Recently I reviewed the Mega Bloks UNSC Mantis. At the time it was missing a few parts. I called in to Mega Brands/Mega Bloks customer service and asked for the parts that were missing.

I got them within 2 weeks. Much faster than the possible 4 weeks I was told it might take. All the parts I needed were included in the bubblewrap envelope.

Now my Mantis in complete!

THANKS Mega Brands for always having great customer service!

-Sal

I’ve already posted much of this before in some fashion, here are some new press images as well as text about the products that I just had to share. The last three images are from figures.com.

First up the single pack minifigs: 

Micro Action Figures Series 7 (#96978)
SRP: $2.99 each USD/ 3.99$ CAD ǀ Available: Fall 2013

Shown are form left to right, top to bottom:
ODST, Noble 6 (with Brute plasma rifle), Flood-human variant, Grunt (possibly black ops color?);
Grunt Yellow, CQB (Black), Brute, Crimson jump pack, Elite Ascetic Purple;
EOD Yellow, Scout White, Marine (Halo 3 style w/full goggles), Storm Elite Purple;
Halo 4 Spartan Blue, Marine Black (Halo 4), Spartan Security (silver), Grunt

Lots of good choices there. Plenty of army builders for those that want them! (Count me in there!!)

Next up Armory Packs:

Halo Armory Pack IV

SRP: $5.99 each / $6.99 CAD ǀ Available: Fall 2013

* UNSC Ammo Pack I (97037V) approx. 23 pcs
* Covenant Weapons Pack (97076U) approx. 26 pcs
* UNSC Weapons Pack (97165U) approx. 24 pcs
* Forerunner Weapons Pack (97166U)

Build and expand your units with an assortment of new Halo Armory Packs by Mega Bloks. Features:
• Assortment includes decorated weapons & new characters.
• First Forerunner armory pack featuring a Promethean Watcher.
• Three new armory packs rebuild into a cool weapon stand.

I am loving the Covie and Forerunner sets! The UNSC set is good too. I want more of the weapons drop pods, but don’t have as much use for the extra desert Spartan.

Next we have the Booster Frame sets:

Build & Combine Assortment

SRP: $9.99 each / 10.99$ CAD ǀ Available: Fall 2013

* UNSC C&C Console (97131U): A UNSC Marine heads to the command and control console to alert troops of incoming Covenant forces. Prepare the UNSC for inbound hostile enemies with the Mega Bloks UNSC C&C Console. Combine the UNSC C&C Console with the UNSC Hangar Deck and the Forerunner Terminal to build a UNSC Booster Frame! (approx. 60 pcs) Set includes all-new Halo 4 Marine figure.

* UNSC Hangar Deck (97133U): During a Forerunner ambush on a UNSC ship, a cyan UNSC Spartan in EVA armor secures the Hangar Deck for incoming battle-damaged UNSC aircraft. Support the attack with the Mega Bloks UNSC Hangar Deck. Combine the UNSC Hangar Deck with the UNSC C&C Console and the Forerunner Terminal to build a UNSC Booster Frame! (approx. 53 pcs)

* Forerunner Terminal (97170U): A Promethean Alpha Crawler defends a Forerunner Terminal from UNSC and Covenant access. Guard the terminal with the Mega Bloks Forerunner Terminal. Combine the Forerunner Terminal with the UNSC C&C Console and the UNSC Hangar Deck to build a UNSC Booster Frame! (approx. 69 pcs) Set includes all-new Halo 4 Alpha Crawler.

Combat Units are next:

Halo Combat Unit

SRP: $11.99 USD/ $12.99 CAD ǀ Available: Fall 2013

* Brute Battle Pack (97082U): The Brute Battle Unit pits a green UNSC Officer and green UNSC Spartan Security (NEW!) against a Brute Chieftain and active camo Brute Stalker (NEW!). (approx. 42 pcs)
* ODST Battle Pack (97085U): The ODST Battle Unit pits an ODST and an active camo ODST against a Covenant Grunt and gold Hunter. Let the battle begin! (approx. 37 pcs)

You folks know I just LOVE transparent toys and these two sets have one each, YES!!!!

The Cyclops are looking at you:

Cyclops Assortment

SRP: $14.99 USD/ $16.99 CAD ǀ Available: Fall 2013

* Cyclops Jungle Strike (97006V) approx. 47 pcs
* Cyclops Desert Strike (97007V) approx. 47 pcs
* Arctic Strike Cyclops (97107U) approx. 63 pcs
* Attack Ops Cyclops (97108U) approx. 54 pcs

The price is pretty good here. I’m looking forward to getting one of each.

A light up Gauss Hog follows:

UNSC Night Ops Gausshog

SRP: $32.99 USD/ $34.99 CAD ǀ Available: Fall 2013

The UNSC Gausshog is the light anti-armor variant of the Warthog LRV. Equipped with a 360° rotating Gauss Cannon, real working suspension and specially engineered floodlights, the Spartan Pathfinder and his Spartan gunner open fire on a Knight Lancer armed with a Suppressor. Now in desert camo with light features and in-game sounds, the Mega Bloks UNSC Night Ops Gausshog lets you play more than ever before! Approximately 220 pieces.

