Key Force

Key Force was a short-lived series of transforming vehicle toys produced from 1992 to 1994.

Each vehicle featured two different modes, which could be unlocked using a key provided with each vehicle. Once the vehicles were transformed, the keys could be inserted into slots in the car's bodies to fire missiles or activate various parts. The keys included with each of the vehicles is unique and may not be used on another vehicle.

In 1993, a sub-series, Key Force Warriors, was introduced. The vehicles in this series were somewhat similar to that of Transformers, with each vehicle transforming into a robot.

To build on the hype, a few vehicles were released for McDonald's promotions.

Narrative[]

The series, set in 2005, focused on two teams, the Keymasters and the War-Locks, who were trying to wrest control of a city; these were the heroic and evil teams, led by Keymmander and Headlock respectively. Both teams were trying to wrest control of power keys located throughout the city; the keys's powers would be neutralized if both were together, but the evil keys would turn to be significantly more powerful if separated. The backs of the packaging of each of the vehicles shows the reports of the Keymasters and War-Locks ambushing each other as they performed their tasks to obtain keys for their purposes, with each of them reporting to their leader on the events that occured at the time.

Two years after the initial events, the Keymasters and War-Locks begin constructing Warriors, large automatons built to aid the teams in their tasks. Significantly larger than the vehicles, Warriors feature superior strength, size and intelligence compared to their vehicle counterparts. Keymmander activated his Warriors without much testing in an effort to combat Headlock's Warriors, which had already been activated in his attempt to take over the city.

Chronology of known events[]

21 March 2005, 1100: Blade Raider scouts a high rise building for keys using a remotely-controlled helicopter; helicopter opens fire on various Keymasters, who return fire and damage Blade Raider, who requires repairs.
21 March 2005, 1115: Rocket Shot attempts to save Swingshot being held for ransom by the War-Locks.
21 May 2005, 0000: Headlock mobilizes additional War-Locks to take over the city.
21 May 2005, 1200: Keymmander mobilizes additional Keymasters to stop War-Locks.
12 August 2005, 0900: Swingshot is ambushed by War-Locks near a cave and requests for urgent aerial support.
12 August 2005, 0905: Cutthroat corners Swingshot at a cliff near the cave and requests for reinforcements.
31 October 2005, 2300: Road Kill attempts to obtain keys in a museum but is ambushed by one of Keymmander's traps; he then retreats to a cemetery to get ready to strike Keymmander.
5 December 2005, 0700: Jet Threat is ambushed by War-Locks in an abandoned auto factory, gets hit and requires repairs.
14 April 2007, 2302: Headlock mobilizes Dark Shield to aid in his quest to defeat the Keymasters.
14 April 2007, 2305: Headlock mobilizes Pulverider to aid in his quest to defeat the Keymasters.
15 April 2007, 0103: Keymmander mobilizes Enforcer in response to Headlock's recent mobilizations.
15 April 2007, 0105: Keymmander mobilizes White Heat in response to Headlock's recent mobilizations without much prior testing.

Products[]

Key Force[]

Toy #	Year	Casting Name	Allegiance
3727	1992	Keymmander Police Car	Keymasters
3704	1992	Jet Threat heroic vehicle	Keymasters
1862	1992	Swingshot Dune Buggy	Keymasters
10146	1992	Rocket Shot Sports Car	Keymasters
3724	1992	Headlock Limousine	War-Locks
3703	1992	Road Kill Motorcycle	War-Locks
1863	1992	Cutthroat Rocket Car	War-Locks
5551	1992	Blade Raider Helicopter	War-Locks