If you’ve already checked out the other half of my Halo 3 review at my regular site, you might want to skip down to the actual review. I’m stealing liberally here.
Halo 3 holds quite an impressive record. It’s had the highest opening day gross of ANY form of entertainment EVER. The game took in 170 million dollars on it’s opening day. Do the beautiful people need any more proof that us geeks have taken over the world?
I don’t play Halo, but I get the general premise. You’d have to be pretty out of touch not too, let’s face it. The good guys are Master Chief and the other Spartans, cyborg supersoldiers. They battle the Covenant, a diverse race of aliens driven by religious fervor to wipe out humanity.
Mcfarlane Toys picked up the Halo 3 license to produce action figures, and have just released their first wave. There are a TON of figures to pick up, and I’m reviewing three here today (EVA Spartan, Brute Chieftain and Cortana) and I’m reviewing for more over at my site (Master Chief, Grunt, Jackal Sniper and the Mark VI Spartan). There are several exclusives, including a blue Mark VI exclusive to Wal-mart, a white Mark VI Previews (specialty store) exclusive, a blue CQB exclusive to Wal-mart, a steel CQB exclusive to GameStop, and an active camo EVA exclusive through Mcfarlane’s webstore. I believe there’s also a green version of the Grunt, but I haven’t seen one yet. That’s a ton of figures!
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop me a line at mwc@mwctoys.com. On to the review!
Halo 3 – Cortana, Spartan Soldier (red EVA), and Brute Chieftain
These figures are hitting regular retailers now including Toys R Us, and you can expect to pay around $10 – $14 each. I have some online suggestions at the end of the review as well.
Packaging – ***
I personally hate the term ‘green’ – I feel bad for the poor environmentalists who were poo-pooed for years, but now that companies see a chance to make a buck, they’re all over the ‘green’ concept – but I have to point out that my biggest issue with these particular clamshells is the amount of waste. All of them (including the Brute) could stand to be in smaller clamshells, since I don’t really need to buy Chinese air.
However, there’s a huge plus here that I feel keeps these from dipping any lower in score – personalization. I’m a big proponent of packages that discuss the specific character held within, rather than using the same generic insert or cardback for the entire series. Here we get specific info on each game persona, as well as info on accessories and other variants. Hey, if I can get this kind of info on ever series, I’m more willing to kill the planet.
Sculpting – Brute Chieftain ****; EVA ***1/2; Cortana ***
One thing that Mcfarlane rarely has trouble with is sculpting – this set is a fine example of their best work. There’s plenty of small detail work, much finer and cleaner than you normally see on a 5″ scale. In fact, the scale is probably going to be the biggest issue most folks have with this line.
The Brute Chieftain is the brute his name implies, standing about 6 1/2″ tall. He towers over the 5″ EVA, and looks both menacing and evil. I love the skin detail work, which contrasts nicely against the smooth texture of the armor plates. Nothing is just painted on, as every line, design and bauble is carved into his flesh or armor.
The EVA version of the Spartan soldier sports a similar body to the others, with minor redeco changes to the armor. The helmet is the biggest change of course, with the EVA wearing a more ‘lunar mission’ style than the Mark VI. Either way, he looks terrific, and there’s enough difference between all the Spartans to make them stand out on the shelf.
Cortana is the least interesting of the bunch. Her sculpt is very plain, due in large part to her A.I. characterization. I didn’t really expect a ton of detail, but she really is just a 4″ tall hunk of PVC. The hair sculpt has some nice detailing, and her face is quite pretty close up, but the consistent blue/black colors make it difficult to see these details with the nekkid eye.
As I mentioned, the scale might be an issue for some folks. These are in a 5″ scale, making them look alright with the Spider-Man, Superman or Batman movie figures from the last couple years…and that’s about it. Since it’s unlikely you’ll be mixing and matching with those less than stellar movie lines, these guys are going to have to hang out on the shelf by themselves. The sheer number of them being released helps ease that a bit though, giving you plenty of characters to put together, and for the sixth scale fans, they are supposed to be doing a 12″ version of Master Chief later this year. And if you’re a Revoltech guy, there are some in this scale as well that should go together nicely.
Paint – EVA ****; Brute Chieftain ***1/2; Cortana ***
Another area that Mcfarlane tends to be strong in is paint quality, particularly with their non-cartoon lines. Here we see lots of well done paint details, a good use of wash to bring out the sculpts, and very clean details where appropriate.
