Through some dumb decisions that I wasn't aware of until it was too late, *UA-cam is not actually paying me for this video.* I am still getting paid for my back catalogue though, if you have the time, could you help a guy out? ua-cam.com/play/PL4pBFefOBUrAyNV-SnF_ux2sitl0ou77L.html
You bet! I actually just watched a bunch of your old reviews when you were on the MP side of things, I was very happy that you went to chug scale, it’s what made me want to go to chug
I'm confused about your term of, "diet review". Is it the length of the video? I feel like a diet review would be in the format of a UA-cam short. I love your reviews and skills at stop motion animation btw (I dabble but I don't have proper equipment to make anything decent). Not a critique, I'm genuinely curious.
@@random_toaster Diet refers to how much work I put into this. generally a drive in, transformation, articulation and the transform out are the only things animated. things like skits, jokes revolving around sets and animations, extra bits of fun animation I do, etc are cut from the production process and I just focus on talking with a smattering of stop motion thrown in
The amount of engineering that went into this that it doesn't just have an ugly backpack in robot mode is astonishing. People say modern engineering is incredible, but this was the true prime.
@@pancho855 I own two copies of Smokescreen. There are a few different versions (2 different rally car numbers/drivers/co-drivers). One is the plastic American Alternators version (#8) the other is a dicast Binaltech version (#7). The #8 car Binaltech one I want is also. Apparently Takara released two more in 2004 of the 2004 WRC car. I want those too. 😁
I miss realistic vehicle modes. Robots following vehicle mode makes way more sense from a story perspective. It always bothered me in the G1 cartoon that the robot modes had Earth-mode kibble when they still had supposedly Cybertronian alt-modes. Since then the Bumblebee movie has demonstrated that even when the robot modes look a little different, characters can still be easily recognizable as long as the color scheme and general aesthetic is still there.
The Bumblebee movie demonstrated many things, and that's what makes it good. I hope Wheeljack looks the same way he did in Bumblebee, but with new rusty van kibble parts.
@@stivers56 actually I think armarda did funny though that there cybertron robot modes look like they have more earth life features than there actual earth modes
@@cyberfire7191 no no beast wars did if you look close enough in the first episode you’ll notice Megatron lacks any beast kibble prior to assuming his t-rex mode, beast wars ii also reinforces this
My wife gave this guy as a Christmas gift, it's the only one of the Subarus that broke. Still got 12 of these bad boys and 3 Binaltechs. These toys are real masterpieces, hope transformer reviewers revisited them more often.
I love the Alternators, I have Sliverstreak, Wheeljack, Windcharger, Optimus and my favorites Swindle and Shockwave. They are really awesome, wish we could get some new ones...
Such a good review, man. My first Alternator was Smokescreen and I loved it so much. I remember being hopeful and excited of where the line would go. While the vehicle modes were FANTASTIC, the bot modes seemed to get less and less love. Still a cherished line to this day. 👍🏼
Favorite Alternator was a tie between Windcharger and Hound. Both great vehicles and both great robots. Though the windcharger is a bit more fun to transform. The rollbars on Hound are really fun to transform though. When the Bayfilms were first announced I was with the group of people that thought Bay would use the Alternators/Binaltech lines as a base for the transformers. I mean the work was all done and that would have been a nice thing. Instead we got the robotvomit transformations where Bay was like "Lets see how hard we can work the CGI department" when it came to transforming. These cars and trucks were amazing and it was a shame we never got to see them on the Silverscreen.
Words can't really express how much I miss alternators, knowing MPs are about cartoon accuracy now I just want a new separate MP line that is based on making transformers but the most realistic way possible as Alternators were, with new cars, different faces, better engineering etc.
I started off collecting 1:24 scale die-cast model cars as a kid so I begged for these in my collection. Even now I still want them to blend in with my die-cast collection, especially with how you praise the car modes!
“Alternators is 20 years old”. Remember that scene from “The Last Crusade” where the guy chooses the wrong Holy Grail and then ages rapidly until he dies? Yeah, what I’m feeling rn 😂
alternators is kinda what ive wanted to do as a 3rdparty line. Like i have this concept for like a modern prime wit ha flat cap that mixs headmasters and alternators so yu can modle the interior. Basicaly my goal ifi can even get it off the ground is 1/24 vehicles that transform but you cant tell from the alt mod and it just looks like its a1/24 model. that why acessories liek the head and weapons ifyou cant intergrate them are seperate parts. If it doesn't help the alt mode it comes packed seperatly.
Alternators brought me back to Transformer collecting. This mold is why I fell in love again with the brand. To this day I display my Alternator Smokescreen. So ahead of its time.
