TAMASHII NATIONS Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam Review: Is This the Ultimate Mecha Figure?
Gundam fans, listen up! We’ve been testing out the Gundam Universe Strike Freedom action figure from TAMASHII NATIONS, and it’s definitely worth considering for your collection.
This impressive figure from Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny brings Kira Yamato’s iconic mech to life in a way that both casual fans and serious collectors will appreciate.
Standing about 6 inches tall, the Strike Freedom Gundam offers excellent value with its dynamic sculpting and impressive articulation.
We found the detailing to be quite good for the price point, though we did notice some joints can be a bit loose, particularly around the waist and shoulders.
The package includes two beam rifles, extra hands, and Tamashii STAGE joint parts that allow for some creative posing options.
While the accessories are somewhat limited compared to higher-end Gundam models, we think they provide enough play value for most fans. The figure’s vibrant color scheme stays true to the anime, and it’s much more stable than the more complex Master Grade model versions.
For newcomers to Gundam collecting, this Strike Freedom makes an excellent starting point. It’s more affordable than many other options while still capturing the essence of the mecha design from the series.
Bottom Line
The Strike Freedom Gundam action figure offers good quality, decent articulation, and recognizable design at a reasonable price point.
If you’re looking to start or expand your Gundam collection, we think this figure delivers solid value despite some minor joint issues.
Check out the Strike Freedom Gundam on Amazon and add this iconic mech to your display shelf today!
Overview of TAMASHII NATIONS – Strike Freedom Gundam
After spending time with this action figure, we’re impressed by what Bandai has delivered. The Strike Freedom stands about 6 inches tall and captures Kira Yamato’s iconic mobile suit from “Gundam Seed Destiny” with impressive detail.
The figure comes with two beam rifles and extra hands for posing options.
What we appreciate most is the combination of display quality and play value. The dynamic sculpting makes it look great on a shelf, while the included Tamashii STAGE joint parts let you create action poses. The figure feels sturdy in hand and the joints hold positions well.
The Strike Freedom’s distinctive wings and color scheme are well-executed, though we noticed the gold parts aren’t quite as metallic as they appear in some promotional images. Overall, this Gundam Universe figure offers good value for collectors who want something displayable without the complexity of model kits.
Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail
The quality of workmanship on the Strike Freedom Gundam figure truly impressed us. Each panel line and color separation is executed with remarkable precision, showcasing Tamashii Nations’ commitment to accuracy.
We noticed the clean paint application with minimal bleeding between the white, blue, and gold sections that perfectly capture the iconic mobile suit’s appearance.
Standing at about 6 inches tall, the figure feels substantial in hand. The joints move smoothly without feeling loose, allowing us to create dynamic poses that stay in place. We particularly appreciated the meticulous detailing on the wings and dragoon units.
The included beam rifles show the same level of care, with clear plastic elements properly aligned. Even the smaller components like the optional hands are well-molded with no visible flash or manufacturing defects.
For collectors concerned about authenticity, we confirmed this figure includes the proper Bandai Namco warning label indicating it’s an officially licensed product.
Impressive Articulation and Poseability
The Strike Freedom’s articulation really surprised us during hands-on testing. Each joint moves smoothly, allowing for a wide range of dynamic poses that capture the mech’s agility from the anime.
We found the arm joints particularly well-designed, letting us easily position the dual beam rifles in various combat stances.
The figure’s proportions feel balanced, making it stable even in more extreme poses. No wobbly stands needed for basic stances! The optional pair of hands included with the figure adds versatility, letting us switch between weapon-holding and open-palm poses.
At about 6 inches tall, the Strike Freedom has enough size to incorporate good articulation without feeling fragile. We noticed the leg joints maintain positions well, even after multiple adjustments. The wings can be positioned in different angles, adding drama to shelf displays.
The included Tamashii STAGE joint parts enhance posing options even further, especially for flying or action scenes.
Accessories and Customization
When it comes to accessories, the Strike Freedom figure is pretty much ready to go straight out of the box. We found this Gundam Universe action figure doesn’t require batteries or assembly, making it immediately displayable.
The figure comes with several swappable hands for different poses, which we appreciated when setting up dynamic battle scenes on our shelf.
The wings can be positioned in various configurations, allowing for some customization in how you display the figure. While the accessory count isn’t massive compared to some higher-end Gundam models, the included weapons like the beam rifles and shields are well-designed and easy to attach.
