“Thanks to Hasbro and Hunter PR Be Your Best Mom was invited to attend a sneak peek of the new Transformers Robots in Disguise in NYC. Contributing writer Marcia Kellogg and her son attended the event on Saturday March 7th. All guests received gift bags, All thoughts in this article belong to the author.”
My son and I had the opportunity on Saturday to view and explore the new realm of Transformers: Robots in Disguise. Hasbro is rolling out a multimedia line to expand the Autobots’ world. We were able to see the first two episodes of the new show on the big screen. We had a great time playing with the character figures for multiple ages, and we visited interactive stations to check out the new App and “travel” to Cybertron as our favorite characters. We even got to race Autobots and bring some figures home!
Transformers: Robots in Disguise–The new animated series on Cartoon Network
The new animated series finds Bumblebee training Autobot law informant cadet Strongarm on the planet Cybertron. Bumblebee receives a message seemingly from beyond the grave from Optimus Prime. There’s trouble on Earth, and Optimus is sending Bumblebee on a mission. Joined by Strongarm and trouble-making punk Sideswipe, Bumbleebee returns to Earth and meets ups with human father-son allies Denny and Rusty (Russell!) to assist Minibot Fixit in tracking and recapturing escaped Decepticon criminals. C was excited to see a Dinobot take the screen as a new member of Bumblebee’s squad. The rough and tumble, and silly, giant Grimlock is a lighthearted heavy-hitter to balance Bumblebee’s fierce passion. Personally, I cheered for Strongarm; the cadet is all business and bravery and a great female character that both boys and girls will love. Like the live action films and the previous story line of the animated series Transformers Prime, Transformers: Robots in Disguise promises to deliver high intensity thrills, new characters to cheer for and to despise, and many laughs along the way. The one-hour special debut will air on Cartoon Network March 14th at 6pm.
New figures for ages 4+
C has been a Transformers fan for about four years since receiving a Bumblebee figure following the release of the live action films. Hasbro’s new line for the show features figures of varying complexities, which is great for both of us. He can transform the more difficult toys quicker than I can, so I especially appreciate the One Step bots. Sideswipe and Fixit were my favorites, and they are definitely on level for younger kids (and impatient parents). C really enjoyed the racing station with these guys as well as Bumblebee and Steeljaw. They convert in an instant. I think they are the perfect way to start out on Transformers, and they are fun little guys for seasoned fans as well. Grimlock and Optimus 3-step changers were C’s favorites from the event. While listed as just age 6+ instead of 5+ like the 1-step figures, these bots have quite a few more advanced pieces and conversions. He was able to convert both without help, and they look great as robots and cars. The only drawback I saw at this level was that Grimlock’s tail is not part of his vehicle mode, and I see that getting lost at our house. The Legion class characters are small in size and have easy conversions, but the detail is great. Sideswipe was my favorite here as well. The most advanced figures we played with belong to the Warrior class. These toys are for the more seasoned converting fans, especially Drift. Hasbro has also released a two lines of non-transforming figures for those who just love the robot characters. This Titan Hero class of 12-inch robots is great for ages 4+. Also available are the mystery packs of Tiny Titan rubber figurines.
The Interactive App
This station actually started before we even got to the event. The Transformers: Robots in Disguise app is available for free on iOS and Android devices. After a quick search and download, C got started battling Decepticons in the Scrap Yard, and built up his characters’ strength, weapons, and moves. While attending the Sneak Peek, we used his tablet with the app on it to scan in various characters we were playing with. After scanning the special Autobot or Decepticon code with your device’s camera, you will be able to use your toy and weapons in the game! After we got into just the right lighting–not to bright, not too dark–scanning was a breeze. The app is age appropriate for school-age and up children. Although the robots are fighting each other, it is pretty tame violence–no oil sprays or pieces flying off.
The Sneak Peek Event
We had a fabulous afternoon together! Hasbro and the event staff were wonderful to us and all of the Sneak Peek VIP guests. C especially like Vincent at the racing table for helping him learn the best way to do quick conversions. My boy who really doesn’t love having his picture taken was chomping at the bit to don a mask and hop in front of the green screen to join Bumblebee on Cybertron. We made quick stops at the coloring and Decepticon detection stations, and did some battling at the app station which was projected onto a big screen. The sneak peek really got us excited for a new journey with the Autobots. I know my son will have hours of creative and imaginative play with the Grimlock, Optimus, Fixit, and Bumblebee figures we were able to bring home!
About Marcia Kellogg:
I am a mama living in the Hudson Valley of New York with my wonderful husband, two gorgeous children, and furry and finned pets. Aside from my family, my life revolves around FOOD–creating it, reading about it, sharing it, and eating it!! After getting a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts at The Culinary Institute of America, I realized cooking is really the area I love more, so I have taking part-time jobs as personal chef and culinary skills instructor. But even more than food, I love spending time with my family, whether it’s on the football field, baking cookies at home or going to mommy and me class. We adore traveling to see our relatives around the country, especially in Montana and Hawaii. I will make it to Europe one of these days, and I consider my only regret in life that I don’t have more stamps in my passport~
The details of your article will help this grandma with gift choices for my 8 year old grandson.
