Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review
Tuesday, August 9th, 2016 1:20PM CDT
Categories: Cartoon News, Reviews, Site Articles, Digital Media News, EditorialsPosted by: Bronzewolf Views: 72,291
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Seibertronians, it's review time! As reported on earlier, Machinima's Combiner Wars series now has a second episode, and it's now online! After a less than satisfactory first episode, this episode will really tell the fate of the series. Yay or Nay? Let's break it down to find out.
We start on Cybertron this time, as apposed to Caminus in the first episode, and we quickly change to a shot from what I'm assuming is Starscream, as it cuts back and we see him flying just a moment later. Starscream is on a reconnaissance mission, to gather information on the state of Cybertron. On his flyover, he witnesses some bombs going off on the surface below.
From this vantage point it almost looks like Starscream was the one that dropped the bombs, but I seriously doubt this is the case.
We pan backwards, as mentioned before, to see the Decepticon fly to a large silver building. Here again we have an issue with the choppy animation. As mentioned previously on the boards, Starscream appears really choppy, while the background moves fluidly with the camera.
Starscream enters the building
Starscream enters the building from a top landing bay, and slowly descends using the thrusters on his feet. He lands and meets with Rodimus and, randomly, the Mistress of Flame. These bots are apart of the "Council" we've been hearing about.
They discuss the state and threat of the combiners, and how word of Computron and Menasor's fight has broken out on Cybertron. This is why there's so much unrest on the planet. Peace has been achieved between the AutoBots and Decepticons - and the council doesn't want to ruin that. They all consider using the "Enigma of Combination" for one reason or another. Rodimus wants to use it to take over an army of combiners, turning a threat into an asset. The Mistress wants to use it to wipe out all the combiners in one felled swoop. Starscream has an objection to this, as the combiners are transformers, too. Wiping them all out would be genocide. Besides, some of the Combiners have been loyal to, even fought for, the council.
Rodimus and the Mistress of Flame are introduced to the series
The Mistress feels it isn't Starscream's place to talk about killing other transformers, given his past. We also learn in this discussion that not only is Optimus Prime in hiding, but Megatron as well.
See, now we're getting somewhere. Now we have a story to work with. One that plays with the original concept that was proposed, and not too terribly I might add. There are still some issues, such as some of the lines delivered are a bit stiff, and the mouth-movement-to-actual-voice-and-words is way off and not ignore-able, but it goes leaps and bounds above episode one. But we're not done yet.
We start to view the council meeting through the scope of a sniper rifle. It targets Rodimus, Starscream, and the Mistress. The council walks over to the Enigma of Combination, and agree they should study all it's powers before making any brash decisions.
A sniper sets up an attack on the council
The sniper is revealed to be Windblade, set on stopping the council one way or another. She decides to fire at the Enigma, and somehow misses. She hits Starscream in the shoulder, and he falls. Another problem I have is right here. There's such a weird, delayed reaction to Starscream being shot by the rest of the council. There's a good two seconds before they really do anything. The Dialogue and sound effects become a little clunky here, as the Mistress raises the alarm and Rodimus checks on the former Decepticon.
The Enigma of Combination
We return to Windblade. She hears a noise behind her and immediately jumps and turns around. It's revealed to be Optimus Prime, now out of exile. He still doesn't say anything, and the episode ends pretty much on the same shot as the previous one.
Overall, episode two is a lot better than episode one. It gives us actual emotions, and actual dilemmas for the characters to face. It still suffers from that 5 minute time constraint, and trying to make people understand a whole new continuity with a new story line in 5 minutes in near-impossible. My only wish is that the past to episodes would have had a bit more of each other in them. Meaning, episode one, the hard-to-follow action-feast that it was, could have definitely used a little more (or, a lot more) story. And, on the flip side, episode two could have used a bit more battles and action. But, all in all, you're starting to win me back Machinima. That Wheeljack name-drop didn't hurt, either.
We start on Cybertron this time, as apposed to Caminus in the first episode, and we quickly change to a shot from what I'm assuming is Starscream, as it cuts back and we see him flying just a moment later. Starscream is on a reconnaissance mission, to gather information on the state of Cybertron. On his flyover, he witnesses some bombs going off on the surface below.
From this vantage point it almost looks like Starscream was the one that dropped the bombs, but I seriously doubt this is the case.
We pan backwards, as mentioned before, to see the Decepticon fly to a large silver building. Here again we have an issue with the choppy animation. As mentioned previously on the boards, Starscream appears really choppy, while the background moves fluidly with the camera.
Starscream enters the building
Starscream enters the building from a top landing bay, and slowly descends using the thrusters on his feet. He lands and meets with Rodimus and, randomly, the Mistress of Flame. These bots are apart of the "Council" we've been hearing about.
They discuss the state and threat of the combiners, and how word of Computron and Menasor's fight has broken out on Cybertron. This is why there's so much unrest on the planet. Peace has been achieved between the AutoBots and Decepticons - and the council doesn't want to ruin that. They all consider using the "Enigma of Combination" for one reason or another. Rodimus wants to use it to take over an army of combiners, turning a threat into an asset. The Mistress wants to use it to wipe out all the combiners in one felled swoop. Starscream has an objection to this, as the combiners are transformers, too. Wiping them all out would be genocide. Besides, some of the Combiners have been loyal to, even fought for, the council.
Rodimus and the Mistress of Flame are introduced to the series
The Mistress feels it isn't Starscream's place to talk about killing other transformers, given his past. We also learn in this discussion that not only is Optimus Prime in hiding, but Megatron as well.
See, now we're getting somewhere. Now we have a story to work with. One that plays with the original concept that was proposed, and not too terribly I might add. There are still some issues, such as some of the lines delivered are a bit stiff, and the mouth-movement-to-actual-voice-and-words is way off and not ignore-able, but it goes leaps and bounds above episode one. But we're not done yet.
We start to view the council meeting through the scope of a sniper rifle. It targets Rodimus, Starscream, and the Mistress. The council walks over to the Enigma of Combination, and agree they should study all it's powers before making any brash decisions.
A sniper sets up an attack on the council
The sniper is revealed to be Windblade, set on stopping the council one way or another. She decides to fire at the Enigma, and somehow misses. She hits Starscream in the shoulder, and he falls. Another problem I have is right here. There's such a weird, delayed reaction to Starscream being shot by the rest of the council. There's a good two seconds before they really do anything. The Dialogue and sound effects become a little clunky here, as the Mistress raises the alarm and Rodimus checks on the former Decepticon.
The Enigma of Combination
We return to Windblade. She hears a noise behind her and immediately jumps and turns around. It's revealed to be Optimus Prime, now out of exile. He still doesn't say anything, and the episode ends pretty much on the same shot as the previous one.
Overall, episode two is a lot better than episode one. It gives us actual emotions, and actual dilemmas for the characters to face. It still suffers from that 5 minute time constraint, and trying to make people understand a whole new continuity with a new story line in 5 minutes in near-impossible. My only wish is that the past to episodes would have had a bit more of each other in them. Meaning, episode one, the hard-to-follow action-feast that it was, could have definitely used a little more (or, a lot more) story. And, on the flip side, episode two could have used a bit more battles and action. But, all in all, you're starting to win me back Machinima. That Wheeljack name-drop didn't hurt, either.
Credit(s): Go90, Bronzewolf
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Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813668)
Posted by 1984forever on August 9th, 2016 @ 1:25pm CDT
Posted by 1984forever on August 9th, 2016 @ 1:25pm CDT
Boring. I don't want to see Autobots and Decepticons talking unless they're talking about breaking each other.
