02.26.08
Yamato 1/72 YF-21 Omega One
REVIEW(updated): So did Gould rape Myung?
Packaging & Extras (2/5)
Seriously, can I get one extra? Oh I don’t know, like maybe a frickin’ GUN?? What you do get is a flimsy and large box with a large window which is more than adequate to keep the toy safe on it’s voyage to you and can actually be used as a display piece in box. You also get the toy, a few decals (precut, unlike the first edition YF-19), and instructions. That’s it.
Charm & Collectability (3/5)
Unlike the VF-11B which had a first release plagued with issues and then a fastpack release that resolved most of them, the YF-21 started great and actually (in my opinion) was worsened in the fastpack edition. I’m not alone in my estimation and as such the original release has retained a greater level of collectibility over its improved cousin. That said, the two versions are actually different enough where I could see people wanting both equally… which was probably part of the driving reason behind some of Yamato’s decisions. When I originally made this reveiw there was no confirmation yet of a YF-21 in 1/60 scale. At the time of this update the 1/60 scale release is only about six weeks away and looks beautiful. As you might expect that will really diminish the charm/collectibility of this 1/72 version. Still, at half the price of the undoubtedly vastly superior 1/60 scale this might not be a bad option for you.
Sculpt, Detail, & Paint (6.5/10)
The leg covers in fighter mode look a bit awkward, but overall fighter mode does look decent. The Fast Pack edition was a big improvement as far as the sleekness of fighter mode. The details are very nice, especially around the cockpit area (including the cockpit canopy). Fighter and GERWALK modes look better to me than the battroid mode which suffers a bit from having such a massive and rigid back. The colors are great, the painted yellow is applied where it ought to be although a bit more tampo could have gone a long way.
Design (8/10)
When handling any of the Mac+ toys that Yamato has produced I get a “Wow, they actually pulled it off” feeling and this toy is no exception. The YF-21 does not have a simple transformation but Yamato has managed to replicate it in a way that flows (although you may find the first few transformations rather frustrating). There doesn’t seem to be any needless complication in the process and Yamato has put tabs where they need to be to keep the whole thing together well in any mode. I do think there is some room for improvement in the toy’s waist as the legs have a tendency to want to crawl upward. A better latching mechanism may have also been a good idea for the toy’s backpack. I should also mention here that a lot of the design praise I’m heaping on Yamato actually should go to model companies in Japan, chief amongst them would be Studio Half Eye.
Durabilty & Build (8/10)
Of all the Mac + Toys I have heard the fewest breakage complaints about this one. That said, it isn’t really hard to break this toy with improper handling. As you can imagine, the yellow fin near the cockpit in fighter mode doesn’t take a lot to snap off. I have had a few parts pop off during routine handling. I’ve accidentally removed one of the silver flaps that cover the rear of the jet as well as one of the tail fins (on the arm in battloid mode). Both of these pieces are simply snap-on though and it was a cynch to put them back on and I haven’t had to worry about them since.
Articulation (6.5/10)
Unfortunately, of all the Mac+ toys this one is the least poseable. The list of improvements needed here is rather long. First, the feet need to be far more adjustable. Some people don’t even attempt GERWALK mode because they feel the balancing act on these feet isn’t worth it (I had no problem personally, but I’ve heard that complaint). Second, the back is too wide and solid which cripples articulation throughout the torso. Third, the head can’t be angled. The good news is there is plenty of mobility within the toy’s legs. Keep your expectations very low and you might be able to pull off a pose that surprises and impresses you.
Total Score (34/50)
This toy is just a couple extras (gun & pilot) and improved articulation away from being great. Before Yamato spoiled me with pictures of the 1/60 I thought a lot higher of this toy. Now I see all the areas that could have used some improvement. Still, this is one mecha that doesn’t have a lot of other toy representations and this is a solid effort. If you’ll never afford the upcoming $200 masterpiece this guy can probably be had for less than MSRP still and ought to hold you over until your next promotion.
NOTE: This review has been updated, more pics added, existing pics cleaned up.
Original Post Date: July 9th, 2006
