History Main / TransformingMecha

* ''Switch-n-Go Dinos'', a toyline by VTech featuring robotic dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals (such as [[MammothsMeanIceAge a wooly mammoth,]] [[ScaryScorpions a scorpion]], [[SavageWolves a dire wolf]], [[KillerGorilla a Gigantopithecus]], and even [[DinosaursareDragons a dragon]]) that can turn into vehicles like cars, trucks, airplanes, helicopters, and construction machines.

** It has to be mentioned that with the tabletop ruleset at the time of their introduction, [=LAMs=] were a pain to deal with. While they couldn't compete in either Mech or Fighter mode, the hybrid [=AirMech=] form was a nigh unhittable FragileSpeedster perfectly capable of taking down 'Mechs twice its weight, thanks to the insane to-hit modifiers their speed provided. Later rules would {{Nerf}} them substantially by adding extra modifiers, the result being that they went from one end of the TierInducedScrappy spectrum to the other but never really managed to make it out.

Frequently, it is possible to anticipate if a vehicle will transform into a robot form if it contains strangely [[KibblesAndBits out-of-place elements]] in its design, as if its engineers suddenly decided to ignore the laws of aerodynamics. Examples include strange protruding bulges and unnecessary giant hand-shaped areas. Most of the time, if the characters within a show are not aware of the vehicle's ability to enter a robot mode, they ignore these design quirks prior to the robot's first transformation. Much to their surprise, the robot changes form near the end of the pilot episode or the beginning of the second. Note, though, that there are certainly exceptions, with the tell-tale bits instead being alt-mode bits that are obvious in robot mode. (''{{Transformers}}'' fans refer to these as [[KibblesAndBits kibble]].)

** Of particular note there's the Astro Megaship from ''Series/PowerRangersInSpace'', which besides being a transforming robot and the main Megazord of the season, were the only additional component was a shuttle that formed its head, was also the base of operations for the Space Rangers. Its counterpart in ''Series/DenjiSentaiMegaranger'', the Galaxy Mega, was not as prominent.

A variation, sometimes used in combination, is [[MechaExpansionPack the modular parts system]], with which a mecha can re-equip with different tools and weapons for different jobs, like the FAST packs from ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'' or the weapon systems from ''WesternAnimation/{{Centurions}}''. This type of system is in use in real-life militaries, which have such things as up-armoring kits for vehicles and universal hard-points on combat aircraft.

