In the Google Docs version of the guide, this article originally contained a longer essay discussing the history of the Phantasy Star Online 2 kits. That article has been separated out into a separate essay linked here.
Overview
Phantasy Star is a very long-running RPG series developed by SEGA, debuting in 1987 on the Master System and cemented itself as one of the classics alongside Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest and Breath of Fire. It has (fortunately or unfortunately, you be the judge) since left its JRPG roots behind to enter the world of MMORPGs; Phantasy Star Online, the series’ first MMO, launched in 2000 before being having its official servers shut down in 2010 while Phantasy Star Universe, released in 2006, had MMORPG elements, with its third and final expansion’s Episode 3 being only playable in the game’s online mode. Phantasy Star Online 2 would follow in 2012.
Kotobukiya would task itself with producing model kits of both the original Phantasy Star Online and its sequels, based on the designs produced by Masaki Asai, originally inspired by his RACaseal garage kit released in 2003; the mass-produced retail kits would be released in 2011, fittingly starting with RACAseal Elenor as Asai did in 2003. Kotobukiya also produced model kits of the A.I.S mechs from the games as well.
Construction and Engineering
As can be expected of the kits that all but defined modern girlpla, these kits are absolutely phenomenal for their time and hold up even now. Gene in particular was a treat to build. This doesn’t mean that these kits won’t need a bit of extra love, however; a lot of detail will need to be painted in or applied via decal, and some parts may need glue to hold together.
The only fault I have to give is that the plastic for RAcaseal is a bit cheap feeling, but this is an intentional feeling – Kotobukiya did this on purpose to hearken back to the very first RAcaseal kit. Regarding plastic quality, it really depends; to be absolutely safe, try to get one of the newer releases. However, we doubt you’ll really run into something truly disgraceful.
Aesthetics:
If you’re really into cute blonde women with giant racks, you probably already bought Gene before you even finished this sentence. If you aren’t, or if you aren’t thinking with the small head, the PSO2 kits are pretty nice. They’re not must-haves – having waxed lyrical about their historical significance, we weren’t really fans of how the Shiki kits look – but if you’re a PSO2 fan, you won’t be starved.
Ease of Acquisition:
The popularity of these kits should not be understated. They sold like hotcakes, got built by everyone, and now basically only exist as occasional blips on Mandarake, Mercari and Rakuma. The original kits went for ¥3800 (£18/$24 in today’s money) at original retail (we got our Elenor for ¥2500 (£12/$16) at Mandarake), while the reissued ones now go for roughly ¥5400 (£25/$34), with Gene commanding anywhere from ¥5000 (£23/$31) to ¥6000 (£28/$38) depending on condition and version. Anywhere Kotobukiya kits are sold, there’s a non-zero chance of finding these kits.
Personal Verdict?
These kits are important to us more for their historical value, as if not for them, the modern girlpla scene is nowhere near what it is today. As actual kits, they’re fine. They’re not as groundbreaking now as some of the stuff Megami Device, chitocerium or even Nuke Matrix is doing, but none of them would ever have been able to do it if these kits hadn’t done it first. However, as actual kits, for obvious reasons, they’re not the best, If you’re not like us who wants to have some record of model kit history, maybe skip this one.
If you really like sci-fi, model kit history or are one of PSO2’s strongest soldiers, this line is for you.
Personal Recommendations:
Elenor and Gene are our favorites, largely because Elenor creeps me out less than the other ones (except Gene) and Gene was an absolute treat to build. I just wish she’d put on some more clothes, though.
Official Site: https://www.kotobukiya.co.jp/en/title/phantasy-star-online2/ (for kit information)
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