Mega Bloks Booster Frame: Made from 3 sets designed to make this: Sets #97131, #97133, and #97170

Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 20 minutes (5 to take apart existing smaller sets, 5 to sort pieces and to to build)
Set Piece Count: 162 (piece count only includes parts for Booster Frame, base and EVA minifig. No weapons or the other two minifigs counted toward piece count)
Minifig: Teal EVA Spartan
Weapons: N/A
Accessories: N/A
Price: $30 (This is actually $10 each for three numbered sets)

And on with the pics!

Here are all three boxes lined up. I LOVE the way MEGA made the one side of them make a larger graphic. EXCELLENT design there!

Here are all three sets completed. Now ready for disassembly to then start building the Booster Frame. Don’t they look great together?!

All three set pieces sorted out.

The first few steps shown here. At the point it kind of reminds me of an X-Wing, without the wings…

The next steps of the Booster Frame. Note the inset graphic. It shows the placement of some strategic “pins” to keep the wings in an upward slanting position while horizontal. A great design solution!

The base for the booster frame.

Curiously these two pieces were NOT included in the instructions. However, I came up with the perfect solution for using them. You’ll see that in just a second.

Various views showing the completed set, sans the minifig. This really is a nice design, if a bit small by comparison to the ship in the Halo Legends cartoon.

And finally, here you see the minifig piloting the Booster Frame. Note the insert shows that I clipped on those two pieces to the red foot pegs. Then I was able to attach the minifig EASILY into place. Before attaching those pieces, the minifig had a tendency to flop around or fall off the ship. So I highly suggest using my fix for this.

Summary: As a set made from three individual sets, I like what was designed. It’s a little small to scale, when compared to the cartoon version. Still, that’s not a detractor at all for me. I’m just happy to have this ship. I honestly never thought we’d get it as it IS an obscure vehicle. But then…I should know better by now. MEGA are GREAT for giving us ships of all sorts from Halo!

Overall Rating: I give this set 9 out for 10 medals. It’s worth it to have a sleek looking small obscure ship form Halo. Having the set be a little bigger and include a Watcher to make up for what I think is a slight disadvantage in the Forerunner set, and this would have earned a perfect 10 with me.

Just one thing to point out that others have commented to me prior to this review. Some have complained about piece count and price. The cost of the three sets brings this to $30 before tax. You get a ship that has 162 pieces. That puts it at around the $16-17 range. Now consider you have three minifigs and count one weapon each for them. Each of those minifigs would be $3.50 sld seperately. So that’s another $10.50 toward the total. After all of this you still have 5 other weapons from the three sets to account for. This in my opinion makes the whole of the three sets WORTH the $30 you pay for them.
Some folks tend to think narrowly here and only want to say the Booster Frame costs $30. Not so, you also get the minifigs and weapons as I said, which easily make up the difference. And that excellent packaging, especially with the one side making a larger graphic… WIN!

That all said, I HIGHLY recommend this.

I need to once again thank my wife for getting me this. Another early Birthday present. As I’ve been saying, she’s the best!

-Sal

Mega Bloks Forerunner Terminal: Set #97170

Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 3 minutes
Set Piece Count: 69
Minifig: “Alpha” Crawler
Weapons: Scattershot, Suppressor
Accessories: N/A
Price: $10

And on with the pics!

Still lovin’ that new clean white box look!

Here are the contents. As you can see, the directions (second from left) are used for part of the graphics for the box. The white “tray” holds it in place. The actual piece bag is small and only takes up roughly 25% of the inside of the box. So why is the box so tall then? Simple enough to answer.
In order to not only show the third set of three, the box had to be taller to show off the combination set of all three into the Booster Frame set.

The pieces are sorted out. It’s important to note the not including the minifig, there are actually 63 pieces. This confirms again from both the C&C console and Hangar Deck reviews that MEGA does indeed count the minifig as 6 pieces.

A couple steps in the build process of this set.

Of the three, I’d say this is second of them, but is close to first. Believe it or not, it’s that translucent orange baseplate that does it for me. But then, many of you readers know I LOVE see-through toys, so this should come as no surprise.
I do like that this looks like a Forerunner terminal. So by comparison, this set of the three is the most believable and accurate to the game.

