Returning to Ys VI: Ark of Napishtim After Fifteen Years

 

 Back in 2011, I began my journey with the Ys series, with Ys VI: Ark of Napishtim being my first stop. Fast forward 15 years, and before setting forth to tackle Ys VIII–X after finishing Ys V, I decided to revisit Ys VI once again. Of all the available versions, I picked the PS2 release, which, as expected, delivered a rather mixed gameplay experience.

The first time I played Ys VI was actually on the PS2 before eventually finishing the game on PSP. Because of that, I chose to revisit Napishtim through the PS2 version, a decision I slightly regret. Among the various releases, the PS2 version has one of the more awkward localizations of Ys VI. I do not know if it was entirely Konami's fault, but the PS2 port added many unnecessary elements, with the 3D CGI scenes being the most notorious example. 

I suspect it had something to do with the localization mindset of the era, which often carried an anti-anime sentiment common in parts of the American entertainment industry during the 1980s and 1990s. As a result, the game was altered in an attempt to appeal to a broader mainstream audience without properly understanding the source material. In hindsight, this is rather tragic, as it was poor treatment for a relatively important milestone in Falcom's history.

Ys VI: Ark of Napishtim is more than just another iteration of Falcom's flagship franchise. Not only was it a proper revival of the Ys series after the commercial disappointment of Ys V, it was also the lynchpin that gave Falcom a second chance during its dark age. The game's success helped usher the company into its renaissance period and set the foundation for its rise to greater prominence. Had Ys VI failed back then, we might never have seen the Trails series evolve into the top-tier JRPG franchise that demonstrated what Falcom was truly capable of achieving.

Despite the PS2 version of Ys VI being something of a question mark in Falcom's history, and my disdain toward its unnecessary and shallow localization makeover, I was still able to relive the core Napishtim experience, which is ultimately what matters most. At the very least, Falcom would go on to work with better international publishers in later years. If I ever revisit this game again, I will probably stick with the PC or PSP versions. That said, I am fairly confident Falcom could produce a remaster of Ys VI in the near future given the series' legacy, perhaps around the game's 25th anniversary.

Zoids Genesis Spark Fig Grande Kotona Elegance

 

Takara Tomy is not exactly known for its PVC figure lineup, but out of nowhere the company has delivered a tantalizing scale figure of Zoids Genesis heroine Kotona Elegance. Dressed in a ravishing swimsuit outfit, this entry in the Spark Fig Grande series fully embraces the appeal of one of the Zoids franchise’s most beloved heroines. Scheduled for release in February 2027, the figure carries a price tag of 22,000 yen.

Among the many heroines across the Zoids franchise, Kotona Elegance has always stood out as something of an anomaly in the decades-long mecha series. She is the kind of “perfect waifu” character design that feels as though it belonged in a major shonen or seinen fantasy title rather than a children-focused anime, which arguably left her underrated despite her popularity. Even so, Kotona gained a strong following during the mid-2000s thanks to her top-tier eye-catching design, often comparable to modern fan favorites like Reisalin Stout from Atelier Ryza.

In Zoids Genesis, Kotona is introduced as a member of a mysterious assassin clan sent to target the main protagonist, only to eventually join his group instead. While she never truly stood out as a frontline Zoid pilot as her Rainbow Jerk lacking the overwhelming combat prowess of machines like the Murasame Liger, she excelled in stealth and subterfuge. Without a doubt, this new scale figure from Takara Tomy is a prime example of a swimsuit waifu figure done right, featuring an attractive and well-balanced physique without going excessively over the top.

I still own her classic Max Factory figure, which remains one of Kotona’s best renditions to this day and has been sitting in my collection for years. It is definitely a figure I look forward to reviewing someday.

