Transformers (toy Line) - Transformers Toylines

Transformers Toylines

See also: Transformers, List of Transformers TV series, and Transformers (comics)

The following Transformers toy series were released in the United States:

  • The Transformers (1984–1990 USA) (1984–1992, UK/Canada) (1985–1992, Japan) - retroactively called "Generation One" or "G1" since then. These are considered the first Transformers.
    • Tatakae! Chō Robot Seimeitai Transformer (Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers) (1985–1986, Japan)
    • Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers 2010 (1986–1987, Japan)
    • Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: The Headmasters (1987–1988, Japan)
    • Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Chōjin Masterforce (Super-god Masterforce) (1988–1989, Japan)
    • Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (1989, Japan)
    • Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (1990, Japan)
    • Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Return of Convoy (1991, Japan) - also known as "Transformers: The Battlestars" or "Battlestars: Return of Convoy"
    • Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Operation Combination (1992, Japan)
  • Transformers: Generation 2 (1992–1995 USA) (1994–1995 UK/Canada)/Transformers: G-2 (1995, Japan)
  • Beast Wars: Transformers (1996–1999) (1997–1998; 1999–2000, Japan) (released as Beasties in Canada)
    • Beast Wars Super Lifeform Transformers (1997–1998, Japan)
    • Super Lifeform Transformers Beast Wars Metals (1999–2000, Japan)
  • Machine Wars: Transformers (1997) - a limited release KB Toys exclusive
  • Beast Wars II Super Lifeform Transformers (1998, Japan) - A.K.A. "Beast Wars Second"
  • Animorphs (1999) - a line related to the Animorphs book and TV series
  • Super Lifeform Transformers Beast Wars Neo (1999, Japan)
  • Beast Machines: Transformers (2000–2001)/Super Lifeform Transformers Beast Wars Returns (2004–2005, Japan)
  • Transformers: Robots In Disguise (2001–2003)/Transformers: Car Robots (2000 & 2003, Japan)
  • 1-2-3 Transformers (2001–2002)
  • Transformers: Micromaster Collection (2002–2004, Japan)
  • Transformers Collection (2002–2006 Japan)
  • Transformers: Armada/Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Micron Densetsu (Micron Legend) (2002–2003)
  • Transformers: Expanded Universe (2002)
  • Transformers Commemorative Series (2002–2005; 2009)
  • Smallest Transforming Transformers (2003–2004, Japan) - A.K.A. "World's Smallest Transformers"
  • Transformers: Go-Bots (2003–2005)/Kid's Transformers Rescue Heroes Go-Bots (2003, Japan)
  • Transformers: Dinobots (2003)
  • Transformers: Universe (2003–2007)
  • Transformers: Energon (2004–2005)/Transformers: Super Link (2003–2004, Japan)
  • Transformers: Alternators (2003–2007)
    • Transformers: Binaltech (2003–2008 Japan)
    • Transformers: Binaltech Asterisk (2005, Japan)
  • Transformers: Masterpiece (2004–present)
  • Transformers: RobotMasters (2004–2005, Japan)
  • Transformers: Cybertron (2005–2006)/Transformers: Galaxy Force (2004–2005, Japan)
  • Transformers: Hybrid Style (2005–2006, Japan)
  • Transformers: Timelines (2005–2007)
  • Star Wars Transformers (2006–2008) - later merged with Transformers: Crossovers
  • Transformers: Kiss Players (2006–2007, Japan)
  • Beast Wars 10th Anniversary (2006)
  • Beast Wars Reborn (2006, Japan)
  • Transformers Classics (2006–2007)
  • Transformers: Titanium Series (2006–2009)
  • Transformers (2007 live-action film) (2007–2008)
  • Beast Wars Telemocha Series (2007, Japan)
  • Transformers: Encore (2007–2009, Japan)
  • Transformers: Music Label (2007–2008, Japan)
  • Transformers: Sports Label (2007, Japan)
  • Transformers Animated (2008–present; 2010–present, Japan)
  • Transtech - this toyline was to follow Beast Machines, but was canceled. The characters, however, went on to appear in convention comics and stories beginning in 2008.
  • Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (2008–2010, Japan)
  • Shattered Glass (2008–present)
  • Transformers Universe (2008–2009)
  • Transformers: Crossovers (2008–present)
  • Transformers: Disney Label (2009–present, Japan)
  • Transformers: Alternity (2009–present, Japan)
  • Transformers: Chrono Label (was scheduled for a 2009 release, but has been delayed and remains yet-to-be released, Japan)
  • Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009–2010)
  • Transformers: Device Label (2009–present, Japan)
  • Transformers/Transformers: Autobot Alliance/Transformers: Reveal the Shield (2010–present)
  • Transformers: Power Core Combiners (2010–present)
  • Transformers: Generations (2010–present)/Transformers: United (2010–present, Japan)
  • Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011–present)

Many Transformers come with tech specs (short for technical specifications) printed on the back of the box that they are sold in. The owner of the new Transformer is encouraged to cut out the tech specs and save it. This card has information on the Transformer, and will usually include the character's name, picture, indication of allegiance (Autobot, Decepticon or other), function, a quote, a description of the character, and numerical values of the character's various attributes. Although only the numbers can be truly deemed "technical specifications", the entire card is usually referred to as the Transformer's tech specs. Each specification is rated by a value from 1 to 10, 1 being the lowest, and 10 being the highest.

Micromaster teams have teamwork ratings instead of ranks. Unlike the other ratings, teamwork seems to be split along faction lines, with Autobots typically holding higher teamwork ratings than Decepticons. A second unique spec value, Cooperation, replaced the Firepower rating used on individuals' cards. The traditional order (as above) was also abandoned for the Micromaster team specifications.

The values started becoming inconsistent and skewed in Generation 2 and Beast Wars, when Hasbro apparently thought no child will ever want a toy that is described as anything less than perfect. Thus it became rarer and rarer to see any low numbers. Most characters' numbers hardly ever dipped below 8, the Go-Bot version of Optimus Prime was the first character to have all values at 10, a trend that would repeat for most "leader" characters. When even more powerful versions of the Optimus Primal toy (such as Optimal Optimus) were introduced, Hasbro even invented a "10+" rating in an attempt to keep increasing the power levels. With the Transformers: Cybertron line a few characters even got "Unknown" and "Infinity" ratings.

The specifications portion of the tech specs which came with earlier G1 Transformers were obfuscated with interference patterns which made them difficult to read without a decoder which was included in the box for each Transformer. The decoder consisted of simple red plastic which rendered the interference patterns invisible.

Related to tech specs were Marvel's Transformer Universe comics, where the entry for each Transformer contained an expanded bio based on the one printed on the tech specs. However, numerical tech specs were not included.

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