Powerlink
Encyclopedia
Powerlink is a term from Transformers Armada and Transformers Energon that refers to a combination between two or more Transformers, or a Transformer and a robotic object.
by way of specialized "powerlinx ports." This process uses the Mini-Con's unique powers to give the Transformer a boost of energy (such as with Megatron's cannon), or reveal a special weapon (such as Hot Shot
's axel-wheel cannon).
In addition, Powerlinking also referred to combination between multiple Transformers. Optimus Prime
and Jetfire
both had the ability to combine with one another into "Jet Optimus", and later on, with Overload as well.
Other examples of this include the Street Action Team's combination into Perceptor, the three weapon Mini-Con teams' ability to combine into the Star Saber
, Skyboom Shield
, and Requiem Blaster
, as well as Megatron's ability to combine with Tidal Wave
(Burning Megatron in Japan).
In the Transformers Armada comic by Dreamwave, the Mini-Cons' ability to powerlink is acquired by extensive remodeling done to them by the Decepticons.
, the Autobots gained the ability to combine with one another, as long as their partners had one as well.
Most Powerlinking was done between two the various members of the Autobot ranks, with one Autobot forming the upper body and the other forming the lower body - the resulting combination was referred to by the dominant Transformers' name with "Powerlinx" in front of it. For example, a combination between Hot Shot and Inferno
with Hot Shot as the upper body would be called "Powerlinx Hot Shot."
This method of combination was sort of by sizes, with Checkpoint, Hot Shot, Inferno, Rodimus, Prowl
, and Downshift
all being compatible with one another, while Ironhide
, Jetfire (who had been modified from his Armada incarnation), Overcast, Beachcomber and Cliffjumper
forming the other "size-class."
Still other methods of Powerlinking did not involve another Transformer, but rather, a supplementary weapon. Landmine
, Landquake, Quickstrike and Bulkhead were equipped with "drones" that they could link with into stronger forms named "Brute Modes." As well, Optimus Prime could link with his "Prime Force" - which consisted of Fire-1, a fire engine, Copter-2, a helicopter, Digger-3, a drill tank, and Submarine-4, a submarine, into his basic super mode.
Finally, Optimus Prime could powerlink with two other individuals; Wing Saber
, formerly Wing Dagger, who had been rebuilt after being destroyed at the hands of Shockblast, and Omega Supreme
, an ancient Cybertronian warrior. The combinations with Wing Saber took the form of Optimus's "Fight Mode" and "Flight Mode" (both forms being called "Wing Convoy" in Japan), and the combination with Omega Supreme was known as "Optimus Supreme."
At the end of the series, all of the Autobots "Powerlinked together" in a way, by merging all of their Combination Sparks with Optimus's, allowing them to create "Shining Optimus Supreme."
In Transformers Cybertron, Optimus Prime and Megatron both have a combination process similar to powerlinking. Optimus Prime can merge with Leobreaker to form Savage Claw Mode, and with Wing Saber to become Sonic Wing Mode. Megatron can also merge with Nemesis Breaker to form Dark Claw Mode.
Transformers: Armada
In Transformers: Armada, all larger transformers (either Autobots or Decepticons) have the ability to powerlink with a Mini-ConMini-Con
Mini-Cons are a human-sized race and faction of power-enhancing transforming robots in the Transformers: Armada universe and its sequels, one of the assorted universes in Transformers fiction...
by way of specialized "powerlinx ports." This process uses the Mini-Con's unique powers to give the Transformer a boost of energy (such as with Megatron's cannon), or reveal a special weapon (such as Hot Shot
Hot Shot (Transformers)
Hot Shot is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All are young Autobot cars.-Transformers: Robots in Disguise:In Transformers: Robots in Disguise, Hot Shot is the leader of the Spy Changer team....
's axel-wheel cannon).
- Note - In Armada's Japanese counterpart, Micron Legend, this process is referred to as "Evolution."
In addition, Powerlinking also referred to combination between multiple Transformers. Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. Prime is the leader of the autobots, a faction of transforming robots from the planet Cybertron. The autobots are constantly waging war against a rival faction of transforming robots called Decepticons...
and Jetfire
Jetfire
Jetfire is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers universes. He is nearly always depicted as an Autobot with jet or space shuttle alternate mode.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
both had the ability to combine with one another into "Jet Optimus", and later on, with Overload as well.
- Note - In Japan, "Jet Optimus" is referred to as "Jet Convoy" (erroneously used in the dub once). Optimus combined with Overload is "Magna Convoy", and with both Overload and Jetfire, "Magna Jet Convoy." Both of those latter combinations are un-named in the dub.
Other examples of this include the Street Action Team's combination into Perceptor, the three weapon Mini-Con teams' ability to combine into the Star Saber
Star Saber
Star Saber is the name of several fictional characters and also a legendary weapon in the Transformers toyline. He is the protagonist in the Japanese exclusive series Transformers: Victory.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Skyboom Shield
Skyboom Shield
-Transformers: Armada:right|thumb|The Road Assault color Skyboom Shield toyFormed from the combination of the Mini-Con Race Team , it is one of three most powerful weapons in the Universe...
