Toy Review: S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Blade

I do commend Bandai in capturing the paint scheme used for this S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Blade. The company has set the right tone and features to the toy’s silver, blue, red acrylic paint applications. Details on his Ace Form are so intricate that even the Blade Buckle’s design looks as if it was lifted from the DX toy. Some those who already have this might have minor irks on his compound eyes being too small. Even with that been said, that is easy to forgive and forget.

Blade includes 7 hands, one of which is to hold either of the 8 Rouser cards namely Slash, Kick Mach, Change, Tackle, Metal, Thunder and Beat. Up to this review, I am still amazed how clear SHF cards can be despite its small size. To continue is Blade’s main weapon, the Blay Rouzer. This sword matches the specifications of Kamen Rider Blade, to the fact that you can slide a card through and you can even read the analog counter placed near the handle. There is a fan out extra part that you need to take out the cover first before you can proceed. A set of card stickers are in place to fill out both front and back portions, choose your cards wisely.

The Blay Rouzer can simply be parked beside the figure though a holster or be wedged in, using a nicely done impact effect, something like Arthur’s Excalibur. Another effect is for his rider kick that takes a two-step process in order to play with. First is to plug the lightning rods on three sections then slide the entire effect part on Blade’s foot. Sliding this on the figure feels exactly fitted and will not come off like other effects.

I am absolutely glad that Kamen Rider Blade finally arrived in S.H. Figuarts form. Though the figure is a little off from the official photos released by Tamashii Nations but still the execution is tight. I like the new mold and joints that were fitted into this figure as these made Blade more playable than other releases. Be careful when placing the lightning rods on the crimson red effect. If only there was a Tamashii Stage included on this set to hold Blade with the kick effect, I have nothing further to complain.