TAMASHII NATIONS, the collector's toy division of Japan's BANDAI SPIRITS, has announced the latest addition to its popular die-cast action figure line, "METAL BUILD." The "METEOR Unit" from "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED" is slated for release in February 2027.
The Tactical Assault Module M.E.T.E.O.R. (Multi-phase Energy Tactical Enforcement Operation Result) was initially conceived by the Z.A.F.T. military as a backpack system to enhance Mobile Suit flight performance, mobility, and firepower. However, with the advent of Mobile Suits equipped with Neutron Jammer Cancellers, the project evolved into a massive armament leveraging the nearly infinite energy of nuclear engines to achieve immense destructive power and maneuverability. Equipped with High-Energy Beam Cannons, anti-ship missiles, and giant beam sabers, the METEOR Unit is typically docked externally on the Clyne Faction's mothership, the Eternal. When needed, it can combine with nuclear-powered Mobile Suits like the Freedom Gundam and Justice Gundam, unleashing devastating overkill firepower and high mobility to sweep the battlefield.
The "METAL BUILD METEOR Unit" was developed collaboratively by "Gundam SEED" mechanical animation director Satoshi Shigeta and the METAL BUILD "Gundam SEED" series design team. Measuring approximately 705mm in length and weighing a total of 2.5 kilograms, this is the largest product in the series to date. The entire exterior armor features incredibly dense and detailed sculpting, with some parts crafted from die-cast metal. It boasts a weighty, realistic color application and intricate tampo-printed markings, allowing collectors to appreciate the armor structure, massive turbine-like thrusters, and various armaments in impressive scale.
Thanks to its connecting mechanisms, the METEOR Unit can combine with various Mobile Suits released in the METAL BUILD series, including the Freedom Gundam, Justice Gundam, and Strike Freedom Gundam. In its combined state, the maximum length can reach an astounding 860mm. All missile pods across the unit feature opening hatch gimmicks. The two front armament arms can replicate both the "120cm High-Energy Beam Cannon" and "MA-X200 Beam Saber" forms, extending to a total length of 120cm when the beam saber effect parts are attached.
Furthermore, the unit incorporates several original METAL BUILD gimmicks, including dynamic cannon barrel deployment, rotating engine units, and expanding thrusters for enhanced posing. The front armament arms are detachable and can transform. It even allows for combination with "Gundam SEED" series Mobile Suits that never equipped the METEOR Unit in the show, such as the Strike Gundam, Gundam Astray, and Impulse Gundam.
METAL BUILD METEOR
Suggested Retail Price: 88,000 Yen (Tax Included)
Release Date: February 2027
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