Just a thought

[Pascal]

If Transformers can scan anything they want when it's time to choose an alt mode, why wouldn't they scan an alt mode from the enemy to confuse/trick them on the battlefield?

[chroma23]

then they will get shot at and killed by their allies while in alt mode in the battlefield too, no?

[Pascal]

You could have Starscream scan Bumblebee's appearance to infiltrate the Autobots? Or Megatron Optimus' to slaugher them all from the inside?

[grizzly519]

Probably because you'ld also confuse your allies on the battlefield doing that and they fire on you by mistake.Ive always wondered why either side can't have opposing colours(via shattered glass style without the shattered glass theme).

[Pascal]

They're robots, they're supposed to be electronically linked together with chips or something, Bots with Bots and Cons with Cons... hmm...

[grizzly519]

Originally Posted by Pascal

They're robots, they're supposed to be electronically linked together with chips or something, Bots with Bots and Cons with Cons... hmm...

No offense is meant or implied so please don't get upset but using that logic wouldn't scanning the other sides mode be pointless as the chip/link would tell them who you were right away?

[Pascal]

Oh, not upset at all, I was just talking to myself.

[elburrito]

Since the transformers are essentially high-tech mechanized computers, I think they would be able to scan and tell who was who on the battlefield. Also, I think that a transformer's ability to scan and take alternate modes is limited by the nature of the protoform that particular bot originated from. On the other hand, in TFP Starscream makes reference to Knockout's "choice" to take an alt. mode that is incapable of flight.

[predahank]

How come no one scans a warship, nuclear sub or stealth bomber? I think these would be effective alt modes

[nervousviper]

I thought they can only scan the alt mode that best suited for their characteristics/ability.