While toys inspired by the original character have made the rounds quite often, "classic" collectors haven't had a ton of Decepticon Shockwave toys. Dark of the Moon got one, Animated had a couple, even Prime gave us a couple. The only Generations toys we had were the Combiner Wars Shockwave [FOTD #1,479] and the game-based Fall of Cybertron Shockwave [FOTD #504]. There was a really swell Masterpiece toy in Japan, and this robot is about the same size for a fraction of the price. It lacks articulation, electronics, and features, but it's pretty and it's cheap.
The 7-inch tall features about 15 points of articulation and comes sock-tied to a cardboard slab in a closed box. It looks a lot like the original animation model despite turning in to something else entirely. The knee swivels are pretty worthless for shelf appeal, but you get elbow joints and lateral shoulder movement. You even get ankle joints thanks to the toy's transformation, even if it isn't helpful you can appreciate that the feature is present. He has some painted shoulder vents, a pink chest, and a big ol' classic Decepticon marker stamped over his uni-boob.
Transformation is a snap, however you may need to consult the box just to know what the heck it's supposed to look like. We've had what Hasbro has referred to as "upside-down submarines" as alt modes, but this time they went with a sort of a starfighter. There are some interesting choices like interlocking panels from the legs, plus the elbows lock in place too. It's kind of satisfying, except for the fact the arms just sweep back and look like folded-up swept-back arms. They did a good job, all things considered.
The starfighter looks a lot like Shockwave minus a handle. If the wings folded down, you'd probably say this was an adequate update of the original - but toy gun laws are weird, and they're getting weirder. (I've been on some email chains and let's say there are some states that make it hard to get gun-ish toy things.) It holds together reasonably well, but the wings are easy to nudge and the arms go where they go for no obvious reason. I find the fake head fun and funny, as this feels like it could have been some sort of Beast Machines Vehicon concept for Shockwave. It's fun, I like it. It isn't impressive because it's kind of dorky, but considering what you get it's neat. If you want a gun, get the Masterpiece. It's only $160.
While about the same size as the Masterpiece, this toy works for me better. I like the color, I love the price, and I can live without the gun alt mode and sound effects - for that kind of discount, I feel smart. This is a great figure and an adequate Transformers toy, a neat item for the money but nothing that will probably satisfy the hardcore G1 fan that needs the best of everything. For someone willing to accept something good, cheap, and simple, it'll do just fine. If Hasbro never gets to Shockwave again in Generations, this will do just fine.
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