Transformers: Generations (toyline)
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| The name or term "Generations" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, seeGenerations (disambiguation). |
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Transformers: Generationsis a branding applied to several collector-oriented toylines. The name was first introduced for a specific line of figures launched in 2010, but as the amount of collector-focused product released by Hasbro has increased over time it has become more of a generic label, used consistently since mid-2012 across multiple different series.Generationswas predated by the earlier 2006Classicsand 2008Universelines, along with much of the 2010Transformersline. These toylines all share a focus on celebrating the history of the brand, creating new toys of olderTransformerscharacters(usually fromGeneration 1,but occasionally later series).
Overview
Although Hasbro had dabbled with nostalgia-based lines in the past—such as with the likes of the 2003Universeline,EnergonandAlternators—the back-to-basics approach used byClassicsproved an unexpected hit with fans. Conceived as a short line of homages to bide time before the delayed release ofthe first live-actionTransformersfilm,Classicsmodernized many popular characters, and after the runaway success of the first movie Hasbro followed it up withUniverse,expanding its scope to cover characters from the likes ofBeast WarsandArmadaforthe brand's 25th anniversary.TakaraTomyreleased their own version of these lines in the form ofHenkei! Henkei!.By the time ofGenerations,fans widely used the acronym"CHUG"(Classics, Henkei!, Universe, Generations) to refer to these lines as a whole, or as a label for their shared aesthetic—but this acronym quickly stopped being comprehensive as more lines came and went (with variousGenerationssublines covering the vast majority of toys released in this design paradigm), and never made it into official use.
Between movies, a genericTransformerstoylineran to keep movie-style figures on shelves—but particularly with itsReveal the Shieldsubline imprint,which ran concurrently withGenerations,Hasbro also used it as an outlet to release even more toys in theGenerationsstyle. Various molds weresharedbetween the two lines, such as theTurbo Tracks/WheeljackandWreck-Gar/Junkheapmolds. A third concurrent line,Power Core Combiners,also took inspiration from several Generation 1 characters. Most of the toys from this time were released by Takara in theirTransformers UnitedandUnited EXtoylines.
Generationswas envisioned as an outlet for toys from Hasbro's burgeoning"Aligned"continuity family, with several toys ofWar for Cybertroncharacters being released in the initial lineup, but thePrimecartoon wound up gettinga fully-fledged toyline of its own.Generationswas relaunched in mid-2012 to focus solely on theFall of Cybertronsequel game; though Takara had released the first game's toys inUnitedsimply as theirGeneration 1selves, they too adopted theGenerationsbanner for the second game.
For the brand's 30th anniversary, Hasbro again expanded the line's scope withThrilling 30,which tookIDW Publishing's comic seriesas a principal source of inspiration (even including comics with many of the toys). Much likeUniversebefore it, the line also drew from a wide range of older franchises for the brand's 30th anniversary, and had releases across the full spectrum of size classes. A couple of waves in, Takara launchedTransformers Legendsas their equivalent, also releasing redecoes of some of the Voyager toys as part of theirTransformers Cloudseries. Also in 2014, half of theAge of Extinctionwas delineated separately from the more gimmick-laden assortments, with theGenerationsname appearing on the packaging.
Combiner Wars(and its Takara equivalent,Unite Warriors) was the firstGenerationsline to incorporate a fully-fledgedplay pattern,and since then every line has had some sharedgimmickacross the various size classes. For instance,Titans Returnbrought back theHeadmasterconcept, with all toys in the line turning into vehicles or bases for the smaller robots. Beginning withPower of the Primes,the longstanding practise of Hasbro and Takara releasing their own distinct versions of the toys was axed, with the toys sold being identical on both sides of the world. These three toylines made up thePrime Wars Trilogy.
By this point, the toy market had changed significantly enough sinceClassicsthat entire mass-retail lines aimed at collectors were a much safer prospect. ThePremier Editionassortments of theThe Last Knighttoyline were replaced byStudio Series,explicitly under theGenerationsbanner once more, a dedicated line of new screen-accurate toys of characters from across the entirelive-action film series.Series 3-5 ofTiny Turbo Changerswere similarly given theGenerationslogo, co-brandedMovie Edition,and the super-deformed collectible seriesAlt-Modeswas entirely sold asGenerationsproduct. Meanwhile, theWar for Cybertron Trilogy(not to be confused with the earlier video game, though its first instalment—Siege—was similarly set onCybertron) ushered in an age of unprecedented adherence to thecharacter modelsof the '80s. Many toys with Cybertronian alt-modes were heavily retooled with more typical Earth-based vehicle modes forEarthrise.Finally,Kingdombrought back an unprecedented amount ofBeast Warscharacters.
