This small set is part of the Zvezda Art of Tactic game system. It consists of five figures as shown above, who are individually based but can also be grouped together as a unit using a supplied large base (see sprue). This sprue also supplies a number of other elements pertinent to the game, but the figures are the focus of our interest, and very fine they are too.

Zvezda have long produced beautifully sculpted figures, and these are as good as any yet made. Their armour is highly detailed and typical of the high point of the Samurai, and the naginata - a long-handled polearm favoured by lower-class samurai - is superbly slender and elegant. Apart from the first figure all have separate arms and weapons (see sprue), so some assembly is required. However this means the poses are outstanding, with no hint of flatness and no excess plastic anywhere. The poses are also nice and lively, and indeed everything about these figures is very appealing.

On the downside these figures are rather too tall for 16th century Japanese at 1/72 scale, and the thick bases only make that seem worse, but in all other respects these are superb figures which will delight many modellers and certainly those with an interest in this colourful period in Asian history.