Hobby Talk: Model Kit Review, HG GH-001RB Grimoire Red Beret

Kit Details
Gundam: Grimoire Red Beret
Code:  GH-001RB
Series: Gundam Build Divers
Pilot: Rommel
Faction: 7th Panzer Division
Weapons: Assault Rifle (Pistol, Grenade Launcher, Submachine gun), Scissor Claw, Plasma Knife
Release: April 2018
Runner: 11
Parts: N/A
Price: 1800 yen

Build / Difficulty
(Score: +2)
Good: Very good and easy build.
Bad: Some questionable design choices like the backpack.
Difficulty: Easy.
Panel Line: Easy.  Panel lines are easy to work with.
Decals: You get 1 sheet of stickers.  Sticker foils for Grimoire and mini-moire eyes and a star.

Looks / Details
(Score: +1)
Good: Very good looking.  Different shade of green.  Extra details and gimmicks is good.
Bad: Light green looks a bit weird.  And the huge backpack.

Accessories
(Score: +2)
You get: An assault rifle that can be split into a pistol, grenade launcher and a submachine gun.  Leg mounted scissor claw and plasma knives.  And don't forget the mini-moires.

Articulation / Pose ability
(Score: Neutral)
Good: Very pose-able considering the bulky design.
Bad: Quite poor articulation due to outdated kit.

Shelf presence
(Score: +2)
Good: This kit looks awesome.  The color mix is spot on.

Bonus
(Score: +1)
The tiltrotor add on is for this kit to give extra gimmicks and weapons.

Summary and Rating
(Total Score: +8)
X Avoid
X Consider
X Shortlist
O Buy

One of the better build divers kit.  Solid build, lots of gimmicks and looks awesome too.

Variants
Few variants of this kit that you can also consider.
1) Grimoire (2014) - The original Grimoire, different color scheme.

Dalong's Review

Up next: Sword Impulse

Hobby Talk: Model Kit Review, HG Tiltrotor Pack

Kit Details
Gundam: Tiltrotor Pack
Code:  N/A
Series: Gundam Build Divers
Pilot: N/A
Faction: N/A
Weapons: Chainsaw, Cannon, Missile Pod
Release: May 2018
Runner: 2
Parts: N/A
Price: 800 yen

Build / Difficulty
(Score: Neutral)
Good: Very easy build.  I complete this in 3 hours.
Difficulty: Easy
Panel Line: Minimal.
Decals: You get 1 sheet of stickers.  Only the mono eye is used.  Choose 1 of 3.

Looks / Details
(Score: Neutral)
Good: A unique look for an add on pack.  Spinning copter blades are cool.
Bad: Green and grey.  Nothing else.

Accessories
(Score: +1)
You get: 2 cannons, 2 chainsaws and 2 missile pods.

Articulation / Pose ability
(Score: -1)
Good: Few attachment points for the extra weapons.  The rotor tilts to allow different angle of attack.
Bad: Not really to pose by itself.  Joints are really lose.

Shelf presence
(Score: Neutral)
Good: Provide a good boost for Grimoire Red Beret.
Bad: Not for single use.

Bonus
(Score: +1)
This kit provides all the extra gimmicks for Grimoire Red Beret.

Summary and Rating
(Total Score: +2)
X Avoid
O Consider
X Shortlist
X Buy

This is the add on kit specifically for Grimoire Red Beret.  It gives all the extra weapons.  Although this is compatible with other BD kits, I am strongly against the idea.

Variants
None

Dalong's Review

Up next: Grimoire Red Beret

Hobby Talk: Model Kit Review, RG MBF-PO1-RE2 Gundam Astray Gold Frame Amatsu Mina

Kit Details
Gundam: Gundam Astray Gold Frame Amatsu Mina
Code:  MBF-PO1-RE2
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Astray
Pilot: Rondo Mina Sahaku
Faction: Orb Union
Weapons: Maga no Ikutachi Energy Absorption Claw, Magashira no Hoko Harpoon, Trikeros Kai Offensive Shield, Tsumuha no Tachi Triple Claw, Totsuka no Tsurugi Saber, Okitsu no Kagami Beam Shield
Release: March 2017
Runner: 14
Parts: N/A
Price: 3000 yen

Build / Difficulty
(Score: +1)
Good: Probably the most difficult RG kit to date.  A lot of details to work with,
Bad: Shitty gold needs a lot of effort to work with.  Lots of very small parts.
Difficulty: Hard
Panel Line: Easy.  Not a lot of needed.  The black armor totally saved panel lining work.
Decals: You get 1 sheet of stickers.

