REVIEW RG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 2.0, Bandai

This is review of Bandai Gunpla RG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 2.0 from Mobile Suit Gundam.

Bandai Gunpla RG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 2.0 Review

The RX-78-2 Gundam was first released in 2010 as the inaugural model of the Real Grade (RG) line. Now, in 2024, it has been fully renewed as Ver.2.0. The price is 3,850 yen.

The set comes with a beam rifle, hyper bazooka, shield, flat hands, right gun-holding hand, holding hands, landing gear, and two saber blades. There are no surplus parts.

The usual realistic decals are included as always.

Core Fighter Comparison

Let's start with the Core Fighter. The Core Fighter was also recreated in the original RG Gundam (referred to as Ver.1.0 from here). Of course, Ver.2.0 also faithfully recreates it, with a fully transformable design even at the 1/144 scale.

When comparing the Core Fighters, both versions have well-separated colors, excluding the frame of the canopy. The canopy is made of clear parts, but in Ver.2.0, it is molded in clear blue. The size remains similar in both versions.

Of course, the canopy can open and close. The landing gear can be recreated through part-swapping.

There is no pilot figure, and both versions only feature the seat. The nozzle at the rear is more intricately detailed in Ver.2.0.

Although the transformation mechanism itself hasn't changed, the Ver.2.0 Core Block now has movable points, which is a significant feature.

Frame and Structure

The frame also underwent substantial changes. Previously, certain parts were limited in usage, but the Advanced MS Joint is no longer used in Ver.2.0. The entire frame is assembled using normal parts, giving the impression of a 1/144-sized Master Grade (MG) model. Additionally, the frame is designed with a semi-monocoque structure in mind.

Head and Core Block

The head part features well-separated colors for the twin eyes and the main camera, with the main camera being a clear red part.

The Core Block is now always inserted as a transformed Core Fighter, unlike in Ver.1.0. The Core Block is securely locked in place, making it difficult to remove.

Movability and Frame Structure

The chest area also features movable points, allowing significant torso movement even with the Core Block incorporated.

The waist section moves intricately, similar to the Advanced MS Frame, enabling forward and backward swings.

The legs are also assembled with a firm frame, and off-white parts are used as accents. The elbows and knees have a unique structure, where thin, board-like joints are inserted and fixed. The design is somewhat close to a C-shaped joint.

Completion of RX-78-2 Gundam Ver.2.0

Once the armor is attached, the RX-78-2 Gundam Ver.2.0 is complete. While Ver.1.0 was modeled after the life-sized statue, the design has drastically changed in Ver.2.0, bearing little resemblance to its predecessor. The overall proportions are more robust, with a powerful and slightly thicker appearance, which looks quite impressive.

The chest ducts now have yellow edges that protrude, similar to the Origin Gundam, the old MG Gundam Ver.1.5, and the PG Gundam. The entire body is intricately detailed, with some of the armor designed with small openings.

Unique Joint Structures

The arms and knee joints also have unique shapes. Each part is sharply finished, and the gripping hands have a strong, forceful appearance. Since the Advanced MS Joint has been removed, all joints are now made with KPS combinations.

Color Scheme

The color scheme is meticulously recreated using molded colors. Multiple shades of white are used, while blue, red, and yellow are kept as single colors. Compared to Ver.1.0, the colors are brighter, giving a fresh impression.

Head and Detail Comparison

Comparing the head with Ver.1.0, the head silhouette is slightly rounder, giving it a smaller appearance. The Vulcan cannons are now gray instead of yellow, so painting might be necessary if you prefer the original color. The cheek ducts remain open, but like recent RG models, the mask slits are recreated as molds.

The twin eyes are color-separated, but stickers are available. You can choose between stickers with package-like eye details or regular metallic stickers if you prefer a simpler look.

Torso and Cockpit

The torso is significantly longer and feels more detailed than Ver.1.0. This is likely because some parts of the armor have openings, which add accents without making it look stretched.

