Profile (Translated from the Character Card)
Hot Rodimus x ShaoShao
Cybertron Warrior Hot Rodimus
● Function: Cavalier
● Transformation: Ford GT
● Ability:
When he fuses with ShaoShao, his two original photon lasers transform into a pair of tonfas, designed for close combat. Similarly, his favourite fishing rod merges with his arm to become a triple exhaust eliminator.
● Profile*
A young Cybertron with many aspirations, he became the new Cybertron leader, succeeding Convoy, who was killed in the 2005 Unicron War. After hurling Galvatron into outer space, Galvatron crashed on Earth, causing the destruction of a city. Overwhelmed with guilt, Hot Rodimus passed the Matrix of Leadership to Ultra Magnus and travelled to Earth alone. After passing through the anti-electron field installed around Earth by humans, Hot Rodimus's functionality was under critical strain. A mysterious group of Transformers known as 'Legion' suddenly appeared and attempted parasitech fusion with him. However, he was saved with a kiss from ShaoShao, a girl with Kiss Player abilities. This reformatting granted Hot Rodimus a new body and kung fu skills.
● Weapon(s): Photon Laser Gun, Exhaust Eliminator
*The card reads “Abilities” (能力) however, this is an error
Other Resources:
- Transformers Kiss Players Toy List
- Transformers Binaltech Toy List
- Transformers Alternators Toy List
- Transformers Kiss Players Translated Bios
- Full BTA-05 Hot Rodimus Gallery
- Full BT-18 Rijie (Mirage) Gallery
Jump to on this page:
Overview
At the end of 2005 the Transformers Binaltech line pretty much came to a
full stop having been in full flow since 2003 and in 2006 there were zero
releases under the Binaltech brand. However in 2006 under the new Kiss
Players brand, Takara released three "Binaltech" figures, Convoy Hot
Rodimus and Autorooper.
In 2005 Takara had released three "Binaltech Asterisk" figures, Alert,
Sunstreaker and Broadblast which came with small PVC figurines which could
sit within the vehicle mode. The figurine theme would continue with Kiss
Players, however this series revolved around three Kiss Player girls
rather than Transformers, Melissa, ShaoShao & Atari. Although the Kiss
Player 1:24 scale figures did not have the standard numbering on the
boxes, the plastic inner tray was printed with the continuation of the
Binaltech Asterisk numbering, with Convoy having the "BTA-04" designation.
Originally these were going to be released under the Binaltech Asterisk
banner. More information on the Kiss Players series is documented in the
BTA-04 Convoy X Melissa article.
Convoy X Melissa was released in August 2006 and Hot Rodimus X ShaoShao
was released in October 2006. The Ford GT mould for Hot Rodimus had never
been released in Japan up to this point but it was released by Hasbro 3
months earlier in the Alternators line as Mirage. Takara included a new
head sculpt with a flip out visor (as seen in the movie) which I believe
is a first, and since most premium Hot Rod toys come with this feature.
Another call back to the animated movie is the inclusion of the fishing
rod, however this fishing rod can split up into three sections and attach
to his arm, reminiscent of the three exhausts on the original toy.
Where this figure does deviate away from the traditional Hot Rodimus style
is the colour scheme is a straight colour swap with Mirage wand Hot
Rodimus. Mirage's dark blue is now red and the white racing stripe running
down the middle of the car is retained . There are no flame decals on the
bonnet of the car which is what you would normally expect to see, however
Hasbro does include the flame decals with the exclusive Alternators
release of this mould the following year in July 2007. Flame decals are
included on the robot mode forearms. As this is based on a real world car
however, this means Hot Rodimus' iconic spoiler is no longer present
either.
Hot Rodimus is packaged in vehicle mode and the Ford GT vehicle does suit
Hot Rodimus being a very sleek sports car. The vehicle mode is just like a
model car, well made with a lot of attention to detail, including chromed
wheels and rubber tires which is something you don't see with many
Transformer figures nowadays. The engine cover is at the rear of the car
exposing the super charger part of the engine. This piece can be removed
to form the robots weapons. The engine cover is also very loose and will
close if the figure is knocked. The traditional bonnet also opens to
reveal the luggage compartment.
As with other Binaltech cars the doors also open and ShaoShao can sit
inside. Unlike the other Kiss Players, ShaoShao does not come with
interchangeable parts and is always in a seated position and is eating a
steamed meat bun. ShaoShao also comes with a bamboo steamer accessory.
Hot Rodimus has a simple transformation and while the robot mode does not
have your typical Hot Rodimus silhouette, it looks impressive nonetheless.
The robot mode features great articulation for its time however the folded
backpack is not clipped together and is loose. As mentioned the cars
engine splits apart but it becomes two tonfas or his classic Photon Laser
Rifles. The fishing rod transforms into the Exhaust Eliminator, an
accessory exclusive to this release.
The top of the robot head lifts up and you can fold down the clear plastic
visor. Unfortunately it is just clear plastic and is not coloured like
later releases would be but it is a much welcome feature.
If you were to get any of the Ford GT moulds, Hot Rodimus would be the
perfect choice. The paint in much more premium than the Hasbro Rodimus
version and Alternators Mirage / Binaltech Rijie are incredibly fragile to
handle.
Translations
○ Race: Human / Kiss Player
○ Function: Fugitive
○ Partner: Hot Rodimus
○ Ability
A Chinese Kiss Player and martial arts expert trained in kung fu since childhood, she fuses with Hot Rodimus, granting him kung fu abilities.
