Hasbro Transformers Cybertron press release

[REX-203]

Hasbro has announced its plans for Transformers Cybertron, slated for release this summer. They also mention future plans for their other TF lines, including Alternators. Read the original article here or below.


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TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON Line Brings New Storyline to Hasbro’s Iconic Brand
Feb 18, 2005

Hasbro Builds Upon TRANSFORMERS ALTERNATORS Line of Vehicles Based on Popular Car Brands

TRANSFORMERS fans have a lot to look forward to in 2005 as Hasbro launches the latest installment to the TRANSFORMERS saga – TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON. TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON features a compelling story full of intrigue and surprise that will remind fans what it means to be “ROBOTS IN DISGUISE”!



CYBERTRON, home planet of both TRANSFORMERS factions, is in danger. In order to save it from certain destruction, OPTIMUS PRIME will lead the AUTOBOTS on an intergalactic scavenger hunt to lost planets to find four ancient CYBER PLANET KEYS. But MEGATRON and the nefarious DECEPTICONS will be hot on their heels, trying to steal the CYBER PLANET KEYS and harness their power for evil. These four CYBER PLANET KEYS are the AUTOBOTS only hope, as they have the power to unlock CYBERTRON itself, and make their home planet into the one TRANSFORMERS robot powerful enough to shut down the black hole that threatens the entire universe!



A new line of toys based on TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON will help kids bring the action of the newest chapter in the TRANSFORMERS universe to life. TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON will launch during the summer of 2005 in conjunction with the debut of the new Cartoon Network animated series. Hasbro’s line will feature a broad array of action figures that range from basic to “supreme” versions. Hasbro is also introducing new TRANSFORMERS figures that have a “triple-change” feature to convert them into three modes instead of the traditional two. TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON will be available in July for between $6.99-49.99. They are recommended for kids ages 5 and up.



In addition, Hasbro continues its popular TRANSFORMERS ALTERNATORS line of highly detailed and realistic authentically licensed vehicles that can be changed into the robot modes of favorite TRANSFORMERS characters.



As we look beyond 2005, Hasbro has teamed up with DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures to develop a live-action motion picture based on the TRANSFORMERS franchise. Steven Spielberg will executive produce, and Lorenzo di Bonaventura (“Constantine”), Don Murphy (“The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”) and Tom DeSanto (“X-Men” and “X2: X-Men United”) are attached to produce. The film is slated for release in the summer of 2006. Stay tuned for more exciting details about the first live-action TRANSFORMERS movie.



Highlights of Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS product line includes:



TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON



TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON ”SUPREME CLASS” FIGURE

(Approximate retail price: $49.99; Recommended for ages 5 & up)

The TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON Supreme Class STARCREAM figure is the most challenging foe the AUTOBOT forces have ever seen! The evil STARSCREAM figure, second in command of the DECEPTICONS, stands at more than 14-inches and converts from robot to jet, features lights and battle sounds, and comes with a gold crown of leadership. STARSCREAM includes two CYBER PLANET KEYS, unlocking two different mechanical features. First, a hidden sword that swings out from underneath his right arm. Second, a projectile launcher that swings out from underneath his left arm.



TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON “LEADER CLASS” FIGURES

(Approximate retail price: $39.99; Recommended for ages 5 & up)

The TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON Leader Class assortment includes the two main characters from the new CYBERTRON animated series that each have a triple-change feature and can be changed into three different modes instead of the traditional two! AUTOBOTS leader, OPTIMUS PRIME, converts from robot, to truck, and then to flight mode, creating the greatest OPTIMUS PRIME ever created! The figure’s CYBER PLANET KEY feature reveals a hidden weapon to defeat the evil DECEPTICONS. The MEGATRON figure converts from robot, to vehicle, and then to jet mode, and includes a spinning hand weapon and CYBER PLANET KEY activation to aid in his quest to defeat the heroic OPTIMUS PRIME and his AUTOBOT forces! Both also feature electronic lights and battle sounds.



TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON “ULTRA CLASS” FIGURES

(Approximate retail price: $24.99; Recommended for ages 5 & up)

The TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON Ultra Class assortment features some of the coolest lead characters in the new animated series and introduces the CYBER PLANET KEY activation features that produce flip-up wings, 3-headed dragon modes, projectile launching and additional fun play. Included in the assortment are JETFIRE, second in command of the AUTOBOTS and commander of the AUTOBOTS air forces; and SCOURGE, a wicked 3-headed dragon that rules the Jungle Planet with a vicious trans-metal claw.



TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON “VOYAGER CLASS” FIGURES

(Approximate retail price: $19.99; Recommended for ages 5 & up)

The TRANSFOMERS Voyager Class assortment features two new characters from the TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON series -- CRUMPLEZONE, the strong and speedy DECEPTICON, and VECTOR PRIME, the wise and ancient TRANSFORMERS character that aides in the quest for the CYBER PLANET KEYS. Both come with CYBER PLANET KEYS that reveal cool hidden features and various accessories!



TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON DELUXE Figures

(Approximate retail price: $9.99; Recommended for ages 5 & up)

The TRANSFORMERS Deluxe assortment features six new figures – HOT SHOT, DIRT BOSS, THUNDERCRACKER, LANDMINE, RED ALERT, and OVERRIDE. Each come with a CYBER PLANET KEY that reveals awesome activated features to enhance all your fun TRANSFORMERS play.



TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON “SCOUT CLASS” FIGURES

(Approximate retail price: $6.99; Recommended for ages 5 & up)

The TRANSFORMERS Scout Class assortment features six new figures – OVERHAUL, RANSACK, SCATTORSHOT, CLOCKER, HARDTOP, and the RECON MINI-CON TEAM – JOLT, SIX SPEED, and REVERB. Except for the RECON MINI-CON TEAM, each Scout Class assortment character comes with a CYBER PLANET KEY that reveals awesome activated features to enhance all your fun TRANSFORMERS play!





TRANSFORMERS ALTERNATORS

(Approximate retail price: $19.99; Recommended for ages 5 & up)

TRANSFORMERS ALTERNATORS are 1:24 scale vehicles have rubber-look tires and adjustable seats for an incomparable authenticity! The line is refreshed throughout the year with new additions. The following TRANSFORMERS ALTERNATORS will be available during Spring 2005: Ford Mustang GT/GRIMLOCK; Jeep Wrangler Offroad/SWINDLE; Honda S2000/WINDCHARGER; Chevrolet Corvette 2-BATTLE RAVAGE; Mazda RX-8 Race SHOCKBLAST.



For more information on Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS brand, please visit Hasbro’s web site at www.transformers.com or the home of the TRANSFORMERS Collectors’ Club at www.transformersclub.com.



Media Contact:

Ryan Silbert/Bob Friedland

Bratskeir & Company

212-679-2233



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[shaxper]

So Starscream will be the biggest one? That's definitely different.

I'm very excited about the new series, based upon the photos we've seen thus far. Has a release date been announced yet?

[REX-203]

The article says Summer of 2005. Seems a little ways away, considering the toys have been out in Japan since like December.

[shaxper]

That pretty much falls in line with the normal release schedule. The idea is to have a fully stocked line on shelves by December. Of course, that usually means the big distributers' warehouses are stocked by December, but the toys don't actually hit shelves until the week before Christmas (if even).

[admin1 aka Ed]

I was truly shocked at how big the new King Starscream is. At TF New York the displayed looked as it it was bout 12" tall, like the Omega Supreme size.

[REX-203]

shaxper said:

That pretty much falls in line with the normal release schedule. The idea is to have a fully stocked line on shelves by December. Of course, that usually means the big distributers' warehouses are stocked by December, but the toys don't actually hit shelves until the week before Christmas (if even).

That's true. Same thing happened here during Christmas of 2003. TF Energon had been out for a while, but never hit New Orleans shelves until a few days before Christmas.

I'm not sure yet how I feel about the jumbo sized Starscream. Maybe if it fits into the storyline somehow, but even so... I may end up getting the Galaxy Force version to open.

One thing I do like about the US version, however, is the crown accessory. Definitely a cool touch.

[Protoform-S]

REX-203 said:

One thing I do like about the US version, however, is the crown accessory. Definitely a cool touch.

REX, the Takara version won't have this accessory?

[REX-203]

I don't think so. It's been out for a while and couple of people I know online who have it have made no mentions of a crown.

[Protoform-S]

REX-203 said:

I don't think so. It's been out for a while and couple of people I know online who have it have made no mentions of a crown.

Thanks for the input, REX!

This should help collectors in deciding whether to get the GF or the Cyb versions. ;D