TOYS Spelunker Dangerous Hero Sofubi Toy (2008) Sale Offer $189.98/each

Product Synopsis

Original Update: May 6, 2008
«©NCSX» Our first encounter with the game "Spelunker" was on the Atari 8-bit computers from way back when. In 1985, Spelunker was ported over to the Famicom and that single moment was enough to green-light a toy figure based on the hero of the game... over two decades later.

   Japanese manufacturer Pleasant Angels has started a toy series dubbed Old Game Heroes and the debut figure is the miner/adventurer from Spelunker. The soft vinyl figure measures 16cm or 6.29" tall and is armed with a Phantom Blaster which is used to vaporize discarnates that lurk in the caverns below. Spelunker also used a bomb to blow up rocks but the figure isn't equipped with any explosives. Our nomination for the next figure in the series: Bagman.

Please note the props in the photos are for show only. They are not included with the figure. The only prop included with the toy figure is the Phantom Blaster pistol.
  
   Orders are welcome to ship same-day (M-F) if placed before 4PM EDT.

Product Specs
Manufacturer: Pleasant Angels
Dimension: H16cm (6.29")
Material: PVC, ABS
JAN Code: 4560220691120 / PSA-SPLK
Territory/Language: Japan

TOYS Old Game Heroes: Spelunker Dangerous Hero Soft Vinyl Figure - Import Sale US$78.90

NCS Product Synopsis
 Update: February 18, 2008
 «©NCSX» Our first encounter with the game "Spelunker" was on the Atari 8-bit computers from way back when. In 1985, Spelunker was ported over to the Famicom and that single moment was enough to green-light a toy figure based on the hero of the game... over two decades later.

    Japanese manufacturer Pleasant Angel has started a toy series dubbed Old Game Heroes and the debut figure is the miner/adventurer from Spelunker. The soft vinyl figure measures 16cm or 6.29" tall and is armed with a Phantom Blaster which is used to vaporize discarnates that lurk in the caverns below. Spelunker also used a bomb to blow up rocks but we don't see the figure equipped with any explosives.  Our nomination for the next figure in the series: Bagman.
 
 Order Details
    Orders ship same-day if placed before 4PM EDT.
 
 Product Specs
 Manufacturer: Pleasant Angel
 Dimension: H16cm (6.29")
 Material: PVC, ABS
 JAN Code: 4560220691120
 Japanese Title: オールドゲームヒーローズ スペランカー ソフビ
 Region/Language: Japan

Spelunker Sound Bottle Cap Toys - Preorder

If you drop a mustache on Spelunker and remove the hardhat, you'll basically end up with Nintendo's Mario. Spelunker wears the same blue overalls, an identical red shirt, and the same brown shoes. Was it intentional hero design pilferage when the Spelunker game got localized for the Famicom in Japan? We think so. Actually, NCS knows so.

In any case, Spelunker got resurrected earlier this year in a Sofubi toy which sold moderately well. Later this summer, another toy is being offered which bears the Spelunker imprint. Sound bottle caps that play BGM and sound effects from the game. Trinkets that serve no utility other than being somewhat collectible with a bit of retro appeal. We'll buy a few cases for the NCS museum but we'll likely leave it at that. Preorders are welcome to ship in Sept 2008 at JPY4800 or US$48.90 per factory box of 8 toys.