I know Gundam SEED FREEDOM is all the rage with its current (as of this post) theatrical screening and all the Gunpla announements. But it’s always nice to take a breather from all the hullabaloo and have a non-SEED Gunpla announcement this time.
In mid-2023, we saw the release of the Premium Bandai-exclusive HGUC Engage Zero, the main character mobile suit/Gundam from the mobile game Mobile Suit Gundam U.C. Engage. To those unaware, the Engage Zero is sort of a fork in the development path within Anaheim Electronics’ Gundam Development Project. As seen in Gundam 0083 -Stardust Memory-, the project went on a different path and produced all those mobile suits we are familiar with. Now, had they’ve gone with the Engage Zero, the project would’ve proceeded with the RX-GPZ01 Engage Gundam.
Its overall design is similar to the Engage Zero, though the main difference is with the more angular/masculine aesthetic of the Engage Gundam compared to the organic/feminine approach of the Engage Zero. The same can be said with this HGUC kit as both will likely share the same engineering and construction, but with different armor parts.
The Engage Gundam comes with the standard loadout of weapons used by a Federation mobile suit. This includes a beam rifle, beam saber and shield. Technically, the mobile suit also uses a Core Block System with a dedicated Core Fighter though this kit doesn’t have a transformation/docking feature, nor includes parts to build the Core Fighter.
Like its predecessor, the Engage Gundam is also meant to be modular with its compatibility with various accessories and equipment to expand its mission profile. Chief among them is the Super Engage Gundam where the Core Fighter is fitted with parts based on the G-Defenser, adding a long rifle and missile pods to its arsenal. That said, the solicitation on Premium Bandai doesn’t show the missile pods opening unlike those from the HGUC G-Defenser.
The sizable backpack doesn’t provide significant hindrance to the articulation, though it might throw off its balance. Fortunately, the kit does include a runner-less stand, though for more dynamic poses, the use of a display stand is always recommended.
Here’s everything that comes with the kit, including a better look at the G-Defenser-based backpack unit. That the solicitation also recommends using the Booster Unit that came with the Engage Zero although you will need to use the adapter piece that comes with this kit to connect it.
HGUC 1/144 Engage Gundam
May 2024 / ¥2,600
Premium Bandai Exclusive
I also recommend watching the video below from the Japanese YouTube channel Gamore for more context regarding the Engage Zero and Engage Gundam.
