Metal Robot Spirits Nu-Gundam
Diecast parts used on the figure are clearly indicated on the back of the box. Companies should do this more often.
RX-93 ν Gundam
The final Gundam unit piloted by Amuro Ray during the Second Neo Zeon War in U.C. 0093, the ν Gundam (pronounced as “Nu”-Gundam) was created to maximize Amuro’s abilities in sustained combat. Armed with the new Psycommu Fin Funnels which are controlled by the Nu’s Psycho-Frame, the Nu Gundam is nearly unstoppable when paired with Amuro Ray’s impressive Newtype skills and instinct, sharpened over years of combat experience.
Even without the Fin Funnels, the Rx-93 looks really good!
Since this is the MRD (Metal Robot Damashii) scale, the figure stands roughly 6.5 inches tall and weighs 173 Grams. For me, this scales perfectly with Soul of Chogokins.
Fin Funnels (Part 1) – The Nu Gundam’s most powerful weapon. Controlled via the Psycho-Frame c0ckpit and linked to a Newtype pilot, each Fin Funnel is mentally controlled by the pilot and is capable of moving at rapid speeds when in zero gravity, all while firing mega particle beams that deal powerful damage to their targets at near un-blockable angles.
Unfortunately, mine has a slight defect, one of the Funnels just keeps getting undone. I had to use simple glue to fix it. No biggie, but it really shouldn’t be an issue, considering how much this set costs.
A clear plastic mounting piece is included to properly hold the Fin Funnels together. It doesn’t look great but it’s optional and at least it’s there.
With the Fin Funnels mounted, the figure will stand roughly 8.5 inches tall on its highest point and weigh 203 Grams.
Beam Saber – the usual armament included with every Mobile Suit. The Nu Gundam carries two different sabers. One is mounted on his backpack and is a Custom Saber that has a higher output compared to conventional ones used by regular Mobile Suits. While a second, regular, spare Beam Saber is tucked away on the Rx-93’s left forearm for emergencies.
The Custom Saber’s beam looks more jagged (to show the increased energy output) and also has a short energy blade protruding from the bottom of the grip.
The set also comes with a curved Beam Saber accessory for the Custom Saber. It looks really cool.
Unfortunately, due to an oversight from the design team, it seems like the hand is unable to grip the handle properly. The grip’s very loose and the whole sword tends to rotate when the Rx-93 is holding the saber horizontally.
This means you can only deploy the curved saber only for vertical slashes, the figure cannot hold a sideways slash. The blade will flip pointing downwards if you do attempt it.
Regular Beam Saber – Shorter handle and stowed away secretly in the unit’s left forearm.
Beam Rifle – A high-powered beam rifle meant for the Nu Gundam. At maximum charged output, the beam fired from this weapon is comparable in power to that of a battleship-class main cannon.
When not in use, the rifle can peg onto Rx-93’s butt for storage, just flip out the peg piece from the side of the rifle.
Display base
As with most Metal Robot Damashii and Metal Build toyline display bases, there are various locks on the display stand arm to hold it in position.
A clear support arm is included to help hold the Fin Funnels in position over long periods of display on a shelf.
New Hyper Bazooka – a more powerful version of the conventional Hyper Bazooka used by Federation units. This one is capable of destroying even heavily armored units with just a single shot.
The New Hyper Bazooka carries up to five rounds of ammunition (four plus one in the chamber) and can even be remotely controlled for surprise attacks even when separated from the Nu Gundam thanks to the Psycho-Frame system.
When not in use, you can plug in the New Hyper Bazooka directly into the Nu Gundam’s backpack, just flip out the connection peg.
Shield – The ν Gundam’s shield is very unique. Aside from its defensive value, it also carries four ready-to-launch missiles on it’s underside, as well as a powerful Beam Cannon for surprise attacks on unsuspecting enemies.
Fin Funnels (Part 2) – To fully appreciate the Fin Funnels, you have to deploy them and recreate the way the look during battle. It’s a good thing Bandai included this option. You just have to do some parts swapping to set things up.
First, take out these white pieces on the Nu Gundam’s backpack, then plug in the clear block that will serve as a base for holding the armatures.
Next, you’ll have to plug in these clear clips into the effects parts. Then just plug everything together.
”Ike! Fin Funnel!”
”This Nu Gundam isn’t just for show!”
Overall, I love it!!! The figure looks really good and I love the scale. One of the reasons why I never really got into the Metal Build line since it didn’t scale right with the Soul of Chogokin line. The details, the use of diecast for all the joints, plus the really nice paint finish of the Metal Robot Spirits line really brings this toy together.
My only complaint would be the QC, one of the Fin Funnels coming undone and requiring some glue to fix the issue is annoying considering how much one pays for this stuff. Plus the inability of the figure’s Saber holding hand to actually hold onto the curved beam saber. Doesn’t Bandai do end user tests before rolling things out? Very strange oversight here.
Not real deal breakers, but these issues should not exist in this day and age of streamlined production.
Still, QC issues aside, I really love this thing, . The ν Gundam was one of the first Gundams I ever drew back in Grade School. I love the choice of using black and white on the machine over the traditional blue, red and white and the overall look of the unit looked so cool.
I remember taking a whole afternoon to draw it using a tech pen (of all things, I was a kid. Lol), copying the image from a Japanese phone card given to me by a good friend. Good times. The Rx-93 will always have a special place in my heart.
Gold
