Super Mecha Champions Mechatalk: Part 1

 
 As we still got about less than 2 months before Super Mecha Champions shut down due to Netease's neglect, As promised I will be making SMC Mechatalk articles within the limited timeframe to preserve anything noteworthy that ever created in this series. I would expect the Super Mecha Champion Mechatalk will span over 4-5 articles as I will make some for the Mechas and the Pilot as well.

In this first part of SMC Mechatalk, I will be covering the Six Mechs of the Starter characters which are Arthur, Firefox, Caramel, Andromeda, Hot Steel and Skylark which I will include the noteworthy skins and any concept Art that I got. Considering these mechas have been around since the inception of SMC series, they tend to be the receiving end of generous amount of skins by the dev and there are plenty of Good SS Skins belong to this group. In my personal opinion, the Top 3 Mech with best skin in this batch are Arthur, Skylark and Hot Steel in this particular order and slightly regretted that I didn't spend more for the Fancy skins when I had the chance.

Nuke Matrix Cyber Forest Fantasy Girl: Bat Sonic Blast Attacker Maria Strauss

 Another great looking Mecha Musume coming from Nuke Matrix, the same manufacturer with the Mad Wolf product. This one is a futuristic Bat themed Mecha Musume called Bat Sonic Blast Attacker which got plenty of cool gimmicks as expected from Chinese manufacturers. Scheduled for Q1 2025, Nuke Matrix Bat Sonic will be sold for 188 RMB but surprisingly over 14000 Yen for Japan market.

Sluban Super Mecha Champions Brick Model - Ranger Safeguard Review

 Super Mecha Champions demise may have been set in place with Netease total neglect, but it doesn't mean that you can't stop enjoying this series and appreciate whatever things that this already had. This time I will present you the 6th of the 7 Sluban SMC Brick Model Review. This time I am proudly Ranger in its Safeguard Skin version, 1 out of the 2 Sluban SMC variants that were made in their alternate skin. If you have followed my blog, you will likely know that Ranger is my first Sluban Brick Model that I got for SMC and the rabbit hole goes down further from that point on. 

Out of the 7 Sluban SMC Brick model that I obtained, Ranger was the cheapest one. But it comes with somewhat decent transformation gimmick that turns the unit into car just like the unit's gimmick in the game. Considering this one of the last few Reviews for this particular series, this one obviously got something more special included in the review.

November 2024 Loot

 A very sumptuous haul that come around early this month with some Heavy duties from P-Bandai stuff!. Also this month's loot is yet another reminder how far Chinese hobby industry have progressed because they easily provide values for their products that are multiple times higher compared to the Japanese counterpart. 

Hemoxian Tastier and Fruity Robo model kit are easily the eyecatcher in this one. Certainly they are very difficult to ignore with its value for money when they are Big box product under 400 RMB Price tag that could give 1/100 Scale gunpla a run for their money. FYI Joytoy Leman Russ are still more expensive even when those two combined. I also got several heavy duty for Joytoy as well in this batch with the Rome Legion box set which are surprisingly small in size but will still look forward for the unboxing opportunity.

The main star of the batch are no doubt the P-Bandai RoDa FA Hyakushiki and Amuro Dijeh which combined values easily surpassed the rest of the loots in this batch, yet they end up with modest box size. I also got myself a MG Hyaku Shiki clear as the bonus on the side because I am a Lieutenant Quattro fanboy after all since SRW MX and got to complete a set with another recent collection as shown below. Lastly if anyone wonders what is inside the Top red box, it is 3rd party Yoroiden action figure for Ryo made by Dasin which I will look forward to compare with my armor plus.

Fate/Grand Order Lostbelt 6 Avalon Le Fae Clear

Took me more than a year to complete this particular supposed peak of FGO Lostbelt chapters. But as I did promise to myself when I got Arcueid in FGO 7^th anniv and LB7 is looming over, I decided to clear Lostbelt 6 Avalon Le Fae over past 2 weeks. Actually, I would have made this sort of FGO article for LB5.2 if Olympus was not an utter disappointment compared to LB 5.1 Atlantis which remains to be my personal favorite for the abundant Heroism from the casts in that one.

