Optimus Prime
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Robosen's Optimus Prime Transformer robot truck gets an auto-converting trailer
Hasbro and Robosen have launched a companion trailer for Optimus Prime with equally cool auto-conversion features and an equally steep $750 price.
Robosen Robotics' Optimus Prime collectible responds to voice commands
Robosen Robotics has teamed up with Hasbro to build a programmable Optimus Prime collectible.
Pre-order Transformers: Fall of Cybertron, get G1 Optimus Prime
This trailer for Transformers: Fall of Cybertron features sweet guitar solos and a transforming G1 Optimus Prime. Players that pre-order the High Moon Studios-developed game at GameStop receive exclusive weapons and the G1 Optimus Prime character for use in both single-player and multiplayer modes.
US Judge rejects Hasbro / ASUS sales ban, Transformer Prime prevails
Coming up with original gadget names is tough work, and, after all, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery -- right? So it was no surprise when ASUS happened upon an alias that more than slightly resembled that of a popular fictional mutant semi -- you know, Transformer Optimus Prime. However shockingly, Hasbro wasn't a fan, opting to battle ASUS to the death in the U.S. court system. And, after countless weeks and many bank holidays, we finally have a victor. It appears that the leader of the Autobots will continue to share its name with the Taiwanese company's tablet -- that's what you get for leaving the fate of the world to mere human bureaucrats. Just don't be surprised when it comes time to name the world's next Superhero, Ms. Zenbook UX31.
Transformer Optimus Prime wants his name back, right now preferably
In a cunning bid to remind the adult world of its long-lost childhood, in which even the most vacuous fictional characters could somehow seem magical, Hasbro has suddenly decided to sue ASUS over its 'Transformer Prime' branding. It doesn't matter that the Transformer Prime really does transform -- you know, in real-life -- or that it exists in a non-competing market, or that the latest Transformers movie was a complete waste of everybody's time. Nope, Hasbro still feels the need to "aggressively protect its brands and products" from illusory enemies, and it's fully prepared to threaten ASUS with a sales injunction until some sort of conciliatory gesture appears on its bank statement. If this lawsuit takes hold -- please, not another Düsseldorf -- then we promise that our future children will never buy, watch or touch a single Hasbro product. Except maybe that R2-D2 version of Operation, which is pretty sweet.
Mimobot Transformers thumb drives are exactly what meets the eye
Oh, look, Mimoco is back with a couple of new USB flash drives. These particular Mimobots come in the likeness of everyone's second favorite morphing robot rivals -- Optimus Prime and Megatron. (Obviously Cy-Kill and Leader-1 take the top slot in our hearts.) Sadly, these Transformer thumb drives don't actually transform, but they do come preloaded with screensavers, wallpapers, and digital comics... if you're into that sort of thing. The Autobot and Decepticon leaders are available now, starting at $23 for 2GB of storage and reaching $60 for the 16GB model. PR is after the break.
Caption contest: Optimus Prime moonlights as clothes dryer
What does a superpowered Transformer do in his spare time -- you know, when he's not too busy starring in some of the worst written pieces of escapist cinema? Well, for one Taiwanese fella, there's nothing Optimus Prime likes doing more than supporting a bamboo stick used for hanging washed clothes. Seriously, the dude spent $1,600 on scrap metal, built a 14-foot model of his son's favorite mech superhero, and now has it serving as a spectacularly ornamental pivot for his washing. Classy. Oh, and video after the break. Richard Lai: [pumps up hydraulics] "Why hello there, cute little red car..." Tim: "Autobots, spin cycle!" Thomas: "Transformers: Revenge of the Snuggle Bear." Darren: "Man, it's chilly out today. Wait -- these aren't my threads! RAWWRRRR!" Paul: "Oh, sure, Shia said he'll be 'right back.' I hate that kid." Josh F.: "Do these windows make me look fat?" Laura: "Get Michael Bay on the phone. Immediately." Joanna: "Mommm, bathroom!" Chris: "After nine years, Johnny 5 finally admits that he'd been juicing." Joe: "There's not much more to this than meets the eye... sadly." Don: "You think this is impressive? Wait until you see Voltron mowing my lawn." Josh T.: "I need something to do until Transformers 3 rolls around. This cocaine isn't going to buy itself."
