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

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