This was one of the first kits I've built, and even as a beginner it was a fun (but arduous) process. I've learnt a lot from this kit, from building, to waterslides (I've saved some of those and used on other kits too) to how to properly take care of a kit like it (I've had it snap at the main waist joint and learn how to do makeshift repairs). I will get another one of these in the future again and try all the new tricks I've learned after building it (painting, seam line removal, top coating).
This definitely looks like a monster just like it did in the actual movies and I really do appreciate the use of jazz throughout this review. Io would be very proud and while I'm not a big fan of this particular gundam I will definitely admit that the model kit does look pretty nice and it definitely screams full armor what with all of the guns the Shields and the massive backpack. And hey at least this one gives you an action base so it helps out with the weight issues due to the backpack. Great job as always!
Granted, it's smooth relaxing jazz instead of full on blues with no set rhythm, but I'm glad you liked the little touch and the review. This kit does look nice for one engineered in 2013. And given all the little design intricacies and the huge loadout, Bandai actually did alright with this one
Now this is certainly on my wish list. Dunno, as iffy as the Thunderbolt kits are with stickers, I kinda like the idea of all the bulk and stuff on all of them.
@@mj2005gundam Actually got the kit and I loved it. The stickers weren't too bad, the build was fun, and the bulk is great on the shelf! Gonna get more Thunderbolt kits next.
Thank you for this kind of condensed review MJ! Besides, you always touch up the gunpla at the end to show what it might look like with general modification (like top coat and decals). Can’t imagine the building oob and touch up means almost double work for every single gunpla. Really appreciate that man 💪
Love this Gundam, I have the MG ver.Ka in my backlog but I did build the MG Psycho Zaku ver.Ka and it also has many tiny parts losing some on the ground but ended up finding them.
That's good, at least you didn't lose anything. You should definitely share what it's like to build the MG version of this though, as it would be very interesting to know what it's like to have the full FA Gundam experience
I've heard the MG Psycho Zaku from Thunderbolt is a nightmare to assemble. Still, the full armor doesn't look bad on this Gundam, though I wonder if there's a Full Armor ZZ Gundam HG out there
About the MG Psycho Zaku, not really, if you are used to the MG Zaku 2.0, the troublesome parts are just the vinyl covering, but that also plagues the MG FA as well. Heck, I much prefer to wrap the Zaku pipes in vinyl than having to assemble the old beadings. For me it's more tedious rather than nightmarish. Having to build duplicate weapons for the weapon rack. But other than that, it's glorious.
@@Erkaz I was just beginning this hobby and only built 3 MG(simple) and 10 HG when I built the MG Psycho Zaku so that maybe the reason why it was nightmare for me.
I would like to assume that the HG Psycho Zaku would be even worse, minus the large fuel tanks. Also, I should imagine there's an old 1/144 Full Armor ZZ kit out there. Though I really don't see Bandai making an HGUC Full Armor ZZ at any time
I first discover this kit through JobbyTheHong when he reviewed this kit. At first, I thought the design was ridiculous due to having 4 shields surrounding it. But eventually, I grew to love it and end up buying one myself. Shame it didn't allow you to remove it's armor like in the OVA, but I was happy on my purchase. Only downside for me with this kit is the very small stickers you need to apply on the side of the backpack, but overall this kit is recommended. That said, I hope Bandai releases both the Acguy Thunderbolt version and the Guncannon Aqua in HG form.
The stickers are definitely the one downside of this kit. But other than that, I would absolutely recommend getting this if you want it in 1/144 scale despite the mold being literally 10 years old at this point. The insanity of all the armaments is also another reason to get it, if you're into that sort of stuff at least
For dealing with the head sculpt issue, I slapped on the RG RX-78-2 head and I think the difference is night and day. But there are two issues I find with this approach though: - The polycap for the neck is a tad bit too big for the RG head to fit in, but it can still work. Just beware of the very tight fit. - The other issue is that you’re left with 90% of the RG kit remaining and a HG head. With some modifications for accuracy, the RG head can definitely look good with the rest of the FA Gundam.
I remember being so excited when I got this kit and then after three days the waist snapped and now I just use it for parts. Spent $30.00 dollars on it (usd)
That was what I was afraid of, the waist not being strong enough to support the weight. A peg did break though, that of the included action base. Quite a bummer
There might be some interactions in EXVS or SD Battle Alliance, but I'm not really sure. Characters like Shiro Amada acknowledged the Thunderbolt Sector's existence though, barring the dubious canonicity of the interactions
@@mj2005gundam True but i'm pretty sure the TB still had the Gundam's Core Fighter in the belly, unless that had a Core Block instead for stability. I've been thinking of collecting all the Ver Ka kits and i already have at least five of them. (Nu, Sazabi, Victory, V2 & Hi-Nu)
Did those ever get kits? I don't follow Thunderbolt too closely now that it's practically been phased out. The one design I really hated from that series is the Gogg. Like, it went from an uncannily cute unit with sharp claws to this not-Dom made for underwater use...
