Toy Review - Generations FOC Soundwave & Laserbeak

[griffin]

(Please post photos, comments or even a fully comprehensive review - these are just brief details to start you off)

Series - Generations
Sub-line - Fall of Cybertron
Size/class - Voyager
Wave - 1
New/remould/redeco - New
Released here - October 2012 (not yet globally)
Approximate Retail Price - $40-50 (US$20-25 in America)
Approximate Size - 18cm
Allegiance - Decepticon
Alt-mode - Cybertonian Armoured vehicle (Soundwave), Data-disc (Laserbeak)
Main Features/Gimmicks - Holds 2 discs in chest, launches discs.
Main Colours - Dark blue, grey, red (Soundwave), red, black, silver (Laserbeak).
Main Accessories - (gun?), shoulder-canon

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/tftoys/gen29.jpg

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Hmm, Does the actual toy come with G1 Optimus' gun?? They've got it in the Soundblaster pic as well.

[i_amtrunks]

Hmm, Does the actual toy come with G1 Optimus' gun?? They've got it in the Soundblaster pic as well.

It does look photoshopped in doesn't it?

I know that these promo shots are photoshopped to look glossier/add colour but the gun looks like it was pasted right in the white space between his arm and chest.

[Cat]

It's in other promo shots, but not there in the SDDC display.

[griffin]

Maybe one of the South Australians who saw it, can take a couple more photos of the packaging (back) to see what it comes with... ;)

[Cat]

It's not pictured with either United version either.

[Sky Shadow]

Maybe one of the South Australians who saw it, can take a couple more photos of the packaging (back) to see what it comes with... ;)

Weirdly, Prime's gun is even shown on the back of the boxes (http://blog-imgs-45-origin.fc2.com/s/n/a/snakas/0018978952.jpg). It doesn't come with the toys, obviously.

[griffin]

Link doesn't work... but tfw have a few images up now (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-generations-classics-30-35/generations-fall-of-cybertron-soundwave-and-soundblaster-in-hand-photos-176216/).

[Trent]

How has no one bought one of these yet?:confused::confused:

[Sutton]

How has no one bought one of these yet?:confused::confused:

Because it's $50 for a redo of a figure that was in scale and already pretty nice IMHO. If I see him cheaper I might just bite. Still waiting for a perfect Classics Soundwave, although the Blaster repaint might work.

I think the auto-transform disc ejection system is a sweet little gimmick though. It's the sort of simple non-battery powered ideas that Hasbro should be focusing on. Don't know about you guys, but the sound effects I could make as a kid were always 500% better than the fuzzy crap that comes out of modern Leader class figures.

Classic G1 transformation sounds on conversion are an exception however :D

[Sky Shadow]

Because it's $50 for a redo of a figure that was in scale and already pretty nice IMHO.

Expensive upscaled redos of perfectly-good toys seem to get a lot of excitement in the fandom whenever Hasbro calls it a Masterpiece. :rolleyes::p

[Sutton]

Expensive upscaled redos of perfectly-good toys seem to get a lot of excitement in the fandom whenever Hasbro calls it a Masterpiece. :rolleyes::p

Ha! :D

Megatron, Starscream and Prime deserved the MP treatment, since their G1 toys were seriously lacking. Soundwave and Grimlock are iconic characters, so yeah, ok...their G1 toys were already pretty good though.

But Sideswipe? GTFO. What a boring generic character for an update.

And Rodimus is a dick. Even the MP toy was a dick.

[5FDP]

And Rodimus is a dick. Even the MP toy was a dick.

I couldn't agree more ;)

[snazzbot 101]

From what I've seen in reviews and such it does look a good figure. I'm not certain if the Deluxe needed an upsize, but a good figure none the less.

But it has a seat. A seat. For a someone. Was this some discarded game idea, or something that exists within the game? Could it have been a Transmetals 2 "pilot" inspired thing?

[Stompy]

Best thing about this is Laserbeak and the future "discs" (Ravage, F&R, Ratbat) because they are essentially Activators. Place the disc (button faced down for best effect) press on the disc and voila LASERBEAK!

Only complaint is that the chest "hole" is a little tight for the disc to fit so the ejecting gimmick doesn't work on mine. Anyone else find this? Also, nothing to clip Laserbeak with on Soundwave.

Soundwave himself is really neat in bot mode. Big, brash and a good facsimilie, if a little disproportionate to the videogame. Conversion is easy but the alt mode is a tad disappointing. It's too boxy and just messy.

Original WFC Soundwave still edges this out for me, but the disc minions is definitely edged out fromt he original. Also, Soundwave is properly Voyager sized, not the scout size of the deluxes.

Bring on the other disc sets!

[Sutton]

From what I've seen in reviews and such it does look a good figure. I'm not certain if the Deluxe needed an upsize, but a good figure none the less.

But it has a seat. A seat. For a someone. Was this some discarded game idea, or something that exists within the game? Could it have been a Transmetals 2 "pilot" inspired thing?

Maybe Frenzy or Rumble will be able to sit in it and man the gun...?

