"I Don't Feel... As If I Can Save Anyone. Neither My
Family... Nor My Friends.
No One."
Family... Nor My Friends.
No One."
REVIEW & IMAGES
by TENDOU
by TENDOU
FOR MORE REVIEWS PLEASE GO HERE
With Square Enix going full force merchandising with Final Fantasy these days it's no surprise that somewhere in
the flood of products we would get some quality High End figures. The Masterpiece Arts line is Square Enix's grand
entrance into the recent growing market for Mixed Media 1/4 scale figures. 1/4 Mixed Media figures are Big Scale
figures that use many materials such as metal, cloth, plastic, resin, and various other things to create a figure that
fuses the qualities of statues and dolls. The result is pretty much a BIG frikking figure with the dynamic and lifelike
posture of a fixed pose statue but with the realism and intricacy of a High End doll since it's actually wearing real 1/4
scale clothes. This format has been around for years but has in recent years become very popular in Movie, Comic,
Anime and Video Game collectibles. With their impressive scale and strict attention to detail this style of figure is
quickly becoming the definitive collectible for any character done in this format.
So far there are three figures announced in the Masterpiece Arts Line. The first is Cloud Strife (Advent Children
version), the second is Sephiroth and the third is Judge Gabranth (from Final Fantasy XII). So far only Cloud has been
released as of this writing. Sephiroth and Gabranth are supposed to be coming soon though. Now the question is this,
with all the Cloud figures available on the market is this Masterpiece Arts Cloud "THE" Cloud of all Clouds?!?!?!
Packaging 3.5
the flood of products we would get some quality High End figures. The Masterpiece Arts line is Square Enix's grand
entrance into the recent growing market for Mixed Media 1/4 scale figures. 1/4 Mixed Media figures are Big Scale
figures that use many materials such as metal, cloth, plastic, resin, and various other things to create a figure that
fuses the qualities of statues and dolls. The result is pretty much a BIG frikking figure with the dynamic and lifelike
posture of a fixed pose statue but with the realism and intricacy of a High End doll since it's actually wearing real 1/4
scale clothes. This format has been around for years but has in recent years become very popular in Movie, Comic,
Anime and Video Game collectibles. With their impressive scale and strict attention to detail this style of figure is
quickly becoming the definitive collectible for any character done in this format.
So far there are three figures announced in the Masterpiece Arts Line. The first is Cloud Strife (Advent Children
version), the second is Sephiroth and the third is Judge Gabranth (from Final Fantasy XII). So far only Cloud has been
released as of this writing. Sephiroth and Gabranth are supposed to be coming soon though. Now the question is this,
with all the Cloud figures available on the market is this Masterpiece Arts Cloud "THE" Cloud of all Clouds?!?!?!
Packaging 3.5
The first thing you will think of when you see that big ass box is DAMN!!
Impressive!!
The design of the box has all the stuff Square Enix likes for their FFVII Merchandise, a very dark, classy and stylish GUCCI look to it. Images of Cloud in
dark backgrounds, in soft lighting with minimal text. There's some foil text on the box as well, adding more to that classy look Square Enix is going for. The
box stands about two feet and is in two parts. The outerpart is like a slipcase that slides over the inner box that has the figure in it. After you get the slipcase
off, Cloud is packaged in two levels of styrofoam with a small instruction sheet taped on the top, one level with Cloud himself, an incomplete First Tsurugi and
Cloud's Right Hand. The second level underneath has Cloud's sheaths, the base and Cloud's Hollow Sword Vendetta with Cloud's Left hand attached to it.
Cloud is packed well to avoid breakage and the packaging is classy and attractive. There's nothing really innovative here but being innovative and
experimental with cold cast statue packaging may not be the best idea.
Overall a nice, high end looking box.
Sculpt 5.0
Impressive!!
