Kotaku: figures

New Halo Toy Line Features Wee Spartans, Big Hunter

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:30:00 MDT

McFarlane keep on releasing Halo figures, and the kids, the kids keep on buying them. Latest products to roll off the money-printing machine include some more Master Chief/Spartan variants, a range of 2.5" figures that come in three-packs (for hot desktop Red v Blue action) and a deluxe 8" Hunter figure, complete with intricate, wormy neck detailing.

IN STORES JANUARY 2009
'HALO' 2009, WAVE 1 - EQUIPMENT EDITION
5-inch scale figures with off-the-charts detail and articulation

* Master Chief (with rocket launcher and bubble shield)
* Elite Combat - Tan (with carbine rifle and gravity lift)
* Spartan Soldier EOD - Red (with dual SMGs and trip mine)
* Spartan Soldier Security - Olive (with dual maulers and radar jammer)
* Spartan Soldier Security - Steel (Game Stop UK and Target Australia Exclusive with dual SMGs and trip mine)
* Spartan Scout - Orange (with shotgun and radar jammer)
* Spartan Hayabusa - Pink (with shotgun and radar jammer)
* Spartan Hayabusa - Blue (with dual maulers and power drainer)
* PHOTO TO COME: Arbiter - Active Camo (with plasma sword and bubble shield)

'HALO' HEROIC COLLECTION 2009, WAVE 1
Halo 3 favorites in an all-new size. Three 2.5-inch figures per package to collect and trade.

Red Team

* Mark VI (with assault rifle)
* Mark VI (with battle rifle)
* Mark VI (with dual magnums)

Blue Team

* Mark VI (with assault rifle)
* Mark VI (with battle rifle)
* Mark VI (with dual spike rifles)

Lone Wolves Pack 1

* EOD - Steel (with assault rifle)
* Rogue - Olive (with carbine rifle)
* Mark VI - Blue (with dual magnums)

Lone Wolves Pack 2

* Mark VI - White (with battle rifle)
* EVA - Violet (with Spartan laser)
* Hayabusa - Red (with dual SMGs)

IN STORES FEBRUARY 2009
'HALO' HUNTER DELUXE ACTION FIGURE
In scale with our 5-inch Halo 3 figures, the Hunter stands more than 8 inches tall and has more than 28 moving parts.

*Figure release dates, lineups and weapons are subject to change.

McFarlane's Tiny, Plastic Guitar Hero Guitars

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 01:30:00 MDT

First announced a few weeks back, here's a first look at perhaps the strangest piece of Guitar Hero-related marketing we've seen to date: McFarlane's range of small, stringless, unplayable plastic guitars. It looks like they're meant to be used by the company's line of Guitar Hero figures, but since that "feature" is mentioned nowhere in the line's press release, there remains the possibility these guitars are meant for...well, just sitting there.

IN STORES JANUARY 2009
Guitar Hero 2009 Mix & Match Guitars, Wave 1
Build your own guitar with interchangeable guitar heads, necks and bodies. "Duet" 2-packs include two 4-inch guitars, stands and stickers for customization. Thousands of possible combinations in each series!

'SOLOS'

* Frydaze guitar (Boltz pattern)
* Feedback guitar (Splatter Fest pattern)
* Widowmaker guitar (Flame Rod pattern)
* Voracious guitar (Cubert pattern)
* Feedback guitar (Machine pattern)
* Frydaze guitar (Tiger Stripes pattern)

'DUETS'

* Feedback guitar (Effervescence pattern) & Voracious guitar (Cedar Ripple pattern)
* Feedback guitar (Machine pattern) & Frydaze guitar (Tiger Stripes pattern)
* Frydaze guitar (The Forge pattern) & Widowmaker guitar (Dragon pattern)
* Widowmaker guitar (Paisley Dream pattern) & Voracious guitar (Camo pattern)
* Voracious guitar (Cubert pattern) & Frydaze guitar (Boltz pattern)

*Figure release dates, lineups and weapons are subject to change.

