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Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Play Arts Kai Solid Snake Bootleg?

Hi guys, thanks for dropping by. Play Arts Kai's most recent release, the legendary Solid Snake from the Metal Gear Solid series is greeted with much enthusiasm and doubt. There has been a debate about the authenticity of certain versions that arrived in the market. I have been on the forefront of this issue for quite some time already and though nothing has been proven yet, for the benefit of all I would like to record the differences i have encountered with both the "perceived authentic" Solid Snake figure and the "alleged bootleg" one.
Photo courtesy of sorubeido
It is alarming that authenticity of Play Arts Kai figures is now in question noting how expensive these figures are and how loyal the fanbase is of the line.This record however is still not a basis for authenticity and like i mentioned, unless Square-Enix themselves confirm the existence of bootlegs the debate will just go on. My advice to all of my fellow collectors: be wary, careful and smart with your purchases. Check out the differences i noted below:



Play Arts Kai Solid Snake noted differences

Perceived Authentic Alleged Bootleg

Packaging:

1. With Serial Number DGTC-1203 on the bottom flap. Serials are deeply engraved, typewriter font size. 1. No Serial Number or if serials are present, not engraved deeply and font is different.

2. Warning and Attention boxes on the upper right corner and top flap in a light to medium grey background 2. Warning and attention boxes in dark background

3. Box art of character on side is sharp 3. Box art of character is a bit blurry

4. The sides of the boxes emit a reddish black sheen under a light 4. Dull black sheen

5. Matte 25th sticker 5. Glossy 25th sticker

6. Tightly packaged box with circular tapes 6. Loosely packaged box with circular tapes and common scotch tape

7. Hard inner tray 7. Soft inner tray that collapse at times due to weight of the figure




Head / Face:

1. Well defined facial structure with light brown/flesh pink shades around the eyes and cheeks. 1. Pale or grayish shades on the face and (commonly with) wayward gray paint smudges on the cheeks, chin, ears and neck.

2. Ashen/light blue eyes with glossy finish 2. Same color but No glossy finish

3. Flesh pink or light brown lips 3. Dark brown or gray lips




Body/Joints

1. Glossy paint finish on the upper torso 1. Dull black finish on the upper torso

2. Darker shade overall for body 2. Grayish body shade

3. Tight joints especially the groin and knee areas 3. Joints are a bit loose

Weapons/Accessories

1. SOCOM dark semi-metallic finish 1. SOCOM dark finish (looks like a GI Joe gun to me)

2. FAMAS semi-metallic finish 2. Dull finish

3. Bandanna is articulated with removable tail 3. Bandanna not articulated and not removable


NOTE: some shades on his face area are only visible under certain lighting conditions. This is especially true on the shadings around his eyes and cheeks. His eyes also possess a different glow when subjected to a camera flash since they have a glossy coat.

56 comments:

  1. i have just find out that my cyborg ninja has a "TCKUGAWA" spelling in its head instead of "TOKUGAWA". but my figure has a serial code engraved in the bottom of the box. so im just confuse if my figure is a bootleg or not. pls help me clarify this because i am really majorly bothered right now. thnx.

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    Replies
    1. ^^does the serial numbers look like the other serials from your other Play Arts boxes bro? the alleged bootleg serials fonts are larger and engraved less deeper than the authentic ones.

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  2. Ah, I'll have to use this.
    I just bought Cyborg Ninja from an ebay seller beause it was sold out from the 2-3 japanese websites I wanted to buy from...
    I still asked the seller if the figure was authentic because I will know it when I receive it otherwise...
    I'll be using this to check that out :)
    Also thank you for uploading your "defined" pictures, I shall look at them thoroughly when I receive my Gray Fox <3

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  3. ^^no problem bro, i'm glad to be of help to you.

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  4. hello sir. i've been following your blog regarding the alleged bootleg copies of PAK Solid Snake. i've been wondering around town and been to several stores but either they don't have a copy or they have the "bootleg" version. could you point me in the right direction as to where you got your "original" version? i'm in the general manila area btw. thanks!

