For fans of high-end mecha figures, the Chinese brand MOSHOW should be a familiar name. They've built a stellar reputation for their products, which feature substantial die-cast inner frames, incredibly solid joint articulation, and meticulous paintwork both inside and out. Thanks to their consistent quality control, collectors often hail MOSHOW as the pinnacle of Chinese die-cast mecha toys.
Today, we're unboxing a figure from MOSHOW's own original manga series, "Ancestor Effect." With its striking red armor and Japanese samurai aesthetic, MOSHOW has dubbed this machine the "Kai no Tora."
Here are the official mecha specs:
Mecha Name: Kai no Tora (Takeda Shingen)
Height: 18.7 m
Power Source: Psycho-Resonance Engine
Power Unit Specs: 1/10,000 Molar Concentration Psycho-Drive
This close-quarters combat Psycho-Frame mecha was developed by collecting the spiritual particles of the Japanese Sengoku-era daimyo, Takeda Shingen, to serve as the core of its power unit. It is assigned to the Yamasakura Group of the Asia-Pacific Theater's Far East Division and serves as the second unit developed under the Far East Division's Talos Project, deployed to fight against alien contaminators.
That's the basic rundown on the Kai no Tora. For those interested in the backstory, you can check out the official website. After unboxing this figure, I absolutely fell in love with it. The price, articulation, and accessories are all incredibly satisfying. In fact, I immediately went and pre-ordered the next release after finishing this review! XD
Those who follow my reviews know that the only other Chinese brand I've collected is "Motor Nuclear." I originally planned to get their whole series, but as they released more figures, the prices started creeping up to the level of Bandai's Metal Build, DX Chogokin, and Sentinel releases, which made me hesitate. It's no wonder people now call Motor Nuclear the "ceiling" for Chinese toy prices. Consequently, my journey to complete the Motor Nuclear line stopped with the Huang Long...
Everyone has a different perspective on the value of money and toys, but for me, six thousand (NTD) is my absolute limit for this category of action figure from a Chinese brand!
Unlike Motor Nuclear's design philosophy, where every mecha is covered in sharp, spiky details for a heavily customized look, MOSHOW's designs are relatively more conventional and safer for younger collectors to handle—at least there's no risk of getting stabbed. I'm eagerly looking forward to the release of the next figure, Bontenmaru.
Since I was shooting both video and photos for this review, the video version is more detailed. The photos here will be accompanied by text explanations. If you prefer video, feel free to click and watch.
Without further ado, here's the unboxing and photoshoot. All I can say is, it's awesome~~ I can never resist a red mecha with swords! XD
▼Video Version in 4K HD
▼The box art shows off one seriously cool-looking machine. Think you can't pull off this pose? Think again... the Kai no Tora's articulation has no limits! XD The top left of the box features MOSHOW's holographic sticker and official logo, while the bottom left has the "Ancestor Effect" series title. "至臻級" (Zhizhen Grade)? I'm still not quite sure what these characters mean. If any readers know, please leave a comment and let me know.
▼The side of the box. This pose is also super cool and surprisingly easy to achieve.
▼The box opens from the top and bottom, with anti-tamper stickers sealing the seams.
▼Opening it up reveals the contents, packed in a two-tray system (similar to Saint Cloth Myth figures).
▼The cardboard envelope on the right contains the full-color instruction manual on the left.
▼The manual is printed entirely in color.
▼The figure comes with six pairs of interchangeable hands, which attach via a C-clip system. I was initially worried about stress marks, cracks, or breakage from repeated swapping, but the manual states the C-clips are made from POM material.
Properties of POM (Polyoxymethylene):
1. It's the thermoplastic that most closely resembles metal in performance, known for its strength and durability, earning it the name "plastic steel."
2. It has excellent rigidity and toughness, with great tensile strength, fatigue resistance, and flexural strength.
3. Good hydrolysis resistance.
4. Excellent machinability, abrasion resistance, and impact resistance.
5. Low moisture absorption; unless in an overly humid environment, it generally doesn't require drying.
6. Low creep and excellent long-term dimensional stability.
7. Good electrical and insulation properties.
Considering these properties, it's no wonder MOSHOW was confident in using C-clips for the hands. However, I sincerely hope they release a pair of fully articulated hands for collectors in the future. Given MOSHOW's current technical and design capabilities, it shouldn't be too difficult.
One more thing to note, and I'm not sure if this was just my copy: if you find that the weapon-holding hands have openings that are too small to fit the weapons, DO NOT force them, as they might break. I used a heat gun (a hairdryer or hot water would also work) to soften the hands slightly, inserted the weapon, and let it cool. After cooling, I removed the weapon and found the hand had been perfectly molded to shape! XD Now the weapons slide in and out with ease.
▼Flipping to the back of the manual, you can find the story background for "Ancestor Effect."
▼Of course, there's also a short comic.
▼The manual comes in a very premium-feeling package.
