Five times LEGO went above and beyond in 10358 Soundwave
The next LEGO Transformers set has moments where the LEGO Group went above and beyond, making 10358 Soundwave the best it can be.
The reveal of 10358 Soundwave has seen the unveiling of the latest in the next generation of the sound brick, a potential tease for two more Transformers and a few details you won’t see in official images. The LEGO designers behind this build are huge Transformers fans, ensuring that this depiction of the Decepticon is the best it can possibly be.
This comes after recent negative reactions to upcoming builds, including 75413 Republic Juggernaut, which has been accused of being fragile in early reviews, as well as overpriced. Thankfully, neither such issue is present in 10358 Soundwave, also launching on August 1 but with a few days of early access for LEGO Insiders.
Here’s how the new LEGO Transformers set goes above and beyond, ready to please Transformers and LEGO fans alike starting next month.
Ravage and Laserbeak can transform
10358 Soundwave, as you might expect, can transform into his cassette player form. Figuring out how to make a LEGO Transformer isn’t easy, as explained by a designer around the launch of 10338 Bumblebee.
“As you can imagine, building with LEGO bricks means being limited to a specific scale and set of elements,” explained LEGO designer Samuel Johnson to Brands Untapped.
“So I explored all available options for hinges and moving parts. Then I began developing transformation mechanisms. I even designed a new element concept to make the conversion possible, which features in the final set.”
Considering this challenge, it’s surprising to see that not only does Soundwave transform in 10358 Soundwave, but so do Ravage and Laserbeak into miniature cassette tapes, which can then fit inside the main build. It’s a fantastic feature of 10358 Soundwave, extending the build beyond the Decepticon similar to Optimus Prime’s accessories.
The Red and yellow visors
10358 Soundwave also include an alternate visor colour, depending on whether you prefer his appearance in the toy or series. While this only required an additional pair of transparent slope elements, this small touch is sure to go a long way with Transformers fans.
Exclusive voice lines
The official description for 10358 Soundwave confirms that the sound brick in the build includes voice lines that were recorded exclusively for the set. The LEGO Group would have been just fine using lines from the original series, but going this extra step further adds a lot of value and appeal for the biggest Transformers enthusiasts to enjoy.
Shifted mass form
Another additional model in 10358 Soundwave is the small cassette player form that can be displayed next to the informative plaque. This is due to Soundwave’s ability to shift his mass, shrinking and growing accordingly. The LEGO Group’s decision to include the mini alternate form in 10358 Soundwave marks another point of evidence that the design team behind the build are huge Transformers fans. It also makes us wish for a mini truck and a car in 10302 Optimus Prime and 10338 Bumblebee, respectively.
Multiple tiles for the cassettes
Speaking of the miniature cassette player in 10358 Soundwave, this thoughtful addition goes one step further by including two decorated tiles, depicting both Ravage and Laserbeak transformed inside.
10358 Soundwave launches on August 1 for LEGO Insiders or August 4 widely for £159.99 / $189.99 / €179.99 with 1,505 pieces.
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