Gundam RX-78-2 Version 2.0 Asian Release

Synopsis: This is the figure that set the new standard in MSiA design.  This is the first of the Version 2.0 line so any mention of version 2 joints stem from this figure.

   The first version MSiA of Gundam was among the first of the MSiAs made.  The Mobile Suit in Action line had just started and while certain characteristics would be passed on to later releases flaws were bound to crop up.  Unfortunately the lead figure of the line was also the most littered with flaws and the Gundam looked antiquated compared to the releases that followed it.  The dramatic improvement of version 1 with the version 2 figure caused a buzz among collectors that the new figure was a precursor of all releases that would follow. 

   Such predictions were made with a grain of salt however with good sales and collectors wanting more two new figures receiving the version 2 treatments hit the shelves in the forms of Char and the mass-produced ZakuII.  Since then a few Version 2s are made as well as retooled figures sporting the version 2 joints.  One can argue however that despite the new version 2 figures that have been nice none can surpass the Gundam Version 2 due to the level of improvement it received over the version 1 and since it is first of the line it will always be met with appreciation by MSiA collectors.

The Figure:  The head is well detailed and features a good clean paintjob.  The rotation range is 360 degrees with a little tilting up problems due to the head.  All of the proportions look great.

  The arms are nicely panel lined and arm movement is practically flawless and unhindered.  The double-jointed elbows provide natural bending and the presence of a swiveling joint in the shoulder allows for great shoulder adjustment and allows for great weapon wielding.  Hands are connected to a balljoint at the wrist and the hands included are 2 closed fists, 2 "sword" hands, and 2 "gun" hands.

   The Legs like the arms sport panel lining, a good paintjob, and flawless movement.  The short skirt armor allows for the wide range of leg movement.  The double jointing in the knees allow the lower leg to bend in a natural way.  The ankle also sports improvement range by allow the ankle to be bent forward for better posing.

   The torso sports some pleasant surprises.  The paintjob is great and the cockpit can open up.  The waist can rotate 360 degrees fully and it is assumed that the upper torso sits on a ball joint to allow for better posing.  The Backpack has two movable thruster nozzles and the backpack can be removed to reveal the circuited underneath.  That ability is also seen in later Version 2 releases like all of the version 2 Zakus.

The Accessories:  Not only did this figure improve over its predecessor in terms of the figure itself, it also blew away the version 1 in terms of accessories in both quality and quantity:

Beam Rifle:  The venerable beam rifle finally mirrors its animated counterpart in that the support handle swivels for better gripping and the Sight as well.  The rifle is nicely detailed though the only painted portion is the sight.

Beam Sabers: Two blades come with this figure as well as two hilts that fit on the backpack.  When connected the Beam saber is well proportioned to the rest of the figure. 

Beam Javelin:  The beam head enters the 3^rd dimension with points at different areas of the ball.  While an advancement over version 1 this Beam javelin seemed like a let down compared the javelin included with the Gundam Ver 1.5 ( Gundam figure in the G-fighter/armor playset as well as the Battlescared line).  The version 1.5 had sharper edges and the hilt could actually come off unlike this one.

Hyper-Bazooka:  No moving pieces like the small rear piece on the Gundam version 1.5 however this longer bazooka is made streamlined because of the lack of a peg that previous designs relied on to connect on the rear armor of Gundam.  Version 2 instead has a separate attachment that hooks on to the rear armor and allows for the bazooka to be stored there.

Gundam Hammer and Hyper Hammer:  These weapons were never my favorite weapons in the series since it never made any sense.  The US release lacked the Hyper-Hammer that would not see release until the Battle scarred Gundam.  The only other MSiA to be released with a hammer of this sort was Turn-A Gundam.  Its chain was made of plastic and thankfully these weapons are better made with metal chains and plastic ends.  Why do they call these ball and chains hammers anyway?

Shield:  The shield enjoyed an interesting change.  The handle for which the Gundam holds the Shield by rests on a ball joint while the forearm slot connects to the shield via an odd flexible brace that partially wraps around the back of the forearm and connects to the shield via a ball joint. One peg remains so placement on the backpack is possible. 

Play Value:  I was not a big fan of the old RX-78-2 design until I bought this figure! The posability, and sheer arsenal stocked on this figure was a pleasant shock to all the fans and these same factors allow for awesome play value.  The Zaku II version 2s that followed also observed this formula for success.  The only minor downside is that changing weapons out can interfere with flow of play however this is natural considering the wide selection this figure has at its disposal. 

Display Value:  Aside from the fore-mentioned posability and large arsenal this figure is better detailed and the opening cockpit and posability open the road to setting it up for a good diorama or allow for dramatic poses.  This is a must have (US or Asian version 2 are ok) for any Gundam collection.

Dollar Value: As a Birthday present I could not argue with the price...FREE!  The ultimate figure for the ultimate bargain Well worth it!  For those of you who have to buy it HLJ still carries it for around $14+shipping.  Or you can get it at ebay, The US release may be around as well in an obscure store and is worth the purchase as well. 

Conclusion:  This figure set the standard for all MSiAs that would follow and made "version 2" a term among MSiA collectors to mean High Quality.

Again this Gundam Version 2.0 is a must for any MSiA collection.