Combattler V

Review by Shogundan

It's hard for me to believe that it has been 10 years since the Soul Of Chogokin GX-03 Combattler V was first introduced to the world. Let the truth be known, I remember all the hoopla about the GX-03 being released like it was yesterday. Man, I'm getting old!

I pose a question... Do we actually need another version of Combattler V? Some may say, why the heck not? We already have almost a dozen different SOC versions of Go Nagai's famous Mazinga Z. Others may ask... What's so different about this newer version. For those that ask this, I bring you my review of the Soul Of Chogokin GX-50 Combattler V!

GX-50 Combattler V arrives courtesy of HobbyLink Japan

First up, we have the box. The outside carton looks similar to the original GX-03 because of the way Combattler is posed, but, with a few additions. It's hard not to notice the Gold anniversary label and bright yellow stripe with, the orange/yellow Com-Battler V logo that adorns the box. Enough with the outside, the inside of the box is where it really shines! Check out the retro look. everything is nicely labeled and packed in glorious Styrofoam. I love that Bandai is doing these retro inserts in the combining robot releases.

I'm going to proceed with the individual components that make up Combattler V first. But before that, I wanted to mention that all component are made of quality plastics and heavy die-cast metal. Also, the paint on each component is flawless and the colors are more vibrant than the original release.

Moving along, we have The Battlejet which makes up Combattler V's head. This piece is very different than the original. Note the clear opening cockpit with pilots seat. Also, check out the detailed landing gear. But wait! There is more... Check out the laser that is concealed in the middle of the ship and the new dual retractable guns. Very cool, indeed! Still, the spinning blade mounting holes are present, but no blades?

BATTLEJET

Next up we have the Battlecrasher which is the upper chest and the arms of Combattler V. This really hasn't changed much other than the clear blue cockpit canopy, and the fact that you no longer have to remove the thrusters during transformation. Oh, almost forgot that the tiny wings are a little longer and now they actually fold up during transformation. This folding concept is cool but they tend to fall off rather easy.

BATTLECRASHER

Moving forward, we have the Battletank that makes up Combattlers V's torso. This is actually my favorite component. The new additions to this piece are again, the clear canopy and some actually grasping claws. My favorite thing, however, is the addition of the top-mounted cannon. I say this because what is a tank without a cannon? A bulldozer maybe?

BATTLETANK

Onto Battlemarine that makes up Combattlers legs. This is my least favorite component as its quite floppy. This is due to the addition of the new swiveling mechanism and the newer knee joint. The only other improvement is it actually now has rear landing gear that can be deployed by simply revolving Combattlers front knee pad. Like the original, The Battlemarine can hold the Battletank, However it's unbalanced and without the aid of the Styrofoam in the photo, it would have easily fallen backward.

BATTLEMARINE

Lastly, we have Combattlers feet, the Battlecraft. This component is the least changed of all. The only improvements are the new magnetic attaching point as shown in the picture below and the fact that the attaching point on the top of the feet is able to slide forward in the transformation to Grand Dasher mode.

BATTLECRAFT

Speaking of the Gard Dasher mode, Combattler V is able to achieve this move successfully with the addition of center wheels and the ability for the feet to slide forward on their mounts. This mode just looks odd to me.

GRAND DASHER

OK, we have covered all the components, time to combine! In this mode, Combattler V is really not much different than the original. Įtempiamos lubos Vilniuje Gera kaina Montavimas ir priežiūra Albeit, Combattler now has some very small additional movement in the hips, a swivel in the knee and some more movement is the upper shoulders. That's IT! The figure still suffers from instability. Even with the additional movement available, it's hard to do any real dynamic poses and you still have to worry about this figure doing a shelf dive.

COMBINED ROBOT MODE

Combattler V once again has a stand that is equipped with an impressive array of weaponry that I will attempt to correctly name and show in the next series of photos

WEAPONRY

Super Electro Magnetic Yo-yo

Yeah, I know, its a lame name but a very formidable weapon, note the additional lightning effect parts.

Yo-Yo Double Cutter

A larger, singular Yo Yo

Super Electro Magnetic Spin

This is sort of a giant Combattler V drill bit.

Atomic Burner

Basically a super flame thrower.

Battle Guleggar

Giant claw used for grabbing opponents.

Hunter Rest

Not sure about this one, looks like it may hurt?

Twin Lancer

Self-explanatory.

Big Blast

Again, self-explanatory as well as being a little phallic.

Cutter Kick

Saw blades on ankles, why not?

So is it worth it? Is it better? Well, yes and no. I feel that the GX-50 does have some improvements over the original release, and it's definitely a cool combiner. I just wish they had fixed the instability of the combined form.

GX-50 Combattler V is available at HobbyLink Japan

You can also get the original GX-03 Combattler V at HobbyLink Japa