REVIEW HG 1/144 MVF-M11C Murasame Kai, Bandai

This is review of Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 MVF-M11C Murasame Custom from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM Movie.

Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 MVF-M11C Murasame Custom Review

The HG SEED FREEDOM series continues to release new kits steadily, with the latest addition being the upgraded Murasame Kai. Priced at 2,750 yen, this kit showcases advancements in both design and articulation.

The HGCE Murasame Kai kit includes several key accessories: the "Type 73 High-Energy Beam Cannon, Honoi-Kazuchi," a shield, and the "Type 72 Beam Saber, Kanayago," which comes with two blades. Additionally, it provides parts specifically for transformation, along with two extra fuel tanks. Notably, this kit has no surplus parts, and it includes foil stickers to enhance the detailing around the wings, sensors, and other finer design elements.

Design and Structural Improvements

Based on the "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM" film, the Murasame Kai is an upgraded model of the Orb's Murasame unit, specifically modified for the character Mu La Flaga. This model’s safety margins have been minimized to maximize performance, as noted in the manual. This newly designed kit features a streamlined and slightly elongated body structure, with evolved articulation joints for enhanced flexibility. The armor’s angular look and muted color scheme, with reduced red highlights, add a mature, cohesive aesthetic.

High-Quality Build and Transformation Mechanics

In line with other SEED FREEDOM series kits, this model uses only KPS plastic, foregoing polycaps and ABS. Its design minimizes visible seams, with detailed molds that accentuate a refined finish. The Murasame Kai is capable of transforming into MA (Mobile Armor) mode through simple parts swaps for the arms and legs.

Color and Detail Accuracy

The kit’s molding provides excellent color separation, covering most of the model’s primary colors. The wing area requires some foil stickers for color completion. Besides minor touches on the legs, thruster covers, and inside of the thrusters, the molding captures details impressively well without the need for extensive stickers.

Articulation and Display Features

The head design diverges slightly from the mass-produced Murasame, with longer antennae and a streamlined, sharp appearance. The chest, including wings, and armor design have been enhanced with extra detailing. Though the short-range missile hatches in the front armor are fixed, compatibility is extended to allow various packs due to the dual-hole design on the back.

The backpack maintains its original structure with wings on each side and a tail binder featuring the "Type 73 Modified Beam Shield Gun, Iwatetsunoo." The wings incorporate a black edge for realism, though some parts require stickers. Both large and small missiles are equipped on pylons and can rotate for dynamic posing.

Articulation Highlights

The model includes advanced joint structures, especially in the waist, which allows for deeper bends and wider side-to-side movement. The three-axis hip joint greatly increases poseability, and though the design limits foot stability somewhat, kneeling poses are achievable.

Transformation into MA Mode

The transformation is straightforward and typical for HG kits, with parts like the arms and chest simply attaching to a frame. After arranging parts like the beam cannon and expanding the wings, the kit transforms into a sleek MA silhouette reminiscent of Zeta Gundam.

Comparison with Other Kits

The Murasame Kai has been sized up slightly to match recent HGCE releases. When compared to previous models, its silhouette remains similar but showcases marked improvements in design and size for a standout appearance.

Summary

The HGCE Murasame Kai is a well-executed model kit with substantial improvements in design, articulation, and transformation features. It enables flexible posing and smooth transformations that align with modern standards, while also achieving a solid and stable build. The Murasame Kai exemplifies the advancement in HG SEED FREEDOM kits, making it a standout choice for fans and collectors.