Robot Paradise (Fanstoys) Acoustic Wave (Soundwave)

[@davidez4640]

The energon cube is actually cartoon correct, they completely transparent clear when they get created, and pink only when filled

[@DamageInc86]

DUH right.

[@Dokken1975]

Love Acoustic Wave! I’ll keep Takara but the FT one smokes Takara for me. We all win!

[@tyr0n313]

Just putting the word out: for any 2023 runs of Acoustic Wave, his hip connection point may be assembled backwards. I couldn’t get the buttons part of the alt mode to sit flat no matter what. After watching and re-watching multiple review videos (including this one) I realized the piece with two screws that hold his legs together was actually backwards on my 2023 copy. So I took it part, flipped it 180°, and now the buttons panel sits flush in alt mode. It’s a bit of a pain to fix, but I am so much more relieved that it was fixable and now he looks perfect. So I’m just spreading the word. So much for that QC check…

[@glitchreaper6100]

what do you mean backwards, because I think I have the exact same problem with my Soundblaster version

[@Baldigus1978]

Pink is a full energon cube. Clear is a empty one.

[@DolkkarToyznstuff]

I'm sure he knows that already.

[@LetsGetitBoah]

@@DolkkarToyznstuff does he though?

[@DolkkarToyznstuff]

@@LetsGetitBoah 100%

[@martin7684]

The Vs is going to be very interesting.

[@rickycuevas6479]

I think it's a beautiful representation of Soundwave and I love the way "Frenzy" looks, also like that it's just a bit taller than the MP "Frenzy".

[@marcusisrealious1255]

THE REVIEW FROM THE REVIEWER OF THE TOY I BEEN WAITING ON THE MOST

[@billythekidstoyreviewchannel]

Great job as always, honest and to the point

[@therealcybertronwarriors]

You just saved me $360. Thank you 🙏🏼. And I loved the Happy Gilmore moment.

[@hulksmash8159]

I got mine for $168.

[@jaydonmagan4694]

ShowZ sells it for $230.

[@therealcybertronwarriors]

@@hulksmash8159 Wow, Soundwave, Frenzy, Rumble, Laserbeak, and Ravage for $168? Where?

[@therealcybertronwarriors]

​@@jaydonmagan4694 For Soundwave, Frenzy, Rumble, Laserbeak, and Ravage for $230? I'll check it out.

[@jaydonmagan4694]

@@therealcybertronwarriors No, the Mini-cons are sold separately. I didn’t realize you were talking about Soundwave and the Mini-cons. Same case with the Takara MP figures.

[@gigalogic7039]

From what I can tell the backpack is slightly mis-transformed, which would impact some articulation (waist/leg). Looking at other reviews the bottom part hooks under to give a bit more clearance. I'm only going off other reviews though, not owning.

[@TenScaryMonkeys]

For me, I’ve always wanted my MPs to look how they looked in my imagination as a kid, not how they looked on screen. The Decepticons were bad dudes - dangerous, aggressive, and intimidating, and in my mind, they were always an amalgam of toy and toon, with a little extra spice. The Takara/Hasbro version just does a better job of capturing what’s been in my head since childhood, despite not being a 1:1 translation of either side of the source material. It’s from their Golden Age, and will be tough to dethrone. Kudos to FansToys for cleaning up the back of Alt Mode so effectively, though. A lot of nice touches, but ultimately don’t do quite enough for me to supersede Takara’s effort.

[@sssspider]

I have no attachment to the Transformers as characters, but I bought MP Soundwave (well… a KO) because he’s just such an amazing design. The silver paint and metallic blue plastic makes him look a lot more “mature”, like the collector’s piece he’s supposed to be rather than a toy you give to a young child.

[@gocanttt]

Nice video.

[@scottcampbell9515]

That shin piece was all like: YEET!!!! Good stuff man.

[@IsaidQUIETnHERE]

FansToys wasn't sure about it either

[@Nyarlahotep]

Can't wait to get this in-hand - as a Soundwave fan I'm just happy to have both this and MP-13

[@itisalec]

Once again old Takara MPs showing how great they were.