@@mj2005gundam i mean the head is fine Dom Tropen head(Zimmad Suits sharing alot of the same elements, like Zudah and Gyan), but the legs fucking Block legs when it is a naval Suit wtf. Same with the Z'Gok, newer upper torso is fine looks like the beefed up E version, but the block legs man.
BUT JOBBY! THE GUNDAM GHOST!!!
Was that a Jobby reference?
When you hear Jazz, it means i’m cu-
I know of Jobby, but I don't get the joke
@@mj2005gundamhe quit the hobby, so the gundam ghost is a recurring gag that appears when he mentions it or when he reviews a gundam action figure
@@mj2005gundam Oh boi oh boi you gotta watch it if you got time maybe
This was one of the first kits I've built, and even as a beginner it was a fun (but arduous) process. I've learnt a lot from this kit, from building, to waterslides (I've saved some of those and used on other kits too) to how to properly take care of a kit like it (I've had it snap at the main waist joint and learn how to do makeshift repairs).
I will get another one of these in the future again and try all the new tricks I've learned after building it (painting, seam line removal, top coating).
Great to hear! This kit would be a bit arduous for the beginner though, but I'm glad you've learned a lot from the experience.
This definitely looks like a monster just like it did in the actual movies and I really do appreciate the use of jazz throughout this review. Io would be very proud and while I'm not a big fan of this particular gundam I will definitely admit that the model kit does look pretty nice and it definitely screams full armor what with all of the guns the Shields and the massive backpack. And hey at least this one gives you an action base so it helps out with the weight issues due to the backpack. Great job as always!
Granted, it's smooth relaxing jazz instead of full on blues with no set rhythm, but I'm glad you liked the little touch and the review. This kit does look nice for one engineered in 2013. And given all the little design intricacies and the huge loadout, Bandai actually did alright with this one
Now this is certainly on my wish list. Dunno, as iffy as the Thunderbolt kits are with stickers, I kinda like the idea of all the bulk and stuff on all of them.
To be fair, the main thing to be concerned about is that this is an HG with 2013, so people should abstain from setting the bar too high
@@mj2005gundam Actually got the kit and I loved it. The stickers weren't too bad, the build was fun, and the bulk is great on the shelf! Gonna get more Thunderbolt kits next.
Thank you for this kind of condensed review MJ! Besides, you always touch up the gunpla at the end to show what it might look like with general modification (like top coat and decals). Can’t imagine the building oob and touch up means almost double work for every single gunpla. Really appreciate that man 💪
I'm glad you found the touchups helpful. It's just to show how good some Gunpla can look with a bit of effort
Zaku Pilot 1: why do I hear Jazz music?
Zaku Pilot 2: don't you mean boss music?
"Trumpet sounds intensifies"
That is when their lives flash before their eyes before the last thing that stared back at them are a pair of glowing yellow eyes
Love this Gundam, I have the MG ver.Ka in my backlog but I did build the MG Psycho Zaku ver.Ka and it also has many tiny parts losing some on the ground but ended up finding them.
That's good, at least you didn't lose anything. You should definitely share what it's like to build the MG version of this though, as it would be very interesting to know what it's like to have the full FA Gundam experience
I bought that last year, and I gave it one hell of a detail coloring.
I bet it looks a lot better than it being fresh out the box, good job
@@mj2005gundam thanks, I've been recently doing that for awhile with my paint gundam markers and panel lining markers.
Even with all its defects, I still love this kit. Mine is still quite sturdy after a couple of years
That's good to hear, knowing that this kit would last
When I first saw this version of the FA Gundam I completely fell for it's aesthetics just like how Io fell for it's performance.
The head is a little eh, but it is indeed a darker and grittier version of the standard Gundam
I've heard the MG Psycho Zaku from Thunderbolt is a nightmare to assemble. Still, the full armor doesn't look bad on this Gundam, though I wonder if there's a Full Armor ZZ Gundam HG out there
Yes the MG Psycho Zaku is a nightmare but the MG FA Gundam is really good 👍
About the MG Psycho Zaku, not really, if you are used to the MG Zaku 2.0, the troublesome parts are just the vinyl covering, but that also plagues the MG FA as well. Heck, I much prefer to wrap the Zaku pipes in vinyl than having to assemble the old beadings.
For me it's more tedious rather than nightmarish. Having to build duplicate weapons for the weapon rack. But other than that, it's glorious.
@@Erkaz I was just beginning this hobby and only built 3 MG(simple) and 10 HG when I built the MG Psycho Zaku so that maybe the reason why it was nightmare for me.
I would like to assume that the HG Psycho Zaku would be even worse, minus the large fuel tanks. Also, I should imagine there's an old 1/144 Full Armor ZZ kit out there. Though I really don't see Bandai making an HGUC Full Armor ZZ at any time
Which RX-78-2 kit can be used as a base kit for a mod to have the Full armor became removable armor parts?
