Kamen Rider Zi-O is releasing a gimmick line of figures. This is no surprise, as every Rider series has one, but Zi-O is striving to be different. The Rider Kicks Figure (RKF) line feels more like discount Figuarts than a standard gimmick line, and that is definitely a good thing for the fans. Zi-O and Geiz are strong first entries into the line. Both have fantastic articulation, decent accessory counts (Zi-O has one alternate hand and they both have a weapon, though only in one of their 2 forms), and they have reasonable paint for their price. The only downside, as far as I can see, is the size. The RKF line has been sized down to something closer to America’s Power Rangers Ninja Steel action figures rather than scaling with past gimmick lines or even Figuarts. I will say, however, that if you can get over the size, you’re in for a real treat with this line.
The Build Armor is the first in the “Armor Series”, a subset of this line. This armor is a pretty decent add on set. It’s compatible with both Zi-O and Geiz and even has alternative ways to combine with every figure to give them each a unique aesthetic all their own. The armor is rather flimsy by itself but surprisingly solid on either figure. The final result isn’t perfect, but visually and articulation-wise, it’s one of the stronger gimmick lines we’ve ever seen. Overall, the Armor Series is not as strong as the figures. I definitely recommend Zi-O and Geiz because they are strong figures that stand well on their own, but the Build Armor here is a decent add-on, at best.
The final subset of the RKF line is its “Legends Series”. This is basically just highly poseable figures of past Riders i.e. Riders that did not originate in the series Kamen Rider Zi-O. The first figure, and far from the last, is Kamen Rider Build here. I have nothing new to say about Build as compared to Geiz and Zi-O. Build is just like them, another really well painted and highly poseable figure. He comes with his Drill Crusher weapon and looks great on the shelf. Overall, the main line and the legends line get 2 huge thumbs up from me. Absolutely buy them if you’re fans of the characters. The armor line, on the other hand, is hit or miss, depending on the fans tastes.
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