Take the already formidable V2 Gundam, add the defensive equipment of the Assault, bolt on the overwhelming firepower of the Buster and you get one of the most heavily equipped Gundams of the entire late Universal Century.
The HGUC 1/144 V2 Assault Buster Gundam #189 recreates the ultimate combined equipment configuration of Uso Ewin’s Victory 2 Gundam from Mobile Suit Victory Gundam.
Released in May 2015, this versatile High Grade includes both the Assault and Buster equipment sets, allowing builders to recreate three different configurations from one kit: V2 Assault Gundam, V2 Buster Gundam or the fully equipped V2 Assault Buster Gundam.
LM314V23/24 V2 Assault Buster Gundam
The V2 Assault Buster Gundam represents what happens when the two major equipment packages developed for the LM314V21 V2 Gundam are fitted simultaneously.
The Assault equipment concentrates on protection and high-performance beam weaponry.
The Buster equipment adds substantial long-range offensive capability.
Put them together and the compact V2 Gundam suddenly finds itself carrying an extraordinary collection of weapons, additional armour and defensive systems.
It’s less of an upgrade and more a case of finding every available V2 accessory and ticking “fit all”.
From Mobile Suit Victory Gundam
The V2 Assault Buster appears during the final stages of Mobile Suit Victory Gundam.
Piloted by Uso Ewin, the V2 Gundam is already an extraordinarily advanced machine thanks to its revolutionary Minovsky Drive System.
The Assault and Buster packages were developed to expand its capabilities even further.
The combined Assault Buster configuration offers immense offensive and defensive performance, although the additional equipment also substantially increases the Mobile Suit’s overall mass.
Three Gundams from One Kit
One of the strongest features of HGUC #189 is that you aren’t restricted to the complete Assault Buster configuration.
Bandai includes the components necessary to reproduce:
V2 Assault Gundam
V2 Buster Gundam
V2 Assault Buster Gundam
The Assault and Buster components can be fitted independently or combined, giving the kit considerably more display flexibility than the average HGUC release.
It’s particularly useful if you’re collecting the V2 family but don’t necessarily want to buy multiple versions of essentially the same base Mobile Suit.
Although, being Gunpla collectors, buying multiple versions is obviously still an option.
V2 Assault Gundam
Install the Assault equipment and the V2 takes on its more defensive configuration.
The additional gold-coloured armour immediately changes the appearance of the machine, while the equipment includes systems such as the Mega Beam Rifle, Mega Beam Shield, VSBRs and additional protective equipment.
It’s a much more heavily armoured appearance than the relatively clean standard V2 Gundam.
Gold Assault Armour
The gold sections are one of the easiest ways to recognise the Assault configuration.
Additional equipment is mounted around the shoulders, waist and knees, giving the V2 considerably more visual detail.
In-universe, the Assault equipment incorporates I-field generators and beam-resistant armour treatment, increasing the machine’s ability to withstand powerful beam attacks.
Against the V2’s predominantly white and blue body, the metallic-looking gold components really stand out.
Mega Beam Shield
One of the most distinctive pieces of Assault equipment is the enormous Mega Beam Shield.
This isn’t simply a bigger version of a conventional physical shield.
The system incorporates three barrier bits and is capable of producing an extremely large defensive beam field.
The HGUC kit includes the Mega Beam Shield as one of its major accessories.
Mounted alongside the additional Assault armour, it gives the V2 a significantly more imposing defensive silhouette.
Mega Beam Rifle
The Assault equipment also provides access to the huge Mega Beam Rifle.
This high-output weapon gives the V2 considerably more ranged firepower than its conventional Beam Rifle.
Bandai includes it directly in HGUC #189, so you can recreate the heavily armed Assault configuration without needing a separate accessory set.
It’s long.
It’s powerful.
And once the Buster equipment is fitted as well, somehow it stops being the largest weapon on the model.
VSBR Equipment
The Assault configuration incorporates a pair of VSBRs – Variable-Speed Beam Rifles – around the waist.
These weapons can vary the characteristics of their beam output, trading speed against destructive or penetrating power depending on the combat situation.
They’re a great example of the advanced beam weapon technology seen in the later Universal Century.
V2 Buster Gundam
Remove the Assault equipment and install the Buster parts and you’ve got a very different machine.
The Buster configuration concentrates on overwhelming ranged firepower.
Large weapons dominate the backpack, while additional missile equipment further increases the V2’s offensive capability.
The relatively small V2 Gundam suddenly becomes an extremely heavily armed artillery machine.
Mega Beam Cannon
The enormous Mega Beam Cannon is the standout component of the Buster equipment.
Mounted over the shoulder from the backpack, this is a long-range weapon intended for exceptionally powerful beam attacks and anti-fleet operations.
It’s also one of the defining visual features of the V2 Buster.
Put the cannon over one shoulder and the rest of the Buster equipment over the other and the previously compact V2 suddenly becomes much broader and more aggressive.
Spray Beam Pod
Balancing the Mega Beam Cannon is the Spray Beam Pod.
This weapon provides additional close-to-medium-range beam fire and also serves as part of the overall Buster equipment arrangement.
The asymmetric backpack gives the Buster configuration a very different appearance from the Assault.
And then you combine them.
V2 Assault Buster Configuration
Install both equipment packages simultaneously and you get the full LM314V23/24 V2 Assault Buster Gundam.
Gold defensive armour.
VSBRs.
Mega Beam Shield.
Mega Beam Rifle.
