Kit Review

Straight build + Stickers

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

Detail shots

Just like with Go-Saurer, a storage stand is included.

HG Magna-Saurer - Depending on your configuration, leftover parts can be stored in various spots as shown above. (1/5)

HG Magna-Saurer - Depending on your configuration, leftover parts can be stored in various spots as shown above. (2/5)

HG Magna-Saurer - Depending on your configuration, leftover parts can be stored in various spots as shown above. (3/5)

Depending on your configuration, leftover parts can be stored in various spots as shown above.

A stand is included and attaches to the hip joint via a horizontal slide.

You can also optionally apply a plain silver foil sticker (no markings) to the chest.

Leftover parts

Transformation : Magna Tyranno

To transform into Magna Tyranno, start by detaching the arms and legs as shown above.

Remove the forearms and set them aside for storage, then fold them as shown to form the barrel shape.

Combine with the separately provided parts along with the Magna Blade to form the tail.

Fold the legs as shown to transform them, then...

Remove the covers on the head and crotch area, then fold the front skirt forward.

Remove the backpack wings and stand them up,
then pull out the small forelegs hidden inside the torso.

Combine all the transformed components and the transformation is complete!

Magna Tyranno

HG Magna-Saurer - Articulation of the arms and legs. Pretty decent considering the transformation gimmick.

Limb articulation.
Pretty decent considering the transformation gimmick.

Action pose

Magna Tyranno poses

With the 1/300 Go-Saurer.

You can combine the arms and legs to form the Buster Cannon, then mount it onto Go-Saurer.

HG Magna-Saurer - Go-Saurer with the Buster Cannon equipped (1/3)

Go-Saurer with the Buster Cannon equipped

With a bit more transformation, the Buster Cannon can also dock with Go-Saurer's Saurer Jet.

Super Saurer Jet

The 1/300 Go-Saurer must have sold well, because Magna-Saurer followed shortly after. Like Go-Saurer, it's a kit that can transform into a dinosaur — but unlike Go-Saurer, which split apart to transform into three different dinosaurs, Magna-Saurer only transforms into one form: a T-Rex called Magna Tyranno.

The transformation into Magna-Saurer goes pretty smoothly, and just like Go-Saurer, it comes with a multi-function storage stand to hold any leftover parts during the transformation process. One thing that sets it apart from Go-Saurer is that a display stand is also included.

You can use just Magna-Saurer's arms and legs to build the Buster Cannon, which can then be docked onto Go-Saurer as a weapon. With a bit of extra transformation, it can also be mounted on Go-Saurer's Saurer Jet to recreate the Super Saurer Jet — it does a solid job of faithfully reproducing the original show's setups.

Overall, the color separation is excellent, so the straight build looks quite striking. The articulation and joint strength are solid for a transforming kit. Compared to Go-Saurer with all its combination and separation gimmicks, this one actually feels a bit more stable.

Anyway, if you have fond memories of Nekketsu Saikyō Go-Saurer (known locally as Captain Saurus), this looks like a kit that'll definitely satisfy. It's especially recommended as a companion kit if you've already built the 1/300 Go-Saurer. And even if you don't know the source material, if you're just looking for a fun, colorful transforming mecha from Bandai, this one's well worth your time. :-)

HG Magna-Saurer | 2019. 7 | ¥5,200

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.