P-Bandai: HGUC 1/144 Gundam Development Test Unit 0 (Engage Zero) - Release Info

P-Bandai: HGUC 1/144 ENGAGE ZERO

Release Date: January 2023 [3rd BATCH: JUNE 2023]

Price: 2,750 Yen

Premium Bandai has recently made an exciting announcement for fans of the Mobile Suit Gundam U.C. ENGAGE mobile gaming app: the Gundam Development Test Unit 0, better known as ENGAGE ZERO, will be added to the prestigious High Grade Universal Century GunPla model kit line. This addition, available only from Premium Bandai, is sure to capture Gundam fans with its detailed design and innovative functionality.

ENGAGE ZERO stands out with its remarkable range of articulation, which is a characteristic of the High Grade line. The model features innovative joint systems, such as a pull-out shoulder joint and a movable hip joint, which allow for a wide range of dynamic action poses. These characteristics allow ENGAGE ZERO to be shown in a variety of engaging angles, recreating the exciting fighting scenarios from the Mobile Suit Gundam universe.

In classic Gundam tradition, ENGAGE ZERO is outfitted with a variety of weaponry and accessories to improve its battle readiness and exhibition attractiveness. The kit comes with a booster pack for optional installation, a beam rifle, a pair of beam sabers, and manipulators for both left and right hands. Additionally, a display pedestal is included, allowing collectors to display ENGAGE ZERO in mid-action stances.

RX-78MS00Z "Engage Zero"

ENGAGE ZERO, a prototype mobile suit created by Anaheim Electronics, is an alternate plan to the Earth Federation Forces Gundam Development Project. This mobile suit, codenamed "Engage Zero," was operated by Peche Montagne, a former Zeon soldier with a Newtype background from the Flanagan Institute. The development of Prototype Unit 0 "Blossom" heralded the beginning of the "Gundam Development Project." However, the Federation's requirement for a high-performance all-purpose prototype prompted the development of several alternative ideas, including Engage Zero.

With an emphasis on countering mobile suit assault strikes, Engage Zero is the result of joint engineering from numerous former Principality of Zeon engineers, who are renowned for their proficiency in high-mobility warfare. With the model number's "Z" standing for "Zeon" and the "RX" and "MS" designating it as a Federation prototype and a Zeon mobile suit, respectively, the codename "Engage Zero" represents the combination of Federation and Zeon technologies.

Though ENGAGE ZERO was formally part of the "Gundam Development Project," there is interesting conjecture that it was secretly designed for Psycommu installation, a contentious technology for private firms at the time. The device uses prior technology to the movable frame, seeking to separate the frame and armor for weight reduction and high expandability. It also has magnet coating for enhanced reaction speed. This feature is believed to hint at the eventual incorporation of Psycommu-related hardware.