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  5. ^^i suggest you order them from Greattoys Online, they'll be having a shipment later this month. The 2nd batch of Play Arts Kai Solid Snakes they'll get are 100% authentic. GTO's main branch is in Taft Ave across PCU College, as for me, i usually get my stuff in their Makati branch @ Waltermart Pasong Tamo.

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  6. thanks sir! i usually get my PAK mgs figs from that branch as well. just doubted the "authenticity" of the recent solid snake shipments though. thanks for the info, will give them a call :)

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  7. ^^i still suggest that you check it out first, their first shipment included the zombie snakes though i heard Malvin of GTO is currently cleaning that up by replacing the zombie ones with 100% authentic figs.

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  8. Hi, Thanks for the info regarding alleged bootlegs of this Play Arts Kai MGS "Solid Snake".. I recently purchased here in Dubai and i use your guide here in order to identify the differences on the bootlegs and original one's... I used to order my first Play Arts Kai of MGS online on ebay, however i discovered that you can buy this one here locally in here in Dubai. And Good News... The store here selling this figures are authentic and 100% original... I based all the facts on this blog, and it helps me very much... BTW this is my first time collecting Play Arts Kai figures.. My 1st one is MGSPW "Sneaking Suit Snake" and this MGS "Solid Snake"...I'm now on the process of collecting MGS "Cyborg Ninja" & "Meryl". There out of stock at the moment and hoping that they will have this 2 figures soon...

    Thanks Again...

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  9. ^^you're welcome bro, it's a good thing you are able to spot them locally. I'm just wondering how are they over there? Better grab Grey Fox soon, Meryl is still some months away.

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  10. Yup, I already did a reservation for my "Gray Fox" Figure. The cost if the figures here is 425 Dirhams for both "Solid Snake" & "Gray Fox". For Meryl I don't know yet... Is it true that Meryl will be due on August this year? There are prototypes of Solidus and Raiden now on the web, I'm hoping that it will be release soon before Christmas!!! Heheee...

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  11. ^^425? how much is that in Php bro? Yes, she's due on August or September then perhaps Solidus before the year-end. Raiden, i fear, will be released late. Way past the release of his game MGS: Rising. That's what happened to their Drake fig as well.

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  12. 425 Dirhams is around 4,600 - 5,000 range in Php. Just to clarify my previous post, It cost 425 for "Each" Figures not for "Both".

    I'm checking http://www.greattoysonline.com right now, and i find it difficult to search MGS or MGSPW line-ups on that site? Or It's just me...

    How much does it cost there? you know Play Arts Kai "MGS" or "MGSPW" line-up in the Philippines?

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  13. ^^Ouch, that's a bit tough bro. the older MGS: PW figs over here is on the 2300-2800 range each while Snake and Fox are on the 3.7K+ range. I got mine for around 2.3K for the PW and Snake and Fox for around 3K each.

    I think GTO needs to update their website, i can't spot the MGS PA Kai figs as well.

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  14. Yeah it's really tough here.. :(

    Anyways, thanks again for the info's you provide on this blog...

    May the force be with you... and May you have more Figures to come and collect...

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  15. ^^thanks bro, by the way, are you a member of pinoytoykolektors? i suggest you sign up if you're not a member yet http://pinoytoykolektors.com , you can get the figures cheaper there from fellow collectors and you can also discuss this and other topics with us.

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  16. before i buy play arts solid snake, i read your noted differences.. at the store in my country, there is 5 solid snake and i must choose and buy one of them, 3 from 5 snake is a fake (bootleg)... thank u very much for this usefull info brother... :D

    i'm speechless and i satisfied with the paint job... damn, is great figures.. a must have...i'm waiting for solidus snake and raiden... is play arts will make other character from mgs series ?

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  17. before i buy solid snake i read your noted differences..at the toys store in my country there is 5 solid snake, i must choose & buy one of them..3 from 5 is a fake (bootleg)..thank's for this usefull info brother..

    i'm satisfied with the paintjob, damn is a great figure.. a must have..now i'm waiting for solidus snake and raiden, is play arts will make other characters from mgs series ?

    thank's again for your information...

