Review: Square Enix Play Arts - Squall Leonhart

The main antagonist from the video game Final Fantasy VIII was reincarnated by Kotobukiya in 2006 in the play arts format for 3800 yen. To be honest, I was both excited and annoyed when this was announced. Annoyed because just prior to the announcement, I shelled out twice as such for a fixed pose statue of the same character, but excited because all signs point to the new series of play arts (new at the time...) by Kotobukiya as a success.

The sculpting is superb, you can see that every detail is recreated down to the chain around his neck and the chain on his gunsword. The head, belt and jacket are made of a softer plastic or vinyl allowing it to "give" a little bit, while the rest of the figure is pretty much made of high grade sturdy plastic.

Several pairs of spare hands and a figure stand is included to provide stability, although the figure do stand on its own. There are multiple points of articulation (neck, shoulders, elbows, wrist, waist, hips, knees, ankles) and can do some dramatic poses, but kneeling down seems to be out of the question.

The quality of production and attention to details should be commended, I give this 8/10.

More reviews from the play arts series are on the way!