DotM Deluxe Soundwave

Discussion in 'Transformers Feedback & Reviews' started by Mixmaster, Jan 8, 2012.

  1. Mixmaster

    Mixmaster 4F 68 A0 54 69 74 73 21

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    This a review for the Japanese release of DotM Deluxe Soundwave, although the Hasbro release will likely be the same.

    The transformation is of a similar complexity to Crankcase, not too complex just a bit fiddly at times.

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    The sculpt of the car mode is quite impressive, and seems to be a good representation of an SLS. However the car mode seems so dull, they didn't even use the slightly metallic plastic of the HA figure.

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    There's a slight blue tinge to the paint of the alloys, which looks odd next to the dull car body.

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    The robot mode parts do not fill up the interior of the car, unlike HA Soundwave, which may account for why the robot mode seems so small. In fact it's really quite empty unlike deluxe Crankcase, Barricade or RotF Sideways.

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    Silly over-sized gun. It goes well with HA Soundwave though.

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    Here's Soundwave with fellow German sports car, Sideways. He's noticeably smaller than Sideways, especially in robot mode (although I don't transform Sideways in accordance with the instructions).

    Just below and behind Soundwave's false grill is the back of his true car grill. Hasbro/Takara could've worked the real grill into robot mode if they'd wanted to, but it seems like the false grill is there purely for its deformed appearance. Unfortunately the false grill is visible in car mode through the windscreen.

    The silver of Soundwave's head has the effect of showing off the detail of the head sculpt, although it looks at odds with the dull gray of the car body (again).

    I forgot to attach the rear bumper to the lower legs when I transformed him this time, they're 5mm holes for some reason although any weapon would look silly attached to those holes.

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    Soundwave is a similar size to his contemporary, Crankcase, although Crankcase is more imposing than him.

    What spoils Soundwave principally is the lack of colour in both modes, but particularly car mode. Even if they'd given him dark blue tinted windows, or used the same colour plastic as HA Soundwave, it would've helped. The robot mode isn't bad, but he's pretty small, especially compared to some of the RotF deluxes (I had Rampage and Sideways to hand at the time). I'm not all that fond of the cheaty chest either.

    In summary, the sculpt of Soundwave is pretty good, if a little small, but the lack of paint applications spoils him.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Sep 15, 2015
  2. TFtoycollector

    TFtoycollector Well-Known Member

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    Nice review. I have the Hasbro version, and from your pictures, there doesn't seem to be any differences between the two.
     
  3. bobbyjack

    bobbyjack Well-Known Member

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    I think I will go with this version if I ever find him. I already have the ROTF Soundwave and I am actually more excited about getting the Prime Soundwave. The HA Soundwave just doesn't seem cool enough to spend $30 on when it comes out. Maybe if it shows up at TJ Maxx next year, I'll get it then.
     
  4. Mechafire

    Mechafire Shadow Broker Moderator News Staff

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    Looks alright, I guess.
     
  5. neevnav

    neevnav The Flying Dutchman

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    Great review, makes me really want the HA version more.

    The peg holes on the rear bumper, could they be for weapons in vehicle mode, ala Stealth Force?
     
  6. Sol Fury

    Sol Fury The British Butcher Veteran

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    They could possibly work like that. Must confess I've not tried it.

    In vehicle mode, they help clip in the back end of the car. In robot mode, they're supposed to peg onto nubs on Soundwave's legs, though you lose a hinge joint below the knee that way. They do keep tidy like that though.

    I got one just after Xmas and I'm working on a little gallery now - look forward to it!
     
  7. shockwave2005

    shockwave2005 Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the review! Great Job!

    Unfortunately...Gah. I think I'll be passing on movie Soundwave altogether. There isn't a single version of him that hits that awesome sweet spot for me.
     
  8. SPLIT LIP

    SPLIT LIP Be strong enough to be gentle

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    Some silver spary paint will do wonders for this thing.
     
  9. Shin Densetsu

    Shin Densetsu I WILL DESTROY YOU Content Contributor Veteran

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    Whoa that thing is smaller than I thought. What the hell? Same thing happened with the HA. Lack of paint hurts it too. Can the gun be hand held?
     
  10. TFtoycollector

    TFtoycollector Well-Known Member

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    Yep. I currently have mine holding his gun in his hand.
     
  11. Mixmaster

    Mixmaster 4F 68 A0 54 69 74 73 21

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    Yes!

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  12. Stygian360

    Stygian360 Well-Known Member

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    Got my Takara version of this guy on Friday and have been futzing with him every since- love this figure! I know some have decried the chest transform as lazy on Has/Tak's part, but it actually works quite nicely and I take zero issue with it. The rest of the figure? Pure win.
     
  13. SPLIT LIP

    SPLIT LIP Be strong enough to be gentle

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    I don't mind the fake chest. I wish Barricade had a fake chest.
     
  14. Gilgamesh

    Gilgamesh Mostly Harmless

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    Well, the DOTM version sort of does.

    Neat pictures Mixmaster! Though I still prefer the HA (having held neither in hand) this seems like a fun figure too.

    If it isn't too much to ask for, could you snap some action poses to show a bit of the figure's articulation?
     
  15. closetrat

    closetrat Well-Known Member

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    Found an alternate transformation here...

    Would upload pics - but the option is not available?

    Could those of you with the fig check this transformation & show us multiple angles?
     
  16. shockwave2005

    shockwave2005 Well-Known Member

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    Heh. That looks a lot nicer. I wonder if that is a mod or a variation on the transformation...
     
  17. Shmoptimus Prime

    Shmoptimus Prime Za Warudo!

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    Wow, I knew the paint would be lacking, but damn, I honestly thought that it was an unpainted prototype! Vehicle mode looks like a great sculpt, but I agree that it seems like the lack of paint ruins him a LOT. Also, I don't like the fact that he is somewhat hollow. One of the things I like the most about the HA car mode is how solid it feels while still having room for two seats.

    The mechtech looks unbelievably stupid with such a small figure, but luckily I have my HA Soundwave that I love and he's just begging for a handheld weapon!

    Ps: that alternate transformation DOES look nice!
     
  18. shockwave2005

    shockwave2005 Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, that alternate transformation really helps decrease the "hollow-ness" of the figure. I also like how it minimizes the appearance of the back kibble.
     
  19. jaraxel

    jaraxel Well-Known Member

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    "主要都係將車輪反向後~~兩邊散熱位果塊野反向前..."

    Translation: Mainly flipped the tires towards the back~~ and flip the pieces with the grills on both sides to the front"

    I don't have the deluxe so not sure does that make any sense.
     
  20. megatroptimus

    megatroptimus Untitled

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    I hate the fake chest, especially since the real car part can be put in the exact same position to avoid the cheat. That's how I transform mine. The weapon is the most spectacular from the line along with Voyager Sentinel's.