The mistress of Flame is just taking up space. She doesn't look like she can transform into anything, so she shouldn't be in TRANSFORMERS.
The last episode was 10x better than this one.
The mistress of Flame is just taking up space. She doesn't look like she can transform into anything, so she shouldn't be in TRANSFORMERS.
The last episode was 10x better than this one.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813669)
Posted by o.supreme on August 9th, 2016 @ 1:25pm CDT
They mentioned Wheeljack?...didn't catch that.
Posted by o.supreme on August 9th, 2016 @ 1:25pm CDT
Bronzewolf wrote:That Wheeljack name-drop didn't hurt, either.
They mentioned Wheeljack?...didn't catch that.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813670)
Posted by Bronzewolf on August 9th, 2016 @ 1:29pm CDT
Yep. Just before Scream gets shot, when they're all looking at the Enigma. Rodimus says something like "I can have Wheeljack take a look at-"
Posted by Bronzewolf on August 9th, 2016 @ 1:29pm CDT
o.supreme wrote:Bronzewolf wrote:That Wheeljack name-drop didn't hurt, either.
They mentioned Wheeljack?...didn't catch that.
Yep. Just before Scream gets shot, when they're all looking at the Enigma. Rodimus says something like "I can have Wheeljack take a look at-"
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813673)
Posted by ricemazter on August 9th, 2016 @ 1:35pm CDT
Posted by ricemazter on August 9th, 2016 @ 1:35pm CDT
This episode, I think, was slightly better than the last if only because we understand more about the context of the setting. Again, though the pacing and priorities of the directions are just strange. In a five minute long episode why, again, do we spend almost a minute and a half of the episode, almost a quarter of the run time, on establishing shots and Starscream in an elevator. These shots don't correspond to anything Starscream says about the situation getting worse, and are borderline filler.
Despite having more exposition, there are still too many missing pieces for us to really understand the stakes. Were the current combiners created using the enigma, or were they built during the war? If no one yet understands the enigma, how do they know it can be used to create an army of combiners or destroy them? If the war is over why does the council need more combiners? Is it to take current combiners? Are the combiners being treated as their own faction? If so, why are some loyal to the council and some not? Why would there be a question of wiping all of them out if some of them aren't acting in their own self interest? So far, there are too many unanswered questions.
Also, it seems that someone at some point switched the lines for Hot Rod and Starscream in the scripting process. Especially since at the beginning of the combiner wars comics it was Starscream that wanted to build more of them.
The weirdest thing about this series for me, with all the gravitas surrounding combiners, is that it feels like an advertisement for the toyline, which is already winding down for titans. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the only ones really left to be released Computron and the G2 versions of the others?
Despite having more exposition, there are still too many missing pieces for us to really understand the stakes. Were the current combiners created using the enigma, or were they built during the war? If no one yet understands the enigma, how do they know it can be used to create an army of combiners or destroy them? If the war is over why does the council need more combiners? Is it to take current combiners? Are the combiners being treated as their own faction? If so, why are some loyal to the council and some not? Why would there be a question of wiping all of them out if some of them aren't acting in their own self interest? So far, there are too many unanswered questions.
Also, it seems that someone at some point switched the lines for Hot Rod and Starscream in the scripting process. Especially since at the beginning of the combiner wars comics it was Starscream that wanted to build more of them.
The weirdest thing about this series for me, with all the gravitas surrounding combiners, is that it feels like an advertisement for the toyline, which is already winding down for titans. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the only ones really left to be released Computron and the G2 versions of the others?
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813675)
Posted by Tyrannacon on August 9th, 2016 @ 1:35pm CDT
Posted by Tyrannacon on August 9th, 2016 @ 1:35pm CDT
Honestly for a web series it's not that terrible at least. The length is my only issue, most web series I've seen were like 8 to 15 minutes (at the most). I do think if it were on the television I do think my own opinion of it would be a lot harsher at least. Kinda sucks because this series is meant to be for older fans at least. I just worry that if it does poorly there won't be another attempt to make a series for older fans though. I do hope this series does have some of the goofiness seen in other stuff from around the continuities.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813681)
Posted by mesh on August 9th, 2016 @ 1:51pm CDT
Posted by mesh on August 9th, 2016 @ 1:51pm CDT
In total honesty, these episodes are just too short. Too short to provide constructive critics and too short to get pulled into whatever they are talking about. For audiences with short attention spans these webisodes suck.
The animation blows compared to the hype produced at the SDCC Convention. They made the fans believe they were getting something extraordinary and mind blowing.
So far I am unimpressed but I'll give two more episodes to see how it developes.
The animation blows compared to the hype produced at the SDCC Convention. They made the fans believe they were getting something extraordinary and mind blowing.
So far I am unimpressed but I'll give two more episodes to see how it developes.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813684)
Posted by Galactic Prime on August 9th, 2016 @ 2:02pm CDT
Posted by Galactic Prime on August 9th, 2016 @ 2:02pm CDT
The voice acting is bad, the animation is sub-par, the story makes no sense, and the episodes are too short.
Terrible, Hasbro should shoot these asshats for even making this
Terrible, Hasbro should shoot these asshats for even making this
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813700)
Posted by partholon on August 9th, 2016 @ 2:53pm CDT
Posted by partholon on August 9th, 2016 @ 2:53pm CDT
i have to concur .
its just not working.
the format is just all wrong for something as complex as an adult TF tale and the animation/voice acting isnt anything to write home about.
i guess i wouldnt be judgeing it so harshly if i didnt just get through watching a compliation of the cut scenes from war/fall of cybertron on youtube.
i laud the effort and hope they dont give up on giving us a more comics level of maturity animated series. but this is just failing to make the grade of such aims.
its just not working.
the format is just all wrong for something as complex as an adult TF tale and the animation/voice acting isnt anything to write home about.
i guess i wouldnt be judgeing it so harshly if i didnt just get through watching a compliation of the cut scenes from war/fall of cybertron on youtube.
i laud the effort and hope they dont give up on giving us a more comics level of maturity animated series. but this is just failing to make the grade of such aims.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813731)
Posted by SG Roadbuster on August 9th, 2016 @ 4:40pm CDT
Posted by SG Roadbuster on August 9th, 2016 @ 4:40pm CDT
This series is gonna fail, And fail hard. and Hasbro is gonna take away the wrong lesson from this. they'll think that older tf fans dont want an animated series/film aimed at them. when the real lesson to be learned here is not to let Machinima make your movie.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813733)
Posted by Stealth Claw on August 9th, 2016 @ 4:40pm CDT
hey armada was amazing, it was beast wars and armada that was the reason I grew up liking transformers.
Posted by Stealth Claw on August 9th, 2016 @ 4:40pm CDT
Kurona wrote:Stuartmaximus wrote:o.supreme wrote:Deadput wrote:I've seriously never been disappointed by Transformers this much before it's strange for me.
it is isn't it. But don't worry I've had my fair share of disappointments (Beast Machines, Armada, Animated). they come and go. If you are patient, while another spectrum of the fandom is being catered to, it will come back around to what you like, just might take a few years. Combiner Wars was definitely not what I was expecting but I am enjoying it whilst all other parts of the medium aren't really "my thing" right now. Prime was amazing, and I don't expect to see another series as great, at least as far as what I'm looking for, for another decade or so. So, while CW is far form perfect, I'll take what little scraps I can get until Transformers decides to do something again mainstream more to my liking.
