Toy Fair 2014
From Transformers Wiki
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Not pictured: weather that was only mildly inconveniencing. | |||||||
Date | February 16–19,2014 | ||||||
City | New York, NY | ||||||
Venue | The Times Center |
Toy Fair 2014,hosted inNew York CityfromFebruary 16–19,boasts "over 25,000 attendees, 345,500 square feet of exhibit space, 100,000 products with over 7,000 never before seen in the world, 1200+ exhibitors, [and] 1000 global media representatives."
Transformers Wiki was invited toHasbro's2014 Collector-Fan Media DayatThe Times Centeron Saturday,February 15,and wiki contributorsMatt KarpowichandDavid Willisattended. Following a presentation starting at 1pm, fan representatives were allowed into Hasbro's product showroom.
Contents |
Coverage
Venue and showroom
Transformers: Age of Extinction
Generations: Deluxe Class
Notes
- Wave 1 will consist of High Octane Bumblebee, Crosshairs, Dinobot Slug (Triceratops), and Dinobot Scorn (Spinosaurus). Wave 2 will consist of Autobot Drift, Dinobot Strafe (two-headed Pteranodon), and Dinobot Slash (Velociraptor).
- Hasbro intends to package the Dinobots in theirbeast modesto help distinguish them from Autobots and Decepticons. However, because Strafe looked extremely inelegant packaged this way, the final product will instead have him packaged inrobot mode.
Generations: Voyager Class
Notes
- Wave 1 will consist of Optimus Prime Evasion Mode and Grimlock. Wave 2 will consist of Autobot Hound and Galvatron.
- Hound will come with seven separate weapons that can be plugged into either his robot orvehicle mode.This particular figure and feature combination was noted as the handiwork of formerG.I. Joedesign team memberJohn Warden.
Generations: Leader Class
Notes
- Grimlock and Optimus Prime are currently the only Leader molds planned for theAge of Extinctionline.
Robots in Disguise
Notes
- TheRobots in Disguisesegment of theAge of Extinctionline was developed because studies showed that children below the age of 8 had difficulty changing mainlineTransformerstoys. Hasbro thus developed a product line aimed primarily at the 5-6 year old demographic (above the suggested 2-4 age ofRescue Bots) that would be easy to transform, but still maintain the more "mature, heroic" aesthetics of traditionalTransformers.
- It will be possible to tellRobots in DisguiseandGenerationsversions ofAge of Extinctiontoys apart because theGenerationstoys will feature both sparkly stickers that mark them as "Generations Collector Series" and a callout on the side of the packaging.
- TheRobots in Disguisesegments include...
- One-Step Changers (MRSP $9.99). Each features a "one-step" transformation. Characters include Bumblebee, Crosshairs, Drift, Galvatron, Grimlock, Hound, Lockdown, Optimus Prime, Slash, and Stinger. According to theRobots in Disguisepress release, there will be 18 One-Step Changers available in 2014.
- Mega One-Step Bumblebee (MRSP $29.99). A larger "one-step" transforming Bumblebee with a built-in disc launcher.
- Chomp and Stomp Grimlock (MRSP $79.99). A 22 "tall" one-step "transforming Grimlock with lights, sounds, and electronics that register whether a rider is friend or foe. Includes a non-converting Optimus Prime figure.
- Dino Sparkers (MRSP $12.99). Each translucent, non-converting Dinobot features a pullback sparking motor and includes a rider figure. Character sets include Optimus Prime & Grimlock, Bumblebee & Strafe, Drift & Slug, and Lockdown &???.
- Power Battlers (MRSP $12.99). Transforming figures with action features. Characters include Bumblebee, Crosshairs, Drift, Hound, Optimus Prime, Slug, Scorn, and Strafe. According to theRobots in Disguisepress release, there will be 15 Power Battlers available in 2014.