Overall, I felt Lostbelt 6 is a drag to finish with pacing issues all over again despite it has some good moments which are not utilized to the fullest. But given this particular Lostbelt chapter has great significance with Morgan, easily one of the most popular waifu in FGO and personal favorite as well. I decided to make a full fledged article in regards to my experience with this supposed High points in FGO.

Precursor Kainar Cangdao Models 1/100 ASY-TAC Fronteer

 10-15 years ago, Before their Hobby industry flourished, China had a rather interesting model kit called Precursor Kainar which resemble Gundam Model kit. After Dussack getting the gorgeous Diecast makeover by Cangdao last year, It is the turn for the Posterboy from the original lineup, Asytac Fronteer getting the next Diecast Product by Cangdao. Obviously just like Dussack, Cangdao take on Asytac is fully armed to the teeth in Diecast glory. This one is scheduled for Q2 2025 with 650 RMB price tag.

Zeta Gundam G-Frame Psyco Gundam

 Looks like Bandai G-Frame Candytoys lineup is doing well enough that they are making some big stuffs. If Robot Damashi got Big Zam as P-Bandai Limited, G-Frame is getting another Mobile Armor and it is no other than Psyco Gundam from Zeta Gundam! Scheduled for April 2025 release, G-Frame Psyco Gundam will be sold for 14960 Yen! 

Easily triple the price of the regular HG Kit before next spring's revision, G-Frame Psyco truly make itself a collector item. This one comes with an exclusive inner frame to suit its massive size and still have the transformation gimmick available which is quite something. While G-Frame Psyco appears overpriced for regular gunpla collector, this product definitely prove its worth for the collector. Over the time I do grow some appreciation toward this sort of gigantic Mobile Armor and still looking for a suitable collectible. G-Frame is certainly beyond my strike zone since I am not exactly a G-Frame collector and might settle for repainted HG or GFF if the latter is still around. Speaking of candy toys, I do have Psyco MkII Converge which I reviewed before which is probably the reason I start to take interest on these massive Warmachines in Gundam universe.

Fate/Grand Order Furyu Scathach 3rd Ascension Prize figure

 A Review from my past backlog that I reserved for celebrating 7th year in FGO Gacha hell! Another of those old Photoshots from 3-4 years ago that got delayed review due to slow slightly being burnt out at that time, but I am still glad that I could reserve a timing to release it someday. 

Scathach is one of my favorite servants and still remain my Top 5 even if she got overshadowed by Morgan and thus I do have couple of her collectibles including a premium PVC figure. When Furyu still make FGO Prize figures, Scathach in her 3rd Ascension is one of them considering being one of the most popular servants in FGO early years. Obviously as prize figure, the product quality never surpass the premium one but Shishou's prize figure overall has a solid quality for its class. Perhaps in near future I will do more reviews for my FGO collection which still have many unopened.

Nikke Figma Scarlet

 Goddess of Victory: Nikke has been on a roll lately with their 2nd year Anniversary and that also includes their Merchandise department! After Figma Alice and Hyper Body Modernia, It is the turn for the popular Goddess Squad Nikke Swordsman, Scarlet comes in Figma format. Scheduled for October 2025 release, Figma Scarlet will be sold for 14800 Yen.

A rather expensive price tag for Figma, but Scarlet Accessories is quite elaborate for this lineup. Scarlet is one of the member of Legendary Nikke Squad called the Goddess Squad who left monumental legacy among Nikkes in the fight against Rapture. The version of the Scarlet that the Figma being made is her regular one who had more laid back personality who prefer to spend her time drinking after living more than 100 years in the war between Humanity and Rapture. Scarlet is Nikke that is very skilled in close combat sporting a pair of oriental blades and more than capable of taking down Raptures just as effective as other Nikke with ranged weapons and easily surpassed the mass produced variants.

While I have given up Nikke recently since I can't bother to put up with Cinderella's banner nonsense in 2nd Anniv, I will still keep a tab on Nikke Figmas hoping that Scarlet Black Shadow will get one someday because she is definitely one of the better designs from this particular series. I don't even mind If D: Killer Wife got an affordable PVC figure either.