Btw what's wrong with Armada? if it wasn't for Armada....we finally wouldn't have gotten a Unicron toy! nor a Tidal Wave one either! nor would we have got the Armada videogame that everyone....well....almost everyone....seemed to love at the time....& maybe there's a few that still love it today as well).
It was a terrible show with a terrible toyline. Not much else to say.
hey armada was amazing, it was beast wars and armada that was the reason I grew up liking transformers.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813742)
Posted by padfoo on August 9th, 2016 @ 5:04pm CDT
Unfortunately your right, you put together a product hastfully and it misses the mark.....
Posted by padfoo on August 9th, 2016 @ 5:04pm CDT
SG Roadbuster wrote:This series is gonna fail, And fail hard. and Hasbro is gonna take away the wrong lesson from this. they'll think that older tf fans dont want an animated series/film aimed at them. when the real lesson to be learned here is not to let Machinima make your movie.
Unfortunately your right, you put together a product hastfully and it misses the mark.....
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813744)
Posted by Kurona on August 9th, 2016 @ 5:06pm CDT
I'm cynical enough to agree with you honestly. The whole bad-thing-failing-but-companies-getting-the-wrong-idea-about-why-it-failed-and-removing-all-the-few-things-people-liked-about-it thing happens a lot I feel.
Posted by Kurona on August 9th, 2016 @ 5:06pm CDT
SG Roadbuster wrote:This series is gonna fail, And fail hard. and Hasbro is gonna take away the wrong lesson from this. they'll think that older tf fans dont want an animated series/film aimed at them. when the real lesson to be learned here is not to let Machinima make your movie.
I'm cynical enough to agree with you honestly. The whole bad-thing-failing-but-companies-getting-the-wrong-idea-about-why-it-failed-and-removing-all-the-few-things-people-liked-about-it thing happens a lot I feel.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813749)
Posted by padfoo on August 9th, 2016 @ 5:17pm CDT
I hate to be overly critical at the attempt to give us fans a animated series of a different caliber but you are right. I thought it was a fortress locked up like fort Knox based on Starscreams entrance through multiple doors but once he entered the entire center of the structure is open. Did someone forget to close the blinds, no guards, and we are in a one shot/hit one kill universe how is anyone still alive. On a positive note I felt it was better than the last episode......
Posted by padfoo on August 9th, 2016 @ 5:17pm CDT
Kurona wrote:Also, the council seems to have some... INTERESTING architectural decisions.
Don't want people to know you have the Enigma? Keep it in a massive glass case that according to Windblade's sniper rifle, can be seen by anyone with a decent case of binoculars.
Talking of Windblade's sniper rifle, that's another interesting architectural decision. The place where the Council, the leading party of Cybertron in a time of war, unease and crisis; is a wide-open area with not even glass between them and a bullet from miles away. Like... wow. How has no-one taken out these morons before now?
I hate to be overly critical at the attempt to give us fans a animated series of a different caliber but you are right. I thought it was a fortress locked up like fort Knox based on Starscreams entrance through multiple doors but once he entered the entire center of the structure is open. Did someone forget to close the blinds, no guards, and we are in a one shot/hit one kill universe how is anyone still alive. On a positive note I felt it was better than the last episode......
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813756)
Posted by Mr Skram on August 9th, 2016 @ 5:49pm CDT
Posted by Mr Skram on August 9th, 2016 @ 5:49pm CDT
Oh man, the mouth shapes and lip syncing really stood out as horrible to me. Did the animation get worse in this episode or was I just paying more attention. I swear the first one was a bit more fluid. I'm of the opposite opinion of most here, I thought the first episode was better. I really wanted to like the series but I don't think I can be on board with this. Even the new prelude spot seemed to be lower quality than before. I'll keep watching to see where this all ends up since it's not much of a time investment, but I'll probably keep snidely chuckling to myself the whole way through.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813770)
Posted by ZeroWolf on August 9th, 2016 @ 6:42pm CDT
Come on guys and girls, let's not get too hasty with this series. For starters what's hasbro really got to take away from this series anyway? The toy line it's promoting is already at its natural end. They can't lose sales from this, and let's face it, it is just another toy advert. What may happen is that this becomes the only one of this series of it doesn't get enough clicks, so no titans return series or whatever the third part of prime wars is (I'm betting on it actually being called Prime wars).
While I hear and agree that more effort needs to be put in to make these better, it's still just a free-to-watch show at the end of the day, so I doubt that hasbro will walk away thinking the adult fans don't want material for them.
Now if the comics stopped selling completely then you would have something to worry about
Posted by ZeroWolf on August 9th, 2016 @ 6:42pm CDT
Kurona wrote:SG Roadbuster wrote:This series is gonna fail, And fail hard. and Hasbro is gonna take away the wrong lesson from this. they'll think that older tf fans dont want an animated series/film aimed at them. when the real lesson to be learned here is not to let Machinima make your movie.
I'm cynical enough to agree with you honestly. The whole bad-thing-failing-but-companies-getting-the-wrong-idea-about-why-it-failed-and-removing-all-the-few-things-people-liked-about-it thing happens a lot I feel.
Come on guys and girls, let's not get too hasty with this series. For starters what's hasbro really got to take away from this series anyway? The toy line it's promoting is already at its natural end. They can't lose sales from this, and let's face it, it is just another toy advert. What may happen is that this becomes the only one of this series of it doesn't get enough clicks, so no titans return series or whatever the third part of prime wars is (I'm betting on it actually being called Prime wars).
While I hear and agree that more effort needs to be put in to make these better, it's still just a free-to-watch show at the end of the day, so I doubt that hasbro will walk away thinking the adult fans don't want material for them.
Now if the comics stopped selling completely then you would have something to worry about
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813793)
Posted by King Kuuga on August 9th, 2016 @ 8:41pm CDT
It is pretty clear that she misses because Optimus pushes her at the last second.... before disappearing into the shadows for his dramatic reveal.
I'm getting a feeling from these episodes like I got from the second, third, etc episodes of RWBY volume 1. They're too short and not much is happening, and they're over right when they get interesting. Hopefully, like RWBY vol 1, it gets better as it goes on. I won't be too harsh until it's all out and available for judging, but this is starting off rather lackluster. As someone else said, we don't have enough information about the combiners yet to really understand the situation. They're being treated like titans, rather than larger robots made from their fellow autobots and decepticons. Seriously, not one hint that maybe the Combiners are the sum of parts other than just the name "combiners" and their mishmash appearances. You could currently sub them out with generic giant transformers and have the same story.
I will say, Starscream likes to make an entrance and I'd be more appreciative of that if it hadn't taken up a full fifth of the episode.
Posted by King Kuuga on August 9th, 2016 @ 8:41pm CDT
Bronzewolf wrote:The sniper is revealed to be Windblade, set on stopping the council one way or another. She decides to fire at the Enigma, and somehow misses. She hits Starscream in the shoulder, and he falls. Another problem I have is right here. There's such a weird, delayed reaction to Starscream being shot by the rest of the council. There's a good two seconds before they really do anything. The Dialogue and sound effects become a little clunky here, as the Mistress raises the alarm and Rodimus checks on the former Decepticon.
It is pretty clear that she misses because Optimus pushes her at the last second.... before disappearing into the shadows for his dramatic reveal.
I'm getting a feeling from these episodes like I got from the second, third, etc episodes of RWBY volume 1. They're too short and not much is happening, and they're over right when they get interesting. Hopefully, like RWBY vol 1, it gets better as it goes on. I won't be too harsh until it's all out and available for judging, but this is starting off rather lackluster. As someone else said, we don't have enough information about the combiners yet to really understand the situation. They're being treated like titans, rather than larger robots made from their fellow autobots and decepticons. Seriously, not one hint that maybe the Combiners are the sum of parts other than just the name "combiners" and their mishmash appearances. You could currently sub them out with generic giant transformers and have the same story.
