SNACK: 3-line summary
- Sentinel has opened Japanese preorders for its GM²I Ixpel plastic model kit from Formation Z.
- Replacement parts let the same model take robot and fighter forms, with a design refined by Kanetake Ebikawa.
- Release and shipping are planned for August 2027—not an immediate launch.
Sentinel has opened Japanese preorders for the GM²I Ixpel plastic model kit from Formation Z. With a parts swap, the same model can go from a ground-based robot to an aerial fighter, recreating the game mecha’s two forms.
Snackgirls react
Kirari: That blue-and-white silhouette catches my eye. I’d want to turn the fighter form around and find its best photo angle.
Red: Robot first, fighter next—I want to do the parts swap myself and see how the same build changes shape.
A classic game mecha, refined by Kanetake Ebikawa
Formation Z debuted in arcades in 1984 and received a home-console port in 1985. Ixpel is the player’s transforming combat mecha in the side-scrolling robot shooter.
Mechanical designer Kanetake Ebikawa handled the kit’s design refinement, giving Ixpel a sharp, streamlined silhouette in both modes.
Ixpel is also the first entry in GM²I, Sentinel’s new plastic model kit line dedicated to mecha from classic games.
Japanese preorders ahead of an August 2027 release
Preorders opened in Japan on October 23, 2026, through Sentinel Store and toy shops, figure shops, electronics retailers and online stores. The kit costs ¥8,800 including tax, with release and shipping planned for August 2027.
The assembled robot is approximately 150 mm tall to the top of its head, and the kit uses ABS and PS plastics. Accessories include the 105mm Beam Cannon, its dedicated right-hand part and stickers.
Sources and date: 2026-10-23
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