Sugoi! Arcade

生活はゲーセンです！

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Sentinel Riobot Yattodetaman Daikyojin & Daitenba - Part 2

Of course you have here all the gimmick you'd expect if you are fan of the anime. Daikyojin has his double swords, the big axe and of course the iconic bow+arrow set. And, as you can see in the pics, combining Daikyojin and Daitenba and setting up the bow, allows you to recreate the most famous "rampage archer" pose seen countless times in the anime. You also get a versatile posing stand, including two arms with different length, that will come handy when exposing the model in particularly dynamic poses.

Overall, I am totally satisfied with this model! Of course I'd appreciate if it was a bit bigger, but other than this I honestly couldn't ask for much more from a gokin.

Of course, quality has its price, and in this case you'll need around 200€ to get your hands on this Riobot. Fun fact (well, not for everyone): this is a rare case nowadays when you get to pay a model a far lowest price than the one it had in pre-order (was +300€ yeeek!). I hope this is could lead in a much awaited trend on lowering prices, cause honestly they skyrocketed too much in the last years (and Covid-19 didn't helped on this...). Finger crossed for model cheap models to come!!

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Sentinel Riobot Yattodetaman Daikyojin & Daitenba - Part 1

Time for my first Sentinel model has come! I've waited as long as I could, but since it was announced, I knew that sooner or later this model would have been mine.

As usual, the main problem with Sentinel models is their ridiculously high price, especially when you consider the size of some of the Riobot entries. This Yattodetaman makes no exception, with his height of 16/18cm (depends on the configuration), but I must say that, what this little guy lacks in dimensions, it compensates with extreme quality.

Though I read some complaints about the excessive use of plastic, and I'm a huge diecast fan, I must admit the mix of ABS, PVC and POM used here gives an overall great look when reproducing the aesthetics of the Daikyojin. When it comes to Daitenba instead, I'd appreciated a bit more of metal here, because, while good-looking, our favourite horse is honestly a little too "plasticky".

When it comes to posability, we are in the verge of excellence here. The inner metal frame and joints allow the model to pretty much move shoulders, legs, feet, waist etc. in every direction. If you are a fan of dynamic poses, this is definitely a model you'll love!

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Soul of Chogokin DX-04 Voltes V - Part 4

Lights and sounds are a standard in the DX line, but this time Bandai has outdone himself. The display stand includes option parts to recreate the Big Falcon operational base (yeah, you even get the falcon head), the Boazanian ship and a monstrously big V that simulates the final Tenkuuken (the big sword) attack.

Not to mention you obviously get all the possible range of weapons seen in the anime. The only downside I would feel to mention is I really hoped for the Tenkuuken to be made with metal. Damn Bandai, how much would you have need to charge more on an already +500€ model to include it???

Final verdict? Damn expensive, damn beautiful. The better DX so far. Furthermore, it's freakin VOLTES V!

Unmissable. Period.

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Soul of Chogokin DX-04 Voltes V - Part 3

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Soul of Chogokin DX-04 Voltes V - Part 2

Did I mention how I loved the pilot cockpits gimmick? They even designed the rotation mechanism for the Volt Lander so you can simulate the robot assemble like in the anime!

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Soul of Chogokin DX-04 Voltes V - Part 1

This time I won't be objective. Voltes V (or Vultus 5 as it was renamed here in Italy at the time it was aired in the '80s) is without a doubt my favorite super robot ever (ehm... Ok, it shares 1st place with Daitarn 3 tbh...). So you can imagine my joy when DX-04 was revealed being the big V!

Again, like previous DX entries, this toy line proves to be where Bandai still shines. Everything, from the enormous vintage-style box to the tiny super detailed pilot cockpits smell like premium quality.

As you can see in the pics, I must say that this is probably the DX entry that takes the greater benefit from the bigger scale compared to the old SoC (though I still love the look of my 31v). All the vehicles look more sturdy and detailed, and overall, once the Voltes is assembled, it is stable and posable like the SoC has never been.

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Metal Build Evangelion 01 2020 & Evangelion 02 2020 - Part 2

I was shocked by the incredible amount of details these figures have, the perfection of the coating, and of course the almost endless posability they offers. They also come with a ridiculous amount of weapons included: rifles, pistols, knives, swords etc. Many of these I honestly don't remember having seen in the anime, but they are welcome nonetheless. The stands are also great. They resemble the launching pods from the anime, and offer a perfect fit for the figures and the whole weapon set.

