SRW Alpha 3 Riobot Raioh

A few months after the release of Huckebein Boxer, Sentinel has announced yet another heavyweight from the Super Robot Wars franchise. This time, it is Raioh, one of the Dynamic General Guardians that made its debut in Super Robot Wars Alpha 3, joining the Riobot lineup. Scheduled for release in October 2026, Riobot Raioh will be sold for 43,000 yen.

In the history of SRW merchandise, Raioh has always been a somewhat elusive design. Aside from the Volks FAF action figure released more than a decade ago, collectors have had very few opportunities to add this iconic machine to their collections. For that reason alone, Sentinel's Riobot release is a welcome addition, even if its premium price places it firmly in the high-end collector market.

Despite having a rather personal attachment to Raioh, the current economic climate makes it difficult to justify such a purchase. At this price range, the only SRW machine that could convince me to open my wallet for such price tag would probably be Dis Astranagant.

Back in Super Robot Wars Alpha 3, Raioh was my choice for my first playthrough of this legendary title. Designed as a powerful boss-killer super robot, Raioh quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its overwhelming presence and signature tokusatsu-inspired attacks, particularly its iconic dive kick.

With Daizengar eventually receiving a Bandai model kit, I am quite optimistic that Raioh will one day receive similar treatment. Until then, Riobot Raioh will likely remain relatively out of reach collectible representation of one of Alpha 3's most memorable original machines.

SRWOG HG Alteisen Riese

Given Bandai’s firm grip on the SRW OG IP and the multiple releases they have already produced, this feels like the next obvious step. It has been more than a decade since Kotobukiya released Alteisen Riese, the upgraded form of Alteisen, and now Bandai is finally presenting its own take on the iconic mecha. Scheduled for release in December 2026, the HG Alteisen will be sold for 6,800 Yen.

Bandai has not revealed much about the kit yet, but with a suggested retail price roughly 2,000 Yen higher than Kotobukiya’s version, we can likely expect some significant improvements. I still own my Kotobukiya Alteisen Riese, which I fully repainted, so I am well aware of the limitations that older kit had. Even so, I would not mind double-dipping on this release, as I am very curious to see how Bandai has modernized the model kit design. Most likely, I would end up repainting it in the Nacht color scheme as well.

SRW OG Riobot Huckebein Mk-III w/ AM Gunner & Boxer Unit

 

A surprise release from Sentinel, seemingly out of nowhere. It almost feels like a bit of one-upmanship with Bandai: the previously released Huckebein Mk. III plastic model is now getting the full-fledged Riobot action figure treatment. Not stopping there, this final iteration of the Vanishing Trooper is also being accompanied by the AM Gunner and Boxer Unit. Scheduled across November 2026 to January 2027, the Huckebein Mk. III lineup comes with the following price tags:

Riobot Huckebein Mk. III – November 2026 – 22,000 yen
Riobot Boxer Unit – December 2026 – 25,000 yen
Riobot AM Gunner – January 2027 – 27,000 yen

There’s no doubt this is shaping up to be Sentinel’s most expensive Super Robot Wars offering so far. Going all-in for the complete set totals 74,000 yen, surpassing even the 65,000 yen Riobot SRX. Still, this could very well be the definitive rendition of the Huckebein Mk. III, with product quality that should easily outclass the original model kit.

Interestingly, this release strategy from Sentinel gives some room for optimism. It opens up the possibility that previously Super Minipla–exclusive Super Robot Wars OG designs might also receive the Riobot treatment. Personally, I’ve got my eyes on Astranagant and Hyperion.

Super Robot Wars Super Minipla Hyperion

 Bandai has dropped yet another heavyweight from the SRW series. Following SRX and Astranagant, the next big-ticket mecha to join the Super Minipla lineup is none other than Hyperion. As expected from a P-Bandai release and given its sheer size, this is definitely going to be a wallet-breaker. At 27,200 yen with a scheduled release in November 2026, this kit is clearly aimed at dedicated SRW fans who are willing to go all in.