I agree in that if they brought back the Alternators, they'd be Masterpiece-priced. Worse, they might be Hasbro Pulse or Amazon exclusives to bump the price up more.
I love this TF line! I remember being so stoked when Binaltech was announced and the first figures had die-cast and Smokescreen had rally-accurate variants for each driver. Ricochet gets a big pass from me on engineering bc it’s the same mold as that very first toy released, even though it came much later in the line. These figures were incredibly premium for the cost. If they could do another line of these now at around $50-60 USD, I think they’d have a major hit on their hands.
Great review. I loved my alternators. Top tip: I took a dremel to the "hip" bits on the top of the legs and carved out the inside corners to allow a LOT more articulation. Now the legs can bend 90 degrees forward.
This was the line that got me back into collecting Transformers. I still have them in my collection. You said it...they were the masterpieces of their time.
It really is my preference when Transformers prioritizes alt modes over the robot mode. Especially since that real life transforming car showed us that an odd looking robot is more realistic.
it doesn't quite have to be though. take for instance Studio Series Offroad bee. somehow the thing is a perfectly proportionate, and even semi functional mini alternators figure, and yet the robot looks aweomse (with the caveat of faux chest)
I remember my first transformer was the alternator smokescreen. I would always put it next to my tv when I was playing gran turismo 3 because one of the rally car looks just like him. When I got cybertron hotshot, I was really disappointed because he didn't had the same feature as smokescreen. I was just a kid back then and my expectations were unrealistically high. The alternator toys really set the bar high for me.
I was just thinking about Alternators the other day. The only one I have had is Optimus and I always wanted Smokescreen and Skids. Alternators are still very cheap nowadays so I am gonna try and track some down
I admire your ability to get your audience hyped for whatever is the subject of the video. I was entertained all the way through. The use of stop motion, the transitions, the photography, the advertisements, and the actual review, all top tier. If I could subscribe 100 times I would.
Shockwave ended up being a nice looking figure, and prowl was not a repaint of smokescreen/silver streak which was unexpected. Some robots certainly ended up better than others, but it’s still the craziest thing that Ravage got two toys in this line and one of them had a beast mode!
I actually have a soft spot for the robot modes in this line (yes, even Tracks's). To me, they perfectly capture that stocky and bulked up aesthetic I associate with 2000's Transformers figures.
What I like about alternators is not only the fact that they have super realistic vehicles is that they make sense because in the movies I wasn’t such a big fan of the bots turning into these rare and expensive cars when they’re supposed to be in disguise, so although the Subaru is a really nice car and make great rally car but people aren’t going to stare at it for as long as they can
Didn't know there was a Ricochet in this line. I definitely want to make room for some character from this era someday. The Mirage/Rodimus mold looks like fun, as well.
The only Alternators fugue i was able to pick up when these were in stores (at a Toys'R'Us, no less) was the Shockwave Mazda RX8. Still one of my favorites!
Maybe you should add the fact that hasbro decide to use all plastic materials for the Alternators series while Takara went crazy with a diecast part for the majority of the car shell parts which add makes it a super premium finish and more realistic feeling on the alt mode itself.
It's always nice when transformers look like they came from their alt mode rather than wearing parts of it like a poncho. For example, Classics Bumblebee having the front seats as part of the thighs, Starscream's nosecone sticking out from his back, or Frumble's chest looking like a tape
This was the line that got me back into Transformers. Classics, and eventually MP took their place but I couldn't wait to hunt down the latest Alternators when they released. The likenesses and familiar characters with the modern vehicles was an absolute stroke of brilliance. So many fond memories of a simpler time... I still find it hard to believe that these haven't increased in value as much as they deserve, after seeing recent figures from the Siege and Earthrise lines going for insanely high $$$. I can still find them at cons for $10-$20 loose, bargains by today's standard.
@@TheLazyEyebrow A few years back, I bought the Binaltech version of Smokescreen for $10. The paint on the BTs is AMAZING compared to the plastic Alts. Paid less than $20 for a boxed BT Prowl as well. I'd rather buy those than any current voyager or deluxe class and pay more.
Alternators as a line amuses me because of the sheer juxtaposition between these scale models making compromised but charming robot modes out of Energon-era engineering vs current Masterpiece going out of its way to make the transformations as tedious and convoluted as possible just to make the front of the robot, and only the front, match the G1 animation model.
Wow, this guy looks absolutely awesome! I might have to get him, for some reason the proportions just work for me. As for the gun, I'm just gonna call it a "freeze ray" considering the parts it's made of.
Cool it with the coolant questions. You'll catch the unwanted attention of international coolant conglomerates. They'll put you on ice if you're not more careful.
I'm no scale model enthusiast, and yet Alternators was always one of my favorite lines. I've got nearly every figure that was released at retail. "Ironic" to this video, however, Ricochet is one of the few holes in my collection that I never managed to fill.
