Series: Super Deformed (SD)
Title: ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam
Release Date: 11/2003
Suggested Price: ¥ 500
No. of Parts: 51 + polycaps + foil stickers
Plastic colors: white, dark blue, blue, gray
Gimmicks: beam rifle, shield

Introduction

Contributor: Ade "Erlangshen" William
Date: January 15, 2004

The latest model kit from the SD G Generation NEO, this is also the third SD Gundam model kit from the TV series, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED (Yes! I consider SD Astray Gundam as part of this series). As you probably already know SD Model kit needs a lot of paint work to look good, but aside from that, how does this model kit fairs?

Head

Freedom's head is very nice. The molding is very accurate. You might need to paint a few places, but other than that, the details on the head are pretty amazing for an SD model kit. The articulation is standard, just like any other SD model kit.

Torso

I will include the wing parts and hip parts in this section.

The torso itself is pretty decent. Details are pretty nice. An important note is how the abdomen and torso are two separate pieces. The articulation is standard.

The wings deserve praise. The wings basically could do anything the 1/100 Freedom Gundam wing could do, which is rare in SD model kits. In other words, the articulation for the wing parts is superb. The only minus on this part is the Balaena Plasma Beam Cannon in the wings. Unfortunately, the molding is one-sided, thus each cannon only has one good side.

The hips include Xiphias rail cannon that could fold! Unfortunately it doesn't exactly fold the way it does on 1/100 scale model kit. The cannons are also one-sided.

Arms

The detail for the arms is very good. The articulation is superb. The arms could move the way a 1/100 HG model kit could move (except for the finger parts, but hey can't win them all rite?). Funny thing, Bandai provided a hole to connect the shield on both arms. I guess they're trying to win over left-handed people?

Legs

The legs are averagely detailed. The articulation is a lot better compared to older SD model kit.

Unfortunately, there are 2 minus points:

-The upper legs are molded one-sided only (however, we should also consider the fact older model kits don't have legs at all).
- The feet are molded as one piece. SD Strike Gundam & SD Astray Gundam both has two-piece feet which allow greater articulation in this area.

Weapons and Accessories

The beam rifle and shield are pretty good. Older SD model kit's beam rifle usually is one-sided, but this is not the case with SD Freedom Gundam. However, this model kit lacks the double-edge beam saber Freedom Gundam is famous for. I have no idea why Bandai did not include this important accessory, which is kind of disappointing.

Conclusion

If you could get pass the fact that you need to paint a lot of parts, you will find that this model kit is pretty articulated for an SD model kit. Some parts have superb details. Unfortunately, no beam saber and the existence of one-sided molding prevent this kit from being perfect.

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

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