Transformers Wild King - Energy Master Rex Blade

 

Seeing how SAMG has been making a killing with their Dinoid Warrior and Miniforce lines for quite some time, Takara Tomy was bound to make a move of its own. Leveraging the strength of the Transformers brand, the company has unveiled a new series called Transformers Wild King, seemingly positioned to go head-to-head with SAMG’s Dinoid Warrior lineup. One of the main releases is a blue dinosaur mecha named Energy Master Rex Blade, scheduled for release in June 2026 at a price of 6,700 Yen.

Takara Tomy’s newest product clearly feels aimed directly at SAMG, starting with the noticeably similar packaging design. Rex Blade comes across as Takara Tomy’s answer to Rex Kaiser, though the overall design philosophy is quite different. While Dinoid Warrior leans heavily into flashy, ultra-cool aesthetics, Rex Blade retains the unmistakable feel of a toy designed primarily for younger audiences. At the same time, Takara Tomy’s long experience in the mecha genre shines through, as Rex Blade carries strong vibes of both Zoids and Super Sentai mecha despite being part of the Transformers franchise.

Where Rex Blade attempts to outdo Rex Kaiser is in its versatility. The figure features three transformation modes: humanoid, dinosaur, and vehicle. Since the product is clearly built to compete directly with SAMG’s offerings, Rex Blade also comes with supporting units capable of combining into a larger combiner mecha called Energy Beast Wild King, which I’ll leave below for you to judge yourself.

Hemoxian 1/12 Rhande Khoskinen & Rusted Brier

 

 After producing several impressive cyborg-themed model kits, Hemoxian is finally stepping into something completely new. The company appears to be aiming for a foothold in the mecha musume market, and their debut entry is surprisingly strong. Their latest release, Rhande Khoskinen & Rusted Brier, feels like a blend of Alice Gear Aegis and Strike Witches, with a touch of classic Macross-inspired mechanical design. The kit is currently scheduled for a Q3 2026 release with a very competitive price tag of 218 RMB.

Hemoxian has definitely caught collectors’ attention with this release. The concept combines a mecha musume character with a WWII-inspired aircraft mech setup that heavily leans into vintage military aesthetics. Individually, the kit’s components may not look groundbreaking, but the real appeal lies in how much content Hemoxian packed into a single package while keeping the price relatively affordable. The character design even gives off strong Tanya the Evil vibes, except this time paired with a transforming aircraft-style mech loaded with multiple weapon configurations. Depending on the setup, it can resemble either a Macross-style variable fighter or a more traditional Strike Witches-inspired flight unit.

The sheer amount of versatility offered by this kit is likely to make Japanese manufacturers pay close attention, especially as more mainland Chinese companies continue pushing aggressively into the mecha musume market. If Hemoxian can maintain this level of quality, value, and creativity, they could very well carve out a significant place for themselves within the genre.

Zuru Max Retro Collection - Retro Gameboy Console Review

 Ever since I first came across the Lego Game Boy set, I became somewhat obsessed with finding a worthy alternative to scratch that nostalgic itch. Since I grew up with the Game Boy Color, I wasn’t exactly eager to spend 80 bucks on a brick-built replica of the original Game Boy. Eventually, though, I stumbled upon something that perfectly matched what I was looking for.

Enter Zuru Max Retro, a premium Western blind-box brick model line featuring semi-premium builds based on classic electronic gadgets from the ’80s and ’90s. One of the models in the lineup happens to be a retro handheld console clearly inspired by the Game Boy.

For its price point, this Zuru retro game console exceeded my expectations, and without a doubt, it’s the best entry among the Zuru Retro variants I’ve seen so far. The model includes a detachable game cartridge, essentially a parody of Tetris. While the gimmicks aren’t nearly as elaborate as the Lego Game Boy, they’re still surprisingly solid considering the lower cost.

Interestingly, the design of this Zuru handheld actually resembles the Ambernic RG35XX series more closely than the classic Game Boy itself. It’s also roughly comparable in size to the R36S, another popular budget handheld emulator with a Game Boy-inspired design. Since this brick model ended up surpassing my expectations, I honestly wouldn’t mind picking up another set from the Zuru Retro line, especially the retro arcade machine, which already caught my attention.