- Flip & Change (MRSP $19.99). Toys that transform by pulling pieces of them out to the sides and then spinning them. Characters include Bumblebee, Grimlock, Lockdown, and Optimus Prime.
- Titan Heroes (MRSP $9.99). Non-transforming 12 "figures. Characters include Bumblebee, Drift, Lockdown, and Optimus Prime.
- Titan Guardians (MRSP $19.99). Non-transforming 16 "figures. Characters include Grimlock and Optimus Prime.
Generations
Legends Class
Notes
- Wave 3 ofGenerationsLegends will consist of Autobot Gears (retool of Swerve) & Autobot Eclipse (redeco of Flanker, seemingly based on MicromasterEagle Eye) and Acid Storm (redeco of Starscream) & Venin (redeco of Waspinator).
- According toTransformersManager of Global Brand DevelopmentMark Weber,Acid Storm was originally intended to be Thundercracker, but the character was changed when Thundercracker's blue was judged to be too similar to Gears'. Weber understands fans' desires for a complete set of Decepticon Jets, however, so who knows what the future might bring.
Deluxe Class
Notes
- Windblade was noted as being the handiwork of designerLenny Panzica,who put "probably five times as much energy" into her than the rest of his workload. The presenters also said there are more plans for her in the future.
Voyager Class
Notes
- Roadbuster will come with a sticker sheet, mirroringGenerationsWhirl.
Leader Class
Notes
- The "ClassicsGenerations"Leader scale will premiere in Fall of 2014 and continue into 2015. Its suggested retail price is $44.99.
Platinum Edition
Notes
Masterpiece
Notes
Construct-Bots
Notes
- TheConstruct-Botssegments include...
- Dinobot Riders (MRSP $5.99). Transformable mini-versions of major characters in bag packaging that can ride on the Dinobots! Wave 1 is Bumblebee, Drift, Lockdown, and Optimus Prime. Wave 2 is Crosshairs and Hound.
- Dinobots (MRSP $9.99). Transforming robot dinosaur warriors that also work as mounts for the Dinobot Riders! Characters include Grimlock, Scorn, Slash, Slug, and Strafe.
- Dinobot Warriors (MRSP $19.99). Larger versions of major characters that include mini-Dinobot sidekicks who become weapons and armor! Wave 1 is Drift & Roughneck (Ankylosaurus), Lockdown & Hangnail (Megaraptor), and Optimus Prime & Gnaw (Dimetrodon). Wave 2 is Bumblebee & Nosedive (Pteranodon) and Hound & Wide Load (Stegosaurus).
- Dinofire Grimlock (MRSP $39.99). A 10 "electronic Construct-Bot with rapid fire missiles! Includes an Optimus Prime Dinobot Rider figure.
Rescue Bots
AMorBot!
Notes
- Hasbro reps confirmed that a toy ofDani Burnswould finally be available in late Spring.
- The "Epic Figure" version of Blades is "Blades the Flight Bot" in theRescue Botspress release. Future name upgrade or listing error?
- TheRescue Botssegments include...
- Mini Dino assortment (MRSP $3.99). These 3 "" Rescue Dinobots "are transformable figures of Blades (Pterodactyl), Boulder (Triceratops), Chase (Stegosaurus), and Heatwave (" Brontosaurus "). Available in the Fall.
- Figure 2-Packs assortment (MRSP $6.99). New packs include Bumblebee (black redeco) & Scrapmaster, Heatwave (fire boat-based) & Cody Burns, and Optimus Prime (blue redeco) & T-Rex, all due in Spring. Also shown were new figure versions of Blades (jet-based) and Bumblebee (motorcycle-based), plus aMorBot.
- Rescan assortment (MRSP $9.99). In May, Bumblebee the motorcycle, Heatwave the fire boat, and Optimus Prime the monster truck will be joined by Bumblebee (raptor) and Optimus Primal (T-Rex). New versions of Blades, Boulder, and Chase join the assortment in the Fall.
