Getting a new series also means getting new Gunpla, and just like how the design of the Gundam ZERO was leaked, actual photos of its HG kit were also leaked as well. But we won’t have to rely on potato quality images as the official announcement came with official renders. Though that’s mostly it as no release dates, nor prices, were provided. But we’ll get into that in a bit.
Here’s our first official look at the HG 1/144 Gundam ZERO, and you can definitely see the nuances seen from Eiichi Shimizu’s designs, like those angled panel lines and tick marks. It captures the slender profile of the design really well. I am curious with all those metallic green parts, and I want to say a good number of them will be stickers, especially those at the spinal section. Those on the chest and the shoulders are probably clear parts, but that’s just my conjecture.
What’s not conjecture is the non-standard flight pack connector to the back of the mobile suit. They were quick to highlight that the usual dual 3mm ports we often see in HG kits are not present here. The flight pack itself looks good, but it’s definitely reminiscent of the Mirasoul Flight Unit from The Witch from Mercury.
As mentioned, nothing else besides this was revealed for the HG Gundam ZERO. I am expecting that we’ll also get that cloaked and bandaged version with the weird alien arm at some point.
Fast forward 90 years in the After Apocalypse timeline, we have the HG 1/144 ARK-10 Gundam Helix in all of its overdetailed glory. I know the difference in media meant this design needed more detail, and this would mean much more effort to put a wash in all those panel lines and crevices. It doesn’t help that the color scheme is very monotonous with all the shades of gray, to which we have an option.
We also have a better look at the backpack where the sword can be mounted, along with those remote weapons we saw in the announcement trailer. Just like the Gundam ZERO, no release or pricing information was provided for this kit.
Given the neutral colors this kit comes in, I wouldn’t think it would be an issue if anyone decides to paint it. But for those who I’d expect to play the game and would have less time painting Gunpla, then you’re in luck as a special version comes with the Collector’s Edition of Gundam Rogue Orbit. This is the HG 1/144 ARK-10 Gundam Helix [Earth Blue] version, which is the Gundam Helix in more traditional tricolors.
It forgos the light gray for white and muted blues, reds, and yellows. The separation also gives us an idea of which part goes to which runner, in case you are planning the regular retail version. There were no details revealed for the Collector’s Edition and whether there will be one for the PlayStation 5 and/or the XBOX Series X|S.
In the meantime, I am targeting to open my After Apocalypse lineup with these two.
Bandai Hobby also released a quick promo video for the upcoming RG Project kits.