I will say, Starscream likes to make an entrance and I'd be more appreciative of that if it hadn't taken up a full fifth of the episode.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813837)
Posted by HilltopOfKaon on August 9th, 2016 @ 10:32pm CDT
Posted by HilltopOfKaon on August 9th, 2016 @ 10:32pm CDT
I thought these were pretty good. A nice twist to IDW's story. A little short i must say but it makes me want more.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813846)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 9th, 2016 @ 11:01pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 9th, 2016 @ 11:01pm CDT
I'm going against the grain here, but I liked this episode a lot better. I hated being thrown into the story en media res but this episode made me actually like it some. Yes, it's too short, but I like it for what it is.
Now if only Optimus would actually be allowed to speak...
Now if only Optimus would actually be allowed to speak...
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813851)
Posted by Sabrblade on August 9th, 2016 @ 11:21pm CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on August 9th, 2016 @ 11:21pm CDT
It's funny seeing people complain about Optimus not talking at all when people were prevously sick of either all his psycho dialogue from the movies or nearly everything he ever said in the Prime cartoon. 
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813860)
Posted by Sunstar on August 10th, 2016 @ 1:20am CDT
Posted by Sunstar on August 10th, 2016 @ 1:20am CDT
that wasn't too bad. better than the last. I had to giggle a little. Starscream sounded a bit like he inhaled helium. Other than that. I felt it was okay.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813862)
Posted by Burn on August 10th, 2016 @ 1:28am CDT
Posted by Burn on August 10th, 2016 @ 1:28am CDT
I'm going to keep holding onto the belief that once this is all released and I can watch it in one sitting, it will be a good little series.
That being said, I really hope we don't get a repeat of Starscreams "entrance". Honestly dude, just use the front door next time.
That being said, I really hope we don't get a repeat of Starscreams "entrance". Honestly dude, just use the front door next time.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813863)
Posted by leokearon on August 10th, 2016 @ 1:35am CDT
Posted by leokearon on August 10th, 2016 @ 1:35am CDT
Given the weak animation models and all, is Rodimus supposed to be Hot Rod or actually Rodimus Prime
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813877)
Posted by Kurona on August 10th, 2016 @ 5:55am CDT
Starscream says in his prelude that it's Rodimus. He looks to be based on his recent Masterpiece toy, mind.
Posted by Kurona on August 10th, 2016 @ 5:55am CDT
leokearon wrote:Given the weak animation models and all, is Rodimus supposed to be Hot Rod or actually Rodimus Prime
Starscream says in his prelude that it's Rodimus. He looks to be based on his recent Masterpiece toy, mind.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813887)
Posted by william-james88 on August 10th, 2016 @ 6:37am CDT
Neither, he is just Rodimus. Just like in the IDW comics.
Its based on his older masterpiece toy which was both Rodimus and Hot Rod. His newsest Masterpiece toy is just him as Hot Rod.
Posted by william-james88 on August 10th, 2016 @ 6:37am CDT
leokearon wrote:Given the weak animation models and all, is Rodimus supposed to be Hot Rod or actually Rodimus Prime
Neither, he is just Rodimus. Just like in the IDW comics.
Kurona wrote:Starscream says in his prelude that it's Rodimus. He looks to be based on his recent Masterpiece toy, mind.
Its based on his older masterpiece toy which was both Rodimus and Hot Rod. His newsest Masterpiece toy is just him as Hot Rod.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813918)
Posted by o.supreme on August 10th, 2016 @ 9:10am CDT
Yeah I definitely don't get that, and for the record, I thought Optimus Prime was amazing in TF Prime.
Posted by o.supreme on August 10th, 2016 @ 9:10am CDT
Sabrblade wrote:It's funny seeing people complain about Optimus not talking at all when people were prevously sick of either all his psycho dialogue from the movies or nearly everything he ever said in the Prime cartoon.
Yeah I definitely don't get that, and for the record, I thought Optimus Prime was amazing in TF Prime.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813924)
Posted by Bradimus on August 10th, 2016 @ 9:24am CDT
Posted by Bradimus on August 10th, 2016 @ 9:24am CDT
I don't get most of the complaints about this web series.
So what if the animation is questionable? I almost didn't watch RWBY because to be quite honest my initial impression of the animation was that it sucked. I'm glad I watched anyway because I would have missed out on a very entertaining series.
As for episode length, it's a web series. It's a 30 minute show broken down into 5 minute parts. When it's done and viewed as a whole I will not be surprised if most of the people complaining do a 180 and end up liking it.
I'll withhold my own judgement until it's over but I am happy with what I've seen so far. Could I wait until it's complete to finish watching it? Yes, and I may end up doing that. But as this is summer time and I'm starved for viewing content I'll probably watch the weekly segments.
So what if the animation is questionable? I almost didn't watch RWBY because to be quite honest my initial impression of the animation was that it sucked. I'm glad I watched anyway because I would have missed out on a very entertaining series.
As for episode length, it's a web series. It's a 30 minute show broken down into 5 minute parts. When it's done and viewed as a whole I will not be surprised if most of the people complaining do a 180 and end up liking it.
I'll withhold my own judgement until it's over but I am happy with what I've seen so far. Could I wait until it's complete to finish watching it? Yes, and I may end up doing that. But as this is summer time and I'm starved for viewing content I'll probably watch the weekly segments.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813937)
Posted by Sabrblade on August 10th, 2016 @ 9:59am CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on August 10th, 2016 @ 9:59am CDT
Starscream's Prelude called him "Rodimus Prime", around the 1:10 mark:william-james88 wrote:leokearon wrote:Given the weak animation models and all, is Rodimus supposed to be Hot Rod or actually Rodimus Prime
Neither, he is just Rodimus. Just like in the IDW comics.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813945)
Posted by Ironhidensh on August 10th, 2016 @ 11:00am CDT
This was my take away as well. Why are we wasting so much time watching Starscream enter?
Posted by Ironhidensh on August 10th, 2016 @ 11:00am CDT
Burn wrote:I'm going to keep holding onto the belief that once this is all released and I can watch it in one sitting, it will be a good little series.
That being said, I really hope we don't get a repeat of Starscreams "entrance". Honestly dude, just use the front door next time.
This was my take away as well. Why are we wasting so much time watching Starscream enter?
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813949)
Posted by Kurona on August 10th, 2016 @ 11:15am CDT
Posted by Kurona on August 10th, 2016 @ 11:15am CDT
It's supposed to be an establishing shot and a pan to show us the scale of the war.
The problem is it's way too long for a five-minute video, and since the animation is bad - whatever excuses they may or may not have - it's not very nice to look at. If you have bad animation you need a good story or dialogue to distract from that, so when you have a full 1/5th of your episode be nothing but that animation... yyyyyyeah. Not impressive.
The problem is it's way too long for a five-minute video, and since the animation is bad - whatever excuses they may or may not have - it's not very nice to look at. If you have bad animation you need a good story or dialogue to distract from that, so when you have a full 1/5th of your episode be nothing but that animation... yyyyyyeah. Not impressive.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1813980)
Posted by william-james88 on August 10th, 2016 @ 1:12pm CDT
Schooled again!
Though that makes it one more big deviation from the comics.
Wait, does this mean he would have the matrix of leadership?
