General Information:
Release Date: July 2019
Price Point: $9.99 (Varies by retailer)
Retailer: General Release (Amazon, Target, Walmart etc.)
Accessories: None
*Images and text below from Amazon.com:
The War between heroic Autobots and evil Deceptions continues on the cybernetic animated series! Discover the unique powers and skills of each cyber verse character, and see how those powers will be used to defend earth or threaten it. experience the excitement of quick conversion with figures that change between modes in 1 easy step! Simply convert SHOCKWAVE figure from robot to tank mode in 1 quick step. Conversion reveals the figure’s shock blast action attack move! The move can be easily repeated. kids can collect other 1-step action attackers figures, each sold separately, to discover the signature attack moves of favorite characters from the cybernetic series -- one of the best ways to introduce young kids and new fans to the exciting world of transformers! transformers and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro. Hasbro and all related terms are trademarks of Hasbro.
- 4.25-Inch Shockwave figure: 4. 25-Inch 1-step changer Shockwave action attackers figure inspired by the cyber verse animated series.
- Repeatable attack move: convert the evil deception Shockwave figure to reveal his signature shock blast action attack move. Fun attack move can be easily repeated.
- 2-In-1 converting toy: easy Transformers conversion for kids 6 years old and up! Convert Shockwave toy from robot to tank mode in 1 easy step. Makes a great gift for kids!
- Transformers cyber verse character: classic Shockwave toy robot inspired by the twisted deception scientist from the Transformers cyber verse cartoon, as seen on cartoon Network and YouTube.
- Inspired by Cartoon Network show: in the g1-inspired cyber verse series, giant Transformers Robots from the Planet Cyber Tron engage in epic battles, activating signature abilities as action attacks! Kids can imagine unleashing this special power with this action attackers figure!
The Summer of 2019 brought about a virtual avalanche of new Cyberverse figures including a couple new 1-Step Changers. Among them was Shockwave, who has already appeared in the toy line a couple times as both a Warrior Class and Ultra Class figure. This version is similar to those, but faces some design sacrifices made to accommodate the 1-Step Changer gimmick.
Packaging:
The "Cyberverse" 1-Step Changer packaging is very similar to the 1-Step Changer packaging from the tail end of "Robots in Disguise". Instead of sitting in a bubble on a card, the figure is attached to a plastic tray in vehicle mode. This is then glued to a card that folds around the figure. This packaging uses a striking blue and yellow combination of colors. A vertical "Transformers" logo sits on the right side with an Decepticon symbol above it. The front section has a photo of the toy in robot mode and the name of the character. While this class of figures is the "1-Step Changer", an additional classification "Action Attackers" is called out on the side. The background features character artwork and the "Cyberverse Power of the Spark" logo. The back of the box features Shockwave in both modes and calls out his "Shock Blast" action. It also shows his cosells from the same case: Prowl and Sky-Byte.
Vehicle Mode:
In both his previous releases Shockwave's "vehicle" form was more of a beast/vehicle hybrid resembling some type of insect. This mode really drives home that look even more because of how wide everything is. Between the back armor and the "mandibles" in front, Shockwave looks like some type of giant, robotic beetle! He also has two legs in back and two legs in front, which gives him a bit of an Anime "walking tank" look. A bit of G1 influence works its way in on the sides of the front legs where he has "handle grip" details. The result is a rather creepy looking vehicle mode and I think it looks great.
Shockwave is cast in purple plastic. Pink paint is used to fill in several lines of detailing from the front to the back. On the front is the robot chest piece which looks like one giant visor eye in this mode. On the middle and back are several grooves with pink paint inside making it look like he is glowing with energy. Silver paint is used on the front legs and the "eye" in front. A Decepticon symbol in the front is painted purple. The deco in this mode is simple, but it looks great.
There are (surprisingly) two points of articulation on this figure. Both front legs can move at the knees.
Transformation to Robot Mode:
Holding the rear legs, push them together and the figure will stand up and unfold into robot mode. Push the front legs of the vehicle mode down. To transform him back, hold the robot feet and push the robot down.
Robot Mode:
Shockwave's robot mode is heavily based on his G1 design. This includes elements including:
- The head is hex shaped with a single eye and panels on the sides.
- The chest is also hex shaped.
- The left arm has a blaster on the end instead of a fist.
- His lower legs are shaped like the handles of a gun, an artifact from his G1 gun mode design.
Shockwave's proportions favor the upper body, arms and lower legs with a narrow waist and thighs. The exaggerated look is very cool and he looks great. This mode has all the same colors as the vehicle mode along with some black and yellow on the head. Again, it is a very simple deco but it looks great.
There are two points of articulation on the figure: the arms. Each arm can move up and down. His right fist has a 5mm port in it. The left arm has a "blast" feature where the blaster barrel is actually a long piece of plastic. Push the piece in the back and it extends forward almost like he is firing a blast (or launching a missile). It is unusual for 1-Step Changers to have an additional action feature beyond the 1-Step gimmick so I was very happy to see this.
Final Thoughts:
If you already have Warrior or Ultra Shockwave from this line, this figure is not a must have. However, if you are into the gimmick of the 1-Step Changers, this version of Shockwave is a good example of the class. Recommended if you are into 1-Step Changers!
Pros:
- Nice sculpt.
- Good deco.
- Fun action feature in robot mode.
Cons:
- Limited articulation (which is not unusual for the class).
