Rockman EXE "Normal Style"Series: Bandai Rockman EXE
Suggested Retail Price: ¥1200
Release Date: June 2002 (Discontinued at HLJ)
Points of Articulation: 23 (Head (2), Arms (5) X2, Abdomen (1), Legs (5) X2)
Introduction: Rockman EXE (known as Megaman Battle Network) is one of the many spin-offs of the original Rockman video game that was released in 1987. Ever since the success of the video game series, merchandise and subsequent games came out as well as spin-offs of the series. One such is Rockman X, which was said to be in the future of the original Rockman. Rockman DASH which is Rockman’s debut into the RPG realm. And now this, Rockman EXE which casts the classical Blue Bomber that everyone knows and love into a NetNavi, a program used to navigate the Internet. Rockman continues his buster-blasting adventures in this series, encountering familiar faces and some new ones.
Actual Review: Bandai has been known to experiment with their toylines. And since they have been able to acquire the license for most Rockman merchandise, they have been trying to release merchandise for the said series. They had tried releasing model kits of characters from the series, using a “basic frame” where all the armor attaches to render characters of Rockman. That line never did become so popular (only the fans seemed to be pleased to have those figures) due to the lack of poseability, durability and other issues. Bandai has tried again with this new line of figures for Rockman EXE and it seems to be the best one yet.
HeadA nice rendition of Rockman’s head. The packaging comes with two heads, one unmasked the other masked. Rockman EXE is known to be activating his mask in battle mode. I would very well say I am very impressed with the articulation for the head. In the head itself, there is ball joint promising a wide range of articulation. The neck connection to the body also has a ball joint. Combining those two and you have almost unlimited articulation for the head.
Body/AbdomenThe body has only one point of articulation but it enables Rockman a very wide range of movement. Rockman can lean down, stretch and tilt his body right or left. Simple but works.
ArmsThe arms are one of the best parts of the figure. Rockman’s elbows are double jointed enabling him to raise his lower arm up to 90 degrees. His upper arm has a joint that enables his lower arm to be twisted 360 degrees. His lower arms are also detachable to be replaced by his weapons.
Legs/FeetThe legs are is the other best part of the figure. The legs are connected to his main body by ball joints. His knees are double jointed and share the same articulation of the arms. His ankle is ball jointed and is connected to his lower legs by a joint that enable 180 degree movement. Same as the arms, the lower legs can be de-attached, I guess it is for customizing with the other figures to form your own Rockman EXE.
AccessoriesAlternate Heads – This figure comes with two heads, one normal face for Rockman EXE and the other masked face. Both are well made and are a good rendition of his design. I prefer the masked version when I display him.
Alternate Hand – This figure has only one spare hand. An open hand for the left hand, I guess Rockman doesn’t really need extra hands as his weapons are more of exchanging his whole lower arm..
Rock Buster – The classical Rockman weapon. Can be attached to both hands. I love the simplicity of this weapon.
Paladin sword – If anyone has played the game of Rockman EXE, they would surely know of this new weapon set Rockman has. He is no longer limited to wielding just his buster but a new assortment of weaponry. One of these is the Paladin sword. Instead of a buster, his arm turns into an energy blade. The size of the blade plus the clear plastic used is impressive. Nice detailing on the part of this weapon.
Cannon – His heavy weapon in the game. Bulky and nicely detailed to render the one used. Fits nicely to his upper arms.
Battle Chip – Honestly, I can’t remember what the chip is. I know it is from the game and if you have played the game, you know how valuable chips are to you if you are to survive. Chips are what gives Rockman added abilities to defeat his opponents, rather than relying only on his Rock Buster. Chips enable him to access some of his weapons and other more power-ups.
Dog virus (?) – I don’t remember ever encountering this virus in the game, so I don’t know what it is. Apparently, Bandai has included a virus in every package of this series. It looks like a gashapon to me. Can’t wait to get a Metool. ^^
Conclusion:Being an avid Rockman fan, I would say these figures are great and really are for the fans of the series. If you really love the Rockman EXE designs, game or anime, they are highly recommended. I myself can’t help tinkering with them any chance I get. They are very nice pre-revoltech figures.
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