Final Fantasy VII action-figure debuts

The latest addition to the PLAY ARTS line of action figures debuts this week at the New York Comic Convention as Cloud Strife and his motorcycle Hardy Daytona recreate those iconic scenes from FINAL FANTASY VII. Boasting over 20 points of articulation, Cloud brings a new level of dynamics to the PLAY ARTS series.

“New methods for and placement of the articulation have increased the range of motion and posing ability quite considerably,” explains resident merchandising representative Kanji Tashiro. “For example, many fans have the image of Cloud posing with the Buster Sword behind his back. This can now be replicated fully.”

True to the PLAY ARTS line, the new additions maintain the interchangeable features that have become a draw for so many collectors.

“The Cloud figure included with the Fenrir motorcycle is from the FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN timeline, which is two years after the events of FINAL FANTASY VII. Cloud has matured since the days when he rode the Hardy Daytona, but each Cloud figure can ride the other’s motorcycle,” says Tashiro.

Figures from recent FINAL FANTASY series are based on the 3D models used in the game, so proportions and details are remarkably accurate when compared to the primary inspiration. However, such 3D data does not exist for FINAL FANTASY VII. To craft Cloud and his bike, the PLAY ARTS team referenced meticulously the original illustrations by character designer Tetsuya Nomura to replicate every detail.

All of the staff involved in the production of these figures take distinct pride in their work, and this esprit de corps translates directly into details designed to satisfy the most judicious collectors. Because of that, the FFVII series is the most poseable of the PLAY ARTS line yet. The original Tetsuya Nomura illustration which shows Cloud sitting on the Hardy Daytona with his sword in hand can now be matched, pose for pose.

To perfectly match the original illustration, though, Cloud would need to give up his Buster Sword for the variant weapon Hardedge. Fortunately, the weapon in question will be available later this year as part of a new line of PLAY ARTS ARMS. Also joining Hardedge are additional weapons for Tifa Lockhart, Aerith Gainsborough, Yuffie Kisaragi and Vincent Valentine.

Cloud and Hardy Daytona as a set will be available for purchase beginning in May, with the option to purchase Cloud alone. Sephiroth, Vincent, Yuffie, and Red XIII and Cait Sith will join the series later this summer.

Visit Square Enix at booth number 1349 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York this Friday through Sunday, April 18, 19 and 20. The Cloud and Hardy Daytona set will be available for purchase at the booth ($79.99, plus tax), along with other popular Square Enix merchandise. For general information on the New York Comic Con, visit www.nycomiccon.com.

To find out more about Square Enix merchandise, visit Square Enix’s online store at www.square-enix-shop.com.