More Guitar Hero Toys Coming From McFarlane

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 03:00:00 MDT

Those figures of your "favourite" Guitar Hero "characters"? They're just the start of Activision and McFarlane's push to sell you more mostly-immobile hunks of Guitar Hero-related plastic. Due for release in January 2009 will be a line of customisable guitars that let you swap out the heads, necks and bodies (no word on size or price), while later in the year, there'll be more versions of the guitars, as well as 10" versions of the already-seen characters, eight more of the 6" characters (including Clive Winston and Eddie Knox) and a few lines of 2" character figures. If you're torn between just which Johnny Napalm 10" figure you'll want - the "British Flag" variant or the "Skeleton" variant - the full release (sadly, lacking any pictures) follows.

IN STORES JANUARY 2009
Guitar Hero 2009 Mix & Match Guitars, Wave 1
Build your own guitar with interchangeable guitar heads, necks and bodies. 2-packs include stands and stickers for customization!

2-packs
- Feedback guitar (Effervescence pattern) & Voracious guitar (Cedar Ripple pattern)
- Feedback guitar (Machine pattern) & Frydaze guitar (Tiger Stripes pattern)
- Frydaze guitar (The Forge pattern) & Widowmaker guitar (Dragon pattern)
- Widowmaker guitar (Paisley Dream pattern) & Voracious guitar (Camo pattern)
- Voracious guitar (Cubert pattern) & Frydaze guitar (Boltz pattern)

Single Packs
- Frydaze guitar (Boltz pattern)
- Feedback guitar (Splatter Fest pattern)
- Widowmaker guitar (Flame Rod pattern)
- Voracious guitar (Cubert pattern)
- Feedback guitar (Machine pattern)
- Frydaze guitar (Tiger Stripes pattern)

IN STORES FEBRUARY 2009
Guitar Hero 2009, Wave 1
Five fan-favorite characters in 6-inch scale; 12-15 moving parts per figure, each includes a unique guitar!

- Izzy Sparks
- Judy Nails
- Lou
- Metalhead
- Additional figure to be announced

Guitar Hero 2009 Mini Figure 2-Packs, Wave 1
Small in stature but HUGE in attitude! Stylized 2-inch scale Guitar Hero characters include figure-specific accessories.

- Johnny Napalm and Axel Steel
- Lars Ümlaut and Eddie Knox
- Axel Steel and Lars Ümlaut
- Eddie Knox and Johnny Napalm

10" Guitar Hero 2009, Wave 1
Four of Guitar Hero's most popular characters in 10-inch scale; each figure has more than 18 moving parts and includes guitar!

- Johnny Napalm - British Flag
- Johnny Napalm - Skeleton
- Additional figure TBA

IN STORES APRIL 2009
Guitar Hero 2009 Mix & Match Guitars, Wave 2
Build your own guitar with interchangeable heads, necks and bodies; 2-packs include stands and stickers for customization.

2-packs
- Fire Fighter guitar (Slither pattern) & Manta guitar (The Forge pattern)
- Manta guitar (Tiger Stripes pattern) & Twango guitar (Matchbook Maple pattern)
- Skull guitar (Zebrawood pattern) & Fire Fighter guitar (Black)
- Twango guitar (Cherry Blossom pattern) & Skull guitar (White)
- Skull guitar (Camo pattern) & Manta guitar (Red)

Single-packs
- Manta guitar (Red)
- Twango guitar (Firestarter pattern)
- Skull guitar (Camo pattern)
- Fire Fighter guitar (Cherry Burlwood pattern)
- Twango guitar (Cherry Blossom pattern)
- Skull guitar (White)

Guitar Hero 2009, Wave 2
Five more fan-favorite characters in 6-inch scale; 12-15 moving parts per figure, each includes a unique guitar.

- Eddie Knox
- Casey Lynch
- Axel Steel (black metal version)
- Metalhead (TV head version)

IN STORES MAY 2009
Guitar Hero 2009 Mini Figure 2-Packs, Wave 2
Small in stature but HUGE in attitude! Stylized 2-inch scale Guitar Hero characters include figure-specific accessories.

God of Rock and Izzy Sparks
Lou and Metalhead
Metalhead and Izzy Sparks
God of Rock and Lou

IN STORES JUNE 2009
Guitar Hero 2009 Mix & Match Guitars, Wave 3
Build your own guitar with interchangeable heads, necks and bodies. Includes stands and stickers for customization!

