A fine blend of all things Nuts: Multimedia Collections, Toys, Foods, Concerts, Occasional Petting Zoo Visits, etc.

Saturday, May 28, 2016

The Assassin's Creed Collection

I'm of the opinion that it’s because of Ubisoft’s aggressive marketing that the Ass Creed games sell as well as they do, because, if truth be told, for the most part they really don’t deserve to. The stories are often a jumbled mess, spending more time attempting to set up contrivances than they do delivering any kind of cohesive pay-off. The games are sometimes broken, necessitating post-release patches to get them into a playable state. Some are even sold incomplete, requiring additional but 'optional' paid-for DLC to fill in blanks.
I can say all of that with some degree of certainty because I've played most of the main series. I'm consoled by the fact that I've put very little money into Ubisoft’s pockets. Because of the yearly release schedule, if you wait long enough (about twelve months) you can get them new for less than £10.00. The enjoyment I get from side-missions is certainly worth that much.

Video Games on Nut Load.
01. Ass Creed Series

Books and Comics on Nut Ink.
01. Ass Creed Series

Short films on In a Nutshell.
01. Assassin's Creed: Lineage (2009)
02. Assassin's Creed: Ascendance (2010)
03. Assassin's Creed: Embers (2011)

Friday, May 27, 2016

Neg's Sentai Mecha Collection Collection


Mecha are metaphors. They are the sincerest and most literal expression of the connections and convictions that exist between the members of teams actually worthy of bearing that moniker. The transcendent feeling that arises in me when I know that what’s combining is so much more than steel, fibreglass, and fabric, is nigh-indescribable.

These are the plastic embodiments of those machines (and spirits):

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Goseiger Gashapon Headder Series EX:
Vulcan Headder (2010)


Thankfully, the only stickering required here is the central barrel and the nose. They were actually really good, considering they were tasked with wrapping around curves. The default sound is the jingle that plays when it's attached to the Leon Laser. Pressing the button ad nauseam (approx. 8 or 9 times) results in the "Summon Vulcan Headder" call-out. The DX version comes with the Leon Laser, and that's the only place it's used in the show, so this is solely for 100% Headder completion, in the absence of role-play toys.

I Appreciate That You Filmed 2 Unique Summoning Sequences, Toei out of 5

Goseiger Gashapon Headder Series 3:
Groundion Headder (2010)



There's two main reasons you'd get this Groundion Headder. One is if you lost your DX version. Woe is you. The other is if you wanted one with an LED light. There is a third, hidden reason: you received it as a gift from an ebay seller and actually like how it allowed you to sell your Gosei Ground, with no regrets. I use it on my Gosei Great and I feel complete. Look at the Dragon Headder making the sword resemble a Tensword. Well, more specifically, the sword to which the Miracle Dragon Headder was originally affixed. ACES.

This is VERY grey, and the button for the LED isn't screen accurate. You can cobble it into a head for Ground Gosei Great, but don't.

There's 1 Person Out There Who Thinks Any Given Thing is Perfect out of 5

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Final Form Ride Series 00 and 06:
Kamen Rider Decade and DiEnd (2009)


If I dislike Decade so much, why did I buy any of the toys? Well, back then I still had a lot of optimism. I was deluding myself about OOO, and Fourze hadn't yet threatened to ruin Rider for me. Considering how much I liked so much of the rest of the Heisei era, it was almost a given I'd like Decade, and so I bit on these, because they were cheap. And, they are cheap figures. They don't transform like the rest of the line; their articulation approximates Souchaku Henshins. There is a charm to them, however. They aren't trash. They're reminiscent of American action figures and consequently a bit nostalgic. Don't ask them to do idiotic things like hold the Figuarts Blade Blade and you'll be fine. 

Their accessories are detailed below the cut.

3 Squid Thieving Bastards out of 5

Friday, May 20, 2016

Power Rangers Super Samurai
Mega Bloks Blind Bag Series 2: Bulk (2012)


It's a Mega Bloks mini-figure. Wait, is that a Lego term? Don't care. You don't buy these for articulation. You buy them for the cute factor or because you like mini-figures. I bought a fistful, BECAUSE SHINKENGER. It's like a law. Nothing against Bulk, AT ALL, but that's not who this is on my shelf. You know Richard Brown? Why's he wearing blue, you ask? Well, who trained him? Uh-huh. Yep, this is my Shinken Brown figure. Awww, yeah.

