Megatron (Armada)/toys

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Forshadowing Thunderhoof's existence since 2002.

Megatron's power is your doom! As are his many, many toys.

Toys

Armada

G2 Megatron gets pimped.
Megatron combined with Tidal Wave
  • Megatron with Leader-1 (Ultra, 2002/2003)
    • Japanese ID number: MD-01
    • Accessories: 1 main cannon missile, 2 missile launcher missiles
Armada Megatron transforms into a green and purple Cybertronic tank. His turret is able to rotate freely and pivot the main cannon up and down (which can also fire a pressure-launched missile with the accompaniment of an electronic "explosion" sound effect). One of the most-Mini-Con play pattern-intensive toys in the Armada line, Megatron has many gimmicks and features designed to exploit Mini-Con collectability. Plugging a Mini-Con onto the Powerlinx hardpoint in the L-shaped trench, then pulling back down the length of the trench and locking it in will flip up a double missile launcher on the opposite side of the turret, with two spring-loaded missiles ready to fire. The launcher flips up over a small black switch which, when pressed, activates a "launching" sound effect; the idea is that when you press the buttons to fire the missiles, the whole launcher will move down a millimeter or two, and trip the switch. Depending on the alignment of the gears in your Megatron, though, the launcher is just as likely to hit the switch right away when it flips into place. Plugging a Mini-Con into the turret hatch hardpoint and then twisting it left or right will activate a sound clip of machine gun fire. All three of these sound effects are accompanied by a flashing red LED which illuminates the Decepticon sigil panel on the front of the turret.
Megatron came with his personal Mini-Con, Leader-1. His right-side forward hull protrusion has a flip-out "launch pad" for Mini-Cons, with a sliding Powerlinx post. The left-side forward hull has three spring-loaded, flip-out panels that have Powerlinx hardpoints that reveal themselves at the push of a button. The rear right-side hull has a flip-out ramp for Mini-Cons, and a slide-out capture claw to ensnare them, while the rear left-side hull has a holding compartment for Mini-Cons, although most are too large to fit inside.
In robot mode, Megatron has decent articulation in his arms, but has exceptionally limited articulation in his legs owing to stability concerns when his various gimmicks are used. Sliding the Powerlinx post on his left forearm forward (with or without a Mini-Con plugged into it) reveals a small knife in his spring-loaded left hand—in homage to the sword present on Japanese releases of the original Megatron toy![1] The entire turret assembly can be rotated around to face forward, then all his weapons can then be pivoted to face forward as well for his Full Blast Mode. The turret can then be rotated by turning a small crank attached to the right-hand side of Megatron's waist, and as it spins, Megatron will cry "Decepticons, Attack!", and all three of his sound effects (explosion, launching and machine gun) will play in succession. Leader-1 can clip into the compartment in Megatron's right shoulder, his weapon barrels pointing forward, and Megatron's three missiles can do the same over on his left shoulder.
Megatron can also combine with Tidal Wave, with Tidal Wave's aircraft carrier and battleship clipping onto his arms and his troop transport clipping onto Megatron's back (after the turret has been positioned in Full Blast Mode configuration) as a jetpack. While the North American instructions only referred to this as Tidal Wave's Weapon Mode, this form was called Burning Megatron in Japan.
The American version had a metallic purple face, whereas Takara's Japanese release has a dark silver face and more defined Decepticon symbols. The turret on the Takara release uses a slightly different mold than the Hasbro version; the slot for the sliding switch that activates the dual missile launcher on the turret is different, allowing the launcher to be locked into place without pressing down on the electronics trigger and draining the batteries. The voice clip is also different.
In Japan, Hello Mac stores offered one of the three Ultimate Edition Land Military Microns free with the purchase of Megatron in May 2003.
This mold was used to make Universe Megazarak.