Overall, I got so impressed by these models, I immediately pre-ordered the Eva 00 and the optional weapon pack as soon as they were announced. I totally recommend them, and even if it's difficult to find the 2020 versions (they now go by ridiculous high prices), you can still go for the standard version, which can still be found at a reasonable price. Either you are an Evangelion fan, or simply like robotic design, believe me: you won't regret it.

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Metal Build Evangelion 01 2020 & Evangelion 02 2020 - Part 1

First thing first: I had never bought a Metal Build before. Yeah, I know, they are extremely well built, super detailed, super posable, probably one of the last flawless product line Bandai is still producing (SoC anyone?). But let's be honest, Metal Build = Gundam. At least for 95% of the releases, and, shame on me, no, I am not much into Gundam. However, as an Evangelion early aficionado since '90s, I immediately got impressed with the Evangelion Metal Build releases.

Unfortunately (it happens every time, I never learn), I initially lost the chance to preorder these beauties, and you know how the price for Metal Build figures skyrockets as soon as they are sold out from pre-orders. BUT! For one time, god bless the avid Bandai for having the Eva 01 and Eva 02 re-released in a limited edition, in occasion of the theatrical release of the final chapter of the new Evangelion movie series. This time I couldn't miss the chance!

End of the story: I got these two models and yes, they are totally awesome. Aside from the new coating (which I love), the models are pretty the same of the 1st print version. And that's not a minus of course, cause they were awesome in first place. Other differences, aside from the new box art, is the massive (though light, 100% plastic) Longinus Spear that comes with the Eva 01, and the recolor for both the weapon set and the stands (light grey opposite to the darker old version).

Wanna know how they feel once out of the box? Next Post!

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Astro City Mini Sega 60th Anniversary DX Pack - Part 2

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Astro City Mini Sega 60th Anniversary DX Pack - Part 1

Another round, another mini console! This time is the turn of the Sega Astro City Mini. As usual, as soon as it was announced, I knew I had to have it. I love Sega, candy cabs and mini consoles, so, again, I was doomed to invest a ridiculous amount of money in this DX limited collectors' edition. Was it worth it? Let's find out together!

As usual in my articles, I won't get in details about game list, emulation quality, options etc. You will find many other reviews online done by more qualified people. Instead, I will focus on the contents of this DX edition and its overall quality. Let's start with the box: there isn't. Well, wait, of course items are boxed, but there is no specific dedicated "60th Anniversary or sort of" box. What you get is basically a set of different boxes wrapped together. Honestly, not a good start. Ok, but, box absence apart, what will you get? Well, here's the list:

1) Astro City Mini (standard box)

2) GameCenter Style Kit (standard box)

3) GameCenter style floor mat

4) x10 Game Marquees (reduced size replicas from original arcade)

5) Sega ashtray

6) x22 Sega Commemorative Medals/Token + stand

Not bad uh? Well, to be honest, given the retail price of the thing (unless you live in Japan, you have to consider shipping+import taxes) it's not easy to recommend the purchase. However, as you can see from the pics, the final result on your desk is amazing. Aside from the console itself and the GameCenter kit, which you can also buy separately, the other stuff is really a nice addition (especially the floor mat, I love it!) if you are looking for something to remind you the good old days in japanese gamecenters, while you sitting on desk remote working (damn COVID!!!). Definitely only for uber collectors, all the others arcade lovers might simply go with Astro Mini+GameCenter Style Kit, you still won't be disappointed. またね！

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PC Engine Mini

Yes, it’s time for mini console again! And this is maybe the best one yet. Since the first announcement, my expectations have grown up day after day, mainly because this is one of the few consoles I have never owned before. And to be honest, I was not very well informed about the system, games etc. so I was really eager to have the chance to try some of the highlights of this legendary Japanese console, that back in the day was a true contender (at least in Japan) to Nintendo and Sega back in the glory days of console wars.

