Mechatalk Final Gear: Snowy - Battle Sphere

   While the relationship is not exactly reciprocal, my devotion toward Final Gear has come quite a long way and now it is time to cover article for my first starter SSR unit with her unique mech, Snowy! Actually I do kinda feel bad with Snowy since I neglected her unit for quite a long time and it is not until the Conflict Zone Boss update that made her join active combat once again. And with the maintenance mode weekly boons, Snowy finally managed to reach her UR Upgrade which normally would never even make it by the end of this year. In any case, the 13th Final Gear Mechatalk will be dedicated for the best DPS Support Hamster Ball.

SRW OG HG Huckebein Mk-III & AM Gunner

  For a long time Bandai have been treating Huckebeins as thorn on the side and tried any means to sideline Katoki's stepchild of Gundam whenever possible. But as SRW OG Lineup being resurrected, Huckebein got into the queue pretty early with no foul play whatsoever starting with Mk-II and now Mk-III got the opportunity to show up along with AM Gunner Unit as P-Bandai item. Sold for 4500 Yen. HG Huckebein Mk-III will be scheduled for January 2024 while AM Gunner will be sold for 7700 Yen costing 12200 Yen in total for the whole set. 

 Costing 1.5 times of the Kotobukiya's Huckebein, I would expect Bandai will be more than capable to improve where Kotobukiya left off considering the the old version had some issues on the Hip and Arms articulation. One thing that Bandai did different is definitely the AM Gunner which Kotobukiya didn't able to bring up when they had the SRW OG License even though they did make Boxer Unit and I am still surprised Bandai to be rather generous on AM Gunner pricing considering they can sell it for more than 10000 Yen if they feel like to. In SRW OGs AM Gunner is a very good artillery unit capable of Long Ranged sniping coupled with high mobility able to rain barrages of bombardment with its Graviton Cannons and Homing missiles. Though I recall it has some issues in evasion when being attacked if unupgraded. Just like Boxer Unit, AM Gunner is used by Ryoto Hikawa who is the official pilot of Huckebein Mk-III but any SRW Alpha Protagonist will do actually. As someone who owned Huckebein Boxer before, I am more than happy to double dip Bandai's Mk-III because my modelling skill didn't do justice for my Boxer back then and I am very interested with the AM Gunner unit myself.

Late Sept 2023 Loot

  At times I am quite surprised that I am still able to maintain my pace in acquiring new collections at steady pace and this time the Chinese made series really begin to overtake the Japanese counterpart. In this batch only 2 of the items are Japanese series which I will leave you to figure it out because the Nendoroids is from Arknights anyway. My 40k Collection is growing in very fast pace with Saint Celestine being the most notable among the crowd. I am also giving a try for Chinese Model Kits which apparently have Diecast frame though I personally still doubt that I have spare time to build one. In any case the 40k series will be featured faster in my Instagram feed compared to the rest.

Monster Hunter Capcom Figure Builder Alatreon

 Capcom is getting really active again with their Monster Hunter IP this month with Monster Hunter 6 within realm of possibility and the release of Monster Hunter Now which is warmly received by the fans. Straight after Deviljho, CFB comes with another heavy hitter yet again and this time is the Elemental Master Elder Dragon, Alatreon! Scheduled for March 2024 release, CFB Alatreon will be sold for 33000 Yen.

Standing upward on top the molten rocks of Sacred Land, Alatreon deviantly gazing toward the Heaven with its Skypiercer Horn proudly adorned as a crown. This Capcom's Premium Figure is yet another perfect physical representation of this Apex Predator Elder Dragon. Debuted in 3rd Generation, Alatreon is an Elder Dragon that capable of wielding several elements to its advantage serving as Endgame Challenge for seasoned Hunters who want to prove their worth. I first encountered Alatreon in MHP3 but later had more intimate Encounter with this guy as I hunted more than 100 of this Elder Dragon in MH3U Spread across 3 alt characters. The main challenge from Alatreon is not the solo fight itself, but breaking both of the horns which is the only way to obtain Skypiercer. While Alatreon mechanics probably greatly differ in MHW, I still remembered fondly the moments where I farmed this guy with Brachy Gunlance and then eventually cheese this thing with Kelbi Bow since it was very weak against Slime element in 3U. While the CFB version is out of my price budget, I will be waiting for Bandai to release SHM for this legendary Elder Dragon.

Mechatalk Final Gear: Ruby - Mirror Inanis

 All hail to the Queen Ruby! Hands down the best UR and DPS unit in Final Gear, this Shooter Class lass will melt everything literally in the matters of second. Whether it is endgame PVE content or Top Tier PVP, any players will need Ruby in their team to get the most out of what Final Gear have in store. Thus this blog's 12th Final Gear mechatalk will be dedicated to this most powerful unit of Final Gear.

