Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes
Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 11:25AM CDT
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top ListsPosted by: william-james88 Views: 84,750
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Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are my opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here.
Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Alt Modes (Air Vehicles)
As we previously witnessed, cybertronian alt modes can be a very lazy excuse for a subpar alt mode that looks like a mishmash of robot parts. To counter that, I wanted to showcase the amazing designs that Takara and Hasbro came up with when exploring the cybertronian aesthetic and how an amazing cybertronian alt mode could result in an equally impressive robot mode. After all, these are the default looks of these characters on their home planet by definition, so it's interesting to see when designers go all out to give the best representation of said character. Since there are so many great toys out there, I divided this between land vehicle alt modes, which we discussed last time, and this week's list which focuses on cybertronian air vehicle alt modes.
5. Transformers Energon Megatron
While Megatron has turned into cybertronian spaceships quite a few times to the point where it is now one of his staple alt modes, next to a tank and gun, this was the very first time he had one and the best so far. It is such a departure for the character. I love how utterly alien it is, like an 80s Lego Spaceship (SPACESHIPS!) set, especially with the wings split open, which is also reminiscent of the X-Wing. I also love how massive and chunky this toy is in robot mode which plays a nice contrast to the sleek and narrow nosecone while preserving the impression of Megatron’s power. The homages to Galvatron are outstanding and have been brought up in another list. They even have a purple redeco which is one of the most faithful and best Galvatron toy made so far.
4. Transformers Cybertron Sideways (Galaxy Force Noise Maze)
This guy’s design is literally out of this world. That robot mode looks like nothing Hasbro/Takara has ever done or will ever do; he’s like a demonic Gundam figure from hell. He is also an amazing example at showing how you can make a cool looking spaceship which integrates its entire alt mode into the robot, and his alt mode doesn’t look like a jet on a robot’s back. The way the abdomen transforms is unique and he accomplishes a long tried gimmick of having wings become swords. What I like best about him is how his robot and alt mode depend on one another to function and yet both have their own unique accomplished look.
3. Transformers Cybertron Vector Prime
While the robot mode is really great and gives him the appearance of a wise and powerful wizard, the alt mode is simply a knockout. This toy was initially supposed to be based on the Star Wars Sith Infiltrator but that was just a starting point and the design evolved over time to give us this magnificent ship. There are a few other possible homages maybe at play with this ship. I spot tiny similarities between him and the “Last Autobot” from Marvel’s G1 comics, which was also a guardian appointed by Primus. I also love how this alt mode is just covered in intricate sculpting. There are piles and piles of gears interconnected all over the surface of the vehicle. These are joined by a series of curved and intricate cut lines that look like the mysterious characters found on Beast Machines Optimus Primal's chest (from the RID line). All these details help sell Vector Prime's ancient appearance and link with Primus. These details also look like a clock’s gears which refer to both his age and his position as guardian of time. Aside from all this beauty, he also has the best and least intrusive minicon integration, along with brilliant weapon storage (more on that in another list) and a quick but fun transformation. At this point, ranking these picks from 1-3 was almost arbitrary since he is a superb transformer toy and has a cybertronian vehicle mode which is really hard to beat.
2. Transformers Universe - Classics 2.0 Cyclonus
This toy is so slick. It accomplishes the sleek robot mode and cybertronian jet mode with minimal kibble present in either. It is usually hard to engineer a nosecone out of a robot mode which is why it is usually part of the robot mode design or brought to the back, as is the case with Energon Megatron. However, for this toy, the engineers were clever enough to have the nosecone fold into the robot chest as well as an extra telescoping mechanism. You end up with a toy that looks like Cyclonus just jumped right out of a G1 episode and onto your desk.
1. Transformers Galaxy Force Starscream
This is such a smart and stellar cybertronian alt mode that I just could not place it any lower than number 1. The vehicle mode is a great homage to both the cybertronian tetra-jet of G1 and Don Figueroa's design for Generation 1 Starscream in Dreamwave's The War Within, while being it’s own unique design at the same time. I even feel it has a semblance to the Star Wars Star Destroyer due to how it is more flat than the two other source points, and that look is power incarnate. What I love so much about this toy is how both the vehicle and robot mode share the same cybertronian body and yet look totally accomplished and unique from one another. This results in a very simple transformation that yields amazing results. There is no jet on top of the robot, the robot IS the Jet. While his vehicle mode evokes power, that same notion is incorporated in the robot mode giving him a very regal appearance with a lot of bulk, especially around the shoulder area. Of all the bodies Starscream has had, this is one where I could totally see take Megatron head on and lead the Decepticons. He also has the least bothering exposed head which is not conspicuous or evident and works well with the highly detailed alt mode, as well as an equally unobtrusive cyberkey gimmick which gives him energon swords which always flip out unobstructed. It’s too bad the initial version of this toy never made it outside Japan, but luckily Hasbro saw the potential of this mold and used it for a few other decos, making it a phenomenal seeker mold. I wish they didn’t stop at just Dirge though.
Honorable Mentions: The main one I struggled to keep on the list was Beast Machines Jetstorm.
Transformers Beast Machines Jetstorm Gallery
The Transformers era with the most of these cybertronian air vehicles would have to be G1 and while that is for a very specific audience (and another list), I cannot help but find some designs just outright amazing. The one I would like to point out is Scattershot. He shares a lot of the same points Energon Megatron had. I love how his alt mode has a central cannon that is principle to that mode and distracts from any robot kibble one might notice (like the legs). The fact that the cannon can open up and serve as a cannon for a battle station mode all while this toy is also a torso for a scramble city combiner is just gravy.
Transformers G1 1987 Scattershot Gallery
Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Alt Modes (Air Vehicles)
As we previously witnessed, cybertronian alt modes can be a very lazy excuse for a subpar alt mode that looks like a mishmash of robot parts. To counter that, I wanted to showcase the amazing designs that Takara and Hasbro came up with when exploring the cybertronian aesthetic and how an amazing cybertronian alt mode could result in an equally impressive robot mode. After all, these are the default looks of these characters on their home planet by definition, so it's interesting to see when designers go all out to give the best representation of said character. Since there are so many great toys out there, I divided this between land vehicle alt modes, which we discussed last time, and this week's list which focuses on cybertronian air vehicle alt modes.
5. Transformers Energon Megatron
While Megatron has turned into cybertronian spaceships quite a few times to the point where it is now one of his staple alt modes, next to a tank and gun, this was the very first time he had one and the best so far. It is such a departure for the character. I love how utterly alien it is, like an 80s Lego Spaceship (SPACESHIPS!) set, especially with the wings split open, which is also reminiscent of the X-Wing. I also love how massive and chunky this toy is in robot mode which plays a nice contrast to the sleek and narrow nosecone while preserving the impression of Megatron’s power. The homages to Galvatron are outstanding and have been brought up in another list. They even have a purple redeco which is one of the most faithful and best Galvatron toy made so far.
