After a slight detour to review Power Rangers and Beast Wars toys, Peaugh is back with four new reviews of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen toys. This time he reviews Deluxe class Ratchet, Lockdown and Brawn and also Scout Class Skystalker. All four are part of the new NEST Human Alliance toys coming out in the next few months. That sub-line has lots of repaints so it’s good to see some of the new molds.
NEST Shorts in 2010?
It appears that Tomy Takara plans to support the NEST sub line for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen toys with style. According to TFormers, there will be a series of short videos released to the web called "Transformers Cyber Mission" along with Toys R Us Japan exclusive NEST badge to first 4000 people that spend 2000 yen or more on ROTF products at their stores. The details on the videos (number, cgi, cartoon, voice, story, etc) have not been released.Thanks to nightbird, here is the translated text:
N.E.S.T. Enrollment Campaign
Get a Toys R Us exclusive N.E.S.T. tin badge by purchasing more than 2,000 yen worth ROTF products at TRU stores within Japan (except the online store) after Jan 23th 2010. For first 4000 customers only.
Transformers: Nafarious #1 Preview
Comic Book Resources has posted a first look at the first three pages of the next Transformers mini-series from IDW. Transformers: Nefarious starts were Transformers: Tales of the Fallen #5 (in comic books stores now) left off which tells the story of how Ravage was somehow revived by The Initiative.The sequel to TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN starts here!The issue will hit comic stores in March. Story by Simon Furman who has written most American TF books over the years including almost all of the movie related material. The preview pages can be found here.
What is The Initiative? More to the point, why doesn’t the all-seeing SOUNDWAVE know anything about it? How did they come to reanimate/control RAVAGE? SOUNDWAVE must find the answers, and he’ll destroy anything in his path to get them!
W4C: Megatron, High Moon Studios, and Game Art
Game Informer has added additional articles to their Transformers: War for Cybertron article hub. Below are links to the latest updates about the game that is coming this next summer.As the image shows, this isn't the Megatron of old but he shares a lot of features with his G1 incarnation such as the head shape, color scheme and large cannon. Ever since Generation Two, Megs' traditional alt mode has been a tank (due to US toy safety rules) and that hasn't changed here. Megatron's motivation remains the same, rule Cybertron, but for the game he is trying to find "Dark Energon" to achieve that goal. Meg's arm cannon is powerful enough to destroy city blocks, has Mark Targets (like Prime) and Drain abilities.
High Moon Studios Profile
Activision is the publisher, but High Moon is the one actually making W4C. Owned by Activision, located in Carlsbad, California, the company got its start in as part of Sega when called Sammy Studios. Their other games include Darkwatch and The Bourne Conspiracy.
Behind the Art of War for Cybertron
A behind the scenes look at the art that was created for the game as this is probably the first extensive look at Cybertron for a video game. The planet was previously explored in season three of G1 Transformers and Beast Machines but not much sense. Click the link above for a video that shows off some of the art and sources of inspiration.
Transmission Recovery Codes
TransformersGame.com has new content relating to War for Cybertron but it requires you to choose the right Coordinate (yellow) and Transmission (blue) combinations. Thanks to TFormers, here are the codes.
Coordinate: 40, Transmission: 120 (art also in art profile video)After using all five codes get "100% total recovered" and "3rd batch will be available in 6 hrs" (or around midnight EST).
Coordinate: 21, Transmission: 284 (art also at Megs profile link)
Coordinate: 30, Transmission: 007 (video of seeker flying)
Coordinate: 298, Transmission: 85 (video of Decepticon symbol)
Coordinate: 11, Transmission: 265 (art of Optimus Prime)
War For Cybertron Interview, Details
TFW2005 has posted up a quick summary about Transformers: War for Cybertron and a quick interview with Game Director Matt Tieger. Below are highlights, the full article can be found here.Also, TransformersGame.com has updated with the trailer. After the trailer plays a pretty click 3D view of Cybertron from space appears with what appears to be a blast coming from its surface (or engine?) with game to "locate a transmission". Click the "?" for instructions. The one I found was coordinate 011 and transmission 263 which switched and showed a still of Optimus Prime.