To make way for thoseBeast Warscharacters, and with the well of onscreen characters from the movies mostly tapped, Hasbro once again turned to their movie line as an outlet for more Generation 1 product—withStudio Series86 featuring characters from the animatedThe Transformers: The Movie.Other lines released in this period included theCollaborativeseries of pop-culture crossover figures, theAction Master-likeRobot Enhanced Designseries, and theTitans Return / Legendsredeco seriesRetro Headmasters.
In 2022,Transformers: Legacywas launched, with the intent of bringing more of the franchise's history into the modern toy market. It features characters from across continuities—G1,Beast Wars,Animated,Prime,and others, all slightly redesigned to fit with the 'Generations' aesthetic. Most toys include their universe of origin in their name, such as "Prime Universe Knock Out" or "Comic Universe Impactor". It also saw the return of combiners for the first time since thePrime Wars Trilogy,starting with Menasor. With each year,Legacyreceived a newsubline imprint:Legacy: Evolutionin 2023 andLegacy: Unitedin 2024.
The mainlines have always been complemented by lines of exclusive redecoes and retools. Beginning with theBotCon 2007box set,Fun Publicationshad often aimed to directly complement Hasbro's releases with theirTransformers Timelinesexclusives, offering niche characters in a similar style (sometimes based on unrealised ideas from Hasbro) until their loss of theTransformerslicense in 2016, the same/only year Fun Publications toys were primarily branded underGenerations,specificallyCombiner Wars.Meanwhile, Hasbro's "Global Development Organization"released a handful of similar toys in Asian markets, and later began producing budget toys of popular characters viaCyber Series.In the west, Hasbro released a variety of redecoes forPlatinum Edition(which in its later years, was folded intoGenerations) and the generic 2014Transformerstoyline, the latter of which eventually morphed into theAuthenticsbudget line. Starting in late 2018, Hasbro's ownGenerations Selectsrange took over theTimelinesniche: premium redecoes and retools (usually as more obscure characters) sold in brown cardboard boxes.
TakaraTomy lines
In Japan,TakaraTomyemployed a constantly-shifting approach to releasing molds sold under Hasbro'sGenerationsbranding. Their first go wasTransformers United,which sold versions of the toys sold under the original 2010 incarnation ofGenerations,along withReveal the Shieldmolds. All toys, regardless of provenance, were identified as traditional Generation 1 characters. For whatever reason, TakaraTomy decided to endUnited,usingPower Core Combinersmolds to fill the gap (as "United EX") till their newer line,Transformers: Generations.This line took on the branding and visual elements used by Hasbro, selling theFall of Cybertronsubline and the first half ofThrilling 30.This toyline would also see a short life, only lasting a bit longer than a year before being replaced byLegends,which cemented its own identity by also releasingregular accompanying fiction(both online and packed in with toys) that was generally set inJapanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity.It would also feature many unique figures that had no Hasbro counterpart. OnceCombiner Warscame around, TakaraTomy started a new line,Unite Warriors,to collect all of the traditional combiner characters while putting their own twists on the "newer" combiners.Titans Returndid not receive the same treatment, instead being covered wholesale byLegends.ThroughoutLegendsandUnite Warriors,molds that did not fit TakaraTomy's paradigm for those lines were shunted toAdventure,the Japanese counterpart to the 2015Robots in Disguisetoyline.
Legendscontinued tillPower of the Primes,which heralded a new era of marketing alignment between Hasbro and TakaraTomy where they would sell mostly the same Hasbro-initiated product. This is the situation ever since, with TakaraTomy only eking out a few figures of their own, such as a small series ofGenerations Selectsfigures and thePremium Finishline—all sold through theTakaraTomy Mallonline store. However, thanks to the marketing alignment, those products are also sold by Hasbro via theirHasbro Pulsewebsite, allowing Western customers equal access to TakaraTomy product.
Original line (2010–2011)
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The initialTransformers: Generationsline featured onlyDeluxe Classtoys, and included both characters from the concurrently releasedWar for Cybertronvideo game, and “modernised G1” figures in the spirit of the previousClassicsandUniversetoylines. In a first for the franchise, theDrifttoy and itsBlurrretoolwere based directly on designs created byGuido GuidiforIDW's comic series.The earlier waves of figures sported advertising forThe HuborWar for Cybertron.