2-packs
- Iron Cross guitar (Orange) & Treblemaker guitar (Paisley Dream pattern)
- Twango guitar (Dragon pattern) & Spider guitar (Cubric pattern)
- Hammer On guitar (Tiger Eye Maple pattern) & Iron Cross guitar (Engine pattern)
- Widowmaker guitar (Teal pinstripe detail) & Hammer On guitar (Boltz pattern)
- Hammer On guitar (Effervescence pattern) & Iron Cross guitar (Slither pattern)

Single Packs
- Hammer On guitar (Effervescence pattern)
- Spider guitar (Spalted Koa pattern)
- Treblemaker guitar (Hero Guitar)
- Iron Cross guitar (Slither pattern)
- Twango guitar (Dragon pattern)
- Spider guitar (Cubric pattern)

Guitar Hero 2009, Wave 3
6-inch scale; 12-15 moving parts per figure, each includes a unique guitar.

- Clive Winston
- Riki Lee
- Skeleton
- Midori

Raving Rabbid Figures, Now Yours To Buy

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:30:00 MDT

Earlier this year, Crecente got hold of some delightful little Raving Rabbids figures from Ubisoft. Figures I tried to swipe, before he smacked the back of my hand and sand "no, naughty". Well fuck you, Crecente, you and your patronising hand-slapping. I'll just go buy my own, because Ubisoft have announced that the figures - made by NECA - will soon be made available to the public. What's more, there'll be five figures available: the four we've already seen (Sam Fisher, Prince, Altair and vanilla Rabbid) plus a new one, the screaming/plunger-wielding Rabbid, which you can see (along with the classy packaging) after the jump.

[Ubisoft]

Surprise, More Halo 3 Figures

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:00:00 MDT

Sure, you may have lost interest in the seemingly endless procession of Halo 3 repaints, but have others? Nunh unh. They're still buyin' 'em, so McFarlane will keep sellin' em. These five figures - two Elites, a Brute Stalker and two Spartans - are the latest to roll off the factory line, and will be available only at Wal-Mart and Toys 'R' Us.

Murloc, Succubus, Lady Vashj WoW Figures Hit in April

Brian Crecente — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:20:00 MDT

DC Unlimited just announced their latest line of World of Warcraft inspired action figures. World of Warcraft Series 4 includes the Gnoll Warlord: Gangris Riverpaw, Lady Vashj, a Murlock two-pack featuring Fish-Eye and Gibbergil, Succubus Demon: Amberlash and Tuskarr: Tavru Akua.

Keep in mind that the first series of WoW action figures from DC Unlimited sold out in weeks, so if you're interested you might ant to start prepping now.

Valkyria Chronicles Toys All Up In Your Capsule

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:30:00 MDT

Valkyria Chronicles is still a few months off. Pity. Why not pass the time, then, by playing with these capsule toys! Bust them out, put them together, re-enact all the pivotal moments from a game you haven't even played, all because you like the look of the screenshots and are totally behind the idea that in this version of the Second World War, it's awesome that there are chicks who drive tanks in short shorts.

SR 戦場のヴァルキュリア [Yujin, via Siliconera]

Anyone For A $300 Diablo III Statue?

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:30:00 MDT

Come on. Got to be at least some of you care enough about a new Diablo game to want to part with $300 for a statue. It's by Sideshow Collectibles, showing Diablo III's Barbarian in some kind of primal howl. Know that, yes, it really is $299, but know also that this is an unpainted prototype (so yeah, sorry, they're going to add colour to this as well) and that there are two versions, one sans helmet and a limited edition one with a helmet. Just like the game, there's no release date.

Weta's Fancy Halo Statues

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 05:30:00 MDT

Yeah, Weta are a special effects house (Lord of the Rings, etc), but they're also in the business of selling merch. And when Weta sell merch, they don't do lunchboxes and cheap action figures. They do expensive stuff. This is their upcoming Halo 3 collection, featuring five statues that vary in not only size, but tackiness as well, as they range from the classy to the, well. Tacky. No word on price yet, but here's a hint: they won't be cheap.

Call of Duty: World at War Figures Show Off U.S., Brit Might

Brian Crecente — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:00:55 MDT

McFarlane Toys this morning announced that they will be making four toys based on upcoming shoot-fest Call of Duty: World at War. The toys, expecting to hit shelves this fall, will sell for $10 to $15 a pop.

