General Information
Release Date: October 2023
Price Point: $77.99 (depending on retailer)
Retailer: Target Exclusive with a limited number sold on Hasbro Pulse (US), Toys 'R' Us Exclusive (Canada)
Accessories: Rocket launcher/hammer, alternate head (Autotrooper), Swords x 2, Blasters x 2, Alternate Head, White horns x 2, Grey horns x 2 (G2 Cybertronian), Null Rays x 2 (Seeker), Axe, Mace, Tail/Sword, Allicon head (Quintesson Trooper)
Official images and text in italics are from Target.com: Prepare for an epic battle between the strongest Transformers robot troops with the Troop Builder Multipack! This pack includes 4 Transformers action figures: Decepticon Seeker, Quintesson Trooper, G1 Universe Cybertronian Trooper, and Animated Universe Autotrooper. Each figure converts from robot to their classic alt modes in 14-27 steps. Gear up your figures for combat with the character-inspired weapon accessories and the 3 included alternate heads for the Quintesson Trooper, G2 Universe Cybertronian Trooper, and Aniamted Universe Autotrooper figures. You've probably heard the buzz, but Bumblebee is kind of a big deal. And now the bodacious bot is making his mark with a line of some of the most buzzworthy Bumblebee products for fans of all ages. Buzzworthy Bumblebee figures feature collectible special packaging themed to fit the Buzzworthy Bumblebee line. Collect more Buzzworthy Bumblebee figures, only at Target (each sold separately, subject to availability).
Includes: 4 figures, 9 accessories, 3 alternate heads, and instructions.
- BUZZWORTHY BUMBLEBEE: The Buzzworthy Bumblebee collection features some of the most buzzworthy Transformers action figures for boys, girls, and fans of all ages, only at Target
- BUILD THE BATTLE: Assemble your strongest troops for battle with the Troop Builder Multipack! Includes Decepticon Seeker, Quintesson Trooper, G2 Universe Cybertronian Trooper, and Animated Universe Autotrooper
- AWESOME ALT MODES: Each figure converts between robot to alt mode in 14-27 steps. Includes alternate heads for Quintesson Trooper, G2 Universe Cybertronian Trooper, and Animated Universe Autotrooper figures
- GEAR UP FOR COMBAT: Comes with 2 Null Rays, 2 swords, 2 cannons, blaster, axe, and mace weapon accessories that attach to the Transformers figures in both modes
- BUMBLEBEE-THEMED PACKAGING: This Transformers multipack features special Buzzworthy Bumblebee collectible packaging. These Transformers toys make great gifts for boys, girls, and fans of all ages
- Ages 8 and up
- Warning: Choking Hazard - Small parts may be generated. Not for children under 3 years.
Background:
One of the most unique features of the Transformers line in the 80's was the fact that each character was a unique being. The tech specs on G1 toy packaging gave fans a look into the character's personalities and abilities, something that was fairly uncommon at the time among action figures. As the years went along Transformers characters having unique personalities and identities became a critical part of the toy line. However, G1 did often feature generic background characters who were often used as cannon fodder in battle scenes. However, it was rare for the Transformers toy line to have figures that would be considered "Troop Builders" (unlike say, G.I. Joe which had generic Cobra troopers or Star Wars which had Stormtroopers). In 2023 Hasbro decided to go all in on the troop building concept by releasing a troop builder 4-pack as part of the Target exclusive Buzzworthy Bumblebee toy line! This 4-Pack was designed to encourage fans to purchase multiple copies. Not only was each character in the set a generic troop, but each also featured alternate heads to create different versions of those characters which is frankly a brilliant move from a marketing perspective.
This set included four figures: Autotrooper, G2 Cybertronian, Seeker and Quintesson Trooper. This review will focus on the "Animated Universe" Autotrooper. Autotroopers have an interesting (and somewhat awkward) history in the Transformers toy line. They were originally introduced in the infamous Kiss Players toy line as Transformers troops created by the Earth Defense Command. Let's just leave it at that. Then in 2009 they became part of the Transformers Animated universe in part thanks to Botcon exclusive figures. Since then, other versions have appeared including in the Shattered Glass universe. This specific figure is based on the one seen in Animated (though it nods to Kiss Players as well). This figure is a retool and redeco of the Siege Ironhide figure. This is not even the first time this figure was used as a troop builder. That happened back in back in 2021 when it was used as the Deseeus Army Drone. This review will focus on the changes made to the figure for this release.
Packaging:
The Troop Builder figures are packaged in a long, rectangular box. The background color uses the standard "Buzzworthy Bumblebee" yellow. Off to the left is stock art of Bumblebee, Optimus Prime and Megatron while the middle is mostly taken up by a artwork featuring the four characters inside. Each name is called out underneath: "Decepticon Seeker", "Quintesson Trooper", "G2 Universe Cybertronian Trooper" and "Animated Universe Autotrooper". The right side has the Generations logo and the vertical Transformers logo in black. The back features each figure in both modes calling out the number of their transformation steps. For the figures that include alternate heads, a small window shows off each alt-head. Overall this is beautiful and striking packaging.
Accessories:
This set includes three accessories for the Autotrooper. This includes two heads and a redeco of Ironhide's "W-35 LR Doomblast Forge Launcher".
