Trigger Machine Splash
One more Trigger Machine to even out that last Good Striker I had that was missing a head since I got Jackpot Striker. Well, that’s not entirely true. I mostly got it because I thought the symmetrical arms alongside Trigger Machine Crane would look really cool, and it’s the only time since Abaranger you could do same-mold arms (Triceratops and ChasmoShieldon).
The Good: I like the gimmick escalation here, with the first auxiliary machines being just arms, the second being an arm and a weapon, and these being an arm and a head. Most auxiliary machines that aren’t used for combining, like in Ninninger and Kyoryuger, are pretty basic so having a series that constantly outdoes each subsequent release is cool. To me, it’s also reminiscent of a movie toy, which if you know me you’ll know I have a lot of fun seeing the differences with, but...
The Bad: This isn’t a movie toy. This is a mainline release, which means it isn’t a clever use of existing parts to save money while giving the audience something new (well, maybe it is), it’s just lazy. The only new parts, other than the extinguisher, are the cab and ladder. Trigger Machine Drill can even fit inside Splash just like it can in Crane:
Another more minor complaint I have is the neck connection. Instead of securely fitting onto the ratchet peg like Red or 01, it only fits onto the very tip, which may allow you to move it to some degree like I did in that first pic, but that makes it not very secure and it’s hard to get it perfectly straight:
The Ugly: More than anything else, this just cements for me that the PatRangers really are second fiddle. Not only is this just a slightly altered Crane, but the PatRangers have it stolen from them before they can even use it. So the numerical motif and the Pat [S] symbol? Pointless. Again, this show is LupinRanger feat. PatRanger, and it’s going to take some serious shifts in writing to change my opinion on that fact.
Overall, I can’t recommend Splash, but I wouldn’t say to not get it if you’re not interested. Its main problem is that it’s lazy, but if you don’t have Crane or like seeing how Bandai handles their remolds, then you might enjoy it.