Deluxe Class
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Exclusives
Bottom:North American Toys "R" Us packaging
In mid-2012,Hasbro's Asian division released a variety ofredecoesandretoolsin their markets such asChina,Singapore, and the Philippines. This lineup, which featured the same general packaging design as the 2010–2011 figures, introduced the first non-Deluxe toys in the line (asGenerationshad been limited to the Deluxe price point up to that point). Western online retailers referred to these figures under the mysterious term "GDO",which was later revealed to be an abbreviation for"Global Development Organization".[1]
Hasbro's United States and Canadian divisions later decided to release all these figures in North America as well, as amassivebatch ofToys "R" Usexclusivesfor the 2012 holiday shopping season. Strangely, while the Asian market versions were released in standard English-only packaging, the versions available in the United States and Canada came inbilingualEnglish/Chinese packaging. Also, the Deluxes came packaged in theiralternate modes,whereas the Asian versions were packaged inrobot mode.
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Fall of CybertronandThrilling 30(2012–2014)
Fall of Cybertron(2012–2013)
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After a six-month hiatus, theGenerationsline was relaunched in mid-2012, starting out with theTransformers Generations: Fall of Cybertrontoyline with eight Deluxe Class figures, in a line made specifically for characters from theFall of Cybertronvideogame. The line continued into 2013, with Legends and Voyager Class figures being introduced too. Unlike the previousLegends Class,now absorbed intoCyberverseunder the name "Legion Class", these new products consisted of two-packs ofdata discDeployerfigures designed to interact with the Voyager ClassSoundwavemold.
- Legends Class (Series 01)
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- Voyager Class (Series 01)
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Thrilling 30(2013–2014)
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In mid-2013,Generationswas rebranded asTransformers Generations: Thrilling 30as part of Hasbro'sThrilling 30anniversary campaign, which saw the line return to theClassics/Universe-style updates of older characters. This refresh was notable for introducing close ties withIDW Publishing'sTransformersmaterial–many toys were based on designs from comics, and for the US market,[2]every Deluxe figure was packaged with a comic issue. The format of Legends Class was also changed, now including a vaguelyCyberverseCommander-sized figure with a smaller, triple-changing partner.Thrilling 30saw two new size classes introduced to the line – 2013 featured the huge Titan ClassMetroplexfigure, whilst 2014 debuted Leader Class withJetfire.
For 2013, toys featured packaging art byClayton Crainand the Deluxe pack-in comics wereSpotlightissues. Continuing into 2014, the included issues tied into the "Dark Cybertron"story andPhil Jimenez,who helped plan and draw that event, took over package art duties.
In Europe, only the first wave of the Legends and Deluxe price points was ever officially released, exclusive to Toys "R" Us. However, several UK retailers were later used as a dumping ground forallthe Voyagers, Leader Jetfire, and the last two waves of the Legends asparallel importsin US (Voyagers and Leader Jetfire) or Canadian/Latin American (Legends) packaging.
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Exclusives
- Convention exclusives
While these toys premiered at conventions, many also ended up available through other venues, like theHasbro Toy Shoponline store, and even occasionally at retail in certain chains. See individual entries for more information.
| San Diego Comic-Con2012 | San Diego Comic-Con 2013
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- Asian market exclusive sets
The Ultimate Gift Set was also made available as a "shared exclusive" between various online retailers in the United States.Toys "R" UsandWalmartcarried it online as well, and some Walmart stores got them on shelves for Christmas.
| Ultimate Gift Set | Specialist: Decepticons | Specialist: Autobots | Autobots Warriors |  |
- Fun Publications
In 2015, Fun Publications released fourBotCon 2014toys in theGenerations-branded "BotCon Legacy Collection" multi-pack, with thepack-in comic"Legacy".
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Movie lines (2014–)
In2014,Hasbro began labeling certainlive-action film serieslines with theGenerationsbanner.
Age of Extinction(2014)
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After the many years of rather complex figures in themovietoylinesand realizing that the toys were becoming too complicated for the audiences they were aimed at, Hasbro decided to split the toyline that accompanied the fourth installment in thelive-action film seriesfranchise,Transformers: Age of Extinction,into two different age-appropriate lines. The first was the "Robots in Disguise"line which focused on more child-friendly designs, with gimmicks centred around pulling a lever or flicking a switch; activating an automated transformation in one or two simple steps.
The other half was labelled "Generations",which the figures were made to similar design standards of the preceding movie toylines, and were designed for a slightly older demographic, much like the previous lines under theGenerationsbanner above. Releasing around the same time as2015'sRobots in Disguisecartoon, theGenerationslineup was simplified in the way the "Warrior Class" figures were made, using bright colors and minimal transformation steps, in keeping with a simplistic approach for any age to enjoy.
