Exiled Heavy Knight knows how to game the system

 
 Japanese Isekai fantasy genre are filled with many powercreep trope that reflects poor writing but there is a good specimen that I came across 2 months ago. As usual it comes with unnecessarily lengthy name which I will just shorten as Exiled Heavy Knight. This one features powerful main protagonist not being simply using a mary sue trope but owed to Clairvoyance EX skill and thrive in his fantasy adventure by using his wits to create the right opportunity.

Exiled Heavy Knight follows the story of a protagonist who is abandoned by his noble family after obtaining the role of a Heavy Knight in his class selection—a role typically considered a weak tank unit with low DPS and little chance of making progress. However, the main character understands the hidden potential of his class to become the strongest unit. He perseveres in situations where failure is expected and consistently rises to the top, forming a partnership with a Jester who is also an outcast but secretly overpowered. 

Exiled Heavy Knight strength lies in its solid RPG mechanics that makes the combat and storyline overall interesting and cut ahead compared to its typical peers and you will feel the struggle of the protagonist profoundly in this one. The protagonist might have skill that overturn overall disadvantage he had to deal with but he constantly have to teeter between life and death with the unfair challenges that he faced and earn his way to come up on top. Despite this manga is unfinished so far, I believe Exiled Heavy Knight could remain as top specimen of Fantasy Isekai genre. 

Moshow Progenitor Effect Illustrious Class 1/100 Guardsman Special Corps

Moshow is back with their 1/100 Scale Illustrious class Diecast toy for Real Robot design! This time the Real robot got some subtle Russian aesthetics all around having PPSH Submachine Gun as codename as obvious takeaway. Scheduled for Q4 2025 release, Moshow Illustrious class Guardsman will be sold for a set of 3 with 890 RMB price tag.

Compared to Tyrant series, Moshow Guardsman sports more ranged oriented combat. The combat set 
consist of Mecha units with the following setups

-Dual Shotgun 

-Machine Gun with Shield 

-Artillery Unit

From the first glance I think the centrepiece would be the Artillery unit with the other two serve as combat escort. The overall vibe reminds of slightly bulkier version of GM Cannon or Ez-8 SR which have overall focus of coordinated tactical combat team.

For some reason, Moshow decide not to release this Illustrious class as single variant like they did with Tyrant. Perhaps they are confident that their works will sell out as a set or seek profit with less hassle. I do hope they could readjust their strategy as the individual units works perfectly as affordable substitute for Bandai’s Metal Build.

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.

3DS XL Monster Hunter Generations PAL Review

 

Today’s post isn’t exactly a proper review — it’s more of a nostalgic reflection. But considering how long this little gaming device of mine has lasted — even surviving a recent flood — I figured it deserves a dedicated entry.

Back in 2016, I took a trip to Sydney and picked up a Monster Hunter Generations Edition Nintendo 3DS XL, along with a copy of Monster Hunter Generations. Long story short, this 3DS XL has stuck with me ever since, faithfully enduring years of use. It’s still in relatively great condition, which really speaks to the build quality of Nintendo’s hardware.
 

Eventually, I did sell my original copy of MH Generations and later upgraded to Generations Ultimate. But the MH Generations 3DS XL itself? It's been with me through thick and thin.

Interestingly, the NTSC version of this limited edition comes in blue, while the PAL version is red. Personally, I think the PAL version won out this time, the red design feels more in line with the bold, hunting aesthetic of the Monster Hunter series. This limited edition model could probably fetch a decent price nowadays, but after surviving the recent flooding disaster, I think it’s earned the right to stay with me — at least until it finally gives out.

I have many fond memories with this 3DS. I’ve clocked in thousands of hours on it across various titles. While I wasn’t thrilled about Nintendo pulling Monster Hunter away from the PlayStation Vita back then (though, let’s be honest, that was mostly Sony’s fault), I’ve since moved on from the series itself.

Still, this 3DS means more to me than just gaming. It was my companion through early adulthood, and its survival is a reminder of those formative years and precious memento for me.

Girls Frontline Figma UMP45

 
 With Girls Frontline 2 Exilium been around in Global server for almost one year, the series merchandise got some resurgence even it is not at fast including former product. Almost as if anticipation of UMP45 debut in GFL2, Goodsmile rerelease Figma for UMP45 along with UMP9. Scheduled for June 2026 release, Figma UMP45 will be sold for 11000 Yen Price tag.