Highlights:
- Game not based on any generation or iteration of Transformers but uses elements, references, etc to create new cannon that Hasbro is considering using as the basis of new ongoing cannon for the franchise.
- Takes place on Cybertron, long before Transformers ever reached Earth.
- Familiar faces will be in game (Prime, Megatron, Soundwave, etc) with plans to use characters not seen for a long time (Omega Supreme) etc. Which will be playable, boss fights, etc was not indicated.
- "Character development is key", Cybertron will be expanded upon using past references from comics, cartoons, etc such as use of the city Iacon as Prime's home.
- Toys based on the game are under consideration but no firm plans yet.
- "I think there is a law against making a TF game without Peter Cullen."
- There will be online campaigns with co-op modes
- Confirmed game uses the Unreal Engine and will be 3rd person shooter. Not cover-based shooter but teamwork is involved, can transform anywhere, and each character has special abilities.
- There likely will be DLC packs but nothing specific planned yet.
Transformers: War for Cybertron Dated, Cover Art
Amazon has posted their pre-order page for Transformers: War for Cybertron that reveals a release date of June 22, 2010 and a mock up of the cover art for the game. In addition is news that the game is also going to be coming to the Nintendo DS (oddly PSP isn't listed) in an Autobots or Decepticons version as the previous movie games were done for the system. The prices are the expected $60 (PS3, 360), $50 (Wii), and $30 (DS). There will probably pre-order specials coming so I would wait on ordering (but if do use the link above so blog gets credit).In addition, Activision issued its press release about the game but it did not include the info from the Amazon listing.
“For the first time, Hasbro is working with Activision to drive the TRANSFORMERS fiction forward into new story arcs, demonstrating pivotal moments in Transformers history that defined who they are,” said Aaron Archer, Senior Design Director, Hasbro. “This remarkable video game helps us to tell a critical event in TRANSFORMERS lore that will be used as canon for future storylines in a way we could have only dreamed of a few years ago. It is a testament to the success of the TRANSFORMERS brand and a key element to the story we look forward to telling in 2010 and beyond.”
Transformers: War for Cybertron features two distinct storylines: the AUTOBOT campaign tells a story of heroism to save their home planet against overwhelming odds, and the DECEPTICON campaign tells a story of an unquenchable thirst for power to control the universe. For the first time in a TRANSFORMERS title, fans will be able to play the game with their friends through team-based online co-op, or go head to head in a variety of intense, online multiplayer game modes. The game features a sci-fi art style that introduces to fans the entire living, metallic world of CYBERTRON, as well as all-new visualizations of the iconic TRANSFORMERS characters in their original Cybertronian forms.
Transformers: Animated Coming to Japan
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has finally been released in Japan. As part of the inserts is news that Transformers: Animated is coming to the country as their next toy line starting March 2010 and I assume translated cartoons will start airing at some point. Their name for the toy line has not been revealed. I expect they will get all versions of the toys that were released stateside with Tomy Takara adding their own additions as they see fit. For Transfans in North American this mostly means that you will get a second chance to fill out collection gaps and grow it with Japan exclusive releases. (via TFormers)More War for Cybertron Coverage and Details
TFormers has posted a little more insight in what the game play will be like from talking with Transformers: War For Cybertron Game Director Matt Tieger. Gameplay will feature shooting, in a third person style reminiscent of the Gears of War series. Expect the dynamic elements of Transformation, including into air craft, to weigh in on that tried formula though. Most weapons will be standardized, be changeable and use ammo. Health will regenerate when fire is avoided.Game Informer has started a rather long series of articles that will be posted periodically here throughout the month for W4C video game. Here is a summary of what they have so far.
A co-op feature is planned, and while it is unknown what the final number of simultaneous players will be, the levels available for play all had 2 AI controlled players fighting alongside the player character. Online multiplayer has been a part of design from day one, High Moon hasn’t given any of those features away just yet.
The campaigns are set one after the other, the first is from the Decepticon perspective, as Megatron pursues something called “Dark Energon”, once he is victorious, the Autobot campaign begins. Apparently this story is so compelling that Hasbro is accepting it as canon for the franchise.
