Spy Changers - Transformers: Universe

Transformers: Universe

The Spy Changers would see a come-back as members of the Transformers: Universe line, with repaints of the Robots in Disguise toys as classic characters. Initially, the Generation 1 characters of Optimus Prime, Jazz, Silverstreak (Bluestreak), Wheeljack, Hoist and Prowl were re-imagined as Spy Changers. Then redecos of RiD Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, Ironhide and Prowl 2 were released. While RiD Ultra Magnus and Optimus Prime were made to resemble their larger Transformers: Universe incarnations, Ironhide and Prowl 2 were made to look like Generation 1 Autobots Trailbreaker and Red Alert. A third set of recolored Spy Changers was released for Universe, but some were packaged under both RiD and Generation 1 based names. New translucent-colored versions of W.A.R.S. (resold as Camshaft), Mirage, Ironhide (resold as Hoist; redundant due to Hoist's earlier Spychanger release using the X-Brawn mold) were sold alongside re-packaged releases of Optimus Prime, Prowl and Jazz. The translucent versions of Hot Shot, R.E.V., and Crosswise did not receive name changes.

Although a line of Decepticon Spy Changers based on the Stunticons was announced at one point, it was never released.

Although Hot Shot's Japanese name is Artfire, his colors are inspired by the Japanese Targetmaster Stepper (a repaint of Generation 1's Jazz, later released as Ricochet in the U.S.). The name Artfire comes from his fellow Japanese Targetmaster, a retooling of Generation 1's Inferno.