Serious answer: THIS!
Transformers: Cyberworld, Mecha Anime Bulls for Days
- Thread starter LordGigaIce
- Start date
I used to have an attention span. I don't know what happened to me.
It's a survival adaptation. As an adult, paying too much attention to the world these days is a mental health hazard.
I mean, those are just fancy altenators. ;P
I thought that was Binaltech.
Much of that sums up my view of this initiative. And I think Earthspark will finish out this fall, there are still products in the pipeline for it. I think it’s worth reiterating that Cyberworld is NOT a “replacement“ for the older kid series like Earthspark, but a “third pillar” type additional product category. And it’s clear Hasbro is targeting this as a “bridging series” between the Rescue Bots segment and the mainstream cartoon/tie in products.
Like said above, if you were to describe this to me ON PAPER, I’d totally be on board. A lower cost standardized line with larger bots being bases/mech suits for the standardized base figures With new takes on popular concepts? Heck Yeah! But the execution? Eh…
Now, I grew up on the back end of G1. Aside from the first year Micromasters, the Micromasters largely “homogenized” their engineering by year 2, and those were largely supplemented with Pretenders, who didn’t exactly have a dynamic range in articulation or engineering. Part of my “core play group” were the Pretender Legends, remakes of older figures in smaller, simplified, format. I have made my appreciation of the Beast Alliance segment very clear. But with Cyberworld?
It sure feels like they nickel and dimed this concept down to the very minimum. Shared engineering? Okay, sure. But why so limited in articulation? I remarked before that just adding a dang swivel at the elbow would allow the “beasts” to rotate their lower arms forward to help the beast character NOT look like someone on their hands and knees. And if you’re going to trim the parts count, why trim on the deco? It’s pretty damn clear that “robot modes” seem to get the bulk of deco (because that’s how they’re packaged) leaving the alt modes a little bare.
We have SEEN better products in the same price categories targeted to the same demographics. Whether it’s the old Core/Scout/Legends figures, or Rise of the Beasts Beast Alliance segment.
All that negativity, is there stuff I like? Absolutely!
CyberChangers:
Mirage- I’m indifferent to this release. It feels different for the sake of it, and is CLEARLY a ”pretool” for Starscream
Skybyte- It’s stupid and wonderful and is the perfect kind of character to make a shark-car.
Snarl- Junkion Dinobot? Okay, sure. Typically a Dinobot mark, we’ll see how his “engineering mates” resonate with me.
Megatron Bull- This really resonates with me. It’s simple, but a GREAT design that takes Megatron and does something different than we’ve seen the past decade but still, “fits” with the character.
Optimus Prime- It’s a classic Prime, but the interpretation works for me. The art work for this design is GREAT and it’s sad to see so much detail work loss due to deco cost restrictions (Especially on vehicle mode). I like this better than the Evergreen look, even with the arm wheels.
Armor CyberChangers:
Bumblebee- Like Prime, I like the DESIGN better than Evergreen, but I think the extra weapon is poorly conceived and does nothing to indicate an “armor up”. Which is unfortunate given the standardized ports present on all the figures
Galvatron- A Turbojet Dragon? Like so much, the on paper concept just tickles me to my core. Sadly, like so much here, the execution is lacking. While I give props for the gimmick weapon actually making sense with the design, I’m not sure it is REALLY warranting the extra $5.
Grimlock- I actually like some of the gimmicks here and I like how the marketing team is leveraging some of the AoE themes in having Grimlock rode by Optimus. A great paper concept, but I’m not sure it’s something I’m willing to put full price into.
Megatron- Weird enough to see a TLK Knight Changer retool a decade later. Even weirder that, with a G2 deco and some light retooling, it’s so GLORIOUSLY 90s. Do I want to pay $30 for this? Probably not. But the sheer absurdity at how well it all FITS will keep it on my radar for a price drop.
Scorponok- Like Megatron, the 90s vibes are strong here. And I don’t HATE what I’m seeing. But I don’t think I “$60” like it either. Again, given the size and cost, a little more flair would have gone a LONG way in terms of the engineering being more than “throw on stomach, flip out arachnid legs”.
We’ll see where this goes. I WANT to like this, and there is a TON of stuff on the conceptual level that I LOVE. But when the average figure can be compared to the budget Authentics line and the Authentics can hold their own? There is clearly something amiss in the budget or design phase.
Those aren't hotwheel size.
Some additional info and details, since most major press are basically ignoring this line:
TFW2005 user Bloodraged189 spotted several additional figures located in the back display at Toy Fair. Reviewing the pics myself, I can see what looks like…
Armor up Optimus Prime
Off Road Bumblebee
Elita 1
Armor Up Chopshop
www.tfw2005.com
Meanwhile, press info from Tformers indicated that CyberChanger Mirage and Ultimate Cyber Changer Megatron (the retool Hound) will be Walmart exclusives this summer
TFW2005 user Bloodraged189 spotted several additional figures located in the back display at Toy Fair. Reviewing the pics myself, I can see what looks like…
Armor up Optimus Prime
Off Road Bumblebee
Elita 1
Armor Up Chopshop
Elita One, Offroad Prime and Bee, and an Insecticon
These were in the background of the article linked below, I figured there's probably a lot of people who didn't notice them Toy Fair 2025 – Hasbro...
www.tfw2005.com
Meanwhile, press info from Tformers indicated that CyberChanger Mirage and Ultimate Cyber Changer Megatron (the retool Hound) will be Walmart exclusives this summer
Transformers Cyberworld Official Images and Details For New Youtube Series Toy Line
Hasbro just sent us the official product details and images for the Transformers Cyberworld series. What was anticipated to be aimed at a younger audience can be seen in the new line of toys that.
tformers.com
So, I guess Tformers DID get a few pics of the back wall. I’m on a mobile device and not sure if I can get the direct links copied, BUT…included are clear shots of the following:
One image/honeycomb featured Cyber Changer Starscream (robot mode) with Off Road Bumblebee and Armor Up Optimus Prime (off road?) in vehicle modes.
