S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider GenM Action Gamer Level 0 Gallery

"Grade Zero."

We've previously taken looks at the exceedingly popular GenM Level X/Dangerous Zombie and GenM Level 2, but finally Bandai has recreated Kuroto's most important form. The one that represents not only his return to life, but also his (temporary) shift to side of our heroes. This form represents the character's popularity itself even. Having been brought back from a pretty final death, and worked back in as an integral part of the winning side. It's safe to say that although this is not his most powerful form, this is probably GenM's most important one. So let's take a look at just how S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider GenM Action Gamer Level 0 has turned out!

Packaging
Unlike GenM Level 2, Level 0 comes in far more standard packaging. A box that fits right in with the rest of the Ex-Aid line. It's pretty standard stuff by this point.

Main Figure
This review is basically identical to that of my GenM Level 2 one. There are minor paint app differences between the two. The accessories will be the real departure so feel free to jump down to that section if you like.

GenM Action Gamer Level 0 utilizes the familiar Mighty Action X body type we've come to know and love. A mold utilized for damn near every figure in the Ex-Aid subline. This mold brings with it all the meticulous molded details and paint apps we've previously seen before. Much as with GenM Level 2, Level 0 is just lavishly executed. From the ground up this body type is a sold build. Physically I still nitpick the ankles on this mold, as the slight limitations to them irk me, especially moving forward. And getting GenM into a good pose is a total necessity for his character. Kuroto was an incredibly expressive character, so poseability is paramount. You really have to work with these feet, but they can get the job done. The knees have a great bend that helps add to the general athletic platformer theme of the figure. Much like with GenM Level x, I take issue with some sloppy paint flecks around the silver striping on the legs. There are plenty of flecks on the thighs and minor defects that are an annoyance on an expensive event exclusive such as this one.

The Gamer Driver for this figure is the same standard one we've seen a countless number of times now. I still think it's an incredible to-scale replica. The Driver handle can flip shut, thus hiding the rider read out on the front screen as well, a read out which is identical to Level 2. The upper right of the driver has 2 slots for Gasshats. One is already attached in the form of the Proto-Mighty Action X Origin Gasshat. This one is black compared to the purple Proto Gashat that came with Level 2. As is standard, this is a dummy Gashat that can be reattached to any compatible Driver, holster, or Gashacon weapon. To the right of the driver, is a Gashat holster. There are 2 slots for extra Gasshats as well as 1 slot for a Critical Finish to be inserted.

As with Ex-Aid, GenM's chest detailing is magnificent. And unlike a few other releases in the line, interior label used for the Rider Gauge is flawless. The paint apps on the outer layer are crisp and clear here for the most part as well. On the flip side of the torso is the deactivated Level 1 head. It's a bit stylized and shrunk down, but that's as it should be if TV CG magic could really work in toy form. Not to be forgotten are the arms, which admittedly only have one flaw that I'm truly bothered by, and that's the shoulder pads. Not because they impact the articulation, but because they pop off easily when fully extending the arms. This release however does have VERY finicky elbow pads which pop off with the slightest pressure. I had the same problem with my Ex-Aid forever ago but oddly not really with anything in the Ex-Aid line since. The wrists are solid, the elbows fully functional and the bicep swivels uninhibited & welcome as always.

Finally that brings us to the head. This is where the most egregious paint issues are present. The white paint used for the visor is just really poorly applied, an issue that's been present on the last two GenM releases as well. Lot's of hazy overspray around the edges and a ton of flecks on the visor itself. Honestly the clear part of the visor looks dirty or scratched or just, somehow off. The "hair" of the helmet likewise has a number of paint flecks that really detract from it's overall look. Otherwise, I think the shape of the head is generally great, and the hair looks very solid. Lots of people took issue with this head on the original Ex-Aid release, but I've always thought it looked pretty spot on. I will say that this go around, the eyes are seemingly too far apart.

Overall not a bad effort, just not terribly different physically or quality wise from the Level 2 release.
Accessories
GenM Level 2 came out as a Tamashii Nations exclusive a while back, and included with it the Shakariki Sports bike as a sort of bonus. The later Tamashii Web Shop release would not include this piece. That one large accessory is the big difference between the two releases, but Level 0 honestly comes with a lot:

3 - set of hands. 2 varieties of open palm hands and 1 set for holding things, like weapons or bike handles. Honestly they're a bit too narrow for the included weapons.

