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Built to Rule facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Built to Rule was a cool building block toy line from Hasbro. It was even compatible with popular brands like Lego. These sets were released between 2003 and 2005. They often featured characters and vehicles from other Hasbro brands. Some popular ones included Tonka, G.I. Joe, and Transformers: Armada.

G.I. Joe: Action Building Sets

The G.I. Joe "Built to Rule" toys were called "Action Building Sets." Each set came with building blocks. You could use these blocks to build a full-sized vehicle. Every set also included a special 3 3/4 inch G.I. Joe action figure. These figures had unique spots on their forearms and calves. You could attach building blocks directly to them.

G.I. Joe Sets from 2003

The 2003 "Built to Rule" sets were part of the G.I. Joe: Spy Troops story.

  • Armadillo Assault with Duke
  • Depth Ray with Wet Suit
  • Forest Fox with Frostbite
  • Locust with Hollow Point
  • Raging Typhoon with Blowtorch
  • Rock Crusher with Gung-Ho
  • Cobra Moccasin with Cobra Moray
  • Cobra Raven with Wild Weasel

G.I. Joe Sets from 2004

Some of the G.I. Joe figures in 2004 had extra movement. They featured a new joint in their mid-thigh.

  • Ground Striker with Flint
  • Patriot Grizzly with Hi-Tech
  • Rapid Runner with Chief Torpedo
  • Rising Tide with Barrel Roll
  • Sledgehammer with Heavy Duty
  • Headquarters Attack with Snake Eyes (includes Cobra Firebat with A.V.A.C.)
  • Cobra H.I.S.S. with Cobra Commander
  • Cobra Night Prowler with Shadow Viper
  • Cobra Sand Snake with Firefly
  • Cobra Venom Striker with Firefly

G.I. Joe Sets from 2005

Only one G.I. Joe "Built to Rule" set was released in 2005.

  • Freedom Defense Outpost with Duke

Transformers: Built to Rule

Many people thought the Transformers "Built to Rule" toys would be very popular in 2003. However, the toy line did not sell well. A few Transformers: Energon sets were released in a small test market. But the whole line was stopped in 2004 because of low sales.

The Armada and Energon sets had some key differences. Both lines used a "Trans-Skeleton" as their main part. This was a simple robot body. It could fold up into a vehicle shape without being taken apart. Then, you added more parts to it for either robot or vehicle mode.

For the Armada sets, the Trans-Skeleton was wide and flat. It had thin, stick-like arms and legs. This made the robot modes look a bit awkward. The Energon sets changed the Trans-Skeleton design. It became much more solid with bigger, blockier limbs. This made the Energon robot modes look stronger and more stable.

Transformers: Armada Sets

Transformers: Energon Sets

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Built to Rule Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.