Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys
Saturday, February 6th, 2016 7:22AM CST
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Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are my opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here.
Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys
Full disclosure, this list actually started as "Top 5 great robot modes with subpar alt modes". However, I realized I was mostly coming up with Shockwave figures. I mean after G1, when he could not be a gun, all the attention of that toy was towards its robot mode with the alt mode being secondary. While that is too bad for a toy that started out having quite the legendary alt mode (a laser gun with lights and sound) at least the robot modes have been worth it. While I do not believe we have had a perfect Shockwave figure yet, the Masterpiece figure is coming soon. So while waiting, let us go through the best Shockwaves we have so far.
5. Beast Hunter Shockwave (Both Voyager and Cyberverse)
This is a solid and great feeling toy. He has a hulking robot mode with the widest chest/shoulders found on any Shockwave design. Unlike most versions, this mad scientist seems to be as strong as he is intelligent. I included both the voyager and cyberverse figure because they transform just about the same way. While that makes for a great smaller figure, that means that the transformation is a bit lackluster for a voyager class figure. The alt mode is thus not much to go on but as stated in the intro, Shockwave toys are usually more about the robot mode and this one works well. I especially like how they hide the hose as a tank thread in the voyager, as well as the working wheels found under the feet that only touch the ground in alt mode, it’s very well done. Speaking of things that were well done, the cyberverse version of the mold was surprisingly well served as Bludgeon.
A big reason why this toy is relegated to 5th place even if the robot mode is perfectly fine is due to there being a problem with the cannon arm in alt mode. For some reason, certain batches of this figure couldn’t plug the cannon so that it could be straight. You would have to disassemble his cannon arm and attach the cannon separately for it to look good from the front. That is quite a misstep in engineering. Also, this toy does pale in comparison to the other toys found in the Prime line (which is slowly starting to gain the legitimacy it deserves).
4. Transformers Energon Shockblast (Laser Wave)
Now this is a fun figure and a nice new take on Shockwave. He has all that you would expect from a Shockwave figure such as a gun arm (the biggest he has ever had!), a perfect headsculpt, and a hexagonal chest. This is a solid figure where everything perfectly clicks and fits together just fine. What I really love is how his cybertronian cannon mode has his head and chest visible (since as with most Shockwaves, the alt modes are rearranged robot parts with no new alt mode detail) but the angle of his head is flush with his shoulder making a smooth uninterrupted surface, hiding the head in plain sight. The robot chest also blends well by being mirrored on the back, adding a nice sense of symmetry and integrating the chest as the alt mode’s body. This figure is an interesting study of contrast between symmetry in the alt mode and asymmetry in the robot mode. It’s like Shockwave himself, perfectly logical, but dark and twisted.
Speaking of no new alt mode detail, that isn’t entirely the case with this toy. He includes a third mode which is just as serviceable as his cannon mode with 8 solar panels flipping from all over the place turning him into a satellite that fares just as well (in my book) as movie Soundwave.
And for fun, he also has a 4th fan mode that works ok.
3. Transformers Dark of the Moon Voyager Shockwave
Say what you want about the Bay movies, the design for Shockwave was pretty spot on for that world. He fared far better than most in his transfer to the silver screen since his cybertronian appearance worked well for the aesthetic combination of realism and alien life forms. Pretty much, he looked like a badass sci fi robot. The portrayal is another story, but the movie design translated perfectly well into the toy, who looked a bit smoother than the usual movie figures up to that point. I especially like his hands and feet and how they fold onto themselves in the alt mode. It is simple but quite ingenious (especially with the feet). It’s too bad his signature cannon couldn’t be placed in the middle of his alt mode, making it look a bit odd, but at least it brought back the hose idea which is always a nice touch to go with Shockwave. Along with Leader Sentinel Prime and Voyager Skyhammer, this is one of the best of the Dark of the Moon line.
2. Transformers Animated Shockwave
This toy is unlike any other Transformer ever designed by Hasbro. Spoilers for the Transformers Animated series abound. The idea behind this toy is for it to be Shockwave disguised as an Autobot who looks completely different with a different alt mode. While the alt modes are not much to run home about (shocker!) the real fun is converting him from small stocky Autobot Longarm into the Decepticon Shockwave.
Shockwave is at his most evil and conniving in this show and the toy brings that out in spades. The little hands turn into claws, the normal looking autobot face loses his mouth, nose and eyes for only the red cyclops eye to remain and the stocky limbs lengthen to reveal a tall and lean creepy silhouette. Speaking of height, this is a tall voyager figure, just look at that picture of him next to Megatron. I can’t think of that many Transformers which had as much value as this one which turns from Shockwave (who transforms into a tank) to Longarm (who transforms into a crane). Definitely one of the best Transformer toy designs of all time.
1. Transformers G1 1985 Shockwave (Laserwave)
The G1 toy is still an amazing toy and the fact that all the upcoming MP does is incorporate the partsforming and add some articulation speaks wonder to how much this 80s toy still holds up. He is so different from the rest of his brethren and for a reason. You see, this was not done by the same company (Takara) who brought us Optimus, Soundwave and almost everyone else. This was a lazer gun that could then transform into a cyclopean robot (who has a lazer gun hand) and was first a Radio Shack toy in the west (the rights to this toy are somewhere in the ether, as well as in some copyright lawyer’s nightmares). So yeah, definitely in a different league of the rest. Any lack in articulation is offset by the playability factor and heft. It's an awesome space gun that turns into a cool looking robot, the argument stops right there!
Honourable Mentions: While the Combiner Wars Legends Shockwave is a perfectly fine Legends class toy, the size just doesn't cut it for a top 5 list of this imposing master of doom. I still wanted to mention him here though since he does deserve some praise. The toy I had a hard time not including though was Cloud Shockwave, who instead is a perfect size, but I stay away from exclusive redecos since they are not as easy to come by for most people reading these lists. And plus, these lists are to generate discussion and if I write about a super exclusive/expensive toy that fewer people own, there isn't really a point. This is why I have this section where I can write whatever I want and for now, I want to write about Cloud Shockwave. What impresses me so much about this figure is how it is a straight redeco (all the parts are the same) and yet he totally owns that Whirl mold he is from. Shockwave always had this cold creepy mad scientist vibe to him and the tall lanky bot mode just works so well for him. He ends up with the same perfect headsculpt which is very reminiscent of Energon Shockblast and the claw hands (reminiscent of Animated Shockwave) lend themselves perfectly to this bot who is always known for having odd appendages. Oh and him being a redeco of Whirl means that for this rare occasion, his alt mode is better than sub par. He is currently the best scale and style for a collection of updated toys from the G1 era, at least in my opinion.
Here are a few pics to see how well he fits in a collection as compared to the others, let me know what you guys think!
Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys
Full disclosure, this list actually started as "Top 5 great robot modes with subpar alt modes". However, I realized I was mostly coming up with Shockwave figures. I mean after G1, when he could not be a gun, all the attention of that toy was towards its robot mode with the alt mode being secondary. While that is too bad for a toy that started out having quite the legendary alt mode (a laser gun with lights and sound) at least the robot modes have been worth it. While I do not believe we have had a perfect Shockwave figure yet, the Masterpiece figure is coming soon. So while waiting, let us go through the best Shockwaves we have so far.
5. Beast Hunter Shockwave (Both Voyager and Cyberverse)
This is a solid and great feeling toy. He has a hulking robot mode with the widest chest/shoulders found on any Shockwave design. Unlike most versions, this mad scientist seems to be as strong as he is intelligent. I included both the voyager and cyberverse figure because they transform just about the same way. While that makes for a great smaller figure, that means that the transformation is a bit lackluster for a voyager class figure. The alt mode is thus not much to go on but as stated in the intro, Shockwave toys are usually more about the robot mode and this one works well. I especially like how they hide the hose as a tank thread in the voyager, as well as the working wheels found under the feet that only touch the ground in alt mode, it’s very well done. Speaking of things that were well done, the cyberverse version of the mold was surprisingly well served as Bludgeon.
A big reason why this toy is relegated to 5th place even if the robot mode is perfectly fine is due to there being a problem with the cannon arm in alt mode. For some reason, certain batches of this figure couldn’t plug the cannon so that it could be straight. You would have to disassemble his cannon arm and attach the cannon separately for it to look good from the front. That is quite a misstep in engineering. Also, this toy does pale in comparison to the other toys found in the Prime line (which is slowly starting to gain the legitimacy it deserves).
