Uma Musume Pretty Derby SHF Rice Shower

 
 One of the Uma Musume product that I overlooked back then, but around last year Tamashi nation still make SHF for Uma Musume and Rice Shower happen to be the recipient of such treatment. Released back in August 2022 along with Teio as first batch Uma Musume SHF, SHF Rice Shower was released for 6300 Yen SRP.

I wouldn't say Tamashi Nation rendition for Rice Shower would be the most faithful one, but it is relatively good in value. SHF Rice Shower does include fiery eye effect parts which replicate her special skill. Had Rice's shower dagger removable, it would be even better as it replicates her Assassin moniker. 

SHF Rice Shower got my interest once again as I got to train her once again in Uma Musume Global. Rice is not the exactly the easiest Uma Musume to train, but her sweet personality gains many affection of Uma Musume players. Most beginner trainers will not be ablet to train Rice Shower properly as she requires Guts Build deck. In terms of racing style, Rice Shower is a long distance Pace Chaser who makes up her middling stats with her high Guts stats and seize victory by focusing everything in last spurt.

Given the resurgence of Uma Musume interest with the global server, I hope Bandai and Goodsmile would be interested to make some more Uma Musume action figures 

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Tau XV8 Crisis Battlesuit Review

 
 Ever since I got into Warhammer 40k, I always have personal soft spot toward Tau faction because they are the best one in 40k when it comes to Mecha designs. Basically if you are a fan of Japanese mechas, you will naturally gravitate to Tau faction as they come with plenty of Mechas in the form of Battlesuits. 

During less focused period of Joytoy, they did make some action figures for Tau faction including XV8 Battlesuit. At the time, there were 2 available variants available, but in the end I picked the Coldstar variant which comes with burst cannon. I felt that this variant captured the main selling point of Tau battlesuit. Come to think of it, I should have gotten both variants because we haven't got any Tau related action figures by Joytoy as they are still preoccupied with Space Marine and their chaos brethren.

Overall I would say, Tau Battlesuits are some of the better specimen of Joytoy which is perfect in size, sculpt and playability. This had to do with Joytoy's extensive experience in making Mecha related products which translated well for 40k portfolio. In warhammer tacticus, Re'vas which is the battlesuit hero in the game also happen to be my favorite and has been my mainstay in the game for a long time despite her variant is not the exact match with the Joytoy rendition. Joytoy can still do alot for Tau faction and I still want my farsight enclave.

Vocaloid x Gundam Megahouse Lucrea Hatsune Miku Wing Zero EW

 
 Over past 1 year, Vocaloid have been having some close relationship with Gundam series resulting in frequent collaboration of Hatsune Miku with Gundam IP. This appears to be Bandai's attempt to reach out for younger audiences. But just like many of their botched attempts this one will end up attracting Gundam fanbase in the 30s demography. We have been getting some interesting Gundam themed miku merchandise including Banpresto Prize Figures and Bandai Gunpla, but this one by Megahouse gotta be the most expensive one yet. Using Wing Gundam series as source material we will have Hatsune Miku Scale Figure incorporating Wing Gundam aesthetics as part of Megahouse Lucrea lineup. Scheduled for June 2026 release, Lucrea Hatsune Miku Wing Zero EW will be sold for 25000 Yen.

Given that Wing Gundam got a new homage animation, this is a right time to release Wing Gundam themed Hatsune Miku figure. Being one of the Japan's Iconic pop culture for almost 2 decades, Miku have been the recipient of many Scale figure over the span of this period numbering over thousands. But Miku's collaboration with Gundam series might be a breath of fresh air.

Given some of the more popular Gundam series haven't got represented by Miku yet, we could expect some more Vocaloid x Gundam products. I wonder if other Vocaloids might have a turn in this collab considering Luka and Kagamine twins could use some.

Warhammer 40k Joytoy 1/18 Primarch Perturabo

  I think It has been around 6 months since the last time Joytoy released 1/18 Primarch in their human form. With the recent series of addition of Iron Warriors into Joytoy 40k Portfolio, It is not surprising that Perturabo joins in the fray with his children! Scheduled for November 2025 release, Joytoy 1/18 Perturabo will be sold for 140 USD SRP.

