Mechatalk Final Gear: Morgan Herrin - Paramount

  Last post of 2023 and 24th Final Gear Mechatalk is here! Last week I have covered Arita Elite Force Akarna Squad, going back to back this time the Supreme Leader of Arita Military Faction herself who will get the limelight, Morgan Herrin! Morgan was the first Natural UR Class who appeared in Final Gear Global server who certainly attract many attention of the players at its time. But for me It was not until Final Gear's last update that I got to see a glimpse of what Morgan could offer. Considering I can't really bring Morgan to her full potential, this Mechatalk post probably will be rather basic compared to what Noctris had. But I am willing to update Morgan's Mechatalk Article should there be any specific request. Hopefully I can also make in time to cover Lilian's Article as well before Final Gear's server inevitably ends.

2023 Year-End Loot

  The last batch before 2023 wraps up! This year was a good run overall for myself just like this big haul as I was starting on new chapter of my career track which are overall decent aside from clownish coworkers. Another quite luxurious loots which are predominantly preorders but I did splurge abit lavishly on my Birthday. The main star of this batch is no doubt CCS Cybuster along with Ganyu 1/7 PVC Figure along with the Gattai Mightgaine. As usual Fate series still have steady influx along with 40k Joytoy which include some famous characters from Space Wolves. Also in this haul also include my first loot for Diaclone series which definitely won't be the last of it. By next month, I will probably start cracking open some of the Gattai Yuushas which is kinda long due already. Hopefully 2024 will be another smooth sailing for us so that we are able to enjoy some good things in life.

Diaclone Gale Versaulter - Ravager Unit

 

 Recently I am trying to really get back into Diaclone series once again starting with the smaller ones. In order to get Diaclone discussion running again in Realm of Darkness, lets start with this new entry which is a repaint scheme of the upcoming Gale Versaulter. Dubbed by Takaratomy as Gale Versaulter - Ravager Unit, this Desert Camo version of Gale Versaulter is scheduled for July 2024 release with 8500 Yen SRP.

 To be honest Diaclone's mecha design since its revival few years ago can be Hit or Miss but Gale Versaulter strike right at mid comfort zone even though it was rather lightly armed for its default setup for my personal taste. Just like Macross Valkyrie Fighters, Gale Versaulter comes with 3 Transformation mode at very least with the Giant missile as the main armament. In the Diaclone lore, Gale Versaulter probably served a role similar to Metal Gear, being a Mobile Platform to deliver Heavy Ordinance which is why it is rather lightly armored compared to other Versaulter brethren. 

 Over past 1-2 Years, Takara Tomy didn't really release too much of the bigger Diaclone Toys anymore and instead churn out smaller independent Mech units called Versaulters which are neat gateways for people who want to start collecting Diaclone. To me Diaclone hits very well into my strike zone as someone who grew up as a Kid in 90s playing with Toys like Multimac. Personally I am planning to get around 3 of these Versaulters to represent Air, Land and Sea Force respectively and I still hope able to get some of the bigger units eventually like Convoy and Big Powered someday

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Kaldor Draigo

 Less than a week before 2023 coming to an end and Joytoy yet again managed to slip up another Knockout Punch! Grey Knights fans gotta be eating good as the chapter's supreme Grandmaster Kaldor Draigo managed to make it. Slated for early next year release, Joytoy 1/18 Kaldor Draigo will be sold for 77 USD SRP.

While Dreadknights look way more imposing, Kaldor Draigo is no doubt a must have Centerpiece for any devout Grey Knights collector. in 40k Lore, Kaldor Draigo is one of the most accomplished hero from Imperium faction in their neverending crusade against chaos. Due to his immense accomplishments, Draigo found himself stuck in the Warp for most of the time away from Grey Knights which some 40k fans perceived as mary-sue considering not many living things can survive for long in the Chaos wastes. In terms of wargear, Joytoy do make Draigo looks as dashing as possible for a Grey Knight but I would suspect the Articulation will remain an issue with the inherent mold used for Grey Knight units. Whether you are a Grey Knight collectors or Space Marine or Imperium in general, Kaldor Draigo will be  a very good addition for your collection!

Mechatalk Final Gear: Akarna Team Special

 Perhaps this will be the last of Final Gear Special Edition mechatalk, but this one will still come with another extra serving of Oomph! Featuring the only playable Giant Mech in Final Gear, The 23rd Final Gear Mechatalk will be dedicated for Arita's Special Force, the Akarna Team with their Invincible Combiner Giant Mecha! 

 Back then, Flashwing probably realize that it won't be a complete Mecha experience without a Combiner Super Robot thus Final Gear have its equivalent of SRX! Consisted of 4 Combiner Mech Units complete with Waifu Pilots in Leotard uniforms. This Akarna combiner mech actually look really cool in terms of design and could have been a saving grace for Final Gear, but alas its fate was not meant to be just like many things in this game. While it took me 2 years, nearing the lifetime of Final Gear. I am glad that I still had time to dedicate an article for this cool mecha and did it the right way too.

