In 2022, LEGO® history was made when bitter rivals joined forces. No, the Autobots and Decepticons hadn’t agreed on a power-sharing agreement, but the LEGO Group had partnered with Hasbro for the first LEGO Transformers set. As an 80s kid, being able to build a transforming LEGO version of the Autobot leader, Optimus Prime, was a delight. That delight continued with last year’s Bumblebee set. But as the Autobot forces amass, the Decepticons aren’t far behind. Soundwave is the third set to be inspired by the Hasbro and Takara Tomy Transformers series. In particular, the classic Generation 1 characters. Just like the previous sets, Soundwave can transform, but it also includes an amazing interactive feature. But is the Soundwave set superior or in need of new batteries? Here’s an early peek at the LEGO Icons Transformers Soundwave set. Transform and rise up.
Product Details
Set Name: Transformers – Soundwave | Set Number: 10358 | Pieces: 1505 | Theme: Icons
Number of Bags: Bags x 12 + loose elements | Instructions: Paper booklet + Builder App | Stickers: sheet x 1 | Characters: Ravage & Laserbeak
RRP: £159.99/179.99€/$1894.99/299.99AUD/229.99CAD
Availability: LEGO Stores, LEGO Online & LEGO Retailers from August 1st
I’m sure even if you have never had anything to do with Transformers, you’ll be aware of the concept. In basic terms, they are an alien race of robots from the planet Cybertron, who can transform. After two sets based on the Autobots, it’s the turn of the Decepticons, and they aren’t the friendly bunch of bots. One of the best-known of the Deceptions is Soundwave, who can detect and jam transmissions. He acts as Megatron’s Communications Officer. Soundwave can transform into a cassette deck and commands a group of transforming microcassettes. Soundwave’s appearance in this set is inspired by his G1 toy and how he appears in the classic 80s animated series.
Before tackling Soundwave, the build begins with his micro minions, Laserbeak and Ravage. Soundwave can summon them from his cassette deck in his chest, where they transform from microcassettes into animal-like mini-bots. Laserbeak has a bird-like design; it’s a little more blocky than it appeared in the TV series, but that’s a given considering it actually transforms from a cassette into a bird. In bird form, you can add a pair of laser cannons. It’s a little hard to see, but there’s print detail on the bow element used to create Laserbeak’s head. In cassette form, it nearly slots into Soundwave’s chest.
Another of Soundwave’s micro-companions is Ravage, which is a panther-like bot. Similar to Laserbeak, it can easily be transformed from a microcassette into robot form and has additional weaponry. The cassette form is slightly smaller than Laserbeak’s, but they appear similar enough not to look too odd. The printed 2×2 round tiles found on Laserbeak not only act as the cassette tape reels but are also where the weapons are added.
The set includes a small display plaque, offering details about Soundwave and also including a mini version of Soundwave’s cassette bots. These are shown in cassette form and include two unique printed tiles.
Soundwave’s construction begins with his body. This features a large transparent screen which forms the front of the cassette deck. This is a printed piece, featuring the Deception logo, and you’ll be glad to know it’s packaged in its own packet, which should reduce it picking up any scratches. The cassette deck is also working, with a button on Soundwave’s shoulder causing it to pop open. You can then place the cassette versions of Ravage or Laserbeak in there. A couple of stickers are added to various points around Soundwave, but their use is minimal. You can also change Soundwaves’s eyes from red, as they were in the animated series, to yellow, as they were coloured on the original toy version.
Soundwave includes a couple of additional sections, which are his weapons. These include a cannon mounted on his shoulder and a blaster rifle. The latter is the source of the set’s only major issue. The weight of the rifle and the method by which the hand is connected to the arms cause it to droop awkwardly, until posed in a certain way. It’s not a terrible flaw but an annoying one nonetheless. Despite an impressive amount of articulation, you can get Soundwave’s arms close enough to the ‘play or ‘eject’ buttons.
I expected the sound brick to be amongst the final pieces to be placed in the set, but it was added early on and is located in the waist section of Soundwave. It sits behind a ‘play’ button, which is a stickered piece. I can see this diminishing after a fair amount of use. Pushing this activated the various sound effects. These include lines of dialogue lifted from the animated series, a blast of the Iconic theme tune and even newly recorded lines. The sound brick is a fun addition to the LEGO tool set, and its use here is perfect. And yes, you can slot in the Sound Bricks from other sets.
When not in robot form, Soundwave becomes a microcassette player. The process of transforming Soundwave is a little less complex than Optimus and Bumblebee. The feet fold into the legs, which are then twisted around and form the sides of the cassette deck. Soundwave’s head twists around and is then tucked into a compartment on the back of the robot. Finally, the arms fold around the back and do look a little odd in their placement. You can also connect the removed weapons to the rear of the build. The tape and sound functions remain the same in either form.
The build of Soundwave seems a little less complex than previous sets. This is largely due to Soundwave’s body mostly acting as the core of the cassette deck. Other parts of the robot are nearly compacted to create the Soundwave’s disguised form, although the sections which act as the arms and are just folded backwards do feel a little odd. Despite that, the LEGO Design Team has once again managed to create a set which can be transformed without the need to disassemble and rebuild it. That alone is impressive, but the star of the set is the LEGO Sound Brick. Pressing the play button on Soundwave’s chest transported me back to sitting in front of the TV on Saturday mornings and catching up on the latest adventures of the Transformers.
Even with the third set, I still find it amazing that Hasbro and the LEGO Group are working together, and hopefully that continues with further Transformers sets. At the very least, we need a Soundwave BrickHeadz set. The LEGO Icons Transformers Soundwave set launches for everyone on August 1st. Insiders can purchase the set early from August 1st
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The LEGO Group provided this set to BricksFanz.com for review purposes. The thoughts within this review are those of BricksFanz.com and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group or Hasbro. Providing the set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