4. Transformers Energon Shockblast (Laser Wave)
Now this is a fun figure and a nice new take on Shockwave. He has all that you would expect from a Shockwave figure such as a gun arm (the biggest he has ever had!), a perfect headsculpt, and a hexagonal chest. This is a solid figure where everything perfectly clicks and fits together just fine. What I really love is how his cybertronian cannon mode has his head and chest visible (since as with most Shockwaves, the alt modes are rearranged robot parts with no new alt mode detail) but the angle of his head is flush with his shoulder making a smooth uninterrupted surface, hiding the head in plain sight. The robot chest also blends well by being mirrored on the back, adding a nice sense of symmetry and integrating the chest as the alt mode’s body. This figure is an interesting study of contrast between symmetry in the alt mode and asymmetry in the robot mode. It’s like Shockwave himself, perfectly logical, but dark and twisted.
Speaking of no new alt mode detail, that isn’t entirely the case with this toy. He includes a third mode which is just as serviceable as his cannon mode with 8 solar panels flipping from all over the place turning him into a satellite that fares just as well (in my book) as movie Soundwave.
And for fun, he also has a 4th fan mode that works ok.
3. Transformers Dark of the Moon Voyager Shockwave
Say what you want about the Bay movies, the design for Shockwave was pretty spot on for that world. He fared far better than most in his transfer to the silver screen since his cybertronian appearance worked well for the aesthetic combination of realism and alien life forms. Pretty much, he looked like a badass sci fi robot. The portrayal is another story, but the movie design translated perfectly well into the toy, who looked a bit smoother than the usual movie figures up to that point. I especially like his hands and feet and how they fold onto themselves in the alt mode. It is simple but quite ingenious (especially with the feet). It’s too bad his signature cannon couldn’t be placed in the middle of his alt mode, making it look a bit odd, but at least it brought back the hose idea which is always a nice touch to go with Shockwave. Along with Leader Sentinel Prime and Voyager Skyhammer, this is one of the best of the Dark of the Moon line.
2. Transformers Animated Shockwave
This toy is unlike any other Transformer ever designed by Hasbro. Spoilers for the Transformers Animated series abound. The idea behind this toy is for it to be Shockwave disguised as an Autobot who looks completely different with a different alt mode. While the alt modes are not much to run home about (shocker!) the real fun is converting him from small stocky Autobot Longarm into the Decepticon Shockwave.
Shockwave is at his most evil and conniving in this show and the toy brings that out in spades. The little hands turn into claws, the normal looking autobot face loses his mouth, nose and eyes for only the red cyclops eye to remain and the stocky limbs lengthen to reveal a tall and lean creepy silhouette. Speaking of height, this is a tall voyager figure, just look at that picture of him next to Megatron. I can’t think of that many Transformers which had as much value as this one which turns from Shockwave (who transforms into a tank) to Longarm (who transforms into a crane). Definitely one of the best Transformer toy designs of all time.
1. Transformers G1 1985 Shockwave (Laserwave)
The G1 toy is still an amazing toy and the fact that all the upcoming MP does is incorporate the partsforming and add some articulation speaks wonder to how much this 80s toy still holds up. He is so different from the rest of his brethren and for a reason. You see, this was not done by the same company (Takara) who brought us Optimus, Soundwave and almost everyone else. This was a lazer gun that could then transform into a cyclopean robot (who has a lazer gun hand) and was first a Radio Shack toy in the west (the rights to this toy are somewhere in the ether, as well as in some copyright lawyer’s nightmares). So yeah, definitely in a different league of the rest. Any lack in articulation is offset by the playability factor and heft. It's an awesome space gun that turns into a cool looking robot, the argument stops right there!
Honourable Mentions: While the Combiner Wars Legends Shockwave is a perfectly fine Legends class toy, the size just doesn't cut it for a top 5 list of this imposing master of doom. I still wanted to mention him here though since he does deserve some praise. The toy I had a hard time not including though was Cloud Shockwave, who instead is a perfect size, but I stay away from exclusive redecos since they are not as easy to come by for most people reading these lists. And plus, these lists are to generate discussion and if I write about a super exclusive/expensive toy that fewer people own, there isn't really a point. This is why I have this section where I can write whatever I want and for now, I want to write about Cloud Shockwave. What impresses me so much about this figure is how it is a straight redeco (all the parts are the same) and yet he totally owns that Whirl mold he is from. Shockwave always had this cold creepy mad scientist vibe to him and the tall lanky bot mode just works so well for him. He ends up with the same perfect headsculpt which is very reminiscent of Energon Shockblast and the claw hands (reminiscent of Animated Shockwave) lend themselves perfectly to this bot who is always known for having odd appendages. Oh and him being a redeco of Whirl means that for this rare occasion, his alt mode is better than sub par. He is currently the best scale and style for a collection of updated toys from the G1 era, at least in my opinion.
Here are a few pics to see how well he fits in a collection as compared to the others, let me know what you guys think!
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Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763642)
Posted by Evil Eye on February 6th, 2016 @ 7:31am CST
Posted by Evil Eye on February 6th, 2016 @ 7:31am CST
Excellent list! Glad to see my homeboy DotM Shockwave on there. I do love that figure, weird arms and all.
And great choice for the number 1 spot. Shockwave is one of the few G1 toys I would really like to own at some point. He's actually pretty poseable for a G1 toy, and that purple...sexy as hell.
A bit surprised to see no mention of Alternators Shockwave/Blast. I don't own him myself but he certainly looks great, especially with that car mode.
And great choice for the number 1 spot. Shockwave is one of the few G1 toys I would really like to own at some point. He's actually pretty poseable for a G1 toy, and that purple...sexy as hell.
A bit surprised to see no mention of Alternators Shockwave/Blast. I don't own him myself but he certainly looks great, especially with that car mode.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763645)
Posted by Insurgent on February 6th, 2016 @ 7:42am CST
Posted by Insurgent on February 6th, 2016 @ 7:42am CST
Oh come on dude. How can you skip the Alternators Shockwave? Not even an honourable mention? That thing encompasses shockwave much better than that Whirl repaint. He's got the beef to show off his power. He has a perfect headsculpt. He's highly poseable. He's voyager sized to fits in well with a classics shelf (robot mode certainly). His shoulder doors can be angled back to give him a sleek look, or more G1 look if you want to be a G1 pureist. He has a rifle he can hold or mount on his elbow. He's easy to transform. He has a fully kitted out and proper car interior, even dashboard dials.
So why not even a whiff of him?
So why not even a whiff of him?
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763651)
Posted by Noideaforaname on February 6th, 2016 @ 8:18am CST
Posted by Noideaforaname on February 6th, 2016 @ 8:18am CST
One of these days I'd like to see a Shockwave designed with an actual alt mode in mind -- no not Purple Whirl or the Everyone's-A-Car Alternator, I mean in the next show he appears in I hope the character designers actually consider a vehicle mode for Shockers. This trend of "robot with cannon --> folded robot with cannon" is getting old.
Well actually, you can slip it in between his folded arms. It holds nicely, doesn't snap into place but can instead pivot up and down. Lemme see if I can find a picture of it...
EDIT: Here we go
It’s too bad [Movie Shockwave's] signature cannon couldn’t be placed in the middle of his alt mode
Well actually, you can slip it in between his folded arms. It holds nicely, doesn't snap into place but can instead pivot up and down. Lemme see if I can find a picture of it...
EDIT: Here we go
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763665)
Posted by Deathsanras on February 6th, 2016 @ 9:39am CST
^This.
Alternators Meister/Jazz was already an amazing sculpt, one of the line's best - articulation, transformation elegance, interior completeness... Then crank up the awesome, making look like it was always intended for Shockwave, while simultaneously accommodating the car-maker's latest special edition.
The Binaltech version's paint job is a thing of beauty.
Posted by Deathsanras on February 6th, 2016 @ 9:39am CST
Insurgent wrote:Oh come on dude. How can you skip the Alternators Shockwave? Not even an honourable mention? That thing encompasses shockwave much better than that Whirl repaint. He's got the beef to show off his power. He has a perfect headsculpt. He's highly poseable. He's voyager sized to fits in well with a classics shelf (robot mode certainly). His shoulder doors can be angled back to give him a sleek look, or more G1 look if you want to be a G1 pureist. He has a rifle he can hold or mount on his elbow. He's easy to transform. He has a fully kitted out and proper car interior, even dashboard dials.
So why not even a whiff of him?
^This.
Alternators Meister/Jazz was already an amazing sculpt, one of the line's best - articulation, transformation elegance, interior completeness... Then crank up the awesome, making look like it was always intended for Shockwave, while simultaneously accommodating the car-maker's latest special edition.