The exact opposite of Captain Planet.
  • Galvatron with Clench (Ultra, 2003)
    • Japanese ID number: MD-08
    • Accessories: 1 main cannon missile, 2 missile launcher missiles
Galvatron is a predominantly light purple and white redeco of the previous Giga-Con class Megatron toy, covered in black 'battle damage' scorch mark decos and a paint wash on this torso and tank treads. Functionally the only difference is that the sound clip activated by rotating his turret now says "The Power is mine!" (a line spoken by Megatron in the Armada cartoon episode "Desperate", though David Kaye's voice was not sampled for the toy).
Galvatron combined with Tidal Wave.
The Takara release has slight differences from the Hasbro version. It retains Takara Megatron's dark silver face instead of Hasbro's flat black, as well as slightly darker purples and golds. Fictionally, he retains the Megatron name ("Megatron S") and comes with a powered-up version of Leader-1 rather than the separate character Clench. The Takara version retains the different switch slot from the first Japanese release, which all US releases of the mold curiously never utilized. Unlike Hasbro's Galvatron version, Megatron S reuses all the same sound clips from the first Megatron release.


You are a lucky bastard if you own this.
  • Black Megatron (Ultra Lucky Draw figure, 2003)
    • Accessories: 1 main cannon missile, 2 missile launcher missiles
This special redeco of Megatron was given away as a prize in a contest held in the June 2003 issue of TV Magazine. Limited to 100 units, this Megatron was, as his name suggests, primarily black with dark olive and purple shades, and bright yellow and green highlights.


Built to Rule!

Keep on truckin'.
  • Megatron with Leader-1 and Cyclonus with Crumplezone (Built to Rule!, 2003)
    • Accessories: 2 missiles
Part of the largest Transformers series Built to Rule! set, Megatron can be assembled into a battle tank, a robot, or whatever your imagination can do with the blocks provided. Megatron is armed with a dual missile launcher based upon the Mini-Con activated version on the regular Ultra class toy. He came with a block-version of his Mini-Con partner Leader-1, as well as Cyclonus with Crumplezone model.
He has realllllly long legs.


Energon

Minty fresh mouthwash laser cannons!
  • Megatron (Super, 2004)
    • Accessories: Tank/cannon, sword, missile
Energon Megatron transforms into an off-white gray and blue Cybertronic jet, with a Hyper Mode activated by pulling on the translucent segments of his wings, unfolding their various panels to reveal more weapons. In robot mode, Megatron greatly resembles Generation 1 Galvatron, with a pair of large pivoting shoulder cannons. While he features decent articulation, especially compared to the Armada Ultra toy, he has limited posability due to a top-heavy design and spring-loaded auto-transforming hands and feet.
Megatron's primary weapon is a large tank, based on his Armada body, featuring a spring-loaded missile launcher and an out-of-place machine gun sound effect. The tank attaches to Megatron in either of his modes as a cannon, either mounting on his back in jet mode, or clipping to his arm in robot mode. Inserting and then removing the rear of the tank into the scabbard on Megatron's back draws out the sword blade stored there, and the tank can then attach to his arm to allow the Decepticon leader to wield the weapon. The sword's connection point is spring-loaded, so that when the blade is struck against something, it activates a sword-clashing sound effect and a red LED that illuminates the translucent blade.
In the United States, this figure was initially only available at Walmart stores, and saw a wider release shortly after. It was later redecoed to create Energon Galvatron (see below).



Few megalomaniacs can pull off the "tank as fashion accessory" look.
  • Galvatron (Ultra, 2004)
    • Japanese ID number: SD-07
    • Accessories: Tank/cannon, sword, missile
Rather than release the Super-class Energon Megatron figure, Takara opted to instead produced a smaller, Ultra-class version of the character. The figure is a down-sized version of the larger toy, with all the same features, new electronic sounds in the tank, and a lighter, more cartoon-accurate colour scheme. Initially exclusive to Japan, the figure was later made available in Hasbro markets in a two-pack (see below).
This mold was also used to make Super Link Black Galvatron and Galvatron General (see below), and Shattered Glass Megatron.


You're even luckier if you own this.
  • Black Galvatron (Ultra Lucky Draw figure, 2004)
    • Japanese ID number: SD-07
    • Accessories: Tank/cannon, sword, missile
This redeco of the Ultra-class Megatron/Galvatron figure was offered through both a TV Magazine prize draw, and live drawings held in Tobu Department Stores. Limited to 50 pieces, it sported a striking new black and red color scheme, with orange translucent parts, and came in the standard toy's packaging, with a sticker denoting it as the redeco. Some units have been found without the sticker; unconfirmed reports suggest that these were the versions given away at Tobu stores.