4. Transformers Cybertron Sideways (Galaxy Force Noise Maze)
This guy’s design is literally out of this world. That robot mode looks like nothing Hasbro/Takara has ever done or will ever do; he’s like a demonic Gundam figure from hell. He is also an amazing example at showing how you can make a cool looking spaceship which integrates its entire alt mode into the robot, and his alt mode doesn’t look like a jet on a robot’s back. The way the abdomen transforms is unique and he accomplishes a long tried gimmick of having wings become swords. What I like best about him is how his robot and alt mode depend on one another to function and yet both have their own unique accomplished look.
3. Transformers Cybertron Vector Prime
While the robot mode is really great and gives him the appearance of a wise and powerful wizard, the alt mode is simply a knockout. This toy was initially supposed to be based on the Star Wars Sith Infiltrator but that was just a starting point and the design evolved over time to give us this magnificent ship. There are a few other possible homages maybe at play with this ship. I spot tiny similarities between him and the “Last Autobot” from Marvel’s G1 comics, which was also a guardian appointed by Primus. I also love how this alt mode is just covered in intricate sculpting. There are piles and piles of gears interconnected all over the surface of the vehicle. These are joined by a series of curved and intricate cut lines that look like the mysterious characters found on Beast Machines Optimus Primal's chest (from the RID line). All these details help sell Vector Prime's ancient appearance and link with Primus. These details also look like a clock’s gears which refer to both his age and his position as guardian of time. Aside from all this beauty, he also has the best and least intrusive minicon integration, along with brilliant weapon storage (more on that in another list) and a quick but fun transformation. At this point, ranking these picks from 1-3 was almost arbitrary since he is a superb transformer toy and has a cybertronian vehicle mode which is really hard to beat.
2. Transformers Universe - Classics 2.0 Cyclonus
This toy is so slick. It accomplishes the sleek robot mode and cybertronian jet mode with minimal kibble present in either. It is usually hard to engineer a nosecone out of a robot mode which is why it is usually part of the robot mode design or brought to the back, as is the case with Energon Megatron. However, for this toy, the engineers were clever enough to have the nosecone fold into the robot chest as well as an extra telescoping mechanism. You end up with a toy that looks like Cyclonus just jumped right out of a G1 episode and onto your desk.
1. Transformers Galaxy Force Starscream
This is such a smart and stellar cybertronian alt mode that I just could not place it any lower than number 1. The vehicle mode is a great homage to both the cybertronian tetra-jet of G1 and Don Figueroa's design for Generation 1 Starscream in Dreamwave's The War Within, while being it’s own unique design at the same time. I even feel it has a semblance to the Star Wars Star Destroyer due to how it is more flat than the two other source points, and that look is power incarnate. What I love so much about this toy is how both the vehicle and robot mode share the same cybertronian body and yet look totally accomplished and unique from one another. This results in a very simple transformation that yields amazing results. There is no jet on top of the robot, the robot IS the Jet. While his vehicle mode evokes power, that same notion is incorporated in the robot mode giving him a very regal appearance with a lot of bulk, especially around the shoulder area. Of all the bodies Starscream has had, this is one where I could totally see take Megatron head on and lead the Decepticons. He also has the least bothering exposed head which is not conspicuous or evident and works well with the highly detailed alt mode, as well as an equally unobtrusive cyberkey gimmick which gives him energon swords which always flip out unobstructed. It’s too bad the initial version of this toy never made it outside Japan, but luckily Hasbro saw the potential of this mold and used it for a few other decos, making it a phenomenal seeker mold. I wish they didn’t stop at just Dirge though.
Honorable Mentions: The main one I struggled to keep on the list was Beast Machines Jetstorm.
Transformers Beast Machines Jetstorm Gallery
The Transformers era with the most of these cybertronian air vehicles would have to be G1 and while that is for a very specific audience (and another list), I cannot help but find some designs just outright amazing. The one I would like to point out is Scattershot. He shares a lot of the same points Energon Megatron had. I love how his alt mode has a central cannon that is principle to that mode and distracts from any robot kibble one might notice (like the legs). The fact that the cannon can open up and serve as a cannon for a battle station mode all while this toy is also a torso for a scramble city combiner is just gravy.
Transformers G1 1987 Scattershot Gallery
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Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777264)
Posted by Evil Eye on April 2nd, 2016 @ 11:33am CDT
Posted by Evil Eye on April 2nd, 2016 @ 11:33am CDT
Superb list! I must be honest, if it were less expensive I'd buy the Takara version of Energon Galvatron as my Classics Galvatron. It's just a great looking toy. And if he had better arms (and if there were Thundercracker and Skywarp decos available) I'd buy that Voyager Cybertron Starscream in a heartbeat. Great silhouette and a wonderful update on the "tetrajet" design. I wish someone would have another go at a tetrajet- the FOC design (official or the upcoming Planet X figures) is almost but not quite there, the Cybertron figure suffers from the arms, the Titanium mold also has somewhat gimpy arms and suffers from the poorly implemented metal content (which is a shame as I love the design) and the Impossible Toys version, whilst stellar in vehicle mode, is otherwise a complete and total mess.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777270)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 2nd, 2016 @ 11:58am CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 2nd, 2016 @ 11:58am CDT
Great list Will! I was a bit disappointed when I saw the cover photo cause I know that one is only ever an honorable mention and G1 Scattershot looks amazing. But those guys do look awesome, and you're right about full on robot to alt mode integration. They all look awesome! 
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777276)
Posted by ScottyP on April 2nd, 2016 @ 12:18pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on April 2nd, 2016 @ 12:18pm CDT
Nice list. I like the G1 Cyclonus toy's alt mode more than the Classics version. Always thought they nailed it back in '86 on the jet, then the Universe one nailed the robot mode.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777280)
Posted by shajaki on April 2nd, 2016 @ 12:39pm CDT
Posted by shajaki on April 2nd, 2016 @ 12:39pm CDT
Great list Will. I love all those figures. It's just so damn sad that HasTak didn't cash in on the multicolored rainbow of that GF/Cyb Seeker mold 
Here's my two favs
Here's my two favs
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777288)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on April 2nd, 2016 @ 1:17pm CDT
Posted by -Kanrabat- on April 2nd, 2016 @ 1:17pm CDT
This proves once again how amazing and incredible the Cybertron/Galaxy Force line was. One of the best (if not the best) main TF line ever.
You forgot to point out that the Energon Megatron and Galaxy Force Starscream shown were the voyager versions. I never owned the voyager Energon Megatron, but I do own the Leader and he's amazing. As for Starscream, the Supreme one in amazing, but it don't change much from the voyager, which make the voyager the superior version. I got the very, very expensive Shattered Glass version (Jetfire hommage FTW!). I also own the regular voyager Starscream in his normal burgundy colors. That toy DID came to the USA in a two-pack with... Vector Prime!
Speaking of Vector Prime, I got the Universe version. Nice black and bronze colors, but the fact that the electronics were removed make the included cyber key pointless. Nice toy, but I hate the fact that half his altmode is a backpack in bot mode. Instead of him and because Cybertron hog too much of the list, I'd change him for... Energon Sharkticon. Yes, once again, Unicron Trilogy know their spaceships! And yes, Sharkticon put a big part of his altmode on his back. The difference is part of the backpack is used as the weapons gimmick. Also, the spaceship would be a MASSIVE beast, like a destroyer ship in space. Ignore the deluxe scale and look at the details. It's amazing and fun to fiddle with. I got both the regular and Botcon version (I have a spare Botcon Sharticon, if anyone is interested).