SRW Alpha 3 4th Playthrough | Kusuha's route Complete!

I finally wrapped up my fourth playthrough of Super Robot Wars Alpha 3 last week, almost exactly as I predicted when I started this run in late February. It took me around 55 hours over the course of a month to finish, marking my return to the game after a 14-year gap.

To be honest, this kind of commitment isn’t as easy as it used to be. Back in my college years, I could pour endless energy into long RPG sessions without a second thought. That’s no longer the case—but even so, I’m genuinely glad I followed through. This run felt like a proper homage to one of the most legendary titles in the SRW franchise.

More than just a revisit, this playthrough will also serve as a deep refresh of my understanding of Alpha 3’s storyline, something that will be reflected, at least in part, throughout this post.

SRW OG Flame Toys [Kuro Karakuri] Weissritter

It has been quite some time since Flame Toys released their version of Alteisen, and now they are finally unveiling their take on Weissritter. As expected, the iconic protagonist mecha of Super Robot Wars OG wouldn’t feel complete without its partner unit. Scheduled for release in August 2026, Flame Toys’ Weissritter will carry a hefty price tag of 45,000 yen.

As usual, Flame Toys products are positioned firmly in the premium range, which naturally limits their target audience. Pound for pound, the value still doesn’t quite surpass comparable releases from CCS Toys. While Flame Toys’ Alteisen at least included the Shishio Blade as an extra weapon to help justify its high price, Weissritter appears to come with little more than a carbine handgun, which feels rather underwhelming given the cost.

At this point, I’m hoping CCS Toys will eventually return to the SRW OG lineup. With 20 years has passed since OGs release,we could also use some port series for OGs.

SRW Alpha 3 4th Playthrough Begins!

It’s hard to believe that it has already been 15 years since I first picked up Super Robot Wars Alpha 3. I last stopped my journey in 2012 during my third playthrough with Cobray Gordon’s route.

Fast forward to 2026 after a rather strange chain of events, I find myself returning once again to this legendary title in the Super Robot Wars series on PS2. Over the past 15 years, I’ve changed several laptops, yet somehow my Alpha 3 save file has survived. That alone feels very meaningful in a way. With my progress data remained intact, I can finally resume my α3 journey without having to start from scratch. 

SRW OG HG PTX-08R Huckebein

Not sure this one is sudden release or it just escaped my radar but Bandai finally released Huckebein model kit! It is not MkII or MkIII but the OG MKI, the one who earned Vanishing Trooper moniker due to its unstable power! This is quite a big deal because amongst many Huckebeins, the original Huckebein got rather discriminatory treatment by Bandai ranging from selling the available rendition which was Metal Robot Spirits previously as expensive P-Bandai item. Released on 20^th December 2025, HG PTX-08R Huckebein will be sold for 4500 Yen.

This is definitely the physical rendition that Huckebein badly need after more than 15 years gap from the original Kotobukiya 3000 Yen model kit. Bandai usually had rather discriminatory stance toward Huckebein, but for once they took more pragmatic nonsensical approach with this one. This Bandai Model kit obviously come with the Iconic Black Hole Cannon that makes the Gundam Expy feels as powerful as Ideon. Hopefully this product will be available for normal purchase by Bandai’s overseas distributor since it is quite a particular lucidity by Bandai toward SRW IP.

End Year 2025 Loot

Wrapping up the end of 2025 with a bang! there’s really no better way to close out this year's rollercoaster ride with a proper loot post! This entry is a particularly big one, as it represents the accumulated hauls from the past three months, with equally solid from both Chinese and Japanese hobby products.

As you may have noticed, this loot photo was taken at new place, making it the first haul post after completing the move into my new apartment, an exciting milestone in its own right. It feels especially satisfying to unpack and photograph everything in a new space.

