A place for collectors. Bandai, Hasbro, Takara, Kotobukiya, Max Factory, etc. can be found here, with new additions every month. Reviews, wishlists, anime and such will be discussed here. This one is for the geeks, so take a seat and enjoy.
Ok, so I know I just posted that last review, but I check
the mail today…and my day was made. Seems Bigbadtoystore and Angolz came
through with some additions to make me a happy camper. Been impatiently waiting
for these to arrive, but since it’s so much, I’m going to relax on the spending
for a while.
Besides all the work that was done, the practicing for the
ceremonies I have to do for 4th of July, and preparation for
upcoming events at work and at the house, this was a pleasant close of business
for a Monday…especially since I worked
the graveyard shift last night. This 4th of July thing will probably
take up the most free time, since there will be 3 ceremonies in 3 days, and I have
to be in uniform for all of them. Americans really eat it up when their
military does anything ceremonial, and even more so when we do it in foreign
countries, so we all get a sense of satisfaction pleasing them…but the fact of
the matter is, that it will July (the heart of the summer), and we will be
outside in wool uniforms marching. Let the sweat commence.
Anyway, I’m not sure if I want to review any of these. I
have read a pretty good and in depth Zero Type-2 review on Critiques4Geeks
here: http://www.critiques4geeks.com/2012/06/19/toy-review-megaman-x-zero-type-2-bandai-d-arts/
that pretty much gave me all I needed to know. I guess I don’t mind posting
some pics about it though…just to give it my own little spin. I’m happy about
that Celestial Being stand also. Makes my 00 Raiser look even better.
Make sure to read up on Loto’s Armor review. It’s a pretty exceptionally done figure, and worth some recognition. As Dudley would say, “Keep
it classy!”
Sorry everyone, but I don’t know much about Dragon Quest,
other that it is a long lasting RPG with Akira Toriyama in its roots. Artwork
for the game is very reminiscent of all his works and animation style. The game
has gone on for many years, with an impressive amount of sequels. I assure you this: whether you call him Loto, Roto, Erdrick, whatever...the name is the name of legends and heroes. In all his glory, here is the story: http://dragon-quest.org/wiki/Erdrick
The figure is why we are here, though. This is a Square Enix
exclusive figure. As I have mentioned before, this is Square’s stab at the
Armor Plus formula…specifically the Saint Myth Cloth formation. It comes with
the armor already donned for the most part, as opposed to the Bandai figures,
with only some minor further assembly required.
Very simple, but didn't skimp on design.
The opening flap like a book is a pretty nice edition to the packaging.
Like the Gold Saints, wrinkles come easily in the cape.
The metallic azure and gold trimmings make this look all but amazing.
For heroes only.
The first thing I want to talk about is the base body. In a nutshell, it’s a Saint
Myth Cloth G3 body, with a Dragonball character head. Now, since this is a
Square production, their take on the base body is not so skinny and “frail” as
the Myth Cloth family. This is not to say he is bigger than all of them,
either. Loto is roughly in between two molds of Myth Cloth. Thicker than Seiya,
tall as the Crystal Saint, yes still slightly thinner than Aldebaran. The base
body is also a bit more detailed with the abs and chest being pretty cut up.
All in all, though it may be an imitation (or even an homage to) another
popular formula, it looks the best of all of them. This doesn’t at all mean
that it is 100% superior, however, since it is a bit light. Yes, Bandai figures
are heavier (which can be good and bad). My particular figure’s plastic is so
thin, that I have rather questionable articulation in some areas…most
noticeably the knees. As with any collector, weak legs joints can and will
spell disaster with a figure, especially when posing him around other figures.
If it falls, it will take others down with it, and potentially break something.
Not good.
Nice ink, Bro!
"Tsunashi Takuto? He's a punk."
A bit unique take on head technology.
The hair piece is pretty big chunk of the back of the head, but it makes for the helmet to firmly fit.
Dealing with its articulation,
you should have a good idea what to expect. The feet have both side to side and
front to back ankle movements, and foot even has toe articulation as well.
