This is one of my favorite animated shows of all time. It's also one of my favorite sequel series and CGI animated show of all time because the show is a prime example of both done the right way. But most of all this is my favorite series in the "Transformers" franchise.
When I saw this show it just blew me away the fact that a familiar franchise has got a sequel and that is CGI animated, at the time both concepts weren't common place and still somewhat foreign.
There is so much to like and love about this show. The CGI animation at the time was just awesome, you have to realize back then CGI was still a novel concept and was just on the rise, so you can imagine how both animation and even Transformers fans were just blown away by this, I know I'm one of them. I honestly still thing the animation looks good as its animation used the right way and for that right reasons.
The action is great it's well choregraphed, really like how each of the character use different kinds of weapons their characters are equipped and not generic weapons with which makes the shootouts a little more interesting. Even the fist a cuff/melee weapon battle and vehicular or should I say non vehicular assault battles also well done. Really love the music, which is are metal tunes, really love the theme song which is one of my favorite themes which just sing out broad primal warfare.
The background animation I'll admit isn't so great, it's pretty generic but serviceable, but this doesn't bother me because like with certain plays in the theatre or even amateur films some of their background props aren't great but that doesn't stop them from become good productions and entertainment. It's really the character models that stand out which I think are just excellent, both the Maximals and Predacons are well detailed and refined in features as each of the character are unique in their own ways physically. The transformations with them work well, they move and flow right, it's always awesome to watch them transform.
One of the things I love about this sequel is in its story. The plotline is the same concept as it's sort of the autoboots and deceptions at war with one another, though here their both wearing a different kind of dress as the Autoboots are Maxamals and Decepticons are Predacons. I really like the fact that this time instead of vehicles their animals which I thought was a cool concept, it was slightly done in the classic "Transformers" cartoon and toy line but this show goes much further with it and it really helps in making things not feel too much the same. But despite the same concept, it's a whole different kind of warfare.
I really like the characters, the characterization in the show is great and a lot better than its predecessor. Not to say the characters in the classic "Transformers" weren't characters but they weren't deep characters. The characters in "Beast Wars" actually turn out to be three dimensional characters as each of them have their thoughts, feelings, strengths, weaknesses and they even develop both physically and personally; from all these things it's easy at times to forget I'm watching an animated series but almost a live action sci-fi series (which actually wouldn't be a bad idea if done correctly).
Also, this has one of the best voice cast ensembles by a lot of familiar names and favorites of mine. Even like that the cast is condensed and not overstuffed which is a fundamental problem most super team series like "Justice League", "Avengers" and others have, where their so busy building up their roster they've forgotten to build and focus on their characters.
Since there is a lot as their so well rounded it's hard to decide, that I like I'll just state five of them.
Black Arachnia and Silver Bolt: Ok I know this is two at the same time, but since they're both a couple why not. Both as characters are individually good from Silver Bolt (voice by Scott McNeil) like the design on him where he's a fusor combination, really like the color giving him a metallic knight look. His character isn't the brightest bulb though that's mainly because he's still new at the game and inexperienced, but his heart is in the right place. Really like he's like someone from a different time as he has that chivalrous mannerism.
Black Arachnia (voiced by Venus Tetrzo) is great, I really like the design of her but also that raspy voice which just sings out sexyness. Her character is the most interesting to me because she has a character arc throughout the whole show where she was a Predacon but slowly but surely, she defects and becomes a Maximal. I really love that she can think for herself which is part of the reason she defected because she realized how bad the Kool Aid Megatron and Taranchulous served everyone really is.
She is very deceptive and sneaky which is her edge as it can make her somewhat unpredictable to everyone and probably herself. I really love it when both Silver Bolt and her are together, both are one of my favorite fictional couples. The chemistry between them is funny but also beautiful, both really are good for each other as they do balance each other out, in a way much like April and Andy on "Parks and Recreation" both are kind of a Yin and Yang couple, both work because they create a harmonious balance.
Rattrap (also voiced by Scott McNeil): His character is a lot of fun, really like the voice of is which is a Bronx accent which makes sense as his proform is of a rat whom are highly populated in "New York City". But his character is just a lot of fun as he just got a lot of the best lines in the show but I really like how human his character is as he reacts the same way to certain things like how any normal person would react.
Like when he exercises reluctance to certain things proposed by characters, you can tell from his mannerism it's saying, "really your going to do that" or "are your fraking nuts'. But what I really like is how he has a strong sense of duty, despite his feelings knowing that his comrades are possibly going or leading him on the road to Hell, he just rolls his eyes and does his duty all the same but most importantly supports his friends.
Optimus Primal: He's pretty much the same as his predecessor but in Beast form. He's voiced well by one of my favorite voice actors Gary Chalk, whom is my second favorite Optimus Prime. His pro forms are the best which perfectly reflects his role as he first is a Silverback Gorilla and then last my favorite one in the whole show which is an ode to the classic "Transformers" a triple changer autobot.
