Mega Construx CTF Arctic Warthog

Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 15 minutes sorting, 1 hour building. Your time may vary as I stop to take pics for the review along the way.
Set Piece Count: 311
Minifigures: Spartan MK IV, Spartan Rogue, Spartan Recon (GEN 1)
Weapons: x3 Magnum, SMG, Shotgun, Sentinel Beam, X4 Frag Grenade, X3 Plasma Grenade
Accessories: Buildable Flag stand, buildable crate/terrain display, x3 Figure stands
Special Features: 4-wheel independent suspension
Cost: $30 US (Mass Retail)

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

The box shows a cool action scene on the front with a very descriptive photo on the back showing the contents inside.

In the box you get an instruction manual, several bags of parts and a 4×10 plate.

Here are the pieces sorted out. As I do from time to time, I remind you all that sorting your pieces not only makes it easier to build, but also gives you a moment to check the amount of pieces against the parts list in the manual. 

Ok, let’s start into the build.

This warthog has a NEW feature built into it that’s never been in another Mega Bloks/Construx set before. SHOCK ABSORBERS! Specifically tubes of flexible rubber that act as 4-wheel independent suspension. Of course we’ve had shock absorbers before, but not like this. Previously it’s been small clips that are inserted into those holed parts. Those are gone and now replaced with this rubber tube assembly. It’s a GREAT feature that adds yet MORE realism to the iconic vehicle that is the Halo Warthog! Circled below left shows the rubber tube going under a long plate, connecting 2 5×1 parts.

As well, we get a NEW piece! The 2×2 with additional side slopes piece is brand new. Gone are the long pieces with holes. Instead we get this more economical piece that’s just as sturdy and looks MUCH better. 

Next up the “tusks” and tow bar. This includes a small hook tied to a string.

We get a few printed pieces in this set. Here are two of them that make up the center console. It’s these small details that really bring a set to life!

A bit further along in the build, we add the seats and back section. I’m not sure why blue was chosen as the color for the seats. I’d have preferred black, but it doesn’t really matter here. This dark blue works just fine.

A few more of the printed pieces make up the front hood. When I initially saw these I thought I wouldn’t like them on the model. However, as I put them together, I found that they looked rather good and showed off the angle s of the front end quite well.

A 1×1 slope with a printed side makes a small overhead display. COOL!

The windshield is frosted, giving it that “driving through snow” look. Normally I don’t go for such things, but again, with this set it looks great! Gives it a gritty look, like the warthog has been used.

The machine gun turret is the same build we’ve had with other “hogs”. Only the colors are different.

The completed warthog sits ready for it’s driver, gunner and passenger! The added frosting on the wheels looks fantastic!

With this set you also get a buildable flag stand. This is new for Mega. I’m glad they are venturing out a little and trying some new things, even if they are small. This adds a nice set piece.

Along with the flag stand above, we also get to build a small terrain section that holds the included crate.
The crate can easily hold all of the grenades.

We get a small variety of weapons and grenades. I especially like that the plasma grenades are translucent.

Here are the parts I had left over.

These 4 parts were used as “stabilizer” parts in the build and come with the set. I appreciate this as I can now add those to my spare parts bins.

The set comes with 3 speckled white figure stands.

The figures are ready to get into the action! Are you?

Here is the completed set with figures in place. Looks awesome, am I right!

Summary: This version of the Arctic Warthog is a throwback to Halo 3. The roll bars of the Halo 4/5 era are gone, but we get a great new suspension system instead. Added set pieces in the flag stand and terrain with crate assembly add to the features of the set. Along with those, you get 3 figures and a good mix of weapons and grenades.

Overall Rating: I give this set 10 out for 10 medals.

Why did I give it a 10 out of 10?
• I didn’t think I needed yet another Warthog. However, after buying and building this set, I must say that this is a fun build with cool features, including the suspension, printed pieces and added set dressing (flag stand and terrain/crate assembly).  The figure choices are superb for that Halo 3 feel.

Let me break down my opinion of the value of this set. (In US dollars)
• The figures with one weapon and a stand each equate to $3.50 each.  $10.50 total.
• The flag stand and assembly are worth $2.50 in my estimation.
• The crate and terrain assembly another $1.
• The Warthog itself I’d put at $20 in value.
TOTAL: $34 (before tax and in U.S. dollars)

Given that the set cost $30 U.S. before tax, the set is a great value! In my opinion, you’re getting more than a good deal here.

Do I recommend it?  YES! As mentioned above, I didn’t think I needed another Warthog, but here I am really liking this set and happy with my purchase. If you don’t have a warthog, this is a great set to get. If you do, it’s a great one to add to your collection!

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]

If this review gives you an informed decision on whether to purchase the toy or not, please consider a small donation (50 cents) to the blog.You can donate via PayPal to [email protected]. Or just click the paypal link at the right on the main page of the site.  It’s much appreciated and helps ensure that HFFL stays registered/active on the internet. Thank You.

-Sal