In November of 2001, the first-person shooter game
Halo: Combat Evolved hit video game retailers and the Xbox suddenly had its first hit. Gamers' lives changed forever, video game combat truly "evolved," and fans of action figures and collectibles were treated to amazing new sci-fi designs the likes of which hadn't hit the toy shelf...
Now, 7 years and 2 games later, Master Chief continues to kick ... both in video games as well as on the toy shelf. With a new line of 5" scale figures from McFarlane Toys, the game's collectibles are hotter than ever...
To ensure 1:6 scale fans got their fill, McFarlane Toys has announced a variety of 1:6 scale collectibles, including multiple 12" Spartan figures in numerous colors, a line of
12" scale helmets, and a 12" Master Chief, which we'll be examining today.
PACKAGING
Packaged in an open-front box with the figure and accessories open to the world, it's hard to believe we haven't heard about more case of missing weapons or broken figures. Fortunately, it seems retailers are posting this product on high shelves away from small kiddy fingers which could - and would - damage this bad boy.
The box features attractive graphics and the clear form-fit bubble securely holds the figure in place through the use of multiple twisty ties. While the figure can still be poked and prodded, it's unlike it'll actually fall out of the box.
SCULPT:
Accurately capturing the Mark VI Spartan armor, this figure - for a mass-market toy - features excellent quality. The minute details in the body armor -- the chest plate, shoulder pads, thigh plates, and even game-accurate boots -- all accurately reflect a near-perfect 1:6 scale Spartan armor suit. I say "near perfect" as it seems the helmet is slightly small and, when comparing the figure next to a normal 1:6 scale 12" figure...well...let's just say John-117 must have a pea-sized melon for this small helmet to fit over his grape. (
Was that too many fruit metaphors?)
That said, overall, the figure is a great example of a mass-market 1:6 scale figure with a beautiful sculpt and impressive detail!
PAINT APPLICATION:
The paint applications on this figure likewise impress. McFarlane Toys has again accurately captured the colors of Master Chief, his olive drab armor with golden visor and light blue highlights cleanly visible. The gold visor paint - the same type as the rest - looks a bit rough and could have been smoother, but again considering the mass-market nature of this piece, it's impressive.
Likewise, the gray and black which covers the figure and represents the under-armor suit also appears clean and tight, with little slop and no
ARTICULATION:
For a solid cast figure, Master Chief features an impressive 18+ points of articulation, including an articulated ball/socket neck, ball-joint shoulders, hinge and twist elbows and knees, ball-joint ankles, ball/cut hips, peg/socket wrists, and even articulated fingers on his right hand (
below).
The articulated fingers/hand allow MC to hold his rifle fairly well, though the articulation is a bit loose. However, the joints overall give MC plenty of poseability and opportunity to assume a variety of battle-ready poses and stances (
below).
ACCESSORIES:
Master Chief includes two weapon accessories: an assault rifle (
above) and a single grenade, either of which can be held in his hands or attached via a small hole-peg system into a number of different places on his armor (specifically, his thighs, the sides of his lower back, and the middle of his back).
One of the things that makes Halo so much fun is the number of weapons and accessories and while it doesn't look like McFarlane Toys will be making any 1:6 scale weapon packs to go along with the 12" Spartans, Master Replica previously released a number of 1:6 scale weapons, including the Battle Rifle (
pictured above). While this didn't come with this particular figure, it makes for a great addition and fans who're looking to accessorize their McFarlane Toys 12" Master Chief might even consider picking up the various Kotobukiya 1:6 Scale ArtFX statues, which include everything from a shotgun and pistol to a pair of Brute Stalkers!
COST & OVERALL IMPRESSION:
Those lucky enough to find this figure at mass-market (Wal-mart, Target, etc) can expect to pick it up for around $27.00, a bargain considering the detailed sculpt, plentiful articulation, and size. Those looking to buy it via an online retailer will probably dish out between $30 and $35 for it; still not a bad price. In fact, considering the overall quality of the figure, the durability of the material from which it's made, and its license...let's just say this is an impressive figure for a spectacular price.
While some may not be as impressed as I and instead favor the more tradition 1:6 scale body with armor over top (versus the solid cast body by McFarlane), it hasn't taken customizers long to figure out ways to create their own Spartan figures using the McFarlane Toys body/armor as a base - check out
Ryan 1982's work HERE.
For die-hard Halo and sci-fi fans, this is an impressive figure well worth hunting down. With plenty of detail, loads of articulation, and accurate accessories, there's little doubt Master Chief fans won't keep this figure far from their Xbox...
Check out a ton of photos of this impressive figure HERE!
