Transformers: Bot Shots was Hasbro’s second foray into gaming figures for Transformers, after Attacktix. Bot Shots only encompassed the Transformers brand, however, and was somewhat more long-lived than its predecessor, running from 2012 through 2013.
The basic premise of Bot Shots are simple, super-deformed figures with spring transformations activated by pressing the front bumper or nose of the alternate mode. Each toy has a three-sided rotor with three icons and corresponding 3 digit numbers. The gameplay involves launching the figures to collide with each other, revealing which side of the rotor the player has secretly pre-selected. The rotor sides then trump one another like rock-paper-scissors, with the three digit numbers breaking any ties.
The figures were sold in standard blister packaging as single figures, displaying their name and series serial number on the package. Each wave had a “Super Bot” with higher stat numbers. Since they were not blind-packed, the Super Bot was simply packed fewer per case to increase rarity. Three-packs were also introduced, each including two regular Bot Shots (usually redecos) and one Super Bot. Not long after, the Bot Launcher assortment debuted, with a single Bot Shot whose large trailer detached to become a spring-loaded launcher for any regular Bot.
The second series introduced new transformation sequences, including Bots that jump-flipped, and some with wind-up spinning arms. Themed “Team 5-Packs” were introduced, as well as a set that included track and arena for playing the game.
Toward the end of the second series, Bot Shots was quietly cancelled, leaving one wave very scarce, and another wave completely unreleased.