Delve into Champions Online's evil lairs trailer
Well look at this, a new Champions Online trailer has been released unto Gametrailers and thus, the world. It opens with an interesting winged angel superhero soaring into an intelligence meeting, but don't be fooled, this trailer's focus is solely on villainous lairs. Some of you would probably be more than happy with a video showcasing all the various wings and how they animate in flight (we spotted some Egyptian style wings in the trailer) but that's not happening today. Maybe there's a wings/flight video in the works, for all we know.There's some slightly cheesy voice acting and we're almost certain the narrator is attempting a commanding voice in the spirit of Optimus Prime, but the trailer is very enjoyable for what it is: campy superhero goodness. It may not be everyone's preference, but we're digging what we see and can't wait to raid some lairs come this September.Witness the full trailer embedded after the break.
Comics legend Marv Wolfman on his involvement with DC Universe Online
MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo caught up with DC Universe Online writer Marv Wolfman last week, to discuss what he's bringing to the table on SOE's upcoming super-hero MMO. (Despite Totilo's good-natured ribbing, the comics-industry veteran is certain his writing on DCUO will be able to top his resurrection of Optimus Prime in the original Transformers animated series, which some of our readers may remember.)Details about the game's storyline are scarce, as Wolfman hasn't begun working with the developers yet. As of last week, he was delving into the storyline written by Geoff Johns in preparation for turning that story into the missions (and capers) that players will run in DCUO. Wolfman hopes to create a sense that each mission or battle isn't a stand-alone event, and rather has some integration into a much larger story. Another challenge Wolfman is tasked with is striking a balance between keeping fans of DC comics titles happy, while keeping the game accessible to those who aren't necessarily well-versed in DC comic book canon. Check out the MTV Multiplayer piece on Marv Wolfman and his role in fleshing out DC Universe Online. Did you enjoy this? We've donned our capes and tights to explore SOE's DC Universe Online in-depth. Come explore more of Metropolis and Gotham with your friends at Massively!
Optimus Prime Peterbilt replica hits eBay
Focusing on the untransformed Optimus Prime is this $50k replica that has hit eBay's Canada store. The seller converted a 1994 Peterbilt into Hollywood's version of Optimus, complete with blue and red flame paint job, dozens of chrome switches, and a 17-inch entertainment system floating above the bunk in the back (and yes, the bunk has those Transformer sheets you had when you were 10 years old.)[Thanks, Jonny B.]
Takara Tomy's Transformers MP3 player gets photographed
Yeah, we've got a soft spot for all things Transformers, and while Takara Tomy's Transformers MP3 player isn't the most advanced DAP on the block, the fun factor is undeniable. Thankfully, the folks over at PrimeDiary were able to wrangle one of these bad boys up for themselves and snap a few photographs. Needless to say, we're envious, but go on and click through for a couple more shots of the MP3 player fanboys just have to have.
Optimus Prime PC case mod stands nearly seven-feet tall
It's one thing to create a Transformers-themed machine that doesn't actually, you know, transform, but to assemble a fully customized Optimus Prime PC case that morphs from a menacing computer into a full-fledged robotic destroyer deserves extra kudos. Pennsylvania's own John Mangus spent some 300-hours over the course of a year building his Optimus Prime machine, which amazingly stands in at six-feet, ten-inches in height and weighs 125-pounds. It's so big, in fact, that the backs of its legs actually house lockable compartments large enough to cram keyboards (and probably printers) into. Quite honestly, this thing would be impressive without a hint of PCB residing within, but be sure and click through for another angle of what's possibly the most coveted case mod we've seen in recent memory.
Today's most transformed video: Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime
When you hear Peter Cullen take his voice into that low, gravelly register and boom out "Autobots, transform and roll out!" as Optimus Prime, it's hard not to get goosebumps. At least, it is if you have any sense of nostalgia, consarnit.This video has a few looks at the upcoming Transformers game from Activision, and Cullen talks (briefly) about how he came up with the voice for a giant 18-wheeler robot leader, and some of his favorite lines from the show.Now, where's the Starscream retrospective and video documentary?
Transformers: Cybertron Edition details surface
Yesterday, we showed you the box art for Transformers: The Game Cybertron Edition, though at the time we didn't have any further details other than how it will look on store shelves. Well, now we've got the rundown of what sets the CE apart. First off, it's exclusively available at EBStop, which could be another article on its own. The CE will also have two bonus "Cybertron" levels, one for Decepticons and the other for Autobots. The second DVD will come with Behind the Scenes interviews with Shia Labeouf, as well as the voice actors for Optimus Prime and Megatron, Peter Cullen and Frank Welker. Finally, a prequel comic book will be packed in the limited edition packaging, and you can have it all for the MSRP of $69.99. Do you think it's worth it?
