REVIEW HG 1/144 GN-002 Gundam Dynames, Bandai

Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 GN-002 Gundam Dynames

The HG Gundam Dynames is a 1/144 scale plastic model kit from the Mobile Suit Gundam 00 anime series. Piloted by Lockon Stratos, Dynames is a third-generation Gundam that specializes in long-range sniper combat. The kit was originally released in 2007 with a retail price of 1,320 yen. With recent price increases for HG kits, such as HG Exia, future re-releases of Dynames may also see a price hike after April 2025.

Included Accessories

• GN Sniper Rifle
• GN Full Shield
• Left open hand part
• Bipod deployment parts

No extra or leftover parts are included.

Stickers and Color Separation

The kit includes foil stickers to replicate the sensors, condensers, and cable parts, as well as large grey sections across the mobile suit. Color separation is decent but many smaller gray details and cable parts rely on stickers or require painting for full accuracy.

Design and Build Quality

Unlike the melee-focused Gundam Exia, Dynames is designed for ranged combat and features a distinctive sniper loadout. Its proportions are sleek and modern, with slightly bulkier arms. The kit's joints combine polycaps and ABS plastic, similar to other HG kits from the same era.

Condensers across the body use clear parts, while the cables in the arms are made of soft plastic. However, color separation for these cables is not implemented, so stickers are used instead.

Head Unit Details

The head design resembles Exia’s but with more angular features. The helmet covers the side condensers, giving it a more armored look. The gun camera is deployed by lowering the antenna. The twin eyes are represented by raised molded parts and the scope uses a sticker for detailing.

Torso and GN Drive

The torso features a movable antenna and a color-separated GN Drive support arm, though most gray sections require stickers. The front armor contains GN missiles, but the launching gimmick is omitted. The clear lens in the chest is colorless and requires a dark sticker underneath for full effect.

Backpack and Verniers

The GN Vernier units can rotate and swing, and are color separated with yellow tips. The sabers are detachable, but internal gray areas need paint. The shoulder armor includes shield mounting joints, compatible with the rifle and full shield system.

Arms and Legs

Soft cables on the arms don’t hinder articulation. Only the left hand is an open palm. Forearm condensers use clear parts, while seam lines appear on the upper and lower arm sections. Legs feature sticker-replicated thigh cables and omit the GN missile gimmick on the knees. Minor seam lines are visible on the back of the thighs and ankle guards.

Articulation

Articulation is solid and reminiscent of HG Exia. The elbows bend up to 100°, and the wrists and shoulders have swing joints for extended mobility. The waist can rotate, though front-back tilt is limited. The legs bend deeply at the knee and provide decent ground contact, but side-to-side hip spread is limited.

Weapon: GN Sniper Rifle

The kit comes equipped with the GN Sniper Rifle, which mounts on a shoulder arm. The design is long with a large scope, as expected of a sniper weapon. It uses a two-part (monaka) structure, which leaves seam lines visible, though the barrel tip is a separate piece. A sticker is provided for the scope sensor.

GN Full Shield System

The GN Full Shield comprises three movable plates. Though the shields are thin (unlike MG versions), each has rear detailing and can swing from the mounting joints. The lower part of the full shield can open, allowing the rifle to be aimed while the shield remains closed.

Bipod Deployment

The bipod can be deployed using optional parts, but they are molded in plain white and may look off without painting. The bipod’s fixed length isn’t ideal for kneeling poses but works well for prone sniper positions.

Comparison with HG Gundam Exia

Compared to HG Exia, Dynames shares similar proportions, joint structures, and part separation. While Exia emphasizes close combat, Dynames focuses on long-range performance and provides unique posing possibilities with its full shield and sniper rifle combo.

Missing Equipment

The HG Dynames does not include GN Beam Pistols or their holsters. These accessories are only available with HG GN Arms Type-D. Additionally, the GN Beam Sabers are not included, but you can use flat beam effect parts from other kits if desired.

Summary

The HG Gundam Dynames is an excellent representation of the mobile suit, even considering its original 2007 release. Though it lacks some modern articulation and part separation, it still holds up well in design and functionality. The GN Full Shield system adds great play value, and the sniper-centric loadout offers dynamic posing opportunities. For fans of Gundam 00, Dynames is a standout kit that deserves a remake in the HG or RG line, but even in its current form, it's highly enjoyable to build and display.

Gallery

Related Article