Fabien, Jairo and Deborah of the Space Ape Games team interviewed legendary Transformers author Simon Furman during their recent Opening Shot live stream.
(Edited for length and clarity)
What keeps you attached to the Transformers saga?
“It’s so diverse, it’s got the most amazing cast. Right from the beginning, the character profiles that Bob Budiansky came up with… and the TV shows, with the great voices, you were right into it from the start. It just seems to keep reinventing itself, restarting with new takes on the same classic characters (and adding) new characters into the mix. Recently, the IDW comics, the games. Just generally, I love the whole brand… it never seems to grow old really, never gets tired.”
What bot would you like to see added into Earth Wars?
“Guys like Hardhead and Nightbeat… there are some that I’ve used in the comics fairly extensively that I’d love to have in the game. I’m spoiled for choice, really.”
Have you read the Transformers: Galaxies Constructicons Rising arc and what did you think of it?
“I’m really enjoying the new IDW Universe, we’re going to be able to collect some of it in the definitive G1 Collection which you can see behind me on my shelves. It’s great, I’m really enjoying what Brian’s been doing on the main book and Galaxies is great fun too.”
Have you found any differences in writing for a comic versus writing for a video game?
“(In) comics, you’re very much describing what’s happening and constructing the whole thing, (with) visuals to fall back on. With the game, largely it’s almost like an audio drama, you’ve got to make sure that what people are seeing is clear… describe the action in a way that (doesn’t) look like you’re describing the action. I love doing it, it’s a challenge. I’ve written countless comics but the game sort of exercises a different creative muscle.”
Replay the stream to learn more about Simon’s writing projects including Transformers ’84: Secrets and Lies and the story segments for Earth Wars, download the game for free from your preferred app store and then join in the discussion on the 2005 boards!
Doom Slayer
Sure thing. Use this time to get stronger yourself. Get that HQ up as high as you can.
Ashley Wilbanks
Awesome, will let you know. I am going to give these guys a couple of more weeks to see if anything changes first.
Doom Slayer
I'm in a family which also supports lower HQ's. If you're interested, I can see if they have a spot for you. You do have to use Line as a communication app though. It makes it easier to communicate.
Ashley Wilbanks
Yeah, I have been debating dropping mine and joining another… the problem is everyone that advertises openings wants someone with a level 18+ headquarters.
rendsora
That's not good then. Need more like minded folks like the 5 of y'all to make it work. Or worst case scenario join a better alliance.
Doom Slayer
That sucks, and your HQ is a bit too low otherwise I'd invite you to mine. We focus on events, raids and then wars.
Ashley Wilbanks
Yeah, I am in one, although only about 5 of us participate in events.
rendsora
Are you in any alliance? Joining an alliance is sure way to get one sooner or later.
Doom Slayer
Collect 5* shards, which you can get during events, from crystals or dupe 4* bots. 5k for a new one. So it's best to start saving up.
Ashley Wilbanks
So how does one get 5* bots? Only at headquarters level 12, but those 5* bots seem elusive.
Doom Slayer
Same on the other side I think.
Buzzclaw
I'm absolutely boggled by the decision to make the legendary Decepticon wielder of the Dark Star Sabre, a being who even Tripredacus fears . . . a Legacy Core Class toy (Bombburst). They should have gone for Jhiaxus.
Buzzclaw
Thanks for posting this, I slapped the con equivalents together (Crankcase and Fracas) and they're good
Ephland
which feature is that?
Doom Slayer
You can also convert them by the 10's now.
Ephland
For anyone who bothers with the core conversion feature, they added a QOL update that groups duplicate cores into groups of 5 automatically. Makes a huge difference.
Doom Slayer
I will try that combination too. My Aerialbots have nearly every version of Nightstick right now. Funny that I see a lot of people putting Tricerashot on Blurr. I do that too.
Ephland
Tinkered with my A Team last night because they get overwhelmed more than they probably should be. took off Blades and Blaster and added Warpath and Hoist.
Then I switched up my COMBATs and put 5* Tricerashot on Blurr and moved 5* Nightstick to Sandstorm, and gave Hoist 4* Nightstick and Qunitus Prime core.
Between abilities and COMBATs, Hoist and Sandstorm are pretty much immortal now. It's awesome.
IGEBM
We’ll probably be getting 5* combiners sometime (I don’t consider Overlord to be a combiner), and GN/Ruination will definitely be the first
IGEBM
I noticed lol
It’s kinda hilarious