Looks / Details
(Score: +2)
Good: Very good looking!  Complicated, asymmetric. Lots of accessories to boot.  Even better if you can fix the gold.
Bad: Several bad nubs on the glossy black.

Accessories
(Score: +2)
You get: A lot of stuff! A huge claw backpack (Maga no Ikutachi Energy Asorption Claw), Magashira no Hoko Harpoon, Trikeros Kai Blitz's Offensive Shield, Tsumuha no Tachi Triple Claw, 2x Totsuka no Tsurugi Saber, Okitsu no Kagami Beam Shield.

Articulation / Pose ability
(Score: +2)
Good: Great articulation.  All the accessories hold up good.  Lots of posing options with the included accessories.
Bad: Back heavy.

Shelf presence
(Score: +2)
Good: This golden darkness can absolutely steal a look.

Bonus
(Score: +1)
Gold improvement opportunity.

Summary and Rating
(Total Score: +10)
X Avoid
O Consider
X Shortlist
X Buy

This is a very complicated kit to build but the payoff is very big as well.  A must have for RG collectors.

Variants
Few variants of this kit that you can also consider.
1) Astray Red Frame (2015) - The original red.

Dalong's Review

Up next: Tiltrotor Pack

Hobby Talk: Model Kit Review, HG ASW-G-XX Gundam Vidar

Kit Details
Gundam: Gundam Vidar
Code:  ASW-G-XX
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam Iron Blooded Orphans
Pilot: Gaelio Bauduin (Vidar)
Faction: Gjallarhorn
Weapons: Burst Saber, Rifle, Handgun, Hunter's Edge
Release: December 2016
Runner: 4
Parts: N/A
Price: 1200 yen

Build / Difficulty
(Score: +1)
Good: Similar frame to Barbatos but the armor are much sharper and has more toys.
Bad: Some stickers (again, bad).  But most of these are black stickers which can be easily painted over this dark themed Gundam. Some paint work needed to get more color separations e.g. the thrusters.
Difficulty: Average.
Panel Line: Easy.  Some easy scribble over the blue armor.  Nothing major.
Decals: You get 1 sheet of stickers.  Only the white and red patches are needed.  The blacks can be painted.

Looks / Details
(Score: +2)
Good: For me personally, this is the best looking kit of IBO.  Lupus comes second.  The dark theme and sharp evil design is spot on.  Much better construction overall compared to Lupus.
Bad: The 2 faux handgun on the front skirt armor.  Bandai should just provide peg to store the handgun there.  There's no way to pose with the 2 handguns without looking funny. 

Accessories
(Score: +2)
You get: A rifle, 2 handguns, Burst Saber (Attack on Titan's Rittai Kido Sochi) and Hunter's Edge.

Articulation / Pose ability
(Score: +1)
Good: Similarly bendable as Lupus, although the range is not that great.  But easily pose-able. No balance issue even though has a lot of tools attached.
Bad: Feels less maneuverable due to the larger armor and more tools on board.

Shelf presence
(Score: +1)
Good: Good color scheme and sharp edges has a good presence on your shelf.  However, this kit is predominantly dark so it might get swallowed by some other more shiny bad guys e.g. Sinanju.

Bonus
(Score: +1)
Iron blooded arms are available as options.  However, this kit is already pretty complete with its unique weapons.

Summary and Rating
(Total Score: +8)
X Avoid
X Consider
O Shortlist
X Buy

This is the best IBO kit IMHO.  If you're unsure which IBO kit to get, this is the one.  If you have your favorite IBO character, build their MS first, then this one.