Gaogaigar Cross-Frame Girl Star Gaogaigar w/ Goldymarg set

 Mecha Musume was one of the biggest Kotobukiya's money maker since Frame Arms girls inception and this time they are making something big again with Gaogaigar! Couple years ago, Kotobukiya released Mecha Musume version of Gaogaigar in Cross-Frame Girl format which kinda look cool despite I am not really into Mecha Musume niche. However this time Kotobukiya comes with a major upgrade for Gaogaigar-chan with the Star Gaogaigar pack and Goldymarg which takes form as loli carrying Goldion Hammer. This updated version of Cross Frame Gaogaigar will be scheduled for 2024 June release with 16000 Yen for the full set or 9000 Yen Expansion Kit for those who had Cross Frame Gaogaigar before.

 I had tried Frame Arms Girl before with Gourai which was gifted to me and I am quite aware the merit of this particular Kotobukiya Mecha Musume lineup. While Bandai bears some serious competition lately with their 30ms series, Kotobukiya did quite well on the Face Sculpt for their Mecha Musume products which  Bandai took quite sometime to catch up as evidenced with their Fumina Model Kit. Personally I am never really into Mecha Musume but this version of Gaogaigar Cross Frame really sold me since it offers quite alot of playability with the contents. Considering Gaogaigar Popularity, I won't be survived if there will be another Gaogaigar Crossframe joining up whether it is Choryujin or King J-Der. The latter would be very lit!

Persona 3: Reload Kotobukiya 1/8 Elizabeth

  Persona 3 has always been Atlus Golden boy and with the series getting AAA makeover as Persona 3: Reload, it is bound for Persona 3 merchandise starting to trickle in once again! Starting with the dorky Velvet room attendant Elizabeth, Kotobukiya is joining the early run with 1/8 Premium PVC scale figure. Slated for June 2024 schedule, 1/8 Elizabeth will be sold for 17500 Yen.

 Standing in Combat ready stance, Kotobukiya's Elizabeth comes with amazing detail of the Major Arcana cards surrounding her. This Kotobukiya's PVC figure is arguably a step up for Alter's 1/8 PVC figure more than a decade ago which fetched quite an expensive sum at some point. Despite her support role in Persona 3, those who have finished the game definitely will not underestimate Elizabeth given that she is even more formidable compared to the game's final boss should player seek to challenge her in combat. Among Persona 3 Waifu character, Elizabeth is probably one of the more popular choice standing behind Aigis considering she is one of the more devoted character toward the main protagonist and in the older version the VA for Elizabeth and P3 MC were real-life couple. As the Persona 3 Remake closing its release date, we can expect more PVC figures especially for popular characters like Aigis or Mitsuru. Heck I think even there is a good shot for GSC releasing Pop Up Parades too.

Mechatalk Final Gear: Naomi - HES-I Type-4

  Weekly Final Gear mechatalk is here! Almost done with the preparation for Akarna team Special, but before that we will have some other mecha to fill in the gap for now. For the 22nd Final Gear Mechatalk, representing Hexel National Academy sub-faction we will have the High-school girl Naomi to be featured with her HES-I Type-4 Custom mech! Naomi's mech is one of the few that have transformation gimmick in Final Gear and probably the only one that transforms as Jet Fighter so you can have your fix of Macross/Zeta Gundam in Final Gear!

Switch Konosuba 2nd VN: Yunyun Ending

  Things have come to a full circle at long last as we are heading to the 7th and the final Heroine route of the Konosuba 2nd VN, Yunyun! With her Supporting Heroine role, Yunyun probably was one of the weaker heroine in the 1st VN but she proved herself to be something else in the 2nd VN! While the 2nd VN still give not much screen time for Yunyun in Main Storyline, the player will be getting a whole another level of fanservice treat should they pick her route. Because Yunyun is easily the MVP of this 2nd VN based on her route alone! Considering Yunyun's VA, Aki Toyosaki is a veteran seiyuu, Yunyun will perform a main heroine role just fine should she be given an opportunity for spotlight.

Yami's 2nd Year with Genshin Impact

 Another day another Gacha Game to be discussed and this time is no other than the famous Genshin Impact! This Triple-A Gacha game almost didn't survive by this end of this year due to ongoing burnout that I have with Genshin over past several months. But fortunately this game got yet another chance with Xiaomi Pad 6 and the latest Fontaine's Archon Quest. But seriously Android platform do really need controller support for Genshin in near future.

Q4 2023 & Japan Trip Loot

 Another Impressive haul over past 3 months as I acquired yet another batch of big ticket items and Mainland China really will surpass Japan someday as my hauls are dominated with products made by Chinese Toy Company. Seriously the only notable loot from Japanese series in this batch are Hi-Metal VF-0D and Pop Up Akiha and those are kinda overshadowed with the rest of items already. The Crown Jewel in this loot batch are no doubt Moshow Lancelot and Skadi PVC Figure which I obtained for a very good price. This time's Joytoy 40k are no slack either as plenty of the named character started to trickle in. While the review Pace will be a slog due to my commitment with Full-time Job, I think Skadi and Lancelot will have their photo session quite fast and Space Wolves probably will make it early as well.

Mecharashi 钢岚

 
 Early this year I have seen some trailer about Front Mission gacha game made by Chinese game Studio which certainly caught my attention. However after a long period of silence turns out the deal for the Front Mission game fell through but the Dev pushed on the game and repackage it as a new game dubbed Mecharashi/钢岚 which literally mean Mech Storm and has opened its service last week on 8th December available for PC. IOS and Android.

