Halo Toy Review: Bandai Sprukits Master Chief (Large sized)

BANDAI logo

This review is the fourth of the four currently at retail as of this posting. It’s Master Chief in the larger level 3 size.

Okay, without further ado, let’s get to the review.

Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 1 hour 15 minutes building, Your time will vary as I was taking pictures along the way for this review.
Set Piece Count: 161
Weapons: One Assault Rifle, Two Magnums, One Battle Rifle
Accessories: Figure Stand w/partial articulation.
Special Features: Fully articulated figure at the following points:
• Ball Joint Head
• Ball Joint Shoulders
• Double hinge jointed Elbows
• Ball Jointed Wrists
• Ball Jointed Waist
• Ball Jointed Hips
• Double Hinge Jointed Knees
• Ball Jointed Ankles
• Hinge Toe cap

As well, the model includes a set of fisted hands, a set of ‘trigger’ hands, plus a third left hand that is open. This can be used to help hold the assault rifle or battle rifle.

Cost: $54.99 at retail

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

Here we are at the fourth of the four reviews I have for BanDai Halo Sprukits. This particular one is a little more special in that it’s a bigger build and has even better articulation that the previous three smaller models. As well, I got what I think are some pretty cool posed shots of the Master Chief.

The box art for this one has a landscape layout as opposed to portrait style (that the smaller three have). I like it. Chief is certainly a focal point. Then my eyes are drawn to the light coming from Requiem, which then shoos up to the Halo logo as well as the Sprukits logo. That’s a good flow for eye sight.  Let’s you become immediately interested in the subject (Chief), then let’s you know what it’s related to and what product line it comes from.
SK MC L3 BOX

Inside you get a couple more packets of sprues.SK MC L3 contents

The directions in this set differ from the smaller ones in that it’s a linear foldout as opposed to quarter panels folds that the smaller models have. I definitely prefer this fold more. It doesn’t take up as much space.SK MC L3 instructions

Here are the sprues, along with the instructions and near bottom right a sticker sheet.SK MC L3 sprues

A close up of the sticker sheet. I couldn’t help the glare much.SK MC L3 sticker sheet

Okay, let’s get into the build of the Master Chief.

Following the “Z” going from 1st to the 4th pic in the graphic below. The pieces needed to make the helmet. The underneath of the helmet showing the spot where the ball joint fits in. This differs form the smaller models as it has a more secure spot for the ball joint. The panel showing the silver ‘visor’ needs to be explained. As you can see by the orange translucent sprue, there are two ‘visor’ pieces. What you do is apply the silver sticker to the visor piece on the left (of top left pic in graphic). This gives you a nice smooth reflective surface. Then you attach the second visor piece over that. As you can see at bottom right, you get a fantastic reflective piece for the visor, with that bit of translucency to boot. SK MC L3 BOX Helmet

Here are the pieces of the torso. Now, some of you may be thinking, ‘aren’t these the same as the smaller models?” You’d only be partially right. Many are very similar, and of course bigger due to the scale of this model. However, there are a couple extra pieces, most notably the green lower rib cage armor (seen near top left, under back fin in pic below).SK MC L3 torso parts

The shoulder and neck assembly.SK MC L3 shoulder-neck assembly

Add the front and back armor…SK MC L3 upper T assembly

And you get this. Really nice detail here. This will be a recurring theme throughout the review.SK MC L3 upper T assembly FIN

Next you build the lower portion of the torso. Here is where that lower ribcage outer armor piece is added.SK MC L3 Upper-lower T

Add the back fins and the torso is done. Note the slot on each fin, we’ll come back to that later in the review.SK MC L3 Thrusters

Now for the arms.SK MC L3 Arm parts

Once again, I want to point out when building the bicep portion of the arms to take note of the green outer armor here. The curved side goes towards the outside of the arm, with the flat side against the body.SK MC L3 BiCep assembly

Here are the four main sections of the arm. Hand, Forearm, Elbow/Bicep, and shoulder. There is a fantastic amount of articulation here. The hand is ball jointed. The elbow has two hinge joints. The top of the bicep rotates and the shoulder is ball jointed. LOTS of potential there for posing.SK MC L3 Arm sections

