There is some new merchandise from Square Enix to report.  The item in question is a Sora Avatar Static Arts Vinyl Figure from Kingdom Hearts Mobile.  It’s a lot cuter than the last Square Enix merch I mentioned, but still rather expensive.  The figure is available for pre-order at Kidnemo for $103.99, which is the best price I could find.  The street release date is late June.  I am not sure of the size of the statue, but I am guessing it is pretty big based on the price.

Kingdom Hearts Mobile features adorable art that is ideal for a system with limited graphics capabilities like a cellular phone:

One bit of criticism I have about the figure is that it seems kinda silly to make a large figure in such a comic style.  I think the art would be more suited to a set of smaller figures – possibly gachapon or key chains or something.  That would certainly make it a bit more affordable to all us impoverished video game fans.

Related Entries:
All OMG Toys posts can be found here.

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Video game news is slow these days.  Japan takes it easy around the new year.  VERY easy.  And they deserve to, I suppose.  Since there isn’t much to talk about, I think I will complain about something.   I choose to complain about Square Enix’s recent release of some ridiculously expensive merchandise.

I was OK with the release of the Fran and Balthier statue which goes for no less than $250 at a decent site.  I didn’t ask why the fuck they are on a motorcycle, because they are Fran and Balthier and they are the only decent element in Final Fantasy XII.  If they wanna ride a motorcycle, I will let it slide.  I don’t remember any in the game, but hey, whatever – I never beat it.

I started having problems when I saw this (image at top, more here).  If you played Final Fantasy XII you may recognize this mass of metal as Judge Magister Gabranth’s helmet. What you may not realize instantly is that this is a 1/1 scale helmet. That means that its size is equal to its actual size… were it to exist.

The price is even more redonk.  If you were to buy the helm from Amazon Japan, it would run you ￥115,496.  That translates to about $1,200 and at Play-Asia the helm is available for pre-order for $1099.99.

This helm begs a question in my mind: can it be worn?  If so, what would one wear with it?  Surely my pink polo shirt with popped collar would not match a helm meant for a suit of armor.  Most people do not own suits of armor, which may adversely affect demand.  Still, if you cannot wear the helm, it seems like an awful lot of money for something purely decorative.

I am not sure what Square Enix is thinking with these increasingly expensive pieces of merchandise.  Do I even wanna know how much the Versus Final Fantasy XII + Roen collaboration clothes are going to cost?  I think someone needs to take some time out of their day and explain what recession means to Square Enix.

Related Entries:
All OMG Toys posts can be found here.

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You may never get to taste the new line of Dissidia Final Fantasy Potions that were released by Suntory yesterday, but that doesn’t mean you can’t IMAGINE what they taste like.  Recently the gang over at Dengeki were lucky enough to taste test the series and report their findings on their website.

Above you can see the Cosmos version (left) and the Chaos version (right) both in can, and out.  I think the colors are really appetizing and muted in contrast to most commercial soft drinks.  Just in case you are wondering, Terra is not considered an evil character – she appears on the back of the Chaos can which features Kefka.  I guess the guys at Dengeki just have a thing for her.

The taster mentioned that the carbonation was a tad strong, but nothing he couldn’t handle.  The Cosmos version he said had a grapefruit flavor.  The Chaos version had a grape, or more specifically, muscat flavor.  On a rather bizarre note, the taster said they were pretty good mixed together, so fans may want to try purchasing both.

It is possible for Westerners to purchase some Dissidia Potions, but it’ll cost you and you will most likely get a random can.  Play-Asia should have them in stock soon, but I am not sure of their price at this time.  Additionally, KidNemo has 1 can for pre-order at $19.99 a can, or $239.99 for a case of 24 in Chaos or Cosmos…  Then there is always ol’ reliable eBay.

I would love to get a hold of a can and try them.  Maybe the price will go down a bit once the hype resides. If not, I think I can go without.

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Dissidia Final Fantasy: EX Combat
Dissidia Final Fantasy: First High Quality Trailer
OMG Toys: Dissidia Vol. 1
Dissidia: Final Fantasy: 22nd Character?

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Everyone seems to have a favorite Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 character already – and the game hasn’t even been released in North America yet.  If yours happens to be Yukiko, you’re in luck.  The first figure being produced from the game is none other than the fan-wielding vixen.  The figure is scheduled to be released late February 2009 in Japan and is available for pre-order at KidNemo for $63.19.

Yukiko comes fully equipped with her bright red glasses (removable) and sakura patterned fan:

You can check out 6 additional detailed images of the figure here.

With a game like Persona 4, I have a really hard time picking a favorite character, so I don’t know which figure I would want to purchase.  Life can be so cruel…

I am thinking of waiting for Chie, as I think she will probably be in some cool kung-fu pose.

Which character are you holding out for?

Related Entries:
All OMG Toys posts can be found here.

Roy atlus, figure, merchandise, persona 2 comments

Hero Prinny	Big Sis Prinny	Laharl Prinny
Price = 1,890 Yen ($19.00)	Price = 2,980 Yen ($30.00)	Price = 1,890 Yen ($19.00)

In celebration of the Japanese release of Nippon Ichi Software’s Prinny: Can I Really be the Hero?, some new merchandise has appeared on the Japanese NIS online store.  Included in the new merch are three different plush prinny forms, each with significance to the Disgaea/Prinny universe.  The Big Sis Prinny is 4.5 cm taller (17 cm total) than the other two, which I guess explains the difference in price in case you were wondering.

Along with the 3 prinnies, a PSP case, or “game pouch” will be available to order soon.  The pouch will sell for 1,785 Yen ($18.00).  It’s kinda hard to tell, but you just slide the PSP into the opening on the left side.

When it comes to NIS merchandise in Japan, us Westerners almost always receive it secondhand through NIS America.  It may be a pre-order bonus, it may come in a special edition package, or it may just appear on Rosenqueen Company.  No matter the channel, I am pretty sure we’ll be seeing these goods popping up around the February 17th release of Prinny.  I think the Hero Prinny would be an excellent addition to my desk at work.  His vacant gaze and crimson scarf will be my inspiration to not quit and become a filthy hobo.

Related Entries:
NIS America Announces Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero?
Prinny: Is it OK if I am the Main Character Dood!? Update
Prinny: Is it OK if I am the Main Character Dood?! for PSP

Roy disgaea, merchandise, nis, psp 1 comment