REVIEW ROBOT Spirits [SIDE MS] RMS-179 GM II [ Earth Federation Forces Specification ] ver. ANIME, Bandai

This is review of Bandai action figure Gunpla ROBOT魂 Spirit ＜SIDE MS＞ RMS-179 GM II (Earth Federation Colors) Ver. ANIME from Mobile Suit Z Gundam series.

Bandai action figure Gunpla ROBOT魂 Spirit ＜SIDE MS＞ RMS-179 GM II (Earth Federation Colors) Ver. ANIME Review

The Robot Spirits GM II (Earth Federation Colors) Ver. ANIME captures the design evolution of this iconic mass-production mobile suit from the One Year War to the Zeta Gundam era. As a direct successor to the original GM, this figure reflects upgraded details, articulation, and accessories, making it a standout in the Robot Spirits ANIME lineup. Here's a comprehensive review of its design, features, and overall performance.

Design and Aesthetics

Full Body Appearance

The GM II retains the familiar silhouette of its predecessor, the GM from the One Year War, but boasts refined proportions and updated details:

The color scheme has shifted from the pale blue hues of the original GM to a crisp white, giving it a more modern and militaristic look.
Subtle enhancements in its body proportions and surface detailing contribute to a sleeker, more streamlined appearance.

Head Design

The head unit stays true to the classic GM aesthetic, but with a more sophisticated shape.
Additional detailing includes upgraded Vulcan cannons and improved ear sensor molds.
The visor is made of translucent parts, showcasing intricate internal moldings. Its teal hue closely resembles the original GM’s visor color.

Chest and Torso

A new sensor unit is added to the left side of the chest, enhancing the figure's tactical appearance.
Bold red and yellow highlights have been applied to the torso, creating a sharper contrast.

Waist and Arms

The side armor plates on the waist are movable, allowing for better articulation.
The arms and legs carry over the general design from the One Year War GM but feature refined details, such as smoother joints and improved panel lines.
The shoulder armor has been recolored from red to white, aligning with the updated Earth Federation design aesthetic.

Backpack

The backpack now features additional thrusters and a darker color scheme in black.
As with the original GM, the GM II includes a single beam saber, stored on the left side of the backpack.

Articulation and Poseability

Dynamic Range

The GM II excels in articulation, thanks to the ANIME-style pull-out joints:

The neck and torso feature a wide range of movement, allowing for expressive poses.
The shoulders can pull outwards significantly, enabling dynamic arm poses, including overhead stances.
Elbows and knees have deep bends, enhancing flexibility.

Leg and Hip Articulation

The hip joints are pull-out style, providing excellent range for forward, backward, and side-to-side movement.
The figure's ankle joints ensure a high degree of stability, making wide stances and action poses effortless.

Shoulder Mechanics

The shoulder joints can extend outward by approximately 90 degrees, a standout feature in this figure.
The usual chest press mechanism found in ANIME figures further enhances shoulder flexibility, offering superior posing options.

Accessories and Options

Beam Rifle

The primary weapon is the Beam Rifle, featuring an adjustable foregrip for versatile posing. Unlike its predecessor, the GM II does not include the Spray Gun, emphasizing its upgraded armament. The rifle can be mounted on the back waist using a dedicated joint for storage.

Shield

The shield is compatible with both grip and joint connections, offering customizable display options.

Effect Parts

Included effect parts are minimal, consisting of:

A beam rifle muzzle flash effect.
A set of thruster effects for dynamic display.
Compared to other ANIME releases, the accessory count feels somewhat sparse.

Comparison with One Year War GM

Despite its updated appearance, the GM II retains much of the original GM’s design language, emphasizing its role as a direct evolution.

The color palette has been significantly brightened, shifting from the original's muted tones to a striking white.

Key improvements include the addition of new sensors, upgraded articulation, and more pronounced detailing across all parts.

Performance and Posing

The GM II’s articulation allows for an array of action-packed poses, including:

Two-handed weapon handling, made possible by the extended shoulder articulation.
Dynamic kneeling poses, achievable thanks to its flexible hip and knee joints.
Beam saber wielding, which is seamless and visually impressive.
Shield defense scenes, which can be enhanced with optional effect parts (not included in this set).

Display and Compatibility

The GM II pairs well with other mobile suits from the Zeta Gundam timeline, such as the Rick Dias and Gundam Mk-II. While it often serves as cannon fodder in the series, the figure’s quality and attention to detail ensure it looks exceptional in any display.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Excellent articulation with pull-out joints for dynamic posing.
Highly detailed sculpting and improved proportions.
Vibrant color scheme consistent with its appearance in Zeta Gundam.
Interchangeable parts allow for versatile customization.

Cons

Limited accessories compared to similarly priced figures, such as the Mk-II (AEUG Colors).
Minimal effect parts reduce display versatility.
Slightly high price point relative to the included options.

Summary

The Robot Spirits GM II (Earth Federation Colors) Ver. ANIME is an impressive representation of this iconic grunt unit. Its sleek design, improved articulation, and excellent build quality make it a great addition for fans of Zeta Gundam and collectors of mass-production mobile suits.

While the accessory count is modest and the price slightly steep, the GM II’s overall quality ensures it stands out on any shelf. For fans of Zeta Gundam or Earth Federation mass-production mobile suits, this is a highly recommended figure.