You forgot to point out that the Energon Megatron and Galaxy Force Starscream shown were the voyager versions. I never owned the voyager Energon Megatron, but I do own the Leader and he's amazing. As for Starscream, the Supreme one in amazing, but it don't change much from the voyager, which make the voyager the superior version. I got the very, very expensive Shattered Glass version (Jetfire hommage FTW!). I also own the regular voyager Starscream in his normal burgundy colors. That toy DID came to the USA in a two-pack with... Vector Prime!
Speaking of Vector Prime, I got the Universe version. Nice black and bronze colors, but the fact that the electronics were removed make the included cyber key pointless. Nice toy, but I hate the fact that half his altmode is a backpack in bot mode. Instead of him and because Cybertron hog too much of the list, I'd change him for... Energon Sharkticon. Yes, once again, Unicron Trilogy know their spaceships! And yes, Sharkticon put a big part of his altmode on his back. The difference is part of the backpack is used as the weapons gimmick. Also, the spaceship would be a MASSIVE beast, like a destroyer ship in space. Ignore the deluxe scale and look at the details. It's amazing and fun to fiddle with. I got both the regular and Botcon version (I have a spare Botcon Sharticon, if anyone is interested).
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777294)
Posted by ZeroWolf on April 2nd, 2016 @ 2:13pm CDT
Posted by ZeroWolf on April 2nd, 2016 @ 2:13pm CDT
Great list will! 
don't own many of them unlike the other list but I'm glad energon megs is on there. Such a fun toy.
don't own many of them unlike the other list but I'm glad energon megs is on there. Such a fun toy.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777298)
Posted by kurthy on April 2nd, 2016 @ 2:40pm CDT
Posted by kurthy on April 2nd, 2016 @ 2:40pm CDT
Well, Classics Cyclonus definitely fits the list of a great toy (with a cybertronian alt mode), but the alt mode is rather lacking. Significant sacrifices were made for a great robot mode.
And I really don't care for Vector Prime (especially the universe version, which I have). The large nosecone becomes a backpack. He lays down and folds his legs up to his ears.
Jetstorm and G1 scattershot were much better. I found mine in my mom's basement the other day and my son had to take it home with us, broken spring, discolored, and all.
I like generations brainstorm despite being a simple transformation but he wouldn't make my top 5.
Where's Star Saber?
And I really don't care for Vector Prime (especially the universe version, which I have). The large nosecone becomes a backpack. He lays down and folds his legs up to his ears.
Jetstorm and G1 scattershot were much better. I found mine in my mom's basement the other day and my son had to take it home with us, broken spring, discolored, and all.
I like generations brainstorm despite being a simple transformation but he wouldn't make my top 5.
Where's Star Saber?
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777310)
Posted by ScottyP on April 2nd, 2016 @ 3:08pm CDT
The Legends scale gives some painful "what if" thoughts:
Transformers Cybertron Sunstorm Gallery
One I did forget to mention before is Big Powered. It's like the Transformers version of an Imperial Star Destroyer and it is amazing:
Posted by ScottyP on April 2nd, 2016 @ 3:08pm CDT
Well, we got half of them at the voyager scale. Starscream, Dirge, and the Hasbro Voyager Cybertron Starscream is Thrust colored.shajaki wrote:Great list Will. I love all those figures. It's just so damn sad that HasTak didn't cash in on the multicolored rainbow of that GF/Cyb Seeker mold
The Legends scale gives some painful "what if" thoughts:
Transformers Cybertron Sunstorm Gallery
Saber? Yes, fantastic alt mode. The big hoss combined mode with the V-star? Eh, it is super neat but I think a lot of the examples here outshine it.kurthy wrote:Where's Star Saber?
One I did forget to mention before is Big Powered. It's like the Transformers version of an Imperial Star Destroyer and it is amazing:
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777312)
Posted by Rainmaker on April 2nd, 2016 @ 3:10pm CDT
Posted by Rainmaker on April 2nd, 2016 @ 3:10pm CDT
I wish I had a Cybertron Starscream, such an amazing toy.
Also, yes, Star Saber?
Also, yes, Star Saber?
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777325)
Posted by RK_Striker_JK_5 on April 2nd, 2016 @ 3:30pm CDT
Posted by RK_Striker_JK_5 on April 2nd, 2016 @ 3:30pm CDT
Very nice list.Although like Kanrabat,I would've included Energon Sharkticon. I love that alt. mode. 
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777331)
Posted by william-james88 on April 2nd, 2016 @ 3:55pm CDT
Posted by william-james88 on April 2nd, 2016 @ 3:55pm CDT
Thanks for all the comments! And Scotty P, that is one cool TF you've introduced us to. And it is cooler than Star Sabre who's full alt mode isnt sleek at all in comparison (and has a pretty glaring lack of integration with that helmet).
Not really. If you check, you will see that both Megatrons are pictured, one pic is the leader and the other is the voyager.
Plus for starscream, there is no need for distinction since there is only one galaxy force Starscream
-Kanrabat- wrote:You forgot to point out that the Energon Megatron and Galaxy Force Starscream shown were the voyager versions.
Not really. If you check, you will see that both Megatrons are pictured, one pic is the leader and the other is the voyager.
Plus for starscream, there is no need for distinction since there is only one galaxy force Starscream
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777336)
Posted by william-james88 on April 2nd, 2016 @ 4:09pm CDT
His time of glory is coming soon. Lets just say that I thought "air" wasn't the best element that defined him
Posted by william-james88 on April 2nd, 2016 @ 4:09pm CDT
RK_Striker_JK_5 wrote:Very nice list.Although like Kanrabat,I would've included Energon Sharkticon. I love that alt. mode.
His time of glory is coming soon. Lets just say that I thought "air" wasn't the best element that defined him
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777347)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on April 2nd, 2016 @ 4:25pm CDT
OOOOooohhhhhh.................
So, imma expect some Armada Tidalwave love soon?
Posted by -Kanrabat- on April 2nd, 2016 @ 4:25pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:RK_Striker_JK_5 wrote:Very nice list.Although like Kanrabat,I would've included Energon Sharkticon. I love that alt. mode.
His time of glory is coming soon. Lets just say that I thought "air" wasn't the best element that defined him
OOOOooohhhhhh.................
So, imma expect some Armada Tidalwave love soon?
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777349)
Posted by Cobotron on April 2nd, 2016 @ 4:26pm CDT
Posted by Cobotron on April 2nd, 2016 @ 4:26pm CDT
Isn't Sharkticon's alt mode a submarine? 
Anyway, Good list! Love that Megatron toy, and Vector Prime.
Anyway, Good list! Love that Megatron toy, and Vector Prime.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777350)
Posted by Rainmaker on April 2nd, 2016 @ 4:28pm CDT
Posted by Rainmaker on April 2nd, 2016 @ 4:28pm CDT
I just noticed that 75% of this list is the Unicron Trilogy
I say that's a flaw with this list.
