A listing for the Signature series Halo Mega Bloks Scarab was found on Toys R Us Canada, by a fellow Halo Mega Bloks fan (Apologies I do not have that person’s name at this time and will post it when I find out).
First, here is a screen cap of the listing (just the pertinent part):
As you can see, the set is listed for $269.99 (Canadian).
Here’s a bigger shot of the Scarab as listed:
Now at first glance, I noticed that several details have changed between this final version and what we saw from New York Toy Fair back in February of this year. Speaking of, here is a photo of that one:
As you may plainly see, the legs have lost MUCH of the detail in the “knee” areas. Instead of the more fluid/industrial knees of the NYTF prototype, the TRU listing shows us a much more “blocky” version. So the questions becomes, why the change in design? While the prototype is more visually appealing, the redesign is a more stable build.
Much of the body has not changed significantly. There are some tile pieces towards the top of the body that before were ‘studded’ plates.
The large cannon on the top of the Scarab has bee reworked and looks better in the official version shown on the Toys R Us website.
Now, I’m sure you’re saying, well, how do you know that’s official and not a mistake in the picture shown? Simple, I e-mailed Mega for an official answer to this listing. The simple answer I got back was that the TRU info is accurate. They were disappointed by the low quality render shown on TRU’s website, so we may see that change.
Now, with that said, officially from Mega, the further questions regarding the figures in the set has also been answered. No longer will we be getting 2 Brute Honor Guards and the Prophet of Regret as well as Master Chief, as shown in the New York Toy Fair prototype model picture.
Instead, here is the TRU listing information:
Description
Enemy forces advance menacingly on UNSC troops with the Mega Bloks Halo Signature Series Covenant Scarab! The Type-47 Covenant Scarab is a virtually unstoppable quadruped land walker that supports ground forces by decimating heavily fortified structures. Standing nearly 160 feet long, it can easily crush hostile forces with its powerful jointed legs. The Scarabs primary weapon is an Ultra-Heavy Focus Cannon, which fires from within a protected cradle embedded in its intimidating front end. Vulnerable to being boarded via its elevated platforms, Scarabs are typically defended by a squad of Covenant infantry while in battle.Ideal for ages 8 and up!
Features
• Fully buildable Scarab features opening hatches and plenty of room for interior and exterior play.
• Pivoting legs and rotating head allow for advanced pose ability of this epic Covenant vehicle.
• Light-up holographic Prophet of Truth in a build able gravity throne
• Jackal Snipers with Covenant Carbines, plus Elite Ascetic with Energy Sword and Elite Commando with Fuel Rod Cannon
Final build stands at an impressive 26 long x 14.5 high!
Additional Info
SKN Number: 117894
Product UID: 9D93275B
UPC/EAN/ISBN: 065541976948
Manufacturer #: 95694U1
Product Weight: 12 lbs
Product Dimensions: (in inches) 26 x 14.5 x 7.5
HFFL: So as you can see, the Brute Honor Guards are indeed gone from the set, replaced by an Elite Ascetic and Commando. The Prophet has been swapped out now and we are getting a holographic Prophet of Truth instead of Regret. Master Chief is no longer in the set either, though we are still getting the Jackal Snipers.
I know that some of this news is disappointing to some of you. Believe me, I’m disappointed by not getting the Brute Honor Guards.I followed up with Mega asking them if we’ll see the Brute Honor Guards in a later set. I’m awaiting their response to that and will post it here, when I receive it. The figures though, are not as important to me as the actual Scarab itself.
While the build has change slightly in the legs, I’m still very much looking forward to getting this set.
To see the TRU Canada listing for yourself, please follow this link.
[UPDATE] I went back to YouTube to find a video review of this set from New York Toy Fair. In the vid, Tim from Mega Bloks says this is a final set, then later says it’s not finished.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KuAzb4YWcE
[/UPDATE]
-Sal
I’m still impressed with the Scarab and will still buy it. I am disappointed in the change of figures and the large amount of grey bloks used in the new render. Hopefully the purple will be close enough to extra bloks I already have so I can cover most of it up. I might be the one that sent you the link. I posted it in the comments of your article about the Scarab reveal. I’ll reserve more judgment until I see I better render
I’ve had the link for a few days. I was just waiting on Mega’s official response before I posted the article. I’m positive that I saw it on either Facebook or a Mega Bloks fan forum.
I am very disapointed with MEGA for this. the set that we were shown at the toyfair was a perfect 10 out of 10 and now theyve taken away some amazing figures and taken away allot of wonderful detailing from the legs of the scarab. Its such a shame, ill still by the set, but i wish it was how it was shown at the toyfair.
One thing that people should consider is that designs often change before the final product comes out. There’s an statement with products that goes something like this, “final product may differ from picture”. That’s the case here. Mega wanted to show the set as something great to come. The issue becomes that instead of it being noted specifically as a prototype at New York Toy Fair, everyone thought this was the final product. In fact, in a video review of this from Toy Fair, Tim from Mega Bloks says this is the final version (including the figures). This is one reason why most companies do NOT show off their products until it’s in the final stages as they do not want to disappoint their customers. Hopefully Mega will have learned a valuable lesson here, which by their response, I’d say they have.
I understand that what was shown at the New York Toy Fair was just a prototype and therefore subject to change, but IMO the prototype was a lot better than this. It just looks to plain for me, and the near complete change of figures doesn’t really make it anymore enticing. But I guess I will wait till I see it in store to decide if I’ll get it or not.
I totally understand. I wish we were getting the Toy Fair version too with those figures. I’ve read many other collector’s thoughts on this. Many are not happy about the changes. I’ve mentioned this before…If you want to make your opinion heard, go over to the Mega Bloks fan page on Facebook and let them know (nicely). It’s too late to change this particular set. However, it will let them know regarding showing product then changing it in the future. Here’s that link: https://www.facebook.com/megablokscollectors
Still looking forward to the Scarab, even though the announced figures have changed. I’m anxious to see what customizing can be done without compromising its (still amazing to me) ability to stand on its own.
I hear ya, Rich. While I would have preferred the Toy Fair version, the official version still looks great. And yeah, I may do some customizing of my own on this whenever I get it. I’m positive they are sending you a set (if they haven’t already…LOL). After all, you DA MAN, when it comes to the Scarab. It must have been very cool to work with Mega to help make this model become a reality. I envy you (in a good way) for being able to be a part of that process.
Have you seen the box art mega bloks released this week. Looks much better that the TRU.ca image.
I did just before reading your comment. It’s awesome. I’ll be posting it up shortly on the blog.