Mega Construx ODST Squad Ambush

Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 1-2 minutes to sort, 1-2 minutes to build
Set Piece Count: 99
Minifigures: ODST (Standard), ODST w/Sniper type helmet), Brute Captain (VISR mode), Brute Minor (VISR mode).
Weapons: Brute Plasma Rifle, Bruteshot, Magnum, SMG w/Silencer attachment, Buildable Plasma Turret
Accessories: x4 Figure stand, Backpack (standard), Backpack (radioman), plasma bolt
Special Features: N/A
Cost: $15 US (Mass Retail)

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

The front of the box shows most of the contents of the set through a window, while the box art shows the figures going head to head.
In the box you get the tray with figures, weapon accessories and a few other parts, as well as an instruction manual and a bag of parts.

Here are all the pieces sorted out.

Buildable things are: Jersey Barrier, Plasma turret, Radioman Backpack and silenced SMG

Before we move on to the figures, I want to make a note of them. This, by my best recollection (and having gone through Mega’s database of sets) is only the THIRD set to include VISR mode figures. For those not aware, VISR means: Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance. This is how UNSC troops see enemies with VISR is activated. It outlines enemies in Red. We have yet to see a set that includes VISR mode with Green friendly troops. The other two sets to include VISR outlined enemies are:

NMPD Warthog (from 2016, which was a WalMart exclusive) AND,
NMPD Police Cruiser Standoff (from 2014).

Suffice to say, VISR mode figures are very few and far between.

Okay, now let’s move on to the figures, shall we?!
Brute Minor VISR mode
I like it. Clean red lines. The black armor on grey flesh/fur makes for an imposing look.

Brute Captain VISR mode
To me, this VISR mode Captain is the gem of this set. Mostly for the helmet. With the red outline, it looks much more striking than normal.

ODST
Standard armor makes up this ODST. However, the color variant is anything but standard. Call this a Desert drop ODST if you will. I like it!

ODST Radioman
The only difference between this ODST and the former are it’s helmet and the backpack. That’s enough however, to make it look like a different figure. Nice shiny silver and black paint application to the sniper visor on the helmet make a big difference.

And finally, the whole set!
What a fun scene to make!

Summary: The set’s build time is very short build, only requiring the Jersey barrier and Plasma turret to be built. The figures are excellent with special kudos to the VISR mode Brutes.

Overall Rating: I give this set 9 out of 10 medals.
Why did I give it a 9 out of 10?
• The set is great in that it has army builders in both the Brutes and ODSTs.
• I would have given this a 10 if there were just a little more paint detail to the weapons and/or ODSTs.

Here’s my opinion on the break down of the value of this set. (In US dollars)
• Each figure with one weapon and stand worth $3.50. Total $14
• The Jersey barrier I value at $1.
• The Plasma turret I value at $1.
TOTAL: $16.00 (before tax and in U.S. dollars) 

Given that the set costs $15 US before tax, I find the value of this set a slightly above that of the retail price. 

I wish this were mass released/distributed as planned. It’s a set I wish every fan, collector and kid should have if they want it. The distribution of this set was very poor, IMO.  I personally never saw it in stores. I was lucky enough that a fellow collector got this for me through a deal. I know most of my fellow collectors as well as friends didn’t find this set. I do hope this gets a rerelease from Mega. VISR mode figures are very cool, again, IMO. I hope we eventually get to see a set with friendly forces in green VISR outlines!

Do I recommend it?  Absolutely! IF you can find it and at retail price. The figures are cool and I always like to get little set pieces like the barrier and plasma turret.

This is a set I had hoped to buy multiples of. I’m happy that I was able to at least get one of it.

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].

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-Sal