For its time, the transformation sequences are considered exceptionally well-animated, helping establish the "magical" feel of the franchise.
Long-time fans often chuckle at the episode's "amusing" errors, such as Autobots wearing human lab coats that clearly wouldn't fool anyone, and the inconsistent physics of flying. The IDW Comic: "Shakespearean Sci-Fi" Transformers: More than Meets the Eye - Episode...
The original three-part pilot is often praised for its fast pace and surprisingly high-quality characterization. For its time, the transformation sequences are considered