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Transformers:
Robots in Disguise
(2001-02)
history | storyline | the toys | pics
& tech specs
history
In 2000, Takara of Japan released
Transformers: Car Robots. While in Japan the line didn't quite
meet the successful level of Generation 1 (as nothing has to
date) Hasbro decided to import CR to America and the rest of
the world as Transformers: Robots in Disguise (RiD). Met as a
largely successful line now, these Transformers were aimed to
please the fan of the vehicular based figures while also retaining
some 'Beast mode' figures as well. Also making a return to Transformers,
combiners-some of the most popular TFs of all time.
storyline
Once again led by Optimus
Prime, now a fire truck, the Autobots return to the scene to
do battle against the Predacons--and then the Decepticons return
into the picture to back up the Predacons in the Transformers
Civil War. The Predacons and Decepticons, led by Megatron (now
a 6 changer) are bent on finding the location of a secret held
by Dr. Onishi, a human they have captured. It is up to Prime
and the Autobots to save Dr. Onishi and beat the bad guys to
the secret--an ancient transforming Autobot city known as Fortress
Maximus.
the toys
Utilizing the amazing posability
of the previous Beast Wars and Beast Machines while
reviving the charm of the originals, RiD boasts some of the most
incredible Transformers figures ever. While some of the names
remain the same, the playfield has changed drastically. No longer
a big red semi, Optimus Prime has become a fire truck
that can combine with his 'brother', Ultra Magnus- still
a car transport, into the awesome Omega Prime. The Autobots that
follow the shared leadership of Prime and Magnus, include the
car brothers: Prowl (Lamborghini police car), X-Brawn
(Mercedes SUV), and the youthful Side Burn (Dodge Viper).
Also among the Autobots: Team Bullet Train-Rail Spike,
Rapid Run, and Midnight Express that can combine
into the mighty Railracer. The Build Team, comprised of
Wedge (Bulldozer), Heavy Load (dump truck), Grimlock
(excavator), and Hightower (crane) merge into the powerful
Landfill. The Spychangers (minicars): Ironhide,
Mirage, Crosswise, WARS, Hotshot, REV, Sideburn (mini
version of the larger one), Prowl2, Daytonus, and Side
Swipe. Skid-Z (indy car) and Towline (tow truck)
round out the bunch.
The Predacons are led by the
six-changing Megatron, and include Skybyte (flying
shark), Gas Skunk (skunk), Slapper (poison frog),
and Dark Scream (flying squirrel). The Decepticons are
a subgroup aligned with the Preds and include Scourge
(tanker truck), Wind Sheer (fighter plane), Sky Fire
(fighter plane), and the combiner group of Armorhide (tank),
Rollbar (Jeep), Ro-Tor (helicoper), Movor
(space shuttle), and Mega Octane (missile trailer), who
unite into Ruination. This combiner group is a repaint
and slight remold of the G1 Combaticons. Scourge and Cryotek
are store exclusives to Toys R Us and Target respectively.
Megatron was also repainted into Galvatron and given 4
additional modes (which can also be done with the Megatron figure--shhh!
Don't tell!). Later in 2002, RiD will end with a few additional
figures announced at Toy Fair in NYC, and soon afterward Transformers:
Armada will appear on store shelves.
RiD figure pictures and tech specs
Autobots: Optimus
Prime 1 2
, Ultra Magnus 1 2,
Prowl 1,
X-Brawn 1,
Side Burn 1,
Skid-Z, TowLine, Wedge,
Grimlock, Heavy
Load, Hightower
Predacons & Decepticons: Megatron
1 2,
SkyByte, Windsheer,
Skyfire, Mega Octane
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