Moving right along, next up for you we have the third in our little series of “toys that never made it to US retail” from the Dark of the Moon line. Up next is Soundwave. Three versions of Soundwave were planned for the Dark of the Moon line – of those only the Cyberverse made it to US retail; the Human Alliance Soundwave and this one, the Deluxe class toy, never made it outside of Japan and a very limited release through Hasbro Asia. It’s a pity because while the toy is not without its flaws (the roof of the car hangs off the back in a very unattractive way) it is a good toy, very solidly built and a nice representation of the character who appeared on screen in the movie. He nicely complements the other Decepticons and is a real step up from the satellite version from Revenge of the Fallen.
Check out our gallery for another look at a toy which missed out on US shelves:
wildfly
This thing is out a good six months and is all of 33.00 shipped on eBay.
Anyone who doesn't have it by now…probably isn't that fussed about it.
Don't forget to start a thread about pricehikes and size reductions.
Soundwinder
… jerk.
MandarinQuake
Well is it coming to US or not?
W-P38
I do own Human Alliance Soundwave – he was worth it given the significance of his character and the quality of the Human Alliance figures, but I payed a hefty price tag for him in order to complete my movie collection. I hear you man, Hasbro f'd up on this one.
I'm not impressed with the deluxe. However, I didn't buy a single deluxe from the movie line. My collection is entirely Leader class and HA with the addition of Voyager Fallen and Voyager Ratchet since we had no other options there.
cloudballoon
Thanks for the compliments, SHINOBI03 and exdtw2003. Although I thought up and made the mods on my own, it's probably not unique since I haven't check any TF mod forums beforehand. There might be lots of others who've done the same before me.
The mod itself is really easy if you have the right tools. Basically if you have a pair of modeling scissors (with a sharp front) and a drill with a 5mm drill bit, the whole process takes like 10~15 mins. If you don't, then I think you can still do it with a craft knife, just takes more patience, just be careful not to slip and scratch the transparent window.
Now I really like the figure, one of the best in the DLX DOTM line. Obviously we all love to see it covered silver paint, but the reality is that Hasbro has to deal with cost & child safety concerns (and make more $$$), so personally I'm not stuck up on the no silver paint issue. I just hope people don't pass up on this great figure in the rare chance that it's spotted on shelves.
Stepper
Yah,why can't they just paint some silver on this nice figure,stupid Hasbro.
ex dtw2003
That panel under his butt….just looks weird. Otherwise great looking figure minus the diaper.
Edit: Nice mod Cloudballoon.
SHINOBI03
ooh! Now that's impressive! I guess now I'm more encouraged to get one now that the kibble issue can be solved.
cloudballoon
IMO, the Deluxe DOTM is a really good figure with good articulation and body proportion with a little bit of modding. I modified the joint where the roof is linked into a "c" shape hook, so the whole "roof/rear window/trunk door" piece can snap on/off at will. Like so:
No more back kibble and the roof piece can act like a shield! And it doesn't not affect the alt mode. I also drilled a 5mm hole to one of the "speaker" on the left arm so it can hold the "shield."
Note: the twin guns were borrowed from DLX Topspin.
Raiju
I believe so. It's just a 5mm port and all mechtech weapons have 5mm handles. It's just going to be an awkward fit due to HA Soundwave's shoulder wheel kibble (which can be flipped up but that kinda ruins the screen accurate look). I just have my HA Soundwave holding Deluxe Soundwave's mechtech cannon in his left hand (I had to plug in an extra rubber piece meant for earbuds/earphones onto the 5mm handle since his claws/fingers have a hard time gripping it otherwise).
I also plugged in the little spring-loaded gun that came with Leader Ironhide (that is concealed in his right leg) onto HA Soundwave's right shoulder to give him a G1-ish shoulder cannon look, and have him holding Laserbeak with his outstretched right arm (so his wheel kibble is angled toward his back which frees up his shoulder port). The coloration of the little gun (gray with allspark blue) fits in with Soundwave's scheme very well.
That said, I like Deluxe Soundwave but not nearly as much as HA Soundwave. I just keep Dlx SW in car mode most of the time since his bot mode doesn't do much for me (HA SW is my definitive DOTM SW). I may paint it up in metallic silver once I have the time. His mechtech gun is totally worth it, though.
Aberration
Does anyone know if that Mechtech weapon will fit on HA Soundwave's shoulder? It kinda bugs me how I have to choose between him having a shoulder cannon or having Laserbeak perched on his arm.
SHINOBI03
Can you show us how it looks from the sides and the back?
ssintimidator
chest piece sits way too low. I still don't why they left us hanging with the final wave.
Knightdramon
In that case, would you put some more money into getting those toys, or would you be adamant to the 12.99 price?
DLX Soundwave is really nothing to write home about. He's TINY. Downright tiny, and that huge gun makes him look even tinier. He has a fun transformation and that's it.
tfomegaprime
im sorry if any of you guys feel offended or anything but i just wish they put some more money and effort to improve the toys
TrueNomadSkies
No offense dude, but when I hear the word "assbro", I get a completely different image.
… just sayin'
tfomegaprime
instead of calling Hasbro they should call it assbro because they didnt make dotm leader class megatron and shockwave and they cancelled deluxe leadfoot, deluxe and HA soundwave plus they forget to paint the figures like jolt sideswipe or soundwave silver this just shows how american toy companies are becoming lazier no offense
General Magnus
It´s a damn shame it looks so unpainted.
Paradigm-Shift Prime
Wow that is about 90% unpainted ugly grey plastic.
It looks like they just forgot to put paint apps on most the figure or like a test shot.
Surge
I still can't help but say I'm disappointed in Hasbro for discontinuing the line. Although deluxe Soundwave looks like a nice figure, I have nothing but jealousy towards those who own the Human Alliance.