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Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki
Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki
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in: Toys, Generation 1

Changes: The Transformers (toyline)/Europe

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'''Classic Throttlebots (Motorizatti Rollerbots in Italy)'''
  
'''Classic Throttlebots (Motorizatti Rollerbots in Italy)'''
 
* [[Chase]] ('''UK'''; '''I''': Scoutbot)
  
* [[Chase]] ('''UK'''; '''I''': Scoutbot)
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* [[Freeway]] ('''UK'''; '''I''': Saterbot)
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* [[Freeway (G1)|Freeway]] ('''UK'''; '''I''': Saterbot)
 
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]] ('''UK'''; '''I''': Maggionlino)
  
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]] ('''UK'''; '''I''': Maggionlino)
 
* [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] ('''UK'''; '''I''': Trollbot)
  
* [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] ('''UK'''; '''I''': Trollbot)

Revision as of 08:56, 6 July 2009

Originally, European countries got the same Transformers toys Hasbro had previously released in the USA, although different countries got different toys - and sometimes, the toys sported noticeable differences from their US counterparts. Initially, various sub-contracted companies were responsible for releasing the toys in the individual European countries (which involved language variations on the packaging), but over the time, they were either bought out by Hasbro or simply dropped in favor of a more and more unified European market. After Generation One ended in the US, the line continued in Europe until it was renamed into Generation 2 in 1994.

1985

Notes

The Transformers toyline officially started in most European countries in 1985. It should be noted, though, that various European companies had already released licensed versions of Takara's Diaclone and Microman toys domestically prior to that ("Trasformer" by GiG in Italy; "Diaclone" by Joustra in France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands), some of which had already sported characteristics directly lifted from Hasbro's Transformers toys (some of GiG's "Trasformer" versions of the Autobot Cars sported color schemes originally conceived by Hasbro; Joustra's versions of the Minicars already sported Autobot logos). But it wasn't until 1985 that Transformers toys were officially introduced to the various European markets under that very name.

UK

Little is known about the earliest toys released in the UK. The common consensus is that they supposedly came in English-only US packaging. Recounts of which toys were and which weren't available in the UK vary depending on who you ask. A surprising omission from the initial wave of 1984 toys was Megatron, whose absence on the shelves was noted in the letters page of the Marvel UK comic. Probably the most well-known UK release is an (almost) unique version of Optimus Prime with red instead of blue feet. The packaging is almost identical to the US version, but sports an additional copyright note linking this release to Ceji Revell (misspelled as "Revel"), which was owned by the same company as Joustra. It's possible that the other initial UK releases were also distributed by Ceji, but at the current point of time, there's no evidence supporting this theory. Also of note was the line's UK subtitle initially being "Warrior Robots in Disguise", and this was seen on much of the early ancillary merchandise, including the UK comic.

Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain

The earliest toys released in continental Europe (minus Italy) were distributed by Milton Bradley, which was in the process of being taken over by Hasbro at that point. There's no solid evidence that all the MB toys were available in all these countries, but the packaging is sporting the four languages German, French, Dutch and Spanish. Therefore, MB covered the markets where Joustra's Diaclone toys were previously available, with the addition of Spain.

Known MB releases are:

Autobot Leaders

Optimus Prime was originally not released by MB. A Dutch manufacturer of kitchen utensils claimed ownership of the "Optimus" trademark, and as a result, MB held back the release of Optimus Prime in Europe until the dispute had been settled and initially marketed Jetfire as the Autobot leader instead.

Autobot Cars

Tracks was originally available in red rather than blue, based on the Diaclone version. Hasbro re-released Tracks in blue a year later, but due to the toy sporting a different color than its animated counterpart, red Tracks was selling poorly (which in turn later resulted in the toy being a much sought-after rarity). Also, red Tracks was the only Autobot Car in MB packaging sporting the 1985 US battle scene on the back of the box rather than the 1984 one, thus indicating that he might have been one of the last Transformers released in MB packaging.
The box front of MB's version of Jazz sported an additional "Porsche" remark after his name. The significance of this is still unknown by this point.
(Note: In addition to Optimus Prime, none of the Autobot Cars were featured in the first MB catalog either.)

Autobot Mini-Vehicles

Jumpstarters

Autobot Communicator

Autobot Deluxe Vehicles

Dinobots

Decepticon Leader

Decepticon Laser Gun

Decepticon Planes

Thundercracker was sold in "Starscream" boxes and with factory-applied Starscream stickers.

Decepticon Communicator

Decepticon Cassettes

Ravage was sold carded all by himself, rather than as a two-pack with Rumble as in the USA.