Variants
Few variants of this kit that you can also consider.
1) Bael (2017) - If you like McGillis
2) Vual (2017) - Dark mode
3) Kimaris (2016) - Vidar's original
4) Kimaris Trooper (2016) - Centaur Kimaris
4) Kimaris Vidar (2017) - Vidar's final form

Dalong's Review

Up next: Astray Gold Frame Amatsu Mina

Hobby Talk: Model Kit Review, HG ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos Lupus

Kit Details
Gundam: Gundam Barbatos Lupus
Code:  ASW-G-08
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam Iron Blooded Orphans
Pilot: Mikazuki Augus
Faction: Tekkadan
Weapons: Sword Mace
Release: October 2016
Runner: 4
Parts: N/A
Price: 1000 yen

Build / Difficulty
(Score: +1)
Good: Easy to build and an awesome designed MS giving you the satisfaction throughout the build..
Bad: Some really ugly use of sticker.  Paint it if you can, which adds additional effort.
Difficulty: Easy.
Panel Line: Average.  Some opportunistic panel line to bring out extra details on the kit.
Decals: Stickers.  The only one that works is the eyes and power button sticker.  Ignore the rest if you can and go for painting.

Looks / Details
(Score: +1)
Good: The Lupus is the best variant of Barbatos and it looks super awesome. Good surface details as well and the proportion is spot on.  And the shoulder Tekkadan logo, that's red on white.  Pretty sweet for a HG kit.
Bad: Bandai cut corners on some areas like the hollow heel that is visible from the front.  Can't unsee this.  So a proper posing angle is needed to hide this from view.
Ugly: Stickers really looks bad.

Accessories
(Score: +1)
You get: 1 huge sword mace.  All the guns are available as an option.

Articulation / Pose ability
(Score: +1)
Good: Pretty good articulation due to the simple build.  Can easily get into pose as nothing major will block the articulations.
Bad: Some joints is a bit loose, The feet ring can sometimes dislodge due to the design.  Nothing major and can be easily fixed.

Shelf presence
(Score: +2)
Good: Easily recognizable if you're an IBO fan.  And the huge sword mace screams look at me.

Bonus
(Score: +1)
There is a lot of iron blooded arms that are available as option if you like to add more weaponaries to Lupus.

Summary and Rating
(Total Score: +7)
X Avoid
X Consider
X Shortlist
O Buy

It is kind to the pocket, the build is very good and the look is fantastic.  Best HG IBO kit if you're a Tekkadan supporter.

Variants
Few variants of this kit that you can also consider.
1) Barbatos (2015) - The original one.
2) Barbatos 6th form (2016) - The one with more armor and a pliers.
3) Barbatos Lupus Rex (2017) - Final form, with gorilla arms and tail.
4) Many other IBO kits that are based on the same Gundam frame e.g. Kimaris, Gusion, Flawros, Bael, Vual, Kimaris, Vidar, Kimaris Vidar and Dantalion (2016-2017).

Dalong's Review

Up next: Gundam Vidar

Hobby Talk: Model Kit Review, MG GAT-X105+AQM/E-X02/GAT-X105+AQM/E-X03/GAT-X105+AQM/E-YM1 Sword/Launcher/Perfect Strike

Kit Details
Gundam: Sword/Launcher/Perfect Strike Gundam
Code:  GAT-X105+AQM/E-X02/GAT-X105+AQM/E-X03/GAT-X105+AQM/E-YM1
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam Seed
Pilot: Kira Yamato. Mu La Flaga
Faction: Orb Union, Three Ships Alliance
Weapons: Armor Schneider, Beam Saber, Schwert Gewehr Anti-Ship Sword, Panzer Eisen Rocket Anchor, Midas Messer Beam Boomerang, Agni Hyper Impulse Beam Cannon, Combo Weapons Pod
Release: April 2008
Box: D1
Runner: 16
Parts: 313
Price: 5000 yen

Build / Difficulty
(Score: Neutral)
Good: The highlight of this kit is the sword and launcher unit.  Both are easy build.  No complications.
Bad: The strike included in this kit is the 1.0 strike which is quite a let down if you have built the remastered version.  It's kind of a marketing back firing for Bandai but they have fixed this with the Perfect Grade and the Real Grade Strike, to include the sword/launcher with the skygrasper instead.
Ugly: You can choose not to build the strike.  But 5000 yen is quite a hefty price to pay to get the Perfect Strike.
Difficulty: Easy.
Panel Line: Average.  Panel line is quite easy on both backpacks.
Decals: You get 1 sheet of stickers and 1 sheet of dry transfers.  Very straight forward application.

Looks / Details
(Score: +2)
Good: Overall the backpack looks good.  Color is very accurate and sufficient details. Getting the Perfect Strike is awesome.
Bad: Being an older kit, some color separation is done by stickers.
Ugly: The 1.0 Strike just look outdated.

