
Kit review: HGCE 1/144 Duel Blitz Gundam

This unit was originally a scrapped GAT-X102 Duel Gundam but was later modified in secret. Changes to the unit include replacing its cockpit with the one used in the Zaku series and alterations allowing it to run on nuclear power. As its name might suggest, it also has equipment reminiscent of that from the GAT-X207 Blitz Gundam.
This HGCE Duel Blitz has been completely remade from the HG Duel Gundam Assault Shroud in both the original 2002 and remastered 2011 versions using the latest technology.
1. Info
HGCE 1/144 Duel Blitz Gundam
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom
Price: 2970 yen
Release date: Jul 20, 2024
HGCE 1/144 Duel Blitz Gundam
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom
Price: 2970 yen
Release date: Jul 20, 2024

2. Design
The inner body design of the Duel Gundam remains identical to the original GAT-X102 Duel Gundam. In this HGCE kit, the body proportions have been adjusted to closely match the model in the Gundam Seed Freedom movie, making it significantly more refined compared to the older HG Duel Gundam Assault Shroud.
The inner body design of the Duel Gundam remains identical to the original GAT-X102 Duel Gundam. In this HGCE kit, the body proportions have been adjusted to closely match the model in the Gundam Seed Freedom movie, making it significantly more refined compared to the older HG Duel Gundam Assault Shroud.


A standout feature is its outer armor system, the Assault Shroud, which has been completely redesigned. While the armor parts still attach in the same places as the original, the details now follow a triangular aesthetic rather than the previous square design, with the large shoulder armor integrating more weaponry. This design shift clearly draws parallels with the Blitz Gundam’s style. The Piercer Lock ‘Gleipnir II’ on the left arm and the ‘Lancer Dart II’ High-Speed Kinetic Bullet on the right are homage to Nicol and Blitz Gundam, further enhancing the connection between the two.


3. Build quality
The plastic quality of this kit is very good, and the nubs are easy to handle. However, some nubs are still placed in awkward positions, typically the feet and the sides of the shoulder armor. This kit is separated into parts quite well, although there is still a regrettable point that the thruster parts on the back are not separated into parts. Although the number of decals is not small, they are mainly orange lines on the side armor and ‘Gleipnir II’, so it is unnecessary (the illustration only uses decals on the eyes).
The plastic quality of this kit is very good, and the nubs are easy to handle. However, some nubs are still placed in awkward positions, typically the feet and the sides of the shoulder armor. This kit is separated into parts quite well, although there is still a regrettable point that the thruster parts on the back are not separated into parts. Although the number of decals is not small, they are mainly orange lines on the side armor and ‘Gleipnir II’, so it is unnecessary (the illustration only uses decals on the eyes).


4. Articulation
The body of the HGCE has been upgraded with the new SEED Action System, allowing for much more dynamic posing compared to the older HG version. The neck, shoulder, waist, and hip joints all offer flexible movement. However, once the Assault Shroud armor is attached, the large armor pieces on the shoulders and waist hinder joint articulation, making movement somewhat restricted. It’s fair to say that the Assault Shroud wasn’t originally designed to be compatible with the SEED Action System.
The body of the HGCE has been upgraded with the new SEED Action System, allowing for much more dynamic posing compared to the older HG version. The neck, shoulder, waist, and hip joints all offer flexible movement. However, once the Assault Shroud armor is attached, the large armor pieces on the shoulders and waist hinder joint articulation, making movement somewhat restricted. It’s fair to say that the Assault Shroud wasn’t originally designed to be compatible with the SEED Action System.




5. Gimmicks and accessories
Duel Blitz’s equipments are mostly an upgraded version of the old Duel Assault Shroud with the addition of some Blitz weapons.:
– X2 Automatic CIWS Igelstellung
– X1 High-Energy Beam Rifle
– X2 Beam Saber Magna Sectio
– X1 HKP Lancer-Dart II
– X1 Piercer-Roc Gleipnir II
Duel Blitz’s equipments are mostly an upgraded version of the old Duel Assault Shroud with the addition of some Blitz weapons.:
– X2 Automatic CIWS Igelstellung
– X1 High-Energy Beam Rifle
– X2 Beam Saber Magna Sectio
– X1 HKP Lancer-Dart II
– X1 Piercer-Roc Gleipnir II




Notably, the shoulder armor on both sides integrates internal weapons: the left shoulder houses a High-Energy Beam Cannon (which can be detached and used as a handheld weapon). In contrast, the right shoulder contains Agmraam Torrens and a beam saber. The Gleipnir II comes with a steel-core wire and a support base for when it’s launched.




Unfortunately, one drawback is that the arms of the HGCE don’t share the same peg connection with the shield of the HGCE Strike Gundam, meaning it can’t be used despite both being of the same type. Additionally, it can be docked together with HG Meteor as seen in the final battle in the movie Gundam SEED FREEDOM.
–> Overall: HGCE Duel Blitz Gundam is a kit worth experiencing, especially when we have had to wait more than 10 years for an HGCE version of Duel Gundam. The design of the Assault Shroud armor based on Blitz Gundam is quite meaningful. If you are a fan of Yzak, this will be an indispensable kit in your Gunpla collection.
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