HG 1/144 Murasame Kai (Early production type) Freedom Zero Ver.

The HG 1/144 Murasame Kai (Early Production Type) by Bandai Spirits reproduces the pre-production version of the famous transformable Mobile Suit from ORB appearing in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM ZERO. Piloted notably by Mu La Flaga, this machine precedes the mass production of the STTS/F-400 Murasame Kai, which would later become one of the main Mobile Suits for the ORB forces.

In the universe of SEED FREEDOM ZERO, the Murasame Kai Early Production Type corresponds to a unit built before the launch of mass production of the STTS/F-400. This origin explains several visual differences compared to the standard Murasame Kai, starting with its spectacular dark blue livery, reproduced directly through the kit's molded colors.

A version specific to Gundam SEED FREEDOM ZERO

This variation is not limited to a simple color change. Bandai Spirits provides, in particular, an entirely new training rifle, specially sculpted for this Early Production Type version and directly associated with its appearance in SEED FREEDOM ZERO.

The kit also retains the more conventional arsenal of the Murasame Kai with a Beam Rifle, a Beam Saber, and its shield, allowing for the reproduction of both training configurations and combat poses of the Mobile Suit.

Transformation from MS Mode to MA Mode

Like the production Murasame Kai, the Early Production Type can switch from its humanoid MS Mode to an aerial MA Mode configuration. Rather than forcing a full transformation that might compromise the model's proportions or durability, Bandai Spirits uses dedicated transformation parts here.

A portion of the components is thus replaced when shifting to MA Mode in order to obtain a cleaner silhouette that is closer to that of a true aircraft. This approach prioritizes aesthetics, stability, and the sleekness of the profile once the Murasame Kai is transformed.

SEED Action System for more dynamic poses

The model adopts the SEED Action System, an articulation architecture developed by Bandai Spirits for recent HG models from the Gundam SEED universe. This system aims to provide an increased range of motion and make it easier to replicate the dynamic poses characteristic of the saga's battles.

The body design thus allows for fully utilizing the mobile nature of the Murasame Kai in MS Mode, while maintaining proportions consistent with its role as a transformable Mobile Suit specialized in aerial operations.

Beam Rifle and equipment compatible with MA Mode

The Beam Rifle features a mobile foregrip that can be deployed or folded depending on the chosen configuration. When switching to MA Mode, the rifle can also be connected to the main wing, replicating the placement of weaponry when the unit adopts its aerial form.

Two auxiliary tanks / drop tanks are also provided. They complete the silhouette of the craft in MA Mode and reinforce the distinctly aeronautical identity of the Murasame Kai.

A pre-production unit piloted by Mu La Flaga

The Murasame Kai Early Production Type is officially associated with Mu La Flaga in Gundam SEED FREEDOM ZERO. It represents a stage prior to the mass-produced STTS/F-400, making it a particularly interesting version for tracing the evolution of the Murasame family between the events of Gundam SEED DESTINY and those of SEED FREEDOM.

Its dark blue color and training rifle also give it a visual identity distinct enough from the standard Murasame Kai to allow both models to be displayed side by side without feeling like duplicates.

Features of the HG Murasame Kai Early Production Type

• License: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM ZERO
• Series: High Grade (HG)
• Model: Murasame Kai (Early Production Type)
• In-universe reference: 74-style STTS Prototype Type 2
• Derived mass-production version: STTS/F-400 Murasame Kai
• Organization: ORB forces
• Associated pilot: Mu La Flaga
• Manufacturer: Bandai Spirits
• Scale: 1/144
• Colors: Dark blue livery reproduced in molded colors
• Articulation system: SEED Action System
• Transformation: MS Mode to MA Mode with dedicated parts
• New equipment: Newly sculpted training rifle
• Armament: Beam Rifle and Beam Saber
• Defense: Shield
• Beam Rifle: Deployable foregrip and mountable on the wing in MA Mode
• MA equipment: Auxiliary tanks x2
• Decoration: Sticker sheet included
• Assembly: Snap-Fit, no glue required

Box Contents

• Murasame Kai (Early Production Type) 1/144
• Training rifle x1
• Beam Saber x1
• Beam Rifle x1
• Shield x1
• MA transformation parts x1 set
• Auxiliary tanks x2
• Sticker sheet x1

With its specific blue color, unique training rifle, SEED Action System, and full transformation into MA Mode, the HG Murasame Kai Early Production Type is much more than a simple variation of the model released for Gundam SEED FREEDOM. It allows for the representation of an important stage in the development of the future STTS/F-400 while adding a version directly linked to Mu La Flaga and Gundam SEED FREEDOM ZERO to the collection.