Gunpla Review: HG 1/144 00-Raiser + GN Sword III

If you need background on Gunpla, please see my review on the Star Build Strike.

I received this kit on Thursday, and decided to start building it today. As you can see, I did not stop until it was complete. I intended on stopping and writing a bit, I swear! Anyway, it took my approximately 7 hours, which is close to how long it took me to build the Star Build Strike, even though that was my first kit and I have more experience as a modeller now. The main reason it took me so long to build the 00 is because it's not just the 00, but the 0-Raiser, as well as a lot of accessories.

I figured I would cheat a bit and colour the clear parts with appropriately-coloured Sharpies. This worked for the dome pieces that cover the stickers on the arms and legs, but not for the forehead jewel, so I used the supplied sticker. For the most part I'd say it looks impressive.

I have encountered two major weaknesses with this kit: the V-fin keeps falling off, and ball joint for the waist is so weak it keeps on popping off. The back portion of the 0-Raiser will also not stay close, and a top piece got a connector bent, so it won't go in all the way. Otherwise, though, it is a very impressive kit. It fell from my dresser while I was posing it, and I still put it back together just fine.

UPDATE: I used some nail polish to fix the V-fin to the head. Pressing the middle of the tail together makes it close properly. Pushing the ball for the ball joint up on its peg slightly fixes the connection (or seems to so far). My only standing problem now is that bent peg, which cannot be fixed anyway. This vastly improves my experience with this kit.

I then decided to do a mock battle between the 00 and the Star Build Strike. They are my only two Gunpla, after all.

While the 00 closes the distance quickly, the SBS buys for time, and switches to beam sabers.

A pivot and a charge later, SBS is on its heels, but is blocking the 00's attacks.

In the name of 'fairness,' the 00 switches to its GN Sword II's. The SBS takes the given opportunity and charges its Star Rifle, so 00 goes defensive.

00 surprised SBS with extending beams, but not enough to avoid the Absorb Shield. Both prepare crossed counters.

Reset with best-case scenario for both: 00-Raiser vs Star Build Strike with the Universal Booster (which I tried to attach to the 00. It's not really universal).

The combatants circle each other in a ring of destroyed equipment, ready to strike at any moment.

Last move: Full-Power Star Buster Rifle vs Raiser Sword.

Excellent practice match - Brofist... or in our case, 'brohoof!'

So... there are some problems but this is still a great kit. I have to admit the 00-Raiser is my favourite. I'm glad there's a version with the GN Sword III. Honestly, though, the SBS balances better. Must be those big feet. Or the smaller booster. Still good reference for my Alicorn Engines.

But it's fun. 8 out of 10 stars, leaning toward 7 due to parts that keep falling off.
Revised score: 8.5 out of 10.

Additional Item: HG 1/144 00 Raiser Designer Colours Version
I got this one for my nephew. I'm assuming it uses the same molds. The colours are lighter / faded. Naturally it does not have the GN Sword III. Nor, for whatever reason, does it come with any beam saber blades -- or effect parts of any kind. This makes it more plain, although it retains a high degree of playability since it comes with everything else. This is the kit I ordered when I did not think the other one came with a GN Sword III but not the GN Sword II's. The other kit has both.

I give it a 7 out of 10. It would have a higher score if it included beam saber blades as well as effect parts for the GN Sword II's.

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UPDATE: 11/4/2015: HG 1/144 00 Seven Swords/G

I thought it'd be unfair to separate them, so here's my take on the Seven Swords kit. In the interests of full disclosure, I did not build the entire 00 again, instead adding the new kit to my existing one.

Switching out the kneecaps was easy, since I only had to pull off the old ones and put on the ones that hold the GN Katars. It was more challenging to figure out how to reconnect the main plate for the Buster Sword after I took it apart to finish painting the shield particle emitters.

I chose to use the GN Sword II Long and Short to give my 00 greater variety. In turn, I gave the old GN Sword IIs to my Arios/M and Fenice Rinascita respectively.

My only standing issue now is where to put everything when I want to dock the 0 Raiser with the 00: there's no room for everything, so I decided to ditch the GN Sword III temporarily to let the 00 wield the Buster Sword. Not bad, but I wish there was a place for everything -- and speaking of, the two extra beam saber hilts simply got in the way of the GN Sword IIs, even the Short.

Well, this definitely is not a unit I would want to cross. It makes me think the grunts would be wiser to call in sick.

Tools used includes my baby nippers, file, and metallic green gundam marker. Even with just the weapons it took about 3 hours to complete. Some creativity in following directions required. Still, recommended if you need a little extra to finish your 00.

The way I see it you have two ways to get 'everything' here: If you want the GN Sword III you have to get the '00 Raiser + GN Sword III' kit as well as the '00 Gundam Seven Sword/G.' If you don't mind not having the GN Sword III and the effect parts for it and the GN Sword IIs, then it's more efficient to just get the '00 Gundam Seven Sword/G' and the '0 Raiser' kits.