Hero Review: [figma] Link - The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

It's been a while since I last posted a review. I've been quite busy at work and I haven't picked up my camera for a long time (laziness kind of kicked in). But anyway, here's a quick review of one of my childhood heroes from Nintendo: Link.

This figure is a representation of Link from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Honestly I haven't picked up the game yet. I only got this action figure because hey, it's Link. This green-clad elf took most of my childhood time - collecting rupees and hearts, moving from one map to another, defeating Ganon, saving Hyrule and all that stuff - he deserves a space in my room.

Packaging and Included Accessories

The figure is well-packed inside the standard windowed figma box. Additional notes and action stances are printed at the rear side. Upon opening the box, you'll find Link packed with a lot of accessories. This is one of the reasons why I'm really fond of this figure. You can really do a variety of action stances with this guy given all the accessories he comes with: (1) an extra badass face, (2) an extra hair replacement, (3) four extra pairs of hands, (4) Link's Master Sword and (5) its scabbard, together with (6) a charged attack sword effect, and finally, (7) Link's Hylian Shield. The package also comes with a figma stand and a small manual.

Sculpt, Paint, and Articulation

After doing a little bit of research, I can say that this has got to be among the best, if not the best Link action figure out there. (It's still my dream to get that $500-priced Link on Epona statue by First4Figures, but anyway...). The figure's details are superb. The rubbery material used for his tunic and the rest of his clothes gives the figure a more 'natural' look and gives an advantage in terms of articulation. The paint job on the figure is pretty good with very minor and almost unnoticeable bleeds. The paint also blends well with the figure giving it somewhat a matte finish. His chain mail under the tunic is painted with silver to give it a steel-look. In terms of articulation, Link has good movement in almost all his joints making him able to cater a good variety of poses. Even his hat can be rotated to add effect to his actions. Plus the joints are well-hidden and colored making the overall look of the figure great.

Link's interchangeable face and hair are a plus to the set. He can sport a gallant and resolute demeanor or look like King Leonidas as he slashes his enemies with his Master Sword. Either way, the face is perfectly sculpted and painted. I've read that some people do not particularly like the way the mouth was sculpted in his standard look but that is really how Link is portrayed in the Skyward Sword version and the figure just gives justice to its source.

Because the four extra hands come in pairs, the sword or shield can be held by either hand and you can get Link do a lot of attack poses from the way he holds his weapons. They can be swapped in the wrists by minimal effort although eventually, I fear (as in all other figures) that reinserting the interchangeable parts from time to time will make them loose. 

The Master Sword and the Hylian Shield are well-detailed. The Hylian shield features a removable handle and a small strap to attach to Link's arm when Link uses it. The small attachments for the shield makes it possible to be held in any way you please. The sword comes with the scabbard which can be placed at Link's back together with his shield. The sword also comes with a charged slashing-effect that looks pretty good in most action poses. The legendary sword's issue, however, is how it's supposed to be inserted into Link's small hands. The hilt is too big to be forced into Links slightly closed hands, and forcing it would result in either of the two: the sword's hilt breaking, or the hand/fingers getting scratched off.

Problems/Issues encountered:

- The interchangeable parts tend to become loose upon repeated attaching

- Master Sword does not normally fit in Link's hand (some force required which may result to damage)

Scale and Playability

I haven't owned any other figma figures yet so I have no point of comparison with toys from its line. Link is roughly 5 to 6 inches tall. Playable? Definitely.

Summary

If, like me, Link had been one of your childhood heroes, then getting this figure is a must! Link is well-sculpted, well-painted, faithful to the game rendition, and simply looks superb. There are some minor issues which I believe does not really hold any bearing because the well-made action figure compensates for that.

Packaging & Accessories: 5/5

Sculpt & Paint: 5/5
Articulation: 4/5
Playability: 4/5