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Yamato VOTOMS SCOPEDOG 1/12 |
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Written by artspraken
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Tuesday, 01 February 2005 |
[VOTOMS]  | GOOD DOG: Regular reviewer ARTSPRAKEN brings us his latest article on the 1/12 scale VOTOMS SCOPEDOG. This figure won was TOYBOXDX'S TOY OF THE YEAR, but is it really that good? Check out the review HERE. |
Reviewed by: artspraken
Pictures by: artspraken
Date: 1-February-2005
Product: SCOPEDOG
Scale: 1/12
Series: VOTOMS
Company: Yamato
Released: December-2004
Related Links: YAMATO
[PRELUDE]
The Scopedog is Toy of the Year at the TOYBOXDX TOY OF THE YEAR AWARDS, thereby overcoming the runner-up SOC Zambot (In the same way Takara Masterpiece Convoy beat SOC Dancouga last year, and the Yamato 1/48 Hikaru beat the Aoshima Mazinkaiser the year before).
 
Is this Scopedog really so good? Well, this is the object of my review. But before examining the toy, it is important to have a brief look at the context and background of the anime on which the Scopedog is based.
[INTRODUCTION]
Mecha anime began with the genre of invulnerable mechas. Soon this became cheesy because invincible mechas were too powerful. The monsters’ attacks invariably bounced off the glossy metallic hides. There might be some semblance of conflict or struggle, but invariably the invincible mecha became triumphant, often in a pre-destined way. There wasn’t enough drama because the viewer felt no risk or danger. And when the mechas drew that “ultimate weapon” (there are different variants for different mechas), the monster for that episode as good as dead. At the end of the battle, the triumphant mechas were unscathed, shiny, and spotlessly clean at the end of the episode. You get the idea: It is boring when you are too powerful - and clean.
Then came the advent of mecha which could be destroyed, and characters who could actually die. Gundam and Macross led the way in this groundbreaking genre of mecha as "perishable".
In 1982, Armored Trooper VOTOMS carried on and further developed upon the idea of the destructible mecha. The VOTOMS mechas, for the first time in the history of anime, were robots with a guerilla theme, slugging it out at ground zero where the mud, dirt, rust, sand, grime and sweat was. There were no shiny spotlessly clean mechas, but instead the show was full of swamps, jungles, marshland and deserts. The terrain became relevant to the robot. The feeling of realism so much greater. The VOTOMS armored troopers featured logistical detail in combat scenes: shell magazines popped from the guns which smoked from shots, foot angle movements were detailed, and the scope camera on the head frequently swivelled to acquire targetted foci; blood and gore were (quite) pervasive. All these vivid and minute aspects of trench warfare brought home the realism of the guerilla mecha. The viewer felt a closer relationship to the mecha.
Chirico Cuvie, the hero of the story, was not concerned with saving the universe; he just wanted to stay alive. There was a genuine sense of tragedy and pathos that endeared him to the young viewer of the anime. When he was not fighting for his life, as a pastime, Chirico sought his love. It is a complicated plot, and one which involves understanding the complex ruminations of the mind of Chirico. It was and still is an intriguing anime. Its guerilla theme is very much a precursor to Gundam MS 08th Team.
For more information, check the ARMORED TROOPER VOTOMS INFORMATION ARCHIVE.
With this background in mind, we can now turn to Yamato’s latest incursion into the market: the 1/12 scale Scopedog.
[PACKAGING]
  
Box: The packaging is standard Yamato packaging, which will be familiar to all collectors of the Macross series produced by the same company. Like Yamato’s Macross line of 1/48 valkyries, the Scopedog’s box has a lid which opens to reveal a window to the Scopedog inside the box. The box is made of cardboard which is prone to dog-earring and creasing because the cardboard is disproportionately thin to the size of the box. Yes. Exactly like the 1/48 Valkyries. However, the tender nature of the box has somewhat given the collector yet another aspect to fawn over and nit-pick, thereby arguably enhancing its collectibility.
The design of the box is stylish. On its back face, there are several statistics about Scopedog specifications (the purported real life model, not the toy).
Instruction Manual: There is a glossy manual in 12 pages printed in Japanese. The manual shows most but not all features of the toy. The manual does not contain disassembly directions. Stickers are provided.
[MATERIALS]
Contrary to some reviews out in the net, there is really no diecast to this toy. The whole toy is made of ABS Plastic (aka Styrene) and PVC/vinyl in some spots. There are pros and cons to this selection of material. The predominate use of plastic means that the Scopedog is a piece with enough flexibility for modellers to customise (more on this later). However, the use of plastic will disappoint the chogokin collector, because the original vintage toy of the Scopedog was a chogokin. The absence of diecast may disappoint a VOTOMS fan familiar with the vintage version. However, if you are a fan of Yamato’s toys and in particular the Macross 1/48 and 1/60 valkyrie series, you will instantly feel familiar to the predominance of plastic.