Personally I prefer the Smokescreen version as I grew up on the WRC but I do love this figure’s gaudy look, the aftermarket spoiler is also a good touch
1) Alternators/Binaltech is my 2nd favorite toy line after G1. Like you I LOVED the car modes. (I also love the story line was a continuation of G1.) 2) You gave me a wonderful idea what to do with a spare parts Jazz I have - he will donate his head to make a more accurate Ricochet! Thanks!!
When this line came out my G1's were in a box at my parents and I was not yet a "collector." I never really felt I missed out on the Alternator/Binaltech line until watching this review. It is very unfortunate that we will never see a line like this again at that price point. Thanks for the review. As always I enjoyed it!
I LOVED ALTERNATORS/BINALTECH! They were the original Masterpieces (vehicle mode at least) but man I wish this kind of detail was in the vehicle modes of the modern masterpiece figures :(
My ideal Transformers line would be a hybrid of Alternators, and Studio Series! Maybe a bit of Human Alliance thrown in there! But if I were to design my own Transformer toys, I’d be sure to build them out of parts and materials that are built to last! AND I’d only add paint where, in car and robot mode there actually WOULD be paint, as I’d try to have as many parts be actual separate colored pieces built INTO the toy itself! And that’s another thing! I want this to be an actual TOY to be played with, and messed with! Without people having to worry about chipped paint or cracking plastic. In fact, I’m thinking of modeling all the parts for a custom Bumblebee toy in blender based on the Pontiac Solstice that we have in our garage! Long story short, Alternators is the GOAT when it comes to figures that are true robots in disguise!!! Human Alliance was like a slightly more budget friendly “alternative” (get it?😂 “alternators”…”alternative”) but seriously, Human Alliance was also an excellent line that gave younger collectors a more accessible and usually easier version of Alternators, based on the original movies! I’d love to make a custom 3D printed TF Toy (or at least a prototype) that captures that same detailed and interactive model car aesthetic that Alternators/Alternity/BinalTech/Human Alliance captures, but with more playable and intricate robot modes that are more like the Studio series, with gymnastic articulation, and secure tabs and stuff but not cringe worthy to get unlocked! (And as shown in your epic review, the ability to build filler pieces out of existing car parts!!! I was blown away at how brilliant that was! AND THATS ALMOST EXACTLY WHAT I WOULD IMAGINE MOST OF A TRANSFORMER TO BE LIKE, AND HOW IT WOULD TRANSFORM IN REAL LIFE: CAR PARTS FOLDING, SPINNING, MOVING AND COMING TOGETHER TO BECOME LARGER PARTS OF ROBOT MODE LIKE THE GUT, OR ARMS OR LEGS!) Anyway, I love the Alternators line, and I love your videos dude! As an animator myself, you are certainly an inspiration to me! I’m currently working on some short stop motion/mixed media animation clips and I just wanna thank you for continuing your awesome, funny, and creative videos!!! Keep it up dude! (And I hope you’re doing well and had a wonderful Christmas!!!)
Ahhh Ricochet, one of my favorite Alternator figures. My first car was an Acura RSX (Prowl) and my second was a Subaru Impreza (Ricochet). Hence why they are on full display in my room and my profile picture!
AWESOME! I LOVE ALTERNATORS & BINALTECH! This is the series that got me back into Transformers. I always imagined updates to the G1 Figures using modern day vehicles. Ricochet is one of the better figures, but we did get so many repaints of this mold that it made it less impressive with each iteration. *FUN FACT #1 this mold was actually made in Left and Right Hand Drives and is a variant within the Silverstreak mold. My Favorite Alternator is Mirage. He is also the only one that had a rear-engine design. Shockwave / Laserwave is my second favorite as I love the RX-8 design and I feel that is one of the best designs that overall captures the spirit this line was going for. My Holy Grail is the BT-17 Wonderfest Nemesis Prime MISB. One day I will get that figure to complete my entire Binaltech set. I think this would be a great spin-off series to do reviews on being you're such a car enthusiast. I never noticed the molded Rotar and Caliper on the wheel. This line also drew me into making Custom Alternators of characters using 1/24 scale models or Remote Control Car chasis to create other members of the team that I wish they would have made. *FUN FACT #2 Kreons fit PERFECT in the seats of Alternators. One of the reasons I got into Kre-o back when they came out. Alternity was a cool concept as I love Bumblebee and Cliffjumper and that Megatron and the Seekers finally got a vehicle Alt mode. I wish they would have kept Alternity the same scale, but used the new engineering into the figures as the Race Car Girl that came with them would have made more sense as they would have been able to fit in the car. I could go on and on about this line as it is still my favorite as I'm a car enthusiast as well. Hope you do more of these. I wish they would take another shot at this line given how far MP engineering and designs have come in 14 years. Always love when Alternators / Binaltech get some love!
