MG RX-78-2 Gundam v 2.0 (Gao Gao)

Hi folks :) This is the long pending Gao Gao 014 RX-78-2... in fact, this is my participation for straight-build category few moths ago thus I have top coated this baby ;)

Manufacturer: Gao Gao
Scale: 1/100
Grade: MG
Origin: Gundam 0079
Price: RM75 (Contact me at duelmasterng@yahoo.com for latest pricing and availability)

Let's get started ;)

Section 1: Runners

The detailing are pretty nicely done except on the Core Fighter! I would say this is close to 95% of the original ;)

The plastic quality is the usual of Gao Gao quality which is proven quite good!

Section 2: Decals

This kit comes with a dry-sticker decals, dry-transfer decals and foil sticker. 

The quality of dry-transfer and dry-stickers are excellent and closely rival the original from Bandai. The foil stickers are actually pretty decent too so I am using them actually ;)

Section 3: The Legs

I changed a little from my usual review pattern for this kit...

The inner frame is pretty solid with good articulations same as the original :) Parts separations are nicely done and articulations are fantastic.

Since this is molded referencing to the animation thus it is a bit plain. I did some minor coloring, if you can spot them ;)

Section 4: The Waist Unit

Although the end result looks simple, all 6 pieces of skirt armors are individually moveable. Title of version 2.0 is well earned ;)

Section 5: The Chest and Abdomen Unit

Same as the waist unit, this looks simple on the outside, but excellent inside. The design allows the transformed Core Fighter to be fitted into the chest/abs unit but works well with it too ;) 

Section 6: The Arms and Shoulder Unit

I really love the v2.0 inner frame, and Gao Gao replicated that perfectly :) Articulations are fantastic as you could see.

Section 7: The Head Unit

Some people would say the head looks ugly but parts separations are fantastic. The holes needs to be trimmed a little as there are some excessive plastics. 

Section 8: The Backpack

This is just too simple compared to One Year War version...

Section 9: Weaponry

This kit comes with the standard Shield, Beam Rifle with Napalm Launcher, Hyper Bazooka, Gundam Hammer, Beam Javelin and Beam Sabers (not in the picture).

Shield

Nicely done ;)

Gundam Hammer 

Spiky ball :P Pretty unusual weapon for MS...

Hyper Bazooka

An improved version to the OYW, with better parts and colors separation.

Beam Rifle with Napalm Launcher

An improved version of Beam Rifle to the OYW, with better parts separation and add-on Napalm Launcher that can be detached.

Beam Javelin

The beam effect is in clear color, thus I colored it with light pink that you could see in the later pictures ;)

Section 10: Core Fighter

A lot of minor details are lost and I am a little disappointed. Nevertheless, the transformation mechanism are intact and no problem transforming into Core Block ;)

A transparent mini-stand is also included to resemble flying pose ;)

Core Block

Section 11: Photo Ops ;)

With Beam Javelin

Shooting the Hyper Bazooka

Kneeling Pose with No Issue ;)

Quick Review

Plastic Quality and Detailing

Detailing for this kit is very nice done and my evaluation is as close as 95% of the original ;)... The only disappointment is the lost of most minor detailing on the Core Fighter.

As for the plastic, the quality is the usual of Gao Gao which has been proven quite good :)


Articulations

Articulations are excellent, credit to Bandai.

• Head/Neck: Excellent! ;)
• Shoulder: Pretty Good, consider it is mounted as 1 piece with the arm.
• Arm/Elbow: Excellent!
• Wrist: Excellent!
• Hand: Very good!
• Waist: Good. No hindrance ;)
• Skirt Armour: Excellent! All 6 skirt armors are individually moveable.
• Hip/Tight: Excellent!
• Knee: Excellent!
• Ankle: Very Good!
• Feet: Excellent!

Looks and Feels

The detailing is very good and come close to 95% of the original! The plastic quality is the usual of Gao Gao so no issue at all :)

The decals are superb and make this rather plain kit look even nicer.

The snap-fit is very nicely done as I do not have any issue at all snap-fitting the whole kit. The articulations are pretty awesome too.

Overall, this kit is VERY nice and a very viable replacement of the original, especially for those who would like to utilise the excellent inner frame of v2.0 to "upgrade" older kits ;)

Nevertheless, for those of you who can afford, do buy and support original ;)

Fin ;)