As to weight, the Scopedog is heavy to hold, but in terms of its size it is considered light. However, the Scopedog does have tremendous presence and a low centre of gravity, which makes display easy.
Yamato’s Chirico, as an action figure, is made of PVC in the tradition of Kaiyodo action figures. In this sense, it has the articulation and sculpt much like Trigun, Evangelion and Fist of the North Star 200X figures by Kaiyodo.
[DESIGN]
From the outset, let us deal with the dimensions. The Scopedog is between 12 and 13 inches tall. It wears about 2 lbs. The two greatest design features of the Scopedog are its size and its cockpit. We shall deal with each in turn.
Scale/ Size: Yamato has been very adventurous in implementing a 1:12 scale of the Scopedog. Numerous observations may be made about such a scale. The first observation is that the 1/12 scale makes the Scopedog sizable enough to compatibly stand beside your biggie toys like Yamato 1/48 Valkyrie, Takara/Hasbro Masterpiece Optimus Prime (”MPOP”), SOC GX-13 Dancouga, Perfect Grade 1/60 Zaku II, 1/60 HY2M Gouf and 1/60 HY2M Rick Dom. Indeed, the Scopedog is larger than them all, and makes the MPOP and Dancouga look skinny. There really aren’t many toy robots bigger than the Scopedog. To find a bigger robot toy, one would have to look to the Jumbo Grade Gundam or to the Marmijt Daigokin Z.
The second observation about the 1/12 scale is that its immense bulk and size brings with it a great deal of charm. The imposing stature of the Scopedog has to do, not with its height, but with its bulk. It is a very stocky and horizontally challenged robot, and is built like an ogre with stout shoulders and a huge torso. Its big and green. Think Shrek. Its brutish bulk and huge belly is a refreshing alternative to sleek and stylish Macross Valkyries.
Thirdly, the 1/12 scale brings with it interesting possibilities for the cockpit housed within the Scopedog, and it is to this which we next turn in this review.
The Cockpit - "The Missing Link": Probably the singularly most captivating aspect of the Scopedog is the cockpit. This is very well detailed and constructed, and brings with it great fiddle-factor. You will find that the first few hours of play will be devoted to sifting through your action figures to find which ones fit the cockpit.
 
Ever heard of the missing link between ape and man? Well. For the toy collector, the missing link between action figures and robots is the Scopedog. On the one hand, the Scopedog’s cockpit is of such as size as to make it compatible for display with action figures, many of which can sit inside. On the other hand, the Scopedog is also compatible for display with robots and chogokins because it is itself a mecha. The Scopedog straddles the often mutually exclusive collections in one’s display cabinet, and the 1/12 scale cockpit brings both worlds together in a very charming way. Due to the 1/12 scale cockpit, the Scopedog looks just as good on display with action figures as it does with mechas. Herein lies the key to the success of the 1/12 scale: the size sweetly enables the synthesis of action figure and mecha in a revolutionary way not seen in other toys to date. Whether you display the Scopedog with action figures or robots, it will look at home.
 
The Cockpit is made for Chirico Cuvie with a reason. You will find that no other action figure fits as snugly as Chirico does. The Chirico figure seems to gel with the seat, which is adjustable both at the top cushions and at the bottom where the feet of Chirico are to be anchored. The controller console in front of the seat props up, both to secure Chirico in his seat, and also to allow his hands easy reach to the handles and controls.
The Cockpit is secured by means of two metal struts connected to plastic poles. It is a simple but effective mechanism, which allows for the flexibility of detachment of the hood and the head in the event you want to put a bigger action figure into the cockpit. Through the metal strut mechanism, the cockpit hood is tight and does not flap about.
"Dog Mode": True to the anime, the Scopedog can perform limited transformation into a “dog-mode” so as to allow Chirico easy exit from the cockpit. The two legs of the Scopedog split at the knees and swing backwards as hind legs so that the Scopedog assumes a posture on all its fours - like a dog. This pose has always been more functional (for exit of Chirico) than glamourous, but it is a nice touch to see that Yamato has complied with this implementation which was a feature even in the vintage version.
Play Value - As a Toy: The play value of the Scopedog as a toy is immense. This is largely due to its size and articulation. In addition, it is surprisingly robust and durable despite its plastic construction and the small parts involved. You can enjoy rigorous play with this as a toy.