 Among Emperor of Mankind's Primarchs, Perturabo is one of the more resentful with his lot. Extremely proficient in Siege warfare, He is tasked to lead his Iron Warriors legion to fight some of the worst battles in Great Crusade which force high attrition rate which are relatively thankless as other Space Marine Legions picked up many battles where Iron Warriors did most of the difficult job only to have glory denied to them so many times. This eventually built up Perturabo and his legions resentment quite fast which eventually led him to join Chaos side to settle scores with Imperial Fist, especially Rogal Dorn having the honor of building Palace of Terra which Perturabo coveted.

When it comes to Joytoy rendition, Perturabo's sculpt is no doubt superb just like many of Joytoy's Big ticket items for Warhammer 40k. But I expect the articulation will have significant issues given the bulk but there is definitely a certain charm with 40k Army having Hazard Stripes as part of their color design. I will expect there will be more Iron Warriors Space Marine down the road considering Imperial Fist got sizable roster for the 30k settings and it would be certainly a sight to re-enact Imperial Fist and Iron Warriors bitter rivalry in 1/18 Scale format! 

Fate/Grand Order Alter 1/8 Senji Muramasa

 Revealed right around FGO JP 10th Anniversary event, Alter came up with their Senji Muramasa figure in 1st ascension! Sculpted in the pose based on his iconic scene in Shimosa arc, Alter's Muramasa will be released in 1/8 Scale/ Scheduled for October 2026 release, Alter 1/8 Senji Muramasa will be sold for 28800 Yen price tag.

Alter's sculpt quality cannot be doubted, but I still wonder how they are still confident that people are interested in their 1/8 scale figure that are sold for 30k yen when tax are included. Muramasa is certainly very popular servant in FGO but I really doubt the demand will be particularly high for such price tag in the present overall declining global economy.  Nevertheless I am still willing to wait for a Figma rendition for Muramasa since I have him.

Speaking of FGO, the 8th year in Global is truly terrible for me. My luck had been overall rather lousy and It is a wonder that I still persevered in this sorry excuse of a game which are still the most ruthless among gacha industry. Had it been Genshin or Arknights that gave me this sort of treatment, I would have abandoned their product long ago. By this time I quite despise Nasu as he is partly to blame to let his works turned into such greedy abomination. Wonder what will be the final nail to drive me abandon this series completely.
 

Armored Trooper Votoms HI-METAL R Scopedog

 
 For years I have been looking for my Ideal candidate for Votoms series physical representation to join my collection, turns out the Go-to item is quite obvious. I think Votoms had been getting plenty iterations of Hi-Metal renditions before including Scopedog, but this one somehow caught my attention. This one is actually a plain version of Scope Dog but it has several factors that makes it appealing. Scheduled for February 2026 release, Hi-Metal R Scope Dog will be sold for 16000 Yen SRP.

While Red Shoulders version of Scope Dog still look overall more appealing, the regular version of Scope Dog actually fits Chirico Cuvie's character perfectly. Because the way he treated his AT throughout Votoms series merely weapons disposed when no longer useful fits his archetype as runaway supersoldier of former Gilgamesh Empire after all. This Hi-Metal rendition of Scopedog comes with respectable loadouts similar to the Full Loadout of Scopedog depicted in SRW series along with Chirico Cuvie action figure. Personally I would have preferred if the Scopedog included the Pilebunker arsenal but there is not much to complaint from this one.

Megaman Jada Toys 1/12 Mettall / Mettaur Potton

 
 Up until now Jada Toys does not enter my radar because they released mostly Street Fighter action figures which are out of my strike zone. However they recently released particular Megaman action figure that caught my attention. Neither Robot master nor Megaman himself but Mettool/Mettaur! In this instance, I will use the Mettaur name because I remembered these fellows from MMBN era. Scheduled for August 2025 release Jada Mettaur will be sold for 6300 SRP.

What caught my attention with this Jada Toys product is the elaborate packaging design which are very rare treatment for this sort of character. While Mettaur release is a logical outcome from Jada Toys releasing action figure for Megaman and some Robot masters. Jada doesn't have to make a fancy Retro Packaging treatment for Megaman series Iconic minions, yet they did! This certainly will make Capcom fans collectors pay attention to this manufacturer. While I rather doubt if Jada will move from Capcom 80s or early 90s IP, I will definitely pay attention with their release for Servbots from Megaman Legend. I think Goodsmile might likely make a Servbot in the future but I wouldn't mind if Jada happen to make it first.

