So... this popped into my head the other day. Can something be considered a Transformer-type of thing because it transforms, even if it isn't in the brand? An example of this would be Go-Bots. Would they be considered the same "type" of thing as Transformers? Or, a wilder idea- the Iron Man mark 5 armor from Iron Man 2? For those who are not aware, the armor was showcased during a battle scene on a racetrack in Monaco. Its original form is a briefcase, which transforms into a suit of armor. These armors, in later movies, are shown to be autonomous when directed to be so, and have some degree of sentience. And, yes, human-built Transformers have some precedent. All of the Decepticons in AOE were man-made. So I guess the question is: can a robotic, metal organism or construct, if it has one non- humanoid mode and one humanoid or alienoid mode, be considered a Transformer simply for its ability to change between the two at will?
Considered by who? Cause in the real world, the answer is obviously not. A go-bot isn't a transformer, transformer is just the brand name word for what in universe is a cybertronian. In universe though? Yeah maybe. I could see, say, humans considering gobots and cybertronians two different types of "transformers." Would be interesting to see that kinda thing happen.
No. I would think a bare minimum to be considered a "Transformer" should be if the thing is sentient. The briefcase armor is not sentient.
By definition, anything that transforms is a transformer. But transformers from other franchises are not "Transformers", with a big T. However, one thing I'm not sure of is the exact parameters of what counts as a Transformer in the Transformers line. Is Alpha Q considered a Transformer, simply because he's part of the toyline? What about Spike in his Exo-suit? What about the nebulan headmasters and targetmasters? What about Action Masters? What about Savage Noble? What about Transmutate?
This. Transformers outside of the brand are not "official" Transformers. It has to be within the brand. I also think a character could not be a Transformer in fiction, but be a Transformer in a toy line. Another thing one has to remember is that in FFoD, we know the Quintessons created the Autobots and Decepticons originally as lifeless non-transforming robots, and only later did they become "aware" and develop the ability to transform. With that said, non-transforming robots can be upgraded into Transformers, and, in some odd cases here and there, there are examples of robots in the brand who may or may not be Transformers.
Outside of fiction, obviously not. In fiction, still no. "Transformer" is just another shorthand that non-Cybertronians use to refer to Cybertronians. Unless there was a Gobots crossover or something where another species of transforming robot interacted with Cybertronians on Earth, people would still only refer to Cybertronians as Transformers.
For Iron Man's suitcase to be a Transformer, it's got to be Cybertronian in origin and move independently.
I would like to bring up the case of Spaceball 1 transforming into Mega Maid to which Barf replied "it's not just a ship it's a Transformer"
This. "Transformers" is a franchise name. The franchise's primary characters involve a civil war of an extraterrestrial race known as Cybertronians, not Transformers. Our toys are transformers manufactured under the brand name of Transformers (or Gobots, Diaclone, whatever). Referring to Cybertronians as Transformers is a colloquialism. Put it in reverse: Say Cybertron was watching 1940s Earth like reality TV. While we as Terrans would make the distinction between Axis, Allies, and Neutrals during WWII, Cybertronians might just say "The Fleshling War". Or look at the Gundam franchise. The franchise is named after the protagonist mobile suit (or suits), the Gundam. There are tons of non-Gundam mobile suits and mobile armors that are all part of the franchise (analogous to Nebulans, Spike in his exo suit, whatever), but they all fall under the Gundam franchise name.
GoBots has been a trademark and property under the Transformers brand since Hasbro aquired Tonka in the 90's. So GoBots are Transformers. Now. Bandai still holds the rights to Machine Robo in Japan, however, so I doubt we'd see anything more than occasional use of names for Hasbro to hold onto those trademarks.
Some degree of sentience? From what I recall they were all being operated by a single AI.... But it has been a while since I seen that film
No. They're their own respective separate things. They might take inspiration from each other but they're still their own thing.
Sure ? Maybe? Yes. It transforms. By that logic can a transformer be considered an ironman? Can all ironmans and transformers be considered gundams?
All Band-aids are bandages but not all bandages are Band-aids. All Kleenex's are tissues but not all tissues are Kleenex's/ All Q-Tips are cotton swabs but not all cotton swabs are Q-Tips. Basically, no.