Cortana doesn’t have much of a pallette range though, which causes what details there are to be hard to see without magnification. The paint work is generally clean, although some of the cut lines between the dark blue paint and clear plastic were a little sloppier here than I’d expect. The translucent blue plastic looks good though, and the added paint details complement this cool (temperature wise) appearance. The smaller circuitry work on her legs is outstanding, although you might not notice it at first glance.
Like the other Spartans, the EVA version has a clean consistent visor color, with good detail work on the sculpted lines of his armor. They’ve used a glossier finish for the armor too, setting it apart nicely from the matte black areas of the suit. This difference in finish gives the impression of different materials, adding realism to the overall appearance, particularly at this small scale. I had some stray marks and damage on my Master Chief, but the EVA was very clean.
Finally, there’s the Brute. He has the most small detail paint work of the three, and the majority of it looks terrific. I particularly like the work on the eyes, mouth and elaborate head armor. There’s a little slop with most of the silver highlights though, and I would have liked more contrast between the finishes of the armor and the skin, ala the EVA. The similarity between the finish causes the armor to blend in a little too much with the rhino like flesh, and I think the glossier look would have worked better here.
Articulation – EVA ****; Brute Chieftain ***1/2; Cortana Bupkis
For small figures, these have a TON of articulation. Mcfarlane only claims 18 points or so for the Spartans, but because of the way the joints are designed, they have far more posing potential than most other similarly articulate figures.
Except for Cortana, that is. She has no joints whatsoever. Zippo. Zilch. Bupkis. You better like her pose, because it’s what you get.
All the Spartans, including the EVA, have excellent ball jointed necks that give them tons of personality in every pose. They also have true ball jointed shoulders, hips, and ankles. All of these joints are articulated on both sides of the ball, giving them an excellent range of movement. You’ll have to work some of the balls free, particularly the ankles, but once you do, you’ll be able to do a ton of creative poses.
He also has ball joints at the wrists, elbows and knees, but these are jointed on just one side of the ball. Still, these joints work fantastic, much better than we’ve seen in other lines.
Finally, they have a half foot pin joint, and a rocker chest. The articulation is really, really impressive on the Spartans, and the more I played around with them the more I liked them.
The Brute Cheiftain has similar articulation, but the sculpt and armor does restrict it a bit more. He has the terrific ball jointed neck, shoulders, hips, ankles, wrists, elbows, knees, rocker waist…even a modified hip joint where the ball attaches to the torso that allows for additional movement. But his armor and bulk does restrict some of the posability, at least more than on the Spartans. It’s not a major issue, but pulls him down slightly.
Accessories – EVA, Chieftain **1/2; Cortana **
The one category with this series does poorly is Accessories. There aren’t nearly as many as you might expect considering the game and style of play.
The EVA version of a Spartan soldier has his gun, with a good sculpt and paint. All three of the Spartans that I have now exhibit drooping gun barrels, which sounds like an excellent idea for an ED commercial. Still, with a little hot water/cold water, you can have them straightened right out.
He also has a grenade, and two pegs to attach the grenade and gun to his body where there are convienently placed holes.
The Brute Chieftain comes with his deadly weapon, and the small end pops off to allow you to more easily slide it into his right hand. He can hold it in a number of menacing ways, and the sculpt and paint are excellent. This is easily my favorite accessory out of the first series. He also comes with one of the little pegs to attach the weapon to his back.
The only thing that Cortana comes with is her base. There are three LED lights in the front lip of the base, pointed back toward her like spotlights. Put a couple AAA batteries in the compartment on the bottom (they are NOT included), and with the flip of a switch you get the light up effect. I shot a photo of that effect below…it looks kind of cool in the shot, but keep in mind that I left the shutter open for about 20 seconds to get the effect. Yep, the lights are THAT dim. Get some seriously juiced up batteries and you might have a little more success, but don’t expect this thing to light her up like Britney on stage.
Fun Factor – EVA ****; Chieftain ***1/2; Cortana **
These are actually great toys – not the usual Nerd Hummels that Mcfarlane has become known for over the last few years, but more of a return to their early days when they were trying to produce the coolest action figures on the market.
