Synopsis: Although this is the U.S. Release Gouf, the mold used is from the Gouf that was near the first to be released when the Mobile Suit in Action line was revealed in Japan. This may look somewhat crude when compared to a mobile suit receiving version 2.0 treatment or the Gouf Custom but Bandai had to start somewhere and without this and the other figures of the premiere line we wouldn't have the wide line of figures that are out right now.

The Figure: The Gouf is modeled in a similar manner as the original ZakuII. The head is well detailed and can rotate 360 degrees and like the Zaku is joined to the body by a peg. The power cables around the face are slightly distracting but ring true with the animated counterpart.

Like the original ZakuII the arms are pretty nicely detailed and is connected with a ball joint however the placement of the joint is to close to the body so that the advantages of the ball joint are hindered to a certain degree. This flaw hinders the posing potential of the Gouf more so then the Zaku because of the nature of the weapons of the Gouf. The spiked shoulder plates are connected by a peg and are interchangeable for either side. The right arm of the Gouf features the housing for the heat rod which can be plugged in whenever needed. The shield like the series is placed on the Backside of the elbow allowing for a real ackward look during other poses. This was one of the first figures domestically released featuring multiple hands. The Gouf had 3, 1 right hand for holding the sword, 1 right hand for clutching the heat rod and the memorable left machinegun hand.

The legs are much more mobile then those of the original ZakuII due to the absence of the power cables that the Zaku has. I don't wish to confuse saying the Gouf's legs are a resculpt of the Zaku's because they're not. The shapes of the legs are a little similar and are good for comparison in terms of mobility. The leg movement is a little hindered by the skirt armor. The Knee joints move freely and have a good range of motion and the ankles have better movement then the ZakuII due to less armor obstructing it.

The Torso is well painted and well detailed though some of the white lining is likely to be on the U.S. version and not the Asian release. Panel lining is less demanded on this figure then the Zaku domestic required. Lack of torso rotation is a big problem however.

DoDaiYS: The DodaiYS is a well made vehicle in terms that it is well painted and well detailed. This and the GM/Ball release help set the standard in well-made Vehicles that usually accompany the action figures with very few exceptions. The only downside to this vehicle is the soft plastics in the tail fins which can be prone to warping.

Heat Rods: The two heat rods are in two varying lengths. The short rod is fixed in a U-shape while the longer cord is roughly 8.5 inches in length. You can use it to whip your Guncannon.

Heat Sword: This weapon caused confusion as to whether or not it is a Beam weapon during a scene in Mobile Suit Gundam. Like the Dom's Heat sword the Gouf has a cartoony looking color in the blade(in the Gouf's case its orange). The sword fits well on either hand made for the Gouf's right hand.

Play Value: Not a bad figure to play with. With the heat rod and sword and simplistic use of them, the play value of the figure and the addition of the Dodai make it worth the value.

Display Value: The retro look of the Dodai along with The gouf sporting one of the heat rods may warrant a glance or too. It may not be a Mecha with a big gun however it has a unique look to it that can serve as an attention getter.

Dollar Value: As a deluxe release this figure is more then worth it. Though the weapons loadout on the Gouf aren't that great, the detail of the DoDai make up for it, especially now when figures coming with a vehicle that big are now placed in boxes and sold for $1-3 more then this figure.

Conclusion: A Good figure hinting at the quality of what the MSiA line has come to be known for.

Score: 7/10 some flaws hold this figure down in the same way as its earlier counterparts