REVIEW METAL ROBOT Spirits [SIDE MS] ORB-01 Akatsuki Gundam [ Shiranui Equipment ] SEED FREEDOM ver., Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai x Tamashii Nation Gunpla die-cast METAL ROBOT魂 Spirits <SIDE MS> ORB-01 Akatsuki (Shiranui Equipment) SEED FREEDOM Ver. from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM.

P-Bandai x Tamashii Nation Gunpla die-cast METAL ROBOT魂 Spirits <SIDE MS> ORB-01 Akatsuki (Shiranui Equipment) SEED FREEDOM Ver.

This is a review of the METAL ROBOT Spirits Akatsuki with Shiranui Equipment, SEED FREEDOM Version. Let’s dive into the details, changes in color and markings, as well as the overall feel compared to the previous versions.

Full Body Overview

The sculpt of the figure remains identical to the normal version, but there are changes in some of the coloring and markings. Although the Shiranui Pack wasn’t used in SEED FREEDOM, this version equips it anyway, adding a unique touch.

Head Sculpt

The head sculpt is the same as the 2019 Oowashi Equipment version. Despite the passage of time, the design still holds up well, delivering a striking and sharp appearance. The metallic paint on the eyes remains consistent with other parts, and the detailed paintwork on smaller areas is precise and clean.

Detailed Color Changes

A significant update in this version is the brighter gold used as the primary color, which gives the figure a fresher and more vibrant look. The chest duct area has also been updated with an orange hue, while the upper red, black, and abdominal frame colors have been lightened slightly, creating a more cohesive look.

Waist and Limbs

The markings on the waist area have been reduced, resulting in a more minimalistic and cleaner design. The arms and legs retain the same sculpt as before, but with darker colors applied to the shoulder and knee frames, giving the figure a more defined and bold appearance. The compass markings on the joints have also been revised.

Notably, the shoulder markings are asymmetrical, but there are no significant changes in the design compared to previous versions.

Back and Accessories

The back retains its functional Dragoon connection mechanism, which remains the same. The connections seem slightly firmer than before, which may vary between units. When the Shiranui Pack is removed, a cover is included to fill the holes left behind.

Optional Parts

The set includes various effect parts for the Shiranui system's firing mechanisms and other effects. The base stand has been upgraded from the older single-pillar design to the newer two-pillar format, matching recent METAL ROBOT Spirits releases.

Fully Equipped

With the Shiranui pack attached, the figure is fully equipped, and the rear view maintains a sleek, unified appearance.

Weapons and Shield

The Hyakurai (rifle) sculpt is unchanged, and it can still be mounted on the side armor as before. The shield (Boujun) is also the same, with no significant changes to its design or connection mechanism. The beam saber remains visually consistent, although the red detailing on the handle has been omitted, which somewhat detracts from its aesthetic appeal.

Shiranui Launch Parts

The launch effect parts for the Shiranui system are identical to those included in the previous release. The joint base has two slots, allowing for height adjustments.

Comparisons with the Normal Shiranui Version

When comparing this version to the normal Shiranui-equipped Akatsuki, the sculpt remains the same, but the main gold color is slightly brighter. The chest has been updated to an orange color, while the shoulder and knee frames have been darkened to give a more solid impression.

Articulation and Posability

The articulation remains unchanged from the previous version. The Dragoon connections, while slightly improved in tightness, are still a bit loose but more stable than before. The saber’s mount has been made tighter, which has resulted in the central part of the hilt coming loose after repeated attachment and removal, so caution is advised.

Pose and Effects

The figure is capable of holding various poses, including saber drawing, shield defense, and Dragoon deployment. The beam saber blade color remains the same as previous iterations, while the shield’s defense mode can still be properly recreated from any angle.

Zeus Silhouette Compatibility

According to the product page, it is difficult to properly attach the Zeus Silhouette equipment. However, with careful posing and adjusting the angles, it is possible to create the illusion of proper attachment. The leg unit remains loosely attached, and while it cannot be connected to the body, using the linear cannon and arms helps secure it in place. Protecting the leg unit with plastic wrap may help avoid scratches during display.

Summary

The METAL ROBOT Spirits Akatsuki (Shiranui Equipment) SEED FREEDOM Ver. delivers a satisfying update to the original figure. While the overall sculpt and content are mostly the same as the previous Shiranui version, the color and marking adjustments give this version a slightly sharper and more unified look, especially when displayed alongside SEED FREEDOM-related mechs like Destiny Spec2 or future releases like the Strike Freedom.

Though the figure meets expectations, the inability to properly attach the Zeus Silhouette as seen in SEED FREEDOM is a bit disappointing. A modified sculpt or the inclusion of compatible parts would have been appreciated to better match the depiction in the series. However, the overall quality remains high, making this a solid addition to any collection.