The arms are finished. Again, just look at that beautiful detail!SK MC L3 Arm FIN

Next up are the legs. I faded out the sprue sections not used here. There were so many parts that I elected not to take them off the sprues here as I’ve done in the other reviews. That made it easier for me to keep track of. BTW, I should mention that is something BanDai suggests within the instructions as well. Keep the pieces on the sprues until you need them. SK MC L3 Leg parts

I wanted to show the articulation from the inside here. Below is the double jointed knee. The elbow is somewhat similar to this too.
SK MC L3 Knee articulation

Again following the “Z” to go from 1st to 4th pic in the graphic below: The bottom parts of the foot (top left); the orientation of those pieces. (top right). Note the small rectangular piece with the hole in it. That becomes a slot for ankle articulation. What is new/different from the smaller models is  that they do not have toe articulation. Bottom left shows  a rectangular tip protruding from the foot. This becomes the pin by which you attach the toe section. Excellent design here. Let’s not forget folks, there is NO GLUE needed in the Sprukit models!SK MC L3 Foot Assembly 1

A little more about the foot. As you can see top right in the pic below, the toes have been articulation. This comes in handy when posing. (you’ll see that in a minute). Also, before assembling the whole leg, I HIGHLY suggest you put the ankle joint in the foot first. It makes it much easier to put the whole leg together. And at bottom right, the foot tread. Again, great detail!SK MC L3 Foot Assembly 2

Here are the different sections of the leg. Foot, Ankle, Shin, Knee, Thigh, Thigh/Hip joint. And the other leg built so you can see how they look all together.SK MC L3 Foot Assembly 3

Here’s a small preview of the kind of articulation the legs have. See how that toe articulation helps?
SK MC L3 Foot Assembly FIN

Okay, let’s have a quick look at the hip assembly.

Below there are three piece. The two side protruding pins fit over a peg. These create the articulation that is then inserted into the top part of the legs.SK MC L3 Hip articulation

The hips are built. What is different here form the smaller models is that there is a small piece at the back. This piece when removed (at left) shows a slot. This slot is used to connect to the build able stand, included with the model. If you choose to pose freely, then simply put the piece in the slot.SK MC L3 Hip assembly-stand attachment

The main sections of the body are assembled and ready to complete the Master Chief. SK MC L3 Hip main sections

As always, I include orthogonal views of any figure. As you can see, this is a nice beefy looking Chief. The joints are pretty well hidden.SK MC ORTHO

The weapons are made of a few pieces. The AR and BR have small stickers. Here you see the magazine indicator on the AR. The weapon stickers are tiny, so I suggest using both magnifying glasses and a set of tweezers.SK MC L3 AR-Sticker

The BR has several stickers. One each for both sides of the scope (inset pic). When applying the yellow stripe stickers, I HIGHLY suggest putting the bottom one on first. Carefully wrap this around the under side from one side to the other. They will match up perfectly if you’ve done it right. Then apply the upper stripe sticker. Normally I’m not a fan of stickers, but this set really helped make the Battle Rifle ‘pop’ so to speak. SK MC L3 BR-Stickers

Now, back to those slots on the back. Each one can receive a pin for it. You can choose to add them or not and place either/both the AR/BR on Chief’s back.SK MC L3 Back pegs

As well, the model comes with two magnums. On the outer thigh, there is a slot that you insert a “U” shaped clips (inset). The Magnum fits securely onto it for easy storage.SK MC L3 Leg pegs

Here you see the fist set of hands at left and the trigger set of hands at right, holding the magnums.SK MC L3 Fist-Trigger Hands

Keeping the right trigger hand on and replacing the left one with the open palm hand, you can then hold either the AR or BR. Your choice. I’m glad BanDai included the BR with this one. That weapon isn’t part of the repertoire of the smaller models.SK MC L3 Fist-Palm Hands

As a suggestions, if you have the trigger hands snapped together you can CAREFULLY place the butt end of the magnum into the hand a slowly and slightly turn either clock-wise or counter-clockwise (depending on which hand) to open up the hand pieces.SK MC L3 Fist Weapon release

As mentioned earlier, here is where the stand inserts into the slot on Master Chief’s back.SK MC Back stand attachment

The next two pics show the comparison in scale between the smaller figures and this one.SK MC Back Chief COMP

Big Chief is considerably bigger!SK MC Back All COMP

Now let’s get to the action poses!!