[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
* The variable fighters of the ''Anime/{{Macross}}'' franchise, which are transforming fighter jets, with each series's main protagonist always piloting one. The titular ''Macross'' class of vessels are ''[[strike: the]]'' [[{{Transformers}} some of the]] largest transforming mecha ever shown on television. The original ''[[Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross SDF Macross]]'' was over one kilometer tall. The Battle sections of the later ''New Macross'' class vessels, when transformed into humanoid form, are ''almost a mile tall''. ''Anime/MacrossFrontier'' also has the VB-6 ''König Monster'' variable bomber, which can transform into a walking heavy artillery platform.
** Additionally, there is a reasonable explanation for the use of these mechas (well, at least the fighter-jet-sized ones), something not all [[RealRobot Real]] or SuperRobot shows care to give to the viewers, mind it. In the first few episodes of [[Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross the original series]], Roy Focker states that the Valkyries were designed to be able to fight "on even grounds" with the Zentradi. While most GiantRobot shows have mechs almost entirely for RuleOfCool, a quick flash of FridgeBrilliance makes one realize that "on even grounds" doesn't mean tech-wise, but the fact that using Variable Fighters (VF-1's) is the ''only'' way to engage in true infantry-based-warfare with [[AttackOfTheFiftyFootWhatever the Zentradi]], while their jet-based primary form is to provide fast, long-distance travel that would normally be provided by transport planes/choppers, and the Gerwalk transitional form exists (as stated in the show itself) as a VTOL form for difficult terrain when taking off in the Valkyrie form and landing in the Battroid form. There is a certain degree of MundaneUtility to the Gerwalk mode as well, as some supplementary materials state that this is the mode that they use to transport Valkyries around the hanger for maintenance outside of combat; it's also often used to pull off maneuvers that wouldn't be possible with a regular jet, like using the leg boosters to quickly reverse direction and get behind an opponent.
** The original ''Macross'' transformed into a humanoid configuration due to losing a lot of its power conduits during the space fold disaster: the human shape was them taking advantage of the modular nature of the ship to connect the remaining conduits to fire the [[WaveMotionGun Macross Cannon]]. That it looked human-shaped when this happened was apparently coincidental. Later ''Macross'' and ''New Macross'' class vessels keep the transformation because... uh, well, they never really say. RuleOfCool, perhaps. Or because it's the only way to pull off the ''[[RammingAlwaysWorks Macross]] [[MegatonPunch Attack]]'' that was pioneered originally as the ''Daedalus Attack'' as a desperate move in the original series. It ''does'' work.
** While not the UrExample of this trope, ''Macross'' may be responsible for popularizing it (especially the "realistic vehicle transforms into robot" version) , not just because it was brought over to the west as part of ''Anime/{{Robotech}}'', but also because the success of Takatoku's ''Macross'' toy line led to Takara releasing their ''Diaclone'' line which became the basis for ''Franchise/{{Transformers}}''. In fact, the Autobot Jetfire was made from the same mold as the VF-1 Valkyrie from Macross.
* ''Anime/{{Daimos}}'': The titular HumongousMecha was one of the first ones. He could transform into a rocket-shaped spaceship.
* ''Manga/GetterRobo'' in all its incarnations was both a CombiningMecha and a Transforming Mecha, with three different forms (usually a flying strong form, an ultrafast but land-bound form, and a water-capable tank form, though there have been exceptions) depending on the order the Get Machines combine in. The [[AppliedPhlebotinum Getter Rays]]'s status as a SentientCosmicForce sometimes takes the transforming gimmick too far, though: some of Getter Robo's more esoteric models have been known to forgo form-switching altogether and just sprout parts from the other modes on top of the current one, reality be damned.
* ''Getter'''s gimmick was later reused by the ''[[Anime/GenesisOfAquarion Aquarion]]'' franchise, whose main mechs have the same "three jet, three different forms depending on combination order" signature ability. One core difference, however, was that the transformations actually ''worked'' with no [[TelescopingRobot telescoping]] needed, thanks to ''Macross'' creator Creator/ShojiKawamori's technical know-how.
* Many of the LFO mechs in ''Anime/EurekaSeven'' can transform into land vehicles.
* Franchise/{{Zoids}} were mostly monoform, but Liger Zero from ''Anime/ZoidsNewCentury'' has a modular swap-out system. The Murasame Liger from ''Zoids Genesis'' took it a step further, being a piece of LostTechnology whose "Evolt System" uses nanomachines to outright rebuild the machine into other forms on the fly.
* In ''Anime/SonicX'', Tails's plane Tornado II transforms from a plane into a ''really fast'' plane. Later, he adds a bipedal mecha transformation. These come from directly from the games: ''Sonic Adventure'' features Tails's Tornado transforming from one plane into another (with no actual effect, really), while Tails runs around in the bipedal mecha in ''Sonic Adventure 2''.
* Many robots in the ''Anime/BraveSeries'' (such as ''King of Braves Anime/GaoGaiGar'') could transform. And ''then'' they started [[CombiningMecha combining with each other and bolting extra bits on]].
* Another very early example was Pook (from the slavic (or was it Celtic?) word Pooka, a type of animal spirit) from ''Manga/{{Astroboy}}'', a robot kid who could turn into a variety of animals before his transformation system was destroyed by trying to change into too many things too fast. In the GBA game he also becomes a CombiningMecha, gaining the ability to change into the "heart" of the planet destroying alien robot Garon. Transformers show up a few other times in Astroboy, including Odette, a robot ballet dancer who turns into a swan who was created for a fairytale theme park attraction based on ''Theatre/SwanLake''.
* The SuperRobot ''Anime/{{Raideen}}'', who debuted around the same time as ''Manga/GetterRobo'', was probably the first straight-up example of a giant robot who became a vehicle, turning into a bird-themed aircraft.
* ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'': In "rough" order.
** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'': The original (titular) RX-78-2 Gundam straddles this trope and CombiningMecha thanks to its core-fighter and G-Fighter components. Unlike many, it's a single suit with one mode.
** ''Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam'':
*** The titular Zeta Gundam is this series' primary example and one of the first traditional Transforming Mecha in the franchise, transforming into a Waverider Mode for greater speed and athmospheric reentry capabilites.
*** Other mecha in ''Zeta'' that can transform include the Methuss, Gaplant, Asshimar, Hambrabi and the Messala. The Hyaku Shiki was designed as a transforming mecha but it didn't quite work. The ''Advance of Zeta'' side-stories add even more. There's also the [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast Psycho Gundam]], which first appears as a massive Mobile Armor before transforming into a 40-meter tall Mobile Suit, dwarfing what are already HumongousMecha.
** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamZZ'': The ZZ Gundam's G-Fortress mode. The Gaza series (the Gaza-C debuted in Zeta, but the series gets mass-deployed with the improved Gaza-D and the Ga-Zowmn here) also counts. The Bawoo has a split module transformation like the original Gundam above.
** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamCharsCounterattack'' has the [=ReGZ=], which transforms by attaching it's shield as the plane nosecone.
** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamUnicorn'': continues the trend with the Loto (MS to Tank), Delta Plus (upgraded version of the Hyaku Shiki from Zeta with restored transformation) , [=ReZEL=] (a development of the [=ReGZ=], itself a development from the Zeta) and Anksha (MS to Flight Form - a development of the abovementioned Asshimar); the latter two can carry friendly MS into battle while transformed. The titular Unicorn also transforms, from an ordinary mobile suit with a Unicorn horn to a [[TurnsRed red-glowing]] [[SuperMode Gundam of death]].
** ''Anime/MobileSuitVictoryGundam'': Victory 1 & 2 Gundams which transform ''and'' combine. Some Zanscare mobile suits, such as the Zolo line (top and bottom module similar to the Bawoo) and the Tomliat (attack helicopter to Mobile Suit) also transform.
** ''Anime/MobileFighterGGundam'': The Nether Gundam, which can [[WhatKindOfLamePowerIsHeartAnyway turn into a windmill]] (yes, really). The Heaven's Sword Gundam, which has a bird-like flight mode and a fighter mode. And then there's the Devil Gundam, which keeps coming up with more and more new forms as the series goes on.
** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamWing'': The titular Gundam (known in series as "Unit 1") can go from Bird mode to Mobile Suit mode and back, and [[SuperPrototype Wing Zero]][[note]]The prototype for ''all'' the gundams, making it a double SuperPrototype[[/note]] could transform as well. Epyon transformed into a dragon-shaped mecha. Gundam Wing Endless Waltz changed the designs, however, and Wing Zero lost its transformation for a while, until [[MerchandiseDriven Gunpla kits]] gave it a new one.
*** The Taurus as both mobile suit and mobile doll had a "fighter" mode capable of atmospheric flight and higher speeds. The Aries also transforms into a flight mode which essectially ammounts to flipping the feet around and deploying a pair of wings.
** ''Anime/AfterWarGundamX'': Both of Witz Su's Airmaster Gundams have plane-shaped flight modes, as the name would imply. Olba Frost's Gundam Ashtaron also has a mobile armor mode that [[MythologyGag evokes]] the many aquatic mobile armors of the [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam original series]].
** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEED'': A large number of them, to the point that most of them transform. The Strike Gundam (the one operated by the protagonist) uses {{Mecha Expansion Pack}}s. Orb's military force mainly consist of Murasames, mass-produced transforming mobile suits, in ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEEDDestiny''. There are other examples in ZAFT and the Earth Alliance as well, namely the [[MultiformBalance Impulse Gundam]] and [[AirborneMook BABI]] for ZAFT, and the [[TheDreaded Destroy Gundam]] and [[AllThereInTheManual Wild Dagger]] for the Alliance.
** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam00'': The Flags (and their European counterpart the Enact) have robot mode and a vaguely airplane like mode, as do the Kyrios and Arios Gundams. The final episode of ''Gundam 00'' contains what has to be the best, albeit likely unintentional lampshading of this trope ever, when BigBad [[spoiler:Ribbons']] Mobile suit transforms from a Mobile Suit into . . . [[spoiler:a slightly different Mobile Suit]].
*** The Flags and Enacts are odd examples because rather than transforming mid-battle like pretty much every other example on this page, they have to be "converted" between forms while at an airbase, because an attempt mid flight would put a lot of stress on both the [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome suit's joints and the pilot's body]]. Graham Aker is the first pilot to attempt a mid-air transformation, and by the time of TheMovie, the Braves (successors to the Flags) are all capable of doing so.
** ''Anime/SDGundamForce'': Captain Gundam has a Gunvehicle mode.
** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamAGE'': The Gundam AGE 1 has two MechaExpansionPack that actually replace the arms and legs. The AGE 2 fits the more traditional transformation meaning by transforming into a plane mode, in addition to using removable parts like the AGE 1. By the time the AGE 2 is constructed, it appears that the RedShirt mecha for the Earth faction can use similar designs to the AGE 1. The RedShirt mecha that accompany AGE 3 are the traditional plane[=/=]mech model. The Unknown Enemy [[spoiler: also known as [[HumanAllAlong Vagan]]]] has several mecha which can [[OurDragonsAreDifferent transform into dragons]].
** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamIronBloodedOrphans'': The Gundam Kimaris Trooper, piloted by Gaelio Bauduin, can transform into a centaur-like hover mode. The Gundam Flauros (aka the "Ryusei-Go IV") can transform into a four-legged version meant to provide extra stability when it fires its gigantic back-mounted rail gun, turning the Gundam into a fixed-position artillery unit.
** ''Anime/GundamBuildFighters'': [[CasanovaWannabe Ricardo]]'s Wing Fenice... [[AvertedTrope does not transform]], contrary to the kit it was based on. This is partly because of its FashionableAsymmetry putting both of its wings on one side, and partly because it has no shield, which would be required to transform it anyway. The later Fenice Rinascita does have a transformation though.
** ''Anime/GundamBuildFightersTry'': [[TheLancer Yuuma]]'s Lightning Gundam, based on the Re-GZ from Char's Counterattack and given several upgrades, features a similar transformation. [[TheLeader Fumina]] also has one in the Star Winning Gundam, an SD that turns into a more normal Mobile Suit.
** ''Anime/GundamBuildDivers'': Ayame's RX-Zeromaru has three forms, a normal SD form, a Mobile Suit form, and a Bird-like "Armed Armor Hattori" form. The two CoDragons of Avalon also use two variants of the [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEEDDestiny Impulse Gundam]] which they can swap parts with, and their boss [[TheRival Kyoya]]'s AGE-2 Magnum is based on the AGE-2.
** ''Anime/GundamBuildDiversReRise'' features many variations on suits that already transform, but also has its own fair share: Hiroto's Core Gundam II can turn into a plane by combining with its shield, and both versions of Core Gundam can combine with different "Planet Units" to change into [[MultiformBalance specialized units]]. Kazami's Aegis Knight retains the transformation of the original [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEED Aegis Gundam]]. The [[OnceASeason obligatory]] SD kit, the Valkylander, also has a slight twist on the idea, as it goes from SD form to [[OurDragonsAreDifferent Dragon form]].
* A mild example, Sonic Divers from ''Anime/SkyGirls'' can transform between Glider Mode (read: jet mode) and Armor Mode (read: mobile suit mode). These transformations are more for functionality than visual, because of their aerial exoskeleton armor structure, Sonic Divers can't perform a flashy transformation without grinding their pilots into meatbag.
