Link is the main protagonist of the Legend of Zelda series who comes from Hyrule and is of the Hylian race. In the series of games he attempts to defeat Ganon and save Princess Zelda and her kingdom from the forces of evil.
Packaging:
Link comes in a standard Figma box.
On the front is a window for viewing the figure, on one side is the Figma logo, on the other is a picture of the figure, on the back there is relevant information, all in Japanese, and pictures of the figure in various poses with their various accessories. Instructions for swapping face pieces and other items are usually printed on either inside of the box tabs or on a piece of paper slipped inside the packaging. Also take note that all figures you purchase have the correct authentication printed or stickered on the box.
Inside the box the figure is held between two pieces of molded plastic, with spaces for their accessories. The extra hands and the base of the Figma stand are stored in plastic bags underneath the figure in the plastic molding. Figures are usually wrapped with plastic in certain areas to protect the paint. Boxes also come with inserts which act as backdrops in the box and can be taken out and used for backdrops while displaying figures. Link's backdrop is a white marble color with a decorative design framing it. Link also comes with a special cut-out to use with the Di: Stage.
Figma’s also are supplied with a small zip-lock bag to store all the accessories in, the name of the figure can be written on this bag so that figure accessories can be stored neatly. Figma’s also come with a neat little device for storing the extra hands in.
Packaging = 8/10
Stand:
Link comes with the standard Figma stand. Made of clear plastic it has three points of articulation which move forwards and back on hinge joints, one joint is at the bottom where it plugs into the base, one in the middle and one where it plugs into the Figma. The articulation of the stand allows the Figma to be posed in a variety of dynamic poses, and because it is clear it does not interfere with the aesthetic of taking dynamic and exciting photos.
Link also comes with two extra L shaped pieces which attaches to the end of his stand so that he can be attached to his stand in spite of his weapons which can also be placed on his back. A very nice touch by Max Factory.
Stand = 8/10
Sculpt:
This is Link Skyward Sword Version.
Link's overall design is pretty much character accurate to the game with his trademark green tunic and his Master Sword and Hylian Shield.
Starting from the top his hair is well sculpted and his hat two and his face just looks great. There is nice creasing on his clothes and soft PVC is used on his chest and skirt to allow free movement. His shoulder strap is a separate piece which gives it a more realistic look and his pouches on his belt look great. He also has well sculpted hands you can actually see fingernails.
His weapon and shield are well crafted, if I have but one criticism it is that it would be nice if they had some how tried to replicate look of chain mail for his silver under shirt. But otherwise a good representation of the character.
Sculpt = 9/10
Paint:
Link has a trademark color scheme of green and brown with a few blues thrown in for goo measure. His paint work is good and there are minimal errors. I particularly like his metallic blue earrings and his lips also look very good. Although he is only painted in block colors they are so vibrant that it doesn't matter.
Link's accessories are well painted with nice detailing and a mix of colors.
Paint = 9/10
Articulation:
Link use’s the standard figma joint system. figma joints are hinge joints with pegs on either end allowing both forward and back movement and rotation.
At the head his neck is double jointed with a figma joint at the base of the neck and a figma joint at the top of the neck. This allows the figure to look side to side, down and up. To change the faces on figmas the front piece of hair is removed and then the faces can be taken of and swapped.
The shoulder consists of a double joint, a ball joint which sits inside the upper body, this is attached to a ball shaped figma joint which acts as the shoulder, and this allows full range of motion to the shoulder. Further down a figma joint is used as the elbow and bends in and then out straight and there is some slight rotation for the lower arm to turn in and out. At the wrist the various hands plug into a small hole at the end of the arm. Each hand also has a hinge joint, which not only allows the hand to rotate but also to move up and down which gives the figure realistic wrist movement.
A waist joint is located under his chest. Waist joints are ball and socket joints, a ball joint will be attached to the upper body and which plug into a socket in the main torso, this gives the body twisting movement and bending forwards and back. At the hips a three jointed ball and socket joint is used. One ball plugs into a socket at the bottom of the torso acting as the hip joint; this allows the hips to turn side to side, lean forward or back, then on each of the other two ball joints the legs plug on. Each leg has an inner socket which the ball joint plugs into, this piece allows full range of motion from the ball joint and also allows the thigh to turn in and out as it pegs inside the main leg piece.
A Ffigma joint is then used as the knee allowing the knee to bend backwards and then out to straight, and there is some slight rotation for the lower leg to turn in and out. The ankle also is a figma joint allowing the foot to point and flex turn in and out.
Link has three points of additional articulation their is a swivel joint in his hat allowing movement for aesthetics as well as flexibility of posing, also each toe has a hinge join allowing him to stand on the end of his toes for running poses and other attack poses.
Pose:
Link is therefore highly posable and can be posed in a variety of ways. With the use of the accessories supplied, the Master Sword, the Hylian Shield, a striking effect, and his shouting face, he can be displayed in a number of poses, on the run with his sword and shield on his back, ready for battle, or in the midst of striking down a foe. However there are a few areas in which articulation is restricted although his lower tunic is made of soft PVC getting his leg to stay in extreme poses can be difficult as there still will always be some stiffness.
Articulation & Pose = 9/10
Enjoyment:
I will break down enjoyment into two categories: Accessories and Play Value.
Accessories:
Link comes with two facial expressions; his neutral face and his battle cry face. Link also comes with an assortment of hands; a pair of fists, a pair of sword holding hands, a pair of regular holding hands, a pair of open hands, and a pair of relaxed hands.
Link also comes with an extra hair piece as if his hair was blowing in the wind and an effects piece which slide onto his sword. His main accessories is his Master Sword which comes with its sheath, now the hands can be rather hard to get holding the sword so be careful when taking them on and off. The sheath can attach to his back via a peg which you just plug in.
His Hylian Shield is also included and is very nicely designed, simply pop off the strap and hands then unplug one side of the handle to slide on a hand and then re-plug into shield and once the arm is attached you can attach the leather strap once more.
Another cool feature is that you can use the shield and sword together by attaching it like the picture below and them both can be plugged into his back.
Play Value:
I will break down play value into two categories: Compatibility, with other figures and accessories, and general play.
Compatibility:
Link is very compatible with other figma accessories as his holding hands fit various weapons and items, and he looks surprisingly good with a pistol.
Next up is a height comparison, as you can see she is on the shorter side of the figma height scale but this seems appropriate as he is a teen.
General Play:
In general Link is extremely fun to play with, he looks great and heroic and I am sure the girls are happy to have another man around the place.
Overall I recommend him to any figma fan and a definite must if you are a fan of the Zelda series.
Enjoyment = 10/10
Over all Link scores 8.8/10