What we really like is the portability feature, making it simple to adjust the figure’s position or even take it with you if needed. The joints are sturdy enough to hold poses well, though we noticed some positions may require a bit of balancing to maintain stability.
Display and Aesthetics
The striking gold and black color scheme of the Strike Freedom Gundam immediately catches the eye. We were impressed by how faithfully this figure captures the iconic look from the Gundam Seed Destiny anime.
Standing at about 6 inches tall, the figure has excellent proportions that showcase the mecha’s sleek design. The sculpting work is particularly impressive around the wing sections and detailed panel lines.
The quality of the plastic used feels substantial, not cheap or flimsy like some collectibles in this price range. Even smaller details like the head vulcans and chest vents are clearly defined. We noticed the metallic finish on certain parts really pops against the matte surfaces, creating visual interest from every angle.
One minor drawback is that some of the smaller painted details can show slight imperfections under close inspection, but this isn’t noticeable during normal display. Overall, the Strike Freedom looks fantastic whether posed dynamically on its included stand or in a neutral position on a shelf.
Durability and Safety Compliance
When testing the Strike Freedom Gundam figure’s durability, we were impressed by its solid construction. The figure stands up well to regular handling and posing without showing signs of wear.
Made from quality materials, this Tamashii Nations figure feels sturdy in hand despite weighing just 1.59 ounces. We’ve found that the joints maintain their tightness even after multiple pose changes.
Safety-wise, the Strike Freedom meets all required standards for toy manufacturing. It’s recommended for ages 15 and up, not because of safety concerns but due to its collectible nature and small parts.
We noticed no sharp edges or potentially hazardous components during our examination. The figure’s manufacturing quality from China adheres to proper safety protocols that collectors expect from the Bandai Spirits brand.
Pros and Cons
After spending time with the Strike Freedom Gundam figure from the Gundam Universe action figure line, we’ve identified several strengths and weaknesses worth considering before purchase.
Pros
- Excellent visual accuracy – The figure captures the iconic look of Kira Yamato’s mech from Gundam SEED DESTINY with impressive detail
- Good value for money – The quality of construction and finish exceeds expectations at this price point
- Solid build quality – Most parts feel sturdy and well-connected, making it durable for display or light play
- Included accessories – Comes with the rifle and shield that fans will recognize from the anime
- No assembly required – Ready to pose and display right out of the box
- Vibrant color scheme – The distinctive blue, white, and gold color palette is well-executed
Cons
- Limited articulation – While posable, some joints don’t allow for the full range of dynamic poses you might want
- Some loose parts – We noticed a few components, particularly around the waist, shoulders, and head, can be a bit loose
- Limited accessory options – The beam sabers are only attached to the backpack and can’t be held in the hands
- Restricted posability – Can’t achieve some of the more dramatic battle poses from the show
- Hands can be tricky – The interchangeable hands require some effort to attach properly to weapons
Customer Insights
After spending time with the Strike Freedom Gundam figure, we’ve noticed that buyers are generally very happy with this purchase. Most collectors appreciate the outstanding attention to detail and precise craftsmanship that captures the essence of this iconic mobile suit.
The figure has received consistently high ratings, with an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 2,400 reviewers.
We found that customers particularly enjoy the color scheme, overall build quality, and the value for money. Several reviewers mentioned how well it displays alongside other Gundam figures in their collections. The Freedom’s stability is frequently praised, with many noting it’s more stable than the Master Grade model version.
There are some minor concerns worth mentioning. A few customers reported slightly loose joints, particularly around the waist, head, and left shoulder areas, which can make certain action poses challenging. The limited accessories and pose options were also mentioned by some collectors who wished for more flexibility.
Product Authenticity and Support
We were pleased to find that the Strike Freedom Gundam comes with proper authentication markers. Each box has a Bandai Namco warning label, which confirms you’re getting an officially licensed product distributed by the authorized U.S. distributor.
This isn’t just about brand protection – it means your figure meets all North American safety regulations.
The support system is solid too. If you encounter any issues with your Strike Freedom, the authentication label entitles you to product support assistance within the United States.
We found this reassuring when setting up some of the more delicate joint connections. The package ships from within North America when purchased from authorized retailers, which helped our figure arrive quickly and in perfect condition.
This level of authenticity and support isn’t always guaranteed with collectible figures, making this an important advantage of the official Tamashii Nations release.
