Anko Miniblocks - Flowershop Review

One of the last entries in my current Anko Miniblocks backlog, and arguably one of the best specimens from the series. While Kmart appears to be downsizing its Anko miniblock brick model series, likely due to operational margin pressures, the series produced some genuinely impressive sets during its run, and the Flower Shop is certainly among them.

Simply put, this is a highly elaborate playset-style brick model that pairs exceptionally well with a wide variety of minifigures, as I previously showcased with my FGO Coonuts collection. While I unfortunately missed out on the Large Treehouse—the finest release in this particular series, I was at least able to secure both the Lighthouse and Cherry Treehouse playsets, and I am looking forward to adding them to my collection.

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.

Transformers New Legends NL-04 Gigastorm

Trypticon has long been one of the most popular giant-scale Decepticons in the Transformers franchise, making him a recurring choice for premium releases from both Hasbro and Takara Tomy. This time, the massive city-sized Transformer returns under the Transformers New Legends lineup in the form of Gigastorm, a character based on the Beast Wars II incarnation of Trypticon. Scheduled for release in November 2026, Transformers NL-04 Gigastorm will be sold for 38,000 yen.

As one of the franchise's iconic titan-class characters, Trypticon remains a favorite even among casual Transformers fans like myself. Part of his appeal comes from his imposing design—a giant mechanical dinosaur that feels like a Transformer counterpart to Mechagodzilla. Beyond his appearance, Trypticon also offers three distinct forms: dinosaur, spacecraft, and fortress mode. Of those, the fortress configuration is by far my favorite, as I have always been a fan of toy products that double as playsets.

Ever since adding Scorponok to my collection, I have been keeping an eye out for another large-scale Transformer to accompany him, with Trypticon being one of the most desirable candidates. The combination of size, presence, and play value makes him difficult to ignore. While Gigastorm is certainly tempting, I would ideally like to find a suitable Trypticon release closer to the 20,000-yen range before taking the plunge.

For now, this is a figure I will continue to admire from afar, though it remains one of the most appealing giant Transformers currently on my bucket list.

Return of the Ninja

 
Some random ninja-themed sidescroller I played as a kid, this was released by Natsume near the end of the Game Boy Color life cycle. Recently, I finally settled my score with the game, and overall, it turned out to be rather underwhelming.

Because of its unique presentation style, I always thought Return of the Ninja was one of Natsume’s stronger sidescrolling titles. However, revisiting it now, I found it noticeably weaker than other Natsume GBC sidescroller games such as Action Man or Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue. What originally caught my attention was the collectible card system you unlock as you progress through the game. Back then, it made my younger self imagine the game as something much larger and deeper than it actually was. Fast forward to today and Return of the Ninja simply does not live up to those expectations.

In terms of gameplay, Return of the Ninja feels similar to a pre-Igavania-style Castlevania sidescroller, spanning six stages with some light attempts at branching paths. The game does try to stand out by incorporating stealth mechanics to better fit its ninja theme, rewarding players who dispatch enemies quietly within the limitations of the GBC hardware. It also features several ninja tools and gear upgrades that function as power-ups, allowing the player to bypass certain obstacles and explore alternate routes.

Still, Return of the Ninja is ultimately not a particularly noteworthy ninja game, especially when compared to Shinobi from Sega, which remains a far more definitive ninja action experience. Interestingly, Return of the Ninja did receive a limited physical re-release in 2020, which is quite fascinating for a relatively mediocre GBC title that originally came out two decades earlier.

Transformers Overgear-03 Optimus Prime

 

Takara Tomy is back with yet another new take on Optimus Prime. Following crossover projects with Zoids, Monster Hunter, Evangelion, and Macross 7, the latest release is something entirely original for the iconic Transformers leader. Dubbed the Overgear Series, this new interpretation reimagines Optimus Prime with a more grounded military aesthetic. Scheduled for release in February 2027, Overgear-03 Optimus Prime will be sold for 17,000 yen.

While Optimus Prime is naturally the release that caught my attention, the Overgear lineup is not entirely new. Two products have already been released under the lineup, featuring Ironhide and Blackout. The concept behind Overgear appears to be transforming familiar Transformers characters into heavily armed military operatives, emphasizing realistic combat equipment and special forces-inspired designs.

In Optimus Prime's case, the makeover is particularly striking. Rather than the traditional red-and-blue semi-truck, he transforms into a sort of desert-camouflage military Humvee IFV truck and comes equipped with an array of weaponry, including a heavy machine gun, missile pods, and a battle axe. The result is a version of Optimus Prime that feels less like a heroic truck and more like the commander of an elite mechanized unit.

As a collector, this will ultimately be a pass for me. As I already have the Macross 7 and Evangelion collaboration versions of Optimus Prime on the way, along with several other renditions of Optimus Prime within my collection. That said, if I did not already own multiple crossover variants, I would be seriously tempted by this release. The military-inspired direction gives the character a distinct identity without relying on an external franchise, and it will be interesting to see what Takara Tomy has planned for future entries in the Overgear series.

