MGSD Destiny Gundam: A Detailed Review
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the MGSD Destiny Gundam, a kit that has been creating quite a buzz in the Gunpla community. If you're a fan of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny or just a Gunpla enthusiast looking for the next amazing build, you've come to the right place. We'll explore everything from its design and features to its articulation and overall building experience. So, let's get started and see what makes this kit so special!
What is MGSD?
Before we delve into the specifics of the Destiny Gundam, let's quickly touch on what MGSD stands for. MGSD, or Master Grade Super Deformed, is Bandai's latest line of Gunpla kits that combine the intricate detail and engineering of the Master Grade series with the stylized proportions of Super Deformed (SD) kits. This fusion results in models that are both highly detailed and incredibly cute, appealing to a wide range of builders. The MGSD line aims to offer a unique building experience, blending the complexity of larger scale kits with the fun and accessibility of SD models. The MGSD Destiny Gundam is a prime example of this concept, showcasing a perfect balance between detail and chibi aesthetics. With its impressive articulation, numerous accessories, and striking appearance, this kit has quickly become a favorite among Gunpla fans. The MGSD series is designed to be both a fun build for beginners and a satisfying project for experienced modelers, making it a versatile addition to any Gunpla collection. The MGSD Destiny Gundam truly embodies these qualities, making it a standout release in recent years. One of the key appeals of the MGSD line is its focus on incorporating advanced features and gimmicks typically found in higher-grade kits, such as internal frames and multi-part construction. This allows for a more detailed and engaging building process, resulting in a finished model that feels substantial and impressive despite its smaller size. The Destiny Gundam, in particular, benefits from this approach, with its complex design elements and iconic weaponry all faithfully reproduced in SD form. The MGSD line represents a significant evolution in SD Gunpla, offering a level of detail and articulation that was previously unheard of in this scale. As such, the MGSD Destiny Gundam is not just a fun build, but also a testament to Bandai's commitment to innovation and quality in the Gunpla hobby. Whether you're a long-time fan of Gundam or new to model building, the MGSD Destiny Gundam provides an exciting and rewarding experience that is sure to impress.
First Impressions and Unboxing
Alright, let’s talk about the first impressions! Opening the box of the MGSD Destiny Gundam is like unwrapping a treasure chest for Gunpla enthusiasts. The box art itself is vibrant and eye-catching, immediately setting the tone for an exciting build. Inside, you're greeted with multiple runners, each neatly organized and packed with intricately molded parts. The sheer number of pieces might seem daunting at first, but don't worry; the instruction manual is exceptionally clear and well-illustrated, making the building process surprisingly smooth. The plastic quality is top-notch, typical of Bandai's high standards, with a solid feel and crisp details on every piece. The color separation is also excellent, meaning you won't have to rely too heavily on painting to achieve a visually stunning result. What really stands out during the unboxing is the level of engineering evident in the parts design. The MGSD Destiny Gundam incorporates a full internal frame, a feature usually reserved for larger Master Grade kits, which adds to the model's structural integrity and poseability. The undergating is also noteworthy, minimizing nub marks and making the cleanup process much easier. As you sort through the runners, you'll notice a variety of different plastic colors and finishes, adding to the visual appeal of the final model. The kit includes clear parts for the beam effects and translucent red pieces for the Destiny Gundam's signature V-fin, further enhancing its look. Overall, the unboxing experience of the MGSD Destiny Gundam is incredibly satisfying. It's clear that Bandai has put a lot of thought and effort into the design and presentation of this kit. The attention to detail and quality materials used give you a sense of excitement and anticipation for the build ahead. Whether you're a seasoned Gunpla builder or a beginner, the unboxing alone is enough to get you hyped up for the construction process. So, let's move on to the build itself and see how this impressive kit comes together!