The Binaltech version's paint job is a thing of beauty.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763668)
Posted by Andrius on February 6th, 2016 @ 10:21am CST
That's why I adore Action Master Shockwave so much. He looks great in bot mode and doesn't waste anyone's time pretending to have an alt mode.
Posted by Andrius on February 6th, 2016 @ 10:21am CST
Full disclosure, this list actually started as "Top 5 great robot modes with subpar alt modes". However, I realized I was mostly coming up with Shockwave figures.
That's why I adore Action Master Shockwave so much. He looks great in bot mode and doesn't waste anyone's time pretending to have an alt mode.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763677)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on February 6th, 2016 @ 11:04am CST
Posted by -Kanrabat- on February 6th, 2016 @ 11:04am CST
I too, would have voted for Alternator Shockwave. It's a great mold put to good use and it's one of the rare Shockwave with a perfect altmode.
I have a KO of G1 Shockwave well constructed and good quality despite having to pay 100SCAN shipped for it at the time... and even now, the KO sell for MORE! Now,just imagine the original.
Finally, I think the best looking Shockwave in bot mode is voyager Prime's... Even though his altmode is crap.
I have a KO of G1 Shockwave well constructed and good quality despite having to pay 100SCAN shipped for it at the time... and even now, the KO sell for MORE! Now,just imagine the original.
Finally, I think the best looking Shockwave in bot mode is voyager Prime's... Even though his altmode is crap.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763683)
Posted by Nemesis Destron on February 6th, 2016 @ 11:56am CST
Posted by Nemesis Destron on February 6th, 2016 @ 11:56am CST
I think upcoming MP Shockwave should have got a honorable mention too. I mean I get it a figure not yet released to the world but just on looks alone you can't deny it's gonna be a epic Shockwave...'nuff said! 
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763684)
Posted by Nemesis Destron on February 6th, 2016 @ 12:03pm CST
The alt-mode IS totally crap...hot crap. But his bot mode is pure awesomeness preferably the SDCC version!
Posted by Nemesis Destron on February 6th, 2016 @ 12:03pm CST
-Kanrabat- wrote:Finally, I think the best looking Shockwave in bot mode is voyager Prime's... Even though his altmode is crap.
The alt-mode IS totally crap...hot crap. But his bot mode is pure awesomeness preferably the SDCC version!
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763688)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on February 6th, 2016 @ 12:20pm CST
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on February 6th, 2016 @ 12:20pm CST
Cool listt. I don't care for Animated Shockwave at all (not a fan of the style both robot modes look poor to me particularly the extremely goofy Longarm) but the others are decent. Had DotM Shocky for a while and I kinda miss him. G1 Shockwave is just one of those G1 figures like Jetfire which came from better stock than most early TF figures and so still hold up extremely well.
As some may remember from another thread, I recently got Cyberverse Prime Bludgeon at end of last year for a good price and I still really like him. I've been trying to find a decent alternative arm for that oversized cannon arm bit but other than that he's cool and stands on my shelf next to my (Headrobots enhanced) RotF Bludgeon as his apprentice.
Most of my love for Shockwave is for the Marvel comics version (both UK and US) where he had a lot of great characterisation and was generally a major force to be reckoned with. He had a lot of personality for someone who hasn't even got a 'proper' face.
As some may remember from another thread, I recently got Cyberverse Prime Bludgeon at end of last year for a good price and I still really like him. I've been trying to find a decent alternative arm for that oversized cannon arm bit but other than that he's cool and stands on my shelf next to my (Headrobots enhanced) RotF Bludgeon as his apprentice.
Most of my love for Shockwave is for the Marvel comics version (both UK and US) where he had a lot of great characterisation and was generally a major force to be reckoned with. He had a lot of personality for someone who hasn't even got a 'proper' face.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763694)
Posted by shajaki on February 6th, 2016 @ 1:05pm CST
Posted by shajaki on February 6th, 2016 @ 1:05pm CST
Nice work as always WJ ')^
For all the discontent about Alt/BT Shocker, while a great figure I didn't consider him for the list simply because he's doesn't fit within the C/G aesthetics. He's kinda in a league of his own. But I guess the top 5 isn't about what would fit specifically in certain displays. Wrong or not, I'd have omitted him too.
Your honorable mention (Cloud Shocky) is my number 1.
For all the discontent about Alt/BT Shocker, while a great figure I didn't consider him for the list simply because he's doesn't fit within the C/G aesthetics. He's kinda in a league of his own. But I guess the top 5 isn't about what would fit specifically in certain displays. Wrong or not, I'd have omitted him too.
Your honorable mention (Cloud Shocky) is my number 1.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763703)
Posted by TreyTable on February 6th, 2016 @ 1:48pm CST
Posted by TreyTable on February 6th, 2016 @ 1:48pm CST
As a longtime Shockwave fan I find it strange to not include, in this list, some of the better (IMHO) versions of Shockwave. First of all I find the idea behind Beast Hunters Shockwave a good idea with poor finished product. The toy needs better leg and foot articulation, and the gun gimmick was too gimmicky.
I'm not saying the list is wrong; because it's an opinion piece and I respect the author's opinion, even though I disagree with it.
My list would be a bit different.
For Number one it'd be G1 Shockwave.
I would have put Alternators (Shockblast) Shockwave at number two.
Number three would be Fall of Cybertron Shockwave.
Number four would be Dark of the Moon Shockwave.
Rounding out the list a number five would be the Frankenstein of CHUG Jazz and the Longblast upgrade kit.
Honorable mentions:
- Mighty Muggs Shockwave
- Quakewave
I'm not saying the list is wrong; because it's an opinion piece and I respect the author's opinion, even though I disagree with it.
My list would be a bit different.
For Number one it'd be G1 Shockwave.
I would have put Alternators (Shockblast) Shockwave at number two.
Number three would be Fall of Cybertron Shockwave.
Number four would be Dark of the Moon Shockwave.
Rounding out the list a number five would be the Frankenstein of CHUG Jazz and the Longblast upgrade kit.
Honorable mentions:
- Mighty Muggs Shockwave
- Quakewave
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763705)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on February 6th, 2016 @ 1:51pm CST
Posted by -Kanrabat- on February 6th, 2016 @ 1:51pm CST
I don't think 3rd party upgrade kits and bots count for this list. 
(Even if that Longblast upgrade kit look pretty neat.)
(Even if that Longblast upgrade kit look pretty neat.)
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763717)
Posted by Rainmaker on February 6th, 2016 @ 2:27pm CST
Posted by Rainmaker on February 6th, 2016 @ 2:27pm CST
Now I want Energon Shockwave
Well we have a purple whirl, were's my blue shockwave?
Well we have a purple whirl, were's my blue shockwave?
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763806)
Posted by Insurgent on February 6th, 2016 @ 6:49pm CST
It's not best toys that fit within a classics shelf, it's best Shockwave toys. IMO his robot mode does fit in with classics, I had mine displayed with henkei Megs and others for many years. But eh, on that front we'll agree to disagree.
But Movie shockwave doesn't fit the classics look either, so by that definition, he shouldn't be there.
Posted by Insurgent on February 6th, 2016 @ 6:49pm CST
shajaki wrote:Nice work as always WJ ')^
For all the discontent about Alt/BT Shocker, while a great figure I didn't consider him for the list simply because he's doesn't fit within the C/G aesthetics. He's kinda in a league of his own. But I guess the top 5 isn't about what would fit specifically in certain displays. Wrong or not, I'd have omitted him too.
Your honorable mention (Cloud Shocky) is my number 1.
It's not best toys that fit within a classics shelf, it's best Shockwave toys. IMO his robot mode does fit in with classics, I had mine displayed with henkei Megs and others for many years. But eh, on that front we'll agree to disagree.
But Movie shockwave doesn't fit the classics look either, so by that definition, he shouldn't be there.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763807)
Posted by Ultra Markus on February 6th, 2016 @ 6:51pm CST
Posted by Ultra Markus on February 6th, 2016 @ 6:51pm CST
no mention of fall of cybertron shockwave or alternators shockwave or even the new masterpiece shockwave 
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763814)
Posted by Cobotron on February 6th, 2016 @ 7:11pm CST
Posted by Cobotron on February 6th, 2016 @ 7:11pm CST
What a hard list to do really. With so many alt modes that are just a pile of purpleness, I can see the argument behind Alternators. at least he turns into something.
It's hard to make a "best" list based on one mode alone. Great effort Will
I just recently scored Super Link Laser Wave (Energon Shockblast), and MAN! he is awesome. Might be my favorite Shockwave to date. He's so big and beefy. Just looks like he's gonna eat some Autobot brains for breakfast.
