Atelier Iris 2 - Azoth of Destiny Playthrough Complete!

Straight after finishing MS Saga: A New Dawn, I moved on to another PS2 title to finally settle an old “debt” of mine: Atelier Iris 2: The Azoth of Destiny, a JRPG by Gust Corporation. This was another one of those PS2 games I played back in high school, but I never managed to complete it despite being around 75% through at the time.

Now that I’ve actually finished it, I’d describe Atelier Iris 2 as a fairly decent JRPG, one that doesn’t quite have what it takes to stand among the top titles in the genre. Still, completing it carries a particular meaning for me. It marks the third old PS2 game I’ve cleared in succession, a small “hat trick” in working through my backlog.

More importantly, the timing of this playthrough felt oddly serendipitous. Something about encountering Atelier Iris 2 at this point allowed me to better recognize and absorb what truly matters at its core. Despite its shortcomings as a game, it presents a surprisingly deep thematic foundation that only really clicked for me this time around.

Zeta Gundam Robot Spirits Super Gundam Anime Ver

 

Something has been making me wonder lately: why did Bandai decide to make their new Robot Spirits release for Zeta Gundam less accessible? Zeta Gundam was one of the most successful mainstream Gundam series, helping cement the franchise’s longevity over several decades. Yet, it seems Bandai now considers the series “a thing of the past,” as the Robot Spirits lineup for Zeta Gundam has become largely P-Bandai exclusive, including the recent Super Gundam entry. Scheduled for September 2026, the Robot Spirits Super Gundam Anime Ver will be sold for 14,000 yen.

While the Gundam Mk-II was available as a regular Tamashii Nation release, the same cannot be said for Super Gundam, even the G-Defensor is locked behind P-Bandai. What makes the Robot Spirits Super Gundam stand out is that it showcases the true tactical flexibility of the G-Defensor on the Mk-II, rather than just being a simple weapon backpack as Gundam video games usually portray it—often because it is relegated to a support character’s unit.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind picking up some Zeta Gundam Robot Spirits if the price is right, and I’m actually eyeing the Marasai, which I hope will get a regular release.

SAMG Miniforce x Transcon SG Rex Kaiser D7

A rather pleasant surprise from SAMG’s Miniforce line. It’s been more than a year since Rex Kaiser first appeared. a mecha that feels almost too cool for a kids’ robot animation and now it’s making an unexpected comeback in a form that’s far more accessible to global collectors. Released as a Transcon event exclusive (seemingly some sort of a Chinese hobby convention), Rex Kaiser returns with a new color scheme as part of a combiner set dubbed SG Rex Kaiser D7. The set is scheduled for Q3 2026 with a retail price of 799 RMB.

Macross 7 Tiny Session VF-19 Kai Basara Review

With my recent return to SRW Alpha 3, I thought it was the perfect time to share my photo collection of the Tiny Session VF-19 Kai Basara. These are some of the most extensive photos I took before moving to a new place. Among all the Macross series I’ve watched, I have a special admiration for Macross 7, largely because of Nekki Basara, who remains one of the most remarkable anomalies in the franchise. Out of respect for the series, this review will be more elaborate than usual—a small homage to Macross 7.

Sakura Taisen Sega Prize Figure Luminasta Shinguji Sakura

As a devoted Sakura Taisen fan for over a decade, it’s genuinely painful to see the series struggle to make a proper comeback after its glory days. Still, if there’s any consolation, Sega is releasing a new prize figure for this beloved classic—starting, of course, with Shinguji Sakura as part of the Luminasta lineup. Scheduled for a Q4 release, the Luminasta Shinguji Sakura figure is expected to retail at around 2000 yen SRP for the overseas market.

Sculpted in her iconic combat pose, this prize figure of Sakura instantly evokes a wave of nostalgia for longtime Sakura Taisen fans like myself. Even though I already own a premium PVC figure of the series’ main heroine, I’d gladly double dip for this one, if only to show support and hopefully pave the way for the rest of the Teikoku Kagekidan to follow.

There have been several attempts to revive Sakura Taisen merchandise over the years, but here’s hoping Sega can finally make it stick this time, for the sake of one of its true golden-era franchises.

