In August 2021, Toys Alliance officially launched "ARCHECORE," a new original IP that immediately turned heads. Centered on highly articulated 1/35 scale miniature figures, the line features an expansive universe with rich armaments, massive transforming vehicles, and modular diorama sets. It allows collectors to immerse themselves in the fantasy warfare of the Continent of Orn, right in the palm of their hands. (For a deep dive into the lore, check out the official ARCHECORE website: https://www.archecore-world.com/world )
While this review might be a little late to the party, a great toy deserves the spotlight no matter what. So today, we're taking a close look at the figure that started it all: the protagonist and commanding officer of the Kingdom of Veck's Ursus Guard, ARC-01 Ørn Lodbrok! According to the official lore, the young Ørn is a brilliant officer. Driven to find his father who went missing during "The Twelve Days of Calamity," he joined the Aemon Recovery Operation as a unit commander of the Arche-Soldiers. Having received a comprehensive military education from a young age, Ørn is proficient with shields, hammers, axes, and spears. Beyond his noble background, he also inherited the Lodbrok clan's incredible psychic strength, allowing him to pilot a Frost Light mecha while maintaining full consciousness—making him one of the Kingdom of Veck's most vital military assets.
As the inaugural release for the ARCHECORE series, Ørn Lodbrok introduces a whole new world for collectors accustomed to larger scales. I was initially skeptical that a figure this tiny could offer much in the way of articulation, but I was dead wrong. True to the lore, most characters in this universe are clad in heavy armor. However, this gear barely hinders the joints at all. The use of composite materials gives this small-scale figure a playability that rivals many 1/12 scale figures. Not only that, but the head sculpt, facial printing, and the crisp tampos on the armor are all incredibly detailed. Add to that a massive accessory loadout—including weapons, interchangeable hands, and a multi-functional display base (you have to see the photos for this)—and you've got a recipe for endless fun. I was blown away by the sheer range of dynamic poses a 6cm (2.3-inch) figure could pull off. It was a real eye-opener.
↓The first and second releases in the series.
↓The box features a window, perfect for checking the face paint before you buy.
↓The manual includes detailed character bios and concept art in Japanese.
↓It also details weapon storage and various loadout configurations.
↓The head sculpt. The facial features and tattoos are all pad-printed. The level of detail at this 1/35 scale is absolutely stunning.
↓The insignia on the armor are also crisply printed.
↓Accessory loadout: backpack, revolver and holster, two grenades, a round shield, a war hammer, and a great axe.
↓Includes four pairs of interchangeable hands for more expressive posing.
↓This display base is fantastic. It not only stores the connector pegs but also has a flip-out transparent arm for dynamic aerial poses!
↓The grenades or pistol can be stored on his back.
↓The hammer, axe, and shield can also be mounted on the backpack using connector pegs.
↓The great axe can be slung across his back without the cape.
↓The verdict? Absolutely awesome.
↓Seriously, this figure rocks.
↓Now for some action poses!
↓“Fire in the hole!!!!”
↓So heroic! Nothing says "hero" like a giant axe!!
↓"You think you can stop me? Bring it on."
Next time, we'll be taking a look at the second release in the series—the Kingdom of Veck's "Frost Light." This behemoth combines a transforming vehicle and a robot into one incredible war machine. What kind of amazing features does it have in store? You'll have to stay tuned to find out.
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