General Information:
Release Date: October 2018
Price Point: $19.99 (Varies by retailer)
Retailer: General Release (Target, Walmart, Amazon etc.)
Accessories: None
*Images and text below from Amazon.com:
Shockwave is a truly twisted scientist who invents devious weapons for the evil Decepticons.
Convert and attack with Transformers Cyberverse Action Attackers! Change figure from robot to beast mode in 14 steps. The last step of conversion automatically activates Decepticon Shockwave figure’s signature Shock Blast Action Attack move! Once converted, attack move can be repeated through easy reactivation steps.
Look for other Action Attackers figures, each sold separately, to discover the signature attack moves of favorite Cyberverse characters! Transformers and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro.
In late 2017 it was revealed that a new Transformers cartoon would be replacing "Robots in Disguise". The series focuses on Bumblebee with partial amnesia attempting to regain his memories. A blend of G1 and modern characters combined with a more kid-friendly animation style results in a show that leans more towards a younger audience than even "Robots in Disguise", something which is reflected in the toy line. The toy line was released in countries outside the United States such as Australia around late June 2018. A few weeks later it would be released in North America.
In some of the early episodes of "Cyberverse" the Decepticon Shockwave appeared in flashbacks on Cybertron before the war. Showing joy at a sports event and even hanging out at a bar, the character was definitely shown being more than just the logical, cold G1 version fans may remember from the past. The early waves of "Cyberverse" figures included a Warrior Class Shockwave figure.
Packaging:
Shockwave is packaged in an open box, tied to a bubble. The front features Shockwave's artwork in the left corner. On the right side is a vertical Transformers logo with an Decepticon symbol above it. The front section that goes over the legs features Shockwave in vehicle mode firing his "Shock Blast". Next to that is the "Transformers Cyberverse" logo with his name under it. This packaging features distinctive colors including black, grey, light blue and yellow which really helps it stand out on shelves.
The back of the packaging focuses on the yellow and blue colors from the front. It features Shockwave's name and function: "Twisted Scientist". He is shown in both modes with a callout for a 14 step transformation. The upper right hand corner shows the "Shock Blast" feature. The "Shock Blast" weapon is a fun reference to a name that was used briefly in the U.S. for Shockwave-based characters such as Laserwave. Towards the bottom are cosells featuring Shadow Striker and Bumblebee.
Robot Mode:
Shockwave has a distinctive design that goes back to the days of Generation One and many of those features have carried over to this version. Shockwave's features include his one eye with "ear flaps" on the sides of the head. His left arm is a giant cannon instead of having a fist. The chest is a wide, six sided shape. The sides of the lower legs feature armor panels that resemble the grips on a gun handle, calling back to G1 Shockwave's design. Perhaps the least obvious of the G1 callbacks is the design of the back which features a faux sculpted hinge at the bottom of the back pack. In terms of design, I love the look of this figure. On top of everything described above there are awesome small details unique to this design including line designs on the arms and waist area and a large crest on the top of the head (giving him an extra mean appearance).
This figure is cast in a beautiful metallic purple and silver plastic. Purple of course makes up most of the figure. Silver is used on the left arm, the thighs and feet. Paint colors on the figure include pink, silver, black, purple and yellow. I was actually surprised by just how much paint there was on this figure. For instance, the chest has pink on it with silver lines and a purple Decepticon symbol on top. Right under that is a silver section with black and pink detailing. Meanwhile, pink is painted into several parts of the arms, waist and legs making it look like Shockwave is "glowing" with power! The quality of this deco was a really nice surprise.
Shockwave features thirteen points of articulation. This includes three on the right arm, two on the left and even waist articulation. The shoulder, hip and foot joints are ball joints, offering a good range of articulation including an ankle tilt! My only complaint is that the hip joints are loose. He can stand just fine but if you pick the figure up and move it side to side with a gentle shake the legs do swing. A bit of nail polish on the joints took care of this issue for me. Shockwave's action feature is his "Shock Blast" which is built into the left arm. Push the silver tab back and the arm opens up and a "blast" extends forward. This blast is painted pink and looks pretty cool. Push the tab forward to close up the arm.
Transformation to Vehicle Mode:
- Straighten out the arms.
- Swing the left arm back.
- Turn the forearm around so the two small tabs near the silver parts fit into the corresponding slots on the back.
- Rotate the back pack around so the cannon is pointing up.
- Swing out the extra "arm" (really a vehicle mode leg) frm the area cleared by the cannon arm.
- Swing the chest panel up.
- Swing out the armor on each forearm.
- Rotate the right arm around. Bend each robot arm slightly at the elbow.
- Rotate the lower body around.
- Bend the legs at the knees to line up with the arms in front.
Vehicle Mode:
Taking a cue from Anime like "Ghost in the Shell", this vehicle is a walking tank. This vehicle mode is perfect for the character since he is meant to be creepy in the show. Aside from evoking the form of a spider, his giant cannon top makes him look very powerful. This mode basically looks like Shockwave is doing a crab walk so there are not any really surprising details revealed, but the configuration looks good.
You can utilize the "Shock Blast" action feature in this mode. This time you use the longer handle sticking out on the right side. It looks even more dramatic in this mode somehow. This mode has fifteen points of articulation, thanks in part to the "faux arm" used in this mode. I also appreciate the ability of the cannon to turn side to side.
Final Thoughts:
Ultra Class Shockwave is a very pleasant surprise. In a line that emphasizes gimmicks over the traditional measures of a good action figure, this figure strikes a fantastic balance between the two. Recommended!
Pros:
- Excellent sculpt in robot mode that both pays homage to G1 and adds new elements.
- Beautiful deco.
- Fun action feature.
- Good articulation.
Cons:
- Loose hip joints.
- Relatively hollow parts like the bottom of the feet will annoy some fans.
