General Information:
Price Point/Size: Special Pricing ($2 each)
Retailers: Discount Retailers (Dollar General, Family Dollar)
Release Date: Summer 2005
Transformation Difficulty Level: Beginner
Purchased at: Family Dollar and Dollar General
Accessories: Each figure includes one gun
There are several discount retailers throughout the US that sell items at low prices. They try to be diverse, offering everything from clothing to food. In addition they also have toy sections. In general, these toys wind up being knock offs of existing toys or cheaply made toys. In recent time, more well known toys companies such as Mattel and Hasbro have been introducing small, cheap toys to make their brands known to visitors to these stores.
To introduce the Transformers brand into these stores, the Transformers Spychangers previously released as Kay Bee exclusives were repackaged as Transformers Universe toys and released in the Summer of 2005. To see the previous reviews of these toys, follow the links below:
There were no changes made to these figures, only the packaging. For each figure, a brief tech spec/write up was printed on the back of the packaging and an illustration using pre-existing art was put in the upper right hand corner. Interestingly each figure lacked its specific tech spec. For instance, Optimus Prime's tech spec write up appears on everyone's packaging but his own. The tech specs are transcribed below:
Autobot Jazz
Motto: "Do it with style or don't bother doing it."
Function: Special Operations Expert
Illustration Used: Heroes of Cybertron
Clever, cool and adaptable, Autobot Jazz takes on the riskiest missions with trademark flair, dazzling enemies with spectacular sound and light displays. His vast knowledge of Earth culture makes him especially valuable in Earth operations. Equipped with photon rifle, flame-thrower, full spectrum beacon and 180db stereo speakers.
Hoist
Motto: "You have to be rolling before you can be fighting."
Function: Maintenance
Illustration Used: Generation One Reissue
Hoist is the first on the scene whenever an Autobot is injuired in the line of duty. His personal mission is to make sure that each of his comrades operates at peak efficency levels at all times. Though his primary function is maintenance and repair, he'll gladly convert to robot mode to take on a Decepticon adversary.
Optimus Prime
Motto: "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings."
Function: Autobot Leader
Illustration Used: Heroes of Cybertron
Dedicated to protecting all life. Optimus Prime leads the Autobots, in unceasing battle against the evil Decepticons. His courage and wisdom know no bounds, and he is respected throughout the universe as a powerful champion of peace. Carries a blaster rifle as well as the ancient Autobot Matrix of Leadership.
Prowl
Motto: "Logic is the ultimate weapon."
Function: Military Strategist
Illustration Used: Energon Prowl
Prowl is a strategic genius. His logic center is the most sophisticated in the Autobot army, capable of analyzing complex combat situations and making strategic decisions almost instantaneously. Unexpected events, however, have been known to scramble his circuits. Launches powerful wire-guided missiles and high-corrosive acid pellets.
Silverstreak
Motto: "I nver met a Decepticon I didn't dislike."
Function: Gunner
Illustration Used: Alternators
Always on overdrive, Silverstreak is an incessant talker whose sharp humor can lighten tense situations. Formidable weapons and incendiary speed make him an impressive adversary, although the memory of his home-city's destruction has left him with a liasting distaste for war. Equipped with long-range bombing capability and 80,000 volt attack beam.
Wheeljack
Motto: "Never do what your enemy expects you to do."
Function: Mechanical Engineer
Illustration Used: Heroes of Cybertron
Wheeljack is a genius at combining throw-away objects into incredibly effective weapons. He is also a spectacular driver who never passes up a chance to show off his high-speed prowess. Arsenal includes a magnetic inducer shell, gyro inhibitor and an ever-changing array of new gadgets.
As of April 2006, Family Dollar stores were still receiving new shipments of these figures.
