DX Chogokin VF-31AX KAIROS-PLUS
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When this figure was first announced, I honestly thought it was just another reissue of the VF-31J. Let's face it, Bandai's track record can be a bit shaky. To make matters worse, they had just released a "Music Booster" version of the VF-31J right before this, which made fans anxious about what the VF-31AX would actually turn out to be. While the official promo shots showed some differences, we all know that in this hobby, what you see in official photos isn't always what you get. After getting it in hand, however, the differences compared to the five-year-old VF-31J are quite significant. Beyond the new color scheme, there are a ton of changes throughout—so many that it could almost be considered an entirely new figure. Let's dive into the review.
A Subdued Color Palette and Sharper Lines
As a new version, this release combines the best elements of both the VF-31J and the VF-31A. I particularly appreciate the influence from the VF-31A; even though it's a grunt unit, its lack of forward-swept wings gives it a cleaner, more realistic military aesthetic. The VF-31AX follows suit. The original VF-31J featured a primary color scheme of blue, white, gray, and red, and sometimes that red just looked a little... off.
The new version's color scheme has shifted to a black, white, and blue base, giving it a much more subdued and serious feel. It's lost that slightly toy-like quality of the original.
Furthermore, this new release places a strong emphasis on sharp, defined lines, making the entire figure feel more robust. For example, the forearm armor on the original was a bit thin. On this new version, the designers have successfully integrated a new "gauntlet" piece, making the mech look less scrawny. It's a small addition, but it clearly shows the thought and intention behind the design.
Fighter Mode Impressions
If we're comparing the old and new versions, the original might have a slight edge in Fighter (F) Mode. The original's design felt incredibly "tight" with very few gaps, giving it a solid, substantial feel when you handled it. While the new version's color scheme is more aesthetically pleasing, there are more noticeable gaps in the fuselage than I expected, making it feel a little less solid in hand.
However, I personally prefer the new wing design, which makes the entire jet look more powerful. Additionally, the increased number of paint applications on this release also contributes to a more substantial appearance.
The transformation from Fighter Mode to GERWALK (G) Mode is nearly identical to the old version, so I won't go into detail here.
As for the display stand, it's a bit of a shame that the original base offers such limited adjustability. However, when mounted, the fighter sits at a slight angle, which does create an ideal and dynamic look.
GERWALK Mode Impressions
GERWALK (G) Mode has always been my favorite configuration. You see plenty of jets and giant robots, but this unique hybrid form is something special. In GERWALK, you can extend just the legs to strike a cool reverse-thrust braking pose.
Next, extending the arms takes a bit of time and care to avoid paint chipping. Compared to the original, the new version's shoulders are noticeably larger, and the arm-through-shoulder-armor design gives it a very "buff" appearance. Where the original looked slender, this new version looks like it's been hitting the gym.
Additionally, the most obvious change is the gun barrel on the arm—it's significantly larger. It looks great in both firing and standby positions.
Battroid Mode Impressions
As a fully articulated robot, the Battroid (B) Mode isn't the most playable, as its articulation is somewhat limited. However, for a triple-changing figure, a slight compromise in posability is understandable.
The biggest difference between the new and old versions is definitely the head sculpt. The design this time is much sharper than the original, and it's clear a lot of effort went into designing the neck area. Excellent work!
The Battroid's articulation is still decent, capable of pulling off standard kneeling poses. I was completely satisfied after getting it into a classic Iron Man landing pose. Even with its sword in hand, it's a blast to pose.
The backpack system can actually be used in both Battroid and GERWALK modes, but since it offers more play options in Battroid, I'll discuss it here.
This new backpack is incredibly imposing. It features a long cannon on the right and a detachable rifle on the left. The rifle can be held by the figure or mounted on the back. Despite its length, the rifle is exceptionally stable when attached to the backpack, which is a huge plus.
The rifle can also be opened up and remains perfectly stable when mounted on the backpack.
Besides being deployed, the backpack can also be folded down, creating a "gun-slung-on-the-back" look. This undoubtedly adds a lot of play value.
Wielding the long rifle is another way to play. However, because the gun is quite heavy, it's stable on the back but presents numerous problems when held. The wrist joints sometimes lack the strength to support it, and achieving a two-handed grip isn't easy.
Overall, this is a refreshing release. If it weren't branded as a VF-31, you could easily mistake it for a completely new toy. It feels that new—so new, in fact, that the armor parts from the old VF-31J are not compatible, which is a real shame! I guess this is just another one of Bandai's money-making schemes, right?
From a visual standpoint, this figure is undeniably beefier. Even without any add-on parts, it has almost the same presence as the original did with its Super Parts equipped. I can only imagine how incredible this new version would look with its own set of armor.
For the full, in-depth report, please visit my Facebook toy page: https://www.facebook.com/ki0079.robot.workshops
Here are some more photos:
For the full, in-depth report, please visit my Facebook toy page: https://www.facebook.com/ki0079.robot.workshops