Kit Review: RG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Ver.2.0
The RX-78-2 Gundam is a mobile prototype suit developed by the Earth Federation Forces during Operation V for use in close combat. It was equipped with the most advanced technology available at the time became a pivotal mobile suit in the One Year War, and had a major impact on subsequent MS development by the Earth Federation Forces.
The RX-78-2 Gundam was the first machine to be produced in a Real Grade kit series 14 years ago. Now, version 2.0 has taken it to a new level with many impressive improvements, especially in the frame.
– Info:
RG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Ver.2.0
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam
Price: 3850 yen
Release date: Aug 10, 2024
Get your RG Gundam 2.0 here: https://www.hlj.com/1-144-scale-rg-rx-78-2-gundam-ver-2-0-banh671554?utm_source=mecha_alliance&utm_medium=affiliate
RG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Ver.2.0
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam
Price: 3850 yen
Release date: Aug 10, 2024
Get your RG Gundam 2.0 here: https://www.hlj.com/1-144-scale-rg-rx-78-2-gundam-ver-2-0-banh671554?utm_source=mecha_alliance&utm_medium=affiliate
– Design: Compared to the first version, the 2.0 version has undergone several noticeable changes. The body proportions have been adjusted, and this version more closely resembles the proportions of the PG Unleashed model. Many additional surface details have been applied to the outer armor (though this may cause some unnecessary discomfort for certain people). Other than that, there aren’t any particularly standout features in appearance. However, the most exceptional aspect of the 2.0 version is undoubtedly the frame. It’s meticulously designed with intricate mechanical details throughout the body, surpassing any previous RG kit. This attention to detail has compared it to a miniature version of the PGU. If you want to buy the kit for display purposes, simply assembling the frame alone might be enough.
– Build quality: In this kit, you have two options for building: one is to follow the step-by-step process outlined in the manual that comes with the kit, and the other is to assemble the frame first and then attach the outer armor parts later. At the end of the manual, a scan code takes you to Bandai Hobby’s website, where you can find an alternate build manual for assembling the frame-first sequence.
The frame consists of many small parts, and many of them are designed with undergating. The plastic quality for both the frame and outer armor parts is excellent and easy to work with when it comes to removing nubs. This kit is almost completely part-separated so there is no need to use decals, even for the eyes (you can still use the included sticker sheet like any other RG model if you want to increase the detail).
However, it’s important to note that many builders have pointed out some alignment issues with the frame. Most notably, the two Vulcan Guns on the head are not positioned correctly relative to the outer armor. According to some sources, Bandai plans to fix these errors in a re-release that is scheduled for a few months. Unfortunately, this is disappointing for those who purchased the kit during its initial release.
The frame consists of many small parts, and many of them are designed with undergating. The plastic quality for both the frame and outer armor parts is excellent and easy to work with when it comes to removing nubs. This kit is almost completely part-separated so there is no need to use decals, even for the eyes (you can still use the included sticker sheet like any other RG model if you want to increase the detail).
However, it’s important to note that many builders have pointed out some alignment issues with the frame. Most notably, the two Vulcan Guns on the head are not positioned correctly relative to the outer armor. According to some sources, Bandai plans to fix these errors in a re-release that is scheduled for a few months. Unfortunately, this is disappointing for those who purchased the kit during its initial release.
– Articulation: Thanks to the heavy focus on the frame, the range of motion on this kit is excellent. The neck joint uses a ball joint and a C-shaped hinge, allowing the head to tilt up very high. Despite having a core fighter inside, the chest and waist can still bend up and down quite well, thanks to the parts being divided into many sections, which reduces interference—a significant improvement over the original version. The shoulder joint comprises four parts, and the outer shoulder armor can open and shift outward, allowing the arms to move more freely. The elbows use double joints, enabling deep bends, and the wrists also have a joint to assist with movement, which, although limited, is still a nice bonus.
The hip armor can move independently, and both the front and rear sections of the hips have joints that increase leg mobility, preventing any hindrance when posing. The calves and knee joints are specially designed with multiple sliding joints, allowing deep knee bends. As the legs bend, the outer armor slides back to reveal the inner mechanisms—a feature also seen in previous RG versions, though not to this extent. The ankle joints move freely with a swivel, and the rear armor on the lower calves can lift slightly. The feet also have small joints that allow the toes to lift slightly, increasing the surface area for stability during posing.