Personally I am not too familiar with UMP45 lore in GFL1 but she is quite popular enough that her debut in GFL2 CN received quite a hype. Her code name in GFL2 is Leva while her sister UMP9 is called Lenna and apparently a fierce rival of HK416 to win commander's affection. Prior to her re-release, Figma UMP45 fetched rather high price in after market so this re-release by GSC is a blessing for GFL collectors. I would likely expect HK416 in GFL1 version will be re-released as well though her GFL2 upcoming product would stiffen the competition.

Yume Maboroshi no Gotoku

 
 Oda Nobunaga being the most famous historical figure in Japanese Warring states period obviously received many pop culture adaptations and Realm of Darkness has covered several of them. But if you want to single out the craziest adaptations of all it would be Yume Maboroshi no Gotoku by Hiroshi Motomiya sensei, Mangaka who produced works like Tenchi wo Kurau which was adapted as famous arcade game by Capcom known as Warriors of Fate.

Yume Maboroshi no Gotoku (Like a Fleeting Dream) stands out among Oda Nobunaga stories by presenting a straightforward tensei (reincarnation) narrative. While many adaptations explore "what-if" scenarios where a protagonist intervenes to change Nobunaga's fate, this manga throws Nobunaga himself into the spotlight—he survives the Honnō-ji incident, is transported back in time, and decides to finish what he started: unifying Japan and embarking on a fantastical global conquest.

In this series, readers witness Nobunaga rally warriors from diverse tribes—Jurchen, Mongols, Rus—and wage over-the-top campaigns that crush empires like Ming China and even Europe. It’s an extravagant, larger-than-life take that trades historical nuance for spectacle.

Overall, Yume Maboroshi no Gotoku is a mediocre Nobunaga adaptation if you’re looking for depth or historical intricacy, especially when compared to something like Nobunaga no Chef. However, it holds a certain appeal as a power fantasy—perhaps a reflection of the lingering echoes of Japan’s cultural golden age of the '80s and early '90s. If you're missing Nobunaga no Chef and want something to fill that gap—even with a more fantastical twist—Yume Maboroshi no Gotoku might just do the trick.

Spectral vs Generation

 
 Fantasy themed fighting game especially 2D might be a rarity outside Aksys games considering the sorts like SNK and Streetfighter still overall dominate the genre. But in mid 2000s, Ideafactory a Japanese gamedev company mainly known for Neptunia series these days made one called Spectral vs Generation.

Most gamers these days are probably unfamiliar with Ideafactory but during PSX until PSP era, they were quite active in JRPG scene creating an overarching series called Neverland Saga with Spectral and Generation of Chaos being the main series. The Neverland JRPG series had really interesting worldbuilding but plagued by subpar gameplay which rendered the series failed to become mainstream success and buried in obscurity these days. But as someone who got a glimpse of Neverland saga through the PSP titles, I certainly grow a fascination toward the series especially they got some low-key good waifu designs.

Then in Mid 2000s out of the blue, likely Ideafactory attempt to diversify their Neverland Saga, create a fighting game called Spectral vs Generation with assistance of IGS, a Taiwan Game studio. This crossover fighting game title follow the spirit of SNK vs Capcom featuring iconic characters from Spectral and Generation of Chaos series duking it out to get their wish fulfilled.

Given the rich design of Neverland Saga series, Spectral vs Generation features colorful cast of fantasy themed roster. From the iconic scythe wielding daughter of former Demon King, Hiro to Demon Queen Waifu, Roze or Katar dual wielding shota hero with a Stand. Spectral vs Generation was truly a unique entry in fighting game that doesn't really get the recognition it deserved. My favorite was Ryuken, a Chinese pugilist archetype who can hand down very nasty beatings if he can get to close range. I played Spectral vs Generation quite a lot when I had my PSP even to the point of breaking my PSP D-Pad and even had a digital copy on my PS Vita.

Considering Ideafactory Neverland saga has laid dormant for more than 15 years, I think the time is ripe for IF to re-release their remaster, preferably with Qol improvements since the JRPG titles were known to be plagued with gameplay issues. Spectral vs Generation works just fine though. The opening theme of this game is also very nice too. 