* The QT Arms in ''Anime/TheGirlWhoLeaptThroughSpace''. They start off as a spaceship with a circular set of rocket boosters on the back, but can transform into a sort of centaurian humanoid form utilizing the boosters as a set of legs.
* In ''Anime/VipersCreed'', the mechs can transform into a motorcycle-like form for added speed, but the catch is that they can't be too high from the roadway or they can't gain their energy through wireless power. Enemy mecha mooks, on the other hand, don't have this limitation.
* The vehicles form ''Manga/RideBack'' can switch between a Segway-like standing mode where they have wheels instead of feet for better agility; and a bike like form equivalent to a human doing the splits-which has higher speed.
* Phoron of ''VisualNovel/{{Polyphonica}}'' has a bike that can transform into some sort of piano-based music center. Since MagicMusic is fundamental in the world of ''Polyphonica'', this is definitely a good thing.
* ''Anime/LagrangeTheFlowerOfRinne'' has the Vox units, which transform from a plane into a mecha.
* In ''Anime/CodeGeass'', [[BoisterousBruiser Gino's]] Tristan can turn into a jet and back.
** Lelouch/Zero's Shinkirou could also transform into a Jet/Submarine "Fortress Mode". The MR-1 frames seem to be a mass-produced civilian variation of this, going from truck to mecha.
* In ''Anime/TengenToppaGurrenLagann'', The Arc-Gurren and Super Galaxy Dai-Gurren are multi-kilometric spaceships that double as {{Meta Mecha}}s (the latter, apart of being a MetaMecha of the former, can ALSO become ''the Moon''.
** Most of the Four Generals seem to have multi-mode mecha. Adiane's Sayrune mecha can go from a WingedHumanoid shape with a talking vagina to a hulking scorpion monster. Guame's Gember can switch between a hulking ape-like mode and some kind of woodlouse thing, and Cytomander's Shuzack changes from a WingedHumanoid to a disembodied skull with wings and scythe-arms.
** The Kiyalunga combines this with MechaExpansionPack in that it can transform into a lance and shield that can then be wielded by the King Kittan to form the King Kittan Deluxe.
* Team Rocket in ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'' has made several of these, including a recent one that goes from digger to piloted mech. They're [[MadeOfExplodium not as durable]] as most examples of the trope.
* ''Anime/ArgentoSoma'': The SARG robots can switch between being a plane and a robot.
* ''Anime/NekketsuSaikyoGosaurer'' has a bunch of mechs that go from being an ELEMENTARY SCHOOL to a bunch of robot dinosaurs.
* The titular characters from ''Anime/{{Karas}}'' can change into jets or tank-racecar hybrids. Their actual transformations are a bit cheaty, as they go through a portal and come out changed on the other side. In the end, though, it doesn't really matter due to RuleOfCool.
* ''Anime/GenesisClimberMospeada'' features two types: the MOSPEADA, [[CoolBike motorcycles]] that can turn into powered armor, and the Legioss, which are similar to the Valkyrie fighters from ''Anime/{{Macross}}''. This was one of Creator/KenichiSonada's first jobs in animation, and he liked the concept enough to reuse it for...
* The [[CoolBike Motoslaves]] that the Knight Sabers ride from ''Anime/BubblegumCrisis''. Transformed, they can either act as independent combat robots or as extended power suits to provide their riders with additional firepower and some aerial mobility.
* ''Anime/MazingerZ'' gets in on the action in ''Anime/ShinMazinger'' by having the titular mech turn into a ''giant fist.''
* The title mecha of ''Anime/NinjaSenshiTobikage''.
* ''Manga/FairyTail'': Jose Porla can transform his entire ''castle'' in a giant mecha.
* ''Anime/PanzerWorldGalient'': The titular HumongousMecha is capable of transforming into a red-and-white jet fighter.
* ''Anime/TheUltraman'' has a powerful mechanical juggernaut monster called Dragodos, who assumes the form of a flying saucer for travelling around, but transforms into a serpentine form (bristling with weapons, including two PowerPincers and a buzzsaw tail) in order to battle Ultraman Joneus.
* Beethes, aka Beethoven (yes, that [[Music/LudwigVanBeethoven Beethoven]]) from ''Anime/{{Classicaloid}}'' creates these from large, mostly mechanical objects with MagicMusic. This goes from RuleOfCool to RuleOfFunny when [[ForcedTransformation he gets turned into a fish temporarily]] and makes a crab mecha out of an oven and kitchen equipment.
* In ''Anime/ID0'' the former racer Rick Ayer has a custom [[AMechByAnyOtherName I-Machine]] that is able to transform into a fast and manoeuvrable jet-like vehicle
* 1990s anime fandubbing house Seishun Shitemasu (guilty of, among other films, the ParodyFandub ''Ranma 1/3: Notes from the Closet'') included the phrase "It even turns into a giant robot!" as an inside joke catchphrase, a reference to its first project, the Gunbuster fandub ''Robotech III: Not Necessarily the Sentinels''.
* Thanks to his magic, Henry from ''Manga/BlackClover'' can transform the Black Bulls' hideout into a humanoid bull to fight or a four-legged bull for transportation.
* ''[[Anime/CrossAnge Cross Ange: Rondo of Angels and Dragons]]:'' Para-mails and [[spoiler: Ragna-mails]] can switch between two forms, the flying motorcycle-/plane-like 'Flight Mode' and humanoid 'Assault' or 'Destroyer Mode.'
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Video Games]]
* ''VideoGame/BulkSlash'' has you piloting a mech with an alternate jet form.
* ''VideoGame/GunMetal'' also has you piloting a mech with an alternate jet form.
* The UsefulNotes/NeoGeo BeatEmUp game ''Robo Army'' had a power-up that temporarily morphed the player character into a "Power Buggy", an invincible dunebuggy-type car that could barrel through hordes of enemies.
* The ''VideoGame/CustomRobo'' series has the Lightning Sky class of robos, which transform into fighter jets.
* The Interceptor car in the ''VideoGame/SpyHunter'' series, which can become a boat, a motorcycle, and sometimes a jet plane.
* A slew of original mecha in ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars'', notably the Wildraubtier & R-1 (which are ''Macross'' or ''Gundam'' style planes-to-robots) and the Grungust series (which take cues more from ''Daitarn 3'').
** ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars W'' contains a ''ship'', the Valstork, that transforms into the giant humanoid Valguard by [[CombiningMecha augmenting itself with its in-house mech Valhawk]], which itself has a plane Air Force mode and a humanoid Close Combat mode. When they [[CombiningMecha fuse with the Armstra ship]] into the even more massive Valzacard, the Arm Arcus transforms into a sword or a bow for it to wield.
** Aussenseiter and Dygenguar's combination attack, which transforms Aussenseiter into... a giant mecha horse. Which Dygenguar mounts. And then Dygenguar produces a sword no less than three times the length of itself. That's about when Trombe! is reaching its climax in the song, and you REALLY should have been running a long time ago.
** AND R-GUN! A Gundam-ish mecha transformed into a [[Main/{{BFG}} GUN?!]] Nice for you to get gunned-to-crap by [[CallingYourAttacks METAL! GENOCIDER!]]
*** To clarify, the R-Gun was intended to be a gun (as its name suggests) for the [[SuperRobot S!R!X!]] in the first place. Cue [[TheHero Ryuusei]] crying [[PunctuatedForEmphasis HYPER! TRONIUM! BUSTER! CANNON!]] for god's sake!
* The three main Agency vehicles in ''VideoGame/{{Crackdown}}'' all transform into bigger and badder forms as the player's Driving Skill rises. The Supercar turns into a machinegun-packing batmobile, the SUV turns into a monster-truck that can jump and drive up walls, and the Truck turns into... an even bigger and badder truck with a nitro-booster for maximum ramming power. No attempts are made to justify the blatantly impossible transformations. It happens because it's ''[[RuleOfCool cool]]''.
* In ''VideoGame/GunstarHeroes'' (both the original and the GBA remake), Green uses an ancient vehicle known as Seven Force. It has seven different variations. And you have to fight them all.
* ''VideoGame/ViewtifulJoe'' has the Six Machine, a transforming vehicle with six forms: A humongous mecha, a car, a jet, a submarine, a subterrine, and a cannon.
* In ''VideoGame/{{Xenosaga}}'', the E.S. Dinah could transform from a starship to a mecha and back; only about half the ship was used in the mecha form, leaving the rest to be used as a large energy weapon or just left floating in orbit. The E.S. Naphtali could also transform from a cruise mode to combat mode.
** Though the Dinah is more of a combiner, as its head is formed from a flying motorcycle that turns into a bed.
* In ''VideoGame/XenobladeChroniclesX'', Skells are capable of transforming into a vehicular mode, depending on their weight type. Light Types transform into nimble motorcycle-esque vehicles, Medium Types transform into slower but more stable four-wheelers, and Heavy Types employ tank treads.
* In ''VideoGame/CommandAndConquerRedAlert3'', the Empire's Tengus (anti-infantry mecha and anti-air jet) and [=VXs=] (anti-air mecha and anti-tank chopper). The Sea-Wing/Sky-Wings are more MilitaryMashupMachine.
** Dunno if it's intentional or not but the Mecha Tengu [[http://27.media.tumblr.com/NAJN8JTZ6jz9z4ocLT05SnPTo1_500.jpg stylistically resembles]] a [[{{Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross}} Variable Fighter in Gerwalk mode]]. Even the transformation and hovering movement is similar.
* ''VideoGame/MischiefMakers'': Each member of the Beastector has their own Transforming Mecha: Lunar has a CoolBike that turns into a wolf robot, Tarus has a tank that turns into a bipedal robot, and Merco has a flying [[ThisIsADrill drill]] that turns into a bird robot. [[CombiningMecha The three of them can also combine into a large humanoid robot]].
* ''VideoGame/RType'' TL series fighters transform into mecha when attached to force devices. They also use a different WaveMotionGun when transformed.
* The Terran Viking units in ''VideoGame/StarcraftII'' transform from a fighter with anti-air missiles to a mech with anti-ground machine guns. They're best used for raiding as the name suggests, fly up behind the enemy's defenses to their resources and transform to mow down their workers before their forces move back there.
** The fluff in the campaign mode describes a trait that Vikings have that's somewhat unique to this trope: The cockpit of the Viking transforms, too. Viking pilots have to be nimble enough to avoid the [[NoOSHACompliance massive pieces of shifting machinery]], and most rookie pilots end up losing a limb or two.
** Hellions/hellbats are a reverse example; originally a fast dune-buggy-like skirmish vehicle, the Hellion was retrofitted with the ability to transform in the game's first expansion, becoming a slower, but tougher close-combat mech.
* ''VideoGame/TheGuardianLegend'''s main character, a RobotGirl who takes a humanoid form during the dungeon crawling parts of the game, then switches to spaceship form for some VerticalScrollingShooter action.
* Mr. Heli Robo at the beginning of Stage 6 in ''VideoGame/{{Contra}}: Shattered Soldier''. There is also the ''Super Powered Robot Yokozuna Jr.'' which serves as the boss for Stage 2.
* Turbo Man in ''VideoGame/MegaMan7'' can turn into a car, Ground Man in ''VideoGame/MegaManAndBass'' can turn into a DrillTank, Galaxy Man in ''VideoGame/MegaMan9'' has the ability to turn into a miniature UFO, Nitro Man in ''VideoGame/MegaMan10'' can turn into a CoolBike, & Impact Man in ''VideoGame/MegaMan11'' can turn into what looks like a three-pronged pile driver. Ride Boarski of ''VideoGame/MegaManX7'' also counts, because he can turn into a motorcycle.
* ''VideoGame/LostPlanet: Extreme Condition'' has the [=GAB-25=] [[AMechByAnyOtherName Vital Suit]] that can change from being a [[SpiderTank quadrupedal mech]] to high speed DrillTank. It also has the [=GTF-13=] which can transform between MiniMecha and jet-propelled snowmobile modes.
* ''VideoGame/StarFox'':
** ''VideoGame/StarFox2'' gives the Arwings and two other spacecraft a walking mech form-convenient for fighting on planets and inside battleships. This feature would later be carried over (along with a transforming Landmaster) to ''VideoGame/StarFoxZero''.
** ''VideoGame/StarFoxAssault'': [[spoiler: General Pepper's Ace Custom flagship]] can change its form, with its battle form using its wings as melee weapons.
* The protagonist of ''VideoGame/{{Thexder}}'' is obviously inspired by ''Anime/SuperDimensionFortressMacross'', transforming from a bipedal robot into a jet fighter. In the sequel, it attacks with {{Roboteching}} missiles, too.
* In ''VideoGame/TwistedMetal Black'', Sweet Tooth's truck can transform into a humanoid robot.
* In ''VideoGame/SakuraWars: [[VideoGame/SakuraWarsSoLongMyLove So Long, My Love]]'', the [=STARs=] are capable of transforming between a traditional bipedal form and a jet-like flight mode.
* The Eidolons from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII'', surprisingly enough, turned out to be these.
* ''VideoGame/RaidouKuzunohaVsTheSoullessArmy'' comes with FinalBoss the Soulless God Yasoumagatsu and the earlier Soulless God Oumagatsu, monstruous battleship/[[Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion Evangelion]] hybrids capable of easily switching between forms. The transformation scene is ''awesome''.
* Several ''VideoGame/RaySeries'' bosses, including ''Ray Storm'''s first boss, and Sem-Strut in ''Ray Crisis''.
* The Vic Viper from ''VideoGame/{{Gradius}}'' appears in transformable form in ''VideoGame/ZoneOfTheEnders''.
** Also from the second game is the mook frame, NARITA, preferring to use its entire body as a weapon and transforms to ram into enemies.
** Tyrant and Nebula from the first game also counts as this which they go into during their second phase.
** Jehuty itself has a similar transformation by spreading its arms and wings, straightens its legs and its cockpit...faces forward.
* [[spoiler:Yami]], from ''VideoGame/{{Okami}}'' as a SequentialBoss. The presence of a Mecha in a game set in Ancient Japan is justified by the implication that [[spoiler:Yami, as well as being the God of Darkness is the [[ScienceIsBad creator-god of technology]].]]
* VideoGame/{{Starhawk}}, the SpiritualSuccessor to VideoGame/{{Warhawk}} has these as the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i08a0o-xpfw&feature=player_detailpage#t=49s standard, flying vehicle]].
