First Looks at Transformers: Rescue Bots Hoist the Tow-bot and Medix the Doc-Bot

Maybe those guys will be showing up in season two.

I always did think that a rescue team wasn't really complete without an ambulance. Here's to hoping the show will see some new characters! Although it does beg the question of who the human companions would be, since in the show they need to have a "handler" so not to arouse suspicion.

Snowy wrote:I always did think that a rescue team wasn't really complete without an ambulance. Here's to hoping the show will see some new characters! Although it does beg the question of who the human companions would be, since in the show they need to have a "handler" so not to arouse suspicion.

Well, the episode that airs not this weekend but next weekend involves a plot point in which their identities are at risk of being exposed while tackling the earthquakes that have struck the island, so it could be that they'll no longer be "robots in disguise" by the end of the first season.

Or, they could get Doc and Frankie in on the secret and have Doc team up with Hoist and Frankie with Medix.

looks pretty cool
will probably pick these up once they are out in stores

Am I the only one who thought the uncolored drawings were of Armada Optimus/Monster Convoy at first glance?

Agree that the ambulance makes sense, and a tow truck adds to the play value of the whole toy line.

Looking again, Medix's robot mode reminds me of that of Animated Ratchet. You can even somewhat see a beer gut.

[missed-opportunity]Anyone else thinking that Fixit would've been a very appropriate name for the Rescue Bots medic?[/missed-opportunity]

Seibertron wrote:[missed-opportunity]Anyone else thinking that Fixit would've been a very appropriate name for the Rescue Bots medic?[/missed-opportunity]

Now that you mention it, I wonder if they still have that name, or if this is a replacement for it, a la "Sharpshot instead of Shrapnel".

Or, it could just be a new character name altogether (like Boulder).

My kids will be excited to see these!

Sweet!

Now, why on earth didn't they brag about these at Botcon?

I already got the impression that announcement of new stuff in the Prime line was subdued so as not to take away from all the Fall of Cybertron announcements and promotion. But holding back Rescue Bots news just seems weird.

Sabrblade wrote:

Seibertron wrote:[missed-opportunity]Anyone else thinking that Fixit would've been a very appropriate name for the Rescue Bots medic?[/missed-opportunity]

Now that you mention it, I wonder if they still have that name, or if this is a replacement for it, a la "Sharpshot instead of Shrapnel".

Or, it could just be a new character name altogether (like Boulder).

I recall a robot named Fixit in one ep of Teen Titans, and their toyline had several minifig multipacks, meaning Mattel could still have that one. I know their Brave and the Bold line is what cost us Shrapnel.

Just saw the Ben 10 Omniverse preview; a new series for him means Bandai won't give us back my favorite Autobot scientist Brainstorm anytime soon.

Medix is a good name for this guy, but does Hasbro still have First Aid? Was that name last used on the SixTurbo reissue?

Sweet! I was hoping we'd eventually get an ambulance Rescue Bot. It just seems like the perfect alt-mode for an emergency response bot. Hoist is pretty cool too. I'm hoping these guys make it onto the show.

Interesting. Personally, I feel silly buying any of the RB toys, but I would like to see these guys in the show. Especially Hoist. Blades & Chase need a new G1 Buddy.

PrimeStriker wrote:Interesting. Personally, I feel silly buying any of the RB toys, but I would like to see these guys in the show. Especially Hoist. Blades & Chase need a new G1 Buddy.

Sadly, given age of the transformers in this series, you're probably looking at an apprentice hoist working under the Autobots. Say, from RID perhaps?

Flashwave wrote:

PrimeStriker wrote:Interesting. Personally, I feel silly buying any of the RB toys, but I would like to see these guys in the show. Especially Hoist. Blades & Chase need a new G1 Buddy.

Sadly, given age of the transformers in this series, you're probably looking at an apprentice hoist working under the Autobots. Say, from RID perhaps?

No, I'm just talking about characters that have characters in G1 in this series, which only seems to be half of the Rescue Bots (with Medix & Hoist, it would remain half of the team).

Kmart has posted official images the new Transformers: Rescue Bots Hoist the Tow-Bot and Medix the Doc-Bot. Both are priced at $11.99, but they are not currently available.

