Thrust vectoring rules the skies! Turn on a dime, Macross Zero style!

The VF-0S represents the Macross franchise's first foray into the world of prequels. Designed for the 20th anniversary production, Macross Zero, the VF-0S serves as the predecessor to the iconic VF-1. Yamato toys originally planned to make a 1/100 scale type toy of the VF-0S. The prototype was very similar to Bandai's VF100 line in terms of execution. Yamato quickly dropped this idea and instead released a 1/60 scale perfect transformation VF-0S toy. This toy would cement the 1/60 scale line as Yamato's mainstay of Macross products. This particular VF-0S is the one released in conjunction with the QF-2200D Ghost accessory set.

Lacking typical science fiction engines, the VF-0S is built around conventional jet engines which gives it a distinct appearance. It features oversized dorsal fuel tanks, large "turbo charger" style vents in its ankles, and a bulkier aesthetic than the VF-1S. Overall the VF-0S appears to be a fusion of old style Macross with many features of Shoji Kawamori's work on Macross Plus and Armored Core. For my pictures I have used the dorsal fuel tanks that allow for the mounting of the QF-2200. They differ from the normal fuels tanks in that they have slots for the Ghost and extra missile launchers. These tanks are attached via two pegs and can be difficult to remove at first. I would suggest sanding the pegs down a bit.

The VF-0S also features a pair of leg mounted FAST packs. These packs are a "proof of concept" version of the packs that would adorn the VF-1S. These are attached via a simple magnet. As you will see in the video, they attach quite nicely.

The VF-0S also comes with several underwing stores. The VF-0S by itself had only the four AIM-200A AMRAAM 2 missiles while the accessory set adds two micromissile launchers and a set of large gray fuel tanks.

One of the recurring ideas in Macross is the presence of unmanned fighters collectively called "Ghosts." These serve to supplement the variable fighters in combat. The QF-2200D Ghost was initially sold as an accessory pack costing close to fifty dollars on its own. Fortunately, it became much cheaper to simply buy the two in this deluxe package. On its own the Ghost is a very simple toy. It features minimal tampoo printing and diecast landing gear. The two main wheels are notoriously difficult to extradite from their housing. You may also replace the Ghost's eye piece with a panel that lacks the eye.

The Ghost's engine nozzle is mounted on a ball joint to simulate thrust vectoring.

When it came time to boost the VF-0S's combat potential, the mechanics simply strapped a cut-down Ghost to the back of the VF-0S and added some more missiles. It is this very pragmatic approach that I find endearing. All that needs to be added to Ghost for this mode is a pair of mounting brackets which slot in on the underside. Simply flip the Ghosts's canards down and tuck them under the slotted dorsal tanks to attach the Ghost. Be sure the line up the slots between the Ghosts wings and body with the VF-0S's tailfins.

There is only one major flaw with this mode and that has to do with the fact that the Ghost is only secured at the front of the fighter. Turning the whole piece upside will not dislodge the Ghost, only unseat it a little. Still, it would have been better if there was a way to fully secure the Ghost to the VF-0S.

Together, the VF-0S and Ghost make for an impressive display piece.

The the interiors of the engine nozzles are painted using a brass color and look quite nice.

In GERWALK mode the VF-0S very much resembles its successor. The toy has very tight joints and poses well in this mode. Despite the fact that the VF-0S features the same terrible hand design as Yamato's 1/48 scale VF-1, it manages to clasp the gunpod without any problems. Also you can see the air intakes hidden under the removable covers.

The transformation is very straightforward and is nearly identical to both the 1/48 scale VF-1 and the new 1/60 scale VF-1.

One key difference in the transformation is that the backpack nozzles slide in and out. Also the VF-0S's hands do not fully retract.

The Ghost can be mounted in GERWALK mode as well.

Even with the extra weight, the toy is still stable.

Going from GERWALK to Battroid mode is again quite similar to the 1/48 scale VF-1 and the new 1/60 scale VF-1. In fact, the new 1/60 scale VF-1 incorporates a sliding nose section just like the VF-0S. The VF-0S is about a foot tall and looks very much like the VF-1S.