Mecharashi — Final Rank Permit Milestone

 

After being stuck in a prolonged bottleneck for more than five months, I finally managed to clear Chapter IX of Mecharashi, which in turn unlocks the game’s final level cap restriction. This is a significant milestone, as there are very few gacha games that demand this level of sustained time and attention for progression. Each “urgent mission” required to unlock the next chapter in Mecharashi is a substantial drain on mental energy, and the final hurdle is no exception.

Arknights Apex Toys 1/7 Mon3tr

 

Among the many fan-favorite operators in Arknights, I always felt that Mon3tr was one of the strongest candidates to receive a merchandise release, and APEX-TOYS ended up being the first to make that move. As expected from Apex, this release comes in the form of a 1/7 scale figure based on Mon3tr’s default in-game appearance. Scheduled for release in April 2027, the figure will retail for 899 RMB.

Mon3tr is the massive, spiked creature usually attached to Kal’tsit’s spine and serves as one of Rhodes Island’s deadliest assets. Despite its monstrous appearance, Mon3tr is often portrayed almost like a surrogate child to Kal’tsit. In Chapter 15 of the main storyline, following Kal’tsit’s encounter with Priestess, Mon3tr temporarily gains a human form and begins serving directly under the Doktah in Kal’tsit’s place. In gameplay terms, Mon3tr functions alongside Kal’tsit’s 6★ Medic class kit, famous for its ability to inflict devastating true damage. The humanized version of Mon3tr also quickly became popular among players, especially those who jokingly view her as the Doktah’s “new daughter” competing for affection with her “mother,” Kal’tsit.

Overall, the figure looks like another top-tier release from Apex, with strong sculpting and excellent detailing. Still, like many of my Arknights collectibles, I will probably wait for a Nendoroid version instead.

Claymore Revoltech Clare

Given the long dormancy of the IP and the fact that Claymore was never one of the biggest shonen hits, I honestly did not expect Kaiyodo to revisit the series through their Revoltech lineup. For the initial release, they are naturally starting with the main heroine, Clare. Scheduled for release in November 2026, Revoltech Clare will retail for 9,000 yen SRP.

In the world of Claymore, pale-featured young women enhanced with superhuman abilities are tasked with hunting man-eating demons. These warriors, known as Claymores, operate under a mysterious organization that controls their existence. The story follows Clare, who is considered one of the weakest among them. Despite her limitations, she eventually becomes one of the most important figures in the dark and brutal world of Claymore.

Perhaps it is just a coincidence that Kaiyodo decided to revisit this dormant franchise around the same time I re-read the series last November, but it is still a very welcome surprise. Claymore never really received a strong line of merchandise despite being a solid grimdark fantasy series with a dedicated fanbase. Unfortunately, the manga’s later pacing issues and the anime adaptation’s divergence from the original ending prevented it from reaching the same mainstream success as some of its contemporaries.

What makes this announcement even more exciting is that Kaiyodo is not stopping with Clare alone, as they are also releasing Theresa in the same Revoltech lineup. It genuinely feels like the company has regained some creative momentum lately, with their recent releases showing far more variety and ambition. With renewed interest in the franchise, perhaps there is even a chance for a proper Claymore anime reboot someday, especially considering the late-2000s adaptation never covered the manga’s actual finale.

Ys V: Lost Kefin playthrough complete!

 

It has been roughly a decade since I last set out on a journey with the Ys series; Memories of Celceta was my last stop. For various reasons, the timing feels right to pick up the mantle of Adol Christin once again. With my fist stop being Ys V: Lost Kefin, Kingdom of Sand.

Back when I was deep into my Ys phase, I skipped Ys V entirely due to its reputation as the series' "dark horse." Having now played the Lost Kefin PS2 remaster, I can verify the reputation does live up to the infamy.

