Armored Core VI Assemble Collection Vol. 1

 

t has been several years since Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon was released, and surprisingly, Bandai continues to show strong support for this underrated flagship franchise from FromSoftware. Following a series of model kit releases, AC6 is now getting its own candy toy line under the Assemble Collection series. Scheduled for release in September 2026, Armored Core 6 Assemble Collection Vol. 1 will retail for 1,500 yen each, with four figures per box.

Overall, the lineup feels quite similar to the FW Gundam Converge series, albeit with extra twist to justify its retail price which is roughly three times more. What makes this particular AC6 lineup stand out is its modularity, mirroring the customization mechanics from the game itself and allowing for extensive mix-and-match possibilities between parts.

The first volume features four notable ACs: Loader 4, Nightfall, Steel Haze, and Milk Tooth, a strong starting roster for the series. Given the sheer number of memorable designs in the game, there is plenty of room for future waves especially popular AC6 design like Ayre haven't made it yet. Even Super Robot Wars Original Generation candy toy lines managed to last for three volumes.

Since I have never played Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon myself, this is an easy pass for me. Still, I would not mind seeing a similar candy toy lineup based on the franchise’s 3rd- or 4th-generation titles someday.

Fate/Grand Order Coonuts Vol.1 Review

 

During the airing of the Fate/Grand Order: Babylonia animation, Fate/Grand Order was at the height of its franchise popularity, resulting in a wide range of merchandise releases. Among them was the Coonuts candy toy lineup by Bandai. These simple bobbing figure toys, similar in concept to “Mighty Beans,” offered an affordable and accessible way to collect characters in miniature form.

Overall, I was slightly disappointed with my FGO Coonuts set due to quality control issues, including duplicate variants and inconsistencies, issues I did not encounter with my Pokémon Coonuts collection. The most noticeable defect in my set was a misprinted Merlin figure, which appears to have only the rear side properly printed.

Even so, I’m still glad to own this set. Despite its flaws, it remains one of the most affordable FGO collectibles and serves as a nice complementary addition to my broader Fate/Grand Order collection.

Genshin Impact Battle Valor Blindbox - Liyue Review

 Some random Genshin merchandise I picked up around April. While I no longer fully trust Mihoyo with Genshin’s future, I’m still willing to spend on series-related merchandise that I think is genuinely worthwhile. During a random visit to a local hobby exhibition, I managed to grab a few official Genshin blind boxes.

This particular blind box series is called Battle Valor, featuring SD-style figures of Genshin characters, roughly comparable to Nendoroid Petit figures. The ones I found were from the Liyue series, and I happened to pull my personal jackpot: Ganyu! As I’ve mentioned many times before, even if I’ve grown frustrated with Mihoyo, Ganyu remains one of my favorite gacha game waifus, despite how poorly I feel she has been handled by the company.

At its recommended retail price, I personally don’t think the Genshin Battle Valor series is worth the money. However, if you can find one for around $5 USD, it’s still a pretty nice addition to a Genshin collection.

Transformers Blokees Galaxy Version Defender Vol.4 Review

 

 Slowly making my way through my Blokees collection again, I’m closing in on finishing my review of the current Blokees Defenders lineup. Blokees Defender 04 features Rodimus Prime as the poster figure, but, as usual, the roster is largely dominated by the Decepticons.

The main points of interest in Defender 04 are Rodimus Prime’s vehicle mode and the alternate version of Megatron, which almost looks like a protagonist mecha thanks to its unusual color scheme. For the starter Blokees that kicked off the Bruticus combiner components, Defender 04 feels a bit slow, though I expect the momentum to pick up in Defender 05 and 06. I’m looking forward to eventually completing the full Bruticus set in the Blokees Defender series just like what I did with Devastator.

Mugenbine Saw Vol 02 Special Set

Bandai’s revival of the classic ’90s candy toy lineup, Mugenbine, has finally caught my attention with their latest iteration! Once a modestly popular series in its heyday, Mugenbine is back now reaching Volume 2, released in March 2026, priced at 3,800 Yen for a box set of four. 

WASA x Evangelion - EVA 02 Blindbox Review

One of last month’s impulse purchases was this blind box figure from a local OHSOME store. I’ll admit, it’s teetering on the edge of buyer’s remorse. I’m not exactly a big fan of Evangelion, even though I managed to grab this at a bargain price. I guess curiosity got the better of me.

The WASA Blind Box line falls into the “designer toy” category. Before acquiring the Evangelion license, WASA produced astronaut-mecha themed figures. After securing the Evangelion IP, they released this series. Out of the available EVA units, I ended up with Asuka’s EVA-02, probably one of the better pulls for fans, considering Asuka remains surprisingly popular to this day.

