Kotobukiya Armored Core: for Answer: White Glint & V.O.B. Model Kit

Buying this model was a big step for me, as the only other model I've ever built was Revell's USS Arizona. However, even for newcomers to the world of Japanese model kits, this is truly an amazing find.First off, the pictures up there are of a panel-lined model, and for whatever reason has a bluish tint due to lighting. Your kit will come out looking much whiter, brilliant actually, and lacking those black angular lines you see in the pictures. The poses above don't do it major justice either.OVERVIEWThe model took me around 17 hours to complete in its entirety, VOB and all, and the instructions proved very straightforward and helpful. Don't worry, they're in english. The finished kit stood about as tall as your average Voyager Transformer or Bionicle. In person, with your own posing and paint/decal choice(If any, cause it doesn't require it to look sexy!), it will do Line Ark proud, and then some. After initial assembly of the VOB, including the tubing(Which some extra is given just in case), Installing and uninstalling it will take about 15 minutes, and White Glint herself transforms fully in little time, without nearly any partsforming.ARTICULATIONArticulation was surprisingly, amazing. I didn't really know what to expect from a model over an action figure, but I was rewarded with a fully articulated marvel of a kit. Forget what you may have been told about the head, it is articulated, and won't fall off as soon as you move it, IF you push down on it gently as you do so, making sure not to accidentally transform the head into the flight position.WEAPONSThe weapons are a characteristic black, and look exactly like those of the game. The SALINE missile launchers do have articulated launch covers(The doors on the front) as well as the ability to rotate between engaged and disengaged positions. The smaller rifle's clip can be removed to simulate reloading if you wish.TRANSFORMATIONEach individual door, wing, thruster, flap, and air intake, is articulated and transformable. Those of you familiar with White Glint's transformation will be pleased to know that her transformation is nearly completely self-contained, aside from two black struts that fill in the gap between her shoulders and core(body) when her arms are transformed. Instructions for her transformation are very easy to understand, and encompass everything required to do so. Also possible is the Assault Armor mode from the Armored Core: For Answer trailer in which she "closes" her eye and opens multiple vents around her body. All the parts required to do this are included.DURABILITYWhite Glint is adorned with multiple spires, aerofins, and otherwise small, thin parts. BE CAREFUL!! As long as you treat her like the $100 MODEL KIT that she is, you will be just fine. Nothing is unreasonably fragile, and the aerofins on her heels would much rather pop off harmlessly than snap for good, should any accidents happen. She isn't too heavy, and presents no danger of parts dislodging due to weight-related stress(this applies to both Glint and the VOB).ACCESSORIESWhite Glint & VOB model kit total accessories are as follows:big riflelittle riflebladed rifle(not shown)2x Saline missile podassorted black vents for assault armor modeVOBflight standVOB flight stand14x wing-mounted jet nozzlesassorted outer parts in black for aesthetic preferenceshoulder struts for flight position2 alternate eye pieces (total 3 in blue, clear, & black (blast plates))Adaptor parts for attaching VOB to other Armored Core model kitsDESIGN FLAWOne minor design flaw renders the head's transformation useless unless you SHAVE THE BURR OFF OF THE BLACK SLIDING PIECE WITHIN THE CORE THAT ATTACHES TO THE UPPER WAIST PIECE. You will see that there are 2 depressions meant to accommodate it. You won't be able to slide the waist between them due to that burr. Shave it off with an Xacto knife until it can slide back and forth easily. It will pay off later.PROS, CONSPros:detailedlightarticulatedaccuratefairly durablecustomizabletransformablelooks great anywhereintuitive building instructionsno glue or paint requiredConsa bit pricytime consumingdifficult to prep for safe transit/storageFINAL VERDICTFor the price, this kit is definitely well worth buying. It is highly detailed, extremely articulated, and comes with a wealth of accessories. No painting or glue is required to make this kit shine, and it does an amazing job representing Line Ark's figurehead. For someone who likes putting things together, things with moving parts, or just good old flying mechs, this kit is a game-changer. I can assure you it is money well spent.

A.C white glint + v.o.b set is glorious. This is the best model kit I've had the pleasure of assembling. I've put together about 20 bandai master grades, most of which are top ranking kits on dalong.net, but this one takes model-building to another level. Kotobukiya have essentially released a dream kit with this offering.The part count is truly dizzying (650-700 pcs) and can be considered in perfect grade territory. For the price, this is great value, as a bandai perfect grade can cost 2-3 times as much. In terms of size, its both taller and wider than the average bandai mg. In comparison to other armored core kits, it is probably the largest one. I only have a.c vengeance to compare it to and white glint is easily twice as big.The build was fantastic. All parts fit together with flawless precision and minimal glue. The manual calls for glue in a couple of instances, which are not really necessary. This is especially true for a couple optional parts, which if glued in, can no longer be swapped out.Speaking of customization, this kit really excells. It includes over 50 parts that can be changed from black to white and vice versa. This feature can potentially result in so many variations of white glint's final appearance that choosing between colours may become a bit obsessive.The colours and their separation are beautiful. The pearl white is rich and lustrous, while the black breaks it up enough so that it doesn't become monotonous. Basically, white glint looks amazing out of the box. It also includes over 100 waterslide decals that only add to the magnificence of the finished model.The detail on kotobukiya's white glint +v.o.b set is through the roof. This is achieved mainly through part overkill, but each piece is also quite detailed in its own right. So much molded in detail everywhere. The plastic is also surprisingly durable. No parts were broken during assembly, and there are a few very thin parts in this kit.It comes with a personalised display base and looks menacing on it. The connection is also quite sturdy, so there is no fear of your pricey white glint plummeting to its doom. It can also perform a subtle transformation into flight mode, and together with the v.o.b pack attached, the model is a real work of art.Kotobukiya's line of armored core kits are fantastic and white glint + vo.b is probably their heavy hitter. The only bad thing is that there aren't very many of these models, and their prices can be absurd because of limited runs. Their suggested retail price in yen is actually quite affordable though. Too bad these kits can get marked up 2-3 times the msrp because they are really worthwhile models, but not at those prices.At the time of this review, for example, a.c mirage gaea is selling for around $80 when it is originally a $25-30 kit. This kind of plunder is lame. Maybe it's time for kotobukiya to produce more frequent runs of their armored core line so that this prohibitive price game ends for good. 10 out of 10 for the model though.