The design of the box has all the stuff Square Enix likes for their FFVII Merchandise, a very dark, classy and stylish GUCCI look to it. Images of Cloud in
dark backgrounds, in soft lighting with minimal text. There's some foil text on the box as well, adding more to that classy look Square Enix is going for. The
box stands about two feet and is in two parts. The outerpart is like a slipcase that slides over the inner box that has the figure in it. After you get the slipcase
off, Cloud is packaged in two levels of styrofoam with a small instruction sheet taped on the top, one level with Cloud himself, an incomplete First Tsurugi and
Cloud's Right Hand. The second level underneath has Cloud's sheaths, the base and Cloud's Hollow Sword Vendetta with Cloud's Left hand attached to it.
Cloud is packed well to avoid breakage and the packaging is classy and attractive. There's nothing really innovative here but being innovative and
experimental with cold cast statue packaging may not be the best idea.
Overall a nice, high end looking box.
Sculpt 5.0
The sculpt is where MA Cloud really shines. Granted there's not that much
sculpting as much of Cloud's detail is in the actual clothing but for what has
been sculpted is just great. The hair, the body proportions, the face sculpt are
all the best of all Cloud figures released so far. I am especially impressed with
the head sculpt. The Hair is very intricate and the facial expression really
captures Cloud's character.
The hands, boots and accessories like his sword sheaths and shoulder pad
are sculpted really well with lots of attention to detail even down to the Cloudy
Wolf Pendants on his gloves. The Weapons; Cloud's Incomplete First Tsurugi
and Hollow Sword Vendetta aside from having great detail are also perfectly
scaled and proportioned. The incomplete First Tsurugi is constructed form
many parts adding more depth and detail to the sculpt.
The base is done really well and goes for the look of the Advent children
logo and promotional poster with the breaking and the octagons. It also has a
nameplate as well with Cloud's name and FFVII AC logo.
All in all there's nothing bad to say about the sculpt, it's pretty much perfect.
sculpting as much of Cloud's detail is in the actual clothing but for what has
been sculpted is just great. The hair, the body proportions, the face sculpt are
all the best of all Cloud figures released so far. I am especially impressed with
the head sculpt. The Hair is very intricate and the facial expression really
captures Cloud's character.
The hands, boots and accessories like his sword sheaths and shoulder pad
are sculpted really well with lots of attention to detail even down to the Cloudy
Wolf Pendants on his gloves. The Weapons; Cloud's Incomplete First Tsurugi
and Hollow Sword Vendetta aside from having great detail are also perfectly
scaled and proportioned. The incomplete First Tsurugi is constructed form
many parts adding more depth and detail to the sculpt.
The base is done really well and goes for the look of the Advent children
logo and promotional poster with the breaking and the octagons. It also has a
nameplate as well with Cloud's name and FFVII AC logo.
All in all there's nothing bad to say about the sculpt, it's pretty much perfect.
Outfit 4.5
Cloud does pretty well in the outfit category the only bad thing is that his shirt is a little too thick and not as form fitting as it should be. And while Nomura
does love big zippers on his characters, Cloud's zipper is a bit too big and not perfect to scale. It doesn't look bad but it definitely could be better. The
cutting on his shirt is a bit rough around the edges as well. Aside form his shirt the rest of Cloud's Clothing is great and perfectly scaled, well maybe the
leather strap over his chest can be a bit finer but overall it's pretty much close to perfect. The buckles and straps are all present too. His little half cape is
wired so you can position it any way you like for more display options.
Paint 4.0
Paint work on Cloud is pretty good. Cloud doesn't have many colors so there's not much to screw up on. The main areas with paint are the body, the
gloves, boots and the weapons. First, the gloves, there are a few nicks here and there but it's nothing that can't be fixed with a little touchup. The swords
have nice paint jobs too with some nice shading and metal finish. There are some minor imperfections on them but again easy to fix. The body is the part
where the most can go wrong as Cloud's skin tone is light in color so if there's flaws you can really notice them. The one I have is pretty good but I have
seen some with some pretty bad and unacceptable flaws. For the head, Cloud's eyes are done really well and are very lifelike. The hair is translucent yellow
and orange airbrushed over clear poly-resin and it works very well with a very clean look. There are some rough spots on the hair but it's very minor and
hard to notice unless you're really looking. The other complaint is that the lips are bit dark and could use more gradation for more realism but again it's
really not that bad. Overall the paint work and color choice is good and Very Cloud ^_^
Oh yeah and Painting on the Base is good too. No complaints there.
