I was amazed at Soundwave’s transformation process. The last few Transformers I’ve bought have been frustrating (like WFC Bumblebee’s inability to stay together) or just a nightmare in general ( Yes, I’m looking at you Bludgeon and Banzaitron!). But Soundwave was actually easy and fun. Almost like the good ole days, when instructions were just more trash in the package.
Soundwave’s official alternate mode is a sleek yet dangerous looking car. I wasn’t too thrilled with the idea of him being a car at first, but I’ve definitely come around. Soundwave’s vehicle mode makes me think of a futuristic armored car. But, with the option to place his guns on the sides, and that menacing looking claw bumper, he looks more like he was welded together in a post-apocalyptic zombie movie rather than a robot planet.
Here’s where the folks at Hasbro get the gold star, though. Fans have discovered that Soundwave can conveniently change into a futuristic boombox looking device. Is this a coincidence? Maybe, but I don’t think so. It’s incredibly easy to achieve and looks very similar to Soundwave’s boombox appearance in the credits for War for Cybertron. Even the wheels look awesome doubling as speakers. So thank you Hasbro, because this is one of the best unofficial alt modes I’ve seen.
Soundwave comes with two accessories. One is his shoulder cannon and the other is his hand held blaster, both of which look very G1. He can hold both weapons, place one on his shoulder, attach both to his vehicle mode or just store them in his “tape” compartment. The storage option is particularly cool because the ends were made to look like batteries. I still can’t help but wish he would have come with Laserbeak or another one of his cassette minions, though.
I haven’t been this happy with a Transformer since ROTF Lockdown. The worst thing about this figure is his scarcity which is a shame because he’s such a good figure. I think a lot of people would enjoy owning him. I picked mine up at retail for about $12, but if you’re really lucky you might find him on one of those December sales that Wal-Mart or Target.
Soundwave was always one of my favorites too, easily Number 2 to Optimus himself. Jazz is also in my top five, and he actually might be hitting a Walgreens near you!
There’s so much to like about this figure. He transforms into something that looks like it came out of Robot Wars, and his robot mode practically invites dynamic posing. The B-Boy pose in pic 3 is something to behold.
The availability of some of these waves is really random, fast and oddly spread among stores right now. The Blurr’s wave is barely hitting anywhere, Soundwave gets crowded out with all the Primes and Bumblebees that get repeated in the cases, and the first wave of Reveal the Shield is hitting Walgreens of all places first.
Yup, definitely in the top five. This figure’s got such a basic appeal, it’s hard not to love him.
Thanks for the tip about Walgreens, Noisy and I are going to have to check that out.
Nice Review.
He’s a great figure with a simple transformation. I’d recommend him.
Thanks Mose.
I found mine at Onion WalMart, in the small gap of $12 between $9 sales. @_@
They had two cases of that mix, but have moved on now. Still no sign of Rodimus Junior or whatever he’s called.
I’m going to have to try that alt.mode, as it does look cool.
not really digging the robot mode, tho, for some reason.
and check out Aldi’s for the orange seeker, (?____?) Jolt, and black chopper. I saw them there the weekend before Thanksgiving while shopping for our holiday dinner with my aunt.