3 Identity Revealing Jackets out of 5

S.H. Figuarts DaiGoyou (2011)


One of my life goals is to avoid discussing Shinkenger figuarts as much as I possibly can.What? People reviewed Masterpiece Ratbat by itself! You're not getting DaiGoyou's humanoid form, and his head isn't even popped up, but outside of having a gigantic actual paper lantern reminiscent of him (which are out there), you aren't going to find another one that'll sit well with your figures. Unless you're alright with the Lightzord likely towering over them, that is. Whether it's with your Figuarts or any other 1:12 scale and below efforts, this guy will look fantastic.


4 Awkwardly Hilarious Interviews out of 5



*He comes with SHF Shinken Gold. The above figures are covered here.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Bouken Keitai Accellular (2006)


Boukenger is another series that was on the docket, but was quickly removed after a few episodes. Such is life. This thing is pretty nice, though. You can do most of the requisite combinations: Trailer, Ultimate/Super/Vanilla DaiBouken, DaiTanken, and every Gogo Busou. I'm not sure if DaiVoyager has a unique sound in the show. If it does, this doesn't have it. No 'Chouzetsu Formation,' or the like. There's a working blacklight and chips with secret 'messages' included. The hinge is waaaay too tight and detented to flip it open in one motion, making a fully proper henshin impossible. Still, as with Birca, tight is far better than floppy. 

4 Final Fantasy VI References out of 5

Legend Sentai Series:
Joint Gattai Dekaranger Robo & Gao King (2011)


Once upon a time, I thought I was going to watch these series. While the DX versions of these robos aren't as insanely priced as 555 gear, they aren't cheap, and in the case of Gao King, there's way too much diecast for my liking. I know because I snagged a lonely Gao Eagle, too. These excel in opposite ways. Deka Robo breaks down into solid individual components, but looks dumpy combined. The Power Animals suffer greatly apart, but together are a solid, stylish figure. These work like Mugenbine toys, utilizing translucent (eek!) ports to allow for complete cross-compatibility with each toy in the sub-line. If you like Zordbuilder, these are for you. I'm a slave to screen-accuracy 95% of the time*, so that functionality was lost on me.

2 Senshi Who Found Their Way Onto the NegLiner via Different Means out of 5


*
Goseiger's modularity is too strong for me to deny it. Even then, it's a matter of combining within the confines of a single mecha line.

Monday, May 16, 2016

Studio Décor 14" X 18" Airfloat Gallery Frame ()


I grabbed this off a shelf because it was the right color and size for my needs. I instantly gutted the matting and custom ordered a solid piece. The build quality is good, but the backboard(?) is a nightmare. The clips don't sit in the entire way, and while they seem to be molded to specifically (fail to) do this, it still gives me no confidence that it won't come crashing down, in due time. They're not present the entire way around, either. There's three hooks to allow you to hang it either way, but getting both of the ones you choose to catch is an exercise in supreme frustration.

Not recommended, even if it somehow stays up on a wing and a prayer. Fitting.

1 Chance to Tell Toei and Bandai Where To Stick It out of 5

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Dopant Memory (2010)


Before there was the Gaia Memory Complete Selection Set (1) to provide us with individual Dopant memories, there was this mass-release item. It’s alright for what it is. You press the button to cycle through 26 Dopants and then depress the tip (where there’s a second button) to your skin to emulate inserting it into a port. The CS set comes with stickers to complete the effect. You can also stick it in the W Driver to henshin using the last sound produced. The two glaring issues are as follows: 1.) It’s styled after the Terror Memory, when they easily could have included stickers for Taboo, Claydoll, Nasca, and Smilodon. 2.) It’s missing the memory call-outs from the last third of the show.

The audio was rerecorded for the Korean release of the W line.
I’ll list the sounds below the cut.

