Macross II: Lovers Again Hi-Metal R VF-2SS Valkyrie II + SAP (Silvie Gena Use)
A very nice poster of Singing Shrine Maiden Ishtar from the Macross II saga is included inside the set.
Once you pop the figure free from the tray, there are a few things to go over before you can properly display it.
The wings can be swapped out and replaced with the alternate “fused” wings accessory.
Attaching this clear block will also help stabilize the figure’s hip section in Battroid mode. Remember to remove the front landing gear cover first in order to lock the block in place.
Remember to split the beam cannon head turrets for better visuals.
Display base – a new Soul Stage display base is included this time around. I believe the first release did not come with a display base?
The stand base features a unique print of Ishtar. Cool.
VF-2SS Valkyrie II Battroid mode
The VF-2SS Valkyrie II is the main variable fighter of the U.N. Spacy in the year A.D. 2092. Meant to be the first line of defense against alien attack, the Valkyries are incredibly fast, agile and can transform into three different modes to match variable combat conditions and meet the enemy head-on on any terrain.
The Valkyrie II stands roughly 7 inches tall and weighs 124 Grams.
The diecast sections of the figure are mostly in its skeletal “spine” that helps with transforming the figure across its different modes.
Thanks to the intricate joints system the figure is very, very posey!
For armament, it comes with its medium-sized Rail Gun, which is meant to be an upgrade from the classic VF-1’s gatling gunpod.
When not in use, the medium-sized Rail Gun can be plugged into the figure’s backpack.
Using the stand makes the figure look much more dynamic.
VF-22SS Valkyrie II Gerwalk Mode
With the Gerwalk mode engaged, the unit combines the best of both modes, being able to maneuver fast over low, uneven terrain while still having access to most of the weapons of the Battroid mode.
To get the look of the feet right for Gerwalk mode, make sure to swap the “toes” on the Valkyrie out for the split ones.
Use this adapter to connect it properly to the flight stand.
VF-2SS Valkyrie II Valkyrie Mode
The fastest mode of the VF-2SS, transforming to this form allows the Valkyrie to quickly fly to its target destination at incredible speeds. Similar to its predecessor the VF-1, the Battroid’s head mounted laser cannons become Anti-Aircraft guns when in fighter jet mode.
Like most Hi-Metal R figures, the landing gears of the Valkyrie mode need to be attached manually to the undersides of the unit.
Another upgrade from the original VF-1 series is the clear canopy, which now lacks the standard canopy frame and allows the pilot excellent visibility. The canopy opens up to reveal a little Silvie Gena. She is the commander of the Faerie Squadron and one of the ace pilots of the U.N. Spacy program.
Her.. uhm.. mini figure does seem well-endowed for some reason. I don’t recall Silvie having such a developed chest in the Anime. Lol…
To attach the VF-2SS in Valkyrie mode to the stand, you’ll have to use this attachment.
Whoops… I forgot to attach the medium Rail Gun under the Valkyrie for the following pics. D’oh!
The SAP (Super Armed Pack) – an upgraded version of the FAST Pack system from the classic VF-1S series. Apart from the usual micro missiles, we now have a Warren RG-022 large rail gun mounted on the unit’s backpack.
To attach the SAP to the arms and legs, you’ll need to remove the hole covers first.
Similar to the older VF-1S FAST Packs, the SAP units are usually mounted on the Valkyrie IIs when they are in operating in space, as the additional weight makes the Valkyrie extremely sluggish when in used atmospheric conditions, especially when in Valkyrie mode. When in space combat, the Valkyrie II is rarely deployed without its SAP.
With the SAP equipped, the Valkyrie II now stands roughly 10.5 inches tall and weighs 198 Grams.
The medium-sized Rail Gun is now stored inside the SAP arm unit.
Each of the arm SAP units showcase 5 missile launchers, each holding up to three mini/cluster missiles per launcher, for a total of 15 missiles per arm.
While the leg SAP components house 4 missile launchers, again each holding up to three mini/ cluster missiles per launcher, for a total of 12 missiles per leg.
Do note that you will need to do some parts swapping for the lowest missile launcher on the leg armor, due to limitations of putting hinges in that spot.
Aside from the mini missiles, there are two long-range missiles that are launched from “retractable” bay doors on the three shield missile launchers on the sides of the unit.
Since the doors don’t really “retract”, parts swapping is required for this gimmick to as well.
Missiles fire!!
There are 4 auto-attack bits/ Squire drones for the SAP are included with this set as well. You’ll have to provide your own Soul Stage display base to keep these afloat next to the Valkyrie II, though, as there are no display posts included. The Squire Drones requires a pilot’s mental focus to properly aim and attack, as they cannot attack by themselves. Each drone is capable of firing twin lasers at its target.
Lastly, of course, the VF-2SS SAP’s most powerful weapon is the Warren RG-022 Large Rail Gun mounted on the right side of its backpack. The weapon is deployed covering the head of the Battroid for proper range targeting.
When all its weapons are primed to strike, the VF-2SS SAP is dangerous to not just groups of regular-sized enemy units, but even to large enemy war ships, capable of taking several out, thanks to its impressive armament loadout and speed.
Admittedly, the large Rail Gun could’ve been executed a bit better on this toy, it doesn’t quite properly cover up the head section of the Battroid and tends to look a bit awkward at certain angles.
VF-22SS Valkyrie II Gerwalk Mode with SAP
While already highly versatile in standard Gerwalk mode, with the SAP equipped, the unit becomes an even deadlier threat to the enemy forces due to the increased weapons loadout.
VF-22SS Valkyrie II Valkyrie Mode with SAP
To attach the VF-22SS Valkyrie Mode with SAP to the display stand, use this attachment (same as with the regular Valkyrie mode).
I forgot to try, but I’m sure if you can still use the landing gears for this mode, due to the now bulkier underside, but I think it should still be possible.
Overall, I love it! I always loved this version of the Valkyrie, as it seemed like a more streamlined upgrade of the original VF-1S. While I can’t say I love the Macross II storyline, the mech designs were something I enjoyed a lot back in the day.
While the Large Rail Gun can be a bit awkward when it covers up the head of the unit (it seems like something’s off with the execution and it could’ve covered the head up better), it’s not a deal breaker, as the figure still looks very, very cool with the SAP and all the missile bay doors opened.
I missed out on this thing’s original release back in 2017, then after a while it just got too pricey to backtrack. I am so glad Bandai decided to do a reissue run for this one. It’s also considerably cheaper to get now compared to when it first came out in 2017, as well, thanks to the rights issues being less messy now and we can get this figure much closer to the actual SRP in my part of the world than when it first rolled out with region restrictions back in 2017 ($120 USD now vs $200 USD back in 2017).
Gold
