Transformer Generation 1 Re-issue Exclusive Soundwave Decepticon .

My 6yr old recently got interested in Generation 1 Transformers after I showed him the extras DVD from Season 2's BotCon 2002 coverage where my wife and I attended in Ft. Wayne - Because she's actually not into Transformers at all, but wound up making a cameo appearance on the DVD and says my/his name clear as a bell... Since then it's been nothing but Gen 1 in the DVD player! :) And SoundWave instantly became his favorite character (probably because of the vocoder almost musical effect used to create SoundWaves voice - no simple task to itself) I have the Takara reissue wave-1 but cant find it to save my life. And he's been drooling over my US MISB original since he got going w the Transformers bug. So I set out to avoid auctions and find one QUICK for his recent birthday. Thank you Amazon!!!Not only is this series graced w nicer packaging, but getting two cassettes opposed to one was a big plus. Sure, there are MINOR differences (Like Primes shortened stacks on the US re-ish) But they are miniscule and for this purpose, utterly insignificant. This a perfect alternative to a loose original for a kid's gift, and as noted by others - Has some seriously nice display quality in its packaging design. He treasures this toy above all others and though he plays with it constantly, is always sure to not drop or scratch it and puts it back in it's place when done. And I said not a word - This is for play, not collecting (for him/me at least) And coupled with the 4-pack of cassettes from Takara, I thought his eyes were going to bug out as he peeled away the wrapping. I made no mention of getting it for him, and he was honestly content to look at my original in one of the cabinets - So this was probably the best toy I've ever gotten him, and that is saying a lot!! Already had all the waves of HOC figures so I opened a case and pulled out a SoundWave and Megatron w LaserBeak on his arm and wrapped them all together. I can say this is a really well made reissue that both he and I will be proud of, maybe for a lifetime. Dont think, GET IT NOW!!!

Why is a robot turning into a tape deck and animals into tapes so much fun? I mean cars and jets I can understand but a tape recorder?? The real fun of this edition of Soundwave is his nostalgia value. He's virtually the same figure as the old one from my childhood. He stands proudly on the shelf amidst my other favorite figures.What's good:He's virtually the same figure as the original which is really cool for us gown-up kids.His weapons become batteries which fit into a battery compartment. Did the original do that? What a nifty idea!He comes with Laserbeak and Ravage, two of his most popular minions. Honestly Ravage was probably the biggest reason I wanted this package.His tape deck is oversized (without looking bulky) so both tapes can fit in his chest at the same time. This is neat if you want to recreate the cartoon where he ejects multiple minions at once.What's bad:He relies on the old decal method for his details. It looks fine now, but decals tend to wear off easily. Plus a lot of the detail must be applied by the owner and yet there is no indication of where they are supposed to go.He doesn't have much articulation. I wanted to pose him with Laserbeak on his shoulder and make him look active. It was hard to get a steady pose, and it doesn't look as life-like as I had hoped.He does have some details, but they really aren't what I expected.I don't know if kids today are going to love Soundwave as much as we did so many years ago. Do kids even know what tapes are anymore? So for playtime I can't promise him to be the best purchase. If what you want is an icon of days gone past for your shelf, though, the combination of such recognizable G1 characters as Soundwave, Ravage, and Laserbeak is one of the best packages you're likely to find.

I made a dork move when buying this one.I bought two of these Souundwaves.I opened one and put the decals and doo-dads on it.I transformed Soundwave and the two cassettes,Ravage and Laserbeak.The other one stayed sealed and I locked it up nice in tight in my fireproof gun-safe.It's where I keep my other "original" Transformers and GIJOE toys.So you get everything with this Soundwave.It is very accurate to the original except the plastic is thicker and sturdier which is a good thing actually.You don't worry as much about breaking the d--n thing.But to collectors,I have one suggestion.Do not put this toy in the hands of a 5 year old.It may end up in a hundred pieces or stuck in the mud in your backyard somewhere. I "HAD" a Optimus Prime re-issue a while back,I let a friend's kid hold it.This kid threw it on the concrete floor of a garage and it smashed into a thousand pieces.I made my friend write me a check for damages and needless to say,we are not friends anymore.Overall,this commerative edition will satisfy your need to re-live your childhood in the 1980's with the best toys ever made.To collectors,I would also suggest that you pick up the 25th Anniversary Generation 1 Optimus Prime and the rare Masterpiece Edition of Generation 1 Megatron.The Masterpiece Megatron is "All Diecast Metal" and it has some small fragile parts.And you can also purchase the accessory pack on Amazon which by the way comes with a red LED gunsight.That "toy" should be handled carefully and kept in the original box.I have all three of these editions and I will NEVER sell them to anyone,I just won't do it.So if you see great deals like this,do not second guess it,grab it immediately.You'll love it!