Only two weapons included in this set. I do find that odd. Considering the minifig is a crawler which has less articulation as well. By this regard, I think we were just a smidge short changed here. Then again, this set does have the most pieces of the three. So it just about balances out. Still, I’d like to have seen another weapon at least.

I very happy that MEGA didn’t ignore the other version of the crawler and gave us the Alpha. I quite like the light spikes coming out of it’s back. Hmm, I wonder if we’ll get a Cralwler Sniper down the line? Be nice to have, especially if MEGA includes the red translucent circle at the front of the head. That is the key piece that denotes it’s a sniper.
As with the other two sets in the Booster Frame series, I removed the set pieces to display them flat. This is EASILY done with this set. Anyone out there NOT want their translucent orange baseplates? If that’s the case, contact me, I WANT MORE of them! sal@halofanforlife.com

Summary: This is the third of the three Booster Frame sets. It’s the most game accurate of the three sets. A little short on the weapons and the minifig has less articulation than the other minifigs in this series. Quick build time.

Overall Rating: I give this set 8.5 out for 10 medals. Add another weapons to this and it gets a .5 higher rating. Add a Watcher to this and you get a perfect 10 rating. I just feel that the crawlers are not as good as the bi-pedals minifigs. Not because of sculpt, that’s GREAT. But because of articulation. I understand that would be near impossible at this size. So give us a Watcher also.
That said, I still recommend getting this set. Who knows, we may not see the Alpha Crawler again… So get it while it lasts!

I need to once again thank my wife for getting me this. Another early Birthday present. As I’ve been saying, she’s the best!

-Sal

Mega Bloks UNSC Hangar Deck: Set #97133

Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 3 minutes
Set Piece Count: 53
Minifig: Metallic Teal EVA Spartan
Weapons: All three are “smoky” translucent: Magnum, SMG, Shotgun
Accessories: N/A
Price: $10

And on with the pics!

As I’ve commented on, I love the new white packaging design as it makes it stand out more from other dark toy packaging.

Here are the contents. As you can see, the directions (second from left) are used for part of the graphics for the box. The white “tray” holds it in place. The actual piece bag is small and only takes up roughly 25% of the inside of the box. So why is the box so tall then? Simple enough to answer.
In order to not only show the second set of three, the box had to be taller to show off the combination set of all three into the Booster Frame set.

The pieces are sorted out. It’s important to note the not including the minifig, there are actually 47 pieces. This confirms from the C&C console review that MEGA does indeed count the minifig as 6 pieces. I’d have to break those down into: Head, Left Arm, Right Arm, Left Leg, Right Leg, Body.

The set completed. This one reminds me more of a mini Factory, with it’s silos included. It isn’t really anything game related. Stlll, it’s a neat little set.

Here are the weapons included. As with the C&C console set. I’m still a little perplexed towards the decision to make the weapons translucent. Again though, it’s not really an issue with me.

Also, as with the C&C set, the Hangar set’s gem is it’s minifigure. The Teal metallic deco of the spartan literally makes it shine. We’ve rarely seen teal as a color of choice and it looks great here.

You who may not want to display this on the base provided. So, I’m showing you an alternate build. You can see by the graphic above how I attached each of the split off pieces. This still retains the look of the set as if it were on a base for the most part. Yet now you can place it anywhere without the need for the base. I’m saving up these base pieces to make a large battle diorama. That is in large part my motivation for doing the alternate builds.

Summary: This is the second of the three Booster Frame sets. It’s a neat little set on it’s own, though doesn’t really resemble anything in the game. The minifig’s metallic deco really helps to make this a good set!

Overall Rating: I give this set 8 out for 10 medals. Of the three individual Booster Frame sets, this is my least favorite. Mostly because the mini-set doesn’t resemble anything from the game and on it’s on looks out of place. However, the saving grace is that minifig!

That said, if you intend on building the Booster Frame, you’re going to need this set. Since it’s affordable at $10, I definitely recommend getting it.

I need to once again thank my wife for getting me this. Another early Birthday present. As I’ve been saying, she’s the best!

