Optimus Prime in this show is, for the first time, a Triple Changer (a robot who possesses two alternate modes). His alternate modes are a dragon and a train.
The Swordbots are divided into two teams: the Samurai Team, (self-explanatory) who have vehicle modes and samurai helmets; and the Shinobi Team (based on ninjas) who have animal modes.
The Samurai Team human is named Isami Tatewaki, which means "sword-carrying hero" ("isami" means "heroism", and "tatewaki" means "one who carries a sword"). The Shinobi Team human is called Tobio Fuma, after the Fuma clan of ninjas in Japanese folklore.
Predaking's servants are all aptly named after dragons (their names are in katakana script, with the term "dora", meaning "dragon", added at the end):
- Budora is "battle dragon"
- Gaidora is "armor dragon"
- Bakudora is "explosion dragon"
- Judora is "defense dragon".
The members of the Shinobi Team are all named after an animal, with the kanji "maru" ("circle") added as a title:
- Gekisomaru, the lion, is named after "gekiso" ("fast running")
- Hishomaru, the bird, is named after "hisho" ("soaring")
- Sensuimaru, the shark, is named after "sensui" ("diving")