I do like CW Shockwave a lot despite his minute stature. I'm glad he actually turns into a gun.
It's hard to make a "best" list based on one mode alone. Great effort Will
I just recently scored Super Link Laser Wave (Energon Shockblast), and MAN! he is awesome. Might be my favorite Shockwave to date. He's so big and beefy. Just looks like he's gonna eat some Autobot brains for breakfast.
I do like CW Shockwave a lot despite his minute stature. I'm glad he actually turns into a gun.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763832)
Posted by DeadCaL on February 6th, 2016 @ 8:24pm CST
Posted by DeadCaL on February 6th, 2016 @ 8:24pm CST
I've got a working G1 Shockwave and can confirm that the noise it makes is the best thing ever 
The Masterpiece one will have to sing like an angel to beat it
The Masterpiece one will have to sing like an angel to beat it
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763854)
Posted by Zeedust on February 6th, 2016 @ 9:23pm CST
Posted by Zeedust on February 6th, 2016 @ 9:23pm CST
I'd have given Animated Shockwave the top spot for having a very clever quad-changer design and a decent (though admittedly not amazing) tank mode, for being the best take on the "doublespy" concept we're likely to ever get, and because of that striking Animated aesthetic and looking great in both color schemes.
Well, I'd have wanted to. I don't think I'd actually risk it.
Well, I'd have wanted to. I don't think I'd actually risk it.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763857)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on February 6th, 2016 @ 9:33pm CST
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on February 6th, 2016 @ 9:33pm CST
DotM Shock is my favorite to date. and also: I did not know Prime Shockwave actually could extend the treads out that far in tank mode! The things you will learn.... 
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763864)
Posted by Flashwave on February 6th, 2016 @ 9:42pm CST
Posted by Flashwave on February 6th, 2016 @ 9:42pm CST
I don't know that I would have put the g1 figure on a list that is essentially comparing every other figure to the g1 figure. But it is very nice, and it does still hold up well after 30 years, so I guess that's just more personal taste. Now for me, I would have moved the DOTM shockwave 2 5th place, or possibly fixed. I is a good figure, and does shockwave justice within the art style of the movie, it's just not my most favorite figure. I probably would have put the FOC shockwave as v, because it does the G one art style, as a flawlessly wonderful transformation, and captures on the whole flying gun thing. My only downside to it is surely on size. Then I would have probably put the animated figure on there, because play value on that thing is astounding. Third on the list for me probably would have been the Energon figure. That was my shock wave until the prime figure came along, but I really didn't like the green on his gun arm, or how blocky it is. And as much as I like the idea of him having a satellite mode, especially with what IDW did with all the planets, I wasn't impressed with the way all the parts integrated together, especially on the tank mode. That barrel doesn't lock in , or else I've been transforming him wrong the last 12 years or however long its been , it just kind of sits there on his ankles . I probably would have been happy if we just got in the g1 deco, something that got rid of that green. Prime shockwave would have taken the number two spot, for number one if I wasn't counting the g1 figure, because it's got this massive size large cannon but he's still Got an elbow. I'm quite okay with the tank mode, although it's more probably accurate to call it a howitzer. And as much as I have tried to replace that figure with either his FoC version, the new combiner Wars figure, or go back to the old Energon figure, I just can't do it. I always go back to the prime figure. Its big enough, menacing, it does all the things I want of a Shockwave.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1763867)
Posted by Flashwave on February 6th, 2016 @ 9:46pm CST
Posted by Flashwave on February 6th, 2016 @ 9:46pm CST
2 one of the things I have found about the prime shockwave arm issue, is that you almost have to spin it 180 degrees around at the elbow both wear it attaches to the gun, and to the bicep so that the open side of the arm is facing towards the front of the tank but obscurred by the width of the gun. With mine, that seems to be the extra eighth of an inch that I need to lock his arm down.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1764139)
Posted by RK_Striker_JK_5 on February 7th, 2016 @ 4:22pm CST
Posted by RK_Striker_JK_5 on February 7th, 2016 @ 4:22pm CST
G1 is in the top slot? Excellent. The rest... I'd have included Alternators/Binaltech Shockwave instead of DOTM Shockwave. Like others said, it's freakin' awesome.
The rest... I'd have included Alternators/Binaltech Shockwave instead of DOTM Shockwave. Like others said, it's freakin' awesome.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1764157)
Posted by william-james88 on February 7th, 2016 @ 5:25pm CST
Fall of Cybertron Shockwave is called out when I show all the different Classics configurations people try.
Masterpiece Shockwave hasn't come out yet and the whole point of this article is in preparation of him. It<s like counting down the best Star Wars films while waiting for the Force Awakens and putting Force Awakens on it before it's been seen based on the trailers.
Alternators Shockblast doesnt work as well as Jazz for me. It looks more like Shockwave cosplaying as an autobot (or Jazz putting a shockwave mask). It just feels off, like the mold wasn't made for him and I preffered including original shockwave molds on the list that really screamed Shockwave (thus making this a best of Shockwave list). While I am glad to see the love, I am surprised alternators seems to now be remembered fondly while my impressions was that it was a line best forgotten by fans, apparently. I actually like alternators but the line itself suffers from sameness in design and being overly complicated and full of kibble everywhere. Alternators Shockblast has all that. He isn't all that fun to transform, his feet suck, and I dont like how flimsy that connection point is between his arm and shoulder.
So yeah, in the end, to me, that mold doesnt scream shockwave, unlike all the other molds, so it was easy to ignore it.
I love seeing all the input, this is what its all about. If I mention all the shockwaves then there is no point to the comments or to an opinion piece. The comments help strengthen the article and give more reading material to any fan who clicks on the discussion. And kudos to all those who made their own lists, thats awesome!
PS Shajaki: I love your number one pic!
Posted by william-james88 on February 7th, 2016 @ 5:25pm CST
Ultra Markus wrote:no mention of fall of cybertron shockwave or alternators shockwave or even the new masterpiece shockwave
Fall of Cybertron Shockwave is called out when I show all the different Classics configurations people try.
Masterpiece Shockwave hasn't come out yet and the whole point of this article is in preparation of him. It<s like counting down the best Star Wars films while waiting for the Force Awakens and putting Force Awakens on it before it's been seen based on the trailers.
Alternators Shockblast doesnt work as well as Jazz for me. It looks more like Shockwave cosplaying as an autobot (or Jazz putting a shockwave mask). It just feels off, like the mold wasn't made for him and I preffered including original shockwave molds on the list that really screamed Shockwave (thus making this a best of Shockwave list). While I am glad to see the love, I am surprised alternators seems to now be remembered fondly while my impressions was that it was a line best forgotten by fans, apparently. I actually like alternators but the line itself suffers from sameness in design and being overly complicated and full of kibble everywhere. Alternators Shockblast has all that. He isn't all that fun to transform, his feet suck, and I dont like how flimsy that connection point is between his arm and shoulder.
So yeah, in the end, to me, that mold doesnt scream shockwave, unlike all the other molds, so it was easy to ignore it.
I love seeing all the input, this is what its all about. If I mention all the shockwaves then there is no point to the comments or to an opinion piece. The comments help strengthen the article and give more reading material to any fan who clicks on the discussion. And kudos to all those who made their own lists, thats awesome!
PS Shajaki: I love your number one pic!
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1764204)
Posted by shajaki on February 7th, 2016 @ 7:21pm CST
Posted by shajaki on February 7th, 2016 @ 7:21pm CST
Proper reasoning, I agree. A Mazda RX8 is nowhere close to any alt mode fitting of Shockwave. I think the only reason it works is because G1 Shocky's chest was shaped much like one of the car hood'd fellas. It's kinda like naming Alternity Galvatron in a top 5 Galvatron list.william-james88 wrote:Alternators Shockblast doesnt work as well as Jazz for me. It looks more like Shockwave cosplaying as an autobot (or Jazz putting a shockwave mask). It just feels off, like the mold wasn't made for him and I preffered including original shockwave molds on the list that really screamed Shockwave (thus making this a best of Shockwave list).
Thanks! You nabbed one of these from Lena didn't you?william-james88 wrote:PS Shajaki: I love your number one pic!
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1764222)
Posted by william-james88 on February 7th, 2016 @ 8:19pm CST
Yes, yes to all of it!
Actually wait, about Galvatron, I am not sure simply because Galvatron is more often a repaint than an original mold. If I could only stick to original molds then both Energon and Cybertron Galvatron wouldnt be on there.