Persona Nendoroid More Persona 30th Anniv Collab Vignette

 

As part of the Persona series' 30th anniversary celebration, Good Smile Company has unveiled an interesting addition to its Nendoroid More lineup. Simply titled the Persona 30th Anniversary Collab Vignette, this diorama-style group display features the protagonists of Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5 together in Nendoroid form. Scheduled for release in November 2026, the Persona 30th Anniversary Collab Vignette will be sold for 7,900 yen.

For some longtime Persona fans, it may seem ironic that a figure commemorating the franchise's 30th anniversary only features protagonists from the last three mainline entries while Persona 1 and Persona 2 are absent. In many ways, however, this outcome was inevitable. It was Persona 3 that transformed the series into a mainstream success and became a major turning point for Atlus. Since then, the identity of the Persona brand has largely been defined by the modern trilogy of Persona 3, 4, and 5.

As a product, the vignette is an attractive display piece that makes effective use of the Nendoroid aesthetic. The sculpting and presentation successfully capture the distinct personalities of the three protagonists. My main reservation is the static nature of the display. The figures are permanently integrated into the diorama rather than functioning as standalone Nendoroids. While this limits playability and customization, it is understandable from a production standpoint. Allowing each character to be detached and fully poseable would likely have increased both the complexity and retail price of the product.

At the moment, Atlus appears to be at a crossroads as it determines the future direction of the Persona franchise. While Persona 5 remains immensely popular, there is a growing sense among some fans that the company has relied on it for too long. As a Persona 3 fan, I would rather see Atlus create a new project that gives meaningful representation to Persona 3, 4, and 5 collectively, rather than the constant milking Persona 5. Such a project could help bridge the gap until Atlus is ready to reveal the definitive vision for Persona 6.

Zoids x Monster Hunter Wild Liger Zinogre

Monster Hunter is back with another collaboration project with Takara Tomy. Following the Rathalos-themed Optimus Prime from the Transformers lineup, the latest crossover brings the franchise into the world of Zoids. This time, the recipient is none other than Zinogre, the fan-favorite thunder wolf wyvern, reimagined using the iconic Wild Liger body frame. Scheduled for release in February 2027, the Zoids Wild Liger Zinogre will be sold for for 7,000 yen.

Wild Liger Zinogre offers exactly what one would expect from a pre-assembled Zoids release: a mechanical interpretation of one of Monster Hunter’s most recognizable monsters. To help justify its price point, the model includes pilot-related gimmicks as well as LED lighting effects. The design itself appears to be a faithful fusion of Zinogre’s signature silhouette with the mechanical aesthetics of the Zoids franchise.

The recent surge of Monster Hunter crossover merchandise is interesting to observe. My impression is that Capcom recognizes the franchise is no longer enjoying the explosive momentum it had at its peak. While Monster Hunter remains a successful and highly recognizable series, it does not seem to command the same level of excitement and cultural presence that it once did. Expanding into collaborations and collector-oriented merchandise may be one way to maintain visibility and engagement beyond the games themselves.

As someone who once followed Monster Hunter passionately for a decade, I feel the series has gradually drifted away from many of the qualities that originally made it special. The modern entries have found a much larger audience, but they often pursue a different design philosophy from the one that drew me into the franchise in the first place. Unless Capcom ever decides to revisit that era through something like a proper remake of Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, I will probably remain on the sidelines as a player while continuing to watch the series from afar.

Shurato Kidslogic Combat Nations 02: Yasha-Oh Gai Review

Going back-to-back after Shura-Oh Shurato, here is the second and final review of the Kids Logic Shurato lineup: Yasha-Oh Gai!

Compared to my copy of Shurato, Yasha-Oh Gai has remained in noticeably better condition over the years, making it a more satisfying piece to revisit as a collector. That said, it still shares many of the same limitations as its counterpart, particularly in terms of articulation and overall playability.

Ultimately, I decided to part with both of these rare Shurato figures, which I originally acquired during my student days in Beijing. There were several reasons behind this decision. Most notably, Kids Logic never continued the lineup beyond these releases, leaving little hope for a complete collection.

In contrast, Yolopark has offered a more modern alternative with improved engineering and a stronger commitment to completing the cast. Given the value these figures provided relative to the space they occupied in my collection, I no longer had a compelling reason to keep them. Fortunately, I was able to find a fellow collector who was willing to give them a new home.

As a character, Yasha-Oh Gai serves as an excellent foil to Shurato in this short-lived lineup. Once Shurato's closest friend, Gai eventually turns against him after falling under the influence of evil forces. His eventual redemption and decision to aid Shurato in the finale remains one of the more memorable emotional moments of the series, even if its execution was not always as strong as it could have been.

Interestingly, I chose to skip Yolopark's version of Gai, as I have focused primarily on collecting the protagonist side of the Shurato cast. That said, if I come across a reasonably priced copy in the future, I may still consider adding him to the collection.

Starting Yx IX: Monstrum Nox

 

After finishing my journey through Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana, I immediately continued with its successor, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox. After spending several hours with the game, I have reached a point where I can begin forming some initial impressions.