Transformers Movie toys transform green paper into silver plastic
Like Howie Mandel, the Transformers have been given yet another shot at a career -- but unlike Howie, we are like, totally love the Transformers. We'll do our best not to wax on with all the Transformers lore and all, but we'll just say the death of Optimus Prime made some pre-pubescent Engadget editors reevaluate their young lives. So it's with no small amount of nostalgia that prior to the release of the Michael Bay Transformers live action movie later this year, Hasbro's launched a new line of change-'em-up-robots. The new Prime, which keeps kind of in line with his original old school truck body (we have mixed feelings about the painted flames) will drop for $40 on June 2nd; a cost-crazy 14-inch tall 1/14 scale $80 Ultimate Bumblebee comes out this fall; also look forward to the $30 Optimus Prime Battle Rig Blaster (hey, wasn't that Megatron's gimmick?), and the $30 Prime Voice Changer Helmet, which makes your tykes sound a little more like Peter Cullen than you might like. Oh, how joyful this resurrected 80s mania for robots makes us.[Via Autoblog]%Gallery-1627%
Transformers bust out of Nike Free shoes
Just a few days ago, Transformers aficionados were likely elated to see the Optimus Prime iPod speaker dock, and now we've got one more option for you to add to your collection. Not too long after learning a few secretive details about the Nike Speed+ watch, now it seems that Convoy and Megatron are busting out of a pair of Nike Free 7.0 kicks, ready to rock and lace up their enemie. As the first two members of the Transformers Sports Label series, these items are actually half scale renditions of life-sized footwear, measuring around 6-inches in length but reportedly featuring all the same qualities of an actual Nike shoe. Interestingly, the two bots even rock a diminutive pair of Nike Free shoes themselves, but there's no word on if wearing these things actually gives you similar powers. Nevertheless, the inseparable set should start shipping by May, and while the standard edition will set you back $58.99, you might as well spring for the "Collector's Grade" for an extra four bucks.[Thanks, Yu-Ming]
Takara kicks out Transformers Optimus Prime iPod speaker dock
While Takara's no stranger to offering up unusual (albeit very tempting) goods, the firm is now pumping out one of the most unique (and trust us, that's saying something) iPod docks to ever hit shelves. Not too long after seeing a life-sized Gundam construction, our cartoonish fantasies are becoming ever more realized, as now we have the ability to pre-order the Optimus Prime Convoy iPod docking bay. As expected, the machine is coated in white, touts a (presumably weak) stereo speaker system, and even rocks a questionable "licensed by Apple" claim, but we'd be surprised if these guys have paid their 10-percent yet. Regardless, this guy transforms from big rig (pictured after the jump) to terrorizer in seconds flat, and can wheel your iPod around while blasting tunes from the trailer when not conquering villages and eliciting smiles. So if you need no more introduction, you can reserve one of these for yourself for $144, but we'd highly recommend the $2 upgrade for "collector's grade," whatever that means.[Via Plastic Bamboo]
Xbox 360 making cameo in Transformers movie?
Before we get to this, let's agree to hold off on all Xbox 360 power supply Energon cube jokes, just for a little while, kay? Alright, here goes. Gamespot points us to entertainment website The Movie Reporter, who claim to have gotten their popcorn-greased mitts on the script for Michael Bay's upcoming, slow-mo explosion fest remake of Transformers. So we know it's got explosions, we know it's got slow-mo, what else does it have? The Movie Reporter's Robert Sanchez writes, "I almost forgot to mention one of the most stupid scenes in the script ... For reasons that I won't get into, we see an iPod, Xbox 360, and plasma screens sprout legs and transform just a bit."Hmmm, well, yeah. Just a bit? Like the 360 transforms into a 360-with-legs? If there's a PS3 in this movie, we can expect a whole new metric for measuring the console wars, and just going on the two console's colors, we're guessing the 360 is an Autobot. Just sayin'! Commence Energon cube jokes ... now!See also:Transformers web site launchedActivision grabs Transformers movie license[Via Engadget]
E3 booth props from day 1
As much as we'd like to bring you photos from every square inch of the E3 show floor, there's a strong possibility that doing so might get in the way of other things... like blogging. Instead here's a quick take on some notable props and booth assets you may find interesting. More to come later!