* ''C.O.R.'', a GameMod for ''VideoGame/UnrealTournament2004'', was team deathmatch with transforming mecha, and awesome.
* ''VideoGame/ShogoMobileArmorDivision'' is a rare case of a FirstPersonShooter with Transforming Mecha.
* ''VideoGame/FutureCopLAPD'' has the x-1 alpha that transforms between a battle walker and a hover car.
* ''VideoGame/BattleEngineAquila'' has the battle engines, which can turn change between jet mode and walker mode. However, in flight mode the battle engine must divert its DeflectorShields to propulsion, and even then it can only remain airborne for relatively short periods. In a world flooded by GlobalWarming, the battle engine must make use of [[ImprovisedPlatform any land, debris, or enemy airship or watercraft]] to land on to recharge lest it lose power, fall into the water [[SuperDrowningSkills and start to flood]].
* ''VideoGame/KidIcarusUprising'' features the Great Sacred Treasure, which transforms into nearly half a dozen modes in the fight against [[spoiler:Hades.]]
* ''VideoGame/AnarchyReigns'' has Garuda, who transforms into a jet and can be ridden on by his teammates in co-op modes.
** Aswell as the [[MechaMook Gargoyles]], who resemble Garuda, except with [[CyberCyclops one eye]] and plasma arms.
* The UsefulNotes/PCEngine shmup ''Psychic Storm'' had four ships that could transform into huge bio-mechanical creatures.
* In ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarIII'', the cyborg Wren could transform into an aeroplane, jet scooter and submarine once the required parts are obtained. Unfortunately, the Wren in ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarIV'' no longer seems to have this ability.
* ''VideoGame/ArmoredCore'' features quite a few of these.
** The most famous example is the final boss of Master of Arena, Nineball Seraph which could often travel faster by converting into a bird-like mode. It's also insanely powerful and sturdy for a transforming mech and is decked out with Beam Spam
*** It also returned as a final boss in ACE: R if the player is on their 11th playthrough and it's been pumped with steroids now featuring Primal Armor from the [=PS3=]-era games, a cloaking mode, Attack Drones and a wave motion cannon in its chest. The best part? You get to take it out for a joyride in an unlockable mission.
** In Armored Core 3, there is a blue MT model possessing a walker and flight mode. Taking it out while in walker mode is a first priority since it unloads powerful beam shots.
** In Nexus, there is yet another transforming mech which appears to be a prototype for the Pulverizers in Last Raven.
* ''VideoGame/Kirby64TheCrystalShards'' features the HR-1, a towering robot that transforms into a rocket-mode for the second half of the battle and attacks using scissors.
** ''VideoGame/KirbyPlanetRobobot'' has the Robobot Armor. While it is capable of PowerCopying, one of them becomes an auto-scrolling jet, aswell as a super fast racecar.
* ''VideoGame/AirMech'', drawing obvious and loving inspiration from ''VideoGame/HerzogZwei'', has the player piloting a robot that transforms into some kind of aircraft to command a variety of drone units on the ground.
* ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiDreamTeam'' has the Giant Luigi opponents Earthwake and Robo Drilldigger. The former is a mecha made of buildings that can transform into a flying swarm of them and a gigantic hammer, the latter a robot made of drill pieces that can become a tank or a flying vehicle in order to use different attacks.
* The UsefulNotes/AtariJaguar launch title ''Cybermorph'' has the player control a spacecraft that shape-shifts into different forms based on how the player flies. The sequel, ''Battlemorph,'' expands the idea with submersible and subterranean modes.
* ''VideoGame/{{Vanquish}}'' has the Argus, which transforms between a SpiderTank and a humanoid robot; View Hounds, which transform from helicopter drones to ground robots that use the blades as swords; and the BIA, which transforms from a humanoid to a scorpion.
* In ''[[VideoGame/TimeCrisis Time Crisis 5]]'', [[spoiler: [[BigBad Robert]] [[RogueProtagonist Baxter]]]] has a robot that starts out as a ChickenWalker, but then becomes a giant robot that [[spoiler: Robert]] himself will pilot.
* ''VideoGame/ScrapMechanic'', a construction sandbox game, contains the Controller gadget, that allows the players to create their own transforming constructions. With the game's system of DesignItYourselfEquipment, there's practically no limit on what sort of vehicles the players will be able to create.
* ''VideoGame/{{Strikers 1945}}'' features bosses that appear to be UsefulNotes/WorldWarII-era war machines at first...before transforming into mecha that [[AnachronismStew could not have been possible with 1940's-era technology]].
* In ''VideoGame/{{Overwatch}}'', the character Bastion can transform from his bipedal robot form to a either stationary turret or a tank.
* ''VideoGame/WildArms2'' and ''VideoGame/WildArms3'' feature the Dragon Caliber, Lombardia. He's a living mechanical "dragon" who can transform into a jet, and becomes your GlobalAirship after defeating him. He even gets a Gundam-style launch sequence in his very first appearance.
* In ''Franchise/TheElderScrolls'' series, the [[OurDwarvesAreDifferent Dwemer]] crafted Numidium is a [[RealityWarper Reality Warping]] HumongousMecha prominent in the backstory, and then as a major plot point in ''[[VideoGame/TheElderScrollsIIDaggerfall Daggerfall]]''. [[TheConqueror Tiber Septim]] used it to complete his conquest of Tamriel, something he likely would not have been able to do without it. It was so massive and so powerful that merely ''activating it'' warped time and reality, [[TimeCrash right up to affecting even the ''God of Time'' himself]]. [[https://i.imgur.com/wULJ9.jpg Here is a size comparison]], with the tiny specks at the bottom being full-sized people. Numidium was ''usually'' anthropomorphic, but could apparently change its shape from time to time. Considering its reality-warping abilities and how it was [[AnthropomorphicPersonification walking exemplification of refutation]], it makes sense that Numidium would not necessarily stick to one discrete shape.
* In ''Neon Drive'''s seventh stage, the player controls an {{expy}} of Sideswipe from ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'', first dodging ''VideoGame/{{Klax}}''-style tiles on a conveyor in car mode, then side-scroll platforming in robot mode.
* ''VideoGame/TheNinjaWarriorsOnceAgain'' has Raiden, a 4-meter, 32-ton [[NinjaPirateZombieRobot robot ninja]] who can transform into a ChickenWalker with machine guns and bombs.
* ''VideoGame/{{MechRunner}}'' has the [=XP=]-41, which can switch between battle ship and dual sword-wielding mecha.
* ''VideoGame/Persona5'' has Makoto Niijima's Persona, the motorcycle shaped Johanna, whose ultimate form is the transformed mecha Anat. [[https://www.goodsmile.info/en/product/8590/Transforming+Johanna+Anat.html Its official figure]] even has that transforming action built into it.
* ''VideoGame/{{TechRomancer}}'', a fighting game for the Sega Dreamcast, features among the selectable robots the ''Strategic Variable Fighter Rafaga'', a very obvious expy of the various Valkyrie fighters from the ''Anime/{{Macross}}'' franchise.
[[/folder]]