 Mecharashi already caught the attention from mecha fans with its impressive visual blending Front Mission and Xcom style presentation and as long as it has solid gameplay and proper monetization, I think it had the chance to survive and become big. Personally I think it is for the best that this Chinese dev team called Black Jack Studio to separate from Square Enic and set forth its own journey because Square Enix themselves do not have any idea how to treat Front Mission IP anymore as the Front Mission Dev team had long gone depart from the company.

I don't have much expectation with Mech-arashi at the moment but I do hope the game will perform well so that it will see Global release someday. For those who want to seek further details, you can check this game through the Official Page.

Switch Konosuba 2nd VN: Megumin Ending

 Time has gone quite fast as this Konosuba VN article series is nearing the end of its run! Personally I am the type who prefer to save the best things for the last and 6th Konosuba Heroine route article is reserved for Megumin who is probably the most popular heroine in Konosuba being the overall MVP. In the first VN, Megumin's route probably made it in the first place by far margin due to the totality of her fanservice. But in the second VN, Kadokawa probably decided to put a brake on Megumin for a bit so that other Heroines get a chance to shine which is probably the better decision. While Megumin might not have the best overall route this time, the Fanservice is still very good enoug, befitting her position in Konosuba.

Mechatalk Final Gear: Dango Kobayashi - Beatdown Brawler

 Final Gear survived another month after the final update and it is time for another Final Gear Mechatalk! The 21st of this Mechatalk series will be given to Dango Kobayashi, A Twintail waifu version of Master Asia who can reduce any mechs into pile of scrap with her fist!  Being one of the starter SSR character, Dango had quite some special treatment in Final Gear. She is probably the only character in the game designed by the veteran Senran Kagura illustrator who is famous for certain quality of his waifu designs. Dango certainly will not disappoint on that department and she had some good potential if not for Final Gear's unfortunate Circumstances.

Warhammer 40k Tacticus

 Another Gacha game that I currently play and this one rather special because it is from 40K series!  Tacticus is a Strategy RPG 40k Gacha Game which has been released since August 2022 and still going strong with the support of the faithful 40k Fanbase. Tacticus caught my attention since mid of this year with the introduction of new Tau Units, but it was not until around September that I started to pick up this game as I need something to fill in for my Xiaomi tablet.

Gundam UC Engage SR Mobile-Suit Unit highlights

 It has been a month since I played Gundam UC Engage and wonder how's everyone going with this game. Within this timespan of playing this Gundam Gacha game, I have come upon a conclusion that UC Engage have rather lackluster gameplay. However UC Engage strength lies in providing a robust avenue for a Gundam collecting game. This is my main reason sticking with UC Engage despite lackluster gameplay and this game had the potential  to surpass Gundam Games series like G-Generation in this department. I suppose that reason is good enough for JP fanbase and I hope Bandai is patient enough in handling the Global server.

 Considering the previous Future Banner list post bear satisfactory result, I would like to use the opportunity to highlight some SR Mobile Suit Units which are definitely not inferior compared to the UR counterparts when it comes to the design. While due to the UC Engage inherent flawed gamelay design, these units might not be usable in Meta, they are still worth collecting if you plan to make some for fun Dream Team which is part of my plan. Heck I might plan some mechatalk article using UC Engage asset in the future if the opportunity presents itself.

Without further ado, here are some of UC Engage SR unit highlights sorted by the MS color group.

Mechatalk Final Gear: Viola - Nine of Pentacles

 20th Final Gear Mechatalk article here and time sure goes really fast! considering it has been 5 months since the first article of this series. After some detour with the Crossover series, Final Gear Mechatalk now return to the Original mechs featuring Viola with her Nine of Pentacles! From the onset when I started this series, I have planned to reach up to 20article posts, which I am grateful able to reach this milestone this day. The Mechatalk Final Gear will still go on regardless because I still have plans with this series and will not stop until I covered Akarna Team and some more UR Pilots at very least.

Switch Konosuba 2nd VN: Wiz Ending

5th Konosuba 2nd VN Ending post is here and 2 more left to go!  This time it is the Gentle Undead Lich Shopkeeper, Wiz's turn! I never did make it to post her 1st VN route, but I recalled Wiz's route is probably one of the weakest in that game. However while the 2nd VN treatment for Wiz as mid-card heroine is not too much different, She did have some pleasant surprise in her route in this game which make her to have one of the best route in this game. To be honest if Konosuba followed proper Fantasy RPG rule, we won't have a lawful good Lich as Kazuma's potential waifu, but since this series deviate from the rules we have gotten ourselves a Lovable dorky undead waifu!

Realm of Darkness Sakura Taisen I-IV Masterlist

 

 It has been quite a long time since I got into Sakura Taisen series around 2014! This is one of the few Mecha series that will always have a special place in my heart even if Sega had no idea what to do with the series anymore and I already got my dose of reality check with Japan. Seriously Sakura Taisen really make me put on Rose Tinted Glasses when it comes to Japan until I had my hands-on experience myself.

 Eitherway Sakura Taisen Original Tetralogy will always be the definitive experience of the series because it is one-of-a-kind masterpiece created by some of the Top talents of the time assembled together and creating something special leaving lingering fond memories for the fans. 