Arknights Monster Hunter Collab event Afterthoughts

 6 months has passed since the Arknights MH Collab Event was announced and time goes so fast as this event already nearing its end. Personally I am happy that I am able to keep my end of bargain to support Arknights over this period of months no matter how minor the contribution is. Dubbed "Flurry to the Flame" Arknights is bringing a glimpse of MH Universe to Arknights which feature The King of the Sky "Rathalos" as Cameo. Overall this collab event quality is as good as Rainbow 6 Siege Collab back in 2021, However by this time I think Hypergryph could have optimised this sort of rare collab events even further with the experiences they have accumulated instead of just repeating the run-of-the mill stuffs.

Earnestcore Craft Robot Build RB-13P Poseidon Raya Test-type

 Earnest Core strikes back again with their cool concept mecha and this time they are revisiting their previous Robot Build Poisedon and add a new touch up to become an alternate version dubbed R-Test Type. Previously designed as all rounder medium heavy mecha, this new variant of Poseidon is given a flight capability and got a giant energy sword as Icing on top. Robot Build Poseidon Raya Test-type will be scheduled for December 2023 release with 7800-8500 Yen Price tag.

 At the first glance of the loadout, this Poseidon is getting Advance of Zeta treatment as the flight unit parts makes the mecha look very similar to Hrairoo from the Gundam Spinoff series. Apart from the plane mode, Poseidon R is also capable to be transformed into Bipedal form which makes this guy looks like something in between Macross Gerwalk and Zoids Geno Saurer probably due to the similar parts from Valhallan was given to this guy. While I had the original Poseidon since last year, unfortunately the guy still lies in my Pile of Shame which I blame to my 966 work schedule. In any case I won't mind getting this guy if my local distributor had this guy available for preorder.

Dungeon Meshi - Delicious in Dungeon

 It has been 10 years since the first serialization and Things have come to a full circle for this Fantasy Masterpiece of a manga with the final chapter being published last week, Truly it is a very enjoyable ride while it last. While I never thought Cooking and Fantasy genre is particularly compatible, Ryoko Kui-Sensei had proved otherwise with her Dungeon Meshi. I have reserved writing any post related with Dungeon Meshi as my own way to pay respect for this series since I wanted to give the most proper judgement that this series deserves. Long Story short, Dungeon Meshi is probably one, if not the best Fantasy series that came out of Manga Industry over past 20 years being a complete package of a good story. 

Mechatalk Final Gear: Murasaki - Arcidia

 11th Final Gear Mechatalk and we are now moving onto yet another new Faction in Final Gear, Health & Happiness Mercenary Group represented by Murasaki. Arguably one of the best Defender Unit in the game if not for the glaring flaw of her kit. Don't be fooled with the weird base mecha design, Murasaki's Activated Unit is more than enough when it comes to imposing presence.

Warhammer 40k Joytoy Adeptus Custodes series

 Joytoy 40k Collectors will be eating good or maybe getting their wallets busted yet again but probably both. While the release order is rather strange finally we are getting the Vanilla Adeptus Custodes with the iconic conical helmets that got them nicknamed as "Banana Boys". The pricing haven't been announced yet but we would expect this version of Golden Guardians of Emperor of Mankind will be sold around 50 USD SRP just like the previous Custodes release and given Joytoy Track record we can expect their release by December or early 2024.

 Silly nicknames aside, Adeptus Custodes is some of the most formidable warriors that Imperium of Men possess. Once accompanied the Emperor of Mankind as his personal bodyguard during the Great Crusade era, now these Elite of the Elite warriors dedicate their entire life to protect what remains of Emperor sitting on the Golden Throne of Holy Terra. Equipped with easily the best Wargear in the Imperium, A single Custodes can easily wipe out a Squad of regular Space Marine is just a mere glimpse to show the strength gap of the Imperium's Finest. 

Personally I will get at least one of these Banana Boys with the leftmost being my prime candidate due to close resemblance to Kitten from Text To Speech series. I owed alot from Emperor TTS as I learn many 40k lores from this High Quality 40k Fanmade Videos and it is still one of the better gateway to this Epic Sci Fi series. I am quite sure the Custodes companion, Sisters of Silence can be released in near future if Joytoy wills it

Monster Hunter SHM Tigrex

 When you thought Tamashii Nation have stopped their SHM production for Monster Hunter series they return with a big fish this time! Mizutsune was rather random choice last time but the definitive Posterboy of 2nd Generation Monster Hunter, Tigrex is here! Scheduled for January 2024 release, SHM Tigrex will be sold for 15000 Yen.

 The SRP of SHM Tigrex saw some rather slight increase compared to previous Monster Hunter SHMs but this rendition of Tigrex shouldn't disappoint with the gimmick it offers. Not sure which parts need to be swapped, but SHM Tigrex is able to replicate its rage form in which its blood vessels popping out of its skin making this guy accelerates from hitting like a Truck to a goddamn Train. SHM Tigrex also come with a hunter figure which happens to be Mafumofu armor equipped with Longsword which will certainly make PSP MH Vets reminisce about Sinking Feeling. As for me, this rendition of Tigrex will just remind me of my days in Highschool days when I kept chopping Tigrex Head with Devil Slicer for its scalp in Village 5* quest. Honestly Bandai could still continue MH SHM with some other popular monsters and I would gladly wait for SHM Rajang to join my MH collection.

