Profile (Translated from the Character Card)
Hot Rodimus x Shaoshao
Cybertron Warrior Hot Rodimus
● Function: Knight
● Transformation: Ford GT
● Ability:
When fused with Shaoshao, Hot Rodimus's original pair of Photon Lasers are reconstructed into a matching set of weapons suited for close combat: Tonfa.
Likewise, his beloved fishing rod is fused into his arm, becoming the Triple Exhaust Eliminator.
● Profile*
After Convoy was killed during the Unicron War of 2005, this idealistic young warrior inherited his will and became the new leader of the Cybertrons. However, when Galvatron, whom Hot Rodimus himself had cast away, crashed onto Earth and caused the destruction of a city, he was overwhelmed by guilt for the disaster he had caused. He surrendered the Matrix of Leadership, the symbol of command, to Ultra Magnus and travelled to Earth alone. Once there, the Anti-Electron Field deployed across Earth by humanity placed a critical strain on his ability to survive. He then underwent a mysterious ParasiTech fusion with the Earth-born Transformer group known as the Legion. Through the kiss of Shaoshao, a girl possessing Kiss Player abilities, Hot Rodimus was reborn with a new chassis and a new fighting style based on Kung Fu.
● 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. Having trained in Kung Fu since childhood, Shaoshao is a master of martial arts. Through her fusion with Hot Rodimus, she enables him to utilise Kung Fu techniques.
○ Profile
Shaoshao has a strong-willed personality. She can be somewhat stubborn and often refuses to listen to other people's opinions. She cannot tolerate people who tell lies. She is exceptionally athletic, with outstanding physical ability and coordination. However, despite her tough exterior, she also has a surprisingly girlish and easily embarrassed side. Her parents run a Chinese restaurant, and throughout her childhood she was constantly moving between China, America, and Japan. Because she was never able to settle down, she struggled to make friends and often felt lonely. When she was young, she felt that her only close friend Melissa had been taken away by the Transformers, causing her resentment towards them to gradually grow. She later fought against Transformers as a member of the E.D.C., but after discovering the truth about the organisation, she abandoned them. When her life was threatened, she was saved by the Cybertron warrior Hot Rodimus, and through him she gradually began opening her heart to others. She loves Chinese food and also enjoys junk food. As for Japanese cuisine... she cannot eat seafood. She absolutely hates raw fish!
○ Weaknesses
She can't stand anything slimy or gooey! She hates insects and is terrified of ghosts too... Her tolerance is actually pretty limited, so there are quite a few things she dislikes.
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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