▼The product includes an official warranty card. I had to create a WeChat account just to register it, as that's the only way. Once registered, you get access to after-sales service and can also check the distribution channel of your product. This is somewhat similar to Hot Toys figures; if you buy one distributed by Beast Kingdom, it will come with a Beast Kingdom warranty card.
▼First layer of contents:
Main Body x1
Shoulder Armor x2
Interchangeable Hands x6 (pairs)
Hair Piece x1
▼Bottom layer contents:
Tachi x2
Odachi (Great Sword) x1
Magnetic Base x1
I have to say, this magnetic base design is brilliant. Paired with the powerful magnets in the figure's feet, it holds the mech firmly in place.
▼There's actually a hidden compartment on the back, concealing an axe and a surprise pack.
▼The main figure, standing about 29cm tall from feet to head. It feels incredibly solid and heavy.
▼Unfortunately, the tiger mouth on the chest cannot be opened. However, after examining the structure, it looks like it could be modified to be openable.
▼The arms feature plenty of exposed metal joints. The armor's paint application and color separation are flawless, with no signs of bleeding.
▼The legs use two primary shades of red, accented with gold for the finer details. These legs remind me of a certain Gunpla kit! XD
▼The back of the figure is also well-designed. I really like the chest opening mechanism and the waist extension feature. The skirt armor has a Japanese-style design, with three independently articulated layers, creating a very commanding, layered look.
▼The gunmetal gray section on the back of the calves is metallic paint, not a die-cast part. You can see from the photo that the color separation is truly meticulous.
▼The rear skirt armor is highly detailed. The two panels on each side can open independently, and the center armor is also a separate, movable piece. Additionally, the family crest on the center armor is painted on, so be careful not to scratch it during handling. The gold parts are all done with precise color separation.
▼The surprise pack! My surprise item was a hair piece in a different color. (Did anyone get something different?) It also came with a pack of "Ancestor Effect" trading cards. It seems MOSHOW is really going all-in on this series! The shaft for the spear is also found in this pack.
▼The two tachi swords are named after Takeda's retainers: the Oni-Mino and the Toratsuna.
▼The blades of both tachi feature a metallic paint finish. They are made of a soft, flexible plastic, so it's normal if they are slightly bent out of the box.
▼The other large sword is an odachi named Chibegen Shirou. It's made of the same soft plastic material as the two shorter tachi.
▼When displaying, you can sheathe one sword at the waist and hang the other two on the included weapon rack. Or you can have it carry the odachi on its back with the two shorter swords sheathed. In short, the playability is very high.
▼Pictured here is another weapon, the Genzaemon. Doesn't its shape give off a Getter Robo vibe? XD Behind the axe is the Juumonji Yari (cross-shaped spear).
▼The center of the axe features the Takeda clan crest. The blade has a metallic paint finish, and I have to say, this silver is incredibly bright and beautiful. The axe also has intricate mechanical details.
▼The axe head can be detached and combined with the Juumonji Yari to form a double-headed axe (Shin Getter?!?).
▼The now-empty shaft of the Juumonji Yari doesn't go to waste; it can be combined with the odachi blade to form a massive naginata.
▼With the shoulder armor attached, the figure achieves its complete form, exuding an overwhelming sense of power.
▼Both left and right shoulder pads are composed of three independently articulated layers, creating a fantastic layered effect. I'm not sure if there's a specific left and right piece; I spent almost twenty minutes trying to figure it out during assembly... XD All the markings on the shoulder armor are painted, not decals, so be careful of scratching. The color separation on the shoulder armor is also very detailed.
▼The back muscles can be pulled outwards to the left and right, which greatly increases the arms' range of motion and reduces interference. This is one of the reasons why the Kai no Tora's articulation has no limits! XD
▼After pulling out the back panels, the waist can be extended forward, revealing a ton of painted inner frame detail.
▼Each panel of the rear skirt armor moves independently. The center armor piece can be lifted up (as seen in the video), a feature needed for certain poses to avoid interference.
▼Raising the arms straight out to the side is effortless.
▼The side skirt armor is also highly poseable. In addition to opening outwards, it can also extend downwards (check the photos or video). This feature is necessary for achieving certain dynamic poses.
▼The front skirt armor has very fine paintwork. The gold details you see in the picture are all painted with color separation. A single skirt panel features four different colors, and the red triangles within the gold sections are also painted on. The level of detail is incredible, not to mention the small vents on the armor.
That's it for this quick text and photo unboxing. For more detailed coverage, please check out the video. I hope you enjoyed this toy review. For any collectors who love the samurai aesthetic or can't resist a mecha with a giant sword or tachi, I highly recommend picking one up. The value for money is extremely high, and the price is reasonable (at least compared to Motor Nuclear XD). With the base and multiple weapons, you get a ton of display options. I've even heard the magnets in the feet are strong enough to let it stick to a refrigerator without falling off! Ha~
See you next time with the Bontenmaru.
▼Enjoy the photo gallery below. The Kai no Tora's articulation has no limits!
Also published on my Blog
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