Char's Counterattack Metal Robot Spirits Nu Gundam

 
 Nu Gundam being the ever popular protagonist gundam, got another fancy treatment by Tamashii Nation. Nothing as flashy compared to Metal Structure or PG Unleashed but it is still a diecast nonetheless being a Metal Robot Spirits! Scheduled for January 2026 release, Metal Robot Spirits will be sold for 20000 Yen SRP.

 I believe MRS Nu Gundam would be a superb product made by Bandai but the Price point is truly the point of contention here. Several years ago, Bandai released Metal Robot Spirits for Hi-Nu Gundam with 12000 Yen Price tag and when they demand 20000 Yen for less equipped Nu Gundam, the inflation cost is really apparent. To elaborate this point, back in the past 20000 Yen would have gotten you a Metal Build not a Metal Robot spirits. Nu Gundam probably fell on the larger side of Mobile Suits but 16cm partial Diecast action figure simply doesn't worth 20k Yen. 

While I can't really completely blame Bandai on this department either, this sort of price would make it difficult for Overseas fans to consider getting one since you can get yourself 3 MG Nu ver Ka which are easily better value. At this rate I wouldn't surprised that China could come up with some substitute that came along with cheaper price tag in the future.

Howling Star Cross Core CZ-12A 1/100 Nebula

 
 Among the Chinese Model kit I have built so far, this gotta be the shortest review. Over past 1 year, I had the opportunity to sample several Chinese model kits and Nebula is probably the weakest one so far. This one is still even more lackluster than Yanmie which got diecast frame. In terms of design Howling Star Nebula is somewhat half decent bearing protagonist mecha qualities. But the value for money are just rather weak which indicated how competitive the chinese markets are. For similar price point, other Chinese model kits able to offer Diecast frame while Nebula doesn't offer much in exchange for the absence of one. Among many available options for Chinese model kits, Nebula gotta be the weaker ones. Apparently Nebula did make an appearance in some Chinese mobile game, but time will tell if any expansion kit could bring back this fellow into relevance.

Megami Device 1/1 Desire Maiden Raider

 Usually I pay attention more to Frame Arms Girl for Kotobukiya's go to lineup for Mecha Musume, but Megami Device got something interesting this time. Dubbed Desire Maiden Raider, this one is a bat themed mecha musume that appears to be amalgamation of several characters which caught my attention. Scheduled for December 2025 release, Megami Device Desire Maiden Raider will be sold for 6300 Yen.

In terms of Aesthetics, Desire Maiden Raider is mecha musume model with edgy sadistic tone on it with the bdsm-esque attire and bat mecha theme. You can trace the design influence from Fate Elizabeth Bathory and Queens Blade Alice, but the most striking similarity would be with Nuke Matrix Bat Sonic in which Desire Maiden pretty much the risque version. The Bat Jetpack is a dead giveaway for the close resemblance and I am quite curious who are being copied. Interestingly this Megami Device model kit include pathetic expression faceplate which are quite similar with Syuen's crying expression from Nikke. Regardless whether the similarity are intentional or not, Megami Device Desire Maiden would make good contrast for those who own Nuke Matrix Bat Sonic.
 

My Hime Plamatea 1/12 Tokiha Mai

 
 Of all Sunrise series, I never expected My Hime getting a comeback but fate proved otherwise! Obviously being relatively old series, My Hime for now is not getting anything flashy but they make it as Plamatea with the main heroine Tokiha Mai being the first recipient. Scheduled for April 2026 release, Plamatea Tokiha Mai will be sold for 8500 Yen.

Tokiha Mai is one of the 12 Maidens called HiMEs dragged into a battle royal with the victor granted some sort of great power. Apart being marked with particular tattoo, The Himes are bestowed some sort of magical weapons as well as giant mechanical beasts as their companions. Think of it like Kamen Rider Ryuki with Waifus and less Tokusatsu actions. Mai herself being unwilling participant actually end up being one of the powerful HiME. While her fire ring weapon that grants her flight capability doesnt seem to be anything special, Her Mechanical beast is one of the most powerful being a Dragon like beast with a Sword Impaled on its face called Kagutsuchi.