Product Description

• HOIST THE TOW-BOT figure converts easily! • Convert him from robot to tow truck mode and back! • Push the tow hook up to convert from tow truck to robot mode! • Includes figure. • Ages 3 to 6 years.
Anything can get done when Transformers Rescue Bots and their friends team up! Help fight fires, floods and crime, or anything in between – the Rescue Bots love adventure and rescue! This brave HOIST THE TOW-BOT figure is just the hero you need for your RESCUE BOTS adventures! He easily converts from robot mode to vehicle mode and back again. When the mission calls for a rescue, convert him to tow truck mode. But when the rescue mission gets dangerous, push the tow hook up to convert him back to robot mode!

Product Description

• MEDIX THE DOC-BOT figure converts easily! • Convert him from robot to ambulance mode and back! • Push the siren to convert him from ambulance mode to robot mode! • Includes figure. • Ages 3 to 6 years.
Anything can get done when Transformers Rescue Bots and their friends team up! Help fight fires, floods and crime, or anything in between – the Rescue Bots love adventure and rescue! This brave MEDIX THE DOC-BOT figure is just the hero you need for your RESCUE BOTS adventures! He easily converts from robot mode to vehicle mode and back again. When the mission calls for a rescue, pull him apart to convert him to ambulance mode. But when the rescue mission gets dangerous, push the siren to convert him back to robot mode!

Knees and elbows could make these things pretty cool.

Anyone notice that these seem to be extreme retools of Heatwave and Bumlebee? Their transformations look identical. Ratchet's head even looks close to BB's. I still like these and am totally going to get them.

Although not my cup of tea, I can see the appeal to younger kids.

harvester wrote:Anyone notice that these seem to be extreme retools of Heatwave and Bumlebee? Their transformations look identical. Ratchet's head even looks close to BB's. I still like these and am totally going to get them.

Don't think either of them Transforms like Bumblebee. Given the simplicity of the line, there are only so many ways a vehicle can split in half to form legs and swing out its sides to form arms. They are all bound to look similar.

I like Hoist. Still need to get Boulder (about the only one I'd care to buy), but Hoist might equally interest me.

Not sure why they didn't just use Ratchet instead of a new medic, but then I guess if they are going to establish more permanent characters, Ratchet wouldn't work.

"When the mission calls for a rescue, pull him apart to convert him to ambulance mode."

Wait...they are saying you *pull him apart* to go from robot to ambulance? That could lead to some confused children.

Looks like we may see them in the show, Hoist does look like a good character and may get a "possible" voice actor (Larry the Cable Guy, for kids that like Mater since they're both tow trucks), but why Medix when there is Ratchet? Well, Ratchet is more of a better medic, even though he gets a bit grumpy. But since kids have been appealed by characters like the Twins, BB, then looks like they have gone wrong.

XDMan wrote:Looks like we may see them in the show, Hoist does look like a good character and may get a "possible" voice actor (Larry the Cable Guy, for kids that like Mater since they're both tow trucks), but why Medix when there is Ratchet? Well, Ratchet is more of a better medic, even though he gets a bit grumpy. But since kids have been appealed by characters like the Twins, BB, then looks like they have gone wrong.

Because Ratchet's on Team Prime. He has no time to be spelunking as the Rescue Bots' medic.

harvester wrote:Anyone notice that these seem to be extreme retools of Heatwave and Bumlebee? Their transformations look identical. Ratchet's head even looks close to BB's. I still like these and am totally going to get them.

That is not Ratchet, he is a different character. Medix looks like Bumblebee by the retooling, while Ratchet (in G1) shares the same body with Ironhide.

So, I realize that this is a children's line, but is a pair of sliding fists for Tow-Line really that hard? It's possible to bury a huge-honkin tab in the back of his forarrrm, after all.

My 5-year old nephew Tony (Antonio) got (rescue bots) Optimus Prime for his birthday and he loves it.
He came over with my sister the other day and went into my room , saw my american Gigazord sittin on the floor of the closet and tried to pick it up by the arm. The whole thing fell apart in his hands. I ended up giving him the entire thing.
I also gave him Prime Ratchet in robot mode but he got frustrated because he couldnt figure out where to start. I said "you can do Optimus right?"
and he says "yea but this one isnt like that".

He'd probably enjoy the "Medic Bot". When I was his age, I had Perceptor, Magnus, Starscream....etc. They all broke. My point is, he (kids) would probably enjoy things like these Rescue Bots, old Gobots, G1ers like Powermaster Optimus, TM Pointblank etc more than the 'bigger kid" toys like Bayverse etc etc.

He doesnt give a rat's ass about articulation, weapons, how militant can we make optimus, elbow joints and shit. He just wants a toy to play with. Not a friggin rubix cube robot.

