Hello everyone! I'm A-ta, the developer of the DX Sun Driver!

The Blu-ray will be released on November 8, 2023, and information on a special screening event to commemorate KAMEN RIDER release has also been released.
At last, the "Century King Sun Driver" will be released as a DX version!

This will be the first time a product has been reversed from CSM to DX.
The design and gimmick of HENSHIN BELT for "KAMEN RIDER BLACK SUN" was created from the beginning with the assumption that it would be released by CSM, but because of that gimmick, it inevitably had to be priced high.
Because the difference between 0 and 100 was so large - either not buying it or paying 40,000 yen - we weren't able to develop a product with a certain level of specs that would satisfy the desire to own it even if only in form. However, by allowing deviations from the version in the movie in terms of design (dirt, etc.) and gimmicks (automatic transformation), we were able to create a DX version at an affordable price.
Even so, by using the CSM version of the mold, the meticulously crafted exterior is almost faithfully reproduced, making for an impeccable product.

Pre-orders for this product begin today, and today we'd like to introduce some of the key features of the product that didn't fit on the pre-order page!

1. From fully automatic transformation to fully manual transformation
As you know, the CSM version of the Sun Driver was an innovative HENSHIN BELT equipped with an automatic transformation gimmick, the first in the history of HENSHIN BELT toys.
However, the overwhelming cost is an obstacle to the DX version.
There was no way to replicate the automatic transformation... and after much deliberation, we finally came to the conclusion that we needed to ask for your help.
It is truly with everyone's help and cooperation that this DX version of the Sun Driver will be completed!!
First, we made some changes to the internal structure to enable manual movement.
It is possible to force it to move using the CSM version of the Sun Driver, but due to its internal structure it is not possible to move it manually smoothly.
However, with this DX version of the Sun Driver, the internal structure has been reconstructed to allow the upper left and right and lower left and right parts to move smoothly.
The silver part in the center can now be opened and closed by rotating the black, disc-shaped base.
This completes the fully manual transformable Sun Driver.
Unfortunately we weren't able to make the meter movable, but we managed to fix the needle perfectly in the position it is in after the transformation is complete in the movie.
It can get a little hectic when playing with the transformation parts, but we hope you will use your hands to move the parts one after another while the sound is playing.


②The newly reborn DX belt
The biggest difference from the CSM version is the belt!
The CSM version was a professional-quality model made from thick soft plastic (PVC) and nylon fabric, but the DX version has been simplified to include the familiar thin soft belt (PE) and belt fasteners that are characteristic of the series.
However, the design is not simple at all, but is a belt that reproduces the shape of the prop to the fullest extent possible!
This is a product photo using a sample currently in development, but just like the CSM version, we aimed to thoroughly recreate the prop, and it has a heavy, solid feel​ to it, which is rare for a DX belt.
We are currently making further improvements, and are proceeding with the design to make the horizontal lines on the belt even higher, in an attempt to make it more similar to a prop.
We would love you to try wearing this belt, which is packed with this attention to detail, around your waist.
Of course, it is also compatible with "extension belts"!


③ About the shape and light emission
As mentioned at the beginning, the DX version of Sun Driver uses the mold from the CSM version, and follows the same design.
However, it is not an entirely identical design, and some parts have been updated.
Here's a random spot the difference quiz for you.
The paint specifications are different between the CSM and DX versions, so some parts of the modeling are hard to see, but can you spot the subtle differences in the modeling?

↓CSM version of Sun Driver

↓DX version of Sun Driver
 

Tsk tsk tsk...

time up!!!!
The answer is here!!
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓

 

The CSM version had indentations on both sides that emitted infrared rays to detect the transformation action.
However, as mentioned above, this DX version requires fully manual transformation and does not use infrared rays.
Therefore, we have created a new part to cover this hole! However, the DX version is not the only thing that can't be done.
Because this wasn't possible, it was redesigned to look more like a prop!

In terms of paint, this time there is no dirty paint like the CSM version, but rather a smooth surface that makes use of the molded color.
All the black and green parts are molded in color, with only the silver parts being painted.
Although we were unable to reproduce the heavy paintwork that is characteristic of the Century King Sun Driver, since it has the same shape as the CSM version, the overall impression is one of great weight!

Regarding the lighting, only the center lights up this time, and the lighting on the left and right sides has been omitted. The LED used in the center is slightly different in brightness from the CSM version, but it is still at a comparable level of brightness.

④ Recorded audio
Some of the audio recorded is the same as that of the CSM version.
In particular, Black Sun's transformation sound is recorded in two different versions: his first transformation sound in episode 5 and the sound he uses during the final battle in episode 10!
In addition, the sound effects for the battles against Bilgenia and Shadow Moon, etc., are fewer in number and duration than in the CSM version, but they still contain many sounds that are essential to the important scenes in the game and add a realism to the story.
The DX version does not include background music.
Therefore, even if you press the "BGM button" on the bottom of the CSM version, no sound will be produced.
Because the mold is reused, the button shape itself remains in the DX version.

This concludes our introduction to the DX version.
As mentioned at the beginning, the excitement for KAMEN RIDER BLACK SUN is still building with the release of the Blu-ray and the holding of a special screening event.
We hope you will take this opportunity to rewatch all the episodes and consider preordering this book! Thank you very much!

That's it for today's dev blog! Stay tuned for the next update!!
PS It's gotten a little cooler! Everyone please take care of yourself!