SHURIKEN BALL/SAMURAI CYCLONE MORPHER


Version reviewed: Samurai Cyclone Morpher

For a detailed review of the Japanese Shuriken Ball, see Sentai Toy News and Reviews. The differences between the Shuriken Ball and Samurai Cyclone Morpher are HUGE.

This morpher is one of the few that are outstandingly different from its Japanese counterpart (usually it's just minor things like the material of the strap, different stickers/highlights or batteries). It's pretty obvious that the American version was changed to be less costly to manufacture. After reading this review, check the above review to see just how different they are.

Turning this morpher on makes no noise or light. Like the others it emits no regular beep and is silent. By pressing the large button on top, three red lights inside the morpher blink while the 3 second transformation sound plays. Again the sound ends with a "HA!" which is the slowest "HA!" of the three. The medal inside spins from how hard you press down the giant button (so you're doing the work as opposed to a motor, accursed cost cutting). The second button makes an alarm sound with flashing lights for 8 seconds. Pressing the button again at any time will stop it early. You can open the ball up to change the medal inside to the 'Super Samurai Mode' medal (our American exclusive medal I suppose).

This morpher's appeal is hurt by the changes made during its remodel. Instead of being an ergonomic ball, it's a mostly ergonomic ball with a giant button and a huge ugly hinge on it. And of course they weren't going to picture the giant button and huge ugly hinge on the toy's box. Boo and hiss. The Samurai Cyclone Morpher goes for around $10-15 on Ebay and shows up regularly.

Final Word: Fun and ergonomic, but far inferior to the original. B-

The original Shuriken Ball.