[Review] Premium Bandai 30MM Revernova [Enhanced Ground Type]

Revernova [Enhanced Ground Type] Review

Kit info

• Name : 30MM bEXM-28G Revernova [Enhanced Ground Type]
• Brand : Bandai Spirits, Premium Bandai
• Original Price : 2,600 JPY
  
• Release Date : 23/06
• Link : scalemates

Story

An elite special forces unit which has racked up an impressive success record in terrestrial combat. It comes in two versions with different head designs: Standard and Commander type. The skirt and backpack are larger than on regular Revernovas, and it has far greater carrying and propulsion energy storage capacity. The Variable Bazooka is a newly developed weapon capable of both straight shots and high-angle fire, allowing it to pick off enemies behind cover. The standard issue short axe is not only easy to draw and wield, but serves as a useful thrown weapon, giving this unit close to mid-range combat abilities to complete is all-purpose repertoire.

What's in the box (sprues and other parts)

A1 : Exclusive parts for this kit. Sprue includes an axe, new tool skirts and back adapter. [Black]

A2 : Exclusive parts for this kit. This sprue includes an axe, skirts and custom head parts for this kit. [Black]

B : Standard 30MM frame sprue [Metallic Gray]

C1 : Stock Revernova parts. [Black]

C2 : Stock Revernova parts. [Black]

D1 : Stock Revernova parts. [Purplish Blue]

D2 : Stock Revernova parts. [Purplish Blue]

OPBP-B1 : Sprue from 30MM Option Backpack 2 [Metallic Gray]

OPBP-B2 : Sprue from 30MM Option Backpack 2 [Metallic Gray]

C1 : Common 30MM Bazooka sprue. [Dark Gray]
(I can confirm that Volpanova Tank ver. shares this part of the sprue)

OPW-B, C : Option Weapon 1 for Portanova sprue. [Black]

OPS8-1 : Option Parts Set 8 (Multi Backpack) sprue [Black]

OPS8-2, OPS8-3 : Option Parts Set 8 (Multi Backpack) sprue [Black]

PC-7 : Standard set of 30MM Polycaps

3D stickers for the eyes.

Exclusive Waterslide Decal

Fold-out style instruction manual. [Colored on one side, monochrome on the other]

Detailed Parts Review

The kit features an exclusive custom head with an optional antenna, which you can attach to create the commander type. It also includes two 3D stickers, allowing you to assemble both the custom and the stock heads.

Torso uses standard Revernova parts.

Arms and spaulders are also completely stock.

Finished upper body with custom head (in commander mode).

The kit includes exclusive front and back skirt armor, with stock parts remaining unused.

Once the mech has been assembled, there are some leftover stock parts.

All the accessories and optional parts remaining after construction of the mech.

Exclusive parts : Two short axes. Variable Bazooka (with the middle and back portion being the standard Bailon force bazooka and an exclusive front part). Backpack adapter for attaching a small briefcase to the unit's back (as shown in the lower left, Part No. A1-2).

OPS8 Multi Backpack : Lower middle of the picture. Two sets of rockets, big backpack, small Randoseru type backpack, foldable launcher, etc. Look up review of the Multi Backpack kit for more information.

Option Backpack 2 : Upper middle of the picture. Backpack adapter with two booster units and fuel tanks.

Option Weapon 1 for Portanova : Right side of the picture. 3 blades and 3 grips for melee weapon. Ranged weapon with 3 magazine options and 3 barrel options. 

There are some remaining stock parts, including the stock Bazooka barrel. So you can reproduce stock Bailon Bazooka if you want.

 

Some customization with leftover parts shown.

Image Gallery

Conclusion

This kit merges several existing kits with a selection of custom components, offering extensive customization possibilities. The new dark color scheme is also visually appealing especially if you don't paint your kits.

The P-Bandai 30MM kits are like a treasure trove for model enthusiasts. Snagging one at the retail price of 2,600 JPY is like hitting the jackpot considering the plethora of parts you get. But, as is the norm, if you're wading through the reseller market, you might need to ponder the worth of those few exclusive bits and the unique color palette. Is it worth the extra dough? That's the eternal question for the discerning collector.