Metal Gear Solid 3 Revoltech Naked Snake Sneaking Suit ver

 

With the release of the Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater remake last year, it was only a matter of time before new merchandise followed for one of the most beloved entries in the Metal Gear series. This time, we’re getting a new collectible for Big Boss courtesy of Kaiyodo. Naked Snake better known as Big Boss is receiving the Revoltech treatment based on his appearance in MGS3, specifically his Sneaking Suit outfit. Scheduled for release in February 2027, the Revoltech Naked Snake Sneaking Suit Ver. will retail for 11,000 yen.

This version of Naked Snake comes equipped with a solid assault loadout fitting for Big Boss. Accessories include an AK-47 assault rifle, a silenced pistol, and a combat knife for recreating his iconic CQC moments. The figure also features a face sculpt depicting Snake before he receives his iconic eyepatch, reflecting his appearance during the early events of MGS3.

Personally, Big Boss has always been my favorite character from the Metal Gear series, much like many other fans, thanks to his charisma and legendary achievements within the MGS universe. Given that prototypes for characters like Revolver Ocelot and The Boss have been circulating for some time, there’s a good chance Kaiyodo will follow up with them in the future.

That said, I still hope we’ll eventually see the return of a Peace Walker-era Big Boss figure someday as well.

MS Saga Playthrough Complete!

Not exactly an easy endeavor, but after finally putting in the grind and picking up where I left off 14 years ago, I can proudly say that I’ve completed my journey with MS Saga: A New Dawn!

With a total playtime of around 50 hours, I’ve finally settled a personal debt that’s been lingering for nearly 20 years.

Without a doubt, MS Saga is truly a one-of-a-kind Gundam game. It had the potential to stand as a great JRPG if it had been completed in its intended form. However, in its released state, it feels like an old-school JRPG that compensates for cut content with brutal difficulty, something that may not sit well with modern audiences. Even as a devoted mecha fan, finishing it would have been a tall order if not for my personal commitment.

Matrix Reloaded Hot Toys MMS868 1/6 Neo

 

Ever since Hot Toys released their 1/6 action figure of Neo from the first Matrix movie, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the eventual release of Neo in his full Matrix Reloaded glory. Of all times in the midst of global geopolitical turmoil, Hot Toys chose to drop the Reloaded Neo. Cataloged as MMS868, this version is priced at $280 and scheduled for release in Q2 2027.

Freeze Metal 1/100 Famine Model Kit

 Another Chinese model kit recently caught my attention. Given my past bad experiences with plastic-frame kits from some Chinese manufacturers, I usually only consider kits that feature a die-cast inner frame for my strike zone.This time, the kit comes from a manufacturer called Freeze Metal, and the model is simply named Famine. Released in Q1 2026, the 1/100 scale Famine retails for 168 RMB.

At a glance, it’s quite clear that this kit takes direct inspiration from the Black Rider from the Mobile Suit Gundam universe. The stealthy black-ops aesthetic and the distinctive dual radomes mounted on its back are practically a dead giveaway. Some mecha fans may see this as a blatant rip-off, but it also feels like a calculated move by the manufacturer to fill a demand gap, especially since the HG kit of Black Rider is locked behind Premium Bandai exclusivity.

Personally, I’m quite interested in getting a copy of this kit. I’ve always had a soft spot for heavy-frame tactical “real robot” designs, and the pile bunker mounted on the left arm is just the icing on the cake.

Mospeada Toyrise Legioss Alpha

 

Takara Tomy is definitely giving Mospeada some special treatment. Within the span of a single year, they’ve released three Toyrise Legioss models in a row, and the latest entry is the commander-type variant dubbed Legioss Alpha. Scheduled for release in September 2026, the Toyrise Legioss Alpha will retail for 14,000 yen.

At a glance, the upgraded weapon loadout already makes the Legioss Alpha stand out from the previous Toyrise Legioss releases. Clad in an imposing black color scheme and equipped with an extra pair of shoulder cannons, the Legioss Alpha clearly presents itself as a leader-type variant of the Legioss. Its design also reminds me of the elite Legioss squad that appeared near the end of the original Mospeada TV anime series.

Considering that Takara Tomy seems quite comfortable reusing the Toyrise Mospeada mold across from the past iterations, it wouldn’t be surprising if we see even more entries from the Mospeada series in the future.

Fate/Extra Last Encore EXQ Gawain Saber Review

 
I recently had the chance to go through my backlog of Fate series Prize Figures, which gave me the perfect opportunity to review Gawain, the Saber-class Knight of the Round Table Servant. Fate/Extra Last Encore was a bit of a mixed bag as an anime, but it did give characters like Gawain a physical representation. Alongside Nero, Nursery Rhyme, and Drake, Gawain was one of the lucky few to receive a Prize Figure, produced by Banpresto under their EXQ lineup.