Overall, this is a very solid haul. While the May loot still  the most wallet-breaking one, this one is no less impressive in terms of both quantity and quality. The undisputed stars of the haul are the 1/7 Aniplex Arcueid and CCS Studio Alteisen. Close behind are the Apex Studio 1/7 Chen Alter, Gattai Granbird, and Yolopark Shurato Ryoma, all of which make a strong showing. On the Chinese hobby side, Soskill B-Duck is every bit as massive as expected, and JoyToy’s 1/24 Mecha stands out with particularly unusual packaging this time around. I’m curious to see whether future releases will follow this same design direction.

Lastly, I’m very glad I managed to secure the 30 Minutes Fantasy Liber Lancer and Wizard kits at a relatively affordable price, especially since preorders were unavailable for reasons still unclear. With the move now complete, I’m hoping this new transition will free up a bit more personal time—though, as usual, my work life remains as hectic as ever.

Super Robot Wars OG SOC GX-119 Koryuoh & Ryukooh Set

 
 On Early October, Tamashi Nation dropped a luxury diecast item for SRW OG. Not exactly very common treatment for SRW series from Bandai and it is dedicated for Ryukooh/Koryuoh of all mecha. The Chinese Mystical Beast SRW Mecha got a diecast treatment with full transformation gimmick which is the first for physical rendition of Koryuoh/Ryukooh. Scheduled for April 2026, SOC Koryuoh/Ryukooh will be sold for 45000 Yen Price tag.

SRW OG Riobot Vaisaga

 
 At first I thought Sentinel will release this one back to back with Soulgain last year but it seems they are still prudent enough to let the SRW fans wallet to recover. It has been around 6 months since the initial reveal but Sentinel is finally ready to announce the next SRW Riobot, Vaisaga! Scheduled for September 2025, Riobot Vaisaga will be sold for 39600 Yen.

Vaisaga is the second Shadow Mirror mecha to get the Riobot treatment after Soulgain. In SRW OG it is a Secret unit usable by Lamia if you fulfill certain condition but back in SRW A it is the Super Robot option available for both Axel and Lamia. Just like Soulgain, Vaisaga is a close combat monster who had a bastard sword as its primary weapon. Despite it is not as accomplished as Dygenguar in OG verse, Vaisaga is still quite a powerful Swordmaster type mecha. While Sentinel might have decided Raioh as the next Riobot candidate, I am quite sure that other Shadow Mirror mecha have a good shot coming up like Angelg. Though Vindel's Zweizergain would be awesome as well if Sentinel is interested in giving it a physical rendition.

February 2025 Loot

Last post for this month! Pound by pound, this gotta be the most massive Haul that ever come in a single month and the concentration of Mecha related stuff in this batch are no slack either! When It comes to value and bulk, this one gotta be the massive one so far. While Riobot SRX still remains the most expensive single item, I think Metal Build Billbine and SOC Tryon which is the main star of this haul can easily match up to be on par. My Chinese model kit collection got some addition on Heavyweights as well with Hemoxian Lone Shadow and Star Eternal boast a massive Box Size that can give Bandai's Gunpla a run for their money. Interestingly I also got myself a Sembo Brick Model for J-20 which is probably the cheapest among the batch but can still pull its weight. At this rate I think my backlog size is getting quite out of control already despite I already finished on some Chinese Model kit. Should have picked up the slack during the CNY Holiday period. Perhaps I should start workin on the Mecha Musume model kit that I got recently.
 

SRW OG CCS Toys 鉄魄 [MORTAL MIND] Alteisen

 
 CCS Toys truly come for the rescue! It is almost about 2 years since Flame Toys reveal their take on the Iconic SRW OG Mech Alteisen which were rather on expensive side. And now CCS Toys ready to unveil their take for this Old Iron which is very impressive and justify the reason why any SRW fans should pay attention with them. After Cybuster, CCS Toys released a Diecast version of Alteisen under the same Mortal Mind lineup. Scheduled for March 2025 release, CCS Mortal Mind Alteisen will be sold for 32000 Yen Price tag.

