Winner Robo
The Winner Robo were an assortment of figures in the Machine Robo: Battle Hackers toyline, released by Bandai in Japan during 1988. They were the last "classic" Machine Robo figures issued before the line went on a five-year hiatus.
The figures converted through a spring-loaded mechanism activated by a button on the chest (though a couple required additional manual finishing moves) and were around the same size as Machine Robo Series toys. Each had Hot Wheels-style through-axle wheels and a uniform chassis width. This was to allow them to interact with the Roboshooter Gaiden playset, while their similarity in size saw the Big Trailer Robo mould reissued as the mail-away tie-in Thunderer, a car carrier which could transport the figures.
Unlike other toys of the period with automatic transformations, such as the Jumpstarters or Battlechargers, the Winner Robo stand out for high quality, still using a large amount of diecast, retaining compact and detailed vehicle modes and largely conventional robot modes; the only real compromise being the blocky lower legs.
Fiction[edit | edit source]
Machine Robo: Battle Hackers cartoon[edit | edit source]
The Winner Robo (ぶっちぎり隊 Bucchigiri-tai, "Slammer Squad" in English subtitles) returned to Algo Republic on Electronic Planet B-1 just in time to rescue the Blue Dragons, who were attempting to free enslaved miners from the Gurendos when they were ambushed by enemy troops. The groups then linked up with the Battle Hackers and the speed of the Winner Robo was crucial to freeing the workers from the yoke of Kariagen, with the Winner Robo being launched across the defensive perimeter of mines the Gurendos had put in place. A New Machine Robo Team Appears! The team then joined the Battle Hackers. When Gakurandar built a new super-cannon on the far side of a huge valley, Roboshooter Gaiden launched the team across on cables laid by Rod Drill and Tough Trailer, and they destroyed the weapon. Dangerous Grand Whale
The team played a key role in preventing a meltdown at a furnace in the Algo Republic and save the workforce from destruction, though the team were damaged by the heat of the control room in the process. Save the Electronic Furnace of Death! After recovering, they returned to service. Riser! Power Up! When the Battle Hackers were sent by RIM to investigate a mysterious entity killing miners under B-1, the Winner Robo rashly decided to intervene and were enveloped by the sludge, needing to be saved by Drill Crusher.Break Through the End of the Earth They later participating in a gruelling battle against a Gurendos army led by Kariagen in the desert. Hot Sand Battle, Hurry Jet! The Winner Robo were later part of the Battle Hackers' plan to destroy a new Gurendos mobile base under the command of Shibumidas and Rikimines; while the huge vehicle was destroyed Mach Blaster was captured. Captive Mach Blaster They then took part in the team's rescue attempt in Blood Country. Goodbye - Battle Forever
Toys[edit | edit source]
Machine Robo: Battle Hackers[edit | edit source]
W-02
Truck Winner
W-03
Police Winner
W-04
Buggy Winner
W-05
F-1 Winner
W-06
Eagle Winner
W-07
Fire Winner
W-08
Porsche Winner
A recolour of Testarossa Winner, named as Ninja Winner, was included in the Roboshooter Gaiden playset, while a ninth figure - Hilux Winner - was advertised but not released. Two further figures, Train Winner and Drill Winner, only reached the concept stage.
Notes[edit | edit source]
- The first six Winner Robo were featured in the Machine Robo: Battle Hackers cartoon but were all given "* Robo" names in the series, which were referenced on stickers included with the toys.
