The Beyond Global version of the RX-78-2 is a delight to work with. The plastic (apparently "KPS") is easy to sand, the design is very simple while also being a highly advanced High Grade kit. I own 14 different versions of this mobile suit and this is one of the best of them.
Aesthetics:
The BG is different in a couple of ways - First the colors are more desaturated than the usual blue/red/yellow/white and have more of a dusty look to them ala the OYW MG edition. The other way is that the proportions are slimmer and lankier, more human like than the usual, so if you prefer the boxy look, you're better off with the HG Revive, EG or RG#01, in 1/144 scale.
The only color correction is the Eyes and the eye detail is molded in yellow, so you can paint black around them and forego the sticker.
Mechanics:
This is where the kit shines, the articulation and posability is very high and it's especially the fold down hip joints and the lever inside of the hips that enables it to pose very naturally. The torso also bends on two points (one is barely noticeable) and it bends sideways as well.
The shoulders/part of the torso extend outwards and the wrists extend and bend/turn, enabling more natural hand holding poses.
Overall the mobility range is very good and things like the ankles have a high degree of bends.
Equipment:
1 Beam Rifle, storable on the butt with a peg that does not fold in, nor does the storage hole have any covers
1 Shield with a 'wrist' adapter that clicks the shield onto the wrist and a handle that can be moved into two places (adapter must be removed for hand use or backpack storage)
2 Beam Saber hilts and effect parts
4 hands - 1 trigger finger hand, 1 spread open hand and 2 holding hands
This is the low point of the model kit. For double the yen price of the Revive and EG, you get a sparse loadout. No bazooka or anything else.
Conclusion:
Originally I never wanted to collect any RX-78-2 models, because I thought they looked boring. As it turns out, it is the most interest models, because Bandai always put a lot of effort into them, to showcase new mechanical design. Now I have 14 of them.
The Beyond Global does the single most important thing 100% right - Anyone can build this and they'll have a good time doing it, because the build is simple but extremely rewarding.
It is, however, not true to what the RX-78-2 looks like, unlike many other versions, due to its very different proportions and colors. I will say though, that this is a far superior kit to the G40 (both being 40 year anniversary editions). I can't really recommend the G40 unless you specifically want to experience alternative gunpla design and that things is even more expensive.
For a cheap version, I'd recommend the Revive/EG, for one with a lot more guns I'd say the Origin version is the best. The best 1/144 scale is the RG 2.0 version.
