Scrap_Heap's MSiA Gundam Gallery
RX-178 Gundam MK.II (Titans colors) (Asian Release) MSiA Review


















Click here to return to Gundam Zeta series directory:

Reviewed by: Scrap_Heap

rx178titanstop.jpg

RX-178 Gundam Mk.II (Titans colors)

Synopsis: While I have yet to see the Zeta Gundam series several of the designs used in the series have always interested me. The paint scheme of the Titans mecha also has been a draw for me as well. Granted the Titans are the bad guys of the series and vile ones at that. And while the Zeta MSiAs will be coming soon to the U.S. soon I might as well let you in on a sneak preview of what may be coming your way soon!

The Figure: While the Gundam MK.II of Titans and AEUG differ primarily by the paint scheme I was more drawn to the Titans colors due to the dark colors arranged in a way different then most typical UC Gundams. The downside to such a paint scheme is revealed in that similar colors from other parts of the figure are drowned out by the Dark Blue color of the overall figure.

The head is well painted and well designed and at the sides of the head are two rectangular slots to fit the vulcan pod (described below). In terms of articulation, the rotation is about 360 degrees with the head able to tilt up and down at a decent range.

The arms are well detailed however even with the dark colors the MKII was given gray panel lines to bring out the detailing, while a nice try this gives the appearance that you have not dusted your figure in a lone time. The shoulder armor does not hinder movement that much granting nearly unrestricted movement of the upper arm. The elbows move 45 degrees like most average MSiAs and the hands connect to the lower arm via a peg connection. The hand sets included 2 fists, 2 sword hands, and 2 gun hands. One thing to note is that in the gun hands of the AEUG Gundam I own the thumb is fused to the middle finger while the Titan's one is not fused.

The legs are well painted and detailed giving the figure a great appearance. The articulation of the MK.II is also great. The Skirt armor is short and flexible allowing the leg plenty room to move. The knee assembly of the Gundam allows for 90 degrees of movement. The lower leg is a real treat. With movable ankle armor the leg has some nice mechanisms that are for show that look like movable hydraulics and some of those parts are painted silver.

The Torso is well painted and well detailed. The hip armor has slots to fit the Beam Rifle or the clip of the Bazooka. A rear part of the skirt armor has a removable piece of armor that can be interchanged with an attachment to store the bazooka. The torso twists well with minor interference from the hip armor. The hip armor can pop off when twisting the torso. The backpack is removable featuring swiveling mounts where the beam Saber hilts are stored. The backpack also features pivoting thrusters that can be moved with a lot of range due to the ball joints that connect them.

The Accessories:

Beam Rifle: The Beam Rifle is well detailed though a little large. The support handle is one of the first MSiAs with a movable handle (remember this figure was released around 3 years ago). The gun hand holds it well however the trigger finger does not fit into the trigger guard like later figures. The power clip of the rifle is removable and interchangable with the two clips included in the shield.

HyperBazooka: I bought the AEUG MK.II figure first and I was impressed with the weapon and the removable clip however I am not sure if I have a defective Mk.II but this Bazooka's clip is not removable. It seems almost glued in place.

BeamSaber: I think the Z line seemed to be the first to sport Beam Sabers with the blades removable at the hilt. These sabers look like 2 typical beam sabers you find now in most MSiAs now.

Shield: This attaches to the back of the forearm and can rotate freely. The shield can close up hooking the slot to one of the visual slot. The extra rifle clips fit in the back of the shield.

Vulcan Gunpod: This gunpod is different from the gunpod of the AEUG figure. I am not just addressing the paint job which the Titan's Gunpod has had more attention but it also seems that the molds used were different in that the AEUG figure's gunpod fits on the head much better then this gun pod.

Play Value: The MK.II is loaded with accessories and articulation giving this figure tons of replay value as well as the fact that this figure belongs to the enemy faction.

Display Value: With the menacing paint scheme, tons of accessories and a great design this figure looks good in any Gundam collection.


Dollar Value:
As an Asian release that is currently not available in mass production, I wouldd say that this figure max price to pay would be about $15-20. However if that is too much just wait for the U.S. Release that should be coming Stateside later this summer at a rumored deluxe price tag.

Conclusion: A great figure despite some flaws.
















SCORE:
zakuiiratingsys75.jpg
7.5 out of 10 zaku heads:A great figure but accessories flawed compared to AEUG Variant.

 
 
 
.

To Enlarge Pictures Below Click their respective links

bigrx178titans.jpg

Above is: A.)The RX-178 wielding the Beam Rifle.  B.) RX-178 holding the beam sabers; note the Beam Rifle attached to hip. C.) RX-178 holding Bazooka with closed shield. D.) Close up of RX-178's Face.  E. RX-178 with Vulcan pod on head.  F.) Close up of ankles with/without armor.  G.) Rear view of RX-178. note the small piece that will be switched with an attachment to hold H.) The Bazooka
















MSiA Review #45: 04/10/03: I fixed the photo link