To save money on animation, which is the most expensive part.
Reminds me of that scene in ROTF where Optimus Transforming is covered by a tarp flapping around to save on that costly CG.
Posted by william-james88 on August 10th, 2016 @ 1:12pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:Starscream's Prelude called him "Rodimus Prime", around the 1:10 mark:william-james88 wrote:leokearon wrote:Given the weak animation models and all, is Rodimus supposed to be Hot Rod or actually Rodimus Prime
Neither, he is just Rodimus. Just like in the IDW comics.
Schooled again!
Though that makes it one more big deviation from the comics.
Wait, does this mean he would have the matrix of leadership?
Ironhidensh wrote:This was my take away as well. Why are we wasting so much time watching Starscream enter?
To save money on animation, which is the most expensive part.
Reminds me of that scene in ROTF where Optimus Transforming is covered by a tarp flapping around to save on that costly CG.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814039)
Posted by Sabrblade on August 10th, 2016 @ 3:15pm CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on August 10th, 2016 @ 3:15pm CDT
One would wonder, but his face is his younger Hot Rod face instead of his wrinkled Rodimus Prime face. So, who knows what's up.william-james88 wrote:Sabrblade wrote:Starscream's Prelude called him "Rodimus Prime", around the 1:10 mark:william-james88 wrote:leokearon wrote:Given the weak animation models and all, is Rodimus supposed to be Hot Rod or actually Rodimus Prime
Neither, he is just Rodimus. Just like in the IDW comics.
Schooled again!
Though that makes it one more big deviation from the comics.
Wait, does this mean he would have the matrix of leadership?
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814045)
Posted by william-james88 on August 10th, 2016 @ 3:20pm CDT
Sounds like the perfect review for this seriesso far
Posted by william-james88 on August 10th, 2016 @ 3:20pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:So, who knows what's up.
Sounds like the perfect review for this seriesso far
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814067)
Posted by Windsweeper on August 10th, 2016 @ 3:47pm CDT
Posted by Windsweeper on August 10th, 2016 @ 3:47pm CDT
I think you could completely ignore episode 1 and this would work as the first episode.
My only issues so far are the voices of Menasor and Starscream and the inclusion of Windblade. I'm sick of her getting forced down our throats all the time.
It's nice to see a G1 cartoon after all this time. However it really doesn't feel like it's aimed at an older audience.
My only issues so far are the voices of Menasor and Starscream and the inclusion of Windblade. I'm sick of her getting forced down our throats all the time.
It's nice to see a G1 cartoon after all this time. However it really doesn't feel like it's aimed at an older audience.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814068)
Posted by Sabrblade on August 10th, 2016 @ 3:50pm CDT
Things like joy, fun, and comedy are for babies! Adult stuff is hardcore SERIOUS BUSINESS!
Posted by Sabrblade on August 10th, 2016 @ 3:50pm CDT
Ah, but don't you see? Older audiences need things like uber violence, death, murder, vengeance, politics, bureaucracy, agony, and all those other "gritty and mature" things that are totally not kiddie and childish, for realz yo!Windsweeper wrote:It's nice to see a G1 cartoon after all this time. However it really doesn't feel like it's aimed at an older audience.
Things like joy, fun, and comedy are for babies! Adult stuff is hardcore SERIOUS BUSINESS!
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814071)
Posted by william-james88 on August 10th, 2016 @ 4:03pm CDT
I think older just means 10+, which is the age range Hasbro has given to the definition of an "older" fan in the past. Hence why it doesnt feel more mature. But then again, we dont need anything "adult" when it comes to Transformers. As a mater of fact, I would rather the Michael Bay films be less "adult" and stray away from bodily fluid jokes and ass shots (which thankfully AOE conceded in a way).
Posted by william-james88 on August 10th, 2016 @ 4:03pm CDT
Windsweeper wrote:I think you could completely ignore episode 1 and this would work as the first episode.
My only issues so far are the voices of Menasor and Starscream and the inclusion of Windblade. I'm sick of her getting forced down our throats all the time.
It's nice to see a G1 cartoon after all this time. However it really doesn't feel like it's aimed at an older audience.
I think older just means 10+, which is the age range Hasbro has given to the definition of an "older" fan in the past. Hence why it doesnt feel more mature. But then again, we dont need anything "adult" when it comes to Transformers. As a mater of fact, I would rather the Michael Bay films be less "adult" and stray away from bodily fluid jokes and ass shots (which thankfully AOE conceded in a way).
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814073)
Posted by o.supreme on August 10th, 2016 @ 4:08pm CDT
I know you are saying all this in jest Sabrblade but honestly...I think there has to be a balance. Its almost like the Teen Titans Go! episode "Serious Business". There are a contingent of fans that think everything should be dark & gritty. The only problem is...when TTG poked fun at those fans, it unfortunately bled over to those like myself. I loved the Young Justice animated series, because it had quite bit of serious drama for an action cartoon, but it had lighter moments as well. Ones that played in naturally, not just for the sake of adding comedy just because.
The problem now is most series are just flat out dumb, because they think kids are dumb. And the adult fans react often honestly with "we want a serious show"...so we get TF:CW.
There has to be a balance, and responding to complaints with insults in your work is not the way to go. (referring to TTG) To me Young Justice represents the pinnacle of a well written action animated series that has not been seen since Batman: TAS. I know we should not expect much from a low budget web micro-series, but one of the most frustrating things I have always said about being a Transformers fan is...things change, even when they are successful. Since the Original Series ended, the brand has changed consistently about every 3 years or so (give or take) whether the results were great, horrible or indifferent. If something is working...why not keep it going for 4, 5 or more years? I still say GI:Joe Resolute is a shining example of what an adult oriented Micro-series can be, as it is the single best animated incarnation of GI Joe ever, and yes it tends to be on the violent side at times, but not JUST for the sake of being violent. Before CW started I was in high anticipation of it, and I still am, but some of the naysayers make some good points. It will be truly unfortunate if Hasbro responds to criticism with..."well we tried that...and it failed... so were not going to do that anymore" because you know what ...no they REALLY didn't...not in the way I believe many of us wanted it to be.
Posted by o.supreme on August 10th, 2016 @ 4:08pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:Ah, but don't you see? Older audiences need things like uber violence, death, murder, vengeance, politics, bureaucracy, agony, and all those other "gritty and mature" things that are totally not kiddie and childish, for realz yo!Windsweeper wrote:It's nice to see a G1 cartoon after all this time. However it really doesn't feel like it's aimed at an older audience.
Things like joy, fun, and comedy are for babies! Adult stuff is hardcore SERIOUS BUSINESS!
I know you are saying all this in jest Sabrblade but honestly...I think there has to be a balance. Its almost like the Teen Titans Go! episode "Serious Business". There are a contingent of fans that think everything should be dark & gritty. The only problem is...when TTG poked fun at those fans, it unfortunately bled over to those like myself. I loved the Young Justice animated series, because it had quite bit of serious drama for an action cartoon, but it had lighter moments as well. Ones that played in naturally, not just for the sake of adding comedy just because.
The problem now is most series are just flat out dumb, because they think kids are dumb. And the adult fans react often honestly with "we want a serious show"...so we get TF:CW.
