Construct-Bots (sometimes erroneously called “Construct-A-Bots”) were introduced in 2013 for the Transformers brand to take part in the “buildable/customizable action figure” segment of boys’ toys. The sets debuted at a number of price points, with a relatively large advertising push.
Construct-Bots are each built around a standard “skeleton”, to which all the defining features of the character are attached. The skeleton is highly articulated with rubberized ball-and-socket joints and ratcheting c-clip joints. The skeleton (and the figure built around it) is capable of a standard transformation scheme, which only varies for the Predaking figure (among the main waves of product). All other features of the transformation are made unique by the pieces that attach to it, although land vehicles and air vehicles are relatively self-consistent. Armor, weapons, wheels or wings, and a uniquely sculpted head define each figure. Higher price points indicate more accessories: Scouts include only the bare minimum of armor, one or two small weapons, and a set of wheels or pair of wings; Elite figures add shoulder-mounted weapons, shoulder pads, and fenders or fins; and Triple-Changers add a second set of accessories to form a completely different alternate mode. The armor generally attaches with 5mm posts, and sometimes feature sockets or bars for attaching accessories directly to the armor. Many figures fit stylistically into the contemporary TF: Prime, with the rest being largely modernized renditions of Generation 1 characters. Since the line survived into Age of Extinction, a couple new size classes cropped up, including the gear-operated Dinobots, the small polybagged Dinobot Riders, and the larger Dinobot Warriors: Elite-sized figures with Dinobot partner that could disassemble to become weapons and armor for the main figure’s robot mode.
Hasbro’s primary selling point for the series was customization. Due to the standard skeleton, any accessory can be used with literally any other toy in the series. The use of 5mm posts means many main-line Transformers toys’ weapons can be used, and the rubberized ball-and-sockets are fully compatible with those used in Kre-O sets. Furthermore, many of the 5mm pegs are hollow, effectively making them usable Mini-Con ports. Because the transformation scheme of the skeleton is standard, vehicular modes can be customized as well, and customized figures can transform in the same pattern as by-the-book builds.
Like Bot Shots, Contruct-Bots toys come with a code that can be entered online to unlock virtual content. The toyline features online components heavily, and there are games, videos, and other features linked with the toyline.
Toward the end of the Prime: Beast Hunters segment of the line, several figures were only spotted abroad or at specialty clearance shops, making a few quite scarce. However, the line recieved a resurgence during its tie-in with Age of Extinction, with the new waves of Dinobots and Dinobot Riders being widely distributed, and even featuring a couple different store exclusives. However, the line again rapidly came to an end, leaving at least a couple announced but unreleased figures that did not even see light of day in the usual haunts of cancelled series like Europe and Pacific Asia.