I still have the silver version of this (Silverstreak) which was awesome because I actually owned the very same colour & model of Impreza in real life, was so cool owning my own car as a transformer!
I actually own a few of these. windcharger is a really solid entry for a vehicle mode. prowl in robot mode is a nightmare. there are some ways to manipulate the parts to make them more manageable and add in some articulation
I'd highly suggest watching the Toy Armada With Aaron Archer episode on Alternators, it's a fascinating listen. It's just such a unique thing that could only have happened during the mid-2000s Era where they were trying to do stuff that was new and unique.
This was the first Alternators figure I've had and seems to be among the best of the toyline. I've since obtained the Alternators Optimus Prime which makes many more sacrifices in robot mode than this mold.
Love your videos. Just got Galvatron the legacy and coronation Starscream on Wednesday at Walmart. Waiting for a new decepticon which is the apc transformers prime Soundwave he will be also coming with Laserbeak
I have the Smokescreen mold of this figure, which was part of the first wave of Alternators. Looks like they didn't change anything other than color for this repaint.
excellent review! I'm picking up alternators windcharger- it's shipping as i type this- and it's good to hear someone else put into words why this line is so cool. Frankly, i chose windcharger (the honda S2000 mold) not only because he has an insane transformation, but because he's a convertible so you can actually see all that awesome detail.
Man, I'd love a new version of the Alternators / Binaltech line. Those perfectly scaled alt modes with better modern robot mode engineering would be unbearably amazing!
If they did do a new Alternators line, I think I'd really like to see them as their G1 alt modes first, then modern vehicles second. Or maybe they could do something crazy and 'alternate' (see what I did there?) between classic and modern between releases. I'm not drooling! You're drooling!
On that topic of modern figures, it’s a funny thing to me. On one hand modern figures have much better articulation, but in the other hand they also have lower and lower parts counts as well as smaller sizes and more hollowed figures. I miss these sort of older figures where it almost felt like there was no budget restrictions.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Through some dumb decisions that I wasn't aware of until it was too late, *UA-cam is not actually paying me for this video.* I am still getting paid for my back catalogue though, if you have the time, could you help a guy out?
ua-cam.com/play/PL4pBFefOBUrAyNV-SnF_ux2sitl0ou77L.html
as in, watch everything else? sure!
You bet! I actually just watched a bunch of your old reviews when you were on the MP side of things, I was very happy that you went to chug scale, it’s what made me want to go to chug
I'm confused about your term of, "diet review". Is it the length of the video? I feel like a diet review would be in the format of a UA-cam short. I love your reviews and skills at stop motion animation btw (I dabble but I don't have proper equipment to make anything decent). Not a critique, I'm genuinely curious.
for sure! I like showing you videos to new people when they hang out with me
@@random_toaster Diet refers to how much work I put into this. generally a drive in, transformation, articulation and the transform out are the only things animated. things like skits, jokes revolving around sets and animations, extra bits of fun animation I do, etc are cut from the production process and I just focus on talking with a smattering of stop motion thrown in
The amount of engineering that went into this that it doesn't just have an ugly backpack in robot mode is astonishing. People say modern engineering is incredible, but this was the true prime.
I really do love it
Alternators Smokescreen was ahead of his time, and nobody has yet caught up to him.
@@pancho855 I own two copies of Smokescreen. There are a few different versions (2 different rally car numbers/drivers/co-drivers). One is the plastic American Alternators version (#8) the other is a dicast Binaltech version (#7). The #8 car Binaltech one I want is also. Apparently Takara released two more in 2004 of the 2004 WRC car. I want those too. 😁
I miss realistic vehicle modes. Robots following vehicle mode makes way more sense from a story perspective. It always bothered me in the G1 cartoon that the robot modes had Earth-mode kibble when they still had supposedly Cybertronian alt-modes. Since then the Bumblebee movie has demonstrated that even when the robot modes look a little different, characters can still be easily recognizable as long as the color scheme and general aesthetic is still there.
The Bumblebee movie demonstrated many things, and that's what makes it good. I hope Wheeljack looks the same way he did in Bumblebee, but with new rusty van kibble parts.
