Review: S.H.Figuarts – Kamen Rider Den-O Climax Form

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Den-O is one of those shows that you either love or hate. I happen to love it, but that’s just my opinion of course. New Den-O was an absolutely fantastic mold using a lot of new engineering attempts that most definitely paid off. Climax Form uses the same base molding of New Den-O and G Den-O, creating obvious pros for the mold. With an assortment of various pieces to make all sorts of effects, Den-O Climax Form is certainly one of the better releases of 2011. He’s a retail release that goes for about ¥3,500. Plus the box is pretty.

Climax Form, in package, is basically naked, free of all DenKamens. By swapping out the shoulder pieces for those with holes, and twisting the chest piece out, you can attach the Urataros, Kintaros, and Ryutaros DenKamen pieces to the appropriate places. Attaching the DenKamens does not effect articulation at all, and the look it gives is fantastic. One thing I want to comment on is the head sculpt, particularly the compound eyes. It has a nice gradient between red, orange, and yellow that looks spectacular in person. Standard articulation everywhere on the figure, with nothing being hindered whatsoever. He also uses the Den-O balljointed feet that I really like. Probably one of the best molds of 2011, in my opinion. Climax Form took on an already impressive mold and improved it.

As far as accessories go, he obviously has some hands, in this case he has two weapon holding hands, two relaxed/Rider Pass holding hands, and one closed Rider Pass holding hand that can double as some sort of weird pointing hand. He also comes with the Den-Gasher in Sword Mode, as well as the Den-Gasher in Sword Mode with the tip removed to replicate Momotaros’s attack. As mentioned, he also comes the Rider Pass in both opened and closed modes. Lastly he comes with the Den-Gasher holster pieces without the weapons inserted. As far as DenKamen pieces are concerned there are:

- Urataros DenKamen
- Ryutaros DenKamen (Open Mouth Chest)
- Ryutaros DenKamen (Closed Mouth Chest)
- Ryutaros DenKamen (Left Arm Piece)
- Ryutaros DenKamen (Right Kneecap)
- Kintaros DenKamen
- Kintaros DenKamen (Right Thigh)
- Kintaros DenKamen (Left Fist)
- Front Right Leg Armor (with hole)
- Two Shoulder Pads (with hole)
- DenKamen-less Chest Piece

Naturally for the different modes, you need to switch the DenKamen around. For Rider Punch, first, replace the left arm with the Ryutaros DenKamen Left Arm. Next, stick on the Kintaros DenKamen Fist. Lastly, make sure the shoulder pad has the hole in it, and slot in the Urataros DenKamen. For the Rider Kick, dismantle his entire leg. Yes, that means taking off the thigh armor, the kneecap, and the leg armor. Replace them with the Kintaros DenKamen thigh piece, the Ryutaros DenKamen kneecap, and then place the Urataros DenKamen into the hole on the new leg armor. For both modes, make sure you have the DenKamen-less chest piece in. The best thing about this is the fact that no articulation is hindered, and the end product looks fantastic.

Overall, this is very much a contender for Figuart of the Year for 2011, especially if you’re a Den-O fan. The New Den-O mold was fanstastic, but Climax Form takes a great mold, adds in some Souchaku Henshin like armor pieces, and it creates a simply fantastic figure. If you’re a Den-O fan, I highly suggest picking this up. Yeah, it’s a shame we didn’t get Chou Climax Form instead, but considering that release will more than likely be exclusive, take advantage of this release being retail and pick it up. You won’t be disappointed.

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Check out a photo gallery by Shishioh!

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