For some fans, it's not enough to just play a game - one must collect figures of one's favorite characters as well. Fortunately, services such as First 4 Figures cater to enthusiasts who wish to have tangible models of their beloved video game characters. The latest characters getting the model treatment are those from the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. We "figured" we'd tell you more about them after the jump.

    

Ah, who knew Samus would be so pretty with her hair down... or her suit off? (Then again, how many people thought Samus was a guy until the suit came off? This writer shamefully raises his hand - please don't kill me...) Let First 4 Figures do justice to her with this new poly-stone figure of Metroid Prime 2 Echoes (and Super Smash Bros. Brawl) Zero Suit Samus.

We're talking about the same guys who crafted Samus with her trademark Suit (TM) on, as well as Skull Kid with his trademark Mask (TM) on, so expect the same level of quality with Zero Suit Samus. Now if she'd only let her hair down...

SCARCITY WARNING: Production of statue limited to 2,500 pieces worldwide, sold online and through speciality stores. Suggested retail price of US$ 109.99, available in the third quarter of 2007 (after June).

  

Wake up and smell the nutmeg. Christmas is just around the corner, and we're not the Scrooge type (neither are we going to pull a Grinch on the lot of you). So hang on tight to your Master Sword, kid, because here's a freebie alert.

We just got together with the guys over at First4Figures and we're happy to announce that we'll be giving away one of those statues of Link to a lucky QJ reader.

As we earlier posted, this little figurine has the left-handed Zelda hero striking a pose just as he's about to do the Spin Attack. It's based on the Adult Link as seen in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Details will be revealed soon. Keep your elvish ears perked up, you'll never know what to expect!

  

We would have expected an unarmored Samus to come out for NST's Metroid Prime line of collectibles, but we're pleasantly surprised to see this statue instead. Gamers everywhere, have a look at Trace, the newest offering in First 4 Figures' series of collectible statues.

Coming from the Metroid Prime Hunters storyline, Trace is a Kriken, an alien sent by his race to search for a new world for the Kriken to take over. Trace's objective drives him to not only find a suitable planet for his people to subjugate, but a powerful weapon that will let him return to his people a hero.

The figure itself is 10.5 inches tall, and will have a limited run of 1,500 statues, selling for US$ 89.99 each. It'd probably look great with the company's armored Samus collectible, but I'm tempted to see Trace making kissy-faces at Fierce Deity Link, just for the laugh factor. In any case, if you've got a hankering for a long-term investment, this is probably a good item to get. Enjoy!

When the first collectible Legend of Zelda resin statue was finally released to the public last August, the fandom went wild as people saw a figure of Fierce Deity Link who makes his appearance in The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask released for the N64 and the GameCube in 2000. After the successful reception for this creation, the next in this line of resin figures was unveiled, and it was no other than the Skull Kid himself.

For those who are unfamiliar with who this quirky-looking figure is, the Skull is a mischievous imp who stole a precious mask from a travelling mask salesman in the land of Termina. Majora's Mask took over the Skull Kid though, who ended up convincing the moon to crash into the land and destroy everything. In comes Link who was with the salesman when the mask was stolen. In order to avert the impending catastrophe, Link has to retrieve the Ocarina of Time as well as the mask itself in three days.

This game has been popular among fans because of its uncommonly dark storyline as well as for its gameplay itself. Since Link was only able to retrieve the Ocarina of Time, the player must then turn back time again and again to three days before the day that the moon is to crash into Termina, and keep reliving those three days until all goals are accomplished.

In this latest figure from First 4 Figures, fans will be able to recall that moment in the game when the Skull Kid dons the mask for the first time. Only 2,500 pieces of this figure were created, with each one of them hand-painted and costing US$ 99.99. Now that the holidays are coming up, this collector's item may just be the perfect present for either a Zelda fan or yourself.

Based on the Metroid Prime series, First 4 Figures has come up with concept art for its future Samus figurines. They've now released the prototypes of their Samus Aran figurines in two variations: the Varia Suit (above) and the Gravity Suit (below).

Both are made with high-quality poly-stone, carefully hand painted with metallic paint, and will be available during the fourth quarter of this year. Hey, better be quick because the Gravity Suit is just limited to a production run of 250 pieces. Each figurine costs $99.99 and has a 11 in base, plus it comes with a card of authenticity. Cool, huh?

These are just the first two in First 4 Figures' suit series, which would eventually include the Light Suit, Dark Suit, and Phazon Suit. So, in case they come out with other new suits (or even figures of other characters), watch this space for updates!

First 4 Figures, presents the first images of their much awaited Legend of Zelda collectible statue series, Fierce Deity Link. Fierce being the operative word. The images shown are only from a prototype and the final product may vary slightly from these photos.

Inspired by official Majora's Mask Fierce Deity Link artwork, the 14.5 inches high statue of this powerful and mysterious character, priced at $129.99, is cast in high quality poly-stone while the statue is hand finished and hand painted. There will only be 2,500 pieces available, so better place your orders now and be the first in the world to own a Fierce Deity Link statue.

For all you Metroid Prime: Hunters fans out there, this figure is for you! First 4 Figures has released the first image of an upcoming Hunters figure, which is Kanden. Kanden is famous for his deadly volt driver weapon, and his sting larva alternative form. He is considered by many as their last choice in battle, but many tend to argue otherwise. I'm more of a Samus guy myself, always sticking to the classic that I know best. This figure's design is not final as depicted by the picture and is awaiting Nintendo's approval on the color of the figure. First 4 Figures plans to release more figures from the series (Samus, Sylux, Noxus, Spire, Weavel, Trace), and even include limited editions of each figure. There has been no word on alternative forms for the figures and do not seem to be the "action" figures that we all grew up with, but rather a collectible figure. The pricing for this, or the other figures, has not yet been announced. Although, back in May the projected price for this product was 85-120$ for the standard models and 200$ for the high-end models (thanks for this info, Shinobe!).