I kind of hate that Bandai doesn't give closed fists in a kit that is meant to throw punches and only has 1 weapon and then includes them (+ a proper trigger finger hand) in one of the PB expansion set
Reading these comments I was worried I was gonna be disappointed by the Bandai SCOPEDOG but I think it’s the way to go. It’s gorgeous, love the colors and such. A bit of a bummer the face dou rant open, but I like the added articulation in favor of the cockpit being separate. Excited for my store to sell them :)
One thing that I found interesting is that at current USD-to-JPY conversions, while the Wave kit is upfront a higher cost, once you try to have parity in accessories, the Bandai kit quickly overshadows the Wave kit in price. It isn't perfect; the Bandai kit would have an extra Chirico figure, more hands and skate FX but the Wave kit would have more weapons and not a second torso you swap out. I was really surprised when I built my Wave Turbo Custom with how well engineered its assembly was, even if it still has more seams. Just for western fans being able to more easily access them, I hope Bandai makes more from Votoms, but I really was surprised how well the Wave kit stacked up.
Just at a glance the Wave version looks much better than the Bandai model kit. Not only does it have finer details, but the proportions are much more accurate to the art. The dealbreaker for me is Bandai's exclusion of one of the most prominent features of the Scopedog, that being its cockpit and opening visor, and reselling it as a P-Bandai part set.
one thing I've seen a few Japanese modelers point out is that the Wave 1/35 does put its playability before its looks, no thigh cut (which I think bandai could have found a way around honestly), no joint showing on the side of the torso, actual fists for hands that aren't meant to hold anything also the barrel of the grenade launcher on the Wave kit isn't filled in like on the Bandai kit which is more weird than anything tbh, if it's really not the hardest fix at the end of the day
Bandai don't do reissues the way that other companies like Kotobukiya do. They never retire kits and they are always on the production schedule somewhere, chances are they've been reprinted a couple of times in the last few years but there are so many backorders that most people will never know. I have an MG Ingram kit with a Blue Bandai logo, it just came through as a backorder with no announcement of any kind.
I’m not really sold on the Bandai kit yet. I like the way the wave ones look and they did a lot of different armored troopers. Bandai is notorious for only doing the main kit from a lot of shows and might not go beyond the scopedog or a couple variants
They're probably gonna release a Red Shoulder custom with more stuff with probably the cockpit. While this version is for grunt collector who buys a ton.
And I am on the side that doesn't mind it being P-Bandai because it's not often that you are going to display it opened plus with it being parts forming
@@miragebangbravern Yup, agreed. But I think Bandai can suit different customer's tastes when they sell add-ons as P-Bandai, since most people don't need those extras.
As for the lenses, don't bother painting them. Get the Wave H-eyes lenses in the same colors as the stickers. Use Future (or a comparable clear acrylic floor polish, or something similar) to attach the stickers to the back of the lenses. When dry, use CA glue to adhere the lenses to the "eyes".
So instead of having the details on top of the armour like the wave version bandai decided to hide all the details underneath. Wow, that's so ass backwards😂
Yeah. I am sticking to getting the 1/20 Red Shoulder Custom which is currently in Backorder in HLJ atm. I much prefer the bigger size along with coming with the inner details such as the cockpit straight out the box.
How's the shoulder connection feel when its arms are reaching forward? It looks like it's attached by a tiny connection and a dream, and it looks like a really huge break risk.
"A huge break risk". It's probably for lore accuracy, Votoms AT's are thinly armored and flammable like its a mini Zaku fuelled with Zippo fluid So most pilot operates it with nothing more than shreds of hopes and dreams. Unless it is equipped with a plot armour known as Chirico Cuvie.
it was intentional they didnt added it because we will get additional parts such as the opening cockpit and Chirico figure thats in scale with the mecha but sadly its pBandai
And just released for pre-order for a May launch, Bandai’s HG version of the Burglarydog….NOT P-Bandai exclusive for those wondering. Looks like they may do more of these after all
Just got my copy from mail in time for Christmas somehow I plan on painting the left shoulder armor red but kinda sucks the kit on has the heavy machigenun as weapon
If you live in any of the P-Bandai supported asian countries then yes. If you live in the US, then yes. If you live in Europe or anywhere else, you are screwed over.
Watched it. It came out around the same time as Zeta, but the animation and sounds remind me more of 0079, but Votoms features some great landscape shots which are well drawn. The show is almost 50 episodes with questionable pacing, as it drags at times. It's worth watching, but in my opinion it overstays its welcome, since the same story could have been told in 30 episodes if not less without losing much, if any, substance.