Posted by william-james88 on February 7th, 2016 @ 8:19pm CST
shajaki wrote:Proper reasoning, I agree. A Mazda RX8 is nowhere close to any alt mode fitting of Shockwave. I think the only reason it works is because G1 Shocky's chest was shaped much like one of the car hood'd fellas. It's kinda like naming Alternity Galvatron in a top 5 Galvatron list.william-james88 wrote:Alternators Shockblast doesnt work as well as Jazz for me. It looks more like Shockwave cosplaying as an autobot (or Jazz putting a shockwave mask). It just feels off, like the mold wasn't made for him and I preffered including original shockwave molds on the list that really screamed Shockwave (thus making this a best of Shockwave list).Thanks! You nabbed one of these from Lena didn't you?william-james88 wrote:PS Shajaki: I love your number one pic!
Yes, yes to all of it!
Actually wait, about Galvatron, I am not sure simply because Galvatron is more often a repaint than an original mold. If I could only stick to original molds then both Energon and Cybertron Galvatron wouldnt be on there.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1764331)
Posted by Insurgent on February 8th, 2016 @ 8:59am CST
Fair enough. Personally, I think he still should have been at least an honourable mention, but your reasons are sound for his exclusion.
Posted by Insurgent on February 8th, 2016 @ 8:59am CST
william-james88 wrote:Alternators Shockblast doesnt work as well as Jazz for me. It looks more like Shockwave cosplaying as an autobot (or Jazz putting a shockwave mask). It just feels off, like the mold wasn't made for him and I preffered including original shockwave molds on the list that really screamed Shockwave (thus making this a best of Shockwave list). While I am glad to see the love, I am surprised alternators seems to now be remembered fondly while my impressions was that it was a line best forgotten by fans, apparently. I actually like alternators but the line itself suffers from sameness in design and being overly complicated and full of kibble everywhere. Alternators Shockblast has all that. He isn't all that fun to transform, his feet suck, and I dont like how flimsy that connection point is between his arm and shoulder.
So yeah, in the end, to me, that mold doesnt scream shockwave, unlike all the other molds, so it was easy to ignore it.
Fair enough. Personally, I think he still should have been at least an honourable mention, but your reasons are sound for his exclusion.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1764335)
Posted by william-james88 on February 8th, 2016 @ 10:16am CST
I just thought of a better one. It would be like putting CW Rodimus in a top 5 Hot Rod/Rodimus list. While the mold is fine, it really looks like it was meant for someone else and doesnt scream Rodimus, especially since that spoiler doesnt end up on his back. On a side note, since Takara did the engineering, I am pretty sure they always intended that mold to be Runamuck and Runabout for them. But thats another story.
Posted by william-james88 on February 8th, 2016 @ 10:16am CST
shajaki wrote:Proper reasoning, I agree. A Mazda RX8 is nowhere close to any alt mode fitting of Shockwave. I think the only reason it works is because G1 Shocky's chest was shaped much like one of the car hood'd fellas. It's kinda like naming Alternity Galvatron in a top 5 Galvatron list.william-james88 wrote:Alternators Shockblast doesnt work as well as Jazz for me. It looks more like Shockwave cosplaying as an autobot (or Jazz putting a shockwave mask). It just feels off, like the mold wasn't made for him and I preffered including original shockwave molds on the list that really screamed Shockwave (thus making this a best of Shockwave list).
I just thought of a better one. It would be like putting CW Rodimus in a top 5 Hot Rod/Rodimus list. While the mold is fine, it really looks like it was meant for someone else and doesnt scream Rodimus, especially since that spoiler doesnt end up on his back. On a side note, since Takara did the engineering, I am pretty sure they always intended that mold to be Runamuck and Runabout for them. But thats another story.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1764356)
Posted by Insurgent on February 8th, 2016 @ 11:23am CST
Posted by Insurgent on February 8th, 2016 @ 11:23am CST
But it's still listed as that character. It's still marketed as that character. It's still that character, even if it was originally meant for someone else.
Saying it's not on because of the other reasons you stated is fair enough. Saying it's not on that list because the mould was originally meant for another character, while ignoring all of the other benefits/disadvantages of the toy is not.
Saying it's not on because of the other reasons you stated is fair enough. Saying it's not on that list because the mould was originally meant for another character, while ignoring all of the other benefits/disadvantages of the toy is not.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1764376)
Posted by william-james88 on February 8th, 2016 @ 12:15pm CST
We are talking about two different things here. I was only replying to shajaki and the discussion was slowly turning into something else.
If anyone is curious as to why I chose not to include Alternators Shockblast, it is because of the reasons I stated earlier, nothing else. It simply does not strike me as shockwave, compared to any other toy I mentionned. And I also dont think it's that great a toy/mold. As for considering all toys by name, its not as black and white as you think, nobody here is crying foul for the lack of mention of Cybertron Shockwave:
Transformers Cybertron Shockwave Gallery
But as I said, I am glad to have you fans here to add to this list and give your own opinions to have a better understanding of what the best shockwave
Posted by william-james88 on February 8th, 2016 @ 12:15pm CST
Insurgent wrote:But it's still listed as that character. It's still marketed as that character. It's still that character, even if it was originally meant for someone else.
Saying it's not on because of the other reasons you stated is fair enough. Saying it's not on that list because the mould was originally meant for another character, while ignoring all of the other benefits/disadvantages of the toy is not.
We are talking about two different things here. I was only replying to shajaki and the discussion was slowly turning into something else.
If anyone is curious as to why I chose not to include Alternators Shockblast, it is because of the reasons I stated earlier, nothing else. It simply does not strike me as shockwave, compared to any other toy I mentionned. And I also dont think it's that great a toy/mold. As for considering all toys by name, its not as black and white as you think, nobody here is crying foul for the lack of mention of Cybertron Shockwave:
Transformers Cybertron Shockwave Gallery
But as I said, I am glad to have you fans here to add to this list and give your own opinions to have a better understanding of what the best shockwave
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1764444)
Posted by Insurgent on February 8th, 2016 @ 2:00pm CST
Posted by Insurgent on February 8th, 2016 @ 2:00pm CST
Oh. Sorry. Crossed wires.
True, no one is crying foul about that Shockwave minicon. But that's because that Shockwave isn't one of the top 5 best Shockwave toys.
And I just remembered, isn't Tidal Wave in Linkage called Shockwave? That's a great toy, that should be on the ist.
Course I jest with that one. But it is a good toy.
True, no one is crying foul about that Shockwave minicon. But that's because that Shockwave isn't one of the top 5 best Shockwave toys.
And I just remembered, isn't Tidal Wave in Linkage called Shockwave? That's a great toy, that should be on the ist.
Course I jest with that one. But it is a good toy.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1764462)
Posted by william-james88 on February 8th, 2016 @ 2:44pm CST
I agree, he is a good toy, and will be mentioned in lists to come. And yeah, he is associated to the Shockwave name/legacy in the Japanese continuity of Miron Densetsu but he didnt feel much like Shockwave to me either
Posted by william-james88 on February 8th, 2016 @ 2:44pm CST
Insurgent wrote:Oh. Sorry. Crossed wires.
True, no one is crying foul about that Shockwave minicon. But that's because that Shockwave isn't one of the top 5 best Shockwave toys.
And I just remembered, isn't Tidal Wave in Linkage called Shockwave? That's a great toy, that should be on the ist.
Course I jest with that one. But it is a good toy.
I agree, he is a good toy, and will be mentioned in lists to come. And yeah, he is associated to the Shockwave name/legacy in the Japanese continuity of Miron Densetsu but he didnt feel much like Shockwave to me either
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1781764)
Posted by william-james88 on April 16th, 2016 @ 8:51am CDT
Posted by william-james88 on April 16th, 2016 @ 8:51am CDT
Just curious. This list was meant as a lead up to MP Shockwave who we all presumed would be the best. Now that people have him, is he really the best? Does he beat every toy on this list? Or no?
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1781931)
Posted by Optimum Supreme on April 16th, 2016 @ 4:42pm CDT
I don't have him, but based on reviews I've watched I have to say it's great, but it's a little disappointing that "The G1 toy is still an amazing toy and the fact that all the upcoming MP does is incorporate the partsforming" isn't quite accurate, as they've incorporated the gun barrel that was partsforming on the G1 toy, but then turned around and made the backpack section a new partsform of it's own. It's nice they gave it a stand for gun mode, it's not nice that the stand is part of the figure when a robot. But that's just my opinion, and I'd certainly still love to have the figure if it was in my budget.
Posted by Optimum Supreme on April 16th, 2016 @ 4:42pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:Just curious. This list was meant as a lead up to MP Shockwave who we all presumed would be the best. Now that people have him, is he really the best? Does he beat every toy on this list? Or no?