This repaint brought a tear to the eye of somebody.
  • Galvatron (Super, 2004)
    • Accessories: Tank/cannon, sword, missile
As part of the "Powerlinx Battles" line refresh, Hasbro's Super class Megatron was extensively redecoed to resemble Generation 1 Galvatron as much as possible. His predominant color is (naturally) purple, with black plastic and extensive use of metallic silver and metallic red paint for detailing. All translucent plastic was replaced with orange.
This version of Galvatron was released in Japan as a Toys"R"Us-exclusive "USA Edition" on April 28, 2004.


  • Galvatron General (Ultra, 2005)
    • Japanese ID number: SD-20
    • Accessories: Tank/cannon, sword, missile, Energy Blade, Energon star
As with the original version of Megatron, Takara did not release the Super-class Galvatron figure, instead redecoing their Ultra-size figure as "Galvatron General", or "Galvatron G". Like the earlier Takara figure, the toy features a more cartoon-accurate, if somewhat more garish, color scheme, with a more pinkish shade of purple, yellow translucent parts instead of orange, and a pale blue crown instead of the Hasbro's toy's black. It also includes a purple version of the "Energy Blade" Energon weapon that was originally packaged with Cruellock, consisting of a small gun and sword which combine to form a larger blade, and a purple Decepticon Energon star.


  • Powerlinx Optimus Prime vs. Megatron (Exclusive multi-pack, 2005)
    • Accessories: Tank/cannon, sword, missile
Takara's Ultra-sized version of Megatron was released in Hasbro markets in this two pack, along with another previously Takara-exclusive figure, the Deluxe version of Energon Optimus Prime. A Toys"R"Us exclusive, this two-pack was the only way of obtaining the two toys outside of Japan without importing. The only change made from the Takara original is that the rear landing gear sections are attached by short plastic rods instead of steel pins, likely necessitated by USA safety requirements.


  • Megatron (Multi-pack, unreleased)
    • Accessories: Tank/cannon, sword, missile
A grey, black, and green redeco of the Super Energon Megatron mold was planned to be released in a set with Smallest Transforming Transformers Soundwave as a Target exclusive, but was ultimately canceled. Artwork for the toy was produced by Dan Khanna and revealed online by the artist.


Your bargaining posture is highly dubious.
Your bargaining posture is highly dubious.

Proceed on your way to oblivion.
This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.


Cybertron

Megatron's Unicron cosplay did not turn out well. (Hasbro version pictured.)
His power is fading! Quick, desaturate him some more! (Mocom Toy version pictured.)
  • Megatron (Leader, 2004/2005)
    • Takara ID number: GD-01
    • Takara release date: December 28, 2004
    • Accessories: 2 missiles, "spinning hand cannon", "Unicron power claws", Cyber Key
    • Cyber Key Code: lh7d
Cybertron Megatron is a Triple Changer, transforming into either a Cybertronic dragster or jet. Megatron comes with a Cyber Key of unique design, which fits into a slot above his cockpit canopy to activate a "powering up" noise and a pair of spring-loaded, pop up engines. The engines are on either side in a double-barrelled spring-loaded missile launcher, which makes firing noises and flashes with red LEDs when its missiles are launched.
His instructions for vehicle mode omit the final step of folding his calf-guards back behind his aft, leaving them awkwardly hanging out at his sides.
In robot mode, Megatron's design is partially based upon Armada Unicron's design, with very similar shoulders and arms, though the retention of Unicron's trademark orange leads to a rather chaotic color scheme (how appropriate). He features two weapons in this mode, each released by inserting a Cyber Key into the vehicle halves that now sit behind his shoulders. The right opens to reveal a removable, rotating gatling gun weapon made up of his left front car wheel (called the "Death Machine Gun" in Japan), while the left pops loose and unfolds to become his "Unicron power claws", a bladed melee weapon that pegs onto his forearm (called the "Death Claw" in Japan). He sports particularly effective light-piping in his eyes.
Megatron can combine with Nemesis Breaker for Dark Claw Mode, giving him a massive clawed arm (nominal position is with Nemesis as his left arm), though his balance in this form is tenuous at best. In a presumable coincidence, the connection sockets are a match for those used by his old Armada combination partner Tidal Wave, so you can attach his arms to this Megatron too.
The Takara Galaxy Force "Master Megatron" version of this figure uses lavender on the rubbery parts instead of violet, a paler, more metallic shade of green for all the non-molded green parts, and, strangely, an unpainted robot nose. Unusually for Takara, these differences made it less show accurate than Hasbro's version, which was released a few months later. The Korean Mocom Toy release of the Galaxy Force figure features a painted nose, but keeps the other Takara differences.