[ARTICULATION]
Articulation is another highlight of the Scopedog. Much like the Bandai Perfect Grade series of Gundam model kits, the Scopedog features the best in mecha engineering which allows for snap-together piecemeal composite parts without compromise in articulation of joints. I proceed here on the basis that the Scopedog has all the advanced articulation of a Perfect Grade Gundam, and will deal with Scopedog-specific areas.
Head: The Scopedog’s head can not only turn but also be detached from the body. The visor may be lifted upwards to reveal Chirico. The Scope eyes rotates as it does in the anime and can swerve left and right on the visor to vary the field of vision for the Scopedog.
Legs: The sole underneath each foot has a wheel which rotates freely and retracts when the foot is stepping on the ground. I do not quite see a function for these 2 wheels. There is a detachable plastic pike which can extend, presumably to function as anchor into the undergrowth to secure the Scopedog. This pike is attached to either side of each ankle. Each leg has removable armor to reveal mechanical innards.
Ankle and foot are articulated such that the Scopedog can stand with its legs wide apart or with one foot forwards and the other backwards. Legs are detachable, if you wish. There are 5 pieces of armor to make up the whole skirt. Each piece of the skirt is secured with screws and flap around easily without chance of falling off. On either side of each skirt, the magazines for spring-action punch and/or the ammo pack for the rifle can be attached to a storage chamber.
Arms: A unique gimmick to the Scopedog is that it has a spring-action fist punch that is triggered by means of inserting what appears to be a gun magazine into a socket in the wrist. This is a refreshing alternative to the chogokin method of a button. The insertion of the gun magazine causes the lower arm to extend with a pop and project forwards the wrist and fist in the form of a “punch”. This quaint action feature also has the effect of extending the length of the arm.
Torso
Like the vintage version, there is a cover on the belly which can be opened to reveal the feet of Chirico as he is seated in the cockpit. The torso can be unlocked from the hips by means of turning the torso to a diagonal position, and the body can thereby be separated into 2 parts.
In the same tradition as Bandai’s Perfect Grade series, there are numerous panels all over the Scopedog that can be opened to reveal intricate detailed machinery underneath.
Accessories: The rifle is an interesting construct. The ammo pack, butt and front barrels all are detachable. Like rifles of Gundams and Zakus, there is a movable handle on the rifle, and a rifle-mode dial on the rifle itself which can be rotated to 3 different positions; an interesting feature with no function other than cosmetics though. The Scopedog comes with 3 ammo packs in total, and 8 magazines for triggering the spring-action fist punch.
[A MODELLERS’ PERSPECTIVE]
If (let me stress the “if”) you are a modeller, you will not rest content with the Scopedog in its out-of-box (OOB) form. The bare plastic will cry out to you for paint and weathering. The styrene is a morbid green which looks matte, bare and disappointing. Stickers (yuck) are supplied instead of decals (true modellers detest stickers.) In view of the guerilla context of the Scopedog, you will find it hard to resist considering if not implementing a custom paint scheme (a camouflage scheme immediately comes to mind), and adding customised modules to enhance its looks. Modelling enthusiasts who are fans of the Doms, Zakus, Gelgoogs and Gouf family of Gundam mecha will know that the Scopedog is great for customising because of the considerable surface area of its body parts; these are great to do weathering and battle-damage. Oil and chalk washes coupled with dry brushing if skillfully done can really bring out the sludge, mud, rust and chipped paint expected of tanks and armor in guerilla warfare.
The Scopedog is relatively straightforward to disassemble and dissect for painting and/or modifying each individual part. This is because most parts that snap fit are relatively easy to separate. There are several screws which can be figured out, and there are no parts cemented together which require brute force to separate. However, there is no instruction manual on (dis)assembly. So it is advised that such an undertaking be made by an experienced modeller. This is after all, a toy which costs a bit more than the standard Perfect Grade 1/60 Gundam. So be sure to plan ahead if you intend any customisation.
In this sense, it is a very valid interpretation to see the Scopedog as model kit by Yamato in the same vein and size as Bandai’s 1/60 Perfect Grade and 1/60 HY2M series, only that the Scopedog comes pre-assembled and packaged as a toy. Indeed, the price of the Scopedog is similar to that of Bandai’s Perfect Grade and HY2M series.
[FLAWS & DISAPPOINTMENTS]
This toy is not perfect. It does not have outright flaws though. But you cannot help but feel that much more detail could have been added because of the 1/12 scale.
My first and foremost complaint lies in the hands. I am extremely disappointed with the 4 changeable hands provided by Yamato. Despite being of various poses, they have no articulation whatsoever. Instead, for insertion of the rifle handle into one hand, the primitive method is implemented of detaching the thumb. Worse, this thumb is quite loose, and commonly pops out unintentionally. I remain hopeful that third-party companies like B-club will sell custom manipulator hands for the Scopedog like they do for Bandai’s Gundam model kits.
