Kit Review
Straight build + Panel lining + Decals
Size comparison with a cigarette pack
Detail shots
Outer armor removal shot
Internal frame
Frame detail shots.
Despite being a transforming kit, a full-body frame is included.
The frame's articulation is absolutely perfect.
There's a sliding armor gimmick on the thighs, but the knees don't have a linked gimmick.
Along with the V2 Gundam itself, there's an extra transformable Core Fighter included as well.
V2 Core Fighter
A clear landing gear block is included, but it doesn't connect to the main body very well..
Rather than plugging into the bottom, it's more like you're just setting the body on top of it.
The beam parts are reused straight from the MG V Gundam.
Along with the beam rifle, a grenade launcher block is also included.
Open the cover at the bottom of the grip and you'll find grenades stored inside.
You can disassemble and reassemble it into the grenade launcher-equipped configuration.
There's also a small precision targeting device part included.
As shown above, you can remove the forehead armor and attach it over the eyes.
The red block on the back of the elbow can slide outward.
The beam saber is stored inside it, and it also serves as the mounting point for the beam shield.
Four types of interchangeable finger hands are included.
The forearm tends to pop off during posing, and it's a pain to reattach..
Make sure to push it all the way in when first attaching it, and be careful not to knock it loose when handling the kit.
The side and rear ankle armor tends to fall off during posing, and there are quite a few parts with similarly weak connections —
it makes this kit a bit frustrating to handle.
1/100 Shakti figure
Two pilot figures are included — Uso and Marbet.
Only 3 leftover parts.
The limb articulation is excellent, but due to the nature of the transforming kit, waist rotation isn't possible and spreading the legs is also difficult.
On the plus side, the front skirts have a flexible structure by default, so the hip joint range of motion is well accounted for.
Aerial firing pose
Two-handed firing pose.
The pose looks a bit unnatural, but there's not much you can do given the limited range of motion..
Beam saber + beam shield action
Fan-shaped beam saber action
Transformation
First, in MS mode, open the crotch and belly covers by pulling them forward, then separate the upper body.
The upper body is secured by four locking pins, so it holds together quite solidly in MS mode.
Remove the core block at the very top, then separate the lower section into
the upper half with arms (Top Limb) and the lower half with legs (Bottom Limb).
The Top Limb and Bottom Limb connect at four points total —
the upper connections are horizontal while the lower ones are vertical, going in different directions.
This alternating connection direction keeps everything locked together solidly even in MS mode.
The core block at the very top.
Fold in the rear wing verniers, then slide the cockpit section — which was hidden at the center bottom —
forward.
Next, unfold the multi-hinge sections to straighten them out and the nose is complete.
You can't help but be amazed at how that long nose gets pushed and folded multiple times to tuck away inside the body.. Bandai truly is god-tier!
Raise the structure below the neck 90 degrees, then fold the head back.
Close the head cover and raise the vertical fins to complete the transformation into the V2 Core Fighter.
Just like the MG V Gundam, the V2 Gundam comes with two transformable Core Fighters.
Starting the Top Limb transformation.
First, swap in the claw-type hands and rotate the wrists 180 degrees.
Raise the shoulders 90 degrees upward, then slide the shoulder armor down.
Rotate both arms upward in a banzai pose..
Raise both side waist armor pieces 90 degrees outward,
then position the front skirt and side skirts as shown.
Lower the rear skirt and plug it into the hole at the bottom of the raised front skirt to lock it in place.
Rotate the lower structure of the beam rifle to the side and attach it to the lower body to complete the Top Limb transformation.
Top Limb
Top Limb underside.
Now for the Bottom Limb transformation.
First, raise the chest duct section 90 degrees upward, then..
You need to fold the feet and ankles into the shape shown above.
You can actually fold them more cleanly so they're flush with the foot cover,
but the joints are so stiff it's hard to get them all the way there T_T
In my case, I was scared of the waterslide decals peeling off if I gripped it too hard, so I only folded it this far..
The rear sole part rotates 180 degrees and tucks under the front foot — a pretty interesting gimmick.
When you fold and rotate the rear sole, the hexagonal structure in the center of the sole automatically links and retracts downward.
Next, separate the hip joints — which were locked in place — out to each side..
Just like on the MG Zeta Gundam, raise and rotate the hip joint plate
to align it with the hole behind the chest duct.
Rotate the crotch armor part 90 degrees and fold it downward to complete the transformation.
Bottom Limb
Underside
Two V2 Core Fighters and the Top Limb / Bottom Limb are all ready to combine!
V2 Top Fighter / V2 Bottom Fighter
V2 Top Fighter
Underside
As expected of an MG, various gimmicks from the lore are faithfully reproduced.
Bottom Fighter
Underside
The knees also have a two-stage opening gimmick, but the connection is iffy so the knees tend to pop off while you're trying to open them..
A uniquely shaped clear stand joint part is also included.
You can use it to mount each one on an Action Base 1.
Together with the MG V Gundam.
Together with the HGUC V2 Gundam.
Straight build