.
  • After tossing out the Matrix before his final battle to the death against Galvatron, Optimus says that he's fighting him as the leader of all Transformers; since when did Optimus Prime have such an out-of-character ego? Legends of the Microns fixes this notable error by having Optimus say, "I am not fighting you as a Commander but as a Transformer called Convoy!"
  • Rhinox makes his only physical debut in the Unicron Trilogy. Ask Vector Prime revealed in 2015 that Rhinox perished during the battle; Vector Prime also revealed that poor Overload's upgrades were left incomplete due to Rhinox's death.
  • This episode is the first time in the series where characters bleed upon receiving damage. As Optimus and Galvatron duel, parts of Unicron's insides take damage, with slightly yellowish-white liquid pouring out. Later, as the Decepticon leader rips out a pipe from Unicron's armor to use as a weapon, bright red liquid pours out from where the pipe used to be. Additionally, when Galvatron slices Prime's chest with his wrist blade, his wound is briefly highlighted with bright red.
  • That was a seemingly heroic sacrifice from Galvatron. Who knew he could be a good guy from time to time? His self-sacrifice isn't so heroic in the Japanese dub.
  • During the second-to-last shot, Prime has returned to his original colors but hasn't reclaimed the Matrix, as his Matrix compartment is visibly empty during his transformation.
  • This episode marks the last time Hoist, Scavenger, Blurr(If you don't think Blurr from Cybertron is the same one, that is), Side Swipe, and Wheeljack are shown in the Unicron Trilogy.
    • This also marks the last time Billy and Fred are seen in the Unicron Trilogy, as they don't make it in Energon nor Cybertron's final episode. The reason is most likely because the team never intended on making them staple members of the cast(According to the Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003) and they only lasted until this episode since they never got around to writing them off.
  • Even with Galvatron sacrificing himself to remove evil from the universe, Unicron managed to survive, marking the gateway to the next cartoon series.
  • Gadgets and powers:
    • Since being deactivated, Unicron appears to revert to planet mode as a defense mechanism automatically.
    • Grindor can fly in skateboard mode; "Base" and "Comrade" previously alluded to this ability.
    • The Mini-Con super weapons appear to be able to fly, which seems to be a common feature among Mini-Con super weapons/Powerlinxed forms, as seen with the Magnawing in Linkage, the Energon Saber in Energon, and the Umbral Blaster in the Cybertron comic.
    • The Mini-Cons tap into the Linkage dimension to phase them and the kids through Unicron's armor.
    • Galvatron hasn't used his antlers to attack anyone since he went by the name "Megatron" in "Swoop." They seem to shock opponents too.
    • Galvatron uses his wrist blade for the first and last time in this episode; he uses it a total of two times.
    • Optimus has ninja-like reflexes and can tip-toe on thin pipes. What a badass.
    • Unicron can warp.

Continuity errors

  • What's with Galvatron suddenly bringing up that there can only be one ruler of the universe throughout the episode? It's like that's the best reason he can come up with on wanting to fight Optimus(Granted he is known to play tricks, but still). Legends of the Microns has no mention of the supreme commander stuff, so it's a non-issue.
  • Before fighting Galvatron, Optimus declares his intention to fight as the leader of all Transformers. Since when did Optimus Prime have such an out-of-character ego? Legends of the Micron' fixes this major error by having Optimus state he would fight Galvatron as himself.
  • Why would Hot Shot announce that it's now time to shift into stealth mode when they are doing the exact opposite of that in the whole battle? Great hypocritically there. Legends of the Microns changes Hot Shot's line to him ordering everyone to attack Unicron's moving parts, so this is a non-issue.
  • Wheeljack tells Hot Shot that Unicron is headed towards Cybertron again, even though the next scene has him transforming into his planet mode? Legends of the Microns correctly has Wheeljack say that Unicron is changing to his planet mode.
  • During the end of their duel, Galvatron strikes a metal pipe in Optimus's back, who tries to pull it out unsuccessfully in a later shot, after which the pipe completely disappears.

Transformers references

  • Rhinox is visible in the hangar during the raid against Unicron. Because of the unanticipated success of Armada, he and the other Beast Wars remolds were released, but they were unable to receive larger roles in the show.

Real-world references

Trivia

Time for kanji quiz, kids!
  • The English dub of "Mortal Combat" first aired in the United Kingdom. It aired in the United States on December 12, 2003.
  • Unlike the previous 51 episodes, the title card in this episode's Japanese airing didn't have the usual alternate-reading furigana over the kanji title as seen on the right.
  • This episode has some of the biggest differences in characterization and dialogue between the English and Japanese versions, particularly with Optimus and Galvatron, where the reason why they are fighting is practically warped in the former version. Thus, a lot of their actions can kind of come off as unnatural and random when compared to the Japanese dub(See above). Whether it's the case of the English dub's rushed schedule or wanting to simplify the themes(Like in Trust) is unknown as of now.
  • According to the Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003:
    • When the team finished making this episode, they all felt a sense of completion, like when Optimus sacrificed himself in "Crisis," and felt this series expanded the Transformers brand into a new direction, with it being slightly different from past iterations. The team also hopes that viewers can think about what they made.
    • Optimus and Galvatron's final battle is perhaps the show's crowning achievement, nothing short of spectacular. And how!
      • The fact that Optimus fights Galvatron with his fists and ingenuity, while Galvatron uses all the weapons at his disposal and his trump card knife proves Prime is the superior fighter.
    • Munetaka Abe's primary concern when animating was how to convey emotion with Optimus before the fight, since he only has eyes to go off of, unlike Galvatron. He was also surprised when he first heard about Optimus throwing the Matrix away in this episode.
    • Hidehito Ueda thinks "trust" is the keyword of this series, so he wanted Optimus's last message in the episode to convey that and use it as a settlement for not only what Optimus endured throughout the show, but what the team experienced while making it.

Foreign localization

German

  • Title: "Unicrons Ende" ("Unicron's End")
  • Original airdate: 16 January 2004

Hungarian

  • Title: "A végső csata" ("The Final Battle")

Portuguese

  • Title: "Combate Mortal" ("Mortal Combat")

Home video releases

All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.
DVD

Japan 2004 — Transformers: Legends of the Microns — Volume 13 (Columbia Music Entertainment) — Japanese audio only.
United States of America 2006 — Transformers: Armada — Season One: Part Two (Rhino Entertainment)
United Kingdom 2007 — Transformers: Armada — The Collector's Edition (Universal)
Germany 2009 — Transformers: Armada — Volume Two (New KSM) — English and German audio.
United States of America 2014 — Transformers: Armada — The Complete Series (Shout! Factory)

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