2½ Genuinely Creepy Dudes out of 5

Henshin Gaia Kyouryuu Fang Memory (2010)


In Live Mode, flicking Fang's tail will net you his various screeches. When placed in the W Driver as a memory, it's a screen-accurate lever to sequentially hear "Arm Fang," "Shoulder Fang," and "Fang Maximum Drive." You'll have to yell, "Fang Strizer," yourself. If you practice enough, you can learn to squish him down and flick him around like Philip does. You'll have to flip in his head first, though. I'm also sad to say that the jaw of the resulting dinosaur head isn't spring-loaded either. Thankfully, that's the extent of the disappointment, here.

The audio was rerecorded for the Korean release of the W line.

4 Excuses to Live Recklessly out of 5

Friday, May 13, 2016

Samurai Mega Blade (2011)

This is the kind of toy that crosses boundaries. It's been purchased by people who would otherwise never buy an American Exclusive item. It's that good. The folded up mode for the cockpit can hang from your belt and actually looks alright there! I acknowledge this is paradoxical given how I feel about Wing Triggers doing the same. It's like you're some kind of techno-Samurai. I never measured it, but the box says it extends 2'. EXTENDS. 2. Feet. It's unbelievably long. There's four sounds that cycle when you pull the tab at the bottom of the hilt. The last is a brilliant jingle you have to hear for yourself. Transformation sounds are also present, and it combines with the Bullzooka to make the Shogun Spear. You can stick the Black Box Morpher on there, too.

4 Trips Through Neo-Olde Tokyo out of 5
Yes, I have to hold the packaging against it. It's who I am. It would be a 5 otherwise.

Bullzooka (2012)


The open packaging is the only point of contention I have, here. No collector wants a toy to come into their possession already dusty. Well, those of us who are super anal about it don't, at any rate. The right sounds are present, but they've been shifted around. The sound you got for holding the trigger on the Mougyuu Bazooka with the Saishuu Ougi disc inserted is the default Bullzooka shot, with no disc. Docking the disc, or the Super Spin Sword (Spin Sword w/the Black Box Morpher attached), results in the "Gedou Fukumetsu" sound. I understand the rationale for this. If you lost the disc (well, all of your discs) you'd be tasked with always sticking your finger in the channel of the Mougyuu Bazooka. There, without a disc, Ushi just screams at you for not following procedure. Here, you can fire no matter what.

As a parting note, the Shogun Spear, its combination with the Mega Blade, is a marvel of scale. It has to be bigger than the Rekka Daizantou. Has to.

4 Invitations to Work Harder Every Week out of 5

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Black Box Morpher (2012)


BoA's take on the Inroumaru is nice for what it is. The discs are no longer accurate in terms of plastic color, and they stick out the sides of the device. There are three sounds in it and none of them are the correct henshin jingle. Yet, I don't think it's a big deal. It's a good display piece that takes up far less room and doesn't have an unsightly protrusion on the back like the Inroumaru. That protrusion provided an additional button to be pressed when the discs were spun on the Shinkenmaru. A necessary evil that this side-steps. The included buckle can hold two American discs (Hiden discs are larger), isn't chromed, and can be clipped on your own belt. Triple win.

It can attach to both the Spin Sword and the Mega Blade.

Hopes That Genta's Plan Includes Unlimited Texting out of 5

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

The Kamen Rider Blade Collection


The list of characters I relate to more than these four men is markedly short. Herein, I found so incredibly much of myself, and even more about how I should live.

Blade is the fifth Kamen Rider series of the Heisei Era and revolves around a Battle Royale between species to decide who will populate and rule the planet. It is so infinitely much more than that, however. It is an examination of the human spirit, what it means to be human, and how individuals of all types can change and evolve emotionally and socially.

The television series on Nut Box:

The film on In a Nutshell:

Music on Nut Suite:
01. Kamen Rider Blade Song Collection

The toys on Mixed Nuts:

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Spin Sword (2011-2012)


There were two Spin Sword releases. With sounds and without. The above package is telling in that it has a pull tab. I'll share a pic of the other, since it also demonstrates the most important thing: it's proportional to itself. Japanese role-play swords typically veer close to prop size with their hilts as that's where gimmicks are often utilized. The blades, however, take the hit to make them smaller for smaller folks. BoA usually aims for scale representations these days. Onward: the 'activation' button is painted, but non-functional. Spinning the mechanism will randomly produce two sounds. The belt clip is not screen accurate, but appropriately dangles it. You'll want to store it similarly as the blade is incredibly pliable. I rested mine vertically through wire shelves.