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  18. hey bro..i bought solid snake yesterday... before i buy solid snake i read your noted differences , there is 5 solid snake at the toys store in my country, 3 from 5 is a fake (bootleg).. i must choose & buy one of them..thank u for this usefull info.. i'm very satisfied with the paintjob application. can't wait for solidus snake & raiden...is play arts will make other characters from mgs series ?

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  19. ^^that's very nice bro, i'm glad i was able to help you. So far Meryl, Solidus and Raiden are the only MGS character in the line-up. i have reasons to believe though that Ocelot is not too far behind.

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  20. You sure these differences are actually "bootleg" differences and not simply differences in which factory is making which run on the figure?

    Oftentimes different factories make the figures slightly different and, without proper quality control, the figures can have minor differences like the ones you've described above. I only mention this as I've seen it happen and it actually happens more often then collectors realize. It's only when a figure like this comes along and fans are super picky about what the figure looks like that they really notice these minor differences.

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    Replies
    1. Hi bro, thanks for dropping by. As much as i wanted to deny it i would have to answer, "Yes, these are the tell tale signs of a bootleg Snake compared to an authentic one." Even my sponsors at Greattoys Online confirmed the existence of questionable Snake figures in the market since they themselves are victims during the 1st batch of shipments from a different supplier. The ones they got now came directly from Square-Enix since they even have the pictures of the boxes taken. The differences aren't too subtle also and you can easily tell once you have handled both (i have done so that's why i am confident of my statement). Aside from the physical differences of the figures the packaging is also very suspicious like i mentioned. Based on experience, the figures may differ quality-wise but the packaging must be consistent even if it's falling apart. I agree that it happens a lot of times though few ever seem to notice, i used to collect Transformers figures before and i have encountered similar issues. Another giveaway is that certain sellers or shops that are known to carry bootleg products also carry this Snake and their stocks arrived about the same time as the international release of Square-Enix, usually it takes at least half a week or a week before the stocks arrive locally.

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  21. Hi bro,

    Would you know of any existing Joker bootleg? I'm worried because my Joker's box doesn't have serial nubmers.

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    Replies
    1. ^^i haven't received any reports of a bootleg Joker bro but i'm concerned if the one you got doesn't have a serial. Where are you from bro?

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  22. Those this figures are sold locally on the US? like Wall Mart or Toys R Us? I cant by online yet...

    Also does Greaytoys have an online store?

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    Replies
    1. I'm not sure bro, even here in the Philippines they are rare on mainstream toy shops and even if they are available the prices are absurdly inflated. you can email Greattoys online directly inquiry@greattoysonline.com

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    2. Oh thx, BTW does greattoys have an eBay store?

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    3. Hi bro, you can check them out here: http://myworld.ebay.ph/greattoysonline-com/?_trksid=p4340.l2559

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  23. The TCKUGAWA is a poor qc and not bootleg. If it's bootleg don't you think they will write it correctly? By the way, I've never seen any bootleg that looks quite so good. Usually if it's bootleg, you can instantly recognise it. Why? Coz they have limited funding and don't have any qc at all to monitor their works. Bad qc like this happens all the time with big company. Hasbro, Mattel sometimes assembled their MU or MOTUC with wrong parts.

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    Replies
    1. as far as the figure is concerned, i think almost everything else is ok with it except for that TCKUGAWA misprint though it is reported that those versions are missing the upper arm articulation and the head is not as glossy as the ones with the correct print. I would like to say that those are just QC issues but the box/packaging is similar to the "zombie" Solid Snake down to the dull black shade of the box when under certain lighting. The box of the original has a reddish black sheen under a light and the inner plastic tray is sturdy. The bootleg trays are easily crumpled.