- Epic Figure assortment (MRSP $9.99). 12 "tall non-transforming figures with chests that open to carry human allies! Includes Blades, Boulder, Chase, and Heatwave. Due Fall.
- Epic Optimus Prime (MRSP $29.99). A 22 "tall non-transforming Optimus Prime that acts as the" ultimate command center playset "and doubles as a storage case. Due Fall.
- Heatwave the Rescue Dinobot (MRSP $19.99). A non-converting long-necked rescue dinosaur with lights, sounds, chomping action, and a telescoping neck! Due Fall.
- Optimus Primal (MRSP $34.99). Optimus Prime goes primal! This electronic Optimus goes from robot to Tyrannosaurus Rex and includes 20 phrases and sound effects. Due Fall.
Kre-O
Micro-Changers
Notes
- The first wave ofAge of ExtinctionMicro Changers is made of Mindswipe (based on Generation 1 Mindwipe), Nightbeat (inexplicably based on G1 Punch), Highbrow, Misfire, Trypticon, Fangwolf (based onCybertronSnarl), Jetwash (inexplicably a renamed G1 Jetfire), Silversnout, Skrapnel (sort of based on G1 Shrapnel), Jarugar (based on G1Jallguar,what), Wingspan Hawk (based on G1 Wingspan), and Torosaur.
- According to Hasbro's Kre-O press release, there will be 24Age of ExtinctionMicro Changers to collect, including four Dinobots.Presumablythat means two assortments of 12, with Silversnout and Torosaur being the first two of the four Dinobots.
Custom Kreons
Notes
- According to Hasbro's Kre-O press release, there will be 12Age of ExtinctionCustom Kreons to collect. As only four (Drift, Lockdown, Ratchet, and Optimus Prime) were revealed at Toy Fair, presumably that means there will be three waves of 4.
Micro-Changers Combiners
Notes
- Grimstone is made of Crackback, Iquanox, Ironeye, and Mollox. Lazerbolt is made of Bullhorn, Floodgate, Freezeout, and Roadhound. Obsidian is made of Bullwark[sic],Freefall, Hemocron, and Stronghorn. Volcanicon is made up of Farside, Liftoff, Lugmutt, and Power Surge.
- All four combiner teams are said to be "Dinobot-inspired".
Sets
Notes
- Beginning withAge of Extinctionproduct, theKre-OTransformersseries will become exclusive to Toys "R" Us in the United States. However, the line will still be carried at general retail internationally.
- AllAge of ExtinctionKre-O sets will feature "Dinoforce" technology, utilizing magnets to increase interact between the buildable Dinobots and Kreons.
- Sets include...
- Dinobot Charge (66 pieces, buildable Dinobot Slug) w/ Decepticon Vehicon and Autobot Drift Kreons
- Scorn Street Chase (106 pieces, buildable Dinobot Scorn) w/ two Decepticon Vehicons and Autobot Crosshairs Kreons
- Cell Block Breakout (135 pieces, buildable Dinobot Strafe) w/ Decepticon Vehicon, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee Kreons
- Grimlock Street Attack (196 pieces, buildable Dinobot Grimlock) w/ two Decepticon Vehicons and Gold Knight Optimus Prime Kreons
- Lockdown Air Raid (203 pieces, buildable Dinobot velociraptor) w/ Lockdown, Hound and Sideswipe (inexplicably based onDark of the MoonLeadfoot) Kreons
- The Kre-O presentation referred to the above set as "Lockdown Air Assault". Lockdown will come with two helmets.
- Optimus Prime Dino Hauler (275 pieces, buildable Dinobot ankylosaurus) w/ two Decepticon Vehicons and Autobot Ratchet Kreons, plus Autobot Driver human Mini-Kreon
- Galvatron Factory Battle (388 pieces, buildable Dinobot velociraptor) w/ buildable "large-scale Galvatron Kreon", Bumblebee, Optimus Prime, and Vehicon Kreons, plus Dr. Littleman, KSI worker, and SWAT human Mini-Kreons
Hero Mashers
Notes
- TheHero Mashersline is aimed younger than Construct-Bots, which Hasbro considers to be more for older children due to it being "model kit-like".
