In my previous Sage Mode Naruto review, I realized I never put much background on this mode of Naruto. Naruto has the classic shonen problems of power creep, where he and a couple of other main characters' powers drastically increase to the point where it's ridiculous. Despite this fact, this is one of the times when the writing attempted to show a steady training process to enable Naruto to be in harmony with the elemental natures and gain amazing power. Rather than drawing power from his own inner strength and power, he absorbs the chakra in the environment around him to achieve tremendous strength, speed and to augment his jutsu. This time and this time only, he donned a red cloak, carried a massive summoning scroll, and fought pain with strategy, cunning and a sense of vengeance for his master.
His fight with pain was pretty great, though I could've done with a little less repetition of Pain's millions of pain-related lines. This figure is a better-scaled version of the previous Sage Mode Naruto, with some improvements. First, there is a bendy wire cloak that allows for some more dynamic impressions, albeit with the annoying bunching at the collar and shoulders that seems to be a thing for the SH Figuarts Naruto line. Then the accessories are better done this time, with a Rasenshuriken he can actually hold, two large Rasengan to emulate a scene where he uses both. To top it off, the articulation range is also improved!
Sculpt & Paint: 3/3 The sculpt here is nearly identical to the first newer release of Naruto from Shippuden, but somehow they've cut the sculpt or put in joints a certain way that there is improved range of motion. The paint scheme is a much dirtier orange colour than the first release. I don't mind it, and it's probably a bit more accurate to the orange in Shipudden. The face sculpt is also a little less translucent in the plastic than the previous versions, which helps give it a more robust appearance. I'm having doubts about it, but I will include my minor gripes about the cloak in the fun factor section instead of here.
Articulation: 3/3 I've been comparing the range of motion for this one to the newer regular release, and I gotta say, it has somewhat improved range of motion, especially for the forward kick from the thigh joints, and the ab crunch is demonstrably superior. The backwards ankle motion is also better for this figure, as is the backwards neck motion. I appreciate all the small fixes to the range, even though in terms of joints, they are built the same. With the addition of the bendy wire red cloak, this figure has no impositions on its articulation.
Accessories: 1/1 I love what they've included here. Several sage mode faceplates for screaming, gritting teeth, smiling and a grimacing face. If you got Hinata, you will also have his tortured, tragic face! Many hands here for holding the rasengan, jutsu hands, open hands, relaxed hands, fists and meditating hands. He also has slotted crossed arms, his scroll, two double large rasengan and the wind rasenshuriken, which looks beautiful. Finally, he has his cloak. I do like that it is bendy wire, and it is well-made except for how it bunches at the shoulder and collar.
Fun Factor: 2/3 It is SO much easier to pose and put into cool moves from his battle with Pain. The figure looks great, is fun to pose and has so many good accessories. The balance is great as well! My biggest thing is how he looks with the cloak. It makes it hard to look natural in just about any pose, so even though it looks more natural as an unbroken piece, it does look odd at times. I think I will try steaming the fabric or doing something to make the material relax a bit more.
Verdict: 9/10 Worthy. This is a stellar release, and while it was FAR more expensive than the regular release, it definitely has many great points. I definitely prefer this one over the previous release before the Naruto line was revitalized. They are releasing a final battle Naruto from the end of the Shippuden series, so hopefully that along with the recent Jiraiya sage mode release, means the line isn't dead yet! At least get a final battle Sasuke version!
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| Nice bunch of accessories! The large rasengan are kinda the least detailed rasengan I've seen in a while, aside from the new release regular Naruto from Shippuden |
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| Now that's some high kickin'! |
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| Frog Kumite! |
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| Time to get some sage clones! |
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| Rasenshuriken!! |
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| Meditating is important to a full power-up! |
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| Every Naruto from SH Figuarts! That last sage mode is really tiny and thin compared to to the current Naruto proportions. |
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