The press release says there will be four soldiers:

Marine Infantry, Battle of Peleliu - Includes M1 Garand rifle and M1 bayonet

Marine Corps with Flamethrower, Battle of Peleliu - Includes M2-2 flamethrower with removable flame, and M1911A1 pistol & holster

Marine Corps with Machine Gun, Battle of Okinawa - Includes M-1928A1 machine gun w/20 round magazine and M1911A1 pistol & holster

British Special Ops, Battle for the Roer Triangle - Includes Mark II Sten gun

What? No bad guys? How am I supposed to reenact Operation Stalemate II without some Japanese figures to pack into my fortifications of coffee cups and DS cases?

McFARLANE TOYS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH ACTIVISION TO PRODUCE ACTION FIGURES FOR CALL OF DUTY®: WORLD AT WAR

TEMPE, Ariz. – July 3X, 2008 ~ McFarlane Toys announces a partnership with Activision to produce action figures for the upcoming video game Call of Duty®: World at War. The line is expected to hit store shelves in fall, 2008 and retail for around $10-15.

Developed by Treyarch and built using the Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare™ engine, Call of Duty: World at War thrusts players into the ruthless and gritty chaos of WWII combat, challenging them to band together to survive the climactic battles of the South Pacific and European theaters that led to the demise of the Axis powers. Re-defining WWII by offering an uncensored experience with unique enemies and combat tactics, Call of Duty: World at War offers cooperative gameplay, a franchise first to enable players to fight together like never before.

McFarlane Toys’ first series of highly detailed, game-accurate Call of Duty: World at War action figures will consist of four soldiers:

* Marine Infantry, Battle of Peleliu - Includes M1 Garand rifle and M1 bayonet

* Marine Corps with Flamethrower, Battle of Peleliu - Includes M2-2 flamethrower with removable flame, and M1911A1 pistol & holster

* Marine Corps with Machine Gun, Battle of Okinawa - Includes M-1928A1 machine gun w/20 round magazine and M1911A1 pistol & holster

* British Special Ops, Battle for the Roer Triangle - Includes Mark II Sten gun

Visit www.SPAWN.com for updates and all the latest up to-the-minute news.

NECA's Ninja Gaiden II Figure

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:20:00 MDT

Whoah, NECA! Slow down! You'll wear yourself out, then you won't be any good to anyone. Not content with releasing God of War figures, and Gears of War of War figures, and Bionic Commando figures, they've just released shots of a Ninja Gaiden II figure as well. Of course, it's of Ryu Hayabusa, who'll stand 7" tall and come with a bunch of weapons and accessories when he's released in September. In case you haven't noticed with those ball hips and wacky shoulders, the emphasis here is on his flexibility, not his detail.

Bionic Commando Action Figure Spotted

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 07:20:00 MDT

Spotted at the 2008 Licensing show held in New York a couple weeks back, this is a prototype of NECA's Nathan Spencer action figure, due in the Fall. Looks even more detailed than their Gears figures, which is saying something. No official details on it yet, but you can pass the time between now and the time you find out how much it costs by admiring the craftsmanship on those ~~hot dogs~~ wonderfully redesigned hydraulic arm cables.

[via Action-Figure, thanks Enycma!]

NECA's Gears Of War: Series 2

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:00:00 MDT

You've seen series 1. Both here and, now, in stores. So time for all you ~~toy~~ adult collectible collectors to start psyching yourself for series two of NECA's Gears of War line. Pictured here are the four figures that'll comprise the batch: Dom, Baird and two variants of the Theron Guards, one with helmet, one sans helmet but with his best ANGRY FACE.

Valkyria Chronicles Statue: Alicia

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:00:00 MDT

Valkyria Chronicles looks gorgeous. Couldn't care less how well it plays. So even if it ends up being a complete disaster, it'll still have its fans, who dig it for the canvas-painting graphical style and snappy re-imagining of WWII Europe. Fans who will, for example, buy over-priced merchandise. Over-priced merchandise like this 20cm statue, of the game's heroine Alicia, which goes on sale later this year for ¥7140 (USD$65).