Hasbro version on the left, Takara's "EZ Collection" release on the right.
  • Megatron (Legends of Cybertron, 2005)
"Legends of Cybertron" Megatron is a simplified version of the Leader class toy. He can only transform into his car mode and has rather limited articulation, sculpt and paint detail.
The figure was released in Japan under the "EZ Collection" banner, in the same packaging as the Hasbro release but with a small card insert featuring the Japanese logo and nomenclature, similar to a USA Edition. As with all the EZ Collection figures, this release features a substantially greater number of paint operations that increase Megatron's resemblance to his larger figure.


  • EZ Collection Clear Set (Multi-pack, 2005)
A Takara exclusive multi-pack of "EZ Collection" Megatron, Optimus Prime, and Starscream recast the figures using primarily clear plastics; in Megatron's case, his grey was replaced with smoky translucent plastic. A mail-away exclusive to TV Magazine, the set was limited to 3000 pieces.


Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na BATMAN!
  • Galvatron (Leader, 2005)
    • Takara ID number: GD-14
    • Takara release date:August 22, 2005
    • Accessories: 2 missiles, "spinning hand cannon", "Unicron power claws", Cyber Key
    • Cyber Key Code: l65x
Cybertron Galvatron is a silver, red, and black redeco of Leader class Cybertron Megatron, with a color scheme based upon Generation 1 Megatron. He retains all the features and accessories of the original figure, including the ability to combine with Nemesis Breaker, which is actively called out on his packaging this time (albeit with a picture of the original Megatron toy). Most of Galvatron's silver parts are actually coated with metallic paint instead of being left as bare silver plastic; Japanese hobby magazine articles noted that the Galaxy Force release of the figure used paint similar to the hard-wearing kind found on cell phones, and while it is unknown for certain if Hasbro's figure used the same type, it seems quite likely.
Takara's "Master Galvatron" release of the figure replaced Hasbro's metallic gold details with yellow, and packaged the figure in a unique monochrome purplish-blue version of the normal Galaxy Force packaging.


SHOW-ACCURATE
  • Master Galvatron (Dengeki Hobby EZ Collection exclusive, 2005)
EZ Collection Master Galvatron is a redeco of the earlier Legends/EZ Collection Megatron figure, continuing the Japanese trend of intricate paint jobs on these smaller toys. He was available exclusively with the September 2005 issue of Dengeki Hobby magazine, and came in a small box designed to replicate the look of the standard Galaxy Force packaging—but in full color, unlike Takara's release of the larger Galvatron figure, with a picture of the toy instead of an actual packaging window.
At least some units (in unopened, new condition) got dumped to Hobby Shop dealers in Asia and were sold at a lower price.


NOT SHOW-ACCURATE. But all shiny...
  • Gold Master Galvatron (TV Magazine exclusive, 2005)
    • Accessories: 2 missiles, Death Machine Gun, Death Claw, Force Chip
Available as a contest prize in the December 2005 issue of TV Magazine, this redeco of the Megatron/Galvatron Leader mold renders the Decepticon entirely golden with a mixture of golden plastic and golden chrome parts. Limited to only fifteen pieces, he came in a plain white version of the normal Galaxy Force window box packaging.


FOOL! GALVATRON CAN BE AS SHOW-ACCURATE AS HE WANTS!
  • Galvatron (Legends of Cybertron, 2006)
While TakaraTomy were the first to release a Legends-size Galvatron, Hasbro trumped their limited-release magazine exclusive with a mass release of their version of the figure in the main Cybertron toyline in the third wave of Legends figures. Released several months after the Japanese version, Hasbro's Galvatron unsurprisingly features paint operations that are both fewer in quantity and lesser in intricacy.