Cloud does pretty well in the outfit category the only bad thing is that his shirt is a little too thick and not as form fitting as it should be. And while Nomura
does love big zippers on his characters, Cloud's zipper is a bit too big and not perfect to scale. It doesn't look bad but it definitely could be better. The
cutting on his shirt is a bit rough around the edges as well. Aside form his shirt the rest of Cloud's Clothing is great and perfectly scaled, well maybe the
leather strap over his chest can be a bit finer but overall it's pretty much close to perfect. The buckles and straps are all present too. His little half cape is
wired so you can position it any way you like for more display options.
Paint 4.0
Paint work on Cloud is pretty good. Cloud doesn't have many colors so there's not much to screw up on. The main areas with paint are the body, the
gloves, boots and the weapons. First, the gloves, there are a few nicks here and there but it's nothing that can't be fixed with a little touchup. The swords
have nice paint jobs too with some nice shading and metal finish. There are some minor imperfections on them but again easy to fix. The body is the part
where the most can go wrong as Cloud's skin tone is light in color so if there's flaws you can really notice them. The one I have is pretty good but I have
seen some with some pretty bad and unacceptable flaws. For the head, Cloud's eyes are done really well and are very lifelike. The hair is translucent yellow
and orange airbrushed over clear poly-resin and it works very well with a very clean look. There are some rough spots on the hair but it's very minor and
hard to notice unless you're really looking. The other complaint is that the lips are bit dark and could use more gradation for more realism but again it's
really not that bad. Overall the paint work and color choice is good and Very Cloud ^_^
Oh yeah and Painting on the Base is good too. No complaints there.
Style 2.5
I'd say that the style category is where Cloud suffers the most. The most obvious thing is the lack of energy in the
pose. Not only does the pose have a lack of energy but the pose doesn't fit Cloud's personality either. I think the
problem is that Square Enix really wanted Cloud to be dual wielding two swords and it's a great idea if he was in a
more dynamic or stylish pose but Cloud is in a static pose just standing there and awkwardly holding up his two
swords. I'm not really sure what he's really trying to do but I don't remember any of Cloud's stances or attacks looking
like the pose this statue's got. I'm guessing the straight standing pose is because Square Enix wants the figure to be
uniform with what they have planned for the rest of the line. Honestly I'm not sure why this pose was chosen but there
are a number of different poses they could have done with Cloud holding both swords and just standing there that
would have looked waaaay better. Like maybe with the incomplete First Tsurugi over one of his shoulders and the
Vendetta held low on the other hand, a slight variation of Cloud's signature sword over the shoulder pose. Just one of
the examples of (Cloud just standing there with 2 swords) poses I think would have been way cooler than what we got.
Luckily Sephy and Gabranth got pretty good poses, not good for Cloud fans though since his pose is by far the most
lackluster.
Value 3.0
Cloud's retail is $399.99 in the USA and 47000yen in Japan which is certainly not cheap but expected for this type of
figure. In the USA you can usually find him for about $350 shipped on most sites. When I first bought my Cloud it had
quite a few imperfections, many of which I found unacceptable. Some of these problems include, pinholes, sloppy
paint, misaligned construction on the swords and bad parts fitting. Needless to say I took him back for an exchange.
That day I handled 4 Clouds and only 2 out of 4 units I found acceptable by my standards and even those had some
minor flaws. For almost $400 I would say that it's not unreasonable that you'd want pretty much close to perfection but
with this kind of collectible that is so fine and requires such strict QC it's sadly not uncommon that many pieces have
unacceptable flaws and have to be returned for replacement.
My Recommendation is to buy Cloud (Or any other high end 1/4 scale Mixed Media figure) from a place that accepts
returns, that way in case you're one of the unlucky ones you can always return it for another one or at least get your
money back. In the case that you get a good one, I'd say that the value is average. Not terribly bad and Not
outstanding.
