Series: Gundam Fix Figuration (GFF)
Title: RX-78-6 Mudrock Gundam/RX-78-5 Gundam Unit 5 "G05"
Release Date: 06/2004
Suggested Price: ¥ 4000
No. of Parts: 50+
Plastic colors: Mudrock: bright orange-yellow, white, navy blue, gray, orange, black; G05: white, yellow, gray, orange, black
Gimmicks: interchangeable conversion parts to each MS, display base, good weapons loadout

Introduction

Contributor: Winn Sevilla
Date: September 18, 2004

Following the somewhat disappointing experience the purchase of the G05/NT-1 GFF has given me, I made it a point not to get this next GFF. But once I saw the preview pictures of the Katokified RX-78-6 Mudrock, I changed my idle mind because it was one of my favorite units in the PS2 Game "Gundam: The Lost War Chronicles." Thankfully, I did not suffer the same production quality issue of my last purchase so I'm quite pleased with that.

The RX-78-5 Gundam "G05" was the fifth Gundam developed alongside the RX-78-4 Gundam "G04" designated to the Pegasus class ship Thoroughbred - with its mission to guard against the hostile threat imposed by Granada. Piloted by the brash Lt. Ford Romfellow , the G05 features improvements for space combat: added verniers and extra propellant tanks for increased mobility and longer battle time. Aside from the regular beam rifle/beam saber/vulcan gun weaponry, it also had beam guns on its forearms and its trademark weapon: a giant Gatling gun with an ammo drum for long skirmishes. With the heavy damage dealt by Gundam G04 following the use of its experimental mega beam launcher, the G05 was able to fend off attacks of the Zeon a vengeful Zeon fleet and successfully managed to stop the tensions that threatened to stop the fragile peace process between the Earth Federation and the Zeon Republic.

The RX-78-6 Mudrock Gundam was the sixth Gundam developed by the Earth Federation under the Operation V project. However unlike the others the Mudrock features an added twist: the ability to hover through the ground like the MS-09 Dom - thanks to powerful verniers in the legs and all over its body, giving the massive unit high speed and agility. Aside from the usual weaponry of 30mm vulcan guns, a beam saber, shield and the usual beam rifle the Mudrock is also incorporated with a pair of 300mm cannons - giving the unit an added punch. With its high mobility and high firepower, the Mudrock is truly a fearsome Gundam to cross with.

On November 30, 0079 in the EFSF's base in Jaburo, the incomplete Mudrock was launched against an offensive attack by the elite Midnight Fenrir. Piloted by the brash Lt. Agar, the Mudrock was heavily damaged in the fierce conflict. With rushed repairs it was transferred to North America to retake the California Base from the Zeon Republic, the Mudrock clashed with the Midnight Fenrir for the last time, sustaining damage beyond repair.

Box art- A slight modification on the GFF box is that the head of the RX-78-2 is no longer printed on the upper board of the box. Despite that its the usual design - the Mudrock figure in front with the numerous conversion armor parts surrounding it. At the back of the box is the usual lineart picture and pictures of the figure in G05 & Mudrock form.

Head

RX-78-6:
The most uncommon head design in the RX-78 series of Gundams, the Mudrock's head gives a refreshing look from the usual design. You just gotta love the details and articulation is not a problem.

RX-78-5:
Just like the MG design-based G04, the G05's head is a quite impressive in detail and the articulation is great.

Torso

RX-78-6:
Using the same frame means using the same features. Hence the abdominal section is articulated to a bend to a certain degree forward - a feature in which I remember is featured in certain hobby magazines. The results are impressive since poseability is more "flexible" thanks to that feature. The details and shape of the torso are excellent! As usual, the front and side skirt armors are ball jointed and that would mean improved articulation for the legs! The backpack is solid and lavishly detailed in nature, the backpack is something to be desired about as the four verniers are ball jointed! (Bandai is really breaking the GFF tradition of fixed verniers!) The backpack fits securely as well.

RX-78-5:
The torso's design is impressive in design and the details are accurate especially the cockpit hatch and chest vents. The front and side skirt armors are once again, ball jointed for increased leg articulation. The rear "binders" which also act as extra propellant holders are detailed nicely. The backpack is again flourished in details galore with the same gimmick: the verniers are ball jointed and can be moved. It connects securely and snugly. The extra propellant tanks / binders are molded and detailed beautifully.

