Transformers: A History of Gimmicks

[GoktimusPrime]

Although the goal of both is auto-transformation, I fail to see them as the same gimmick as both use considerably different methods and engineering to trigger it as well as the outcome of the transformation being different. One 'jumps' into robot mode and lands standing (hopefully) while the other charges in vehicle mode and transforms into a robot on the run and continues charging in that mode.

Personally, I cannot call the Jumpstarters and Battlechargers to be the same gimmick.

I agree with kup on this one Jumpstarters and Battlechargers are like calling all the "Masters series" the same.

I see the Battlechargers as a different execution of what is the same concept. Though I suppose that in itself does make it a different gimmick. Would you guys consider the small 1988 Headmasters to be a different gimmick from the large 1987 Headmasters? They do function quite differently considering that the 1987 Headmasters were designed to be interactive with their Nebulans (i.e.: placing Stylor onto Mindwipe's Transtector would give you Chromedome's tech specs read out on his chest, whereas the 1988 Headmasters' Transtectors kept the same stats irrespective of which Nebulan was attached). I guess if I'm going to include Battlechargers then I should include the small Headmasters (Headmaster Jrs) too.

Also what about the Sparkabots and Firecons?

They have the same friction motor gimmick as the Monsterbots - but I suppose again the execution is different since they also roll along a surface while shooting sparks.

I'll amend my previous posts accordingly.

[GoktimusPrime]

PART IV: From Classics to Animated

2006
+ Classics are born - G1 characters "updated" with modern engineering. Later released as "Henkei! Henkei!" in Japan and lumped in with the 2nd "Universe" line by Hasbro.
+ Hasbro's Galoob branch expands their Titanium Series to include Transformers. Heavily comprised from die-cast metal, the Galoob engineering is noticeably different from that of Hasbro/Takara.
+ A second TF crossover line is released: Star Wars Transformers. They are also the first TF line to come with pilot figurines. Unlike Binaltech Asterisk drivers, the pilots can be used in both robot and vehicle modes.
+ TakaraTOMY releases its first "high end" adult market line: Music and Sport Label. Sport Label features Transformers that transform into Nike shoes whereas Music Label Transformers are actually work with audio devices like iPods.

2007
+ The first toys based on the live action movie are released. They feature more complex forms of automorphing compared to some Go-Go-Go-Bots and also the distinctive visual aesthetics of the film.
+ Cyberslammers - featuring a slam-down motorised auto-transforming gimmick.
+ Cyber Stompin' Robots - they don't transform but have electronic light and sounds.
+ Robot Replicas - they don't transform and don't have any electronics, but do have interchangeable parts.
+ Micro IR Transformers - similar to G2 Go-Bots and Spychangers, only with a motor that can be controlled via an infrared controller.
+ The Ultimate class is introduced with Ultimate Bumblebee. A big toy full of electronic whizz-bangs.

2008
+ Transformers Animated is released - the first time an entire TF toyline is co-designed with an animation studio. The toys feature Cartoon Network aesthetics from the show.
+ Activators - a new breed of spring-loaded one-step changing TFs similar to flipchangers only that they're activated with a switch.
+ Trans-Scanning - able to be reassembled from protoform to Earth modes and transform.
+ Transformers Crossovers - a single umbrella title for all TF-crossover lines. Marvel Transformers are released under this line and Star Wars Transformers are lumped in for good measure.

...that's it for now. I'll recap 2009's gimmicks at the end of the year. Thanks for reading.

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Not included - I consider the following toys more like "merchandise" or "role-play toys" rather than Transformers "action figures". These include T.E.C.H., Beatmix Bumblebee, Unleashed, XMODS, ZipZaps, keyrings, Danglers et al.

[Stompy]

Thanks for the info Gok. Interesting gimmicks thruout the years.

[kup]

I see the Battlechargers as a different execution of what is the same concept. Though I suppose that in itself does make it a different gimmick. Would you guys consider the small 1988 Headmasters to be a different gimmick from the large 1987 Headmasters? They do function quite differently considering that the 1987 Headmasters were designed to be interactive with their Nebulans (i.e.: placing Stylor onto Mindwipe's Transtector would give you Chromedome's tech specs read out on his chest, whereas the 1988 Headmasters' Transtectors kept the same stats irrespective of which Nebulan was attached). I guess if I'm going to include Battlechargers then I should include the small Headmasters (Headmaster Jrs) too.

Thanks for taking our comments into account in your list.

'88 Headmasters were more of a design simplification of the same engineering and play concept as 1987 Headmasters while Battlechargers and Jumpstarters are radically different executions of the auto transforming gimmick down to the engineering and playability.