Rework's
G2 European Transformers Gallery
Back To Rework's Index
Through most of the Transformers run, the American and European releases were pretty much the same. There were slightly different assortments released in different countries, but there were very few toys that weren't released in both regions.
But in later years, that changed. Starting with the Action Masters, there were entire sets of toys released in Europe, but not in the USA (or Japan, either, in most cases). This reached it's peak during the G2 years. This gallery shows some of these toys.
On G2: A few people have pointed out that the Turbomasters and Predators were not really G2 toys. While technically that's true, if we want to be technical, the Cyberjets, Laser Rods and Go-Bots also lacked the "G2" label. So I submit that the term "G2 - Generation 2" be used to describe all of the toys that came between the Action Masters and Beast Wars. These toys shared a common style generally identified by their brighter colors, less realistic vehicle modes and firing weapons. Sure there are some exceptions, but IMHO, these toys taken as a group are readily identifiable as "different" from the G1 toys that they followed.
(Please note that comments on these toys are from a purely American point of view. Mainly because I live in the USA!)
Thunderclash, the leader of the G2 Autobot Turbomasters, was one of the most impressive toys released in the G2 years. It was eventually recolored and released in the US as Machine Wars Optimus Prime, but one of the best features had to be removed. The missile launcher on this version actually has an autoloading feature that lets the toy fire multiple shots from each launcher. Sadly, this did not meet US safety standards, so they had to be modified into the single-shot version on the MW toy.
Pyro and Clench. Almost like 2 "Thunderclash Juniors", each of these vehicles break apart into a robot and a missile launcher. Overall, pretty nice toys. A few years ago, these guys were going for $100 a piece, but a warehouse find brought prices down to under $20. They are going back up, but these are still very reasonably priced and among the best buys you'll find among the G2 imports.
Originally released as G2s in Europe (and Canada), these two toys were recolored, disarmed, and released in the US as Machine Wars Sandstorm and Soundwave. The originals had flashier colors and came with firing missile launchers. Stalker also had the "Scopemaster" feature. If you look into the eyepiece on his missile, you will see an image of Rotostorm being "targeted".
Rotostorm and Stalker, loose. I really like these guys better then their Machine Wars counterparts. Plus they look a lot more impressive decked out with the extra missiles!
Flash and Boss are two of the Autobot Turbomaster cars. Each is similar to the regular G2 Autobot cats, similar in complexity, a little larger... But these cars also come with a firing missile launcher . That is the one feature which prevented them from being released in the USA.
Scorch & Hurricane. These are the other two Turbomaster cars.
Skydive and Talon. The counterparts to the Autobot Turbomaster cars were the Decepticon Predator jets. Again these toys were in many ways similar to the standard G2 jets we received, but were slightly larger and had a firing missile feature. These also interacted with the Scopemaster feature of the larger two Predators (Skyquake and Stalker). Each jet could clip onto the top of the scope which would then show a target image of that jet's Autobot rival.
Falcon & Snare. These are the other two Predator Jets. (I do not currently have a carded Falcon.)
Ironfist (the Autobot Lightformer) and Calcar (the Decepticon Trakkon) were two vehicles with another innovative feature. When you look into the eyepiece on the back of their cannons and turn a knob, you see the effect of lasers firing at the target. It's kind of a neat feature. Other than that, these are standard G2 style Transformers. These toys came both boxed and carded. There are also a pair of jets (Deftwing and Fearswoop) that were in this line.
In the US, we received 4 Color-changers, 2 Autobots and 2 Decepticons. Well, in Europe, they received 8. The 4 we received were all Autobot Aquaspeeders. These two, Drench and Aquablast were two of the Decpeticon Stormtroopers. There's nothing particularly special about them. They are just a few more designs that failed to make it to our stores.
Rage and Hydradread are the remaining two Stormtroopers.
Another series that was completly missed in the states were the G2 Powermasters. These have no relation to G1 Powermasters. These were small Transformers, roughly Throttlebot sized, with only marginally better transfomations, and with pull-back action. The PM feature was that the pull-back action could be activated and deactivated by inserting their weapon into a hole on the vehicle. While not the best toys, they are some of the more reasonably priced imports and do have a fan following.
This first one is the Decepticon Bulletbike.
The Decepticon Staxx.
The Autobot Meanstreak.
The Autobot Ironhide... Though not necessarily THE Autobot Ironhide.
Though not really an exclusive, these are variations on some G1 toys that were not released in the USA. Basicly these are two of the G1 Sparkabots re-molded in primarily clear plastic.
Send comments to tfrework@yahoo.com
Get your own Free Home Page