There has to be a balance, and responding to complaints with insults in your work is not the way to go. (referring to TTG) To me Young Justice represents the pinnacle of a well written action animated series that has not been seen since Batman: TAS. I know we should not expect much from a low budget web micro-series, but one of the most frustrating things I have always said about being a Transformers fan is...things change, even when they are successful. Since the Original Series ended, the brand has changed consistently about every 3 years or so (give or take) whether the results were great, horrible or indifferent. If something is working...why not keep it going for 4, 5 or more years? I still say GI:Joe Resolute is a shining example of what an adult oriented Micro-series can be, as it is the single best animated incarnation of GI Joe ever, and yes it tends to be on the violent side at times, but not JUST for the sake of being violent. Before CW started I was in high anticipation of it, and I still am, but some of the naysayers make some good points. It will be truly unfortunate if Hasbro responds to criticism with..."well we tried that...and it failed... so were not going to do that anymore" because you know what ...no they REALLY didn't...not in the way I believe many of us wanted it to be.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814093)
Posted by Tyrannacon on August 10th, 2016 @ 6:26pm CDT
Posted by Tyrannacon on August 10th, 2016 @ 6:26pm CDT
Do what you guys want here of course, but I think the time for venturing forth an actual honest to goodness in-depth critique aimed at the series, other than the "too short" argument, probably should be after the entirety of this series has been shown and we watched it all in one sitting. I've always felt like that's how web series like this should best be viewed or so. 5 minutes can tell you a lot of course, but with a web series it is vastly different in some ways too from a television show and that kind of audience.
Also, yeah, I do have a fear of if there's too much "non-nonsensical griping, moaning, complaining" about it Hasbro will never again make an attempt to placate a bit to the older fans in terms of animation stuff.
On the other hand, I could be vastly wrong and all that. I accept that as well.
Also, yeah, I do have a fear of if there's too much "non-nonsensical griping, moaning, complaining" about it Hasbro will never again make an attempt to placate a bit to the older fans in terms of animation stuff.
On the other hand, I could be vastly wrong and all that. I accept that as well.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814108)
Posted by Sabrblade on August 10th, 2016 @ 7:30pm CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on August 10th, 2016 @ 7:30pm CDT
At least we've got Rescue Bots to give us our current fill of an intelligently and cleverly-written TF cartoon.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814113)
Posted by Kurona on August 10th, 2016 @ 7:39pm CDT
Posted by Kurona on August 10th, 2016 @ 7:39pm CDT
At least we've got a ton of other fiction outside of Transformers that's good to enjoy 
Honestly if this is crap - which it is - I'm not really losing sleep over it. It's a real shame, but at least I have IDW which to me is of consistent quality. ... even if some parts - ironically, Combiner Wars - were pretty bad.
And hey, RiD (2015) isn't bad either. I mean, it's not amazing - and it's certainly a lot less shy than TFP and Animated about advertising new toys - but it's still relatively entertaining.
Heck, if anything, we're currently in a period where we almost universally have good Transformers Fiction. IDW is amazing, Rescue Bots is surprisingly great, and RiD... err... is pretty good. And then the whole Power of the Titan Masters booklet thing was adorably cute and cheesy. Combiner Wars is just that one little smear on an otherwise incredible track record until movie 5 hits us next year
Honestly if this is crap - which it is - I'm not really losing sleep over it. It's a real shame, but at least I have IDW which to me is of consistent quality. ... even if some parts - ironically, Combiner Wars - were pretty bad.
And hey, RiD (2015) isn't bad either. I mean, it's not amazing - and it's certainly a lot less shy than TFP and Animated about advertising new toys - but it's still relatively entertaining.
Heck, if anything, we're currently in a period where we almost universally have good Transformers Fiction. IDW is amazing, Rescue Bots is surprisingly great, and RiD... err... is pretty good. And then the whole Power of the Titan Masters booklet thing was adorably cute and cheesy. Combiner Wars is just that one little smear on an otherwise incredible track record until movie 5 hits us next year
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814185)
Posted by william-james88 on August 10th, 2016 @ 9:58pm CDT
I dont watch series on the interwebs much so I dont know how they are supposed to go but I assumed that when you only have 5 minutes, you make the most of it. Like not spend one fifth with nothing happening and establishing that that events are taking place on a place you already knew it took place in (ie Cybertron).
So tell me Tyrannacon, am I right in assuming that, or do other web series also spend a lot of time with not much going on during their 5 minutes of material?
Posted by william-james88 on August 10th, 2016 @ 9:58pm CDT
Tyrannacon wrote:a web series it is vastly different in some ways too from a television show and that kind of audience.
I dont watch series on the interwebs much so I dont know how they are supposed to go but I assumed that when you only have 5 minutes, you make the most of it. Like not spend one fifth with nothing happening and establishing that that events are taking place on a place you already knew it took place in (ie Cybertron).
So tell me Tyrannacon, am I right in assuming that, or do other web series also spend a lot of time with not much going on during their 5 minutes of material?
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814206)
Posted by Sabrblade on August 10th, 2016 @ 10:26pm CDT
When your supposedly high grade expensive and serious adult cartoon is outdone by a simplistic preschool show of the same time length from over 30 years ago, Machinima, you might want to start re-evaluating which aspects you prioritize in your product.
Posted by Sabrblade on August 10th, 2016 @ 10:26pm CDT
Yeah, even something like Thomas the Tank Engine could tell an endearing and intelligent enough story within its original 5-minute time constraint back in its early seasons (can't comment on the later CG seasons, only grew up on the early seasons and haven't seen as much of the later ones), and it barely ever even had any interconnected plots across multiple episodes.william-james88 wrote:Tyrannacon wrote:a web series it is vastly different in some ways too from a television show and that kind of audience.
I dont watch series on the interwebs much so I dont know how they are supposed to go but I assumed that when you only have 5 minutes, you make the most of it. Like not spend one fifth with nothing happening and establishing that that events are taking place on a place you already knew it took place in (ie Cybertron).
When your supposedly high grade expensive and serious adult cartoon is outdone by a simplistic preschool show of the same time length from over 30 years ago, Machinima, you might want to start re-evaluating which aspects you prioritize in your product.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814243)
Posted by frogbat on August 11th, 2016 @ 2:18am CDT
I couldn't agree more with this.. same with the first episode fight - takes up too much time of a 5 minute episode.
Also yea re your point about the toy ads - it has felt for a while that hasbro didn't realise how well the combiner line would turn out. Since the generations line started, from combiners onwards I've felt that the line could've has easily crossed over from collectors to new child fans as the transformations were simple and fun, and the combining gimmick is always cool. They could've throne more behind the line in marketing and maybe succeeded where prime failed.
Posted by frogbat on August 11th, 2016 @ 2:18am CDT
ricemazter wrote:This episode, I think, was slightly better than the last if only because we understand more about the context of the setting. Again, though the pacing and priorities of the directions are just strange. In a five minute long episode why, again, do we spend almost a minute and a half of the episode, almost a quarter of the run time, on establishing shots and Starscream in an elevator. These shots don't correspond to anything Starscream says about the situation getting worse, and are borderline filler.
I couldn't agree more with this.. same with the first episode fight - takes up too much time of a 5 minute episode.
Also yea re your point about the toy ads - it has felt for a while that hasbro didn't realise how well the combiner line would turn out. Since the generations line started, from combiners onwards I've felt that the line could've has easily crossed over from collectors to new child fans as the transformations were simple and fun, and the combining gimmick is always cool. They could've throne more behind the line in marketing and maybe succeeded where prime failed.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814245)
Posted by Bumblevivisector on August 11th, 2016 @ 2:41am CDT
I guess I'm saying the format may have doomed this from the start; I like where Machinima's trying to go, but they bit off way more than they could chew in 5-minute bites.
