History Anime / TransformersArmada

A comic from the now defunct [[ComicBook/TransformersGenerationOne Dreamwave Comics]] was made covering all of the series. It started out mostly mirroring the show's plot with some considerable differences (Mini-Cons could speak normally for starters, while in the show they were limited to bleeps and other electronic noises) but went off in its own direction once Simon Furman took over writing duties. The second half of the series concerns [[spoiler:some of the first major mentions of a Transformers multiverse, Unicron invading Earth with his heralds, all Generation 1 Decepticons, and Megatron battling Generation 1 Galvatron one-on-one]]. The comic was received fairly positively despite (or because of?) these differences.

* RoleReprisal: One of the highlights was getting Creator/DavidKaye and Creator/GaryChalk to play Megatron and Optimus, although technically both in the WesternAnimation/BeastWars era were ''similar'' characters and not actual adaptations of the originals, as evidence that this is the first time Chalk played Optimus ''Prime''.

** And then there's Starscream...ole Screamer had ''two''! [[spoiler:First he gets blasted like Smokescreen (though messing with the timeline saved him), then Megatron impales him, and finally meets his end getting disintegrated by Unicron]].

* RoleReprisal: One of the highlights was getting DavidKaye and Creator/GaryChalk to play Megatron and Optimus, although technically both in the WesternAnimation/BeastWars era were ''similar'' characters and not actual adaptations of the originals, as evidence that this is the first time Chalk played Optimus ''Prime''.

''Transformers Armada'' is one of the many series that make up the ''Franchise/{{Transformers}}'' franchise. It takes place in its own continuity, separate from the earlier series. The storyline of ''Armada'' continued in ''Anime/TransformersEnergon'' and ''Anime/TransformersCybertron'' (however, ''Cybertron'' is a separate continuity in the Japanese version). The three series are known as the "Anime/UnicronTrilogy".

A comic from the now defunct [[ComicBook/TransformersGenerationOne Dreamwave Comics]] was made covering all of the series. It started out mostly mirroring the show's plot with some considerable differences (Mini-Cons could speak normally for starters, while in the show they were limited to bleeps and other electronic noises) but went off in its own direction once Simon Furman took over writing duties. The second half of the series concerns [[spoiler:some of the first major mentions of a Transformers multiverse, Unicron invading Earth with his heralds, all Generation 1 Decepticons, and Megatron battling Generation 1 Galvatron one-on-one]]. The comic was received fairly positively despite (or because?) of these differences.

''Transformers Armada'' is one of the many series that make up the ''Franchise/{{Transformers}}'' franchise. It takes place in its own continuity, separate from the earlier series. The storyline of ''Armada'' continued in ''Anime/TransformersEnergon'' and ''Anime/TransformersCybertron'' (however, ''Cybertron'' is a seperate continuity in the Japanese version). The three series are known as the "Anime/UnicronTrilogy".

A comic from the now defunct [[ComicBook/TransformersGenerationOne Dreamwave Comics]] was made covering all of the series. It started out mostly mirroring the shows plot with some considerable differences (Mini-Cons could speak normally for starters, while in the show they were limited to bleeps and other electronic noises) but went off in its own direction once Simon Furman took over writing duties. The second half of the series concerns [[spoiler:some of the first major mentions of a Transformers multiverse, Unicron invading Earth with his heralds, all Generation 1 Decepticons, and Megatron battling Generation 1 Galvatron one-on-one]]. The comic was received fairly positively despite (or because?) of these differences.

A video game adaptation, simply called ''[[VideoGame/TransformersPreludeToEnergon Transformers]]'' (but with the working title of ''Prelude To Energon'', which it is sometimes identified as), was released for the {{Playstation 2}}, and is considered one of the better Video Game adaptations, and the best one so far for Transformers until ''VideoGame/TransformersWarForCybertron''.