IMO Votoms is one of the best mecha anime ever made. It's definitely a departure from the standard post-MSG anime of the time period, going harder on the realistic military aspects. The mechas aren't presented as special, instead being presented purely as military equipment. The hero doesn't have a machine he uses throughout the series. In fact, he ends up getting his mecha destroyed every few episodes and just picks up a new one (since I guess the Scopedog is the Kalashnikov of that world) And the hero is about as far from the teen mecha pilot archetype as you can get. He's this cold hearted military vet who is suffering from PTSD (which is actually a plot point mid-way through the series) It is a 80s anime, so it's about twice as long as it should be and suffers from the common pacing issues of the time. But it does change up the environments by going to different planets during each story arc, so at least you don't get bored with the scenery. I would certainly suggest watching it if you like 80s mecha anime and want something a little different.
Do it. I was legit surprised at how GOOD the series is. I find many old classics to be better than most modern anime anyways even with the limitations in animation then.
Looks like this kit will be a pass from me. WAVE's 1/35 scale kits might be more expensive, but the articulation isn't mostly C-clip based, have actually opening cockpits (even if the non-PS versions lack the interiors), and feature a slightly nicer set of hands and accessories. The P-Bandai exclusive cockpit and extra bits are also a big negative as a European, as they're going to be unobtainable. As for personal preferences, WAVE's kits are more show accurate as far as I've found in terms of proportions, and the articulation is nicer enough to the degree that I would consider it superior. The ST version of WAVE kits not having a cockpit isn't a huge detriment as you can still sculpt or build your own cockpit interior, or just have the pilot's face showing through the raised visor. The Bandai Scopedog's hands are also quite ugly compared to the WAVE or even 1/20 scale version. Overall I'd think the 1/20 version or WAVE's kits are still a better buy as they have more bang-for-buck in my opinion.
Something interesting is that the details of the Bandai kit are actually more accurate to the original show and Lineart, whereas the Wave kit takes from the Takara molds that are now the standard appearance for Scopedogs.
Very cool! I hadn't noticed before, but it's actually quite obvious now that I've had a closer look! I still prefer WAVE's version due to its higher visual detail and proportioning, but Bandai's new HG offering does have its show-purist appeal if that's a factor. Props to Bandai for sticking to the OG Okawara design in this case!
Not by much, you could get a ps of one that has a full loadout like the red shoulder or the burglary dog for around $60. The Bandai base kit is around $20 with expansions that after shipping will still be less of a loadout and just as expensive as some of the wave kits fully loaded
lmao key points but ruined by the ejector pins. never change bandai. couldve made them separate part. not like i care about this mech. personally i think its ugly
VOTOMS fans deserve better. The articulation is a total joke for a 2023 kit. The visor can’t raise to allow the head to look upward, the scope is barely attached, and the shoulder connections are straight up terrible
To be fair the Scopedog doesn't ever pull off any crazy poses iirc. And there wouldn't really be any way to increase the shoulder articulation while keeping it screen accurate. Though it might be possible to kitbash something similar to what the origin Zakus have.
The cockpit being a PBandai add on is a perfect summary of Bandai
We're almost lucky the entire damn kit isn't p bandai with the way things have been going.
yes, bandai catering to customers who want extras
I can understand if extra weapons and Red Shoulder parts were Premium Bandai but shit.
Considering just 3D print it.
Nice, I love the rounded and bulky designs of the Votoms mechs.
same, the older kits need too much work. this one is good
I kind of hate that Bandai doesn't give closed fists in a kit that is meant to throw punches and only has 1 weapon
and then includes them (+ a proper trigger finger hand) in one of the PB expansion set
That's what expansion sets are for, but if you really want a close fist, go for it.
Reading these comments I was worried I was gonna be disappointed by the Bandai SCOPEDOG but I think it’s the way to go. It’s gorgeous, love the colors and such. A bit of a bummer the face dou rant open, but I like the added articulation in favor of the cockpit being separate. Excited for my store to sell them :)
One thing that I found interesting is that at current USD-to-JPY conversions, while the Wave kit is upfront a higher cost, once you try to have parity in accessories, the Bandai kit quickly overshadows the Wave kit in price. It isn't perfect; the Bandai kit would have an extra Chirico figure, more hands and skate FX but the Wave kit would have more weapons and not a second torso you swap out. I was really surprised when I built my Wave Turbo Custom with how well engineered its assembly was, even if it still has more seams.
Just for western fans being able to more easily access them, I hope Bandai makes more from Votoms, but I really was surprised how well the Wave kit stacked up.