(if your 5 year olds can transform that shit, mad props, the first person that makes a comment about my nephews intelligence is a dickwad.)

I also gave him a ton of IDW issues since I picked up the trades. I feel like an ass, because I think I just indoctrinated him (which I said I wouldnt ever do) the day before he started 1st grade....

I dont think he knows too much bout G1. I'm curious how he'd like it, it would be fun to sit down an play it for him when I think he's ready. He loves Optimus because he loves trucks, so I dont know if he's ready for the good ol deathbed scene yet. When I was his age Id already seen numerous dead bodies at funerals (which is why my mom cried for Prime, but I didnt, Im sure you can figure that part out...), I dont think he has though.

Let's face it, Ive been swimming in this robot culture for 27 years, I'll let the little dude learn at his own pace. I was so hoping he'd be a sports kid, but if robots can teach him something and keep him from gangbanging later on, then thats a great thing. Needless to say, the bayverse is offlimits. at least, I aint gonna be the one pushin play. I still have nightmares about the guys hairy asscheeks from 'Armed and Dangerous'

XDMan wrote:

harvester wrote:Anyone notice that these seem to be extreme retools of Heatwave and Bumlebee? Their transformations look identical. Ratchet's head even looks close to BB's. I still like these and am totally going to get them.

That is not Ratchet, he is a different character. Medix looks like Bumblebee by the retooling, while Ratchet (in G1) shares the same body with Ironhide.

Not just in G1.







But when did G1 get into the conversation? This is Rescue Bots.

Hoist looks like a Bizarre mixture between G2 Clench and TF Prime sgt kup. I love it.

But when did G1 get into the conversation? This is Rescue Bots.

My fault, I accidentally typed Ratchet in haste =P

But when did G1 get into the conversation? This is Rescue Bots.


Because without G1 , none of your precious other shit would exist. And nobody would care. So you promoters wouldnt have a job.

Respect

And you're right. It IS Rescue Bots.

So anyone over the age of 4 complaining about these things is a moron.

They're children's toys yo!

No elbows or finger movement boohoo! LOL! I swear, if you're in your thirties bitching about these toys idunno....

UltraMason wrote:But when did G1 get into the conversation? This is Rescue Bots.


Because without G1 , none of your precious other shit would exist. And nobody would care. So you promoters wouldnt have a job.

Respect

What the hell is this excuse for a post?

This isn't a topic about G1. So why would we suddenly be talking about G1 on a thread about Rescue Bots toys.

I know without G1 we wouldn't have Transformers. Any Transformer fan would know that. But what does G1 Ratchet's animation model and toy have to do with Rescue Bots Hoist and Medix?

Talking about G1 is off topic, that's my point. So, kind sir, could you please stop acting like a dick for a minute, and actually read and analyse my point before typing up elaborate replies? Thank you.

UltraMason wrote:And you're right. It IS Rescue Bots.

So anyone over the age of 4 complaining about these things is a moron.

They're children's toys yo!

No elbows or finger movement boohoo! LOL! I swear, if you're in your thirties bitching about these toys idunno....

Who's complaining? We're inserting our two cents on the subject.

And...the...what....?!

Hasbro's getting cheap, we can all agree on that. Are you saying we can't complain when Hasbro takes a character we love and make a toy that looks like this?



We have the right to like and dislike figures. We're the ones collecting them and giving Hasbro money (whatever 10% Hasbro claims us to be).

UltraMason wrote:And you're right. It IS Rescue Bots.

Thank you! Now please stop talking about G1 Ratchet and his headless body! Or did YOU forget, that without a product PRIOR to transformers, that Transformers themselves wouldnt exist?

UltraMason wrote:So anyone over the age of 4 complaining about these things is a moron.

Not Necessarily, since alot of us like the show, alot of us would like decent figures to go with it. That may be hard for you to understand, since your clearely going to be one of those self elevated types, but I'll put it in simple terms.

It would be cool to have more posablity, but we know we wont get it. We can say it would be nice all we want. No one is demanding it. And as to why some of us like the show, and are well beyond the age desired by people like you to watch it? Umm, because we can?
Good writing, and fun design, equals a good show, and you cant stop us from watching it and talking about the figures.

UltraMason wrote:No elbows or finger movement boohoo! LOL!

Finger movement is always nice, but when's the last time you've heard anyone scream bloody murder about a figure not having it?