Combinations are covered below the cut.

2 Flexible For Its Own Good out of 5

Monday, May 9, 2016

Kamen Rider Mask Collection Vol. 12:
Accel Booster (2012)


Oh my, that stand certainly looks naughty when not in use~ These Rider and Sentai Masks are the kind of item you'll either adopt as your 'thing,' or have dumped in your lap. They're prime candidates to be stocked at Asian markets and speciality shops, or given as free gifts by generous ebay sellers. The latter scenario is how I got this one. I've held onto it because it works as a representation of a character related to Terui and this specific form. That wouldn't fly with me if it was a Sentai character, but it's Rider so I save time and money.

Heh, fly ^_^

3 Reasons Slippers Would Be Annoying to Dust out of 5

Accel Memory w/Enhancement Adaptor (2011)


The adaptor that makes Accel’s Booster form possible is part of the Gaia Memory Complete Selection 2 set, which is often sold piecemeal. Ostensibly, it’s permanently affixed to this iteration of the Accel Memory, but you can remove it via outright disassembly. Pressing the button once elicits ‘Upgrade.’ A second press results in ‘Booster.’ To get the complete, correct henshin: 1.) Press and hold the button for ‘Accel, Upgrade’ 2.) Press the button once, immediately following this, for ‘Booster.’

If you have the shelf space for this space hog, there’s nothing wrong with it, assuming you’re only looking for the Booster henshin and not the usual functionality of the DX, or even the candy toy Accel Memory.

To see the entire contents of the Complete Selection sets and the Light & Darkness of Fuuto set, please visit k2eizo and peaugh's Youtube channels.

The audio was rerecorded for the Korean release of the W line.

3½ Endearingly Official Pet Names out of 5

Sunday, May 8, 2016

NewRay Toys 1:12 Scale Ducati 1198 ()


I'd argue that the reason many people are alright with not having Riders' bikes on their shelves, is because good representations of them are usually pricey. Gimmick versions are worked into the regular toylines, yes, but they typically suffer somewhat because of that. Popy and Figuarts bikes, on the other hand, tend to be hard to come by, or exclusive releases. It would be nice if they were as easy to procure and/or as polished as each Senshi's mecha, but that simply has not been the case. Walmart to the rescue! They, and many other toy retailers, will sometimes have 1:12 scale bikes that will work well enough for Riders that have more stock models to their name. This doesn't have the white detailing of Terui's bike, but it's close enough, and it was a gift that I will always cherish. If there's any complaint, it's that the packaging isn't the greatest. Mine arrived with a mirror off, but hey, when the going gets tough, the tough make lemonade!

Yes, that's a Josie reference. Yes, I had to type that three times because I type Goseiger almost every day of my life.

4 Bro-Forearms out of 5


Looks good to me~

S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Accel (2010)


It wasn't long after his debut that a voice in my head started screaming, "I LOVE TERUI," whenever he came to mind. It only became more true after a second viewing of the series. All his forms are pragmatic and emotionally justified, but aesthetically, I prefer this one. His accessory count is incredibly small, but it's everything you need: a bevy of hands and his Engine Blade, which does open to emulate him inserting a memory. The Accel Booster Figuart comes with a new head for this, but I've never considered there to be anything wrong with the one already on it. 

If you'd like something for him to ride, since this one can't drive itself, there are options. You know, I'm suddenly realizing that I have an affinity for red bike men.

5 Pyramid Head Homages out of 5

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Barracuda Blade (2012)


Don't expect this to count the slashes you make, in order to provide an equal number of explosions, like the Japanese original. Do expect it to look great on a shelf and provide a different manner of screen-relevant panache. Pressing the larger Shiba clan logo makes the blade light up. It's a very even and well executed effect. It's also reminiscent of the gold-tinged CGI that Genta/Antonio unsurprisingly receives. The Sushi disc is included, but unlike Genta, Antonio doesn't use it to henshin, so it's fine that it doesn't fold. The sole problem is that the release tab is located on the face of the hilt, whereas the Sakanamaru has them on the sides of the sheath, making it more natural to repeatedly draw it, which is conducive to emulating Genta's iaido style of swordsmanship.

