Series: Mobile Suit in Action!! (MSiA)
Title: RX-79[G] Gundam Mass Production Ground Type (Desert colors)
Release Date: 11/2001 (US)
Suggested Price: $5.99
No. of Parts: 1 Gundam Ground Type figure + 13 parts
Plastic colors: sand beige, blue, gray, red, yellow, green
Gimmicks: 100mm machine gun, collapsible 180 mm cannon (with side handle), beam rifle (with detachable stock), beam saber (2), shield, optional weapons container, spare ammo clip (2)

Introduction

Contributor: Chris Guanche
Date: November 28, 2003

Once Bandai has released all the mobile suits from a particular series, what do they do? Why, they release re-paints of course! This 'desert colors' Gundam Ground Type actually belongs to the 06th M.S. Team, which is featured in episode 2 of the 08th M.S. Team OVA series. However, oddly enough those Gundams were in the standard gray color scheme. Perhaps they were later outfitted for desert camouflage off screen. Anyway, let's move on to the figure itself.

Head

The head is mounted on a ball socket and has great articulation. It can freely move about and make all sorts of great poses. The detail on the head itself is also good, with the eyes, mouth area and distinctive Gundam chin all colored in the appropriate schemes. The V-fins are made of soft plastic, which is the case with most other MSiA figures.

Torso

The torso is nicely molded and has good details. You can clearly make out the exhaust vent on the right side, along with the left vulcan cannon and cockpit hatch up top. The waist features two spare ammo clips for the 100mm machine gun, and they of course actually can be used on the machine gun itself, which is a nice touch. Also, the backpack can be removed to swap in the backpack that is equipped with the weapons container. The backpack itself features two movable thruster nozzles and has plenty of panel lines.

Arms

The arms are mounted onto the torso via ball sockets. They have great range of motion and can make any pose with weapons as seen in the anime. Also, both forearms have holes to clip the shield onto. When mounted, the shield stays firmly in place on the arm.

Legs

Much like the arms, the legs have good articulation and are capable of a wide range of movement. They attach onto the torso via ball sockets. There's also plenty of panel lines for painting.

Weapons and Accessories

The Gundam Ground Type comes fully loaded with accessories, but some work out better than others. Of course, the most standard armament is the 100mm machine gun and shield. The machine gun fits snuggly in the right hand, and it comes with a detachable stock that the left hand can hold. As previously mentioned, the ammo clip can be swapped out with the spares stored on the waist. The beam rifle, on the other hand, is molded of a softer plastic, and it isn't held as well as the machine gun. The backpack can be replaced with another backpack that features a weapons container. However, the weapons container falls apart very easily into its four component parts. If you want to attach the weapon container, you have to first take it apart and then reassemble it after attaching the backpack. Be careful when opening the hatch, because chances are it will fall apart. The Gundam Ground Type also comes with the long 180mm cannon, which comes in five detachable pieces. These pieces can be stored in the weapons container. Finally, there's also two beam sabers, but they tend to fall out of the hands quite easily.

Conclusion

Overall, this is a very nice figure. It's got great detail and good articulation. I didn't like the weapons container so much. It should have been made one solid piece. Also, the beam rifle and beam sabers should be easier for the hands to hold. Aside from the color scheme, this figure is identical to the standard gray Gundam Ground Type. If you already have that one, there's no need to get this one unless you like the desert colors.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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