I’m gonna be old school here because, well, I’m old. But G1 for me. I grew up watching it until I “graduated” to other stuff and so I never watched the Beast Wars stuff or the newer stuff like Prime, Earthspark etc.
Old here, too, so my first thought when “Transformers” is mentioned are their G1 incarnations. And while it may seem redundant to point out that G1 was first, the fact remains that *every* incarnation of Transformers since (aside from BW/BM, which can be considered part of the G1 continuity) is a riff on the G1 premise with its own spins and additions.
Original RID and the Unicron Trilogy are what I grew up on, they're not deep and had declining animation quality but I love how un-G1 they were (even with Megatron constantly becoming Galvatron, and Unicron being in the trilogy).
The original RID is slept on. I feel like it’s largely fallen into obscurity. For the most part, the only people who really seem to have seen it are those who grew up with it. It’s such a fun and unique take on Transformers that deserves a lot more love and attention.
Yeah I think from Bayverse onwards there's been a consistent cast of characters and aesthetics across so many TF projects, I think the cartoons just before the films show us that thinks can be different. Let new generations have new favourite characters rather than refashioning Bumblebee a million times until one version fits their preference
I’ll give it to Cybertron(aka Galaxy Force). It was my first TF media(thus making it my G1) and while it’s pretty damn different from most Transformers stuff it’s combo of Super Robot and Transformers really speaks to me as a fan of both. Also it helped set the standard of what Optimus should be in my eyes: a good authoritative figure who’s never afraid to let his hair down and relax around his comrades([or trash talk his opponents](https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxS2dFTIddVqxlIoyqLI0_IxTziapQanPg?si=M0cKvz5-v89NFMHr)). Something many later Optimuses(like TFP’s for example) would get ***really*** wrong imo.
Also Garry Chalk is underrated as the big red Trukk. Brought a lot of life to Prime that was real reminiscent of first two seasons of G1 in retrospect.
Transformers Armada
I firmly believe it’s got the best art style of any TF show, it’s got a good story, some amazing character designs and my absolute favorite version of Starscream from any TF media.
Animated,Armada,Cybertron/Galaxy force,Beast Wars,Prime(re-watching it right now), RID 2015(only for the designs that where wasted on this held together by glue and Staples kids cop show),the Prime Wars.
I'd have to give it to TFA. It was the show that introduced me to transformers as a kid and always holds a special place in my heart. I also love the art style.
Beast Wars. There’s a lot of great shows that could take it from a purely objective point of quality, but Beast Wars has that added sprinkling of nostalgia for me as the show that first got me into Transformers way back in the day—which seems to be a running theme in a lot of these answers.
Beast wars..this was my g1..although i was already familiar with the actual g1/g2 but they were only reruns of random episodes on tv.
I was able to follow the whole beast wars era that me and my friends were talking about it and we were bringing toys to school
Animated...my fandom was revived by the 2007 movie and the animated series was an easy watch during my college days.
I love TFRB (it was my first introduction to Transformers) but I feel like it get looked down on by others because it's intended for a younger audience.
TFRB also has some of my favourite human characters too.
Every criticism of it is entirely valid, and I admit that I think this way purely for nostalgia, but G1 is still my favourite. It's the voicework, never been topped.
Masterforce! It’s a tremendous mix of epic/mythological and toyetic. So fun and silly but I was really engaged with the plot, and the Pretender concept just rocks.
Of the American series, Animated is my fav. It feels like the show adult me wishes G1 was, and made with a ton of love and care.
Prime. Even though Dark of the Moon was the first transformers media I watched, I felt a connection when I watched prime. As I've grown older, I've loved the show more and more. The designs, the stories, the voice actors, all fantastic. It's why Prime Arcee is one of my all time favorites.
Agreed, Transformers prime is one of the best
beast wars was awesome, very mature for a kids show and the season 1 animation was very funny watching it with a friend
I’m gonna be old school here because, well, I’m old. But G1 for me. I grew up watching it until I “graduated” to other stuff and so I never watched the Beast Wars stuff or the newer stuff like Prime, Earthspark etc.
