General Information
Release Date: January 2023
Price Point: $11.99 (depending on retailer)
Retailer: General Release (Amazon, BigBadToyStore, Entertainment Earth, Target, Walmart etc.)
Accessories: Blasters x 2, Buzzsaw cassette (non-transforming)
Official description in italics below & Images are from Amazon.com
- CELEBRATE THE LEGACY: Transformers Legacy Evolution celebrates the last 40 years of Transformers history. The Soundblaster action figure is inspired by Transformers: The Headmasters
- 2 EPIC MODES: Transformers action figure converts from robot to cassette player mode in 8 steps
- AWESOME ACCESSORIES: This Soundblaster toy for 8 year old boys and girls comes with shock blaster and shoulder cannon accessories
- BUZZSAW CASSETTE ACCESSORY: Comes with a non-converting Buzzsaw cassette tape accessory that can fit inside the Soundblaster figure in cassette player mode
- REVEAL TECH SPECS: Scan the code on the instructions sheet to reveal character tech specs! Collect other Transformers figures to discover facts and abilities (each sold separately, subject to availability)
The battle is evolving with the Transformers Legacy Evolution Soundblaster action figure! Soundblaster is among the most reliable of the Decepticons. Specializing in espionage, he can read the thoughts of others by listening to their computer brain wave lengths. Celebrate the last 40 years of Transformers history with Transformers Legacy action figures for boys and girls. Transformers Legacy opens the portal to a whole new universe of More Than Meets the Eye, bringing together every generation of Transformers like you’ve never seen before. Collect and combine different characters to create your ideal Legacy lineup. Transformers and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro. Hasbro and all related terms are trademarks of Hasbro.
Background:
In 1987, the Japanese exclusive Headmasters cartoon featured a showdown between mortal enemies Blaster and Soundwave. Both characters would fall as a result of their confrontation but they would both be reborn thanks to the efforts of their loyal "cassette" forces. In Soundwave's case he was resurrected as Soundblaster. For many years this character was a Japanese exclusive "grail" for collectors, but thanks to reissues and even domestic exclusives over the years having "a" Soundblaster in your collection became much easier.
In 2023 fans got another chance at owning a pocket sized Soundblaster thanks to the release of Core Class Soundblaster! This figure is a redeco of Core Class Soundwave. Check out that review for my detailed thoughts on this base sculpt.
Accessories:
Among the Core Class figures, the Soundwave/Soundblaster sculpt has a surprising number of accessories. The first two are related: the weapons. One is the shoulder mounted cannon, a black plastic tube that features small round rocket end details in front. The rocket ends are painted red, an unexpected level of detail in such a small figure. The other cannon is the one Soundblaster holds in one of his hands. The end towards the barrel has an indented strip painted red. The barrel in the front (actually based on G1 Soundblaster's missile accessories) is painted silver. As a bonus, the end of the silver barrel can accommodate Blast Effects from other figures!
The final accessory is the most unexpected one: a non-transforming cassette representing Buzzsaw! This piece is very intricately detailed, featuring design elements like the tape reels inside and even the outlines of Laserbeak's feet. This piece is black with yellow and silver paint on it and I still think it is a cute and fun accessory.
Robot Mode:
Soundblaster has a much darker color scheme overall than Soundwave. His primary colors are black and silver. What's nice is that the silver color is a darker shade than the one used on Soundwave, differentiating the two more. The chest panel is made of translucent purple plastic. Paint colors on the figure include red, silver and gold. The red and silver are used on the head and silver fills in details on other parts like his legs. A Decepticon symbol is tampographed on his chest with gold paint outlining details on the chest panel. Overall the deco is beautiful and looks fantastic.
There are thirteen points of articulation on this figure, and many are ball joints which allow for a good range of motion. In true G1 fashion, Soundblaster can attach one of his weapons to the slot to the right side of his head and hold the other weapon in his hand. You can pull the chest panel open to reveal Buzzsaw inside! I have nothing but love for all of this. Good articulation, classic weapon placement and his iconic chest compartment as a play feature? This is pure awesome in a small package.
In terms of q/c, the joints on my copy of Soundblaster are every bit as tight as those on Soundwave.
Transformation to Cassette Player Mode:
- Detach the weapons and set them aside for now.
- Straighten out the arms and legs.
- Swing the fists into the forearms.
- Rotate the head around and push it down.
- Swing the arms back.
- Rotate the lower legs out.
- Swing the lower legs up and press them against the sides of the torso, using the tab in it to connect to the legs.
- Push the feet down so the toes are pointed up.
- Attach the weapons to the ports on the back of the lower legs.
Cassette Player Mode:
In his Cassette Player mode Soundblaster mostly shows off his black plastic which is focused on the middle portion and back of the device. Silver plastic can be seen in this mode as well. The same paint colors seen in robot mode carry over to this mode and it looks great.
The cassette door opens up manually and Buzzsaw fits in the chest compartment. It's a fun little feature that is also iconic to the character and I'm very glad they included it.
Final Thoughts:
There was a time having any Soundblaster figure at all seemed like a pipe dream, but ever since then there have been many opportunities to own one - but not quite on this scale. I love the Core Class Soundwave sculpt and this figure is just as great. Highly recommended!
Pros:
- Excellent sculpt representing G1 Soundwave.
- Includes three accessories and has an opening cassette door (an unexpected bonus).
- Intuitive and smooth transformation.
- Nice deco.
Cons:
- The leg joints are a tiny bit more loose than I would normally prefer (this was also an issue with my copy of Soundwave).
