The time has finally come! Kotobukiya's newest kit in the Mega Man X line -- Second Armor from Mega Man X2 (and Xtreme 2) -- is here! After the break, I'll tell you what this kit is all about and why it's one of the most fun and interesting builds from the line yet.
Review sample provided by HobbyLink Japan. Go check 'em out!
The Second Armor is probably the most overlooked of X's original armors, as far as merchandise is concerned. That's why the sudden announcement of the Kotobukiya Second Armor kit was such a welcome shock. Did Kotobukiya stick the landing by making the greatest Second Armor merchandise in existence? I'd definitely say so!
This kit looks like it leapt straight from the concept art and onto your shelf. This is one you definitely don't want to miss. Let's get deeper into what makes it so good.
Unlike the normal X and the Premium Charge Ver. X, the Second Armor kit uses the newer arm joints first used with the Force (or Fourth) Armor kit. And what a world of difference it makes! Instead of having a very tight arm, this kit can swivel at the biceps with absolutely no problem. It's a huge improvement, and hopefully the standard going forward. With that being said, the Second Armor kit has the best and easiest poseability in the line so far.
The Second Armor build process was more fun than I was expecting. While taking about as long as the previous kits, there were several new techniques that Kotobukiya used in developing the final product to appear more seamless. The way the shoulders and leg armor came together was very surprising, and turned out to be the most satisfying parts to put together. The parts used for the helmet "crown" and the bottoms of the feet are very slightly grey compared to the white of the rest of the armor. It looks really nice; a good compromise for the inconsistent colors of those parts in different pieces of official art.
The accessories that come with the Second Armor kit are as follows: the usual neutral face, a front-facing yelling face, a brand new damaged/aiming face, the usual X hands (now in a snazzy red!), the Second Armor Buster, and to my absolute delight and amazement, Zero's X2 Z-Buster!
If you thought the Second Armor didn't get enough love already, the X2 Z-Buster is practically non-existent in terms of merchandise. This was a huge bonus! If you don't have a Zero kit, feat not -- the Z-Buster is also fully compatible with X!
Speaking of compatibility, this kit is fully backwards compatible with the every previous X kit. In other words, you can once again use your sense and skill to make the ultimate X! You can even use the Rising Fire parts to create the Shoryuken!
The only real complaint I've seen about this kit is that, like the Fourth Armor, the Buster gem is not a clear piece. Personally, I think it still works as-is. But it's a minor thing to be aware of. There are also minor details on the back that lack color, but that can be fixed with model kit paints if you want to go the extra mile.
Setting a few hours aside and using a good set of nippers will help this kit come to life. As always, please be very careful when using any sort of nippers or hobby knife. Take your time and enjoy the ride! Hopefully, we will hear some news for the next kit(s) from Kotobukiya very soon.
Be sure to check out the video below for more poses! This kit is available now from HobbyLink Japan. Be sure to use our affiliate links so they know that we sent ya!
This one was a lot of fun. Don't miss out! I wonder if they are gonna do a recolor..my money's on Sonic Slicer.
ReplyDeleteThat recolor would probably have to also include the Giga Crush effect, which is missing from this one.
DeleteI couldn't hazard a guess... Nothing stands out. But I'd laugh loudly if it's Speed Burner.
DeleteMaybe they will just do a premium finish. If anything.
It looks like some of the detail lines need to be painted in on the buster and back, as well as the shoulders needs the red arrows and green spots painted on the final product. That's fine and to be expected.
I'd like them to make some mod parts for the buster, for translucent gems. They need to do it for both the Forth armor's too. Include them in the next kit. For consistency.
For these prices Koto should really be providing sticker sheets for color correction.
DeleteI'm currently building Eastern Model's Copy-X, and it's basically the same price, but has more details, electronic parts, and a few little stickers for color correction. Koto prices are ridiculous across the board.
I got to add extra paint to mine after the review was wrapped up. It really adds a lot.
DeletePrevious kits had pre-painted shorts, but this one doesn't?
DeleteThere's an entire other buster, but they can't do some green inserts under those shoulder parts for the back? All the neon green parts should have been clear.
We'd like to see your finished result, Cole. I'll probably be passing on this kit though.
Pre-painted shorts? What?
Deleteimagine if the alternate color is like the regular X2 X with shiny purplish armor.
DeleteI'd like Sonic Slicer recolor for base X, it would be sorta of "Capcom colors".
Delete@shrap
DeleteThe belt section of the X3 pelvis parts came pre-painted in little baggies.
So is this one.
DeleteIts a model, not a toy. Painting is part of the gig.
@shrap
DeleteSo, by that logic, it would be just as good if the entire kit was all one color plastic?
I've seen it. Squares Xenogears models are solid grey. I've never bought a model that didnt require SOME detail paint. Basic X requires detail paint...
DeleteYou made an issue about "shorts" not being prepainted that are clearly prepainted unless your either blind or confused.
Oh its finally shipping? Which means bbts will probably ship in a month.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's certainly for this month! In any case, the X2 armor is beautifull like usual. The helmet and the buster are especially nice. The few facials expression are a cool addition.
ReplyDeleteI've just started building mine last week, it's been a lot of fun so far and I'm definitely seeing those improvements noted in the review.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping that the Falcon Armor is next in line.
considering we got the falcon armor from sentinal, I hope we get an armor we haven't seen as of late. I'm hopeing for shadow or gaea armors next.
DeleteThen there's also the Glide Armor, which has nothing at all IIRC... I think a Glide Armor kit would be a fun addition, if only to get the Giga Crash effect with it.
DeleteI'm one of those people who had their sentinel Falcon Armor order cancelled by BBTS, that's why I want one from Kotobukiya lol
DeleteThat aside I agree with the Glide Armor comment. I don't think it ever had any form of collectible thus far and it's a pretty cool design imo.
We also don't have anything for the X8 armors or X-Fire, for that matter. Iris and a few more weapon recolors would be very nice to have as well.
DeleteI made my own 3.5" scale Glide Armor. The armor always looled cool. Its powers were... uninspired to put it nicely.
DeleteIris would be really nice or even variations for Sigma and Vile. I hope that Kotobukiya manages to break the endless "X and Zero only" cycle someday.
Delete