Soundwave's appearance in the Cyberverse cartoon is quite interesting. He's somewhat silent and doesn't sound as roboty as he usually does. He's a more reserved version of the character, and he also makes use of the G1 design while turning into an SUV, something that the Evergreen design he's based on utilizes. Either way, he gets a larger role in Season 3 when he is one of the initial Transformers who gets rescued from the Quintesson Loop, albeit in a more unintended way. Now let's see how he works as an action figure in the Deluxe line!
Here is Soundwave in his SUV mode. It's got the attributes of a modern take of G1 soundwave that I expect, what with the satellite dish and the more armored design. Like it reminds me of something spies would drive if they wanted to be tough, too. In terms of proportions, they're kinda wonky and a little too much like Soundwave trying to be like TFP Breakdown, but while Breakdown worked as he was a Voyager and was also given both modes to work with, this guy mostly leans towards the robot mode. That especially rings true with how the chest sticks out. Other glaring details are how small the grille and windows are; the wide door panels don't even go all the way in. You can complete the look by adding the shoulder cannon on the right and add the blast effect piece on the satellite. I love this blast piece because it has a nice-little sound wave etched inside.
Transformation is fairly involved, though parts of it remind me of that Authentics figure, and while the arms and legs are fairly decent, and hell, I like how the grille spins away to the back, the backpack is kind of a letdown. All you have is just an empty turtle shell with no real integration in the robot mode. At least the rest of the robot mode looks fairly solid, if a little stiff than I'd expect. Seriously, this guy looks like he's constantly standing straight upon hearing Megatron telling everyone to line up and receive orders. As with most Cyberverse figures, he's based on the Evergreen design but with more stylized tweaks (also adding to that is the new altmode).
Head sculpt is certainly distinct from the normal Soundwave design, as it's more angular and sleek than the norm. At least it's painted well, even if the visor is slightly off-set. The articulation is the same as with almost every Cyberverse and WFC figure, though the waist swivel is slightly hindered by the grille on him.
His accessories are pretty much the same stuff already covered. They can be hand-held if you want, though it'd look better if they were on his shoulder.
Placing the shoulder cannon back where it belongs, we can now focus on the chest, which not only has some nice sculpted details to represent the cassette aspect of him, but we also have a tape inside!
Here is Laserbeak in his tape mode, which looks just like how I'd imagine the guy to look as he resembles the G1 version. I kind of wish there'd be more black parts on him as the gray sort of contrasts the look of the black base.
Transforming it is pretty much similar to the G1 version as always, though the lack of black plastic or paint makes him look a little more prototype-ish, especially with the head. At least the gold paint on the beak looks nice, though this guy has no back boosters on him.
You can have him peg on his arms like how anyone would, and it's an easier job than with Siege Soundwave's Laserbeak!
Here is Soundwave next to his Warrior self, it's hard to like one or the other much. The Deluxe is the more accurate of the two, yet the Warrior isn't a bad toy. The Warrior figure has less articulation but it's got just enough to make it work like with Prowl's Warrior toy. And also, he has a Laserbeak that can pop out of the chest but not be removed. It depends on what you want, but I think this guy is the best of the three new Deluxes just because of how complete he feels. Still don't like the backpack on him, and his vehicle mode's still wonky.
Final ranking: ⭐⭐⭐ and a half out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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