[via Famitsu]

Custom Fallout 3 Figure From The Brotherhood Of Awesome

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 03:30:00 MDT

Heeeey, it's Jin Saotome! You remember Jin Saotome, right? Talented kid. Makes his own custom action figures, official licensing deals be damned. This is one of his latest gaming-related works, a member of Fallout's Brotherhood of Steel, circa Fallout 3. The gun's a bit too futuristic, but the guy himself? Totally nailed it.

Custom Fallout 3 Power Suit! [Jin Saotome, thanks Nicholas!]

Clank Figure Acts As Bait For Game Purchase

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 27 May 2008 21:40:00 MDT

For all the series' popularity, especially with the wee ones, it's a wonder nobody at Sony ever thought to cash in on it all by licensing out some Ratchet & Clank action figures. Who knows, one day, they might. Til then, this'll have to do! GameStop are running a preorder promo where if you throw some cash down on Secret Agent Clank for the PSP, you'll get one of these Clank figures. I haven't heard the nicest of words about the game, but I can vouch for the niceness of that figure! Adorable.

Secret Agent Clank bonus: pre-order figurine [PlayStation.Blog]

Why Does Vega Have Balloon Nipples?

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 16 May 2008 02:30:00 MDT

I know. That Sagat statue was nice and all, but his hands were so big, and that scar on his chest was so gross....it's perfectly reasonable to expect you to want something a little cleaner. A little more...beautiful. Like this Vega Statue. By Sideshow Collectibles, it's due in Q4 this year, and there'll only be 200 of them available worldwide. Which can only mean one thing: nutjob prices. At 20" he's nicely detailed, but at $275 I don't expect his chest to look like he's wearing a extra small-sized, inflatable sumo suit.

Comic-Con Exclusive Gears Figure Is Here Today, Gone Very Soon

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 15 May 2008 06:20:00 MDT

Going to Comic-Con in San Diego this year? May as well pick a couple of these up, make some cash money off some die-hard Gears fans unable to make the trip. This NECA Gears figure will only be available at this year's Comic-Con, and depicts Delta Squad's Anthony Carmine, presumably only moments before his untimely demise. A pic so big you can almost smell that newly-opened toy smell is after the jump.

They Listened: Buy Bee, Boo Mario Plushies

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 15 May 2008 05:30:00 MDT

This was a gimme for Nintendo. After all, Bee Mario was the most adorable thing that fat plumber's done in years, so capitalising on the love-in by releasing a soft, cuddly replica was a no-brainer. It'll be available in July, for around $25. If your collectible tastes for the game run to the more supernatural end of the spectrum, a Boo Mario will be available as well. Same time, same price.

Super Mario Galaxy Plush Doll: Bee Mario [Play-Asia, via Go Nintendo]

Newer, Better Halo 3 Toys

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:30:00 MDT

Look, there's nothing wrong with McFarlane's Halo line. They're nice figures. It's just, McFarlane are known for stuff with a little more size, and a little more detail, than the wee little figures they've released thus far. Now this new stuff, it's more their style. They've just announced two new lines for the end of the year: two 12" Master Chiefs (one a Wal-Mart exclusive) and the "Legendary Collection", a series of "non-articulated large-scale" figures that includes the Chief, Arbiter and a Brute Chieftain. The 12" figures are due in September, the Legendary Collection in November.

12" Lara Croft Figure Is Surprisingly Tasteful

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:20:00 MDT

I think Lara Croft, I think 90's platforming, dinosaurs and leaps of faith. You may, however, think of something else. Well, two things. If so, don't be too disappointed when you see this new, premium 12" figure from Sideshow, depicting Ms. Croft as not only well-prepared, but well-dressed. She's packing ten weapons/accessories, 30+ points of articulation and three pairs of interchangeable hands, and will be available Q4 for around USD$80. Nice boots.

