Gundam Maxter
Synopsis: Again, G-Fighter just isn't the series for me. The stereotypical gimmicks the Gundams possess in the series for each nation they represent can range from corny to down right confusing and/or slightly insulting.
Of course there are exceptions too this trend. Neo Japan Fighters for example tend to reflect the strongest traits of your typical UC or AC Gundam. And then there is NeoAmericas Gundam. Gundam Maxter, which doesn't cling to the ONE stereotypical gimmick rule of the other nations and instead is made up of many. The football player, the surfer, the boxer, big red sports car (the core lander) and the cowboy are elements all mixed into one element. Although I'm not fond of the design its pilot proved to be arguably the most likable of the gundam pilots and the suit does well in the Gundam Battle Assault 2 game on PS1J .
The Figure: Like most of this series first wave of MFiAs this figure was nicely made compared to other AC releases. Maxter Gundam proves to be the most flexible of the figures but I'll get to that in a moment.
The head of this figure is well detailed and well painted. The football helmet-like head with its bar in the front of the chin is in good proportion and its possible obstruction doesnt seemed to have hindered the face paint given to it.
Its arms are well articulated although movement is hindered by part of the shoulder armor. Of course the problem is no longer evident when the shoulder armor are removed to act as "boxing gloves." One additional problem to note is that the forearm guards can pop off when you're trying to use them. That flaw can present a choking hazard for younger kids so please take note. Additional hands aside from the two closed fists include 2 gun hands and two gripping hands to handle the shield or other units weapons. These hands provide a firm grip for all the accessories it comes with.
Maxters legs are very moveable due in part to the short skirt armor in the design. Side-to-side movement at the ankle is almost nonexistent due to the on-screen counterparts design and not in terms of workman's ship.
The torso features a unique ability change chest size. This is due for allowing the exchange of chest armors from normal to the boxing one. The torso cant twist well do to the backpack and part of the hip armor at the back.
The Accessories: Although the quantity of accessories may not match that of the Ground Gundam, the play possibilities of them mixed with the rest of the gimmicks of Maxter are numerous when compared to other G-fighter figures.
Six Shooters: These two guns feature folding handles to make them more compact when holstered. Pegs are placed on the side to attach to a hole on Maxter in a manner like a Zaku, only not as noticeable as the Zakus Heat Hawk peg.
Shield/Surf Board: Well made consisting of several different colored plastics to match the correct color scheme and a handle which fits well as a shield. The handle however is a supreme pain to fold out to be used as a shield so be prepared.
Core Lander: What says USA like a big red muscle car? This core lander definitely calls some attention to it over other core landers.
Play Value: Okay, this figure has a bit of play value presented in the gimmicks this thing can do. Pauses in transforming this guy to your desired form can sometimes be a pain (especially the shield). This figure also presents a major choking hazard to little kids so please be careful.
Display Value: This figure is an attention-getter, especially when presented near UC Figures. This may lose its distinctiveness value when displayed near other Mobile Fighters though.
Dollar Value: As a Standard release the $4.99-5.99 is reasonable given this figures features. Although a G-Fighter fan may be more appreciative of Maxter more then others would in buying it.
Conclusion: A decent figure for the line. Keeps true to it animated counterpart for the most part with the many gimmicks possible to re-enact. The good articulation is a plus though there still is some notable flaws.
Score: 7/10 Good range of gimmicks with a few notable problems.
