The Intergalactic Highway

Match 9: Scourge. Evac can fight well, but Scourge can fight better than anyone on his planet. That's gotta say something...

Match 10: Override. She just has more common sense than Hot Shot, that should give her the edge.

Match 11: Optimus Prime. C'mon, no contest.

Match 12: Vector Prime, because of his ability to manipulate time and space.

Voting is now closed. The results will be tallied up and posted shortly.

Outtsyder

Round 2 of the Cybertron Conference Singles Tournament has now ended, and only one of these four matches were even close, though it shouldn’t be too hard to guess which one. But enough pre-amble; let’s meet our winners!

Match 9: EVAC vs. Scourge

Many of you stated that this would normally be a really close match, and EVAC being a better fighter than one would expect, but came to the same conclusion. And it seemed a couple of you were fans of Strong Bad (or at least heard of it when casting your vote); a word I saw a number of times was “BURNINATION.” Which is exactly what happened; EVAC didn’t stand a chance while Scourge dominated with an 87% over the Guardian of the Earth Cyber Planet Key. 138 Scourge of Ben Yee’s BWTF Forums wrote, “I'd predict it'd be a tough match, but I'm sure he's faced flying foes before; and while Evac's tough and all, he's not Scourge-tough.”

WINNER: Scourge


Match 10: Hot Shot vs. Override

As expected, this match between two of the best and fastest among the galaxy-spanning worlds of the Cybertron series was the closest, tightest match in this round. The young cocky firebrand Hot Shot had faced the racing champion Override on many occasions on the racetracks of Velocitron, and have battled side-by-side as allies and friends against the Decepticons… but this time, they had to pit their skills against each other in battle, and no clear winner was in sight for the longest time. It wasn’t until almost literally at the last few hours – like a picture-perfect finish at the crossing of the finish line – that one of these two highly-skilled fighters came through with the final vote for the very hard-fought victory. With only 53% of the ballot… the win went to Override. “She just has more common sense than Hot Shot,” noted BeastbotX of both The TF Collectors’ Club and Beast wars International; “that should give her the edge.” After the conclusion of this battle between two warriors who respect each other, the keeper of the Velocitron Planet Key must now go on to face yet another Cyber Planet Key owner in the Semi-Finals… Scourge!

WINNER: Override


Match 11: Cannonball vs. Optimus Prime

Now although the match rules only permit the combatants to fight one-on-one with no interference or involvement from other players (except for their own Mini-Con partners), this match description written by Megaru of The Underground Hangar was just too dad-gone hilarious not to share:

*Imagines a scene where Prime and Cannonball are fighting with energy blades in a treasure-laden cave. We see the humans cheering Prime on from the sidelines. Cannonball takes out his rifle. It looks like he's going to shoot Prime with it, but he smiles and points it at the kids instead! We pan over to the scared looking kids when we hear a gunshot. We cut to Prime holding his rifle, its barrel smoking. Cannonball has a hole in his chest, but doesn't seem to be affected.*

Cannonball: Ya carry that gun all these years, and then ya waste yer shot...?

Hot Shot: (V/O) He didn't waste it!

*We cut to Hot Shot standing by Ye Olde Cursed Trunk of Doom. He drops in a couple coins that have mech fluid stains on them. We cut back to a shocked Canonball, who is checking his wound. It's now bleeding energon.*

Cannonball: I feel...cold... *He drops over, ded from bad parody*



Darn you, Johnny Depp. Darn you, Geoffrey Rush, and especially darn you, Orlando Bloom. Optimus Prime wins this match with 93%.

WINNER: Optimus Prime


Match 12: Jetfire vs. Vector Prime

It seemed that, in this battle between Optimus Prime’s top two lieutenants, a lot of voters still had the memory of Vector Prime’s win over Megatron in Round 1 fresh in their minds, stating that defeating Jetfire should be pretty easy. And it was, as the ancient Elder won out over the official Deputy Commander, with 80% of the vote. “Age doesn't matter, even though he has a linear way of thinking,” offered Safeguard of Beast Wars International. “Plus experience, skill of teleportance... those are Vector Prime's best assets. And he's not that slow, either. And he has so much hidden potential that I wouldn't be surprised if he won.”