HG GM Thunderbolt+ FA Gundam Head looks close enough to FA Gundam without all the armors and attachment
Probably the hg revive. Beyond global version could work too
Either the HG Revive or HG Origin
lmao i just built my MG ver of it and it's one the over the top design that looks awesome
Eyy, perfect timing
I first discover this kit through JobbyTheHong when he reviewed this kit. At first, I thought the design was ridiculous due to having 4 shields surrounding it. But eventually, I grew to love it and end up buying one myself. Shame it didn't allow you to remove it's armor like in the OVA, but I was happy on my purchase.
Only downside for me with this kit is the very small stickers you need to apply on the side of the backpack, but overall this kit is recommended. That said, I hope Bandai releases both the Acguy Thunderbolt version and the Guncannon Aqua in HG form.
The stickers are definitely the one downside of this kit. But other than that, I would absolutely recommend getting this if you want it in 1/144 scale despite the mold being literally 10 years old at this point. The insanity of all the armaments is also another reason to get it, if you're into that sort of stuff at least
This is still one of my favorite High Grades.
I can see why. It's realistic, but unrealistic
For dealing with the head sculpt issue, I slapped on the RG RX-78-2 head and I think the difference is night and day. But there are two issues I find with this approach though:
- The polycap for the neck is a tad bit too big for the RG head to fit in, but it can still work. Just beware of the very tight fit.
- The other issue is that you’re left with 90% of the RG kit remaining and a HG head. With some modifications for accuracy, the RG head can definitely look good with the rest of the FA Gundam.
A third problem is the antennad on the side of the head. But I think that can just be glued on
I remember being so excited when I got this kit and then after three days the waist snapped and now I just use it for parts. Spent $30.00 dollars on it (usd)
That was what I was afraid of, the waist not being strong enough to support the weight. A peg did break though, that of the included action base. Quite a bummer
For a kit that supposedly high-end the stickers make it look like a cheap kit
They price it based on parts count, and not necessarily quality. I cut it some slack for it being a 2013 HG repainted for the anime
I wonder how Amuro's reaction seeing this full armor version of his original RX-78 Gundam?
There might be some interactions in EXVS or SD Battle Alliance, but I'm not really sure. Characters like Shiro Amada acknowledged the Thunderbolt Sector's existence though, barring the dubious canonicity of the interactions
My fav gundam
Glad that it is
I imagine an RG Thunderbolt wouldn't have all the missing details requiring stickers.
Granted there's always the Ver Ka MG which i'm tempted by...
The MG is expensive and elusive; while the prospect of an RG is nice, but they'll have to make a fully new frame for supporting all the stuff
@@mj2005gundam True but i'm pretty sure the TB still had the Gundam's Core Fighter in the belly, unless that had a Core Block instead for stability.
I've been thinking of collecting all the Ver Ka kits and i already have at least five of them. (Nu, Sazabi, Victory, V2 & Hi-Nu)
I wanted this kit for the longest time but man that sticker is kinda dealbreaker for relatively new kit
It technically isn't a new kit, but rather similar to the HG SEED Remaster ones, being a recolor of the 2013 release
@@mj2005gundam aahh i see so that's why. I said it's a new kit because i have the Atlas one and i thought the FA is also a new mold.
The Huge Gigant Machine
That lost to a huge gigantic zaku
Glad i still keeping this kit.but the atlas gundam,i just sold it a few years ago.Yup,i feels regretted,😅
It is regrettable that you sold the Atlas
@@mj2005gundam i wish i could buy that kit again someday☺
I really hoping full armor gundam gets a rg version this year
They'll have to make an updated version of the base kit first as there's no way the Advanced MS Joints are gonna be able to support all of the stuff
Nah, I'd Win
-Io Fleming
Jazzy
can you the MG version
No sorry. Size and price are my major concerns
Why do I hear Jazz music?
Because you're about to meet your maker
I think I built it wrong it the joints were tough to move
Which joints? You might wanna disassemble it and look through the manual carefully
@@mj2005gundam arms
God what a beauty of a Suit.
Big fan of the Thunderbolt timeline and Suits. But they fucked up the GM Cannon and Guncannon Mass Production designs.
Did those ever get kits? I don't follow Thunderbolt too closely now that it's practically been phased out. The one design I really hated from that series is the Gogg. Like, it went from an uncannily cute unit with sharp claws to this not-Dom made for underwater use...
@@mj2005gundam i mean the head is fine Dom Tropen head(Zimmad Suits sharing alot of the same elements, like Zudah and Gyan), but the legs fucking Block legs when it is a naval Suit wtf.
Same with the Z'Gok, newer upper torso is fine looks like the beefed up E version, but the block legs man.
The seam lines looks off putting
They do, not gonna lie