Just like Cybuster, the CCS version of Alteisen will likely stand 20+cm which correspond to 1/100 Scale. Compared to the Flame Toys version, CCS sports darker color scheme and even look more bulkier for already Alteisen's imposing stature. Despite being 20% cheaper compared to Flametoys, CCS Version of Alteisen's value is no slouch and In fact even better. While this one does not have Shishioh blade, CCS decide to go beyond the limit and make some impressive effect parts for Alteisen's Heavy Claymore which are probably never done for any previous Alteisen's physical product. Despite I already have Kotobukiya's 1/100 Alteisen, I will likely get this one to reunite the SRW OG Main protagonists once again. I will leave the parts contents of CCS and Flametoys Alteisen for people to decide which company make the better Diescast product for this beloved Old Iron.

SRW OG Super Minipla Astranagant

 Never thought Bandai is so invested toward SRW OG series as the Super Minipla are kept coming! Of all SRW Mecha, Bandai decided to throw a whopping surprise P-Bandai stuff for the keeper of Void, Astranagant! Considering this guy is one of this blog's mascot, I am not going to overlook this guy and make a featured article for him. Scheduled for May 2025 Release, Super Minipla Astranagant will be sold for 22000 Yen Price Tag

Not exactly SRWOG this time considering Astranagant only ever make proper appearance in SRW Alpha, but Who cares with this very cool sinister looking mecha getting a proper physical product! As expected with P-Bandai SRW Minipla, just like Banpreios, Bandai did a very impressive job in replicating Astranagant's gimmick that Kotobukiya even unable to reach a decade ago, Ranging from tons of effect parts for Astranagant's signature attack from the Gun Slave to its iconic Ain Soph Aur finisher. Truly Astranagant is one of the underused cool looking mecha which perhaps future SRW OG remake could address this issue. I will still patiently wait a finished product action figure and hopefully the candidate like Sentinel didn't charge a Kidney for it. Lastly Bandai actually go completionist route for Ingram as R-Gun Rivale and Wildschwein was available as P-Bandai Minipla which could be featured some other day.

SRW OG HG Ashsavior

 Bandai took their time with this Personal Trooper's product prototype for some reason, but finally we got the picture reveal for HG Model Kit Ashsaver / Ashsavior! This is quite a big deal because It took about 20-25 years for one of the cooler SRW Real Robot to ever get a proper physical product and it certainly worth celebrating! Scheduled for June 2025, HG Ashsavior will be sold for 4500 Yen.

My first exposure with Ashsavior is in GBA SRW OG2 where this Mecha is a secret unit that Lamia could obtain if Players managed to meet the criteria. But I only got the opportunity to use Ashsavior in SRW A Portable because it was my first pick with Axel as my main character and that game is such a bad experience to spend with this cool mech. In SRW OG, Ash Savior is an Elite Mecha used by Shadow Mirror faction which had its armaments named after melee weapons with Automated weapon called Sword Breaker being its strongest armament. 

Unfortunately Ashsavior is completely overshadowed by other Shadow Mirror Mechas like Soulgain and Vysaga just because it is a mere Real Robot. However with Ashsavior's release, I felt optimistic that Laz Angriff which is SRW expy for Dougram could make it as well while Sentinel will handle the Super Robot department. On last note, the recently discussed Kainar Asytac did bear many resemblance with Ashsavior which is not likely a coincidence and I will see the comparison myself when I have both on my collection.

SRW OG HG Huckebein Mk-II Trombe

  Given that Bandai kept working on SRW OG Model Kits, it is bound to happen that Trombe variants of Ratsel Feinschmaker will pop out eventually. However Bandai's choice for the Personal Trooper to get Trombe Variant proves to be a rather peculiar one. For some reason Bandai choose to pick Huckebein Mk-II as the candidate to receive the Trombe treatment which is weird but looks good nonetheless. Planned as P-Bandai item HG Huckebein Mk-II Trombe will be sold for 4700 Yen with December 2024 release schedule.

