I’ve been on a kick lately, one that involves giant mecha who defend humanity. This involves the following:
Macross (all the old and new series from Japan)
Mospeada
Gurren Lagann
Gundam (starting with the 1st series)
Patlabor
Due to this, I’ve bought a few collectible toys.Yamato is simply amazing. They make a great product that’s fun to transform, and looks gorgeous. Even though I like the Japanese show’s much more than their American counterparts (re: Robotech), I decided to check out 2 of their toys, the Alpha Fighter and the Beta Fighter. The day I got them, I excitedly tore open the packages, and went from frustration to elation, and back again. Here we go.
At first glance, the quality between the two seems the same, at least between the boxes. Huge collectible boxes that show their pilots, with collectible numbered seals. Gorgeous. This is where the similarities end.
Even though I opened the Alpha first, I’m going to start with the Beta, because it’s much easier to talk about. It’s a great toy. it’s heavy, transforms well, and presents itself as something that exudes quality. I love it.
There’s a great amount of detail, and it feels solid during transformation. While the price is a bit much, it’s definitely worthwhile. The Beta has great fit and finish.
Back the the Alpha fighter. This is a sad state of affairs. The fit and finish is worse than a bootleg toy from a flea market. While it’s metal, which is nice, the paint application is terrible. There are chips and overspray all over. While transforming it, there is all kinds of paint and plastic just shaving off. In Battroid mode (Battloid for you Robotech fans), the figure can’t even stand up straight. It sorta does this flopping over like a hunchback. The hands for the figure feel like they are going to fall apart, and i couldn’t manage to make the figure hold the gun. Needless to stay, I am currently talking to Toynami about getting the Alpha Fighter sent back for a refund.
I don’t get how Toynami can find this acceptable. While the Beta Fighter is a well made figure, the Alpha is a dumpy piece of trash. While the ideas are there, the execution is terrible. I’m surprised I haven’t found reviews all over the net bitching about how terrible this toy is. So yea. Just skip the Alpha series. Not worthwhile at all.
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