Double hinged knee joints, with thigh and shin twisting are useable. Pretty
standard. The arms have double ball joints for the hands and wrists, and are
actually reversible. So, as they may not offer the full maneuverability as the
standard Bandai figure, it offers a more secure and less frightening
interchanging of hands. The elbows are double hinged, and bicep is connected to
the shoulder on a twisting joint. The waist connects to the legs via ball
joints, abdomen is on twist, with chest connected by ball joint as well. The
shoulders share the same setup as a G3, with a cone-like piece covering the rod
that connects the shoulder to the chest. The neck seems to be on a ball joint
as well (I’m afraid to check fully) and head is connected via ball joint. Note:
Loto’s backside is laced with prominent screws, and his buttocks is branded
with “Copyright Square Enix Made in China.
"Why yes, my armor IS shiny."
"That's no way to talk to a hero."
Paint is a good
point. A dull blueish-gray for Loto’s jumpsuit that covers him from his neck to
the start of the boots. In fact, the head is the only skin shown on the figure
at all. The boots and armor follow a lovely blend of a brilliant metallic azure
with gold trimming. In my hometown, when I played football as a kid, our school
colors were blue and gold, so this color scheme will always have a special
place in my heart. The azure and gold are only further enhanced by the few
crimson stones prominent in a few key places about the armor and weapons. The
center of the chest, face cover on helmet, the guard and pommel of the sword
have these crimson paints. The back of the helmet has a duller red paint to color
in the “hair” out the back. The inside strap of the shield is brown, and the
hilt of the sword is a duller blue with cross grooves to facilitate the look of
a handle. The face has normal pale skin with several shades of brown hair,
black eyebrows. White eyes with blue pupils, the same brown indenting on the
sides of the eyes is the same used on the mouth. This is a bit strange to say,
but of all my figures, this might be the best sculpted nose I have ever seen on
an action figure. Sure, statues, and some trading figures have good noses, but
this one takes the cake for any figure I have. Good job, Square! Another interesting
thing to look at is the sword and shield. The shield is reminiscent of the
sigil on the front of the package (or is it the other way around?) and the
sword is superbly painted as well. Now, I’m not sure if the language engraved
on the shield is either Greek, Roman, or something else entirely, but it
undeniably reads “Roto”, or Loto to us in the west. As for the sword, the
fuller (inner indent of the blade) is gold, and engraved with letters that I
think say Dragon something. The second word is 5 characters, and ends in a “T”
so…maybe “Dragon Quest?” Maybe someone out there can help me out?
Making swordplay look good since '86
Next, is armor
assembly. The boots are already there as a part of the base body, but they
need to be removed so that the leg armors can be slid on. The same thing with
the hands, as they need to be removed so the forearm armor can be slid into
place. Next is the chest. Via two hinges on the rib cage area, the back side
opens and closes again once the arms are through. The waist parts connect in
the front and the back and secure into holes and pegs on both front and back of
the chest, and waist pieces themselves. The side skirt armors peg into little
grooves on the waist, and the shoulders follow the process but opposite. The
shoulders have the receiving end as opposed to the skirt armor’s giving end.
It’s just like the Myth Cloths. The
cape is added with two dangerously small golden pegs that insert through the
holes of the cape into the receiving holes of the chest, hang over the traps
and drape down the back. Finally, the helmet is added by removing the hair
piece from the heat. The helmet, however is a technology all its own. It does
not simply fixate itself atop a bald head, but rather has a protruding white
piece of plastic that grooves into a large receiving plastic arrangement in the
head. It’s a bit difficult to explain without simply showing you, or reading
its instructions.
Cape and Shield applied. Hero status: achieved.
Special parts aren’t
too plentiful with this, but I think I know why. Two extra sets of hands
(holding and opened), sword, shield, and the cape made out of the same cheap
material that the original Gold Saints have for their capes. The helmet has a
special gimmick that allows the face guard goes up and down, discerning whether
Loto is either looking nice, or is in the midst of battle. Like before, all
parts are beautifully painted, and have a simple yet distinguishing design.
Keep in mind that in order to use the shield, the hand must first be removed
put on the handle then the grooved strap must slide over the arm. Then, the
hand can be put back on the ball joint.
Teaching heroes a thing or two about slaying Dragons.
Faceguard down
Gracious sculpt enough to see his eyes even through the faceguard. Nice touch!
That is what a hero looks like.