[@cybertronianexchange595]

I didn't see you keeping the Takara coming, but I can't argue with it either. I got lucky enough to find my MP Soundwave at a Toysrus back in the day and it has stood the test of time in my opinion.

[@mightron]

FT is on fire with all those new releases, I'm mostly hyped for their V2 Percy as I've never had an MP perceptor, my only fig of him is Planet X, also that Skullcruncher! oooh!

[@Kickback-dm7zt]

The only reason they have all these new releases now is for a distraction from their combiner issues.

[@danielzhang2381]

@@Kickback-dm7zt oh god, don’t remind me of it. I just want to get FT Dead End(don’t really care if FT Menasor gonna happen or not at this point), and FT Bliztwing. Complete my collection and bail out on FT. The constant delay on FT products is unreal.

[@mightron]

@@Kickback-dm7zt Still waiting on their Deadend, he's been taking awhile, I have everyone else in the Stunticons

[@chickenbites8877]

I was all set to pay for AW today, but really Im trying to convince myself I want it... If im brutally honest I prefer the old Takara.

[@thespaceram2879]

What I hate about the Takara and Hasbro one that the side leg panels crack at the hinge where the pin is at.

[@chickenbites8877]

@@thespaceram2879 Its not something I've experienced with mine, but thats obviously a shame for those that have :(

[@thespaceram2879]

@@chickenbites8877 I cant bend the leg panels or it will crack further so I had to remove the lower part in order to transform it.

[@RID01S]

@@thespaceram2879 haven’t had a problem with mine

[@eastjm80]

It looks just like that red series Soundwave, it doesn’t feel like an actual transformer

[@THEWATCHERISLOOKING]

Wonder if they going to make the toy color and the black version. I’m keeping my tak with my G1 and this will go with my movie shelf.

[@bpo1975]

I've been waiting for this one.

[@TheWickedOne5150]

I still haven’t opened my Takara. So Fans Toys is going in the shelf. Lol

[@karamokolopez4464]

As much as anyone wants toon or toy or a creative take on these characters companies are going with what sells. Toon sells, it’s what the majority of fans want and will pay for. The business’s of 3rd party, all of them, aren’t following Takara, they’re following the money.

[@Scrimbleitybots]

bobby bobby bobby when will you ever give fanstoys a chance????? ;P

[@RavageEject84]

The gold on the chest should be yellow.

[@ndcp2379]

I definitely prefer the real world look vs the hyper toon. Which is why I never bought an MP44 or MP 36. I’m currently using MO 10 and Make Toys Megs. However I was never able to get the Original Soundwave, so I got this guy. To make him a bit more interesting looking I’ll probably use a mix of parts.

[@edeff1119]

TY BSF. Any links on where to buy this piece?

[@yelloandy]

You need both, one for bot mode, one for tape deck/Walkman mode.

[@KevinSig]

Wish I could get that Ratbat stand, any chance your friend could upload it to Shapeways?

[@jon-580]

I've purchased this toy and he is on his way. I think the one thing that bothers me the most about how he looks is that they made him super-toon accurate but use metallic gold on the chest. I would have preferred yellow paint.

[@Rakerong]

Yeah, a yellow trim on the chest area would have looked better. But it's not a hard repaint to do. Pop the clear window out and then go over it with a small brush and that'd do the trick. Even the chrome buttons on the hips can be taken out I believe (held on with screws) and can be painted a more metallic look or even white to match the legs and forearms.

[@JoeSmithGOAT]

I was looking forward to this review the most, not because of the figure, but more on Bobby. It's been eatablished that he isn't a big fan of the 'hyper toon' aesthetic but at the same time, he also has a preference for FansToys products I'm glad to see that he keeps it consistent, and not just magically becomes a fan of the 'Hyper toon' just because it's a FansToys product.

[@Matunahelper]

So because it’s FT, of course most of us preordered this when announced and I was excited even though it would be a swap out piece. But it wasn’t until you had it side by side with the Takara when I was like “uh oh”… now I’m not so sure it will be swapping at all.