1 - Gashacon Breaker Blade Mode. Kuroto wasn't really seen much (if at all) using the Hammer mode, so they've opted to just go with the sword version for this release. The grip is just a bit too thick to be held well, but it works alright. Paint app work on a weapon like this could always be better as well.

1 - set of Bug Visor Zwei parts. This accessory is actually split into a few pieces though out of box it comes in the Chainsaw mode, although the saw form is not the standard mode of the weapon. The Bug Visor itself is just a plate in the center that makes up most of the mass of the accessory. It's attached to a long board with the saw extended on one end. The Grip Knuckle is likewise a separate part plugged onto this board. An alternate part is included that when used in conjunction with the Visor and Knuckle, creates the standard version of the weapon we see GenM use, the Beam Gun mode. Though Kuroto only borrowed this weapon from Poppy for a time, she still needed her Visor Zwei to become a rider. She also tended to use it nearly exclusively in the chainsaw mode.

1 - set of effect part holders. 4 pieces in total.

1 - God Kuroto Dan character sheet. A translucent sheet with Kuroto's resurected God form pritned on it, being reborn after using another life. A stand is included to place it on a flat surface.

3 - GenM Life Point Counters. This gives you some reading 99, 98, & 97 lives left. The other effect part holders, all 3 not used for the God sheet, need to be plugged together in order to use these Live counters on the forearm. The print is really crisp on these, but the arm parts needed to hold them kind of suck, and get stress fractures really easily.

Accessories were what the real defining difference was going to be between Level's 0 & 2. Level 2 really had a leg up with the Shakariki Sports bike, but honestly Level 0 comes with so much it's hard to be disappointed.

Final Thoughts
Kamen Rider GenM has proven himself to be unmatched in popularlity, With his Level 0, 2, & X forms all released, as well as TWO versions of Kuroto Dan out this month, the massive Level Billion having just been released, Level 0-X was just teased at Tamashii Nations, we even once saw Level 3 GenM on display at a show. Kuroto even recently became Another OOO in Kamen Rider Zi-O. His popularity is undeniable and unending, toys of him will sell. Bandai knew Level 0 would sell on that popularity alone. But they went the extra distance to ensure it with the accessories. While it's certainly a bit of a stale figure thanks to the minor differences between it and Level 2, (a color scheme I prefer over this one) the accessories go a long way to making it a worth while purchase.

Part 2

I would've liked for this to have come with swappable drivers - one for the Gamer Driver and another for the Buggle Driver - but I did some searching around and came to the conclusion that Genm never actually switched directly from Level 2 to Dangerous Zombie.

I'd been wondering why neither of the upcoming Kuroto Dan Figuarts incorporate a Driver into the design, and I suspect that's probably part of the answer: neither Driver would've satisfied everybody.

Actually Kuroto only ever uses Dangerous Zombie after becoming Level 2 by way of the Gamer Driver. He never uses either Buggle Driver to access the basic Level X/DZ form again. Hence the Level 0-X designation and the gamer Driver. A Figuart of 0-X was on display last week at Tamashii Nations, so there's a good chance we get it. But regular Dangerous Zombie was effectively gone after his return as Level 0.

I can't tell if the upper neck joint on mine is just stupidly tight or if it's a design flaw with the Ex-Aid/Genm head in general. Also it occurs to me that the reason the Gashacon Breaker is so hard to fit into the hands is because the hands used are a reuse from the Level 2 figure, and intended for use with the Bugvisor(s). I guess a repainted set of hands from Ex-Aid or Brave would've strained the budget too much, though at least you can reuse a set from Lazer Level 0.

Those complaints aside, I'm happy to have added this and Cronus to my collection. Particularly after how disappointing two of my most anticipated releases this year turned out to be.

It comes with the Buggle Zwei? That is so random to me. I'd sooner expect another NotMario Pipe

I love this figure. Really cool appearance with the metallic purple, black and silver. My Genm of choice, although I'm heavily tempted by the X-0 one too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Annuga

It comes with the Buggle Zwei? That is so random to me. I'd sooner expect another NotMario Pipe

I can't really recall Cronus using the Bugvisor as a weapon, though. He usually either used his freaking Chaos Control ability or the weapons he later gained as Gamedeus Cronus.