Let's Survive Another Week

It's Monday and you know what that means? GHIDORAH IS ATTACKING THE CITY! It's a new week here on Planet Zone where everyday is an adventure! Speaking of adventure, hope everyone enjoyed the Tales from the Beast Hunters. It finally wrapped up Friday with chapter 24, but don't worry, I've got another Transformers story on the way with daily updates! There's a new Not As Brightly Lit for some Halloween fun in summer ready for your ear buds! Thank you for continuing to support Zone Base, I've got a fun week in mind! As always, please share with your friends!

Ooh baby, do you know what a tickets worth? Ooh, Metrobase is a place on Earth.

A little over a year ago, I talked about the Transformers Land planned for Universal Studios in Beijing China. So earlier in October the same blog covered the park more in another post that I somehow missed during all the Halloween hoopla. I know this falls under the rumors category, but seriously, these guys are always right. Like, they cover all their bases and even address when things change. It's really neat. So more information regarding the Transformers Land below and I quote:

This new land has a clone of the Hulk coaster found at Islands of Adventure. Plus it will feature another Transformers: The Ride found at other Universal Parks. From the press release:

An expanded story was specifically developed for the character Metrobase, who is a Titan, a robot the size of a city. In conjunction with top Chinese scientists, Metrobase selected this Energon rich site just outside the city of Beijing to serve as the N.E.S.T. Beijing headquarters– a top-secret, technologically-advanced zone where an alliance between humans and Autobots developed to protect the Earth. The land is filled with Cybertronian architecture and advanced technology that creates an immersive experience that brings “guest agents” into the world of Transformers like never before.

 So the setting for the land is a movie version of Metrobase. A kinda obscure Metroplex repaint mostly appearing in Japanese manga. Who now serves as the setting for a theme park area. Neat.

That's amazingly out of left field. I can't help but to speculate on the merchandising potential for this. I imagine the Supply Vault store would have plenty of Evac and the new Studio Series Megatron toys on hand, but wouldn't a Metrobase repaint of the Generations Metroplex be nuts? If you've ever been in a Supply Vault at Universal Studios, you know they're not shying away from big ticket items. Something like that would drive a specific section of the fan base nuts (like me).

Evac said I could ride with him any time

Wonder what his gas mileage is?

Ever since the idea hit me that there should be a a Studio Series Evac, I can't not think about how nice it would be. In all honesty, the regular Evac toy is a really nice figure (keep thinking a special stealth edition would be cool). I just can't help but to think a premium edition as a Studio Series would be great. They could realistically spruce up the original figure (if they wouldn't choose to make a new toy). Maybe some new accessories, like the gun he uses in the ride, the Allspark fragment, etc. Give the figure a more premium paint job. Maybe metallic, that'd be sharp. And his included diorama could be the N.E.S.T hangar or better yet, the Universal Studios gate or ride building. Maybe even give him his own number to drive people who like completing series nuts.

The Science of Transformers the Ride 3D

I ran across some cool promotional videos for Universal Studios and was delighted to find this neat little thing. It's an informative video on the Transformers ride that goes a little into how things work as well as the design of Evac. It's pretty cool to see these little things and some great shots of the ride itself.

Evac is awesome

I happen to think Evac is the coolest idea. Just a great way to experience a ride based on the idea of robots that transform into cars and stuff. How about you ride inside a Transformer? What if he transformed into your ride vehicle? All of the point of view action is literally your point of view since your inside Evac's vehicle mode. Seeing the ride vehicle and system is the same used in Spider-Man, that would make one excellent crossover toy. I already have some Evac toys, but I'd double dip for a Spider-Man version!

Dinobots The Ride 3D

I've been so excited about Power of the Primes, I haven't taken time to talk about this bit of exciting news. The Supply Vault is apparently getting a new exclusive. A new Snarl toy, using the excellent TF4 mold, with an exclusive deco is starting to pop up at Universal Studios! Hopefully I can order him off the web store as not all of their exclusive merchandise is available online. I'm not sure when I'll be able to go back to that wonderful park, but hopefully I'll be able to get a hold of this guy.

A few weeks ago the news of a new figure set exclusive to the park was showing up, I talked about it on Instagram, but figured I'd say something here too. I want it. It would go great with my other set.

I love Transformers The Ride 3D, The Supply Vault, and Universal Studios.

Well, I didn't need wet wipes...

Talk about targeting your audience,

Of all the TF5 merchandising out at currently, this was the most surprising. We had made a last minute decision to run out to Walmart for a few things we were out of and while going through the pharmacy area my wife spotted a bunch of Wet Ones sporting not just Optimus, but a promotion for Universal Studios Orlando and Transformers The Ride 3D!

While it may not be a year or so until I get to visit that wonderful park again, and these will obliviously be used up by then, I can't help hoping to find another pack of these before my next visit. You know, for a quick clean up after a churro or something.

Transformers Human Alliance Arcade

Insert Coin

A few years ago SEGA released the Transformers Human Alliance game in various arcades. I haven't gotten a chance to play it, but maybe one day I'll make it out to a Dave and Busters to give it a whirl.

As the game's trailer indicates, it's one of those crazy SEGA arcade gun games that always manage to be super fun and a wee bit insane. Seemingly the Autobots and Decepticons are fighting over a Cybertronian Fidget Spinner. I was watching random theme park videos on YouTube where I saw a special version that moves and flips with the onscreen action. I'd really love to play that version, but I don't see myself flying to Japan for an afternoon in a Sega Joypolis anytime soon. Though, I'm sure I could talk the wife into an evening at Dave and Buster's and play the standard version.

Admittedly, it's going to be awkward with him staring at me like that.

I recall when the game was released reading some negative responses over being movie and Human Alliance based (negativity online? go figure). I can understand why some wouldn't like to play a human in a  Transformers game, but seeing how it's a light gun game and basically a simulator ride type attraction, it makes sense to me. It doesn't hurt that I particularly enjoyed the Human Alliance series of toys. Basically, as a player, you're shooting at the bad guys while the Transformer races through all the craziness with you in tow. I could see myself getting a Transformers slush at Sonic (OMG, go get one, they're great) and plopping myself down at one of these for a few hours. Though if I was at Joypolis, I'd probably spill it.

Considering how highly I regard the Universal Studios ride, I could see these machines parked next to the Supply Vault near the meet and greet with Optimus and crew. In fact, here I go again, creating my own ideal Universal Studios setting. Is this a type of fanfic? I dunno. But I can see it, there's the ride with that giant Optimus statue pointing out towards the Universal lagoon (talking Florida). There's the line que. Now normally the Supply Vault ride store is behind the ride, or you exit the ride into it. The meet and greet is just a little down from the Supply Vault entrance towards the rear. What if there was an additional building with the special version of the Human Alliance game and maybe a few stationary versions that also served Transformers treats. Such as Transformers drinks (like those bomb slushes they sell at Sonic right now) and snacks.

Honestly, at this rate, I'm wondering why I'm not on the board at Universal.

Don't look at me like that.

Weekly Spotlight: Evac

Evac is used to dodging laser fire. His entire life, Decepticons have gotten in his way, and tried to stop him. They've never succeeded. No matter how overwhelming their attack, Evac knows that with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee covering him, nothing will stop him from delivering his passengers safely.