Battle Riser

Battle Riser is a late-period Machine Robo toy, not released in the US. He’s one of three “Risers,” or powered suits featured in the Battle Hackers series, a sequel of sorts to the first MR cartoon, Revenge of Cronos.

Battle Riser is one of two deluxe Risers, featuring more accessories and upgrades than the more stripped-down BH-01 Power Riser. Machine Robo packaging from this era is exquisite. The black background, bold yellow border, and dramatic toy photographs are unlike anything else, then or now.

Battle Riser comes in a styrofoam tray with copious accessories. Both arm-mounted weapons must be assembled from parts provided on sprues. Missiles and ball projectiles for the two shoulder mounted guns are included.

Instructions

The set comes with a core suit, shoulder armor, arm-mounted weapons, leg armor, and cockpit armor. On each shoulder is a firing weapon.

Battle Riser is piloted by Luke Stewart. The figure is inferior to the similar Kenpo Warrior MR figures. He looks well-articulated, but is not. He’s all plastic, and brittle.

Assembled, Battle Riser cuts a handsome figure. I’m a sucker for powered suits, and BR doesn’t disappoint.

The suit is only slightly articulated. The arms have a good range of motion, but the legs are fairly static.

Most of the figure is plastic, but the lower legs are partially diecast. The legs are beautifully detailed…

…as is the cockpit.

Battle Riser is another fine and overlooked Machine Robo toy.