Sterner Stuff
A good History 101 summary of the Transformers franchise from the Generation One cartoons to today including summaries on the toy lines, comics and more. A nice primer for anyone wanting to play catch-up on some of the terms you might have read about here and there (including on this blog).
Optimus Prime Character Profile
The first of a series of profiles on the major characters of the game including a look at some concept art (example above). For the game, this is Optimus before he rises to leader of the Autobots that joins the war after his home city of Iacon is attacked by Decepticons.
Teaser Trailer
In case you didn't already see it, another look at the teaser trailer for the game.
Transformers Trivia
An amusing video as Game Informer editors and W4C Cinematics Director Dave Cravens quiz each other on aspects of Transformers history.
Transformers New Line Image?
TFormers.com posted the image to the left that indicates a mock-up of the next line of Transformers products called Power Core Combiners. Based on the mock-up it really reminds me of a slightly more elaborate version of the Targetmasters from the Generation One line. The power core line was suggested a few months ago with a trademark filing from Hasbro but this is the first time there has been a real indication of what the company was planning with that name. Unless this is a fan fake which you never know until something official comes out.Bumblebee #1 Preview
Tomorrow Transformers: Bumblebee #1 will be out at your local comic book shop. Click here for a six page preview of the issue that follows Bumblebee after his recent (spoilers) ascension as leader of the Autobots after Optimus Prime quit (in Transformers #1 and #2).Hasbro's Legends Devastator in Package (Updated)
The Arker has posted the first images indicating that Legends class Devastator is getting a stateside visit. The images below show the toy in its package with the Hasbro logo in the bottom right corner. No indication of release date, price, and if exclusive or not. To me the curved packaging and the silver naming along the top looks very similar to previous Target Transformers exclusives.
Update: From the comments, click here for a large gallery that shows off the new Transformers in more detail with in package, out of package, robot mode, and vehicle mode images for the whole and the individual Constructicons.
Update: From the comments, click here for a large gallery that shows off the new Transformers in more detail with in package, out of package, robot mode, and vehicle mode images for the whole and the individual Constructicons.
Leaked Transformers 3 Movie Script? (Updated)
The Allspark has received a copy of what is labeled as a draft script for Transformers 3 by Ehren Kruger, finished on November 24th, 2009. Considering that last leaked script for Transformers 2 was fake, I am not holding my breath this is the real thing. Actually the script itself indicates it is fake with way to many fan boy references, reformatting of most of the characters (which would make creating brand new CGI models for everyone, not a cheap task), and more. Feel free to read and determine for yourself the validity of it. TF3 logo image from Scorpio.Update 2: Nelson, Michael Bay's site admin, posted "Their is a script out there being reported on TF sites as being legit. It's fake. Amazing that someone would take so much time to write so much for nothing." Thanks to Dudelsack for the link.
Update 1: Here is a more detailed description and analysis now that I have had time to do more than just skim the script.Read More »
Transformers Linkfest
Another installment with more galleries, toys and a custom 7 foot Prime for sale.Custom Optimus Prime 7ft Statue (mirror)
From EBay Australia is this rather sweet looking fan made statue of Prime in movie form. The work is the result of around $10,000 in parts, 75 days of label, and a whole lot of scrap metal. The weight is estimated around 450-559kg (992-1213lbs). Click the link to read a lot more about the project. The "buy it now" price currently at AU $47k with no bids. Click here for the auction. Thanks to Katie for the link.
NEST Deluxe Figures Gallery
Click the link for a look at the nest wave of NEST toys for Revenge of the Fallen coming out early next year. The images include Brawn, Lockdown, Ratchet, and combined Skystalker and Mindwipe (vehicle mode only).
Shadow Command Megatron & Strike Mission Sideswipe in Packages
At this link are images of the two toys in their packaging. Both are repaints that actually appear to be a better color scheme then their original look. I believe both are part of the next wave of toys coming out early next year.
Buster Prime & Jetfire 2-PackAsian only release, this leader class two pack features the improved version of Optimus Prime with Jetfire who is also featuring a new paint job with a black, brown and dark gray scheme. Still no indications if Buster Prime will make a Stateside or European release.
