By Cacophanus from Mecha Damashii
S.H.Figuarts Mario by Bandai (Available From HobbyLink Japan – HLJ.com)
Following on from the unboxing, here is our review of Bandai’s recently released Mario action figure. As this is much more of a toy than a pure collector’s item, it’s been built around the mentality that it is meant to be played with. Very much like the games Mario came from. As you’d expect from Bandai though, they’ve utterly nailed this figure.
Bandai are generally very good with complex articulation in most of their high end toys. It’s rare to see more budget items get similar treatment in terms of the engineering. Though considering how important Mario is as a license, they clearly pulled out all the stops on this one. This is because the elbows and knees have multiple interlocking hinges that afford a great deal of motion for a figure this small.
This alone is a pretty big deal but the joints are also super sturdy and hold poses brilliantly. This is key in light of the other play sets the figure has been released alongside with. To give you an idea of what we’re talking about, then have a look at this zoetrope Bandai made for the recent Tamashii Nations event.
So not only do you have great articulation but you can also build levels from the various games. Rarely you get to play with an actual toy that is meant to afford you a sense and scope of fun but this Mario set is just great on that front. In addition to the base figure you also get additional hands (to hold a green koopa shell) as well as a stand that allows Mario to do airborne poses.
Anyway, have a look at the toy in all its glory…
We have a long running love of the Mario games, so much so that our day job is that of a game designer. So to have a toy of this quality of a gaming character that is so renowned is just plain nice on its own. The fact it is so much fun to play with is an added bonus. Considering the incredibly reasonable price tag(s) for the Mario figure and play sets, you’d be daft not to pick these up. They all come thoroughly recommended!