-Sal

Mega Bloks C&C console: Set #97131

Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 3 minutes
Set Piece Count: 60
Minifig: Marine Medic
Weapons: All three are “smoky” translucent: Assault Rifle, DMR, Railgun
Accessories: N/A
Price: $10

And on with the pics!

As I’ve commented on, I love the new white packaging design as it makes it stand out more from other dark toy packaging.

Here are the contents. As you can see, the directions (second from left) are used for part of the graphics for the box. The white “tray” holds it in place. The actual piece bag is small and only takes up roughly 25% of the inside of the box. So why is the box so tall then? Simple enough to answer.
In order to not only show the one set of three, the box had to be taller to show off the combination set of all three into the Booster Frame set. You’ll see all three sets together in another review along with the packaging side by side which will make more sense then.

The pieces are sorted out. It’s important to note the not including the minifig, there are actually 54 pieces. So I guess MEGA is counting the figure as six pieces? Though truthfully it’s made up of several more component parts. I count 14.

This is an easy build. Here’s the set completed. It actually reminds me more of a “mixing” table, as in DJ table, than a command console. On it’s own, it’s a nifty little set piece.

Here are the weapons included. Here’s the only part that I’m a little perplexed. Mind you I LOVE translucent toys. However, in this instance, it just doesn’t fit. Why give a solid painted figure translucent weapons? What’s funny is that the railgun on the packaging is shown in solid black. This is minor to me, though I’ve read posts on collecting forums of people bashing MEGA for this choice. Really folks, if you want a solid weapon, either spray paint these or just get some weapons packs for those extra weapons. This is a non-issue with me, just a strange decision by MEGA, IMO.

Now THIS is the GEM of the set, IMO. The minifig is AWESOME!. Paint detail is fantastic. This is the Medic version of the Marine. As I was a Hospital Corpsman in the US Navy, this figure holds a special little place in my heart. What’s better is that it’s an “Easter Egg” figure of a sense. Conan O’Brien and his sidekick Andy Ricter did some funny voice over work for Halo 4. Their characters were these very same Medics. So….I’m going to have to get TWO of this set at least! Gotta have my CoCo and Andy! LOL.

Finally, for those of you who may not want to display this on the base provided, I’m showing you a slightly alternate build. Here I show some of the pieces on the sides of the console that are then combined and attached unobtrusively to the back of the console. This way you can display flat without the base. As well all of your pieces are accounted for and in one place.

Summary: This is the first of the three Booster Frame sets. It’s a neat little set on it’s own, though doesn’t really resemble anything in the game. With a quick build, good weapons include (if odd choice for being translucent), and a knock-out minifig, this is a great set!

Overall Rating: I give this set 9 out for 10 medals. Again, the weapon color is minor to me, but I’ve read enough complaints by others to know it is a big deal in the collecting community. So that is the only reason this didn’t get the perfect 10 from me.

I need to once again thank my wife for getting me this. Another early Birthday present. As I’ve been saying, she’s the best!

-Sal

Mega Bloks Last Man Standing Zombie Pack: Set #97199

Technical Specifications:
Build Time: NA
Set Piece Count: 40
Minifigs: Blue Security Spartan, Glow in the Dark: CQB, EOD, Recon, EVA
Weapons: Shotgun, 4 “Glow in the Dark” green translucent energy swords
Accessories: N/A
Price: $15

And on with the pics!

The dark inner graphic of the cardback helps to highlight the GITD figures. The only thing hidden from view are the figure stands.

In light on top and after exposed to light for 15 minutes below. The GITD feature isn’t very prominent, but it still works.

Summary: A good figure pack for the price. I’m a fan of GITD toys, so this was a must buy for me. It is an exclusive to Target. Depending on your desires, you might want to wait on this for a sale. Target is usually good for that. But I wouldn’t wait too long. I suspect this set will sell fairly well.

Overall Rating: I give this set 8.5 out for 10 medals. If the GITD feature was “brighter” it would have scored higher. Also, while I respect the idea of the green swords to coincide with the color of the Zombie Spartans, I’d rather have had game accurate blue ones. That’s not a complaint, just a preference.

