REVIEW METAL BUILD ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam [METAL BUILD FESTIVAL 2024], Bandai

This is review of Bandai Gunpla action figure die-cast alloy METAL BUILD ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam [METAL BUILD FESTIVAL 2024] from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Destiny.

Bandai Gunpla action figure die-cast alloy METAL BUILD ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam [METAL BUILD FESTIVAL 2024]

The METAL BUILD Strike Freedom Gundam from the METAL BUILD FESTIVAL 2024 has a distinct design without the wings. Its structure is identical to the normal version released in 2015, but it features a refreshed color scheme as a commemorative item for the festival.

Wing and Rifle Attachments

With the wings and rifles attached, the color scheme is brighter compared to the normal version. There is a noticeable increase in gold markings, giving it a more flamboyant appearance.

Head Design

The head has a unique contour with a longer top compared to other figures. Despite this, the sharp eyes and balanced mask area create a stylish look. The eyes are painted with the usual metallic finish, and the detailed painting around the cheeks and ducts is precise.

Body Details

The body structure remains the same as the normal version. There are significant gold accents on the abdominal beam cannon, ducts, and side gaps. New gold markings have been added to the upper chest.

Waist and Armor

The waist area is enhanced with gold markings on the right front armor and the central mold, making it flashier than the normal version. The gray tones also differ from the original.

Arms and Legs

The massive shoulders and thick limbs contribute to the robust physique. There is an increase in gold markings and paint in these areas as well. The shoulder markings are asymmetrical, now painted in gold instead of gray.

Leg Fins and Gimmicks

The leg fins are extendable. The waist gimmicks are identical to the normal version, with side armors and rail guns being slidable, allowing rifles to be equipped on the sides during normal mode.

Rear View and Thrusters

The rear includes side armors and the Xiphias 3 rail guns, which maintain their sliding gimmicks and can be deployed as usual. The thrusters are movable both vertically and horizontally.

Wing Deployment

The wings, when deployed, showcase increased gold markings, enhancing the overall flamboyance. The front and rear wings can be opened slightly in a "V" shape, and the upper black parts are movable. The Dragoon system can be deployed in a slightly staggered state.

Optional Parts

The optional parts include various arms for fixing the Dragoon system. These were previously white but are now black. The stand set is also black with additional sub-supports that were not available before.

Beam Rifle and Shield

The beam rifle attaches to the waist using a rear pin insertion method, and it can be linked similarly to the normal version. The beam shield is painted over clear parts, providing a great visual appeal. The base is adjustable with a ball joint, allowing for angle and direction adjustments.

Comparison and Final Thoughts

Comparing it with the normal version and the 20th Anniversary Ver. of METAL RoDa: ROBOT Damashii, this commemorative item has a higher gold ratio and a flashier appearance. The overall colors are brighter than the previous versions.

While the brighter blue tones of this version were personally preferred, the color is significantly different from the Freedom CONCEPT 2 SNOW SPARKLE Ver. Despite maintaining the same design as the normal version, the METAL BUILD FESTIVAL 2024 version's new colors and increased gold accents make it stand out with a unique charm.

Movability and Display

The joints maintain the sturdy METAL BUILD quality, and the linked rifle needs to be supported with one hand due to its weight. The rail guns can be deployed, and the Dragoon system can be extended for a pseudo full burst effect. Though it's uncertain if this FES2024 version will include the light wings, future releases might feature them.

Summary

The METAL BUILD Strike Freedom Gundam [METAL BUILD FESTIVAL 2024] offers a refreshed and brighter design compared to the normal version. Despite the high quality, the limited production and quick sell-out within an hour indicate a need for increased availability. The purchase was influenced by the improved painting techniques of recent METAL BUILD products and the desire to own a unique commemorative item.