1. Introduction
In this post, I will be reviewing the "HGCE 1/144 Freedom Gundam" from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED.
This kit was released as a renewal under the "REVIVE" project. With its expanding wings and wide range of articulation in the waist and legs, it's easy to recreate the iconic "Hi-Mat Full Burst" pose from the series. It is a classic HG kit that looks stylish even with a straight build, offering a perfect balance of modern proportions and ease of assembly—a must-have for any SEED fan.
2. Product Information
- Product Name: HGCE 192 1/144 Freedom Gundam
- Series: HGCE (High Grade Cosmic Era)
- Scale: 1/144
- Manufacturer: BANDAI SPIRITS
- Reference Links:
・ Bandai Hobby Site Product Page
This model features significantly updated proportions and range of motion compared to the older HG version. With double-jointed elbows and knees, and advanced abdominal articulation, it achieves a level of poseability comparable to an action figure.
3. Packaging Information
This kit includes the following items:
| Box Art / Design |
The packaging features a dynamic illustration of the Freedom Gundam with its “Balaena” Plasma Beam Cannons deployed against a backdrop of outer space. It showcases the sharp artwork characteristic of the HGCE series, which seamlessly blends CG renders with traditional illustration. |
| Sides & Details |
The sides of the box display photos of the kit’s main features, including the “Hi-Mat Mode” and “Full Burst Mode.” Compared to the older kit, you can clearly see the transition to a slimmer, more “heroic” physique that stays truer to its appearance in the anime. |
4. Assembly
| Difficulty | ★★☆☆☆ (Quick & Smooth) |
| Build Time | Approx. 3 hours |
| Special Notes |
While the part separation is excellent thanks to the modern format, many fine details (especially the colored lines on the railguns and the gray vents on the cheeks) rely on stickers for color correction. Applying all the stickers can be a bit tedious, but the visual appeal improves significantly with some detail painting using Gundam Markers or similar tools. This kit highly rewards the extra effort. |
5. Straight Build
The completed HGCE Freedom Gundam features very long legs and a small head, resulting in sleek and stylish proportions. The basic tricolor scheme is well-reproduced even with a straight build, and combined with the substantial volume of the backpack unit, you can enjoy a sharp and defined silhouette.
| Articulation & Action |
With a wide range of motion in the waist, hip joints, and ankles, the iconic “S-stance” typical of SEED Mobile Suits and wide-legged shooting poses can be achieved naturally. The pull-out mechanism in the shoulders also allows for smooth two-handed posing with the “Ambidextrous Halberd” (connected beam sabers). |
| Gimmicks (Full Burst) |
The transformation into Full Burst Mode—deploying the wings, the “Xiphias” Rail Cannons on the waist, and the “Balaena” Plasma Beam Cannons on the back—is seamless. Especially in Hi-Mat Mode with the wings fully spread, the kit has an incredible presence and impact that punches far above its 1/144 scale. |
6. Good & More
【🙆♀️ Pros / Good Points 🙆♂️】
・ The deployment mechanisms for the wings, railguns, and cannons are superb, allowing you to pull off a perfect "Hi-Mat Full Burst" pose.
・ Excellent articulation in the waist and hips provides incredible posing freedom, from standard standing stances to dynamic action poses.
・ The modernized proportions give the kit a heroic and sharp silhouette right out of the box (straight build).
【💁♀️ Cons / Points for Consideration 💁♂️】
・ The large and heavy backpack can make the kit back-heavy, leading to stability issues when standing unless the center of gravity is carefully adjusted.
・ There are many foil stickers for fine color correction; applying them cleanly, especially on curved surfaces and thin lines, can be challenging.
・ The fully expanded wings take up significant width and depth, so you'll need a fair amount of display space.
7. Additional Information
| Display |
Since the Freedom looks best in aerial combat poses, I highly recommend using an “Action Base” (sold separately). Displaying it in the air prevents it from tipping over due to the backpack’s weight and makes the winged poses look even more impressive. |
| Seam Lines |
The main body is well-designed with step-down molds to hide joints, but some seam lines are visible on the railguns and beam rifle. If they bother you, cementing and sanding them will further improve the overall quality of the finish. |
Summary
This concludes our review of the HGCE 1/144 Freedom Gundam.
With its high level of completion that perfectly captures the “essence of Freedom,” this is a solid kit for everyone from beginners to custom painters. By utilizing the wing and weapon gimmicks and using a display stand for stability, you can fully recreate iconic scenes like the SEED opening sequences in 1/144 scale.
Given its affordable price and accessibility, it is an essential addition to any SEED series collection.
