Looks like here’s another mecha musume kit getting my attention, and could potentially have me purchase a kit that I’ve been hemming and hawing but not to the point of pulling the “buy now” trigger.
When Kotobukiya announced they’re doing a Megami Device ✕ Busou Shinki collaboration, I did play the idea of getting the Arnval, and just the Arnval, since she’s kind of the main character in Busou Shinki. I believe I’ve placed a pre-order when solicitations opened, only to cancel it since I don’t feel the need to get and build one. But with the announcement of the Arnval Tranche 2, which I guess is like an upgrade, it looks like I might get the original.
The solicitations mention that this is indeed a reinforcement plan for the original Angel-type Arnval that aims to improve the armor, firepower, mobility, and combat flexibility on top of its multi-role design. The overall design is the same, including the large orange fuel tanks/thruster units, but there are differences if you look closely.
Here’s a quick comparison between the vanilla Arnval and Arnval Tranche 2.
Okay, to be completely honest, I don’t see much difference outside of the slightly different leg armor, and the headgear. I also believe all the weapons included with the original release are also included with the Tranche 2, with the addition of the newly designed RG8 Railgun. I’m actually thinking twice of getting the first one if the differences are negligible.
This new version of Arnval can still do both melee and long-range combat, though her upgrades gear more towards the latter. Regardless of the combat style, you can freely put the kit in whichever pose you want thanks to the tried and tested points of articulation the line has, not to mention the generally unimpeded design Arnval has.
The first Arnval kit was released just a couple of years ago, but the solicitations mention that this new version will include all the improvements that more modern Megami Device kits have, including the shifting hip assembly and single axis knee joints. The kit also comes with a display stand, and an additional joint/adapter piece for use with the original Busou Shinki products by Konami, though the solicitations mention that you might need to do some modifications for complete compatibility.
As I mentioned above, I have this kit on pre-order but I don’t have the first Arnval release. I was originally thinking of getting the older kit but as I type this blog post, I’m not so sure anymore given the rather insignificant differences between the two kits. In the meantime, I’ll check out reviews of the first Arnval kit for some reference purposes.
Megami Device ✕ Busou Shinki 1/1 Type Angel Arnval Tranche 2
August 2024 / ¥9,500
Order via HobbyLink Japan
