It’s good… it’s damned good.
Producer: Bandai Tamashii
Price: Approx. $250
Release Date: Feb. 2019
Item Height: Approx. 7.25″
Item Weight: N/A
Batteries: N/A
WHERE TO BUY: ToyCo
Bandai hit a homerun with adding the Crossbone Gundam X-1 to their high-end Metal Build toyline. Both the designs and story of the Crossbone series have been favorites of mine and Bandai Tamashii definitely did this mobile suit justice and then some with this piece. Check out the video above as well as my thoughts and gallery below and let me know what you think in the comments section.
Presentation: The box itself is a nice, decently thick cardboard with a nice dark theme in terms of graphic design (the top of my box came damaged while the shipping box was fine to which ToyCo stated is how it came to them from the distributor; very unfortunate and not expected of something I paid full price for.) The product itself and its accessories are very securely placed inside of the plastic clamshells.
Build: As with all Metal Builds, the Crossbone Gundam X-1 has a diecast “frame” (inner skeleton) with plastic pieces on the outside giving it its aesthetic “shell.” Everything from the build to the paint is sublime and it’s nice to have a piece like this that looks and plays so miraculously.
Accessories: The Metal Build Crossbone X-1 comes with so many accessories that frankly I don’t want to list them due to knowing I’ll forget one… or six, but between the video and gallery below you can see what all comes in the box. I love how chock full of accessories it is because it’s a release that truly feels complete and this makes me feel more than supportive of them releasing actual upgrades like a full-cloth set vs. things that I feel should have came in the box.
My favorite accessory is certainly the cape to which I have to say be careful as I’ve read some people having problems with clipping the small yellow pieces through the stretchy material of the cape itself and ripping it. Both the pieces and holes in the cape are pretty small so just exercise patience when assembling.
Articulation: Per line standard, the articulation on the Crossbone X-1 is above and beyond. Over the past few years Bandai has done a great job with the frames of this line in terms of improving the joint quality as well and it really shows with this release. It’s very nice and fun in play.
Overall Score: 9.5/10 – Bandai really went above and beyond with not only presenting a well-made product with the Crossbone X-1, but one that feels very much so like a “complete” package without the need for any sort of upgrade sets with additional parts. I’ve long since run my course with Metal Build Gundams because they can begin to feel “samey” after a while in the sense of a common frame and similar parts/accessories but the Crossbone in itself as well as the build to this sets itself apart enough to feel extremely fresh. The Metal Build Crossbone X-1 is a ton of fun and just plain “win.”
Check out a few pictures of these in the gallery, and if you’re interested in a Bandai Tamashii Metal Build Crossbone Gundam X-1 of your own, order one at ToyCo!
