The Intergalactic Highway

Another Conference begins in the TF Combat Tournament, shared once again among five boards. This time, the participating community line-up encompasses The Underground Hangar, Beast Wars International, the Ages 3 & Up Forums, the TF Collectors’ Club Forums, and now, making its debut in Ben Yee’s BWTF Forums! This multi-community TF Combat Tournament begins its newest Conference, the currently-running Cybertron series! What makes the Cybertron Conference unique in this Tournament is that the competing characters are representing not only Autobot and Decepticon factions, but various planets as well, tantamount to a galactic Olympic-style aura, as various Transformers come from their different native worlds to compete in various battles, to determine the Cybertron Conference Combat Tournament Champions, both Singles and Tag Teams.

This week, we begin with the opening round match-ups of the Cybertron Singles Tournament, while next week will give the Round 1 Tag Team match-ups as well as the results of the Cybertron Singles' first round. As with the previous tournaments, the rules are simple: the eight match-ups are provided, and you, the membership, get to vote for the winner of all eight fights. Capsule profiles of each participant are provided, 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 the show, 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. And given the possibilities of the tournament votes, it is possible for opponents of the same allegiance to fight each other in future rounds.

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. And for those of you who remember the wildcard in the previously-announced roster… yes, in one of these matches, you will find the identity of the Mystery Combatant revealed!

And now, here are the opening-round match-ups for the Cybertron Conference Singles Tournament:


Match 1: EVAC vs. Dirt Boss

EVAC (Autobot, Earth) – An expert at flight and Guardian of Earth’s Cyber Planet Key. Normally a gentle Autobot, preferring not to fight, but a courageous fighter when necessary. Transforms into a streamlined rescue helicopter, equipped with a power winch and capable of great maneuverability. Robot mode uses his helicopter rotor blade assembly as a melee weapon. Cyber Key Power bolsters his speed, and unlocks a pair of guided homing missiles that lock on his targets. Highly intelligent with good stamina, but lacks killer instinct, preferring to disable opponents rather than destroy them.

http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/Evac/evac.htm


Dirt Boss (Decepticon, Velocitron) – A loner and a thug; one of the more rugged racers of Velocitron. Has a strong hatred for Speed Planet racing champion Override. Transforms into a monster truck capable of traveling over extremely rugged terrain with good speed. Robot mode has great strength, stamina and durability. Cyber Key Power expands his vehicle mode’s wheel base, lowers its height, and boosts speed; and deploys a pair of “Dirt Dog Attack” shoulder-mounted blaster cannons in robot mode. A violent fighter, but can be outsmarted.

http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/Dir ... rtboss.htm



Match 2: Leobreaker vs. Scourge

Leobreaker (Autobot, Jungle Planet) – The upgraded version of Overhaul has much improved his strength and fighter’s instinct, with a greater will to win than ever. Refuses to concede a victory to an opponent, even when the odds are against him. Transforms into a liger, capable of surprising speed and agility, able to leap great distances and heights. Robot mode is armed with a powerful whip tipped with a razor-sharp arrowhead barb. Cyber Key Power unlocks sets of long, wrist-mounted “Platinum Claw” blades in both liger and robot modes, capable of slicing through most armor. One of the best all-around warriors among the Autobots with his physical talents and underrated intelligence, but temper and enthusiasm for battle can lead him into a trap.

http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/Leobre ... reaker.htm


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.

http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/Scourge/scourge.htm



Match 3: Hot Shot vs. Mudflap

Hot Shot (Autobot, Cybertron/Velocitron) – Believes he is the fastest Autobot in the Universe, and is certainly among the top. Extremely confident and thrill-seeking youngster. Transforms into a low-slung streamlined race car; extreme speed and ground maneuverability makes him an almost-impossible target to hit. Robot mode has surprising strength, armed with a hand-held missile launcher. Cyber Key Power deploys an “Accel Wing” in his vehicle mode, augmenting his ground speed even higher. A hotheaded fighter, though a combination of intelligence, determination, courage, and endurance; can sometimes rush into a battle without thinking first, and Cyber Key Power can only be accessed in car mode.

