Construct-Bots
From Transformers Wiki
Construct-Bots is a line of Transformers-themed building toys with interchangeable parts, somewhat similar to Kre-O. In contrast to Kre-O's brick-based kits, however, Construct-Bots are action figures with a wider range of articulation that can be changed between modes without being disassembled. Elite and higher price-point sets come packaged in a translucent plastic storage tray that highlights key pieces in the set.
Construct-Bots were announced in early 2013 in advance of Toy Fair, and began hitting store shelves later that year. They had a substantial presence at BotCon 2013, featuring prominently in the Hasbro presentation with much of the line on display, both in stock and custom configurations.
In 2014, the design of the figures was changed markedly; All joints on the figures are now ball-jointed, and their torso superstructure combined the waist and torso and added a spring loaded "spine" part. Figures no longer reuse parts from other models and are more or less totally unique. Most 2014 parts are not compatible with parts from 2013 figures. All Beast Hunters (barring Predaking) and Age of Extinction Construct-Bots use the newer design. Unfortunately, the newer designs used rubberized ball-joint tips which were prone to dry rot after a few years.
Construct-Bots packaging features the pseudo-motto "Construct Convert Customize", highlighting the key features of the line.
- Construct - Construct-Bots toys are built by attaching body parts, armor pieces, accessories, weapons, joint pieces, and even faction symbols to a modular skeleton. The sets are assembled using three types of joints: rubberized ball joints, 5mm pegs and sockets, and ratcheting clips.
- Convert - Construct-Bots can be transformed from robot mode to an alternative (e.g., vehicle, animal, etc.) mode. Unlike brick-built Kre-O robots, Construct-bots can be transformed with minimal, if any, reassembly. This reassembly is generally limited to repositioning accessories and weapons using the ratcheting clips or 5mm pegs. Transformations are generally comparable to those of the inner robots of Pretender toys with various hinged body panels being rearranged to enhance the alternative mode.
- Customize - A multitude of extra 5 mm pegs, sockets, and bars for the ratcheting clips are provided by the modular skeleton and the various other parts. A single Construct-Bots set can be customized by rearranging the skeleton or rearranging armor parts and accessories (such as by moving wing pieces from the arms to the legs). A Construct-Bots set may be further customized by including or substituting pieces from other sets.
It is not clear what, if any, continuity they fit into. Several characters resemble their Generation 1 namesakes; others take their cues from Transformers: Prime and Age of Extinction.
Contents |
Sets
2013
Scout
Wave 1
|
Wave 2
|
Wave 3
|
Elite
| Wave 1 | Wave 2
|
Wave 3
|
Triple-Changer
Ultimate
|
Scout Arsenal Pack
|
Proceed on your way to oblivion. |
Elite Arsenal Pack
Proceed on your way to oblivion. |
2014 – Beast Hunters
Originally mentioned at Toy Fair 2013 as Fall product, the Beast Hunters line of Construct-Bots was fully revealed at BotCon 2013 as due for 2014. Like a lot of tail-end Beast Hunters product, these wound up more-or-less unreleased outside of Europe, other than Predaking, who was released in late 2013 as part of the Target-exclusive Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising line.
Scout
|
Elite
|
Triple Team
Target exclusives
2014 – Age of Extinction
Revealed at Toy Fair 2014, the Age of Extinction tie-in saw the line's format shaken up with the introduction of Dinobot Riders, small figures which can ride the Scout-sized Dinobot figures.
Dinobot Rider
| Wave 1 | Wave 2 | Wave 3 |
Proceed on your way to oblivion. |
Dinobot
Wave 1
|
Wave 2
|
Dinobot Warrior
Wave 1
|
Wave 2
|
Multi-packs
Store exclusives
| Target | Walmart
|
Media
Videos
A series of videos has been released on Hasbro's Construct-Bots website and on YouTube, featuring the Construct-Bots in a cartoony tone. These shorts also doubled as commercials for the Construct-Bot toys.
Games
Notes
- At Toy Fair 2013, a Hasbro representative referred to the line by the name "Construct-A-Bots", arguing that the faction insignias represented an "A". Various online retailers, as well as the online divisions of major brick-and-mortar retailers such as Walmart and Target, used that name. The "A" is also present on the shipping cases delivered to such retailers. On the other hand, Hasbro's official press releases, placards at BotCon 2013 and San Diego Comic-Con 2013 and file names of official promotional stock photos sent to fan sites consistently lacked the "A", instead referring to the line simply as "Construct-Bots". Online retailer Entertainment Earth always used that name, whereas BigBadToyStore switched from an initial "Construct-A-Bots" to "Construct Bots" (lacking the hyphen). Listings on the Toys"R"Us website were a mixed bag, with international divisions using the "A" variant on their websites consistently. Listings on the official Hasbro website were also a mixed bag: While the English language version as well numerous other versions used the more common name "Construct-Bots", some (but not all!) listings used "Construct-A-Bots" for the German and French versions, and the Portuguese versions of some listings even used "Construct A Bots" without hyphens.
- The Construct-Bots ball and socket joint is the same size as those used in the brick-built Kre-O sets, allowing for even crazier creations.
- Many of the 5 mm posts are hollow and compatible with Mini-Con Powerlinx ports, allowing for even MORE crazier creations.
External links
- Hasbro's official Construct-Bots site (via the Internet Archive)
- Playlist of Construct-Bots videos from Hasbro's Transformers YouTube page
- Hasbro Introduces Construct-Bots: Transformers With Interchangeable Parts! @ wired.com
- Hasbro customer service database "leak" with cancelled Construct-Bots listings at Allspark.com (via the Internet Archive)