This looks familiar... Yesss...
  • Megatron (Deluxe, 2006)
    • Accessories: Missile, Jungle Planet Cyber Key
    • Cyber Key Code: ds9g
A green redeco of Beast Wars 10th Anniversary Megatron, this unusual iteration of Megatron transforms into a robotic Tyrannosaurus rex in the pseudo-technorganic-looking style of the other Jungle Planet toys. His tail hides a spring-loaded missile launcher that is revealed when a Cyber Key is inserted into the (unfortunately-placed) key jack.
While this mold was first released earlier in 2006 as part of the Beast Wars 10th Anniversary line and is obviously meant to be Beast Wars Megatron, it was developed to fit in with Cybertron's Jungle Planet aesthetic, "in case" the Beast Wars Anniversary release didn't pan out (according to Aaron Archer's statements at BotCon 2005).
This mold was also used to make the BotCon 2010 exclusive Cindersaur.


  • Megatron / Soundwave / Jetfire / Optimus Prime (Legends of Cybertron multi-pack, 2007)
This four pack of Legend-class Megatron, Optimus Prime, Jetfire and Soundwave was exclusive to Target stores. All of the toys were identical to their individual releases.


Transformers (2007)

"I have achieved continuity travel!"
  • Generations Legends (Target exclusive multi-pack, 2007)
A Target exclusive, this four-pack of Legends Class figures contains two versions of both Optimus Prime and Megatron, namely Legends of Cybertron Optimus Prime, Movie Legends Optimus Prime, Legends of Cybertron Megatron, and Movie Legends Megatron. The toy itself is identical to the Cybertron release.


Combiner Wars

Female moose flocked from miles around.
  • Armada Megatron (Leader, 2015)
    • Accessories: 2 pistols (combine to form rifle)
Part of the first wave of Generations Combiner Wars Leader Class toys, Armada Megatron is a retool of the Generations Leader Class Megatron he was released alongside, with a new head featuring red light-piped eyes and "antlers" resembling those of Megatron's original Armada figure. He comes with two 5 mm guns that can combine into one large rifle, and also has a firing missile in his tank cannon, which becomes an arm-mounted weapon in robot mode. In tank mode, his turret can turn a full 180 degrees, and he features treads that function realistically, a rarity among Transformers toys. Unfortunately, his arm-mounted cannon tends to impede the use of his elbow articulation. On the plus side, he has multiple Mini-Con ports, though none of them trigger any gimmicks. In an unadvertised feature, his two guns can be stored on the underside of his tank mode. He comes packaged with a collector's card featuring his package art.
Though Megatron's wave was scheduled for a first quarter 2015 release, it actually arrived on U.S. store shelves in late 2014.

Legends

Am I blue? Am I blue? What are these horns on my head tellin' you?
  • Armada Megatron (2015-06-21)
    • ID number: LG-EX
    • Acessories: 2 pistols (combine to form rifle)
Available only at the 2015 Tokyo Toy Show, this is a significantly more show-accurate redeco of the Generations toy, with new paint applications simulating the face mask slider switch that was in the middle of the chest of the original Armada mold. In addition, most of what had been red in the Generations version is now blue.


Legacy

The sequel you've all been waiting for!
  • Armada Universe Megatron (Leader, 2023)
  • TakaraTomy ID number: TL-47
  • TakaraTomy release date: October, 2023
  • Accessories: Tank barrel, antlers
  • Known designers: Sam Smith (Hasbro), Shogo Hasui (TakaraTomy)[2]
Marking the 20th anniversary of the Armada franchise, the second Leader Class figure in Legacy: Evolution, "Armada Universe Megatron" is a slightly-stylized version of his original Armada design, transforming into a Cybertronic H-tank. His Evo-Fusion ability replicates the original's Full Blast Mode, dubbed as a "chest-mounted Fusion Cannon" in his product description; his turret hinges outwards granting it clearance to swivel to his front while the the barrels can be pointed forward. For some reason, the tank turret is locked from having full rotation, only allowing about 255 degrees of rotation. Similar to Laser Optimus Prime from the same line, he has restricted arm movement as the shoulder pylons do not rotate, whilst the real arms start beneath the flap.
The front half of Megatron's tank barrel is detachable (though made of a softer plastic which tends to list downwards due to gravity) and can plug into his folded-in wrists via 5mm peg and port connection, the latter function possibly in preparation for a compatible Tidal Wave figure. Sadly, unlike the original figure, he doesn't come with a wrist-knife, although the shape of his left hand resembles that of the original toy. He also doesn't come with Leader-1, but considering how the other Armada figures in the Legacy toyline don't come with their respective Mini-Cons, that's to be expected. His antlers are articulated and are fully removable.
While the Decepticon insignia is painted on here, in what appears to be a call-back to the sculpted raised insignias on the original toy there are sculpted plates on his shoulders where the symbol would have been originally.