Just at a glance the Wave version looks much better than the Bandai model kit. Not only does it have finer details, but the proportions are much more accurate to the art. The dealbreaker for me is Bandai's exclusion of one of the most prominent features of the Scopedog, that being its cockpit and opening visor, and reselling it as a P-Bandai part set.
one thing I've seen a few Japanese modelers point out is that the Wave 1/35 does put its playability before its looks, no thigh cut (which I think bandai could have found a way around honestly), no joint showing on the side of the torso, actual fists for hands that aren't meant to hold anything
also the barrel of the grenade launcher on the Wave kit isn't filled in like on the Bandai kit which is more weird than anything tbh, if it's really not the hardest fix at the end of the day
reselling? dont they have to sell it 1st
Apparently new Scoope Doggs will have better ventilation so they don't smoke as much
Snoop Dogg -Berkoff- Blunt Squad Custom
I hope that the manual showing off the 1/20 VOTOMs kits means that Bandai is planning to reissue them in the near future!
Bandai don't do reissues the way that other companies like Kotobukiya do. They never retire kits and they are always on the production schedule somewhere, chances are they've been reprinted a couple of times in the last few years but there are so many backorders that most people will never know. I have an MG Ingram kit with a Blue Bandai logo, it just came through as a backorder with no announcement of any kind.
I currently have the Red Shoulder Custom on Backorder on HLJ.
I’m not really sold on the Bandai kit yet. I like the way the wave ones look and they did a lot of different armored troopers. Bandai is notorious for only doing the main kit from a lot of shows and might not go beyond the scopedog or a couple variants
I love Armored Trooper Votoms (IMO, one of the best mecha anime of all time) and I've been looking for a kit from the series.
They're probably gonna release a Red Shoulder custom with more stuff with probably the cockpit.
While this version is for grunt collector who buys a ton.
That's definitely one of if not the best thumbnails you made lol!
I hate bandai selling the cockpit as a seperate product. And it's pb. Really a nasty move.
And I am on the side that doesn't mind it being P-Bandai because it's not often that you are going to display it opened plus with it being parts forming
@@miragebangbravern Yup, agreed. But I think Bandai can suit different customer's tastes when they sell add-ons as P-Bandai, since most people don't need those extras.
@@miragebangbravernYeah, except where I’m from the pre-order slots sold out quickly and I couldn’t get the cockpit so I hate it.
there's also the Bandai SMP Votoms kits which are more pricey despite their smaller size probably due to the pre-painted parts.
Thumbnail puns 🤣🤣 good one!
As for the lenses, don't bother painting them. Get the Wave H-eyes lenses in the same colors as the stickers. Use Future (or a comparable clear acrylic floor polish, or something similar) to attach the stickers to the back of the lenses. When dry, use CA glue to adhere the lenses to the "eyes".
You can also use white glue or uv resin to attach the lenses.
Loving the detail on this HG Scopedog, great review! 🚀👌
The P Bandai add ons are a must though. I love this kit
So instead of having the details on top of the armour like the wave version bandai decided to hide all the details underneath. Wow, that's so ass backwards😂
Yeah. I am sticking to getting the 1/20 Red Shoulder Custom which is currently in Backorder in HLJ atm. I much prefer the bigger size along with coming with the inner details such as the cockpit straight out the box.
In case you were wondering, PS is short for perfect soldier which is kind of like newtype but less psychic
How's the shoulder connection feel when its arms are reaching forward? It looks like it's attached by a tiny connection and a dream, and it looks like a really huge break risk.
"A huge break risk". It's probably for lore accuracy, Votoms AT's are thinly armored and flammable like its a mini Zaku fuelled with Zippo fluid
So most pilot operates it with nothing more than shreds of hopes and dreams.
Unless it is equipped with a plot armour known as Chirico Cuvie.
Nice, but the lack of an interior and the really basic surface detail is a letdown. Not all of us can shell out for P-Bandai.
Agreed, its a nice kit but the missing interior is a real bummer.
How irony
tbf the details on the Bandai kit are a lot more faithful to the source material
Wave just added a really nice amount of detail to their kit
but you can shell out for kits
Bought both versions (Bandai + PB options, and Wave). Yet to build them, but based on this video, Wave kit looks better.
Nice kit! The lack of cockpit and pilot figure is a definite missed opportunity, but hey, it's an imperfect world.
it was intentional they didnt added it because we will get additional parts such as the opening cockpit and Chirico figure thats in scale with the mecha but sadly its pBandai
And just released for pre-order for a May launch, Bandai’s HG version of the Burglarydog….NOT P-Bandai exclusive for those wondering. Looks like they may do more of these after all
Hopefully they'll do a Fatty. Wave hasn't bothered to do a more current one in 1/35th from what I've seen.
Yeah but hopefully they don’t make the whole cockpit thing exclusive again
new outro caught me off guard like being mugged in London
Snoop Dogg has reportedly gave up smoke yesterday ‼🙏🙏
not VO-TOMs, its Votoms like bottoms. Apparently this is 1/35 scale...it would be nice if bandai put the scale on it.