Decepticon Triple Changers

Insecticons

Deluxe Insecticons

Constructicons

Italy

GiG ("Geegh", but sometimes misspelled "GiGi" by non-Italian people) had originally released toys based on their Diaclone license from Takara under the name "Trasformer", occasionally sporting color schemes only found on Hasbro's Transformers versions. Eventually, Hasbro cracked down on GiG and made them acquire a second license from them as well. In 1985, GiG launched their own version of the Transformers line, with the toys often sporting original Italian names (for example, the Autobots became "Autorobots", and the Decepticons "Distructors"). In addition to the official "Transformers" logo, a small remainder of the old "Trasformer" logo would remain on the packaging until 1988.

Known GiG Transformers releases are:

Autorobot Leader

  • Commander (Optimus Prime)
(Note: A later variant of Commander (Optimus Prime) sported plastic wheels instead of rubber tires and plastic instead of diecast feet, similar to the US KB Toys exclusive variant of Ultra Magnus.)

Autorobot Cars

  • Tigre (Jazz)
  • Freccia (Sideswipe)
  • Lince (Sunstreaker)
  • Mistero (Mirage)
Whereas Mirage sported "Citanes" decals everywhere else in the world, GiG released their "Mistero" version with "Ligier" decals instead - originally as factory-applied stickers over the "Citanes" tampos, later with actual "Ligier" tampos.
The Italian name for Red Alert was changed from "Giaguaro" to "Alert" in 1987.
(Note: The Autorobot Cars sported unique "safety" missiles with large rubber boppers instead of the individual missiles the versions released everywhere else had.)

Dinorobots (Dinobots)

  • Tiran (Grimlock)
  • Reptilo (Swoop)

Distructor Triple Changers

  • Triplex Uno (Astrotrain)
  • Triplex Due (Blitzwing)

Distructor Planes

  • Astrum (Starscream)
  • Vampiro (Thundercracker)
  • Corvo (Skywarp)
(Note: Similar to Thundercracker being available in a Starscream box from MB, GiG released "Astrum", "Vampiro" and "Corvo" in a multi-purpose box sporting all three characters' names and tech specs.)

Escavators (Constructicons)

  • Scudo (Bonecrusher)
  • Braccio (Scavenger)
  • Ringhio (Scrapper)
  • Rostro (Hook)
  • Macigno (Long Haul)
  • Rollo (Mixmaster)
  • Devastator (giftset)
(Note: The Constructicons came in small boxes based on the Takara versions, rather than on cards like the versions released everywhere else in the world. The boxes even sported numbers from "31" to "36", like the Takara versions did, and omitted the "Hasbro" logo on the packaging in favor of a "Takara" logo. The first of many examples of the liberties resulting from GiG's unique relationship with Takara.)

The Mini-Cars/Mini-Vehicles were apparently never released by GiG. Any Italian names for their characters are based on the Italian dub of the animated series.

Greece

A company named El Greco released a small number of Transformers toys to the Greek market. The Autobots were called Αυτορομπότ (Autorobots). The only known El Greco releases include seven Autobot Mini-Vehicles and two combiner giftsets. The cards the toys were available on were based on the Hasbro cards and sported Hasbro logos in addition to the "El Greco" logo.

Known 1985 releases are:

Classic Heroic (Autobot Mini-Vehicles)

  • Αχτύπητος (Ahtipitos = Warpath)
  • Κυρίαρχος (Kiriarhos = Cosmos)
  • Αγγελιοφόρος (Agelioforos = Beachcomber)
  • Εγκέφαλος (Egefalos = Βrawn)
  • Γίγαντας (Gigantas = Huffer)
  • Κεραυνός (Keravnos = Powerglide)
  • Θαλασσόλυκος (Thalassolikos = Seaspray)

1986

UK, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain

Presumably, Transformers didn't sell well in Germany in 1985, therefore German was dropped as a language from the packaging until Generation 2. Instead, Hasbro (who had finished taking over MB) consolidated the UK market with the rest of Europe (except for Italy, again). The 1986 releases that were now available in packaging with "Hasbro" rather than "MB" logos sported the four languages English, French, Dutch and Spanish (the order between English and French could occasionally be swapped). Confirmed European Hasbro releases from 1986 are:

Autobot Leader

  • Optimus Prime
Being a prominent character, Optimus Prime was re-released in Hasbro packaging. Additionally, a variant of this Hasbro Optimus Prime has been confirmed released in France that also sports red feet, just like the version from Ceji previously released in the UK. Reportedly, there are slight differences between the two red footed Optimus Primes.