I don't have him, but based on reviews I've watched I have to say it's great, but it's a little disappointing that "The G1 toy is still an amazing toy and the fact that all the upcoming MP does is incorporate the partsforming" isn't quite accurate, as they've incorporated the gun barrel that was partsforming on the G1 toy, but then turned around and made the backpack section a new partsform of it's own. It's nice they gave it a stand for gun mode, it's not nice that the stand is part of the figure when a robot. But that's just my opinion, and I'd certainly still love to have the figure if it was in my budget.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1781943)
Posted by Insurgent on April 16th, 2016 @ 6:02pm CDT
Posted by Insurgent on April 16th, 2016 @ 6:02pm CDT
I would much rather the stand be incorperated into the robot mode instead of being a completely seperate piece to just get put to the side. Sure they could just make the backpack hinge open from the base to fold up the barrel into, but this way it saves on ;eftover pieces. I'm not sure if I would really call this partsforming.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (1996011)
Posted by Nathaniel Prime on November 29th, 2018 @ 11:10am CST
Posted by Nathaniel Prime on November 29th, 2018 @ 11:10am CST
Even though this list is from 2 years ago, I would like to add my own list just for the heck of it. My list would go as:
5)DOTM Voyager Shockwave/Animated Shockwave. One of my favorite bayverse designs that works well with the figure. I really like the inclusion of the rubber hose too. Animated Shockwave is one of my favorite Animated figures. I love his proportions and his look. Longarm is pretty cool too, and I really like the tank mode IMO.
4)G1 Shockwave. It still holds up and I really like how he looks, his articulation, and his lights and sounds.
3)Alternators Shockblast. A nice retool that works way better than plain white Jazz IMO. Plus the colors, chunkiness, and the cannon are all there, and he has nice articulation too.
2)Siege Shockwave. Yes, no one has it in hand yet but I absolutely love him. He has everything a Shockwave could have in a CHUG size package( properly voyager size too). I really like his extra bits he comes with, and some of his combinations with them are really cool. I really like his superstarship mode, but come on, he finally gets a gun mode in this size, even if he has to Sixshot his way for one. If I can't afford the MP, I will definitely grab this guy. Did I mention his colors and articulation are perfect too?
1)MP Shockwave(specifically the +version). This is THE Shockwave anyone could ask for. I love that they just modernised his transformation, and added more articulation from his G1 toy. However, the + version is much nicer IMO, I like that purple and grey more. Even if there are no sounds, it still is the best Shockwave we have.
My honorable mentions were really hard to make, because they all were so good: Prime voyager Shockwave, FOC deluxe, and CW legends. All these are great representations of Shockwave and if you have them, congrats. Another honorable mention would go to Cloud Shockwave. He was a great CHUG Shockwave for its time. Shout out to Action master Shockwave, a fun little dude who doesn't need to transform to be cool, plus he rocks those 80's colors.
5)DOTM Voyager Shockwave/Animated Shockwave. One of my favorite bayverse designs that works well with the figure. I really like the inclusion of the rubber hose too. Animated Shockwave is one of my favorite Animated figures. I love his proportions and his look. Longarm is pretty cool too, and I really like the tank mode IMO.
4)G1 Shockwave. It still holds up and I really like how he looks, his articulation, and his lights and sounds.
3)Alternators Shockblast. A nice retool that works way better than plain white Jazz IMO. Plus the colors, chunkiness, and the cannon are all there, and he has nice articulation too.
2)Siege Shockwave. Yes, no one has it in hand yet but I absolutely love him. He has everything a Shockwave could have in a CHUG size package( properly voyager size too). I really like his extra bits he comes with, and some of his combinations with them are really cool. I really like his superstarship mode, but come on, he finally gets a gun mode in this size, even if he has to Sixshot his way for one. If I can't afford the MP, I will definitely grab this guy. Did I mention his colors and articulation are perfect too?
1)MP Shockwave(specifically the +version). This is THE Shockwave anyone could ask for. I love that they just modernised his transformation, and added more articulation from his G1 toy. However, the + version is much nicer IMO, I like that purple and grey more. Even if there are no sounds, it still is the best Shockwave we have.
My honorable mentions were really hard to make, because they all were so good: Prime voyager Shockwave, FOC deluxe, and CW legends. All these are great representations of Shockwave and if you have them, congrats. Another honorable mention would go to Cloud Shockwave. He was a great CHUG Shockwave for its time. Shout out to Action master Shockwave, a fun little dude who doesn't need to transform to be cool, plus he rocks those 80's colors.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (2014612)
Posted by william-james88 on March 14th, 2019 @ 10:12am CDT
Hey Nathaniel, My list is 100% due for a revamp since we have had a ton of shockwaves since 2016 including at least the top 2. So I will definitely be making a new one. And I may use your list as well. I do think I will be making siege number 1 and MP number 2. The best ones out there, to me, now become Siege, MP+, G1, Animated and DOTM, or I could just do a top 10, now we have enough.
lets see Siege, MP+, G1, Animated, DOTM, Cyberverse Ultra / Warrior, CW, Cloud, Shockblast, Alternators
Yup, thats gonna be the list.
Posted by william-james88 on March 14th, 2019 @ 10:12am CDT
Nathaniel Prime wrote:Even though this list is from 2 years ago, I would like to add my own list just for the heck of it. My list would go as:
5)DOTM Voyager Shockwave/Animated Shockwave. One of my favorite bayverse designs that works well with the figure. I really like the inclusion of the rubber hose too. Animated Shockwave is one of my favorite Animated figures. I love his proportions and his look. Longarm is pretty cool too, and I really like the tank mode IMO.
4)G1 Shockwave. It still holds up and I really like how he looks, his articulation, and his lights and sounds.
3)Alternators Shockblast. A nice retool that works way better than plain white Jazz IMO. Plus the colors, chunkiness, and the cannon are all there, and he has nice articulation too.
2)Siege Shockwave. Yes, no one has it in hand yet but I absolutely love him. He has everything a Shockwave could have in a CHUG size package( properly voyager size too). I really like his extra bits he comes with, and some of his combinations with them are really cool. I really like his superstarship mode, but come on, he finally gets a gun mode in this size, even if he has to Sixshot his way for one. If I can't afford the MP, I will definitely grab this guy. Did I mention his colors and articulation are perfect too?
1)MP Shockwave(specifically the +version). This is THE Shockwave anyone could ask for. I love that they just modernised his transformation, and added more articulation from his G1 toy. However, the + version is much nicer IMO, I like that purple and grey more. Even if there are no sounds, it still is the best Shockwave we have.
My honorable mentions were really hard to make, because they all were so good: Prime voyager Shockwave, FOC deluxe, and CW legends. All these are great representations of Shockwave and if you have them, congrats. Another honorable mention would go to Cloud Shockwave. He was a great CHUG Shockwave for its time. Shout out to Action master Shockwave, a fun little dude who doesn't need to transform to be cool, plus he rocks those 80's colors.
Hey Nathaniel, My list is 100% due for a revamp since we have had a ton of shockwaves since 2016 including at least the top 2. So I will definitely be making a new one. And I may use your list as well. I do think I will be making siege number 1 and MP number 2. The best ones out there, to me, now become Siege, MP+, G1, Animated and DOTM, or I could just do a top 10, now we have enough.
lets see Siege, MP+, G1, Animated, DOTM, Cyberverse Ultra / Warrior, CW, Cloud, Shockblast, Alternators
Yup, thats gonna be the list.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (2014663)
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on March 14th, 2019 @ 3:35pm CDT
Posted by AllNewSuperRobot on March 14th, 2019 @ 3:35pm CDT
Of those that I have owned, which isn't many, I am very fond of FoC Shockwave. Updating the Gun-Bot into a more streamlined, Sweep-like Futuristic/Cybertronian jet really appealed more than virtually any other Shockwave design I've seen.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (2014678)
Posted by william-james88 on March 14th, 2019 @ 5:43pm CDT
I have no problem with the design, its great. I just feel the toy itself is lackluster (size, complexity, fake parts, thin plastic ect)
Posted by william-james88 on March 14th, 2019 @ 5:43pm CDT
AllNewSuperRobot wrote:Of those that I have owned, which isn't many, I am very fond of FoC Shockwave. Updating the Gun-Bot into a more streamlined, Sweep-like Futuristic/Cybertronian jet really appealed more than virtually any other Shockwave design I've seen.
I have no problem with the design, its great. I just feel the toy itself is lackluster (size, complexity, fake parts, thin plastic ect)
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (2014729)
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on March 15th, 2019 @ 8:14am CDT
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on March 15th, 2019 @ 8:14am CDT
In fairness, Seige adheres to the cartoon scale chart which pegs Shocky as being shorter than Megatron. It's a little different from how he's usually somewhat taller, but it's not totally wrong.