WINNER: Vector Prime


Thank you to all who participated in Round 2 of the Cybertron Conference Singles Tournament. You can enjoy more tournament fun with the voting for the Cybertron Tag Team Tournament; and be ready for next week, Saturday, June 3, for both the Round-2 results of the Tag Team Tournament, and the voting for the Semi-Finals of the Cybertron Singles Tournament. And even if you’ve never played before, you can still join in anytime you wish!

Outtsyder

We have now come down to the Final Four, that all-important round… the Semi-Finals, the part of the Cybertron Conference Singles Tournament, to decide who will be the last two warriors to square off for the Cybertron Singles Championship! And in doing so, we find ourselves with four of the best of this series, each representing a different element. In one match, it’s ferocity versus speed, the wilderness versus the racetrack, in the Tournament’s second battle between two keepers of Cyber Planet Keys! In the other match, it’s a confrontation between modern leadership and ancient wisdom as two of the Autobots’ best warriors must now battle it out for a spot in the Championship Finals!

In the first of our Semi-Final matches, two Leaders of their respective planets are at a face-off. Having easily defeated Jungle Planet émigré Leobreaker in Round 1, and conquering Earth Planet Guardian EVAC in Round 2, Scourge now turns his attention to a denizen of yet another planet: Velocitron. Likewise, Override had an easy time dispatching of Decepticon flyer Thundercracker, and eked out a hard-fought victory over Autobot comrade Hot Shot, but now she must face her toughest challenge to date. Can the Speed Planet Leader and legendary Racing Champion use her speed, courage and all-around skills to pull off yet another brutal victory… or will Scourge chalk up another notch in the “win” column and defeat another Cyber Planet Key owner?

In the other Semi-Final match, it’s the battle of the Primes, the first such instance in the entire TF Combat Tournament since Optimus and Rodimus battled in the Generation One Singles Tournament! Optimus Prime has hardly been tested at all, with a victory over a game but inexperienced Menasor, and sinking Cannonball to Davey Jones-Bot’s Locker. However, his newest opponent is not to be underestimated; having pulled off a stunning upset victory over heavy-favorite Megatron in Round 1, and dominating Jetfire in Round 2, Vector Prime could carry his momentum even further to go all the way to the Finals… could he?

As usual, the rules are simple: in the two match-ups are provided, you, the membership, get to vote for the winner of both battles. Capsule profiles of the participants will be provided again in this post, and you pick who'd more realistically win their matches. (Important note: The key word is "realistically". Please be objective and without bias in choosing the winning participants in each match, and base your pick on the profiles given or their portrayals in official fiction, such as the show and/or the mini-comic in the TF Club newsletter; not from non-canon sources such as fan-fiction re-interpretations.) A victory in each hypothetical battle can be gained by forcing the opponent to surrender, or rendering them unable to continue after a 15-second down period. Outright destruction is not necessary to win, but a very likely possibility. (No draws or ties are allowed; you MUST pick a winner.) And given the possibilities of the tournament votes, it is possible for opponents of the same allegiance to fight each other in future rounds (it’s even happening right now in this round).

In the event that the outcome of a fight's vote total is a tie, both combatants will be eliminated, allowing a bye for their would-be opponent into the next round. If the tournament final's vote becomes a tie, a re-vote will be opened; there must be a championship winner. As well, if one of these two matches gives a winner and the other ends in a tie, the winner of the one match will automatically be determined the Tournament Champion.