Seven years with Fate/Grand Order

 Surviving yet another year in Gacha Hell with this once great dying Gacha game. Almost give up with FGO with the nonsense I encountered early this year but still saved by my commitment and persist on. Ultimately my patience do get rewarded by the time Anniversary arrived only to have it crash and burn again on my last destination of this year's Gauntlet. 

Super Mecha Champions Official End-of-service announcement

  Well I am supposed to reserve today's post for my FGO 7th Anniversary but something else deserves the priority this time. Given the Super Mecha Champion has been constantly teetering since Mid of this year with the game end up in maintenance mode for almost 6 months, Netease has finally decided to pull out the plug and announced the online service for SMC will be officially terminated in 20th January 2025. This is quite expected as SMC Chinese counterpart, Mobile City Alpha had announced their service termination last week. The recent money laundering scandal by some of Netease execs most likely accelerate this game's demise along with many other Netease games. Regardless the poor treatment of SMC by Netease really make me greatly disappointed yet again.

Link Travelers: Infiltration of Blueville - SIDE:G

 When I missed out the Gashapon Quest Candytoys lineup last year, It appears that Bandai is opening yet another opportunity for me to give this particular interesting lineup a try. Packaged in a new series, Gashapon Quest took a modern post apocalyptic fantasy turn and comes under new lineup called Link Travellers. There are about 6 series to be planned up in 2025 release and one of the available for Preorder is the SIDE:G Lineup featuring a female heroine and a Maid robot as the character roster. Scheduled for June 2025 release, Link Travelers SIDE:G will be sold as 500 Yen Gashapon with 13 Variants and Boxed version available.

Fate/Grand Order 1/6 Ruler Summer Melusine 1st Ascension

  Still one year to go for FGO 8th Summer, but Goodsmile already have something in hand to prepare for this anticipated yearly occassion and it is the beloved Dragon Waifu Melusine who is getting the turn! Quite sure there were several Summer 8 Servants merchandise already but this might be the first one for the PVC figure to come out. Being the most popular Morgan's Tam Lin Knights, It is given that Melusine will be getting the Prime Spot if not Caster Morgan or Berserker Castoria. Scheduled for September 2025 release, Summer Melusine in her 1st Ascension Ruler Class will be sold for 18500 Yen in 1/6 Scale.

For its value, actually this version of Melusine PVC figure price range is quite reasonable for a 2024 product given how bad Japanese economy is performing right now. The Figure certainly capture the slender physique of this beloved Dragon Waifu and the character's bratty behavior who wants to monopolize Chaldea Master's attention for herself even if it means NTR'ing her own lord, Morgan. Personally I liked Summer Melusine 2nd Ascension the most and next year's gauntlet will be a brutal one yet again. I will probably wait for Summer Morgan figure if she ever get one, since she is my main target for FGO Global 8th Anniv Gauntlet banner and she deserves all the love from FGO fans with what she had went through in LB6.

Kannazuki no Miko Mechatalk: Part Three – Ame no Murakumo & Orochi

Took almost a month after Take no Yamikazuchi’s mechatalk due to real life commitments which is rather hectic lately. But I proudly present the Third and Final Kannazuki no Miko mechatalk! This one will be dedicated to the true main respresentation of the force of Good against Evil in the series, Ame no Murakumo and Orochi. After laying some groundworks with other characters that played a role in Kannazuki, I would believe that these 2 eternal adversaries serve as the fitting final destination of this Mechatalk series. While it won’t be as extensive as Take no Yamikazuchi, I will still do some proper job for this one.

Arknights Alter 1/7 Dusk Figure

 Sui Siblings are some of the better waifu Designs that Arknights ever come up with and Dusk one of the younger siblings got another Premium figure treatment by Alter! So after Schwarz, Alter decided to make another Arknights figure and designated it for Dusk. While not as expensive compared to 1/7 Schwarz, as expected from the leading PVC Figure maker, Alter's 1/7 Dusk is a premium collectible for Arknights Fans. Scheduled for December 2025 release, Alter 1/7 Dusk will be sold for 34980 Yen.

