I’ve been ill the past few days. This is the reason for no new articles during this time. Apologies folks. But I’m raring to get back into writing…well…at least until my Vicadin kicks in, LOL.
Anyway, thanks for sticking with me, I’ll have some new articles posted shortly.
From IGN.com: By Ryan McCaffrey
You’re going to play Halo 4 this fall. You know it. Your friends know it. Your family knows it. Your significant other knows it (What’s that? You haven’t told them yet? Trust us, it’s probably best to do so sooner rather than later). For Xbox owners, there is simply no bigger game. But with today’s unveiling of multiplayer Specializations – essentially, Spartan mini-classes that will further customize, enhance, and prolong your Halo 4 War Games multiplayer experience – you’re probably underestimating just how much of your life is about to be spent with the Spartan IVs. We’ve got a breakdown of all eight Specialization classes, starting with the basics, along with details straight from the mouth of Halo 4 Spartan Ops designer David Ellis. Buckle up, people.
“When we launch Halo 4 in November, that’s just the beginning,” Ellis tells us. “Specializations are just another opportunity to make the play experience months and even years after release feel fresh.”
With that in mind, a few housekeeping notes: Specializations give you 10 extra levels’ worth of goodies to unlock, including nine levels of cosmetic armor items. Those nine include armor sets, skins for those armor sets, a weapon skin, emblems, and a visor color. On the tenth level (though the order of what will unlock when isn’t finalized yet, according to 343 and Microsoft), you get your gameplay modifying perk – the ultimate prize you really care about that we’ll detail below.
Also, and this is an important part: two of the Specializations – Pioneer and Wetwork – will be available at launch. The rest will come online later…unless you purchase the Halo 4 Limited Edition, in which case you’ll have access to all eight at launch.
Finally, to answer your question: Yes, your Specializations are usable in Spartan Ops mode.
HFFL: Wow, sounds like a lot more options for armor. The thing is form what I’ve read you have to hit a “50” first to start your journey on these extra items. If this is skill based, that is going to piss a lot of people off. There are just some people who would never reach a 50, thus being locked out of a part of the game that they paid for. Now if the “50” is something attainable through earning point/credits, that plays well for everyone. Of course I can hear the complainers out there that say then that the armor would be as special. Poppycock. It’s still going to take time to reach those levels and there are many extra sets of armor. If a person is skilled, great they’ll be able to tear it up on the battlefield. That in and of itself should be a reward, knowing they are good. Don’t push away those less skilled. (Whew, got ahead of myself and a bit off topic…)
To see each of the Specializations click the link at the start of the article. I’ll be discussing them each later today.
-Sal
UNSC Rhino: Set number 97016
Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 30 minutes sorting, 3 hours build. Total 3 1/2 hours.
Set Piece count: 822
Minifig: Red Scount Spartan (with armory parts for Recon), Marine with gold goggles; 2 Reach style/size yellow grunts
Weapons: 2 Sticky Grenades, Needler, Plasma Pistol, Fuel Rod gun (now in purple), Battle Rifle, Assault Rifle, Covenant plasma turret
Accessories: Deployable cover (shield), Radioman backpack, 2 light olive green ferns
Special Features: Tank Cannon can move up and down, turret rotates 360°, two hatches open/close, tread assemblies can pivot and treads move forwards/backwards on wheels
Price/Value: $85 US
The price is spot on for the piece count. I like the dark green camo effect here. The tank itself looks very powerful. The cannon/turret assembly is bulkier and much bigger than the smaller Scorpion tank. That’s a good thing. The tread assemblies are repetitive (as you’ll see in the pics below). That made this build feel faster than it was.
One thing to note that I missed until the end. I normally open all the bags with pieces and sort them…except any minifig bags. So while building, I thought I was missing 6 pieces. They were all the same piece. It was the flat 4X4 tiles with black lines on them. I was ready to complain about this, until I got to the end of the build and realized those pieces were included with the armory bits for the Recon Spartan. So this explains why you don’t see them on during the build process, but do at the end.
Enough talk, here are the pics.
Click on images to see a larger version.
Below you’ll note the “Addendum” sheet. Be sure to follow those two steps for the correct build.
This next pic is of the contents of the big bag above (near top left).
Sorted
The Forerunner structure was easy to build. I like the color of the structure. I really like the green baseplates. I hope more of these type of baseplates show up in future sets. They really help to flesh out dioramas and add color as well instead of just sticking a set on a wooden shelf.
In this next series of pics you can see that the build for each tread assembly is the same. Three face one way while the others face the other direction. The stabilizing “feet” are the same build and can be put on any opposite two treads.
The turret assembly was a fun part to build of this set. MEGA really knocked it out of the park with the design of the turret. Great angles, bulky looking as it should be. It just feels powerful.