Match 13: Scourge vs. Override

Scourge (Decepticon, Jungle Planet) – The brutal and terrifying Ruler of the Jungle Planet, and a firm, steadfast believer in the survival of not only the fittest, but the strongest. Despises any form of weakness; bound by a code of honor in winning a fight honorably without killing the opposition, cementing the victory as being truly earned. Transforms into a wingless dragon that breathes super-heated plasma. Robot mode is armed with a large battle axe coming from his dragon-mode’s tail. Cyber Key Power reveals a pair of hydra-like dragon heads in both modes for a “Nova Flame” attack, capable of using his extra dragon heads to expand his firepower’s range. Extreme physical power is backed by great intelligence; few weaknesses have been determined.

Override (Autobot, Velocitron) – The charismatic Leader and self-confident racing champion of Planet Velocitron. Considered to be the embodiment of speed itself; eager to race anyone who challenges her, to test her own already-impressive abilities. Transforms into a sleek, super-charged race car with dazzling speed and maneuverability that allows her to avoid enemy fire. Robot mode exhibits great stamina, agility and combat skill, with a dual hand-held blaster. Cyber Key Power deploys boosters from her engine in car mode, and enhances her firepower in robot mode. Extremely brave and intelligent; almost never loses focus in a confrontation, but can be overmatched in a test of strength.


Match 14: Optimus Prime vs. Vector Prime

Optimus Prime (Autobot, Cybertron) – The Leader of the Autobots and bearer of the Matrix of Leadership. Extremely powerful physically and highly intelligent and wise, but tempered by a sense of compassion and unwillingness to take a life, even in the midst of battle. Transforms into a hybrid fire truck/armored weapons carrier, which can also transform into a winged flight mode; both vehicle modes armed with massive dual blaster cannons. Standard robot mode uses a hand-held missile launcher, with the truck’s rear section forming a personal combat station with the two cannons. Also capable of merging with his “trailer” components for a Super Mode, capable of flight and multiplying his strength even further. Cyber Key Power amplifies firepower in all modes for a wide-range energy attack. His compassion for life can leave him open for an underhanded counterattack from an opponent.

Vector Prime (Autobot, Cybertron) – One of the original 13 Transformers; the Keeper of Space and Time. Acts as an adviser to Optimus Prime; full extent of powers are difficult to gauge. Transforms into a dual lateral-sail space cruiser that can reach very high speeds; uses an energy blaster hidden in nosecone. Robot mode is very strong; an expert swordsman with his dimensional sword named Rhisling, partnered with Triple Changing Mini-Con Safeguard (with robot, jet, and arm cannon modes). In both modes, Cyber Key Power unleashes a “Tachyon Shield” forcefield that repels attacks back to opponents. While one of the wisest and most powerful Transformers ever, linear thought processes prevent him from engaging in elaborate strategy; age can also be a factor.

(NOTE: A special stipulation has been added to the Optimus Prime vs. Vector Prime match. In the previous rounds, Vector Prime was not permitted to use his dimension-changing abilities, nor alter time. This time, to counter Optimus Prime’s combining ability, Vector Prime will be granted limited access to his dimensional powers. He will not be permitted to alter time or seal Optimus through a dimensional portal; however, he will be allowed to use such abilities in other methods for the purpose of this match.)


To cast your vote for the winners in each fight, you can e-mail me at excellence-execution@excite.com, reply right here in this thread, or even let me know in a Chat or IM. In the rare moment that we might talk in person or on the phone, cast votes also count there. As usual, you cannot cast your vote for the same matches more than once (yeah, an anti-ballot box-stuffing measure).

Voting for this round will be open, until the deadline of Saturday, June 10. Due to a change in plans, the ending time will be uncertain, but will likely be around 11pm Pacific Daylight Time. Next week, the results will be posted, along with the opening of the Semi-Final matches for the Cybertron Conference Tag Team Tournament.

Outtsyder

Match 13: Scourge.

Override isn't that tough. She's always needed another bot with her when going to battle, and still lost some fights. Scourge is strong, and the fire-breathing ability is rather unique. Besides, speed is nothing when compared to a being like Scourge. Speed is a good thing when going into battle against a dumb foe like Crumplezone... but Scourge isn't 'all-brawn-no-brains'. He's got both of them.

Match 14: Vector Prime.