SRW OG Super Minipla Banpreios

 It has been almost 2 decades since SRW Alpha 3 released and while it took some time, at long last the successor of the Invincible Super Robot SRX; Banpreios has made it here! Bandai is able to achieve what Kotobukiya didn't able to do with the SRW IP back then and release this Goliath from Alpha 3 albeit in Super Minipla Form that did have apparent flaws with SRX. Standing whopping 45 cm tall, SMP Banpreios will be scheduled for April 2024 with 40000 Yen Price Tag.

 Quality issues aside, this is probably one of the biggest Minipla Product released which stands even taller than the Minipla SRX this year. Just like the Alpha 3 version, Minipla Banpreios won't have Gattai gimmick for its massive frame, But it comes with tons of weapon effect accessories to replicate its signature attacks including the Massive ZO Sword with the splitting gimmick!

 While I thought the Minipla Banpreios could have incorporated the Gattai Gimmick that Banpreios didn't reveal back in Alpha 3, I suppose the engineering is still too difficult despite Katoki did have the blueprint for the individual units. With Bandai generous treatment for SRW OG series, one might think SRW OG3 is planned to be released in near future and the recent influx of SRW Diecast and I do hope Dis Astranagant could make an appearance too since even Banpreios that only had appearance in single SRW game to this day can make it after so many years.

Mechatalk Final Gear: Ghost in the Shell Special

 The Second Final Gear Mechatalk Crossover edition is here! The 19th Final Gear Mechatalk is dedicated for the Cyberpunk Ghost in the Shell series featuring Major Motoko Kusanagi kicking some asses with Tachikoma accompanied by her ever loyal buddy, Buddy in the world of Final Gear. GITS Collab event is actually quite a special case because it is one of the Final Gear collab event that apparently never made it in Mainland China because the original GITS is one of those IPs that got trouble with censorship just like Psycho Pass. Still wonder why series like Evangelion and Sakura Taisen can make it safely even though some of the themes from those two IPs could easily ruffle feathers with the Censorship too.

Switch Konosuba 2nd VN: Darkness Ending

 4th Konosuba 2nd VN Heroine Route is here and we are already halfway through this VN route series! Now the 2nd Main Heroine of Kazuma's Party, Darkness is the one being featured this time. Compared to the 1st VN, Darkness Route is actually one of the best this time with generous amount of good fanservice from this Masochist Crusader. Seriously this one's gap-moe fanservice from Darkness is quite Top Tier because for once we got to see more wide variety of Darkness personality instead of her typical Masochist behavior who got easily turned on from any slight sadistic action directed toward her.

Pacific Rim Flame Toys [Kuro Karakuri] Gipsy Danger

 The Mecha vs Kaiju movie series Pacific Rim is getting love again! This time we are getting another Diecast Toy from Flame Toys albeit more liberal take of the Original design. The Posterboy Gipsy Danger is getting another one after the last Soul of Chogokin and this rendition comes with Weapon parts from other fellow Jaegers in the first movie ranging from Striker Eureka Chest Missile to Coyote Tango Gigantic Cannons. This Kuro Karakuri version of Gipsy Danger will be sold for 370 USD with October 2024 schedule release.

 Standing 21 Cm tall, I knew this diecast product for Gipsy Danger will be pricey when Flametoys is going to be the manufacturer but the biggest problem lies somewhere else. The Inherited weapon parts from other Jaegers are cool but the biggest offender of this particular product lies in Gipsy Danger's proportion which has no necessity to be altered at all. For some reason the Designer thhink that making Gipsy Danger's Torso Proportion even slimmer would be cool of all things but it is a mistake in my opinion. Unfortunately Pacific Rim is not a shonen Mecha series but a gritty Giant Robot vs Giant Monster all out brawl that is porrayed to be as grounded as possible. With that lanky body, Gipsy Danger will only get thrown around like Ragdoll by Kaijus and those new fancy weapons will not help at all. In any case I will stick around with Infinity Studio as their's still seem to be the best option available at the moment.

Densetsu no Yuusha Da Garn The GATTAI Seven Changer

 One of the most anticipated Yuusha to make its Toy reappearance has come! Hailing from the 3rd Yuusha series Da Garn, The Yuusha with many forms, Seven Changer has made it to The GATTAI lineup! The Manufacturer made a long due revisit to Da Garn after finishing Mightgaine for A Special Yuusha who boast 7 transformation forms thus aptly named Seven Changer. Scheduled for September 2024 Release and Standing 26 cm tall, The GATTAI Seven Changer will be sold for 29000 Yen Price tag.

In terms of accessories, Seven Changer comes with a Sword as its main weapon but the main selling point will be Seven Changer Main Body which still maintain proper size proportion whether it is in the Mecha form or Transformed form. For those who had the DX Yuusha Toys as a Kid can really appreciate that this huge improvement bestowed upon this version of Seven Changer even if it takes almost 30 years to reach this point. Seven Changer is easily the Yuusha that had the best gimmick among its peer with the complexity level of 7 Forms of Transformation

In Da Garn, Seven Changer is the Rival Character who acted aloof toward the main cast at first but eventually helped Da Garn against the main antagonist. Just like Da Garn, Seven Changer was a guardian of a Planet who took care the only survivor of the said planet fell victim to the main antagonist. Among its 7 Forms, I recalled Seven Changer often seen in its Panther or Griffon form when it is not in its mecha form.Interestingly Seven Changer is the first Yuusha that veteran Seiyuu Takehito Koyasu lent his Voice in before later making a return on Dagwon as the main cast yet again.