* DancingMookCredits: The ''Transformers Armada'' video game for the Playstation 2 ended its credits sequence with several of the Decepticlones and Tidal Wave working out in time with the jazzy music.

''Transformers Armada'' is one of the many series that make up the ''Franchise/{{Transformers}}'' franchise. It takes place in its own continuity, separate from the earlier series. The storyline of ''Armada'' continued in ''Anime/TransformersEnergon'' and ''Anime/TransformersCybertron'' (however, ''Anime/TransformersCybertron'' is a seperate continuity in the Japanese version). The three series are known as the "Anime/UnicronTrilogy".

It was controversial among fans not only for the focus on Mini-Con collecting (leading some to call it '[[http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Pokeformers Pokeformers]]'), but for the frequent dubbing errors. Due to rushed production, there are several conversations that don't flow properly, or clash with what's happening onscreen. Many characters have their names mixed up with other characters,' such as pretty much everyone being called Leader-1 (Megatron's Mini-Con) at least once. One particularly glaring instance was Optimus saying he'd left ''Thrust'' in charge on Cybertron - and the image has "Thrust" kept in shadow because he (actually intended to be Jetfire) hasn't been introduced yet. Of course, Thrust is the name of the Decepticon master tactician, with no sign of ever having been an Autobot - a major point of confusion for viewers. Also, unfinished animation led to some low-quality scenes, and one or two truly nonsense ones (like a ''[[http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Image:Dotscream.jpg black spot of nothing]]'' where Starscream was supposed to be in one battle.) But like most things, had a few redeeming factors in the overall story and the reintroduction of the meta-villain Unicron. It is generally considered to improve considerably in the second half.

A comic from the now defunct [[TransformersGenerationOne Dreamwave Comics]] was made covering all of the series. It started out mostly mirroring the shows plot with some considerable differences (Mini-Cons could speak normally for starters, while in the show they were limited to bleeps and other electronic noises) but went off in its own direction once Simon Furman took over writing duties. The second half of the series concerns [[spoiler:some of the first major mentions of a Transformers multiverse, Unicron invading Earth with his heralds, all Generation 1 Decepticons, and Megatron battling Generation 1 Galvatron one-on-one]]. The comic was received fairly positively despite (or because?) of these differences.

A video game adaptation, simply called ''[[TransformersPreludeToEnergon Transformers]]'' (but with the working title of ''Prelude To Energon'', which it is sometimes identified as), was released for the {{Playstation 2}}, and is considered one of the better Video Game adaptations, and the best one so far for Transformers until ''VideoGame/TransformersWarForCybertron''.

* BrawlerLock: The show's approach to battle scenes is mostly made up of this this sort of grappling, BladeLock, and areal shots of fire fights.

-->'''Optimus:''' [Gets hit, falls down]
-->'''Alexis:''' [to Rad and Carlos, who are standing right next to her and watching the same fight] Oh, no! You guys, Optimus is ''down!''
-->'''Rad:''' Oh, no!

* DancingMookCredits: The ''Transformers Armada'' video game for the Playstation 2 ended it's credits sequence with several of the Decepticlones and Tidal Wave working out in time with the jazzy music.

* TheStarscream: [[spoiler: Starscream was this Only until Season 2]].

* DefectorFromDecadence: [[spoiler:Starscream, for a while]].
* DevelopingDoomedCharacters: The first episode, full stop. It's ''all'' about the annoying kids at school. They don't meet the Mini-Cons until near the end, and actual Autobots and Decepticons don't show up until the very last moments of the episode. If you watch the recap, you can pretty much start with episode two and miss nothing relevant.

* OffModel: Poor quality art is unfortunately common. This is partly due to Creator/CartoonNetwork's meddling, and partly because Creator/{{Actas}}, the studio behind the animation was genuinely not all that great.
** To it's credit, the Japanese version did correct some of the most blatant errors. But whether or not it makes a difference is another matter entirely. More info on that version can be read [[http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Armada_%28cartoon%29#Criticisms here]].

