Square Enix Play Arts Kai

This year's Toy Fair didn't have much new on the horizon from Square Enix and its Play Arts line. For the past few years, Square's been busy delivering Variants and video game figures with a handful of movie characters sprinkled in along the way. All of those areas were still represented this year at Toy Fair, even if the pickings were a bit slimmer than we're used to seeing from the Japanese company. But it's hard to complain when there are new Final Fantasy VIII figures on the way. Cloud and Barret are the first two characters getting figures from the upcoming Final Fantasy VII remake, which shouldn't be confused with the recently released figures both characters got based on Advent Children. Both are ridiculously detailed, which is one of Square's calling cards with regards to its toys. Barret and Cloud have been immortalized numerous times in the past, but the two newest versions are miles above anything either has received in the past. Barret in particular has such gotten such an amazing sculpt, it's hard to imagine him ever getting anything better after this one releases at some indeterminate time in the future.

Though Square Enix may be more famous for its video games, the company's had a lot of success over the years with its action figure properties in the Play Arts Kai line as well. Though initially Square focused on its own properties, during the past decade, we've seen the company interpret various movie and comic book licenses in its own unique way. Toy Fair 2015 featured a smaller sampling of Square's upcoming Play Arts Kai figures, but what we saw showed the company still has an incredibly unique eye for design.

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When last time we saw the DC Comics Variant Play Arts Kai versions of Aquaman and Cyborg, the figures were standing stoically in a glass case at NYCC. With the figures' upcoming release in the third quarter of 2014 approaching, however, Square Enix has cut loose with new promo images each of the roughly 9" tall toys.

When it comes to giving Robocop a cinematic reboot... not every fan is super stoked -- especially since the original film's amor design is basically discarded in the first trailer. Fortunately when it comes to Square Enix's Play Arts Kai figures based on the franchise, there's a little something for everybody. Not only will the black 2014 Robocop played by Joel Kinnaman be getting a 9" figure

Square Enix's gradual DC Comics Variant Play Arts Kai reveals over the past few conventions seem to finally be reaching a full-color conclusion. This week at New York Comic Con Square Enix showcased its full line (so far), including painted Cyborg and Aquaman figures. Like Superman, Supergirl, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Flash, Batgirl, and two versions of Batman, Aquaman and Cyborg will come wit

Square Enix's Play Arts Kai takes on the last cousins of Krypton previously showcased at SDCC have finally received a shiny coat of paint. New images of the DC Comics Variant Superman and Supergirl in all their blue, red and yellow glory have arrived, giving fans a solid (if not telescopic vision-enhanced) look at both of the 9.5" tall strange visitors from another planet.

  Two of the newest (or... youngest?) heroes from the Assassin's Creed world are set to debut as part of Square Enix's Play Arts Kai line. Hatchet-weilding Assassin's Creed III protagonist Connor and the swashbuckling Edward Kenway from Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag are both set to join the 9.5" tall line of heavily detailed and accessorized action figures in the not-too-distant future.   R

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