Here is the reference for Seven Changer Transformation forms to show why Seven Changer transformation gimmick is kinda a big deal.

Yami's 6th Year with Fate/Grand Order

 Initially I have planned to skip this yearly regular post of FGO altogether due to severe burnout I got from this Gacha hell yet again. To be honest if I got lousy treatment by other game like what FGO did to me, that particular game would have been thrown into the gutter at instant notice without any hesitation. But yet again this Typemoon's malnourished cashcow had proven itself to be an exception. 

Mechatalk Final Gear: Sakura Taisen Special

  After 17 Mechatalk articles featuring Final Gear original units, now it is time to do something more special! For the next 2 Final Gear Mechatalk articles, I will be will be covering Final Gear Crossover units starting with Sakura Taisen! The series might have been neglected for good amount of years but it doesn't mean that my fond memories with Sakura Wars will fade away and the collab event of this series is pretty much my main reason why I stick with Final Gear even if their own Devs doesn't care anymore long time ago. I might have made some Sakura Taisen x Final Gear crossover articles before, but this one will provide more in depth informations compared to the previous ones and I will also add some materials from the original Sakura Taisen 2 game as well. Something that I feel Sakura Taisen and Final Gear deserves before Final Gear server inevitably concluded their service in near future. 

Switch Konosuba 2nd VN: Sena Ending

  Third Konosuba 2nd VN route post now has made it! This time featuring Sena the Royal Prosecutor of Axel City who becomes the new cast joining the Konosuba heroine team. Considering Sena just recently got her status to be elevated, her route is overall one of the weaker one and thus this Konosuba VN Route article series. However Sena still got some decent fanservice despite her route is running on bare minimum as she filled the archetype of Christmas Cake Teacher role in this game. I am quite surprised that Veteran Seiyuu Hitomi Nabatame is the one who provided the voice for Sena.

Fate/Grand Order 龙山重工 1/6 Jeanne Alter 3rd Ascension

 Usually China Hobby Manufacturer tend to release Diecast Robots as High-end Collectibles but for once we are getting some kind of 1/6 HotToys for Fate/Grand Order series by a manufacturer called Longshan Heavy Industry featuring Jeanne Alter in her 3rd Ascension form. Sold for 1580 RMB, but the overseas market tend to sell this one around 38000 Yen with Q2 2024 schedule, Longshan promise to deliver a luxurious 1/6 movable collectible toy which comes with parts made from fabric and diecast.

 From a manufacturer that has less well known track record so far, Longshan actually have made 1/6 product for Jeanne and Jalter 1st ascension before and Jalter's 3rd Ascension is their third product so far. I am not too sure with this company capability but I think will still have problems to stand since Jalter's hair parts will be quite heavy just like what I experience with her Max Factory Dress version PVC figure. If I am a 1/6 Scale Toys collector, I might have giving this figure a try since Jalter 3rd Ascension is a rarity. However I will still look forward to Longshan surviving long enough to produce 1/6 Saber Artoria in her 3rd Ascension. 

In terms of accessories, Longshan Jalter comes with stuffs that are pretty much similar to the Figma counterpart but given her clothing made of fabric and diecast, who knows her clothing can be changed with something else which open the path to another potential.

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Primarch Rogal Dorn

 Joytoy outdone themselves this year! After Guilliman and Lion, Imperial Fist Primarch joins in to complete the Primarch Hattrick! While probably there are other Primarch that 40k fans anticipated more, Rogal Dorn announcement is a fitting beginning for Joytoy's Horus Heresy lineup being the Stalwart defender of Terra and Imperium of Man. Scheduled for March 2024 release, Joytoy 1/18 Rogal Dorn will be sold for 145 USD SRP.

 In terms of accessories, Rogal Dorn might appear underwhelming as his wargear pales in comparison to what Lion and Guiliman had with their 40k version but Joytoy just got to replicate whatever Games Workshop gave them to work on. In the Joytoy version of Rogal Dorn, he comes with his Storm Teeth chainsword and Bolter that feels to small for him. But Rogal Dorn's biggest selling point would be his golden Auric Armor which makes him synergize well with Custodes and might be able to order them around considering his status as the Commander in charge of Terra Defense. Thus Rogal Dorn would be a good addition for anyone Joytoy 40k collection if they seek some commander to command Imperium's elite units along with their Imperial Fist and Black Templars collection. Personally I am still on the fence whether to add Dorn into my collection or not since I am not collecting Imperial fist army but it would be a good investment nonetheless. So far my prime Primarch candidate for Joytoy wishlist would be Sanguinius, Vulkan and Konrad Curze which I believe Joytoy may consider for 2024 release.

Mechatalk Final Gear: Arlene - Ode to Joy

 17th Final Gear Mechatalk is here! Final Gear might have its last update and it is just matter of time before the server close down but this Mechatalk series will keep going until the server officially closes down which could be around end of this month or maybe even early next year. This time the Final Gear Mechatalk features the SSR Sniper class Arlene which is surprisingly one of really good unit from one of the last banner before the maintenance mode and requires rather minimal investment to be one of the Top BP unit out there. At the same time this particular lady had one of the most polarizing design among Final Gear mechs.