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  24. This is what I got from Square Enix myself. I emailed them and ask about The TCKOGAWA incident.
    "Thank you for contacting SQUARE ENIX support,

    Since each figure is manufactured uniquely there may be minor differences between each model in the painting decals and construction. These small differences can make the models vary slightly from item to item. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase our primary suggestion would be to return to the retailer to seek a refund or an exchange. We thank you for your patience while we address this issue. If you are not comfortable with resolving this issue yourself, please reply back to this email and let us know.

    Thank you for contacting the SQUARE ENIX Support Center.
    ___________
    For additional assistance with this issue, you can reply to this email directly. For assistance with a new issue, please visit the SQUARE ENIX Support Center at http://support.na.square-enix.com."

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    Replies
    1. thank you for the effort bro, really appreciate it though i'm still having doubts about the fig since the packaging is very similar to the zombie snake as i've mentioned before. If that is the case then it sucks for the collectors who got the misprinted one for the same price as the one without QC issues. Based on experience, Square Enix uses an auto-responder and not actual person when answering inquiries. If the question is on the database you'll get an automated answer. I emailed them before about the serial numbers and all i got is an email stating that they don't understand my query.

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  25. By the way, about missing limb/accessories, again it's a terrible qc by SE. A friend of mine bought PA Street Fighter Chun Li from AmiAmi and it came with no stand! Damn that sux!

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  26. ^^yup, i saw a Ryu with 2 right feet before, there's also one missing his bandanna straight from the box. Missing accessories and/or figure parts is a common issue even in other lines. What we are really focusing on are those figures with questionable paint apps, sub-par details and "different" packaging that usually arrive in shops in batches. Comparing those with the "authentic" ones you can tell the difference at a glance. A friend of mine from one of the forums and a long-time PA collector attests that if you are a long-time collector already you can easily spot if the figure is a bootleg or not. I know since i've esperienced it twice already. you may want to read my findings about the Battle Dress Snake somewhere in this blog. Thanks for your visit.

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  27. Hi, I just read your topic here about bootleg Snake, & did a very late research on my MGS Snake. I owned my Snake but I really dissatisfied with him after I unbox him... Especially his head bothers me terribly, here's the pic: http://viofitz.deviantart.com/gallery/34510519#/d582jrl

    I did some comparison between mine & your statements to reveal which version is mine one, I got several problems on the contents itself mainly his painting & sculpt problem on his head, 2nd would his scratched FAMAS Sculpt. But the box is completely perfect, the serial number is presents & the others are exactly like in the "Perceived Authentic" one. Even his Bandanna is removable... I need your opinion if you're willing to whether this is bootleg or not. Here's more pictures of him: http://viofitz.wordpress.com/2012/04/21/review-play-arts-kai-solid-snakeenglish/

    If this is real, it's my bad luck afterall... But it's really fed up that I already encountered this on my very 1st owned PAK figure... T_T

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    Replies
    1. Your Snake looks legit to me. The QC people at Square Enix just messed up. Anyway, small issues like that are basically ok. Most of our figures got those.

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    2. Okay... It's just my another bad luck then. Sorry, I actually had enough on that small issues anyway on getting most of my figures. Thx for your opinion.

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  28. Hi Jeri, I recently got the play arts solid snake figure. The box was perfect with circle tape and everything and the figure looks great! However from reading here it seems my snake lacks the "tight joints at the hips" and the "ashen/light blue eyes". Was wondering if its really nothing to worry about. I really am not sure about play arts(still new). Got a play arts ryu (which was my first play arts figure) back then and found a white hole on the side of his bandana and some red paint on his hair. Cant even return it because the local store has the "no exchange, no refund" policy which they failed to explain to me. The box also looked perfect with circle tape. Anyway any help is greatly appreciated and Thank you for finding all of this for us. :)

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    Replies
    1. if you have pics you can send me via email bro, just post your email address here so i can contact you but seems like your Snake and Ryu just suffered from poor Quality Control courtesy of the slackers @ the factory. PA Kai joints tend to get loose over time, some sooner than others. As for the eyes it may also differ from time to time.
      Not to disturb you but circle tapes are no longer clear indication of figure authenticity when it comes to PA Kai figures, even the serials are being faked but you can tell the difference.

