REVIEW METAL ROBOT Spirits [ Ka signature ] [ SIDE MS ] FA-100S Full Armor Hyaku Shiki Kai & MSR-00100 Hyaku Shiki Kai, Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai Gunpla action figure ddie-cast METAL ROBOT魂 Spirits (Ka signature) <SIDE MS> FA-100S Full Armor Hyaku Shiki Kai & MSR-00100 Hyaku Shiki Kai from Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ Side Story - Nightmare of the Battlefield and Zeta Gundam MSV.

P-Bandai Gunpla action figure ddie-cast METAL ROBOT魂 Spirits (Ka signature) <SIDE MS> FA-100S Full Armor Hyaku Shiki Kai & MSR-00100 Hyaku Shiki Kai Review

This review covers the METAL ROBOT Spirits Full Armor Hyaku Shiki Kai & Hyaku Shiki Kai. While a mass-produced version of the Hyaku Shiki Kai was previously released, this is the standard Hyaku Shiki Kai, featuring mostly new sculpting. The gold metallic paint also has a slightly different hue compared to the previous version.

Head Sculpt

The head sculpt closely resembles the mass-produced Hyaku Shiki Kai, with a distinctive protruding back of the head. However, there are some differences in the molding details, and this version also includes an added antenna. The twin eyes are painted with metallic paint, and the crown-like forehead design is sharp, with careful attention to the fine paint details.

The set also includes an alternate head with a black visor instead of twin camera eyes. Unfortunately, the adhesive on this head was slightly misaligned, which is a minor disappointment. The inclusion of both head types allows for accurate representation based on different appearances in games and illustrations, where the twin eyes may or may not be depicted.

Body and Armor Details

Chest Area

The chest area is quite similar to the mass-produced version but with slight differences in sculpting and color, with both black and gold tones showing subtle variations.

Waist Area

The front armor's shape significantly differs from the mass-produced version. However, there were some rough paint areas, including a small scratch on the right side, which is regrettable.

Arms and Legs

While the arms and legs are close in design to the mass-produced version, noticeable changes can be seen in the forearms, calves, and ankles. These areas are slightly slimmer, possibly to maintain balance when in Full Armor mode.

Back

The backpack differs greatly from the mass-produced version, featuring a cylindrical main thruster and a generally larger design. The side thrusters can rotate, and the lower stabilizer is also movable.

Accessories

The set comes with a complete set of Full Armor components, a display stand, and a beam rifle. The beam rifle design is the same as the normal Hyaku Shiki, with a detachable rear magazine. However, this version does not include the Clay Bazooka. The rifle can be mounted on the backpack using a latch.

Full Armor Mode

When equipped with all the armor components, the figure becomes the Full Armor Hyaku Shiki Kai. Most of the armor is worn over the existing figure, but the chest and forearms require specific parts to be swapped out. The chest armor includes mega particle cannons and missile pods, adding significant bulk and firepower compared to the standard version.

Waist Area

Armor is added to both the upper and lower parts of the side armor, while the front armor remains the same.

Arms and Legs

The figure becomes heavily armored with additional pieces on the shoulders, forearms, knees, shins, and calves, with an increased proportion of black, altering the overall color scheme significantly. The explosive bolts on the forearms can still be deployed.

Weaponry

The figure includes the Long Mega Buster, the primary weapon in Full Armor mode. It's significantly larger than the beam rifle and offers an imposing appearance. The barrel, scope, grip guard, and rear parts are all movable. Like the rifle, it can be mounted on the backpack using a latch, with the option to mount both weapons simultaneously.

Comparisons

When compared to older Hyaku Shiki figures and the METAL ROBOT Spirits mass-produced Hyaku Shiki Kai, the appearance in Full Armor mode is dramatically different due to the numerous additional armor pieces. Even in its standard form, the figure closely resembles the mass-produced version despite being mostly newly sculpted.

The articulation is similar to the mass-produced Hyaku Shiki Kai, so the movement remains largely unaffected, although the Full Armor mode introduces some minor interference. The joints are tight, allowing the figure to hold the Long Mega Buster securely with one hand.

Summary

The METAL ROBOT Spirits Full Armor Hyaku Shiki Kai & Hyaku Shiki Kai offers a significant upgrade over the mass-produced version, with mostly new sculpting and substantial Full Armor components. Despite some minor issues, such as misaligned adhesive on the visor head and rough paint in some areas, the figure is well-crafted with a solid build and excellent playability. The METAL ROBOT Spirits Ka Signature series continues to deliver high-quality figures with unique designs, and this release is no exception. Fans can look forward to future releases with anticipation.