[@TheBatman39]

This proves that MP-13 is still a true figure deserving of the Masterpiece title to this day. I think that even a Takara 2.0 Soundwave wouldn't look like a huge overhaul next to MP-13 and that's not a bad thing at all imo, besides Soundwave is always superior.

[@Jayqone1]

8:55 bless you Bobby. Takara is still holding up for me but FT does look great, I would put slime like we use to get from the quarter machines at the supermarket in that Energon cube.

[@christianferro9066]

Maybe if you didn't suck at reviewing...🤣🤣🤣 if you actually see this, GREAT REVIEW!!! as always thank you!! I had all the same " feels" seeing this thing btw I bought one and I'm happy I did, and I'm looking forward to the versus cause Takara gonna win..old ass toy ...the" Rocky" it still holds up. Btw saw you at TFCON it was a pleasure, thank you!!

[@rick-ry3kj]

10 bucks that Bobby will do a comparison video to MP13, I am happy with my official Hasbro MP.

[@failure5864]

The cubes are clear because they're empty. Gotta get up to that defarious stuff to fill them.

[@steelsiphon]

Hmmm. I vastly prefer the Takara in looks but I will still be getting this as I’m a Soundwave collector. If I had to get rid of my transformers collection I would still keep my Soundwave figures. However this isn’t the Ultimate representation I wanted. The Takara still feels like that. I guess I will just wait too see how it grows on me

[@aarongrove4744]

Where is my purchase my conformation Bobby!? Lol.. I was playing around with my Takara last night and I am not a fan of the Way it has held up over the years. And I'm much more going for the toon aesthetic so fanstoys will win out for me. But to each their own!

[@garydavidprinceable]

Can he do the lamp post mode?

[@mistagoat6713]

MP Soundwave is arguably the best of the OG MPs. He and MP Soundblaster are not going into into storage, no question about it, but I will always find room for a crasamatic fella like Soundwave, especially when he looks this good! Looking forward to getting mine!

[@ronaldpalado3160]

Have you heard if FT will be releasing a black version of this product?

[@JasonSawyer]

I think FT went full toon knowing Takara had already done what FT usually does - why do it again when you can fill the role unfilled? I'd consider this an exception to the rule of Fanstoys. I love the full toon with a few flourishes look here myself.

[@veryelaborate5689]

Damn we both got the same QC number

[@jeremyjohnson7390]

Energon cubes were white when soundwave produced them and empty. They were pink when they filled them with energon.

[@LetsGetitBoah]

Nah, this is without a doubt a step-up from MP-13. It’s not even close.

[@mlce4701]

Nice doll

[@kennethgilmore5876]

So is fans toys now robot paradise or is that just a new line for fans toys?

[@Jayce_Alexander]

I like it way better than the Takara one. So much so I actually may end up getting rid of my MP Soundwave.

[@DolkkarToyznstuff]

Cool review as always. I enjoy both figures for different reasons. I prefer the solidity of the RP, but the old-school approach of the Takara. With my Acoustic Wave, I'm doing a hybrid between the Cartoon and Toy versions and it's the Soundwave I've always wanted. However, I do agree that paint would have been better than the blue plastic.

[@jmess1830]

Wonder if they weren't proud of the final and that's why they removed the FT name and put it under this other name?

[@PSYCHOWORLD]

Mine is on the way!

[@allangrant1326]

Bobby you’re breaking my heart. I could hear the disappointment in you voice at the start & I thought sh*t I’ve wasted $$ I was one of them on the fence cause I was was happy with mp 13

[@marvinonstage]

Bobby sounds toward this product and Fans Toys the same way a parent sounds when their children does something bad and they are talking to them about it. " I still love you but I'm just very very disappointed in you." Translation.: How can a company I LOVE get out done by a company (Hasbro/Takara) that disappoints me (his words from his 3 dummies video.) with a product that is OVER a decade old?... I will admit that Bobby has always said that MP-02 was a great product and one of the best things Hasbro/Takara has ever made. And it still holds up. I would not be so kind as I think that not only is the MP-02 better but I think the mainline Easthrise Soundwave looks better and instead of dropping big bucks on the Fans Toys wait until someone KO's and I oversized the Earthrise version.

