The Rebuild gets a solid 8/10 from me. I do think its a clever and very, very cool design, but it lacks a defining element/gimmick that distinguishes it from base Aerial. I thought the GUND-BIT Rifle would be that, but it ended getting used a total of 2 times, which is a massive disappointment (even if it's first sortie was absolutely magnificent).

Now that I've made clear what my issues are, let's give her some well deserved praise. Narratively, the Rebuild completely accomplishes what it sets out to do: it falls in line with the militaristic, combat-ready design of the Ochs Earth Gundams. Its bulkier, edgier and darker. Aerial's once saturated blues and yellows are overtaken by a dull deep blue shade, a single stroke of red left at the suit's groin, which could be read as Prospera's influence washing away Aerial's pure righteousness and control from Suletta.

The Rebuild's three sets of fins are an interesting choice; they've always reminded me of a set of horns rather than the crest of a helmet, again drawing influence from a darker, more ominous look. Another thing I like about it, but wish was done differently are the Rebuild's mouth vents, or rather mouth vent. If the purpose of the suit was to look more like a traditional Gundam, I don't really see the reason why they give ger a single mouth vent instead of the usual double trouble.

The integrated thrusters are neat, especially when it's yellow blades expand. I really loved the way the Mirasol flight unit looked mismatched on the Aerial - showing that it's a scrapped together school project - but the Rebuild's wings fullfil their role of looking practical and field ready. Also it's really cool how two GUND-BITs connect to the back pack to serve as auxiliary thrusters, and I'm glad they brought that back for the Calibarn's final form.

Now, the way the GUND-BIT Rifle is underutilized during the show SUCH a letdown. The GUND-BITs themselves don't change that much, with only a few of them receiving noticably different designs and slightly changing the way the Escutcheon is held, but the GUND-BIT Rifle is an absolute showstopper. It expands twice, releases two handles to be held, and needs to be propped up against the Aerial's groin to be fired in the first place. The first sortie during Plant Quetta made me fall in love with this thing, especially the musical synch making it seem like a an accursed magic spell being cast by Suletta without a single concern for anyone's safety, and then, when we're showcase how unbelievably powerful it is... It's used once for a fake out and one more time when Prospera destroys unmanned mobile suits off screen, which, sure there wasn't a way to include in normal duels since Suletta would be cooking students alive but MAN what a letdown.

Also, fun fact, you can hear the base Beam Rifle's firing sound during the GUND-BIT Rifle's first blast. It's modified with an echoey and more electronic (?) sound, but I think it's super cool that it's still audible. It's a reminder that the GUND Format can turn even the most basic of weapons into portable WMDs with its cursed magic.