Busou Shinki

Busou Shinki is a Japanese media mix franchise from Konami Digital Entertainment, first launched in Japan in 2006 with a line of action figures followed by a companion online game. The franchise encompasses various manga, anime, novels, video games, and more.

The online game was shut down in 2011, and the original toy line was discontinued in 2012.

A revival of the series was teased in December 2017 and later revealed to be centered around a smartphone game, but the game was still in development hell as of February 2020.

Action Figures and Model Kits

Original Line and MMS

The action figure line was launched in Japan in September 2006. Many were based on character designs by prolific Japanese artists.

Busou Shinki action figures are presented as 1:1 scale, drawing from a fictional world featuring action figure-sized androids. The various media all take place in this same setting, though in different time periods.

Busou Shinki are feminine androids with stylized body armor and/or mechanical parts (such as the mermaid-themed Ianeira having a mechanical fish tail), but do have considerable variation in aesthetic between models that reflects the artistic license given to the different designers. Due to the setting, joints and screws in the action figures are considered to be part of the designs, and are frequently depicted in art, video games, and other media, though they are sometimes omitted or less significantly depicted such as in the TV anime.

All of the figures use a common 'MMS' (Multi Moveable System) body designed by Masaki Asai. MMS figures have multiple highly articulated joints, which give them a wide range of possible poses, including a special swinging leg joint that allows for near-180 degree vertical articulation on legs. Additionally, multiple body parts are interchangeable, allowing a wide variety of customization without tools. There are three iterations of MMS (1st, 2nd, and 3rd), with 3rd coming in two body types (Short and Tall) to allow for different proportions depending on the character. Busou Shinki only uses MMS 1st and MMS 3rd Short/Tall: MMS 2nd was only used for action figures for other IPs such as Beatmania and Gurren Lagann.

The series uses a 3.3/4mm standard for parts (both body parts and equipment) that allow them to be connected to other parts. This ensures compatibility throughout the line, but deviates from the 3mm standard used by most other Japanese lines, meaning that they are only compatible with each other.

Busou Shinki product packages come in several varieties such as full sets, EX sets, Light Armor sets, and bodies. Full sets come with a unique painted MMS body with head and a full set of equipment. EX sets only include a head and a small assortment of equipment, with no MMS body. Light Armor sets are complete sets of unique MMS with head and equipment but with a significantly smaller amount of equipment and accessories and a smaller stand compared to regular sets. Bodies are sold in blister packages that only contain an MMS body with no equipment. The Arnval Mk 2 and Strarf Mk 2 also had Full Arms Package releases, which had more weapons and equipment in addition to the original full set releases.

There were also multiple exclusive repaint versions only available from Dengeki Hobby, Konami Style, or events.

Konami also released action figures for various other IPs such as Sky Girls, Otomedius, Beatmania, Gurren Lagann, and using MMS bodies that are compatible with the Busou Shinki line: These were branded under the MMS label, but not the Busou Shinki label. A Hayate no Gotoku collaboration figure that came with a limited-edition version of the Hayate no Gotoku game Nightmare Paradise, however, was under the Busou Shinki label as it included Busou Shinki equipment (repaints of the Valona equipment).

List of Action Figure Releases

Arnval (アーンヴァル, Ānvaru), Angel Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Strarf (ストラーフ, Sutorāfu), Devil Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Waffebunny (ヴァッフェバニー, Vaffebanī), Rabbit Type, EX SetCharacter Designer: Tetsurō Kasahara (カサハラテツロー)

US Release Date: 22 March 2007 (Note, this release consisted of Benio only)

Xiphos (サイフォス, Saifosu), Knight Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Rokurō Shinofusa (篠房六郎)

Benio (紅緒, Benio), Samurai Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Rokurō Shinofusa (篠房六郎)

Zyrdarya (ジルダリア, Jirudaria), Flower Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Okama

Fort Bragg (フォートブラッグ, Fōto Buraggu), Battery Type, EX SetCharacter Designer: Takayuki Yanase (柳瀬敬之)

Eukrante (エウクランテ, Eukurante), Seiren Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Ryōta Magaki (間垣亮太)

