The action figures based on the newest Transformers video game have now been revealed.
As shown through the Toys “R” Us Canada online listing, the Transformers: Rise Starscream & Bumblebee 2-Pack is the first toy “officially” showcased for the upcoming video game Transformers: Reactivate. Initially titled Transformers: Rise (hence the name of the figures), the title was originally announced in 2022. Both the Starscream/Bumblebee 2-pack and a similar set of figures uniting Autobot leader Optimus Prime and the Decepticon Soundwave have been rumored for months, with this being the first true look at them and how the game has redesigned the classic characters.
As shown by the toys, the figures for Bumblebee and Starscream have designs that are both unique and traditional. Starscream in particular heavily resembles his original Generation 1 design, with Bumblebee’s look (and his dune buggy alternate mode) evoking both G1 and the live-action Transformers movies. Conversely, both robots have a notably asymmetrical aesthetic, with certain design elements not being uniform across their bodies. This is meant to reflect battle damage, which makes sense given the gritty direction of the game. The product listing puts the set at 97.99 CAD — around US$71.90.
Bumblebee comes packaged with two small black handguns, while Starscream has his usual arm-mounted null ray cannons. Given the G1-esque crest in the middle of his head and the way in which his horns are styled, it’s likely that this version of Bumblebee will be able to speak, unlike the ones seen in the movies. Conversely, the product listing description speaks of Starscream as “scheming,” confirming his usual traitorous antics as he vies to become the leader of the Decepticons.
Transformers: Reactivate is being developed as an online multiplayer game by the studio Splash Damage. A conglomerate of the Chinese developer Tencent, Splash Damage has worked on the multiplayer modes for numerous hit games, including Doom 3 and the Gears of War series. The game’s concept — backed up by the aforementioned product listing — has Earth invaded by non-Cybertronian alien forces. Thus, the only hope for humanity is the newfound alliance between the Autobots and Decepticons. Their mutual threat are the Quintessons, an alien race that in the G1 cartoon continuity were also the creators of the Transformers. Beyond the Optimus Prime/Soundwave 2-pack, it’s unknown what other figures may be on the way for Transformers: Reactivate.
Source: Toys “R” Us Canada
