Available From HobbyLink Japan
By Cacophanus from Mecha Damashii
Following the unboxing, here is the review the Roy Focker VF-1S Strike Valkyrie from Arcadia as featured in the Macross Do You Remember Love? movie from the mid-80s. Like with previous Arcadia releases this is an incredibly nice toy and one of the finest renditions of the design to date.
As these figures initially come across as re-purposed Yamato release, it’s worth dispelling that myth upfront now. I own most of the Yamato releases and have various 1/60 and 1/48 scale releases of various variable fighters, of which Roy’s are included in that.
While this new VF-1S Strike Valkyrie release has not had as major of an overhaul as the VF-0S Phoenix, there are a variety of small subtle changes that put this new release ahead of the Yamato versions.
FIGHTER MODE
GERWALK MODE
BATTROID MODE
SUPER VALKYRIE
STRIKE VALKYRIE
This release comes with an immense amount of accessories. Split into two sections, you have all the standard TV series parts, from missiles to gunpod to the movie Strike parts. The especially nice addition is the extra Super nacelle that allows you to remake the TV series version of the Super Valkyrie used by Roy.
In fighter mode, the landing gear is retractable and the cockpit opens to allow you to place the included figure of Roy within it. There is even some very fine cockpit detailing, though this is done to the movie specifications (as is Roy’s flightsuit).
In GERWALK mode, the toy is very stable and can hold poses without falling over. The standard hands are also stored within the forearms but these can be switched out for fixed hands (again to the movie specification).
In Battroid mode, you can also affix internal parts to the sides and behind the head. The latter also has a switch out part that shows the cockpit seat popping up. While you still have the latch at the rear for the back booster pack, you don’t actually need to use it if you don’t want to.
At this point you can add either parts for the Super or Strike configuration. These are brilliantly done and also contain internal detailing parts, if you remove the respective covers.
The articulation is incredibly good and very sturdy. In all modes this toy is stable and easy to play with. The transformation is also reinforced with internal diecast parts.
The sculpt and detailing are also very fine, with the paint job being deceptively minimalist but in fact actually very high end. While most of the major decals are included on the figure, you have extra sticker sheets available. It’s worth noting that the Skull Squadron emblem needs to be affixed to the Super and Strike packs.
Overall, this is an amazing release and anyone that loves the original Macross will absolutely need this in their life. Considering how strong each of Arcadia’s consecutive releases have been, this Roy Focker VF-1S Strike Valkyrie continues on in that tradition and comes highly recommended.