If you're into Gunpla model kits, you've probably dabbled in all sorts of customization techniques – painting, cutting, weathering, you name it. These are all awesome ways to make your kits stand out, and even better, to mash up different elements for some truly fresh creations.
Today, we're spotlighting Japanese Gunpla builder アルエンデ ( @aruende2 ), who ingeniously took a Haro from the Gundam Build Divers series, specifically the "HAROPLA Mobile Haro" kit, and transformed it into a Machine Lifeform from NieR:Automata. This wild, creative mash-up has been racking up praise online!
In the NieR:Automata game, "Machine Lifeforms" are the primary antagonists. Originally, these autonomous weapons were created by aliens and deployed during their invasion of Earth. Connected by a network, they store data within their "cores." Their advanced AI allows them to constantly evolve, enhancing their knowledge and weaponry. They even adopted human thoughts and culture, forming societies and family units, eventually surpassing and eradicating their alien creators.
アルエンデ mentioned that he stumbled upon a cheap HAROPLA Mobile Haro at a model shop and thought, "Why not try customizing it?" He eventually decided to draw inspiration from the Machine Lifeforms for the paint job, figuring their shapes had a similar vibe and might just be a perfect fit.
It's not just the paint and accessory details that are spot-on; the entire vibe perfectly captures the NieR:Automata world. You can really feel the creator's passion pouring out!
Look closely at the head and arms, and you can still faintly make out Haro's silhouette. But the body's shape, right down to the screw details on the sides, flawlessly recreates the Machine Lifeform's distinct features. When everyone started wondering, "What's the body made of?!" the creator revealed: "It's a spray paint can cap!" Seriously, using something like that? Talk about next-level genius!
This creative masterpiece had countless netizens gushing: "That's insane! How did they even do that?!" "So cool!" "Incredible! I've always wanted a Machine Lifeform model; hope this gets commercialized!" Many were even moved to tears, recalling in-game scenes due to the incredible accuracy, exclaiming, "Seeing this makes me want to cry..."
For all you Gunpla enthusiasts out there, maybe this kind of modding inspiration is worth a shot! After all, they're both robots (kinda?), so why not get creative and see what unique builds you can come up with?