Busou Shinki: ACH & YDA Original Color Version (Konami)

As a figure collector, I’ve recently found a new drug to the fuel the addiction: the Busou Shinki line of action figures from Konami!

So, what’s Busou Shinki?

The seasoned figure collectors out there have probably heard about Busou Shinki. Back in 2006, Konami Digital Entertainment started this line of action figures linked with an online service.

The entire series consists of “mecha shoujo” (or “mecha musume”) called Shinki. In a fictitious future, in the year of 2036, a Shinki is a small robot that stands 15cm tall with its own mind and emotions. The Shinki that equips weaponry and fights others in the arena is called “Busou Shinki” (lit. “Armed God-Princess”).

Each figure is a 1/1 scale “replica” of a Shinki and comes with an activation code that can be used to access its digital version in the online services “Battle Rondo” and “Diorama Studio” (PC only). In Battle Rondo, Shinki Owners (the players around the world) train and equip their Shinkis to make them fight in the arena. Diorama Studio is, as the name implies, a digital diorama. Note that the online service is only available in the Japanese language and Konami doesn’t seem to give support to international users.

And what about the figures?

The sculptor for the figures is Asai Masaki (also known an “Apsy” Masaki), but each release has a different character and mecha designer. For instance, Shimada Fumikane (the prominent artist who defined mecha musume) has already worked on many releases, including the first ones and this Ach and Yda that I acquired were designed by Choco.

Standard edition, limited edition…

The release of the original version of Ach and Yda was November 2007 for 4500 JPY and this repaint version (exclusive from Dengekiya online shop) was November 2008 for 5775 JPY. Both versions of both Shinkis are long sold-out at the well-known online shops and with luck they might be available at Japanese auctions sites, but at a relatively high price as they seem to be in high demand. I used TokyoBuyers as a proxy to get them in a auction for a reasonable price.

The limited edition package looks very simple as it’s just a small cardboard box with monochromatic art.

This is Ach’s package.

And this is Yda’s.

Let’s take a look at the contents!

Despite the simplicity of the box, its contents don’t disappoint!

The figure and its parts come in two transparent plastic trays, each with its own transparent cover.

These are Ach’s parts.

And these are Yda’s.

Let’s take a look again at Ach’s parts.

One of the bonuses of the limited edition is an extra face and headset. However, it comes attached with tape behind the plastic tray. Yda’s extra parts come in this same way. (Must be careful to not lose them!)

The expansion spacers and the arms of the figure stand. The standard equipment set doesn’t need the expansion spacers, but it’s up to your imagination to use them and combine with other sets. To assemble the stand, you need a small Phillips screwdriver.

An eight-page booklet with some illustrations and concept art by the Choco is also included as another bonus.

Both Ach and Yda come with the same booklet.

And like all the other releases, the assembly manual and the activation code.

After I entered the codes for Ach and Yda, I realized that I became a Premium Owner for 48 hours. I don’t know if each code gave me 24 hours.

But I’ll be honest: Battle Rondo can be very frustrating…

Okay, and now where’s the review of the figure!?

The full review on Ach is coming next very soon! (Hopefully!)

Cheerio!

Advertisement

Tags: Ach, Action Figures, Busou Shinki, Figure Review, Figures, Konami, Review, TokyoBuyers, Yda