Fate/Grand Order Plamatea Berserker Artoria Caster

FGO overall fortune probably not as good as it used to be that It accepts other medium for their action figure lineup apart from Figma. This time Berserker Artoria Castoria in her 2^nd ascension made it as Plamatea! Scheduled for June 2026 Plamatea Castoria will be sold for 8800 Yen.

The Plamatea lineup certainly offers cheaper alternative compared to figma, considering the same rendition of Berserker Artoria Caster would be easily around 12000 – 14000 Yen price range these days. The overall sculpt looks fine but the Joint issue would be rather glaring.

LOH Gagharv Mobile Hero Archive - Tirasweel

  Finally fulfilling my end of bargain for Gagharv Mobile after the global server inevitable closure. Tirasweel was supposed to be the last part of Gagharv Trilogy to be finished for Gagharv mobile but alas, economic reality of gaming industry does not allow the dream to be completed.

Tirasweel Chapter is the representation of Prophecy of Moonlight Witch which was chronologically the first of Gagharv Trilogy released by Falcom but took place in the later part of the trilogy timeline, much akin to Star Wars IV to Starwars I-III. Personally POTMW is the title from the trilogy that I am least attached to due to the most barebone series considering it was the first of the trilogy. Nevertheless I still respect the series that I finished the complete game back when I had PSP despite the glaring flaw.

Compared to other region, Tirasweel's roster is the most barebone because it was still in rather incomplete state before Gaghar Mobile's global server met its demise last month. Some of the key characters like Badat and Durzell haven't even made it before the unfortunate circumstances fall on the game which I did look forward to even if POTMW is not my favorite. At very least Tirasweel got one UR, Queen Isabelle and I am happy that I purchased her skin which gives her quite high waifu aura as opposed to her original rendition. Overall Tirasweel fared quite solid at Tank and DPS department though support might be rather lacking compared to other region.

With El Phildin, Weltluna and Tirasweel roster completed, all left is to create master archive for Gagharv Mobile and I would consider my obligation with this gacha game completed.

Nikke Figma Modernia - Second Affection

 Nikke merchandise department's productivity are impressive as usual. After they release Hyper Body Modernia last year, Shift Up is back with action figure for Modernia! Released as Figma this time, Modernia got herself action figure rendered in Second Affection costume. Scheduled October 2026 release, Figma Modernia 2nd Affection will be sold for 16800 Yen.

I haven't followed Nikke's storyline for a very long time but this rendition of Modernia had a rather special story behind it. Despite being a Nikke that ended up joining Rapture, she rejoins humanity due to her affection toward commander only to be separated due to some organization wished to make her experimental subject at dissection table due to something that Modernia possess.

Long story short, Modernia ended up traveling with Nikkes from Pilgrim faction for her own safety who suffer bouts of loneliness due to separated from her beloved Commander. I recalled Modernia end up stay in a kingdom where she is given special treament that I forgot. Her second affection costume was a limited skin in Nikke that represents Modernia's special status akin which also gives Modernia a princess vibe. 

Given the price tag, I will likely skip this one and wait for Scarlet Black Shadow and D: Killer Wife action figure which are a matter of time as long as Nikke maintain their current momentum.
 

Sembo Blocks Wandering Earth - Bullet Rain Review

Another continuation for Sembo Wandering Earth series! This time it is a machine gun caterpillar tank platform called Bullet Rain. In fact, this is probably the model that attracted my to give this particular lineup a try. Ultimately Sembo’s Wandering Earth 2 is rather a mixed bag due to the limitation of Brick Model as medium despite the design looks promising.

At least, Tank model like Bullet Rain is less affected from the brick model constraints due to simpler overall design. Given the low caliber type of gun, I think it is likely that Bullet Rain served as some sort of anti-air unit as its fire rate are workable for interception purpose. Though I will figure out the intended design if I ever watch Wandering Earth 2.

GANSO SD Gundam Ougon-Shin Superior Kaiser & Taiyou-Shin God Kaiser Set

 
SD Gundam just like many things are usually out of my strike zone due to my focus on 1/100 lineup but this new P-Bandai product do catch my attention. From SD Gundam series in 90s, Bandai released Superior Kaiser and God Kaiser set SD Gundam action figure. Scheduled for March 2026, SD Gundam Superior Kaiser & God Kaiser set will be sold for 22000 Yen.

