The Video Game Soda Machine Project

Transformers: Capture the Cube

Mountain Dew vending machine from Transformers: Capture the Cube (closeup)

You probably already knew that a Decepticon named Dispensor, who could transform into a Mountain Dew machine, appeared in the 2007 film Transformers. But did you know that Dispensor also starred in his very own official movie tie-in Flash game? It’s true!

Transformers: Capture the Cube is a short stealth game where Dispensor sneaks around a military facility, transforming into a vending machine to avoid guards. Before we get to that, though, here’s a better look at his vending machine form.

Mountain Dew vending machine from Transformers: Capture the Cube

And here’s Dispensor’s robot form. You know, for running around and stuff.

Dispensor in robot mode in Transformers: Capture the Cube

Even better, when Dispensor is in vending machine mode, humans occasionally just walk up, plunk in a few quarters, and enjoy a refreshing Mountain Dew from Dispensor’s… body?

Dispensor in vending machine mode in Transformers: Capture the Cube

In the final cutscene, we see Dispensor blast his way out of the military facility, where he encounters three other PepsiCo vending machines. This just keeps getting better!

Dispensor in robot mode standing in front of three other vending machines

I’ve included some footage from the cutscenes below if you’d like to see Dispensor’s transformation sequence, as well as the game’s shocking final scene.

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RoboCop: Rogue City

Fiz vending machine from RoboCop: Rogue City

Serve the public trust, refresh the innocent, uphold the law, dispense drinks. This Fiz vending machine is from RoboCop: Rogue City. Let’s take a closer look at our options…

Fiz vending machine closeup from RoboCop: Rogue City

Looks like we have Fiz, Fiz Diet, Bi-Lite, Red Zed, Dr. Yes, Genie, and Zinger!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Pond Cola machine from Shredder's Revenge

This is a historic moment for The Video Game Soda Machine Project, folks. Across 37 years and 50+ games, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have battled through sewers, streets, and even the space-time continuum without encountering a single soda machine.

Until now.

Feast your eyes on the Pond Cola machine from TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge! Here’s a video clip showing the destructible subway soda slinger in action…

And Alexander wept, for there were no more worlds to conquer.

Thanks for the heads-up on this one, Brian!

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp added these soda machines as part of its July 2022 Summertime Festival 3. I can only assume that Tom Nook has cornered the market and owns both the island’s Coke knockoff and its ersatz Pepsi.

Let’s take a closer look…

Blue and red soda machines from Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp

Thanks for the heads-up, Kevin!