[RG] Full Armor Unicorn Gundam

RG Full Armor Unicorn Gundam and Its Universe

The RG Full Armor Unicorn Gundam marks the 30th release in Bandai’s Real Grade line, recreating the final and most heavily armed form of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn. This 1/144 scale kit delivers a bold combination of Real Grade’s signature mechanical engineering and the overwhelming presence of the Full Armor loadout, resulting in one of the most ambitious kits in the RG lineup.

Release Date and Price

The RG 1/144 Full Armor Unicorn Gundam was officially released in Japan in December 2018, with a retail price of approximately ¥6,000 JPY (Japanese Yen). While priced significantly higher than earlier RG releases, the kit offers an expansive set of accessories, a full transformation system between Unicorn and Destroy Mode, and vibrant green Psycho-Frame parts that truly set it apart.

Pros and Cons Analysis

Pros

Advanced Transformation System
The kit accurately reproduces the transformation from Unicorn Mode to Destroy Mode. The transformation uses Bandai’s intricate “Advanced MS Joint” system and exposes the Psycho-Frame parts in spectacular fashion.

Extensive Armament and Display Options
True to its name, the Full Armor Unicorn comes loaded with a full suite of weapons: hyper bazookas, beam gatling guns, missile pods, grenade launchers, and three shields. These parts offer an impressive range of posing and display possibilities.

Striking Green Psycho-Frame Parts
The translucent green inner frame provides a vivid contrast to the white armor and enhances the model’s visual appeal, especially under lighting.

Excellent Color Molding and Panel Line Definition
Crisp panel lines and multi-color molded parts give the kit a polished look straight out of the box, with minimal need for painting.

Cons

Stability Issues Due to Weight
The massive equipment load places stress on joints, especially in Destroy Mode. Without an action base (not included), standing poses can become unstable.

Delicate Transformation Mechanism
While the transformation is impressive, the tight tolerances and small locking parts make it somewhat fragile. Extra care is needed during mode switching to avoid stress or breakage.

High Assembly Complexity
With over 20 runners and a large number of small components, this is a challenging kit intended for experienced modelers. The manual also includes a complex sequence for attaching weapons and backpack parts.

Sticker Overload
The kit includes a significant number of markings and foil stickers. Applying them evenly, especially on curved surfaces, requires time and patience.

Community Feedback

RG Full Armor Unicorn Gundam has received acclaim for its ambitious design and striking shelf presence. Builders often highlight the sheer volume of parts and visual impact of the completed kit. However, many agree that the transformation mechanism, while accurate, demands careful handling and that the kit is best suited for advanced builders. The absence of a stand is commonly mentioned, especially given the model’s weight and balance challenges.

Conclusion

As the 30th entry in the Real Grade series, the RG Full Armor Unicorn Gundam showcases the strengths—and some of the limitations—of the RG line at its most ambitious. With its intricate transformation, detailed Psycho-Frame, and formidable weapon loadout, this kit rewards patient builders with a centerpiece that commands attention.

While not recommended for beginners due to its complexity and stability concerns, experienced modelers will find the build both engaging and deeply satisfying. The completed model captures the overwhelming power of the Full Armor Unicorn from Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, making it a valuable addition to any serious Gunpla collection.

Final Rating: 4.6/5 — A visually stunning and mechanically complex Real Grade kit that challenges and rewards in equal measure, ideal for veteran builders seeking a high-impact display piece.