Product Line / RIOBOT
Scale & Class / Non-Scale Transforming & Combining Collectible Figure
Manufacturer / Sen-Ti-Nel
Release Date / 2022
Appearances / Super Robot Wars Original Generation
From a game series that allows mecha crossovers across multiple titles, the Super Robot Wars franchise has delved into its own rich lore with Super Robot Wars Original Generations. Not limited by the boundaries of the “super robot” and “real robot” mecha subgenres, there’s no better representation of these subgenres fusing together than the SRX or Super Robot Type-X. It’s a behemoth of a super robot formed by the combination of three Real Personal Trooper units, all fitting the real robot archetype. The concept is also borderline ambitious that we often see the SRX and its components as completed figures or model kits that forgo any transformation and combination due to complexity. At least, until Sen-Ti-Nel announced that they’ll release a transforming and combining SRX set as part of their RIOBOT line. After several delays, we finally have the complete set and we’ll now look at R-3 Powered, the combination of R-3 and the Plus Parts carrier unit.
Like the R-2, the R-3 was also upgraded to include parts for the SRX combined form. These parts came in the form of the Plus Parts which is a flying carrier unit that provided the commander unit long-range and bombardment functions. And yes, for all intents and purposes, R-3 Powered gives off the same vibes as the Dendrobium from Gundam 0083. As for the RIOBOT figure, both the R-3 and its Plus Parts provide the components needed to form the lower half of the SRX, but that’s about it. There’s no articulation (outside of transformation joints) nor any gimmicks for any of the supposed weapons that come with the Plus Parts. R-3 Powered is basically a static display piece, but it does look good as one. Paint work and details are accurate to the games and the amount of die cast parts used for the SRX combiner also provide stability for R-3 Powered. And since it’s primarily a flight unit, the set does come with a dedicated support stand that you can use on its own or attach to the larger display base that’s also included.