http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/HotShot/hotshot.htm


Mudflap (Decepticon, Earth) – A former Autobot, once a friend and pupil of Landmine; now switched to the Decepticons out of frustration and disdain for rules. Transforms into a construction crane; can sometimes use his crane boom as an offensive weapon. Robot mode is physically very strong with an arm-mounted missile launcher; can use his crane boom to catapult himself pole-vault-style. Cyber Key Power deploys an extended, serrated Energon-based Mega Crane Blade in both modes. Though strong with great firepower, only has average endurance and is psychologically easy to manipulate.

http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/Mudflap/mudflap.htm



Match 4: Override vs. Thundercracker

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.

http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/Override/override.htm


Thundercracker (Decepticon, Earth) – A loyal and crazy Decepticon aerial fighter, who prefers to psych out his opposition before moving in for the attack. A fairly effective gunslinger attitude, though not always the most sophisticated chip in the motherboard. Transforms into an SU-27 jet fighter; has great speed and can create loud controlled sonic booms. Robot mode is strong and agile, with a long blaster cannon for his left arm. Cyber Key Power increases his “Thunder Cannon” firepower in both modes. Employs a number of battle-improvisation tactics, but lacks intelligence and has only average combat talent.

http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/Thu ... racker.htm



Match 5: Scattorshot vs. Cannonball

Scattorshot (Autobot, Earth) – The main technical expert of the Autobot team, and one of the smallest. Always worries about messing up, yet he is able to pull off most successes without realizing his own talents. Transforms into a half-track missile tank armed with dual long-range missile launchers; robot mode is armed with the launchers and a hand-held double-barreled blaster rifle. Cyber Key Power deploys a “Light Grenade” missile pod in both modes, releasing surprising salvos of overwhelming firepower. Armament is his best combat asset; unexpected luck should not be underestimated. Not particularly strong, fast, or durable; his neurosis can either work in his favor in succeeding at a task, or against him if he seizes up from the pressure.

http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/Scatto ... orshot.htm


Cannonball (Decepticon, Earth) – A terrorizing pirate of the galaxy, concerned only about the advancement of his fortunes; the more valuable the treasure, the more he wants it. Allied with the Decepticons, though given some free reign as an independent. Transforms into an armored pirate-decorated sedan with good ground speed; outer hull protects against most missile fire. Robot mode exhibits great strength, durability and stamina, while using extremely vicious tactics in combat; left hand is replaced by a blaster gun, adaptable with a hammer head and a pincer claw. Cyber Key Power unlocks a pair of dual blaster cannons in both robot and vehicle modes. Extremely brave, powerful and intimidating, but firepower is average, with raw fighting skills.

http://www.tformers.com/reviews.php?op= ... ent&id=669



Match 6: Optimus Prime vs. Menasor

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.

http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/Optimu ... sprime.htm


Menasor (Decepticon, Gigantion) – A young renegade of the Giant Planet, dissatisfied by his homeworld’s traditions and Metroplex’s rules. As a native of Gigantion, is among the largest of Transformers. Transforms into a heavy-duty drilling vehicle; protected by thick armor and uses two large front-mounted drill bits that that pierce through most substances. Robot mode’s strength is enhanced by towering size; right arm ends in a grabbing claw that exerts crushing force. Cyber Key Power enhances rotational speed on his drills, increasing destructive power. Large size makes him difficult to take down, but also lacking in speed and agility; inexperience makes him susceptible to more wily opponents.

http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/prod ... ode=retail


Match 7: Jetfire vs. Starscream

Jetfire (Autobot, Earth) – Deputy Commander of the Autobots, official right hand to Optimus Prime. A clear-headed, practical realist with a brilliant strategic mind; perhaps the best aerial warrior among the Autobots. Transforms into a large military cargo jet, armed with twin missile launchers and capable of traveling long distances with great speed. In robot mode, exhibits immense strength and flight ability; uses missile launchers as hand-held weapons, plus a powerful, hurricane-like “Turbine Wave” attack from front shoulder ports. Cyber Key Power unlocks an “Afterburner Blast” attack in both modes; tail section folds over to reveal twin blasters in jet mode, while the blasters emerge from his back in robot mode. Usually cool-tempered unless goaded too far; can forget his strategy if he loses his cool, though this rarely happens.