Switch Konosuba 2nd VN: Aqua Ending

  The second Konosuba: Love for these Clothes of Desire Heroine route post is here! Considering Aqua still remains my favorite main heroine from Konosuba to this day being the ever lovable useless goddess of all things。 So she gets the preferential treatment and the one who will be featured this time! But to be honest as much as Aqua remains to be my favorite Konosuba Heroine, her 2nd VN route is unfortunately the weakest among the main 3 Heroines. If you expect some romance flag in Aqua's route be prepared to be thoroughly disappointed but you will still be entertained if you just want to see Aqua behave like Aqua.

Gundam UC Engage Future UR Banner Highlights

 Considering there are seriously lack of materials related to Gundam UC Engage future contents, I might as well contribute something pertaining to this matter. Also yes, it is right! UC Engage have Gundam Aerial for one of its future banner which the Global server will also obtain at some should they survive that long which is possible as long as Bandai let the Dev kept the game's content fresh.

 In Gundam UC Engage, while you get assorted variants of popular Protagonist Mecha such as Nu Gundam or Unicorn Gundam as Bandai's favorite money maker in this game, UC Engage is do feature cool MSVs Mobile suits as available UR Banner. While we haven't get some of the best MSVs such as FA Hyaku Shiki or those rad MS from AOZ yet. But given the game's track record in JP Server so far, I do believe those MS do have a good shot popping up someday because Bandai do plan making UC Engage as robust platform connecting all Universal Century series in a single vessel. Considering UC Engage provide an inexpensive means for Bandai to promote Universal Century series for worldwide audience instead of seasonal marketing campaigns.

 Down further below are some of the select future banner lists that caught my interests and the ones I plan to save for. The rough estimate appearance of these banner are calculated by subtracting the banner deadline date on each picture with 11/26.2021 date which is roughly the time UC Engage JP is on Service and then subtract another 1 week which are the usual banner duration on JP Server. If you seek for more detailed banner lists you can check on the UC Engage JP Wiki link on this blog's right tab. Perhaps at some point I might also make another UC Engage articles to highlight some cool MS in this game that doesn't make any appearance in main gundam series.

City Hunter

  One of the legendary Shonen Jump Manga in 80s which I just got to finish reading until now, published in the era where Hokuto no Ken series reigns supreme, City Hunter do make good use of the similar artstyle, carving a name for its own. City Hunter is a modern setting Japan action manga featuring the story of a Ryo Saeba, a skilled Sweeper which are freelancers skilled with fireweapons doing oddjobs that tend to involve underworld society most of the time. However despite being one of the best in his craft, Ryo Saeba is a chronic skirtchasing lecher who only takes request from beautiful damsels in distress most of the time and his lecherous antics often results him getting punished by assistant Kaori with comically large hammer. City Hunter is a big name in manga industry simply being one of the pioneer that marks the Manga genre transition from hyperviolence era of mid 80s into Slapstick lighthearted adventures which will spawn big titles such as Ranma 1/2 and Ghost Sweeper Mikami.

  I was first exposed City Hunter series when I was a kid in early 2000s reading some magazine which featured this series as one of its articles. It was only until now that I managed to finish reading City Manga which is to be frank an anticlimactic experience for me. Perhaps because I had read several 90s big title mangas with Slapstick comedy, City Hunter does not particularly resonate strongly with me despite it is being the OG of this archetype. As the main selling point of City Hunter does not have particular strong effect on me, City Hunter's glaring flaw become more apparent which is the lack of main overarching story to build hype for the main character. 

 Thus as a result I feel that City Hunter never really put main strength of Ryo Saeba into good use whose true nature is a man of danger who can act perfectly as a ruthless efficient killer or a ladies man. Instead we got a skirtchaser who act like a buffoon most of the time in manga despite he can easily make any top tier ladies fall in love with him. One thing that is undeniable is that artwork quality of City Hunter is a Top tier classic of its era, an echo of the past that will never return as the mangaka had done his part dutifully. At some point I will probably give Angel Tears a read which is some sore of spiritual successor of City Hunter even the latter is not exactly my cup of tea.

R-Type Tactics I・II Cosmos

 Hailing from one of the classic Arcade shooters R-Type series, the Spinoff SRPG R-Type Tactics is making a comeback with HD makeover of its previous 2 Games dubbed R-Type Tactics Cosmos! Irem may be long dead but Publishers still do try make a good use of their IP and R-Type Tactics definitely deserve another chance to make appearance in Modern console.

 No set schedule so far other than 2024 release and NIS America could have done better job in promoting this game because the only trailer that R-Type Tactics Cosmos had is a 30 second shorts that doesn't showcase the gameplay at all. While I never managed to play R-Type Tactics 2 Operation Bitter Chocolate myself, I had great experience in playing R-Type Tactics which is futuristic Strategy game using Hexagonal Grid system that offers a great experience if you like mecha stuff. You will get to lead a fleet of motherships with Squadron of Arrowheads space fighters pitting against Bydo Empire aliens. I kinda regret not able to finish R-Type Tactics before my PSP broke down and definitely will look forward to play this game once securing a physical copy for Switch.