Autobot Mini-Vehicles

  • Bumblebee
  • Wheelie
  • Hubcap
  • Swerve
  • Outback
  • Pipes
Along with the regular Pipes, a European variant (dubbed Puffer by fans) existed which was actually Huffer's mold in Pipes' colors. This is not to be confused with the Mexican version of Pipes, which was also the original Huffer mold but sported slightly different colors.

Autobot Vehicles (Autobot Cars)

  • Tracks
Because MB's red version of Tracks proved to be unpopular, the toy was re-released in blue, just like the US version. Since he is the only one of the Autobot Cars in European Hasbro packaging that sports the 1985 US battle scene on the back of the box rather than the 1986 one, it can be assumed that he was one of the earliest releases following the completion of the MB takeover.
  • Red Alert
  • Sideswipe
  • Inferno
  • Grapple
  • Hoist
  • Smokescreen
  • Trailbreaker
  • Hound
  • Hot Rod
  • Kup
  • Blurr

Triple Changers

  • Broadside
  • Octane
  • Sandstorm
  • Springer

Autobot City

  • Metroplex

Aerialbots

  • Air Raid
  • Skydive
  • Fireflight
  • Slingshot
  • Silverbolt

Protectobots

  • Streetwise
  • Groove
  • Blades
  • First Aid
  • Hot Spot

Combaticons

  • Brawl
  • Swindle
  • Blast Off
  • Vortex
  • Onslaught

Stunticons

  • Dead End
  • Breakdown
  • Wildrider
  • Drag Strip
  • Motormaster

Battlespringers (Battlechargers)

  • Runabout
  • Runamuck

Decepticon Planes

  • Scourge
  • Cyclonus
An instruction sheet for Scourge exists sporting the languages French, English, Dutch and Spanish. No packaged example has surfaced thus far.

Italy

Known Italian releases of 1986 toys are:

Aerialbots

  • Tornado (Air Raid)
  • Log (Skydive)
  • Optor (Fireflight)
  • Vertic (Slingshot)
  • Radiant (Silverbolt)
  • Pentajet (Superion giftset)

Protectobots

  • Phantom (Streetwise)
  • Chips (Groove)
  • Rasor (Blades)
  • Sirena (First Aid)
  • Drago (Hot Spot)
  • Defensor (giftset)
Just like the individual Constructicons before them, GiG's versions of the Aeriabolts, Protectobots, Stunticons and Combaticons also came in boxes based on the Takara versions (including prominent "C" and "D" numbers and "Takara" instead of "Hasbro" logos). This only applied to the combiner limbs, though; the leaders/torsos came in boxes based on the Hasbro versions, including "A5", "P5", "S5" and "D5" numbers.

Autorobot City

  • Guardian (Metroplex)

Autorobot City Commander

  • Convoy (Ultra Magnus)

Stunticons

  • Cobra (Dead End)
  • Caimano (Breakdown)
  • Squalo (Wildrider)
  • Iguana (Drag Strip)
  • Barracuda (Motormaster)
  • Pentacar (Menasor giftset)

Combaticons

  • Bomber (Blast Off)
  • Crasher (Swindle)
  • Exploder (Blast Off)
  • Vortex
  • Destroyer (Onslaught)
  • Multiforce (Bruticus giftset)
Whereas no solid evidence for the existence of a Hasbro Bruticus giftset has surfaced thus far, GiG did indeed release Multiforce (Bruticus) as a giftset. The box layout was based very closely on the standard Hasbro combiner giftsets at that time, down to the inclusion of a Hasbro product code number; but unlike the other GiG combiner giftsets, Multiforce lacked the Hasbro logo on the front of the box, and the individual components sported Takara numbers from D-64 to D-68 before their names.

Distructor City

  • Tripticon (Trypticon)

Predacons

  • Zannar (Razorclaw)
  • Felin (Rampage)
  • Torox (Tantrum)
  • Rinox (Headstrong)
  • Falcon (Divebomb)
The individual Predacons were available in boxes based on the Hasbro versions. Apparently, Predaking was not available as a giftset from GiG.

1987

UK, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain

Apparently realizing that tech specs in four different languages aren't exactly the optimal choice, Hasbro started breaking up the languages again. The UK got toys in English-only packaging, France, Belgium and the Netherlands got toys in bilingual French/Dutch packaging, and Spain got toys in Spanish-only packaging. Germany only got the English versions with safety warning stickers in German. Presumably, all toys were available in all language variants, but without solid evidence, this is pure speculation. Known European toys from 1987 in French/Dutch packaging are:

Decepticon City Commander

  • Galvatron
An instruction sheet for Galvatron exists sporting the languages French and Dutch only. It is therefore assumed that he was available later than Scourge, whose instruction sheet still sported English and Spanish as well.

