Kit Review: Kotobukiya – Non-Scale Muv-Luv Alternative – Takemikazuchi Type-00R ver 1.5 (Part 1)
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE HUMANITY!
The Takemikazuchi – the Thunderous Sword God – is the ultimate Tactical Surface Fighter of Japan’s Imperial Royal Guard – the most elite amongst the elites. The Type-00 is mass-produced for the Regent Houses along with the Imperial Royal Guards, but there exist one unit that is completely unique – the one and only Type-00R reserved for the head of Japanese Military – the Shogun. Only the Shogun’s biometric can activate the strongest TSF of Japan.
– Info –
Kotobukiya – Non-scale Muv Luv Alternative – Takemikazuchi Type-00R
Series: Muv Luv Alternative
Price: 5,800 yen
Release date: Sep 2021 (re-released with anime logo)
Kotobukiya – Non-scale Muv Luv Alternative – Takemikazuchi Type-00R
Series: Muv Luv Alternative
Price: 5,800 yen
Release date: Sep 2021 (re-released with anime logo)
– Design: The majority of Muv-Luv mecha are based on real-life fighter jets, except some of the Japanese ones – including the Takemikazuchi. There are no fighter jet that the unit seems to borrow its design from, but the overall aesthetic and design principles is inspired by mecha designer Mamoru Nagano. The designer of the TSF – Ni0 – who also designed Demonbane – know just what to make it “stand out”. The Type-00F is a 3rd-generation machine, and all of 3rd-gen TSF tend to be on the edgy side. And boi is the Takemikazuchi is one sharp fella. It has a lot of sharp esges especially on the feet, head and arms as well as the Jump Unit. So holding it in your hands need some extra care unless you want some sacrificial blood for the plastic god.
Its design resembles that of a Japanese shogun. The armor details are similar to a samurai armor. This unit in particular has purple color – which signifies that it belong to the Shogun. This particular unit has a feature called the “Glaring Eye” which is a special sensor that resemble an eyeball over the visor. However, Kotobukiya didn’t engineer this feature because the part is already too small. Hence the head is the same visor as the 00F.
Its design resembles that of a Japanese shogun. The armor details are similar to a samurai armor. This unit in particular has purple color – which signifies that it belong to the Shogun. This particular unit has a feature called the “Glaring Eye” which is a special sensor that resemble an eyeball over the visor. However, Kotobukiya didn’t engineer this feature because the part is already too small. Hence the head is the same visor as the 00F.
– Build quality: Well, it’s Kotobukiya, and if there’s a company that remain unchanged after decades, then it’s them. The plastic quality and build process are pretty much the same as the original kit and Koto’s older products. The snap-fit isn’t quite there on Bandai’s level, but then again, no-one is on Bandai’s level. There are a few places where some slight sanding is recommended like the shoulder or the thigh armors, but overall, if you get rid of the nubs (which is also very hard), it should be fine. There are also very small parts that are easier to fit but also easier to lose, so be careful with that.
Even though Kotobukiya are fully snap-fit kit, there are places that I advise using a bit of glue/cement, especially the head or any small parts. I’d say if you don’t intend to modify the kit, just glue the parts on (except the joints of course). There are some ball joints on the kit (the shoulders, the Jump Unit) that I recommend just leaving it like the original without sanding since you need as much friction as possible to keep those parts from getting loose.
Even though Kotobukiya are fully snap-fit kit, there are places that I advise using a bit of glue/cement, especially the head or any small parts. I’d say if you don’t intend to modify the kit, just glue the parts on (except the joints of course). There are some ball joints on the kit (the shoulders, the Jump Unit) that I recommend just leaving it like the original without sanding since you need as much friction as possible to keep those parts from getting loose.
– Spare parts: This is a new section, since the spare parts from this kit is quite exceptional. This particular version is a 1.5 – which is kinda a “remastered” version of the original. There are changes to the outer armor and some joint parts, which result in old parts not being used, particularly the weapon racks, the thigh armor, etc… and you can sorta use those too so keeping them handy isn’t a bad idea. There’s loads of them though, so separating the actual accessories and the spare parts is also a good idea. You can use them for replacement or for new projects etc…
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