Ianeira (イーアネイラ, ĪANEIRA), Mermaid Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Ryōta Magaki (間垣亮太)

Waffedolphin (ヴァッフェドルフィン, VAFFEDORUFIN), Dolphin Type, EX SetCharacter Designer: Tetsurō Kasahara (カサハラテッロー)

Tigris (ティグリース, Tigurīsu), Tiger Type, Full SetCharacter Designers: Eiichi Shimizu (清水栄一), Tomohiro Shimoguchi (下口智裕)

Vitulus (ウィトゥルース, Witurūsu), Calf Type, Full SetCharacter Designers: Eiichi Shimizu (清水栄一), Tomohiro Shimoguchi (下口智裕)

Grapprap (グラップラップ, Gurappurappu), Builder Type, EX SetCharacter Designer: Eisaku Kitō (鬼頭栄作)

YDA (イーダ, Īda), High Maneuver Trike Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Choco

Schmetterling (シュメッターリング, Shumettāringu), Butterfly Type, EX SetCharacter Designer: Chibisuke Machine (ちびすけマシーン)

Murmeltier (ムルメルティア, Murumerutia), Panzer Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Asuka (飛鳥, Asuka), Fighter Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Zelnogrard (ゼルノグラード, Zerunogurādo), Firearms Type, EX Set+BodyCharacter Designer: Takayuki Yanase (柳瀬敬之)

Lançamento (ランサメント, Ransamento), Rhinoceras Beetle Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Tanimeso (たにめそ)

Espadia (エスパディア, Esupadia), Stag Beetle Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Tanimeso (たにめそ)

Graffias (グラフィオス, Gurafiosu), Scorpion Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Ryōta Magaki (間垣亮太)

Vespelio (ウェスペリオー, Wesuperiō), Bat Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Ryōta Magaki (間垣亮太)

Arnval Tranche 2 (アーンヴァル トランシェ2, Ānvaru Toranshe 2), Angel Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Strarf bis (ストラーフ bis, Sutorāfu bis), Devil Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Altlene (アルトレーネ), Valkyrie Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Taraku Uon (羽音たらく), Armament Redesigner: Takayuki Yanase (柳瀬敬之), Concept and Original Armament Desighner: Kem by Bokusin-Contest Grand Prix

Altines (アルトアイネス), Valkyrie Type, Full SetLE Konamistyle Japanese and Dengeki ExclusiveCharacter Designer: Taraku Uon (羽音たらく),Armament Redesigner: Takayuki Yanase (柳瀬敬之), Concept and Original Armament Desighner: Kem by Bokusin-Contest Grand Prix

Baby Razz (ベイビーラズ, Beibī Razu), Electric Guitar Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Choco

Gabrine (ガブリーヌ, Gaburīnu), Hellhound Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Yoshitsune Izuna (いずなよしつね)

Renge (蓮華, Renge), Ninetailed Fox Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Yoshitsune Izuna (いずなよしつね)

Artille (アーティル, Ātiru), Lynx Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Kazuhiko Kakoi (かこいかずひこ)

Raptias (ラプティアス, Raputiasu), Eagle Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Kazuhiko Kakoi (かこいかずひこ)

Maryceles (マリーセレス, Marīseresu), Tentacles Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Niθ

Proxima (プロキシマ, Purokishima), Centaurus Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Niθ

Oorbellen (オールベルン, Ōruberun), Fencer-Pearl Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Zielbellen (ジールベルン, Jīruberun), Fencer-Obsidian Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Arnval Mk.2 Tempesta (アーンヴァルMk.2 テンペスタ), Angel Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Strarf Mk.2 Lavina (ストラーフMk.2 ラヴィーナ), Devil Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Lirbiete (リルビエート), Vicviper Type, FullCharacter Designer: Mika Akitaka (明貴美加)

Mizuki Type 2 (ミズキ弐型), Ninja Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Humikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Arnval Mk.2 Tempesta Full Arms Package (アーンヴァルMk.2 テンペスタ フルアームズパッケージ), Angel Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Strarf Mk.2 Lavina Full Arms Package (ストラーフMk.2 ラヴィーナ フルアームズパッケージ), Devil Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Valona (ヴァローナ, Varōna), Succubus Type, Light Armour Full SetCharacter Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Werkstra (ウェルクストラ, Werukusutora), Commando Angel Type, Light Armour Full SetCharacter Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Bright Feather (ブライトフェザー, Buraitofezā), Nurse Type, Light Armour Full SetCharacter Designer: Mercy Rabbit (マーシーラビット)