Mobile Suit Gundam UC Engage

  Some new Gundam Gacha game that just made it to Global server by Bandai which caught my attention. Apparently this one called Gundam UC Engage was released mid October last month when I was on my Japan trip and the server have been running around 3 weeks. Personally I never played any Gundam game on mobile before and looking for successor candidate for Final Gear, I decided to give Gundam UC Engage a try on my Android Tablet.

Mechatalk Final Gear: Aya Kujou - The Ronin

 One more week before the moment of truth, whether Final Gear Global server receive the final update or disappear into oblivion quietly. 16th Final Gear mechatalk has come and it is the perfect Samurai Lady, Aya Kujou who make it this time. Glad I am not rushing this one as I grinded Aya's mecha unit properly, taking 3 weeks worth of Grinding for the 4 Substats complete set and then make it in time to obtain her UR upgrade. It was a hassle to grind for a dying game but the end result totally worth for the Final Gear's Yamato Nadeshiko.

Switch Konosuba 2nd VN: Chris Ending

 After a week of playing Konosuba: Love for these Clothes of Desire, finally I am ready to start writing the Heroine routes story for this VN starting with Chris as the first one! Chris is actually one of my favorite heroine in Konosuba after Aqua and I do kinda feel bad for not writing her route from the first VN. Therefore to amend things up, the first Konosuba VN2 route article goes to Chris!

52Toys Beastbox BB-60 Hurrican

 I might not be as active posting products related to 52 Toys nowadays but I do still keep a close tab on this lineup up until now despite I don't have time to unbox my Cartons worth of loots for this series. On their recent addition, 52Toys release another flagship addition as the BB-60 Hurrican! Taking form of Scorpion mecha, this new entry for Beastbox series is one of the the largest addition yet! stretching over 43 cm on full length, Beastbox Hurrican Box Form comes in the size of 7x7cm which are larger than the standard size 5x5cm which most Beastbox had. BB-60 Hurrican is sold for 58 USD and will be scheduled for Q4 2023 release.

 While the Giant Scorpion Beastbox design is very cool and remind people of Zoids Deathstinger, the biggest selling point of BB-60 Hurrican for me are the Pilot figure which this edition gives out 3 pcs. Some of the Beastbox had Cockpit gimmicks before but I think this is the first time that the Beastbox got mini pilot figures excluding mini Beastbox Jojo figure. Who knows that someday we will have the Giant version of some beastbox like Leviathan or its future Land or Sea equivalent. As a parting gift, I will send the size comparison reference of the BB-60 Hurrican box form.

Konosuba: Love for these Clothes of Desire

 It has been several years since I wrote articles for my Konosuba VN playthrough on Vita. Surprisingly to this day these posts remain to be popular for Realm of Darkness visitors. I have been disconnected with Konosuba series for quite some time considering the series are not exactly active on animation scene for a while. And it is only until my recent trip that the opportunity for me to reconnect with Konosuba series present itself in the form of the Video game sequels. Among Konosuba games that I acquired in Japan, the one that will be featured in this post is the 2nd Konosuba VN Game which is the sequel of the Vita VN dubbed "Love for these Clothes of Desire" which I was able to secure a Nintendo Switch copy. This post will serve as primer for those who planned to play this VN in near future and provide some general guiding informations on what to expect from this particular Konosuba game. I will try to make this one Spoiler-free as much as possible and lastly don't expect Character Ending CGs on this one.

The World's finest Assassin / Ansatsu Kizoku

 Another Isekai manga that I read recently that was written by Redo of Healer author and this one is slightly on the upper curve for Isekai series if slightly generic at the moment. The World's finest assassin or Ansatsu Kizoku is an Isekai series which had a Professional Assassin reincarnated as the main character. Betrayed by the organization whom he served a lifetime as the finest Assassin, the main protagonist is given a second chance by a Goddess to retain the life experience from his former life along with some powerups in exchange of assassinating a Hero once the Demon Lord is slain in order to prevent the world's end. Thus the main protagonist is reborn in aristocrat family as a typical Isekai mary-sue only to face even more overpowered adversary taking the Hero's mantle.

 On Surface level, Ansatsu Kizoku is another Isekai series that tried to mimic the same success of Eminence in Shadow which turns out quite well with steady support for anime adaptation. Some difference is that the Harem size of the protagonist in Eminence in Shadow is smaller and the main protagonist is being less Chuuni. The author of Ansatsu Kizoku actually also happens to be Rance Series fans and just like Kaifuku Jutsushi, this series also had plenty of the worldbuilding aspects based on Rance series with a slight dash of Tears to Tiara. Considering the Demons that serve main adversary in the setting are based on Rance Mazokus which are near immortal being that can only be slain by Hero's special power. The Hero in Ansatsu Kizoku itself, is pretty much combination of Charlotte Dunois and Arios Theoman whose bond with the main protagonist will determine the ending of this series. As of now Ansatsu Kizoku works just fine as an Isekai series but time will tell if it will have enduring popularity that most Isekais unable to attain.