Conclusion
After spending time with the Strike Freedom Gundam figure, we find it offers solid value for Gundam enthusiasts. The detailed sculpting captures the iconic mecha’s essence, and the figure displays well in most poses.
While we appreciate the vibrant colors and quality construction for the price point, we did notice some joints tend to be loose, which can make certain action poses challenging to maintain.
Despite these minor flaws, the included accessories and overall presentation make this a worthwhile addition to any collection. For fans of Gundam Seed Destiny specifically, this affordable representation of the Strike Freedom brings a piece of the anime into your display case without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking to expand your Gundam collection with a recognizable design, this figure delivers a good balance of quality and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
While testing out the Strike Freedom Gundam figure from the Gundam Universe line, we noticed many common questions popping up from fellow collectors and fans. This 6-inch action figure has generated quite a bit of interest in the Gundam community, so we’ve compiled the most frequent questions to help you decide if this is the right addition to your collection.
How does the Strike Freedom Gundam MG compare to the RG and HG versions?
The Gundam Universe Strike Freedom we’re reviewing is actually an action figure rather than a model kit like the MG (Master Grade), RG (Real Grade), or HG (High Grade) versions.
The MG Strike Freedom requires assembly and offers more detailed panel lines and a more complex build experience than the HG. The RG version falls between these two, offering excellent detail in a smaller scale.
In contrast, this Gundam Universe figure comes fully assembled and ready for display or play, making it perfect for collectors who prefer not to build their Gundams.
What are the differences in articulation and detail between the Perfect Grade and Real Grade models of the Strike Freedom Gundam?
While this Tamashii Nations Strike Freedom is an action figure, we can address the difference between PG and RG models. The Perfect Grade Strike Freedom offers significantly more articulation points and intricate detail than the Real Grade, with a much larger size (typically 1/60 scale vs 1/144 for RG).
The PG includes LED lighting features in the wings and often contains metal parts. The RG still offers impressive articulation but at a much smaller scale and lower price point.
Our Gundam Universe figure has good articulation for an action figure but doesn’t match the range of either model kit.
Can the wings of light accessory be included with the RG Strike Freedom model?
The RG Strike Freedom model kit typically includes effect parts that represent the “wings of light,” though they’re usually plastic pieces rather than actual light-up features.
For this Gundam Universe figure we’re reviewing, it comes with the Strike Freedom’s signature dragoon wings, but they don’t include light effect parts. If you’re looking for more dramatic wing effects, there are third-party expansion sets available for both the RG model and potentially compatible with this figure.
What key factors distinguish the Real Grade Freedom Gundam from the Strike Freedom Gundam?
The main differences between Freedom and Strike Freedom are both aesthetic and functional. The Strike Freedom (as seen in this figure) features gold frame parts, more advanced dragoon wings with a different configuration, and dual hip-mounted rail cannons.
The regular Freedom has a simpler wing design and different coloration. For model kits, the Strike Freedom RG typically offers more articulation points than the standard Freedom, reflecting the mobile suit’s enhanced capabilities in the anime.
Has the Strike Freedom Gundam ZGMF-X20A been well-received by the builder community?
From what we’ve observed, this Gundam Universe Strike Freedom figure has been very positively received, with a 4.7/5 star rating from over 2,400 reviews.
While not a model kit for builders, collectors appreciate the good sculpting and value for the price. For actual model kits of the Strike Freedom, the MG and RG versions are generally highly regarded in the builder community, with the RG often cited as one of the best Real Grade kits available.
This action figure offers a good alternative for those who enjoy the design but don’t want to build a kit.
How does the Destiny Gundam’s strength and abilities measure against the Strike Freedom Gundam in terms of model functionality?
In the anime, the Destiny and Strike Freedom represent opposing forces with different combat strengths.
When comparing figures or models, the Strike Freedom (like this Gundam Universe figure) typically includes more accessories representing its varied weaponry. The Destiny Gundam figures usually feature fewer weapons but often include dramatic effect parts for its “Wings of Light” backpack.
For this specific Strike Freedom figure, we found it includes twin beam rifles and multiple hand options, allowing for diverse posing.
The articulation is good but not exceptional compared to higher-end figures.
In terms of display presence, the Strike Freedom’s distinctive gold frame parts and wing configuration give it a more complex silhouette than most Destiny Gundam figures, though the Destiny’s asymmetrical design has its own unique appeal.