Of course, the static Cortana isn’t nearly as much fun as the other figures, and most kids would find her pretty boring.
Value – EVA, Chieftain **; Cortana *
You can find these at some retailers at $10 each, and at that price you can easily add another half star, and maybe even a full one. They are light on accessories to be sure, but the articulation, sculpt and paint make up for it if you’re spending a ten spot.
However, most places you find these will be charging $12 – $14. At that price, you really aren’t getting a great value, especially for the weakest of the bunch, Cortana.
Things to Watch Out For –
If you’re picking them out on the shelf, watch for the best paint jobs. In general, the ones I’ve seen are quite consistent, but occasionally there’s one with a scratch on the visor.
Also, the wrist pegs on the EVA could tear if they are painted tight. Take extra care freeing them up, and even use the freezer trick if necessary.
Overall – EVA ****; Brute Chieftain ***1/2; Cortana **1/2
For quite some time now, Mcfarlane Toys has gone the route of the plastic statue. Even with licenses like the Simpsons, 24 and Lost, they stuck with Nerd Hummels rather than providing any real articulation. Some folks were beginning to wonder if they could even do good articulation any more, let alone great.
This line proves they still can do it, and do it better than anyone else in this scale. The joints are useful, tight, and have a terrific range of movement. This was no easy feat either, because the Spartans aren’t superheros clad in skin tight spandex. If they were, the articulation could easily be added and the sculpt wouldn’t interfere with it. No, these are armor clad fighters, and generally figures wearing armor have poorer articulation, simply because people believe that it has to be that way. It’s just natural that the armor is going to interfere, isn’t it?
Mcfarlane proves that doesn’t have to be the case. Yea, the huge Brute still has a few constraints, but the Spartans are both armored AND articulated, and this useful articulation doesn’t hurt the appearance of the sculpt at all. This is one of the best overall lines Mcfarlane has produced in some time, and I’m hopeful that the smaller scale won’t turn folks off to giving them a try. Once you get them out of the package, you’re going to find that they are much better than you might have anticipated, and most of your concerns over their size are likely to vanish.
Where to Buy –
If you’re looking for the regular figures, I’d suggest hitting Toys
R Us or your local GameStop. You can also find them at these great
online retailers:
– Urban-Collector has a case of 12 for $130. This might be your best bet to get a full set.
– CornerStoreComics has them for $13 – $14 each.
– Entertainment Earth has them in stock at $14 each.
– YouBuyNow has them at $15 each.
– or you can search ebay using My Auction Links.
Related Links –
Before Halo 3, and before
Mcfarlane got the license, Joyride Studios made larger action figures based on Halo 2. Here’s some guest reviews:
– here’s their version of the Grunt.
– there’s also a guest review of the Elite Guard.
– And you can’t forget their version of Master Chief!
– I’ve also reviewed four more of this first series over at Captain Toy/Michael’s Review of the Week – Master Chief, Mark VI Spartan, Jackal Sniper and Grunt.
Comments: 6 Comments
6 Responses to “Toy Box: Halo 3 Action Figures”Leave a Reply |
March 4th, 2008 at 3:05 am
There must be something wrong with your Cortana. I put fresh batteries in mine, flipped the switch, and was nearly blinded. They’re the brightest LED lights I have ever seen on a toy.
I think you just got a dud or something.
March 5th, 2008 at 2:57 am
Michael, as always a fair and comprehensive review of the figures.
As for accessories, you did miss one small point. The Spartans (Mark VI, EVA, CQB) all have removable/interchangeable shoulder and chestplates, enabling a mix and match type feature. It is somewhat poorly alluded to on the back of the package.
Still, another great review overall.
March 5th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Thanks – I didn’t realize that!
March 20th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
They missed a blade that’s supposed to protrude from the Gravity hammer. A small detail, but it still bugs me. The paint application is a little muddy in places. Too much black wash on the Spartan armor. My Jackal sniper was missing the part of his armor that’s supposed to cover his ass too. A little quality control would help this line along, and they need to make some vehicles that these guys can fit in. I don’t know what they were thinking with the mini-vehicle thing.
March 29th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I bought a Brute Cheiftain, and the peg dosent fit on the gravity hammer.
May 3rd, 2008 at 10:30 pm
i bought the white spartan & masterchief there awesome i.m gettingthe eva soon and a great review too