Micromaster
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| This article is about the Generation 1 subline and the characters contained therein. For the Dreamwave miniseries, see Micromasters{{#switch:{{#sub:Micromasters|-1}} | != | .= | ?= | .
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Micromasters are Transformers who downsized their bodies considerably to be more fuel efficient. Transforming into tiny cars, planes, and other vehicles, they are depicted as roughly human-sized in robot mode in most continuities.
Some Micromasters are also Combiners, and can each form either the front or back half of a combined vehicle. They are not constrained to joining only with their Combiner partner; they also can join with any other Micromaster Combiner, as well as to the back of any Micro Trailer (see also Combi-Micromaster).
US Generation 1
The Micromasters were first released in the US and European markets in the two final years of the Generation 1 toyline, 1989 and 1990. These Micromasters were either grouped as Patrols, Squads, Transports, Stations or Bases:
Micromaster Patrols
The Patrols consisted of four stand-alone Micromasters whose altmodes generally had a recurring common theme, for example military vehicles in the case of the Military Patrol or planes and helicopters in the case of the Air Patrol.
Autobots
- Off Road Patrol (Highjump, Mudslinger, Powertrain, and Tote)
- Race Car Patrol (Tailspin, Free Wheeler, Roadhandler, and Swindler)
- Rescue Patrol (Seawatch, Stakeout, Fixit, and Red Hot)
- Battle Patrol (Big Shot, Sidetrack, Sunrunner, and Flak)
- Construction Patrol (Neutro, Groundpounder, Crumble, and Takedown)
- Air Patrol (Sky High, Eagle Eye, Blaze Master, and Tread Bolt)
- Monster Truck Patrol (Hydraulic, Slow Poke, Big Hauler, and Heavy Tread)
- Hot Rod Patrol (Big Daddy, Trip-Up, Greaser, and Hubs)
Decepticons
- Air Strike Patrol (Nightflight, Storm Cloud, Whisper, and Tailwind)
- Sports Car Patrol (Detour, Blackjack, Hyperdrive, and Road Hugger)
- Race Track Patrol (Roller Force, Barricade, Ground Hog, and Motorhead)
- Military Patrol (Bombshock, Tracer, Dropshot, and Growl)
Micromaster Combiner Squads
The Micromaster Combiners were Transformers that only form a half of a vehicle and therefore need their respective Combiner partner to form a full vehicle. Due to standardized connection plugs, any Micromaster Combiner can connect to any other Micromaster Combiner (an ability that was actively advertised in the TV commercials and other media), though often this does not make much sense (the rear half of a dump truck connected to the front half of a space shuttle isn't anything you can win a war with, eh?). The Combiner Squads consisted of six Micromaster Combiners, forming three vehicles when in altmode.
Autobots
- Metro Squad (Wheel Blaze, Roadburner, Oiler, Slide, Power Run, and Strikedown)
- Astro Squad (Phaser, Blast Master, Moonrock, Missile Master, Barrage, and Heave)
Decepticons
- Battle Squad (Meltdown, Half-Track, Direct-Hit, Power Punch, Fireshot, and Vanquish)
- Constructor Squad (Stonecruncher, Excavator, Sledge, Hammer, Grit, and Knockout)
Micromaster Transports
Those were single Micromasters who came with a transforming additional vehicle that they could interact with in some way. Flattop transformed into a jet and came with an aircraft carrier, whereas the other three transformed into trucks und pulled a transforming trailer. Except for Erector's trailer, all the additional vehicles transformed into jets.
Autobots
Decepticons
Micromaster Combiner Transports
The Combiner Transports consisted of a pair of Micromaster Combiners and a big transforming trailer. The trailers could optionally transform into a big battle station or into two separate fighting vehicles each manned by one of the Combiners.
Autobots
- Missile Launcher with Retro and Surge
- Tanker Truck with Pipeline and Gusher
Decepticons
- Cannon Transport with Terror-Tread and Cement-Head
Micromaster Stations
The stations were big bases commanded by a single transformer and disguised as human buildings. Hot House's station stands out a bit as it is mobile in it's alternate mode instead of being a stationary base.
Autobots
Decepticons
Micromaster Bases
The bases were huge fighting vehicles that transformed into battle stations. They were commanded by a single Micromaster, generally regarded as very high-ranking Micromaster. Countdown's and Skystalker's vehicles were a big chunk taller than those of Groundshaker and Skyhopper, indicating that these two should be seen as the respective leaders of their Micromaster factions.
Autobots
Decepticons
Micromaster Combiner Bases
Released in 1990, the Combiner bases were big vehicles commanded by a combiner duo. While the Decepticon Anti-Aircraft Base is pretty similar in concept to the previous year's Bases (transforming from a tank to a battle station), the Battlefield Headquarters lacks a base mode, instead transforming from an earthbound vehicle (a truck) into two airborne ones (a space shuttle and a attack jet).
Autobots
- Battlefield Headquarters with Full-Barrel and Overflow
Decepticons
- Anti-Aircraft Base with Blackout and Spaceshot
Japanese Generation 1
Most of the US/European Micromasters were released in Japan as well, even though some were recolored or renamed and the characterization they received in fiction differed heavily from their Western appearances. See Micro Transformers.
Micromaster Sixteams
After Generation 1 ceased in the US market, Takara developed the Micromaster concept further in 1992 by creating the Micromaster Sixteams, Micromasters that combined in robot mode to form a bigger robot similar to the full-size Transformer combiners.
Autobots
Decepticon
Universe
The Micromasters returned to Western markets in 2004 in the wake of Universe with the release of redecoed Japanese Generation 1 Micromaster Sixteams. Those Combiner teams were generally given the names of old Generation 1 Full-size Combiners (except for Rail Racer, who has no equivalent in Generation 1).
Autobots
- Defensor (Slightly redecoed Sixturbo)
- Rail Racer (Redecoed Sixtrain)
- Superion (Redecoed Sixwing)
Decepticon
- Constructicon Devastator (Redecoed Sixbuilder)
Trivia
- An early name for the original Micromasters line was simply "Micro Transformers", having been featured on the packaging of the early 1989 Micromaster Patrols. The name was quickly dropped in favor of the now more common "Micromasters", possibly due to its similarity to Galoob's "Micro Machines".
- Interestingly, Hasbro's early logo was used for the entirety of Italian company GiG's release of the Micromasters figures.