Accessories
(Score: +2)
You get: Schwert Gewehr Anti-Ship Sword, Panzer Eisen Rocket Anchor and Midas Messer Beam Boomerang for the sword pack, and Agni Hyper Impulse Beam Cannon and Combo Weapons Pod for the launcher pack.



Articulation / Pose ability
(Score: Neutral)
Good: The weapon pack has all the required posing gimmicks.  Action base include to help with the posing and the back heavy problem.
Bad: The Perfect Strike is quite bulky with everything on.  There's no way to put everything on and get the sword specific or launcher specific pose.

Shelf presence
(Score: +2)
Good: This is the best Strike you can get.  Just look plain awesome.

Bonus
(Score: Neutral)
This kit itself is a bonus add on for the Strike RM.

Summary and Rating
(Total Score: +6)
X Avoid
O Consider
X Shortlist
X Buy

This is the add on you should get if you ever consider to complete the Master Grade Perfect Strike, and only if you own the Aile Strike RM.  It's a bit expensive considering the 1.0 Strike is also bundled (bummer).  It's worth considering to complete your Strike.

Variants
Not variants, but this add on is best paired with:
1) Aile Strike RM (2013) - To complete the best looking Perfect Strike

Dalong's Review
Dalong's Score: 97

Up next: Barbatos Lupus

Hobby Talk: Model Kit Review, MG RX-93-v2 Hi Nu Gundam ver Ka

Kit Details
Gundam: Hi Nu Gundam
Code:  RX-93-v2
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam Char's Counterattack - Beltorchika's Children
Pilot: Amuro Ray
Faction: Londo Bell
Weapons: Machine Gun, Beam Sabers, Beam Rifle, Fin Funnels, Hyper Bazooka
Release: August 2014
Box: D5
Runner: 27
Parts: 529
Price: 7000 yen

Build / Difficulty
(Score: +1)
Good: Overall build is challenging but not overly complicated and difficult.  The exclusion of psycho frames transformation means this kit has more larger parts to work with.
Bad: If you built the Nu ver Ka before, this one feels like a step down.  A lot of parts e.g. fin funnels have easier constructions.
Difficulty: Challenging
Panel Line: Average.  Surprisingly not a lot of surface details requires panel lines.
Decals: Madness.  If you love water slides, you're gonna hate this one.  The large decal pieces on the fin funnels are extremely prone to damage.

Looks / Details
(Score: +2)
Good: This kit looks good.  Multiple tone whites are spot on.  Is not over complicated look.  Good amount of details at the right place.
Bad: This kit depends heavily on water slide decals to bring out the best look.  The water slide is the most difficult part of building.

Accessories
(Score: +1)
You get: Fin funnels, a beam rifle, a bazooka and a shield.  Not much to write home about.

Articulation / Pose ability
(Score: +1)
Good: Good articulation and pose-ability despite a bulkier build.  You'll have much easier time posing with this compared to the Nu.
Bad: Overall a solid kit, although some joints are quite loose.  Fin funnels connection to the holder isn't strong enough to allow the peacock pose.
Ugly: The backpack connection sucks big time.  Considering the bulk of the backpack with the bazooka and all fin funnels attached, the connection is really bad.  The backpack falls out all the time.  The whole big backpack came crashing to the floor is not what you want.

Shelf presence
(Score: +2)
Good: This is a huge UC kit.  And the unique purple color scheme will steal a look.
Bad: May look inferior to the Nu gundam.  Also lack of bright colors.

Bonus
(Score: +1)
There are a few add on that you can consider to make this kit looks even more bad ass, if you're willing to sacrifice more display space.
1) Effect parts for the fin funnels.
2) HWS.  Technically a Premium Bandai kit with lots of armor add on and chicken pox shield decal.

Summary and Rating
(Total Score: +7)
X Avoid
O Consider
X Shortlist
X Buy

This kit looks great but you need to consider the build difficulty and the water slide nightmare.  Definitely not for beginners.

Variants
Few variants of this kit that you can also consider.
1) Hi Nu (2007) - The original variant, different shade of blue.
2) Nu ver Ka (2012) - The must have kit.

Dalong's Review
Dalong's Score: 100

Up next: Perfect Strike