Following on from the approach taken with theAge of Extinctiontoyline,Transformers: The Last Knightwas also split into two separate age-appropriate lines. The more simplified of the two lines became the "Turbo Changers"and consisted of many of the same styled toys as theRobots in Disguiseline above. The second, "Premier Edition"line, while not labelled under theGenerationsbanner, was still aimed at an older demographic and followed the same principles that theAge of ExtinctionGenerationsline had set before it, even including many redecoes of molds sold in the previous line.
Movie Edition(2018–2019)
Originally begun as part of the toyline forThe Last Knightin 2017,Tiny Turbo Changersis a line ofsuper deformed,blind-baggedvinyl figures featuring characters from throughout the entirelive-action film series.The line continued into 2018 under the more generalMovie Editionlabel and co-branded withGenerationsstarting with Series 3. The subline ran for two more series into 2019.
Studio Series(2018–)
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First revealed atToy Fair2018,Transformers Generations: Studio Series,a new subline underneath theGenerationsbanner that acts as a celebration of over ten years of live-action movies, with characters from every movie represented, variants included. It also coincided withBumblebee,the sixth film in thelive-action film series.All figures come with a cardboard backdrop depicting a notable scene from their respective movie. Backdrops from separate figures representing the same scene are designed to be displayed side by side. With rough robot modescaleas a line-wide goal, each figure is sized in relation to other toys, even in the samesize class.In 2021'sStudio Seriesstarted to introduce "Generation 1" characters to the line; featuring figures based on characters fromThe Transformers: The Movie,in celebration of the film's 35th anniversary. These figures feature a different set of ID numbers to the "standard" line, with the figures having an "86" in front of their base number starting at the number "01", to better differentiate them from the live-action film characters that the line was originally intended for.
Exclusives
In 2018, Hasbro released a single exclusive figure for Chinese company JingDong, which was only available on their online shop. Despite being released at the time ofStudio Series,the toy features a genericGenerationslogo and is packaged in a box with branding similar toCyber Seriesfigures which were also initially exclusive to China.
Prime Wars Trilogy(2015–2018)
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Generationswas rebooted in 2015, acting more as branding than a specific toyline, starting with Hasbro'sTransformers: Prime Wars Trilogy.As the name implies, it consists of three sublines, each with its own theme,gimmickandplay pattern.
Combiner Wars(2015–2016)
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For 2015, the line was given anothersubline imprinttitledTransformers Generations: Combiner Wars,which saw Deluxe, Voyager, and some Legends figures able to formcombinerrobots. The format for Legends Class was changed once again, dropping the small partner figures of theThrilling 30line.
The tradition of including IDW comic books with U.S.[2]Deluxes continued, whilst Legends, Voyagers, Leaders, and non-U.S.[2]Deluxes gained collector cards featuring art taken either from theTransformers Legendsmobile game, or simply the toy'spackage art(which doubles as the comic book cover for the U.S.[2]version). However, due to production schedule problems,[3]Deluxe wave 1's initial U.S.[2]release featured the collector cards. Along with the concurrently releasedRobots in Disguiseline,Combiner Warsalso heralded the return ofmultilingual packagingto the United States[2]market, now in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. The sole exception to this was the Deluxe figures packaged with comic books, which retained English-only packaging.
Meanwhile,Combiner Warsmarked the end of theToys "R" Usexclusivity forGenerationsfigures that had been in effect in several European markets since the launch of the original line in 2010 (which had usually resulted in only one wave per assortment ever being released in Europe). Not only did availability and distribution improve tremendously across the board—theCombiner Warsfigures were even released in European markets whereGenerationsfigures had previously never been available at all! At the same time, European packaging reduced the number of languages from thirteen to a mere four (English, French, German, and Spanish), resulting in a less cluttered packaging design.
After the general retail assortments had run their course, the line was extended for several months viagiftsetsof complete teams featuring redecoes and retools, referred to as "Collection Packs" in official promotional materials. Those sets were typically "shared exclusives" between online retailers and the online storefronts of "big box" retailers, though they were also available at brick and mortar retail in several non-U.S. markets.
Titans Return(2016–2017)
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Mid-2016 introduced a new subline imprint,Transformers Generations: Titans Return(initially touted under the early working nameTitan Wars[4]), with its own new line-wide gimmick: all Deluxe, Voyager, and Leader Class figures include aHeadmaster-styleTitan Masterpartner, all of which are completely interchangeable. To compensate for the size differences, Leader class figures feature large helmets that cover the Titan Masters, while Voyager class figures have spring-loaded pop-out adornments to "bulk up" their heads. Each Deluxe and Voyager figure's hand-held weapons can transform and combine to form a "turret" that can be manned by any Titan Master, and which can attach to the base modes of the Leader Class figures.
