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Complete Guide to Prize Figures | A Thorough Explanation of the Best Cost-Performance Introduction

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Complete Guide to Prize Figures | A Thorough Explanation of the Best Cost-Performance Introduction

Prize Figure Complete Guide | A Thorough Explanation of the Best Value Beginner Edition

Are you interested in figures but find it hard to reach for expensive ones? If so, we recommend "prize figures". These prize figures, which can be easily obtained from UFO catchers at game centers or online crane games, are the best value items for beginners to start their collection. In this article, we will thoroughly explain the essential information beginners should know, from the basics of prize figures and how to obtain them, to recommended manufacturers and series, as well as how to distinguish quality.

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What are Prize Figures? Basic Knowledge Beginners Should Know

Prize figures are the most accessible and cost-effective option for beginners who want to start a figure collection. Here, we will explain the definition and characteristics of prize figures, as well as the differences from general retail figures.

Definition and Characteristics of Prize Figures

Prize figures refer to figures offered as prizes in UFO catchers or crane games at game centers. They are distributed exclusively in amusement facilities and are not typically sold in regular retail stores. The price range is very reasonable, around 500 to 2,000 yen in the second-hand market, making them easily accessible for beginners. Major manufacturers such as Banpresto, Sega, Furyu, and Taito produce these figures, and new products featuring popular characters from anime and games are released every month. While they cannot be purchased directly, the enjoyment of winning them at game centers or challenging oneself in online crane games makes the acquisition process part of the entertainment itself.

Differences from General Retail Figures

The most significant difference between prize figures and general retail figures is the balance of price and quality. While general retail figures can cost between 5,000 and over 20,000 yen, prize figures can be obtained for just a few hundred to 2,000 yen. In terms of quality, general retail figures are meticulously crafted with high levels of detail in painting and sculpting. On the other hand, prize figures are produced at a lower cost, which may result in slightly inferior paint finishes and details, but recent advancements in technology have led to an increase in products that offer quality exceeding their price. The methods of acquisition also differ; general retail figures are primarily available through pre-orders or online shopping, while prize figures are typically obtained from game centers, online cranes, or the second-hand market.

Attractions and Benefits of Prize Figures

The greatest appeal of prize figures is their overwhelming cost performance. Beginners can easily collect multiple characters, making it easier to expand their collection and take risks without fear of failure. Additionally, the sense of achievement from winning at UFO catchers and the thrill of online cranes are significant attractions in themselves. The variety is also noteworthy, as popular anime and game characters are continuously released every month, making it easy for beginners to find figures from their favorite works. For those looking to save on display space and costs, or for those who want to casually start their figure life, prize figures are an ideal choice.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Prize Figures

Before purchasing prize figures, it is essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages thoroughly. To prevent beginners from having regrets, we will compare and explain the pros and cons.

Advantages of Prize Figures

Prize figures have four major advantages. First, they can be obtained at a low price. In the second-hand market, they can be purchased for around 500 to 2,000 yen, allowing you to enjoy them at a fraction of the cost of regular retail figures. Second, there is the fun of obtaining them. The sense of achievement from winning at a UFO catcher and the thrill of online crane games are unique experiences that come with prize figures. Third, there is the variety of types. New releases featuring popular characters from anime and games appear every month, making it easy to find your favorite character. Fourth, they are easy to start collecting. Unlike expensive retail figures, you can challenge yourself without fear of failure, making it easier for beginners to start their collection, and they are an ideal entry point into the figure hobby.

Disadvantages and Cautions of Prize Figures

On the other hand, prize figures also have some disadvantages. The most notable is the variability in quality. There can be differences in quality depending on the manufacturer and product, and they may not meet your expectations. In particular, the paintwork may show unevenness, overspray, and rough gradients, which tends to result in a finish that is inferior to retail figures. Additionally, many products have few movable parts and fixed poses, which may leave those who want to enjoy free posing feeling unsatisfied. Furthermore, the details are often simplified, with the texture of costumes and the craftsmanship of small items being more basic compared to retail figures. Understanding these disadvantages, enjoying them with a focus on cost performance is the correct way to appreciate prize figures.

How to Obtain Prize Figures | Complete Guide for Beginners

There are three main ways to obtain prize figures. By understanding the characteristics of each method and choosing the one that suits you, you can efficiently increase your collection. Here, we will explain the merits and cautions of each method in a way that is easy for beginners to understand.