http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/Jetfire/jetfire.htm

Starscream (Decepticon, Cybertron) – Lieutenant Commander of the Decepticons, seeking to replace Megatron as Leader. (Big surprise.) Ambitious and treacherous; an excellent and experienced all-around warrior. Transforms into a triangular Cybertronian jet fighter; is among the fastest and most agile fliers of all Decepticons, and uses two roof-mounted null-ray turret guns that short out target’s electrical systems. Has good strength and exceptional flight skill in robot mode, armed with a hand-held blaster and null-ray blaster ports in chest. Cyber Key Power unlocks a pair of “Vertex Blade” swords that extend from his arms. Extremely dangerous and egotistical; can overestimate his own skills, making him under-prepared against an opponent.

http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/TRU ... scream.htm



Match 8: Vector Prime vs. Megatron

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.

http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/Vector ... rprime.htm

[NOTE: For purposes of this Tournament, Vector Prime will not be permitted to alter time or use any other of his dimension-altering powers.]


Megatron (Decepticon, Cybertron) – The Leader of the Decepticons, and self-professed future ruler of the universe. Immensely powerful and intelligent, supported by Triple-Changing ability and pieces of the Armor of Unicron secreted into his body. Alternate modes are a Batmobile-like race car and a Cybertronian jet, both capable of reaching great speeds and armed with a dual missile launcher. Can generate electricity attacks from within his body in robot mode. Cyber Key Power unlocks booster engines in his vehicle modes; in robot mode, unlocks a “Unicron Power Claw” that attaches to his forearm, or a hand-held rotary chain gun capable of piercing most armor with devastating results. Fully believes in his superiority, cannot accept the notion of anyone defeating him; such doubts, though infrequent, can psychologically impair his effectiveness.

http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/Meg ... gatron.htm


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, casted votes also count there. As usual, you cannot cast your vote for the same match(es) more than once (yeah, an anti-ballot box-stuffing measure).

Voting for this round will be open until the deadline of Saturday, May 13, at 7pm Pacific Daylight Time. Next week, the results will be posted, along with the opening-round matches for the Cybertron Conference Tag Team Tournament.

ADDENDUM: I forgot to add in an additional note about Starscream; he will only be allowed to be in his "normal" size, not his giant form.

Outtsyder

Outtsyder

Match 1: Evac.
Easy choice. Dirt Boss can be outsmarted, Evac is smart and flying gives him an advantage.

Match 2: Scourge.
Duh. He beat Overhaul many times, and Leobreaker 'won' in episode 16 because he surprised the dragonformer. Scourge is a lot more experienced, somewhat more powerful and easily more cunning.

Match 3: Mudflap.
Hot Shot's firepower isn't the strongest. His speed doesn't help him very much if he and Mudflap go to close-range, or hand-to-hand, combat.

Match 4: Override.
Easy again. Override is faster, smarter and stronger than Thundercracker. TC is the most worthless and weak of the D-Cons, if you don't count Ransack and Crumplezone. And Override is the leader of Velocitron. That is something not-to-be underestimated.

Match 5: Cannonball.
He's gotta be stronger than Scattorshot. 'Shot is so tiny Cannonball could probably fling him to outer space...

Match 6: Optimus Prime.
Size doesn't matter. Optimus is the leader of the Autobots, after all, and he's a LOT more experienced than Menasor. He probably has more firepower, too. And he's easily more intelligent. (Uh... um... OK...)

Match 7: Starscream.
Screamer was able to beat him in and the other Autobots in one episode, and Jetfire isn't really that powerful. Well, he's been able to defeat Thundercracker many times, but TC is so ridiculously incompetent compared to Screamer... and SS must be a lot faster than Jetfire.

Match 8: Megatron.
Duh. Optimus must be stronger than Vector Prime, and even he has trouble beating Megatron.

Match 1: UGH. You had to pit Dirt Boss against a 'bot clearly his superior in the first round, didn't ya? I really really like Dirt Boss, I don't want to see him go down this early. Blah. Evac wins. I guess.

Match 2: Scourge, assuming that Leobreaker doesn't combine with Prime.

Match 3: Close, but I'd have to give it to Mudflap. Hot Shot's just... kinda dumb.

Match 4: Override. Though Thundercracker has surprised me a few times in Cybertron with his strength, Override still wins out.