Additionally, a new Titan Master assortment was introduced, each including a single Titan Master, plus a small vehicle or beast. These can transform into a vehicle/beast for the Titan Master to ride, a second vehicle/beast formed bycombiningwith the Titan Master, and a5mmweapon for a larger figure to wield. Legends Class figures started out as predominantlyMini-Cassettecharacters, which can transform into both a vehicle and a blocky PDA that can fit inside Leader Class figures such asBlaster.Starting with Wave 3, this changed into focusing onMini Vehicleswhich can often carry Titan Master passengers.
Though never officially addressed by Hasbro, Deluxes no longer included comic books in any market, thus eliminating the need for English-only packaging entirely, leaving only two types of multilingual packaging, one for Europe and the other for all non-European markets. However, the character cards included with all figures (except for Titan Masters) now featuredTech Specstats on their back.
Voting for the second Titan Class figure was conducted via Facebook, with fans choosing between a remake ofOmega Supreme,Trypticon,orScorponok.[5]Trypticon won.[6]
Power of the Primes(2018)
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First revealed in mid-2017atSan Diego Comic-Con,Transformers Generations: Power of the Primes,in keeping with the previous two toylines, features a line-widegimmick:"Prime Masters",smallTitan Master-type figures that represent the sparks of thePrimes.Unlike Titan Masters, Prime Masters are available only in their own pricepoint, where they are packaged withPretender-styleDecoy Armor,but can interact in some way with all larger assortments.
Legends Class figures retain the ability to seat a small figure in alt-mode, whilst the Deluxe and Voyager Class pricepoints see the return ofCombiner Wars-styleCombiners.The combination joints remain unchanged, whilst the hand/foot system is tweaked: all Deluxes now include a hand, and all Voyagers a pair of feet. These accessories also facilitate the Prime Master integration for those size classes: Deluxes can use their hand as chest armor, into which a Prime Master spark mode can slot, and Voyagers can use their feet as forearm bucklers, which similarly fit a Prime Master. All Voyager Class figures also include anEnigma of Combination,shaped like a Prime Master spark mode, that can fit onto their combined mode chest.
Finally, Leader Class figures feature an "Evolution" gimmick, wherein each toy includes a Deluxe-sized character who can "evolve" into a Prime by combining with additional armor. Each Leader includes a uniquely-coloredMatrix of Leadership,the central crystal of which can be removed and replaced with a Prime Master.
Similar toCombiner Wars(except for US-released Deluxe Class figures) andTitans Return,all figures from Legends Class upwards continued to include character cards, except this time there were twelve differentvariantsof every character's card, each containing acombinationwith one of the twelve Prime Masters.
Ahead of the line's release, a fan vote took place to determine a character who would become a new Prime in both the toyline and accompanying stories, withOptimus Primalclaiming victory, and a place in the Leader Class assortment.[7]
War for Cybertron Trilogy(2019–2022)
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Beginning in 2019 (though released in late2018for the holiday season), theWar for Cybertron Trilogy(akaTransformers Generations War for Cybertron) follows the pattern of thePrime Wars Trilogy,having three sub-imprints over a multi-year release schedule. The new branding is unrelated to the2010Transformers: War for Cybertronvideo game fromHigh Moon Studios,though both similarly cover the early pre-Earth era of theAutobot-Decepticon war.In February 2018, Hasbro launched afan votefor a thematic rivalry to be seen as Deluxe Class figures. The choices wereImpactorVSMirage,NeedlenoseVSTracks,andSpinisterVSWheeljack.Impactor and Mirage won, but Spinister was produced regardless, with Wheeljack being made in the next chapter of the trilogy, and Tracks in the final.
TheWar for Cybertron Trilogysubline was unveiled by Hasbro atToy Fair 2020,and launched in conjunction with theWar for Cybertron TrilogycartoononNetflix.With the cartoon featuringcharacter modelsbased directly on Hasbro's toy molds, the toyline, in turn, features animation-accurate weathering and extensive deco, though they are often far more battle-damaged than the on-screen model.
TheWar for Cybertron Trilogylabel was also used for toy releases that did not fall into a certain chapter, namely the 2020Selectsproduct, the crowd-fundedUnicronand theBuzzworthy Bumblebeereleases.
Siege(2019–2020)
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Transformers Generations War for Cybertron: Siegebrought toy engineering to the extreme with relative scale, detail, extra posability, andextremeshow-accuracy, but with Cybertronian alternate modes. Many of the line's entries feature battle damage paint and combinable weapons, with some Deluxe Class "Weaponizer" figures capable of splitting into additional armament. The figures are littered withC.O.M.B.A.T. System5 mm portsand 3 mm posts, allowing for unlimited craziness.