Obtain at Game Centers (UFO Catchers)

The UFO catchers at game centers are the most standard method for directly obtaining prize figures. The sense of achievement from operating the arm to grab a figure is exceptional, and the joy when you succeed is a unique pleasure of prize figures. For beginners, it is recommended to choose stores where staff assist you. Many game centers offer services where staff will adjust the arm settings or reposition the figures if you are unable to win after several attempts. However, it is important to understand that settings vary by machine, so there are machines that are easier to win from and those that are not. Observing the power of the arm and the arrangement of the prizes, and watching how other customers attempt to win can increase your success rate. Additionally, since there is a risk of your投入金額 increasing, it is wise to set a budget before attempting.

Tips for Beginners on UFO Catchers

For beginners to succeed at UFO catchers, it is important to keep a few points in mind. First, as a way to identify easy machines, choose machines where the prizes are tilted in their boxes or where the boxes are hanging over the edge of the machine. These settings are more likely to allow you to win after a few attempts. Next, it is also important to check the arm's quirks. Observe the strength and closing mechanism of the arm during your first play to determine where to aim for effectiveness. Additionally, the timing of when to ask the staff for help is important; if you have tried 3 to 5 times without success, do not hesitate to request assistance. Many stores are happy to support you. Furthermore, settings may change depending on the day of the week and time of day, so targeting less crowded times, such as weekday afternoons, is also recommended.

Obtain through Online Crane Games

Online crane games are a convenient way to win prize figures from the comfort of your home using a smartphone or computer. They are available to play 24 hours a day, making them ideal for those who are busy with work or school. The figures you win are delivered to your home, so you don't have to worry about carrying heavy items back. However, shipping fees may apply, so be sure to check in advance. Many online crane apps offer campaigns that provide free points upon initial registration, so it's recommended to register for multiple apps to enjoy them at a discount. Additionally, you can check the status of the game in real-time, allowing you to assess the position and ease of grabbing the prizes before attempting, which is a significant advantage. Beginners should start by trying the machines labeled as "easy to grab" for a higher chance of success.

Recommended Online Crane Apps

Here are three online crane apps recommended for beginners. First, "Crane Game Master" features many machines with easy settings, making it easier for beginners to win. Since you receive free points upon registration, it's also recommended to try it out for free first. Next, "Molly Online" offers a wide variety of prizes, including the latest anime and game figures. They frequently hold campaigns with free shipping, making it cost-effective to enjoy. Finally, "Treva" is the largest online crane service in the industry, with many machines available, making it easy to find an open machine at any time of day. With generous initial bonuses, it's a good idea to start with these three apps.

Purchasing from the Second-Hand Market and Flea Market Apps

Prize figures can be easily purchased from the second-hand market and flea market apps. On flea market apps like Mercari and Rakuma, you can find popular items that have appeared in the past, as well as rare figures that are no longer available in game centers. The price typically ranges from 500 to 2,000 yen, and it is often cheaper than repeatedly trying at game centers. Additionally, second-hand shops like Hard Off and Book Off sometimes sell prize figures in good condition at low prices, providing the thrill of finding hidden gems. However, it is important to check the condition of the box and any damages for second-hand items. Be sure to read the seller's ratings and product descriptions carefully, and check the photos for condition before purchasing. Beginners are also recommended to start by looking for figures they are interested in within the second-hand market.

Prize figures are sold by many manufacturers, but it is advisable for beginners to choose products from reliable manufacturers that offer both quality and stability. Here, we will introduce four particularly highly-rated manufacturers in detail.

BANDAI SPIRITS

BANDAI SPIRITS is the largest player in the prize figure industry and has gained overwhelming support for its high quality. As a member of the Bandai Namco Group, it offers a wide range of high-quality figures utilizing official licenses from popular anime such as One Piece, Dragon Ball, and Demon Slayer. In particular, the "Excellent Model" series and "Grandista" series are known for their stunning sculpting and precise painting that make them hard to believe they are prize figures. For beginners, the stable quality of BANDAI SPIRITS figures is often said to ensure success. The lineup is also very rich, covering a wide range from classic shonen manga characters to female-oriented characters, making it easy to find figures from your favorite works. The price range is also reasonable, typically around 1,000 to 2,000 yen in the second-hand market, providing an excellent balance of cost performance and quality.

Sega is a long-established manufacturer in the prize figure industry and has been loved for many years for its stable quality and unique sculpting sense. In particular, the "Premium Figure" series is carefully crafted down to the details at a reasonable price point, making it a product that can be confidently recommended to beginners. Sega's strength lies in its rich lineup of popular characters. With many popular works among anime fans, such as Hatsune Miku, Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World, and Sword Art Online, it is easy to find figures of your favorite works. Additionally, Sega is well-known for its facial sculpting and painting, faithfully reproducing the expressions and atmosphere of characters, ensuring a high level of satisfaction. They can also be obtained relatively cheaply in the second-hand market, making them an ideal manufacturer for first-time prize figure buyers.