I had him replace Beast Hunters Shocky due to, not only how G1 he is, but how posable he is too. The BH figure is really, really nice, but he's stiff and has a giant, useless, cannon I just don't like at all. I also think his colours are much better, but then I have the Hasbro version of BH Shocks.
I had him replace Beast Hunters Shocky due to, not only how G1 he is, but how posable he is too. The BH figure is really, really nice, but he's stiff and has a giant, useless, cannon I just don't like at all. I also think his colours are much better, but then I have the Hasbro version of BH Shocks.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (2020536)
Posted by william-james88 on May 4th, 2019 @ 11:04pm CDT
Posted by william-james88 on May 4th, 2019 @ 11:04pm CDT
Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. Nathaniel Prime also joins us this week. These are our opinions so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here.
Top 10 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys
The last time we looked at Shockwave was in February 2016 and while it might only be 3 years, it feels like an eternity for this character since it was just a few months later that the floodgates opened for Shockwave toys unlike we had ever seen. With the MP line going full gear the year after followed by both two toylines betting it all on G1 right now, we are getting more of Shockwave than we probably need (or are we?). Point is, lots has happened for that character since the first list so we are doing another one. But to still keep it fresh, we are now doing a top 10 instead of just 5. So let's go!
10. Transformers Alternators Shockblast (Laserwave)
A nice retool that works way better than plain white Jazz IMO. Plus the colors, chunkiness, and the cannon are all there, and he has nice articulation too. -Nathaniel Prime
9. Transformers Energon Shockblast (Laser Wave)
Now this is a fun figure and a nice new take on Shockwave. He has all that you would expect from a Shockwave figure such as a gun arm (the biggest he has ever had!), a perfect headsculpt, and a hexagonal chest. This is a solid figure where everything perfectly clicks and fits together just fine. What I really love is how his cybertronian cannon mode has his head and chest visible (since as with most Shockwaves, the alt modes are rearranged robot parts with no new alt mode detail) but the angle of his head is flush with his shoulder making a smooth uninterrupted surface, hiding the head in plain sight. The robot chest also blends well by being mirrored on the back, adding a nice sense of symmetry and integrating the chest as the alt mode’s body. This figure is an interesting study of contrast between symmetry in the alt mode and asymmetry in the robot mode. It’s like Shockwave himself, perfectly logical, but dark and twisted. -William-James88
And for fun, he also has a 4th fan mode that works ok.
8. Takara Transformers Cloud Shockwave
What impresses me so much about this figure is how it is a straight redeco (all the parts are the same) and yet he totally owns that Whirl mold he is from. Shockwave always had this cold creepy mad scientist vibe to him and the tall lanky bot mode just works so well for him. He ends up with the same perfect headsculpt which is very reminiscent of Energon Shockblast and the claw hands (reminiscent of Animated Shockwave) lend themselves perfectly to this bot who is always known for having odd appendages. He is also a great scale if you want a slightly taller Shockwave in your collection of updated toys from the G1 era. -William-James88
7. Transformers Combiner Wars Legends Shockwave
Combiner Wars Legends Shockwave is a perfectly fine legends class toy and deserves some praise. His alt mode can be both a space ship or a gun which fits in the hands of Combiners, like Bruticus, letting fans recreate a favourite G1 scene. - William-James88
6. Transformers Cyberverse Ultra / Warrior class Shockwave
The general concensus behind the Cybrverse line is that while this gimmick heavy line is far more for kids, there could be one figure that transcends it all: Shockwave (both the Warrior and the Ultra figure).
The colour, is a nice full grape colour. Not too dark ala G1 toy but still very full. The deco is pretty great, with a nice use of panel lining. There are some neatly painted pink highlights across the figures, as if to give a sense of the energy coursing through him. While the alt mode is new for Shockwave, a spider-tank, the desgners did keep gun barrel element from the G1 design on his legs. It's a nice touch. Check out the images below to see how well he can fit in anyone's collection (particularly RID for the warrior class one).
5. Transformers Dark of the Moon Voyager Shockwave
Say what you want about the Bay movies, the design for Shockwave was pretty spot on for that world. He looked like a badass sci fi robot. The portrayal is another story, but the movie design translated perfectly well into the toy, who looked a bit smoother than the usual movie figures up to that point. -William-James88
One of my favorite Bayverse designs that works well with the figure. I really like the inclusion of the rubber hose too. -Nathaniel Prime
4. Transformers Animated Shockwave
This toy is unlike any other Transformer ever designed by Hasbro. Spoilers for the Transformers Animated series abound. The idea behind this toy is for it to be Shockwave disguised as an Autobot who looks completely different with a different alt mode. The real fun is converting him from small stocky Autobot Longarm into the Decepticon Shockwave. The little hands turn into claws, the normal looking autobot face loses his mouth, nose and eyes for only the red cyclops eye to remain and the stocky limbs lengthen to reveal a tall and lean creepy silhouette. Speaking of height, this is a tall voyager figure, just look at that picture of him next to Megatron. I can’t think of that many Transformers which had as much value as this one. Definitely one of the best Transformer toy designs of all time. -William-james88
Animated Shockwave is one of my favorite Animated figures. I love his proportions and his look. Longarm is pretty cool too, and I really like the tank mode in my opinion. - Nathaniel Prime
3. Transformers G1 1985 Shockwave (Laserwave)
The G1 toy is still an amazing toy. Any lack in articulation is offset by the playability factor and heft. It's an awesome space gun that turns into a cool looking robot, the argument stops right there! -William-James88
It still holds up and I really like how he looks, his articulation, and his lights and sounds. - Nathaniel Prime
2. Transformers MP 29+ Shockwave
This is THE Shockwave anyone could ask for. I love that they just modernized his transformation, and added more articulation from his G1 toy. However, the + version is much nicer IMO, I like that purple and grey more. I personally find this to be the best Shockwave figure we have. -Nathaniel Prime
1. Transformers Siege Shockwave
I love how unlike the Mastepriece version, this being a definitive Shockwave figure was just a building block to build more upon. To me this is not the Shockwave figure to own if you can't own the MP (ala POTP Leader Prime). Instead it is simply THE Shockwave to own. - William-James88
He has everything a Shockwave could have in a CHUG size package( properly voyager size too). I really like his extra bits he comes with, and some of his combinations with them are really cool. I really like his superstarship mode, but come on, he finally gets a gun mode in this size, even if he has to Sixshot his way for one. Did I mention his colors and articulation are perfect too? -Nathaniel Prime
Top 10 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys
The last time we looked at Shockwave was in February 2016 and while it might only be 3 years, it feels like an eternity for this character since it was just a few months later that the floodgates opened for Shockwave toys unlike we had ever seen. With the MP line going full gear the year after followed by both two toylines betting it all on G1 right now, we are getting more of Shockwave than we probably need (or are we?). Point is, lots has happened for that character since the first list so we are doing another one. But to still keep it fresh, we are now doing a top 10 instead of just 5. So let's go!
10. Transformers Alternators Shockblast (Laserwave)
A nice retool that works way better than plain white Jazz IMO. Plus the colors, chunkiness, and the cannon are all there, and he has nice articulation too. -Nathaniel Prime
9. Transformers Energon Shockblast (Laser Wave)
Now this is a fun figure and a nice new take on Shockwave. He has all that you would expect from a Shockwave figure such as a gun arm (the biggest he has ever had!), a perfect headsculpt, and a hexagonal chest. This is a solid figure where everything perfectly clicks and fits together just fine. What I really love is how his cybertronian cannon mode has his head and chest visible (since as with most Shockwaves, the alt modes are rearranged robot parts with no new alt mode detail) but the angle of his head is flush with his shoulder making a smooth uninterrupted surface, hiding the head in plain sight. The robot chest also blends well by being mirrored on the back, adding a nice sense of symmetry and integrating the chest as the alt mode’s body. This figure is an interesting study of contrast between symmetry in the alt mode and asymmetry in the robot mode. It’s like Shockwave himself, perfectly logical, but dark and twisted. -William-James88
And for fun, he also has a 4th fan mode that works ok.
