Alter ARX-7 Arbalest from the anime Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid is a Generation 3 arm slave with an experimental Lambda Drive. In the story the Lamda drive gives supernatural abilty to the arm slave, making it a 1 man army.

Alter has replicate this iconic mecha from the series with very high detailed in 15cm or about 5 inch action figure.

Like all standard premium adult collectible toy, the package comes with a velcro seal box which reveals the figure. Out of the box, the Alter ARX-7 Arbalest action figure cum high detailed mechanical model were given an instructional manual on how to play with it properly.

The manual is written in Japanese but it has good amount of picture to illustrate the instructions without needs of understanding japanese. Just reminds me of good old japanese toys in the 80s, minus diecast and minus the styrofoam coffin. 😀

The manual front page is very simple, no extra illustration just Alter company details and brief intro of the toy figure. Do not be deceived by the manual cover; do not judge a book by its cover applies in this case.

Standing at about 15cm the Alter ARX-7 Arbalest Mechanic Model Collection line, is not shying away from details. Without adding extra assessories the figure is charming by itself.

The ARX-7 mecha figure does not have any stickers, the manufacturer is generous to make small tampo print on the figure. Example of the details is small prints such as ¨caution¨ is hard to be visible by the naked eye but it is printed onto the figure.

Definately, Alter do not simply name their toyline for ARX-7 Arbalest as Mechanic Model Collection for no apparent reason. Some part of the figure are able to expose mechanical details on the figure.

The back portion of the mecha can be openend to expose some mechanical part. Unfortunately it is non functional but nevertheless a good eye candy.

Another mechnical to behold is the ARX-7 cockpit, even the back panel of the lid show a hatch with non operational knob. There is a small unremovable figurine in the cockpit. Since it is ARX-7, it should be the story progatonist Sousuke Sagara.

If the cockpit is observed closer, there is details on the pilot seat with HUD and some essential Arm Slave navigation details.

Although the pilot lacks of Sousuke Sagara feature, we can safe the assume the pilot is Sousuke Sagara. As a consolation, the details of Arms Slave arm manipulator control is added to the cockpit detail.

Another notable details is at the ARX-7 arm slave soles, it is good to know that ARX-7 does not has flat feet else it will not be qualify or pass physical requirement to be an actual combat soldier. Great to know that Alter did not let up on the details in which can be easily taken for granted.

The posing of the ARX-7 is very good if it is not excellent. The reason that the manual is provided to illustrate how to remove ¨limiter¨ that will hinders the overall articulation of certain part of the figure. So remember to RTFM !! 😛

P.S.: I did not RTFM on my first try and was frustrated of the limited articulations.

One example to pin point is the default limitation at the hips and the leg, it is due to the ARX-7 tight blue colored armor. It can be extended by sliding down the blue armour down towards the knee. The result is vast improvement of the articulation.

The slide up and down of the Alter ARX-7 is a feature to improve articulation only, if it is exposed, the ARX-7 mecha will looks strange.

Overall articulation of Alter ARX-7 is good, ankle and foot is bendable. Arm and knee joint is double jointed. It can make some outrageous poses. Waist twist left and right, the chest area are able to bend up and down. The head is able to turn left right, look up and down.

ARX-7 Arbalest needs to take a rest before able to pose for further photography session. It is not easy being a model. 😀