Without a doubt, Ys V stands as one of the weakest entries in the franchise, reflecting the "dark age" period of Falcom. The production values feel visibly hampered by the growing pains Falcom experienced during the transition from the 16-bit to 32-bit era. Even with the "remaster" treatment, this chapter struggles to hold its own. It is genuinely perplexing how the PS2 version feels so lackluster, especially considering it was released after The Ark of Napishtim and The Oath in Felghana, the titles that had already redefined the Ys experience for modern consoles.

To be blunt, I didn't find the gameplay or the music score of Ys V to be any particularly remarkable. Yet, despite these glaring weaknesses, Ys V remains an essential thread in Adol Christin’s tapestry. This adventure, which takes Adol to the Afroca continent in search of the utopian kingdom of alchemy, serves as a necessary building block for the series' worldbuilding, even if it is poorly fleshed out. I plan to write a more in-depth post in near future to dissect the "essential" narrative elements that can be salvaged from this entry.

If you are a completionist intent on playing Ys V, I recommend the PS2 version, largely thanks to the existence of a high-quality fan translation. Just go in with managed expectations: do not expect a standard that approaches any modern Ys title.

With Ys V now cleared, I have officially finished the main run of Ys I through Ys VII. I am finally ready to move on to Lacrimosa of Dana, a title I’ve anticipated for years, given all the praise it has received. However, before I dive into that, I think I will likely do a short revisit on Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim.

Jakks Pacific Super Mario Galaxy Yoshi Egg Playset

 

With the release of the Super Mario Galaxy movie in early 2026, a wave of merchandise quickly followed. As expected from one of Nintendo’s biggest video game franchises, the film inspired a strong lineup of collectibles and toys. One of the major contributors was JAKKS Pacific, which introduced a range of action figures and playsets tied to the movie. Among their offerings, the item that caught my attention the most was the Yoshi Egg Playset.

Released alongside the film, the Yoshi Egg Playset retailed at an SRP of around USD 37. It was not the only playset produced for the Super Mario Galaxy movie line, as JAKKS Pacific also released a Bowser Castle set. The Yoshi Egg Playset features two foldable diorama scenes; the “real world” and the Super Mario World setting both cleverly designed to close into the shape of a Yoshi egg. The set also includes mini figures of Mario and Yoshi.

To be honest, the overall diorama quality does not completely surpass expectations for its price point. However, the playset still stands out thanks to its well-designed gimmick and charming presentation, which will likely strike a nostalgic chord with millennials who grew up with compact playsets such as Polly Pocket. Its strongest appeal is undoubtedly as a display piece for Nintendo collectors, especially for fans who already own Super Mario memorabilia which are USJ' Nintendo World in my case. At very least I consider this playset is overall better deal compared to the recent Yoshi hatch toy.

I may have missed the chance to watch the Super Mario Galaxy movie this year, but it is definitely something I intend to catch up on in the future.

Arknights Myethos 1/8 Skadi Moment of Wilderness Figure

 Another noteworthy Skadi PVC figure has been announced by Myethos and it’s surprisingly affordable. Following her popularity as one of the standout characters in Arknights, the Orca waifu Skadi gets yet another release. This version, titled Wildlight Wander, appears to be inspired by a recent illustration from the CN server. It’s scheduled for release in November 2026, priced at 269 RMB.

This figure presents Skadi in a relaxed camping outfit, casually holding a fishing rod. It leans into a more sporty and laid-back look while still capturing her signature kuudere vibe. Whether it’s directly based on an upcoming CN skin or a standalone concept isn’t entirely clear, but it’s easily a strong addition for dedicated Skadi collectors.

With Chen 2nd Alter having been released not long ago, it wouldn’t be surprising if Skadi eventually receives a second Alter form as well, given her enduring popularity.

Genshin Impact Battle Valor Blindbox - Liyue Review

 Some random Genshin merchandise I picked up around April. While I no longer fully trust Mihoyo with Genshin’s future, I’m still willing to spend on series-related merchandise that I think is genuinely worthwhile. During a random visit to a local hobby exhibition, I managed to grab a few official Genshin blind boxes.