Falling on theTransformersfranchise's 35h anniversary,Siegefeatured the35th Anniversarysubline imprint.
Earthrise(2020)
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Transformers Generations War for Cybertron: Earthrisecontinues the C.O.M.B.A.T. System and the newA.I.R. Lock System,which focuses more on fortification construction than weaponry. As the name implies, many of the 80'sThe Transformerscharacters are given Earth vehicle modes. A.I.R. Lock System Deluxe Modulators, along with theQuintessonandMercenaryfactions, were introduced.
Earthrisefeatured theCybertronian Villains(from 2018'sCyberverse) andGalactic Odyssey Collectionsubline imprints.
Kingdom(2021–2022)
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The third and final installment,Transformers Generations War for Cybertron: Kingdomfalls on the 25th anniversary ofBeast Warsand the 35th anniversary ofThe Transformers: The Movie,seeing heavy influence from both. The chapter sees the addition of theMaximalsandPredacons,as well as the Core Class replacing the Battle Masters and Micromasters. Silently continuing the C.O.M.B.A.T. System and A.I.R. Lock System, the primary gimmick is theF.O.S.S.I.L. Technology,and the accompany Deluxe Fossilizers. Both classic '90sBeast Warsand '80sThe Transformerscharacters are redone with cartoon-accurate engineering and in relative scale amongst their respective series. The toyline also surprisingly stems toBeast Machines,Beast Wars II,andBeast Wars: Uprisingcharacters in its exclusives.
Kingdomfeatured theBattle Across Time CollectionandGolden Disk Collectionsubline imprints.
Legacy(2022–2025)
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Beginning after the conclusion of theWar for Cybertron Trilogytoyline,Transformers Generations: Legacy(akaTransformers: Legacy) features characters from across the wealth of differentTransformerscontinuities,making it a celebration of the entireTransformersseries, as opposed to the predominantly- "Generation 1"oriented character selection of theGenerationsline for the past 6 years.
In its first year, the centralplay patternfor this line is the reintroduction of theEnergon weaponryfrom 2004'sEnergontoyline; translucent plastic accessories which can be combined to form bigger, more elaborate weapons. However, this was quietly dropped for the third wave and Core Class figures beyond the second wave.
RenamedLegacy: Evolutionfor its second year, the line pulled from a wider range of franchises, and replaced the Energon infused weaponry with "Evo-Fusion", a gimmick that allows figures (sans Core Class) to mix and match their weapons and accessories via 5mm ports, much like theWar for Cybertron Trilogytoyline that preceded it. In addition, it brought in a new group ofJunkionswho function identically toWar For Cybertron's Weaponizers, except that they are capable of transformingwithoutpartsforming.So... primarily a refinement of what they were already doing, but hey, they're doing it more and better.
For its third year, under the moniker ofLegacy: United,it refined the formula even more, expanding into more franchises and replacing the Junkions withArmorizers:modernRock Lord-eqsue characters who can either weaponize figures or transform into weapons as a third mode, much like the pack-in partners for theThrilling 30assortments' Legends Class figures shown above.
TheLegacytoyline also reintroducedcombinerteams, beginning with theStunticons,a first since the ending of thePower of the Primesline. It also introduced the first Core Class Combiner,DinokingVolcanicus.
Age of the Primes(2025-)
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Beginning after the conclusion of theLegacy: Unitedtoyline,Transformers: Age of the Primescontinues the multi-continuity setup fromLegacy,with the centerpieces being theThirteenPrimes.
Miscellaneous lines
Cyber Series(2015–2018)
Three years after a large batch of redecoes and retools had been created for Hasbro's Asian markets (with North AmericanToys "R" Usbranches later picking them up as exclusives), Hasbro's Global Development Organization ( "GDO" ) division was given a budget to design entirely new toys. Taking a cue from thetail-endBeast HuntersDeluxe and Voyager Class figures, most of these figures were based on smaller figures from theReveal the ShieldLegends Class,Transformers: PrimeCyberverseLegion Class,Thrilling 30Legends Class, and2015Robots in DisguiseLegion Class ranges, with the designs upsized to roughly Voyager ( "Battalion" ) and Leader ( "Commander" ) height, keeping the transformation engineering mostly unchanged. These figures were released in Hasbro's Asian and Latin American markets in 2015, while a second wave was released two years later in 2017 to the original markets and exclusively toWalgreensin North America, followed by a third wave of the Battalion assortment in 2018. The second wave Commander Optimus Prime and Commander Bumblebee figures were also continuously released from 2018 throughout 2020 in North American markets viaAmazon.Battalion Grimlock, Megatron, and original deco Commander Optimus Prime were never released to North America.
