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…
Gallery:
A constant fan favorite in wishlist, the Wolf Type Zoid König Wolf’s finally joined the HMM Zoids lineup! How does the kit live up to it expectation?
An impressive figure from Moshow that knock it out of the park. Great quality and playability that suits one of the Knight of the Round Table. Sir Lancelot has never looked better before.
The fouth member of Yamato Team – HG Gyan Strom is a grunt suit kit worth experiencing with interesting equipments and gimmicks.
The latest member of the HG SRWOG series, HG Huckebein Mk-III continues to be a high-quality kit following its predecessor, HG Huckebein Mk-II.
The 4th model in the HG 1/100 Macross series, HG YF-21 has shown its own uniqueness with a different design and secondary transform mechanism “High Maneuver Mode”.
HGCE Rud-ro.A is a grunt suit kit worth experiencing from the HGCE Seed Freedom series. Although it does not have many diverse equipment, it still stands out with its Western knight-style design.
The third member of Yamato Team – Gelgoog Menace. Designed based on the famous mobile suit Gelgoog, this kit is an HG grunt suit worthy of experience!
HGCE Black Knight Squad Shi-ve.A is a unique design with the style of western knights and many interesting gimmicks, mainly for some badass melee beatdown.
The first Iron Saga model kit, the Deer Stalker RxR is bringing the big gun (literally) and a big improvement to GSC’s Moderoid line.
A super affordable Evangelion figure that brings a lot to the table, including a well-painted diorama with loads of accessories. Definitely a worthy addition to your collection.
Choo choo! The Brave Express is here just on time! Might Gaine joins The Gattai line in all his glory, but it seems he skip a few bicep days.
HGCE Immortal Justice is also a pretty good kit compared to HGCE Rising Freedom. Although there aren’t as many interesting gimmicks as the previous two Justice units, this guy’s design and articulations are still big plus points.
HGCE Rising Freedom Gundam is the first HG model kit in the SEED FREEDOM series. Compared to HGCE Freedom or HGCE Strike Freedom launched many years ago, it has shown a remarkable improvement in manufacturing Bandai’s HG model kit.
The main mecha of the “underground” series Sakugan. Big Tony is a lovable guy with some interesting tricks up his sleeves (and treads).
The original giant robot returns as the Messenger of the Sun. Simple, minimalistic but expressive and highly playable, this Moderoid kit is a perfect choice for mecha fans.
Chant his name and build his kit! Because the FRS Ultraman Z Original is an amazing kit that recreate the young warrior perfectly!
The dream come true when fanart is made into actual kit. But does the Gundam x Zoids Code Beast plamodel match its inspiration?
After a long, long time, GSC has finally answered fans of Knights & Magic. The Moderoid Ikaruga is finally released – with all its pros and cons.
Even though this SC Ver is just a recolored version of the original Zero Suit, with a super cool big Wide Zero Shot, this is still a kit worth adding to your Ultraman collection!
The final form of the Dragon God. The Chou Ryujinmaru is an impressive and majestic kit that doesn’t offer much in playability, but a lot in display value.
A perfect machine for a perfect pilot. The YF-29 Durandal was piloted by the absolute ace Max Jenius. And the model kit also reflects that quality.
A Gremory Gundam? No not ‘that’ Gremory – the actual demon one. This Gundam looks absolutely badass and demonic, but was held down by its lack of playability.
Due to being an extremely popular super robot of the SRW OG series, Dygenguar has had many different figure and model kit versions. And now to continue the HG SRWOG series, Bandai has chosen Dygenguar to become the next member.
The strongest Valkyrie is here! The YF-29 joins the HG line with astounding accuracy and articulation. This kit is packed with fun features ready for a date with the Vajra Queen.
