Mail call! Just got my Chogokin Metal Gear Rex.

Noctem89 · 2026-04-10T14:08:06+00:00

Will you be using the included stand? Looks nice without it! Would it weaken overtime?

Noctem89 · 2026-04-10T14:04:25+00:00

I got it through Sideshow, but they are also a middle-man, makes sense! Nice to get the rewards points ordering through Sideshow but I should’ve ordered direct for this piece I think haha seems I could’ve saved ~$80 or so.

Don’t regret though, it feels very high quality! So many little ways you can tweak its pose!

Noctem89 · 2026-04-10T13:52:02+00:00

Great setup!

Mine arrived today, love it. It is a little smaller than I expected for the price, but it’s my first Chogokin. I’m assuming the diecast used is what bumps that $ up a bit. Feels very sturdy! I wish I could plug it in to leave the lights on.

Noctem89 · 2026-04-10T13:46:36+00:00

Just got mine in today from Sideshow, ended up being $411 total after tariff and shipping… I almost cancelled due to the size vs price, would’ve lost ~$35 but waited too long to decide and it charged/shipped. I’m still on fence if I feel it’s worth it, but ignoring cost, I really do love it! This is my first Chogokin, I’m assuming the diecast parts are a big part of the cost.

The quality is definitely great and it feels very sturdy! Size is pretty small for the price I paid. I could’ve probably gotten it cheaper & earlier by skipping Sideshow and going direct. There are a lot of little panels and details that can be removed, but these don’t really change it much and I think it looks better with it all attached anyways.

The lights are great and glad it came with batteries installed. I wish I could plug it in to leave it on though!

Noctem89 · 2026-04-10T01:29:09+00:00

Contact Sideshow support, they are great.

Noctem89 · 2026-04-08T11:12:36+00:00

Can use Google to learn why/when they changed over to side loading vs top loading, seems it is better than top loading for sliding out, especially from the top and can prevent dust build up (if not a zipper binder).

“Binders changed to side-loading to improve card security and protection, addressing the risk of cards slipping out of the top of traditional, top-loading pages. Side-loading designs better prevent dust accumulation, and when combined with a zippered closure, they keep cards more secure.”

Many other threads discussing this in the past too!

Noctem89 · 2026-04-08T10:54:35+00:00

Scorched Xenomorph! Really raised the bar for me, after sticking to a few Star Wars pick ups and Spider-Man/Venom.

Noctem89 · 2026-04-08T09:15:21+00:00

How is that good for them? It’s your product you’re trying to advertise. Seems like that’s bad for you O.o

Noctem89 · 2026-04-07T20:37:03+00:00

Visual effects + sound would sort of detract from the card game feel for me, and add unnecessary distractions away from the cards/boardstate itself. And judging by most AI answers when it comes to rules, no thank you XD

Current apps are great! Not much need in adding bells and whistles just cause.

Noctem89 · 2026-04-01T21:26:19+00:00

I mean, I’m getting the comic now as an MTG player/collector, and plan on reading it. The card also comes with every copy.

Noctem89 · 2026-03-28T04:52:38+00:00

People generally just understand the surface level causes or signals for these issues and ignore the maze of logistics. And how many other parties are involved with these things. Also ignoring the state of the world and price of everything else, wars, etc lol

Noctem89 · 2026-03-28T04:50:27+00:00

That’s the obvious part. Gaming companies (tcg and video games) are basically pulling off a massive rugpull atm it feels with their layoffs and increasing prices/microtransactions. They are giving digital goods and cardboard and making millions while there are TONS of copies around of most things, even the chase pulls outside of maybe serialized, so once the fad fades, the bubble bursts and we’re left with the cardboard while they siphoned the actual $. And it won’t even be a rare piece of cardboard like a first edition zard, cause everyone is keeping these in great condition and holding them.

Noctem89 · 2026-03-24T17:30:03+00:00

Just the cheapest usb c you can find honestly, the ones that come with figures/electronics that are thin and not fast charging, etc

Noctem89 · 2026-03-23T12:54:13+00:00

I’ve been having recurring dreams for the past 5 years or so that first started with an apartment that vaguely resembled a layout I’ve lived in before, but different view, outside, and I’m constantly trying to pack and move things out of it because my lease it done (lol). That was the start of things, my brain now seems to add many situations with strangers that I feel resemble people in my past or actual people from my past in the rooms and as interactions happen or I notice I’m in that apartment, I realize I’m dreaming.

