"MGEX Strike Freedom Gundam" Review: The highest level of expression in Gunpla history! Comparing MGEX Strike Freedom Gundam with MG version.
Jul. 28, 2025
This time, I will introduce MGEX 1/100 Strike Freedom Gundam. I will touch on its appeal and thoroughly compare it with previously released MG 1/100 Strike Freedom Gundam.
The "standard MG" MG 1/100 Strike Freedom Gundam was released in 2006. While the MG Freedom (not Strike) was released in a new format version Ver. 2.0 in 2016, the Strike Freedom had not been released in a new version for some time. The MGEX version is a high-end Gundam model kit series, and is characterized by its high price.
Now, let's compare the MG version and MGEX version with close-up images of each part!
Comparing the whole picture, even from a distance, you can see the difference in the fineness of the details.Comparing the rear views. The MGEX version also features additional gimmicks around the "mobile weapon wings" on the back, which are a characteristic feature of Strike Freedom.Both models come with stands. The MG version comes with a uniquely shaped stand, while the MGEX version comes with an action base.
First, let's look at the overall differences between the two models. The first difference is the overall height of the two models. The MGEX version is slightly taller.
Another feature is the detailed color differentiation, with the MGEX version using three colors—gold, yellow gold, and copper gold—just for the gold parts. Light gray parts are also used for the white armor, creating a three-dimensional look with a gradient effect.
Furthermore, the issues I had with the MG version have been improved. In the MG version, the ankle parts (sole section) were loosely connected, making it difficult to stand upright, but in the MGEX version, all joints are designed to be stronger, allowing it to stand stably without a stand.
Comparison of the head. The MGEX version has a sharper antenna, and the gold parts are made of glossy white gold. The difference is noticeable when viewed up close, and the 31mm close defense cannon (Vulcan) and the fine ducts on the sides of the cheeks are also finely color-coded.Both cockpit hatches open and close. Once assembled, they are not very visible, but both are designed to accommodate Kira Yamato in a seated position inside. The MGEX version has more detailed chest area, with fine gold exposed through the gaps in the surface parts. The high-density parts structure reproduces the original design.Comparing the shoulder armor. The MGEX version has been redesigned with some gold parts exposed, and the red on the upper shoulder is reproduced with clear parts. In addition, the MGEX version features an original mechanism whereby "when the upper shoulder armor part is lifted, the side parts also unfold in unison".Comparison of the arms. In the MGEX version, the sides of the shoulders are divided into detailed parts, and the beam shield generator (red part) is reproduced with a luxurious color scheme using clear parts and gold.Comparison of beam shields. Both are reproduced by sandwiching them between the arms and red parts. In addition to the shape of the beam effect changing, the MG version comes with only one sheet, while the MGEX version comes with two sheets for both arms.
As you can see from the upper body alone, the MGEX version has been detailed up with additional gimmicks and original designs. The MG version is also well designed and three-dimensional, but when compared to the MGEX version, it is surprising how flat it looks.
Lower body. The MGEX version uses white and light gray to reproduce a three-dimensional color gradient in the armor color alone.Comparing the legs. The MGEX version also has fine gold accents added for a more detailed look. Compared to the slender MG version, the leg design itself has changed to a more muscular build.Both calf covers open, but the design has been changed.The way the legs are attached has also been changed. In the MG version, they were simply connected by a shaft, but in the MGEX version, the shaft itself extends outward, allowing for more detailed movement.When the knees are bent, both sets of armor slide, but the sliding armor is different. In the MGEX version, the exposed gold frame is reproduced with glossy parts.
The lower body has a flexible range of motion and, like the upper body, features detailed design. In particular, the slim legs of the MG version have been changed to a more muscular design in the MGEX version, giving it a different impression.
Comparing weapons and gimmicks! Deploying the mobile weapon wing to recreate "HiMAT Mode".
We have looked at the main body so far, but the biggest difference between the MG version and the MGEX version is that the MGEX version has more parts, which means more colors and details. That makes sense, because although both are straight builds, in my case, I assembled the MG version in one day, but the MGEX version took three days. There are so many runners and stickers that it is very challenging to assemble!
