It’s always nice when an undersung franchise gets a bit more recognition from the powers that be. Likewise, it’s cool when a genuinely awesome bit of video game merch surfaces in a market inundated with bits of disposable plastic tat and digital detritus. So, put those two particular scenarios together, and you effectively have a recipe for grade-A nerd chills. I’m happy to report, therefore, that that very thing has happened: the subject? A highly detailed, reference-riddled Shenmue statue of protagonist Ryo Hazuki.
Shenmue’s Ryo statue details
Courtesy of Numskull Designs, who’ve been shacked up with the boys at SEGA for some time now in all things merchandise, the statue is available on JustGeek and a handful of other retailers for pre-order. This 10” (254mm) figurine “recreates the iconic Heartbeats bar fight scene from the first Shenmue game as a highly detailed action-packed diorama.” Dedicated fans will be able to spot a whole host of homages packed into the scene, including a toppled glass of milk, which Ryo is insultingly served by the churlish bartender upon entry. Cue gratuitous smackdown.
Other notable details include “a toppled table and bar stool, all the way to the branded beer mats,” so it’s clear much care has gone into the design. However, there is one small sticking point, as mentioned: the cost. This baby’ll run you a cool $107.99, which for some will be prohibitively expensive given that it is, at the end of the day, a static thing for you to pop on your shelf. Granted, it’s slick and delicately painted, but it’s up to you whether that kind of price tag is justified for your (doubtless already heaving) Shenmue collection.
Is the Shenmue Ryo statue a good value?
Here’s the official list of features, pulled right from the product description itself:
- Official SEGA product
- Designed by and engineered by Numskull Designs
- Exclusive statue featuring Ryo Hazuki
- Features intricate base with classic Shenmue props
- Highly detailed PVC replica from the paintwork to Ryo’s iconic tiger jacket
- Perfect collector’s item for any SEGA fan
- Stands at 10” tall / 254mm
Ryo comes punching and kicking into the world this August, so if you fancy committing to the $108 investment, get your pre-orders in while you can.
Are you tempted? Do you think this is a cool bit of memorabilia, or slightly overpriced? Let us know!
Via, JustGeek.