Thanks, I KNOW he will love them!
My 7 year old son loves this show! He would love a party like this, looks like the kids had fun!
Hunter PR put on a great event! There were kids from toddler to about 10 years there all having a ball. Enjoy the new series!
My grandson will love this. Looks like fun.
Lots of fun! I think this new series and toy line will appeal to lots of kids. Thanks for the comment 🙂
I used to love Transformers myself as a kid (I grew up around all boys) but I know my kids still love these toys!
My brother and husband both had the toys; it’s amazing looking back how advanced some of them are now. It’s great Hasbro has such a large age range for the toys now!
what a great review! I wish my boys were still little!
Thanks! Even big guys will like this show 🙂
For a second I got excited thinking there was a new transformers Movie coming out. Seems like you and your Son had a great time. He must have been excited to get the gift bag
It was a lot of fun, and he loves his new guys 😀
We got the 25th Anniversary DVD a few years back. But I’ll be excited to tell my sons about this one.
I think they’ll be fans! The format/writing reminds me of Ben10: Omniverse, if your ids have seen that. The premier is a one hour event, then 1/2 hour morning shows after that.
I’m not sure who would be more into this – my husband, or my son!
Oh my husband would have been all over this if he hadn’t been working :D. They both play with the figures lol !
We have never gotten into Transformers but I also did not know they had a series the kids could read. thanks for sharing this.
The event highlighted new toys, a cartoon, and an app that is a game. They should do a line of adventure boos, though. We have a bunch from the Lego series; they would sell well I’m sure.
We love the Transformers especially the movies
Same here! My son has watched parts of the movies, mostly the battle scenes. But he loves the toys that convert; the harder the better 🙂
What a fun event! My son loved Transformers when he was little.
It was so fun! I don’t think boys ever grow out of Transformers, my husband hasn’t 😀
This is so cool. I remember the old 80s TV show. I didn’t know a new was coming out!
This is a continuation of the Transformers Prime series that came out a couple years ago. Check out the Cartoon Network site!
It looks like you guys had a wonderful time! I bet tons of people are excited to see this!
We did! This is a great addition to the franchise. I especially like that the one-step toys arestill fun for older children.
I love Transformers! I can’t wait to see this!
Did you get a chance to tune in?
I know tons of kids who loved the Transformers movies. I bet they are going to love this!
I’m so glad they’re making a good show for kids. My son loves the battle scenes in the movies, but some of the dialogue just isn’t appropriate. Thanks for the comment!
This looks like fun, I bet my husband would enjoy this show…he’s a bit of a cartoon fan!
We love cartoons! Did he get to watch?
That does sounds like a wonderful day!! And lol at him chomping at the bit for the screen time. Sometimes exceptions just have to be made. 😉
Tons of fun :D. Thanks for reading and posting!
Aw sounds like a fun day! And I think my son would enjoy for sure!
I bet he would, too! These are great for fans and newcomers. Who’s his favorite Transformer?
My family LOVES transformers! My little brother has SO many!! We have seen all the movies and watch the cartoon’s regularly!
You guys will like this one, too! I love that the retro ones are back on rerun too.
My sons 5th birthday is transformer themed. i will have to check this movie out
This is perfect! It’s a series right now, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they eventually do a full feature. If he likes comics, check this out! http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/play/details.cfm?R=2B63E28D-5056-9047-F580-80232C2DB518:en_US
I wish I had little boys so I could give them these transformers. Love these toys.
Buy some for yourself :D. Just tell people you have them around in case kids drop in!
I use to love Transformers. My girls still love them
They are so fun! Strong Arm is a great character that boys and girls will love. Thanks for posting!
My son loves Transformers. This looks like tons of fun.
They are really doing a great job with this franchise expansion. I think the show is great for a large age range, as are the new figures. If you check out http://www.Transformers.com , you’ll find some other fun ideas!
The whole family loves to watch the movies and we also like the toys. Jason has some original transformers and Davey has some new ones. I still have trouble putting them back together.
I am just about hopeless when it comes to transforming them, but once in a while I can get them 😀 The new one-step Transformers rock; they are fun even for the seasoned pros~
My son would TOTALLY love this. We can’t wait to watch this one ourselves!
Did you get to tune in? They are running the pilot next week also. Thanks for reading and posting!
My nephew would love this. He dressed up as Bumblebee for Halloween and knows so much about the Transformers.
I know the whole concept is based on fighting, so some parents are hesitant to embrace them because of violence, but there are so many positive messages about standing up for what’s right, being a good teammate, helping out those who can’t help themselves, etc, that I think those things outweigh any negatives. I hope your nephew gets to watch the show; there are lots of great new characters, and Bumblebee’s back!
My grandsons would LOVE to watch this! They love transformers!
Did they get to see the premier? I really like a lot of the new characters 🙂 Thanks for stopping by to comment!
This looks fun, my son would love it 🙂
It’s a really fun show! Great for a huge age range, and the new products are a blast! Did you family get to tune in?
My nephews would love these! Thanks for the ideas!
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Thanks for stopping by to read and comment. Hope the boys get to try out some of the new toys and see the show~