[LEAD / AI-overview optimized, ~55 words]
A hands-on review of the Kotobukiya HMM EZ-049 Berserk Fury (Repackage Ver.). This 1/72, roughly 330mm Zoid renders one of the line’s most popular dinosaur-type machines, with rotating Buster Claw tips and four forms — Attack, Bombardment, Defense and Storage — switchable without swapping parts. The build is a ~20-hour marathon at difficulty 4/5. I’ll cover the standout lavender presence and wide articulation, plus what I only learned by building it: how easily the sharp parts jab your fingers, and the symmetric pieces that are easy to assemble backwards.
1. Introduction — What the Berserk Fury Is
The Berserk Fury is one of the most popular dinosaur-type Zoids in the whole series. Its name comes from the uncontrollable ferocity (“berserk”) of a top-tier machine, and its aggressive silhouette — the large back boosters and Buster Claws — is iconic. It has been a fan favorite across anime and games for years.
This kit renders that machine as part of Kotobukiya’s HMM (Highend Master Model) line, and the version I picked up is the “Repackage Ver.” (a re-release) with new box art. The sculpt, articulation and gimmicks are unchanged; it simply returns in a collector-friendly new package. Longtime Zoids fans and HMM newcomers alike can fully enjoy its density and build experience.
2. Product Information
- Name: HMM EZ-049 Berserk Fury (Repackage Ver.)
- Maker: Kotobukiya
- Series: HMM (Highend Master Model) Zoids
- Scale: 1/72
- Price: 10,450 JPY (incl. tax)
- Length: approx. 330mm
- Type: re-release (repackaged version)
- Where to buy: Kotobukiya Online Shop (mail order / in store)
As the price and size suggest, this is a large, higher-end kit in a different class from Gunpla HG/MG. In return, the density and the sheer presence once built are exceptional.
3. Kit Contents & Gimmicks
True to the HMM line, the parts are dense and numerous. The molded color is centered on lavender, which gives it a distinctive presence even straight from the box. The gimmicks are a real highlight: the Buster Claw tips rotate, and you can recreate all four forms — Attack, Bombardment, Defense and Storage — with no parts-swapping. To realize the Storage form, the kit even includes a fixture called the “Traveling Lock” that bundles the three claws together. Even built out of the box and unpainted, you can fully enjoy the transformation play as designed.
4. The Build — a ~20-Hour Marathon, the Spots to Watch
Difficulty is 4/5, and the build takes about 20 hours — quite a marathon by Gunpla standards. There are so many parts that I couldn’t finish in one sitting and worked through it over several days. It helps to go in expecting a kit you settle in with. Here’s what I noticed while building:
- Sharp parts jab your fingers: fangs, claws and armor are full of sharp shapes, and they caught my fingers more than once while posing. Watch where you grip during test-fitting and posing.
- Symmetric parts are easy to assemble backwards: being a big kit, there are many left-right symmetric pieces, and I assembled one the wrong way around before having to take it apart and redo it. Check the orientation markings in the manual frequently.
- Joints hold firmly, so the fit is on the tight side: strong retention is a welcome trait on a large kit, but the fit itself is firm. Where force is needed, push in gradually rather than forcing it.
Because it’s a long, many-part build, I’d recommend enjoying it in stages rather than trying to power through in one go.
5. Out-of-Box Review — Lavender Color and Dinosaur Presence
Once finished, the first thing that stands out is the distinctive presence of the lavender molded color. The hefty dinosaur silhouette, set off by sharp armor and weaponry, looks far better than you’d expect from an unpainted snap build. At roughly 330mm long, it’s a centerpiece that dominates a shelf on its own.
The wide range of articulation is the heart of the HMM line — the head, limbs and tail all move well, letting you nail aggressive poses freely. And because the four forms (Attack, Bombardment, Defense, Storage) switch without swapping parts, the display options are remarkably varied. Just combining poses and forms, you can change its expression again and again.
6. Where It Sits in the Lineup — Comparisons
- Versus other HMM Zoids: compared with the Liger Zero kits and the like, the Berserk Fury offers an even more “heavyweight” satisfaction thanks to its large ~330mm body and the play value of its four-form gimmick. Where the Liger Zero charms with feline sleekness, this one is all about the overwhelming bulk only a dinosaur type can deliver.
- Versus old Tomy Zoids: compared with the wind-up and motorized Zoids of years past, the HMM is on another level in articulation, detail and color separation alike. You can really feel the evolution from “a toy that moves” to “a precision model you build and display.”
- Versus Gunpla: a ~20-hour build is enough time to assemble several Gunpla MGs. This is a different proposition from the quick HG/MG experience — it’s the “take your time and build one piece thoroughly” type. If you’re after a real build challenge, that marathon is part of the appeal.
7. One-Point Tips for a Cleaner Finish
This was a snap-fit build, but here are a few low-effort steps that noticeably improve the look (all general finishing suggestions).
- Panel lining: with so much armor, adding panel lining to the lines and molding tightens up the detail dramatically — the best bang-for-buck step.
- Gate handling: cut gates twice with the nippers and finish with a file so the marks are less visible.
- Sharp-tip treatment: if safety is a concern, lightly easing the sharpest tips makes it easier to handle (leave them as-is if you want to keep the sharpness).
- Top coat: a light flat top coat tames the shine of the bare plastic and pulls the look together with more density.
8. Before You Buy
- At 10,450 JPY (incl. tax), it’s in a higher bracket than Gunpla HG/MG — but you get a large, dense, satisfying kit in return.
- At roughly 330mm long it’s big, so secure your display space first.
- With a ~20-hour, 4/5 build, it suits people who can set aside a good chunk of time. Enjoying it in stages is the way to go.
- There are many sharp parts, so mind where you grip during assembly and posing.
- The Kotobukiya Online Shop is the surest place to buy. As a re-release, it’s worth checking current availability before you order.
9. Good & More
Good
- Lavender molded color and a dinosaur silhouette give it overwhelming presence even snap-fit — a ~330mm centerpiece.
- Attack, Bombardment, Defense and Storage forms all switch without swapping parts, for varied display options.
- HMM-grade dense detail and wide articulation make for a satisfying build and great posing.
- Plenty of play value, from the rotating Buster Claw tips to the Traveling Lock.
More (things to note)
- The ~20-hour, many-part build takes some patience for beginners.
- The finished kit is large and needs dedicated display space.
- Lots of sharp parts that can jab your hands during posing.
10. Score
Overall: ★★★★☆
In a sentence: “The lavender color and the ~330mm dinosaur body give it outstanding presence, and the four-form gimmick plus wide articulation are HMM at its best. On the other hand, the ~20-hour build, high part count and sharp shapes demand real patience and space — a connoisseur’s large kit.”
11. Conclusion
The HMM EZ-049 Berserk Fury (Repackage Ver.) is a standout kit that lets you fully enjoy one of Zoids’ most popular machines through sheer bulk and rich gimmickry. It asks for some resolve — a ~20-hour build, sharp parts, a large footprint — but the presence once assembled and the play value of moving between Attack, Bombardment, Defense and Storage are well worth the effort. It’s a kit I can confidently recommend to anyone who wants to take their time building one piece thoroughly, and to anyone who wants a slice of the Zoids world on their shelf. Build the HMM Liger Zero alongside it, and the contrast between dinosaur-type and feline-type really comes alive.
