Review: Arms Change Series 01 – Kamen Rider Gaim Orange Arms
Retail Release – October, 2013 – ¥3,000
Lock On! Grab your AC01 from CSToys International!
—
Ever since W, the Kamen Rider Gimmick Figures have been steadily improving year after year, with thins like the WAP! series from Wizard trumping the S.H.Figuarts in certain categories. Gaim brings us the Arm Change Series, a unique take that blends the poseability of the WAP series with the functionality of the FMC series. Many of the releases will be of the Rider and their main form. In Gaim’s case it’s the Orange Arms. The figure includes a base figure, which is essentially Gaim without any armor equipped, something we see at the beginning of the transformation. Also included with the figure is the armor, which condenses into the fruit that falls from the zipper dimension onto Gaim’s head in the show. The best part? It even unfolds just like in the show to swing down onto Gaim’s body. The helmet is stored inside the fruit via a pet on the back piece. Each of the Riders have a clear visor and split in their head. This allows the visor of the helmet to slip into the open space, giving their visors the appropriate effect no matter what Arm is activated. As mentioned, articulation is basically that of the WAP series, with a series of swivel joints. It can’t rival SHFs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pull off some great poses. Included with Gaim is the Daidaimaru, the signature weapon of the Orange Arms, as well as Gaim’s main weapon, the Musou Saber. Both can be wielded by Gaim, or they can combine together to form the Naginata weapon. Alternatively, the Musou Saber can be pegged into the holster on his belt. While this is no substitute for an SHF in terms of detail, paint, and articulation, there’s a strong chance the SHF releases won’t have the Arms Change gimmick associated with them. Due to the swapping nature, you can have things like Baron Orange Arms or Gaim Banana Arms that are otherwise impossible with SHFs. If you want a figure that is both articulated and fun, the AC Series is the way to go, and I highly recommend it for people looking for something playable and fun to add to their Gaim displays.
—
[youtube http://youtu.be/KrrzoXKODXY]
CollectorShuki.com