Optimus Primal just like his predecessor is really cool as he's a guy that is the strong leadership type, but what I like is how we see this version really struggle in his role as he does his very best to lead his fellow Maximals well. And as good as his leadership is, even he suffers his losses and you can see he feels them but what makes him really strong is that despite this he always carries on because really there is nowhere else to go except forward.
Megatron: This is no surprise as the Megatron from the classic "Transformers" is one of my favorite animated villains, so is he. Believe or not this is my favorite version of Megatron, he's not really all that different from his predecessor but he goes steps further. His proto forms are cool which perfect fit his evil zeal, from a T Rex to a Fire Breathing Dragon.
Really like that voice of his which is sort of a royal snobbery accent, this really display how big of a superiority complex he has and how he sees himself as bigger and better than everyone else and everyone else including those that serve him and his cause are lower, in some way or another at times he's actually true to that meaning.
His a bit funny as he's got a sort of very black sense of humor and wit sometimes, but he's really menacing, he's a bit like a corrupt character from "Game of Thrones" as he is ruthless and ever so scheming. And much like with "Game of Thrones there's even a subplot with Taranchulous always trying to get leverage or steel the throne from Megatron much like with Starscream and the old version of Megatron.
But also, this guy is borderline insane as he hates Optimus Primal and the Maximals so much he's actually willing in one episode to frak up the timeline probably destroying the universe just to kill them, including himself. I know what your thinking, is he crazy enough to do it, answer I'm afraid so.
Also, this show is a dark entry in both the "Transformers" franchise but also animated shows in general. The 90's indeed really took animated shows to the next level as we were getting a lot of dark animated shows like "Batman: The Animated Series", "Exo Squad", etc. that were shows that were really mature showing the animation genre isn't strictly for kids but can also be for teens and adults.
Its storytelling became more mature and advanced, at times I easily forgotten I was watching an animated cartoon show. But anyway, this show was dark because we see that this warfare isn't a one-sided affair but actually two sided, where sometimes the good guys didn't always win but the bad guys as well. Or sometimes there would be a victory but not without some cost or the victory was incomplete.
And most of all characters in this show die, which at the time was rare for an animated show. Personally I loved that because it really made it feel like it mattered who won but most of all showed the reality about warfare how it's never a one sided affair, how each of the character lives are in constant jeopardy, but also that war isn't a game when you fight you fight to live and you always have to make every shot your best shot because your not going to get another chance.
"Beast Wars: Transformers" is a roaring animated classic.
Rating: 4 stars
When I saw this show it just blew me away the fact that a familiar franchise has got a sequel and that is CGI animated, at the time both concepts weren't common place and still somewhat foreign.
There is so much to like and love about this show. The CGI animation at the time was just awesome, you have to realize back then CGI was still a novel concept and was just on the rise, so you can imagine how both animation and even Transformers fans were just blown away by this, I know I'm one of them. I honestly still thing the animation looks good as its animation used the right way and for that right reasons.
The action is great it's well choregraphed, really like how each of the character use different kinds of weapons their characters are equipped and not generic weapons with which makes the shootouts a little more interesting. Even the fist a cuff/melee weapon battle and vehicular or should I say non vehicular assault battles also well done. Really love the music, which is are metal tunes, really love the theme song which is one of my favorite themes which just sing out broad primal warfare.
The background animation I'll admit isn't so great, it's pretty generic but serviceable, but this doesn't bother me because like with certain plays in the theatre or even amateur films some of their background props aren't great but that doesn't stop them from become good productions and entertainment. It's really the character models that stand out which I think are just excellent, both the Maximals and Predacons are well detailed and refined in features as each of the character are unique in their own ways physically. The transformations with them work well, they move and flow right, it's always awesome to watch them transform.
One of the things I love about this sequel is in its story. The plotline is the same concept as it's sort of the autoboots and deceptions at war with one another, though here their both wearing a different kind of dress as the Autoboots are Maxamals and Decepticons are Predacons. I really like the fact that this time instead of vehicles their animals which I thought was a cool concept, it was slightly done in the classic "Transformers" cartoon and toy line but this show goes much further with it and it really helps in making things not feel too much the same. But despite the same concept, it's a whole different kind of warfare.
I really like the characters, the characterization in the show is great and a lot better than its predecessor. Not to say the characters in the classic "Transformers" weren't characters but they weren't deep characters. The characters in "Beast Wars" actually turn out to be three dimensional characters as each of them have their thoughts, feelings, strengths, weaknesses and they even develop both physically and personally; from all these things it's easy at times to forget I'm watching an animated series but almost a live action sci-fi series (which actually wouldn't be a bad idea if done correctly).
Also, this has one of the best voice cast ensembles by a lot of familiar names and favorites of mine. Even like that the cast is condensed and not overstuffed which is a fundamental problem most super team series like "Justice League", "Avengers" and others have, where their so busy building up their roster they've forgotten to build and focus on their characters.