Actually, bumblebee did not introduce that, I think cybertron or animated did
@@stivers56 actually I think armarda did funny though that there cybertron robot modes look like they have more earth life features than there actual earth modes
@@cyberfire7191 oh, yeah
@@cyberfire7191 no no beast wars did if you look close enough in the first episode you’ll notice Megatron lacks any beast kibble prior to assuming his t-rex mode, beast wars ii also reinforces this
Fantastic. These were the good old days
My wife gave this guy as a Christmas gift, it's the only one of the Subarus that broke. Still got 12 of these bad boys and 3 Binaltechs. These toys are real masterpieces, hope transformer reviewers revisited them more often.
oh nooooo
I love the Alternators, I have Sliverstreak, Wheeljack, Windcharger, Optimus and my favorites Swindle and Shockwave. They are really awesome, wish we could get some new ones...
I wish they'd revive the Alternators line, but with new alts, and characters, with modern engineering. This was my favorite line, and still is.
They need to bring back the alternators concept and do it with modern engineering.
if they did this now it'd probably cost $150 a pop
Such a good review, man. My first Alternator was Smokescreen and I loved it so much. I remember being hopeful and excited of where the line would go. While the vehicle modes were FANTASTIC, the bot modes seemed to get less and less love. Still a cherished line to this day. 👍🏼
that's kinda how it went eh?
Favorite Alternator was a tie between Windcharger and Hound. Both great vehicles and both great robots. Though the windcharger is a bit more fun to transform. The rollbars on Hound are really fun to transform though. When the Bayfilms were first announced I was with the group of people that thought Bay would use the Alternators/Binaltech lines as a base for the transformers. I mean the work was all done and that would have been a nice thing. Instead we got the robotvomit transformations where Bay was like "Lets see how hard we can work the CGI department" when it came to transforming. These cars and trucks were amazing and it was a shame we never got to see them on the Silverscreen.
This is probably the most realistic transformers I've ever seen!
That ricochet gives me decepticon vibes which that head
Words can't really express how much I miss alternators, knowing MPs are about cartoon accuracy now I just want a new separate MP line that is based on making transformers but the most realistic way possible as Alternators were, with new cars, different faces, better engineering etc.
I started off collecting 1:24 scale die-cast model cars as a kid so I begged for these in my collection. Even now I still want them to blend in with my die-cast collection, especially with how you praise the car modes!
“Alternators is 20 years old”. Remember that scene from “The Last Crusade” where the guy chooses the wrong Holy Grail and then ages rapidly until he dies? Yeah, what I’m feeling rn 😂
Ayyy my two favorite channels posted on the same day??! This sure helps since I'm stuck in the couch
I NEED that Argosy Optimus!
Alternators was the line that brought me back to collecting Transformers after 20 years.
alternators is kinda what ive wanted to do as a 3rdparty line. Like i have this concept for like a modern prime wit ha flat cap that mixs headmasters and alternators so yu can modle the interior. Basicaly my goal ifi can even get it off the ground is 1/24 vehicles that transform but you cant tell from the alt mod and it just looks like its a1/24 model. that why acessories liek the head and weapons ifyou cant intergrate them are seperate parts. If it doesn't help the alt mode it comes packed seperatly.
I appreciate the detail of your comments and your animations ❤ like when all four wheels spin and produce smoke! This vehicle is all wheel drive!
I would like to see the alternators come back. I never got one, but human alliance bumblebee is close enough, and it's a fun toy.
Alternators brought me back to Transformer collecting. This mold is why I fell in love again with the brand. To this day I display my Alternator Smokescreen. So ahead of its time.
I want Ravage. The one that actually turns into a Jaguar like the original.
I agree in that if they brought back the Alternators, they'd be Masterpiece-priced. Worse, they might be Hasbro Pulse or Amazon exclusives to bump the price up more.
I love this TF line! I remember being so stoked when Binaltech was announced and the first figures had die-cast and Smokescreen had rally-accurate variants for each driver. Ricochet gets a big pass from me on engineering bc it’s the same mold as that very first toy released, even though it came much later in the line. These figures were incredibly premium for the cost. If they could do another line of these now at around $50-60 USD, I think they’d have a major hit on their hands.
A Saber Rider Peter Cullen reference -and- a proper 4 wheel burnout at the end? Be still my heart!
Great review. I loved my alternators.
Top tip: I took a dremel to the "hip" bits on the top of the legs and carved out the inside corners to allow a LOT more articulation. Now the legs can bend 90 degrees forward.
I still have all of my Binaltech and Altenators - still my favourite Transformers line to date! Binaltech Laserwave is my top choice.
the RX8 mold was probably one of my favourites
Okay, I’m sold. This is one of the best toy lines in transformers history.
Wow, you haven't done an alternator review in FOREVER!
This was the line that got me back into collecting Transformers. I still have them in my collection.
You said it...they were the masterpieces of their time.
It really is my preference when Transformers prioritizes alt modes over the robot mode. Especially since that real life transforming car showed us that an odd looking robot is more realistic.
it doesn't quite have to be though. take for instance Studio Series Offroad bee. somehow the thing is a perfectly proportionate, and even semi functional mini alternators figure, and yet the robot looks aweomse (with the caveat of faux chest)
When the world needed him most, he returned.