Additionally, the small thrusters on the back of the backpack can move up and down with ease, and the beam saber mounts on both sides can rotate up and down as well. All of these features together make the 2.0 version capable of recreating the most iconic poses that Amuro performs in the anime.
The hip armor can move independently, and both the front and rear sections of the hips have joints that increase leg mobility, preventing any hindrance when posing. The calves and knee joints are specially designed with multiple sliding joints, allowing deep knee bends. As the legs bend, the outer armor slides back to reveal the inner mechanisms—a feature also seen in previous RG versions, though not to this extent. The ankle joints move freely with a swivel, and the rear armor on the lower calves can lift slightly. The feet also have small joints that allow the toes to lift slightly, increasing the surface area for stability during posing.
Additionally, the small thrusters on the back of the backpack can move up and down with ease, and the beam saber mounts on both sides can rotate up and down as well. All of these features together make the 2.0 version capable of recreating the most iconic poses that Amuro performs in the anime.
– Accessories & Gimmicks: The equipment of the 2.0 version remains the basic weapons found in most RX-78-2 Gunpla models:
+ X1 Core Fighter: The RX-78-2 uses the Core Block System, with a Core Fighter inside that connects the upper and lower sections of the machine into a complete form. The Core Fighter in this kit is quite detailed, allowing it to transform into the shape of a small fighter jet fully. Its cockpit can open, and there are three small landing gears attached underneath. However, due to the design where the plane’s wings also serve as the mounting points for two landing gears, they tend to be somewhat loose because the contact points aren’t fixed securely. The cockpit can still open when the Core Fighter is folded inside the body in its Gundam form, revealing the fighter’s nose inside.
+ X1 Core Fighter: The RX-78-2 uses the Core Block System, with a Core Fighter inside that connects the upper and lower sections of the machine into a complete form. The Core Fighter in this kit is quite detailed, allowing it to transform into the shape of a small fighter jet fully. Its cockpit can open, and there are three small landing gears attached underneath. However, due to the design where the plane’s wings also serve as the mounting points for two landing gears, they tend to be somewhat loose because the contact points aren’t fixed securely. The cockpit can still open when the Core Fighter is folded inside the body in its Gundam form, revealing the fighter’s nose inside.
+ X2 Vulcan Gun: Two small vulcan guns are mounted on either side of the head, similar to most Gundam models. Unfortunately, this is a disappointing aspect of the kit, as the frame and outer armor are not well-aligned in this area.
+ X1 Beam Rifle: The beam rifle, commonly seen with the RX-78-2 Gundam, is usually held in the right hand. It comes with a dedicated hand for holding the weapon, which can extend and retract to secure the rifle. The scope can be adjusted to either side, and the auxiliary handle can also swing to one side and move slightly forward and backward to allow for two-handed grips without interference. When not in use, the beam rifle can be attached to the rear hip armor.
+ X1 Hyper Bazooka: A large bazooka that is held similarly to the beam rifle, using the same specialised hand. It can be held in either hand, and the grip can be pushed forward to make it easier to rest the weapon’s rear on the shoulder. When not used, the bazooka can collapse and be mounted on the rear hip armor like the beam rifle.
+ X1 Shield: The iconic red shield is typically attached to the right arm of the RX-78-2 Gundam. This shield is designed with a highly detailed internal core part, giving it a thicker appearance than previous 1/144 RX-78-2 kits. It connects to the arm via two parts: one that attaches directly to the forearm with a sliding joint and a handle that can be secured with a push-lock mechanism. When not in use, the shield can be mounted on the back of the backpack
+ X2 Beam Saber: The legendary pair of beam sabers are mounted on both sides of the backpack. They come with the usual pink beam saber effect parts and can be held with the standard gripping hands.
Additionally, this kit includes a set of weapons, such as the Beam Javelin and Hyper Hammer,.. which are featured in the anime. However, these extra weapons are sold separately through the P-Bandai system (as usual).
–> Overall: the 2.0 version of the RG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam may not bring a lot of new elements. Still, it truly excels in its outstanding frame design and articulation, allowing it to recreate poses just like in the anime. While there are still a few minor issues, I believe this is a kit worth experiencing, especially if you appreciate models that focus heavily on the frame. Hopefully, once Bandai addresses these issues, they will release more Gundam variants based on this model, such as the Real Type, G3, or Casval color versions (which will be P-Bandai exclusives).
The Last Shooting!
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