While this is not exactly the first Dusk Figure made since I recall Apex and other manufacturer did make some for her which match up the number with her older sister, Nian. In Arknights Nian is the second Sui siblings featured in limited banner as a AOE Caster class. Dusk is a skilled yet reclusive painter who lived in her painting world until Nian decide to drag her out joining the Rhodes Island in her story. Overall she is a good waifu designs from Sui Siblings but her kit and class as AOE Caster just make her underused compared to her other siblings. I am quite sure Dusks sisters, Ling and Shu will get PVC figure as well in near future given their relative popularity. I am also still waiting for these Sui Siblings getting their Nendoroids which more likely starting from Shu  and more than willing to complete the collection in this format. Playing Arknights for almost 5 years, this game still offers the best overall gacha experience which makes fans like myself looking forward to their future merchandise.

Sluban Super Mecha Champions Brick Model - Snow Mirage Review

 5th Sluban Super Mecha Champions Brick Model review is here and we are now getting into some of the better stuff from this lineup! With only 2 remaining of this particularly underrated lineup left, I present the Review for Snow Mirage! Pound by pound, Snow Mirage is probably the best Brick Model made by Sluban for SMC series because the Top tier value with its Size and Weapon Accessory and comes with the least amount of build issues.

In SMC closely based on Gundam Dynames, Snow Mirage is one of the true dedicated Sniper Mecha who can snipe enemy from the distance with its large Sniper Rifle. In the lore, Snow Mirage is a patrol mecha roaming around polar region and piloted by character called Villar who was the last pilot addition before SMC goes to maintenance mode. Gameplay-Wise despite coming with got a pair of Pistol and Camouflage Cloak, Snow Mirage is not really suited for Solo combat due to its pure Sniper role which only got couple of potshots before the enemy close in and punish it in close combat. In Team combat, Snow Mirage is a great asset for team support in capable player's hand, landing painful Sniper shots while enemy got distracted by other team members. Considering I mostly play solo mode, I rarely had the chance to use Snow Mirage but this unit is very popular for newer players which obviously unable to use this Mecha. 

While Sluban version of Snow Mirage does not come with the Sniper Mode due to the limitation of Brick model format. If you have to pick only one from Sluban SMC Brick Model, either Arthur or Snow Mirage are the best candidate when it comes to overall value.

Mobile Suit Gundam Robot Spirits Big Zam Anime ver

  Tamashi Nation really dropped a literal big ticket item for Gundam series in Robot Spirits format this time! What would have been impossible due to being prohibitively expensive for its size, Tamashi Nation announced Preorder for Robot Spirits Big Zam, obviously as Premium Bandai Item. Scheduled for May 2025 Robot Spirits Big Zam will  be sold for a whopping 50000 Yen.

 Created in 1/144 Scale just like the High Grade scale, Robot Spirits Big Zam towers over 50 Cm tall which is a sight to behold for one of the largest Mobile Armor from One Year War Era! Obviously for the price tag, Robot Spirit appear to come with LED for the Mega Particle Cannon and Dozle mini figure to replicate the Last stand part. With the expensive price tag, Robot Spirits Big Zam are certainly catered for Diehard Classic Gundam series who will be likely in their middle ages by this time. Truly a premium item that will cost 80-100k Yen for the prospective collectors from overseas.

30 Minutes Fantasy - Liber Lancer

This month’s Bandai reveal for Gunpla lineup might be lacking but the 30 Minutes Fantasy lineup are still going strong with 2 new Class being revealed. This time I will be covering for Liber Lancer which yet another addition for the 30 MF Frontline Fighter. Scheduled for April 2025 release, 30 MF Liber Fighter will be sold for 2200 Yen

Armed with Lance and Shield, 30 MF Lancer class is the designated tanky unit. Though compared to Liber/Rosan Fighter, Lancer is still rather scrawny in body build similar to Knight class. Just like the Archer Class, Liber Lancer got no upgrade kit in this one, so perhaps we could expect some more support for this guy like a steed for instance. Surprisingly the Liber and Rosan variant of Lancer Class does not have much differences due to similar palette swap and overall imposing look. Nevertheless either of them are still a worthy addition for 30 Minutes Fantasy collection.