[@robin2thek]

My MP soundwave will stay.

[@mark4flair376]

Bobby "must be getting cold in Baltimore, your favorite grey sweater is back" Face!

[@gregformercy]

Bobby "This circus is falling down on its knees The big top is crumbling down It's raining in Baltimore fifty miles east Where you should be, no one's around" face

[@mark4flair376]

Bobby "the only thing better than commenting on Bobby's channel is getting a reply from gregformercy" Face!

[@gregformercy]

Bobby "I was up at 7 doing computer work so perfect timing" fqce

[@thespaceram2879]

Bobby from Baltimora the real Tarzan boy.

[@mark4flair376]

Bobby "timing is everything" Face!

[@8474Starscream]

Hell yeah

[@mdredheadguy1979]

I was thinking of getting the box of cassette tape figures, but that Frenzy! All those hollow limbs just bug me! I’m going to have to wait and see before I make a decision one way or the other.

[@TFSUPERFAN_84]

Can the g1 tape fit in him?

[@dbigesby]

I feel like we may need a versus for this one.........maybe?

[@davidez4640]

You have any doubt he will do one?

[@dbigesby]

@@davidez4640 not at all, but I don't think we absolutely need one is what I was saying. But it would help those who are on the fence about getting AW.

[@brodickrichmond5368]

Nice

[@aaronmauer7225]

I wonder if I was wrong passing on him. Haven’t watched the review yet but looking forward to your thoughts

[@nighttrain357]

Yeah… It doesn’t look like enough for me to swap my Takara. I want my MPs G1, but not cartoon accurate G1. Gonna pass on this. It look long enough to track down all the Takara MP cassettes too! Oh….and the reason the energon cube wasn’t pink is it was just a casing when it came out of Soundwave’s chest. It didn’t turn pink until it was filled with energy.

[@7tgm23]

Think we will get a premium release with painted blue in 6 months lol

[@bradbattley1509]

Thanks for the review! The Frenzy can also store his guns in the back of his lower legs in his tape mode, which I quite appreciate. I agree the tape arms are dopey, but they are accurate to the cartoon, and the paint more than makes up for it. A waist swivel on that Frenzy would have been nice though. Oh and the turrent can extend higher than you might have realised 👍 I agree this piece overall is a more literal take, but I think the proportions, materials, and build are still well done so I'm sold on it. Tbh, this piece just makes me want an mp52 trio, but maybe after they're reissued. I find takara often tidies up qc on their reissues.

[@OEAgent01]

This is a very well made and nice looking figure. I still think Takara should've stuck to the blended aesthetic and not gone for near-total cartoon accuracy. For everyone wanting that total toon look, though.. I don't think you could ask for much better than this. And yeah, it IS pretty crazy that Takara and Fanstoys have switched places with regard to design aesthetics. Thank you Bobby for the excellent review.

[@katiepersons6575]

Think I'll still with my more menacing THF KO of MP13 thanks lol.

[@Dreadhawk]

Typical Bobby, Fanstoys fanboy, to the forums to complain!!! J/K. Yeah I am very torn about this purchase. Takara's MP is very good. I'll be switching out, mainly cause I already bought it. But i am definitely conflicted.

[@tommygeorgejr2931]

Good morning everyone

[@siniquezu]

Frenzy? Lol Disappointed in the lack of paint. The finger joints make it looks very realistic, I mean that's how my fingers are. Do the old tapes fit in him?

[@PSYCHOWORLD]

Wait I thought fans toys whole thing was to be a mix of toon and a more mateur look? But now when this figure does the same, it doesn’t know what it wants to be? This is a serious question I am just confused but to me this looks leaps and bounds better than mp-13. Just my thoughts…

[@davidez4640]

Agreed

[@GibDozer1]

I think it's definitely a more toon representation, which is great for people all in on that aesthetic. Unfortunately it looks like the tapes still stink. Leaps and bounds better? Naw, I dont feel that. The MP still evokes "Soundwave" far more than this figure to me. I wouldn't go so far as to call FT effort lackluster, but safe seems apt... Maybe my expectations were unrealistic. MP13 is about a decade old now. I'm not seeing the improvement to time ratio I had hoped for here. Frankly, I just see a hypertoon paint scheme on a serviceable design.