As a collector, the WASA Evangelion Blind Box isn’t exactly my type. I’m generally not into designer toys, and for around $10, there are arguably stronger alternatives on the market. That said, WASA positions itself as a mid-range Chinese blind box brand, and the build quality does feel slightly more premium than typical budget releases.

Apparently, they also released a combiner variant within the Evangelion series, though that version isn’t particularly cheap either.

Transformers Blokees Defender Devastator Review

It’s time to review one of the most elusive products from Blokees Transformers until recently: Blokees Defender Devastator! Early in the release, the add-on parts necessary to form the Devastator combiner experienced supply issues with local distributors. For a time, the official Blokees store in the region even enforced a minimum purchase of $50 to obtain the combiner parts. Naturally, this caused some frustration among the local fanbase. Though, in my opinion, some of them did take things too far.

As a collector with some industry experience, personally I don’t think Blokees Devastator really worth the drama. The item was still obtainable within a reasonable term, as long as you avoided FOMO-driven impulse buying and recognized that the consumer market in a developing country is not directly comparable to the U.S. market. It was, however, amusing to see the first-batch units resold for over $20 when supplies were scarce.

From a design perspective, Blokees Defender Devastator is a smart, minimalistic engineering feat. It transforms a set of Devastator vehicles with minimal gimmicks into a 17 cm combiner robot, offering respectable playability for its size. The price point is modest, but the product punches well above its weight.

And Blokees seems to have learned from the initial supply issues, so I expect future releases for Bruticus to be smoother and less dramatic. One thing I just noticed from review Blokees Devastator, Defender lineup doesn’t yet include the complete Devastator team in mecha form. So I’ll be waiting for them to finish the full lineup, just as they did with the Galaxy series.

Transformers Blokees Galaxy Version Defender Vol.3 Review

Continuing from my previous review of the Blokees Defenders series, it’s now time to look at Blokees Defenders 03. This release marks the final piece collectors need to complete the Devastator vehicle forms, providing the remaining combiner parts required to fully assemble Devastator.

One thing that immediately stood out in Defenders 03 is how lopsided the faction representation is. This set includes only three Autobots, compared to nine Decepticons. Interestingly, this imbalance continues into Defenders 04, which almost makes it feel like Blokees might be a secret Decepticon fanboy at heart.

Going forward, I plan to review the Blokees Defenders series on a monthly basis. At that pace, I should be able to fully cover my collection sometime before mid-2026.

Transformers Blokees Galaxy Version Defender Vol.2 Review

Another short review, and we’re heading back to the Blokees Defender Series! With a sizeable Blokees backlog waiting to be covered, I may start accelerating the review pace for this Chinese premier Blindbox lineup, starting with Defenders Vol. 02.

Blokees has truly struck the sweet spot with the Defender Series, giving Japanese manufacturers a genuine run for their money in terms of quantity and affordability. While I’ve been hesitant to spend on the Galaxy versions mainly because I’m not the biggest Transformers fan, I’m more than happy to gobble up the Blokees Defenders line.

Much like Vol. 01, Blokees Defender Transformers Vol. 02 maintains a fairly balanced lineup between Autobots and Decepticons. It also adds more members to the Devastator team, moving us closer to completing the Combiner Robot when paired with Vol. 03. So far, I’ve cracked open three boxes from the Defenders series, and I have to admit that the Super Rare editions are genuinely elusive.

Gundam Head Collection Vol.1

One of the recent Gundam Candy Toys that caught my attention is the new Gundam Head Collection, which seems to harken back to the older Gundam gashapon lineups. Bandai recently revealed this new lineup, which literally offers Gundam head dioramas. The first volume features Unicorn and Strike Freedom Gundam variants and is scheduled for release in June 2026. The box version of the Gundam Head Collection will be sold for 9,000 Yen. 

Transformers Blokees Wheels CT 01 Optimus Prime Trailer

A few months ago, I was puzzled by Blokees’ decision to release dedicated Transformers vehicle toys in a new lineup called Blokees Wheels. But after coming across a Micro Machines playset, I started to see the potential value of these vehicle-sized figures,especially when used alongside playsets.

Not long after the Optimus Prime truck version debuted in Blokees Wheels Vol. 01, Blokees quickly followed up with an add-on set featuring Optimus Prime’s trailer. Because let’s be honest, a G1 Optimus Prime is never truly complete without his iconic trailer-turned-command-base.

Blokees could’ve simply released a plain trailer with no gimmicks and collectors still gobble it, but instead they went all-in. This add-on includes a minicar plus the full secret-base transformation, just like a proper Optimus Prime toy should. Even better, the interior can apparently store up to nine Blokees Defender-series vehicles.

