Sega Mega Jumbo Nesoberi Kousaka Honoka (Snowhalation Version) Review

Hello everyone and welcome back to Tiro Finale for a little fluffy time with one of my many Nesoberi plush toys in my collection. Honoka's Snowhalation Nesoberi is no stranger to our blog here on Tiro Finale having first joined the collection back in November 2018, you can check out that haul post here. She then later joined my extended family of Mega Jumbo Nesoberi shortly after making the flight all the way from her native home of Japan. 

I even went on to do a short review for the energetic leader of Muse in her Snowhalation form back in December 2018. In it, I gave Honoka a shining review and an all round recommendation for both fans of the series and character. 

Little more than a quarter has passed and my impression of the Honoka's Snowhalation Nesoberi very much remains the same. Especially at her common asking price of 1,000 Yen, this does make it an even harder value proposition to beat. At that price, you could even find bowls of ramen which cost more than her plush.

And as any Honoka fan would attest to, perhaps one of the greatest aspect of all Honoka Nesoberi(s) has to be cheerful expression. The main reason I even purchased the Nesoberi in the first place, Honoka's incredibly cheerful expression never fails to pick me up and raise my spirits especially after a hard day at work. 

Yes, because of her arcade origins, Sega did have to cut some corners when making the Snowhalation series of Mega Jumbo Nesoberi(s). When compared to the premium Pajamas Series ones released in collaboration with School Idol Festival's Thanksgiving Event, there is a notable dip in fabric quality. Of course, this comparison only applies because there exists a "premium" version of each particular member of Muse. 

Because when you make the comparison between this and any other Mega Jumbo Nesoberi from the arcades, there is absolutely no deficit when it comes to quality. In fact, I would even go as far as to say that the Nesoberi(s) from the Love Live series often seem to be of better quality when compared to those from other series. 

It also really helps that the detailed outfits that the members of Muse wear for the song, Snowhalation, has been carefully reproduced down to the finer details. The layering is one thing but, there being a separate belt for Honoka's outfit, now that is something you do not see in every Nesoberi out in the market today. 

Nevertheless, I digress from the main reason I am writing this article today. Yes, I had already done a review for Honoka's Snowhalation version in the past before so, what more do I have to add that had not already been said before in the first outing? 

To be honest, little than none actually. Rather, the reason I am writing this review is to reminiscent on the fact that the Snowhalation series of Nesoberi(s) actually exist. You see, these lineup of Nesoberi(s) would have never existed if it was not for one thing, the Love Live Puchiguru mobile game. Released as a cross-promotional tie for the then, newly released mobile game, these Nesoberi(s) were released as a form to reinvigorate the market with interest for both Love Live and the new mobile game. 

Because for all intents and purposes, no one was expecting to see anymore Muse Nesoberi in the arcade by that point. What more a whole new series of them and by that, we are talking nine brand new Mega Jumbo Nesoberi(s). With Sunshine and Aqours pretty much taking the reigns on the merchandise train, it was hard to imagine a situation where we would suddenly get new merchandise for the prior group. After all, Muse has had their time in the spotlight. 

Going back to the Puchiguru mobile game, this game was poised to be the next big thing riding the tailcoats of Love Live's phenomenal success combined with the simple formula of a mix and match style mobile game. It had all the ingredient for the recipe for success yet, did it?

Despite several initial delays, the Puchiguru eventually hit the app market for a sole release in Japan. Things certainly looked up for the new mobile game in its initial weeks of release. But before long, things start to look a little grim. Without a profitable monetization system, Puchiguru started to fade in terms of popularity and profits.

Before long, the announcement was made that the game would be cancelled. Personally, I was very disappointed with the game never having had an international release. Would things have panned out differently if it did? That is a question that even I am uncertain of. 

But one thing is for certain, and that would be the indelible mark that the Puchiguru mobile games have put on the timeline of Love Live merchandise. Months and years from now, where collectors would be looking back at Love Live merchandise wondering what to collect next, there would be those who wonder how these Snowhalation Nesoberi(s) actually came to be released so far down their debut. The game may have disappeared by then but, these physical plush will always remain in the stores. Waiting patiently, and eagerly for them to take them home with you.

So, if you are a fan of the original Love Live series, rejoice in the fact that our beloved series got a second wind of merchandise. And as a way to remind us of the good old days, pick up yourself one of these adorable Snowhalation Mega Jumbo Nesoberi(s). I know I have, more than one for that matter with likely more to come in the future. 

With that, comes an end to my trip down memory lane in one of my most beloved series remembered in one of its most recent merchandise release. Perhaps it is a lesson to all of us, to never give up hope and that someone will always remember. Until the next time, thank you so much for reading and have yourself a wonderful day ahead!