Your Big Daddy Could Have Looked Like This

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:30:00 MDT

To promote BioShock, 2K shipped the collector's edition with a Big Daddy figurine. Sounded great in theory, but in practice, the thing was too fragile, and looked like it had been painted by...well, somebody who had never played BioShock. And who loved the smell of industrial-strength spraypaint a little too much. Enter a Mr. David Blades, who took the standard figure, broke its arms and legs off, then re-posed and re-painted the whole thing so it's looking much nicer. Well played, Mr. Blades, well played.
Mr Bubbles [schwerpunkt]

This Deluxe WoW Figure Will Totally Kick Your Ass

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:30:00 MDT

Don't confuse old Brave Highmountain here with your regular, run-of-the-mill World of Warcraft figures. Those things are for the Average Joe and his Average Toy Shelf. This thing, like last year's Illidan Stormrage, is deluxe. A deluxe Tauren Hunter, to be precise, which has a ton of detail, and will most likely sell like hotcakes when its released in December.
World of Warcraft Deluxe Collector Figure: Series 3 [Action-Figure]

Yes, A Third Series Of WoW Figures

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:30:00 MDT

Here, more World of Warcraft figures for the unhealthily obsessed to spend their real-world dollars on. These are the third series to be released by DC Direct, and while they won't be out until November, they figure March is early enough to begin whetting your appetite with pictures. Four figures will make up the series: a Blood Elf Paladin, a Dranei Mage, an Undead Rogue and a Human Priestess. Lookers, the lot of them.
World of Warcraft Series 3 [Action-Figure]

Feast Your Eyes On Drool Worthy Figures!

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 23:00:15 MST

The Wonder Festival is long over, but our memories of it live on. In the gallery below, there are upcoming retail garage kits of Street Fighter II, Street Fighter Zero, Street Fighter III, Street Fighter Online, Melty Blood, Guilty Gear, Persona 3, Quiz Magic Academy, Dead or Alive Xtreme 2, Trigger Heart Exelica and moar. Take a look! They're neato.

WF 2008 [Akiba Hobby]

The Gradius III Vic Viper Is A Sexy Space Fighter Option

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:20:00 MST

If you're the type who decided that the Gradius II version of the Vic Viper starfighter should represent but a fraction of your PVC space armada, you may want to hunt down an import retailer for the follow up. The Gradius III version of the Vic Viper doesn't deviate too far from the design path, but comes in a classy off-white and with a sleeker chassis.

This model kit from Atelier Sai is similarly priced to its predecessor at 4500 yen (or $42 US). It ships in May, after the the previously posted Vic hits hobbyist shelves. The backside of the ship is after this.

What else is there to say? Oh yeah. *droooooool*

Gradius III Vic Viper [HobbyStock]

US Toy Fair Day 3: Halo Master Replica Stuff

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 06:20:00 MST

Day one of the US Toy Fair was pretty big. Day two? We got to see the GROSS exploding Locust noggin figure. Day three brings us shots of Master Replica's new Halo merch. They've already come up with replica Assault Rifles and Covenant Carbines, but on show yesterday was a plasma sword, small-scale replica Spartan helmets, a Hornet statue and, most interestingly, what looks like a large-scale Master Chief figure, which is a bit of a departure for MR. No word on prices or availability yet, so just make do with the pics and use your imagination.

US Toy Fair Images [Action-Figure]

Hitomi From DOA Straddling An Inflatable Pool Toy: The Figure

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 18:00:06 MST

Look, just because we're on GDC like white on rice, doesn't mean we're not checking for Breaking News on the questionable collectible vinyl toy market. Case in point, this Hitomi of Dead or Alive fame figure, part of the "Venus on the Beach" series from Kotobukiya, announced just hours ago. You may know it better as the "Removable Tops and Bottoms" series, in which buxom brawlers Ayane and Lei Fang have already been featured in various states of undress. It's the most... uh, tasteful of the bunch and very necessary for those looking for the complete collection. I just pray that the series ends before Zack gets his turn.

Put your pre-orders in now. This one ships in June for a mere 9,240 yen (only $85). Cheap!

US Toy Fair Day 1: New Gears Of War, FFXII, Halo & More

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:30:00 MST

The US Toy Fair, being held in NYC, kicked off yesterday, and will run until February 20. And along with all the movie, TV and comic merchandise announced and shown off on the first day were a ton of gaming-related announcements, from IPs such as Street Fighter, Gears of War, Armored Core, Halo and Blue Dragon.

HALO
Alongside the two already-announced Kotobukiya statues was a mockup of the third, Cortana, due later this year. She'll feature a light-up base, making her the perfect night light for the insomniac, living-with-parents thirty-something. Also announced was a fourth Kotobukiya figure, due much later, that will depict two Spartans on a Mongoose. Presumably in a manly, combative pose, and is not just the one riding hanging on lovingly to the one driving.