* RidiculouslyHumanRobots

* HeroWorshiper: Side Swipe idolizes Blurr to such a degree that he follows his hero to Earth. When Blurr pawns Side Swipe off on Hot Shot, it doesn't take long for Side Swipe to transfer his hero worship to Hot Shot.

* BloodKnight: Optimus gets accused of continuing the war because he enjoys it.
** But Megatron better embodies the trope; he unequivocally enjoys it.

-->'''Wheeljack (later):''' "I've come to get my revenge."

* ThoseTwoGuys: Billy and Fred.

* BattleButler: Demolishor.

* NotTooDeadToSaveTheDay: In "Miracle", the Autobots are being overpowered by the Decepticons in an Asteroid field, and Hot Shot, as Megatron says, is indeed "a poor substitute for Optimus Prime". But Sparkplug and Perceptor summon a team of glowing space-traveling Mini-Cons, who, with their sparks and the data in the Matrix, bring Optimus BackFromTheDead.

* OldMaster: Scavenger is introduced as a formidable and cunning mercenary. Once he settles in [[spoiler: with the Autobots]]], he even becomes a mentor to [[spoiler:Hot Shot]] and reveals a [[ObfuscatingStupidity fondness for afternoon naps]].

* PlanetEater: Unicron.

* UnderwaterRuins: "Ruin".
* TheUnintelligible: Mini-Cons, although High Wire starts making full sentences ''much'' later.

* YesMan: Demolishor, though he does occasionally raise questions.

* AFatherToHisMen: Optimus. At some points, Megatron displays parallel behavior to ''his'' men, though in a more "irritable father" way than Optimus' "doting father".

* AxCrazy: Cyclonus, though he's more of a pain in the ass than a serious threat.

** There is a touch-and-go incident with [[spoiler:Smokescreen]] as well.
* BadBoss: Megatron, in sharp contrast to Optimus Prime. Starscream calls him out on it [[spoiler:after his HeelFaceTurn and just before his death.]]

* KidAppealCharacter: Hot Shot

* LeeroyJenkins: Hot Shot, on more than one occasion.

* TheMedic: Red Alert

* OffModel: Considered to be one of the worst recent examples. This was partially because of Creator/CartoonNetwork's meddling, and partially because the [[Creator/{{Actas}} studio behind the animation]] was genuinely not all that great.
** To it's credit, The Japanese version did ''try'' to correct some of these errors. But whether or not it succeeded is another matter entirely. More info on that version can be read [[http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Armada_%28cartoon%29#Criticisms here]].

* ReverseMole: Scavenger

** There is a touch-and-go incident with [[spoiler:Smokescreen]] also, which requires him to get a whole new body.

** Megatron unequivocally enjoys it.

* BrawlerLock: Done numerous times during battles.

* CaptainObvious: These kids probably had a lot to do with the fandom's dislike of human characters in general. A great deal of the time, their role in an episode was to spend half an hour giving statements like this:

-->'''Alexis,''' [to Rad and Carlos, who are standing right next to her and watching the same fight] Oh, no! You guys, Optimus is ''down!''

* EvilFormerFriend: Wheeljack to Hot Shot.

* FamilyUnfriendlyDeath: [[spoiler:Prime and Smokescreen. Especially Smokescreen. Thrust being crushed to death from the feet up would also count. Though he can't beat Starscream, ole Screamer had ''two''! First he gets blasted like Smokescreen (though messing with the timeline saved him), then impaled by Megatron and disintegrated by Unicron]].

* GeniusBruiser: Scavenger

* GoOutWithASmile: [[spoiler:Starscream]]
* GoodOldFisticuffs: Scavenger's introduction fight.
* GottaCatchThemAll: Almost the entire plot of the first thirteen episodes.
* GreenAesop: "Jungle"

* HugeGuyTinyGirl: [[spoiler:Although Alexis and Starscream never go that far, but that doesn't stop some fans on both sides of the Pacific]].

