This model kit came in a huge box and so was the kit after assembly. This red monster by Kotobukiya is one hard to catch item as Kotobukiya's kits are forever limited in quantity. My pace of assembling this kit was pretty slow compared to dealing Bandai's kit as I'm least familiar with Koto kits and I was afraid of breaking the plastic and un-assembling wrong fixture which can be a real pain with Koto kit. I must admit that for a 1/100 scale model kit the assembly seems more complicated in comparison to fixing MG Gunpla. Hmmm... Maybe it was the phobia and lack of confidence.
I absolutely love the bulky design of Alteisen and its unique only to SRW Super Robot Wars Origin. Original mecha designed as protagonist for the popular Super Robot game franchise, which later armed its way to anime. The mighty Alteisen IMHO match the bulk of Sazabi, its design like a tank and bears the soul and eyes of Gundam! This model kit stood tall above 20cm and towered over my MG GM Custom. Don't be fooled by the massive body of Alteisen, design for long range attack but in contrary, this mecha is well balanced and ready to punch some holes with its signature melee attack.
Though Alteisen don't hold any weapon in its hands, I don't think I had been shortchange as robot itself is a walking weapon with huge claymore on the shoulders. It left forearm was armed with triplet cannons and the coolest weapon goes to the revolver charged explosive that detonate after Alteisen punctured its enemy with that big needle on right forearm. In fact the revolver cylinder actually rotates as a gimmick of this kit. The claymore shelves can also retract and the cover opened up. Koto provided two pairs of hands, one clenched and another opened with movable fingers.
Kotobukiya had made their consumers' money well-spent with the ultimate generosity of including LED that lights up the eyes. Optional horns were provided and if you wanted a glowing red horn, the choice is to pick the clear horn. I only wanted to left the kit on display for long so I didn't wired the light-up mechanism, neither did I use the clear horn. I settled for the opaque horn instead.
The coolest move by Kotobukiya was throwing in a fully painted 12cm trading figure of Alteisen’s pilot, Kyosuke Nanbu. I hope Bandai would one day do the same for their MG range. Anyway, I got Kyosuke Nanbu a display partner and she's none other than Excellen Browning trading figure.