Mega Bloks UNSC Flame Warthog: Set number 97449

Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 10 minutes sorting, 30 (this includes my time stopping to take pics for the review)
Set Piece Count: 207
Minifigs: 2 Gungnir – Halo 4 style with new articulation. One Red, One Yellow.
Weapons: Shotgun, SAW, Target Locater
Accessories: N/A
Price: $25
Special Features: wheels spin,machine gun turret turns 360° and pivots up and down at two points.

And on with the pics! (Click pics to make BIGGER)

First before I get started, I need to thank my wife who was kind enough to get this set (and a couple others to be reviewed) for me.

As usual, the box art is well done. On the front, Mega calls out the fact of the figures are super pose able. I love the little action scene of the Flame Warthog driving off a small dirt path with both the driver and gunner shooting.

The back of the box shows the set and figures nicely and gives us a glimpse at sets now appearing in stores.
Above is what you get in the box.
And all the pieces sorted out. Not that the Flame patterns are already printed on the pieces. I was/am VERY thankful for that. I’m not really a sticker kind of guy.
Much of the build in the graphic above. Something to note is that this warthog build is an amalgamation of previous warthog builds. It utilizes parts/build steps from older and newer warthog designs alike. So you could consider this one a transitional warthog if you wish from the old to new design. It certainly makes it for a unique Warthog, Flame print not-with-standing.

Next we see the mating gun turret is built and attached to the vehicle. Add the wheels and we’re done.
You get a shotgun, SAW, and a green Target locator with this set. Hmm, how does it know to find my local Target store? LOL
The ices above are the only left over pieces. They actually are the pieces used to prop up the build for stability. I’ll put these in my parts bins. I’m glad we got this color. They’ll add to an arctic scene.
The Flame Warthog shown in orthogonal views. Those flames are pretty cool, huh? (Or should I say ‘HOT’?)
Above are the two new articulation style Halo 4 Gungnir Spartans that come with the set. I really like that chest armor they have.

The yellow Gungnir was nice enough to take off his armor for us. Of course you can swap the armor with the Red if you want. (Oh, Yellow just told me not to say that…LOL)
A sort-pf mimic to the front box action scene.

Heh, though I like this one better. Seems Yellow took off in a hurry before Red was ready. Thank goodness Red has an iron grip on that machine gun turret!
The added poseability allows for the shotgun to be held better/differently. Um, er…how did this get in here? Well, it’s a shot of the Flame Warthog in it’s natural habitat…I guess. heh heh

Summary: This set is a quick build. If you’ve bought the older or newer warthogs or both styles, this build will feel somewhat familiar, again as it takes from both designs. The flame print is very cool.

Overall Rating: I give this set 9.5 out for 10 medals. This set is good. Not the best warthog design, but it is UNIQUE in the way it uses both the old and new designs together. The .5 I took off was for the price. It’s just slightly higher than what I feel it should be sold for. At 207 pieces, this should be around $20-21 U.S. Still $25 for this set is reasonable.

The only issue (as with all warthog sets) that I had was putting in those pegs into the holes that make up the suspension for the ‘hog. Finally though, I’ve found a way to get those things in there without chewing up my hands. I used our metal letter opener to gently smack the holed piece onto the peg. Use this method at your own risk!

I DO expect this set to sell out. I’ve been watching online retailers since this set hit and they’ve been selling out frequently and waiting to get new stock in. That will taper off of course. Still, if you’re in the market for this set, get it when you see it! I certainly recommend it.

A little history behind this set. My friend Sparky from Mega Brands said it was a design they wanted to make years ago. It took 5 years for it to be green lit for production. For those who don’t know, the Flame Warthog is in Halo Wars if you had the code to get it.

Hmm, now my only Warthog that I’d like to see MEGA make is the ‘gold’ civilian warthog from Halo 2. Maybe even a NMPD warthog??

Thanks for reading and let me know what you think of the review. If you get this set yourself, please let me know your thoughts on it too!

If this review gives you an informed decision on whether to purchase the set or not, please consider a small donation (50 cents). It’s much appreciated and helps ensure that HFFL stays on the internet.

Thank You.
-Sal