I'm waiting for you to upload the little armory so I can get your opinion before buying some
Just got my copy from mail in time for Christmas somehow I plan on painting the left shoulder armor red but kinda sucks the kit on has the heavy machigenun as weapon
A scopedog without interior is not done. Why the box magazine look so flat?
making the cockpit a PBandai? hard pass
will you do reviews on both p bandai add-on's for the hg scopedog?
No, I don’t plan to at this time
10:14 "You have to get the Premium Bandai Version" he says, as if that's actually achievable.
If you live in any of the P-Bandai supported asian countries then yes. If you live in the US, then yes. If you live in Europe or anywhere else, you are screwed over.
@@crosshero9436 You get 3 guesses, the first 2 don't count
I pre-ordered this but still can't get it now.
What is your opinion on the C-clips?
Wait, is this a mostly c-clippy build?
@@AssaultFlamingomaybe rewatch the part where zak shows the runners? You can clearly see some c clips.
Breaking hazard and short duralibity.
As long as you're not rough with them they really aren't a problem.
so question is votoms worth watching in current year?
Watched it. It came out around the same time as Zeta, but the animation and sounds remind me more of 0079, but Votoms features some great landscape shots which are well drawn. The show is almost 50 episodes with questionable pacing, as it drags at times. It's worth watching, but in my opinion it overstays its welcome, since the same story could have been told in 30 episodes if not less without losing much, if any, substance.
IMO Votoms is one of the best mecha anime ever made.
It's definitely a departure from the standard post-MSG anime of the time period, going harder on the realistic military aspects. The mechas aren't presented as special, instead being presented purely as military equipment. The hero doesn't have a machine he uses throughout the series. In fact, he ends up getting his mecha destroyed every few episodes and just picks up a new one (since I guess the Scopedog is the Kalashnikov of that world)
And the hero is about as far from the teen mecha pilot archetype as you can get. He's this cold hearted military vet who is suffering from PTSD (which is actually a plot point mid-way through the series)
It is a 80s anime, so it's about twice as long as it should be and suffers from the common pacing issues of the time. But it does change up the environments by going to different planets during each story arc, so at least you don't get bored with the scenery.
I would certainly suggest watching it if you like 80s mecha anime and want something a little different.
Do it. I was legit surprised at how GOOD the series is. I find many old classics to be better than most modern anime anyways even with the limitations in animation then.
Looks like this kit will be a pass from me. WAVE's 1/35 scale kits might be more expensive, but the articulation isn't mostly C-clip based, have actually opening cockpits (even if the non-PS versions lack the interiors), and feature a slightly nicer set of hands and accessories. The P-Bandai exclusive cockpit and extra bits are also a big negative as a European, as they're going to be unobtainable.
As for personal preferences, WAVE's kits are more show accurate as far as I've found in terms of proportions, and the articulation is nicer enough to the degree that I would consider it superior. The ST version of WAVE kits not having a cockpit isn't a huge detriment as you can still sculpt or build your own cockpit interior, or just have the pilot's face showing through the raised visor. The Bandai Scopedog's hands are also quite ugly compared to the WAVE or even 1/20 scale version. Overall I'd think the 1/20 version or WAVE's kits are still a better buy as they have more bang-for-buck in my opinion.
Absolutely valid points 👍
Something interesting is that the details of the Bandai kit are actually more accurate to the original show and Lineart, whereas the Wave kit takes from the Takara molds that are now the standard appearance for Scopedogs.
Very cool! I hadn't noticed before, but it's actually quite obvious now that I've had a closer look! I still prefer WAVE's version due to its higher visual detail and proportioning, but Bandai's new HG offering does have its show-purist appeal if that's a factor. Props to Bandai for sticking to the OG Okawara design in this case!
Wave version is also more expensive
Not by much, you could get a ps of one that has a full loadout like the red shoulder or the burglary dog for around $60. The Bandai base kit is around $20 with expansions that after shipping will still be less of a loadout and just as expensive as some of the wave kits fully loaded
lmao key points but ruined by the ejector pins. never change bandai. couldve made them separate part. not like i care about this mech. personally i think its ugly
VOTOMS fans deserve better. The articulation is a total joke for a 2023 kit. The visor can’t raise to allow the head to look upward, the scope is barely attached, and the shoulder connections are straight up terrible
Yeah it’s a great kit overall but there are definitely missed points. It’s honestly a bit more like an entry grade kit
To be fair the Scopedog doesn't ever pull off any crazy poses iirc. And there wouldn't really be any way to increase the shoulder articulation while keeping it screen accurate. Though it might be possible to kitbash something similar to what the origin Zakus have.