I remember my first transformer was the alternator smokescreen. I would always put it next to my tv when I was playing gran turismo 3 because one of the rally car looks just like him. When I got cybertron hotshot, I was really disappointed because he didn't had the same feature as smokescreen. I was just a kid back then and my expectations were unrealistically high. The alternator toys really set the bar high for me.
I was just thinking about Alternators the other day. The only one I have had is Optimus and I always wanted Smokescreen and Skids. Alternators are still very cheap nowadays so I am gonna try and track some down
I admire your ability to get your audience hyped for whatever is the subject of the video. I was entertained all the way through. The use of stop motion, the transitions, the photography, the advertisements, and the actual review, all top tier. If I could subscribe 100 times I would.
the compliment is appreciated!
Wow! It’s so awesome that strong bad was able to make a cameo for the commercial! That’s awesome! “Double Combo!”
Shockwave ended up being a nice looking figure, and prowl was not a repaint of smokescreen/silver streak which was unexpected. Some robots certainly ended up better than others, but it’s still the craziest thing that Ravage got two toys in this line and one of them had a beast mode!
You make really good points about how spoiled we are. Awesome review, honestly you do amazing work.
I actually have a soft spot for the robot modes in this line (yes, even Tracks's). To me, they perfectly capture that stocky and bulked up aesthetic I associate with 2000's Transformers figures.
What I like about alternators is not only the fact that they have super realistic vehicles is that they make sense because in the movies I wasn’t such a big fan of the bots turning into these rare and expensive cars when they’re supposed to be in disguise, so although the Subaru is a really nice car and make great rally car but people aren’t going to stare at it for as long as they can
Didn't know there was a Ricochet in this line. I definitely want to make room for some character from this era someday. The Mirage/Rodimus mold looks like fun, as well.
i love how you animated him putting the gun in his chest while transforming
the Alternators were an incredible line.
i really felt, "and still do" that they are Masterpiece adjacents at the very least.
I loved Alternators back in the day, both the concept and the toys.
Although I too am a sucker for realistic and scale accurate vehicle mode
Great review. Brings back good memories. I had Bluestreak and Silverstreak, Optimus Prime and Hound. Amazing details!
The only Alternators fugue i was able to pick up when these were in stores (at a Toys'R'Us, no less) was the Shockwave Mazda RX8. Still one of my favorites!
My favourite is still the Dodge Viper Sideswipe. Again, robot mode is dog water but the car mode is chefs kiss!
I had one of these. It's a shame I lost him. A Silver one of similar design. 🥺
silverstreak! that one looks aweoms.e it's a shame you don't have it anymore
@@TheLazyEyebrow I'd give anything to buy myself a replacement. But I don't know how available they even are anymore...
Loved this line, one of the lines that got me back into collecting when I did.
I cannot say how much I agree with some of y’all and how much I love this video. Awesome as always Lazy.
Alternators/Binaltechs were really cool!
Maybe you should add the fact that hasbro decide to use all plastic materials for the Alternators series while Takara went crazy with a diecast part for the majority of the car shell parts which add makes it a super premium finish and more realistic feeling on the alt mode itself.
I gotta say.
This looks like one of the best robot modes from this line.
It's always nice when transformers look like they came from their alt mode rather than wearing parts of it like a poncho. For example, Classics Bumblebee having the front seats as part of the thighs, Starscream's nosecone sticking out from his back, or Frumble's chest looking like a tape
Agreed except starscream, would rather that tuck nicely within the chest. mind you the MP having the turbines become the chest was most excellent
@@TheLazyEyebrow Eh, whatever floats your boat, it's a matter of preference, after all
just commenting to appreciate the little detail of the smoke getting caught under the wheel wells when he was doing a burnout at the end. well done
Thanks!
This was the line that got me back into Transformers. Classics, and eventually MP took their place but I couldn't wait to hunt down the latest Alternators when they released. The likenesses and familiar characters with the modern vehicles was an absolute stroke of brilliance. So many fond memories of a simpler time... I still find it hard to believe that these haven't increased in value as much as they deserve, after seeing recent figures from the Siege and Earthrise lines going for insanely high $$$. I can still find them at cons for $10-$20 loose, bargains by today's standard.
no kidding. I bought Ricochet and Jazz 2nd hand for the price of what voyager is going for retail, never mind the aftermarket
@@TheLazyEyebrow A few years back, I bought the Binaltech version of Smokescreen for $10. The paint on the BTs is AMAZING compared to the plastic Alts. Paid less than $20 for a boxed BT Prowl as well. I'd rather buy those than any current voyager or deluxe class and pay more.