* In ''Film/{{Big}}'', a prototype toy transforms from a robot into a skyscraper, and Creator/TomHanks' character suggests that the robot transform into something more fun, like an insect or a [[EverythingsBetterWithDinosaurs dinosaur]].

* Played in a mundane and realistic way in ''VideoGame/FarmingSimulator'', where farming equipment usually has a folded arrangement for transportation across the map, and an unfolded arrangement for field usage. Large machines often have unfolding sequences elaborate enough to make them count as a transforming machine.

[[folder:Film -- Animated]]
* Finn [=McMissile=] from ''WesternAnimation/Cars2'', who can actually transform from a car to a submarine. His sidekick Holley Shiftwell can transform into an aircraft.
[[/folder]]

* Beethes, aka Beethoven (yes, that [[Music/LudwigVanBeethoven Beethoven]]) from ''Anime/{{Classicaloid}}'' creates these from large, mostly mechanical objects with MagicMusic. This goes from RuleOfCool to RuleOfFunny when [[BalefulPolymorph he gets turned into a fish temporarily]] and makes a crab mecha out of an oven and kitchen equipment.

* ''WesternAnimation/TheBotsMaster'': Twig, Ziv Zulander's bodyguard BOYZZ, can transform into a HumongousMecha when [[CombiningMecha combined]] with ZZ's car.

