In a new video on the Bandai Metal Build F91 page (also shown below), we have finally been given more details about the upcoming toy. Besides its elegant silhouette, the toy will also have four main points that gives it a distinction from previous Metal Builds. It is the first toy in the range to utilize etched parts, which allow for more detail than its counterparts. In addition, it will also be given the V.S.B.R, a brand new gimmick from the designer Kunio Okawara, which is a metallic rifle that also extends to reveal much more. Up next are the heat-radiating fins, which protrude from the shoulder pads. The final point is that you have the ability to open the face of the F91 (which is my favorite feature of the four, because when was the last time you saw a Gundam without its mask?). The Metal Build F91 will be released April 2017 for the price of 20,520 yen. Until then, I’ll keep you in the loop with any further updates.

Bandai has released more photos of Metal Build F91 Gundam, from the Gundam movie of the same name, which is planned to be released early next year. This figure first appeared at the 56th All Japan Model Hobby Show and has generated lots of buzz among gunpla enthusiasts who want this (like me). The above image is my favorite from the set. Until then, I’ll keep you posted with any updates!

Kotobukiya’s excellent kit of Nineball Seraph is finally getting a re-release this February. The ultimate evolution of Nineball, Seraph first appeared in Armored Core Master of Arena on the PSone. It also popped up again in Armored Core 2 Another Age on the PS2 and even as a secret boss in Another Century’s Episode R on the PS3, with the latter also being an unlockable as well as a fully playable unit. Designed by Shoji Kawamori, Seraph was closer to an armored MT compared to the original AC version. It could also transform, something this kit also recreates. At 7,800 yen it’s a bit pricier than other kits in the range but it is a big kit to be fair. Though if you pre-order it from our friends at HobbyLink Japan you’ll get a nice discount. In any case, it’s nice to know that Armored Core isn’t entirely dead as the kits seem to be still nicely popular.

One of the major villains from the brilliant Armored Core Verdict Day is finally getting the kit treatment, in the form of Kotobukiya’s CO3 Malicious R.I.P.3/M Blue Magnolia Version. Like with Kotobukiya’s other kits in this series, parts are all interchangeable. The detailing and sculpt are also superb, so Kotobukiya still haven’t lost their touch. As with most kits, the price point is pretty decent as well. Coming in at around 7,800 yen it is easily available from most good import sites, though we recommend you get it from here. I really love all the Verdict Day designs, as they all look properly mechanical and beefy. It’s a pity the game didn’t do all that well, as it really was excellent. At least we’re still getting lovely kits of the designs though.

The recent Tamashii Nations 2015 event over last weekend was one of certain significance, showing off all manner of new toys it was interesting to see a very large resurgence of classic designs. The main contender being of course Macross, with the recently announced Macross Delta getting a good amount of love. With the series’ latest variable fighters on show (the new VF-31 is shown above). The big surprises on the Macross front though were the inclusion of the VF-4 Lightning III and VF-2SS SAP as part of the new VF HI-METAL R range. Not to mention the sheer volume of classic Macross toys on the way, with a huge DX Soul of Chogokin VF-1J being very notable.

Bar the huge Macross showing, there was a lot of other surprises too. From the Robot Damashii Sirbine to the Robot Damashii Patlabor mecha, it seems Bandai are finally pulling their finger out and really going after what fans actually want. The icing on the cake being the Super Robot Chogokin Giant Robo, which has been far too long in coming.

Overall it was an amazing show and had a lot of awesome toys on show and to look forward to. If you want to see more of the event then you can do so here and here.

One of the more interesting releases from Bandai as of late has been their DX Chogokin VF-19 Advance as seen very briefly in the second Macross Frontier movie. As there have been a fair few YF-19 toy releases already, and we reviewed Arcadia’s last attempt, this is the first time that Bandai has attempted the design to this degree of fidelity. As you might expect, Bandai have utterly nailed it.

Courtesy of our good friends at HobbyLink Japan we’ve been sent the Robot Damashii Dunbine and Robot Damashii Drumlo from the classic 80’s mecha anime Aura Battler Dunbine. While the Dunbine is an updated re-release from 2012, the Drumlo is a brand new release in Bandai’s ongoing and thoroughly excellent aura battler Robot Damashii range. We’ve also included some anime and game footage at the end of the review.

Looks like Kotobukiya will be making model kits of the Skells from Xenoblade Chronicle X, according to the official Xenoblade Chronicles X website update. It is unknown they will be able to transform into their vehicle modes with ease like their in-game counterparts, but at least we know these lovely kits will be coming in the near future.

Kotobukiya have announced an all new kit from their Armored Core Verdict Day range, that of the massive tank AC the Matsukaze mdl.2. Released in August it will cost around 18,8000 yen. That’s a lot for a kit but it’s really bloody massive. The only catch is that this appears to be an online shop only purchase, which is a shame. The other slightly odd thing is that this actually looks a lot like the tank AC seen in the original intro for Armored Core V, so we’re a bit stumped as to why it is included in the Verdict Day range. In any case it’s nice to see Kotobukiya supporting the Armored Core series with more kits, they always do a fine job.

Update: It looks like the kit won’t be a webshop exclusive after all, you can pre-order it here.

Now this is a toy that’s been a long time in coming. Previewed way back in 2011, it now looks like we’ll be finally getting a Riobot Anubis. Following on from Sentinel’s thoroughly excellent Riobot Jehuty it does however cost a bit more. Quite a lot more actually. Clocking in at around 22,000 yen, it will cost nearly double that of Jehuty. There is a good reason for this price hike though, compared to Jehuty this figure is clearly massive and a lot more complex. Still, that’s a lot of money for a range of toys that doesn’t tend to have much in the way of diecast (bar the lovely Blodia) but the spec of this toy does sound like it might be more diecast heavy. So that too might help in the way of explaining the increased price. In any case, this lovely looking Riobot Anubis will be released in October of this year. Prepare your wallets!