REVIEW HG 1/144 RMS-179 GM II Semi-Striker, Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 RMS-179 GM II Semi-Striker from Mobile Suit Gundam UC: Unicorn.

P-Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 RMS-179 GM II Semi-Striker Review

Released in 2015, the GM II Semi-Striker is a model kit that has recently been reissued by Premium Bandai as part of their Gundam UC line. The kit is priced at 1,760 yen and comes in a monochrome package with a simple black-and-white instruction manual that lacks detailed explanations of the mobile suit.

The kit comes with a variety of accessories, including a Beam Rifle, Twin Beam Spear, and a right hand specifically designed for holding the gun. It also includes two saber blades and a shield, which is an optional part. To enhance the appearance, the kit provides foil stickers to match the sand color of the abdomen, the gray of the collar, the red of the cockpit hatch, and various sensors. Additionally, because the kit utilizes runners from various models, there are a considerable number of extra parts included.

Mobile Suit Overview

The RMS-179 GM II Semi-Striker appeared in the battle at Torrington Base in Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn. The HGUC version is a variation kit based on the previously released RGM-79R GM II and GM III. Many parts are shared with the GM II, but the Semi-Striker features unique wearable armor on the shoulders and the Twin Beam Spear weapon, adding elements from the GM Striker.

Color Scheme and Build

The color scheme matches the RGM-82 GM II Desert Colors from Gundam UC, featuring a sandy hue. The joints use the same polycap system (PC-001A) as the GM II. Unique parts are used for the shoulder, left forearm, and shin armor, differentiating it from the RMS-179 GM II. The leg detailing is also faithfully reproduced.

Detailed View

Head: Shared with GM II, the head has a rounded design. The visor has detailed internal elements, but areas like the Vulcan and ducts require painting.
Body: The cockpit hatch is recreated with stickers but is also a separate part for easier painting. The backpack holds one saber, and the two connected thrusters are reproduced with separate parts.
Differences with RGM-82 GM II: The torso uses parts from the RGM-86R GM III Unicorn Ver., resulting in a more angular shape. The shoulder armor is unique and resembles GM Striker's wearable armor.
Arms: The left forearm has additional armor, akin to Full Armor Gundam's small shield. Seam lines are present on the forearm.
Hips and Legs: The hip joints can rotate, and there is a stand hole, but the armor lacks detailed back parts. The legs have unique detailing around the calves and use specific parts to recreate the UC version of the RMS-179 GM II. Seam lines are visible on the calves and ankle armor.

Articulation and Comparisons

The articulation range is similar to the GM II, with movable shoulder armor that doesn't hinder arm movement. Although it doesn't have the flexibility of newer kits, the polycaps allow smooth movement.

Comparisons with Other Kits

When compared to the HGUC RGM-82 GM II (Desert Color) and HGUC GM Striker, the RMS-179 GM II Semi-Striker stands out as a modified version of the GM II. It shares the base size of the RGM-79R GM II but is slightly larger than the GM Striker.

Weapons and Features

Beam Rifle: A compact design shared with the GM II, featuring a movable foregrip and a separate barrel part, though seam lines are present.
Twin Beam Spear: Unique to the HGUC GM Striker, this weapon has two beam sabers attached at the end, offering a distinctive appearance. It can be held in one or both hands, with the thicker grip helping prevent rotation. However, the polycap wrist joint can be slightly loose.

Additional Features

The Twin Beam Spear can change angles, giving it a scythe-like silhouette. The beam sabers move together, making it a fun weapon to pose with. When combined with other kits like the Efreet Schneid, it provides versatile display options.

Using extra parts, you can also build the RGM-79R GM II Desert Color, although the Semi-Striker's leg details are more accurate for the UC version.

Summary

The HGUC GM II Semi-Striker is a kit that blends the design of the GM II with elements from the GM Striker, featuring unique shoulder and calf armor parts. Its distinctive Twin Beam Spear weapon and ability to be customized into a standard RMS-179 GM II make it an enjoyable kit.