Balthier Review
The handsome sky pirate, Balthier Bunansa, faithfully-rendered in action figure form by the renowned Play Arts Line.

Sporting more or less 22 points of articulation, a pair of open hands, black display stand and the Betelgeuse (gun).

Looking at the figure, I was impressed with how they were able to accurately paint his VERY TINY accessories: the X-shaped earrings (though they don't look X-shaped on the figure), colored bands on his ring finger and his bracelets.

Not only his accessories were painted accurately and faithfully but also his decorative sea green vest. The vest is truly a marvel with all the swirls and sharp patterns.

...the intricacy in Balthier does not stop there! Look at his pants and shoes. The swirls and the grainy surface of his black pants are all finely-carved.

His X-shaped belt and pockets are not intrusive when posing him, they behave just fine. Though I could have wished the pockets are made from soft PVC and we can open them just like Vincent's Cerberus holster.

Another thing that I don't like about this figure is his weapon. He comes with an intricately-detailed but a really basic weapon (which at first I thought was the Altair): The Betelgeuse. In the game, you can buy a Betelgeuse for just 3000 Gil while Vaan, Ashe and Gabranth Play Arts come with legendary / trademark weapons. Sounds unfair on Balthier's behalf -- but thank god, the hole in Balthier's hand show that he can hold the other three weapons from the FFXII line.

Buy this figure if you like Balthier or you're into bishounen that does not sport the usual long hair or if you like cool guys with cool vests.