GEARS OF WAR
Having already unveiled four Gears of Wars figures, NECA have promised to show off further variants and exclusive new figures at the show. They've teased one of those exclusives on their own web site, which you can see above. If that's not the splatter from a chainsawing diorama, then I'm a hat-eating monkey's uncle.

STREET FIGHTER
SOTA aren't actually attending the Fair, but have timed some announcements for it anyways. They are releasing three 1/6 scale resin statues based on Street Fighter characters, each going for USD$100. You'll be able to get Ibuki, Sagat and Blanka.

BLUE DRAGON
No pics yet, but Bandai announced they'll be releasing two action figure lines, one 4", one 7", with each line featuring the "stars of the show". No prizes for guessing, then, that these ones are aimed at kids, with the 7" figures coming with a free episode of the cartoon series.

ARMORED CORE
Kotobukiya aren't just showing off their bigger, Halo-related stuff. They're also displaying some of their Armore Core line, which let you swap and mix body parts so that you can customise your own mech, just like the game.

FINAL FANTASY XII
And finally, where would we be without ludicrously overpriced Squeenix merch? Not at a damned Toy Fair, that's for sure. This is a 1:1 replica of Judge Master Gabranth's helmet from the game. 1:1 as in, yes, you can take it off the base and wear it. That fashionable headgear comes at a price, however: $1300. Yes. $1300.

USTF Coverage [Action-Figure]

Mass Effect Statue Finally Here

torif — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:00:56 MST

The long-awaited figure of Commander Shepard is finally here. He's set to ship worldwide in Q2 2008, but there will be a limited run of 2500 pieces.

Careful, though. If you play with him inappropriately, Cooper Lawrence will have something to say about it.

NECA Announce Fourth Gears Of War Figure

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:20:00 MST

And here we were thinking there were only three Gears of War figures from NECA. Hah. How wrong wrong wrong we were. Turns out there's four figures, with the fourth announced today as being a Locust Sharpshooter. He comes with a great big gun and beady little goggles, and will be shipping right alongside the other three figures in April.

Yet Another Custom Half-Life 2 Figure

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 06:20:00 MST

Didn't you get the memo? Custom HL2 figures are 2008's cakes. Not as edible, perhaps, but chock full of crafty goodness nonetheless. The latest to drop into our inbox comes via reader Rob, who - inspired by Jin Saotome's cartoony offering - decided to whip up his own Gordon Freeman action figure. Rob writes:

It's not quite as professional as Jin's effort, but I think it makes up for it in accuracy to the source material.

Don't be so hard on yourself, Rob! Looks great (like a Gordon Freeman appearance on Robot Chicken), and yes, we appreciate the increased accuracy to the source material. The base was a nice touch.

Turn Your WoW Character, Cash Into 3D Miniature

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 14:40:00 MST

If you're in possession of a World of Warcraft character, a dash of will and a decent amount of cash, your in-game creation can become a real-world fabrication soon enough. Gaming Steve writes that the FigurePrint service will be launching next week, giving the 9 million-plus subscribers to Blizzard's MMO a chance to have a tiny, custom 3D model fashioned from their digital selves. What was pitched as a bonus feature of the WoW-branded Dell laptops yesterday is available to anyone, starting December 11th, provided they pony up the $99.95 (plus shipping) for a FigurePrint.

The FigurePrints stand about 4" tall and come on a variety of bases. They're hand finished, enclosed in a glass display case and will, surely, be cherished forever. Additional details are listed at the site's FAQ.

Convert Your World of Warcraft Character into a 3D Model [Gaming Steve]

Daiki's Spin On Mai Shiranui's T & A

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:20:00 MST

It would seem that SNK's buxom ninja Mai Shiranui is popular with the Japanese gamer. Maybe it's the constantly flaunted T and A? That's just my theory, as I've begun to notice a trend in Mai's poses throughout her recent PVC incarnations. Max Factory took great care to expose both earlier this year, with Aizu Project being a bit more blatant about it. Now, Daiki Industry is giving it a go, artistically exhibiting Mai's obscene proportions with a nice arm shelf and a timely gust of wind. It's due out in March of next year for 14,700 yen (approximately $135 US) and will make for a nice centerpiece. Who's next?