3 Pleasing Examples of "Gold Power" out of 5

S.H. Figuarts Blade Blade (2010)


That's not a typo. That's actually the name. Look, you know I hate Decade. I know I hate Decade. But, the crossover with Shinkenger exists and it's really good. The power of Kobayashi. With Takeru trading Decade the Rekka Daizantou for this, it was inevitable that I'd buy it. Problem is, it stretched Takeru's hands like mad and was still heavy for all the effort put in to make it light enough to hold. They did fine with the Rekka Daizantou, but not this. It's nicely painted, and if you want to display it on a miniature sword stand, I'm sure that might be good enough, assuming you love both Blade and Shinkenger like I do. Looking at it now, it's a bit twisted. Very body horror. Does that mean I should like it more or less... o_O

2 Meat Shields out of 5

Friday, May 6, 2016

DX Blay Rouzer (2004)


There are problems afoot. The prop isn't the longest sword in existence, but it does look a lot more elegant than this. The extended gilded tip included with the Rouse Absorber helps a bit. The card fan is fun to manipulate, but the weight of it sags to either side when retracted, simply because of how it's designed, whether or not you actually have cards inserted. There is a really bright point, however: It can read every normal card, including Mighty. Yet, it can't manage the other Riders' combos. It also can't read the King Deck, but logically there's no on-screen reason it should.

In spite of all the negatives, it IS a rouzer and they are ALL impressive toys. I'll list the cards included, you know where.

3½ Weaponized Lightning Rods out of 5

S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider Kiva Emperor Form (2010)


Given that I feel that the Souchaku Henshin of Kenzaki's King Form is superior to the one in this line, Wataru here logically has to be the most beautiful Figuart I've ever seen. Yep, that sounds right. The joints on mine were all tight without being terrifying and I don't think I ever found a pose that didn't look amazing, or at the least hilariously appropriate. I do have a nitpick or two, however. The accessary count is a bit lacking, given how long they're taking with delivering the Arms Monster forms. You get his rock hands for pre-kick preparations and cape extensions, but I don't think a Garulu Saber with a flame effect would have been out of the question. In terms of what is here and I can legitimately deduct for: the Zanvat Sword looks overly plain rendered in clear plastic. I would have liked an attempt at the subtle rainbow stained glass effect.

Hey, I said it was going to be nitpicking!

4½ Declarations of Strength out of 5

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Fuwa Juuzo/Deker Figure (2011)


I consider this a masterpiece. The articulation suffers a tiny bit (you can't put his legs fully straight beneath him) but outside of that this is mere steps behind the Figuart, in my eyes. I just typed 'beyond' without thinking. That says it all. There's intense sculpting and black-wash all over this figure. He comes with what is pragmatically a fully-painted Uramasa AND the other sword he uses for a stretch of the series! The screen-accurate claw is on his back and even though you don't get a sheath, it can still hold Uramasa just fine. All you need is a Super Samurai/Shinken Red figure for him to stand off against eternally on your shelf.

Oh wait, BoA made one of those, too~

4½ Breathy, Wry Smiles out of 5

Super Samurai Red Ranger Figure (2011)


Yes, I am perturbed that they never made Super versions of the girls. However, they did make them in the American Exclusive modes. Plus, the powers of the Inroumaru are initially singular. Alright, I'm done quieting my Super-Ego's moralizing. I LOVE that the coat is overly large and billowy. It's a gorgeous touch of stylization, and I'm all about it. Takeru/Jayden is the obvious choice, but damn does Ryuunosuke look smashing in it. The blue and white....so crisp~ This stands just fine with the Super Shinkenmaru/Spin Sword and Mougyuu/Bullzooka outstretched to either side. The latter comes with the 4'' version of the Shogun mode Jayden.

You will need a Juuzo/Deker to stand opposite him on your shelf. Which, BoA did provide.

