Tiny spy.

Soundwave was very different than how he usually is in Prime. He transformed into something he usually doesn’t and in robot mode he didn’t look like he usually does. I’d say he looked even more different than G1 then the Bayverse Soundwave did.

Luckily the design was awesome and well received. So let’s take a look at the Legion sized take on the design!

Vehicle mode

Soundwave turns into a UAV, a sneaky spy plane. It’s a good vehicle mode for Soundwave and it’s very well done here. For a Legends sized Transformer, the vehicle mode is accurate and convincing.

While there’s robot mode parts pretty much everywhere you look, they all blend in well enough and look more like extraneous techy bits than actual robot mode parts. There’s minimal paint apps on display but UAVs aren’t usually colourful so it’s fine.

There’s not much playability in vehicle mode. There’s no landing gear which means all you can do in this mode is whoosh him in the air and stick 3mm compatible weapons on him.

Transformation

The transformation is quite simple but it’s also very smart. For something this small, I don’t think there was any better way for Soundwave to transform.

Robot mode

It’s very impressive that Soundwave is this accurate in robot mode considering his size. His robot mode and vehicle mode are so different that a transforming figure of any size would have been impressive. To see a Legends sized one and one that’s actually good is a very pleasant surprise indeed.

While the molded detail and sculpt are impressive, the paint apps leave something to be desired. I really wish that Soundwave had a better painted face. All the other paint apps are decent.

Soundwave can hold his weapon or any other 3mm weapons in his hands or his other ports. His weapon can be held as a knife or as a hand cannon with a bayonet. Hand cannon with a bayonet is my preferred configuration and this weapon is awesome.

Soundwave has a good amount of posability for a Hasbro Legends Transformer. His shoulders are ball-jointed and he has bending elbows. His hips are ball-jointed and his feet move forward and backwards.

Toy or collectible?

Collectible, sadly.

Soundwave is pretty hard to get nowadays. He commands a bit of a premium but I think he’s worth the cost of entry. He goes used for about RM30 ($8) these days. He goes for much more brand new.

You’d be better off spending your money on other Transformers if you’re looking for something for a kid.

Closing

Soundwave is a great Legends sized Transformer. His two modes are both great and he has no truly glaring flaws. I wish his face was painted nicer but that’s not a deal breaker at all.

Go get Soundwave if you can find him for a decent price!