Toy Fair 2010 coverage rolls on with the next brand from Hasbro: Transformers

FIGURES AND MORE EXCLUSIVE!!

TOY FAIR 2010: HASBRO: TRANSFORMERS

Transformers: With the movie behind us, Hasbro is preparing to switch gears this year with it’s Transformers brand, as they look ahead to the next installment of the film franchise, due in 2011. This year, in addition to bridging the gap between Revenge of the Fallen and the next film, Hasbro will be introducing new versions of classic characters that celebrate the entire 25 year history of Transformers. Here’s what’s in store

The excitement from Revenge of the Fallen continues as the Autbots on Earth join forces with their human counterparts in N.E.S.T. to battle the Decepticons. It begins this Spring, with the N.E.S.T. Battle Pack. This pack includes two specially repainted figures: Battlefield Bumblebee and Infiltrator Soundwave. This pack kicks off a special promotion. In this promotion, all of the N.E.S.T. figures have a sicker on them. Three of these stickers can be redeemed for a special Ravage figure that will not be available anywhere else. The offer requires a payment of $4.95 shipping and handling. Figures participating in this offer cover all of the different classes of figure (Scout, Legends, Deluxe. Voyager and Leader) and include: Strike Mission Sideswipe, Tuner Mudflap, Recon Ironhide and Shadow Command Megatron.

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In the Fall, a new promotion will start called “Hunt for the Decepticons.” More information about his promotion will likely be released at San Diego Comic Con. With this promotion will come a phasing out of the “Revenge of the Fallen” packaging, which will be replaced by new generic “Transformers” packaging, indicative of the shift in theme for the brand. There is an incredible new Leader scale Starscream as well as a new “battle damaged” Leader Optimus coming. Here are images of some of the new Transformers you can expect to see this year.

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Bumblebee continues to prove on of the most popular Transformers. To celebrate this popular character, Hasbro is releasing a special, larger scale figure called Battle Ops Bumblebee. It features two distinct modes: Battle and Guardian. It will feature light and sound and a converting plasma cannon. It will be available in the Fall for $59.99.

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The huge success of Devastator has led Hasbro to introduce a new segment in the Transformers brand: Power Core Combiners. In this new line, there will be two different types of figure: a 2 pack combiner and a 5 pack combiner. Each 2 pack consists of one Scout scale figure and one Mini-con scale figure. The Scout scale figure features a ‘robot’ mode and a ‘vehicle’ mode.  The Mini-con scale figure has four modes: ‘robot’ mode, robot weapon, vehicle weapon and Power-up Armor for combining with the central Scout scale figure in both robot and vehicle mode. Two packs scheduled for release include: Huffer (w/ Caliburst), Icepick (w/Chainclaw), Leadfoot (w/Pinpoint), Searchlight (w/Backwind), Sledge (w/Throttler) and Smolder (w/Chopster). The two packs will be available in the Fall for $9.99. Each 5 pack consists of one Scout style figure and four Legends style figures. The five figures combine to form a larger scale figure.The Scout scale figure features one ‘vehicle’ mode and two ‘robot’ modes and each of the Legends scale vehicles can plug into the specially marked ports on the central Scout scale figure to instantaneously convert into an arm or leg using auto-conversion technology. All figures can be swapped out with one another to form multiple different combinations and new figures. Five packs scheduled for release include: Aerialbots and Combaticons. These will also be available in the Fall and will retail for $19.99.

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Hasbro is also releasing a line of Transformers designed to help kids enjoy their favorite characters without having to worry about complicated transformations. Called Activators, the innovative new line features “instant” transformation that is activated by pressing the Autobot or Decepticon shield. Characters announced so far include: Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Megatron. Activators will be available this Spring and will retail for $7.99 each.

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Finally, for those kids looking to expand their Transformers role play arsenal, Hasbro is releasing the Optimus Prime Cyber Sword. Modeled after the weapon seen in the movie, it features a glowing blade, battle and conversion sounds and phrases from the movie. It will be available in Fall 2010 and will retail for $ 19.99.

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That does it for Transformers. Next up from Hasbro’s showroom: G.I. Joe continues their battle with COBRA.