REVIEW ROBOT Spirits [SIDE MS] GAT-01A2R 105 Slaughter Dagger Ver. ANIME, Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai x Tamashii Nation Gunpla action figure ROBOT魂 Spirits <SIDE MS> GAT-01A2R 105 Slaughter Dagger Ver. ANIME from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED series.

P-Bandai x Tamashii Nation Gunpla action figure ROBOT魂 Spirits <SIDE MS> GAT-01A2R 105 Slaughter Dagger Ver. ANIME Review

This review covers the ROBOT Spirits 105 Slaughter Dagger Ver. A.N.I.M.E., an exciting addition to the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED lineup. We'll look at the figure's design, articulation, accessories, and how it compares to its in-universe and model line counterparts.

Full Body Overview

The 105 Slaughter Dagger is based on the Strike Gundam, though it features minimal parts reuse. Nearly all components are newly sculpted, faithfully recreating the black and gray color scheme seen in the Gundam SEED Stargazer anime. The overall look gives it a more military, mass-produced feel while maintaining the sleekness of the original Strike.

Head Sculpt

As an evolution of the Strike Dagger, the 105 Slaughter Dagger's head maintains the visor-style design. While similar in shape to the original Strike Dagger, subtle changes like the contour of the face and a more prominent antenna make it stand out. The colors have been significantly altered, with metallic paint used for the visor and main camera, and a finely detailed, thinner antenna that enhances its overall sharp look.

Body and Armor Design

The design is relatively simple, fitting for a mass-produced unit. The chest armor is slightly bulkier compared to the original Strike, but the proportions remain largely the same. This gives the 105 Slaughter Dagger a more rugged and heavy-duty appearance without deviating too much from the base Strike's silhouette.

Arms, Legs, and Shoulder Design

The arms and legs share some visual similarities with both the Strike and the Dagger series. However, the most noticeable difference is the uniquely shaped shoulder armor, which gives the suit a more aggressive appearance. The altered shape of the shoulders prevents compatibility with Sword and Launcher Striker Packs, a minor limitation compared to other figures in the line.

Back and Optional Equipment

The back of the figure is designed to accommodate various accessories. When fully equipped, the Slaughter Dagger comes with several newly designed weapons and gear that are true to the in-universe specifications.

Weapons and Accessories

MX703G Beam Rifle: The primary weapon is the newly sculpted high-energy beam rifle. The detailing is excellent, with a movable foregrip for added functionality.
M703 57mm High-Energy Beam Rifle: This secondary weapon comes with an adjustable foregrip, providing more dynamic posing options.
Anti-Beam Shield: The shield features a ball-joint connection at the base, allowing for flexible positioning. The grip can also be adjusted depending on your display preference.

The Aile Striker Pack is the same sculpt as the one included with the standard Strike Gundam, but it has been recolored to match the Slaughter Dagger’s darker color scheme. The wings and thrusters retain the same articulation as previous versions, adding versatility in posing.

Effect Parts and Playability

The Slaughter Dagger includes various effect parts, such as beam rifle blasts and machine gun muzzle flashes. These effects enhance the playability of the figure, allowing collectors to recreate intense battle scenes from the Gundam SEED Stargazer anime. Also included are standard and curved beam sabers, providing additional display options.

A thruster effect part from the Aile Striker & Effect Set is also included, further increasing the dynamic possibilities of the figure. While the abundance of effect parts adds value, some may feel that it unnecessarily increases the overall price.

Articulation and Posability

The figure’s articulation is on par with other ver. A.N.I.M.E. releases, based on the Strike Gundam's flexible framework. The joints allow for fluid and dynamic movements, ideal for action poses. Despite the bulkier armor, the shoulder pads are designed to lift without restricting movement. The waist and neck rotate smoothly, offering a wide range of poseability, especially in the neck area due to the absence of large back armor pieces like those seen on the Strike.

Comparisons and Final Thoughts

Compared to the original Strike Gundam, the 105 Slaughter Dagger presents a more robust and militaristic design. Its proportions and detailing are faithful to the anime depiction, and the black and gray color scheme effectively captures the darker tone of the Gundam SEED Stargazer series.

While it might seem surprising that the mass-produced unit was released before the main protagonist mobile suit (Strike Noir), the Slaughter Dagger stands on its own as a high-quality release. The inclusion of multiple accessories, including weapons and effect parts, makes it a highly versatile figure.

Summary

The ROBOT Spirits 105 Slaughter Dagger Ver. A.N.I.M.E. is a solid entry into the ongoing Gundam SEED series, with excellent sculpting, articulation, and a wealth of optional parts. While the figure does come with a higher price tag, it justifies it with its comprehensive accessory set and fine attention to detail. The upcoming release of Strike Noir in November is highly anticipated, as it will complement this figure perfectly. Overall, this release should appeal to collectors and fans of the Gundam SEED Stargazer series.