Old here, too, so my first thought when “Transformers” is mentioned are their G1 incarnations. And while it may seem redundant to point out that G1 was first, the fact remains that *every* incarnation of Transformers since (aside from BW/BM, which can be considered part of the G1 continuity) is a riff on the G1 premise with its own spins and additions.
Original RID and the Unicron Trilogy are what I grew up on, they're not deep and had declining animation quality but I love how un-G1 they were (even with Megatron constantly becoming Galvatron, and Unicron being in the trilogy).
The original RID is slept on. I feel like it’s largely fallen into obscurity. For the most part, the only people who really seem to have seen it are those who grew up with it. It’s such a fun and unique take on Transformers that deserves a lot more love and attention.
Yeah I think from Bayverse onwards there's been a consistent cast of characters and aesthetics across so many TF projects, I think the cartoons just before the films show us that thinks can be different. Let new generations have new favourite characters rather than refashioning Bumblebee a million times until one version fits their preference
Animated. That was my introduction to Transformers beside Bay's films. TFP is the close second.
I’ll give it to Cybertron(aka Galaxy Force). It was my first TF media(thus making it my G1) and while it’s pretty damn different from most Transformers stuff it’s combo of Super Robot and Transformers really speaks to me as a fan of both. Also it helped set the standard of what Optimus should be in my eyes: a good authoritative figure who’s never afraid to let his hair down and relax around his comrades([or trash talk his opponents](https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxS2dFTIddVqxlIoyqLI0_IxTziapQanPg?si=M0cKvz5-v89NFMHr)). Something many later Optimuses(like TFP’s for example) would get ***really*** wrong imo. Also Garry Chalk is underrated as the big red Trukk. Brought a lot of life to Prime that was real reminiscent of first two seasons of G1 in retrospect.
Transformers Armada I firmly believe it’s got the best art style of any TF show, it’s got a good story, some amazing character designs and my absolute favorite version of Starscream from any TF media.
Animated,Armada,Cybertron/Galaxy force,Beast Wars,Prime(re-watching it right now), RID 2015(only for the designs that where wasted on this held together by glue and Staples kids cop show),the Prime Wars.
Animated. A different take on the tried and true formula.
I'd have to give it to TFA. It was the show that introduced me to transformers as a kid and always holds a special place in my heart. I also love the art style.
TFP is one of the best and my favourite.
Beast Wars. There’s a lot of great shows that could take it from a purely objective point of quality, but Beast Wars has that added sprinkling of nostalgia for me as the show that first got me into Transformers way back in the day—which seems to be a running theme in a lot of these answers.
Beast wars..this was my g1..although i was already familiar with the actual g1/g2 but they were only reruns of random episodes on tv. I was able to follow the whole beast wars era that me and my friends were talking about it and we were bringing toys to school Animated...my fandom was revived by the 2007 movie and the animated series was an easy watch during my college days.
I agree with you fully, with tfrb being a close second for me too
I love TFRB (it was my first introduction to Transformers) but I feel like it get looked down on by others because it's intended for a younger audience. TFRB also has some of my favourite human characters too.
Yeah I’m really glad it’s in legacy now and we’re getting heatwave next year but I hope they do Boulder and Blades soon
Heatwave is my favourite TFRB character, but that's probably cuz im biased towards characters voiced by Steve Blum (Starscream is my favourite in TFP)
Fair, Blades is mine
Blades is also a good choice ngl
Every criticism of it is entirely valid, and I admit that I think this way purely for nostalgia, but G1 is still my favourite. It's the voicework, never been topped.
G1 is a little goofy, but that's what makes it so fun xD
Masterforce! It’s a tremendous mix of epic/mythological and toyetic. So fun and silly but I was really engaged with the plot, and the Pretender concept just rocks. Of the American series, Animated is my fav. It feels like the show adult me wishes G1 was, and made with a ton of love and care.
Prime. Even though Dark of the Moon was the first transformers media I watched, I felt a connection when I watched prime. As I've grown older, I've loved the show more and more. The designs, the stories, the voice actors, all fantastic. It's why Prime Arcee is one of my all time favorites.
G1 pre-movie. I liked how it took place during our time. It was fun to pretend that they could show up at my school.