This is my first review, so please be gentle with me ;-) Also, as I write this, it's 1.26am :'-(
The pics are on my Yahoo photo space, so I shall link to them. I took them on my Sony Ericsson Wi800, and the lighting in this room isn't great. I didn't resize them, as I thought the extra detail would help under those circumstances.
The Exo-Force Minifigs
Exo-Force
We have (from left to right) Keiken, Hikaru, Takeshi, Ryu and Ha-Ya-To.
Keiken is the only new minifig here, and is my favourite of the team. I have nothing against the anime hair, but it's nice to have some that would not look out of place in my City layout. The addition of a walking stick is nice, though I like to think he is a bit more nimble on his feet that appearances show...
The Robots
The Robots
Meca-One is a nice looking robot, with the extra paint aps to befit the Robot leader. The two Iron Drones come with the its-not-really-a-camera gun accessory. Though the robots do not have much in the way of articulation, I do like to see a nice big group of them - they do look very menacing.
Spider-Robot
The Spider-type Devastator is my favourite piece in the whole set. I've always thought there is nothing more scary than a multi-legged monster! And one with a big gun to boot! The use of harpoons as it's legs is a good move, and looks better than the spider-droid from Jabba's Palace, who used swords.
Ha-Ya-To's Machine
Machine
Not sure what the name for this 'thing' is. It's a bizarre little contraption, which defies the laws of physics. What does he do, flap his arms really fast? Could have done with a bit more mass to it, I think.
Silent Strike
Silent Strike
The 'meat' of the set. This is a very nice mech. I prefer this, and Supernova, to the first two mechs, as the addition of hands makes all the difference. Not quite as bulky as Supernova, still a good design with a fantastic sword. I do have one gripe though...
Side Profile
It is VERY thin. Not too much of a problem, as I tend to display from front anyway.
Meca-One's Mech
This has a very interesting design, unlike any of the Mechs that preceeded it. Unfortunately, I found it to be rather hit-and-miss. I did like the swiveling torso, but the arm/shoulder apparatus was too loose to really pose.
Maca-One's Mech (1)
Meca-One's Mech (2)
Also, I'm not a big fan of firing launchers. I'm sure kids will love it, but I just find the over-sized weapon to look out of place.
Sentai Fortress
Front View
Top View
The main part of the set - the fortress itself. First of all, it's BIG. By far the largest set (in amount of space needed to display) that I have. Though 'fortress' probably makes it sound more grand than it actually is - it is more of a large wall with features built onto it, which I shall go into more detail later. The main gate is not bad, certainly big enough to accomodate the Mechs. I found the bolt to keep the gate shut very basic, with it just sliding completely out. This willprobably be something I will modify, so it stays attached to the gate. The two towers look pretty good, but seem very exposed. Moving onto the inside...
Repair Bay
The repair bay is nice - all decked out with various tools, and split level to allow acess to the Mech being worked on. For some strange reason, it has to revolving sign posts in front - not quite sure what that is all about. The crane, which can move along the rop 'rail' is a nice touch.
Control Tower
The control tower has a couple of twin-cannons that look like they mean business! The 'pod' can rotate, though it has no vertical movement.
Lower Room
The roo underneath has a few weapons, and not much else!
Medical Bay
The second tower is the medical bay, with light-up scanner, ans elevating bed/chair.
Now I shall move onto the four rail-cars. Each can move along the top of the wall section it is housed on, like a mini-monorail.
Cannon
The cannon is not too bad. As you can see from photo, the weappn handle is a little low, but this is something that can easily be modded.
Cargo Transporter
This mini transporter carries weapont to the repair area.
Launcher
Another disc launcher. Again, the over-sized weapon makes it look a bit out of place.
Crew Transporter
A little car to get crew around.
The usefullness of the mini-carriers is limited by the fact they can only travel on the small sections between towers.
Final pic -
Silent Strike in repair bay.
Looks pretty neat?
To sum uo, a nice set. Took me about 9 hours to build, but that includes breaks and dinner! I put stickers on as I went slong, so didn't seem too bad despite the number.If I was ever to see one in a sale, I'd pick it up to increase the wall size.
