Happening right now in New York City is the annual Toy Fair, where game makers across the globe all gather to show off what they've been working on, plus what they have in the pipeline.
The goal is mostly to attract buyers, but to also build up some serious buzz. And in the case of National Entertainment Collectibles Association, or NECA, both objectives have seemingly been met, mostly the latter. I was there yesterday, and can confirm that it was simply teaming with excitement.
NECA's primary expertise in creating collectable figures and replicas based upon popular franchises, mostly movies and TV shows. Highlights on that end includes exceptionally accurate and life-like representations of iconic characters from Predator, Robocop, The Hobbit, The Evil Dead, and even Gremlins (their recreation of Adam West as the original Batman must be seen to be believed).
Though it's their video game items is what's getting the most buzz. NECA in the past has teamed together with parties such as 2K, Microsoft, and Ubisoft to produce a line of figures based upon BioShock , Gears of War, and Assassin's Creed. But new this year is their partnership with Valve.
Figures.com has a full on gallery that shows off all the goods. Highlights for Portal fans include a Chell figure that looks production ready, unpainted Atlus & P-Body figures that still looks quite stunning, a 1:1 scale portal gun, and plush companion cubes.
As for you Team Fortress fans out there, there’s a series of action figures to look forward to, along with some rather cute plush dolls.
A Gordon Freeman action figure was also spotted, along with some BioShock Infinite goodies as well, for those wondering if NECA is still doing business with 2K.
NECA has made a real name for itself, thanks to its stunningly realistic articulation and all around brilliant craftsmanship, so if you're into collecting video game toys and figures, you will not be disappointed with their upcoming line-up.