I say that's a flaw with this list.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777353)
Posted by william-james88 on April 2nd, 2016 @ 4:42pm CDT
What makes it a flaw? Wouldnt it weaken the list by restricting where the toys come from? The best is the best no matter where they from, and that era had a greater percentage of cybertronian molds, so it only makes sense they get more.
And Kanrabat about Tidal Wave... maybe. I personally feel his name is more water themed than the design of his combined alt mode (which looks more like a spaceship to me) but you never know.
Posted by william-james88 on April 2nd, 2016 @ 4:42pm CDT
[BW] Rainmaker wrote:I just noticed that 75% of this list is the Unicron Trilogy
I say that's a flaw with this list.
What makes it a flaw? Wouldnt it weaken the list by restricting where the toys come from? The best is the best no matter where they from, and that era had a greater percentage of cybertronian molds, so it only makes sense they get more.
And Kanrabat about Tidal Wave... maybe. I personally feel his name is more water themed than the design of his combined alt mode (which looks more like a spaceship to me) but you never know.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777358)
Posted by Rainmaker on April 2nd, 2016 @ 4:50pm CDT
It would bring in more diversity for there to be restrictions, most top 10/5 lists have the rule of one thing per franchise.
Posted by Rainmaker on April 2nd, 2016 @ 4:50pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:[BW] Rainmaker wrote:I just noticed that 75% of this list is the Unicron Trilogy
I say that's a flaw with this list.
What makes it a flaw? Wouldnt it weaken the list by restricting where the toys come from? The best is the best no matter where they from, and that era had a greater percentage of cybertronian molds, so it only makes sense they get more.
And Kanrabat about Tidal Wave... maybe. I personally feel his name is more water themed than the design of his combined alt mode (which looks more like a spaceship to me) but you never know.
It would bring in more diversity for there to be restrictions, most top 10/5 lists have the rule of one thing per franchise.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777367)
Posted by ScottyP on April 2nd, 2016 @ 5:26pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on April 2nd, 2016 @ 5:26pm CDT
You're right. 100% of it could have been Unicron Trilogy, fixing the flaw[BW] Rainmaker wrote:I just noticed that 75% of this list is the Unicron Trilogy
I say that's a flaw with this list.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777368)
Posted by Rainmaker on April 2nd, 2016 @ 5:27pm CDT
This guy right here, has the right idea
Posted by Rainmaker on April 2nd, 2016 @ 5:27pm CDT
ScottyP wrote:You're right. 100% of it could have been Unicron Trilogy, fixing the flaw[BW] Rainmaker wrote:I just noticed that 75% of this list is the Unicron Trilogy
I say that's a flaw with this list.
This guy right here, has the right idea
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777371)
Posted by TK415 on April 2nd, 2016 @ 5:29pm CDT
Posted by TK415 on April 2nd, 2016 @ 5:29pm CDT
Cool list. I like the choices. I skimmed it today. I look forward to reading it carefully and other people's comments as soon as possible.
I love Vector Prime. He was a really cool idea, character and toy. It is a really nice toy.
Great spaceships, great vehicle forms.
I love Vector Prime. He was a really cool idea, character and toy. It is a really nice toy.
Great spaceships, great vehicle forms.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777373)
Posted by william-james88 on April 2nd, 2016 @ 5:37pm CDT
Seibertron doesnt follow, it leads!
It would also make it less accurate
Glad you came around Rainmaker!
Oh by the way guys, if we would replace Universe Cyclonus by another cybertronian air vehicle TF from the Unicron trilogy, which one would it be?
Posted by william-james88 on April 2nd, 2016 @ 5:37pm CDT
[BW] Rainmaker wrote:
It would bring in more diversity for there to be restrictions, most top 10/5 lists have the rule of one thing per franchise.
Seibertron doesnt follow, it leads!
It would also make it less accurate [BW] Rainmaker wrote:ScottyP wrote:You're right. 100% of it could have been Unicron Trilogy, fixing the flaw[BW] Rainmaker wrote:I just noticed that 75% of this list is the Unicron Trilogy
I say that's a flaw with this list.
This guy right here, has the right idea
Glad you came around Rainmaker!
Oh by the way guys, if we would replace Universe Cyclonus by another cybertronian air vehicle TF from the Unicron trilogy, which one would it be?
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777376)
Posted by TK415 on April 2nd, 2016 @ 5:45pm CDT
That is a interesting thought, Rainmaker. I think it depends on what you are looking for. If we say what are the best Air Vehicle Alt modes across the different lines, then that is a good question of diversity across the lines, like you said. It is a question of exploration and finding the best across the whole history of Transformers. I see your point that one might like to see the nice alt modes from series other then the Unicron Trilogy.
But if you are looking for the absolute best of the best, and they happen to all come from the same line, then that is acceptable if that is the main search criteria. You wouldn’t want to choose a lower quality choice over a better one because you already selected from that line. If we were looking at the top Beast Forms we wouldn’t want to limit entries from Beast Wars. While there are great Beast Modes from different lines, you would imagine that some of the best will be from BW and we wouldn’t want to exclude those for something less than from a different line.
WJ would you mind providing a list of some of the other contenders? So we could see some of the good ones from other lines?
Posted by TK415 on April 2nd, 2016 @ 5:45pm CDT
[BW] Rainmaker wrote:william-james88 wrote:[BW] Rainmaker wrote:I just noticed that 75% of this list is the Unicron Trilogy
I say that's a flaw with this list.
What makes it a flaw? Wouldnt it weaken the list by restricting where the toys come from? The best is the best no matter where they from, and that era had a greater percentage of cybertronian molds, so it only makes sense they get more.
And Kanrabat about Tidal Wave... maybe. I personally feel his name is more water themed than the design of his combined alt mode (which looks more like a spaceship to me) but you never know.
It would bring in more diversity for there to be restrictions, most top 10/5 lists have the rule of one thing per franchise.
That is a interesting thought, Rainmaker. I think it depends on what you are looking for. If we say what are the best Air Vehicle Alt modes across the different lines, then that is a good question of diversity across the lines, like you said. It is a question of exploration and finding the best across the whole history of Transformers. I see your point that one might like to see the nice alt modes from series other then the Unicron Trilogy.
But if you are looking for the absolute best of the best, and they happen to all come from the same line, then that is acceptable if that is the main search criteria. You wouldn’t want to choose a lower quality choice over a better one because you already selected from that line. If we were looking at the top Beast Forms we wouldn’t want to limit entries from Beast Wars. While there are great Beast Modes from different lines, you would imagine that some of the best will be from BW and we wouldn’t want to exclude those for something less than from a different line.
WJ would you mind providing a list of some of the other contenders? So we could see some of the good ones from other lines?
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777384)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on April 2nd, 2016 @ 6:23pm CDT
Appart Energon Sharkticon, Cybertron Soundwave is also good, despite the backpack flaw. It also come with a nice exclusive Lazerbeak minicon. Mine is in storage due to lack of space.
Posted by -Kanrabat- on April 2nd, 2016 @ 6:23pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:[BW] Rainmaker wrote:
It would bring in more diversity for there to be restrictions, most top 10/5 lists have the rule of one thing per franchise.