Seems odd and does ruin the smooth look of the original vehicle.

[Stompy]

My best interpretation of his "boom box" alt.


You can swing his arms up to form a bulky looking handle too.

[Cat]

I picked up Soundwave today. Had the choice of either version, but went with Soundwave. I will admit that the mold does look better in black though.

I'm surprised at how big Laserbeak is. He's much bigger than I was expecting. I don't know where my Booster X-10 is, and my memory could be wrong, but I reckon they're about the same size.

I haven't opened it yet though. I don't think I actually like the look of the mold that much. I think I prefer the WFC version, despite the drawback of no companions.

The size of the chest on this figure is ludicrous. He wouldn't be able to describe what his feet look like...

It's just not doing much for me.

It looks better in the Soundblaster version, but I don't think I'm that enthused by it. I'm starting to think I'm over the FOC designs.

If I get the other Recordicons that'll hopefully spur my interest, but as of right now (and again it's still unopened, and I do open everything) it's just not doing much for me.

[i_amtrunks]

Posted this in Soudblasters thread, but really fairly relevant here too:

Firstly, he is a charcoal colour, not actually black, but it looks good with the unpainted grey plastic. I am thinking of getting some silver sharpies to do the grey in silver. I am also a sucker for the translucent pink plastic wheels.

This toy is fun. Easy and intuitive transformation (other than the roof/gimmick projectile shooter/firing chair) that clips together simply and holds together very well. Wheels roll perfectly fine for plastic, and as they are hollow make a funny sound on timber.

Toy is built around the gimmick of the deployable "cassettes" and they designers have done a pretty decent job to get a fun robot and vehicle mode around it. The way the figures are deployed (the chest is so deep, I wonder if he can hold more than two cassettes at a time). Buzzsaw needs some coercion to fit in, but nothing that concerns me. Ejection shoots Buzzsaw pretty far, but the quick conversion does not always activate unless a solid impact is made with a hard surface.

Buzzsaw is brilliant, easy conversion to and from each mode, and is a wonderful gold/green colour with a brown/chocolate contrast and silver on the wings. You'll spend plenty of time converting him back and forth.

My Soundblaster has one leg on backwards (the Knee on his left side faces the wrong way) but it does not affect the toy in any shape or form, and since the joints are nice strong ratcheting joints I do not really feel any need to try and fix it.

Overall a great toy, something fun and different, simple but not overly so. I am seriously considering getting Soundwave, even though i own the deluxe version. Also a must buy for those interested in the Cassetticons.

Oh and no Prime gun!

[Sharky]

i dont mind this guy, the gimmick is cool, my disk gets stuck tho and had to gently pry it ot.. might neet to shave a few bumps off..

i am more disapointed he didnt come with a weapon.. like the one from FOC that is based of his classic styled gun... he looks incomplete with now weapon...

other then that, worth the sale price not te full retail price!!

[Stompy]

Put the minions faction symbol forward (button in the back) and when you launch it, it will convert. Pity it ends up upside-down on the floor after ejection.

Compared it with the original WFC version. Very similar mold with the exception of the chest gimmick. Robot mode is both off in both versions. Chest too big for the FoC ver and the shoulders too large on the WfC ver.

Vehicle mode too boxy for the FoC ver and edged out a bit by the WfC more flat look and better grille/teeth.

[GoktimusPrime]

The way the vehicle is mistransformed in stock photos makes it look even more boxy -- but when transformed correctly it's not so boxy (but yeah, still a lot boxier than WFC Soundwave).

Here are some photos of the vehicle mode transformed correctly:
http://www.fullmetalhero.com/content/attachments/46200d1351561124-img_2149_1351553615.jpg/
http://www.fullmetalhero.com/content/attachments/46195d1351561097-img_2144_1351553615.jpg/

(I don't mean to say that you're transforming this toy incorrectly, Stompy -- this is more for the benefit of people who don't have this mould and may not be aware of what the vehicle mode is meant to look like :)).

[Sharky]

i am more disapointed he didnt come with a weapon.. !

And another thing i was disapointed with, the fact that there was no data disk cover for the birdbot!!...

[Cat]

These are my thoughts after I opened it up:


Mine won't eject the discs at all.

Laserbeak is an extremely tight fit, and requires a bit of force.

Because of that he's impossible to eject from the chamber.

So the awesome auto-convert-upon-ejection gimmick simply doesn't work. If I was a kid I'd be pretty upset.

The arm articulation means the arms look weird if you want a normal vertical elbow bend. It limits your posing options a bit, as it stands out.

I noticed that the toy featured on the box photo has much longer grey arm stalk connectors than on the final product. A curious change.

I really don't like this figure very much. I regret this purchase.

I honestly can't remember the last Transformer I regretted buying. I tend to overlook a lot of flaws with figures, as I just display them and usually only transform them once or twice. I'm usually happy to have that representation of the character, even if I own other versions of the same basic modes.

[5FDP]

Reading everyone's thoughts on FOC Soundwave, I'm kinda glad that I decided to pass him up.