FuRyu

FuRyu is gaining popularity as a prize figure manufacturer that specializes in female-oriented characters and cute designs. In particular, the "Chokonokko" series and "Noodle Stopper Figure" series are characterized by their deformed and adorable designs, receiving high support mainly from female fans. The charm of FuRyu lies in its vibrant colors and soft atmosphere in sculpting. The designs often use pastel colors and feature poses that maximize the cuteness of the characters, creating a bright atmosphere just by displaying them in a room. Moreover, many of FuRyu's figures are compact in size, making them perfect for beginners with limited display space. The price range is also very affordable, around 500 to 1,500 yen, allowing for the enjoyment of collecting and displaying multiple figures. This manufacturer is especially recommended for those who love cute characters or female-oriented works.

TAITO

TAITO is known for its good cost performance and unique sculpting sense as a prize figure manufacturer. While the prices tend to be slightly lower compared to other manufacturers, the quality is sufficiently high, making it easy for beginners to get started. TAITO's features include many collaborations with anime and games, offering limited design figures that match the seasons and events. For example, figures designed for events like Christmas and Halloween have a different charm from the regular versions, making them highly collectible. Additionally, TAITO has a unique sculpting style, allowing for poses and expressions that differ from other manufacturers. In the second-hand market, they can be purchased for around 500 to 1,000 yen, making them particularly recommended for beginners who want to expand their collection on a budget.

There are many series of prize figures, but it is important for beginners to choose series that are high in quality and easy to obtain. Here, we introduce three particularly popular series and how to choose for beginners.

One Piece Excellent Model (Banpresto)

The Excellent Model series of One Piece is a series that is particularly popular among prize figures and is recommended for beginners. Manufactured by Banpresto, this series focuses on main characters such as Luffy, Zoro, and Nami and is characterized by precise sculpting and beautiful painting. In particular, the expression of muscles, details of costumes, and richness of expressions are highly praised, boasting a quality that is hard to believe for a prize figure. Most figures are approximately 20cm in size, making them impressive yet easy to display. Additionally, since One Piece is a work that is popular across generations, it is abundantly available in the second-hand market, making it easy to obtain. The price typically ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 yen, making it a particularly recommended series for those purchasing prize figures for the first time.

Re:Zero Starting Life in Another World Figures (Sega)

The prize figures from Re:Zero Starting Life in Another World are a popular series manufactured by Sega and have received high support from anime fans. In particular, the figures of heroines such as Rem, Emilia, and Ram faithfully reproduce the charm of the characters, featuring very high quality in facial sculpting and painting. The details and gradient painting of costumes that showcase Sega's technical prowess boast a level of completion that exceeds that of typical prize figures. The size is approximately 18cm to 23cm, making them easy to display on desks or shelves. Furthermore, since Re:Zero is a work with enduring popularity, new figures are regularly released, making it easy to continue collecting. The price in the second-hand market is around 1,000 to 1,800 yen, making it an affordable series particularly recommended for beginner anime fans.

Chokonokko (Furyu)

The Chokonokko series is a deformed figure series developed by Furyu that features adorable designs and a reasonable size. The figures are smaller than regular figures (approximately 6cm to 10cm), allowing them to be displayed in small spaces such as on desks or next to computers. The designs that deformed and cute-ified the characters are particularly popular among female fans, and there is also the enjoyment of collecting and displaying multiple figures together. Additionally, the prices are very reasonable, typically ranging from 500 to 1,000 yen in the second-hand market, making it easy for beginners to purchase multiple figures. This series is especially recommended for those with limited display space or those who want to collect cute design figures. Chokonokko collaborates with various anime works, making it easy to find figures from your favorite series.

How to Choose a Series for Beginners

When beginners choose a series of prize figures, it is important to keep a few points in mind. First, it is most important to choose from works or characters you like. To continue a collection for a long time, selecting figures from works you have an attachment to is key to success. Next, consider ease of display. If the size is too large, it can be difficult to find display space, so starting with compact sizes (approximately 15cm to 20cm) is recommended. Additionally, the price range is also important, and it is wise to start with items priced around 1,000 to 2,000 yen and gradually expand to more expensive series as you become accustomed. Furthermore, check the reliability of the manufacturer. By choosing products from established manufacturers like Banpresto and Sega, you can reduce the risk of failure.

How to Distinguish the Quality of Prize Figures

Since the quality of prize figures can vary by product, it is important to know the points to distinguish them before purchasing. Here, we will explain three points that beginners can easily check.