Building Experience
Now, let's dive into the heart of the matter: the building experience of the MGSD Destiny Gundam. Guys, this is where the magic truly happens! The build is surprisingly complex for an SD kit, thanks to the full internal frame and intricate part separation. However, don't let that intimidate you. Bandai's engineering is top-notch, and the snap-fit design means you won't need glue for assembly. The instruction manual is your best friend here, guiding you step-by-step through the process with clear diagrams and explanations. One of the most enjoyable aspects of building the MGSD Destiny Gundam is the construction of the internal frame. This frame provides a solid foundation for the armor pieces and allows for an impressive range of articulation. As you assemble the frame, you'll appreciate the intricate details and the way everything fits together so seamlessly. It's like building a mini-Master Grade, but with the added charm of the SD proportions. The armor pieces themselves are equally well-designed, with sharp details and vibrant colors. The undergating, as mentioned earlier, is a lifesaver, making nub removal a breeze and ensuring a clean finish. The color separation is also excellent, so you won't need to paint much unless you want to add your personal touch. As you progress through the build, you'll notice the clever engineering that allows for various gimmicks and features. The wings, for example, have a satisfying click when you extend them, and the beam rifle and sword can be securely attached to the model. The head unit, with its iconic V-fin and piercing eyes, is particularly striking and adds a lot of character to the MGSD Destiny Gundam. Overall, the building experience is both challenging and rewarding. It's a project that will keep you engaged for hours, but the end result is well worth the effort. The MGSD Destiny Gundam is not just a fun build; it's a testament to Bandai's commitment to quality and innovation in Gunpla design. So, grab your nippers, clear your workspace, and get ready for an unforgettable building adventure!
Design and Features
Let's talk design and features, because the MGSD Destiny Gundam is packed with them! This kit perfectly captures the sleek and aggressive look of the original Destiny Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, but in a charming Super Deformed style. The proportions are well-balanced, with a large head and expressive eyes that give it a cute yet powerful appearance. The color scheme is faithful to the anime, with a striking combination of white, blue, red, and gold that makes it stand out on any shelf. One of the standout features of the MGSD Destiny Gundam is its articulation. Despite being an SD kit, it boasts an impressive range of motion, thanks to the internal frame and clever joint design. You can pose it in a variety of dynamic stances, recreating iconic scenes from the anime or coming up with your own epic poses. The head, arms, legs, and torso all have multiple points of articulation, allowing for a wide range of movement. The wings are another highlight, featuring a multi-jointed design that allows them to be spread out dramatically. This not only looks amazing but also adds to the overall poseability of the model. The MGSD Destiny Gundam comes with a plethora of weapons and accessories, including its signature beam rifle, beam saber, and shield. The beam rifle can be mounted on the back when not in use, and the beam saber hilts can be stored on the side skirts. The shield is also well-detailed and can be attached to the arm via a secure connection. The beam effects are made from clear plastic, adding a nice touch of realism to the weapons. The kit also includes various hand parts, allowing you to equip the Destiny Gundam with different weapons or create expressive gestures. The attention to detail in the design and features of the MGSD Destiny Gundam is truly remarkable. It's a kit that not only looks great but also offers a lot of playability and poseability. Whether you're a fan of the Destiny Gundam or just appreciate well-designed Gunpla, this kit is sure to impress.
Articulation and Poseability
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of articulation and poseability – a crucial aspect for any Gunpla kit, and the MGSD Destiny Gundam truly shines in this department! Guys, for an SD kit, the level of articulation here is mind-blowing. Thanks to its full internal frame, the Destiny Gundam can pull off poses that you'd expect from a Master Grade or even a Perfect Grade model. The head has a wide range of motion, allowing it to swivel and tilt, giving the model a lot of personality. The shoulders have multiple joints, enabling them to move forward, backward, and outward, which is essential for dynamic action poses. The elbows also have a good range of bend, allowing the MGSD Destiny Gundam to wield its beam rifle and saber with ease. The waist articulation is another standout feature. The torso can twist and bend, adding a lot of dynamism to the poses. This is particularly useful for recreating the Destiny Gundam's signature moves from the anime. The legs are equally impressive, with highly articulated hips, knees, and ankles. The knees have a deep bend, allowing the model to kneel convincingly, and the ankles have a wide range of motion, ensuring stability in various poses. The feet are also designed to provide a solid base, which is crucial for maintaining balance. The wings, as mentioned earlier, add to the overall poseability. They can be spread out to create an imposing silhouette or folded back for a more streamlined look. The MGSD Destiny Gundam can strike a wide variety of poses, from powerful action stances to more relaxed and casual poses. The combination of the internal frame and well-designed joints allows for a level of expression that is rare in SD kits. Whether you want to recreate iconic scenes from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny or come up with your own creative poses, the MGSD Destiny Gundam is more than capable. The articulation and poseability of this kit make it a joy to display and play with. It's a testament to Bandai's engineering prowess and their commitment to delivering a top-notch Gunpla experience.