Mr. Potato Head
Notes
- In a departure frompriorMr. Potato Head-themed offerings,these products are packaged as "Mr. Potato Head as...", suggesting each toy is Mr. Potato Head himself in a costume, as opposed to being (presumably) new characters who use theMr. Potato Headplay pattern.
Notes
- Presenting for theTransformersteam wereJerry JivoinandJoshua Lamb;presenting for theKre-Oteam wasKristin Hamilton.Also at the event was currentTransformersteam member Mark Weber (in charge of theGenerationssegment), and formerTransformersteam memberBill Rawleypresented for the design side of theStar Warsteam.
- According to the presentation...
- No molds from previous movie-based lines will be inAge of Extinction.
- All the Dinobots turn into robots in the film, and all the Dinobots in the film will receive toy representation.
- BetweenAge of Extinctionand "Classics" -styledGenerations,there will be 73 fan-focused mainline retail products in 2014.
- 20 figures will be "movieGenerations"(12 Deluxes, 6 Voyagers, 2 Leaders). As of this event, Hasbro revealed 7 Deluxes, 4 Voyagers, and 2 Leaders. Confusingly, theGenerationspress release states there will be only 10 "movieGenerations"Deluxes released in 2014.
- 30 figures will be "ClassicsGenerations"(8 Legends, 16 Deluxes, and 6 Voyagers). As of this event, Hasbroofficiallyrevealed 6 Legends, 14 Deluxes, and 5 Voyagers... but the existence of the seventh Legend, fifteenth Deluxe, and sixth Voyager were actually revealed by theGenerationspress release, respectively, as Cliffjumper, Arcee, and Brainstorm. Triple oops?
- There are plans for more Fan's Choice events (such as the one that led to the creation ofWindblade) in the future.
- Age of Extinctionproducts are scheduled for release in May 2014; specifically, they will be available in brick and mortar stores on May 17. However,Age of Extinctionitems will go up for sale online on May 12, in an event Hasbro has codenamed "Cybertron Monday".[1]
- In order to both streamline the packaging and make it easier to translate into other languages, theRobots in DisguiseAge of Extinctiontoys will not feature on-package character bios. However, character bios will be available on Transformers, and theGenerationstoyline releases will still have them as well.
- TheBeast Hunters-themed Construct-Bots will likely not come out in the United States. They will apparently hit some international markets in the Spring, just before the launch ofAge of Extinctionproduct.
- The "5-step"Beast HuntersDeluxes and Voyagers are still supposed to come out in the United States, but might only be available in limited quantities.
- When asked whether the dragons ofBeast Huntersinfluenced the Dinobots appearing inAge of Extinction,designer Joshua Lamb revealed that they did not, but offered origins for both. TheBeast Huntersdragons originated from a development session where members of theTransformersteam tore up a bunch of oldZoidsand kitbashed them together with various TFs in ridiculous meched-out combinations; while they couldn't base original animation on that premise, they could use it to influenceTransformers Prime,and it eventually evolved into the dragons ofBeast HuntersandPredacons Rising.At the same time that was going on, Hasbro was brainstorming new ideas with Michael Bay for the fourthTransformersmovie, including ways to feature Grimlock in a fun, exciting manner. Eventually, a development board was created that showed Optimus Prime riding Grimlock inbeast modeinto battle; this art got both Bay and the writers excited about using him, which in turn spiraled into a full-blown Dinobots revival.
- According to Mark Weber, the reason theAge of Extinctionpteranodon is Strafe and not Swoop is because the two-headed design was deemed to be too much of a departure from traditional depictions of Swoop.