Series: Gundam Fix Figuration (GFF)
Title: #0016B XM-X2 (F97) Crossbone Gundam X-2
Release Date: 08/2003
Suggested Price: ¥ 3680
No. of Parts: 15+
Plastic colors: black, purple
Gimmicks: anti-beam cloak (2), Core Fighter, shot lancer

Introduction

Contributor: Winn Sevilla
Date: December 13, 2003

I never bothered to acquire the Fix Figurations #0016A & #0016B "Crossbone Gundam X1 & X2" at first when it was released since the design wasn't really my liking and I'm not that familiar with the story of the series. But after hearing & reading lots of praises and good comments about the figure, I decided to purchase one of them just to see for myself. The reason why I opted for the X-2 version is because I've always wanted a darkish color scheme for a Gundam, but not having a two-in-one figure like the Gundam Mk.II / Refined Barzam ideally a good purchase to me. (Swapable armor & parts on Fix Figurations aren't good figures since you have to keep swapping parts to have each one, in my opinion.)

The XM-X2 Crossbone Gundam is the second unit developed by the SNRI (Strategic Naval Research Institute - Earth Federations' "in-house" MS developer) that was stolen by the Crossbone Vanguard, a group of space pirates on the verge of a war against the Jupiter Empire - bent on domination of the Earth. A powerful & agile unit, the X-2 is equipped with a variety of beam weapons, an anti-beam cloak for protection and hidden melee weapons for surprise attacks - although the choice weapon of its ace pilot, Zabine Chareux is the shot lancer.

Box art- The figure is displayed in the same concept as all fix figurations, with the X-2 figure in front, the core fighter on the side and the assortment of weapons. The rear shows images of the X-2's arsenal and features.

Head

The head looks good when checked for details. Rather than having a ball joint connected from the torso, the head's design is reversed - the ball joint is based from the head, which makes zero-hindrance articulation! Excellent!

Torso

The torso is hollow inside but the design is thick - so its not a concern. The rear is open to accommodate docking of the core fighter array and fits well. Design & details are great, AND IT HAS A WAIST! The front, side & rear skirt armors ARE BALL JOINTED, giving the legs extra space for poses.

Arms

A different approach. The shoulder armor is well articulated and firm. The arms are detail impressive - especially the beam shield / brand marker array. 6 pairs of hands (1-closed fists, 1-saber, 1-trigger type) plus a special one for the buster gun.

Legs

Well done. Articulation is perfect for a fix figuration - knees can bent almost 45 degrees, ankle joints & foot joints make it that way. Did I mention that details are excellent as well? Just did.

Weapons and Accessories

Beam Zanber- The X-2's version of a pirate's beam saber, the beam zanber's shape is well rounded and detailed. The blade is even better - it's thick and looks very intimidating, it fits well onto the assigned hands. It can be stored on any of the X-2's hardpoints. I just love this weapon. Arrrg!

Buster Gun- The X-2's version of a pirate's pistol. Well detailed, fits well into a special right hand (wider) and can also be stored into the hardpoints.

Zanbuster (Beam Zanber + Buster Gun)- By swinging the buster gun's handle forward reveals a peg, which can be inserted into the beam zanber's blade slot. A design genius but the peg seems to be too short. However, the round guard of the beam zanber is contoured specifically to the shape of the right arm hence handling the zanbuster isn't an issue despite its large size! Arrrg! it's a genius gimmick there matey!

Brand Marker / Beam Shield- You can swing the marker forward just in front of the hand to simulate:
1. Bashing an enemy with the marker provided you attach the marker's blade.
2. Using the beam shield - but where's the beam shield array for it?!
Overall, its a great gimmick as the weapon doesn't have any contact problems. Plus, it's well detailed too.

Heat Dagger- Arrrg! A lovely dagger to swipe me X-2 lad's feisty Jupitarians! (excuse the trying hard pirate accent.) The heat daggers are simply lovely and aren't a problem in any manner.

Shot Lancer- Zabine Chareux's favorite weapon. The shot lancer is perfect in detail - the lancer portion is well rounded and tipped and you can move the shaft forward to simulate using it. Plus, its contoured to the shape of the right hand (AGAIN!) to accommodate a good fit!

Anti-Beam Cloak Type 1- Simply perfect. This cloak is made up something like rubber but very flexible and easy to mount on the X-2 and you secure it by removing the shoulder's "verniers" which act as locking tabs. It's really a great accessory to have. Arrrg!

Anti-Beam Cloak Type 2- This one is made of some sort of silky nylonish fabric with an additional torso-shoulder armor. Details galore, you can simply put it over the X-2 but fitting is quite annoying but still, the design of the additional armor is sweet.

Despite the great weapons loadout this figuration had, it omitted a few more weapons:
1. Scissor Anchor X 2 which are located just behind the front skirt armor.
2. Long Beam Rifle which is I believe is another one of Zabine Chareux's choice weapons.
3. Beam Saber blades X 2 that are the core fighter's beam guns.
It's really somewhat annoying that Bandai omitted these weapons since the price is tad higher than usual. ARRGH!

Backpack / Core Fighter- At first I was expecting two types - one in docking mode & one in normal mode. But much to my surprise, there's only one and its transformable!!!

1. The cockpit nose folds downward and moves backward exactly like the LM312V04 Victory Gundam's design and can then be shifted downwards.
2. The booster "fins" then are spread outwards on an "X.".. stability isn't a concern here thanks to locking tabs.
3. The beam guns are then positioned to the slot on the figure's torso.
4. The core fighter docks in and fits perfectly!

Simply the only perfect Core Fighter I've handled upon.

Conclusion

Simply put, this figure is perfect! Well articulated, detailed, hindrance-free and well stocked despite the lack of other weapons. I would honestly say that this figure breaks the traditional concept of fix figurations believed to be much more of a display - the new engineering approach is fantastic. For the price, it's VERY, VERY much worth having. So, arrrg! Go get this treasure me lads!

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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