Apocalypto (2006 Movie)

 

Apocalypto is a mid-2000s Hollywood film directed by Mel Gibson, set loosely in the Mayan-Aztec civilization. While often criticized for historical inaccuracies, the film continues to captivate audiences for a reason: it is far more than an exotic-themed spectacle. It is a multi-layered work that offers something meaningful for both native and non-native viewers.

Fate/Grand Order Figma Berserker Morgan

One of the most highly anticipated Fate/Grand Order figma releases is finally here. The Fairy Queen Morgan, a top contender for “wife” candidate among servants for Chaldea Masters returns in figma form after first appearing as a Nendoroid a few years ago. Scheduled for release in January 2027, Figma Morgan is priced at 13,800 yen.

Among recent FGO figma releases, Morgan stands out as one of the stronger entries. Based on her first ascension, the figure comes with a surprisingly generous set of accessories. In addition to two variations of her staff blade designs, Figma Morgan also comes with her own version of Excalibur, reminiscent of the one wielded by Saber Alter.

Given the current global economic climate, it would have been understandable if Good Smile Company opted for a more standard release. Collectors likely wouldn’t have complained. However, the extra effort put into Figma Morgan demonstrates just how beloved the character is within the FGO fandom, and how committed GSC is to doing her justice.

That said, the selection of faceplates still feels somewhat limited, especially for a character with such a commanding “strongest wife” presence. Because of this, a Summer Morgan variant for Figma release still feels like a real possibility down the line.

Since her debut in Lostbelt 6, I’ve remained a devoted fan of Morgan, and I expect that won’t change anytime soon. She represents one of the highest peaks in character design that Type-Moon has achieved in terms of “waifu” appeal.

Transformers Blokees Galaxy Version Defender Vol.4 Review

 

 Slowly making my way through my Blokees collection again, I’m closing in on finishing my review of the current Blokees Defenders lineup. Blokees Defender 04 features Rodimus Prime as the poster figure, but, as usual, the roster is largely dominated by the Decepticons.

The main points of interest in Defender 04 are Rodimus Prime’s vehicle mode and the alternate version of Megatron, which almost looks like a protagonist mecha thanks to its unusual color scheme. For the starter Blokees that kicked off the Bruticus combiner components, Defender 04 feels a bit slow, though I expect the momentum to pick up in Defender 05 and 06. I’m looking forward to eventually completing the full Bruticus set in the Blokees Defender series just like what I did with Devastator.

We Love Katamari + Royal Reverie

It’s been more than a decade since I first played We Love Katamari using a PS2 emulator. Recently, I revisited the series on Nintendo Switch with We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie. This version is not just a simple port, Bandai Namco added new content that makes it feel fresh even for returning players. 

Eureka Seven Metal Build Nirvash Type Zero

As part of Eureka Seven’s 20th Anniversary, Bandai has decided to release a Metal Build version of the series’ iconic skysurfing mecha: Nirvash Type Zero! Naturally, such a rare collectible is being offered as a P-Bandai exclusive, but it promises the most faithful rendition yet of Kawamori’s legendary design. Scheduled for August 2026, the Metal Build Nirvash Type Zero will retail for 36,000 Yen. 

Saikyou Ansatsusha, Class Ten'i de Isekai e

 

Japanese manga isn’t particularly known for webtoon-style storytelling like its Korean counterparts, but every now and then, a series comes along that feels fresh within familiar territory. One such example is Saikyou Ansatsusha, Class Ten’i de Isekai e or The Strongest Assassin Transported to Another World with His Class.

By now, the isekai genre is saturated. Assassin protagonists aren’t exactly rare either. Yet Saikyou Ansatsusha manages to carve out something engaging from a niche that many would consider overused.

The story follows a high school student living a double life as a professional assassin, think a younger Golgo 13 in the making who is suddenly transported to a fantasy world along with his classmates. In this new world, the summoned students are essentially forced into the role of heroes tasked with defeating a Demon Lord. From there, the assassin’s journey begins.

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.