Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 3 "The Duel" Review

Deadput wrote:

Dr Va'al wrote:
The three writers producers credits:

Eric Calderon (Primetime Emmy Nominee) - http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1643748/
FJ De Santo - http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1858702/
George Krstic - http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1355577/?ref_=rvi_nm

Just going from what I'm hearing from the web until correction that's all.

william-james88 wrote:

Deadput wrote:

Dr Va'al wrote:
The three writers producers credits:

Eric Calderon (Primetime Emmy Nominee) - http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1643748/
FJ De Santo - http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1858702/
George Krstic - http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1355577/?ref_=rvi_nm

Just going from what I'm hearing from the web until correction that's all.

Interesting way to live life. Hopefully that changes when you get kids and wonder if they should be vaccinated or not

Kurona wrote:A lot of awful things have great names working on them. Great team =/= great product.

Kurona wrote:

Deadput wrote:

Dr Va'al wrote:AAAAARRGHGHGHGHRHGOERgajpjaàrjpbkoàsRFGKPÈs§bkeot, §vbkR

?

If they were able to get those guys onto the show then why is this show still awful as sin?

It's worse then Energon and that's saying something

A lot of awful things have great names working on them. Great team =/= great product.

Sabrblade wrote:

Dr Va'al wrote:For reference: the IMDB credit pages for the entire cast,

Bigger list of the cast and crew.

Deadput wrote:

Kurona wrote:A lot of awful things have great names working on them. Great team =/= great product.

Not saying it could of been perfect and I never thought we were getting the holy grail of Transformers media in the first place.


But I expected much better I would rather this have been a paid for product then a free one because we know usually stuff you have to pay for are better quality.

jON3.0 wrote:I'm still thrilled and honored to be officially working on my favorite franchise and I've always supported the franchise in good times and bad so it continues. There's a few things I wished I could talk about but being under legal constraint prevents me from discussing it on public forums. I did the job I was given to do as it was given me to do and those in charge are happy. As long as the bosses are happy, I'm happy.

william-james88 wrote:Interesting way to live life. Hopefully that changes when you get kids and wonder if they should be vaccinated or not

Dr Va'al wrote:yay for capitalist dogma

1984forever wrote:I like Windblade as a Nail trying to prevent more war, though the duel was meh.

The good thing is that this series brings Hasbro one step closer to the realization that only a G1 reboot can bring this franchise back to it's former glory.

Lynaxx_Pax wrote:Reboots have and can be very tricky to do right and have a tendency to, well, sour the franchise. I mean, Just look at the powerpuff girls, teen titans GO, and Primus help us, Adult party cartoon Given the current agreement with Hasbro and Cartoon Network, a G1 reboot may go down the same path as the former two

Burn wrote:Have to say, this episode was a tad disappointing. Not for the voices (I've said it before and I'll say it again, you're doing a good job Jon) but for the fight scene. It felt like it was there with a few grunt and groans just to highlight the animation.

And that seems to be the emphasis of this series, forget the story, forget the VA's who are getting a shot, lets show off our fancy animation.

Kurona wrote:Which, all things considered, is pretty shoddy animation.

Tyrannacon wrote:

Kurona wrote:

Dr Va'al wrote:

Galactic Prime wrote:

Tyrannacon wrote:I don't think/feel her performance was the issue to me personally. I think the issue here is more how the character was used than how the actor portrayed the character and how she was performed though. Take the actress who did the line's for the Mistress of Flame character, I feel her performance was particularly wooden and no feeling in. Like the lines were just being read with nothing behind them, but then I wonder if it is simply just part of the character.

I'm definitely trying to reserve my major judgement until I've seen the whole thing in entirety. I don't mind reading and talking about first impressions though.

Your first mistake here is calling these people actresses, they aren't professionals. These people Machinima used are all Facebook losers with no Voice Talent or professional work.

This kind of comment is uncalled for. Criticism of the series is fine, but insults towards cast, creators, or other people involved is not welcome here.

Not to mention that quite a few of them -are- qualified actors/actresses.

Thanks Va'al and Kurona. I appreciate the help here.

Anyone that performs in any kind of work produced for entertainment (professionally/independently) is considered to be playing a part which is very much defined as acting. Even parts with no lines and in the background is "acting" actually. Whether or not people are doing it for big budget or no budget, and still are playing a part is acting. They are actors whether professional or independent here. It's a role they are playing and that's what acting is loosely defined as.

What I said wasn't a mistake though, and frankly I am troubled by your lack of respect here regarding people that are trying to entertain others, such as us. That's a hard thing to do for even seasoned people. You can have issues with the performance of course, but lacking respect almost personally for the people behind it when you didn't like their ability isn't exactly a good attitude itself. It is basically an ad hominem attack against these people and that's not good.