* TheHyena: Cyclonus.

* KarmicDeath: [[spoiler: Thrust]]

* TheMole: Like you wouldn't believe. [[spoiler:First, Scavenger is a mole for the Autobots, then Sideways shows up. First he poses as an Autobot, 'reveals' himself to be a Decepticon, and stays there for a while, lowering morale and messing with their heads. Later, he is uncovered as a servant of Unicron, sent to infiltrate and disrupt both factions. Later, he appears to Thrust, and convinces him to become the new mole for Unicron]].

** The Japanese version to its credit, did ''try'' to correct some of these errors. But whether or not it succeeded is another matter entirely. More info on that version can be read [[http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Armada_%28cartoon%29#Criticisms here]].
* OnlyMostlyDead: [[spoiler:Smokescreen]].

* {{Atlantis}}

* BadBoss: Megatron, in sharp contrast to Optimus Prime. Starscream calls him out on it [[spoiler: after his HeelFaceTurn and just before his death.]]
* BattleButler: Demolishor
* BenevolentBoss: Optimus

* BlindIdiotTranslation: Definitely in some places. However, [[Anime/TransformersEnergon you ain't seen nothing yet]].
* BloodKnight: Optimus is accused of being one.
** Megatron is one.

* AFatherToHisMen: Optimus. Megatron in many of the episodes displays parallel behavior to ''his'' men though in a more "Irritable father" way than Optimus' "Doting father".

* AntagonistInMourning: Megatron
* [[AsLongAsThereIsEvil As Long As There Is Hatred]]: [[spoiler:Unicron bellows this speech through Sideways]].

** [[spoiler: also Smokescreen]]

* CombiningMecha: Powerlinking

* JerkAss: Thrust

''Transformers Armada'' is one of the many series that make up the ''Franchise/{{Transformers}}'' franchise. It takes place in its own continuity, separate from the earlier series. The storyline of ''Armada'' continued in ''Anime/TransformersEnergon'' and ''Anime/TransformersCybertron'' (however, ''Anime/TransformersCybertron'' is a seperate continuity in the Japanese version). The three series are known as the "UnicronTrilogy".

A comic from the now defunct [[TransformersGenerationOne Dreamwave Comics]] was made covering all of the series. It started out mostly mirroring the shows plot with some considerable differences (Mini-Cons could speak normally for starters) but went off in its own direction once Simon Furman took over writing duties. The second half of the series concerns [[spoiler:some of the first major mentions of a Transformers multiverse, Unicron invading Earth with his heralds, all Generation 1 Decepticons, and Megatron battling Generation 1 Galvatron one-on-one]]. The comic was received fairly positively despite (or because?) of these differences.

A comic from the now defunct [[TransformersGenerationOne Dreamwave Comics]] was made covering all of the series. It started out mostly mirroring the shows plot with some considerable differences (Mini-Cons could speak normally for starters) but went off in its own direction once Simon Furman took over writing duties. The second half of the series concerns [[spoiler:some of the first major mentions of a Transformers multiverse, Unicron invading Earth with his heralds, all Generation 1 Decepticons, and Megatron battling Generation 1 Galvatron one-on-one]]. The comic was received fairly positively despite (or because?) of these differences..

A comic from the now defunct [[TransformersGenerationOne Dreamwave Comics]] was made covering all of the series. It started out mostly mirroring the shows plot, but went off in its own direction once Simon Furman took over writing duties. The second half of the series concerns [[spoiler:some of the first major mentions of a Transformers multiverse, Unicron invading Earth with his heralds, all Generation 1 Decepticons, and Megatron battling Generation 1 Galvatron one-on-one]]. The second half of the series was received fairly positively despite (or because?) of these differences..

* {{Expy}}: The character development of Starscream and Hot Shot mirrored that of [[WesternAnimation/BeastMachines Dinobot and Cheetor's]] respectively.