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This Gouf, appearing in "The 08th MS Team," is piloted by an ace who breaks through an entire squad and takes out three Guntanks as if strolling through an unguarded field. This is the Gouf's moment of glory. This Robot Spirits Gouf also delivers an excellent play experience.
In terms of articulation, its performance is consistent with that of a Zaku-type mobile suit, with no significant differences.
However, its excellence lies in its weapon accessories. The wrist-mounted machine gun, shield, sword, and gatling gun are all integrated into the left arm assembly. Disassembling it piece by piece is quite a satisfying experience. However, the parts don't quite reach the level of military-style detail seen on the Gundam Ground Type or the Guntank, but they are still quite impressive.
Next up is the Heat Wire in the right hand. One point that deserves strong criticism is the "wire cover" on the right wrist. It's extremely difficult to open, and once you do, the cover immediately flies off. I can't imagine how many collectors have already lost this tiny part. This kind of design should be avoided if at all possible. Because the cover is not easy to open, the warning in the instruction manual about it being easy to lose is of little help.
As for the Heat Wire, like other bendable wire-type weapons, I'm not a big fan. Because once they are bent out of shape, it's very difficult to put them back into the packaging, which is quite troublesome!
In terms of the mobile suit's color, the Gouf's presentation is excellent, with no major issues.
This Gouf comes with dedicated effect parts for its gatling gun. Once the effects are attached, the entire feel of the toy changes—it's incredibly fun!
Making a brief appearance in "The 08th MS Team" is the RX-75 Mass Production Type Guntank. As a cannon fodder unit, its only role is to be slaughtered by the Gouf, with no power to fight back. However, Robot Spirits has put some thought into this figure. Compared to the Guntank released several years ago, this one has a much stronger military-tech flavor.
Its role in the story is somewhat awkward, existing mainly to be destroyed by the Gouf (to highlight the Gouf's power). Originally, three of them were on a mission. The first two were easily destroyed one by one, despite the defensive efforts of Karen and Sanders. The first Guntank's demise was due to the 08th MS Team underestimating the enemy; the second was destroyed in a surprise attack; the third was finally taken down after a fierce battle between the Gouf and the Ez-8. A single Gouf broke through the 08th MS Team's defenses and successfully eliminated all three Guntanks.
With its story told, let's get right to the review.
The Guntank's appearance is good. The head antenna needs to be attached after first removing the head.
The cannons on its shoulders can move left, right, up, and down.
The machine guns on its arms can rotate, and the elbows can bend.
The treads on both sides of the "legs" can be pulled out from the main body and have a certain degree of vertical articulation.
The most interesting feature is on its back. There's a backpack that can be pulled out, revealing an ammunition loading mechanism. Behind the two cannon barrels are two manipulator arms. Flipping open two hidden compartments on the backpack reveals the shell magazines. One of the shells can be attached to a manipulator arm to simulate the loading and firing process. The entire backpack is a real eye-opener and deserves praise!
However, after the praise comes the criticism.
For a projectile-based mobile suit, why are the effect parts for its cannons and machine guns "green"? The effects should at least be for projectiles and smoke, shouldn't they? How can it be firing physical rounds but shooting lasers?
It feels better to display it without the effect parts.
Personally, I find the story of "The 08th MS Team" to be quite excellent within the Gundam universe. It has a bit of everything: romance, friendship, military discipline, family bonds (some a bit twisted), ambition, and loyalty. When the Gouf appears, Norris battles the 08th MS Team. After realizing the Ez-8's pilot is Aina's beloved, his final strike might have been intentionally pulled, but he still completed his mission of destroying all the Guntanks. However, behind the Guntanks were actually GM Snipers. If the Gouf were still around, it's uncertain whether those GM Snipers could have successfully carried out their mission.
Now, back to the photoshoot. First, a group shot of the 08th MS Team is a must. Compared to photos from two years ago, we now have the hover truck, the Guntank, and the Ez-8. The squad from the final battle is finally complete. But, aren't we still missing two Guntanks? If I get a chance to shoot a diorama, I'll open them then! (Yes, I bought three boxes of the Guntank).
There's a scene where the Gouf notices the Ground Type Gundam holding a beam rifle, so it proceeds to take out both the Guntank and that weapon. One of the moves involves creating a smokescreen, shooting the beam rifle out of its hand, knocking down the Ground Type (GM Head), and then swiftly mounting and destroying the Guntank. This scene is a classic.
When posing them, you need to pay attention to the Guntank's posture, getting it ready for the Gouf to mount. The Guntank needs to have its left arm ready to serve as a foothold for the Gouf. In the original anime, the Guntank weakly fires with its left arm before being killed by the Gouf's sword stabbing through its cockpit. The explosion effect for this part is well-made. However, to get the Gouf to stand stably, you need to carefully adjust its stance.
As for the scene where the Gouf is cut in half by the Ez-8. Since the beam saber effect part is already very well done, it's not difficult to recreate as long as you get the positioning right.
Overall, all the mobile suits from "The 08th MS Team" line are excellent products. It was worth waiting several months for them, and I had a great time unboxing and photographing them all at once. I hope you all enjoy it!