Mega Beam Cannon.
Spray Beam Pod.
Additional equipment everywhere.
It’s one of the busiest-looking versions of the V2 Gundam and represents the machine at its most heavily equipped.
The Assault and Buster systems don’t occupy the same mounting positions, which is what allows both packages to be used together.
Beam Rifle with Multi-Launcher
The standard Beam Rifle is also included.
A separate multi-launcher/grenade launcher component can be attached beneath the rifle, giving you another weapon option beyond the much larger Assault and Buster equipment.
This is particularly useful if you decide to build the less heavily equipped V2 Assault or V2 Buster configurations.
Or you can give the fully equipped Assault Buster yet another weapon.
At this stage, restraint seems unnecessary.
V2 Core Fighter Included
Bandai also includes a separate V2 Core Fighter.
The Core Fighter can be displayed independently, and an adapter is supplied so it can be mounted onto a compatible 3mm display stand.
It’s a nice bonus for anyone creating a V2 hangar or development display.
The Action Base itself is sold separately.
Late Universal Century Design
The V2 is considerably smaller and more compact than many of the Mobile Suits from earlier Universal Century eras.
That makes the Assault Buster particularly interesting visually.
You have this relatively compact Gundam carrying a ridiculous amount of equipment.
The large Mega Beam Cannon and Mega Beam Shield exaggerate the difference even further, giving the finished model far more shelf presence than the underlying V2’s size might suggest.
Classic HGUC Construction
HGUC #189 dates from 2015, so it’s a relatively straightforward High Grade build rather than something approaching Real Grade levels of complexity.
The kit uses PS and PE plastic, with colour-separated components and foil stickers handling additional details. No glue is required for normal assembly.
That makes it approachable for intermediate builders while still providing enough equipment and configuration options to keep experienced Gunpla fans entertained.
Excellent Customisation Potential
The V2 Assault Buster is a fantastic candidate for additional detailing.
There’s a lot going on across the model, so relatively small improvements can make individual sections stand out.
Try metallic finishes on the gold Assault armour, gunmetal detailing across the Buster equipment, careful panel lining around the white armour and additional colour work on the Mega Beam Cannon.
The various thrusters and weapon systems also provide plenty of opportunities for metallic accents.
And because you can build three configurations, experienced builders could go considerably further and create separate dedicated Assault and Buster displays.
Wings of Light Compatibility
Want to make the V2 even less subtle?
The kit is compatible with the separately released Wings of Light effect equipment for the HGUC V2 Gundam, allowing the Minovsky Drive’s spectacular energy effects to be recreated.
The full Assault Buster configuration already has considerable presence.
Add the Wings of Light behind it and you’ll need considerably more shelf space.
Worth it.
Product Features
- Manufacturer: Bandai / Bandai Spirits
- Range: HGUC – High Grade Universal Century
- HGUC Number: #189
- Scale: 1/144
- Mobile Suit: LM314V23/24 V2 Assault Buster Gundam
- Pilot: Uso Ewin
- Series: Mobile Suit Victory Gundam
- Original release: 23 May 2015
- Can be configured as V2 Assault Gundam
- Can be configured as V2 Buster Gundam
- Can be configured as V2 Assault Buster Gundam
- Assault equipment included
- Buster equipment included
- Mega Beam Cannon
- Spray Beam Pod
- Mega Beam Rifle
- Mega Beam Shield
- Beam Rifle with optional launcher equipment
- V2 Core Fighter included
- Core Fighter display adapter included
- Compatible with 3mm Action Base connections
- PS and PE construction
- Snap-fit assembly
- No glue required for standard construction
- Painting optional
Weapons & Accessories
Mega Beam Cannon – the huge long-range weapon forming one of the centrepieces of the Buster configuration.
Spray Beam Pod – additional Buster equipment balancing the large Mega Beam Cannon.
Mega Beam Rifle – powerful handheld weapon associated with the Assault equipment.
Mega Beam Shield – enormous defensive equipment incorporating barrier-bit technology.
Beam Rifle – standard V2 ranged weapon with optional launcher equipment.
Assault Parts – gold-coloured defensive and weapon equipment used to create the V2 Assault configuration.
Buster Parts – heavy ranged-combat equipment used to create the V2 Buster configuration.
V2 Core Fighter – separately displayable Core Fighter with Action Base adapter.
Why Add LM314V23/24 V2 Assault Buster Gundam HGUC 1/144 #189 to Your Collection?
Because this is essentially three V2 Gundam configurations in one box.
Build the Assault configuration for its distinctive gold armour, Mega Beam Rifle and Mega Beam Shield.
Switch to the Buster for the huge backpack-mounted Mega Beam Cannon and additional long-range firepower.
Or ignore any concept of moderation and install everything to create the complete V2 Assault Buster Gundam. Bandai specifically designed HGUC #189 so all three configurations can be reproduced from the included equipment.
It’s a particularly strong addition for Victory Gundam fans because it captures the V2 at its most heavily equipped while still retaining the approachable construction of a 1/144 High Grade.
For Uso Ewin fans, Victory Gundam collectors, late Universal Century enthusiasts or builders who believe the correct number of weapons is “yes”, HGUC #189 delivers exactly what its name promises.
Assault armour fitted. Buster equipment mounted. Mega Beam Cannon charged. Mega Beam Shield deployed. The V2 Assault Buster is what happens when someone asks whether you’d prefer more armour or more guns — and Uso simply answers “both.”
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