Comparison of the backpack removed. Even parts that would be hidden if the backpack were attached have been thoroughly color-coded and molded in the MGEX version. When I first saw this, I was amazed by the incredible attention to detail.Comparison between Mobile weapon wing and Super Dragoon. The MGEX version has been redesigned with a delicate design that shows subtle flashes of gold. The deployment mechanism will be described later.Comparing backpacks. Although not limited to this, the MGEX version comes with metal-style “etching stickers” that can be used to reproduce metallic silver accents in various places.The red parts of the mobile weapon wing have been redesigned. The color of the wing itself has also changed.Comparison of high-energy beam rifles. In fact, the MG version uses stickers for the blue lines, so the color separation here has been particularly improved. Furthermore, the MG version only came with movable finger hand parts, so the rifle was not held very securely, but the MGEX version comes with dedicated gun-holding hands for both the left and right hands, allowing it to be held firmly in place.Both high-energy beam rifles have the same connecting mechanism, making it easy to recreate the long-range beam rifle. The MGEX version features some gold parts.The deployment mechanism for the Xiphias 3 rail gun is almost the same, but in the “MGEX version,” the joint parts that attach the rail gun are slightly more movable, allowing for more natural deployment.Comparison of the deployment gimmicks for the mobile weapon wings. In the MGEX version, the thin navy blue parts also deploy. Both versions allow the Super Dragoon (blue parts) to be removed, but do not come with a dedicated stand. Incidentally, the same gimmick as the MGEX version is also used in the RG 1/144 version.This is the MG version of "HiMat Full Burst".The MG version is also very cool.Here is the MGEX version of "HiMat Full Burst". The mobile weapon wings can be deployed in greater detail, and the inclusion of a gun holder allows for stable holding of the high-energy beam rifle, which is a significant improvement. It can be displayed stress-free.It looks beautiful even from behind!
There's more! The appeal of the "MGEX version"
How did you find the comparison between the MG version and the MGEX version? Considering the release year and price difference, it can be said that the MGEX version has evolved in every aspect from the MG version. However, the number of runners and stickers is overwhelmingly large, so I recommend that beginner modelers start with the MG version. Please note that the assembly difficulty is quite high! From here, I will highlight some of the features of the MGEX version that couldn't be covered in the comparison alone.
This is the package. It is huge and luxuriously designed with glittering letters printed on it.In addition to the three types of decals (water transfer decals, metallic 3D stickers, and etching stickers), a bonus multi-stand is included.The "multi-stand" is made of sturdy thick paper and is a convenient item that can be used to prop up runners, as shown in the image.This is the frame inside. In addition to “copper gold,” “white gold,” and “yellow gold,” two metallic molded colors and etched stickers that can reproduce a metallic look are used. The assembly instructions follow the same method as the original RG, where the frame is assembled first and then the exterior is attached.Close-up of the frame. The twin eye parts are available in clear yellow or gold. This time, I chose clear yellow, but since it is a little dark, I think gold would also be a good choice. And now for the selling point of this kit, the etching stickers. As shown in the image of the chest area, silver etching stickers are applied to the parts to recreate the design. The adhesive strength of the etching stickers is a little weak, so it is safer to secure them firmly in place using some method.Close-up of the legs. Small red circles and other fine details are made with metallic 3D stickers, and it's amazing how much attention has been paid to recreating even the parts that will be hidden once the outer shell is attached!The silver on the sides of the legs is an etching sticker. The molded color of the frame uses different shades of gold even for the gold parts alone.Unlike the MG version, the MGEX version features an original gimmick that allows the front and rear armor of the waist to unfold in detail.Displaying the MG version and MGEX version side by side
Unsurpassed perfection! Please note that assembly and sticker application require a significant amount of time.
I would definitely recommend this product to experienced Gunpla modelers, but please note that it takes a tremendous amount of time to complete! In particular, the “metallic 3D stickers” that are applied to small areas are very difficult to apply, as you need to apply several round stickers with a diameter of about 1 mm. I managed to apply them all somehow, but just applying the stickers alone took a considerable amount of time. As for the etching stickers, they are made of a slightly harder material than standard stickers. When trying to pick them up with tweezers, they often flew off and were hard to find for a while.
Assembling it is a challenge, but the attention to detail is remarkable, even in areas that become hidden once the exterior and backpack are attached. The additional details exclusive to the "MGEX Edition" and the meticulous color separation are truly impressive. Since the 1/100 scale version of "Strike Freedom" hasn't been updated in a while, it's a must-have item for "Strike Freedom fans"!
I'll thoroughly compare the "MG 1/100 Zeta Gundam Ver.Ka" with the older "MG 1/100 Zeta Gundam Ver.2.0" released in 2005. Since the proportions have been significantly altered and differences were observed in the included parts and transformation difficulty, we'll explain those points in detail.
I will thoroughly review the "HG 1/144 Mighty Strike Freedom Gundam" from the movie "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM"! Let's clear up a lot of things and see what has changed from the previous "HGCE 1/144 Strike Freedom Gundam"!
I'll be doing a thorough review of "HG 1/144 Infinite Justice Gundam Type II" from the movie "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM"! Let's take a closer look at how it differs from the standard "Infinite Justice Gundam" in this Gunpla review.
Strike Freedom Gundam, MGEX 1/100 Model Kit