Alexander Nevsky (1938)

 Encountered this classic gem of a movie when I watched some Berserk related fan made videos. For a movie made in 1930s Soviet Union, the production value is very good actually that it still hold up quite well against the passage of time to this day and apparently lead some innovations in filmmaking at its time. Alexander Nevsky is a historical epic movie depicting the Heroic feat of Slavic Rus Prince, Alexander Nevsky in rallying his people to defend their motherland against invasion of Teutonic Knight. The Storyline of this classic movie maybe very simple and straightforward, yet no doubt, it is more than capable to evoke some powerful emotion for its targeted audiences.

  Go and tell foreign lands that Rus lives, they can visit her without fear. But whoever shall come to us with a sword, shall perish by the sword.

  Considering this movie was produced in Soviet period before World War 2 occurred, no doubt there will be propaganda incorporated into the movie but overall Alexander Nevsky is still a movie with solid production value which I found the Medieval Armor prop quality particularly stand out the most. I am very surprised that this movie was able to predict the eventual German attempted aggression through Operation Barbarossa 3 years in advance mirrored through Teutonic Knights serving as the antagonists. Or perhaps the brewing sentiments between Russia and Germany were at critical level already at that time. 1960 Polish Knights of Teutonic Order movie was equally epic movie and had similar vibe with Alexander Nevsky. But the latter just had stronger impact simply because it was able to foresee things ahead of its time.

Nevertheless Alexander Nevsky is still quite relevant to this day as it provide a good insight on the general Psyche of Russian people when it comes to their expected reaction toward matters that threatens against their sovereignty. Among any things the clearest thing the movie convey is that the no-mercy-shall-be-spared attitude towards the collaborators that conspired with anything that tried to invade their homeland. 

Honestly I watched Alexander Nevsky just to expect some good Medieval actions but came out obtaining insights on something else. Seriously If you want some good Medieval action movies on epic scale, This movie and Knights of Teutonic Order are certainly good movies. Perhaps at some point I will spare my time to watch Battleship Potemkin too.

Monster Hunter Capcom Figure Builder Deviljho

 Arknights Monster Hunter just begun last week and at the same timing we got yet another good stuff for Monster Hunter from Capcom Figure Builder series! Once debuted in 3rd Gen more then a decade ago, The Pickle from Hell Deviljho decided to make its appearance as a full fledged Premium Figure. Standing 26cm tall, CFB Deviljho will be scheduled for February 2024 with 22000 Yen price tag.

 A roaming Brute Wyvern, Deviljho is a threat to any ecosystem that it treads into due to its voracious endless appetite caused by its abnormal metabolism. Despite its status as Brute Wyvern, Deviljho can even put up a good fight against Elder Dragons and came on top relying its sheer force of muscles and bestial instincts. When enraged, Deviljho's already impressive muscle mass bulked up even further, tearing up its skin and exposing its many battle scars from its previous many fights. At some point when Deviljho succumbed to its insatiable appetite, It will descent into permanent enraged self known as Savage Deviljho.

The CFB Figure portrayed Deviljho's traits quite perfect as it display its Nimbleness despite hulking figure and readiness to fight anything that it faces because this Brute Force won't give a damn about anything. I previously already had the Mini version of this guy and very satisfied with it. Personally I find Deviljho had been always a very good wyvern to be hated and I would always love any chance to give this Insolent Pickle a good beating whether it is a normal one or Savage variant.

Mechatalk Final Gear: Elizabeth - Conductor

 Things is rather hectic for me this week, but surprisingly I am still able to honor my commitment for Final Gear despite I encountered something unpleasant with this game's experience. To put it simply Final Gear has a misfortune of having Komoe and Flashwing as its caretaker which are as good as deadbeat parents that are the main reasons why this game got into its current circumstances of being stuck in the limbo of Maintenance Mode. Putting the gloomy stuff aside, 10th Final Gear Mecha Talk will feature Elizabeth! One of the Starter SSR Unit that is one of the strongest contender aside Afra for most unique Mecha Design category.

Mechatalk Final Gear: Noctris - Forbidden Witch

 Things have come to full circle for Final Gear and at long last this Mechatalk series made it to cover 6* UR units which is no other than the leader of Hexel Faction herself! The Steel Witch, Noctris! Out of the main factions leaders in Final Gear, I really liked Noctris Character and Mecha design the most and made quite some sacrifice to obtain her. Given Komoe and Flashwing's mismanagement with Final Gear, It took me almost one year before I get to fully upgrade Noctris as they only decided to rerun Noctris Banner by the time Final Gear is in maintenance mode. Certainly it has been a long way for me to be able to have Noctris at her peak form where many have given up upon this game. But to me it is worth it and proud to be able to dedicate a mechatalk article for her too.