Official Images of 2010 Legends and Deluxes
Click for sizeable gallery of the next wave of Legends, Deluxe and HA Barricade that is coming early next year. It’s basically two images per, one for package, one for alt mode. The images include Legends Wheelie, Soundwave, Bluesteel Sideswipe along with Deluxe Dirge, Alliance Bumblebee, Tuner Mudflap, and Armorhide.
Ultimate Optimus Collection Auction
If your a fan of Optimus Prime you might be interested in this auction which has almost 140 different Prime items for sale in one auction. Click the link for images and the full list. The auction expires on December 20th. Thanks to OptiMagnusPrime for the link.
Transformers: The War for Cybertron Video Game First Look
Activision has released new art to Game Informers announcing a new video game from the company for the Transformers franchise. This game, which is being created by High Moon Studios (Darkwatch, Bourne Conspiracy), is called Transformers: The War for Cybertron, appears to take place in the Generation One sandbox. No further details have been released beyond the images and the studio, but judging from those this appears to be the first game that I can remember that appears to take place in the Generation One universe (rather than movies or other recent cartoons) and on Cybertron. It appears that some of the designs might have been inspired by Don Figueroa's art for Transformers: The War Within comic books series from Dreamwave back in 2002 with a mix of other more recent concepts like the Classic line. Below are some images, click here for the full gallery.
Transformers Linkfest
More links to more Transformers related galleries and news of note.Transformers USB Thumb Drive
From Paramount Digital Entertainment, a limited edition run of 20,000 4GB USB drives in the Autobot logo shape that comes with own unique ID number and a copy of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen on it. The price is about 20 pounds and appears to be a UK exclusive, released as part of the promotion for the November 30th home video release of the movie in the country. If in that area, click here to order. Thanks to Kaly for the link.
Premium Ironhide CustomLink to a gallery of a fantastic custom paint job of Ironhide using the 2007 toy as the base. Thanks to Shane for the link.
Bumblebee, Soundwave 2-pack Packaging (sort of)
If you’re interested, a look at the packaging for Battlefield Bumblebee and Infiltration Soundwave. Both repaints of the deluxe toys, Bumblebee looks about the same as the cannon one while Soundwave has a red and blue color scheme of sorts. It is believed this packaging is not US bound.
Transformers 25th Anniversary Memorial Stamp Set
From Nikkon Broadcast is a stamp and trading card set. It includes 10 stamps, 50 JYP ($.55), five trading cards and special edition portfolio. It is for the Japan market only.
Transformers Encore #19Tomy Takara has officially announced the release of Big Mission Cassettes Volume 3 for later this month for around $47. Japan only release, it will include Rumble, Frenzy, Laserbeak, and Overkill.
ROTF Gold Prime
Click the link for a look at a gold painted version of Optimus Prime (Leader class but not sure). I guess part of a contest.
Human Alliance Barricade and Mudflap
Two more toys are joining the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Human Alliance sub class. One is Barricade with Frenzy and another is Mudflap with Simmons & Chromia which essentially mirrors the Skids with Mikaela & Arcee set. I will wait on Peaugh's reviews before making any final decisions but the Human Alliance toys have turned out to be pretty good (if a touch overpriced).
Galleries: Barricade | Mudflap
Galleries: Barricade | Mudflap
Transformers #2 Preview
The next issue of Transformers (Ongoing) is hitting stores shelves soon (next week I think) and Newsarama as a sneak peak at its covers and first five pages that starts were the last left off (Spoilers!) with Ironhide dead and Optimus Prime turning himself in to the humans after resigning as leader of the Autobots.Click here to view.
Bendy-Bus Prime, the 1st UK Transformer
As part of the promotion of the release of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen in the United Kingdom, Paramount UK commissioned the creation of Bendy-Bus Prime. It is being called the "first British inspired" Transformer that is valued at 50,000 pounds. The robot is made of 100 bus parts, stands 13 feet high and took 650 man hours in 25 days to build. More interesting is The Sun is holding a contest for UK residents for a chance to win the robot.Click here for a full gallery of pictures. Click here for a brief making of video and to enter the contest. (via TFormers)
