This is a very pretty figure: the detailing is fantastic, especially the face, hair, and skirt. The paint job is good, and the skin tone looks right, although on mine there wasn't enough blue on the back of the second pattern on her skirt. Personally I would have picked different colors for the flowers in her basket (they are white, yellow, burgundy, & orange).
The Play Arts lines usually feature flexible rubber parts in the figures, and Crisis Core Aerith is no exception: the hair & ribbon, the skirt & its tie, and even the basket handle are all made with rubber. Ergo it weighs rather less than I thought it would...the shipping box weighed only 1.5 lbs, even though it also held two DVDs!
Another thing I liked was how her hands were much easier to change in comparison with some of the other figures. This is a common problem with PA, so I was relieved to find out I wouldn't have to use a *blow drier* to heat the plastic hand just so I could force it onto the arm, never to change it again. (I'm talking to YOU, Tidus!)
My main issue with this figure is its articulation; it stands out very clearly & appears to be somewhat fragile. For instance, my figure has a loose right shoulder, so I'll have to be extra careful with it. Also, since this version of Aerith wears very light clothing, certain joints are not hidden at all, and I was expecting that.
Still...those ankles just don't look right...
Some unsightly joints aside, I really like this figure. In my mind it has enough detail & beauty to make up for its imperfections, so I would recommend it to any fan of Crisis Core and/or Aerith.
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Figure comes with a black stand, an extra set of hands, & a flower basket.
*Purchased from TLS Hobbies*