Since there is a lot as their so well rounded it's hard to decide, that I like I'll just state five of them.
Black Arachnia and Silver Bolt: Ok I know this is two at the same time, but since they're both a couple why not. Both as characters are individually good from Silver Bolt (voice by Scott McNeil) like the design on him where he's a fusor combination, really like the color giving him a metallic knight look. His character isn't the brightest bulb though that's mainly because he's still new at the game and inexperienced, but his heart is in the right place. Really like he's like someone from a different time as he has that chivalrous mannerism.
Black Arachnia (voiced by Venus Tetrzo) is great, I really like the design of her but also that raspy voice which just sings out sexyness. Her character is the most interesting to me because she has a character arc throughout the whole show where she was a Predacon but slowly but surely, she defects and becomes a Maximal. I really love that she can think for herself which is part of the reason she defected because she realized how bad the Kool Aid Megatron and Taranchulous served everyone really is.
She is very deceptive and sneaky which is her edge as it can make her somewhat unpredictable to everyone and probably herself. I really love it when both Silver Bolt and her are together, both are one of my favorite fictional couples. The chemistry between them is funny but also beautiful, both really are good for each other as they do balance each other out, in a way much like April and Andy on "Parks and Recreation" both are kind of a Yin and Yang couple, both work because they create a harmonious balance.
Rattrap (also voiced by Scott McNeil): His character is a lot of fun, really like the voice of is which is a Bronx accent which makes sense as his proform is of a rat whom are highly populated in "New York City". But his character is just a lot of fun as he just got a lot of the best lines in the show but I really like how human his character is as he reacts the same way to certain things like how any normal person would react.
Like when he exercises reluctance to certain things proposed by characters, you can tell from his mannerism it's saying, "really your going to do that" or "are your fraking nuts'. But what I really like is how he has a strong sense of duty, despite his feelings knowing that his comrades are possibly going or leading him on the road to Hell, he just rolls his eyes and does his duty all the same but most importantly supports his friends.
Optimus Primal: He's pretty much the same as his predecessor but in Beast form. He's voiced well by one of my favorite voice actors Gary Chalk, whom is my second favorite Optimus Prime. His pro forms are the best which perfectly reflects his role as he first is a Silverback Gorilla and then last my favorite one in the whole show which is an ode to the classic "Transformers" a triple changer autobot.
Optimus Primal just like his predecessor is really cool as he's a guy that is the strong leadership type, but what I like is how we see this version really struggle in his role as he does his very best to lead his fellow Maximals well. And as good as his leadership is, even he suffers his losses and you can see he feels them but what makes him really strong is that despite this he always carries on because really there is nowhere else to go except forward.
Megatron: This is no surprise as the Megatron from the classic "Transformers" is one of my favorite animated villains, so is he. Believe or not this is my favorite version of Megatron, he's not really all that different from his predecessor but he goes steps further. His proto forms are cool which perfect fit his evil zeal, from a T Rex to a Fire Breathing Dragon.
Really like that voice of his which is sort of a royal snobbery accent, this really display how big of a superiority complex he has and how he sees himself as bigger and better than everyone else and everyone else including those that serve him and his cause are lower, in some way or another at times he's actually true to that meaning.
His a bit funny as he's got a sort of very black sense of humor and wit sometimes, but he's really menacing, he's a bit like a corrupt character from "Game of Thrones" as he is ruthless and ever so scheming. And much like with "Game of Thrones there's even a subplot with Taranchulous always trying to get leverage or steel the throne from Megatron much like with Starscream and the old version of Megatron.
But also, this guy is borderline insane as he hates Optimus Primal and the Maximals so much he's actually willing in one episode to frak up the timeline probably destroying the universe just to kill them, including himself. I know what your thinking, is he crazy enough to do it, answer I'm afraid so.
Also, this show is a dark entry in both the "Transformers" franchise but also animated shows in general. The 90's indeed really took animated shows to the next level as we were getting a lot of dark animated shows like "Batman: The Animated Series", "Exo Squad", etc. that were shows that were really mature showing the animation genre isn't strictly for kids but can also be for teens and adults.
Its storytelling became more mature and advanced, at times I easily forgotten I was watching an animated cartoon show. But anyway, this show was dark because we see that this warfare isn't a one-sided affair but actually two sided, where sometimes the good guys didn't always win but the bad guys as well. Or sometimes there would be a victory but not without some cost or the victory was incomplete.
And most of all characters in this show die, which at the time was rare for an animated show. Personally I loved that because it really made it feel like it mattered who won but most of all showed the reality about warfare how it's never a one sided affair, how each of the character lives are in constant jeopardy, but also that war isn't a game when you fight you fight to live and you always have to make every shot your best shot because your not going to get another chance.
"Beast Wars: Transformers" is a roaring animated classic.
Rating: 4 stars