Duocons

  • Battletrap
  • Flywheels

Italy

Known Italian toys from 1987 are:

Autorobot Headmasters

  • Duobot (Chromedome)
  • Cruiserbot (Highbrow)
  • Goblin (Brainstorm)
  • Blindobot (Hardhead)

Tecnobots (Technobots)

  • Radarbot (Afterburner)
  • Argobot (Nosecone)
  • Rocketbot (Strafe)
  • Starbot (Lightspeed)
The individual Tecnobots (Technobots) and Terrorbots (Terrorcons) were once again available in boxes with "Takara" logos and Takara numbers from C-87 to C-90 and from D-80 to D-83, respectively.
  • Scatterbot (Scattershot)
  • Computron (giftset)
The box for the Computron giftset was based on the Hasbro version, but lacked a "Hasbro" logo on the front of the box.

Monsterbots

  • Drekbot (Doublecross)
  • Tigerbot (Grotusque)
The Monsterbots were available in boxes that were based on the Hasbro versions, but sported "Takara" instead of "Hasbro" logos and Takara numbers from C-99 to C-100.

Racerbots (Throttlebots)

  • Wagenbot (Goldbug)
  • Scoutbot (Chase)
  • Saterbot (Freeway)
  • Trollbot (Rollbar)
  • Strobobot (Searchlight)
  • Rollerbot (Wideload)
The Racerbots (Throttlebots) were also available in small boxes rather than on cards, sporting "Takara" rather than "Hasbro" logos and Takara numbers from C-92 to C-97.

Duoform (Clones)

  • Booster/Gemini (Fastlane/Cloudraker)
  • Roboclon/Rapax (Pounce/Wingspan)

Distructor Headmasters

  • Duobot (Chromedome)
  • Cruiserbot (Highbrow)
  • Goblin (Brainstorm)
  • Blindobot (Hardhead)
  • Tifon (Snapdragon)
  • Tagor (Apeface)

Sixchanger

  • Iperbot Sei Azioni (Sixshot)

Terrorbots (Terrorcons)

  • Crudelbot (Cutthroat)
  • Battlebot (Rippersnapper)
  • Spectrobot (Blot)
  • Bifronbot (Sinnertwin)
  • Grifobot (Hun-Gurrr)
  • Tundertron (Abominus giftset)
Like Multiforce (Bruticus) before him, Tundertron (Abominus) was also available as a giftset from GiG even though Hasbro hadn't released the toys in giftset form in the USA. The box layout was again based very closely on the standard Hasbro combiner giftsets at that time, but it lacked the Hasbro logo, the individual components sported Takara numbers from D-79 to D-83 before their names, and the giftset itself sported the Takara number D-84.

1988

UK, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain

Toys were still available in English-only, French/Dutch and Spanish-only packaging. The UK toys started sporting a yellow "Original HASBRO Transformers" sticker on their packaging, possibly as a reaction to the sudden flood of Mexican toys (although those didn't come out in Europe until late 1988/early 1989). This sticker is also the only way to tell a European toy in English packaging apart from its US counterpart, as the packaging itself appears to be identical. 1988 toys were available in Germany in English-only packaging including the "Original HASBRO Transformers" sticker, with additional safety warning stickers in German. Known European toys from 1989 are (UK = English packaging with "Original HASBRO Transformer" sticker; F/NL = French/Dutch packaging; E = Spanish packaging)

Powermasters

  • Getaway (UK)
  • Slapdash (UK)
  • Joyride (UK, F/NL)
  • Dreadwind (UK)
  • Darkwing (UK)
  • Optimus Prime (UK)

Sparkabots

  • Fizzle (UK, F/NL)
  • Sizzle (UK)
  • Guzzle (UK)
The Sparkabots were referred to as "Sparkler Minibots" in the comics by Marvel UK for reasons unknown, but the toys apparently sported the standard US name.

Firecons

  • Cindersaur (UK, F/NL)
  • Flamefeather (UK)
  • Sparkstalker (UK)

Triggerbots

  • Backstreet (UK)
  • Override (UK)
  • Dogfight (UK)

Triggercons

  • Windsweeper (UK)
  • Ruckus (UK)
  • Crankcase (UK)

Double Targetmasters

  • Landfill (UK)
  • Quickmix (UK)
  • Scoop (UK)
  • Spinister (UK)
  • Needlenose (UK)
  • Quake (UK)

Seacons

  • Overbite
For reasons unknown, Overbite was referred to as "Jawbreaker" in the comics by Marvel UK. The toy was apparently still released as "Overbite" regardless.
  • Nautilator
  • Seawing
  • Skalor
  • Tetakil
  • Snaptrap