○ Profile
She has a strong-willed personality and is somewhat opinionated, often ignoring others' viewpoints. She cannot stand liars and is highly skilled in sports, demonstrating excellent athletic abilities. Despite her strong exterior, she is surprisingly girlish and shy. Her parents own a Chinese restaurant, and she has moved frequently between China, the US, and Japan since childhood. As a result, she struggled to make friends and often felt lonely. In her youth, she believed that the Transformers had taken her only best friend, Melissa, from her, leading her to gradually see them as enemies. She fought against the Transformers as a member of E.D.C. but left the organisation upon discovering its true nature. When her life was in danger, she was saved by Cybertron Hot Rodimus, and she gradually began to open up to others. She enjoys Chinese food and has a fondness for junk food. However, when it comes to Japanese cuisine, she can’t eat seafood and dislikes raw fish.
○ Weaknesses
She dislikes anything slippery or slimy and has a strong aversion to bugs and ghosts. With a narrow tolerance for discomfort, there are many things she finds unappealing.
Side of Box translation
A young Cybertron warrior. Although he can be reckless, he has the potential to become a leader among the next generation of Cybertron warriors. With ShaoShao as his partner, he battles for the peaceful coexistence of Transformers and humanity.
Booklet Translation (Page 2 Kiss Players Story)
20 years ago, the Super Robot Lifeforms, “Transformers”, suddenly appeared on Earth. Have you ever met them? They come from outer space and have huge mechanical bodies but they can think, worry, hate and fall in love just like humans can.
In 2005, during the Unicron War between the Transformers, the Cybertron’s General Commander “Convoy” was fatally wounded by the Destron’s Emperor of Destruction, “Megatron”. The severely wounded Megatron was restored by the living planet, the “Interstellar Emperor Unicron”, and was regenerated into his new form, “ Galvatron”. However, “Rodimus Convoy”, the new leader who succeeded “Convoy”, entombed both Galvatron and “Unicron” in the depths of space. Meanwhile there was an incident on Earth which made humans view all Transformers as the enemy. The anti-Transformer organisation, the E.D.C (Earth Defence Command), was formed and wiped out all Transformers on the Earth. Humans and Transformers finally gave up on their cohabitation and parted ways.
Then in 2006. A strange Transformer Army, “Legion”, suddenly appeared on the peaceful Earth. The E.D.C. manufactured artificial Transformers, the “Auto Troopers”, to eradicate the threat. “Kiss Players” are girls with special abilities who can power up Transformers just by kissing them. Humans were fighting against the Transformers once again. “Convoy”, the red warrior with a new body, rose on the battlefield. Is he friend or foe!?
Character Setting (Commentary by Yuki Ohshima)
Shaoshao Li Setting
Since it was intended for radio, I initially planned to use a speech style similar to Wreck-Gar's Chinese-influenced manner. She has worn the collar since childhood and cannot remove it, regardless of fashion trends. Does it conceal some kind of secret?
Hot Rodimus Setting
This figure has an incredible range of motion. When I first saw the prototype, I was amazed by its articulation, so I decided to make him a Fighting/Kung-Fu character alongside Shao!
This figure has an incredible range of motion. When I first saw the prototype, I was amazed by its articulation, so I decided to make him a Fighting/Kung-Fu character alongside Shao!
Booklet Translation (Page 12)
The fishing rod can be held in his hand to recreate scenes of Hot Rodimus enjoying his fishing hobby.
The fishing rod can be transformed and attached to his right arm as a weapon.
Booklet Translation (Page 13 & 14)
An appealing car model reproduced at a 1/24 scale.
FRONT VIEW
The headlights are made with transparent parts.
HEAD
The head features a search visor gimmick, with the goggles crafted from transparent parts.
The head features a search visor gimmick, with the goggles crafted from transparent parts.
ENGINE
The distinctive opening and closing of the engine bay, bonnet, and doors are faithfully reproduced, just like on the real car.
The distinctive opening and closing of the engine bay, bonnet, and doors are faithfully reproduced, just like on the real car.
FRONT TIRE & BRAKE
The chrome wheels and rubber tyres create a realistic impression of a real car. The front tyres replicate the steering mechanism where the left and right tyres move in unison.
The chrome wheels and rubber tyres create a realistic impression of a real car. The front tyres replicate the steering mechanism where the left and right tyres move in unison.
SECRET WEAPON
The engine splits in half, transforming into weapons.
The engine splits in half, transforming into weapons.
Transformers Kiss Players Cast Introduction
Yui Kano as Shaoshao Li
Date of Birth: 22nd December 1983
Blood type: O
Height: 160cm
Specialities: Tea ceremony, flower arrangement, playing the koto & singing
Yui Kano as Shaoshao Li
Date of Birth: 22nd December 1983
Blood type: O
Height: 160cm
Specialities: Tea ceremony, flower arrangement, playing the koto & singing
Lyrian as Melissa Faireborn
Date of Birth: 21st September 1985
Blood type: A
Height: 153cm Measurements: B85 / W60 / H86
Hobbies: Singing Specialities: Swimming, Aerobatics & Italian
Favourite food: Omurice
Culinary dislikes: Milk
Date of Birth: 21st September 1985
Blood type: A
Height: 153cm Measurements: B85 / W60 / H86
Hobbies: Singing Specialities: Swimming, Aerobatics & Italian
Favourite food: Omurice
Culinary dislikes: Milk
Satomi Akesaka as Atari Hitotonari
Date of Birth: 2nd January 1988
Blood type: B Hobbies & skills: Teasing her cat and 1000m run
Favourite food: Meat & sweets
Culinary dislikes: spicy, bitter and bad food
Favourite food: Meat & sweets
Culinary dislikes: spicy, bitter and bad food
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