Playarts Kai: Lightning FFXIII-2

I've always been a Final Fantasy playarts collector. When Playarts Kai started coming out (and they started to expand too, not staying bound to the Final Fantasy Franchise), well I didn't know what to expect, all I know is that they better live up to the old playarts. My thought in that notion was quite... asinine. They lived up to it alright... and then some.

         

Truth to be told, some of the line ups that they came up with in terms of character and series are pretty darn impressive and needless to say, I am enamored by them, and the NEED for them to be part of my collection, well, became an ordinance rather than a must! Right off the get go, just the window box alone of this Lightning from FFXIII-2 is something to admire. It's no longer just a 'transparent' front cover, but an upgraded 'DOOR'. Makes it really easy to view the toy inside AND have a cool little feature of seeing the 'still image' of the said toy.

It even has a little bit of writing on the inside face of the 'door' which, the story of FFXIII-2 is terrible, however, one can have any qualms for the aesthetics it's trying to bring, right? The way the door can also remain closed with the connection of a velcrow is more than appreciated. Definitely a good box in both artistic care and just plain good show! I had some qualms about taking her out, did so once and put her back... but!

The detail is enticing.

First and foremost, the visage is quite astounding and filled with grace. Then again, that has always been Playarts' strength is mirroring the attracting qualities each final fantasy gal has. With the new Kai edition however, they have climbed up in higher heights; not only does the face elicits more impressive grins, the added effect on her hair adds more vanity. Lightning, according to FFXIII-2 became a knight for the Goddess Etro, so her having some celestial qualities isn't that far from the idea that she can have the regal hairstyle that causes elation in one that is an avid collector for such beauties!

Of course I cannot abstain from commenting about the work put into her armor. While at times one can wonder at how practical Lightning's armor REALLY is, but again, Final Fantasy apparel are known for a bit less adequacy when in combat. They lean a lot on looks, and of course the female characters HAVE to be sexy in one way or the other. Lightning's is indeed commanding and has its very promiscuous side to it, the playarts Kai captured the fine details in my opinion. Shield, sword, and even the frivolous feather 'skirt' that is going on (reminds me of Yuna's FFX-2 attire dilemma) is in the toy with dearest grace!

Now I can go on with the details with the toy, however this is one of those that I believe that the picture can do more justice than I in regards to the description. On to the next big enticing thing in regards to this toy is the articulation. Honestly, given how 'fragile' this toy can be, I'm not so keen on bending and doing so many intricate posing with her. And truth to be told, she doesn't stand that great without a lot of effort, or maybe I didn't try hard enough. The conundrum I am stuck with when I buy figures as good as these, they have every capability (for the most part) to be pose able, but their fine details makes you cringe with every 'wear and tear' that happens when a different pose is required of them. They aren't cheap as one can discern so 'replacing' them isn't as easy as a hasbro toy. So suffice to say, I didn't explore her full capacity on that notion, although I can imagine she can imitate a lot of her in-game stances or what not.

She just looks regal in here. The immaculate detail that makes her almost an exact clone copy of her game version makes her well worth the price I paid for her.

This if the first time the table underneath matches the figure I'm taking pictures of. 

In final words in regards to Lightning FFXIII-2 playarts Kai, her comparison to the other playarts are very distinguishable. Just details and coloring alone! It is of course to her advantage that she dons an armor and not just a skimpy clad outfit like Rikku and Tifa! But regardless, her as an addition adds a final flare (but it won't be the last spell casted on this shelf) to my collection. 

And if one must wonder, she isn't new. Not at all! The playarts Kai have just been prudent in regards to their toy line ups and they have branded out to certain franchises... one can wonder what else is next in the horizon...