Ready Player One

 Couple years ago, this particular movie called Ready Player One attracted my attention because it had Gundam and it was the only western movie at that time and even until now that could get Gundam make a cameo appearance playing some significant role. While it is just an RX-78-2, it is still something very noteworthy nonetheless because there were never any that had such long screentime. Long Story short my recent trip to Japan allows me to see Ready Player One for what its worth.

Ready Player One is an action flick which feature am MMO virtual world known as Oasis. In the movie, The Oasis is massively popular online space where many people around the globe gather as their main source of entertainment until the hunting race for the legacy of the Oasis Creator which will determine Oasis Future begin. The main Protagonist, a prodigy with disadvantaged background took part of this Hunting Race undergoing a lifetime journey from Zero to Hero in the process pitting against Soulless evil corporate that partake the race for their sinister end.

 To be frank, I don't really care about the story or the main characters of Ready Player One at all because they are as bland and cliched as it gets, considering they are tailored to facilitate mainstream appeal. I just feel that the overly idealistic or desire to win Big embedded in American Movie psyche can get overbearing at times, but at least this movie still doesn't have the worse part of distorted worldview just yet back then. But I think this is the best that this movie could compromise because they have Spielberg on the helm.

 But if you can filter out the cliched stuff, Ready Player One is actually a wholesome treat for Pop Culture Fans and this one had plenty of the Japanese cameos with some big players ranging from Capcom, Kaijus and Mecha nonetheless which is a refreshing experience considering Japan Pop Culture tend to be overshadowed on Hollywood Productions. So if your power level high enough, you can really enjoy Ready Player One solely from the Cameos only just like me. I heard there are some plans for the Sequel and lets see how much Cameo that the future movie can bring onto the table.

Mechatalk Final Gear: Rebeyrca - Sharp Claws [Alter]

 Valkyrie, Blitz in! At this point Final Gear's fate is pretty much sealed as the game CN and TW server had received its last update after spending months in maintenance mode. However it does not mean that Final Gear Mechatalk will stop because I still have sufficient materials to be discussed. As I have returned to normal activity after my trip to Japan, The 15th Final Gear Mechatalk will be dedicated to Rebeyrca! The tomboyish childhood friend of Blackark Captain who had meteoric rise to the game's meta when she obtained her own mech and UR Upgrade.

Yami's Japan Trip 2023

 For those who regularly follow this blog, some will find it to be unusual that Realm of Darkness is inactive for almost 2 weeks given the resurgence of the blog over past few months. The reason of this period of inactivity is no other than this blog's very author went on 2 weeks trip to Japan! This blog's inception came from due to my personal fascination toward Japanese Pop Culture in particular mecha genre and to be frank it only took until now that I manage to visit the land of Rising Sun in person. Despite this fateful trip takes quite some time to be realized at long last, The experience is well worth it and It was truly an eye opening experience as I have seen many things in Japan whether it is the Good, Bad or The Ugly.

Konosuba 2nd Visual Novel game

 Konosuba might appear very inactive after the 2nd Season anime but unlike many popular LN adaptations, this series is actually supplemented quite generously with Video games to close the vacuum gap. During my recent trip to Japan, I managed to acquire several Konosuba games to make up my inactivity with this series. Among the Konosuba game hauls, I was able to secure a Switch copy for the 2nd Visual Novel game which is some sort sequel for the first one that I played on my Vita.

 Dubbed as Konosuba: Love for these Clothes of Desire, this VN plot begins with Kazuma's party encountering mysterious jet black slate which starts another chapter of misadventure of this misfit party. Long story short this magic item is capable of creating clothes out of thin air but this slate caused Kazuma's party personality turned 180 one at a time like Darkness turned into a sadist instead of her usual masochistic behavior. In any case I would expect this VN will offer solid fanservice for the Konosuba fans but nothing more and nothing less. Apparently there are plans to localize this Konosuba VN for PC and Switch with 2024 release date, but I would probably finished reading this VN by then. Given the popularity of the previous Konosuba VN posts, I might consider making one for this VN as well but hopefully that won't disrupt the localization plan in any manner. For the teaser here is the Darkness in her S mode.

Dune (2021)

 

 Normally this blog would have been more active given the productivity over the recent period. But for the past two weeks I was on my trip in Japan which will be covered on separate post in the future and I will just focus on discussing the newer movie adaptation of this legendary Scifi series. I didn't get to watch Dune new movie during the lockdown period 2 years ago but this Japan trip provide me the opportunity to do so and make me understand why Dune series is such a big deal in western Scifi genre. To put it simply, Dune is one of the biggest OG and supporting pillar of Sci-fi genre along with Starship Troopers which later inspire successful series like Warhammer 40k.

 The 2021 movie itself is overall solid experience for series newcomers that had hard time to stomach the 80s movie version which probably still lacked the means to bring the series into full flesh due to technology constraints. In any case Dune at its core is a Scifi series that had a Desert Planet inhabited with Giant Worms that produces chemicals which fuels humanity into spacefaring age as the main setting. While I find the author probably influenced too much by Lawrence of Arabia, Dune has a very fascinating worldbuilding that introduces many alien concepts yet still somehow believable which is a key ingredient for a good Scifi series. This is probably why Dune still survived for decades even after the Author's passing and even got new movie adaptation despite the series might not have the best mainstream appeal. In any case I will look forward to the second part of the new Dune movie which will conclude the cliffhangers that first movie left.