UTX-6030 TASTIER
Originally an elite soldier in the military, he was recruited by the Eighth Research Institute after retiring for personal reasons. His consciousness was transferred into a UTX-6030 model prosthetic body using memory transfer technology. Codenamed TASTIER, he served in a special squad. During one operation, TASTIER, while piloting his prosthetic body, was trapped by enemy tactics. Subsequently, the enemy launched a surprise attack, destroying the Eighth Research Institute's base, and TASTIER's human body perished in the inferno along with the base. However, TASTIER, having lost his human body, did not die but could only continue to live indefinitely in his prosthetic form. Due to the sudden disconnection of his consciousness from the base, his memory crystal malfunctioned. TASTIER lost most of his memories, retaining only his own name, his beloved dog's name, and the combat and shooting skills he had mastered throughout his life. Ultimately, he decided to embark on a new journey with his mechanical dog partner to retrieve the fragmented past that intermittently appeared in his mind...
GTN-008 Multi-functional Mechanical Dog
TASTIER's combat partner. Its prototype was a mass-produced GTN-008 vehicle chassis built in a factory. After being assigned as TASTIER's partner, TASTIER performed a series of weapon upgrades and modifications on the mechanical dog, and also added an AI recognition module, naming it after his beloved dog - "Caucasus".
This time, in addition to introducing the main model's appearance and playability, I also want to share my experience assembling domestic model kits!
TASTIER's articulation is simply outstanding! The reason is that its design inherently grants it human-like poseability, and the use of soft plastic ensures there are no obstructions when any main joint bends, with ideal joint tightness. Another point worth sharing is its playability! The main body, mechanical dog, and display base offer diverse interactions and transformations! The standalone display value is already very high, and when combined with the mechanical dog and the base's storage rack, there are even more opportunities for you to unleash your creativity! This kind of playstyle is more common in Diaclone, and now, like the 30ms series, it offers extensive expandability and interchangeability within its components for you to discover – truly an incredible piece of kit!
In terms of assembly, its engineering is essentially on par with Bandai, and definitely surpasses Kotobukiya and Moderoid! Sprue marks, if not hidden, are mostly placed in inconspicuous areas. There were no instances of needing "Hulk-like strength" during assembly; even the inner frame uses hidden gates, which is truly impressive... The parts are incredibly detailed, so a straight build will look great. If you spend a little time panel lining, the effect will be even more appealing. Upon unboxing, you'll feel the manufacturer's sincerity! Most model kits don't come with so many extras, such as photo-etched parts, character decals, display stands, or other product-related accessories... If you usually build standard model kits, you'd typically only get an instruction manual and water decals; in this regard, it's indistinguishable from a finished toy. However, nitpicking a bit, I think the manufacturer could pay attention to a few things: there's a minor issue with the base component numbering in the instruction manual; the contact point for the head's light-up switch component needs improvement; and if the shoulder joint's horizontal axis were slightly longer, the shoulder connection would be more secure when the cloak is worn!
Overall! For around HKD $200, the price-performance ratio of this kit is absolutely incredible! Strongly recommended by D.M.S.!