Galactic Prime wrote:

Tyrannacon wrote:

Kurona wrote:

Dr Va'al wrote:

Galactic Prime wrote:

Tyrannacon wrote:I don't think/feel her performance was the issue to me personally. I think the issue here is more how the character was used than how the actor portrayed the character and how she was performed though. Take the actress who did the line's for the Mistress of Flame character, I feel her performance was particularly wooden and no feeling in. Like the lines were just being read with nothing behind them, but then I wonder if it is simply just part of the character.

I'm definitely trying to reserve my major judgement until I've seen the whole thing in entirety. I don't mind reading and talking about first impressions though.

Your first mistake here is calling these people actresses, they aren't professionals. These people Machinima used are all Facebook losers with no Voice Talent or professional work.

This kind of comment is uncalled for. Criticism of the series is fine, but insults towards cast, creators, or other people involved is not welcome here.

Not to mention that quite a few of them -are- qualified actors/actresses.

Thanks Va'al and Kurona. I appreciate the help here.

Anyone that performs in any kind of work produced for entertainment (professionally/independently) is considered to be playing a part which is very much defined as acting. Even parts with no lines and in the background is "acting" actually. Whether or not people are doing it for big budget or no budget, and still are playing a part is acting. They are actors whether professional or independent here. It's a role they are playing and that's what acting is loosely defined as.

What I said wasn't a mistake though, and frankly I am troubled by your lack of respect here regarding people that are trying to entertain others, such as us. That's a hard thing to do for even seasoned people. You can have issues with the performance of course, but lacking respect almost personally for the people behind it when you didn't like their ability isn't exactly a good attitude itself. It is basically an ad hominem attack against these people and that's not good.

OH get over yourself. The fact is none of them are professionals. None of them and the performance they gave is proof of it. You don't have to agree with me (But you'd be crazy not too), but my opinion on it is my opinion.

I have zero respect for talentless hacks who are taking money and work away from REAL voice actors who would have given us a FAR better performance.

Dr Va'al wrote:For reference: the IMDB credit pages for the entire cast, so everyone can stop jumping on the oh so easy bandwagon of 'it's just YouTubers/Facebookers' (whatever that means). They are all, ALL, voice actors. Maybe not long-established, but all professionals. Do they also produce content on YouTube? Yes. So does Steve Blum. So does Tara Strong. Give up.

Abby Trott, Windblade: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm7583837/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t1
Anna Akana, Victorion: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4331196/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t2
Amy Johnston, Maxima: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1829217/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t5
Frank Todaro, Starscream: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0865092/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t6
Lana McKissack, Mistress of Flame: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0572001/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t7
Ben Pronsky, Rodimus Prime: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1408690/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t8
Patrick Seitz, Devastator: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1365137/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t9
Jon Bailey, Optimus: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3929163/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t10
Jason Marnocha, Megatron: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4645694/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t11

The only 'lesser known' are the voices of Computron (Ricky Hayberg) and Menasor (Charlie Guzman).

o.supreme wrote:

Randomhero wrote:We already got a G1 reboot. It was called Transformers Animated and I'm not joking. Legitimately was the closest thing to a reboot the G1 cartoon and I still miss that series after 8 years.

I don't think I've read a more incorrect comment in a long...long time....and its scarier that others believe that.

william-james88 wrote:I dont think there is something wrong with a Mary Sue character per se, if its done well. For exmample Rey from The Force Awakens is a Mary Sue and there is nothing wrong wtih that. She's a strong female who can handle her own. Windblade is on another level though, filled with angst, just a ball of anger.

jON3.0 wrote:I'm still thrilled and honored to be officially working on my favorite franchise and I've always supported the franchise in good times and bad so it continues. There's a few things I wished I could talk about but being under legal constraint prevents me from discussing it on public forums. I did the job I was given to do as it was given me to do and those in charge are happy. As long as the bosses are happy, I'm happy.

