Technical Specifications:
Articulation:
• Ball Joint Neck
• Ball Joint Shoulders
• Hinge/Swivel Joint Elbows
• Swivel Joint Hands
• Ball Joint Hips
• Hinge Joint Knees
Accessories: Assault Rifle
Cost: $8-10 (US)
Availability: Mass Retail I got mine from Wal Mart for $8.44 US before tax.
And on with the pics! (Click pics to make BIGGER)
Mattel’s 12 inch Halo figure series showcases each in a tall slender box with the top half of the figure showing through a window. On the back several of the other figures in the series are shown. I got ahead of myself here and had taken Chief out of the box before taking pics of the figure in the box. Normally there is a thin clear band that holds the figure up higher in the box. The two holes to the sides of Chief’s head in the cardboard are where the band slots in to.
In the box you get Chief and an Assault Rifle.
A close-up of the helmet and part of the torso. I was very surprised by the amount of detail in the visor itself. Its translucent and has not only the larger lines sculpted into it, but also the hexagons. VERY good work on Mattel’s part!
Here’s Master Chief in orthogonal views. As you can see, the figure is thin from front to back. It’s also a bit stretched height-wise. That’s really the only thing I’m disappointed with with Mattel’s 12 inch Halo figs. I’d rather they be bulkier and not stretched out. However, as that’s their interpretation, I’ve grown accustomed to it and am liking these figures more and more each day.
The articulation of the 12 inch Mattel figures in comparison to the 6 inch ones is far less. However, I need to point out that the 12 inch figures cost less than half of the 6 inch ones. So it’s acceptable that there is less articulation.
Chief stands ready to take on whatever galactic threat is out there against humanity!
Evaluation
Sculpt: Very good, except that the figure is stretched to fit the box and is a bit thin from front to back. 8.5 of 10 medals!
Articulation: While somewhat limited, there’s enough to get the figure into some cool poses. Articulated ankles would have really helped with this (and all of the other Mattel 12 inch figures). However, I’m keenly aware that the point of these figs is to put affordable toys into the hands of kids and collectors alike. 8 out of 10 medals
Paint Application: There isn’t much paint detail here. The figure is all green and black, with exception to the visor. 8 of 10 medals
Accessories: The figure comes with one accessory. In this case an Assault Rifle. It’s a good sculpt and accurate to the game. I’d have liked some paint detail here. Again though, since this figure is only $8-10 at retail, I can easily overlook that detail. 9 out of 10 medals
Playability: The packaging calls for this to be played with those 4 years of age and older. Given the large size of the figure and accessory, I agree with that. However, the nature of the toy itself, being modeled after a mature rated game, is better suited for older children. I’d suggest 8 years or older. For kids it definitely makes for a fun toy. If you’re an adult collector, posing is limited, if you’re the open and display type. 8 of 10 medals
Overall: 42.5 medals out of a total 50 medals.
Do I recommend this product? YES. For one, it’s Master Chief! Though the 12 inch Mattel Halo figures are stretched to meet that height and a bit thin front to back, they are still fun toys. They would be great for kids to play with and make for nice display figures for collectors. The cost is very low for these (again I only paid $8.44 for mine from Was Mart), which is a bonus!
If you have any questions about this figure 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]
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-Sal