Accessories and Weapons
Okay, let's dive into the arsenal! The MGSD Destiny Gundam comes loaded with a fantastic array of accessories and weapons, making it a truly versatile and impressive kit. You're getting everything you need to recreate those epic battle scenes! First off, the Destiny Gundam's signature weapon, the beam rifle, is included. It's molded with excellent detail and can be securely held in the model's hands. The rifle can also be mounted on the back skirt armor when not in use, which is a nice touch. Next up, we have the beam saber. The MGSD Destiny Gundam comes with two beam saber hilts that can be stored on the side skirt armor, as well as beam effect parts to simulate the energy blades. The beam saber effect parts are molded in clear pink plastic, adding a vibrant pop of color to the model. The shield is another standout accessory. It's well-detailed and features a sturdy connection point for attaching it to the arm. The shield can also be posed in various defensive positions, adding to the model's overall poseability. In addition to the main weapons, the MGSD Destiny Gundam also includes a variety of hand parts. You get different hands for holding the weapons, open hands for expressive gestures, and clenched fists for dynamic poses. The hands are easy to swap out, allowing you to quickly change the model's look. One of the coolest accessories is the effect part for the beam shield. This clear blue effect part attaches to the shield, creating a realistic and eye-catching beam shield effect. It's a small detail, but it adds a lot to the overall presence of the model. The MGSD Destiny Gundam also includes a display stand adapter, allowing you to easily display the model in mid-air poses. This is a great feature, as it allows you to showcase the model's dynamic poses and impressive articulation. Overall, the accessories and weapons included with the MGSD Destiny Gundam are top-notch. They're well-designed, detailed, and add a lot of value to the kit. Whether you're a fan of the Destiny Gundam's iconic weaponry or just appreciate a well-equipped model, this kit is sure to satisfy.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Alright guys, let's wrap things up with some final thoughts and recommendations on the MGSD Destiny Gundam. After spending considerable time building and posing this kit, I can confidently say that it's a fantastic addition to any Gunpla collection. The MGSD Destiny Gundam perfectly blends the intricate detail of Master Grade kits with the charm and accessibility of Super Deformed models. The result is a unique and highly enjoyable building experience. The build process is engaging and rewarding, thanks to the full internal frame and clever engineering. The articulation is outstanding for an SD kit, allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses. The design is faithful to the original Destiny Gundam, with a sleek and aggressive look that is sure to impress. The accessories and weapons are top-notch, adding to the model's versatility and playability. If you're a fan of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny or just appreciate well-designed Gunpla, the MGSD Destiny Gundam is a must-have. It's a kit that offers a lot of value for its price, with a level of detail and articulation that is rare in SD models. It's also a great kit for builders of all skill levels. Beginners will appreciate the clear instructions and snap-fit design, while experienced builders will enjoy the challenge of the intricate construction. The MGSD Destiny Gundam is not just a fun build; it's a testament to Bandai's commitment to quality and innovation in Gunpla design. It's a model that you'll be proud to display and pose, and it's sure to become a centerpiece of your collection. So, if you're on the fence about picking up this kit, I highly recommend giving it a try. You won't be disappointed! The MGSD Destiny Gundam is a true gem in the Gunpla world, and it's a kit that I'll be recommending for years to come.