I'm baaack… for a short while. A huge pile of goodies got shipped in while I was gone and I have a bit of spare time; so here goes the first of a few fast reviews. Bandai's DX VF-27 Gamma was an improvement over the VF-25 in both technical design and aesthetics. The VF-27 Beta is a repaint of the Gamma with a bonus flight pod.
Tags: 1/60, Bandai, Beta, Chogokin, DX, Grace O'Connor, Lucifer, Macross Frontier, Review, Valkyrie, VF-27
The Olympics are long over but a local retailer is currently selling a set of these official 7.5" plush mascots for $15. I guess it's a good deal; that and it'd be cool to have some cute souvenirs to remember our 2010 games. My friends and I had a memorable time watching the events, going out to celebrations… and getting smashed at all the clubs. I don't know if Sumi, Quatchi, Miga and Mukmuk are going to be the first things that'll come to mind years from now as I look back… for 15 bucks, who cares!?!
Tags: 2010, collector's set, Mascot, Official, Sidekick, Vancouver
Pros:
- The same awesome mold as the YF-21.
- Very impressive looking color pallet.
Cons:
- No stand or fast-pack included.
- Robot mode is flimsy.
- A very pricey figure.
Tags: 1/60, Gamrin Kizaki, Macross, Review, Sturmvogel II, VF-22S, Yamato
I found these little 1:64 RC vehicles on sale at for $15. I needed cars for my race track so I grabbed a few of them. My buddies and I raced them over the weekend both on the track and outdoors. These little guys are a lot of fun on rough terrain and they do a decent job on the track too. While I would still recommend higher end RCs from specialty stores, these vehicles will do the job if you're on a budget. With 4 different frequency band vehicles to choose from, you and three of your pals can have a race at the same time.
Tags: Air Hogs, RC, Review, Terrain Titans, Thunder Trucks
I haven't been to the local flea market in a decade; today was the day I paid the place a visit. Located near downtown Vancouver, it's quite close to my home. Parking was free way-back-when and I faintly recall that it charged an entrance fee of 25 cents. A lot of new development has occurred through the years but the market had stayed virtually the same… except parking is now $1 an hour and it costs 75 cents to get in. The products within the market haven't changed much either. The most noticeable differences now are the current toys, clothing and consumer electronics that people are hawking there.
Tags: flea market, race track
The Highs:
- Awesome battloid, gerwalk and fighter modes.
- Improved materials used along with an upgrade to transformation.
- Lots of articulation and poseability.
- Toy feels sturdy and all parts snap together tightly.
The Mids:
- Gunpod is impressive and true to life; but it's also way too big.
The Lows:
- Still made of cheap-ass looking glossy plastic.
Tags: 1/60, Bandai, Brera Stern, DX Chogokin, Gamma, Lucifer, Macross Frontier, Review, Valkyrie, VF-27
The Highs:
- High quality build; lots of diecast.
- Very clean looking matte paint apps.
- Tons of accessories.
- Impressive carrier and robot modes.
The Mids:
- Toy is true to the animated design, but the original design wasn't that great.
- Joints are nice and tight… sometimes too tight.
The Lows:
- Heavy parts require stands to keep upright in most poses.
Tags: Bandai, DX Chogokin, Macross, Macross Frontier, Quarter, Review
The Highs:
- High quality build; great materials & paint apps used during production.
- Highly articulating core figure.
- Amor looks awesome in both full combat mode and exposed mode.
- Lots of accessories.
- Figure can be had for a great clearance price.
The Mids:
- Matte finish looks clean & refined, but it also looks rather bland (colorless).
- An awesome figure that's totally out of scale with other Macross toys.
The Lows:
- Attaching the armor almost completely inhibits the figure's poseability.
Tags: Alto Saotome, Armor Plus, Bandai, EX Gear, Frontier, Macross, Review
Yeah, my Super Ostrich came in the mail yesterday! These V2 1/60 VF-1s are the best looking and most fun Macross products from Yamato yet. For a more detailed review of the V2 mold, please read my VE-1 Elint Seeker review. There are no differences between these VF-1s except for accessories, color, and head (and a bulkier cockpit for 2-seaters).
Tags: 1/60, Macross, Review, Super Ostrich, V2, VT-1, Yamato
The Highs:
- Every bit as awesome as a Yamato 1/48 VF-1 figure, just smaller.
- Most accessories/gimmicks of any valkyrie.
- All three modes are stunning to behold.
- A tight and solid toy to play around with.
The Mids:
- Scaled-down parts equal weaker parts.
- It's a very pricey toy, but you get what you pay for.
The Lows:
- Nothing.
