Ki Toy Magazine:https://www.facebook.com/ki0079.robot.workshops
The TV version of Gundam Deathscythe Hell first appeared in the ROBOT SPIRITS line 9 years ago. It was quite stunning at the time. Nine years later, it reappears today in the METAL ROBOT SPIRITS line. What is the play experience like this time?
Beautiful paintwork, that black body is very striking
Black is the main color of Deathscythe Gundam, and its paint application is crucial. The result did not disappoint players. Its black has a slight sheen, preventing it from looking overly dull or plasticky. The color choice is excellent.
Other areas feature excellent markings and many meticulous details, which are worth appreciating!
Black, gray, and white – these few colors define Deathscythe Gundam, with the red markings standing out even more. In terms of paintwork alone, it is indeed excellent!
The cloak is very flexible
I initially thought the cloak would simply open and close, but its design goes beyond that. The cloak on both shoulders, consisting of six armor plates in total (front, back, left, and right), all have excellent articulation. The four front and back plates use ball joints (the two side ones do not), greatly increasing their poseability. The four cloak plates can open and even extend to their highest point.
Compared to the ROBOT SPIRITS version, this current iteration features mechanical designs on the inner side of the cloak, which are very detailed and do not add significant weight to the cloak. When the cloak is opened, that imposing presence truly emerges!
However, there's a strange and superfluous part: when the cloak is closed, official connectors are provided for the front and back sections to secure the two cloak pieces. Honestly, these two connectors don't serve much purpose. Furthermore, the connection process is very complicated and inconvenient. Isn't it easy enough to simply close the two cloak pieces yourself? Please don't add unnecessary trouble for collectors.
The scythes, big and small
There are two scythes: a smaller one that can be folded and stored on the rear skirt armor. When opened, it can be fitted with a small beam effect part. Just by looking, the large and small scythes don't seem to differ significantly, nor do their respective beam effect parts. Only when compared side-by-side can the difference be truly seen.
The large scythe cannot be folded, and with its large beam effect, it naturally has a more imposing presence. But can't the small scythe achieve such presence? Not exactly... Of course, bigger is better than smaller, there's no need to debate that.
As for the long handle, there are both straight and curved versions. The curved version is primarily for creating a sense of impact, while the straight version is used for general posing.
The size of the beam effects is good, and their weight is also acceptable; they aren't too heavy, which is important as it doesn't affect the play experience. However, the color of the beam effect parts is a bit monotonous. If there could be more paint application and more layering, the overall feel would likely be better.
The shield, still powerfully imposing
The shield can be mounted on the hand, rotated, and its twin blades on the sides can be deployed. The tip of the shield can be fitted with a beam effect part, and it can also be launched from the arm.
The display stand is much more stable.
Compared to the display stand for Wing Gundam Zero Custom, this one is much more reasonable and stable. However, mounting the figure onto it isn't very convenient, which is a minor hassle.
Overall, Deathscythe Gundam, returning after nine years, did not disappoint. I personally found it quite enjoyable (even though there aren't a huge number of play features). If we consider the overall design, sculpting, and paint application, Deathscythe Gundam is genuinely superior to Wing Gundam.
We hope the upcoming Altron Gundam will be equally satisfying.
Ki Toy Magazine:https://www.facebook.com/ki0079.robot.workshops