I love this pose. It looks like Chief is looking right down the scope. Note that toe articulation is being used slightly here.SK MC Pose 1 Kneel shot

Chief is able to be posed on one leg!SK MC Pose 2 Karate kick

I really like this pose too. That visor is SHINY! As well, this shows just how much articulation is within the model. Nearly all of it is on display in this one pic alone.SK MC Pose 3 Dual Magnums

Okay, now for something a little extra. I wanted to take this model and pose it similar to some of the more classic poses of Master Chief over the years.SK MC Pose Classic 1SK MC Pose Classic 2SK MC Pose Classic 3

I like how this one turned out. I should have take the shot a little more from a worm’s eye point of view, but it’s still easily recognizable.SK MC Pose Classic 4

And of course I had to include this pose as it’s the same armor!SK MC Pose Classic 5

Chief is wondering if the photo shoot is over? He’s ready to fight some Covies!SK MC Sitting

I caught him hanging around, LOL!SK MC Hangin Around

Chief and I both say THANKS for checking out this review. Continue on to read my rating of the modelSK MC FIN

Summary: The set is a fun build. The bigger pieces make this easier to build than the smaller models, despite it having more pieces. I didn’t find this any more difficult than the smaller ones.

The model is for ages 8 and up. I agree with that, so long as the young ones are patient. I do suggest adult supervision. Besides, it’s fun to build with your kids. A great bonding experience!

With a fantastic amount of articulation, the model can be posed in many positions, as evidence by the pics above.

Overall Rating: I give this set 9.5 out for 10 medals. This set has good value for the price. It’s nearly three times more than the smaller models, but so much bigger. If you’re only going to get one of these models, then do yourself a favor and get this one!

So why did I give this a 9.5 instead of a 10?
• While stickers are usually my sticking point (pun intended), here is was the color of the armor. While it matches the smaller figure nicely, the color used with the stand and the one piece on the helmet is what I would have preferred. The stand itself has limited articulation. If you’re only going to put this on a shelf, then it’s worth having in the set. If however you may be inclined to actually PLAY with this, well, the stand won’t be as important to you.

Those points are minor though. This really is a fantastic model!

Do I recommend it?  MOST DEFINITELY YES! When compared to the smaller models, this one is definitely superior. The detail is so much better, the articulation as well. The way the visor is done was a great touch.

Other Halo Sprukit reviews:
Halo Toy Review: Bandai Sprukits Master Chief – https://halofanforlife.com/?p=20399
Halo Toy Review: Bandai Sprukits Commander Palmer – https://halofanforlife.com/?p=20466
Halo Toy Review: Bandai Sprukits Spartan Gabriel Thorne https://halofanforlife.com/?p=20501

If you have any questions about this set that I didn’t cover in the review, please do not hesitate to ask me. Either reply below or e-mail me at [email protected]

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) maybe. It’s much appreciated and helps ensure that HFFL stays active on the internet. Thank You.

-Sal

This entry was posted in Misc toys, posters, etc. by Sal. Bookmark the permalink.

About Sal

I’ve got tons of experience with Halo gaming and collecting. I feel I have something to offer to the greater Halo fan community. Posts along the way will be about tips and tricks in the games as well as collecting and many more Halo related things. I’ll also repost interesting articles from the official site, Halowaypoint.com, or from fellow Halo fan sites. As I continue this blog, I hope to help gamers who want advice on the games, as well as any collectors with regards to where to find collectibles as well as deals, coupons and so on. You can also follow me on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/HaloFanForLife or Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/halofanforlife11. Welcome to my blog and I hope you’ll come back again and again. -Sal

2 thoughts on “Halo Toy Review: Bandai Sprukits Master Chief (Large sized)

  1. Once again, props for such a detailed review!

    The mold is lovely; very pleasing to the eye. That reflective visor is quite awesome!

    Also, some great pics and poses here. Very nice.

    • Thanks. Yep, wanted to finish this off with a bang, so to speak. Now I can’t wait for the Spartan Locke figure in the summer!!!!

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