Blog #130: Toy Review: Japanese Transformers Prime Deluxe Soundwave with Arms Micron Zori

Just got in the second series of Deluxe Japanese Transformers Prime toys with Arms Microns.  As some of the info is the same from toy to toy, don’t be surprised if you’ve read any of it in other reviews.  (Yes, I’m too lazy not to copy and paste when I can.)

Box:  The boxes for the deluxe toys have no windows.  I assume this is due to the lack of paint apps (see below).  They look kind of awful without the stickers, so leaving out the window will hide that.  Good marketing, but it’s only necessary because the toys are so plain without the stickers.  Also, the internal packaging is cardboard, and these were very hard to even pull out of the box without damaging the outer boxes.

Arms Micron Zori

Kit:  The kits are fairly easy to assemble, and so far the stickers seem to be staying on well.  The plastic is higher quality than the Kabaya kits.  They have no paint apps and are perfect for customizers to paint up for a more elaborate look.  Each Arms Micron includes something like a spark crystal, but I’m not sure if that is the intent of it.  A sticker goes on before the outer translucent plastic to form it.  They look nice, but I had some problems getting the crystal to stay in on some of them.  Might need a little glue.

Weapon Mode:  In weapon mode Zori is a very long barreled cannon.  I really like this one, thought the multi section barrel is kind of hard to get straight.  This is definitely my favorite of the Decepticon Arms Microns.

Beast Mode:  Zori transforms into a Scorpion, which looks great.  I didn’t notice this on the last series, but all the Decepticon Arms Microns, in addition to being animals, also have just one eye.  I’m not sure if there is any significance to the single eye or if it is explained anywhere.

Soundwave (Based on USA Transformers Prime Deluxe Soundwave)

(No Stickers)

(With Stickers)

(With Stickers and Weapon)

 
Vehicle Mode:  In vehicle mode Soundwave is similar to an unmanned drone.  The main difference with the USA version is that they added ports on his wings to connect weapons.  The main port for his weapon is an existing screw hole on top of the jet.  The plastic on this toy is horrible.  The nose of the jet is made with super soft plastic and the two halves never stay completely closed.

(No Stickers.)

(No Stickers Laserbeak Deployed)

(With Stickers)

(With Stickers Laserbeak Deployed)

(With Weapon)

Robot Mode:  In robot mode Soundwave’s forearms are made of the same cheap soft plastic that the jet nose is.  I still hate the silly looking long arms and horribly designed feet that make him hard to stand up.  Some of the problem standing up is the soft plastic and some of it is design.  The USA version stands up better if not well, but this version is deplorable.

Comparison Pictures with Japanese (left) and USA (right).

Overall:  Unless you want the Arms Micron figure, don’t bother.  The plastic is just so cheap.  I have knockoffs with vastly superior plastic.  He does have the best Decepticon Arms Micron and the version that will be available separately is a different color.  The Arms Micron is the only redeeming quality for this toy.

Thanks for reading!