I still say he's got so much hidden potential that he'd win. He's fast, and now that he's allowed to use some of his special powers... like warping out of range, or opening a portal through which they both could go to a battlefield where Vector has the advantage. So I say it's ancient wisdom this time.

Match 13: Sourge

Override's tough, but I doubt that she can stand the heat of this battle.

Match 14: Optimus Prime

This is indredibly hard to judge, since, like the bios say, Prime has the Matrix while Vector 's powers are ungauged. However, senility factors in and will ultimately undermine VP.

Three days are left until to choose your winners for the Semi-Final matches, before the slightly-extended deadline drops on Saturday night. If you haven't voted for these matches, you've still got some time left.

Outtsyder

13: - Scourge.

Hes just too powerful an adversary for Overide in my opinion, so long as he can catch her, -shes gone.

14: - Prime....

Vector probably has the edge in abilities having more "special powers" than prime, - Both have great analytical intelligence which is shown in any battle plans... But Optimus does have the edge in firepower and I think hes intelligent enough to not fall for any tricks that Vector uses with dimension jumping etc.

Oppy's super mode probably has the edge in strength too, I think it could even end up in a draw seen as they wouldnt fight to survive... but I think Optimus is going to pull through

so 14: - Optimus

With the extended deadline, there is a total time of just under 48 hours to cast your votes for these two Semi-Final matches. If you still have to vote, do so soon!

Outtsyder

Apologies for the delay; voting is now closed. The results will be tallied up and posted shortly.

Outtsyder

The Semi-Finals of the Cybertron Conference Singles Tournament is now over, and as stated before, the winners of these two matches will square off against each other, one week from now, in the Championship Finals. With the deadline extended by a couple hours, let’s end the wait here and announce our two winners in this round…

Match 13: Scourge vs. Override

If the Cyber Planet Keys were also to be defended in these Tournament Matches, it’s pretty clear that one of the participating warriors in this Tournament would be decorated with three Keys right now. Some have likened this match to a cat-&-mouse game; the mouse would have to try its best to avoid getting caught, or else. Despite being the best that Velocitron had to offer, and one of the better warriors among the Autobots, poor Override simply didn’t measure up against the dragon from the Jungle Planet. “Sure, Override's got the speed, but she's too lacking in the firepower department,” wrote Baron Fel, a triple-board citizen of The Underground Hangar, Beast Wars International, and the TF Collectors’ Club Forums. “Eventually, Scourge will get her. Once he does, it's over.” A unanimous victory propels Scourge, the victor in the battles of the Cyber Planet Key champions, into the Championship Finals. One can only wonder, though, if he should consider battling Metroplex for the Gigantion Key, too….

WINNER: Scourge



Match 14: Optimus Prime vs. Vector Prime

Contrary to the first Semi-Final match, however, this one was much. MUCH tighter. But possibly the reason for this contest being so much closer was that, while Optimus Prime had the usual advantage of his Super Mode, Vector Prime was permitted to use a limited degree of his dimensional powers to even the odds out… and boy, did it ever. Luckily, this match did not go to a draw… although it easily could have, which would have granted Scourge the Cybertron Singles Championship by default, although he wouldn’t have been happy to win the title without a championship opponent. Scourge can be happy that he will get to prove himself worthy of the championship, as his opponent will be – by way of a 53% share of the vote – Vector Prime. “He's got so much hidden potential,” wrote Safeguard of Beast Wars International; “and now that he's allowed to use some of his special powers... like warping out of range… I say it's ancient wisdom this time.”

WINNER: Vector Prime


Thank you to all who participated in the Semi-Finals of the Cybertron Conference Singles Tournament. More tournament fun is still in progress with the Cybertron Tag Team Tournament Semi-Finals; and be ready for next week, Saturday, June 17, for not only the Semi-Finals results of the Tag Team Tournament, but a new thread to determine the Championship Winner of the Cybertron Singles Tournament. And even if you’ve never played before, you can still join in anytime you wish!

Outtsyder