Energon Shockblast

Series: Energon
Allegiance: Decepticon
Categories: Mega
Year: 2004

I see you.
Shockblast is a cunning Decepticon warrior and scientist. In robot mode, this cold strategist uses his particle beam cannon to blast an enemy within a ten-mile radius. His incredible vision and acute hearing make him the greatest Decepticon tactician and marksman that ever was. In his alternate mode of a military satellite, Shockblast is able to send a wide array of information between Earth and Cybertron and is capable of jamming Autobot transmissions and defensive grids.

Robot Mode: In robot mode, Shockblast is clearly a homage to G1 Shockwave. The head is pretty much identical, as is the color scheme, the chest, the legs, almost everything. The cannon in place of the right arm is much larger than Shockwave's ever was, but the resemblance can not be missed. Shockblast is very posable and looks menacing, his inhuman face and huge blaster weapon telling you that he'll blow you away and never lose sleep about it. This is one kick-ass robot.

Alternate Mode: Shockblast's alternate modes are a bit strange. One is a kind of mobile artillery vehicle, basically his arm gun on top of tank tracks. This mode looks okay, if a bit strange as it's clearly not meant to resemble an Earth vehicle. His second alternate mode, the one that appeared in the cartoon, was announced as a satelite, but the cartoon made it out to be some kind of flying weapon plattform. With his huge gun in front, solar panels deployed, and missile launchers visible this mode looks a lot more dangerous than the other one. Bottom line, both modes take a bit of getting used to, but are looking good (but not great).

Remarks: Many toys of the Energon line are homages to G1 toys, but few more clearly than Shockblast. You'd have to be blind not to see that he is Shockwave, updated for the 21st century. Not sure why they didn't give him the same name (btw, his Japanese name is Laser Wave, so if you combine them you get the classic moniker). His alternate modes, interestingly enough, are based on unused designs for Shockwave from the War Within comic line (Dreamwave). Bottom line, I had to get this toy the moment I first saw it and I did. This is the toy that the G1 Shockwave never was, but should have been in terms of posability and play value.

Rating: B+