Seibertron doesnt follow, it leads![BW] Rainmaker wrote:ScottyP wrote:You're right. 100% of it could have been Unicron Trilogy, fixing the flaw[BW] Rainmaker wrote:I just noticed that 75% of this list is the Unicron Trilogy
I say that's a flaw with this list.
This guy right here, has the right idea
Glad you came around Rainmaker!
Oh by the way guys, if we would replace Universe Cyclonus by another cybertronian air vehicle TF from the Unicron trilogy, which one would it be?
Appart Energon Sharkticon, Cybertron Soundwave is also good, despite the backpack flaw. It also come with a nice exclusive Lazerbeak minicon. Mine is in storage due to lack of space.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777388)
Posted by william-james88 on April 2nd, 2016 @ 6:36pm CDT
My only other contenders were the ones I wrote about in the honourable mentions. Every single other toy I felt had problems that left it off the list. Both the alt mode and robot mode have to look good and hold up and I liked conversions which highlighted intergration, like Vector Prime's wings becoming a cape and his chest being prominent in alt mode while still being part of it.
But we could look back on others to see what else the TF line had to offer. It's not a complete list but it gives an idea.
G1 had some like Star Sabre, but I am just not fond of that full alt mode, it's so wide. I am also not too fond of Sky Garry's alt mode. Strafe is ok but very simplistic since he's a combiner component (Scattershot works better as a figure which can also stand alone). And to me, only Universe Cylonus accomlishes a good robot mode and alt mode with less sacrifices than the others (like the CW version which had horrid undercarriage).
In the Energon line, we had Wing Sabre, whos alt mode was really not good and we also had Slugslinger (who also had a G1 toy), but his conversion is really annoying and he is probably the most fiddly transformer after MP Megatron.
Speaking of Megatron, there is his first movie toy, his animated toys and his prime toy, which have all appeared on previous lists, along with the Fallen, and not for the best reasons I do like his Prime Commander class toy for some reason, I am really impressed with how they still managed an alt mode from a toy which has 0 kibble. He was on a list too.
For the seekers, there are some versions of them with cybertronian modes, like the WFC mold and the Ttanium mold but I felt both were a far cry from what Takara accomplished with the design for the Galaxy Force figure. And speaking of WFC, there was that shockwave toy though it doesnt really look like much of a flying vehicle to me.And there were some of the bruticus components, but I really dislike that era of transformers in general, the plastic felt so frail and cheap. They just didnt feel like quality toys, I am glad we are over that.
Oh and there is also Cybertron Soundwave who is an interesting take on the character, and not a bad toy at all. But not as good as the others. And would the Cybertron Unicron count? He looked more like a hovering scarab than a flying one. Would hovering count? In any case, he didnt make the discussion.
Sorry if it got long but I hope that gives you a good idea of the other stuff out there.
Posted by william-james88 on April 2nd, 2016 @ 6:36pm CDT
TK415 wrote:WJ would you mind providing a list of some of the other contenders? So we could see some of the good ones from other lines?
My only other contenders were the ones I wrote about in the honourable mentions. Every single other toy I felt had problems that left it off the list. Both the alt mode and robot mode have to look good and hold up and I liked conversions which highlighted intergration, like Vector Prime's wings becoming a cape and his chest being prominent in alt mode while still being part of it.
But we could look back on others to see what else the TF line had to offer. It's not a complete list but it gives an idea.
G1 had some like Star Sabre, but I am just not fond of that full alt mode, it's so wide. I am also not too fond of Sky Garry's alt mode. Strafe is ok but very simplistic since he's a combiner component (Scattershot works better as a figure which can also stand alone). And to me, only Universe Cylonus accomlishes a good robot mode and alt mode with less sacrifices than the others (like the CW version which had horrid undercarriage).
In the Energon line, we had Wing Sabre, whos alt mode was really not good and we also had Slugslinger (who also had a G1 toy), but his conversion is really annoying and he is probably the most fiddly transformer after MP Megatron.
Speaking of Megatron, there is his first movie toy, his animated toys and his prime toy, which have all appeared on previous lists, along with the Fallen, and not for the best reasons
I do like his Prime Commander class toy for some reason, I am really impressed with how they still managed an alt mode from a toy which has 0 kibble. He was on a list too.For the seekers, there are some versions of them with cybertronian modes, like the WFC mold and the Ttanium mold but I felt both were a far cry from what Takara accomplished with the design for the Galaxy Force figure. And speaking of WFC, there was that shockwave toy though it doesnt really look like much of a flying vehicle to me.And there were some of the bruticus components, but I really dislike that era of transformers in general, the plastic felt so frail and cheap. They just didnt feel like quality toys, I am glad we are over that.
Oh and there is also Cybertron Soundwave who is an interesting take on the character, and not a bad toy at all. But not as good as the others. And would the Cybertron Unicron count? He looked more like a hovering scarab than a flying one. Would hovering count? In any case, he didnt make the discussion.
Sorry if it got long but I hope that gives you a good idea of the other stuff out there.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777392)
Posted by Overcracker on April 2nd, 2016 @ 7:02pm CDT
Posted by Overcracker on April 2nd, 2016 @ 7:02pm CDT
Great list. I agree with most of them.
cybertron Soundwave is not a cybertronian based air vehicle. Its very much earth based. He's close to a Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk.
Cybertron Unicron, is not even an air vehicle. His is decidedly a land vehicle, with treads and wheels.
A Cybetronian Land vehicle, but a land vehicle.
-Kanrabat- wrote:
Appart Energon Sharkticon, Cybertron Soundwave is also good, despite the backpack flaw. It also come with a nice exclusive Lazerbeak minicon. Mine is in storage due to lack of space.
cybertron Soundwave is not a cybertronian based air vehicle. Its very much earth based. He's close to a Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk.
Cybertron Unicron, is not even an air vehicle. His is decidedly a land vehicle, with treads and wheels.
A Cybetronian Land vehicle, but a land vehicle.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777405)
Posted by Tigertrack on April 2nd, 2016 @ 8:49pm CDT
Posted by Tigertrack on April 2nd, 2016 @ 8:49pm CDT
Great lost with some excellent suggestions. I was always partial to G1 Strafe. The Decepticon Targetmaster Misfire is another that I really like with a Cybertronian flying vehicle kind of alt mode.
Can't argue them over what you have though. Nice job man!
Can't argue them over what you have though. Nice job man!
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777413)
Posted by Emerje on April 2nd, 2016 @ 9:37pm CDT
A lot of Cybertronian alt modes are based loosely on real world aircraft, but nobody will mistake Cybertron Soundwave for something that came from Earth. Though technically he's a Planet X alt mode.
That said, to be entirely honest that alt mode is probably my least favorite of the entire AEC. It's much too haphazard and slapped together and not worth the sacrifices the bot mode had to make for it (legs that want to bend the wrong way and hefty arm kibble). Still didn't stop me from picking up Blaster.
Speaking of AEC, as nice as the Cybertron Starscream mold is, for me the Armada mold is better, knees be damned. I went out of my way to get all five and I'm doing it again with the Generation remake. It's such a fun and different design, brilliant in its simplicity. And then whatever shortcomings it might have had were improved upon by the Jhiaxus remold.
