Thought now getting a closer look at this I sorta like it, but doesn't really feel fruity to me. I don't know unless the mode has Orange Slices as the panels then it doesn't fit the mood of the suits theme.

Butcher didn't actually like the fruit stuff though did he? So I guess it makes sense if he deviates from fruit more and more with every new form. It's just a shame the forms he apparently didn't like were actually far more interesting.

I think this new form looks pretty damn awesome. I'm very much looking forward to seeing it in action.

I think that's kinda of the point though, its becoming less fruity and more Samurai - much like how Kota's going from being a kid with a magic belt to an actual hero.

does Kachidoki remind anyone else of the Ronin Warriors?

How so? The show's only just now getting close to its 20s and everything that's been going on in it lately hasn't exactly been predictable.

There's nothing saying Takatora won't have to go back to donning a Sengoku driver at some point yet.

He's also not in charge of the designs of new forms.

Also Siguard is still totally cherry-looking, but he also has the coolest Energy Rider suit.

When you figure the energy riders are basically the monster generals ala the Sonozakis or Greed, it becomes more understandable the way they're designed. But I'm deffinitely glad Gaim is getting away from Jinba.

Well there is a new type of Inves in these scans. One that appears to have intelligence, may also be able to speak. Overlord Inves, his name is Demushu. So we may get real Kaijin villains at some point.

Oh really? I always kinda assumed they were - how does a writer write when he doesn't know what he's working with? Are the action bits done on the fly? No wonder, especially in earlier series, the action feels so disconnected from everything.

Rider designs for a new series are usually always already finalized even before the current series is over. The writer most likely already has them to work with when filling out the plot.

Better that I thought it was going to be.

They know a pretty good time ahead of shooting/writing what the toys are going to look like or what sounds they have. Most of it is ready before they start shooting the first episode :)

The real challenge is to work them into the story you wanna tell and introduce them at the same time bandai wants to put them in the stores.

Wow that actually sounds really difficult to do.

Yup thats why in Kiva for example some toys are introduced and vanish in the next Episode never to be seen again :lol

Writers like late 2000s Inoue just introduce them so Kids now they exist but dont bother to really work them into the shows mythology.

Ichigo's face is the armor? that's just lazy :lol Also, now there are two Ichigo arms? :lol

It's things like this where you have to appreciate what the writers of these shows are capable of. Being handed mandated material and having to work it into their narrative.

When they said this series was about selling toys they weren't kidding. They're gonna sell so many toys...

Now the trouble is keeping them on shelves.

It's ironic that the most toy focused show, is also the most story focused. Looks like toku sympathisers might have to rethink a few things next time they try and explain how thirty seconds of plot in twenty episodes is 'how it's meant to be'.

OMG xD I need that Rider 1 AC!

Webshop is where the extras going to be at.

I... love it? I think?

I'll just say I love it. Eventually, I'll get a solid opinion on it.

This is much better then Jinba,but I'm more interest to see how it folds up seeing as how it now includes waist armor as well and it's connected to the chest piece.

Found some more scans while searching around. Nothing too high quality, though. We see more of Kachidoki Gaim plus Baron and Marika surprisingly working together to fight......I dunno what/who that is.

http://imageshack.com/a/img829/7678/84hj.jpg

... I love it. That sword is glorious enough to clear my indecision.

Am I the only one that thinks it looks almost like an Evil Gaim?

I think you are. THIS looks like an evil Gaim
http://static1.wikia.nocookie.net/__...Bujin_Gaim.png
Probably because it is :lol.

I actually think that looks less evil than the new upgrade!

I like how his symbol is in the middle of his chest. Like a true superhero.

I don't think he looks evil, just serious. He's very, I dunno what the word is, majestic? The flags on the back, the skirt armour, everything seems like he's mant to be an idol as well as a warrior.

I presumed Takatora might go back to the Sengoku Driver for the finale episodes or something but you have a good point.

BTW I'm not a fan of the flags on Kachidoki Gaim. When I first saw the shilouette, my first thought was, "What the fuck are those poles sticking out the back?" They make the suit feel more clunky then its supposed to be.

Well I mean he has a more powerful, Energy form and it's his final form hence Shin(True/Final) Zangetsu. So if he has this more powerful form than the Zangetsu form then why would he go back? He is going to have to fight against Gaims more powerful forms.

I thought Shin meant true?

Well ya it does thanks for pointing it out. :P

Doesn't Overtime translate it as Final?

Though not perfectly historically accurate, the sashimono on Gaim's back are a nice throwback to the Sengoku period samurai. I have to appreciate it on that fact alone even if I'm not totally sold on the look yet (though it's better, in my opinion, than Jinba Lemon).

Ohhhh I'm now confused true or final, I'm just gonna go with final.

Well everywhere I see it is True
Like
Shin Samurai Gattai!
True Samurai Combination. If it were final then it would be a lie.

The only hesitation about the flags is sentai likes elaborate sticky out bits but never seems to have interest in making them work. Nothing breaks the illusion more when a so called giant robot, monster or high tech armour is flapping and wobbling all over the place. I understand they're flags, so it has a bit more of an excuse, but I still can't wait for cool moments distracted by raging shaky flags.

It actually is true. No idea why some interpretations use final, but true is it's meaning in this context.

I think you're misunderstanding. I don't mean that he'd voluntarily go back to the original Armored Zangetsu. I'm saying that since we don't know where the plot of the series is gonna go between now and Gaim's finale, there could always be the chance of something happening that forces Takatora to go back to his original form. Which is why it's still too early to count Armored Rider Zangetsu out yet.