Genshin Impact Nendoroid Raiden Shogun

 After Zhongli announcment last month, the third Archon and ruler of Inazuma; Raiden Shogun makes her turn joining Nendoroid lineup! Scheduled for June 2025 release, Raiden Shogun will be sold for 7500 Yen. Obviously Nendoroid Raiden Shogun will come with Ei and Raiden Shogun faceplate.

While the release announcement gap is not as bad as with Venti to Zhong Li, Mihoyo has mismanaged their Genshin IP too long for me to be interested with their products not to mentioned the cake box packaging that will come with Ei. Regardless, The Nendoroid itself is pretty good product though as Raiden Shogun comes with generous amount of accessories such as the Engulfing Lightning spear and even the Musou no Hitotachi in 2 variants. Raiden Shogun is easily my favorite archon and likely remains the favorite Waifu for many Genshin players. But Mihoyo's shitty treatment on Genshin IP really makes it hard to support them especially there are no promised QoL improvements to be seen even after Natlan chapter has passed over 2 Patches. 

So far, I still see Mihoyo haven't humbled down and prefer to maintain their hubris with the very slow merchandise release for Genshin. While I think all of the 7 Archons will get their Nendoroids eventually with Nahida being next. I think the fanbase will have to wait for very long time before their favorite character to get Nendoroid release despite people are willing to spend money for them. It is definitely a suffering to be a fan for a game that is severely neglected by their own creator.

Fruity Robo Yilichuangwan Mandarin Berserker

 Yilichuangwan is very fast on this one! This year after releasing Pineapple and Apple Fruity Robo, a month before 2024 wraps up, they come up with the Third Fruity Robo and it is the turn for Mandarin Berserker! Scheduled for Q4 2024 this one will be sold for 99 RMB just like the other 2 Fruity Robo model kit which is literally a steal for its value.

Anigame Arknight 1/7 Skadi Summer Figure

It has been a long time since I make any review for Premium PVC Figures as Prize Figures are more readily available. For this week’s review I decide a Combo breaker and presents you the Summer Orca Waifu Skadi PVC Figure made by Anigame! Seriously this is one of the really good quality PVC figure that is sold for very affordable price by the manufacturer on its first release which were around 500-600 RMB and comes with pretty fancy props. Very grateful that I was able to obtain this Summer Orca waifu figure for reasonable price even if it was preowned.

Overall Anigame figure for Summer Skadi is simply Top Tier PVC figure that could even rival some figures that is double for its price tag. From a brief check upon Anigame, their main portfolio are from Azurlane but very thankful for them making a quality figure for Skadi even if they don’t really continue their Arknights portfolio. Doubt that this particular nobody who claims to be the Top worshipper for Orca Waifu could even bother to afford any of her premium figure. Given Skadi’s popularity in Arknights, I think she could use another Alter which obviously means more merchandise. However I am more than willing to dip in for Skalter variant figure especially the Red Countess which I recently purchased the skin in-game.

All in All if you are Skadi fan as well, there is no reason not to get this figure if you find one reasonably priced and just keep in mind the original version comes in Acrylic box packaging and not a Cardboard Box. At some point probably I will crack open my Kotobukiya figure for Skadi as well.

Archecore 1/35 Mithril Hawk Rampart Giant

Another new Archecore product for their Fantasy Lineup after Knight Killian and this time we got a literal Fortress wall called Rampart Giant. While not as elaborate as a Killian for play set, Rampart Giant still towers over 29 cm tall. Archecore Rampart Giant will be sold for 585 RMB with Q2 2025 release schedule.

Blokees Evangelion Eva-01 Test Type Action Edition Model Kit

 Just shortly after Hatsune Miku model kit announcement, Blokees shows yet another product and this one is a mecha model kit for no other than Evangelion! Having the Eva-01 as the first model, Blokees make an Action Edition model kit that will stand 17 cm and scheduled for Q1 2025 with 169 RMB price tag.

Chogokin Tamagotchi Robo

 From time to time, Tamashi Nation do make some novelty Diecast products as a side project. After Rubik's cube, it is the turn for Bandai's classic Tamagotchi Toy getting the turn as a part of 50th Anniversary apparently. Scheduled for May 2025 release, Chogokin Tamagotchi will be sold for 9900 Yen.