But going back to G1 my real favorite there was Brainstorm. Something about him just clicked for me. From the way he tapers off from end to end to the way the guns blend in as a part of the alt mode like few other figures of the time. Having a working cockpit with a little figure to put inside is what sets him apart from most other Cybertronian alt mode fliers. I've got both the G1 version and the Generations version and can't wait for the Titans Return version it's going to be amazing!
Emerje
Posted by Emerje on April 2nd, 2016 @ 9:37pm CDT
Overcracker wrote:cybertron Soundwave is not a cybertronian based air vehicle. Its very much earth based. He's close to a Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk.
A lot of Cybertronian alt modes are based loosely on real world aircraft, but nobody will mistake Cybertron Soundwave for something that came from Earth. Though technically he's a Planet X alt mode.
That said, to be entirely honest that alt mode is probably my least favorite of the entire AEC. It's much too haphazard and slapped together and not worth the sacrifices the bot mode had to make for it (legs that want to bend the wrong way and hefty arm kibble). Still didn't stop me from picking up Blaster.
Speaking of AEC, as nice as the Cybertron Starscream mold is, for me the Armada mold is better, knees be damned. I went out of my way to get all five and I'm doing it again with the Generation remake. It's such a fun and different design, brilliant in its simplicity. And then whatever shortcomings it might have had were improved upon by the Jhiaxus remold.
But going back to G1 my real favorite there was Brainstorm. Something about him just clicked for me. From the way he tapers off from end to end to the way the guns blend in as a part of the alt mode like few other figures of the time. Having a working cockpit with a little figure to put inside is what sets him apart from most other Cybertronian alt mode fliers. I've got both the G1 version and the Generations version and can't wait for the Titans Return version it's going to be amazing!
Emerje
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777422)
Posted by OptimalOptimus2 on April 2nd, 2016 @ 10:50pm CDT
Posted by OptimalOptimus2 on April 2nd, 2016 @ 10:50pm CDT
Honestly, there's way more cool-looking Cybertronian jets out there like Cybertron Megatron/Galvatron, 2007 Movie Megatron, G1 Brainstorm, RID Megatron, Prime Megatron, FOC Starscream, Fortress Maximus, and Beast Wars Optimal Optimus. (Mind-blowing 
)
(Mind-blowing )
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777426)
Posted by Rainmaker on April 2nd, 2016 @ 10:55pm CDT
No, not for Will anyways.
Posted by Rainmaker on April 2nd, 2016 @ 10:55pm CDT
OptimalOptimus2 wrote:2007 Movie Megatron
No, not for Will anyways.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777474)
Posted by Ultra Markus on April 3rd, 2016 @ 12:30am CDT
Posted by Ultra Markus on April 3rd, 2016 @ 12:30am CDT
its funny how the list forgets one of the most obvious characters that would have easily made the top five like Jetfire G1 or generations or even unicron trilogy 
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777515)
Posted by Amelie on April 3rd, 2016 @ 3:20am CDT
G1 Jetfire\Macross Valkyrie is based off an F-14 Tomcat. Which is a real plane
Great list Will - I'll chime in later with my own once I've gathered all the pics
Posted by Amelie on April 3rd, 2016 @ 3:20am CDT
Ultra Markus wrote:its funny how the list forgets one of the most obvious characters that would have easily made the top five like Jetfire G1 or generations or even unicron trilogy
G1 Jetfire\Macross Valkyrie is based off an F-14 Tomcat. Which is a real plane
Great list Will - I'll chime in later with my own once I've gathered all the pics
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777516)
Posted by ZeroWolf on April 3rd, 2016 @ 3:21am CDT
Posted by ZeroWolf on April 3rd, 2016 @ 3:21am CDT
Problem with jetfire is that all baring his energon incarnation are based off earth vehicles. His cartoon model doesn't count as that never got a toy.
Optimal optimus@ some of the ones you listed have multiple modes though and the ones that would qualify for this list aren't that iconic. Like rid/carrobots megatron/gigatron, yeah he has a jet mode but his iconic mode is either his beast or his giant hand mode.
The movie megs aren't exactly the best looking either.
Optimal optimus@ some of the ones you listed have multiple modes though and the ones that would qualify for this list aren't that iconic. Like rid/carrobots megatron/gigatron, yeah he has a jet mode but his iconic mode is either his beast or his giant hand mode.
The movie megs aren't exactly the best looking either.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777551)
Posted by william-james88 on April 3rd, 2016 @ 7:29am CDT
Thanks for rectifying that for me. I was just throwing some ideas out stream of conscious style and forgot about those treads he has. He wouldnt have made any list though. Not a bad toy but not a toy I would label best. Interesting alt mode though.
Also, he's already appeared on enough lists already
http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/top-5-worst-cases-of-visible-head-syndrome-among-transformers-toys/33569/
http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/top-5-most-indistinguishable-alt-modes-among-transformers-toys/34869/
That means a lot, thanks man!
Posted by william-james88 on April 3rd, 2016 @ 7:29am CDT
Overcracker wrote:
Cybertron Unicron, is not even an air vehicle. His is decidedly a land vehicle, with treads and wheels.
A Cybetronian Land vehicle, but a land vehicle.
Thanks for rectifying that for me. I was just throwing some ideas out stream of conscious style and forgot about those treads he has. He wouldnt have made any list though. Not a bad toy but not a toy I would label best. Interesting alt mode though.
[BW] Rainmaker wrote:OptimalOptimus2 wrote:2007 Movie Megatron
No, not for Will anyways.
Also, he's already appeared on enough lists already
http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/top-5-worst-cases-of-visible-head-syndrome-among-transformers-toys/33569/
http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/top-5-most-indistinguishable-alt-modes-among-transformers-toys/34869/
Tigertrack wrote:Great list with some excellent suggestions. I was always partial to G1 Strafe. The Decepticon Targetmaster Misfire is another that I really like with a Cybertronian flying vehicle kind of alt mode.
Can't argue them over what you have though. Nice job man!
That means a lot, thanks man!
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777600)
Posted by Overcracker on April 3rd, 2016 @ 11:01am CDT
By definition if they are based on earth vehicles at all, then they can't count as Cybertronian.
As per your examples, Brainstorm is not based on anything you can find on earth. Cybertron Soundwave is based on an existing earth jet, therefore not cybertronian.
It would be like saying Movie Starscream is cybertronian. He's an f-22 Raptor, with robot kibble not found on normal F-22s. Cybertron Soundwave, is a Stealth Bomber with some robot kibble not found on normal Stealth Bombers but is still very much earth based.
Posted by Overcracker on April 3rd, 2016 @ 11:01am CDT
Emerje wrote:Overcracker wrote:cybertron Soundwave is not a cybertronian based air vehicle. Its very much earth based. He's close to a Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk.
A lot of Cybertronian alt modes are based loosely on real world aircraft, but nobody will mistake Cybertron Soundwave for something that came from Earth. Though technically he's a Planet X alt mode.
