HGIBO 025 IO Frame Shiden Review: A Detailed Look at Tekkadan's Mobile Worker

The HGIBO 025 IO Frame Shiden is a standout kit from the Iron-Blooded Orphans lineup, capturing the rugged, industrial aesthetic of Tekkadan's mobile workers. As a 1/144 scale High Grade, it offers a unique building experience that differs from the typical Gundam kits, focusing on practicality and ground combat.

In this review, we'll dive deep into the kit's design, build quality, articulation, and customization potential. Whether you're a seasoned builder or new to the Gunpla hobby, this Shiden review will help you decide if this mobile worker deserves a spot in your collection.

Box Art and Packaging

The box art for the HGIBO 025 IO Frame Shiden features dynamic artwork depicting the Shiden in a desert combat scene, emphasizing its role as a ground-based mobile suit. The packaging is standard for High Grade kits, with a sturdy box that protects the runners inside.

Inside, you'll find several runners in a mix of colors, including the signature deep green and gray tones, along with a foil sticker sheet for the small details. The manual is clear and easy to follow, typical of Bandai's quality instructions.

• Sturdy box with vibrant artwork
• Multiple colored runners reduce need for painting
• Clear instructions for a smooth build

Build Experience and Engineering

The build process for the Shiden is engaging and straightforward, with a well-thought-out part separation that minimizes seam lines. The inner frame, based on the IO frame, provides a solid foundation and allows for some interesting engineering, especially in the torso and shoulders.

One of the highlights is the unique design of the head and chest, which feature distinct vents and details that give the Shiden its characteristic look. The arms and legs are articulated with multiple joints, offering good range of motion for dynamic poses. However, some parts, like the backpack, are a bit simple but still functional.

The kit includes a variety of weapons, including a rifle, a sword, and a shield, which can be stored on the suit or held in the hands. The hands are swappable, providing options for different grip styles.

• Great part separation for a clean build
• Solid IO frame construction
• Includes rifle, sword, and shield for display options

Articulation and Posability

The Shiden's articulation is impressive for a High Grade kit. The legs feature a wide range of movement, allowing for deep knee bends and dynamic kneeling poses. The arms have double-jointed elbows, providing excellent flexibility for two-handed weapon grips.

The waist is on a ball joint, offering moderate rotation, and the torso can tilt forward and backward for added expression. The head is also on a ball joint, giving it good range of motion. However, the skirt armor can limit leg movement slightly, but it's not a major issue.

Overall, the Shiden can achieve a variety of poses, from aggressive combat stances to more relaxed, grounded positions, making it a fun kit to display.

• Double-jointed elbows for dynamic poses
• Wide leg range for kneeling poses
• Ball-jointed head and waist for expressive movements

Customization and Decal Options

Customization is where the Shiden truly shines. Its industrial design and flat surfaces make it an excellent canvas for panel lining and painting. The kit's color scheme, primarily deep green and gray, can be easily altered to match your preferences.

For those looking to add more detail, the GD-60 MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 2.0 Real Type Decals provide a set of realistic markings that can be used to enhance the Shiden's appearance. While designed for the RX-78-2, these decals can be applied to other kits to give them a military, realistic look.

Additionally, the Odenkan TCG-20 Deep Green 35ml paint is a perfect match for the Shiden's main color, allowing you to touch up or repaint parts for a more uniform finish. For a complete overhaul, the Kaleido ColorWorks 24 Mecha Colors Set offers a wide range of colors to customize your Shiden exactly how you envision it.

• Use GD-60 decals for realistic markings
• Odenkan TCG-20 Deep Green matches the original color
• Kaleido ColorWorks set for extensive customization

Comparison with Other IBO Kits

When compared to other Iron-Blooded Orphans High Grade kits, the Shiden stands out due to its unique design and the fact that it represents a mass-production mobile worker rather than a hero unit. This gives it a distinct charm that appeals to fans of the series who appreciate the grunt suits.

The build complexity is similar to other IBO kits, but the Shiden's design offers a different silhouette, with a more bulky and utilitarian look. Its articulation is on par with the best of the line, making it a joy to pose alongside other Tekkadan suits.

If you're a collector of the IBO HG line, the Shiden is a must-have to complete your collection, especially if you enjoy building the supporting cast.

• Distinct mass-production design
• Similar build complexity to other IBO kits
• Great for creating dioramas with other Tekkadan suits

The HGIBO 025 IO Frame Shiden is a fantastic kit that offers a unique building experience and excellent articulation. Its customizable nature and distinct design make it a valuable addition to any Gunpla collection. Whether you're a fan of Iron-Blooded Orphans or just looking for a different kind of mobile suit, the Shiden is a worthy choice.