In the Fate series, Gawain stands as one of the foremost Knights of the Round Table, alongside Lancelot. His martial prowess is unrivaled, especially under sunlight thanks to his special blessing. As a knight, Gawain’s loyalty to Artoria is unwavering even to the point of overcompensation due to failures in faithfully serving her in life. In the Fate/Extra series, Gawain proves to be one of the toughest opponents Hakuno faces, and in Last Encore, he once again serves as a formidable penultimate challenge.

Among Banpresto’s lineup of Fate series Prize Figures, Gawain is one of the better specimens. He captures a combat-ready pose with solid craftsmanship that really embodies his character. While the figure’s medium naturally limits fine detail, it pairs beautifully with Sega’s Prize Figure of Lancelot, making for a striking Knights of the Round display.

Megalomaria Unlimited Universe Maria Kagaribi

Kotobukiya’s Megalomaria model kit lineup returns with another strong waifu entry! This hybrid android-human model kit now embraces a more waifu-inspired design with Maria Kagaribi. The katana-wielding, long-haired waifu in a military uniform is a classic, popular combination. Scheduled for a July 2026 release, the Megalomaria Maria Kagaribi kit will retail for 7,800 Yen.

Historically, Megalomaria kits have leaned more toward the robotic side, with their slim, mechanical waist frames. However, Kotobukiya has made Maria Kagaribi more waifulike, giving her a fuller, more humanized silhouette. Part of this effect may come from the clothing design, which helps obscure the usual skeletal, mechanical lines of the Megalomaria frame.

Voltes Yolopark AMK Pro Voltes V Legacy Version

 

Yolopark’s new ventures never cease to amaze me! After their releases of Transformers and Evangelion, they’re now tackling the Nagahama Trilogy classics, this time with Voltes V. For their rendition, Yolopark has chosen the recent Philippine movie version of Voltes as the AMK Pro lineup, standing over 20 cm tall. Scheduled for a Q2 2026 release, the AMK Pro version of Voltes V will retail for $60 USD.

This release is sure to give Bandai’s SOC FA Voltes a serious run for its money. At a more affordable price, Yolopark delivers a diecast, non-transformable action figure that doesn’t compromise on value. The AMK Pro Voltes comes with most of its iconic weapons, including the Tenkuuken/Laser Sword, which is used for the classic V-Slash finisher.

I’m curious if Yolopark will expand this line to include Combattler V or Daimos, following the same modern movie-inspired style. Even so, the AMK Pro Voltes V is something to get excited about — even if the main fanbase is now in their late 40s to early 50s and perhaps less inclined to splurge as they once did.

Megaman X Hiya Toys 1/12 Falcon Armor X

Hiyatoys is moving fast with the Megaman X series. After announcing releases for X and Zero, the third entry in their Megaman X action figure lineup is none other than X in Falcon Armor! Falcon Armor is undoubtedly one of X’s most popular designs, and Hiyatoys has delivered a superb rendition. Scheduled for Q1 2027, the figure will be sold for $66 USD.

What makes Hiyatoys’ Falcon Armor particularly special is that it is based on the Megaman X6 version and comes with the Z-Saber. Many recent figures of X’s Falcon Armor are based on the X5 design, but Hiyatoys took a different approach, showing that they truly understand the IP they are working with and certainly deserve attention for it.

Falcon Armor itself holds a unique place in the Megaman X series because apart from its sleek design, it is the armor that granted X the greatest freedom of movement. With its additional wings, X can fly long distances, avoid hazards, and even deal minor damage to enemies on collision thanks to the flight barrier. It’s a shame that X6 nerfed this ability, portraying the armor as battle-damaged, but visually it remains one of the most iconic armors in X’s arsenal.

I’ve always had a personal attachment to Falcon Armor, ever since owning Bandai’s early 2000s toy rendition. It left a lasting impression on me, and it may even become a subject for a future post in my Vintage Toys series.

MS Saga Revisited

Right after completing my 4th run of SRW Alpha 3, I returned to another PS2 classic: MS Saga! Known in Japan as Gundam Odyssey, it remains one of the most unique Gundam games from the PS2’s golden era. Fortunately, I still have my save file from 14 years ago, letting me pick up exactly where I left off.