UltraMason wrote:They're children's toys yo! I swear, if you're in your thirties bitching about these toys idunno....

Yeah, Id'e say you dont know at all, but so few have the heart to admit at least that much, so thank you. Technically, everything short of a masterpiece figure is a child's toy, so your basically calling the entire fandom out for complaining about stupid avoidable shit like Airachnid, and all of her flaws.

Want them both.

Hoist shares a similar transformation scheme with Optimus and Heatwave, while Medix shares a similar one with Bumblebee.

I was expecting a green deco for Hoist and a more Ratchet-y deco for Medix, but I'm glad that they ultimately did not go that route for either, since both of their color schemes are unique and original.

Now, I can see Frankie getting teamed up with Medix and Doc with Hoist.

And, guys, it was XDMan who first mentioned G1, not UltraMason.

Sabrblade wrote:And, guys, it was XDMan who first mentioned G1, not UltraMason.

I'm aware. UltraMason's thoughtless response, however, seemingly drove me insane (somehow).

nice, i really like the look of these,e specially for RBots
looks like i will have another couple to grab when these come out

Medix reminds me of the Pillsbury Doughboy:



I'm surprised no one else made the connection.

I have a 4 yr-old and 6-yr old, they looooove the rescue bots. But, Optimus and Bumblebee really irritated them at first! Optimus' head won't stay down unless you really shove his legs up hard, and bumble doesn't lock into place easily as a car. But, they eventually figured it out.

Only one they don't have is blades, haven't see him anywhere, and he's their favorite character.

Hoist, though, in my mind, is awesome And so glad they finally used a g1 name! (besides Optimus and Bumblebee)

The beauty of these toys is actually that you shove them back into place, but they are made so little fingers don't get pinched - that part is very well done.

DarkEnergon wrote:I have a 4 yr-old and 6-yr old, they looooove the rescue bots. But, Optimus and Bumblebee really irritated them at first! Optimus' head won't stay down unless you really shove his legs up hard, and bumble doesn't lock into place easily as a car. But, they eventually figured it out.

Only one they don't have is blades, haven't see him anywhere, and he's their favorite character.

Hoist, though, in my mind, is awesome And so glad they finally used a g1 name! (besides Optimus and Bumblebee)

The beauty of these toys is actually that you shove them back into place, but they are made so little fingers don't get pinched - that part is very well done.

Actually, Blades and Chase are G1 names too.

Blades the Protectobot



Chase the Throttlebot

These look great. I'll buy one of each for my son, but thag would go much easier if, you know, they actually end up in stores. Hasbro, I'm still looking for Blades...

Was kinda surprised they went with the name Medix rather than First Aid or Red Alert. Not that I mind, I'm just a litte surprised.

Since the Rescue Bots line started, I've been thinking an ambulance should have been on the team, and I'm glad we finally got one.

Not sure a tow truck is as much of a necessity, but Hoist still looks cool.

I'm going over to Big Bad Toy Store and preordering the case with these two in it now.

Oh, and for those of you still looking for Blades or Boulder, they'll be shipping with Hoist and Medix, so that might help.

Sabrblade wrote:Now, I can see Frankie getting teamed up with Medix and Doc with Hoist.

For some reason, I was thinking the other way around, but then I stopped for a minute and realized your way made more sense.

Also, I really hope that if these guys make it onto the show (and I hope they do), they partner with the Green that rather than having new Burnses appear out of nowhere to work with them... But since the first season ended with Doc and Frankie in on the secret, it seems like a perfect setup for exactly that

Duke of Luns wrote:

Medix reminds me of the Pillsbury Doughboy:



I'm surprised no one else made the connection.

...And you push his sirens to turn him to robot mode...

...And in robot mode, his sirens end up on his stomach...

Mind. Blown.

My kid digs the rescue bots, so we'll probably get these.

Though I still wonder why they didn't go with the protectobots for the characters in the show.

Seems like that would be a no-brainer to me. Kids wouldn't know the difference and the geewunners would have a point for nostalgia.

Heck, give the bots the combiner gimmick, maybe in the finale, and sell yet another set of the figures.

I'm also surprised that a show about a rescue team had a bulldozer instead of an ambulance to begin with.

rpetras wrote:My kid digs the rescue bots, so we'll probably get these.

Though I still wonder why they didn't go with the protectobots for the characters in the show.

Seems like that would be a no-brainer to me. Kids wouldn't know the difference and the geewunners would have a point for nostalgia.