This set is exciting. Yes, a bit more than the normal price-wsie, however, did you read that it lights up AND makes sounds?!! AWESOME! Now if only it came in the more abundant green color as in the games.

And now for something completely different, ONI vehicles!

There has been quite a bit of buzz about our upcoming Fall product line since Nuremburg and New York Toy Fairs. We’re excited that we can finally give Bloks Brigade members the first official look at the exciting new Mega Bloks Halo ONI REAP-X builds! Read on below to learn about the ONI REAP-X subdivision and two new vehicles developed by their team of engineers.

The Office of Naval Intelligence, commonly referred to as ONI, is the intelligence service branch of the UNSC. While ONI serves various functions and operates under a multitude of subdivisions, the existence of the Reverse Engineering and Prototyping–Xenotechnology department, acronym REAP-X, is unknown outside the ONI division. Working under the ONI umbrella, REAP-X develops concepts, technologies and applications that are often field tested by ONI via other military branch deployments.

The REAP-X department evolved from smaller splinter groups created during the Human-Covenant War and helped funnel weapons and shield technology to human forces via Misriah and other firms as the war came to a close. Its big breakthrough however, was a Forerunner slipspace engine discovery that created the basis for the engineering concepts that helped complete the Infinity project. With unlimited resources, funding and attention from top brass the department houses many variants of never before seen military vehicles developed for special missions.

Mainline activities:

Weapon development
Technology analysis and research
Practical reapplication of alien technology
Vehicle and transport development
Hardlight research (Boson-Photon Fields)

The UNSC Siege Bike

ONI’s solution to single-manned rapid assault vehicles like the Covenant Ghost or Brute Chopper is none other than the UNSC Siege Bike. Positioned on a heavy-grade, all-terrain single traction tread, the Siege Bike can easily traverse challenging environments, reaching speeds of over 145kph (90mph) while maintaining incredible control and field dexterity. The forward-facing armor plate protects the operator while displaying intel for tactical information, as well as firing system controls.
The Siege Bike’s armament is a side-mounted heavy machine gun (M268 HMG) with spectrum-enhanced visual tracking functionality, designed specifically to target well-fortified enemy strongholds and barricades. The goal of the UNSC Siege Bike is simple yet brutal: Through the deployment of multiple, heavily armed and swift Siege Bikes, offensive assaults can form an unstoppable wall of firepower, quickly tearing through enemy defenses.

(This just plain looks COOL!)

The UNSC Light Assault VTOL

In the vein of the Hornet and the Sparrowhawk, the UNSC Light Assault VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) craft is a heavily armed, full mobility combat flier designed to operate in confined environments, such as forests, cave interiors, or even a skyscraper-dense metropolis. Unlike the other UNSC VTOLs which often have limited push mobility due to their turbine placement, the Light Assault VTOL has three turbines, one of which is a rear-mounted thrust system that allows the vehicle to quickly and deftly navigate narrow spaces, as well as engage swift enemy fliers like the Covenant Banshee. Lightly armored and capable of carrying only a single pilot, the real benefit of this vehicle is its armament: Below its flanking turbines hang twin autocannons (GAU-10/A HAC) and a pair of rocket pods (M302 Class-1 GMLS), both of which are extremely competent arsenals when providing ground support or engaging in air-to-air combat.

(Oh my, this will be a multiple purchase if only for the Jackal!)

UNSC Anti-Armor Cobra (97139)

SRP: $49.99 USD/ $54.99 CAD ǀ Available: Fall 2013

The UNSC Cobra is a surprisingly agile and fast 6×6 dual-mode battle tank. While in mobile mode, the Cobra can quickly cover long distances and launch a powerful offensive using its twin 30mm light railguns. It can also transform into lock-down mode and deploy a huge turret mounted 105mm light railgun that can punch through most Covenant shields and vehicles with ease. Featured with dual transformation, lights and in-game sounds, the Mega Bloks UNSC Anti-Armor Cobra lets you create the battle like never before! Approximately 400 pieces.

UNSC Hornet vs. Covenant Vampire (97123)

SRP: $69.99 USD/ $74.99 CAD ǀ Available: Fall 2013

Build the aerial battle between the Hornet & Vampire. Set includes 6 collectible figures including the new Spartan Recruit & Engineer! Hornet with in-game sounds & lights! Approximately 680 pieces.

UNSC Pelican Gunship (97129)

SRP: $99.99 USD/ $109.99 CAD ǀ Available: Fall 2013

New buildable Pelican with 3 Majestic Team micro action figures (Spartan Operator, Pathfinder & Scout). Also includes first ever light up Knight Battlewagon figure! In-game sounds & lights! Approximately 1,160 pieces.

As I’ve said before, I really love the Pelican design and have two of the Mega Bloks previous iteration of this ship. I just HAVE to get one of these new ones though. New design AND the electronics! WHOO-HOO.

I know this article was long, but as I said, it just had to be shared!

-Sal

My wife, being the lovely lady she is, got this for me.