5 Lords Walking Violently Into Battle out of 5

DX Garren Rouzer (2004)


I adored this thing! The barrel is slightly longer on the prop, but otherwise the toy version seems to scale perfectly; it's orgasmically huge! The retracting card fan has gravity on its side (err, top), unlike the one on Kenzaki's, which means it functions perfectly and stays in place, unless you turn this entirely upside down! Don't do that~ This is flawless and if you like the series at all, you should buy it. Right now. The Korean versions of the Blade toys even have the correct audio.

Go!

5 Quietly Murmured Refrains of 'Don't Stand So Close to Me' out of 5

Monday, May 2, 2016

Goseiger Gashapon Headder Series Vol. 2 (2010)


This set is deceptive. You might be saying to yourself, "This is perfect; I can get these Leader Headders for my Ground Gosei Great and save some space." You can, but like a fair number of Gashapon lines, the rub is that these have to be stickered. Don't even bother trying to put the red nubs on Manta Headder. Break out the paint, if you have it. You can at least feel lucky that they don't require much assembly? If you're not going to get Datas himself, there's literally no need for an opening Hyper Change Headder. Go with the BoA version (see below the cut). The King Voice Headder is only for crazy people like me. It only appears in the ED and never in the show proper. 

That's the one reason to get this set: to save you from buying the Gosei Microphone. It is painted, btw; no stickering is necessary. It comes with this miniature version that can be held by Gosei Great (as shown here.)

1 Thing You REALLY Don't Need out of 5

Water Arrow/Wood Spear Set (2009)


As much as I would ADORE having a full-sized Heaven Fan on my wall, I'm actually not upset that they didn't make it, or the Land Slicer*. I'm upset that they thought these WERE worth making. Also, that I owned them. The bow has a spring-loaded....pull-thingee... but the BoA version actually shoots water and can be held by the Samurai Megazord! That's not a spear, even if the blade pops out. That's a Wood toothpick. It looks BEYOND ludicrous on display. If you absolutely have to have Chiaki or Ryuunosuke's Origami discs, reconsider. Please. Their actual Origami in emblem mode are more fitting gimmicks. Get a Shinken-Oh.

PLEASE.

1 Weapon Should Have Come With All The Discs out of 5
 
*I retroactively am, now! 'Surely, it's because they didn't want kids to be chucking giant hunks of plastic at one another.' Enter the FuusouKen Hayate. I want my Heaven Fan/Land Slicer Set, Bandai, and I want it, now. At retail, not Premium Bandai. If you lot and Hasbro can keep selling Zyuranger/MMPR stuff, you can certainly start doing the same with Shinkenger.

Two Mode Henkei Rekka Daizantou (2009)


As biased as I am, even I can't claim that this is worth it for the girls' discs alone. Luckily, it's actually worth it in and of itself. It's really small compared to the prop, but the prop is bigger than the people who wield it, meaning this is a HUGE toy. It matches the explosion sfx to the number of times you pull the trigger, and though you can't load six discs on top like in the Come Back special, you can manage a wonderful display. In a perfect world, it would have come with all five regular Origami discs. In this one, it should have come with the girls' and the rank-and-file boys'.

Be grateful they included the Common Disc, here, when it logically could have been included with the Hiden Disc Buckle. There wasn't a role-play version of this released in the Samurai line, to my knowledge.

5 Slabs of Destruction and Hell-Fire out of 5

Sunday, May 1, 2016

DX Leangle Rouzer (2004)


I'm going to preface this by saying that some copies of this toy are floppy messes, with the side blades being disconcertingly loose when extended. Mine was tight and utterly fantastic. I'm biased, I acknowledge, but I legitimately received one that had stellar QC. It's short, but it's a staff weapon and it's as pleasing a size as those can ever manage. It does all of Mutsuki's combos, and while I wish it was able to replicate one other, that's a spoiler and a pretty illogical thing to expect out of it. Like the Chalice Rouzer, it necessitates a card holder, since there's no place to implement a fan. Well done, but will probably live in the box for most collectors. An adapter is included to allow you to clip it on your own belt if you don't have Leangle's buckle. Nice.

The included cards are listed below the cut.

4½ Different Reasons to Attack Your Allies out of 5