Match 5: Cannonball! If he was up against a ninja Transformer, THEN we'd have a real battle. Until then...

Match 6: Optimus Prime. Really, is a vote on this battle even necessary?

Match 7: Starscream, since I'm going to assume this is after he super-sized himself.

Match 8: Megatron. Granted, Vector Prime could just open up a gate and shunt Megatron somewhere else, but he never did anything that smart in the show, can't imagine why he'd start now.

Beastbot wrote:Match 1: UGH. You had to pit Dirt Boss against a 'bot clearly his superior in the first round, didn't ya?

Blame the random draw.

Beastbot wrote:Match 7: Starscream, since I'm going to assume this is after he super-sized himself.

Actually, Starscream is only allowed to be in his normal size in this Tournament. If you want to change your mind on Match 7, go right ahead. If not, no problem.

Outtsyder

Match 1-Dirt Boss. He's a powerful character and I'm seen him do some pretty impressive stuff, so he wins.

Match 2-Scourge. Three-headed dragon+reformatted lion=molten metal.

Match 3-Hot Shot. Mudflap's lack of intelligence will work against him.

Match 4-Thundercracker. This'll be a very hard fight since one has the advantage of teh air while the other has everything else, but the ability to fly alone might just be able to save Thunder's skin.

Match 5-Canonball

Match 6-Prime. Giant Menasor may be, but Prime's got teh experience and that's what counts.

Match 7-Starscream. His firepower's making my head spin and Jetfire doesn't have that effect. With Starscream's ammo, there's no way for Jetsy to win.

Match 8-Megatron. It's hard to decide, but it's usualy the leaders who always win out.

There are still about three days left in casting your votes for the winners of these eight first-round matches. If you still need to vote, you still have some time.

Outtsyder

A little over a day is left to cast your votes for the first-round matches of the Cybertron Singles Tournament. If you still haven't voted yet, do so soon!

Outtsyder

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

Outtsyder

The opening round of the Cybertron Conference Singles Tournament is now over, and this round has yielded perhaps the greatest variety of results since the beginning of the Generation One Conference of the TF Combat Tournament. Some results were close; others were not. Some match-ups were predictable; others produced some surprises. Without continuing any further, let’s move on and see who survived this preliminary round of this multi-planet Tournament Conference:


Match 1: EVAC vs. Dirt Boss

The first opening-round match was an expected blowout, with EVAC obliterating Dirt Boss with 90% of the vote. Despite not being a full-blown assault warrior, his other skills were sufficient to put away the thug from Velocitron. “definitely EVAC,” voted Names Are Unimportant from The Underground Hangar. “Though not necessarily possessing a great amount of firepower, his overall experience, combined with his ability to fly, means he has a decided advantage over some punk road-rager.”

WINNER: EVAC


Match 2: Leobreaker vs. Scourge

Speaking of blowouts, the next match was even nastier, providing the most one-sided result of the first-round, even though a real fight would undoubted have been much closer. Leobreaker, though one of the Autobots’ best and most powerful fighters, simply suffered from the (bad) luck of the drawing of opponents, and Scourge decisively won out with 95%. Several voters had suggested Leobreaker’s inability to win this match was due to one major factor: no combination partner in a one-on-one contest. “Maybe if Leobreaker was connected with Prime, or using the skills in magic his alt mode's supposedly bred for, then it'd be a different story,” wrote 138 Scourge of the BWTF Forums. “It'd be a good fight, but I'm backing the dragon in this one.” With this victory, Scourge will move on to Round 2, and face EVAC in a confrontation of Keepers of Cyber Planet Keys!

WINNER: Scourge


Match 3: Hot Shot vs. Mudflap

The former Autobot who switched sides was no match for the young Hot Shot, who used his speed and determination to defeat Mudflap, taking 71% of the vote. “Another tough call,” wrote Stelartron of The Underground Hangar and Beast Wars International. “I'll say Hot Shot. If he could stay out of Mudflap's way long enough to avoid getting pummeled, Hot Shot would definately come out on top.” And as Hot Shot advances to the next round, he faces an opponent who should give him an even better challenge….