Sabrblade wrote:Voice cast and production crew - http://collider.com/transformers-combiner-wars-trailer/

VOICE TALENT

• ANNA AKANA, Victorion. With her 1.8M followers across YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram, Akana is a social media powerhouse. As an actress, she has had roles in Marvel’s Ant Man, Hello, My Name is Doris, and Freeform’s The Fosters.
• JON BAILEY, Optimus Prime. Otherwise known as the “EpicVoiceGuy,” Bailey is perhaps most recognizable as the current narrator of Honest Trailers.
• CHARLIE GUZMAN, Menasor. Known best to his 2.6M YouTube subscribers as, “DashieGames,” Guzman has made a career out of gameplay videos. He’s built his impressive fan base by taking games like Grand Theft Auto and Mario Kart, and adding comedic commentary to his gameplay.
• RICKY HAYBERG, Computron. Ricky is an actor, writer, and the host for Machinima’s franchise show, ETC.
• AMY JOHNSTON, Maxima. Best known for her work with the production company, Bat in the Sun, Johnston has also cameoed in Machinima’s recent Street Fighter: Resurrection series.
• JASON MARNOCHA, Megatron. Marnocha is an actor and writer known best for his work on Throne of Atlantis, Deathstroke: Arkham Assassin, and Justice League War Abridged.
• LANA MCKISSACK, Mistress of Flame. McKissack is perhaps most well known for her YouTube channel, thanks to her comedy sketches. She also has an extensive list of acting credits that includes Four Rooms, The Magic Pearl, and The Passing.
• BEN PRONSKY, Rodimus Prime. Pronsky is a voice actor with various TV and video game credits. He’s provided the voice to characters in shows like Aldnoah.Zero, and Magi: The Kingdom of Magic, and for games such as Dynast Warriors 8 and D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die.
• PATRICK SEITZ, Devastator. With over 200 credits to his name, Seitz has provided voices for a variety of well-known films, TV shows, and video games. His work includes Inside Out, Monsters University, and Resident Evil: Damnation.
• FRANK TODARO, Starscream. Todaro is a voice actor with various video game credits. They include Shardlight, Technobabylon, and LittleBigPlanet 1 & 2 where he was the voice of the Buzz Lightyear.
• ABBY TROTT, Windblade. Trott is a voice actress with credits that include the TV series The Seven Deadly Sins and Miss Monochrome, as well as the video game Killer Instinct.

CREATORS

• ERIC CALDERON, Executive Producer. With over 20 years in animation, Calderon has developed more than a dozen animated TV series, including Afro Samurai with Samuel L. Jackson on SpikeTV.
• GEORGE KRSTIC, Head Writer. Krstic’s 20+ year writing and producing career has spanned comedy and action animation with big franchises like Clone Wars and Speed Racer, as well as stylish originals like MTV’s Downtown and The Five Killers. He is also the creator of the Cartoon Network series Megas XLR and writes for comics and major video game titles.
• FJ DESANTO, Writer. As a long itme development and production executive, Desanto has played an integral role in the Batman franchise and for films like Constantine and The Spirit. He has also served as a writer for DC Comics, Boom Studios, Archaia Entertainment, and Shopro Books. Desanto currently serves as President and Head of Development for Silver Fox Entertainment.
• TATSUNOKO PRODUCTION Japanese production company, Tatsunoko, serves as one of the legendary story-telling forces in Japanese anime and hero culture. They’re known for creating worldwide classics such as Speed Racer and Gatchaman (Battle of the Planets).

So, on the voice acting side, it's mostly YouTube people, minor actors, Jon Bailey, and Patrick Seitz.

And Tatsunoko happens to have done one Transformers cartoon series previously: Sanjou Gattai Transformers Go!, the cartoon whose TFs had zero mouth movement.

Burn wrote:Those "real" voice actors? They were nobody at some stage. Kudos to Machinima for giving a leg up to people trying to get into the business.

Or do we just hatch fully qualified professionals from little space eggs now?

Deadput wrote:

william-james88 wrote:Interesting way to live life. Hopefully that changes when you get kids and wonder if they should be vaccinated or not

Don't plan on having kids or a marriage just saying I want to get my own life on track before anything like that.


If I did I probably wont get my kids vaccinated unless they wanted to because I did not get vaccinated myself when I was a kid due to extreme fear of needles (which I still have) and I'm pretty much fine and I don't get sick often.

Galactic Prime wrote:
People who don't get vaccinated put the rest of us at risk, thanks for being a part of the problem

Galactic Prime wrote:
So, exactly what I said before, a bunch of no talent hacks from YouTube....

Deadput wrote:

Galactic Prime wrote:
So, exactly what I said before, a bunch of no talent hacks from YouTube....

Hey you

the mods and site staff have been telling us to shut up and you come along to reignite a flame that had already been damped.

Cut it out before they hound you for disobeying the rules.


Also plenty of the people on that list do have talent such as Jon it's not just voice acting that has to be good but the direction of the people making the show.

hinomars19 wrote:

Burn wrote:Those "real" voice actors? They were nobody at some stage. Kudos to Machinima for giving a leg up to people trying to get into the business.

Or do we just hatch fully qualified professionals from little space eggs now?