Mai Shiranui [HobbyStock]

Busted BioShock Big Daddy Buyers Rejoice!

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:40:33 MST

When word broke that many of the Big Daddy figures included with the limited edition version of 2K Games' BioShock shipped damaged, the publisher did its best to make good on addressing the problem. Simply register your complaint, return your busted Big Daddy, then wait patiently for your replacement and complimentary printed art book. A six- to eight-week process, I'm sure.

Today, those afflicted with borked Big Daddy syndrome were delighted to learn that 2K will not require gamers to return their Big Daddies (with Battle Damage!), noting that constant watch of the mail carrier is all that is now required. 2K wrote to its customers: "In the next two weeks, we will begin shipping out a single package containing both the replacement figurine and the art book to customers who enrolled in the program by November 12th. There will be no return box or need to return the broken figurine to our attention."

Your old Big Daddy can therefor be used for rooftop parachuting experiments and the creation of a wide variety of dioramas.

A Real Look at Square Enix's Virtual Store

Jason Chen — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:42:09 MDT

Good news, Square Enix figurine collectors! Squeenix is going to open up their own online shop to sell their wares directly to the consumer, bypassing other stores. They wanted to make sure they could have the collectibles online and available at launch to make available to collectors. A spokesman said:

"We wanted to take it into our own hands. It shows our scope as manufacturers of collectible figures."

The example they gave was a figure that's $24.99 retail would be marked up to $34.99 on other stores, so making this store will save people a ton of money in the long run. In addition, their store will have exclusive items that won't be found anywhere else.

Also, apparently Disney saw the Kingdom Hearts figures, and they liked them so much they commissioned Square Enix to make them for Disney games that Squeenix doesn't even have anything to do with.

King of Fighters Figure Does T&A Right

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 21:40:23 MDT

SNK's perpetually bouncy brawler is getting the plastic figure treatment, this time from Japanese toy manufacturer Max Factory, who show that, when making a proper T&A sculpt, don't forget the T&A. Brian Ashcraft may be our SNK go-to-guy, but when it comes to anatomically impossible sculpts of otaku fantasy girls, I hope you'll come to trust me.

This cleavage rich, twelve inch statue of the King of Fighters ninjitsu mistress will set you back $85 if you pre-order from importer National Console Support, so you'd better be sure this is the sort of thing you're into.

If you're on the fence, you can check out some very revealing shots of the Capcom Vs. SNK 2 version of Mai at Max Factory's site or just go to NCSX and throw down your credit card number. Just make sure the kids are put to bed. Michael McWhertor

Kinu Nishimura 1/6 Mai Shiranui Figure [NCSX]

Clips: Sega, Diapers, Fanta and Gundam

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:43 MDT

YouTube user plamoo has posted a handful of clips that integrate Gundam figurines, the audio tracks from Japanese TV ads and stop motion photograph. He photographs the toys at 24 frames-per-second, and each clip usually takes him about a day to make. Above is a Segata Sanshiro ad for House of the Dead.

Hit the jump for the amazing diaper and Fanta spots. Brian Ashcraft

Zero Suit Samus Statue Unveiled

Brian Crecente — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 08:00:42 MST

Alex over at First 4 Figures sends Kotaku a big HowdyDo and word that the company is working on their third collectible statue based on the Metroid Prime trilogy. This time around the company has made a replica the Zero Suit. The 9.5-inch Samus will sell for $110 and is expected to ship in the third quarter. If you want one you better order quickly, because they are only making 2,500 worldwide. Brian Crecente

More World of Warcraft Action Figures Coming

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 20:20:59 MST

World of Warcraft is set to rake in even more cash for Blizzard this fall, when DC Direct, distributor of fine DC Comics licensed toys and collectibles, releases four action figures based on characters from the popular MMO. Scheduled for release are the Draenai Paladin, Orc Shaman, Dwarf Warrior and Illidan Stormrage, all of which are pictured in their unpainted prototype form at Wizard.

Blizzard is no stranger to the action figure market, having released durable, highly detailed plastic renditions of their more popular characters from StarCraft, Diablo and earlier Warcraft games. The WoW sculpts look to be the best one's they've ever done. Michael McWhertor

INCOMING: WORLD OF WARCRAFT [Wizard Entertainment via BBP&S]