Mecha Analysis: Gundam Build Fighters Try Episode 17

Previously on Mecha Analysis
Gundam G no Reconguista Episode 18
Gundam Build Fighters Try Episode 16

Today on Mecha Analysis, we look at episode 17 of Gundam Build Fighters Try.Something to keep in mind when looking at the Gunpla: Returning from Gundam Build Fighters, the ones responsible for mechanical design of Gundam Build Fighters Try are as follows,

• Kunio Okawara: THE Gundam designer, designing the original RX-78-2, and Zaku II along with many designs through the years. He's had his hand in Zeta, ZZ, 0080, F90, F91, 0083, Victory, G Gundam, 08th, Wing, X, Turn A, SEED, 00, Unicorn, and many other non-Gundam anime. Holy crap this list is long.
• Not much is said about Junichi Akutsu, Junya Ishigaki, and Kenji Teraoka.
• Kanetake Ebikawa, though has been working as a mechanical designer since the late 90s with anime like Blue Submarine No.6 and Full Metal Panic!, did not start designing for the Gundam franchise until 2007 with Mobile Suit Gundam 00. Other notable works include Gunpla Builders Beginning G, Gundam AGE, and Euerka Seven: AO.

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Episode 17
In this episode, we see a cliff as we hang off of it. I think this is the first mid-fight cliffhanger we see in Build Fighters Try. Nevertheless, I have my complaints about this episode, I'll let you find it on reddit (most likely you're here from reddit anyway).

Team Try Hards

The cliffhanger better be worth it. The only new feature we see (besides getting owned) is the funnels can act like a shield. Will that shield be available as an effect part in the kit? Highly unlikely.

A feature that is discussed but not seen is the downside to the assimilation. As explained by the SD-R triplets, damage on the Gunpla is reflected onto the pilot. Team SD-R supposedly has a plan to take advantage of this, but it has yet to be seen. 

Team SD-R

We get to catch a glimpse of this team in a previous episode (which is replayed in this episode). Their three similar looking suits are named Snibal Gundam, Dragonagel Gundam, and Giracanon Gundam (also known as SxDxG Gundam by Bandai's announcment).
This team of triplets are shown to have many tricks of their sleeves. In this battle we see two main types of traps - a timed explosive, and a push-button activated explosive that looks identical to a link of a Chain Mine used by the Kampfer and Schuzrum Gallus.

The other feature is a plavsky particle vacuum. Using Sei Iori's beam absorbing method, Team SD-R figures out a way to absorb plavsky particles in an area. The problem I have here is everyone seems surprised this happened. You mean to say after 7 years Sei's beam absorbing shield has not been developed any further up until now? Seems like a stretch...

Their trump card is revealed at the end of the episode as Snibal-Drago-Gira, where all three SD Gundams combine into a three headed dragon. I had a feeling this was what made them special (from the opening), but I did not expect them to reveal it without having a few tricks up their sleeves.

 

Overall, it was a disappointing show of SD-R's might rather than using their tactical advantage to provoke Sekai into going Burning Burst Mode and attacking while he's assimilated (like they said they would). I'll see you all tomorrow.
Also, don't forget: Registration for the first annual Gunpla Lollapalooza has started! Make sure you click the links above and to the side for details! I hope you join us on /r/Gunpla for all the excitment!