UNSC Combat Orange Unit: Set # 97083

Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 1 minute

Set Piece Count: 37
Minifigs: Orange Spartan Mark IV, Orange Spartan EOD, Orange Spartan Scout, Active Camo Spartan CQB
Weapons: Rocket Launcher, SMG, Shotgun, Active Camo Shotgun
Accessories: None
Special Features: None
Price: $12-15 depending on where you buy it from.

And on with the pics!

A nice set. I’m glad Mega went back to the 4 minifigure set instead of the 3-3/12 minifig sets from last year.

This is what you get in the set. Considering single blind packed minifigures are usually $3 each, what you get here for $12 isn’t bad at all. You essentially get another 2X4 blok, 2 4X10 plates, the orange tile with the UNSC symbol and the angle plate as extra for free.

Here’s the unit on display. I almost always choose to make the display stand different from what is in the instructions.

Now for close-ups of the minifigs:

The Spartan Mark IV included has been done before so this isn’t really new. However, for those who missed it, it’s a great chance to get him.

Personally, I think Mega captured the sculpt of the EOD Spartan very well. It’s one of my favorite Mega Bloks Spartans.

I have to check, but I think the torso for the Scout seen here isn’t correct. I think that’s an ODST torso. Regardless, it’s a cool figure and I’m not unhappy about it.

And here we have what I consider to be the gem of the set. An Active Camo CQB. Long time readers of the blog will know that I LOVE translucent toys. I always love to see how things are put together. So being able to see through to the joints of figures is always cool and amusing to me.

Summary: No build time really as the display stand takes less than a minute. This is a good set for the money, especially given the active camo CQB Spartan.

Overall Rating: I give this set 8.5. It would have scored higher for me had there been a different spartan instead of the Mark IV. Still, the other three figures really make this worth it. As a side bonus, if you were looking to have a grifball colored spartan than this set is a MUST pick up for you!

–Sal

Covenant Spectre Ambush: Set number 97110

Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 10 minutes sorting, 30 build. Total 40 minutes.

Set Piece count: 183
Minifigs: Ascetic Elite (White); Honor Guard Elite (White); Marine full goggles/mask (Mix Green/Tan)
Weapons: Focus Rifle, Plasma Rifle, Pistol, Missile Pod
Accessories: Sandbag
Special Features: Opening/Closing hatch, multiple double joints, swivel turret, detachable Missile Pod (can attach to figure’s hands with “L” hook pins.
Price/Value: $23 US

The price is okay for the piece count. I go by the average 10 cents per piece, so by that rule the set should have been around $18.50. However, it needs to be noted that there are a few NEW pieces/molds here. Names the Spectre’s hatch and the missile pod. I hope it’s not the last we see of the pod and my gut says it won’t be. Anyway, Mega needs to account for those new molds. So a slight price increase isn’t bad. Especially when we get the uber cool Honor Guard. So it doesn’t come in white in the game. That really doesn’t matter. It’s a GREAT fig. Besides, I’m going to say this one is the head of the Honor Guards. The marine while utilizing same molds has a unique paint appplication. And I LOVE it! I hope to see more marines like this in the future.

Okay, enough of me talking, onto the pics!

Box Front

Box Back

Box detail showing characters.

Box contents

Contents of the big bag in upper left of previous pic.

Pieces all sorted out.

Marine’s last stand.

Missile pod attached to post

First few build steps of the Spectre

Next few build steps of the Spectre

In the above pic we see some nice curved pieces. I especially like the pre-printed pieces. I hate applying stickers and always worry they will fall off. So, I don’t normally apply them. Having pre-printed pieces saves me that worry. Thanks Mega!

Near the end of the build steps of the Spectre

Though this is a small vehicle (smaller than I thought it would be), it has a nice aesthetic. I really like the wine color of the bloks. Just like it’s Revenant cousin.

Final build steps of the Spectre

Normally building blok sets ignore the underside of vehicles. Not this set. I’m VERY happy Mega paid attention here and did the bottom justice. Those bottom rounded pads look great and slide along a smooth surface nicely. (well not that I play with mine, I heard this…um yeah, that’s what I’m going to go with here…)

Missile pod detached from mount. It can be attached to the Marine via “L” hook pins.

Left over pieces and what I made from them.

Summary: This set is fun little set. It’s a quick build, so you can get your Covies attacking the UNSC quickly! (Or display it like I do-again I don’t play with my sets….) The missile pod and accompanying Marine are fantastic extras to this set and help to justify the cost. At $23 it’s a good value. Again with some new molded parts, I don’t mind the cost at all. This is the one vehicle from Halo 2 that I really wanted, so I’m VERY happy Mega made it. The Honor Guard is just and awesome figure and it’s nice to have another Ascetic Elite.

Overall Rating: 9.5 out of 10 medals. Other than I think it should have been a little bigger, this set nails the blok version of the Spectre very nicely. This vehicle is fairly obscure and again I’m happily surprised it was made. While not an iconic vehicle, it has a lot of play value to it. I definitely suggest getting it, especially if you like vehicles from Halo and wants some Covenant variance.

-Sal