WINNER: Hot Shot


Match 4: Override vs. Thundercracker

It wasn’t even close. With Override dominating this match with 86%, Thundercracker’s battle improvisation simply offered feeble resistance to the Leader of Velocitron. Even though Thundercracker’s been known to pull some unexpected moves lately, many voters felt the choice was easy. “Override is faster, smarter and stronger than Thundercracker,” wrote Safeguard (not to be confused with Vector Prime’s Mini-Con) of Beast Wars International. “Thundercracker is the most worthless and weak of the Decepticons, if you don't count Ransack and Crumplezone. And Override is the leader of Velocitron. That is something not-to-be underestimated.”

WINNER: Override


Match 5: Scattorshot vs. Cannonball

This was the match of the wildcards: the Autobot with unpredictable luck versus the Decepticon mystery combatant. The progress of this match went back and forth several times, as expected with a lesser-powerful character against a character not appearing in the TV show, and created a pretty close margin of victory. While Scattorshot’s firepower and luck was able to keep him alive for the majority of the contest, Cannonball’s durability and viciousness enabled him to outlast his opponent, as the Decepticon pirate took 57% of the vote to win this match. Of course, it was also a matter of time for someone to make a pirate-versus-ninja joke, as Beastbot(X) of both the Transformers Collectors’ Club Forums and Beast Wars International was only too happy to oblige. “If he was up against a ninja Transformer, THEN we'd have a real battle. Until then...”

WINNER: Cannonball


Match 6: Optimus Prime vs. Menasor

Many felt this match should have been obviously lopsided to Optimus Prime, but several voters must have factored in Menasor’s size, making it a harder match for the Autobot Leader to win. Nonetheless, Optimus was able to win this match with 67% of the vote, which would be considered a surprisingly low number for someone of Optimus Prime’s caliber to receive in the Tournament. Nonetheless, sometimes it’s not always how you win, but that fact that you won, and the sole representative of Gigantion in the Cybertron Singles Tournament was eliminated, despite a pretty good showing.

WINNER: Optimus Prime


Match 7: Jetfire vs. Starscream

This could possibly have been the best match of the Singles Tournament’s first round. Deputy versus Lieutenant. Loyalty versus treachery. Aerial versus aerial. This was one of those matches where the spectators could expect to see most of the maneuvers executed above the arena floor, than on it. Neither side was willing to give up easily, as the votes once again went back and forth several times in this battle. But once it ended, it came down to who could outlast the other, who could outgut the other. And in a very tight race, a winning percentage of 57% went to the Autobot Deputy, eking out a VERY hard-fought battle against one of the toughest and most dangerous of any of the Transformers.

WINNER: Jetfire


Match 8: Vector Prime vs. Megatron

But Jetfire versus Starscream was not the best match of the opening round. This one was, with the winning percentage coming to 52%, easily the closest margin of victory during the entire span of the TF Combat Tournament (both Singles and tag Teams) thus far. Some felt there was no doubt that Megatron had enough power and brutality to take down the venerable Autobot, while others believed it could go either way… and others yet must have had the word “upset” in mind, with the mystery surrounding the true extent of Vector Prime’s powers. One can only guess that Vector’s use of his “Tachyon Shield” Cyber Key Power – repelling an opponent’s fire back to the attacker – was his ace-up-his-forearm-plates, possibly wearing Megatron down enough to be easier to battle. However the voters were thinking in this match, it has to be considered a monumental victory for Vector Prime, who eliminated the Decepticon Leader… in the first round!

WINNER: Vector Prime



Thank you to all who participated in Round 1 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, May 20, for both the Round-1 results of the Tag Team Tournament, and the voting for Round 2 of the Cybertron Singles Tournament. And even if you’ve never played before, you can still join in anytime you wish!

Outtsyder

While Round 1 of the Cybertron Tag Team Tournament reaches its concluding hours in the other thread, we open up the voting for Round 2 of this thread’s Cybertron Singles Tournament right now… and it’s a doozy of a line-up! Eight robots, four matches, and who knows what surprises could come from these battles?


The first of the second-round match-ups presents a battle of the Cyber Planet Key Keepers. Having disposed of their respective first-round opponents Dirt Boss and Leobreaker in dominating fashion, it’s the Guardian of the Earth Planet Key, the courageous EVAC, facing off against the Possessor of the Jungle Planet Key, the terrifying Scourge! Will EVAC’s aerial ability and all-around skill propel him to victory, or will Scourge’s “might makes right” mindset claim yet another victim?

