Available From HobbyLink Japan – HLJ.com
By Cacophanus from Mecha Damashii
Following the unboxing, here is the review for the 1/60 VF-4G Lightning III by Aracdia. Much like their recent Macross variable fighters, the VF-4 is definitely continuing the tradition of Arcadia’s high-quality output as of late. However, the fact we have this classic design re-released at all is cause for celebration.
As this VF-4 toy is from Macross Digital Mission VF-X and not Macross Flashback 2012, the coloring and pilot figure represent that. What’s more is this design has a lot of inbuilt weaponry, which means there aren’t that many accessories to speak of. However, Arcadia has included additional hands that allow you to use a similarly 1/60 scaled gunpod from their other toys if you so wish.
Anyway, this is an amazing toy to have been re-released, doubly so as it is now available publicly. Arcadia and T-REX have really done an amazing job here.
Despite the fact this variable fighter has its own transformation sequence, it’s handled very well here and is very easy to follow. The toy also has a lot of diecast throughout, mostly to help with the transformation and with its joints.
The result is something fairly weighty but also very sturdy when it comes to transforming and posing. This is not to say it shouldn’t be handled with the care but compared to the recently released VF-0S, also by Arcadia, this toy is far less fiddly in terms of its transformation and feels even stronger somehow.
In terms of gimmicks, there are missiles attached across the body of the craft (all of which are removable). There is some very nice landing gear, too. The wings and various flaps at the rear are also posable as well.
Bar that though, you don’t get much else. The main focus has been on reproducing the VF-4 and it’s been done very well.
The sculpt and detailing are very good indeed, with the articulation being done solidly. GERWALK was a little wobbly but once posed correctly it stood up just fine. Battroid mode is majestically done.
Sadly, this toy doesn’t come with a stand but it features the necessary stand parts if you want to get and use one.
The big deal here is that we have an actual transforming VF-4 toy to play with again. This is the kind of thing that normally involves unicorns and/or elves in order to happen. The fact Arcadia has stepped up and re-released it is a massively big deal.
If you are a fan of transforming toys then this is definitely one of the best ones out there currently but as a Macross collector, you absolutely need to get this.
To commemorate the VF-4’s re-release, here are the unfortunately named Milky Dolls from the end of Macross Digital Mission VF-X singing the surprisingly catchy Only You. Enjoy!
Robodaz
Oh…. I have to have this!
lars johan
Got 2 from YAMATO