Kit Review

Straight build

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi (1/7)

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi (2/7)

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi (3/7)

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi (4/7)

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi (5/7)

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi (6/7)

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi (7/7)

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi - Upper body front and back (1/4)

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi - Upper body front and back (2/4)

Upper body front and back

Uniquely shaped head

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi - Arm and leg detail shots (1/4)

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi - Arm and leg detail shots (2/4)

Arm and leg detail shots

The over-boost unit on the back can be opened and closed.

Three different hand styles are included.

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi - The missile unit on the back can be mounted on either the left or right side by swa

The missile unit on the back can be mounted on either the left or right side by swapping the support parts.

Missiles open

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi - Two neck parts are included, intended for compatibility with other Armored Core kit

Two neck parts are included,
intended for compatibility with other Armored Core kits.

Leftover parts are minimal — just 4 pieces.

Articulation is pretty good!

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi - Kneeling pose looks natural too. (1/3)

Kneeling pose looks natural too.

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi - Missiles open & shotgun firing pose (1/3)

Missiles open & shotgun firing pose

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi - Double shot action (1/4)

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi - Double shot action (2/4)

Double shot action

You can swap the crotch parts to mount it on a stand.

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi - Mounted on the Kotobukiya exclusive stand (1/4)

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi - Mounted on the Kotobukiya exclusive stand (2/4)

Mounted on the Kotobukiya exclusive stand

Together with the previous release, Armored Core Next Magnus.

After a long wait, a new Armored Core Next kit has arrived — the Algebra Soluh Barbaroi. As you can see, the color separation on this kit is absolutely stunning, and it might just have the most elaborate parts breakdown of any Kotobukiya kit out there.

As you'd expect from a current-generation Armored Core kit, the overall parts layout, fit, molded color, articulation, and joint strength are all on par with Bandai Gunpla — clean quality across the board. What's especially impressive is that despite being a bit larger than a 1/100 Gunpla, the joints hold poses quite solidly. In the past, the polycaps often let the overall quality down by not holding up to the kit's looks, but it feels like they've finally gotten things to a stable level now.

Aside from the shotgun and rifle in both hands and the missile unit on the back, there aren't really any standout weapon units, so it does feel a little sparse in that department — but the flashy design itself is more than enough of a selling point on its own. On top of that, the opening gimmick for the over-boost on the back is nicely reproduced, and you also get a few extras like the crotch parts for stand compatibility and the alternate neck parts for cross-kit use.

As you can see in the photos, there's a real satisfaction to building up that gorgeous color combination piece by piece, and this is easily the highest-quality kit in the Armored Core lineup. If you're an AC fan, this is an absolute must-buy, and even if you're more used to Bandai Gunpla, the build quality here is solid enough that you won't be disappointed. :-)

Armored Core Next Algebra Soluh Barbaroi | 2013. 7 | ¥4,800

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.