Most Cyber Battalion toys were reissued in 2021, with Wave 2 and 3 exclusive to Hasbro Pulse, and Wave 1 (except Grimlock) repackaged in two "Heroes & Villians" 2-packs exclusive to Amazon in North America. However it was still common to find examples of much unsold stock still at Walgreens in North America as late as 2023.
- Transformers Cyber Battalion Series(2015–2021)
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- Transformers Cyber Commander Series(2015–2017)
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Platinum Edition(2015–2017)
Transformers: Platinum Editionis a collector-oriented toyline that began in2013.It is composed entirely ofretoolsandredecoesof existing molds, which are presented in premium packaging. In 2015, it got absorbed into theGenerationstoyline and in the process dropped its own unique packaging designs as well as its own logo in favor of the uniformPrime Wars Trilogypackaging design, reducing the title "Platinum Edition" to a small line in neutral text above the toys' names.
Alt-Modes(2016–2017)
Alt-Modesis a line-up ofblind-boxedfigures released under theGenerationsline that change fromsuper deformedrobots, with largeplume-like Autobot or Decepticonfaction symbolsyou can flip up on top of their heads, into similarly "chibi" alternate modes with their robot heads still on top. Characters in the line are firmly rooted inGeneration 1.
Masterpiece(2015–2017)
In 2015, Hasbro'sThe Transformers: Masterpieceline got partially absorbed into theGenerationstoyline as well. These are very expensive and detailed molds aimed at adult collectors, similar to the "CHUG" standard set by theGenerationsline. The line had been running since 2004, but was rebooted in 2011 to what it is today. These are released under Hasbro's packaging.
In 2016, a redeco ofThe Transformers: MasterpieceMP-10 Convoy was redecoed inShattered Glasscolors, and was also made for Hasbro's Asian markets. That latter figure is essentially aPlatinum Editionfigure in all but its name, using the exact same packaging design and layout of then-concurrentPlatinum Editionpackaging except the actual "Platinum Edition"title was replaced by"Shattered Glass".
Generations Selects(2019–)
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Announced in late 2018, ''Transformers: Generations Selects''is a line of exclusives sold entirely online in the US, and through various brick and mortar retailers in other countries, intersecting multiple thematic sublines ofGenerations.The line consists of "special edition" redecoes and retools ofGenerationsfigures, packaged in brown cardboard mailer boxes with no mark up. Initially comprising toys initiated by Hasbro, the line-up also included figures initiated by TakaraTomy from 2019 to 2020.
Hasbro-initiated figures are packaged in robot mode, while Takara-initiated figures are packaged in vehicle mode, much like most of their recent products.
Most TakaraTomy material unfortunately includes the morphological error in English of "GenerationSelects".
Collaborative(2019–)
Transformers Collaborativeis an online retailer exclusive subline that began in2019,intended to incorporate properties originating outside of theTransformersbrand, not unlike theCrossoversfranchise (2008–2011) before it.Unlikeits predecessor,Collaborativesometimes includes comprehensive fiction associated with the crossover event, likely to flesh out the wholly new characters created.
R.E.D. [Robot Enhanced Design](2020–2022)
Transformers R.E.D. [Robot Enhanced Design],is a line of six-inch scale non-transforming action figures of Transformers characters from across differentfranchisesandcontinuities.It is intended to be a counterpart to Hasbro's other 6-inch action figure lines, includingMarvelLegends,Star Wars:Black Series,andPower Rangers: Lightning Collection.Aesthetically, the line focuses onshow-accuracyin its sculpts. Figures in the line also include extra hands and accessories for display options.
The toyline is aWalmartexclusive in the U.S. and Canada.
Retro Headmasters(2020)
First unveiled at theOctober 16thFan First Friday,[8]Transformers: Retro Headmastersis a small line consisting of redecoes of several of theTitans Returnfigures, now featuring G1 toy-accuratepaint applicationsand the originally Japan-exclusiveLegendsHeadmaster faces. The toys are packaged in nostalgic G1-style packaging (much like theCollaborativefigures orVintage G1), but with the original G1package artmodified to more closely resemble theLegendstoy heads.
This series is a Walmart-exclusive in the U.S. and Canada, The Warehouse and Toyworld-exclusive in New Zealand, and Target-exclusive in Australia.
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Shattered Glass Collection(2021–2023)
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Following the unprecedented release of theShattered Glass Optimus PrimeandShattered Glass Ratchettwo-pack in Hasbro'sGenerations Selects2020 toyline, theApril 9thHasbro Pulse Fan Fest 2021unveiled theTransformers Generations: Shattered Glass Collectionsubline, containing more characters from the long-dormantShattered Glasscontinuity. After the online convention, the other four toys (which were given Sideswipe silhouettes) were slowly revealed on Transformers Tuesdays from April to July 2021.