[GoktimusPrime]

Here's (http://otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=326597&postcount=5) one method to make the disc eject better without using excessive force.

[Bidoofdude]

It's an alright toy, not bad, although not fantastic either.
This rendition of Soundwave is more like a representation of his abilities and appearance, rather than something that can stand with other Foc/Wfc figures. It's more of a stand-alone figure which honestly, imho, doesn't look good standing next to other figures.
A good display piece though, worth the 50 shmackaroos (on sale now for 40) and you are probably going to like it.
He is more of a hit or miss. It really depends on what you prefer.

[Bidoofdude]

Classic G1 transformation sounds on conversion are an exception however :D

This one knows the way of the force. :)

[crankcase76]

Finally opened my FoC soundwave tonight and had a play with it, not a bad figure at all. Very detailed and looks great in robot mode, shame we have not got the G1 gun? As depicted on the box and instructions, would look better if it had have came with it as his left hand has the pose for it. Alt mode is really nice and very easy transformation, does look a little boxy although I suppose this is because of the available space in his chest for the other discs. Have had no problems with the discs, are a little tight to get in but like all things if it is played with enough I think this will eventually become less of a problem.

[The Scream Man]

I'm happy with him overall, though I still may get the Media Player version to be my default Soundwave in my display. The Auto eject doesnt work great, but i like the data disk, and the way that you can fit a couple of discs in there. i think Ill gt the Ravage/Rumble set if i can, but i wont worry about Frenzy and Ratbat. Ill also get Blaster i suspect.

Great value for $39

[Trent]

Picked mine up yesterday of a fellow board member for $39.:)

And for that price it's pretty good. I don't have WFC Soundwave so can't compare, but I like it. He is rather large but I suppose he had to be that big to fit the data discs. Any smaller and his chest would look massively out of proportion. You can fit 3 minions in his chest at once, which would make for some great play value. They are tight to get in and out but as Crankcase said that will loosen up after a bit of play.

Oh and the left hand finger pose isn't for the gun, it's so he can push his eject button!:cool:

Alt mode is kinda cool but once again slightly out of proportion next to other classicsverse toys. And I don't get what the gunner seat on top is supposed to be for???:confused:

Overall, if you don't have a Soundwave for your classicsverse collection, this will do the job. It may look a little out of place due to the size, but that's the price for having the minions.

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc88/Wrxus/7C04AAF5-1A7A-415F-806B-2CB024B7B8C4-2896-00000609C0BEE298.jpg
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc88/Wrxus/93325620-6A31-427F-B677-2C5A2F043B02-3171-000006FF6513E9CB.jpg
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc88/Wrxus/794C8468-979F-41FA-9AF4-C90A4C71451E-3171-00000702FB07F75B.jpg

[GoktimusPrime]

You can fit 3 minions in his chest at once, which would make for some great play value.
Really? I could only fit in like "two and a half" -- i.e. the third disc would protrude and I couldn't close the chest-door properly. Maybe I need to try again with a combination of different discs. I have noticed that Ravage is a bit thicker than the other Discformers... he's the only one that I can't put into the container and close it all the way. I probably used Ravage as one of the cassettes, so perhaps I need to try it without him.

[Trent]

Really? I could only fit in like "two and a half" -- i.e. the third disc would protrude and I couldn't close the chest-door properly. Maybe I need to try again with a combination of different discs. I have noticed that Ravage is a bit thicker than the other Discformers... he's the only one that I can't put into the container and close it all the way. I probably used Ravage as one of the cassettes, so perhaps I need to try it without him.

I just tried again and The laserbeak/buzzsaw/ratbat mold is thinner then the others. So depending on the combination, you can fit 3 or 2.

[Deonasis]

On it's own this is a great robot figure. It has great joints, poseability, asthetic, transformation and the auto-transform companion is a neat gimmick.

The transformation is fun but his altmode looks more boxy than cool.

He is waay out of scale with the rest of the W/FoC figures (except for Bumblebee and Cliffjumper who are also big) If you have the WfC Soundwave ask yourself, is scale more important than a this really fun and large FoC Soundwave + minions?

[Bidoofdude]

I would also like to add that while being boxy, the alt mode seems very concealed and doesn't show many signs of it being a robot, besides the fact that it's a cybertronian vehicle. :D

[aaron2]

Good review. I don't see the point in getting both of these as they are both Soundwave anyway. I got the Soundwave only plus the disc packs.

[Gouki]

It's a pretty good figure all around, except for the whole broken gimmick thing. Ratbat and Laserbeak tend to transform 90 - 95% of the time, but the other disks? Considerably less.

[GoktimusPrime]

Good review. I don't see the point in getting both of these as they are both Soundwave anyway. I got the Soundwave only plus the disc packs.
I want Laserbeak, but I'm not willing to buy Soundwave just to get him. :rolleyes: Odds of anyone wanting Soundwave but not Laserbeak is unlikely... so looks like I'll just have to settle for Buzzsaw. They should release a separate Laserbeak later on - in a slightly different colour scheme and maybe package it with a repaint of FoC Eject/Rewind as Flip Sides.