The VF-0S is a simple, sturdy robot toy. The joints on mine are nice and tight.

From the rear we can see the VF-0S's unique wing setup where one wing slides over the other. Also the arrestor hook is clearly visible on the backpack. In real Navy fighters, this is what allows them to land on a carrier by catching long cables strung accross the flight deck using the arrestor hook.

The VF-0S's head incorpates design elements from the VF-1S, later VFs, and the way the VF-1S is drawn in Macross: DYRL. The clear red and green pieces in the head look nice under any lighting condition.

The VF-0S stands a few heads taller than the VF-1S in the same scale.

Neither of them can compare to the behemoth that is the Sv-51.

The VF-0S looks really impressive when it is fully loaded in Battroid mode. It stands without any balance issues.

Even form the rear, the whole setup looks good. Nothing seems unbalanced or unnatural.

Overall I have to say that I really enjoy the VF-0S. It looks and plays well on its own or with its little brother.

Well we heard you where tired of the girl figure reviews so how about a review of a transforming mecha piloted by a Woman? Would that suit ya more than say Pocco? I got my hands on the SV-51 (Nora Type) from Macross Zero by Yamato. At a price of almost $200 is it worth it or should you run for the hills?

Right off the top I want to point out the sheer size of this thing. I've seen the pictures and reviews on other sites and for some reason the sheer size of this thing didn't come across, you see it's huge... seriously. In fighter mode its 14 inches long from the tip of the nose cone to the end of the feet thrusters. There's no missing this one on the shelf that's for sure. Thanks to Angolz.com for getting me this Anti-Unification Fighter from the OVA series - Macross Zero.

And of course the box is even bigger. If you've ever purchased a Yamato transforming toy you know what to expect, it's more of the same. A large cardboard box (measure's 15 x 14 x 6 inches so importing to the states can be expensive) with a lid that opens to reveal the contents packed neatly in clear vacuum-form trays.

Fighter mode is probably the strongest of the three mode of this variable fighter. Every part and piece locks into place.... well almost everything. On my piece the right wing is a little loose in the hinge that holds the wing to the fuselage, so barrel rolls leave the right wing floppy. Not a deal really but take into consideration it's almost $200, for that price every single piece should be flawless.... with that said...

It comes with the full assortment of extra gun pods, missiles and boosters too fully deck out the fighter for long range combat. I prefer the sleeker look of the minimal armament in fighter mode myself but it's nice these pieces are included. Also included is a mini Nora figure which is gummy and soft

Gerwalk mode looks best when displayed on the provided stand than it does on the ground. The shoulders do not “lock in” in any way and just sort of hang there. It will hold any pose you throw at it but the arms are a bit finicky in this mode. The wings however will hold their pose I am glad to report, a concern of mine when I saw the first photos of this design.

You can telescope out the head to use as a “periscope” like seen in the OVA's and the provided stand does a great job holding a mid-flight mode.

Battroid mode is an impressive 13 inches tall and poses fairly well with or without the provided stand. My only real complaint in this mode is the legs don't really “lock” into place at the thighs and just sort of sit there. Tension is snug in this mode and holds the Battroid upright just fine but nothing clicks in place to let you know you have all the angels just right.

Like I mentioned earlier, it comes loaded with accessories.... gunpods, missles, boosters, pilot figure and stand (with attachments for all three modes). The landing gear also folds out and detail is equally as impressive as the rest of the toy.

You can also store the extra magazine clip on the leg as well as the Battroid's gun, though I'm not sure this is an intended feature, but it works pretty well.

So before I wrap this up I have a confession. You see as much as I like this thing I can not recommend it based on the piece I got. Not for the asking price of almost $200. The mid thigh part on the left leg separated during it's first transformation. A little dab of crazy glue and it's better, but for the asking price I should not have to re-glue anything. To be fair, it's not a common issue for this release but still a problem.

I really like this mecha design and enjoy the series, Macross Zero - but I am only recommending this to the most die-hard Macross fans and then only if your willing to take a chance you might get a bum one. All else will probably want to pass. It's 98% ABS plastic and fairly expensive for what it is, however it does stand out on the shelf, your milage may vary. You can get yours at Angolz.com.