This particular blind box series is called Battle Valor, featuring SD-style figures of Genshin characters, roughly comparable to Nendoroid Petit figures. The ones I found were from the Liyue series, and I happened to pull my personal jackpot: Ganyu! As I’ve mentioned many times before, even if I’ve grown frustrated with Mihoyo, Ganyu remains one of my favorite gacha game waifus, despite how poorly I feel she has been handled by the company.

At its recommended retail price, I personally don’t think the Genshin Battle Valor series is worth the money. However, if you can find one for around $5 USD, it’s still a pretty nice addition to a Genshin collection.

SD Gundam: Psyco Salamander no Kyoui

 

Some random Gundam arcade game I used to play as a kid, one I recently rediscovered. This particular title from Banpresto turns out to be far more interesting than it first appears, especially for an early ’90s Gundam game.

SD Gundam: Psyco Salamander no Kyoui is a run-and-gun arcade shooter featuring the Gundam series in SD art style. It’s a two-player game starring the RX-78-2 Gundam and RXF-78-1, and it essentially serves as a crash course through the Universal Century timeline—from the One Year War all the way to Char's Counterattack.

Gameplay-wise, think Metal Slug but with Gundams. In fact, there’s a good argument that Metal Slug took cues from games like this. One clear similarity is how your mobile suit automatically switches to melee when enemies get too close, keeping the pace frantic and reactive.

Like most arcade games of its era, Psyco Salamander is a ruthless coin-eater. Still, it has a surprising amount of personality. It features a generous selection of MSV-era mecha, and the customization is wild for its time, you can have the RX-78-2 deploying Nu Gundam's Fin Funnel while wielding Double Zeta's Hyper Mega Cannon.

What really cements this game’s place in Gundam oddities is its final boss: the Psyco Salamander itself. The design is striking, arguably ahead of its time and you can almost see echoes of Sinanju in it, like a distant prototype or an alternate take on Neo Zeong.

If you’re a Gundam fan especially a younger one this game can be a genuinely eye-opening experience. I’ll wrap this up by leaving you with the Psyco Salamander lineart, see for yourself whether you can spot the Sinanju resemblance.

Toyseasy Super Alloy Warship God CV-17 Fuxi

 

Just when it seemed Toyseasy had wrapped up their Warship Combiner line, they’ve returned with a new addition, an aircraft carrier mecha. Named after the Chinese progenitor deity Fu Xi, This unit is positioned as a worthy counterpart to the previously released Shennong aircraft carrier combiner. The CV-17 Fuxi is scheduled for a Q3 2026 release at 999 RMB.

Tom & Jerry Frantic Antics (Gameboy)

 

One particular old Game Boy title from my childhood that I recently revisited, purely by coincidence. It’s not especially noteworthy by modern standards, but finally wrapping up some unfinished business from the past was genuinely satisfying.

Tom and Jerry: Frantic Antics on Game Boy is one of several video game adaptations tied to the Tom and Jerry: The Movie (1992 film), the rare entry where the eternal frenemies actually speak normally. As a millennial kid with a fairly typical upbringing, I remember watching the movie and later stumbling across this version of the game.

This iteration is very much a product of early ’90s design, a straightforward side-scrolling platformer where you guide Tom and Jerry through hazard-filled stages. With 10 levels loosely based on the film, Frantic Antics isn’t exactly a walk in the park. In fact, it can be surprisingly challenging even today, especially if you aim for full completion.

As far as Tom and Jerry games go, Frantic Antics is a decent representation of the IP, though it doesn’t quite deliver the same level of fun or polish as the PSX era title, which I might revisit and write about another time.

As for Tom and Jerry itself, it remains one of the Western cartoon classics I hold in high regard, largely thanks to childhood exposure. I’ve always had a soft spot for the era shaped by Chuck Jones, whose style and timing gave the series a distinct charm.