Ryujinmaru

Get your Version 2 Ryujinmaru at BigBadToyStore

A bit of info according to wikipedia:
“The story is about a 9-year old boy named Wataru Ikusabe who is magically transported to a magical realm of the gods called Soukaizan, which he is supposed to save from an evil, demonic ruler. The series incorporates many elements of RPG games including dungeon levels and quests for mystical objects. Soukaizan itself is represented as a series of tiered platforms each floating above the one beneath it in a rough pyramid shape. In order to progress to the next tier where he will meet the series’ ultimate villain, the show’s heroes must complete some task on the one beneath. In his quest to save the realm, Wataru manages to transform a clay sculpture into a somewhat autonomous (and small) Super Robot. He also befriends many of the Soukaizan natives, and forms some very strong friendship bonds. The term Sou-kai-zan can be broken down to its 3 parts: Sou (creation), Kai (realm, space, world, or universe), and Zan (hill or mountain), representing the pyramid shape of the world’s level.”

Most of you will probably recognize him if you’ve owned a TurboGrafx-16 Game system. The first game for that system was Keith Courage in the Alpha zone which was basically a US version of the Japanese PC Engine game with different storyline and character names.

Keep in mind that this is the review for version 2, you may want to also check out my review of the original Ryujinmaru release.you may want to also check out my review of the original Ryujinmaru release.

Ryujinmaru comes in your basic recognizable Robot Spirits box.

Here is a comparison between the bigger new set with the smaller old set.

Once again the figure is well executed. Beautiful paint all around with excellent sculpting and detail.

Here are the two together. The new version is slightly bigger and bulkier although the camera angle loses this impression here. Before the new version came out, I had no complaints with the old version, but seeing them together and in hand, it’s clear that version two is superior.

Once again, the set comes with a little PVC Wataru. The new set has him in a fixed pose with his sword. You will notice that it also has a round built in stand. The former version did not require a stand but due to its small feet, it could eventually become annoying to have on a shelf if they shake enough.

Included is his sword, but strangely enough, the newer and bigger version 2 has a smaller sword. The only other difference is that the new version comes out of the package in upgraded armor form. The older version comes with alternate shoulder pieces. Not really a big deal since he only wears the normal armor for a small time before Wataru boards him.

Just like the older version, this one has excellent shoulder articulation that allows him to hold the sword with both hands.

When not in use, he can stow it away out back in a clip. This clip is very secure unlike the original which fell off easily.

Version 2 includes effects pieces which actually require stands to use properly. I chose to just lay the effects on his hands, but I’m sure using stands will provide a great thrown-effect.

This is probably my favorite effects piece. There are chains that can be attached to his chest and create a blasted chain-weapon effect.

This figure gives either the illusion of being bigger than he is or smaller than he is. While holding in my hand he feels like an adequate size, standing him next to this CDX Pheyden, makes him look tiny. In any case a very well made figure that is fun to handle. Priceon the other hand, is a little harder to handle.

Get your Version 2 Ryujinmaru at BigBadToyStore