Here is the second review post for the complete build of M.S.G Variable Frame System 01 Garudagear [Beluga]. It was a very fun kit to play with and not complicated to assemble the kit. Took me almost 5 hours to complete the build because some of the joints are very tight and require me to trim down some of the connectors to easily remove them later for painting in the future after this photoshoot.
Alright, here is the long-awaited unboxing review. Garudagear has been my favourite and primary purchase since it was first announced last year. The retail price in Japan sold for 6,800 YEN and the price at HLJ is 5,780 YEN. I brought this kit for lesser using the special coupon during the promo so watch out for the next promotion over there. I do have to warn you that this is rather large and has the same box size as Frame Arms or Bandai Gunpla. However, what we all didn’t expect is that Kotobukiya screw the customer with the unnecessary large space that is not even occupied.
REVIEW & PHOTOS:
One of my favourite designed heavy weapon units is the Exceed Binder. This unit is still packed with more stuff and playability features after 8 years of being released with a retail price of 900 YEN. A transparent version was released in the retail market under Weapon Unit Assort 02 Sharp Set Clear Ver in 2016. And then the reuse design goes on to create a new character known as Bullet Knights Exorcist/Exorcist Widow for the Megami Device series today.
First announced in 2014, the Mega Slash Edge is a sizeable blade-type weapon built from a separate part that can be used as a long sword (2x), short Ax (2x) and rifle. The clear blade parts that are cast with clear green plastic can be dissembled as well to form a standby mode.
Here is my first review post for a start of a new year. The M.S.G Convert Body has been on my wishlist for a while and, I am happy able to get the 'Special Edition' from HLJ sales last year at a (lowest) discount price for the desert colour version. The reason I go for a discounted price is that Kotobukiya has a bad habit of packing in a large box, which means you will be paying an expensive DHL shipping fee and would like to avoid as much as possible during a pandemic.
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Alright! Here is the Belt Link partner for pairing Hand Gatling Gun! This is something that many of you going to get for your kits and diorama build. For some reason, I was having more fun with this one than the Hand Gatling Gun.
Just for your info, the belt is made of plastic rather than rubber material. Some of you might find it a bit disappointing and yes, I agree plastic made may not provide flexibility. But the design somehow did not give me too much trouble and all you need to do is adjust or rotate from the body ammo drum. Also, the extra here you can even extend (require two set or more) or shorten the belt based on your build. I remember one Japanese modeller creatively add the belt at the back of the Frame Arms as an exoskeleton looks.
If you still have your doubt. Why not get one and play with it?
My Recommendation: ππ
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My Recommendation: ππ
Product Information:
Kotobukiya second update on assault rifles was released in 2017. But this time the design approach a little bit more toward the looks in the Sci-Fi world. Unlike the previous version, it doesn't have any grenade launcher add-on and this time, you only get one rifle with a swappable part for converting long or short version of the assault rifle. It also comes with a silencer, two ammo clips, fixed angle gripping hand parts and different target scopes.
The only complaint I have is the fixed angle gripping hand parts still continue bundle with Assualt Rifle II. I thought they would remove it or put something else when reissuing the products. Sadly, to me, it is just a junk part and have no idea what to do with it.
*For most of you who doesn't know, these mod parts were actually first introduced in Frame Arms SX-25 Cutlass. Due to unpopularity and feedbacks, Kotobukiya redesign and introduced the swing joints mod which you can found normal/wild/sharp/neo hand units today.
My Recommendation: π
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You can say this is Kotobukiya first modern Assualt Rifle design released in retail back in the year 2013. You can find both types of H & A look quite similar to real-world assault rifles. Of course, they did tweak the design to avoid paying the real license fee. Otherwise, we won't be able to get 600 YEN price. But I do impress that the guys were able to pull it off with a mixed-blood design and makes the assault rifle look so good in both the modern and sci-fi world. The removable sight and grenade launcher was a great add-on to complete its upgrade. My only complaint so far is the magazine is non-detachable.
Assembling is also easy, but you do require some sanding work on the seamlines before painting and can be a bit challenging sanding on some smaller areas.
My Recommendation: π
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Looking for a big badass sci-fi missile launcher for your model kit and diorama? Well, you should consider getting M.S.G Weapon Unit MW-36. The missile has a fun customizable (except the only radome comes with one simple design) feature which you can extend the missile pod longer (require extra pack) or convert into a shorter form. It also comes with an additional shoulder-mounted pod mod part you can install in any Frame Arms kit.
The assembling was rather easy and you don't have to worry too much about trouble dealing with the seam lines issue. I was surprised by how clean it looks after assemble. You only need to do some sanding on a few nubs marks area.
My Recommendation: π
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The M.S.G weapon unit 32 comes with two traditional Japanese sword designs. One single is short and long with two different sheath holders parts. Unlike the first released version Samurai Sword, you cannot put both swords into the sheath. It now works like a gimmick.
My Recommendation: π
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My Recommendation: ππ»MUST GET!
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Okay, I just realized today I didn't upload the review in January this year for Weapon Unit MW-16 Shotgun π after going through my blog archives.
The design of the shotgun I personally find looked decent even though it comes with extra upgrade parts. It doesn't have the feel of modern looks or even futuristic in a way. The playable features like a sliding reload function and a removable ammo clip do add some points to the design. But not necessarily needed when you only do posing of your model kits in a diorama. Another problem I find is the shotgun size. It doesn't look good with some 1/144 model kits especially may look oversize when you install both muzzle, scope, and tactical stock.
I do have to remind you that the accessories are not compatible with many older and current M.S.G weapon units. While it is not really a big deal, you only just need some modification skills to attach them. I see many modellers like using the tactical stock part a lot on some Gunpla beam rifle and the final looks are pretty good on it.
My Recommendation: πLah
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The grenade launcher is one of the earliest weapon units released in the year 2003. The design may not be appealing to some, but it does offer some additional swappable parts for your own customization. Sadly, Kotobukiya officially discontinues its release and now replaced by a newer design known as Folding Cannon.
My Recommendation: πCan Get!
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If you are looking for a handgun for your model kits, look no further Kotobukiya M.S.G - Weapon Unit MW24: Handgun. The playability and the details in the design are good. I love they even included the pouch holder with a 3mm peg to store the weapons.
It was first released in September 2011 for 550 YEN then later, the renewal version increase to 660YEN. But I am kind of shocked to know it's been over 9 years!
My Recommendation: ππ
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