Unicorn Gundam - Destroy Mode

This figure was provided by the fine folks at HobbyLink Japan.
Head over there to get yours!

The Unicorn Gundam, piloted by Banagher Links, is the star of the Gundam UC novels and OVAs. It is an advanced piece of machinery that was created as a result of the UC Project. This extraordinary Gundam is equipped with the Newtype Destroy (NT-D) System. The system uses the Unicorn Gundam’s Pyscho frame to locate Newtype pilots. When in close proximity to a Newtype, the NT-D System activates the Destroy Mode of the Unicorn Gundam. In this mode the Unicorn Gundam is powered up and may also take control of the Newtype weaponry of the enemies so that it can destroy its enemy. Hence the naming of the system.

A while back I reviewed the Robot Spirits Unicorn Gundam in Unicorn Mode. This time, I bring you the powered up version of this Mobile Suit.

Overall, the Robot Spirits Unicorn Gundam’s Destroy Mode is a very good representation of what the mecha looks like in the show. The toy does look a bit lankier that it’s animated counterpart.

Also, the backpack sits a bit higher on the figure than it does on Unicorn Gundam of the OVA.

However, this is still a very good looking figure. With the Robot Spirits Unicorn Mode, the mostly white color of the toy made it very plain. So plain that I decided to add lines to the panels using a fine-tip marker. However, thanks to the separated panels on this Destroy Mode, I did not feel that the lack of panel lines hurt the toys appeal, like it did with the Unicorn Mode.

Furthermore, the metallic red on the interior panels, which is supposed to simulate the power that is surging though the panels, looks freaking gorgeous. Pictures do not do justice to how great the red looks on this toy. However there was a small imperfection with the paint on my toy. One of the skirts had a small splash of red on the white parts of the skirt. But it is something that could easily be removed, if I am ever motivated to do so.

Besides looking good, this toy has a ton of articulation.

Every part moves in a manner that allows this toy to shine as an action figure. Without boring the readers about every single ball joint and hinge, I will highlight the notable articulation points of this toy.

The knee joint is double jointed, with the white and red knee armor sliding down and back as you move the leg backwards.

The skirts are all on a ball joint, to also allow the legs to move freely.

Taking a knee is no biggie for the Unicorn Gundam.

Heck, it can even perform one of those Russian squatting dances.

So as you can see, this toy has a ton of range with it legs. Heck even the back panels lift up to reveal a booster on each leg.

The upper half of the figure also has a lot of cool joints. Even the beam saber holders on the backpack are on swivel.

 The only issues I had was with the ball joints at the shoulder, which have a tendency of popping out of their socket from time to time. But that was not a deal-breaker in my book.

Besides the awesome amount of articulation, this release also comes very well accessorized. 

It comes with:

1x Spare crest made of soft PVC plastic. The standard one is made of a hard plastic.

3X Extra sets of hands. With the fists that makes 4 pairs of hands.

1X Shield with petals that slide out.

2X Gatling Guns, which feature a rotating scope and a rotating fifth barrel that can also swivel laterally.

1X Beam Magnum

1X Hyper Bazooka

4X Beam Saber handles (2 with slots on the sides of the body, 2 without) and 2 beam blades.

The handles with the slots can be attached to fold out panels on the forearms to turn the beam sabers into beam tonfas.

2x clips of ammunition for the Beam Magnum

1X clip of ammunition for the Hyper Bazooka

1X clip for attaching the toy to a stand

1X clip for attaching the shield to the Gundam’s arms.

1X clip for combining the Gatling guns to the shield

The combined form of these three looks pretty cool. However, I found the process for combining these parts a bit finicky. First you remove the handle of the guns and attach them to the top of the gun so the hook faces up. Then you attach the Gatling Guns to the slots on one of the forearms. Then you clip the butts of the guns together. Then you use the special clip to join the guns together from the top. Finally, you attach the shield to the clip. The problem is that if you put too much force on any one of these pieces during the process, you are bound to knock one or more of the other pieces out of place.

The guns, magnum and bazooka each have a tab on them, which allows them to be store on the backpack.

 The skirts also feature slots so you can store the extra ammo clips on them. The cool thing is the slots on the forearms are also the same size as the ones on the skirts and backpack. So if you want you can store the weapons and ammo on the forearms.

Storing the Beam Magun and the Hyper Bazooka on the same arm as its spare ammo clip. Very convenient ot not at all? You decide.

So the Robot Spirits Unicorn Gundam in its Destroy Mode is a very good looking toy that is armed very well. Save for the issues with the shoulder and the finicky process for combining the shield with the Gatling Guns, this toy was very fun to play with and pose for the pictorial part of this review. I enjoyed playing with the toy so much that I think I will actually get around to finishing Gundam Unicorn now.

This figure was provided by the fine folks at HobbyLink Japan.
Head over there to get yours!