The last of the initial 5 of GAT series, Aile Strike Gundam ver. RM. So happen that I have a older version of Launcher/Sword Strike so I will be doing a side-by-side in this review for the main mecha ;) Just for the record, left: old version, right: ver. RM for all side-by-side comparison.
Manufacturer:Bandai
Scale: 1/100
Grade: MG
Origin: Gundam SEED
Price: 4200 Yen
Let's get started ;)
Section 1: Runners
The detailing are very nice, and parts separation is just amazing, except the tight armor :P
A very small disappointment is that Bandai reuse the older launching pad/stand that feels a bit "thin".
Section 2: Decals & Accessories
This kit comes with a dry-sticker decals, dry-transfer decals and foil stickers. There's nothing much to complain about the quality ;)
As you can see in the picture below, I cut out all the pieces except the inner frame and grey colored pieces, and surprisingly I can fit them into the small container as shown.
Section 3: The Feet/Legs
The base mechanics of the fit are similar both new and old version, where in ver. RM the tip of the feet became shorter.
This is the ankle joint. The old and new have the similar design, where for ver. RM, the ankle armor is to be fixed on this section instead of as a part of leg armor.
Section 4: The Legs
The base mechanics of the legs are also very similar for both new and old version. Ver. RM employs a new hip joint system, and better knee mechanism.
As you can see, the base design does not change but obviously better looking exterior on ver. RM :)
Section 5: The Waist Unit
I would say this is the part where most changes is made for the inner frame. Parts separation is done excellently by Bandai. Having said that, you can see that the base look of the waist unit are somewhat similar ;)
Lower Body
Section 6: The Chest Unit
This would be the other part that have the most changes in the inner frame. In ver. RM, there's an abdomen joint that gives this kit a more fluid movement and better pose-ability ;)
Section 7: The Shoulder Units
Very the similar both old and new, only with an additional thruster piece on ver. RM.
Section 8: The Arm Units
There's almost no change to the inner frame of the arm units besides the nicer design on the armor. The old Strike comes with the moveable hands, where ver. RM comes with exchangeable hands. I actually prefer the exchangeable hands as they are better for posing with weapons ;)
As you can see, almost no change ;)
Section 9: The Head Unit
Respect and salute to the designer for the excellent parts separation ;)
Section 10: The Base Strike Gundam
Side-by-side, with the older version on the left and version RM on the right.
Section 10: Weaponry
Aile strike comes with 2x Beam Saber, 2x Armor Schneider Assault Knife, 1x Shield, and 1x Beam Rifle. The designs are the same, old and new.
Armor Schneider Assault Knife
Shield
Beam Rifle
Section 11: Strike Gundam
I present to you, Strike Gundam.
Same pose, standing.
Section 12: Aile Striker Pack
This Aile Striker Pack gone thru quite some redesign to include the mechanism to make the Perfect Strike. Unfortunately, I do not have an Aile Strike so unable to provide any side-by-side comparison.
Section 13: The Battery Pack
Additional battery back for Perfect Strike ;)
Section 14: Aile Strike Gundam, version ReMaster
Launching pose with the stand ;)
Quick Review
Plastic Quality and Detailing
Since this is a Bandai original, no issue on the quality of the plastic. As for detailing and parts separation, Bandai have done an excellent job.
Articulations
Articulations are very good!
- Head/Neck: Excellent!
- Shoulder: Very good!
- Arm/Elbow: Excellent!
- Wrist: Good.
- Hand: Good, with exchangeable hands ;)
- Waist: Very Good!
- Skirt Armour: Excellent!
- Hip/Tight: Excellent!
- Knee: Excellent!
- Ankle: Good.
- Feet: Good.
Looks and Feels
One word, FANTASTIC!
Frankly, I am a bit skeptical when ver. RM was announced, where I were thinking that Bandai is going to reap off diehard fans but it turns out that some considerably good effort have been put in. Parts and color separations are excellently done! There's not much changes to the base design but the ver. RM gives me the feeling that it is tougher and firmer compare to the older version.
The new decal design also add another layer of completion to the kit and it already look excellent with an OOB build as you can see in all my pictures ;) Good job, Bandai!
I'm giving this kit 100/100! I ABSOLUTELY loving this kit! Whether you are a SEED fan or not, this kit is a must have!