I need to once again thank my wife for getting me this. Another early Birthday present. As I’ve been saying, she’s the best!

-Sal

Mega Bloks UNSC Attack Cyclops: Set #97108

Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 2 minutes
Set Piece Count: 54
Minifig: Covert Ops Marine (“Shark Grey” color)
Weapons: Sniper Rifle
Accessories: N/A
Price: $15-17 depending on where you buy it from.

And on with the pics!

I really REALLY like the graphics for the packaging. It showcases the contents very well, explains the cyclops on the back, and the inside graphic once you’ve cut away the plastic bubble is great!

As always the contents sorted out.

I don’t recall doing this for the previous 3 iterations of the cyclops, so here is a front and back shot of it showing it’s articulation.

This is how the shoulder mounted gun is assembled.

The finished set with the Marine standing in the cockpit. He’s holding the sniper rifle. With the other three Cyclops, I was able to put both the backpack and the respective weapons in the cockpit with the marine and close it. The sniper rifle is a bit too long for that, so…

…I put it on one of the forearms, using the side peg on the weapon to attach it.

Summary: This now is my favorite of the 4 versions of the cyclops. For one, I really love this color. As well, the shoulder mounted guns are much more impressive that the other three cyclops weapons. The sniper rifle is well detailed with paint.

Overall Rating: I give this set 10 out for 10 medals. Given that I got this at Target for $2 cheaper than Toys R Us, I felt better about the price. I still wish these cyclops sets would have included a UNSC technician figure though.

I need to once again thank my wife for getting me this. Another early Birthday present. As I’ve been saying, she’s the best!

-Sal

My wife and I were out and about last night and stopped by a Target. They had nearly all the new fall line of Halo Mega Bloks. While we couldn’t afford it all, my wife was nice enough to get me a few of the smaller sets. So tonight and tomorrow I’ll have 5 reviews to post up.

The reviews are:
• Zombie infection set
• Heavy Assault Cyclops
• All three of the Booster Frame sets

The names above are not the official names, I’ll have those for the reviews.

Mega Bloks Covenant Weapons Pack: Set #97076

Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 2 minutes
Set Piece Count: 26
Minifig: Steely-Blue Elite Minor
Weapons: Needler, Plasma Repeater, Storm Rifle
Accessories: N/A
Price: $6-7 depending on where you buy it from.

And on with the pics!

Have I said how much I like this new clean look. There is just something about the package design having a white theme that says “Hey, I’m new, buy me,” to me.

The back of the box, again showcasing the weapons as well the weapons stand.

Here is what you get in the box. I’m not sure why there are translucent blue parts, but I’ll take them. You folks know that I LOVE see-through toys! Note in this set we get a Plasma Repeater and Storm Rifle. Both are nicely detailed in paint and the needler looks very nice as well.

This is the completed set. I really like this one a lot. The weapons stand evokes both the weapons crates as well as the barricade we know. It’s like a hybrid between the two, in a GOOD way. And WOW that minifigure! Great detail. I’ve been waiting for this figure to come out in game accurate colors. The wait is over and it was worth that wait.

And finally all three weapons sets together, though not as the combination build.

Summary: This is an army building set for sure! With a very well done minifigure, excellent weapons choices, and a nicely themed Covenant weapons stand, this set has just what you need to fill up your Covenant Storm Faction. Of the three, this was the set that excited me the most. I certainly hope this isn’t the last we’ll see of this minifigure in that specific color. The stand parts are in keeping with the general Covenant theme and fit well with other Covenant sets.

Overall Rating: I give this set 10 out for 10 medals. Yes…a PERFECT score from me. It has a classic weapon, a rarely seen Reach weapons, and a NEW Halo 4 weapon, not to mention a fantastic minifigure. I HIGHLY recommend this set!

I need to once again thank my wife for getting me these three weapons packs and the Arctic Cyclops pack that I reviewed. It’s an early birthday present to me. Isn’t she a doll! Thank Love!

It helped that the sets were ‘Buy One, Get One Half Off,’ at Toys R Us. Sale ends tonight folks!

-Sal