Italy

Starting with the Pretenders, GiG finally dropped the small remainder of the old "Trasformer" logo from their packaging. Known Italian releases from 1988 are:

Pretenders

  • Falcon (Waverider)
  • Korno (Skullgrin)
  • Reptilo (Submarauder)
  • Super Commander (Cloudburst)

Triggerbots

  • Furio (Override)
  • Orage (Dogfight)
  • Bitume (Backstreet)

Triggercons

  • Rafale (Windsweeper)
  • 4x4 (Crankcase)
  • Rallye (Ruckus)

1989

UK, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain

Known European toys from 1989 are (UK = English packaging with "Original HASBRO Transformer" sticker; F/NL = French/Dutch packaging; E = Spanish packaging):

Small Pretenders

  • Doubleheader (UK)
  • Longtooth (UK)
  • Octopunch (UK)
  • Stranglehold (UK)

Micromaster Patrols

  • Air Strike Patrol (F/NL)
  • Battle Patrol (UK)
  • Off-Road Patrol (F/NL: Patrouille Tous Terrains/Patrouille Terreinwagens)

Micromaster Transports

  • Flattop (UK, E)
  • Erector (UK, E)
  • Overload (UK, E)
  • Roughstuff (UK, E)

Micromaster Bases

  • Groundshaker (E)

Notes

  • The smaller Pretenders, the Classic Pretenders, the Micromaster Stations and the Micromaster Transports were once again available in Germany in English packaging. The Air Strike Patrol was available in Germany in French/Dutch packaging, but that might have been an import by a store with a mother company based in the Netherlands.
  • A packaged version of Skyhopper exists with the alternate names "Helico/Skyhopper". It's currently unknown which languages the packaging sports - it might even be English/French, which would make it a Canadian rather than a European release.

Italy

Known Italian toys from 1988 are:

Small Pretenders

  • Biclonius (Doubleheader)
  • Medusa (Octopunch)
  • Teskior (Bludgeon)

Pretender Monsters

  • Spettro (Bristleback)
  • Raptor (Scowl)
  • Pipistrello (Icepick)
  • Avvoltoio (Birdbrain)
  • Vampiro (Wildfly)
  • Artiglio (Slog)

Set Commandos (Classic Pretenders/Legends)

  • Saetta, Folgore, Drago & Tornado (Bumblebee, Jazz, Grimlock & Starscream set)

Microtransformers Pattuglias (Micromaster Patrols)

  • Expeditors (Off-Road Patrol)
  • Sprintforce (Race Car Patrol)
  • Interceptors (Air Strike Patrol)
  • Pattuglia Soccorso (Battle Patrol)
  • Pattuglia Guastatori (Sports Car Patrol)

Microtransformers Deluxes (Micromaster Transports)

  • Tractor (Erector)
  • Tornado (Roughstuff)

Microtrasformer Stations (Micromaster Stations)

  • Radar (Ironworks)
  • Argon (Hot House)
  • Assalt (Greasepit)
  • Lancer (Airwave)

Microtransformer Bases (Micromaster Bases)

  • Titano (Groundshaker)
  • Rotor (Skyhopper)

Notes

  • For reasons unknown, GiG's versions of the Micromaster Stations are called "Microtrasformer" rather than "Microtransformer" like the rest of the Italian Micromaster releases.
  • Meanwhile, the early patrols (Expeditors/Off-Road Patrol, Sprintforce/Race Car Patrol, Interceptors/Air Strike Patrol) are called "Micromaster".
  • The Classic Pretender/Legends versions of Bumblebee, Jazz, Grimlock and Starscream were released as a giftset without their pretender shells. The packaging of the set was based on the Japanese "Hero Set". The names of the individual toys were not the same Italian names the original toys/characters had sported - rather, they were given seemingly random names of other Transformers toys. Bumblebee ("Maggiolino" in the Italian dub of the animated television series, since the original toy had not been released in Italy) became "Saetta" (originally the Italian name for Wheeljack); Jazz (originally "Tigre") became "Folgore" (originally the Italian name for Hot Rod); Grimlock (originally "Tiran") became "Drago" (originally the Italian name for Hot Spot); and Starscream (originally "Astrum") became "Tornado" (originally the Italian name for Air Raid).

Unofficial Mexican imports

In addition to the regular toys released by Hasbro and GiG, Europe was also hit by a flood of Transformers toys imported from Mexico. While these toys had been officially produced by IGA with the intention to release them on the Mexican market, a large unsold stock remained that was eventually exported to Europe without Hasbro's involvement. The toys were available in the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, Romania, Denmark, Sweden and Finland. This created a strange situation where unofficially imported (but officially produced) toys competed with official European releases. These toys are considered official for Mexico but unofficial for Europe.