8. Takara Transformers Cloud Shockwave
What impresses me so much about this figure is how it is a straight redeco (all the parts are the same) and yet he totally owns that Whirl mold he is from. Shockwave always had this cold creepy mad scientist vibe to him and the tall lanky bot mode just works so well for him. He ends up with the same perfect headsculpt which is very reminiscent of Energon Shockblast and the claw hands (reminiscent of Animated Shockwave) lend themselves perfectly to this bot who is always known for having odd appendages. He is also a great scale if you want a slightly taller Shockwave in your collection of updated toys from the G1 era. -William-James88
7. Transformers Combiner Wars Legends Shockwave
Combiner Wars Legends Shockwave is a perfectly fine legends class toy and deserves some praise. His alt mode can be both a space ship or a gun which fits in the hands of Combiners, like Bruticus, letting fans recreate a favourite G1 scene. - William-James88
6. Transformers Cyberverse Ultra / Warrior class Shockwave
The general concensus behind the Cybrverse line is that while this gimmick heavy line is far more for kids, there could be one figure that transcends it all: Shockwave (both the Warrior and the Ultra figure).
The colour, is a nice full grape colour. Not too dark ala G1 toy but still very full. The deco is pretty great, with a nice use of panel lining. There are some neatly painted pink highlights across the figures, as if to give a sense of the energy coursing through him. While the alt mode is new for Shockwave, a spider-tank, the desgners did keep gun barrel element from the G1 design on his legs. It's a nice touch. Check out the images below to see how well he can fit in anyone's collection (particularly RID for the warrior class one).
5. Transformers Dark of the Moon Voyager Shockwave
Say what you want about the Bay movies, the design for Shockwave was pretty spot on for that world. He looked like a badass sci fi robot. The portrayal is another story, but the movie design translated perfectly well into the toy, who looked a bit smoother than the usual movie figures up to that point. -William-James88
One of my favorite Bayverse designs that works well with the figure. I really like the inclusion of the rubber hose too. -Nathaniel Prime
4. Transformers Animated Shockwave
This toy is unlike any other Transformer ever designed by Hasbro. Spoilers for the Transformers Animated series abound. The idea behind this toy is for it to be Shockwave disguised as an Autobot who looks completely different with a different alt mode. The real fun is converting him from small stocky Autobot Longarm into the Decepticon Shockwave. The little hands turn into claws, the normal looking autobot face loses his mouth, nose and eyes for only the red cyclops eye to remain and the stocky limbs lengthen to reveal a tall and lean creepy silhouette. Speaking of height, this is a tall voyager figure, just look at that picture of him next to Megatron. I can’t think of that many Transformers which had as much value as this one. Definitely one of the best Transformer toy designs of all time. -William-james88
Animated Shockwave is one of my favorite Animated figures. I love his proportions and his look. Longarm is pretty cool too, and I really like the tank mode in my opinion. - Nathaniel Prime
3. Transformers G1 1985 Shockwave (Laserwave)
The G1 toy is still an amazing toy. Any lack in articulation is offset by the playability factor and heft. It's an awesome space gun that turns into a cool looking robot, the argument stops right there! -William-James88
It still holds up and I really like how he looks, his articulation, and his lights and sounds. - Nathaniel Prime
2. Transformers MP 29+ Shockwave
This is THE Shockwave anyone could ask for. I love that they just modernized his transformation, and added more articulation from his G1 toy. However, the + version is much nicer IMO, I like that purple and grey more. I personally find this to be the best Shockwave figure we have. -Nathaniel Prime
1. Transformers Siege Shockwave
I love how unlike the Mastepriece version, this being a definitive Shockwave figure was just a building block to build more upon. To me this is not the Shockwave figure to own if you can't own the MP (ala POTP Leader Prime). Instead it is simply THE Shockwave to own. - William-James88
He has everything a Shockwave could have in a CHUG size package( properly voyager size too). I really like his extra bits he comes with, and some of his combinations with them are really cool. I really like his superstarship mode, but come on, he finally gets a gun mode in this size, even if he has to Sixshot his way for one. Did I mention his colors and articulation are perfect too? -Nathaniel Prime
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (2020537)
Posted by steve2275 on May 4th, 2019 @ 11:26pm CDT
Posted by steve2275 on May 4th, 2019 @ 11:26pm CDT
switch 5(YUCK) and 6 around
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (2020539)
Posted by Randomhero on May 5th, 2019 @ 12:12am CDT
Posted by Randomhero on May 5th, 2019 @ 12:12am CDT
Shockwave is my number one favorite character and i cant explain how excited i was when i saw this headline. I own almost every toy of the character and yeah i love them all. Siege Shockwave is without a doubt the best version of the character and i got no problems with anyone on this list but i woulda tossed Prime Shockwave in there maybe more than Cloud Shockwave if not than an honorable mention. It’s one of my favorites from the line not due to the character and his gimmick doesn’t hinder the toy.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (2020541)
Posted by ausbot on May 5th, 2019 @ 12:24am CDT
Posted by ausbot on May 5th, 2019 @ 12:24am CDT
you missed the cyber series shockwave my personal favorite.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (2020542)
Posted by MeGrimlockKing2018 on May 5th, 2019 @ 12:25am CDT
Posted by MeGrimlockKing2018 on May 5th, 2019 @ 12:25am CDT
G1 and Masterpiece are the only 2 on this list I agree with but for me its Cyber Battalion Shockwave if just for robot mode alone
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (2020544)
Posted by leokearon on May 5th, 2019 @ 1:38am CDT
Posted by leokearon on May 5th, 2019 @ 1:38am CDT
I can't believe the ripoff Siege figure was considered the best
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (2020545)
Posted by Randomhero on May 5th, 2019 @ 1:55am CDT
Because its a good solid figure and folks like you need to stop thinking height is is what leader class is in this line because its not.
Posted by Randomhero on May 5th, 2019 @ 1:55am CDT
leokearon wrote:I can't believe the ripoff Siege figure was considered the best
Because its a good solid figure and folks like you need to stop thinking height is is what leader class is in this line because its not.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (2020546)
Posted by leokearon on May 5th, 2019 @ 2:00am CDT
It's still a Voyager figure, with a lot of unnecessary kibble, just to push the price point up.
Posted by leokearon on May 5th, 2019 @ 2:00am CDT
Randomhero wrote:leokearon wrote:I can't believe the ripoff Siege figure was considered the best
Because its a good solid figure and folks like you need to stop thinking height is is what leader class is in this line because its not.
It's still a Voyager figure, with a lot of unnecessary kibble, just to push the price point up.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (2020548)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on May 5th, 2019 @ 2:20am CDT
But taking price out of the equation (for once)? Or if one were to get him at a steep discount like at Ross? Would that change one's opinion?
I have Energon Six Shot, Animated, WFC, DotM, Prime Cyberverse and the Kreon. My ranking:
5. Energon Six Shot
4. DotM
3. Prime Cyberverse
2. Animated
1. WFC
That may change once I get Siege Shockwave.
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on May 5th, 2019 @ 2:20am CDT
leokearon wrote:Randomhero wrote:leokearon wrote:I can't believe the ripoff Siege figure was considered the best
Because its a good solid figure and folks like you need to stop thinking height is is what leader class is in this line because its not.
It's still a Voyager figure, with a lot of unnecessary kibble, just to push the price point up.
But taking price out of the equation (for once)? Or if one were to get him at a steep discount like at Ross? Would that change one's opinion?
I have Energon Six Shot, Animated, WFC, DotM, Prime Cyberverse and the Kreon. My ranking:
5. Energon Six Shot
4. DotM
3. Prime Cyberverse
2. Animated
1. WFC
That may change once I get Siege Shockwave.
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (2020549)
Posted by leokearon on May 5th, 2019 @ 2:23am CDT
If he was reduced, then yes, because I would just forget about the terrible kibble and have an awesome voyager Shockwave, like he should have been
Posted by leokearon on May 5th, 2019 @ 2:23am CDT
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:leokearon wrote:Randomhero wrote:leokearon wrote:I can't believe the ripoff Siege figure was considered the best
Because its a good solid figure and folks like you need to stop thinking height is is what leader class is in this line because its not.
It's still a Voyager figure, with a lot of unnecessary kibble, just to push the price point up.
But taking price out of the equation (for once)? Or if one were to get him at a steep discount like at Ross? Would that change one's opinion?
If he was reduced, then yes, because I would just forget about the terrible kibble and have an awesome voyager Shockwave, like he should have been
Re: Top 5 Best Shockwave Transformers Toys (2020550)
Posted by RacerCheetor on May 5th, 2019 @ 2:27am CDT
Posted by RacerCheetor on May 5th, 2019 @ 2:27am CDT
Added firt Octopuswave for being the newest?
And they did not add to the Beast Hunters, not even as an honorific mention?
SACRILEGE!
And they did not add to the Beast Hunters, not even as an honorific mention?
SACRILEGE!
