The homage to the original G1 Decepticon Shockwave is apparent with Shockblast. From the head design to the single optic sensor to the cannon-arm, this toy was meant to represent the logic-minded Decepticon from days long ago. Shockblast is a beautifully designed robot mode with fun gimmicks and incredible articulation. His alternate forms can be a little iffy, but they look and function better in person than they do in any picture.
Review
Set Includes
Shockblast comes boxed in his mobile super-cannon artillery mode. This is a treaded vehicle (the treads don't really work, naturally) with a large dark green, silver, and black cannon in front. The tank portions of the vehicle are purple, light gray, and black with clear green panels on either side, similar to the ones found at the tip of the cannon.
The light gray section just past the cannon is, unfortunately and quite obviously, the robot mode torso. His head, while tucked down slightly, is also visible. But, I suppose when one transforms into a death-machine like this, disguise really isn't all that necessary.
Shockblast's only accessory is a black missile with a rounded, clear green tip that fits into the cannon. Pushing the black lever near the base of the cannon opens up the claws and solar panels, extends the launcher and then fires the missile. Sound effects accompany the launch if you have some AAA batteries laying about. I don't, unfortunately, so I have no idea what sound effects Shockblast makes.
Start-Change-Finish
To transform Shockblast into satellite / base mode (from tank mode):
Satellite / Base Mode
The back of the box calls this a military satellite mode while the instructions call it a base mode. It can work as either, really, though it's not a very effective layout for a base and there aren't many Transformers that could man it.
When opened, the larger solar panels reveal missile pods, giving Shockblast some added firepower in this mode. Unfortunately, this mode tends to look more like a robot laying down with it's legs spread.
Start-Change-Finish
To transform Shockblast into robot mode (from tank mode):
Robot Mode
Now this is more like it. Shockblast looks fantastic in robot mode, a definite homage to Shockwave. And as Shockwave had superior articulation for his time, Shockblast doesn't disappoint in that department either. His antennae are positional and he can rotate and bend at the neck. Each shoulder rotates and extends outward. His non-cannon arm has a double-jointed elbow and a positional claw. His waist turns and knees bend. Each hip rotates and moves out and his ankles can turn with each section of the foot being positional.
In addition to the previously mentioned cannon gimmick, Shockblast has a few other features. On the shoulder closest to the main-cannon is his Energon receptacle. His non-cannon arm opens up to form a shield and reveals an Mini-Con port. Shockblast's Hyper Mode consists of opening his backpack and flipping out the solar panels and activating the cannon's gimmick.
Overall
If you're a fan of Shockwave, Shockblast is the toy for you. I have to admit, I caught myself on more than one occasion in typing this review of trying to call Shockblast Shockwave. Wonderful articulation, a great looking robot mode, and gimmicks that don't get in the way of the toy. The alternate modes are all right, but considering the robot mode I can certainly overlook their issues.
Final Grade: A-
Reviewer | Richard C. Mistron |
Date | July 3rd 2004 |
Score | (9 out of 10) |
Reads | 12533 |
Entertainment News International (ENI) is the #1 popular culture network for adult fans all around the world.
Get the scoop on all the popular comics, games, movies, toys, and more every day!
Advertising | Submit News | Contact ENI | Privacy Policy
©Entertainment News International - All images, trademarks, logos, video, brands and images used on this website are registered trademarks of their respective companies and owners. All Rights Reserved. Data has been shared for news reporting purposes only. All content sourced by fans, online websites, and or other fan community sources. Entertainment News International is not responsible for reporting errors, inaccuracies, omissions, and or other liablities related to news shared here. We do our best to keep tabs on infringements. If some of your content was shared by accident. Contact us about any infringements right away - CLICK HERE