The following will contain spoilers for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM.
After 20 years, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM has finally premiered in Japanese theaters, only in Japanese theaters. ANN does mention its planned distribution in 56 countries and territories, though that didn’t stop spoilers and leaks spreading like wildfire on the day of release. So much so that you can have an idea of the story just by reading these leaks. Thus, I wasn’t surprised when the official website updated with the complete mobile suit profiles following the first weekend of screening, providing us with better looks of these new (ish) designs compared to some random camera photo of a pamphlet.
Chief among these is the machine Kira uses in the climactic battle, the ZGMF/A-262PD-P Mighty Strike Freedom Gundam. Not exactly the best name I’d give to a Gundam, but it is what it is. This is actually an upgrade of the ZGMF/A-262B Strike Freedom Gundam Type II when docked with the MDE262S Proud Defender support unit/backpack. Personally, I’d name this guy the “Defender Strike Freedom Gundam” but as I’ve said, it is what it is.
Visually, the Strike Freedom Type II has marginal differences from the original so having the new backpack makes the Mighty Strike Freedom more distinct. If you already saw the leaks, then you’re aware that the Mighty Strike Freedom ditches the DRAGOONs in favor of an electric discharge attack that can deal to higher numbers of enemy units. The Proud Defender also provides power to the forehead mounted cannon that unleashes more of a cutting beam attack rather than a mega particle blast.
Lastly, the Proud Defender also gives the Mighty Strike Freedom its “Futsunomitama” Sword. Yes, an actual physical sword and I’m inclined to think Lowe Guele has something to do with this behind the scenes.
Director Mitsuo Fukuda mentioned in the post-screening interview that he deliberately chooses to create a fun movie rather than a film that will be remembered in history, and this is a manifestation of what he meant.
We first see Athrun enter the battle using a Z’Gok. Yes, they didn’t even bother adding something to the name. And in the climactic battle, the Z’Gok does a Build Burning Gundam from Gundam Build Fighters Try when it blows up to reveal the ZGMF-X191M2 Infinite Justice Gundam Type II inside. I don’t think there’s a plot-related reason he has to hide Infinite Justice, although he’s technically with Terminal and not part of C.O.M.P.S. (pronounced “Compass”) so that sets some precedence.
Much like the upgraded Strike Freedom, this Infinite Justice has marginal differences with the original outside of the new backpack unit. Unfortunately, the backpack looks boring outside of being able to fold out like an X-Wing from Star Wars.
A much-appreciated return to form comes with the appearance of both Yzak and Dearka in new and shiny versions of the Duel and Buster. The ZGMF-1027M Duel Blitz Gundam and ZGMF-103HD Lightning Buster Gundam are new nuclear-powered updates of their original GAT units. Both are also compatible with the M.E.T.E.O.R. which is how both enter the battle during the climax. The Duel Blitz is also notable for having a weapon similar to the Blitz’ “Gleipnir” anchor, likely a tribute to their fallen comrade.
I’d also like to mention some notables. Starting from the left is STTS/F-400 Murasame Kai [Mu La Flaga Use], an upgrade to Orb’s mass produced transformable mobile suit. Unfortunately, it also gets destroyed in the initial battle with Foundation and Mu switches back to the Akatsuki in the climactic battle.
Following the destruction of the Immortal Justice Gundam, so much for being “immortal,” Shinn gets back to the ZGMF/A-42S2 Destiny Gundam Spec II. This upgrade gets minimal visual changes to the original, with only the colors of the blade antenna and the torso pinstripe as far as I can see. But it does have tremendous power output so that not only can it charge the Impulse Gundam with its own Deuterium Beam, but it can “spawn” multiple afterimages. For all intents and purposes, I’ll just call them clones because that’s exactly what they are. While not as ridiculous as Naruto‘s Shadow Clone technique, each afterimage replicates the movements of the original, allowing this Destiny Gundam upgrade to hit multiple targets at ones.
Lastly, we have the NOG-M2D1/E BLACK KNIGHT SQUAD Cal-re.A, the final boss in the movie. It is equipped with the new Femtech Armor (or FT Armor) and primarily uses DRAGOONS for its attacks. I’m not really a fan of the design, but I bet some would be getting a kit from this guy when it becomes available.
Speaking of kits, at the same time as these reveals, Bandai Spirits also dropped some new High Grades so let’s check those next. Head on to the official Gundam SEED FREEDOM website to check out all new and updated mechnical profiles.
