REVIEW MG 1/100 MVF-X08R2 Eclipse Gundam Reactor 2, Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai assembly plastic model kit Gunpla MG 1/100 MVF-X08R2 Eclipse Gundam Reactor 2 from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Eclipse.

P-Bandai Gunpla MG 1/100 MVF-X08R2 Eclipse Gundam Reactor 2 Review

The price of this kit is 6,600 yen, and it's available for pre-order from Premium Bandai. The packaging may appear to be a single color, but the instructions included provide a detailed explanation of the aircraft.

The kit comes with a variety of accessories, including:

R2-W1 beam rifle
R2-W2 physical sword
Beam rifle "Jinrai" x 2
Beam saber effect x 2
Beam shield effect x 2
Stand joint
Right gun handle
Flat hand
3 types of handles for left and right
Various strikers, silhouettes, and wizard attachment joints
Action base

Foil stickers and water slide decals are included to enhance the sensor details and other markings.

One notable feature of this kit is the surplus of parts it provides. In addition to the Eclipse's head and forehead parts, which are due to the runner's circumstances, some parts from the Freedom Ver. 2.0 series frame have been reused. This means you'll have many spare parts left over that won't be used in this build.

The Eclipse Gundam Unit 2 is based on the Gundam SEED ECLIPSE series. As the name suggests, it's the second Eclipse model, but this one is nuclear-powered rather than electric. While the fuselage design is almost identical to Eclipse Unit 1, it features a distinctive Aegis-like multipurpose sensor unit on its head, resulting in an elongated crest. It also sports a beam rifle and physical sword attached to its waist. The color scheme, primarily black and red, gives it a villainous appearance, in stark contrast to Unit 1.

Although many parts are reused from the first Eclipse kit, there are also new parts for the head and waist weapons. The joints are constructed using KPS (known as polycaps in other kits), and there are numerous moving parts and hinges to facilitate transformation, making the build somewhat delicate.

The kit includes the 72E4 type beam rifle "Jinrai," allowing you to swap out the waist armament and achieve a cleaner look without the big red shield. The color coding is on par with MG standards, so the molding colors closely match the final look, and using stickers for small sensors achieves a screen-accurate appearance.

Head Unit

Comparing the head to Unit 1, this one features an Aegis-like design with no "H" shaped slit in the mask and a shorter antenna. The green color of the long sensor unit is reproduced using a sticker. The twin eye part is a clear piece, enabling you to create a clear background effect.

Body Unit

The overall design of the fuselage remains similar to the Eclipse, but the dark coloring gives it a more subdued and menacing appearance. The cockpit can still be opened and closed as before, and the chest ducts are accessible.

Arms Unit

The kit provides compatibility with Striker, Silhouette, and Wizard attachments, with joint parts integrated into the backpack and shoulder armor. The arm design remains consistent, with a beam shield unit on the forearm and a wrist that allows only the thumb to move.

The kit also includes a variety of weapons, such as the R2-W1 beam rifle, R2-W2 physical sword, and the 72E4 beam rifle "Jinrai." These weapons can be held securely, and their designs are faithful to their respective sources.

Legs Unit

The legs feature a built-in complex deformation gimmick, with thigh armor that slides as the knees move. The ankle design cleverly hides the bulk of the ankles behind armor plates, maintaining a sleek appearance. Lining parts and movable toes enhance the level of detail.

Comparing it to MG Eclipse Unit 1, the dark coloring and changes in head and weapons give Unit 2 a distinct rival mecha appearance. However, the core design elements remain consistent.

Movability and Articulation

The range of motion and articulation remains similar to Unit 1, ensuring a good level of poseability. However, caution is needed when moving certain joints, as they feature unique mechanisms.

Weaponry and Option Set

The physical sword, based on Sword Strike data, features a unique design and can be rotated thanks to its crank-shaped joint. Holding it with one hand is possible, though it may require some adjustments depending on the angle of your wrist or elbow.

The 72E4 beam rifle "Jinrai" comes with two pieces and can be securely held with the included handle. Its color-coding accurately reproduces its distinctive shape. The PS-02 beam shield comes with two sets of effects, and its clear parts have a fluorescent orange hue, providing a bright and eye-catching appearance when deployed.

The kit also supports various Strikers, Wizards, and Silhouettes, offering customization options and enhancing playability. Transforming the kit into MA form involves a series of complex movements and delicate hinge structures. Care is needed to ensure a successful transformation.

While there may be some parts that become loose over time, the overall shape of the kit remains stable. Unit 2 maintains its unique appearance even in MA form, and Strikers can be attached in this state.

In terms of color scheme, Maneuver Striker complements Unit 2 nicely. However, the crest of Raijin's mask may interfere with the mask and need to be adjusted. In the MA form, the red shield creates a distinct silhouette, altering the kit's rear view. The flexibility to assemble Unit 1 in black is also a notable feature.

Summary

In conclusion, MG Eclipse Gundam Unit 2 offers a compelling kit for Gunpla enthusiasts. While it shares some similarities with Unit 1, the changes in head design, weaponry, and color scheme make it stand out as a formidable rival mecha. The inclusion of new armament, such as the physical sword and the unique 72E4 beam rifle "Jinrai," adds to its appeal. Its compatibility with various attachments and the ability to transform into MA form make it a versatile and enjoyable build, despite the need for careful handling of delicate parts. Overall, this kit offers high play value and is a great addition to any Gunpla collection.