For Blog #144, we'll be transcending history as we take an in-depth look at First 4 Figures' Taki 1/4
scale polystone statue (regular edition).
But, before we begin, I'd like to warn everyone that, due to the nature of the Taki statue,
I'm deeming the following content:
Now, on with the review!
As part of Soul Calibur's 20th anniversary campaign back in 2017, First 4 Figures announced
the release of the second statue in the company's Soul Calibur II line: the demon huntress Taki.
The shipping box stands at 22 inches tall (55 cm). The weight of the box is roughly 16 lbs.
The front of the packaging depicts Taki in her Soul Calibur II stage Kaminoi Castle - Sakura-Dai
Gate.
The right side of the box with a different angle of both Taki and her stage's backdrop.
The left side of the packaging features three extra shots showing off the detail of the Taki statue.
A close up includes a small disclaimer at the bottom of the box.
The back of the packaging.
A close up of Taki's biography is included as well as some product information.
Taki's quote "I cannot ignore your evil deeds" was actually lifted from the sequel Soul Calibur IV,
not Soul Calibur II.
Included at the bottom of this side of the box is the specific product number. My statue is numbered 84/300 pieces total.
The styrofoam packaging complete with the First 4 Figures logo, Taki's name and the Soul
Calibur II logo.
The front of the "Authenticity Card". My card contains the "Authenticity Code" TAKISCRE00390555.
(Taki Soul Calibur Regular Edition....)
When authenticating your statue on the First 4 Figures website (membership sign up also required),
you have to use the entire code. Letters and all.
A scan of the back of the card.
First 4 Figures really went the extra mile with detail here as the back of the packaging contains a full-body imprint of the regular edition Taki statue.
Dragon, Solid Snake, Alucard, Shovel Knight and Crash Bandicoot to name a few.
The back of the advert that provides instructions for the authentication process. While I purchased
my statue back in 2018, I was still able to authenticate it as of yesterday in 2021.
A seal on the styrofoam packaging stating my statue passed QC (Quality Control) along with
the signature of a member from the production team.
The packaging has been opened. This end contains Taki's swords, sheath, arm and head sculpt.
The other half of the packaging contains the display base and Taki's body.
The foam cube packaging that holds the Taki head sculpt.
When opened up. There's even removable foam protecting Taki's ponytail.
The Taki head sculpt.
Included is Taki's forearm, diecast sword and sword sheaths.
Exclusive to the standard edition is a black display base with the Soul Calibur II logo
engraved into the surface.
Most of the weight of the Taki statue comes from this durable (and heavy) base.
The underside of the base contains a hand-numbered statue number (once again, matching the
edition number listed on the back of the packaging) along with four fabric pieces to reduce
surface scratching.
A small Silica Gel packet is also part of the box. From yourstory.com:
"Silica gel serves to eliminate humidity by eliminating moisture from the air creating a dry and moisture-free environment for custom product packaging like electronics, cosmetics, medication, and apparels, etc. that are at higher risk of damage. Leather gets mold if not kept dry properly."
Taki's body before the additional pieces are connected.
Taki's right forearm must be attached along with Taki's sheaths which connect to two
holes along Taki's torso.
When fully assembled.
The statue is made of polystone and is the second statue in First 4 Figures' Soul Calibur II line
(the first statue being Nightmare).
Taki stands just under 20 inches (50 cm tall), making this the largest figure ever made of the
kunoichi ninja to date.
The specific pose of the Taki statue was lifted directly from an official Soul Calibur II
illustration of Taki's in-game 1P attire.
A close-up of the Taki statue.
In comparison to Taki's SCII illustration, the sexuality of this statue has been toned down
somewhat, adding less emphasis on the busty Ninja's upper torso.
The bone of contention for many Soul Calibur fans is the accuracy of Taki's head sculpt. Primarily,
Taki's bangs looks closer to Taki's appearance in Soul Calibur IV.
Taki's in Soul Calibur II and Soul Calibur Lost Swords (which uses Taki's Soul Calibur IV attire).
Noticeably, the bangs are even longer on the Taki head sculpt.