Rocket Launcher/Hammer:
The Rocket Launcher/Hammer from the previous releases of this figure is included with no changes. It features a rectangular front end with six rocket tubes sculpted in. The Launcher features three different 5mm pegs. Each allows figures with 5mm ports to hold the weapon in various positions. It can be held like a blaster, or over the shoulder or even just to the side. The peg towards the back is used to hold the weapon as if it were a giant hammer. Just swing down the front end and now the weapon takes on an especially brutal configuration! Even more fun, the back of the hammer mode has two connector points for Blast Effects from Battle Master figures. That makes the hammer look "rocket powered" which is very fun. I really love how simple yet awesome this weapon is.
This time out this accessory is made of black plastic with metallic teal paint on the ends of each rocket.
"Kiss Player" Head:
Using the original Autotrooper figure as its foundation, this head sculpt features an angled helmet section with an oval shaped face/forehead section set inside of it (or at least that's how it looks). The top of the head has circles on top and the mouthplate s flanked by tubes that almost look like something you'd find on a gas mask. Along with the visor eyes the head sculpt looks like a soldier wearing a mask. This is a really nice head sculpt and looks great. This piece is made of white plastic with red and black paint details.
Similar to the G2 Cybertronian, you don't rip the head off to swap it out. Instead, the head slides onto a piece attached to the neck with rails on the sides. It is a very smooth swap out that works beautifully.
"Animated" Head:
The other Autotrooper head has some similarities to the "Kiss Player" head. The back is an angled section that angles down on the sides to the front. The face and forehead are oval shaped with visor eyes, though these eyes have a curve that the other does not. The top of the head has non-functional goggles on it. This head has teal eyes with black paint details on the goggles and the parts that flank the mouthplate. This head also uses the "slide/rail" system to swap out the heads.
I think it was a great idea for the designers to include both heads with this figure. Yes, the whole "Kiss Players" origin is awkward (to say the least) but purely from an aesthetic point of view I like the original Autotrooper head design. From a play perspective having the extra head adds play value to the set.
Robot Mode:
The Siege Ironhide figure is one of my favorites from that era of Transformers. Putting aside that it was a cool Cybertronian Ironhide figure, the figure's very basic, blocky form allowed for a lot of possibilities when attaching accessories like Battle Masters, Micromasters and Weaponizers. It also has this generic look that you can buy as having been a mass produced body for Transformers. To distinguish this figure from its predecessors, the designers reworked the head, attaching a slide/rail piece that allows you to swap out the head between the two included with the figure.
This time out this sculpt is made of black, white and translucent teal plastic. Most of the figure is white with smaller parts like the fists and feet made of black plastic. The window on his chest is translucent teal. Paint colors include red, white, black and teal. The color contrasts on this figure are beautiful. The red Autobot symbol on his chest panel is red and a fun callback to the one seen on the Animated Autotrooper figures.
There are twenty two points of articulation on this figure, and they are all nice and solid. No floppy or loose joints here. There are also fifteen 5mm ports on this figure. Four are located on the "back pack", one is on the back, two are on the sides of the shoulders, two on the sides of the forearms, two in the fists, two on the sides of the legs and two on the bottom of the feet. That is a lot of potential fun when connecting other weapons or parts from figures like Cog.
The Autotrooper has three connection points for Blast Effects from Battle Master figures. Each shoulder has one and the top of the chest section has one off to the left. These have largely disappeared from the Generations line in 2025 so it is nice to see them on a more recent release. He is a lot of fun to play with and a reminder of just how great the Siege line was.
Transformation to Vehicle Mode:
- Detach the weapon and set it aside for now.
- Straighten out the arms and legs.
- Swing the chest panel forward, swing the head down and close the cover.
- Swing the arms up and connect them together.
- Swing the back pack down.
- Rotate the chest piece with the arms attached around.
- Push the back pack piece against the chest/windshield section.
- Swing the front panels of each lower leg up.
- Push the two legs together.
- Swing the panels on the sides of the lower legs forward.
- Swing the panels from the front of the lower legs together.
- The weapon can be attached to the top.
*Note: The side panels on the lower legs have a tendency to pop off very easily. They snap back on with little pressure, but I do wish they had been held in with pins to make them more secure.
Vehicle Mode:
This vehicle mode is the same as Ironhide's without any changes. Like the robot mode, it is generic looking enough that you can buy that this is a standardized vehicle used by Autobot troopers. I can also imagine all the connection points serving as ways Autotroopers can customize themselves for the needs of a specific mission. There is a missed opportunity here: Tonfa like weapons that could attach to the top as sirens but I'm sure that would have exceeded the allotted budget for the set.
Like the robot mode, this form shows off mostly white colors with black concentrated in the front, back and wheels. The teal colors from the arms show on the top of the vehicle along with the translucent teal windshield. Overall the deco is really striking and beautiful in its simplicity.
This figure has six 5mm ports in this form. Four are on top and two are on the back. His own weapon fits nicely on top. The ones in the back are fun as you can attach Blast Effects to make it look like the vehicle is getting a boost of energy and going faster than it normally would!
Final Thoughts:
The Autotrooper is really fun addition to this set. Yes, it dabbles with one of the parts of Transformers lore that many fans would rather forget, but these figures represent the Animated versions so you can put Kiss Players out of your mind. The Siege Ironhide figure was already cool and super fun, so it follows that this figure is cool and super fun. Between this and the other figures in the set this Troop Builder boxed set is a real winner!
Pros:
- Excellent sculpt in both modes.
- Fantastic articulation.
- Lots of connection points for 5mm peg weapons.
- Fun weapon.
- Intuitive transformation.
- Touches on a couple more obscure bits of Transformers lore.
Cons:
- The side panels on the lower legs pop off far too easily.
- I would have liked siren lights in vehicle mode.