The next battle is one of strong interest. They’ve been racing rivals on Velocitron. They’ve been allies in the galaxy-spanning search for the Cyber Planet Keys. They’ve been combat comrades in the battles against the Decepticons. This time, they are rivals once again… not in a race, but in a fight! Having pulled off a win over Mudflap, Hot Shot will proceed to battle against the opponent who destroyed Thundercracker in Round 1: the Leader of Velocitron, Keeper of the Speed Planet Key, and long-time racing champion, Override! They may be on the same side, but friendship and alliances must be put aside to determine who will win this battle!

Then comes the unmasked mystery against the powerful leader. Cannonball, the mystery opponent for Scattorshot, came away with a close win over the more established Autobot in what could be considered a small upset. But the X-factor of the Decepticon pirate will really be put to the test, as he goes up against the Leader of the Autobots himself, Optimus Prime, who came away with a tough, hard-fought win against the Gigantion renegade Menasor. Does Cannonball have the power and stamina to withstand the assault of the Autobot Leader, or will Optimus chalk up yet another victim on his way through the Tournament?

And finally, yet another thrilling aerial battle comes up to close this round. And while these two Autobots are teaming up in the Cybertron Tag Team Tournament… in this round of the Singles Tournament, they must fight each other! Jetfire came away with a very close win over the treacherous Starscream in what was already a dazzling back-and-forth battle. But now he must face his ally and fellow advisor to Optimus Prime; Vector Prime, who scored a big upset victory over Megatron in the closest match of the Tournament!


As usual, the rules are simple: the four match-ups are provided, and you, the membership, get to vote for the winner of all four battles. Capsule profiles of each participant are provided at the beginning of this thread to refresh your memory, 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.


Match 9: EVAC vs. Scourge

Match 10: Hot Shot vs. Override

Match 11: Cannonball vs. Optimus Prime

Match 12: Jetfire vs. Vector Prime


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, casted 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, May 27, at 7pm Pacific Daylight Time. Next week, the results will be posted, along with the opening of the Round 2 matches for the Cybertron Conference Tag Team Tournament.

Outtsyder

Match 9: Scourge.

Scourge has more firepower, he's stronger, more cunning and he can breathe fire. Evac does have the advantages of flying and speed, but he'll probably get rather charred.
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Match 10: Hot Shot.

This was a close one. I just imagined the fight in my head and came to the conclusion that Hot Shot is faster and probably has more firepower. Rather strange we never saw what his Cyber Key did to his arsenal in robot mode...
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Match 11: Optimus Prime.

Do I even need to say why?
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Match 12: Vector Prime.

I think he'd win. Age doesn't matter, even though he has a linear way of thinking. Jetfire has firepower, that's true, but I've sometimes seen him act not-so-clever. It seems he's not as smart as he's said to be. 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.
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Oh Primus! These are hard.

Evac vs. Scourge-Scourge wins because three heads are better than one.

Hotshot vs. Override-This is one match that I hope to never see. They were such a cute couple, I mean a seasoned champion with a young, farmboyish guy who has all of this idealism and potential. However, later in the series, it's evident that Hotshot's become more powerful than Override and at the end of the Velocitron story arc, he kinda ends up beating her, so the win goes to HOTSHOT.

Canonball vs. Optimus Prime-Prime

Jetfire vs. Vector Prime-This'll be a close one, I think. The profiles say that Jetfire's the only one besides Prime who would match Starscream's power but Vector Prime has a disportionate advantage with his jet mode. However, since Vector Prime tends to show his senility more than every once in a while, I'd have to say that JETFIRE wins.

And that's it.

I don't know how in the Pit I turned up as Guest since I coulda sworn that I have this set on 'stay logged in' and saw my name up there next to the words 'log out', but since that is apparently the case, I'll say that RobotInDisguise is the guest poster. Just to make certain that the votes get through, though, I'll copy the previous post onto BWTF. Don't count me twice.

A little over three days remains until the voting deadline on Satuday evening. If you still need to cast your votes for these four matches, you still have some time.

Outtsyder

Just over a day is left to cast your votes for the winners in Round 2 of this Tournament. If you still haven't voted in these matches, do so soon!

Outtsyder