Another featured a good look at Elita 1 in robot mode
And a final one featured Armor Up ChopShop in robot
And going by the zoom ins on the TFW images, Elita 1’s vehicle mode, Chopshop’s insect mode, and Armor Up Prime’s robot modes were also in the display.
One image/honeycomb featured Cyber Changer Starscream (robot mode) with Off Road Bumblebee and Armor Up Optimus Prime (off road?) in vehicle modes.
Another featured a good look at Elita 1 in robot mode
And a final one featured Armor Up ChopShop in robot
Toy Fair 2025 - Transformers x Hot Wheels, Age Of The Primes Reveals, More New Products Showcase
Just in from Toy Fair 2025 is news of more Transformers products coming our way!Transformers x Hot WheelsFirst up are these new Transformers x Hot Wheels figures that are die-cast style alt modes that.
tformers.com
And going by the zoom ins on the TFW images, Elita 1’s vehicle mode, Chopshop’s insect mode, and Armor Up Prime’s robot modes were also in the display.
Wait, is Elita-1 a boat?
We don't get a lot of boat Transformers.
We don't get a lot of boat Transformers.
Guys, I think I know what they were going for with Sky-Byte having wheels:
Wouldn't be the first time.
The smaller figures still interest me, lack of articulation and paint apps notwithstanding. Most of the larger figures I will likely pass on, but there's enough that interests me to be looking for these when they hit stores.
Mirage in particular reminds me a lot of the Machine Wars jets, in a good way. They aren't perfect, but they seem like good playable transforming toys.
Mirage in particular reminds me a lot of the Machine Wars jets, in a good way. They aren't perfect, but they seem like good playable transforming toys.
Part of me is wondering if it's that, or if this just IS what a "budget toyline" is these days and I just need to make peace with it.
New fandom meme incoming...
And yet game companies keep making their products longer and longer...
And is it just me, or is it crazy to anyone else that we have more Megatrons than anyone else in the line -- especially if you include Galvatron, assuming they don't make him a separate guy?
Well, SOME video games. And some long-running series. But it may be more complex than that; I know people who are all in on like Elden Ring but also spend inordinate amounts of time in their day on Reels.
And even with regular-length video you can notice editing that makes it choppier with shorter segments or intervals between a visual change, avoiding what must now seem like a lull.
Anyway, I think the many Megatrons makes sense under the premise of the line, where they're thrown into an environment where they need to adapt (presumably including changing forms) to battle varying threats. We may see more of the other characters later on. (It's actually a relief that it's not ALL same-character versions this early.)
That Chop Shop is one of the better-looking ones. But more BW Insecticon-y though.
And even with regular-length video you can notice editing that makes it choppier with shorter segments or intervals between a visual change, avoiding what must now seem like a lull.
Anyway, I think the many Megatrons makes sense under the premise of the line, where they're thrown into an environment where they need to adapt (presumably including changing forms) to battle varying threats. We may see more of the other characters later on. (It's actually a relief that it's not ALL same-character versions this early.)
That Chop Shop is one of the better-looking ones. But more BW Insecticon-y though.
So far the packages I've seen are split between:
Desert World - Galvatron, Scorponok
City World - Bumblebee
Jungle World - Grimlock, Snarl, MegaBull
Sea World - Skybyte, Elita 1
-ZacWilliam, I kinda wish they'd previewed the first 5 minute episode. Intriguing/fun fiction can sell me on a LOT.
Desert World - Galvatron, Scorponok
City World - Bumblebee
Jungle World - Grimlock, Snarl, MegaBull
Sea World - Skybyte, Elita 1
-ZacWilliam, I kinda wish they'd previewed the first 5 minute episode. Intriguing/fun fiction can sell me on a LOT.
Yeah, the different biomes sounds neat. Love a good basic video game level-y world setup. I actually really appreciated the backdrop for Scorponok. After years of volcanoes and nondescript deserts/alien landscapes with portals, it was refreshing to see a bot chilling on the beach.
The UV did a number on his paint job though…
For reference on what they MIGHT be able to do with the limited run times…remember that the first two seasons of the original Clone Wars cartoon were 3 minutes each episode. HOPEFULLY, they got a solid crew that can manage a compelling product over the course of 36 episodes. Like G1, a strong voice cast and dynamic animation can go a LONG way towards overcoming narrative shortcomings.
I have a feeling it'll be aggressively toyetic. Which isn't a bad thing per se, it's a showcase; characters encounter each other and/or a threat, show off some toy gimmicks, banter, set up next episode. Makes sense.
Could be fun, or could be Cyber Missions.
Could be fun, or could be Cyber Missions.