 Either my memory eludes me but I only remembered Huckebein Mk-III as the one that ever get Trombe version but perhaps it was a secret unit back in SRW OGs. The Bandai Model Kit pretty much include all original Huckebein MK-II loadout and I think the Trombe include Assault Blade as extra weapon. Trombe units in SRW series is rather special because the Trombe unit theme always override any BGMs including the boss which probably started as a Glitch but passed down as tradition hereafter. This Huckebein Mk-II release perhaps hints out Bandai's next plan for SRW OG HGs like Aussenseitter release considering Dygenguar already had one or even we will be one step closer for SRW OG Video Game series.

SRW OG Riobot Soulgain

 As SRW Fans are anticipating for Flametoys Alteisen, Sentinel make their move first by announcing the release for their rendition of Alteisen's rival, Soulgain! Released as Riobot Lineup, Sentinel's take on Soulgain will be sold for 39600 Yen with June 2025 release schedule.

June 2024 Loot

 Quantitatively not as much as the previous batch but got plenty of Heavy Duties in this one! Having a decent paying job to support your hobby do make a big difference indeed as the stuffs kept coming on weekly basis. Overall most of the stuffs are still from Preorders but I bought Masterpiece Soundwave and MS General Greed on retail rate. The most Eye-catching of the bunch is obviously the MS General Greed Mecha Musume model kit which pretty much cost half of the Kotobukiya version that is currently on preorder. However the most valuable item in this haul is obviously the Sentinel Compatible Kaiser which just got shipped along with the G-Thunder this month which the price of this set still surpass everything else combined from this haul. Also I got myself 3 of the SMC Sluban Brick Model kit in this haul which is on other picture as I simply don't have space to spare for these gigantic Chinese made products.

SRW Z HG Gunleon

 

 Another Big surprise for SRW series by Bandai! Thought they will plow on SRW OG series first before moving into other SRW titles considering the former still have more than plenty materials to be worked on. Thus Bandai pull of a combo breaker on their SRW Model kit in order to release Gunleon, One of the main protagonist mecha from SRW Z1! Scheduled for October 2024 release, HG Gunleon will be sold for 5500 Yen SRP.

 I think Bandai really did a superb job for SRW series model kit justifying them taking over this IP from Kotobukiya. I would say the quality for Gunleon is quite superb because it literally features practically all of the gimmick that this unit have including its upgraded form which pretty much turn Gunleon into literal Gaogaigar. Back then I only completed SRW Z1 in Setsuko route and never pushed on to complete Gunleon's but might as well revisit SRW Z if I have the opportunity to tie up the loose ends. To me SRW Z is a wasted potential because it could have been the Saint Seiya of Mecha series featuring 12 Zodiacs of Mechas as the protagonists. But at very least Z1 and Z2 did the job good enough making them still worth playing until this day. Hoping that Bandai will work on Virgola next because Setsuko, the sorrowful maiden do deserves the love

April May 2024 Loot

 By this time my monthly acquisition for Hobby product have been getting rather massive which probably will need to be kept in check. But nevertheless got myself some really good acquisitions over this period of two months which do align with my interest with Mecha. I think my previous hauls still got higher overall value but the April May Loot does not lose when it comes to quality.

Surprisingly the loot balance from the Japanese and Chinese manufacturer are somewhat well balanced this time and as always Mecha represent the majority. This haul is the first time Transformers joining my loot collection which I pick Optimus Prime, Megatron and Ultra Magnus to represent the first batch and it won't be the last of it because I will be planning to get Soundwave at least to join my Transformers collection. 

The best of the hauls are still from the Japanese side with the top 3 positions are filled by Megahouse Quattro Bajeena, AM Gunner and MRS Justice Gundam simply due to the product rarity. However Sluban Hurricane and Cangdao Tianwei do come close from behind. Lastly the hauls of this batch do appear to have more Model kits which I wonder when will I have the free time to assemble them.