Archmage returns after 4000 Years

Some manhwa that I read a while ago and did a complete start over with this one due to hazy memories. Overall the do over was well worth it because this one is another good specimen of Manhwa. Gnostic themes are not exactly the most popular genres to work on and return of Archmage is the few specimens that did well on this subset of fantasy genre. Archmage returns after 4000 year is a story of humanity struggle in regaining their freedom from Demigods in conflicts spanning over few thousand years.

The story follows Lucas Trowman, an Archmage and leader of humanity’s resistance, who mysteriously returns to the material world after being imprisoned in the Abyss for 4,000 years—trapped by the deceit of a powerful Demigod. Upon his return, Lucas wastes no time reclaiming his strength and rallying allies for a decisive rematch against the Demigod and his dark army.

Return of Archmage selling points lies in giving a glimpse on what sort of confrontation between Humanity and Demigod would look like. The main antagonist in the series is essentially Manhwa depiction of Gnostic Demiurge. I have read my share of Manga and I would say Korean and Chinese do make better use of Gnostic themes in their work compared to Japan for some reason. 

While return of Archmage are not exactly on par with Solo Levelling due to some obvious plotholes, likely due to deadlines, it is overall solid Manhwa if you are fantasy fan. The main storyline is essentially completed by chapter 200 with the manhwa continue as side story where Lucas Trowman save another world in order to return to his true love.

Fate/Grand Order Aniplex 1/7 Morgan Lady of Water

 
With how horrible my FGO 8th year ended up, I was highly considering to ragequit this sorry excuse of Gacha Game, if it is not for Morgan. Since her inception in FGO's 6th year, Morgan remain's one of the best waifu from FGO. Fast forward 4 years after her debut, Morgan's Caster 3rd Ascension makes it as the 1/7 Scale figure by Aniplex! Scheduled for August 2026 release, 1/7 Morgan Lady of the Water will be sold for 36000 Yen price tag.

Morgan Lady of Water is the final ascension 8th anniv banner servant, Tonelico who is her Caster class counterpart. She is essentially the summer servant waifu who is shoved into anniv banner which will be the same thing that happened to Summer Ereshkigal. Lady of Water basically serves as the closure version of Morgan's character after the sort of tragedies that befell on her role in Lostbelt 6, bearing slightly more peaceful and cheerful expression of the much beloved FGO waifu. 

The Aniplex version of the Scale Figure is pretty much the 1:1 rendition of Caster Morgan 3rd Ascension illustration. Given the elaborate amount of the prop that this figure had, naturally the price got to be expensive. Considering my current economic circumstances, I will be unlikely able to obtain this Scale figure but I will look forward to Caster Morgan Nendoroid rendition which is highly likely and wouldn't even mind to double dip for her Tonelico version. Interestingly Aniplex reserved an extra faceplate for their website preorder bonus, the longing face expression certainly amplify the wife factor of this Caster Morgan manyfold which you can see below.

Genshin Impact Nendoroid Kaeya

 
 I think it has been more than 6 months since we got any Genshin Impact Nendoroid and of all available selections, we got ourselves the Cavalry Captain Kaeya as the next Nendoroid. It seems that Mihoyo still acting brazen with Genshin Impact IP despite the series definitely no longer enjoy its peak fame status and we are getting a new Nendoroid only after a lengthy period of time. Scheduled for June 2026 release, Nendoroid Kaeya will be sold for 7200 Yen Price tag.

 Kaeya is 4* Cryo Sword Character who served as one of the starter unit in Genshin Impact. He is a sub DPS unit who conjured Ice spikes around him for reaction elemental damage potential, basically Cryo version of Xiangling. I still don't understand why Mihoyo decided to release Kaeya as the latest Nendoroid after Raiden Shogun with many popular characters are still waiting their turn. If Mihoyo wants monstadt character, Jean or Eula would make good candidate but it is likely had to do with Mihoyo's Hubris. For almost 5 years sticking with Genshin, I never truly like Mihoyo's attitude toward its playerbase being an arrogant entity who thinks that they are capable of getting away with their mistreatment toward their playerbase. Perhaps they think they could try sell their Genshin IP as dearly as possible but it already backfire badly with Nikke show how merchandising should be done. 

I haven't touched my Genshin account for almost a month already and I might have given up on Genshin completely as I don't expect Mihoyo will truly change for better. Mihoyo try to act as if they are THE Saturn of videogame industry and they will pay dearly for it.