Given the features, I expect the add-on to cost around $5 USD, which feels reasonable for the amount of gimmick packed into it and likely much easier to obtain compared to Blokees Devastator combiner partswhich is still facing shortages.

I’m looking forward to seeing what other Transformers Blokees Wheels figures might receive the same luxurious treatment that Optimus just got.

Treasure X Island Skull Temple Mega Playset

With its long and varied run, the Moose Toys Treasure X puzzle-toy series has produced several higher-end “Mega” variants across its different themes; Robots, Monsters, Aliens, Sunken Gold, and Islands, pick your poison. Among them, the one that stands out the most to me is Treasure X Island: The Skull Shrine.

Sold at $40 USD SRP, the Skull Shrine is arguably the most elaborate playset Moose Toys has released for the Treasure X Island lineup. Featuring over 40 puzzle steps, the playset delivers a surprisingly rich treasure-hunting experience reminiscent of Indiana Jones adventures, complete with traps, reveals, and layered exploration. As someone who grew up exposed to tons of playset toys, especially Micro Machine. this kind of interactive diorama hits all the right nostalgic notes.

Given the choice among all Treasure X Mega sets, I would pick the Treasure X Island Mega Playset any day. Treasure X Robot has its appeal, especially with cheaper secondhand options floating around, but its gimmicks don’t quite land the same way for adult collectors. The Skull Shrine, on the other hand, feels like a full, satisfying play experience with strong display value.

Treasure X Robot Gold Review

Digging up the photoshoot for the Western Treasure X blindbox I picked up on a whim last year. Back then, short Treasure X videos kept popping up in my feed, sparking my curiosity to check out this toy lineup, the same brand that once produced Mighty Beanz in the 2000s.

Long story short, I decided to grab a Treasure X Robot due to my soft spot for anything mecha-related, even though lineups like Treasure X Islands or the Aliens variants are actually more popular. Overall, I really enjoy the game aspect of this product, even if it’s mainly aimed at a younger demographic.

I think I would also enjoy Treasure X Islands, since its playset gimmicks remind me of the Micro Machines playsets I loved as a kid. Although my blindbox for Treasure X Robot turned out to be a bit of a bust, I’m still eager to explore the series further in the future.

Mobile Suite Ensemble EX-56 Zeus Silhouette

 
 About less than a month since MS Ensemble Destiny Gundam Spec-2 announced, earlier than expected Zeus Silhoutte made it as Gundam Ensemble as well! Released as P-Bandai just like Destiny Gundam, Ensemble Zeus Silhoutte offers the most elaborate alternative for Destiny Zeus Pack in SD proportion for those who can afford it. Scheduled for February 2026, MS Ensemble Zeus Silhoutte will be sold for 6600 Yen.

12100 Yen for P-Bandai item which is MS Ensemble Destiny Gundam Zeus Pack set is nothing to scoff at as typical overseas collectors will have to spend at least 150% of the JPY SRP to obtain one. To tell how expensive this set is, you can obtain 3 MG Destiny Gundam or 3 Converge Destiny Zeus Pack or even 2 HG Destiny Zeus for a single set of MS Ensemble version of what is essentially Destiny Gundam Deep Strike pack. Bandai's treatment for Gundam Seed Freedom related merchandise has been rather abysmal and it really signify some sort of internal issues. At this rate Gundam will not last really long after its creators departure.

Transformers Blokees Galaxy Version Defender Vol.1 Review

 
 Despite my initial apprehension toward this lineup, Blokees Defender for Transformer series has become my mainstay for the series. So far I have obtained 4 Volumes for Blokees Defender and assembled 2, given my current life situation are rather hectic due to preparing to move to new places, the pace maybe getting slower. But at least I will present the review for Blokees Transformer Defender Vol.1.

What appears to be intended product for mass consumption for casual demography still has appeal for collectors that prefer non-commital option like me and Blokees Defender enables obtaining complete set without breaking the wallet. For a very affordable blind box series, Blokees Defender really give Bandai a run for their money since their 500 Yen Gundam capsule toys does face serious challenge with this particular entry of Blokees lineup.

Overall the Blokees Defender toy quality is as expected from 2 USD product but it does certainly win in quantity. I do get special version of Optimus Prime with my copy, while not exactly the rarest secret variant out of this volume it still does give its own sense of satisfaction. If I had spare time in the future, I might even be able to do more highlights on individual basis for these fellows.

