Gundam Model Kits

The main torso is quite plain, and small, giving a sense of low armor. But given that, all the parts are molded in proper colors anyway. The same shoulder joint is applied to Duel and works even better with this kit because of the smaller torso, and the way the shoulder armor is designed makes it probably the most poseable Gundam in the SEED line so far. The backpack looks molded to the back, but it's not. The lower thrusters move as well. The beam sabers also sit snuggly in their movable docks, which is also quite nice. The thrusters, however, could use a little paint.
The Assault Shroud armor is pretty basic, molded in its right colors, and is quite fragile feeling. However, it easily applies to the torso, and stays there very well. I would say one of the biggest aspects of this is that it does not get in ANY way of any of the articulation, either for the head or shoulders. This was a great aspect. The armor for the backpack is pretty basic, but very nice looking, almost giving it a tail binder kind of look. It sits on the back firmly with a peg into polycap connection.

Pretty standard arms sadly. They didn’t improve the design any, but I never figured they would. Elbows only have 90 degrees of movement, however, unlike with the hands on the other SEED 1/100 kits, you won't have to take these apart to use the cannons. The shoulder armor, however, has its ups and downs. The shoulder armor houses the missile launchers, with pop up cover. The missiles will need to be painted, as they are molded right to the shoulder armor. The big thing is they are so bulky; it restricts the shoulder joints movement from the torso. That is, unless you’re like me, and leave the arms off the peg just a bit (or make extensions), it could cause some posing problems.
The Assault Shroud parts here don't do much at all really. Except for when trying to mount the shield, but a special shield mount piece is added just for this case.

Although very similar to Strike's in many ways, the Duel has no skirt armor in the front or back, giving some extra degrees of movement. The knees still only move a disappointing 90 degrees. The ankles are another story as well. With no shin armor, they have a much wider range of movement, which allow for some really nice poses with the beam sabers. Like the Strike, it's legs are also built on a inner gray base, with off white armor added to the outside, making for very sturdy legs.
The Assault Shroud armor for the legs comes in two kinds. The front and sidepieces, neither can be attached by themselves, but together they form a tight fit. They are designed to not affect the poseability in anyway, and they rightfully do so. Only minor instances with the feet can be noted. Even the front skirt plates that are added have no effect on it. Sadly, the read added skirt plates do not move at all. A shame, but really not much of a big deal.

Beam Rifle - A nice representation of the rifle for sure. Nice details, and a sticker provided for the sensor. The missile is molded separately and is detachable. The special gun hand holds the rifle very snug, and I have no issues with it. Very well done.
Shield - Almost the same as Strike's, except molded in off white, blue and yellow. The ability to lay the handle down on the inner side of the shield is a bonus. I wish the Strike could do this.
Beam Sabers - Pretty standard. They sit well in the hands, and the blades are a bit long, but look nice in poses.
'Shiva' 115mm Railgun - Pretty simple, attached to the right Assault Shroud shoulder armor piece by peg to polycap joint. Good horizontal articulation, but vertical could use some work. A sticker is provided for the sensor.'Assault Shroud' Armor - A very neat idea, of course, reminiscent of the RX-78NT1 Alex from Gundam 0080. However, it's not so bulky, thus not affecting balance or poseability much at all.

A simple, but very nice kit from Bandai with some great features and good poseability Shows that even something so simple can be made so well. (Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars)

Contributor: Matt "GuyverC" Bellamy

General and Technical Data
Series: High Grade (HG) 1/100 Release Date: 05/2003 Price: ¥ 2200