1990

By 1990, Hasbro had mostly streamlined their European markets. Presumably, all toys that came out in one country were also available everywhere else. Even the Italian releases now sported a uniform look with the toys that were available elsewhere in Europe (even though they still sported a "GiG" logo and Italian names) - with one exception. Also, with Hasbro cancelling the Transformers line in the USA for the time being, the European Hasbro branches continued releasing new toys which the USA would never get. By this time, Australia also was receiving a similar (if not exactly the same) pattern of releases, re-releases and exclusives to the European market - this would continue at least as far as the 'Generation 2' era.

Micromasters

Known European Micromaster releases are (F/NL = French/Dutch packaging; E = Spanish packaging; I = Italian packaging with alternate names):

Micromaster Patrols

  • Air Patrol (E)
  • Construction Patrol (E)
  • Hot Rod Patrol (E; I: Pattuglia Inseguitori)
  • Military Patrol (I: Pattuglia Militare)
  • Monster Truck Patrol (UK; I: ?)
  • Race Track Patrol (E)

Micromaster Combiner Squads (Microtransformers Combin in Italy)

  • Astro Squad (UK; I: Squadriglia Interstellare)
  • Metro Squad (I: Squadriglia Metropolis)
  • Battle Squad (I: Squadra Combattenti)
  • Constructor Squad (UK; E; I: Squadra Demolitori)

Micromaster Combiner Transports (Microcombiners in Spain)

  • Tanker Truck (UK; E: Camion Cisterna)
  • Cannon Transport (UK; E: Remolque de Cañon)
  • Missile Launcher (E: Lanzamisiles)

Micromaster Combiner Autobot Battlefield Headquarters

  • Battlefield Headquarters ( E: Cuartel General; I: Super Camion Fortezza)

Action Masters (Super Azione in Italy)

Presumably, Germany got the UK versions of the 1990 Action Masters in English-only packaging. Also, GiG supposedly gave the Action Masters toys that were based on older characters the original Italian names again, unlike with the "Set Commandos", although the only known packaged example so far is Wheeljack, with the name being impossible to make out.

Confirmed releases are (UK = English packaging, F/NL = French/Dutch packaging; E = Spanish packaging; I = Italian packaging with alternate names):

Action Master figures

  • Grimlock (UK)
  • Snarl (UK)
  • Blaster (UK)
  • Bumblebee (UK)
  • Jazz (I: Bionic con Turbo Veicolo)
  • Jackpot (I: Inspector)
  • Soundwave (UK)
  • Shockwave (UK)
  • Devastator (UK)

Action Master Action Vehicles

  • Wheeljack (I: Saetta con Super Turbo)

European and Australasian "Classics"

Possibly taking a cue from the popularity of the Classic Pretenders, Hasbro started re-releasing original toys from 1984-1987 in "gold" packaging based on the Classic Pretenders' boxes. It's impossible to determine whether this was an idea Hasbro had originally intended for the US market that fell victim to the cancellation of the line in the USA and which therefore only came out in Europe, Australia and New Zealand or whether Hasbro was trying to fulfill the demand for original toys/characters, possibly in an attempt to react to the imported Mexican toys that flooded European and Australasian shelves. Known European/Australasian "Classic" releases from 1990 are (UK = English packaging; F/NL = French/Dutch packaging; E = Spanish packaging; I = Italian packaging with alternate names):

Classic Aerialbots

Classic Stunticons

Classic Heroes

Notes

  • Unlike the English and French/Dutch versions, the Italian and Spanish Classics don't say "Classic" anywhere on the packaging.
  • Germany got the Classics toys in English packaging.
  • The "Classic" versions of Sunstreaker and Wheeljack mark the last uses of these molds to this very day. While Hasbro have confirmed the Wheeljack mold (as well as the Mirage mold) as "long since depleted", the fate of the Sunstreaker mold is still unknown.
  • The "Classic" version of Prowl sported a sticker sheet that was based on the Diaclone version of the toy. The police badges actually sport the word "Diaclone", which was omitted from the 1984 Hasbro version, the 1985 Takara Transformers version and all the modern-day reissues.

Italian exclusives

As a last glimmer of GiG's unique relationship with Takara, Galaxy Shuttle, which was originally released as part of Takara's Victory line, was available in Italy. The Italian packaging was loosely based on the original Japanese packaging, but with a lot of twists taken from the European releases at that time. The Japanese "C-326" number was omitted from the packaging this time around.