Don't be silly Burn, they are sent to us by God, y'know? And all those skills they have? Given to them by God.

Or would you suggest regular people, with aspirations and dreams as youngsters, set out to learn a skill, acquire and temper talent, then struggle tirelessly, climbing ladder after ladder, ever higher, until finally being noticed and getting that first job that puts them at the attention and approval of the people?

Say it ain't so

OK, about the series, I only watched ep 1 and it was on mute. I need to find some time to sit down with it.

Madeus Prime wrote:The only word I can come up with for this series is "lackluster". It's not bad, but it certainly isn't good. Everything seems a bit off, even if it's meant to draw new viewers in. The combiner's being treated as singular entities, the continuation of factionalism, Windblade's rage seems unfair, and Optimus is way to deus ex machina for my taste ("I'm here to stop yo- oh wait, they have the Enigma? Let's kick some ass even if I was exiled and you shot a politician!)

jON3.0 wrote:I'm still thrilled and honored to be officially working on my favorite franchise and I've always supported the franchise in good times and bad so it continues. There's a few things I wished I could talk about but being under legal constraint prevents me from discussing it on public forums. I did the job I was given to do as it was given me to do and those in charge are happy. As long as the bosses are happy, I'm happy.

Sunstar wrote:when is the third one gonna be released?

Dr Va'al wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:Again, "for non-US fans" is NOT correct. This is the third time I have told you; The Youtube Combiner Wars videos are NOT "international". I am in Japan and the video is Geo-Blocked. As I have stated before, in order to view these videos outside the USA/in geo-blocked countries, you need to copy and paste the url of the geolocked youtube video into the text entry box of any good "online youtube download" site (Google is your friend), and then download the video.

PLEASE check your facts, Seibertron.

The facts are, in fact, correct. The YouTube clip works for 'non-US viewers'. Not ALL non-US viewers, but for non-US viewers nonetheless. I'm not sure why nerves are so on edge today in this thread but here, a couple of points:

- As News Admin, I cannot spend all the time looking at all the comments to all news stories to ensure that all comments are taken on for all the posts that we all have to post in a number of geo/time zones. I will however remind you that the promotion of illegal or questionable acts is not allowed on Seibertron.com, so we cannot blanket promote your suggestion as not all applications are legit across the spectrum.

- Please contact me directly (vaal at seibertron.com or news at seibertron.com) if you have further complaints.


Thank you.

Randomhero wrote:Sooooo insults and attacks at Michael bay and the live movies are not an attack? Because I got some bad news you for here when live action news gets posted

I have messaged you about this post.

o.supreme wrote:I agree with part of this assessment. the episode was ok. The animation seemed a bit better on this one, but Windblade seems more like a frustrated child just lashing out at everyone and everything until Prime talks her down. "Only one can help us"--Victorion?

I was thinking more the likes of Megatron, actually. Maybe because of the trailer?

Tyrannacon wrote:

jON3.0 wrote:I'm still thrilled and honored to be officially working on my favorite franchise and I've always supported the franchise in good times and bad so it continues. There's a few things I wished I could talk about but being under legal constraint prevents me from discussing it on public forums. I did the job I was given to do as it was given me to do and those in charge are happy. As long as the bosses are happy, I'm happy.

You're doing really great work! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. It is very much appreciated and I am looking forward to seeing the series completed.

Ultimate Weapon1 wrote:Um I can't watch any of the episodes keeps saying my country is blocked, but I thought it was available in the USA,and China.

Ultimate Weapon1 wrote:Um I can't watch any of the episodes keeps saying my country is blocked, but I thought it was available in the USA,and China.

Genericon #378 wrote:1 episode and I can't stand Windblade (why does she exist, again? Oh right, feminists and stupid people, that's why.)

primalxconvoy wrote::SICK:

Dr Va'al wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:Again, "for non-US fans" is NOT correct. This is the third time I have told you; The Youtube Combiner Wars videos are NOT "international". I am in Japan and the video is Geo-Blocked. As I have stated before, in order to view these videos outside the USA/in geo-blocked countries, you need to copy and paste the url of the geolocked youtube video into the text entry box of any good "online youtube download" site (Google is your friend), and then download the video.

PLEASE check your facts, Seibertron.

The facts are, in fact, correct. The YouTube clip works for 'non-US viewers'. Not ALL non-US viewers, but for non-US viewers nonetheless. I'm not sure why nerves are so on edge today in this thread but here, a couple of points:

- As News Admin, I cannot spend all the time looking at all the comments to all news stories to ensure that all comments are taken on for all the posts that we all have to post in a number of geo/time zones. I will however remind you that the promotion of illegal or questionable acts is not allowed on Seibertron.com, so we cannot blanket promote your suggestion as not all applications are legit across the spectrum.

