TOY REVIEW – NENDOROID 1797 HADES: Zagreus

Since Supergiant Games released Hades in 2020, it has received commercial and critical success, received numerous and has became a favorite among gamers. So, it’s no wonder that Good Smile Company obtained the license and released a Nendoroid figure based off the game’s protagonist, Zagreus. Zagreus is the son of the God of the Underworld, Hades and the favorite nephew of the Gods of Olympus. His quest is to escape hell and meet his mother Persephone in the mortal world.

In the recently concluded Video Game Awards, Supergiant Games has officially announced the sequel Hades II and premiered the trailer. On the side of Good Smile Company, other figures based on the game such as Thanatos and Megaera would also have their own Nendoroid figures.

PACKAGING 9/10

Zagreus comes in the latest Nendoroid packaging with the smaller box compared to previous releases. As what is expected of a Nendoroid packaging, it packs all the accessories, the figure, and stand in a compact box with a clear plastic in the front that would show you all the contents inside. The different sides of the box showcases the figure in different poses along with the accessories and replaceable parts.

What’s interesting that I failed to notice and mention in my previous review  is that the box also shows who the sculptor is. I previously watched a YouTube video that features the life of a toy sculptor working for Good Smile Company. It’s nice to know that Good Smile Company gives artists the recognition they deserve.

SCULP AND PAINT 10/10

My favorite part about this release is the sculpting and paint. Aside from perfectly converting Zagreus into a Nendoroid, I love the attention to detail given to this figure. By looking at the photos you can clearly see the intricate details given from Zagreus’ Kotinos, the head wreath of olive leaves and sprigs, his skull belt and knee pad, Cerberus shoulder armor, Stygius, the Blade of the Underworld and Aegis, the Shield of Chaos.

The paint colors are vibrant that makes this Nendoroid pop and stand out just like how Zagreus looked like in the game.

ARTICULATION 6/10

Articulation or the lack thereof, is where this Nendoroid fell short. However, the replaceable parts more than makes up for the lack of articulation. With replacing the arms, legs, you can recreate different action poses in-game. The lack of articulation lessens the playability of this figure but is still highly displayable. Isn’t that Nendoroids are meant to be displayed rather than played with?

VERDICT 8/10

Nendoroid 1797 HADES – Zagreus is easily among my favorite releases from Good Smile Company in 2022. This is a perfect addition to your Nendoroid collection specially if you’re a fan of the game. Even if you’re not a fan, the figure stands well on it’s own. May be it could even inspire you to give the game a try, and I promise you that if you did, you’ll definitely have a great time just like what I got with this Nendoroid.