GF13-017NJ Shining Gundam
Synopsis: This wasnt a series I was looking too terribly forward on getting due to a few factors. First like CCA Im not to well acquainted with the TV series so Id know very little about who goes against who. Second the mecha designs dont wow me like other series mecha do. But I wanted to have a few figures from the line and satisfy my curiosity about their quality. One of the units that seemed like a natural choice was Shining Gundam (the main characters unit. In the end I was fairly satisfied.
The Figure: I was afraid that the Quality of the units were to be somewhat lower among Gundam Wing Standards given the more gimmicky qualities of the wing line but I was pleasantly surprised that the Shining Gundam was almost up to par with the RX-79[G] MSiA. The heads (as there are two) are pretty well detailed, a slight bend in the V-antenna is present as it can be in most figures and the proportion of the heads is pretty good. Thats right, no oversized antenna like those of the Wing line. The purpose behind the two heads is that one is opened up for one of the Gundams key moves (Im not sure if its for Hyper mode or the shining finger). Head range of motion is very good even better then some UC Gundam MSiAs. The arms have a good range of motion, gimmicks in the area include popping up forearms and sections in the shoulder opening up for one of its special moves.
The legs like the arms are good in terms of articulation, the ankle armor moves very well and calf armor flips up to reveal thrusters. One complaint is that the calf armors are prone to popping off. Other then that this Mobile Fighter is well made. The skirt armor is a little thick but remains pretty flexible. Beam Saber hilts can be stored in the side hip armor, however although the diagram states that both hilts can be stored, one is always prone to falling off. The Torso although well detailed looks a little vacant but thats more a fault of the design and not the figure. The backpack also doubles as the corelander vehicle, possessing a swiveling thruster and a cockpit that is turned to join the Lander with the figure. The Figure included 5 sets of hands: left/right fists, left/right "open" hands, and a transparent green "shining finger" hand.The Accessories:
Beam sabers: Beam sabers are very snug and easy to remove blades allows gameplay to perform well. One blade and hilt is smaller then the other. And hilts as mentioned above are stored in the left side of the hip armor.
Core Lander/Backpack: Pretty well detailed and well painted the corelander is a nice touch. The thruster on the bottom swivel 90 degrees to switch from backpack to vehicle. The Cockpit opens 90 degrees to attach the back of the Shining Gundam.Play Value: Although the figure is sparse in terms of guns the sabers, extra hands, and transformations that the figure can perform may make it rather playable. Although the small parts are definitely a hazard for smaller children, for the older kids it can be entertaining.
Display Value: Possability and articulation are good so favorite poses may be tried. Although the Shining Gundam is a more realistic design compared to others in the line, its lack of accessories might divert attention from it. Then again its odd look while in hyper mode can draw a few looks.
Dollar Value: Picked up at Gamestop for $7.99, this figure doesnt deserve a deluxe figure price. The figures are starting to filter into Wal-Marts and soon Target for about $5.99 which is more acceptable.
Conclusion: The Shining Gundam figure is a well-made figure. Although the Accessory load is light, its transformation into Hyper mode somewhat makes up for it. The Figure is nice, and highly recommended for G-Gundam fans.
Score: 7/10 Good figure, some small flaws exist, light accessory load, but still well made.