So, have this mini console lived up to the expectations? Definitely. Everything here is top class, from the super nice design, which is basically a 25% smaller but identical to the original console, to the exact pad replica, which even includes full functional turbo switches. Games lineup is also great, with all the classic masterpieces included, in Japanese and English version (when available). You can read the full lineup everywhere, so I will just mention that yeah, Snatcher is there, and no, it is not in English. Damn. One last word about the absolutely brilliant GUI, probably the best among all the mini consoles (and yes, own them all) which even reproduces the loading animations for both the Hu-Card and Super CD boot up sequences. I was almost forgotting about the emulation! Well, not much to say since I can’t compare with the original one this time, but as far as I can judge, everything runs smoothly and picture quality is super fine on my monitor, even without any of the preset filters/smoothing options. It maybe a little bit priced if compared with other mini consoles, but trust me it worths every penny. Go buy it while it is still available or regret it later when it will pop up on eBay for double the retail price! ‘Nuff said.

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Pose+ Metal Series P+05 Godam - Part 3

The Godam, being a classic old school super robot (the anime was first aired in 1976), is very basic in terms of weapons or accessories. But this has been well compensated by Pose+ by adding a good amount of gimmicks, such as completely removable armor panels and interior spaces where you can place the 5 Gowapper vehicles like in the anime. You can also add mini standee with pics of scenes from the anime, thus creating a sort of diorama-like exposition.

Overall, this is absolutely a must-buy model. Yes the price range is top level (349€ in preorder) but the quality is absolutely stunning. I can't wait for the next releases from Pose+ (GaoGaiGar and Bryger), which, of course, I already preordered :D

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Pose+ Metal Series P+05 Godam - Part 2

Once out the box and assembled, the first thing you'd notice is how posable and flexible this big guy is, despite of his size and weight. The junctions and articulations are really stiff (and I mean, really!) and they give Godam the right stability in every pose you could think of. Again, the painting quality is also outstanding.

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Pose+ Metal Series P+05 Godam - Part 1

And here it is! After a (too much) long wait, my first ever Pose+ model is finally here!

Where to start? Maybe directly from the end: this model is totally awesome. Yes, this tops up with the DX-04 Voltes V in the model of the year 2021 race (yes, I got this a couple of months ago, but haven't found the time to post pics, ehm...). I was eager to test out the quality of the P+ Metal Series for months, but unfortunately the previous entries (eg. Goshogun, Baxinger) have literally skyrocketed in terms of price so I patiently waited for the Gordam/Godam to be available on pre-order.

Speaking of the model itself, the first impression out of the box is great. Yes, the exterior armor panels are 100% plastic, but the quality is so good and the painting is so accurate that I'm sure you won't miss diecast here. And be aware, metal is present! Almost the entire inner frame is metal, giving the robot a solid weight of almost 1.3kg. If I have to find one flaw in the overall presentation, I must say the inner box trays completely in plastic feel a bit cheap and not quite in the same league of the rest.

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DX-03 Combattler V - Part 3

And here it is: the mighty Combattler V! Being a transformable robot, it obviously does not feature the removable panels revealing the inner mechs like the Mazingers, but it does still have the whole set of lights and sounds gimmicks. This time though, no remote controller is included, and sound effects and music tunes are respectively activated with a button on the chest of the robot and on the display stand. Really cool is the "clang!" assembly sound effect that you get once you connect the vehicles, while listening to the "Combine!" music jingle from the anime. Supercool 😁 On a final note, the robot itself is also quite posable and it does not suffer from the historic elbow instability that affected the DX-01 and 02. If you are looking for the best quality in big size scale, and you can afford it, look no further than the DX Chogokin line, you won't regret it!

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DX-03 Combattler V - Part 2

Not much to say about the robot itself, the quality here is top notch, and the size is obviously a plus, giving all the details such as visible cockpits and stuff the proper highlight. I really liked that the stand allows to display the five separated vehicles in a cool pose (and it's also useful if you need to save space on the shelf 😅 )

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DX-03 Combattler V - Part 1

Another addition the DX Chogokin line, the DX-03 is the first transformable robot in the premium Bandai model series. The first notable thing once you get in touch with the model, is its quite compact box, at least compared with the previous DX entries. The main difference here is of course the absence of the hangar, but the box quality is even better than before, with 5 separate carton boxes each housing one of the five vehicles that combines in the mighty Combattler V. A separated box is dedicated to weapons/accessories plus the display stand.