The cannon assembly was quick, and much MUCH better than the Scorpion tanks cannon.
The next pic series is of the body of the Rhino. This was the most extraneous part of the build. It wasn’t until about half to two thirds of the way through that I really appreciated the design and aesthetic of the body build. It’s sturdy and has some black parts that add to the look of the body.
The final assembly of treads, turret and body. Ah, it’s a masterpiece of Halo MEGA Bloks design.
The minifigs, weapons, and accessories (minus the Plasma turret and deployable cover-seen in next pic):
Final set with figs, tank, and accessories:
Leftovers and what I did with those parts.
Summary: This is a great set. The repetitive build of the treads made it easy to build and quick. The overall design of the Rhino is spectacular. Well built and sturdy, it screams “POWER.” I enjoyed watching this come together as I built it. (with a slow phase in the body build) If you missed the Scorpion tank, then by all means get the Rhino. It’s a WAY better tank. I hope it makes it’s way into Halo 4. If not, I’ll still be very happy to have the set. If you did get the Scorpion and are on the fence about this tank, please allow me to gently urge you (by that I mean push heavily) into getting the set.
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 medals.
-HFFL
Versus Snowbound Highbase: Set number 97069
Target exclusive
Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 20 minutes sorting, 1 hour 40 minutes build. Total 2 hours.
Set Piece count: 438
Minifig: Red EVA Spartan, Blue EOD Spartan
Weapon: Mauler, Spiker
Accessories: Arctic Mongoose, Blue Flag
Special Features: Ramps can raise and lower
Price/Value: $40 US
The price is a good at $40 since the set has 438 pieces. I’d have expected to pay closer to $44. The packaging is great. I’m glad to have an arctic mongoose. The set came together quickly and was an easy build. I made one minor mistake that was easily fixable. (See if you can find it.) The set is really tall at 16.5 inches high. So you’ll need some tall shelf space to display it.
The set looks nice, but I can’t help thinking about it seeming unfinished. Two whole ramps are missing. Mind you for the piece count the price is great and I dont’ think I’d want to pay more for the set, but the addition of another gold ramp and purple ramp wouldn’t have added that much more to the cost. If it were another $5 for those two, I’d have been happy. So now my quandary is, do I buy another to make one complete base or 3 more to make two complete bases? And then what to do with the extra pieces?
The blue glass fins are really the draw here for me. Also, the way the MEGA designers utilized certain angles to get those fins attached at the base, including the grey bars is a great example of their skill and design aesthetic.
Well, enough talk, here are the pics.
Click on images to see a larger version.
The sorted brickyard.
At this point I would have shown the progression of the base build, but since I’ve made a cool animated gif for that, I’m going to show other parts of the build first, then the gif.
Both the wide and narrow fin assemblies:
The golden ramp
And now the animated gif:
Capture the flag!
As you can see in the following pic, this set looks good from one side,. Not so much the other as it feels like it’s missing parts.
Here’s what you have left over and what I built with those pieces.
Yet another Red EVA. This makes at least three we’ve had. Okay so this one has frosted feet. Still, I’d have preferred a different kind of Spartan. The EOD is great though!
The set once again, now with figs, and a close up of the figs in action.
Summary: This is a good set. What keeps it from being great, for me, is those two missing ramps and yet another Red EVA. As mentioned above, the extra pieces needed to make the other two ramps wouldn’t have driven up the price too much. I would have gladly paid another $5 to have those.
Still, the set is a good value and looks fantastic. So I definitely recommend it. Doubly so if you want to complete the Versus Snowbound Target exclusive theme.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 medals.
-HFFL
Covert Ops UNSC Wolverine: Set number 97072
Toys R Us exclusive
Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 10 minutes sorting, 1 hour build. Total 1 hours 10 minutes.
Set Piece count: 330
Minifig: “shark grey” Spartan.
Weapon: Assault Rifle
Accessories: n/a
Special Features: Rocket launcher turns 360° and pivots up and down.
Price/Value: $54 US (I got mine for about $33 on sale-what the price should have been to begin with…)
The Price is a high at $54 since the set has 330 pieces. Using the simple 10 cents per piece guideline, that should put the set at about $33 dollars. TRU is known to boost up the prices of their exclusives though. I bought this when there was a “buy one get one 40% off” sale. The other item I got was the Flood Siege set. So between them I paid what retail should have been on the two sets. I’m not certain if this is identical to the previous two Wolverines (Green Camo and Artic versions). I do believe there are some small differences.
I was on the fence about buying this. Thank goodness for the sale price. I liked the green camo previously and the arctic one one was fine. I didn’t think this set would ever be made again. However, that color really has drawn me in. I just think it looks sleek. Nice and dark, yet not black. Very “Coverty” lol.
Here are the pics.
