Name of Series:

Final Fantasy Trading Arts Vol. 2

 Manufacturer:

Date of release (estimated):

April 2006

Price (singly in ¥ ):

650¥

Sculptor:

No. of Pieces in the series:

Secret (SP)/Chase:

Variants:

Size:

Around 6 - 10 cm

Other Remarks:

The 2nd volume of the very popular Final Fantasy Trading Arts (come on it's the FF genre, anything would be popular!). I was a bit disenchanted by the quality of the 1st volume which led me to refrain from buying that set. However there has been a stark improvement in quality (paintjob predominantly) in this sequel which breaks the usual practice by Square Enix of releasing color variants, much to the joy of retailers and collectors alike.

Tifa Lockhart
from "Final Fantasy VII"

My very first RPG crush has to be Tifa who appeared as early as Cloud in that game with cult status worldwide. I have to admit when Aeris (the other female lead who many felt is the actual lead) suffers a premature end, I was overjoyed as I thought Cloud would be Tifa (who I renamed as Takako in the game, don't ask me why) in the end. It was also a wise choice to put her in such prominence in the recent made to DVD, "Advent Children".  This full size figure of Tifa is a dream come true and makes me ponder whether our brawling heroine actually has such impressive "assets". The pose might be a bit off but overall a beautiful piece with nice face and hair which I am looking for.

Vibcent Valentine
from "Final Fantasy VII"

The quiet and solemn vampire like character from FFVII too has a prominent showing in "Advent Children" and soon starred in a FFVII spin off game, "Dirge of Cerebus". I have never been a big fan of Vincent's design but I must say the sculptor did try it's best to include all special features of Vincent here including that red cape, robotic left arm, his golden capped boots and at least a piece of fire arm. However the pose leaves much room for improvement and his hair seems really stiff and greatly covered his face.

Selphie Tilmitt
from "Final Fantasy VIII"

The only representative from FFVIII is a forgettable supporting cast known as Selphie Tilmitt. Selphie actually doesn't looks that bad, however when compared with the likes of Tifa and Rikku in this set, perhaps she would have to take a backseat. The body hugging & skimpy one piece zipped dress is nice with the rear well shown as well. The pendant around her neck, the bangles on her left arm and that pair of high-cut boots are some nice accessories. I don't really like that hair style of Selphie though.

Zidane Tribal
from "Final Fantasy IX"

The effervescent hero of FFXI sometime does not goes down well in the FF folklore as compared to other leads like Cloud, Squall or Tidus due to his small size. But his nimble physique is well represented here, crouching on a stone platform with dagger drawn, awaiting to execute a surprise attack on his enemies. Many are wondering if this piece can actually link up nicely with the Vivi piece from Volume 1. The pose is superb and once again the sculptor once again shown an eye for great details, however the facial sculpt needs a lot of work to remotely be as nice as the one we have seen in the action figure series.

Tidus
from "Final Fantasy X"

My favorite piece in this set is the lead hero of FF X, the king of blitzball, Tidus. Here we see Tidus in a stance, ready for battle with his cool-looking long sword which really spice things with equally appealing handle and blade. Tidus has the best facial sculpt among the male characters in this set and the sculptor is spot on with almost feature of his attire including nice accessories like the blitzball glove on his left arm, the necklace pendant, the waist pouch at the rear and the stylish Bermuda shorts with that interesting emblem imprinted.

Rikku
from "Final Fantasy X"

Tidus' mate from FFX and had a prominent appearance as one of the "Angels" along side Yuna in "FFX-2". To me, Rikku is the best female character in this set. Rikku's lay-back pose is surely enticing to many fans of hers and there is accessories galore which the sculptor is not afraid to express and I am not afraid to take down into photographic representations. I especially love that pair of goggles around her neck, the glove on her right hand and her boots. She has a nice facial sculpt to commend on too.

Vicents (Turks)
from "Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerebus"

I think either Vincent had a past with the Turks or he dressed to infiltrate the organization, either way it is refreshing to see Vincent in a nice black suit instead of that awkward red cape outfit and with a better looking hair style as well. Seriously not the best secret piece as I would hope for another cool character off the FF Hall of Fame instead of another version of the most boring piece in this set and here with almost the same pose. Nonetheless a good sculpt, better facial sculpt and definite candidate for "Men in Black".