REVIEW Mobile Suit Ensemble 25, Bandai

This is review of Bandai Mobile Suit Gundam MOBILE SUIT ENSEMBLE 25.

Bandai Mobile Suit Gundam MOBILE SUIT ENSEMBLE 25 Review

The lineup boasts some iconic mechs from the Gundam universe, including the Shining Gundam from Mobile Fighter G Gundam, the Gundam Aerial Rebuild from Mobile Suit Gundam: Witch of Mercury, and the mass-produced Windam, complete with a backpack set and weapon set from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY. When you pair any of these with the weapon set, you'll witness them transform into EX bullet masterpieces. Let's delve into the details of these outstanding additions.

GF13-017NJ Shining Gundam

Hailing from Mobile Fighter G Gundam, the Shining Gundam is a Neo-Japan machine piloted by the main character, Domon Kash, in the thrilling Gundam Fight. Its design expertly captures the samurai-like armor and imposing shoulder structure. Notably, the arm and leg armor and the beam saber rack on the waist are all intricately crafted as separate parts. Even the interior of the arm armor has received meticulous attention, with a touch of luxury extending to the clear chest part.

The head's quality is truly satisfying, featuring a clear camera eye and finely divided rear antenna. When posed, the Shining Gundam can execute dynamic, dance-like punches that are characteristic of G Gundam's intense combat sequences.

And don't miss out on its kicking action, which provides ample opportunities for creative poses and angle adjustments. Removing the backpack reveals a unique transformation into a Corelander, complete with a cockpit hatch made of clear parts, showcasing impeccable design details.

XVX-016RN Gundam Aerial Rebuild

The Gundam Aerial Rebuild made its debut at the end of Mobile Suit Gundam: Witch of Mercury Season 1. It sports a powerful silhouette, making it stand out among aerial units. In Season 2, it experienced a truly bizarre fate as the story took turbulent turns. Like its regular counterpart, it features not only exquisite painting but also clear parts for the shell unit, precise part craftsmanship, and a perfectly finished solid rifle barrel.

The head boasts a sharper expression compared to the standard aerial version, effectively capturing the character's essence. Additionally, it can recreate the iconic end-of-Season-2 pose, where it stands gracefully in space with legs together. The Gundam Aerial Rebuild also delivers a kick action reminiscent of its encounter with Caliburn, and the rifle can be easily replaced and mounted on its back.

GAT-04 Windam

The Windam is a mass-produced Earth Alliance aircraft seen in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY, renowned for its sleek body design. In this release, it comes fully equipped with all the bells and whistles. While a special purple version with Neo Roanoke exists, we've opted for the striking blue and gray-white mass-produced model. The legs are meticulously crafted with separate thrusters, contributing to its sleek profile.

The visor-shaped head features just the right mix of heroism and eeriness. Its articulation showcases its smartness, giving off an undeniably cool vibe, mirroring the actions of a main character. The standard pose of the mass-produced Windam, wielding a rifle through the shield, is finely detailed, with the shield's size perfectly proportioned.

Backpack Set

The Backpack Set offers robust support for the MS Ensemble version of the Windam. It includes a Jet Striker pack and a multi-launcher pack. The Jet Striker mounts rocket pods and missiles on underwing pylons, with wings of ideal length. These wings can be folded or extended using movable axes, even resembling a glider when the engine part is pushed back. The presence of rocket pods and missiles adds to its intimidating appeal. The joint at the base allows the gun barrel to extend to the front of the pack, enhancing its versatility.

MS Weapon Set

The MS Weapon Set covers weapons for both the Shining Gundam and Gundam Aerial Rebuild. The Shining Gundam gains replacement parts for Super Mode, Shining Finger, Shining Finger Sword, and the Aerial Rebuild comes equipped with Separable Escutcheon and Gund-bit Rifle replacements.

For the Shining Gundam, you can transform it into Super Mode by replacing the head and leg armor and expanding the shoulder armor. By changing only the front of the head, you can switch to an intermediate battle mode. The Shining Finger attack is brilliantly executed with a clear part and a gripping shape, giving it the impact of a special move. The Shining Finger Sword is equally impressive, resembling a giant beam saber with plasma-like effects that closely resemble the original.

For the Gundam Aerial Rebuild equipped with Escutcheon, it can be posed defensively, covering the body. Thanks to its 3mm diameter joint, it can also be worn on the wrist. You can separate it into a bit stave and attach it to the entire body, replicating its bit formation.

To further enhance your display, combine a commercially available general-purpose pedestal with a 3mm diameter joint with the stand provided with the main unit. This allows you to suspend the bit stave in the air. Additionally, the stand designed for Mobile Suit Gundam MOBILE SUIT ENSEMBLE EX47 Gundam Caliburn (DX version) is compatible, ensuring a sleeker display.

Finally, the Gund-bit Rifle can be assembled using replacement parts. Its impressive size is akin to that of the main body, offering an imposing presence.

Summary

By combining these various components with Mobile Suit Gundam MOBILE SUIT ENSEMBLE 25, you can create captivating scenes with Shining Gundam in battle mode and super mode, Gundam Aerial Rebuild with different armaments, and Windam in jet striker and multi-launcher configurations. Their quality approaches that of EX bullets, which are limited-edition collectibles. So, be sure to enjoy your favorite Gundam moments with these remarkable additions to your collection.