Completed, this kit retains its articulation, which is a big
plus. Now, for those that never seen this, I bet you’re wondering: How much of
it is die cast? Answer: none. Imagine the shock. I knew the box was a bit light
when I picked it up, but when I held it in my hand, I was amazed. Revoltechs
Geno Breaker and even Alphonse Elric outweigh this thing. In fact, the only
metal to be found here are the screws, and rivets that make up joints. That’s
impressive, since from an outside look, the point job would have you believe
that the armor would put all kinds of weight on it, but it’s not the case here.
Maybe I should have done a bit more research about this
particular exclusive, but everything I seem to find is in Japanese, and Google
Chrome can’t translate everything. So far, due to the amount of pieces it came
with, and the material used in the armor, I am led to believe that the purpose
of this figure is “compatibility”. This comes from an RPG, and this particular
armor must be found, not given. So, if I’m not wrong, I would guess that there
are other armors around. This is where this figure would shine. Releasing other
figures or just other armors in general that coincide with this particular mold
would be superlative in retrospect. So, I hope that Square releases more of
this for the sake of compatibility, or even for the sake of making an actual
line from Dragon Quest, and not just an exclusive.
"Have at thee!"
Overall, I have to give this a 7.5/10.I would have rated higher, but it lacks some
certain flair and accessories to truly complete a figure nowadays. Also, though
it may be a nice aspect to have such light armor, it doesn’t secure properly.
When donned, you can still move it around while on the body without moving the
main body itself. Again, because it’s light and retains articulation, it can be
posed in beautiful dynamic ways…but you really don’t need to here. Even if you
wanted to, it’s a Square figure, and not very compatible with your average
stand. You aren’t just going to make do with your standard Tamashi Stage, and
expect this to turn out alright. No extra faces to make him look either
friendly, fierce, confused anything. It kind of leaves the toy as a blank for
me when I’m imagining things to do with posing.
Legendary Armor and Legendary Robe
Azure battle
Why get it? The same reason I did: rarity. I think this will
have some real good resale value years down, and if not, it will certainly be
rare this time next year, so you will be able to fetch a pretty penny for it.
If you are a huge Dragon Quest fan, I would totally recommend this, because no
matter what, it is a great figure.
The capes remind me of the Singapore flag, lol.
In all honesty, I bought this because I thought of how rare
it will be years later and a bit as a nod to finally have something in my
collection with Akira Toriyama on it, and it not be Dragonball anything (not
that anything is wrong with Dragonball, but it’s nice to have something else
from him). I didn’t check until after it shipped, that it was made by Square.
Not that I mind Square’s Play Arts (Kai) series. They are some great stuff in
there, but I do not collect from Square. They simply offer a kind of style that
I don’t feel like diving into again. Years ago, I had two different Sephiroth’s
and a Kadaj. They were all customized with wings from Redeemer and Redeemer II
figures from the Spawn series. They have since been back at my home in New
Jersey, and I have not looked at them in almost 3 years. The last reason I do
not collect Square, is the money and the grunge look. I would have to get
pretty much everything I’m interested in, which would include everything Street
Fighter (Ryu, Akuma, Cammy, Chun-Li), Bleach (Ichigo, Toshiro, Rukia), Nathan
Drake, and Kratos. That is a pretty hefty chunk, besides finding them all still
available at respectable retailers. Everything else I have has a certain amount
of cartoon to it, and they would be a bit too close to real for them to fit in
with everything else.
What legends are made of...
The only one of its kind in this collection.
Finally, it will be quite difficult to leave you off with
this doing what it does best. All I can really find are vids that show finding
it. Maybe some of you have played this game, and it will bring some nostalgia
to your eyes. Maybe someone has never found this armor. In whatever way, I hope
these vids help in promoting the figure, because believe me…it is worth the buy
(if the price has not risen).
Yeah, this game has roots, son!
Just to see where it has gone for 25yr anniversary.
Enjoy the rest of this month everyone. We still have some
nice releases scheduled for June, and I have some mail that I am
ever-so-patiently waiting to arrive here. I swear, if there are two companies
that have made real bucks off of me in my lifetime, it’s Bandai and Hasbro…but
hey, who haven’t they raked money from?
