REVIEW MS MECHANICAL BUST DX RX-0 Unicorn Gundam, Bandai

This is review of Bandai Gunpla MS MECHANICAL BUST DX RX-0 Unicorn Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn series.

Bust Model Gunpla Unicorn Gundam Review: MS Mechanical Bust DX Edition

In this review, we take a detailed look at the MS Mechanical Bust DX Unicorn Gundam. This special DX edition offers a variety of upgrades compared to the standard version, making it an interesting addition for collectors and Gunpla enthusiasts.

What’s New in the DX Edition?

The MS Mechanical Bust DX Unicorn Gundam comes with several upgrades, including a price increase to 800 yen. The lineup has changed, with the clear version removed, and now it includes two different exterior parts (Unicorn and Destroy modes) along with internal mechanics for a total of three variants. The manual for assembly and instructions are included in the set.

Unicorn Mode Exterior

As expected from MS Mechanical Bust models, the detailing is excellent. This time, the Unicorn Mode exterior is primarily covered, but key parts, such as the visor and the interior of the chest, feature green clear parts. This setup allows for the Awakened Unicorn mode to be recreated when combined with the Destroy Mode.

For added realism, the DX edition also includes green mask parts and shoulder sensor components, which are used in the Awakened Mode transformation.

Destroy Mode Exterior

The Destroy Mode exterior shares some similarities with the Unicorn Mode, particularly in the chest area. In the past, when the exterior parts were standalone, empty spaces would be visible. However, with this DX upgrade, the model now looks nearly complete, even with just the exterior parts. Additionally, the scale has been increased, giving it a larger and more imposing presence compared to previous releases.

Internal Mechanics with Luminous Units

The internal mechanics have a similar design to previous models, but what sets this DX edition apart is the inclusion of two Luminous Units instead of the usual one. This addition allows the head and chest to be lit up simultaneously, adding extra flair to the model.

When lit up, the Luminous Units illuminate the head and chest. While the brightness remains the same as previous models, having two units provides more visual impact.

Combining Unicorn Mode Exterior with Internal Mechanics

When combining the Unicorn Mode exterior with the internal mechanics, there is a slight complication: to replace the Luminous Unit in the head, the entire head armor needs to be disassembled. This adds a bit of complexity to the lighting-up process. However, when lit, the Psycho Frame is mostly hidden in Unicorn Mode, making it hard to see the glow.

Combining Destroy Mode Exterior with Internal Mechanics

When switched to Destroy Mode, the Luminous Units illuminate the eyes, main camera, and chest frame, providing a glowing effect. The shoulder sensors remain dark, as they are not lit up by the internal unit.

Additionally, the green frame parts in the Unicorn Mode and the green clear parts that come with them can also be used to achieve the Awakened Mode.

Comparison with Other Models

Comparing the Unicorn Gundam DX Bust Model with other models like the Nu Gundam or Aerial Gundam, the head of the Unicorn appears larger. While the height of the head remains the same, the Unicorn’s head is noticeably bigger than the Aerial Gundam, indicating a difference in scale. Additionally, the chest width varies, breaking the consistent appearance with past models.

Summary

The MS Mechanical Bust DX Unicorn Gundam offers a great deal of value for Gunpla collectors and fans. While the increased scale and removal of the clear exterior may cause some issues with consistency when displayed with other models, the improved design and light-up features make it a visually stunning figure. The inclusion of two Luminous Units enhances the lighting effect, making the model shine even brighter than previous editions.

However, one downside for collectors might be the noticeable scale difference, which makes the Unicorn Gundam’s head larger than models like the Nu Gundam, disrupting the unified aesthetic. Despite these issues, the DX edition offers a solid bust model experience, and the upgraded features justify the price increase. While it’s clear the DX line may evolve into its own series, the hope remains that future releases maintain consistent scales with other models for better display harmony.

The MS Mechanical Bust DX Unicorn Gundam continues to impress with its high-quality sculpting, lighting features, and overall impressive presence, making it a must-have for fans of the Gunpla Unicorn Gundam series.