By definition if they are based on earth vehicles at all, then they can't count as Cybertronian.
As per your examples, Brainstorm is not based on anything you can find on earth. Cybertron Soundwave is based on an existing earth jet, therefore not cybertronian.
It would be like saying Movie Starscream is cybertronian. He's an f-22 Raptor, with robot kibble not found on normal F-22s. Cybertron Soundwave, is a Stealth Bomber with some robot kibble not found on normal Stealth Bombers but is still very much earth based.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777650)
Posted by Ultra Markus on April 3rd, 2016 @ 2:46pm CDT
uh no he is not! sure they used the robectech toy for his release but he is supposed to be a cybertronian jet
and also the only similar aspect of a F-14 Tomcat is the wings so its not really based of anything so again i say Jetfire was supposed to be there
Posted by Ultra Markus on April 3rd, 2016 @ 2:46pm CDT
Amelie wrote:Ultra Markus wrote:its funny how the list forgets one of the most obvious characters that would have easily made the top five like Jetfire G1 or generations or even unicron trilogy
G1 Jetfire\Macross Valkyrie is based off an F-14 Tomcat. Which is a real plane
Great list Will - I'll chime in later with my own once I've gathered all the pics
uh no he is not! sure they used the robectech toy for his release but he is supposed to be a cybertronian jet
and also the only similar aspect of a F-14 Tomcat is the wings so its not really based of anything so again i say Jetfire was supposed to be there
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777659)
Posted by ZeroWolf on April 3rd, 2016 @ 2:58pm CDT
Posted by ZeroWolf on April 3rd, 2016 @ 2:58pm CDT
But there isn't a toy of skyfire and the classics version still takes enough cues to look like a futuristic alt mode not cybertonian
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777665)
Posted by Amelie on April 3rd, 2016 @ 3:20pm CDT
Large parts of the fuselage is also inspired by the Tomcat. Whilst the fiction for Jetfire states he is a Cybertronian Jet - the actual toy itself is clearly very similar to real-world jets, similar to Cybertron Soundwave (see above). He's a great toy, however
Posted by Amelie on April 3rd, 2016 @ 3:20pm CDT
Ultra Markus wrote:uh no he is not! sure they used the robectech toy for his release but he is supposed to be a cybertronian jet
Large parts of the fuselage is also inspired by the Tomcat. Whilst the fiction for Jetfire states he is a Cybertronian Jet - the actual toy itself is clearly very similar to real-world jets, similar to Cybertron Soundwave (see above). He's a great toy, however
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777873)
Posted by Rainmaker on April 4th, 2016 @ 3:11am CDT
Posted by Rainmaker on April 4th, 2016 @ 3:11am CDT
Cybertronian vehicles have to be loosely based on something from Earth or it will look like a bunch of junk to us.
(See: Prime Megatron)
(See: Prime Megatron)
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777877)
Posted by Windsweeper on April 4th, 2016 @ 3:41am CDT
Posted by Windsweeper on April 4th, 2016 @ 3:41am CDT
I've always liked G1 Cyclonus, Scourge and Springer
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777905)
Posted by Amelie on April 4th, 2016 @ 8:35am CDT
I don't really agree with that at all... Loads of very cool designs have come out of throwing out the rule-book.
G1 Scourge
G1 Bomb-Burst (and a whole bunch of other flying Pretenders)
Fall Of Cybertron Air-Raid
Fall Of Cybetron Blast-Off
RotF Soundwave
Its all down to personal taste
Posted by Amelie on April 4th, 2016 @ 8:35am CDT
[BW] Rainmaker wrote:Cybertronian vehicles have to be loosely based on something from Earth or it will look like a bunch of junk to us.
I don't really agree with that at all... Loads of very cool designs have come out of throwing out the rule-book.
G1 Scourge
G1 Bomb-Burst (and a whole bunch of other flying Pretenders)
Fall Of Cybertron Air-Raid
Fall Of Cybetron Blast-Off
RotF Soundwave
Its all down to personal taste
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1777912)
Posted by william-james88 on April 4th, 2016 @ 8:58am CDT
And you know there is also...the examples found in my list... right?
But yeah, a big factor in what I chose for this list is that these should look otherwordly without being lazy. Vector Prime would be the best example of this. He isn't based on anything related to earth, which I described in the article.
And its why I didnt even think og figures like G1 Jetfire, they werent otherworldy enough for a list where I try to show the potential of exploring a cybertronian aesthetic.
Posted by william-james88 on April 4th, 2016 @ 8:58am CDT
Amelie wrote:[BW] Rainmaker wrote:Cybertronian vehicles have to be loosely based on something from Earth or it will look like a bunch of junk to us.
I don't really agree with that at all... Loads of very cool designs have come out of throwing out the rule-book.
[Bunch of cool images to show a bunch of other examples we didn't mention yet]
And you know there is also...the examples found in my list... right?
But yeah, a big factor in what I chose for this list is that these should look otherwordly without being lazy. Vector Prime would be the best example of this. He isn't based on anything related to earth, which I described in the article.
And its why I didnt even think og figures like G1 Jetfire, they werent otherworldy enough for a list where I try to show the potential of exploring a cybertronian aesthetic.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1778004)
Posted by Overcracker on April 4th, 2016 @ 3:03pm CDT
Exactly. Cybertronian can be otherwordly without looking like a pile of parts. i.e Movie Fallen, and without looking like something you would find on earth.
We are of course limited by what we know as aircraft general features to be able to call it an aircraft. They need to have some types of protrusions we refer to as wings, and a general "it can fly type" of design. But it does not need to look like something from earth for us to call it an aircraft.
If it resembles an existing aircraft from Earth then it is not Cybertronian.
Megatron is a good example of this, having gotten several very distinct Air based alt modes recently.
Here's 3 of them:
Cybetronian Pile of Parts
Decent Cybertronian Aircraft
Earth Based Aircraft
Posted by Overcracker on April 4th, 2016 @ 3:03pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:Amelie wrote:[BW] Rainmaker wrote:Cybertronian vehicles have to be loosely based on something from Earth or it will look like a bunch of junk to us.
I don't really agree with that at all... Loads of very cool designs have come out of throwing out the rule-book.
[Bunch of cool images to show a bunch of other examples we didn't mention yet]
And you know there is also...the examples found in my list... right?
But yeah, a big factor in what I chose for this list is that these should look otherwordly without being lazy. Vector Prime would be the best example of this. He isn't based on anything related to earth, which I described in the article.
And its why I didnt even think og figures like G1 Jetfire, they werent otherworldy enough for a list where I try to show the potential of exploring a cybertronian aesthetic.
Exactly. Cybertronian can be otherwordly without looking like a pile of parts. i.e Movie Fallen, and without looking like something you would find on earth.
We are of course limited by what we know as aircraft general features to be able to call it an aircraft. They need to have some types of protrusions we refer to as wings, and a general "it can fly type" of design. But it does not need to look like something from earth for us to call it an aircraft.
If it resembles an existing aircraft from Earth then it is not Cybertronian.
Megatron is a good example of this, having gotten several very distinct Air based alt modes recently.
