Kit Review

Straight build

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

Muv-Luv F-22 Raptor EMD Phase2 - Detail shots (1/5)

Muv-Luv F-22 Raptor EMD Phase2 - Detail shots (2/5)

Muv-Luv F-22 Raptor EMD Phase2 - Detail shots (3/5)

Detail shots

Simpler weapon loadout compared to the Shiranui/Takemikazuchi.

You can swap out the knee parts to recreate the knife storage gimmick.

Leftover parts

Articulation is pretty good overall.

Pose drawing the knife from the knee.

Muv-Luv F-22 Raptor EMD Phase2 - Dual knife action. (1/3)

Dual knife action.

Muv-Luv F-22 Raptor EMD Phase2 - Aerial firing pose (1/3)

Aerial firing pose

Muv-Luv F-22 Raptor EMD Phase2 - Assault pose. (1/4)

Muv-Luv F-22 Raptor EMD Phase2 - Assault pose. (2/4)

Assault pose.

Muv-Luv F-22 Raptor EMD Phase2 - Quad rifle action. (1/4)

Muv-Luv F-22 Raptor EMD Phase2 - Quad rifle action. (2/4)

Quad rifle action.

Together with the Super Hornet.

Together with the Cerberus.

A fighter jet-form mech — the Raptor Pre-Production Type - Infinities Spec kit has been released in the Muv-Luv non-scale series. The Raptor is one of the most cutting-edge fighter jets among current real-world weapons, and true to its name, the design translates the angular look of the F-22 Raptor into robot form.

The overall construction follows the same formula as the existing Muv-Luv kits, though it's closer in layout to the Super Hornet/Typhoon/Cerberus than to the Takemikazuchi/Shiranui. The weapon accessories are slimmed down, but thanks to improved polycaps, joint strength is reasonably solid and articulation is quite good. That said, the hip joint isn't quite as efficient as the Cerberus's, so the range of leg lift is a bit limited.

One thing worth noting about the Raptor is that the snap-fit design has improved compared to earlier kits — more parts now lock together firmly without glue. That said, the key stress-bearing parts that take force during posing still benefit from a dab of glue to keep things feeling secure. This is pretty typical of Kotobukiya kits in general, but with the Muv-Luv line in particular, the consistency of the snap-fit quality feels especially uneven. Some parts fit great, others feel really shaky.

One feature unique to the Raptor is the knee-mounted knife holder, which is neatly recreated as a swappable part. On top of that, you can also recreate the quad rifle configuration using all four rifles — but unlike some other kits, the display stand that's usually included as a first-run bonus is absent right from the initial release, so keep that in mind. It really does seem like there's no consistent standard for which kits get a stand and which ones don't. ^^;;

Anyway, the deep color scheme and angular design give this kit a tough, sleek look, and it ranks among the better entries in the Muv-Luv lineup. The improved stability in action poses compared to earlier kits is especially worth praising. :-)

Muv-Luv F-22 Raptor EMD Phase2 | 2014.1 | ¥5,900

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.