[@davidez4640]

@@GibDozer1 There is so much you can do with a transformer that turns into a tiny microcassette, you know...and that's exactly why I have MMC cassettes for my masterpiece collection

[@GibDozer1]

@@davidez4640 For sure that's true. I honestly thought Fanstoys would do more with them, especially after I saw the price. I'm actually hoping they do tapes in the RED line. There are better options if they don't need to fit in his chest.

[@PSYCHOWORLD]

@@GibDozer1 opinions we all have them just stay consistent is all I’m saying

[@astartespete]

I dunno, Soundwave is a big character and has a relatively simple transformation, they should have knocked this out of the park but it kinda seems phoned in in parts. Think they should have gone all metallic and ditched the chrome.

[@Rakerong]

I've never been a fan of the chrome on toys. I like painted metallic looks over that, too. The transformation seems off, but I can understand it. The simpler the transformation, the less articulation it is. They gave us an ab crunch and those better looking hips so it couldn't just be simple. Maybe they could have done it, who knows. I'm not an engineer. But a lot of the tricky bits and panels are in the midsection/hips area.

[@BK-qu6lj]

Genesay qua whaaaat! Did you get French on us?

[@Optimus-Prime-Rib]

Defo dont need to replace my Robot Hero KO

[@PaulSpurgeon]

My TT is getting relegated to alt mode, and this is becoming my Soundwave bot mode. TT has always looked like a toy to me, whereas this looks like the character.

[@PSYCHOWORLD]

Agreed

[@hw7738]

Yep. That's how I'm displaying them too. AW in bot mode is more in-line with the rest of my shelf.

[@Magnis501]

I personally agree with you and I like the Takara better and thank you for being honest with your opinion. One day Fans Toys will stop paying you off for all the hype you give them.... jokes aside. I think we need a "It's Onry" T shirt with a picture of detective hound somewhere.

[@markc5193]

It looks great and it's a great soundwave. But everytime I look at MP13 it gives me the same vibe, that it's a great soundwave. Don't know if that makes any sense? But man I just really don't think I'd be adding anything to my collection by ditching MP13 for this, more of a side step maybe? It's great for people who were struggling to track down an original Hasbro or Takara MP13 though.

[@catmandu5226]

mp13 on the used aftermarket is still way cheaper than this though. You can find soundwaves in the $150 range pretty frequently, or just the 3rd party copies

[@animatedplastic]

Good review. I was surprised by your thoughts on this one. I for sure thought that you would have liked this figure more than the Takara version. Something I didn't expect. I did want to ask if you could see if the FT version can accept the Takara tapes and vice versa. In addition, how many cassettes can fit into Acoustic Wave's chest? IIRC the Takara one can fit up to 3 tapes. Just curious if they thought about that. Lastly if they have raised tabs for Laserbeak to sit on his shoulder and arm like the Takara version.

[@Rakerong]

Supposedly it can fit up to two tapes, the wall inside the chest cavity can be pushed back and there's a tab to release it on the top of the shoulder. but the MP tapes are slightly too big to fit in the front window opening. There was a review that I saw that showed the MP tape can actually go inside the chest cavity behind the first tape, but I don't know if it can come out easily and might risk being stuck inside unless you fish it out with some sort of tool. There are tabs on the shoulders and the forearms on Acoustic Wave that are most definitely for a potential Laserbeak/Buzzsaw/Ratbat to go on, but they are too big for the current MP tapes. At least, I wasn't able to perch them on there. I'm not sure if others had success or maybe was modded to accept them by sanding down the tabs.

[@SonicBoom12345]

You know, I only just realised that those two weapons stowed in the back replicate 2 AA batteries in a walkman🤦🏻‍♂️

[@carlosbarrospaixao]

This seems like a Takara atempt at a Soundwave 2.0

[@jmess1830]

Well I saved myself the buyer remorse. I actually have the KO MP 13 and love him. Plus I have the MMC Rumble and Ravage so these tapes are just lackluster. I'm kinda worried about my pending huffer from FT now...

