Gokai Machine Series 02: DX PatStriker (Dekaranger) - S$40.00
I believed that most people would agree that the DX Magi-Dragon was a rather bad design. DX PatStriker, on the other hand, proved to be rather interesting.
When the catalog images first appeared, I thought that the redesign for PatStriker was rather unflattering as well. Although the actual Magi-Dragon toy did turned out better than expectation, the whole design concept was still rather awkward. PatStriker, however, was not the case... Besides being smaller and a little more flat than expected, I find it quite aesthetically pleasing with the red metallic paint and gold chrome wheels.
The lights and sounds are well-done as usual (per Bandai Japan's standards). There are 3 dedicated sounds for PatStriker, one for summoning, one for combining and one for the finishing move. Overall, a very neat toy.
Gokai Machine Series 03: DX GaoLion (Gaoranger/Shinkenger) - S$65.00
Unlike the first two auxiliary mecha, GaoLion actually resembled it's original design the most because in the show, it's supposed to be the same GaoLion. There's no explanation for the sudden change of appearance though, but it's Super Sentai where a lot of things don't make sense.
Since Lion was a recurring theme for many animal-based seasons, the designers decided to combine the elements of both Gaoranger and Shinkenger into one. I think it's very smart and convenient at the same time - the GaoLion's body is actually the Rekka Daizantou and the tail doubles as the Samurai Helmet for Gokai-Oh.
For Gao-GokaiOh, it's fairly simple to achieve the GaoKentaurus look for tribute, so there's nothing much to review on. The only complain is that the girls always get shafted for new combinations, which has happened for many seasons. So basically, Gokai Trailer and Gokai Marine are now useless pieces again.
Due to Shinkenger's ultra-popular status, the design for Shinken-GokaiOh is the most special compared to the first 3 where GokaiOh's main look is retained. This time, GokaiOh gets a new Samurai Helmet and legs from GaoLion, dropping the treasure chest concept as well as leaving out Yellow and Pink from the transformation once again. The Rekka Daizantou is much smaller in toy form compared to the show, so it looks rather funny. LoL! To be show-accurate, you probably need the DX version from the Shinkenger toyline... I just prefer to pose it with the Naginata Gokai-Ken because it looks more badass.
Lastly, GaoLion also has 3 dedicated sounds similar to PatStriker: One Roar, One Summon and One Samurai. Overall, a very neat toy too.
Bandai Quality Control
For some reason, the quality control for Bandai Asia has slipped significantly?
The flaps on GaoLion are reportedly loose on the right side and rather sensitive to touch. I had to make some effort to ensure that the flaps are closed properly every time. Apparently, many others also have this issue and it affects the Japanese versions as well.
Candy Toy Ranger Key Series 01: GokaiRed - S$5.00
Bought this for fun from Robo Robo and it's the last piece. Too bad, I missed out on GokaiBlue... Didn't expect Gerald to get them from Japan since he don't deal with Candy Toy in the past. Screw Yamakawa for getting from bad to worse since Go-Onger.
When I opened it, I was kinda surprised by the plastic quality - It is almost the same as the DX version. The only main difference was that the black portion between the legs is now a sticker instead of paint. In fact, I feel that the paint application on the body is better than the DX version. Just compare the Gokaiger Emblem.
Funny how all the Ranger Keys are selling at 200 yen but differ so much in terms of quality. The DX and Candy versions are better choices compared to the Gashapon version which rely on stickers for the body details.
Then again, Singapore also didn't get the Gashapon Ranger Keys because Sheng Tai Toys screwed up as well.
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