REVIEW SHFiguarts (Shinkocchou Seihou) Kamen Rider Gaim: Orange Arms, Bandai

9 Aug, 2024

This is review of Bandai action figure SHFiguarts (Shinkocchou Seihou) Kamen Rider Gaim: Orange Arms from Masked Rider Gaim series.

Bandai action figure SHFiguarts (Shinkocchou Seihou) Kamen Rider Gaim: Orange Arms Review

This is a review of the SHFiguarts (Shinkocchou Seihou) Kamen Rider Gaim Orange Arms. While the original version released in 2014 was already of exceptional quality, the Shinkocchou Seihou version brings the proportions closer to the on-screen appearance, with noticeable improvements in the figure's gimmicks and details.

Body Details

The Shinkocchou Seihou version features a larger head than the original, with slight changes in the contours, enhancing the overall likeness. The helmet ornament, which was previously only molded, now has panel lining to increase its three-dimensional effect. Other fine details, such as the paint application, have also been meticulously executed.

Torso and Armor

The torso has been widened and thickened to create a more human-like physique. One significant change is the balance between the chest armor and the abdomen, with a broader visible area around the abdomen, making it closer to the on-screen appearance.

Waist Area

The Sengoku Driver has been precisely replicated with detailed accuracy. However, the Lockseed still tends to fall off easily, which is a disappointment. Additionally, while this may vary between individual figures, mine had some silver paint residue that slightly marred the overall appearance.

Arms and Legs

As expected from the Shinkocchou Seihou line, the arms and legs are slightly thicker. The paint details are precise, with navy and gold colors matching the on-screen look. Even the soles of the feet, which were unpainted in the original version, have been carefully painted, adding to the figure's sense of realism.

Back and Armor Mobility

The back armor can be flipped up. However, due to the design, there is some interference with the collar, limiting the upward movement of the head. Despite this, the figure can look down without issues, and the waist can swing widely. The shoulder armor can also be raised high, allowing for a wide range of arm movements.

Posability and Articulation

The elbows and knees bend sufficiently, and the hip joints allow for extensive front, back, and sideways movement. The figure also has excellent ground contact, enhancing its stability. However, the thigh roll is now a ball joint, which allows for more subtle movements but can be somewhat cumbersome when trying to stand the figure upright.

Accessories and Gimmicks

The full set includes the Daidaimaru, which accurately replicates the unique design of an orange slice, with the flesh part rendered in clear parts for a realistic texture. The Musou Saber is also included, with a sharp blade and intricately detailed hilt.

The Lockseed can be attached after being removed from the belt, though it might fall off easily with even a slight shock, which could vary between individual figures. The holder attachment uses the same slide mechanism as the original version, and the weapons can be combined into the Naginata Mode.

The set also includes the Pine Lockseed (in its normal state) and the Ichigo Lockseed (in its normal state), along with the Orange Lockseed (in its normal state). A hand specifically designed for holding the Cutting Blade is also included.

Combining with Other Figures

By combining it with the Baron figure released in September, you can perform an Arms Change into Banana Arms. The head and torso can be disassembled, allowing the figure to be converted into a base form, and further customization is possible using this gimmick.

Comparison with the Original Version

Compared to the original version, the Shinkocchou Seihou version is generally upscaled, with a larger head. While the original version was impressive for its time, the Shinkocchou Seihou version stands out with its enhanced realism when displayed alongside other figures from the same period, such as OOO and Wizard. Unfortunately, it seems that Fourze was skipped in this lineup, similar to Ryuki and Blade.

Posing and Movement

As mentioned earlier, the figure's articulation is excellent, with joints that have just the right amount of stiffness. The neck and waist can rotate fully, allowing for dynamic sword-swinging poses. The figure’s high ground contact allows for deep crouching stances. The Musou Saber can be used in Gun Mode, and the figure can kneel naturally.

Weapon Handling

The figure can hold weapons with both hands, though the arms don't bend inward very much, making it a tight fit. The Lockseed can be set after being combined, but it tends to fall off easily, which was also an issue with the original version. It would have been nice if this had been resolved in the new version.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the SHFiguarts (Shinkocchou Seihou) Kamen Rider Gaim Orange Arms is a significant improvement over the original version, with enhancements in head proportion, armor shape, and color, making it more closely resemble the on-screen suit. The inclusion of Arms Change gimmicks adds to its appeal, making it a more complete figure. However, the unresolved issue of the Lockseed falling off remains a drawback. The figure's articulation is well-executed, especially in the thighs and ankles, allowing for more dynamic posing and increasing the playability compared to the original version. Even if you own the original, the steady progress in this renewed version makes it a worthwhile addition to your collection.