While you won't expect particularly special playability from these sort of Chogokin, Tamagotchi Robo actually comes with a functional Tamagotchi Toy in Gold Color and you can probably use another Tamagotchi of similar size as the filler for the Robo which will be one of the selling point. Heck even the Tamagotchi gashapon could work as well if the size is close to the actual Tamagotchi. As the icing on a cake, the Chogokin Tamagotchi robo got simple transformation gimmick and can turn into UFO. Not sure if it comes with pullback vehicle gimmick but it would be a nice addition too.

Red Blood Red Legacy

 When Kaishaku is not obsessed with Yuri genre through his Kannazuki no Miko series, he could actually come up with something that are actually catered to mainstream audience. Thus Red Blood Red Legacy is the result when Kaishaku decided to make something slightly more normal even if it still has the share of his twisted style of storytelling. 

Red Blood Red Legacy is Kaishaku's take on Vampire genre where the main protagonist set on a quest of vengeance to rescue his beloved Childhood friend after he was almost left for dead when a group of Vampire invaded his hidden village. Accompanied by a mysterious beautiful young lady, the main Protagonist set forth on the journey of vengeance, equipped with a scarf like weapon that grants him superhuman ability against his vampire foes.

Overall Red Blood Red Legacy is a borderline R-18 Vampire manga that is packed with intense actions and fanservice which Kaishaku is pretty good at with his manga works. But just don't expect anything particularly special with this series when compared to Tsukihime or Dance in Vampire Bund since it is designated as B-tier manga. Nevertheless Red Blood Red Legacy do fared better compared to its peers like Hinowa ga Crush which got axed. Thus if you wish something some Action Vampire manga. 

Demonbane Pop Up Parade SP Al Azif

 After several Moderoids over past 1 year, Finally Demonbane made a comeback in PVC figure with Pop Up Parade lineup. Obviously the beloved gothic lolita grimoire, Al Azif is the one getting the first dip! Released as Pop Up Parade SP which is slightly more luxurious version of Pop Up Parade, Al Azif will be sold for 12000 Yen with May 2025 release schedule.

Compared to typical Pop Up Parade, Pop Up Parade SP version of Al Azif sculpt quality do appear cut above than usual products from the lineup and even come with Pantyshot fanservice just to show the petite charm of this Cosmic Horror fighting Grimoire waifu. I think It has been more than 10 years since Al Azif is getting another figure and hopefully more of Demonbane characters got their turn like Metatron, Etheldreda or even Kurou in his Magius form. I also still more than willing to get a Figma for Al Azif if she ever get one.

Vocaloid Blokees Hatsune Miku Model Kit - Miracle Version

 After enjoying tremendous success with their Blindbox products for series like Transformers and Ultraman. Blokees deem themselves ready to make some Waifu related products starting with Vocaloid and their eternal mascot, Hatsune Miku! Released as a Model Kit dubbed Miracle version, Blokees Hatsune Miku will be sold for 169 RMB with Q4 2024 - Q1 2025 release schedule.

For a price equivalent to their Blokees Transformer Action Version, Blokees could release a Vocaloid action figure product that could give Figma counterpart a run of their money. For half of the Figma price, Blokees could come up with decent Hatsune Miku product with generous amount of accessories as she comes with plenty of musical instrument and even a concert stage as early batch bonus. Seriously, Blokees got some top talent to work on their products since their portfolios are mainly Mecha and Tokusatsu stuff yet they could come up with good Waifu products.

 If Blokees wish to go with Blindbox products, they could have field day with Miku already who comes with tons of outfits available from Project Diva games or PVC figures. Given the ovewhelming popularity of Miku compared to other Vocaloid characters, I still wonder if other Vocaloid like Kaito, Rin/Len or Meiko will be getting their turn as well, though I could see Luka have a good odds to be getting the same treatment like Miku by Blokees. I will look forward to Blokees future products for other portfolios since they are still quite eager on expanding to mainstream Japanese popular IPs like Pokemon, Saint Seiya and Detective Conan.