Generation 1

The earth is a battleground. An age-old struggle for control of the universe is taking place. Ordinary looking planes, cars and vehicles suddenly transform into mighty robots that wage war with the advanced armoury of super technology. An erupting volcano revives the dormant cargo of a space ship that crashed four million years ago. Two types of transformers emerge: the power-hungry, evil Decepticons and the Autobots who, with help from human allies, must use courage and ingenuity to defeat the Decepticons.

TRANSFORMERS are one of the hottest toys on the market. For those who haven't jumped on board the bandwagon yet, Hasbro re-releases all the figures from the previous year. Fans look forward to the introduction of several new characters, including the CONSTRUCTICONS construction vehicles, a team of six DECEPTICONS that turn into individual robots and combine to form DEVASTATOR, a larger robot. This is the first of many "merge group" TRANSFORMERS (figures that combine to form a larger one).
The first mail-order TRANSFORMERS are offered. Fans clip "robot points" from product packaging and fill out a form to order the Omnibots, reinforcement warriors from Cybertron; the S.T.A.R.S. Command Center playset; and the AUTOBOT Warrior emblem watch. Other mail-away offers include the DECEPTICON triple threat, Reflector figure, as well as classic TRANSFORMERS reissue toys.


Another TRANSFORMERS trend begins with the introduction of the TRIPLE CHANGERS - DECEPTICON figures with three modes of change. Over the years, as the figures become more complex, many TRANSFORMERS feature up to six different modes!

The Insecticons, robots that turn into (you guessed it!) insects, make their debut, as well as the AUTOBOT JUMPSTARTERS figures. The JUMPSTARTERS feature pull-back motion - pull them back on the floor and let go, and they move forward and change into robots.

Other figures released this year include the DINOBOTS, dinosaurs that change into robots; some of the most popular characters in this group are GRIMLOCK, SLUDGE and SWOOP dinos. Also hitting store shelves: SHOCKWAVE, the first electronic Transformer with lights and sound.

You may have thought the tales of the Transformers were over, but in Japan there were many stories yet to be told!

By popular demand, the Japanese continuation of the TRANSFORMERS begins here! Replacing events of the US 4th Season, classic G1 characters return for all-new titanic clashes. A year since the energy of the Matrix was released, Optimus Prime leads the Autobots on Cybertron, but peace is soon shattered as Galvatron and the Decepticons launch a deadly offensive. Both sides gain new allies with the startling arrival of the Headmasters!

Prepare to meet new friends, foes, and many familiar faces as the Autobots, led by the immense power of Fortress Maximus, battle the Decepticons led by the monstrous Scorponok. With both Cybertron and Earth's very existence at risk, war spans the far reaches of the galaxy and some heroes will not survive!

Since the Decepticons were driven off Earth, a small team of Autobots have watched over us. Assuming human size and appearance, they are Pretenders. Their caution is rewarded: the Decepticon Pretenders soon appear, and conflict escalates. With the power of Masterforce, both sides recruit new heroes, as humans join the fray, combining with Transtector bodies to fight! Behind it all, a sinister force manipulates events, culminating in the creation of the most powerful super robot - the Godmasters!

Set in 2025 A.D., Transformers Victory introduces Star Saber, the mightiest Cybertron (Autobot) warrior and the greatest swordsman in the galaxy. The Destrons (Decepticons) are continuing to invade planets throughout the universe, so the Cybertrons have joined with the humans to form the Space Defense Force, with Star Saber as its leader. Leading the Destrons is Deathzaras, who has targeted Earth as the next planet to plunder.

Following on from Victory, the mysterious three-faced insectoid being, Violenjiger dispatches the nine "Great Decepticon Generals" - Devastator, Menasor, Bruticus, Trypticon, Predaking, Abominus, King Poseidon, Overlord and BlackZarak - to acquire "Zone Energy," destroying the planet Feminia to obtain the world's store. Caught in the destruction of the planet, Star Saber is rescued by Dai Atlas, who then repels an attack by the Decepticons, and is appointed the new Autobot commander at the conclusion of the episode.

Hasbro reissued G1 Transformers in vintage style packaging, exclusive to Wal-mart initially.