Click on images to see a larger version. 
What’s in the larger bag on the upper left side of the previous pic:
Pieces sorted out to the brickyard:
The body starts to take shape: (note in bottom left I put on the front bumpers wrong, then fixed them by the lower right pic)
The hatch assembly with the hatch cover in place:
Rocket turret assembly:
Almost there. This build came together VERY quickly. Not sure if it’s because of my previous experience in Wolverines or that I’m just in a building frenzy as of late:
And now complete:
The one minifig:
What is a bummer about this set is that previous iterations included more than one minifig. The green camo and arctic versions each had a Hunter that came with them. I think that should have been included again, especially with TRU’s jacked up price. Ooh, maybe a Camo Hunter, that would have been awesome!
And finally the left over pieces and the minirig wolverine that I made from them.
(Use your imagination a little, you’ll see it, LOL)
Summary: This is a good set. TRU kind of screwed the pooch so to speak with the price. Bring it down to the $33-35 it should have been and it would be perfect. Include a Hunter at least and it would have been better.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 medals! Once again, the price is the major factor. Not MEGA’s fault, but rather the retailer. The addition of a HUnter would have really help justify the cost.
-HFFL
Flood Siege: Set number 97071
Toys R Us exclusive
Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 15 minutes sorting, 2 hours build. Total 2 hours 15 minutes.
Set Piece count: 426
Minifigs: 2 Orange Elite flood, 2 flood infection forms, 1 “Not-Jorge” Shark Grey color Spartan, 1 Shark grey color AA Spartan.
Weapons: Assault Rifle, 2 Plasma Rifles, Machine Gun Turret
Accessories: 2 Barrels, 1 power core, 4 sandbags, 1 jersey barrier (can modify to make two smaller ones), Long UNSC Storage case
Special Features: Mass Driver swivels around and pivots up and down; Mongoose wheels spin
Price/Value: $58 US
The Price is a little high at $58 since the set has 426 pieces. Using the simple 10 cents per piece guideline, that should put the set at about $43 dollars. TRU is known to boost up the prices of their exclusives though. I bought this when there was a “buy one get one 40% off” sale. The other item I got was the Covert Ops Wolverine. So between them I paid what retail should have been on the two sets. This set takes up a bit of space, however you can always take off the little connecting pieces and display the individual tower differently. The addition of the mongoose is nice. It’s a slightly different design from earlier versions and the “shark grey” color is fantastic. This goes for the Spartan figs as well. More to talk about, so I’ll do so during the pics views. I was really surprised with how quickly this set came together considering the number of pieces included. It was a fast build for me. I expected it to take another hour at least to build.
Here are the pics.
Click on images to see a larger version.
The contents of the large bag in the upper left corner are shown below:
The pieces sorted into the brickyard below:
Note the back end fenders are different from the original mongeese.
The center structure comes together below.
Next the landing pad:
The next few are of the Mass Driver tower and turret assembly:
Note the closest grey 2X8 plate is a different color. I fixed that after the pic was taken.
The mass driver above is by far the coolest looking part of this set.
Below is the pivot assembly for the mass driver. The following pic after shows the correct position of it on the Mass Driver. The directions are incorrect initially, but a step or two later show it in the right position, so be aware of this when you build yours.
The complete Mass Driver tower:
Here are the two connector assemblies for putting the towers together.
The completed set: It’s important to note that I went away from the instructions for the jersey barrier. It calls for it being one long barrier. However, there were enough of the right color pieces left over to easily make two smaller ones.
A closer look at the minifigs and weapons: MEGA did miss an opportunity with the Elite Flood figs. It would have been great if they would have included the other arm as well as the standard elite Combat helmet in orange. This way, we could have made elites that were in the colors of Elite Officers from Reach. Ah well, maybe in another set…
Left over pieces (again noting mine would be different from yours if you choose to make the jersey barrier long as instructions show.) Instead of trying to make a mini of the set with the leftovers, I just cobbled the pieces together to make some sort of robotic hauler.
The sticker sheet. I almost never use the stickers to sets. I dont’ want them to fall off, become lighter in color or get damaged. So I just don’t put them on.
Summary: This is a good set. Not really from any specific Halo scene. Instead it utilizes parts from various games. The Mass Driver is definitely from Halo Reach, while you could imagine the landing pad for Halo Wars. The center structure is kind of own it’s own, but adds to the set nicely. The price may be a hinderance for some. If so, wait for a sale. TRU does have those regularly for Mega Bloks sets. I wouldn’t call this a must have set for every fan. However, for fans like me, it really adds to the overall collection. I think I’ll rebuild mine into a taller UNSC structure. It’s a good set to get an extra one of (at a sale price). I do recommend getting it.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 medals! The price is really the only major drawback to this set. It’s a good set, if unspecific to any particular Halo game. More flood are always welcome and that new shark grey color just stands out nicely.