While Taki has been unmasked ever since the first Soul Calibur game (Soul Edge/Soul Blade),
Soul Calibur II would mark the first time Taki would ditch her signature ninja mask entirely
between all three of her in-game attires.
Interestingly, Taki's shoulder armour also contains a green hue over the in-game grey.
I especially like the gritty detail to Taki's leggings and knee armour.
To help Taki stand in her iconic Soul Calibur 2 pose, the sole of the statue contains an elevated
riser.
The sole of the statue contains a metallic peg which connects to the Regular Edition base.
The wind decals on Taki's thighs are also faithfully recreated.
Contrary to popular belief, Taki's skin-tight bodysuit isn't painted on; as indicated by the fabric-like
effect etched into the Taki statue's attire.
My favourite angle of the Taki statue. First 4 Figures has done an excellent job of bringing the
Soul Calibur II illustrations to life; all the while adding new perspectives to Taki's classic pose.
Taki's gauntlets contain the same gritty, metallic texture as her knee guards. I believe both of
which may also use the same die-cast material as Taki's exposed sword.
Viewed from the back.
Only one of Taki's swords is unsheathed. The other sword remains within it's hilt.
The rope texture from Taki's sandals is noticeable on Taki's upper sheath.
I love how there's even detail at the tips of Taki's sheath, upper arm bangle and a leather-like
appearance of the straps that connect to Taki's breast plate.
Instead of being hollow, the empty, upper sheath is filled in. A small detractor in terms of
realism, in my opinion.
Taki's shoulder pads also contains the Japanese Katakana "タキ" (Taki). Another small detail
faithfully recreated from Taki's Soul Calibur 2 1P attire.
Obvious asset aside, Taki's right sandal is raised with a wood-like appearance on the sole.
Another splendid angle showing the great amount of effort First 4 Figures went to in order
to craft the Taki statue.
I particularly appreciate the rust finish on Taki's gauntlets.
Kaminoi Castle - Sakurai-Date Gate instead.
More muscle definition from the front. 
A glimpse of Taki from Soul Calibur II (2002) and Soul Calibur VI (2018).
With every instalment in the Soul series, Taki's muscular definition is constantly improved upon.
The physique of First 4 Figures' Taki statue is a reflection of this sentiment; bringing Taki's
Soul Calibur II attire and look up to date.
Another change I've noticed between Taki's in-game model and First 4 Figure's depiction is the different coloration in Taki's breast plate armour. Instead of only a hint of gold (bottom portion),
the crest is entirely coloured gold while the band itself is darker in colour.
Interestingly, the nails around the band retain their original metallic colour. 
In Namco X Capcom (2005) Taki appears as a playable character while retaining her SC II attire.
Notice the gold design in Taki's breast plate.
Three Taki figures produced during Soul Calibur II's original release. Left to right: a
model kit (that requires assembly & painting) along with two gashapon style figures
from the "Namco Real Collection" featuring Taki in her 1P and special 3P attires made
by Yujin.
The latter two figures are more widely as part of the Namco Girls series figure line outside
of Japan.
Along with the release of Soul Calibur II HD Online (2013), Taki also retains her Soul
Calibur II 1P attire in the promotional art for Soul Calibur Unbreakable Soul (2013).
Closing thoughts:
At the initial price of $434.99 USD +S/H (for the Regular version), the First 4 Figures Taki statue is one of the most expensive pieces of Soul Calibur merchandise available. With First 4 Figures selling out both the standard and exclusive versions of this statue as of writing this review, the price for both variants has only gone up in value since then on the secondhand market.
Beyond the cheaper price point, I chose the Regular version for it's sleek and stylish display
base. Not to mention, the fact that the base provides plenty of room for other figures to be displayed alongside Taki.
Having the Soul Calibur II logo engraved into the base itself is just the icing on
the cake.
Though, nothing comes close to the level of craftsmanship and detail First 4 Figures has provided
here. Granted, there are some flaws in terms of accuracy from the original source material, but for
die-hard Soul Calibur and fighting game fans alike, the First 4 Figures Taki statue is a real sight to
behold and a fine addition to any figure collection.
In one year from now, we'll be celebrating another milestone: the 20th anniversary of Soul Calibur
II's initial arcade release.
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