Alternators as a line amuses me because of the sheer juxtaposition between these scale models making compromised but charming robot modes out of Energon-era engineering vs current Masterpiece going out of its way to make the transformations as tedious and convoluted as possible just to make the front of the robot, and only the front, match the G1 animation model.
The fact that they added INTERIORS in the vehicle with no problems is what it fascinates me.
Glad to see that when you animated the vehicle, you gave it AWD =)
Wow, this guy looks absolutely awesome! I might have to get him, for some reason the proportions just work for me.
As for the gun, I'm just gonna call it a "freeze ray" considering the parts it's made of.
That is a cool looking car mode though, and so is the robot mode too👍🏻👍🏻.
Cool it with the coolant questions. You'll catch the unwanted attention of international coolant conglomerates. They'll put you on ice if you're not more careful.
but I don't WANT to chill out!
I'm no scale model enthusiast, and yet Alternators was always one of my favorite lines. I've got nearly every figure that was released at retail. "Ironic" to this video, however, Ricochet is one of the few holes in my collection that I never managed to fill.
Personally I prefer the Smokescreen version as I grew up on the WRC but I do love this figure’s gaudy look, the aftermarket spoiler is also a good touch
1) Alternators/Binaltech is my 2nd favorite toy line after G1. Like you I LOVED the car modes. (I also love the story line was a continuation of G1.)
2) You gave me a wonderful idea what to do with a spare parts Jazz I have - he will donate his head to make a more accurate Ricochet! Thanks!!
Happy to help!
When this line came out my G1's were in a box at my parents and I was not yet a "collector." I never really felt I missed out on the Alternator/Binaltech line until watching this review. It is very unfortunate that we will never see a line like this again at that price point. Thanks for the review. As always I enjoyed it!
Thanks now i want one of these
I LOVED ALTERNATORS/BINALTECH! They were the original Masterpieces (vehicle mode at least) but man I wish this kind of detail was in the vehicle modes of the modern masterpiece figures :(
My ideal Transformers line would be a hybrid of Alternators, and Studio Series! Maybe a bit of Human Alliance thrown in there!
But if I were to design my own Transformer toys, I’d be sure to build them out of parts and materials that are built to last! AND I’d only add paint where, in car and robot mode there actually WOULD be paint, as I’d try to have as many parts be actual separate colored pieces built INTO the toy itself! And that’s another thing! I want this to be an actual TOY to be played with, and messed with! Without people having to worry about chipped paint or cracking plastic.
In fact, I’m thinking of modeling all the parts for a custom Bumblebee toy in blender based on the Pontiac Solstice that we have in our garage!
Long story short, Alternators is the GOAT when it comes to figures that are true robots in disguise!!! Human Alliance was like a slightly more budget friendly “alternative” (get it?😂 “alternators”…”alternative”) but seriously, Human Alliance was also an excellent line that gave younger collectors a more accessible and usually easier version of Alternators, based on the original movies!
I’d love to make a custom 3D printed TF Toy (or at least a prototype) that captures that same detailed and interactive model car aesthetic that Alternators/Alternity/BinalTech/Human Alliance captures, but with more playable and intricate robot modes that are more like the Studio series, with gymnastic articulation, and secure tabs and stuff but not cringe worthy to get unlocked! (And as shown in your epic review, the ability to build filler pieces out of existing car parts!!! I was blown away at how brilliant that was! AND THATS ALMOST EXACTLY WHAT I WOULD IMAGINE MOST OF A TRANSFORMER TO BE LIKE, AND HOW IT WOULD TRANSFORM IN REAL LIFE: CAR PARTS FOLDING, SPINNING, MOVING AND COMING TOGETHER TO BECOME LARGER PARTS OF ROBOT MODE LIKE THE GUT, OR ARMS OR LEGS!)
Anyway, I love the Alternators line, and I love your videos dude! As an animator myself, you are certainly an inspiration to me! I’m currently working on some short stop motion/mixed media animation clips and I just wanna thank you for continuing your awesome, funny, and creative videos!!! Keep it up dude!
(And I hope you’re doing well and had a wonderful Christmas!!!)
Coming back to this review because I just got Silverstreak at the price of $15!! And man this might as well be figure of the year for me.
That had to be a fun transformation to animate.
woah nice masking on the smoke[behind the wheel well]
its such a nice detail on the animation
Thanks!
This toy line is the most underrated.
Ahhh Ricochet, one of my favorite Alternator figures. My first car was an Acura RSX (Prowl) and my second was a Subaru Impreza (Ricochet). Hence why they are on full display in my room and my profile picture!
