Gundam model kit reveals a chainsaw macuahuitl
As a lifelong devotee of the Gundam universe, I’ve often maintained a firm stance: it is physically impossible for me to turn my nose up at a mecha action game. Gundam, for me, is less about fighting aliens and more about the tragic psychological fallout experienced by child war pilots. Yet, despite this inherent skepticism, I’ve found myself keeping a keen eye on the latest developments, particularly the highly anticipated mobile suit action game, Gundam Rogue Orbit, which is set to arrive this spring.
But sometimes, the resistance meets its match. This week, Bandai Namco managed to coax me off my high horse, not with a new game concept, but with something far more visceral: an incredibly detailed model kit. This shift in approach has unexpectedly reignited my obsession with the franchise.
My personal journey into the world of Gundam model kits has been a slow, steady descent. I’ve reached the stage where I’m manually re-scribing mold lines, which means the outlook for my hobbyist life is decidedly grim. That’s why the recent announcement of a specific kit was such a massive hit. Bandai unveiled the HG 1/144 Bau Bahlam model, a mobile suit that will feature in Rogue Orbit.
The visual reveal, showcased at the All Japan Model & Hobby Show, immediately caught my attention. This kit isn’t just another plastic model; it’s a fascinating design that pushes the boundaries of the traditional Gundam aesthetic. What makes the Bau Bahlam truly compelling is its design lineage. It is a mono-eye suit, echoing the legacy of the classic Gouf, the first close-quarters mobile suit piloted by Ramba Ral. It feels like a spiritual successor to those foundational designs, grounding the mecha in a rich history.
More strikingly, the kit incorporates elements that inject a wild, unexpected edge. The design features a CHAINSAW MACUAHUITL, blending the aesthetic of a Mesoamerican weapon—a sword-like object featuring obsidian blades—with a powerful chainsaw blade. This fusion is instantly menacing and unique. The kit even includes a mock pull-cord, allowing modelers to pose the weapon as if it is revving its motor, adding a layer of dynamic action to the static model.
Adding to the sheer menace are the spiked knuckle plates, suggesting that simply being punched by a giant robot isn’t enough to cause damage. The result is a highly aggressive and undeniably powerful piece of design. Whether this mecha will define the future of Gundam or not remains to be seen, but for now, it serves as an effective way to soften my hard-nosed traditionalism.
Gundam Rogue Orbit is set to launch on Steam on March 4, 2027. While the model kit itself doesn’t have a set release date, it is expected sometime in 2027. It’s an exciting blend of futuristic warfare and raw, unexpected design, promising a truly unique experience for fans of the franchise.
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