My Hime is one of the first anime that I watched during my early days getting into Japanese Pop Culture which is why this product caught my attention. I didn't remember much about the series anymore but one of my favorite heroine in My Hime ends up to be an antagonist. Personally I am not quite sure if My Hime will be getting another Plamatea, but Natsuki Kuga would be a good candidate since her companion Duran are not too difficult to be made into physical product.

Frame Arms Girl 1/12 Durga Gold Ritter

Usually Kotobukiya sells their Frame Arms Girl Mecha Musume model kit lineup in relatively moderate price range but this one appears to be a deluxe variant! Dubbed as Gold Ritter you can expect this latest Frame Arms Girl Durga comes in high amount of bling! Scheduled for December 2025 release, Frame Arms Girl Durga Gold Ritter will be sold for 14400 Yen SRP.

All Frame Arms Girl Durga always come with a Lance as their standard armament along with one distinct weapon. As for Gold Ritter, she comes with a red translucent fancy sword which gives off a flaming effect impression. I think the 150% price tag increase compared to regular Durga is due to the Gold plating parts. Bandai never had particular good track record with their Gold plated model kit and I wonder if Kotobukiya will be any different? Unless you are really into gold variant color scheme, I think Frame Arms Girl Durga 2 is still overall the best value and I still wait for her rerun.

Alundra

 
 One of the 2D Adventure Gem on PSX that I came across when I still have my PSP. 2D games often got overlooked on PSX due the console riding on high wave of 3D Hype but Alundra proved that PSX is also reigning supreme on 2D games especially with JRPG element.

If Legend of Zelda got darker cousin, you got yourself Alundra! In Alundra you play as some sort of Elven mystic warrior who possess mysterious power of entering people's dreamworld. In this game, the protagonist ended up in a village that is plagued with mysterious phenomenon with sinister nature and it is up to the player to free the vilage from the nightmare caused by ancient evil.

For a game created in mid 90s era, Alundra surprisingly has very polished experience and the difficulty are no joke either. It is probably one of the best 2D top down action game out there which have perfect balance of Action and Puzzle. To this day I really got puzzled that the sequel of Alundra looks completely nothing with the first game which implied some issues with the Publisher who really lacked the proper vision despite Alundra had that promise of great adventure. If this game ever got remaster somehow, I might be even interested to revisit the game one day.

Gundam Wing SHF 1/12 Heero Yuy

 
 It appears that Bandai's release for SHF Gundam Seed protagonists bear satisfactory results that they decide to take another go on making SHF for Gundam characters. This time Gundam Wing earned the honor to have an SHF released for the main character Heero Yuy. Released as P-Bandai item along with Metal Roda Wing Gundam, SHF Heero Yuy will be sold for 9000 Yen SRP.

An action figure for Gundam protagonists would have been very welcomed by Gundam fans including myself but Bandai being greedy once again make SHF Heero Yuy as P-Bandai just like what they did with Athrun Zala.  Personally, I don't think the relatively simple sculpt of Heero Yuy in his iconic singlet and shorts warrant a P-Bandai treatment but Bandai's intention to make quick bucks is very apparent in this one. In some way, Heero's usual getup do make his opponent underestimate him without expecting he is an elite young Black ops who would give any other Gundam protagonists a hard time should he be given initiative to strike. If it is not for the P-Bandai nonsense, I wouldn't actually mind getting Zechs or Treize in their SHF rendition.

52Toys Beastbox Sacred Power Robo

 52Toys never ceased me with their creativity on Beastbox products, but this one is onto another level! Probably bored from making new animal themed Beastbox, they decide to make a classic Vintage style Super Sentai combiner robot based on Chinese Four Sacred Beasts simply dubbed as Sacred Power Robo. Announced around Late May 2025, Beastbox Sacred Power Robo is available for 36 USD Price tag on their Aliexpress Store.

At first glance, this Sacred Power Robo which shares the vibe of Dairanger looks like to be rather derpy Mecha design. But keep in mind this Combiner Robo consists of 4 Sacred Beast beastbox which can form a perfect Cube altogether! Seriously this level of engineering is very praiseworthy by Beastbox because I don't think Japanese Manufacturers like Takara or Bandai are OCD enough to create something with overly elaborate engineering even in their heyday. For the craftsmanship feat alone, the effort of 52 Toys is very praiseworthy and they even make another one called Peacemecha which I will also cover in near future.