[FD3S]

(Crossposted from TFW, hope that's cool!)

Package from Mandarake showed up, and with it the Capsule Combination Dekaranger Robo! Unfortunately still have no photo setup so check out a JP review here for pics: http : //eigangu.blog54.fc2.com/blog-entry-212.html

From what I've read this was the first release in the Capsule Combination line and oh man, what a debut. Like the Magiking that would come a year later, the CC version of the Dekaranger Robo manages to shrink down the DX into a pocket sized version while still maintaining a decent amount of the DX's gimmicks. Patrol Striker, Patrol Gyro, and Patrol Trailer all have LED lights to replicate the ones on the DX (though no sounds and considering how old these are it's no surprise the light on my copy of Patrol Gyro's gone kaput) and Patrol Armor and Signer both have pull back motors and rubberized tires to let 'em run across any hard surface - and the Signer even keeps the sign gimmick! Minimal parts forming this time, with only the fists of the main robot left over when it's separated; unlike the DX version, the Signal Cannon doesn't combine/store away (though this does mean it's better sized) and if you want the Judgment Sword you're going to have to find a second wave run because both weapons were split between the waves. Poseability is exactly what you'd expect, and the paint/sculpt/proportions are fantastic for a set this small.

It's a damn shame that the CC line seemed to peak with Magiking and Combattler V (subsequent releases don't look nearly as appealing as the ones that preceded them IMO) but I'm very glad I picked up the ones that I did! If I can track down a Dekawing Robo then I'll definitely hop on that but until then; it's been a good run.