Note: This is not a value issue but I don't know where else to add it. I really don't like the way the swords just kind of
sit loose in his hands. I'm guessing it's secured in some way with some metal rod in his hand but man I just don't
feel safe with how that Heavy First Tsurugi just kind of sits in his hand. I think it would have been better if they
pinned the swords to his hand and weren't as loose. Also being loose the sword handles can scratch the paint from
the friction.
The other issue I have is this,
Direct quote from press release by Square Enix-
"The ultimate accessory – the Buster Sword – can be held in either of clouds hands"
I can tell you now that he can only hold the First Tsurugi in his right hand, as the Vendetta cannot be removed from his
left hand. Not sure who made that typo but hopefully no one read that PR and got their hopes up for their MA Cloud to
hold the First Tsurugi in his left hand -_^
Final Word
I'd say that the style category is where Cloud suffers the most. The most obvious thing is the lack of energy in the
pose. Not only does the pose have a lack of energy but the pose doesn't fit Cloud's personality either. I think the
problem is that Square Enix really wanted Cloud to be dual wielding two swords and it's a great idea if he was in a
more dynamic or stylish pose but Cloud is in a static pose just standing there and awkwardly holding up his two
swords. I'm not really sure what he's really trying to do but I don't remember any of Cloud's stances or attacks looking
like the pose this statue's got. I'm guessing the straight standing pose is because Square Enix wants the figure to be
uniform with what they have planned for the rest of the line. Honestly I'm not sure why this pose was chosen but there
are a number of different poses they could have done with Cloud holding both swords and just standing there that
would have looked waaaay better. Like maybe with the incomplete First Tsurugi over one of his shoulders and the
Vendetta held low on the other hand, a slight variation of Cloud's signature sword over the shoulder pose. Just one of
the examples of (Cloud just standing there with 2 swords) poses I think would have been way cooler than what we got.
Luckily Sephy and Gabranth got pretty good poses, not good for Cloud fans though since his pose is by far the most
lackluster.
Value 3.0
Cloud's retail is $399.99 in the USA and 47000yen in Japan which is certainly not cheap but expected for this type of
figure. In the USA you can usually find him for about $350 shipped on most sites. When I first bought my Cloud it had
quite a few imperfections, many of which I found unacceptable. Some of these problems include, pinholes, sloppy
paint, misaligned construction on the swords and bad parts fitting. Needless to say I took him back for an exchange.
That day I handled 4 Clouds and only 2 out of 4 units I found acceptable by my standards and even those had some
minor flaws. For almost $400 I would say that it's not unreasonable that you'd want pretty much close to perfection but
with this kind of collectible that is so fine and requires such strict QC it's sadly not uncommon that many pieces have
unacceptable flaws and have to be returned for replacement.
My Recommendation is to buy Cloud (Or any other high end 1/4 scale Mixed Media figure) from a place that accepts
returns, that way in case you're one of the unlucky ones you can always return it for another one or at least get your
money back. In the case that you get a good one, I'd say that the value is average. Not terribly bad and Not
outstanding.
Note: This is not a value issue but I don't know where else to add it. I really don't like the way the swords just kind of
sit loose in his hands. I'm guessing it's secured in some way with some metal rod in his hand but man I just don't
feel safe with how that Heavy First Tsurugi just kind of sits in his hand. I think it would have been better if they
pinned the swords to his hand and weren't as loose. Also being loose the sword handles can scratch the paint from
the friction.
The other issue I have is this,
Direct quote from press release by Square Enix-
"The ultimate accessory – the Buster Sword – can be held in either of clouds hands"
I can tell you now that he can only hold the First Tsurugi in his right hand, as the Vendetta cannot be removed from his
left hand. Not sure who made that typo but hopefully no one read that PR and got their hopes up for their MA Cloud to
hold the First Tsurugi in his left hand -_^
Final Word
Flashback to winter 1997, I'm standing in line overnight in Akihabara waiting to get my hands on a copy of FFVII, after which for much of that week I'm
nowhere in sight, locked in my room playing the game religiously. A short while later Bandai releases the first Final Fantasy VII action figure series FFVII
EXTRA KNIGHTS and the Cloud and Aerith LM models. I remember how awesome I thought they looked back then and how excited I was to collect all of
them. Flash forward to today and I'm writing a review of what I would have never imagined ten years ago. Cloud has become a symbol of Final Fantasy and
there have been many figures and merchandise released of him over the past ten years. Out of all the figures released this Cloud is the ultimate centerpiece
of any Cloud collection. To top it off he's also based on the Definitive version of Cloud, The Advent Children version (Yeah Square Knows ^__^).