Mobile Suite Ensemble EX-55 Destiny Gundam Spec 2

 
 As expected, after Destiny Gundam Spec 2 made it as Gundam Converge, it made itself available as P-Bandai Gundam Ensemble. Couple years ago, there was Destiny Gundam made already which is also P-Bandai item. However given the MVP performance of Destiny Gundam in Seed Freedom, Bandai decide that Destiny should be released in Spec 2 which it totally deserve. Scheduled for February 2026 release, MS Ensemble Destiny Gundam Spec 2 will be sold for 5500 Yen Price tag.

Gundam SEED G-Frame Dragoon Strike Gundam

Gundam G-Frame candy toys seems to be doing still decently in Japan with another new entry for their P-Bandai candy toys lineup. Debuting in the recent SD Gundam G Generation Eternal, Strike Gundam Dragoon pack makes it as Gundam G-Frame FA! Scheduled for March 2026 release, Dragoon Pack Strike Gundam will be sold for 4950 Yen.

Moshow x Sembo Super Mobility - Progenitor Effect Vol 1 Review

 
With the rise of Blokees Blindbox in mass consumer market, Sembo, one of the big players in Chinese Brick model market doesn't want to get left behind and enter the Blindbox action figure themselves. For their first venture, they collaborate with Moshow and borrowed the mecha designs from Progenitor effect. This result in a new Blindbox lineup called 超可动 or Super Mobility which have the likes of Lancelot and Takeda Shingen released as affordable Blindbox action figure.

For the first Super Mobility lineup we got ourselves 4 Progenitor effect Mecha along with 2 alternate variants for Date Masamune and Takeda Shingen. In this review I will just provide the overall gist of the expected content obtained out of the whole box set and might follow up in the future if I am interested to continue. Overall Sembo's Super Mobility Blindbox could rival Blokees Galaxy in terms of sculpt, but playability is still somewhat a subject of argument. The only apparent downsides of the toys are that the chemicals sprayed on the plastic parts of the product are quite irritant which makes it not particularly suitable for Children. The QC is also quite an issue since my copy of Marquis Wucheng missed the head part which will be very apparent when you look from behind.

I would say Sembo's Super Mobility are quite decent that warrant continuation with other mecha series and I still look forward to series like Metal Cardbot available for mass consumer market.

Blokees Transformers Galaxy 1-4 Review

 Around last year I got the opportunity to sample some Blokees Transformers myself. As such I bought several Blokees vol 1-4 and want to see the deal behind this Chinese blindbox that become global sensation. Overall my experience for the Blindbox purchase is rather mixed because I got several dupes especially Vol.3.

Regardless of my not so pleasant experience with the random Blokees Blindbox, in terms of product quality, Blokees Transformers is unquestionable. Their products serve as showcase for high quality mass produced consumer products that can only be accomplished with China current technology capability. These blokees product can easily give Bandai Candy Toys a run for their money and pound by pound, not even Gundam Ensembles able to win out this one.

This review will feature 9 Transformers Blokees collection that I got from Vol 1-4 along with Blokees Marvel Blindbox that I got from a particular encounter with this brand. Given the awful randomness of Blokees Galaxy could be and my attachment toward Transformers series, I will most likely stick with Blokees Defenders lineup which the whole set easily obtainable for a price of several Blokees Transformers Galaxy.

Gundam Converge Destiny Gundam Spec II & Zeus Silhouette

 
 I haven't talked about Gundam Converge for such a long time since I preferred Gundam Ensemble as my mainstay. But I do always kept a good look with Converge Mobile Armor as they still prove to be overall better value for money. In this instance, as Gundam Seed Freedom got some nice Converge treatment with Destiny Spec 2 being the candidate along with Zeus Silhoutte Pack. Released as P-Bandai, Converge Destiny Spec 2 w/ Zeus Silhouette will be sold for 7250 Yen SRP.

I might be a huge fanboy for Athrun but Seed Destiny Freedom truly give Destiny Gundam the opportunity to shine as MVP. While I didnt have much impression about Destiny Gundam using Zeus Silhouette pack as Destiny Gundam Kagebunshin Multikill scene overshadows everything. But when the dust have settled down, Zeus Silhouette is quite nice addition to Seed series which basically giving the protagonist gundam a boost in Firepower and Mobility making them essentially a Mobile battleship.

Had the Gundam Converge Destiny Spec II doesn't cost as much compared to its HG counterpart, this particular product would have been very appealing. Considering Bandai did make some converge for larger Mobile Armor for lesser SRP which meant they were capable at this particular department. Bandai also could have released the Zeus Pack separately and makes it compatible with Ensemble Destiny Gundam which would have been one of the best Gundam Candy Toys candidate that Bandai had. For now I will just keep a lookout for another promising Gundam Seed collectibles candidate.