Here's 3 of them:
Cybetronian Pile of Parts
Decent Cybertronian Aircraft
Earth Based Aircraft
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1778192)
Posted by TK415 on April 5th, 2016 @ 1:35pm CDT
Awesome, thank you! I like the list and all of the info.
I think of Cybertron Unicron as a hover tank, definitely not air vehicle.
Posted by TK415 on April 5th, 2016 @ 1:35pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:TK415 wrote:WJ would you mind providing a list of some of the other contenders? So we could see some of the good ones from other lines?
My only other contenders were the ones I wrote about in the honourable mentions. Every single other toy I felt had problems that left it off the list. Both the alt mode and robot mode have to look good and hold up and I liked conversions which highlighted intergration, like Vector Prime's wings becoming a cape and his chest being prominent in alt mode while still being part of it.
But we could look back on others to see what else the TF line had to offer. It's not a complete list but it gives an idea.
G1 had some like Star Sabre, but I am just not fond of that full alt mode, it's so wide. I am also not too fond of Sky Garry's alt mode. Strafe is ok but very simplistic since he's a combiner component (Scattershot works better as a figure which can also stand alone). And to me, only Universe Cylonus accomlishes a good robot mode and alt mode with less sacrifices than the others (like the CW version which had horrid undercarriage).
In the Energon line, we had Wing Sabre, whos alt mode was really not good and we also had Slugslinger (who also had a G1 toy), but his conversion is really annoying and he is probably the most fiddly transformer after MP Megatron.
Speaking of Megatron, there is his first movie toy, his animated toys and his prime toy, which have all appeared on previous lists, along with the Fallen, and not for the best reasons
For the seekers, there are some versions of them with cybertronian modes, like the WFC mold and the Ttanium mold but I felt both were a far cry from what Takara accomplished with the design for the Galaxy Force figure. And speaking of WFC, there was that shockwave toy though it doesnt really look like much of a flying vehicle to me.And there were some of the bruticus components, but I really dislike that era of transformers in general, the plastic felt so frail and cheap. They just didnt feel like quality toys, I am glad we are over that.
Oh and there is also Cybertron Soundwave who is an interesting take on the character, and not a bad toy at all. But not as good as the others. And would the Cybertron Unicron count? He looked more like a hovering scarab than a flying one. Would hovering count? In any case, he didnt make the discussion.
Sorry if it got long but I hope that gives you a good idea of the other stuff out there.
Awesome, thank you! I like the list and all of the info.
I think of Cybertron Unicron as a hover tank, definitely not air vehicle.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1778333)
Posted by Ultra Markus on April 5th, 2016 @ 10:53pm CDT
what about titanium seekers, titanium Jetfire the vehicles look cool and "otherworldlY" enough
not to mention fall of cybertron seekers as well and sixshot's jetmode you put galaxyforce starscream at No 1 should have went with supreme starscream, if not at least an honorable mention which these did not
Posted by Ultra Markus on April 5th, 2016 @ 10:53pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:Amelie wrote:[BW] Rainmaker wrote:Cybertronian vehicles have to be loosely based on something from Earth or it will look like a bunch of junk to us.
I don't really agree with that at all... Loads of very cool designs have come out of throwing out the rule-book.
[Bunch of cool images to show a bunch of other examples we didn't mention yet]
And you know there is also...the examples found in my list... right?
But yeah, a big factor in what I chose for this list is that these should look otherwordly without being lazy. Vector Prime would be the best example of this. He isn't based on anything related to earth, which I described in the article.
And its why I didnt even think og figures like G1 Jetfire, they werent otherworldy enough for a list where I try to show the potential of exploring a cybertronian aesthetic.
what about titanium seekers, titanium Jetfire the vehicles look cool and "otherworldlY" enough
not to mention fall of cybertron seekers as well and sixshot's jetmode you put galaxyforce starscream at No 1 should have went with supreme starscream, if not at least an honorable mention which these did not
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1778373)
Posted by william-james88 on April 6th, 2016 @ 6:42am CDT
Why? Its a terrible toy I would not recommend anyone. That toy is the equivalent to a KO upscale since Hasbro didnt even bother to add detail or articulation.
Here are my thoughts presented in a more entertaining manner:
Posted by william-james88 on April 6th, 2016 @ 6:42am CDT
Ultra Markus wrote:should have went with supreme starscream, if not at least an honorable mention which these did not
Why? Its a terrible toy I would not recommend anyone. That toy is the equivalent to a KO upscale since Hasbro didnt even bother to add detail or articulation.
Here are my thoughts presented in a more entertaining manner:
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1778571)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on April 6th, 2016 @ 5:21pm CDT
Posted by -Kanrabat- on April 6th, 2016 @ 5:21pm CDT
I own Cybertron Supreme Starscream and I love it very much. However, it's true that it's indeed a lazy "KO" upscale. I don't really care because it's the centerpeice of my Screamers collection and he look bad-ass.
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1781567)
Posted by TK415 on April 15th, 2016 @ 2:43pm CDT
Fun to see these pics, thanks.
I love the new Brainstorm toys. Good addition. Thanks.
Man, I can’t argue with WJ’s list. Maybe I’ll put Brainstorm at 6, or swap him with Sideways.
Let’s see them all on one post.
4. Transformers Cybertron Sideways (Galaxy Force Noise Maze)
3. Transformers Cybertron Vector Prime
2. Transformers Universe - Classics 2.0 Cyclonus
1. Transformers Galaxy Force Starscream
Honorable Mentions: The main one I struggled to keep on the list was Beast Machines Jetstorm.
Transformers Beast Machines Jetstorm Gallery
Scattershot.
Transformers G1 1987 Scattershot Gallery[/quote]
Posted by TK415 on April 15th, 2016 @ 2:43pm CDT
Amelie wrote:
Loads of very cool designs have come out of throwing out the rule-book.
G1 Scourge
G1 Bomb-Burst (and a whole bunch of other flying Pretenders)
Fall Of Cybertron Air-Raid
Fall Of Cybetron Blast-Off
RotF Soundwave
Its all down to personal taste
Fun to see these pics, thanks.
Emerje wrote:
Emerje
I love the new Brainstorm toys. Good addition. Thanks.
Man, I can’t argue with WJ’s list. Maybe I’ll put Brainstorm at 6, or swap him with Sideways.
Let’s see them all on one post.
4. Transformers Cybertron Sideways (Galaxy Force Noise Maze)
3. Transformers Cybertron Vector Prime
2. Transformers Universe - Classics 2.0 Cyclonus
1. Transformers Galaxy Force Starscream
Honorable Mentions: The main one I struggled to keep on the list was Beast Machines Jetstorm.
Transformers Beast Machines Jetstorm Gallery
Scattershot.
Transformers G1 1987 Scattershot Gallery[/quote]
Re: Top 5 Best Transformers Toys with Cybertronian Air Vehicle Alt Modes (1781570)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on April 15th, 2016 @ 3:35pm CDT
Posted by -Kanrabat- on April 15th, 2016 @ 3:35pm CDT
I recently gotTitanium WW Prowl. I really love him and I think he'd deserves a spot on the list. Dunno if it's a flyer or just a hoverer though...