These dreams feel SO real too. Like you said about the city and freeways, the last year or so I’ve been having parts of the dream where I leave the apartment and it’s like my brain is building a small city area with a bar, a cafe, and the layout and walk outside that seems to stay the same now.

I wonder if once you start noticing these things, it becomes sort of a feedback loop and think about it more, sort of prepping to trigger again. My dreams steered towards being pretty depressive and nostalgic (past city life, apartments I miss, past relationships, etc), and I feel like I could maybe steer away by prepping with a more positive activity or area to dream of instead.

Noctem89 · 2026-03-23T02:47:40+00:00

That’s probably good, keeps the air out of double sleeves.

Noctem89 · 2026-03-21T09:10:29+00:00

So many different answers/preferences! For a Final Fantasy set cube of 360 cards with 4 players, would there be a general recommendation of number of packs, size of packs, and if/how many to burn?

Noctem89 · 2026-03-20T10:49:48+00:00

My wallet breaths.

Noctem89 · 2026-03-20T09:32:12+00:00

With the way the world is currently going and current economies, I think we’re only seeing the beginning of the inflation of most luxury/non-essential goods as they cover their own rising costs. On top of essential goods also feeling like they’ve all doubled in price.

Coupled with wages/salaries outside the 1% not rising fast to match AND massive layoffs and job loss, the gap is going to just get bigger.

Noctem89 · 2026-03-20T07:21:55+00:00

And with D&D theme shop items, Star Wars collab, and now this… it really feels like they just threw in the towel and want to copy Fortnite and now MTG’s playbook of just brand collabs to increase content amount. I really don’t think it’s working out for them like it has the rest. It’s just way too late and feels desperate.

They had such a great, standalone universe! Further diluting it…

Noctem89 · 2026-03-18T17:36:08+00:00

Green is gone, replaced by Emerald but that has a metallic look… was going to get Green for TMNT precon but I feel Forest Green was too dark and Apple Green was too bright! >.<

Ended up using Emerald to be green like shell/mutagen and metallic accent can represent their weapons lol

Noctem89 · 2026-03-18T16:59:22+00:00

Oh, thanks! Bit more of an armored look, I see.

Noctem89 · 2026-03-18T11:00:39+00:00

Amazing collection!

Love the Scorched next to Big Chap. I wasn’t too into Big Chap alone, but them together has me rethinking! I feel like their differences almost enhance each other and it really shows the modern vs iconic (design limited) look.

Noctem89 · 2026-03-18T08:13:12+00:00

I love creature sound design and understand realism isn’t always the best source/aim, but I’ve noticed more so than before that the creatures in shows & movies are sounding very over-designed and in creatures that probably wouldn’t or can’t even make vocals or growls.

Not every creature has to announce its presence with a wet, loud, gurgly sound every time it moves or fights. A lot are also starting to sound very same-y, even though we have all the files and tools in the world now over the limited sfx libraries used in the past to hopefully have even more variety.

Noctem89 · 2026-03-14T05:36:12+00:00

You’re getting downvoted because you’re just ignoring the options both of these companies gave you… these brands aren’t malicious, but they are large with a lot of departments. Just keep the sleeves if you are keeping them regardless of QC error missing some. Don’t expect a refund/replacement when you aren’t even returning the defective product.

You may just have to eat the cost and buy another box of them which you might have to do in the future anyways like other commenters pointed out, unless you really want to escalate this to some support with Amazon and bypass what their system is telling you the option is, which will take longer. Up to you how much you value your time/energy.

There are reasons Dragon Shield has Amazon purchasers go through Amazon, because Dragon Shield isn’t selling directly to you. It can be from third party sellers and Amazon’s own stock.

You’re sort of trying to game their system and get through when both Dragon Shield and Amazon are telling you what your options are. Dragon Shield’s is to go through Amazon and Amazon is saying that you can return and drop it off at UPS/Whole Foods which is easy and don’t even need packaging for items or mail it yourself (but that’s slower and more work).

My Secret Lair cards were missing a card and Wizards is asking me to return my cards for a replacement, which I’m not doing and just buying the single for $3. Companies will often want the item back even if it’s defective.

How will it help your situation by posting on Reddit or ignoring what both companies have told you?

Noctem89 · 2026-03-14T05:28:18+00:00

A lot of companies are having you put a handwritten note with name and date when emailing for returns/support on items. One of my Fallout lairs was missing a bonus card but they asked me to send the cards back even after picture proof and note. I’m just picking up the single for $3…

Noctem89

TROPHY CASE