Heck, give the bots the combiner gimmick, maybe in the finale, and sell yet another set of the figures.

I'm also surprised that a show about a rescue team had a bulldozer instead of an ambulance to begin with.

I'm guessing that Hasbro has other plans for the Protectobots, given their appearance in the Exodus novel and their inclusion in the Asian MMO game.



Now, since they're using the name Blades for the Rescue Bot, it make one wonder what the Protectobot helicopter will be named.

Sabrblade wrote:Now, since they're using the name Blades for the Rescue Bot, it make one wonder what the Protectobot helicopter will be named.

Rotorst-, wait, nope.

Evac? Whirl? Coptorbot? So many choices.

PrymeStriker wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:Now, since they're using the name Blades for the Rescue Bot, it make one wonder what the Protectobot helicopter will be named.

Rotorst-, wait, nope.

Evac? Whirl? Coptorbot? So many choices.

"Airlift Andy" (since "Charlie Chopper" might confuse kids with another "Charlie").

"Whirl" might be taken by the Generations figure should he prove to be an Aligned character.

Sabrblade wrote:

PrymeStriker wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:Now, since they're using the name Blades for the Rescue Bot, it make one wonder what the Protectobot helicopter will be named.

Rotorst-, wait, nope.

Evac? Whirl? Coptorbot? So many choices.

"Airlift Andy" (since "Charlie Chopper" might confuse kids with another "Charlie").

"Whirl" might be taken by the Generations figure should he prove to be an Aligned character.

Who's to say Whirl can't multi-combine with the Wreckers and Protectobots.



I'm leaning towards Evac or Skyhammer. Something like that.

UltraMason wrote:And you're right. It IS Rescue Bots.

So anyone over the age of 4 complaining about these things is a moron.

They're children's toys yo!

No elbows or finger movement boohoo! LOL! I swear, if you're in your thirties bitching about these toys idunno....

Now hold on. I didn't ask for FIngers. I asked for HANDS. Since you brought up G1, right now Tow-Line is as good as a G1 Prime without his fists pegged in. I could care less about fingers, and yeah, an imagination can give you a good fist. Heck, I still play with them sometime, and TFTM Dropkick is a favorite of mine because he can punch people with half a truck for a set of Brass Knuckles. But I still like him having a HAND. A big, black, fist shaped thing that looks like a truck grill on the end that's on a big, meaty plastic tab and slides out. That's what I meant. Would that really have been too much to design in?

Flashwave wrote:Now hold on. I didn't ask for FIngers. I asked for HANDS. Since you brought up G1, right now Tow-Line is as good as a G1 Prime without his fists pegged in.

Hoist.

Flashwave wrote:I could care less about fingers, and yeah, an imagination can give you a good fist. Heck, I still play with them sometime, and TFTM Dropkick is a favorite of mine because he can punch people with half a truck for a set of Brass Knuckles. But I still like him having a HAND. A big, black, fist shaped thing that looks like a truck grill on the end that's on a big, meaty plastic tab and slides out. That's what I meant. Would that really have been too much to design in?

While I do agree that a slight bit more articulation would do worlds for these toys, we have to remember that these are meant for preschoolers in a much different way than the main line toys are for bigger kids. While the main line toys are intended for play value, the Rescue Bots toys are meant for both play value AND to enhance motor skills in as simplistic a manner as possible. Hoist's gimmick is his one-step "lift" transformation, which this toy accomplishes as is. Any extra features would be what us older folks would want, but the really little young'uns aren't as particular as we are.

In fact, there are even some cases in which they have enough difficulty transforming the current ones (which could be due to a number of things - faulty figures, personal/touchy issues with the children, disinterest in the toys, etc.), and any additional work put into these might inhibit the intended simplicity of these toys.

As he is, Hoist looks fine. Sure, he's not as articulated as the average fan these days would prefer, but again, these aren't for the average fan. One can use his/her imagination to envision hands formed by the grill, with the rest of the truck's front representing protective arm gauntlets covering the fists. It's no different than Heatwave's fire truck front fists with headlights, which the cartoon reworked into being knuckle-mounted water guns.

Hmm, yeah I suppose. i can give the motor skillz reasoning, Heatwave's got hand carving though, its under his cab in vehicle. And Prime got a good set of fists that retract/ flip in, though that could be for the little weapon cart, I an't tell if that's pegged into his hand or tabbed into the underside of the wheel.