Man, could you have imagined playing with some unposeable 5 inch action figures a decade earlier, then playing with very poseable and super detailed 7
inch action figures and a Museum Quality 1/4 scale figure of the same character 10 years later?? Toys have definitely come a long way and I imagine that
things are just beginning. I can't wait to see what other Masterpiece Arts Square Enix has planned for the future beyond Gabranth and can't wait to add them
to my collection.
Apart from the uninspired and awkward pose one cannot deny the presence this piece gives off. When I first set up Cloud for photos, I was just in awe that
we got something like this at all. Sure there are things that keep it from being perfect but regardless no serious fan of FF collectibles should pass this one up.
This is the Best Cloud figure on the market right now and for the foreseeable future. It's a sad fate that often the first piece of any line is destined to be the
worst piece just because companies learn new tricks and ideas as they go. I'd say that idea definitely applies here (Blame Cloud's popularity). Perhaps down
the line, if Masterpiece Arts is a success Square Enix may revisit Cloud (Advent Children version preferably) and give us fans the PERFECT MA Cloud.
But until then despite the flaws this MA Cloud is indeed "THE" Cloud of all Clouds...
For now.
nowhere in sight, locked in my room playing the game religiously. A short while later Bandai releases the first Final Fantasy VII action figure series FFVII
EXTRA KNIGHTS and the Cloud and Aerith LM models. I remember how awesome I thought they looked back then and how excited I was to collect all of
them. Flash forward to today and I'm writing a review of what I would have never imagined ten years ago. Cloud has become a symbol of Final Fantasy and
there have been many figures and merchandise released of him over the past ten years. Out of all the figures released this Cloud is the ultimate centerpiece
of any Cloud collection. To top it off he's also based on the Definitive version of Cloud, The Advent Children version (Yeah Square Knows ^__^).
Man, could you have imagined playing with some unposeable 5 inch action figures a decade earlier, then playing with very poseable and super detailed 7
inch action figures and a Museum Quality 1/4 scale figure of the same character 10 years later?? Toys have definitely come a long way and I imagine that
things are just beginning. I can't wait to see what other Masterpiece Arts Square Enix has planned for the future beyond Gabranth and can't wait to add them
to my collection.
Apart from the uninspired and awkward pose one cannot deny the presence this piece gives off. When I first set up Cloud for photos, I was just in awe that
we got something like this at all. Sure there are things that keep it from being perfect but regardless no serious fan of FF collectibles should pass this one up.
This is the Best Cloud figure on the market right now and for the foreseeable future. It's a sad fate that often the first piece of any line is destined to be the
worst piece just because companies learn new tricks and ideas as they go. I'd say that idea definitely applies here (Blame Cloud's popularity). Perhaps down
the line, if Masterpiece Arts is a success Square Enix may revisit Cloud (Advent Children version preferably) and give us fans the PERFECT MA Cloud.
But until then despite the flaws this MA Cloud is indeed "THE" Cloud of all Clouds...
For now.
Special Thanks to SQUARE-ENIX And KOTOBUKIYA for producing and giving us FF fans such incredible Final Fantasy Collectibles with
more to come in the future and to OOPARTS for master modeling and development of this figure and many other FF figures.
A Special thanks to Team Henshin for putting up with me.
I also want to thank all the fans who check out our site and support us. We're doing this for you guys!!
more to come in the future and to OOPARTS for master modeling and development of this figure and many other FF figures.
A Special thanks to Team Henshin for putting up with me.
I also want to thank all the fans who check out our site and support us. We're doing this for you guys!!