Mega Construx Sword Base Invasion

Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 1 minute to sort, 2 minutes to build
Set Piece Count: 99
Minifigures: Spartan Air Assault, Spartan CQC, Skirmisher X2
Weapons: Shotgun, Grenade Launcher, Needle Rifle X2
Accessories: Small 2×2 crate, x3 figure stands, buildable covers, jetpack (with rod to allow figure to look like it’s in flight)
Special Features: N/A
Cost: $15 US Mass Retail.

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

The front box art is good and with a large window in the box, you can see all the figures nicely. The back of the box shows the accessories to the set.

I do not always highlight backboards in packaging. However, this one was just so colorful and deliberate, I felt I needed to show it here. If you keep the toys in the box, this provides a nice backdrop. If you take them out, this can still provide a nice backdrop to display your figures. Perhaps cut it along the center line vertically? At any rate, it’s a nice little addition to the package design.

In the box you get the tray of figures, a small bag of pieces and an instruction foldout.

Here are all the pieces sorted out.

The weapons included are nice and varied. You DO get two of the needler rifle. I only showed one of them here.

Let’s move on to the figures shall we?

Skirmisher Major: This is only fifth time we’ve had any version of a Skirmisher in the Halo Mega Construx line. This particular one is the first with removable armor and added articulation both. It also sees a completely new head. From the side, the head looks pretty good. However, from the front and back, it’s not as good. The front makes it look too wide and blocky in comparison to the original version. I do like the more detailed lines on the skull though.

The feathers do not really look like plumage. More like chunky hair. One of my buds, GCustomCreations referred to this as the “wolf” head. I can totally see it now. I personally prefer the old skirmisher style head to this new one for the way the feathers were done. That’s the only issue I have with this whole set.

Spartan CQC: The CQC Helmet is one of the best from Halo Reach. I wasn’t sure if the Blue over Yellow parts were going to look good, when I first saw the preview for this set. However, now that I have it in hand, I have to saw, it looks pretty darn good. A striking color combination.

Spartan Air Assault: Note, this figure uses the female torso. Again, the color deco works here too. 

Here is the jet pack on the Air Assault Spartan. Though of course you can put it on the other spartan if you choose too. With a name like Air Assault though, it makes sense to put it on her.

And finally, here is the whole set. You get a small crate and blast shield. The Air Assault figure at present is using a slightly larger stand that allows for the clear rod to be inserted into it, so you can mount the figure on it to make it look like it’s flying.

Summary: The set’s build time is quick as it’s only the blast shield that needs built. (The crate is only two pieces.) The Spartans look great. Other than the head sculpt of the Skirmisher, the figure itself is well done.

Overall Rating: I give this set 9 out of 10 medals.
Why did I give it a 9 out of 10?
• The only issue I have with this set is the new Skirmisher head. My only hope here is that if Mega does the other variant of the Skirmisher (Murmillo, Commando, Champion), that the helmets cover over the head (not plumage) appropriately. One point off.

Of course, this is my preference. You may find the new head appealing.
Everything else about this set is great for the price. Speaking of…

Here’s my opinion on the break down of the value of this set. (In US dollars)
• Each figure with a weapon and stand I put at $3.50 each. Total value $14.
• The blast shield I put at $1
• The jetpack is another $1
• The small crate I value at 50 cents.
TOTAL: $15 (before tax and in U.S. dollars) 

Given that the set costs $15 US before tax, my valuation of $16.50 makes this set a really good value. 

Do I recommend it?  Yes. Two cool spartans and finally some more Skirmishers! Again, the only sticking point for me was the new wide head sculpt of the new Skirmisher head. It won’t stop me from buying more skirmishers in the future. 

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