Bandai Namco’s Gundam model kits are really versatile, and you can do a lot of things on your own with them. So, say you get any of them from a place like Amazon or Big Bad Toy Store, there will always be a default color that matches units from anime series. You can then do what you want. But from time to time, there will be variants that give an option of a different style without all the painting and extra work on the part of the person building it. I sort of feel like that’s part of the goal for the Apex Legends version of the new kits releasing following the in-game crossover. I got sent the RG (Real Grade) 1/144 Gundam Epyon Alter Version model kit, which is based on the Apex Legends character’s color scheme to build and check out. It basically swaps out the Mobile Suit Gundam Wing crimson for teal and adds magenta accents instead of occasional yellow highlights. The result is something that honestly reminded me a lot of the color schemes for the Hatsune Miku gunpla kits I missed out on and stands out in a refreshing way.
Okay, before I start showing off photos and getting into it, this is a very straightforward build. Since I was going off of the standard RG 1/144 Gundam Epyon manual. I didn’t use any acrylic markers or paints for extra accents. I also didn’t have access to any sticker sheets for additional highlights. So what you’re seeing here is exactly how the kit would look if you took the runners out of the box, snapped ‘em together, and displayed it. Also, as my kit didn’t include the wire, that isn’t attached to the pommel of the Beam Sword.
The Apex Legends Gundam Epyon Alter Version is an extensive, intricate build that starts from the bottom up and involves A through H runners. Except it’s even more than that, as there are doubles of the D and H ones and you get E1, E2, F1, and F2. The A runner features multiple colors and translucent parts for accents. There are so many delicate and incredibly teeny parts. Some of the more intricate or elaborate hinges and accessories on the arms and legs have notches or precise positioning you need to be aware of so everything bends properly for certain poses or transformations. Even the head is made up of so many extremely tiny pieces that are so small, I almost recommend starting to put some of the bits together while they’re still attached to the runner so you have a larger surface to work with and some of the extra small parts don’t slip out of your fingertips.
Basically, this is a kit that is meant for folks who are okay with a challenge and maybe splitting the experience up over a few days. While you don’t need glue and everything snaps together very easily, it is time consuming! I suggest building at least a few HG (High Grade) Gundam models and maybe even a MG (Master Grade) gunpla kit before picking this up. Likewise, you are going to need a tool kit. I’m not saying you need to go super elaborate and have one with varying types of sandpaper. But at least one with a good pair of nippers, one or two types of sandpaper or files, and at least one pair of tweezers is going to be a big help here. (You can probably find one for $7-9.) What does help is you start from the bottom up (feet to legs to torso to arms and so on). You’re basically building pairs of items when it comes to the legs, arms, and wings, and that repetition helps with building up skills that will help you with finishing this kit and working on future ones.
Another thing to note is that the Gundam Epyon Apex Legends Alter Version is the most expensive of the three model kits appearing as part of the crossover. (It’s $65, while the other two are $49.) I feel like this is because is a transformation element to it. You can shift it into the mobile armor dragon appearance by shifting around the parts. I found that does mean it can take a bit longer to assemble, since you are accounting for the additional points of articulation and hinges that allow you to shift positions on the arms and legs. I was a little precarious about my build, as I was going off digital instructions and the left leg ended up a bit looser than I hoped once assembly is done, so I didn’t flip those parts up for that position for photos. But it is possible, and the wing articulation and extending options also work wonderfully when fully assembled.
As for the final build itself, I’m really impressed with how the Gundam Epyon Apex Legends Alter Version model kit looks when finished. The color references to Alter are on point, with the black and white elements already present and the magenta and teal referencing her accessories, outfit, and hair. The Epyon Shield’s Heat Rod almost already felt like a reference to the segmented accessory attached to Alter’s back. I mentioned it’s a color scheme similar to the Hatsune Miku Gundam crossover kits, which is true. I also feel the extra teal suits the armor better than the magenta being used as a primary color, as it really makes the darker accent colors peek through better at every point. It’s really striking and eye-catching, and you can see the the contrast right away.
Perhaps the only color I do wish had been different for this Gundam Epyon model kit is the translucent purple used for the gunpla’s eyes for both the standard head and dragon eyes on the feet. It does look good when combined with the others for this theme! It’s a fantastic choice for the Beam Saber. The problem is that it is so muted that it really blends in with the black on the boots and head. If you shine a light in there and really look, you can make it out. But perhaps a different shade would have worked better? Like even a white that would match Alter’s eyes would have worked and stood out more on the boots/dragon head part, at least.
After spending a few evenings taking my time and building the RG 1/144 Gundam Epyon Apex Legends Alter Version gunpla, I really love the look of the finished kit. The color scheme is fantastic. It really makes the layered elements stand out due to the contrasting colors in its design. Meanwhile, it does really call to mind and reference Alter, with her hair and costume hues perfectly represented. Not to mention the Epyon Shield and Heat Rod also call to mind her costume and equipment. It’s a kit that looks great when finished and can sometimes feel delightfully complex as you piece it together.
The Apex Legends Gundam model kits based on Alter, Crypto, and Valkyrie will be released in September 2026, and the three gunpla are available via Premium Bandai. Apex Legends is available on the Switch, Switch 2, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, and mobile devices, the Gundam crossover event is live now.
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