Arms

RX-78-6:
If you would own this you'd be very much surprised: the shoulder armor isn't really molded as one, but instead its a basic NT-1 armor (with the marking of "6" instead of "4") covered with the Mudrock's armor! Is Bandai doing cost-cutting experiments on conversions this time!? Either way, the Mudrock shoulder armor does cause any problems except that it lessens sideward poseability a few degrees. The forearm covers are detailed and look great with that odd pointed shape. (for punch attacks?!) Hands come in 3 pairs: one closed fist, one for weapons and one for holding the beam sabers.

Evidently, Bandai didn't solve the problem the GFF #0019 (RX-78 NT-1 / Gundam G04) tragically had: the fatal flaw in the elbow joints! like I said before, the joints themselves are not covered in design, and since it follows the NT-1/G04/G05's complicated elbow design AND with the fact that GFF joints have a high degree of stiffness, the elbow joints can be easily dislocated or popped off when you pose it with direct force. For the second time around, Bandai didn't seem bother to fix this problem.

RX-78-5:
Just like the G04, the upper shoulder armor (Bst) can be removed and can be also locked just like the MG version! The elbows, being a general area is also stricken by the fatal flaw. (read my review of the GFF #0019 to know more) The forearm covers are painted and detailed nicely. Hands come in 3 pairs: one close fist, one triggered for weapons and one for holding the beam sabers.

Legs

RX-78-6:
The upper thighs are solid in design. The lower legs however, due to the armor conversion feature is composed of 5 armor parts for each side - just like an MG kit would have. The armor themselves fit the slots securely but some have tendencies to loosen after much playing / posing. What's more, is that the outer leg armor which has the verniers can be shifted to forward position at a certain angle (a distinctive feature in the Mudrock - it has hovering capabilities like the MS-09 Dom). Since this is a conversion type GFF, it had to follow the foot design of the G05 (the Mudrock's ankle armor is has a gap in the middle and has a longer foot). There's also four extra side armors for the lower legs - in my opinion, they're conversion parts for the Mudrock in incomplete status (the shoulder armors are basically an NT-1-esque design!).

RX-78-5:
Once more, the thighs are well solid and as for the lower legs, there are at 5 armor parts for each leg. Like I said, they fit securely but have tendencies to loosen when played/posed a lot. The beautiful foot area isn't converted, which is suited for both the Mudrock & G05. (Note: when installing the armors, start with the sides first.) Thankfully, this one did not have any production defects. WHEW.

Weapons and Accessories

RX-78-6:
Beam rifle- Very similar to the mass-produced beam rifle used by the RX-79 series but only thicker in design and intricate to the smallest detail.

90mm machine gun- I just love this weapon. Its a modified version of the 90mm machine gun used by the RX-79 series but definitely looks cooler because of the barrel design - it looks like a silencer! It also has a small chain just below the handle for details. This is one of the reasons why I love this figure.

300mm cannons- For a Gundam with cannons as stock, they're definitely cool. The cannons are connected to the backpack via small brackets, which can be shifted for firing angle poses. This is the main reason why I love this figure.

Beam saber- Two versions: two unused for backpack storage and a single bladed. (Critical advice: NEVER ever attempt to because they're stuck really tight - my attempt ended up with a small crack on the left saber.) The bladed saber have a clear pink color that is quite good. The unused sabers can be stored on special slots alongside the 200mm cannons.

Shield- Of course, the shield is another reason why I love this figure - its the same shield design used by the RGM-79N GM Custom. The shield connects thru a special slot on the arm covers.

RX-78-5:
Beam rifle- Quite realistic in terms of details except for one flaw: the folding stock handle isn't articulated but has to be removed and reattached. There's also some a minor awkward handling issues here.

Giant Gatling gun- The G05's trademark weapon is just as intimidating as its MG version. Although it looks awkward to handle due to the design, the Gatling gun looks better when held with both hands. The flexible ammo belt connects from the ammo drum through the rear via a support clip and finally to the gun without much grunting. To pose it unused, the gun can be stored via a large socket just by the propellant tanks / binder.

Beam saber- With the hilt in bright orange in color, the beam sabers come in two versions: unused for backpack storage and a single bladed.

Shield- Despite the flourished details and labels embedded on the shield, it doesn't have the sliding feature the MG has. (and because its a recast version of the GFF #0019 too.) Instead, you have to separate the upper from the lower and reattach them to the desired mode you wish to pose it with: extended and unextended.

Conclusion

I for one would definitely love this figure because of one reason - the Mudrock! The sheer coolness of the design and weapons loadout and the plus factor of it being a Gundam with big cannons is cool to me. Sure, the G05's got a big cannon too, but the Mudrock doesn't have to be awkward with his. Again there's that annoying elbow joint design flaw, and that makes this figure a lot less playable. So for those who are into the design and can resist the itch to play with it a lot, then its safe for you.

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

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