Notes

Killing you. To death.
  • A conceptual drawing in the Legends of the Microns Year Book 2003 showed Armada Megatron as originally being more weapon-laden and certifiably able to kill you to death.
  • Also in the Legends of the Microns Yearbook 2003, Armada Megatron's cannon's concept art specifically notes that there is an "'80s Galvatron" homage sculpted on the barrel.
  • According to Aaron Archer as ORSON on the now-defunct "Orson's World" forum at TFW2005.com, Armada Megatron's "antlers" were part of an aborted Mini-Con grabber gimmick. The gimmick didn't make it, but the antlers remained. Despite lacking the accompanying mechanism, they are still hinged and spring loaded.[3]
  • Also according to Archer, the chin on Armada Megatron is supposed to look like a pair of fangs to play up the character's evil nature. How well this was actually pulled off in the final sculpt is debatable.
  • Armada Megatron's signature horns, as well as his clawed feet, are a call-back by Aaron Archer to Beast Wars Megatron's Transmetal 2 dragon toy. Which was the first Transformers toy Archer helped design. [4]
Mmm... Slanty posing.
  • The original Hasbro stock photography featured a mis-assembled Megatron toy (seen on the right), with Megatron's feet being flipped with the "grates" from the tops of the feet facing forward.
  • Armada Galvatron's deco is inspired by "Beast Wars" Galvatron. [5]
  • Cybertron Megatron has a Batmobile-inspired vehicle mode because the then-upcoming 2005 release of Batman Begins meant that Batman was very much in the zeitgeist, and the designers at Hasbro wanted to capitalise on that. Cybertron Sideways's bat-like jet mode was another example of this.[6]
  • Cybertron Galvatron's tech spec ratings for strength, endurance, and firepower are "unknown." His Cyber Key Code content states he reduced an entire Gigantion city to crystalline dust.
  • Additionally, Cybertron Galvatron's package motto is "I will crush you with my bare hands!", a line used by both the original Megatron and Galvatron in the 1986 animated film.
  • An unused concept for a potential Botcon 2017 figure would've seen a new Megatron based on his Energon design from Titans Return Black Shadow with an Leader-1 Titan Master partner redecoed from Ominus. He would've also included a green version of the sword from Construct-Bots Megatron.[7]

References

  1. ↑ "I put that knife there on purpose because it echoes the G1 sword hand. How 'bout that?"—Aaron Archer on The Toy Armada, 2021/12/14
  2. ↑ April 4, 2023's Hasbro Pulse Transformers Fanstream on YouTube, with Ben MacCrae, Evan Brooks, Mark Maher, Sam Smith, Shogo Hasui and Delaney Norris
  3. ↑ "yes the horns had a pincher feature that would extend and grab and retract into the tank. but that was a early model and due to safety concerns around pinch points the feature wasn't taken very far. look at the control art on my feed of megatron i think you can see this feature hinted at."—Aaron Archer, Instagram, 2019/06/15
  4. ↑ [1]
  5. ↑ [2]
  6. ↑ "The closest we got [to a Batman/Transformers crossover] was more tactical—so like, "oh there's a Batman movie coming out," so the Cybertron Sideways is very bat-inspired. I think there was another car that we went that way... Megatron obviously Batmobile-inspired. I don't know how direct-tactical that is but if bats are in the zeitgeist, if there's advertisement around bats and stuff, well let's... bat-inspired something. More like that is what we ended up with, but no we never went for a direct crossover."—Aaron Archer, The Toy Armada, "Toy Armada Friday night LIVE: ARMADA STARSCREAM", 2023/06/02
  7. ↑ [3]
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