My second complaint is that the arm joints are extremely insecure. Design-wise, there is nothing securing the arm joint in the socket on the torso (apart from gravity). Thus, during rigorous play, it is common for the entire arm to be detached from the torso. Although do not confuse this with the arms being loose. The joints are all tight and hold their posture well. Its just that the arm joint pops out of the socket too often. This problem can be fixed with a bit of blue tac applied to tighten the joint.
My third complaint is that the various pieces of armor flaps, particularly the wrist cuffs and the skirts, do not have any detail underneath. Instead, there is just bare plastic with no design of machinery. This makes the Scopedog appear more like a humongous MSiA than a model kit. Even High Grade and Master Grade Gundams have detail underneath the flaps and skirts, never mind Perfect Grade.
My fourth complaint is that the articulation implemented has failed to cater to having the Scopedog hold the rifle with both hands. Indeed, the Scopedog is so thick in the torso that, when the right arm is holding the rifle, the left arm cannot swing around to hold the movable handle in support. How many guerillas do you see holding a rifle with just one hand?
My final complaint: as a 1/12 scale mecha, a lot more detail is possible, but absent. In other words, the amount of detail (eg. panel lines, bolts, machinery) is not proportionate to the amount of surface area. Even the Yamato Valkyries at 1/48 scale have more panel lines than this 1/12 scale Scopedog. As mentioned above, if you are a modeller, you will certainly be inclined to improve on this area yourself by scribing panel lines and customing the paint job.
As you may notice, my complaints are principally all areas which have been covered by the Bandai Perfect Grade Gundams. Indeed, a few (I won’t say all) from Bandai’s Perfect Grade series of Mobile Suits feature better engineering and design as a toy without any of the complaints I have outlined above. A good example of such better engineering is the Perfect Grade Strike Gundam.
[FUTURE RELEASES]
In line the Yamato tradition of re-colored and re-issued Valkyries of varying scales, there is going to be an entire series of VOTOMS releases. The next Scopedog will be the Melkian soldier version in light purplish blue, with identical accessories.
There will be released two accessory packs: the first will feature the ATP-BP01-ST Parachute Zack and the GAT-22C rifle; the second will feature the ATC-BR01-S Round Mover backpack for space missions, and the SAT-03 Solid Shooter bazooka. As such, it is clear that your Scopedog will not be found wanting of an arsenal.
The ATM-09-GC Brutishdog and a Fyana figure are currently being designed. It hasn't been decided whether these will be sold together as a set, or separately, or even at all.
The first exclusive Scopedog is called the "Odon Battle" version. The special thing about this version is that the entire Scopedog is dark green in colour. The second exclusive Scopedog will be a box set including a Scopedog with Chirico and sold at Toys R Us stores in Japan. The feature of this Scopedog is that it sports a red shoulder.
From April 2005, Yamato-USA will release the 1/12 Scopedog in the USA. The packaging as yet has not been confirmed to be the same as the Japanese version, and it is rumoured that the US version will be cheaper.
[CONCLUSION]
In summary, the pros:
1. Huge Size
2. Unique cockpit makes the Scopedog compatible for display and play with both mecha and action figures.
3. Easily customisable by modellers; easy to dissassemble for painting
4. Good articulation; great fiddle, fun and wow factor
5. New series by Yamato
6. Pre-assembled
7. The possibilities of more accessories have been promised by Yamato
And the cons:
1. Expensive - action figure Chirico sold separately
2. Loose arm joints
3. Hands have no articulation
4. No diecast
5. Pre-assembled.
In a nutshell, I'd say this about the Scopedog: you will not regret buying it, because it has immense fascination value. It is not perfect, but it is a mind-blowing addition to anybody's toy collection. It has no diecast, but it has tremendous presence and imposing bulk. It may be a preassembled toy, but it can easily be customised as if it were a model kit. It may be built for the 1/12 Yamato Chirico Cuvie action figure, but it will equally sit your other action figures of appropriate size. Finally, it is notable that the way it is built suggests that it is going to be a platform for future Yamato releases of accessories. The accessories lined up for the Scopedog will no doubt only make it look and play even better than it does now. Fundamentally, there is a great deal of depth to this new series by Yamato. There is an obvious potential here for what may possibly be the next great series after the Yamato Macross line. I can't wait to see that happen.
As for the final rating, I deducted one star for the expensive price, and another 0.5 star for the inarticulate hands.
Rating: 8.5/10
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