[@claytonhenry5827]

I also have MP-13 with MMC Rumble and Ravage. It’s the Chef’s kiss combo of official and third party.

[@Mandalore2280]

Usually I'm a cartoon look collector, but man...I don't know on this one. It is weird how they combined styles, seems like they didn't know what to commit to. MP Soundwave looks better, I might keep this one in G1 toy mode just for something different.

[@bordeaux8791]

For upwards of 300$ I’d expect FT to move the ball further downfield.

[@collegecreations065]

" "E" for effort" 🤣🤣🤣

[@YasapYaakov018]

Thanks for showing off that Ratbat upgrade peice. I'll be making some for my copy of acoustic wave when I get it in hand.

[@carlsommerfeld3207]

Nice. Review. Yeah seeing how hollow frenzy is for that they are charging for the other tapes just tells me the MMC are still better. Figure looks good. Can’t wait to get him in hand, we shall see. Love the subjective and objective review, gives a lot to think about.

[@collegecreations065]

I've just one question bobby.. and be completely honest now... Can I go outside?..

[@DJKmoneydog]

Takara just doesn't do it for me so I never picked it up, can't wait to get acoustic in hand 🤩

[@jessicam.4061]

Disclaimer: I got this boy on the way. I impulse bought him and the tapes when my Takara laserbeak suffered his (seemingly inevitable) breakage. But, now I've seen Acoustic in action... I think I might be keeping both of them. The toy-aesthetic style option and more 'cartoony' proportions have simply made me realize I can justify Acoustic as Marvel Soundwave. Heck, even the backpack and sparkly-blue colour is on-model for certain depictions (weird as that is). Did I NEED a Marvel Soundwave? No. Will I do anything else Marvel? Maybe Shockwave, but a 'ARE ALL DEAD' diorama was always on the cards.

[@jonathanherrera4900]

Soooo, u are saying im good with my ko soundwave and this one is pointless?? Because it feels so.

[@gunslin33able]

Awesome review thank u ... u made my decision much easier I'm sticking with my Takara version

[@cthuludreams1]

RIBFIR GANG

[@daimons7261]

I dont think it's enough of an improvement over its takara predecessor. I'm sure takara at somepoint will come out with their own toon acurate sound wave I'll just wait for that one. Meanwhile glad I cancelled my Acoustic Wave PO. Thanks for the review 👍

[@wanderingnode]

Got one on the way. I really like the look of it, but damn that frenzy looks like crap. Glad I didn't get the cassette set. Gonna get the ocular max ones.

[@djmercenary6588]

Look at how clean those clumsy bear paws are! ❤

[@joey159213]

I'm noticing with the paint with Takara , And Fanstoys flat looking paint is where there going. Examples Tak Hound, Mp52 , Ft Thomas , ft beachcomber and now acoustic wave. I do miss the glossy look of a Sovereign, or Mp 44, and Ft Cyclonus . those figures pop so much, and a big reason is the paint job on them.

[@nachobidness6667]

I sure hope the upcoming Scourge gets an FT version. He just won’t fit in with a more pastel scheme like the toy.

[@itsme-notyou]

Alt mode looks strange. Too thick and the tape door is too small. One thing I expect from any MP is to nail the alt mode.

[@steeltekki]

You articulated exactly what I was thinking. “After all that…it’s not a better looking square?” Anyway, thanks as always

[@chadwebb1345]

I hate the lack of commitment. They went that far down the toon road and gold chromed the chest and silver chromed the buttons. C’mon guys pick a lane and commit!

[@frankielawless]

I still think the hip joints on the Takara are UGLY. I agree the tapes have a very unfinished look but soundwave looks like a solid chunk that poses well. Glad I made the purchase.

[@tekcomputers]

The Accoustic Wave to me is meh, and so is the Rumble and Frenzy.... but I am all over that Laserbeak and Ravage. Especially if they can also fit in TT MP Soundwave. I have the tape pack on preorder just for the Ravage and Laserbeak. the blue guy will go into my box of misc parts.