REVIEW SDCS ZGMF/A-262PD-P Mighty Strike Freedom Gundam, Bandai

This is review of Bandai Gunpla SDCS ZGMF/A-262PD-P Mighty Strike Freedom Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM.

Bandai Gunpla SDCS ZGMF/A-262PD-P Mighty Strike Freedom Gundam Review

The SD Gundam Cross Silhouette (SDCS) series allows builders to adjust the body proportions by swapping frames. This time, the ZGMF/A-262PD-P Mighty Strike Freedom Gundam from the Gundam SEED FREEDOM movie makes its debut, priced at ¥1,980.

The kit comes with two High-Energy Beam Rifles, two Actuta Rakeruta Beam Sabers, and the CS Frame. An extra neck part from the SD frame is leftover, seen in the lower right of the images. Additionally, although not pictured, the Futsunomitama sword is also included.

The sticker sheet provides color separation for various parts, including the sensors, red shoulder markings, gray and red sections of the shoulders, and the knee-mounted Disruptor and Tovashtry Ultra-High Impulse Cannon muzzles. Also included are stickers for the front of the MDE262S Proud Defender and its wings’ glowing sections.

Frame and Structure

The Mighty Strike Freedom comes from SDCS, unlike the SDEX Rising Freedom. Like recent SDCS kits, the CS frame is included, allowing adjustments to the head-to-body ratio without needing additional purchases. Images alternate between SD (with large eyes) and CS (without eyes) frame builds.

The kit emphasizes its unique features, such as the Proud Defender, which boasts impressive detail for an SD model. The frame's internal mechanisms remain largely unchanged from previous SDCS releases. The exposed frame sections for the thighs and upper arms are consistent with previous SDCS releases, using universal parts.

Head and Eye Options

The head features detailed color separation, with the option to rotate the eye parts 180 degrees. This allows for two different looks: one with large, expressive eyes, and the other with more defined, sharp lines around the eyes, as seen in previous SDCS models.

Wing Deployment and Gimmicks

The MDE262S Proud Defender boasts articulated wings that can unfold and glow. The glowing parts of the wings feature slide mechanisms, though they occasionally close unintentionally due to the lack of locking features. The wings are also hinged at the base, allowing for a range of motion. The central golden wings have movable top covers, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

Color and Detailing

While stickers provide much of the color separation for shoulder cannons and knee lines, the head, chest, and other detailed sections feature pre-molded color parts. Although certain areas, such as the thrusters, require additional painting, the overall appearance is still impressive, particularly with detailed sections like the twin-barreled Picus 2 cannons on the cheeks.

Frame and Articulation

Switching to the CS frame adds elbow articulation and enhances shoulder movement. The shoulder stickers fill in the red and gray details, while the reused frame parts mean that the upper arms and gauntlets are left in gold. Painting these areas is recommended for accuracy.

The SD frame limits hip articulation slightly due to its more rigid connection, while the CS frame greatly increases the range of movement in the legs, with added knee articulation. However, the frame's exposed areas remain gold, requiring painting if desired.

Proud Defender Features

The Proud Defender wings feature opening covers without requiring part swaps. Additionally, the Futsunomitama sword can be stored on the wings. The detailed mechanisms of the wings are a highlight of the kit, though some areas could benefit from additional coloring.

Beam Rifles and Other Weapons

The High-Energy Beam Rifles are included, color-separated in white and black, though additional painting is needed for the red sensor lines. The rifles can be mounted on the waist using 3mm pegs for secure attachment. The railguns on the waist can also be deployed without part-swapping.

The kit allows for simple armor swaps, though attaching the SD frame’s feet to the sole can be tricky and may require adjustment for frequent part-swapping.

Summary

The SDCS ZGMF/A-262PD-P Mighty Strike Freedom Gundam is a well-rounded kit. Despite some areas requiring additional painting, the kit includes almost all necessary weapons, and the beam shield can be adapted from the HGCE version. The opening mechanisms of the Disruptor and the articulated wings of the Proud Defender showcase the intricate design, while the flexibility of the SD and CS frames adds playability. Overall, it’s a highly detailed SDCS kit that provides excellent value for fans of the Gundam SEED universe.