Much likeGenerations Selects,theShattered Glass Collectionis composed ofGenerationsredecoes and retools. Costing more than the MSRP of other Deluxe and Voyager Class toys, each figure is accompanied by an issue, with an exclusive UV cover, ofIDW Publishing'sShattered Glassmini-series. The toys are packaged in uniquely shaped boxes with character art and briefbios.The boxes only say "Shattered Glass", with "Shattered Glass Collection" coming from listings and product descriptions. The toyline is exclusive toHasbro Pulsein the United States and United Kingdom.
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Premium Finish(2021–2022)
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Transformers Premium Finish(トランスフォーマー プレミアムフィニッシュToransufōmā Puremiamu Finisshu) is a TakaraTomy toyline that began in2021.The first Japan-exclusive line sinceLegendsended in2019,Premium Finishseeks to reproduce exact decos based on various media, such as theWar for Cybertron Trilogycartoon or theBumblebeefilm. The line is split intoGenerations(specifically from theWar for Cybertron Trilogy), ID'd as "PF WFC-" andStudio Series,ID'd as "PF SS-".
Much like TakaraTomyMasterpiece,Generations Selects,andGolden Lagoontoys,Premium Finishtoys were imported and re-released by Hasbro for online markets, namely Hasbro Pulse.
Vintage Beast Wars(2022–2023)
In the second and third year runs of theWalmart-exclusiveVintage Beast Warstoyline, online listings for the figures started showingGenerationsbranding in the titles, establishing them as products under the super-label. As such, their in-house title is:Transformers Generations: Beast Wars Vintage.
While the line of reissues itself was first established in2021,the products listed specifically under theGenerationsbrand are only the2022and2023products.
Comic Edition(2024–)
Seemingly inheritingShattered Glass Collection's slot in Hasbro's production slate of exclusives, theTransformers: Generations: Comic Editionsubline consists of cell-shaded redecoes and retools of existingGenerationsmolds styled after the artwork of theoriginal Generation 1 Marvel comic,with a heaping helping of bespoke new referential accessories to boot. Almost as much of a draw is the packaging: each box front features a classic comic cover curated byHasbropackaging designerAmy Bencewhile the sides form an all new interconnecting Marvel-style mural by long-timeTransformersartistMarcelo Matere.
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Target
- Target Optimus Prime & Autobot Bullseye(Leader Class,2024)
- A very rare non-sublinedGenerationsexclusive, thisTargetexclusive toy givesOptimus Primethe deco of Target's shipping trucks, complete with huge white cargo trailer.
- He also comes packed with a robotic version of Target's mascot-pupBullseye,who transforms into a Target mailer package. Awww.
Notes
- Since the toys released during the first phase of theGenerationstoy line were all Deluxe-sized, the difficulty level bar on the front side of the packaging (which indicates how hard it is to convert a toy from mode to mode) denoted each individual toy's challenge level (Cybertronian Bumblebee, for example, is a Level 4, while Thrust is a Level 2).
- With the launch of theGenerationsline in 2010, the plastic-coated wire twist-ties that had been used to secure a toy in its packaging in past toylines were replaced with rattan tie-downs. The paper-based tie-downs were also used in the2010Transformerstoy line and subsequent toy lines, until they themselves were replaced by tag pins near the middle of 2014. The tyranny of twist-ties has mercifully never sullied these toys.
Foreign names
- Japanese:Transformers Generations(トランスフォーマー ジェネレーションズToransufōmā Jenerēshonzu)
- Mandarin:Biànxíng Jīngāng Shìdài Xìliè(Taiwan, biến hình kim cương thế đại hệ liệt, "Transformers Generation Series" )
References
- ↑TFW2005 threadcontaining an answer by Hasbro's customer service regarding the meaning of the term "GDO".
- ↑2.02.12.22.32.42.5Australia, New Zealand, and Hasbro's Asian markets typically get toys in whatever format is also used for the United States. The markets that traditionally get multilingual packaging are Canada, Latin America, and Europe, which meant no comic books forThrilling 30andCombiner Wars.See the images to the right for a comparison.
- ↑Interview with Jerry Jivoin at BWTF.com
- ↑Which isobviouslyused by many European retailers in official advertising, with annoying persistence.
- ↑November 24 2016 photo
- ↑"There truly is nothing that can stand in the way of Trypticon. With your votes, he smashed his way to becoming the next Generations Titans Return Titan Class toy. Mark your calendars, and look for him to hit shelves late 2017."
- ↑Optimus Primal's victory
- ↑October 16th Fan First Friday