Check the quality of the paint

When assessing the quality of prize figures, the finish of the paint is the most important checkpoint. First, let's check for paint irregularities. Especially the face and skin areas are more noticeable, so we check if the color is applied evenly. Next, it's also important to check for paint overspray. We need to confirm that there is no overspray at the boundaries between hair and skin, or in the patterns of the costume. Furthermore, if there is gradient painting, check if the color transitions are natural. In low-quality products, the gradient may appear unnaturally stepped. When purchasing from the second-hand market or flea market apps, it is essential to zoom in on product photos to check the details. Figures with carefully applied paint tend to have higher overall quality.

Checking the Precision of the Sculpt

The precision of the sculpt is a crucial factor that greatly influences the satisfaction with the figure. First, let's check the likeness of the face. Confirm whether the character's expression, eye shape, and mouth position are close to the original work or anime image. Especially, the painting of the eyes is important, so check for any misalignment in the sparkle and position of the pupils. Next, the balance of proportions is also important. Check if the size balance between the head and body, as well as the length of the arms and legs, is natural. Additionally, the detail of the craftsmanship is also a checkpoint. Look at the flow of the hair, the wrinkles in the costume, and the accuracy of the accessories to confirm that the details are well expressed. Figures that are carefully sculpted are beautiful from any angle and have a finish that does not get boring even after being displayed for a long time.

The Condition of the Package and Stability of the Base

To assess the quality of a figure, the condition of the package and base is also an important checkpoint. First, let's check the condition of the package. If there are large tears or crushes on the box, it may affect the figure itself. This is especially important when purchasing second-hand items, so it is crucial to check the condition of the box in photos. Next, check the construction and stability of the base. Figures with unstable bases are prone to tipping over when displayed, increasing the risk of damage. If the base has insertion holes, also check if the hole positions align with the figure's feet. Additionally, it is good to see if the design of the base harmonizes with the figure itself. Figures with stable bases can be displayed with peace of mind for a long time.

Storage and Display Methods for Prize Figures

To enjoy prize figures for a long time, it is important to know the proper storage and display methods. Here, we will introduce tips for storage and points for display that beginners can easily practice.

Correct Storage Methods

To store prize figures in good condition, there are several points to keep in mind. First, avoiding direct sunlight is the most important. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the paint to fade or discolor. If displaying near a window, apply UV-cut film or use curtains to block sunlight. Next, dust prevention is also essential. Dust accumulating on the figure not only looks bad but can also be difficult to remove from intricate details. It is recommended to store them in display cases or acrylic cases. Additionally, temperature control is important, and high temperature and humidity environments should be avoided. Especially in summer, adjust the room temperature with air conditioning and be careful not to let humidity rise. If storing in a box, it is also important to periodically take the figure out to check its condition.

Display Tips for Beginners

To display prize figures attractively, there are several tips. First, choosing the right display case is important. For beginners, collection cases or acrylic cases are recommended, as they can beautifully showcase the figures while preventing dust. Choose a size that is about 5cm taller than the height of the figure. Next, the balance of placement is also important. When displaying multiple figures, considering the balance of height and color will create a cohesive and beautiful display. Additionally, using LED lights can further enhance the charm of the figures. Especially, shining lights on the face or the gradient parts of the paint will highlight the three-dimensionality and make them look even more beautiful. Placing posters or acrylic stands in the background is also effective in creating the world view of the work. Beginners are recommended to start by displaying about 1 to 3 figures and gradually increase their collection.

Summary: Let's Start Enjoying Collecting with Prize Figures

Prize figures are the perfect starting point for figure beginners. They can be easily obtained from UFO catchers at game centers or online crane games, and with a reasonable price range of about 500 to 2,000 yen, you can collect figures of your favorite characters. By choosing products from reliable manufacturers like Banpresto, Sega, Furyu, and Taito, you can enjoy sufficient quality at a low price.

The method of acquisition can be enjoyable by directly winning at game centers, challenging online cranes anytime you like, or searching for hidden gems in the second-hand market, allowing you to choose according to your lifestyle. By keeping in mind the checkpoints for paint and sculpting, you can find figures that provide high satisfaction.

Moreover, by practicing proper storage methods and display tips, you can enjoy your collection in a beautiful state for a long time. By avoiding direct sunlight and displaying them in a display case, you can prevent dust and fading while maximizing the charm of the figures.

Prize figures are a great hobby for beginners as they can be started easily compared to expensive retail figures, and the acquisition process itself can be enjoyable, allowing beginners to challenge themselves without fear of failure. Start by obtaining one character from your favorite work and gradually expand your collection. Let your figure life begin in the world of prize figures.

For those who want to learn more about choosing figures, please refer to 【Related Article】: Complete Guide for First-Time Figure Buyers.

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The Complete Guide to Figures for Beginners | Recommended Series and How to Choose