1991

Hasbro continued releasing new toys to the European and Australasian markets. Those included new Action Masters that never came out in the USA, entirely new Action Master concepts, more "Classic" re-releases of older toys and even toys that were originally only available in Japan, slightly redecoed for the European market. Known European/Australasian toys from 1991 are (UK = English packaging; F/NL = French/Dutch packaging; E = Spanish packaging; I = Italian packaging with alternate names):

Greece

Many thoughts go that these giftsets were produced in 1986, but they are not. Along with the classic toy-line, GiG RE-produced both giftsets in 1990-1991 (these came in Italy in combination with a Dinobot classic attached on the back of the box). These toys have small differences with the 1986 versions, like colors and projectiles and they don't have any rubsigns. Do not be misled by the date on the box, El Greco only sold the RE-produced giftsets in 1990-1991:

Combiner giftsets

  • Excavator (Devastator)
  • Defensor
The layout of the combiner giftsets boxes differs from the Mini-Vehicles' cards. Apparently, the boxes were based on the Italian giftsets by GiG. The small additional "Trasformer" logo is present, and the "El Greco" logo is placed in an oval bubble where the "GiG" logo would be placed on Italian toys, whereas the Mini-Vehicles sported a blue "El Greco" logo without a bubble. Also, both Excavator's and Defensor's names are spelled in Latin rather than in Greek characters, Excavator's function is stated as "Fighter Excavator" (also in Latin), and furthermore, he's called a "Decepticon" (even though his faction is called "Distructors" elsewhere on the packaging), and Defensor is called an "Autobot" (also in Latin), even though the Mini-Vehicles were "Autorobots". The individual Constructicons' and Protectobots' names are their original English names, spelled in Latin characters on the packaging.

Action Masters (Super Azione in Italy)

Action Master figures

Exo-Suit Action Masters

Motorized Exo-Suit Action Masters

Action Master Elites

Notes

  • Action Master Tracks and Sideswipe are named "Puma" and "Freccia" in Italy, respectively. These are the characters' original Italian names.
  • Again, Action Masters were available in English packaging in Germany.
  • The Action Master Elites are rumored to have originally been designed as wave 5 of the standard Action Masters, but to have been redesigned for licencing reasons, as Hasbro UK is a separate company from the US Hasbro according to this rumor. The Japanese "Transformers Generations" book contains concept designs for an unreleased Action Master version of Bruticus; it's assumed that some parts originally designed for AM Bruticus ultimately ended up on Turbo Master.

Classics

Classic Throttlebots (Motorizatti Rollerbots in Italy)

Classic Dinobots (Nuovo Dinorobots in Italy)

Classic Triple Changers

Classic Protectobots

Classic Combaticons

Classic Heroes

Other Classics

Notes

  • Again, the Italian and Spanish Classics don't say "Classic" anywhere on the packaging, unlike the English and French/Dutch versions.
  • The rubsign indents on the Classic Protectobots, Combaticons, Throttlebots, and Triple Changers Springer, and Octane were filled in. The Throttlebots also had standard Autobot symbols instead of rubsigns.
  • Classics Sandstorm had black plastic feet painted orange, as opposed to the original orange-painted metal and later orange plastic versions. Sandstorm came without a rubsign but the indent was not removed.
  • Again, Classics toys were available in English packaging in Germany. However, the Classic Combaticons might have not been available in Germany, due to the "war" theme.
  • For reasons unknown, the Spanish "Classic" version of Onslaught is the only known Spanish version of a toy sporting an alternate name: "Oslat".
  • The original Italian releases of the Throttlebots were named "Racerbots"; the Italian versions of the Classic Throttlebots were called "Motorizatti Rollerbots" instead. Also, Scoutbot (Chase), Saterbot (freeway), Trollbot (Rollbar) and Strobobot (Searchlight) their original Italian names; however, Goldbug, who had originally been named "Wagenbot" in Italy, was called "Maggiolino" for the Italian version of his "Classics" incarnation instead, which was the Italian name of Bumblebee in the Italian dub of the animated television series (since the original Bumblebee toy was never released in Italy); and likewise, Wideload, who had originally been named "Rollerbot" in Italy (which had now become the name of the entire team), was renamed into "Rapidbot".
  • The Italian versions of the Classic Dinobots were apparently available as packs with old combiner giftsets.

