As an experimental mobile tank, Hildolfr is armed with different types of shells of the cannon, including High Explosive (HE), High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT),High Explosive Anti-Tank/Incendiary (HEAT/I), High Explosive Squash Head (HESH), Armor Piercing (AP), Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot (APDS) and Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS). All these weapons were used in battle, shown to perfection through the skillful pilot, De Maizière Sonnen. Since all the scenes are in 3D animation, I really enjoyed all the actions of Hildolfr, even its movements in the desert seems very cool.
The best part is yet to come; Hildolfr is capable of transforming from a tank to a MA, where the top of the tank features the body of a MS. When the Federation’s Zaku IIs thought they have surrounded the guy, The MA Hildolfr came out and blown away three Zaku IIs with its machinegun and the main cannon. Absolutely cool!
Hildolfr managed to destroy all the enemy units in the end, yet it was severely damaged by the Federation commander, which saw Sonnen being killed as well. The field data from the combat survives but it’s unlikely that Zeon is going to develop any unit based on Hildolfr, since the emphasis is given to MS. Three units I can think of, which resemble Hildolfr very much are Zaku Tank, Magella Attack Tank and YMS-16M Xamel.
Some of my friends who watch MG Igloo like Episode I better, since the battle featuring Zaku IIs, especially the Red Comet is breathtaking. Some like Episode Three, as it features Zudah, a new MS developed by Zeon. For me, Hildolfr is still the coolest character yet from MS Igloo. I hope that Bandai will design an EX-Model for Hildolfr, complete with the MA transformation ability as well.
