Packaging - ***
The box contains nice graphics throughout all its panels, including images of the figure in both car and robot mode. Even better is the cutaway view showing the actual figure in car mode, secured safely underneath a plastic bubble. The plastic tray and bubble is rather cleverly conceived, offering good protection and security, without making removal of the figure a pain... provided you have a reliable cutting tool like a hobby knife handy. No twist ties!

There is one problem, however, that can't be overlooked: the instructions. Most of the time, the instructions reliably get you through the transforming process. But I have found (now owning seven Alternators figures) that there is usually one or two steps, perhaps more, that are poorly illustrated. Don't be surprised if a step or two has you stumped for an embarrassingly long period of time as a result. When this happens, keep a good flashlight or lamp ready (if needed) to carefully study the figure's parts for clues.

Since I've mentioned the instructions, I think I should forewarn you of the one problem area I've encountered with transforming Shockblast. In the instructions it tells you to bring down the head after lowering Shockblast's shoulders. This appears to be wrong. Instead, I bring it down about halfway, then pull the rear of the car down. The rear windshield should now be free from the rear of the body. Pull the windshield back some as you pull down the front end of the car some and the portion of the car's hood that covers the head should now be easily moveable. Just bring it back all the way as you lower the front of the car over the head. If done correctly, you should be able to expose the Shockblast's cool noggin without having the hood pop off.

Sculpting - ***1/2
I love this line! Practically everything I've ever wanted in a Transformer exists within Alternators. For starters, the vehicle designs are based on actual automobiles, even going so far as to show real manufacturer logos and names. There are detailed interiors as those aforementioned. The transformations are just right in terms of difficulty, not too hard nor too easy. Also, robot mode is often cool and offers loads of articulation the initial line of Transformers didn't. Shockblast is no exception in any of these areas. As well, he has a really cool head, the eye of which will illuminate when placed beneath a light source, and a gun barrel serving as a left hand. While I must admit I'm not crazy for the choice of automobile for Shockblast, at least, I don't think it fits the character, I still think the overall design is impressive. I would have liked more dependence on the exterior of the automobile for robot mode (basically, the arms and legs, 
minus the feet, are concealed within the body), but I still think Shockblast looks pretty darn cool... with the exception of the rear spoilers. I don't care much for them.

One more thing to mention is that the figure is designed to come apart in various places. Yep, and that's a good thing. This allows a person to make a harmless mistake of moving a part the wrong way in what could otherwise have been a damaging mistake.

Paint - *1/2
There really isn't much paint to speak of. The primary color scheme of the car and robot, dark blue and black, is simply made up of tinted plastic. There are some painted areas, though. The interior has a few silver areas and the legs a few purple areas. I don't understand the lack of symmetry, however. Why paint the legs and not the stomach or arms? It makes the rest of the figure seem unfinished. The paint is applied well, except for one area where a blotch exists where it shouldn't.

I feel that I might have preferred a painted body, but that might just be a case of wanting what I haven't got. Still, there's practically bupkis paintwise, hence the score.

Articulation - ***1/2
If you've been collecting this line already you know to expect moveable arms and legs that offer bendable elbows and knees respectively that can help create dynamic poses. Of course, they don't work alone, however. Heads can be moved around from side-to-side and up and down. The hands (or in Shockblast's case, hand) can be opened and closed, with an independently moveable index finger. Shockblast doesn't disappoint in these areas, you can even twist his waist, but he does have one slight drawback. Shockblast's arms and legs don't swivel around like Sideswipe or Sideswipe's counterpart, limiting his range of movement some. Still, when you consider what he can do, you should realize that this isn't your father's Oldsmobile, er, Mazda, er, Transformer.

The joints are, for the most part, fairly tight, some to the point where you might question whether they are meant to be moved or not. The only loose parts I've encountered on Shockblast can be found on the rear bumper and the car's doors, especially the outer surface of the front doors, which slide back and forth very easily, something I dislike.

Accessories - *1/2
Shockblast only has one real accessory to speak of, his muffler. When removed from the undercarriage it can be transformed into a gun. It's not that great to look at but it's still kind of nifty.

Fun Factor - ***1/2
The transformation is nicely done, although I reiterate that I would like to see more of the body of the automobile being used in the transformation, with less limbs of the robot simply being concealed. This brings up another problem, this line is recycling ideas too often, even in different automobiles. Also, and hopefully, Alternators will branch out to include other vehicles like motorcycles and SUVs, perhaps a Hummer as well. Otherwise, this great line might be doomed prematurely.

Getting back to Shockblast, he's a cool looking figure that makes him more fun to play with then I think his design actually allows. Not that his design leaves much to be desired. In fact, it's complicated enough to keep fans happy, although it may be too much for beginners to enjoy. Finally, Shockblast's got enough articulation for some cool robot poses, has a great color scheme, and looks pretty good in car form (although I think he may have been better off as a tank, but then again, that wouldn't have fit into the Alternators line).

Value - ****
I paid about twenty bucks for Shockie at Toys "R" Us and I think it was worth every penny. The design is near excellent and Shockwave was one of my favorite Transformers growing up, so this figure was a must have for me. When news of his release first broke, I was tempted to pay around thirty dollars for him online, which I consider the most I'm willing to spend, but I decided to wait it out and see if I could find one during a regular trip to the store. Well, I got wise and browsed websites devoted to Transformers and discovered at least one that allowed collectors to report sightings. Once I found a post of a store in my area, I headed there as quickly as I could and managed to snag Shockblast. It may be a good idea to search for similar posts before going the etailer route. But with gas prices being as they are now, it may not be such a bad idea to pay a little more shopping online, especially if you can find other things to your liking.

Overall - ***1/2
The only real complaints I have - hmmm, how can I complain when the best transformation I can manage is changing a hand into a bird when provoked? - about this figure is, again, the lack of innovation with concealment of the arms and legs and the paint app. Otherwise, he's still a pretty cool figure. He hasn't dethroned Wheeljack as my favorite Alternator, but he's still among my favorites. But I confess, I dig him mostly because he's Shockblast, or rather Shockwave, as even his license plate suggests. So the score reflects this. But if you're new to Transformers Alternators, the score is still about the same. A cool figure in a great line.

Score Recap:
Packaging - ***
Sculpt - ***1/2
Paint - *1/2
Articulation - ***1/2
Accessories - *1/2
Fun Factor - ***1/2
Value - ****
Overall - ***1/2

Where to Buy:
I picked up mine in the last place I thought to look, ironically, Toys "R" Us. You can also find the Alternators line in Wal*Mart as well. Online, Big Bad Toy Store has them at a decent price of $23.99.