Imported Japanese toys

Motorvators (Super Autorobots in Italy)

  • Flame (UK; I: Ghibli)
  • Gripper (UK; I: ?)
  • Lightspeed (UK; I: Starbot)

Others

Notes

  • The Motorvators are redecos of the Japanese Brainmasters Blacker, Braver, and Laster, but do not include the parts for forming Road Caesar.
  • Overlord is also slightly recolored from his 1988 Japanese release.
  • Both Overlord and the Motorvators came in boxes sporting the same overall layout as the boxes used for the "Classic" toys.
  • It's speculated that Overlord and the Motorvators might have been a "test" to see how well larger toys sell in Europe. By using existing molds already released by Takara, Hasbro minimised the financial risk.
  • "Starbot" was previously also the Italian name of the Technobot Lightspeed. It's currently unknown whether this is supposed to imply that the Motorvator and the Technobot are supposed to be the same character. For what it's worth, "Ghibli" was previously the Italian name of Triple Changer Sandstorm.

1992

Hasbro continued with a few new toys exclusively designed for the European market, as well as a few strange re-releases of combiners lacking their combining ability. In terms of languages, English and Spanish were now merged into bilingual English/Spanish packaging for the British, Spanish, Australian and New Zealand markets, whereas France, Belgium and the Netherlands still got toys in bilingual French/Dutch packaging, but now with alternate (English) names as well, and Italy still got toys in Italian-only packaging from GiG. Known European releases from 1992 are (UK/E = English/Spanish packaging; F/NL = French/Dutch packaging with alternate names; I = Italian packaging with alternate names):

Turbomasters and Predators

Turbomasters

Predators

Notes

  • The Italian name for Boss, "Tigre", was originally the Italian name for Jazz. Likewise, the Italian name for Hurricane, "Vortex", was also the Italian name for the Combaticon Vortex.
  • The Turbomasters were also available in Canada; the Canadian version of Rotorstorm had the alternate names "Storm" (English) and "Tempête" (French). Also of note is that the U.K. also saw releases of Rotorstorm labeled as "Storm".

Non-combining Combiners

Rescue Force

  • "Drillhorn"
  • "Jaruga"
  • "Killbison"
  • "Leozak"

Constructicons

  • "Bonecrusher"
  • "Hook"
  • "Long Haul"
  • "Mixmaster"
  • "Scavenger"
  • "Scrapper"

Notes

  • The Rescue Force were recolors of four members of the Breastforce, originally released by Takara in Japan as part of their Victory line in 1990, with new weapons replacing the partners. Names are in quotes because no official names were given. Some parts were remolded, such as the gun for Killbison now being a set of crane arms. These were not intended to replace the partners. These toys were also released with both red and gray weapons. Note that these toys still combine but lack the head included with the Japanese Leozak (and the two arms).
  • The European Constructicons from 1992 are different from the yellow G2 Constructicons, as the purple parts were the darker G1 shade, the soft plastic parts (Bonecrusher and Scrapper's roof parts, Scavenger's shovel arm) were gray, no combiner parts were included, and there was no G2 stamp. Figure names are in quotes because these figures were not officially named. Some fans also refer to these versions of the Constructicons as the "G1½" versions.
  • Both the Rescue Force and the Constructicon toys came on uniform cards with the same box artwork spotlights for each team member, minimal texts ("Rescue Force" and "Autobot", or "Constructicons" and "Decepticon", respectively), no individual names, no tech specs and strictly image-based instructions that featured all team members.

1993

The Turbomasters and Predators were re-released. All new toys from 1993 would be re-released in 1994 in "Generation 2" packaging in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and were identical to their 1993 releases other than the packaging. The G2 symbol was created for this year's releases; rumor has it that this was due to the international licence for the G1 symbols having expired. Some releases of these figures also had the "G2 stamp" placed somewhere on the figure. Known European/Australasian releases from 1993 are (UK/E = English/Spanish packaging; F/NL = French/Dutch packaging with alternate names; I = Italian packaging with alternate names):

Obliterators

Axelerators and Skyscorchers

Axelerators (Colorflashes in Italy)

  • Hotrider (UK/E; I: Astro) (a.k.a. Turbofire)
  • Rapido (UK/E; I: Sirius)
  • Skram (UK/E; I: Mercury)
  • Zap (UK/E; F/NL: Rush; I: Folgor) (a.k.a. Windbreaker)

Skyscorchers (Colorflashes in Italy)

  • Hawk (UK/E; I: Pyton) (a.k.a. Eagle Eye)
  • Snipe (UK/E) (a.k.a. Afterburner)
  • Terradive (UK/E; I: Drake)
  • Tornado (UK/E; I: Diablo) (a.k.a. Windrazor)

Aquaspeeders and Stormtroopers

Aquaspeeders

Stormtroopers (Acquamasters in Italy)

Lightformers and Trakkons

Lightformers

Trakkons

Notes

  • The G2 re-releases of Pyro and Clench from 1994 were named "Spark" and "Colossus" instead.
  • Both the Axelerators and the Skyscorchers are called "Colorflashs" in Italy.
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