- Please contact me directly (vaal at seibertron.com or news at seibertron.com) if you have further complaints.


Thank you.

Randomhero wrote:Sooooo insults and attacks at Michael bay and the live movies are not an attack? Because I got some bad news you for here when live action news gets posted

I have messaged you about this post.

o.supreme wrote:I agree with part of this assessment. the episode was ok. The animation seemed a bit better on this one, but Windblade seems more like a frustrated child just lashing out at everyone and everything until Prime talks her down. "Only one can help us"--Victorion?

I was thinking more the likes of Megatron, actually. Maybe because of the trailer?

Dear vaal,

Thanks for the reply.

I am sorry but you are not correct. "For non-US viewers" is an absolute term. It states that ALL people outside the US can access the content, when this is not true. It is akin to saying "Humans are white". By omitting other skin tones, it implies that ALL humans are white. That is why I asked for a vaguer term.

I understand that it must be a chore to check every comment. That's why subtle, or vague statements could be used. Instead of checking, please post "For some countries outside the US".

The reason why, for me is that it's really frustrating to go to sites like this and be told that apps or videos are "out for everyone outside the US" time and time again, only to find out that they are geoblocked. If you are not sure something is absolutely true, please err on the sign of caution and don't state absolutes or specifics. That way, people won't come to the site, find out the fact is wrong and think less of the reporting. It's win-win for everyone.

Here are some other examples of language that might help you avoid this sitution in the future:

- "For people in some selected countries"
- "For some of you outside the US"
- "For those of you that can access this outside the USA"
- "With some exceptions, for those outside the USA"
- "Here is the Youtube link (for those that can access it)"

Also, you could include a "Does this video work for you? Let us know in the comments!" in the news post. That way, if someone says it doesn't work for them, the info can be used to update the article, or just left for discussion. It then shifts responsibility of reporting availability to the commentators, not the OP, which again does not make the reporting seem incorrect.

After time, patterns will emerge and future articles could state "May not be accessible in japan, COUNTRY NAME, COUNTRY NAME, etc").

As for the downloading sites, I did not post any links, which as I am sure you know, is very important for issues like this. I am sure that some subtle wording can be used to suggest a workaround (such as "If you are having trouble accessing the video try any third party youtube sites", etc). No URLs have to be given, and at least people in my position have a hint on how to access this free content(again, there is no legal problem if the content is free anyway).

I really hope you can adjust the language for further mobile app/video news such as this. I can't begin to tell you how frustrating it is to be to ignored by Youtube and then websites that post incorrect info, even after being told that the info is wrong.

Thanks in advance and for your time.

primalxconvoy wrote:Please be aware that whenever Seibertron, TFW2005, etc states the video is available "outside the USA", it is only in certain countries, and not for eveyone globally around the world (as the news posts have erroneously implied).

Deadput wrote:

Galactic Prime wrote:
People who don't get vaccinated put the rest of us at risk, thanks for being a part of the problem

Why?

Vaccines hardly help you get sick one way or another a vaccine won't stop or decrease chances.

Not like I could get them anyways I can't actually have needles injected into me for medical reasons.


I'm perfectly friggen fine thank you and you did not have to reply to a older comment about an argument that's we have been told to stop.

padfoo wrote:Some random thoughts;
Optimus looked way too stiff and blocky dodging Windblades attacks; in fact he looks too blocky entirely!
The action needed to be choreographed better, camera angles were wrong during the fight, and the characters needed to move faster
I loved Optimus using his energon ax, I just wish they updated is slightly with more detail, it looks too similar to the 30 year old version. I also like that they brought back the ability to levitate.....
Optimus, did groan too much, as if he was constipated....

All in I liked this episode. There is a lot of promise here if they executed this right, i.e. better script, characterization, and action choreography.

Galactic Prime wrote:

Deadput wrote:

Galactic Prime wrote:
People who don't get vaccinated put the rest of us at risk, thanks for being a part of the problem

Why?

Vaccines hardly help you get sick one way or another a vaccine won't stop or decrease chances.

Not like I could get them anyways I can't actually have needles injected into me for medical reasons.


I'm perfectly friggen fine thank you and you did not have to reply to a older comment about an argument that's we have been told to stop.

For the record, and this will be my last 'off topic' post. I reply to posts as I see them. So if I see a post as I'm reading through I reply to it and then go back to where I was and keep reading.

I'm also not on here every day, but regardless, your comment was not an OLDER comment, it was a day old at best.

That said, I won't post another off topic post, I just want to clarify how I read forums and how I reply to posts in them.