Harmony Grace (ハーモニーグレイス, Hāmonī Gureisu), Sister (nun) Type, Light Armour Full SetCharacter Designer: Mercy Rabbit (マーシーラビット)

Partio (パーティオ, Pātio), Ferret Type, Light Armor Full SetCharacter Designer: BLADE

Pomock (ポモック, Pomokku), Squirrel Type, Light Armor Full SetCharacter Designer: BLADE

Kohiru (こひる, Kohiru), Chopsticks Type, Light Armor Full SetCharacter Designer: Dogmask

Merienda (メリエンダ, Merienda ), Spoon Type, Light Armor Full SetCharacter Designer: Dogmask

Fubuki (フブキ, Fubuki), Ninja Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: nunoLE Konamistyle Japanese Exclusive

Mizuki (ミズキ, Mizuki), Ninja Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: nunoLE Konamistyle Japanese Exclusive

Nagi (ナギ, Nagi), Ojousama Type, Light Armor Full SetCharacter Designer: Kenjiro HataOnly available from a special release with the Hayate no Gotoku PSP game Nightmare Paradise Konami Style Japanese exclusive limited edition.Character Redesigner: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ), Original Character Designer: Kenjirou Hata (畑健二郎)

Arnval Mk.2 (アーンヴァルMk.2), Angel Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Strarf Mk.2 (ストラーフMk.2 ), Devil Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Only available from a special release with the Busou Shinki Battle Masters PSP game Konami Style Japanese exclusive limited edition.

Arnval Mk.2 Full Arms Package (アーンヴァルMk.2 フルアームズパッケージ), Angel Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Strarf Mk.2 Full Arms Package (ストラーフMk.2 フルアームズパッケージ), Devil Type, Full SetCharacter Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Only available from a special release with the Busou Shinki Battle Masters Mk.2 PSP game Konami Style Japanese exclusive limited edition

Busou Shinki Variants

Several limited edition versions of the Busou Shinki figures have also been released. These variants sport alternate color schemes and additional parts.

MMS Naked Body Releases

Exclusively sold on the Konami Style Japan page, these are unpainted, featureless MMS Figures meant for use with EX sets or for customization. They come in a variety of colors and shades of skintone intended to match other MMS figures.

The MMS Naked bodies are available, like the Busou Shinki figures themselves, in three different body archetypes: MMS 1st, MMS 3rd (small) and MMS 3rd (tall). Although similar in form and construction, not all body parts are compatible among them.

2016 Reproductions

Though the original line was discontinued in 2012, purchasers of the 2015 anime Blu-Ray box set received a serial code allowing them to purchase limited run reproductions of the MMS bodies of the four main Shinki from the anime (Arnval mk. 2, Strarf mk. 2, Altines, and Altlene).

These were reproductions of the MMS bodies only, and did not include the equipment or most of the accessories from the original releases, and came in entirely new packaging. The reproductions were priced at 8000 yen per MMS, or 25,000 yen for a set of all four.

The reproductions were popular enough that additional batches had to be produced, alongside additional Blu-Ray box sets. Though originally announced for an April 2016 release, the reproduction set was delayed to December 2016.

Megami Device Collaboration Model Kits

After the 2017 revival, the series has been getting collaboration model kit releases from Kotobukiya (toy company)'s Megami Device line, which many former Busou Shinki key staff such as series/MMS creator Masaki Asai, former series producer Toriyama Toriwo, and designers Fumikane Shimada and Takayuki Yanase are involved with.

The first revival shinki, Edelweiss, was released in January 2019 as part of a tie-in with the upcoming smartphone game Busou Shinki R (then unnamed), but the game was further delayed. The Edelweiss kit thus uses the generic Busou Shinki series logo instead of the Busou Shinki R logo in its branding, while the card from the Battle Conductor arcade game which was released after the Busou Shinki R logo was revealed uses the R logo.