Considering that Ys VIII elevated the series to a new level for Falcom, my expectations for Monstrum Nox were deliberately modest. So far, those expectations have largely been met. The game's overarching narrative feels noticeably weaker, and the transition from the vibrant tropical landscapes of Seiren Island to the gray prison city of Balduq inevitably feels like a downgrade in terms of atmosphere. Visually, the city's gothic aesthetic sometimes comes across as an unconvincing blend of Persona 5's urban style and Bloodborne's dark fantasy, without quite matching the identity of either.

That said, Falcom has earned its reputation as one of the JRPG industry's most dependable developers, so I remain optimistic that Monstrum Nox will have something meaningful to offer as the story unfolds. The game clearly shows signs of being developed under tighter production constraints than its predecessor, yet I suspect there is more beneath the surface for longtime Ys fans.

One aspect I continue to find interesting is how several of Monstrum Nox's gameplay ideas appear to have anticipated mechanics that later became prominent in Genshin Impact, particularly its emphasis on vertical exploration and character mobility. If a developer like Mihoyo found ideas worth building upon from this title, then Monstrum Nox likely succeeded in doing something right, even if it may not initially leave as strong an impression as Ys VIII.

Gundam Seed Freedom Lucrea Athrun Zala Scale Figure

Since the release of Gundam SEED Freedom few years ago, Athrun Zala has finally received some long-overdue attention. I believe it has been well over a decade since MegaHouse last released a scale figure of one of the most popular protagonists from the Gundam SEED series. Now, the company is bringing Athrun back under its Lucrea lineup, featuring him in his SEED Freedom pilot suit. Scheduled for release in January 2027, the Lucrea Athrun Zala figure will be sold for 8,000 yen.

Considering the current PVC figure market, I expect the overall quality of this Lucrea release to be only slightly above that of a prize figure or a Pop Up Parade figure. Even so, it is still a welcome addition to the merchandise lineup for arguably the most reliable main character in Gundam SEED, especially when compared to the older Banpresto scale figure.

I will definitely be picking one up, as my Metal Build Justice Gundam needs a proper pilot representation, and this option feels far more reasonable than the Premium Bandai S.H.Figuarts release. Given that Cagalli's prototype was recently revealed, I am also fairly confident that Athrun's partner will be joining the Lucrea lineup in the near future.

Hardcore Mecha

It took me longer than expected to write this article, but as always, better late than never. This time, I would like to dedicate a full article to Hardcore Mecha, a noteworthy mecha game that I played earlier this year.

Developed by RocketPunch Studio, Hardcore Mecha serves as an early showcase that Chinese developers were capable of creating a console-quality game aimed at a global audience, particularly within the niche mecha genre. It was an ambitious project that sought to elevate the modern mecha action game, only to fade into relative obscurity shortly after release due to circumstances that ultimately stretched beyond the studio's capabilities.

Within the capacity of Realm of Darkness, this article serves as a small effort to preserve and document Hardcore Mecha for what it is worth.

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.

Blame!

Twenty years ago, I came across a particular manga called Blame!, a work that offered an unusual yet deeply fascinating reading experience. Fast forward to the present, I revisited the manga and finally finished the series that would go on to define Tsutomu Nihei’s career. In short, Blame! is a post-human dystopian adventure that exists at the farthest edge of the sci-fi spectrum, a place very few manga have ever managed to reach.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana Playthrough Complete!

For almost the entire span of June, I spent a significant amount of time playing Ys VIII. As expected from a Ys title that has gained strong global mainstream recognition, this entry truly lives up to its reputation. It delivers what feels like a AAA experience for a long-running JRPG series, both in production value and narrative ambition. Without a doubt, it is easily one of the best JRPGs of the 2010s.

Lacrimosa of Dana truly sets a new pinnacle for the Ys series, establishing itself as one of the overall “best” entries to date. Falcom clearly went all in on this project, pushing the production value to a level they can probably only achieve once in a decade.

Shurato Kidslogic Combat Nations 01: Shura-Oh Shurato Review

Shurato Kidslogic Combat Nations 01: Shura-Oh Shurato

Finally, I get to revisit one of my older collections that has been sitting in storage for more than ten years: the Shurato die-cast action figure from Hong Kong-based manufacturer Kids Logic.

Given the less-than-ideal storage conditions, my copy has suffered some noticeable degradation over the years. Nonetheless, I wanted to take one last look at what this series has to offer before parting with it.

Overall, Kids Logic followed a design philosophy similar to the Saint Seiya SCM lineup, featuring articulated action figures with removable die-cast armor parts. As a result, this figure shares many of the same shortcomings as the SCM series, most notably its limited articulation and posing capabilities.

Beyond the posing issues, my copy has also developed noticeable yellowing despite never being exposed to direct sunlight. While yellowing is a common problem for predominantly white plastic figures, it remains disappointing to see it affect a collectible of this caliber. This was ultimately one of the main reasons I decided to let go of the series.

On the bright side, the Yolopark AMK Pro lineup appears to address many of the engineering and articulation issues that plagued the Kids Logic release. I'm looking forward to exploring those improvements in a future review.