Review: SH Figuarts Kamen Rider Fourze Base States w/ Stand & Effect Set
[This is an SH Figuarts review]
Instead of playing catchup, I figure it would be much more effective to cover the newer stuff and then go backwards when I get the chance. Since I haven’t reviewed an SH Figuarts toy in a while, I’d like to swing through with the current Kamen Rider Fourze. Though I missed out on getting a preorder on the Switch Module set, I also have the Stand & Effects Part set. I have to admit, though I didn’t hate the costume design at first, I was still somewhat skeptical and needed to see it on-screen before making any judgements towards it. I think I’m part of the small camp that actually liked the suit that early on. Either way, I’m really excited about this figure. Here are the reviews.
Kamen Rider Fourze Base States
Figure: Kamen Rider Fourze is so nice, I honestly don’t know what to say about it. The figure looks Fourze-tastic! Just look at that sculpt and paint deco… then look at some of the early era Figuarts. How can I complain about anything? Even the articulation, as standard as it is, allows for some really good poses. To imitate the characters switch gimmick, all four limbs are made to detach. I think Bandai learned from OOO that they can only get away with so much from their customers. The one complaint I do have is somewhat minor. The switches, on the Fourze driver, are prone to falling off. This can get quite troublesome, considering each piece is incredibly tiny. Lastly, the faceplate should be glossy and not matte.
Accessories: To capitalize on the series, Bandai has limited the accessory count for Fourze… that’s understandable I guess. How could they have packed all forty modules? Included with the figure are the two popular ones, Rocket Arm and Drill Leg. These look great, and I’m just wondering why they are panel-lined. This makes me wish that they panel-lined parts of Fourze. There are also three sets of hands; leaving the hands that hold things missing. If you want those, you’re going to have to get the upcoming Massigler. Lastly, there is an extra drill switch; does Bandai think that we’ll lose the original? It isn’t something that can be held independently, so I don’t see what the point of it is… at all. Can someone explain this to me?
Overall: When the Kamen Rider OOO Figuart came out, I blamed its lack of perfection on it being rushed for consumers. I feel like Fourze had even less time than that, and it’s a better figure. In fact, dare I say that it’s perfect. Seriously… Bandai has stepped up their game since Kamen Rider New Den-O, and I have loved every new release. Kamen Rider Fourze is no exception. I can’t think of a legitimate complaint for this figure, and can only admire at how solid it is. Thank you Bandai… this is quite possibly the Figuart of the year?
Buy It: 
Amazon | 
BigBadToyStore | 
ToyArena
Stand & Effect Set: The Kamen Rider Fourze Stand & Effect Set is just another fancy character specific stand. I’m telling you, Bandai is really smart on how to milk their brands. Included in the set is a nice Tamashii Stage base that has the name of the figure and sparkles infused in the plastic. There are also two mounts for the drill module: a large one and a small one. The large one looks nice and doesn’t need an arm to hold the figure up. The effects part is for the rocket arm. The figure’s rocket arm has boosters that are supposed to be unplugged, and then the new thruster plugs in their stead. Unfortunately these plugs are shaped differently than they should, rendering the part useless. What gives? Overall, I’d say that this is a completely useless purchase. While the bases are cool, you can definitely live without them.
Buy It: BigBadToyStore | ToyArena
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!! But my local guy says he’s not gonna have him till next month. Saddness.
Is it possible the extra Drill switch is one that’s switched on? This figure looks amazing, even though Fourze isn’t doing much for me as a series I’m really considering picking this up.
@ GPA You’ll love it
@ Barricade64 Hmm that makes perfect sense. I think you’ll like the figure once you have it in hand.
It looks like a great figure, but I only want one Fourze and I’m torn between getting this or Elek States. Guess I’ll decide when I see them in person since I plan to get it from a shop/dealer that will have both.
Only the main, central thruster on the effect part is designed to peg into the rocket arm. If you compare the outer thrusters on the effect part to the detachable ones from the rocket, the effect part ones end at the point where the pegs on the individual ones begin.
I guess they probably figured that the tolerances for getting them all to line up perfectly would be too risky (since that really would make it unusable), and that it only really needed to peg in in one place. Given that you need an extra stand arm to even hold it up, it being not quite as secure as it could be isn’t a major issue, IMO.
Also, if you think the base figure is bad for tiny easily-losable pieces, you should get a look at the module set. So many tiny switches.
And yeah, the extra Drill switch is for the ON state.
yes, look closely
one switch is / and the other is \ very tiny difference, but i guess (anal) fans would complain if those weren’t present
the module set comes with all switches twice, on/off
this figure, yet not perfect (i’m picky with the orange stripes that a bit too yellowish) is really, really fun, and the stand/FX just add to it
i’m not sure i’m getting elec/fire/magnet, depends on money, that i’ll be definetelly saving for when they announce meteor!!
@ Barricade64 Ahh… the Elec States figure does look rather fantastic. You won’t go wrong with either or, but it’s never a bad thing to have the default form.
@ arhra I’ve heard people say that, but my effects part doesn’t sit as flush as I’d like it to. If it truly is made to just “float” I find it to be highly ineffective. I don’t understand the point of why it was designed this way to begin with, and because of that it is an issue with me. The execution is a shoddy one at best. My Module set is coming in the mail and I’m sure I’ll freak out if I accidentally lose a piece.
@ hugo Haha yah I honestly wouldn’t have even minded if it was just |. That minor detail is so contrived, I wish they didn’t bother with it and put the freed budget on upping the paint apps on the figure itself. You’re right on the gold/orange issue, but sometimes I feel like Bandai’s alternate choices benefit a figure. If the stripes were orange, the toy might have looked cheaper than it already does. Look at the orange on his forearm, if they used the same paint on the torso, the figure would look less than stellar. The other states though look fantastic (not a huge fan of Magnet) and I’m excited for them.
oh, but by orange i mean more show accurate
like this comparison with the fcms, the metallic orange looks better and not so gold http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/hacchaka/imgs/0/d/0d8085c4-s.jpg
but i still love this little guy (i might give it a clear orange coat later though XD)
in a somewhat related subject, i just got my SIC W Cyclone Joker that i got thanks to your review (i actually got it via your link)
@ hugo I agree. Let me know how it turns out if you ever get around to doing that.
As for SIC KRW, what do you think of it? I hope you like it.
that toy looks so much better than the entire fourze series! the show sucks. just sayin.
@ starshine hmph
@ CookSux SIC WCJ is…wait for it…SICK!!
btw, i just customized fourze’s driver display (you know, with the little fourze light-up thingie)
for the orange, i’ll have to get the paint first XD
when i do it, i might probably upload it to my DA, where you can also see some other stuff i do http://www.hugohugo.deviantart.com/
@ hugo omg… you are THE hugo hugo… I’ve seen your stuff before and am a fan! Your stuff is truly sick. Damn!
@ CookSux ^^’
@ CookSux thanks, i mean
Just got SHF Fourze Base State and it’s Elek State today, and I must say this SHF’s are quite impressive, though the Switches in his Fourze Driver as what you’ve written on this review are prone to falling, but it’s still a solid figure, and btw, awesome review
@ radiohead725 Thanks! It’s a very fun toy to play with.
When one buys Fourze, one must also buy Nadeshiko. Fan of Mega Max, anyone, perchance?
@ Yao Liu that was a fantastic movie. mine should be in any day now.
@ CookSux I have way too many hobbies…:0
@ Yao Liu you’re preaching to the choir
Not seen the series but liked him in SHT. Another possible purchase if see. Man these and MOTUCs are mainly what going to collect with a few random other lines. (DC pre nu52 and Marvel) depends on prices