Releases of Arnval and Strarf as Megami Device collaboration model kits were also announced in 2015, predating the revival announcement, but as of December 2020 no release date has been announced yet.

The kits are not based on the old MMS design, and instead use the new Machinica standard designed by Asai.

The Megami Device line uses the Japanese model kit industry standard of 3mm joints, meaning that they are by default incompatible with the original Busou Shinki line, but Kotobukiya has released joint adapters that allow one to establish compatibility between 3.0 and 3.3mm standards.

It was initially announced in early 2018 that other new designs from the revival would get Megami Device model kits, but no progress was made on them, and with Asai's distancing himself from the project in 2020 it is unclear if they will be made. Toriyama is still attached to the mobile game project and its kits, however, and a prototype body for a second collaboration kit with character design by BLADE was shown at Wonder Festival Summer 2018, but as of 2024 this kit has not been released. BLADE was later commissioned for similar but different designs for Megami Device, unrelated to the Busou Shinki brand, which were announced in 2023 and had kits released in 2024 as the PUNI☆MOFU line, starting with PUNI☆MOFU Mao.

List of Megami Device Collaboration Model Kit Releases

Edelweiss (エーデルワイス, Ēderuwaisu), Jaeger Type (猟兵型)Character Designer: Fumikane Shimada (島田フミカネ)

Video games

Busou Shinki Battle Rondo

On 23 April 2007 Konami released Battle Rondo. Battle Rondo was a free multiplayer online raising sim set in the fictional Busou Shinki universe. Players could unlock in-game versions of the figures, including their armor and weapons, and other gear, by inputting codes that came with each Busou Shinki figure, or through micropayments. The game consisted primarily of automated one-on-one battles with NPC or player-owned Shinki, and the main objective of the game was to have Shinki participate in battles while maintaining high win ratios in order to raise their ranks. The game also had time-limited event quests with their own storylines.

The game used a battle system which had Shinki fight automatically, with the player "training" the AI to fight more effectively through feedback after each match. The game would also output battle logs as text files in which the reasons for actions taken in battle would be detailed, allowing the player to give more accurate feedback to the Shinki. Shinki personalities (influencing actions they take in battle and how they respond to feedback) and stats were affected by the initial setup, in which the player selected three "CSC" core crystals. CSCs could not be changed without resetting a Shinki entirely, which would reset them to level 1 and lore-wise erases their memories.

The game was discontinued on 31 October 2011, and the official web portal was closed down.

Busou Shinki Battle Masters

Busou Shinki Battle Masters was developed by Konami for the PlayStation Portable released 15 July 2010. A sequel/updated version, also for the PSP, Busou Shinki Battle Masters Mk.2 was released on 22 September 2011. Both releases had limited edition releases which from Konami's online store Konami Style which included exclusive limited release action figures.

Both were conventional action games, with the player taking direct control of shinki (unlike Battle Rondo). The in-world lore justification for this is that Battle Masters takes place in 2040 as opposed to Battle Rondo's 2036, and that taking control of shinki is made possible by new virtual reality technology.

Busou Shinki Battle Communication

Busou Shinki: Battle Communication was a social game developed by Mobage for feature phones that was launched on 31 October 2010. The service was discontinued on 22 May 2012.

Busou Shinki Armored Princess Battle Conductor

Busou Shinki: Armored Princess Battle Conductor is an arcade game with four-player online battle royale gameplay, in which players take control of teams of three shinki and compete to collect the greatest amount of gems in a match, that was developed by Konami and released on 24 December 2020. The game also makes use of a holographic display, and players save their progress through use of a Konami e-Amusement IC pass and by outputting shinki as physical trading cards via a Card Connect machine.

The appearance of Edelweiss in the game was promoted as being a crossover/collaboration with Busou Shinki R, even though Busou Shinki R has not been released yet.

The game has also had collaborations with other Konami IPs such as the Bemani series, Quiz Magic Academy series, Tokimeki Memorial series, Sky Girls series, and LovePlus series.

Busou Shinki R (Tentative Title)

Busou Shinki R was initially teased with no title in December 2017 before being officially announced as a smartphone game in February 2020.