REVIEW MG 1/100 RMS-108 Marasai [Unicorn Color ver.], Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai Gunpla MG 1/100 RMS-108 Marasai [Gundam Unicorn Ver.] from Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn series.

P-Bandai Gunpla MG 1/100 RMS-108 Marasai [Gundam Unicorn Ver.] Review

Released in 2013, the MG Marasai [Unicorn Color Ver.] is a special edition Gunpla model. The reviewed kit is a reissued version, sold exclusively through Premium Bandai for ¥4,620. The instruction manual remains the same as the standard Marasai kit, with an additional sheet detailing the new weaponry.

The kit comes with the following:

Weapons: Fedayeen Rifle, Beam Rifle, Sea Snake (with wire for deployment mode), and two beam saber blades.
Hands: Open hands, weapon-holding hands, and articulated hands.
Extras: Pilot figure, stand connectors (two types), full balute system parts, and leftover spike armor from the runner.
Decals: Marking stickers and dry-transfer Gundam decals.

Kit Overview

The MG Marasai [Unicorn Color Ver.] is based on the 2012 MG Marasai kit, featuring a green Zeon-inspired color scheme to replicate the appearance of the mobile suit during the Torrington Base attack in Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn. Aside from the new color scheme, the base model remains unchanged. However, it includes two newly added weapons: the Fedayeen Rifle and the Sea Snake.

Design and Build Quality

The design maintains a clean and sharp aesthetic without excessive detailing or dramatic redesigns.
Key features, such as the round forming joint from the standard Marasai, remain intact, ensuring compatibility with the balute system (sold separately).
The joints utilize a combination of polycaps and KPS plastic, providing good stability overall.

Color Separation

The green color scheme replicates the original pattern of the Marasai, resulting in seamless color separation.
Some areas, like the inside of the thrusters, require additional painting for complete accuracy.

Head Unit

The unique head design, including the long antenna, is faithfully recreated. The mono-eye can rotate and has a clear part for the mono-eye guard.
The mono-eye can glow using an LED unit installed in the neck. However, the lighting effect is subtle under bright conditions.

Torso and Waist

The torso’s design is simple but clean, with soft plastic pipes for added realism. The cockpit hatch can also open.
The waist area’s joints are slightly loose, especially under the weight of the accessories.

Accessories and Features

Fedayeen Rifle

A long rifle with some parts molded separately. However, the main body has seam lines due to its two-piece construction.
The rifle is visually striking, but the grip doesn’t fit securely into the weapon-holding hands, causing some instability.

Sea Snake

This newly added weapon includes a flexible wire to replicate deployment mode. The wire holds its shape well, allowing for dynamic poses.

Beam Sabers

The saber grips are stored in the shield and can be attached to the included beam blades. The standard holding hand is used, but the lack of a locking mechanism causes minor instability.

Beam Rifle

The classic beam rifle is also included, featuring a sub-grip and removable E-pack.

Balute System Compatibility

The kit retains compatibility with the balute system. The necessary connectors are included, offering additional display options.

Round Forming Joint

This feature allows dynamic posing when mounted on an action base. It attaches to the backpack, providing stability even at extreme angles.

Articulation and Poseability

Upper Body: The neck and shoulders provide a good range of motion despite the inclusion of the LED unit. The arms have decent flexibility for holding weapons in dynamic poses.

Lower Body: While the ankles limit ground contact, the knees bend up to 120 degrees. The hips lack advanced swinging mechanisms but allow adequate movement for most stances.

Summary

When compared to the standard MG Marasai, the main difference lies in the green Zeon-inspired color scheme. The inclusion of new weapons—the Fedayeen Rifle and Sea Snake—significantly increases the kit's play value.

Pros:

Faithful recreation of the Gundam Unicorn version.
Newly added weapons and compatibility with the balute system enhance versatility.
Round forming joint adds display creativity.

Cons:

Loose waist and hand grips limit stability.
Some parts, such as the rifle and waist area, require minor adjustments for better performance.

Overall, the MG Marasai [Unicorn Color Ver.] delivers solid value for fans of Gundam Unicorn, providing unique accessories and a striking color scheme while retaining the strengths of the original MG Marasai kit.