* Mr. Heli Robo at the beginning of Stage 6 in ''VideoGame/{{Contra}}: Shattered Soldier''.
** There is also the ''Super Powered Robot Yokozuna Jr.'' which serves as the boss for Stage 2.

* ''VideoGame/StarFox2'' gave the Arwings and two other spacecraft a walking mech form-convenient for fighting on planets and inside battleships. This feature would later be carried over (along with a transforming Landmaster) to ''VideoGame/StarFoxZero''.
** [[spoiler: General Pepper's Ace Custom flagship]] in ''VideoGame/StarFoxAssault'' however, is this, its battle form using its wings as melee weapons.

* Centauri's car in ''Film/TheLastStarfighter'' took the angular wedge design of the [=DeLorean=], turned it UpToEleven, then made it a ''transforming'' FlyingCar and CoolStarship.

*** [[{{Franchise/TransformersAlignedUniverse}} The latest franchise]] ups the ante with Shifters, a Transformers sub-species that can transform into ''[[UpToEleven anything]]''! Understandably, they are [[ToylessToylineCharacter Toyless Toyline Characters]].

** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamZZ'': The ZZ Gundam's G-Fortress mode. The Gaza series (the Gaza-C debuted in Zeta, but the series gets mass-deployed with the improved Gaza-D and the Gazo-Wwn here) also counts. The Bawoo has a split module transformation like the original Gundam above.

* The [[https://www.sansei-technologies.com/eng/product/play J-deite RIDE]] is the world's first real transforming mecha, going from car to robot in a few minutes. A bit slow compared to the lightning-fast transformatiins in mecha anime, but it proves that it ''can'' indeed be done.

** ''Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam'': The Zeta Gundam which transforms into a Waverider Mode for greater speed and athmospheric reentry capabilites.
*** A lot of the other mecha in Zeta can transform, including the Methuss, Gaplant, Asshimar, Hambrabi and the Messala. The Hyaku Shiki was designed as a transforming mecha but it didn't quite work. The ''Advance of Zeta'' side-stories add even more. There's also the [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast Psycho Gundam]], which first appears as a massive Mobile Armor before transforming into a 40-meter tall Mobile Suit, dwarfing what are already HumongousMecha.

* In ''VideoGame/MischiefMakers'', each member of the Beastector has their own unique Transforming Mecha, which resembles the same animal as its pilot.

** Turns out that years later in the sequel, [[ActuallyPrettyFunny the courthouse apparently liked it]] as you can ask permission at the front desk to press the button in front of it.

[[folder:Newspaper Comics]]
* A weird place for one of these...the old ''ComicStrip/{{Heathcliff}}'' cartoon ''WesternAnimation/HeathcliffAndTheCatillacCats''. The namesake car moves from car to boat to..um, house trailer, I guess.
[[/folder]]

** This is also shown on a much smaller scale than most with droidekas, who transform between a [[FragileSpeedster high-speed but vulnerable rolling mode]] and [[MightyGlacier an essentially immobile shielded mode]].

* ''Anime/RinneNoLagrange'' has the Vox units, which transform from a plane into a mecha.