, and Requiem Blaster
Requiem Blaster
The Requiem Blaster is a fictional device in the Transformers series. Its physical form in some of the Transformers continuities resembles the laser rifle wielded by Optimus Prime in the Generation One era cartoons and comics.-Transformers: Armada:right|thumb|The Requiem Blaster toyFormed from the...
, as well as Megatron's ability to combine with Tidal Wave
Tidal Wave (Transformers)
Tidal Wave is the name of a fictional character from Transformers: Armada and Transformers: Energon. He is a Decepticon, and at one point of the Energon series, he was rebuilt as Mirage....
(Burning Megatron in Japan).
In the Transformers Armada comic by Dreamwave, the Mini-Cons' ability to powerlink is acquired by extensive remodeling done to them by the Decepticons.
Transformers: Energon
In Armadas sequel, Transformers: Energon, Powerlinking is almost exclusively done between Autobots (other than the combiners Constructicon Maximus and Bruticus Maximus). Through the power of the Spark of Combination, provided by PrimusPrimus (Transformers)
Primus is the "benevolent" godlike entity in the fictional Transformers comic universe who fought against the Chaos-Bringer Unicron. The Lord of the Light, Primus is the being who created the Transformers to help him defeat Unicron.-Primus and Unicron:...
, the Autobots gained the ability to combine with one another, as long as their partners had one as well.
Most Powerlinking was done between two the various members of the Autobot ranks, with one Autobot forming the upper body and the other forming the lower body - the resulting combination was referred to by the dominant Transformers' name with "Powerlinx" in front of it. For example, a combination between Hot Shot and Inferno
Inferno (Transformers)
Inferno is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes. Despite having different alternate modes, the character name has been most associated with the form of a fire engine.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
with Hot Shot as the upper body would be called "Powerlinx Hot Shot."
This method of combination was sort of by sizes, with Checkpoint, Hot Shot, Inferno, Rodimus, Prowl
Prowl (Transformers)
Prowl is the name of several fictional characters in the Transformers series. "Prowl" is one of the most re-used American names in the assorted Transformers series, and its use has become almost synonymous with Autobots who possess a police car alternate mode...
, and Downshift
Downshift
Not to be confused with Downshifting, the social trend.Downshift is the name of three fictional characters in the Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:This Autobot's function is Security Agent, and he transformed into a white Toyota Supra...
all being compatible with one another, while Ironhide
Ironhide
Ironhide is the name of several different fictional characters in the Transformers universes. According to the original creator of the Transformers names, Bob Budiansky, Ironhide was named after the television series Ironside.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Jetfire (who had been modified from his Armada incarnation), Overcast, Beachcomber and Cliffjumper
Cliffjumper
Cliffjumper is the name of several characters from the Transformers line of toys. His name is usually associated with an Autobot whose toys are often red repaints of Bumblebee toys.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
forming the other "size-class."
Still other methods of Powerlinking did not involve another Transformer, but rather, a supplementary weapon. Landmine
Landmine (Transformers)
Landmine is the name to several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. He shouldn't be confused with Lander.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, Landquake, Quickstrike and Bulkhead were equipped with "drones" that they could link with into stronger forms named "Brute Modes." As well, Optimus Prime could link with his "Prime Force" - which consisted of Fire-1, a fire engine, Copter-2, a helicopter, Digger-3, a drill tank, and Submarine-4, a submarine, into his basic super mode.
- Note - A Japanese exclusive model kit called "Grand Scourge" was made in the image of Optimus Prime, and could combine with his drones into "Grand Scourge Hyper Mode."
Finally, Optimus Prime could powerlink with two other individuals; Wing Saber
Star Saber
Star Saber is the name of several fictional characters and also a legendary weapon in the Transformers toyline. He is the protagonist in the Japanese exclusive series Transformers: Victory.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, formerly Wing Dagger, who had been rebuilt after being destroyed at the hands of Shockblast, and Omega Supreme
Omega Supreme
Omega Supreme is the name of a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. He is always an Autobot and is often depicted as a gigantic transformer with vast strength and/or overwhelming firepower.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, an ancient Cybertronian warrior. The combinations with Wing Saber took the form of Optimus's "Fight Mode" and "Flight Mode" (both forms being called "Wing Convoy" in Japan), and the combination with Omega Supreme was known as "Optimus Supreme."
At the end of the series, all of the Autobots "Powerlinked together" in a way, by merging all of their Combination Sparks with Optimus's, allowing them to create "Shining Optimus Supreme."
In Transformers Cybertron, Optimus Prime and Megatron both have a combination process similar to powerlinking. Optimus Prime can merge with Leobreaker to form Savage Claw Mode, and with Wing Saber to become Sonic Wing Mode. Megatron can also merge with Nemesis Breaker to form Dark Claw Mode.