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  29. "Circle tapes are no longer clear indication of figure authenticity when it comes to PA Kai figures, even the serials are being faked"
    Yeah.. That disturbed me since i paid full price for the figures.. >:(
    Anyway thx for the help pre. Heres my email: Vicente4123@yahoo.com. I'll go get some pics. Sigh pls dont be a bootleg snake T_T.

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  30. There are instances also that the box is authentic but the figure is not...had a friend who bought a figure from an e-bay seller BD Snake checked the box and it is original with the serial number and manual at the bottom neatly packed...but you can see the figure has no articulation on the upper arm and there are missing colors on the head part. Poorly painted and details are really screaming BOOTLEG!!! Sad to say that the seller already went into hiding. So all I wanna point out is when buying figures don't just check the box but check the figure and accessories inside as well. I compared his with mine and it is really far far far but everything on the box looks great!

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  31. ^^may i know who that ebay seller is? i got a bootleg BD Snake from ebay as well, there is a notorious bootlegger there who recently changed his name, i bought twice from him and both times he gave me a refund when i complained about the items. anyway, yes you should also check the figure especially if the box is resealed.

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  32. Hi Jeri, I got my Solid Snake on its first day of arrival in GTO last year. While it matches the authenticity of my figure in your comparison list, the only thing that doesn't match is the detachable tail of the bandana. I can't seem to remove it because I'm afraid it might tear off. I'm only thinking that it might be because of the paint or weather that made it look like that it is fixed but it looks detachable though. Was it easy for you to remove the tail of the bandana? I also appreciate your blog. It's a big help for us collectors.

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    Replies
    1. yes, mine detaches easily enough. you got pics of your figure bro as well as the bottom of the box? Leave your email here and i'll get in touch with you. Thanks a lot for appreciating my blog bro.

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    2. Jeri, I just discovered that my snake is a bootleg. I compared the box of snake to the box of my gray fox and your packaging analysis. I bought them both in GTO last year. Too bad I can no longer return it to Malvin since I no longer have the receipt but their price tag is still attached. I think I'll just have to discard this and give to my nephew to stop the spreading/selling of bootleg figures. I'm very disappointed since I bought it in a reputable store which is GTO. I might discontinue buying from them and resort to other stores instead like Datablitz.

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  33. I'm sorry to hear that but yes GTO did get those during their initial shipment, i was just able to have mine replaced with an authentic one. I think they tried a different supplier that time. Don't worry, their stocks are all legit now. Anyway, if you wish to get rid of it i know someone who's interested to get a bootleg for spare parts. I myself wish to get the guns so contact me if you're interested. Thanks.

    p.s. just leave your email here and i'll get in touch with you. thanks.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks sir Jeri. I might, if the price is reasonable. I don't know how much I could sell this. Here's my email: sanctalvxdei@yahoo.com

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  34. hi im Dominic, and i just bought a fake/bootleg PAK Street fighter 4 Guile. and damn disappointed !

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  35. Hi I just received a Solid Snake Play Arts Kai figure I meet most of the authentic conditions however the Thigh joints around the groin one of the legs seems fairly lax whilst the other is fairly tight. However, I have the same serial code on the box as the Gray Fox figure which is DGTC1202 the font is the same also. Able to offer any assistance?

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  36. Email me at SuperGamerCat@live.co.uk please in need of assistance

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  37. I bought a solid snake recently a checked every detail written here , it 's orignal , but I'm a little dissapointed that the groin joints are a little bit loose, so if I want him to stand I need to find a good pose or it'll fall, I guess I'm gonna use liquid's display stand since he can stand perfectly without it.

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  38. Anyone know the.signs of a bootlegged phantom pain venom.snake play arts kai? If so, please share info

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    Replies
    1. no reports of that yet Antonio, btw, join us here if you wish http://facebook.com/groups/pakptg

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  39. Sir jeri, does all venom snake paks have a certain smell?

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  40. I got a Play Arts Kai Solid Snake figure all the way from Japan! I believe it is authentic however the serial number is DGTC 1202

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