AWESOME! I LOVE ALTERNATORS & BINALTECH! This is the series that got me back into Transformers. I always imagined updates to the G1 Figures using modern day vehicles. Ricochet is one of the better figures, but we did get so many repaints of this mold that it made it less impressive with each iteration. *FUN FACT #1 this mold was actually made in Left and Right Hand Drives and is a variant within the Silverstreak mold. My Favorite Alternator is Mirage. He is also the only one that had a rear-engine design. Shockwave / Laserwave is my second favorite as I love the RX-8 design and I feel that is one of the best designs that overall captures the spirit this line was going for. My Holy Grail is the BT-17 Wonderfest Nemesis Prime MISB. One day I will get that figure to complete my entire Binaltech set. I think this would be a great spin-off series to do reviews on being you're such a car enthusiast. I never noticed the molded Rotar and Caliper on the wheel. This line also drew me into making Custom Alternators of characters using 1/24 scale models or Remote Control Car chasis to create other members of the team that I wish they would have made. *FUN FACT #2 Kreons fit PERFECT in the seats of Alternators. One of the reasons I got into Kre-o back when they came out. Alternity was a cool concept as I love Bumblebee and Cliffjumper and that Megatron and the Seekers finally got a vehicle Alt mode. I wish they would have kept Alternity the same scale, but used the new engineering into the figures as the Race Car Girl that came with them would have made more sense as they would have been able to fit in the car. I could go on and on about this line as it is still my favorite as I'm a car enthusiast as well. Hope you do more of these. I wish they would take another shot at this line given how far MP engineering and designs have come in 14 years. Always love when Alternators / Binaltech get some love!
I still have the silver version of this (Silverstreak) which was awesome because I actually owned the very same colour & model of Impreza in real life, was so cool owning my own car as a transformer!
Ah! that's so awesome!
A transformer with an interior, a hood, opening doors, and a trunk?
*Impossible*
alternators is one of my all time favorite line
This is still one of my favorite lines, and I'd love to see a modern day take on these.
I would love to see Alternators revisited with todays modern engineering.
i have alternators shockwave and must say, alternators are one of best figures.
While I do always prioritize robot mode, the Alternators car modes are beautiful
Ha!! I literally just got the upgrade kit for Grimlock's front teeth yesterday.
Unexpected. But fantastic
I would have love to see the line evolve into more out there but still realistic alt modes, like branching out into semi trucks and stuff
I actually own a few of these. windcharger is a really solid entry for a vehicle mode. prowl in robot mode is a nightmare. there are some ways to manipulate the parts to make them more manageable and add in some articulation
Really wish we got more transformers with sedan altmodes
I'd highly suggest watching the Toy Armada With Aaron Archer episode on Alternators, it's a fascinating listen. It's just such a unique thing that could only have happened during the mid-2000s Era where they were trying to do stuff that was new and unique.
Thanks for the amazing review! This really brought back memories, Alternator Line are my favorites!
Cool stop motion at the end👍🏼👍🏼
This was the first Alternators figure I've had and seems to be among the best of the toyline. I've since obtained the Alternators Optimus Prime which makes many more sacrifices in robot mode than this mold.
the ridge commercial you did had me dying 😅😆🤣😂🤣😆
Love your videos. Just got Galvatron the legacy and coronation Starscream on Wednesday at Walmart. Waiting for a new decepticon which is the apc transformers prime Soundwave he will be also coming with Laserbeak
The things I would give for a modern Alternators Line. But I guess Roadbots will suffice till then.
I have the Smokescreen mold of this figure, which was part of the first wave of Alternators. Looks like they didn't change anything other than color for this repaint.
excellent review! I'm picking up alternators windcharger- it's shipping as i type this- and it's good to hear someone else put into words why this line is so cool. Frankly, i chose windcharger (the honda S2000 mold) not only because he has an insane transformation, but because he's a convertible so you can actually see all that awesome detail.
Love the vehicle mode. I bought Rodimus Prime
Man, I'd love a new version of the Alternators / Binaltech line.
Those perfectly scaled alt modes with better modern robot mode engineering would be unbearably amazing!
I had the Smokescreen version of this mold.
It was definitely one of the best in the line.
If they did do a new Alternators line, I think I'd really like to see them as their G1 alt modes first, then modern vehicles second.
Or maybe they could do something crazy and 'alternate' (see what I did there?) between classic and modern between releases.
I'm not drooling! You're drooling!
Outstanding review! Thank you! I loved these Alternators / Binaltech figures, but I think I may have to downsize, soon.
On that topic of modern figures, it’s a funny thing to me. On one hand modern figures have much better articulation, but in the other hand they also have lower and lower parts counts as well as smaller sizes and more hollowed figures. I miss these sort of older figures where it almost felt like there was no budget restrictions.