The cockpit can open and close in an interesting upward-and-downward split mechanism.

Backpack and Weapon Mounting

The backpack has movable thrusters and saber racks. Moving the waist cover exposes the joint, allowing you to mount the shield on the back and the rifle or bazooka on the waist.

Backpack Connection Points

The backpack connection points feature a rare two-hole design for an RG. By using the backpack from the HGUC Gundam, you can also utilize weapons from the HGUC weapon set.

Arm and Shoulder Structure

The arms have a robust and powerful design. The improved sculpting of the gripping hands is a welcome change. The detailed design is intricate, with the shape of the Marui parts differing from previous versions.

The shoulder armor can be flipped up from the front and rear panels, and the shoulder armor base can slide up and down. The forearm has a structure that allows slight swinging near the wrist. This time, there are no movable hands, and the flat hands are fixed.

Waist Armor and Frame Movability

The waist armor's inner structure is well-detailed. As mentioned in the frame section, the waist frame swings, enabling the waist to move back and forth.

Leg Structure and Movability

The legs have become thicker overall, with a significant increase in thigh volume. While the length hasn't changed much, the balance between the thighs and lower legs has altered.

The armor now moves in tandem with the frame's mobility. The ankles are designed for good movement with a slipper-like connection, and the soles are not hollow, with movable toes.

Enhanced Movability

The shoulders of Ver.2.0 can be pulled outwards, allowing for greater forward and sideways movement.

Additionally, the torso has more movable points than Ver.1.0, enabling flexible, bending movements. This area has seen significant improvement.

Leg Articulation and Poseability

The legs have improved in terms of articulation, making wide stances and stable footing easier. The altered balance between the thighs and lower legs also makes kneeling poses easier to achieve.

Comparison with RG Gundam Ver. 1.0

Comparing it with RG Gundam Ver.1.0, this 14-year renewal not only shows differences in design but also substantial improvements in the internal structure. The Core Fighter can now be incorporated while allowing for more dynamic movement. The removal of the MS Joint is another significant change, and it makes one wonder if this 2.0 style will be the new standard.

Weapon Accessories

Equipped with weapons, the set includes the classic beam rifle, hyper bazooka, and shield.

This time, there is no stand hole in the hip joint or stand joint; instead, the stand is inserted into the 3mm holes on the waist. When equipping the bazooka, the 3mm hole in the backpack is used.

Beam Rifle and Shield Details

The beam rifle is constructed to avoid seam lines, and the scope and foregrip are movable. The foregrip has been changed to a more comfortable thickness.

Two-handed holding is possible, with only the right gun-holding hand included. The neck also has good mobility, making it easy to aim the rifle upward.

The shield features a boxy design reminiscent of MG Gundam Ver.1.5. The inner frame is intricately designed, allowing the rifle and saber grip to be stored on the back.

The shield is securely attached to the forearm and wrist, preventing it from wobbling. The joint part can slide up and down using the rail mechanism.

Hyper Bazooka Details

Similarly, the hyper bazooka is designed without visible seam lines. The barrel is well color-separated, and the internal warhead is also recreated. This time, the barrel can extend and retract.

The bazooka is held with the regular holding hand. It can be positioned in a shoulder-carry or cradling stance. Although the joints have a unique structure, there are no issues with holding power.

Core Fighter and Landing Gear

Lastly, the Core Fighter has a landing gear mechanism, allowing the figure to stand on its own. For display purposes, there is a connecting hole for a stand.

Summary

Finally, the realistic decals are attached. The number of stickers is typical for an RG model. Once all stickers are applied, the model gains more realism.

Compared to Ver.1.0, the Ver.2.0 has been renewed with significantly improved internal structure and external appearance. The overall balance has improved, and the model's silhouette has become thicker. The coloring is also sharper, giving the model a powerful appearance. This update feels like a substantial renewal for the RX-78-2 Gundam in the RG lineup, and I look forward to future 2.0 versions.