This doesn't really apply to G1 so much since they usually don't have built in alt mode scanners. But I just wonder could a transformer just constantly change their alt mode as a type of battle tactic for travel or even because they simply can't decide what kind of vehicle/beast they prefer. I get the impression they kind of can anyway like the bumblebee movie were Bee switches form his cybertronian car to an army jeep and finally a beetle in the span of about of about five minutes. My guess is no transformers do so because they need time to get used to their alt modes and learn what they are fully capable of and may scanning a new mode uses allot of energy.

 

I like the explanation that it requires a lot of fuel/energy. Maybe that's why they never switch alternate modes in G1, because in that show they were having an Energon crisis (whereas in the movies Energon doesn't seem to be a huge concern). It is worth noting that Bumblebee passes out after scanning that Beetle. The explanation that they have to get used to their new altmode is also a really cool one.

 

It is blocked by pay wall with a cool down timer and if they want to use it fast they need to pay 99.99....

Like @TheSoundwave says. I too think it requires a lot of energy to do it. Where in G1, Telatran 1 had to go out and explore for new alt modes in order to reconstruct them.

 

REALITY!!

 

That's something I preferred in G1. The ability to quickly scan and change alt modes seemed op to me. I like it better if they need the computer in the base to do it.

 

This was pretty much the special power of the player character from the original 2007 movie Transformers Autobots/Decepticons games for the DS.

 

Personally I prefer the "full body re-engineering" thing from IDW1, actually needing to partially or completely rebuild a Transformer in order to accommodate a new mode. Like as much work as it would take to replace the body of a real car.

 

Could lead to some humorous situations. Bumblebee: "you're telling me it takes TWELVE HOURS to change me from the 2016 to 2017 Camaro?"

 

I like the idea that scanning requires a lot of energy. Being on an alien planet with no supply of Energon to fuel them, it makes sense that they'd need to conserve it.

Adding to the headcanon, changing disguises is futile because after years of war on Cybertron, most Transformers have developed Energon detectors to scan for robots in disguise. This was how Ironhide *sniffed* Demolisher and Bumblebee knew Alice was a Decepticon.

 

The story line?

 

But Bumblebee didn’t KNOW Alice was a Decepticon....he just didn’t want Sam with an other woman

 

Self-discipline.

 

I like to imagine that every Transformer has a “reconfiguration matrix” that allows them to scan new modes. These are limited in supply so when it’s used, they’re pretty much stuck with that alternate mode and form.

The name reconfiguration matrix comes from Go-Bots Optimus Prime’s bio.
Optimus Prime (1995) - Autobot Leader - www.tfu.info

 

The films had bots take on various different alternate modes, both as a strategic means and as a way to show off. And it generates more toys of said robots.

Cartoons in recent times do that on a less frequent basis, but for the same reason.

But I doubt there'll be anything drastic like a bot changing from a jet to a spider-tank, or vice versa.

 

This.

 

To me that makes a lot more sense than just "scan and go into whatever mode".

As per G1, it was the repair system of the Ark that went and scanned vehicles that it assumed where the sentient beings of the planet, and repaired the robots accordingly so that they would be able to transform into the most compatible form.

I can see that they can get upgraded and modified, as they are robots after all. Heck, they can end up being virtually completely rebuilt if needed, but that this would be akin to having major plastic surgery, so a fair amount of time on a repair table or such before they are able to get up and transform into a new shape. This would also impact their robot mode of course.

I absolutely don't agree or find it makes any sense to make them into a huge pot of nano particles that are holding together via magic soup that can rearrange themselves at will anytime, as this simply defeats them even having a recognizable form.. might as well just make them into electronic Barbapapas...heck, instead of figures, then just sell Play-doh with metallic colours and a TFs logo on it.

 

Marvel G1 at its best

Interesting

 

Fallen angel beat me to it.

All this infinite scanning makes them less Transformers and more T-1000.

I like that certain aspects have to be in both modes. Almost like a cybertronian needs a certain "skeleton" to remain or only move certain ways.

 

Doesn't it depend on how often they take on new modes? Some bots get to wield all-terrain modes that can manage in most environments, while others have to scan new modes whenever their situation changes.