Posted by Bumblevivisector on August 11th, 2016 @ 2:41am CDT
Since we're talking about how to do an action cartoon for an established property properly despite a short run-time for each installment, the first one that springs to my mind is Genndy Tartakovsky's Clone Wars, which several Star Wars fans my age still prefer over over the CG Clone Wars. Of course, that series followed Samurai Jack's tack of keeping stories simple enough to be understood regardless of cultural and language barriers, resulting in several episodes with no dialogue at all. Yet that was doable largely because viewers could be presumed familiar with the setup and most of the characters from SW Episode 2, an advantage you can't have when the tiny episodes have to set up a new universe, something this series is still struggling with even after 2 installments. Even the characters fans should be most familiar with are acting a tad unusual, and this is probably the most complex political situation we've had in TF cartoon to date...Sabrblade wrote:Yeah, even something like Thomas the Tank Engine could tell an endearing and intelligent enough story within its original 5-minute time constraint back in its early seasons (can't comment on the later CG seasons, only grew up on the early seasons and haven't seen as much of the later ones), and it barely ever even had any interconnected plots across multiple episodes.william-james88 wrote:Tyrannacon wrote:a web series it is vastly different in some ways too from a television show and that kind of audience.
I dont watch series on the interwebs much so I dont know how they are supposed to go but I assumed that when you only have 5 minutes, you make the most of it. Like not spend one fifth with nothing happening and establishing that that events are taking place on a place you already knew it took place in (ie Cybertron).
When your supposedly high grade expensive and serious adult cartoon is outdone by a simplistic preschool show of the same time length from over 30 years ago, Machinima, you might want to start re-evaluating which aspects you prioritize in your product.
I guess I'm saying the format may have doomed this from the start; I like where Machinima's trying to go, but they bit off way more than they could chew in 5-minute bites.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814316)
Posted by o.supreme on August 11th, 2016 @ 9:43am CDT
The only problem is, despite all that... it is written for small children, and satisfies the entertainment values of them. My son loved it from ages 6-9, now that he is 10, he is pretty much over it, but I encouraged him to see it through to the end whenever season 4 hits Netflix. It is not a bad series, as an adult fan however, it just offers nothing for me.
Posted by o.supreme on August 11th, 2016 @ 9:43am CDT
Sabrblade wrote:At least we've got Rescue Bots to give us our current fill of an intelligently and cleverly-written TF cartoon.
The only problem is, despite all that... it is written for small children, and satisfies the entertainment values of them. My son loved it from ages 6-9, now that he is 10, he is pretty much over it, but I encouraged him to see it through to the end whenever season 4 hits Netflix. It is not a bad series, as an adult fan however, it just offers nothing for me.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814457)
Posted by Tyrannacon on August 11th, 2016 @ 5:30pm CDT
Yeah, you're correct absolutely. My main point I was personally trying to drive here is that the expectations are and can be different say, versus a big budget cartoon series airing on television in some ways. Even though, yes, that is not always the case. I don't know what Machima's budget with this was or what organ they had to sell to get the rights and okay from Hasbro to do it. So I'm trying to be "fair" as much as I can manage here.
That's the difference with this series, but I think that might be because someone is intending it all to be "seen at once" instead of "an episode at a time". From the other web series I've watched (before was like Mortal Kombat Legacy Season 1 actually and a few others) they did make use of the time rather efficiently with some exposition and what not. Season 2 of MK: Legacy, all sorts of meh to me, but to each their own on that one I guess.
CW I do feel is not adequately using their time effectively and that's kind of my issue with it in some ways, but I guess I'm working with lower expectations here due to the fact of it being a web series and not as big budget as a full 13-20 episode run of a bigger-budget cartoon series. I mean with the run time of the episodes being what they are and how they're snail's pace I'd rather judge it from the finished product instead of the little scraps we're getting right now. I think that's how the creators intend it to be viewed anyways, but that's a massive assumption on my part given the length of episodes and how slow it is.
Then again, admittedly, I can be totally wrong and I'm fine with that. Especially if it's how I'm wrapping my head around it all. I just figured I'd put it all forth in case of a "food for thought" kind of deal. It very well can resolve itself to being a big giant pile of excrement once it is over.
Can't comment on that, but I'll take your word for it. At least you weren't into Teletubbies, those things are just a bunch of no and EVIL! Kind of like clowns for me.
Tartakovsky's Clone Wars I had the same issue with that I have with this, run time, but it did use time more efficiently than what Machima's doing right here and right now though. I'll gladly concede that point. It's kind of where I appreciate the CG series for CW more. Even though I am in the older crowd actually.
On the other hand here, Machima is making references to IDW G1 with the aim of this series, but it's very much different from the comic. I don't know and can't recognize if other G1 sources are being used here possibly? Puzzled on this one because I never read all the Marvel comics myself. Sabr you seem to know more than me here actually, so you can correct me if I'm wrong here, I'll happily yield to you here. Not a problem at all. Where Machima is having weak sauce is where they've changed characters like Windblade and have wooden/common tropes for others (Mistress of Flame) of these established characters that are nothing like their IDW G1 counterparts with no exposition. Starscream is somewhat different, Rodimus not so much. It makes me wonder how they're going to handle Optimus or Megatron in the end.
I'll gladly eat my own words if I'm totally wrong on this though. I'm definitely aiming to be humble here and try to stay reasonable (or my definition of).
Posted by Tyrannacon on August 11th, 2016 @ 5:30pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:Tyrannacon wrote:a web series it is vastly different in some ways too from a television show and that kind of audience.
I dont watch series on the interwebs much so I dont know how they are supposed to go but I assumed that when you only have 5 minutes, you make the most of it. Like not spend one fifth with nothing happening and establishing that that events are taking place on a place you already knew it took place in (ie Cybertron).
So tell me Tyrannacon, am I right in assuming that, or do other web series also spend a lot of time with not much going on during their 5 minutes of material?
Yeah, you're correct absolutely. My main point I was personally trying to drive here is that the expectations are and can be different say, versus a big budget cartoon series airing on television in some ways. Even though, yes, that is not always the case. I don't know what Machima's budget with this was or what organ they had to sell to get the rights and okay from Hasbro to do it. So I'm trying to be "fair" as much as I can manage here.
That's the difference with this series, but I think that might be because someone is intending it all to be "seen at once" instead of "an episode at a time". From the other web series I've watched (before was like Mortal Kombat Legacy Season 1 actually and a few others) they did make use of the time rather efficiently with some exposition and what not. Season 2 of MK: Legacy, all sorts of meh to me, but to each their own on that one I guess.
CW I do feel is not adequately using their time effectively and that's kind of my issue with it in some ways, but I guess I'm working with lower expectations here due to the fact of it being a web series and not as big budget as a full 13-20 episode run of a bigger-budget cartoon series. I mean with the run time of the episodes being what they are and how they're snail's pace I'd rather judge it from the finished product instead of the little scraps we're getting right now. I think that's how the creators intend it to be viewed anyways, but that's a massive assumption on my part given the length of episodes and how slow it is.
Then again, admittedly, I can be totally wrong and I'm fine with that. Especially if it's how I'm wrapping my head around it all. I just figured I'd put it all forth in case of a "food for thought" kind of deal. It very well can resolve itself to being a big giant pile of excrement once it is over.
Sabrblade wrote:Yeah, even something like Thomas the Tank Engine could tell an endearing and intelligent enough story within its original 5-minute time constraint back in its early seasons (can't comment on the later CG seasons, only grew up on the early seasons and haven't seen as much of the later ones), and it barely ever even had any interconnected plots across multiple episodes.
