Sega’s Virtual-On Real Models Pt. 1: Temjin & Raiden (P1 & P2)
A multi-part review in which I continue raving about little known Virtual-On toys…
Sega’s Real Model series seems to be mostly known for the rather immobile anime character statues and Evangelion Evas that made up most of it. However, Sega also released a small number of mechs (“Virtuaroids”) from their “Cyber Troopers Virtual-On” robot fighting game. These are considerably more articulated than the other releases. Five different Virtuaroid models were released: Temjin, Viper II, Raiden, Fei-Yen, and Apharmd. In this review I will cover two of them: Temjin and Raiden (Real Models 05 and 08, respectively), and their P2 (Player 2) recolors released later on. I hope to review the rest of them later on (hence the ‘Pt. 1’ in the title).
Each Real Model comes packaged in a bubble holding the figure and its accessories. The bubble is stapled to the rather generic backing card, but once the staples are removed the bubble can simply be slid off the backing card, a feature collectors will appreciate. As said, the backing card is rather generic, not telling the buyer much more about the figure than its name and the series it is from, and shows what other figures are available in the Real Model series on its back side. A trading-card-sized card showing a bust of the Virtuaroid on one side, and giving its name and designation number on the other side is included.
Now let’s have a look at the figures themselves. Each figure is painted in its P1 (Player 1) color scheme and comes with several accessories: Temjin with his V-converter booster (backpack), disc, and hand-held weapon, and Raiden with his V-converter booster, disc, bazooka, and replacement shoulder parts. Although no scale is indicated on the packaging, they appear to be approximately 1/100th scale, the same scale as Hasegawa’s and Kotobukiya’s excellent models (Temjin is about 14 cm tall, and Raiden 17 cm, which is about the same height as models of them are).
Quality-wise, the toys are somewhat disappointing, considering that the series they were released in is called “Real Model”. They mostly consist of rather light-weight styrene plastic with some PVC parts thrown in (hands, antennas). The joints rely on friction and do not use polycaps. Temjin (P1) has some issues with badly fitting parts (either very loose or very tight) and horrible seams. Their paint scratches easily, although again Temjin (P1) appears to be the worst offender.
Temjin is fairly well articulated, with joints in the neck, shoulders, upper arms, elbows, waist, hips (the only ball joints), knees, and ankles, but suffers from some issues where parts get into each other’s way. This is especially an issue in the arms, meaning he can’t hold his weapon like in the game. Oh well, at least he can be put into his victory pose (shown above). Another problem is that the ankle joints are very loose, further complicating posing. Temjin’s V-converter booster can open, showing the disc inside. Sadly, the cover is very loose and doesn’t stay open. One thing I am happy about is that Temjin’s weapon is made from styrene plastic and not PVC, like it would be on more modern figures. This means it is straight, decently detailed, and the tip is sharp (but fragile).
Raiden generally seems to be a better figure than Temjin, although he lacks a waist joint and upper arm swivels. Lacking these joints does not prevent the ability to pose him properly, as shown in his victory pose above. The fit of the various parts is better, his finishing is better, and Sega used ball joints no only at the hips, but also at the shoulders and wrists. Just like Temjin his V-converter booster opens and contains a removeable disc. One slight disappointment is that his hip armor restricts his leg movement quite a bit. Raiden’s bazooka fits nicely in his hand and can actually be held like in the game. He can also hold it in the correct position for close-combat mode. His shoulder covers can be taken off and swapped with replacement parts to display him with lasers extended.
Both Temjin and Raiden were released again later in the Real Model series in their P2 (Player 2) color schemes. Both of these releases were limited releases, as indicated by the sticker on the bubble (see packaging pictures earlier), yet they still were assigned new numbers in the Real Model series (“25” and “27”, respectively). One interesting aspect is that both P2 figures feature improved packaging with better trays, and improved joints, parts fit, and finishing on the figures themselves. This is especially apparent on Temjin, whose V-converter booster is much tighter and fits better, whose joints are generally tighter, and who now almost entirely lacks the seams on the legs. Indeed, Temjin P2 can actually stand on one leg without help, something that the P1 version can’t do at all (see above). Raiden P2 is made from less glossy plastic than the P1 version, vastly improving his looks.
For collectible action figures released back in 1996 or 1997 these are pretty decent, although the P1 Temjin really could be better. However, I don’t think paying the original prices (1,980 yen for Temjin and 2,480 yen for Raiden) for these figures is worth it, and indeed they can be found for much less money on Yahoo Auctions Japan.
Next part: Viper II (in a few weeks).