-HFFL
These set will be built, pics taken and reviewed over the next couple of days. Stay tuned!
-Sal
Here is the first Toy review from HFFL for Halo 4 McFarlane Action Figures!
This boxed set includes the new style Master Chief, a Blue “Soldier” Spartan IV, Zealot Elite, and Storm Grunt.
Weapons included are: Assault Rifle, Sniper Rifle, Energy Sword, Plasma Pistol
Each figure has the standard articulation:
• Ball Joint Head
• Ball Joint Shoulders
• 2-part swivel Elbows
• Ball joint wrists (except Grunt)
• Limited Ball joint Torso
• Ball Joint Hips
• 2-part swivel Knees
• Ball Joint Feet (except Grunt)
The Pros and Cons:
Pros: Great value for the set and a way to get three of the figures that are also on single card. The only one different is the Spartan IV. In this set it’s blue, the single carded fig is red. the sculpts are excellent as always.
Cons: Not really any cons to this set. The redesign of the characters is due to 343 and not McFarlane. So whether you like the look or not, McFarlane in not to be credited.
And now for the pics:
Pic from McFarlane’s website.
Great detail, though mine had just a bit too much silver paint on the helmet for my liking.
The grunt detailing is fantastic, though I’m not a fan of the redesign. I’m sur eit will grow on me though. Just take a look at the size of McFarlane grunts. The Halo 4 version sure is beefier than the Halo 3 version. Look at that Grunt bummer! LOL.
Once again, McFarlane nails the sculpt. This elite looks more monstrous and scary than any previous iteration. I love the color. The stunted mandibles with the head remind me more of the Rancor from Star Wars than the traditional Elite. The range in size from Halo 3 to Reach to Halo 4 is huge. The Halo 3 Elite looks puny, while the Reach Elite just looks like a slightly smaller brother. I’m liking this scale size, even if it doesn’t fit with the Halo 3 style figs.
I definitely recommend getting this set. It’s worth it and can save you from multiple purchases form the single carded figures if you’re not looking to repeat figures in your collection.
-HFFL
Versus Snowbound Combat Unit: Set number 97065
Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 1 minute sorting, 1 minutes build. Total 2 minutes.
Set Piece count: 47
Minifigs: Blue Spartan Mk V; Blue Combat Elite; Red CQB Spartan; Red Combat Elite, All minifigs have frosted lower legs.
Weapons: Shotgun, magnum, needler, needle rifle
Accessories: N/A
Special Features: N/A
Price/Value: $12 US
For the price you are getting what you pay for. Minifigs cost around $3 in the blind packs, so 4 should cost you $12. That’s exactly what you get. 4 minifigs, 4 weapons, 4 blocks to put them on. Plus you get a couple of black larger plates and the sloped printed plate saying what the unit is. Simple and right on target for the price. The only thing I wish would have been switched was the black baseplates for white. That’s just a preference though.
Here are the pics.
Click on images to see a larger version.
First pic is not mine. (I hastily opened mine before taking pics…)
Summary: A nice little set with virtually not build time. Worth the price.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 medals! It’s a filler set for the Snowbound theme. I’d have like to see different spartans and elites used, but still a solid set.
-HFFL
Versus Snowbound Weapons pack II: Set number 97043
Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 1 minute sorting, 1 minutes build. Total 2 minutes.
Set Piece count: 23
Minifigs: Blue Marine w/frosted lower legs.
Weapons: Shotgun, Assault Rifle, SMG, 2 grenades
Accessories: barrel, power core, radioman backpack
Special Features: N/A
Price/Value: $6 US
The set has 23 pieces. A simple set to be sure, but it packs a lot of goodness in for being a small set. If you’re like me, you love having those small extra scene pieces that really help to flesh dioramas out. The inclusion of the barrel and especially the power core really add to this set. The white camo baseplate if great. I hope MEGA uses this type of baseplate more often (in appropriate colors for whichever set they are in). Since it is easily connected with another like it, you can build a large diorama quickly with them. The snow background on the instructions is a nice touch.
Minifigs run $3 in the blind packs. So that means for this set you’re paying $3 extra for the other stuff. Is it worth it? Heck yeah! As I mentioned, the baseplate is great, you get a nice assortment of weapons as well as some bloks to build into a weapons storage area, plus the barrel, power core and backpack. Totally worth in, IMO.
Here are the pics.
Click on images to see a larger version.
The above image is not my pic and is not labeled as being set II. I hastily opened mine before taking pics of the box….
Summary: A great little set with virtually not build time. Definitely worth the price. I don’t need more of the marine, but definitely want more of everything else in the set. If I get more of this set, I’m up for trading/selling those marines.
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 medals!
-HFFL