When your supposedly high grade expensive and serious adult cartoon is outdone by a simplistic preschool show of the same time length from over 30 years ago, Machinima, you might want to start re-evaluating which aspects you prioritize in your product.
Can't comment on that, but I'll take your word for it. At least you weren't into Teletubbies, those things are just a bunch of no and EVIL! Kind of like clowns for me.
Bumblevivisector wrote:Since we're talking about how to do an action cartoon for an established property properly despite a short run-time for each installment, the first one that springs to my mind is Genndy Tartakovsky's Clone Wars, which several Star Wars fans my age still prefer over over the CG Clone Wars. Of course, that series followed Samurai Jack's tack of keeping stories simple enough to be understood regardless of cultural and language barriers, resulting in several episodes with no dialogue at all. Yet that was doable largely because viewers could be presumed familiar with the setup and most of the characters from SW Episode 2, an advantage you can't have when the tiny episodes have to set up a new universe, something this series is still struggling with even after 2 installments. Even the characters fans should be most familiar with are acting a tad unusual, and this is probably the most complex political situation we've had in TF cartoon to date...
I guess I'm saying the format may have doomed this from the start; I like where Machinima's trying to go, but they bit off way more than they could chew in 5-minute bites.
Tartakovsky's Clone Wars I had the same issue with that I have with this, run time, but it did use time more efficiently than what Machima's doing right here and right now though. I'll gladly concede that point. It's kind of where I appreciate the CG series for CW more. Even though I am in the older crowd actually.
On the other hand here, Machima is making references to IDW G1 with the aim of this series, but it's very much different from the comic. I don't know and can't recognize if other G1 sources are being used here possibly? Puzzled on this one because I never read all the Marvel comics myself. Sabr you seem to know more than me here actually, so you can correct me if I'm wrong here, I'll happily yield to you here. Not a problem at all. Where Machima is having weak sauce is where they've changed characters like Windblade and have wooden/common tropes for others (Mistress of Flame) of these established characters that are nothing like their IDW G1 counterparts with no exposition. Starscream is somewhat different, Rodimus not so much. It makes me wonder how they're going to handle Optimus or Megatron in the end.
I'll gladly eat my own words if I'm totally wrong on this though. I'm definitely aiming to be humble here and try to stay reasonable (or my definition of).
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814477)
Posted by Galactic Prime on August 11th, 2016 @ 7:12pm CDT
Armada, like the rest of the Unicron Trilogy was total garbage animation wise. The lines had some cool toys, but the cartoons were terrible.
Posted by Galactic Prime on August 11th, 2016 @ 7:12pm CDT
Stealth Claw wrote:Kurona wrote:Stuartmaximus wrote:o.supreme wrote:Deadput wrote:I've seriously never been disappointed by Transformers this much before it's strange for me.
it is isn't it. But don't worry I've had my fair share of disappointments (Beast Machines, Armada, Animated). they come and go. If you are patient, while another spectrum of the fandom is being catered to, it will come back around to what you like, just might take a few years. Combiner Wars was definitely not what I was expecting but I am enjoying it whilst all other parts of the medium aren't really "my thing" right now. Prime was amazing, and I don't expect to see another series as great, at least as far as what I'm looking for, for another decade or so. So, while CW is far form perfect, I'll take what little scraps I can get until Transformers decides to do something again mainstream more to my liking.
Btw what's wrong with Armada? if it wasn't for Armada....we finally wouldn't have gotten a Unicron toy! nor a Tidal Wave one either! nor would we have got the Armada videogame that everyone....well....almost everyone....seemed to love at the time....& maybe there's a few that still love it today as well).
It was a terrible show with a terrible toyline. Not much else to say.
hey armada was amazing, it was beast wars and armada that was the reason I grew up liking transformers.
Armada, like the rest of the Unicron Trilogy was total garbage animation wise. The lines had some cool toys, but the cartoons were terrible.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814483)
Posted by Sabrblade on August 11th, 2016 @ 7:53pm CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on August 11th, 2016 @ 7:53pm CDT
Clone Wars is another very good example to compare this to. Someone on another board brought up the same show and wrote this really good write up abouth ow Clone Wars's first episode had done more in its five minutes than both of these two episodes so far have done:
A minute and 30 seconds. That's how long the establishing shot was in episode 2. In that minute and a half, Starscream flies to a building and lands. That's it. For comparison, I watched the first 5 minutes of the old Clone Wars cartoon (the Tartakovsky one, aka the best thing to come from the prequels). In those 5 minutes, there was a similar scene that ends the first episode. It took 30 seconds and was filled with establishing moments for multiple characters. Anakin is taking off in his Jedi Fighter for his mission. Anakin throws his robe and it flies into C-3PO's face establishing him as comic relief. Anakin then gets into the fighter and takes off, but pauses when he sees Padme in a window. They have a moment of farewell establishing that they care about each other.
My point is, putting aside the quality of the rest of the show, Machinima is wasting it's very short runtime on long and boring establishing shots that has no importance or character to it.
Aside from IDW G1, the only direct references to other TF media I see are the way Computron speaks being like how he spoke in the G1 cartoon (right down to his particular use of the word "Datum"), and how Optimus has just one Autobot symbol only on his left shoulder (as opposed to him having a pair of symbols with one on each shoulder), which was a design feature popularized by his G1 cartoon character model (whenever it wasn't mis-animated off-model).Tyrannacon wrote:On the other hand here, Machima is making references to IDW G1 with the aim of this series, but it's very much different from the comic. I don't know and can't recognize if other G1 sources are being used here possibly? Puzzled on this one because I never read all the Marvel comics myself. Sabr you seem to know more than me here actually, so you can correct me if I'm wrong here, I'll happily yield to you here. Not a problem at all.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814488)
Posted by Sunstar on August 11th, 2016 @ 8:40pm CDT
Posted by Sunstar on August 11th, 2016 @ 8:40pm CDT
I think the reason for the long Starscream flight intro is, because it's Starscream.
Starscream's vanity is actually captured in the way he flies. It screams his manner of showing off simply that he would use that entrance as opposed to flying in where the shot came in. It does convey his nature. Or at least that is how I view it.
The fact Prime did not say anything is more powerful than him actually speaking at that point.
Starscream's vanity is actually captured in the way he flies. It screams his manner of showing off simply that he would use that entrance as opposed to flying in where the shot came in. It does convey his nature. Or at least that is how I view it.
The fact Prime did not say anything is more powerful than him actually speaking at that point.
Re: Machinima's Transformers: Combiner Wars Episode 2 Review (1814489)
Posted by Tyrannacon on August 11th, 2016 @ 8:49pm CDT
Posted by Tyrannacon on August 11th, 2016 @ 8:49pm CDT
Thanks Sabr, I knew I was missing something there. 
This is true, Actually the ego is so much portrayed in those shots that it's probably why it didn't bother me like it has with others. Thanks for voicing something I just kept to myself and otherwise didn't think too much of and just accepted as part of the character and creative choice.
Sunstar wrote:I think the reason for the long Starscream flight intro is, because it's Starscream.
Starscream's vanity is actually captured in the way he flies. It screams his manner of showing off simply that he would use that entrance as opposed to flying in where the shot came in. It does convey his nature. Or at least that is how I view it.
The fact Prime did not say anything is more powerful than him actually speaking at that point.
This is true, Actually the ego is so much portrayed in those shots that it's probably why it didn't bother me like it has with others. Thanks for voicing something I just kept to myself and otherwise didn't think too much of and just accepted as part of the character and creative choice.
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