Sq. Enix has simply launched its monetary outcomes for the primary three quarters of the monetary 12 months (i.e. April 2024 by to the tip of December), amongst which is a formidable uptick in merch gross sales (thanks, GR+). And the hand-rubbing executives haven’t any downside giving credit score the place credit score’s due: It is “primarily pushed by robust gross sales of character merchandise” and three gadgets particularly.
Over these 9 months the writer bought 14.9 billion yen ($97 million) price of merch, in comparison with 12.4 billion yen over the identical interval in 2023, and solely one of many three essential drivers is pure and harmless. Sq. Enix credit the year-on-year improve in gross sales to a Dragon Quest set, a Tifa Lockheart motion determine, and a wildly costly three-feet tall statue of Nier: Automata’s 2B.
OK: Personal up. Who has been shopping for the $2,600 Masterline Deluxe 2B statue? And even the common model at a mere $2,400? You are all going to go blind.
The Tifa Lockheart determine is predicated on the unique recreation’s character design slightly than the Rebirth model, and subsequent to 2B is a relative snip at $130. For an motion determine! One which in fact boasts 23 factors of articulation, “Tifa’s signature waist-length black hair tied on the finish, in addition to her gloves, boots, and suspenders all faithfully recreated in 3D to instill a way of nostalgia.”
All very cool. It is the 2B statues the place issues get slightly indecent: The essential model would not look so dangerous at first look, exterior of that eye-watering price ticket, being mainly 2B in her recreation costume… although then you definitely discover it does function her skirt being wafted as much as expose a very good view of her backside.
It is the deluxe model that’s simply straight-up a bit late night time TV. 2B will get a swappable head half along with her face uncovered, and a swappable physique that ditches the skirt fully for a physique go well with that is bordering on lingerie. You and I each know what Sq. Enix means within the merchandise’s official description when it says the deluxe statue “contains quite a lot of elements that deliver out the character’s enchantment to the fullest.”
The outline goes on to elaborate that the statue contains “a head half with out fight goggles, a proper arm half with the ‘Virtuous Contract’ in hand and pointed down, and a decrease physique half in self-destruct mode.” That is why she would not have a skirt! Self-destruct mode!
Sq. Enix ends by saying the statue “combines energy, presence, and wonder.” Positive it does you soiled sods. I suppose a horned up statue’s nonetheless higher than the Disco Elysium poverty stylish plastic bag, although a minimum of with that you would be able to carry your purchasing residence.
