After close to thirty years, the Armored Core series is finally getting a substantial push in merchandising. While Kotobukiya has been a mainstay in the merchandising of the series with their Variable Infinity model kits, Bandai has also shown support over the years, particularly during the 5th generation of Armored Core games. However, at this year’s Shizuoka Hobby Show, a slew of new Armored Core model kits were announced, including a Steel Haze kit from Kotobukiya and Shokugan Modeling Project kits from Bandai Spirits.
The big surprise came with Square Enix announcing their involvement in the merchandising of Armored Core through their Structure Arts kits. These kits feature designs from the original PlayStation trilogy of Armored Core games as well as Armored Core 2 on the PlayStation 2. This marks the first time in two decades that new kits of these designs have been released, making them more accessible to fans. The presence of designer Shoji Kawamori’s work across the Armored Core series is also a source of excitement for fans.
While pricing and release dates for these new model kits have yet to be announced, it is anticipated that many of them will be available before the end of the year. For fans who have played and finished every Armored Core game since the original release in 1997, this resurgence in merchandising is a welcome development. The opportunity to collect and build these new model kits is sure to reignite the passion of Armored Core fans. You can follow updates on the Armored Core series on various social media platforms and check out toy reviews on hobbylink.tv.
In conclusion, the long-running Armored Core series is experiencing a revival in merchandising, with new model kits being announced at the Shizuoka Hobby Show. Kotobukiya and Bandai Spirits are among the companies involved in producing these kits, with Square Enix joining the lineup with their Structure Arts kits featuring designs from the original Armored Core games. Fans can look forward to the release of these kits before the end of the year, offering an opportunity to collect and build models based on their favorite Armored Core designs. This resurgence in merchandising is a welcome development for fans who have been following the series since its inception in 1997. Stay updated on the latest news and releases through social media channels and toy reviews.
