12 Retro Robots in Robot Wars: Full List
This article answers the question directly: the 12 retro robots featured in the 2016 revival series of Robot Wars were Razer, Panic Attack, Chaos 2, Pussycat, Hypno-Disc, Firestorm, Behemoth, Tornado, Big Brother, King Buxton, Grim Reaper, and TR2. These machines, originally competing in the classic 1990s and early 2000s series, returned for a special “Retro Robots” episode that pitted them against modern competitors.
What Counts as a Retro Robot in Robot Wars?
The term “retro robot” refers specifically to machines that competed in the original BBC series of Robot Wars, which ran from 1998 to 2004. The 2016 revival on BBC Two brought back twelve of these iconic robots for a one-off episode. They were not just museum pieces; each had been rebuilt or restored to working order, often with modern radio gear and batteries, but retaining their original weaponry and design philosophy. The selection covered a range of the most successful and memorable machines from the classic era, including multiple former champions and fan favourites.
The Full List of the 12 Retro Robots
- Razer – A dark blue, wedge-shaped crusher with a hydraulic beak, three-time UK champion.
- Panic Attack – A box-shaped robot with a lifting scoop and invertible design, winner of Series 2.
- Chaos 2 – The first flipper robot to win the UK championship, known for its powerful front flipper.
- Pussycat – A white, four-wheeled machine with a large spinning blade, winner of Series 4.
- Hypno-Disc – A black and yellow robot with a massive spinning disc, famous for destroying opponents.
- Firestorm – A compact, wedge-shaped robot with a lifting arm, known for its resilience.
- Behemoth – A large, round robot with a front scoop and lifting mechanism, a veteran of many series.
- Tornado – A wedge-shaped robot with a spinning bar, winner of Series 7.
- Big Brother – A tall, boxy robot with a lifting arm and a distinctive “eye” on top.
- King Buxton – A small, four-wheeled robot with a lifting fork, known for its speed.
- Grim Reaper – A black robot with a large spinning blade and a menacing look.
- TR2 – A modern entry that reused the chassis of the original TR, a wedge with a lifting arm.
How the Retro Robots Were Chosen
The selection was not random. The producers of the 2016 revival aimed to include a mix of champions, finalists, and iconic machines that had left a lasting impression on fans. Razer, Chaos 2, and Tornado were obvious choices as multiple-time champions. Panic Attack and Pussycat represented early series winners. Hypno-Disc was included for its destructive power and memorable battles. Firestorm and Behemoth were known for their durability and long careers. Big Brother and King Buxton were fan favourites with distinctive designs. Grim Reaper was a nod to the more aggressive machines of the later classic series. TR2 was a special case: it was built by the team of the original TR, which had competed in Series 7, and was included to represent the spirit of the original while being a new machine.
The Retro Robots Episode: Format and Battles
The retro robots appeared in a single episode of the 2016 series, titled “Retro Robots.” They were not part of the main tournament but competed in a series of head-to-head battles. The format was simple: each retro robot fought a modern robot from the new series. The battles were held in the same arena, with the same hazards (floor flipper, pit, and house robots). The retro robots were allowed to use their original weaponry, but some had been modified to meet modern safety standards. For example, Hypno-Disc’s blade was slightly dulled, and Razer’s crusher had a reduced pressure setting. The episode was a celebration of the show’s history, and it gave newer viewers a chance to see the legends in action.
Why These Robots Are Considered Legendary
Each of the twelve robots has a claim to fame beyond just appearing in the original series. Razer is often cited as the most successful robot in UK history, with a record of 46 wins and 13 losses across all its appearances. Chaos 2 was the first robot to win the UK championship twice, and its flipper was so powerful it could throw opponents out of the arena. Hypno-Disc’s spinning disc could tear through armor, and its battle with Razer in Series 5 is considered one of the greatest in the show’s history. Pussycat’s blade was effective enough to win Series 4, and its design was copied by many later robots. Firestorm was known for its ability to self-right instantly. Behemoth competed in every original series, a testament to its robust design. Tornado’s spinning bar was a late addition that helped it win Series 7. The others, while not champions, were memorable for their unique designs and entertaining fights.
Common Misconceptions About Retro Robots
One common misconception is that the retro robots were the exact same machines from the original series. In reality, most had been rebuilt, sometimes with new internals, but the chassis and weapons were often original or faithful replicas. Another misconception is that they were allowed to fight at full power. For safety, many had their weapons toned down. For example, Razer’s crusher was limited to 5 tons of pressure instead of its usual 10 tons. Also, some fans believe that the retro robots were all from the same era, but they spanned the entire original series, from Series 2 to Series 7. Finally, it’s often assumed that the retro robots were easy wins for the modern machines, but in fact, several retro robots won their battles, including Razer, which defeated the modern robot Ironside 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did any retro robot win the 2016 series?
No, the retro robots were not part of the main tournament. They only appeared in the special “Retro Robots” episode, where they fought individual battles against modern robots. Razer won its battle, but there was no overall retro champion.
Why was TR2 considered a retro robot?
TR2 was built by the team of the original TR, which competed in Series 7 of the classic show. The team used the same design philosophy and a similar chassis, so it was included to represent the legacy of the original TR. It was not a direct rebuild, but a new robot with a retro spirit.
Are any of the retro robots still operational?
Some are. Many teams have kept their robots in working order for live events and demonstrations. For example, Razer has appeared at various events in recent years. However, some robots, like Hypno-Disc, are primarily static displays now, as their weapons are too dangerous to run outside a controlled arena.
What happened to the retro robots after the 2016 episode?
Most returned to their teams’ garages or to museums. Some have been sold to collectors. A few, like Behemoth, continued to compete in live events and even in later TV series, but the specific retro robots from that episode have not appeared together again.
Did the retro robots have any advantages over modern robots?
In some cases, yes. The retro robots were often built with thicker armor and simpler, more reliable mechanisms. Modern robots tend to be faster and more agile, but the older machines could take more punishment. This was evident when Razer’s crusher, despite being toned down, still managed to damage Ironside 3.
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