Daily Archives: 08/09/2012

The Halo Bulletin: 8.8.12

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The Halo Bulletin: 8.8.12

There is a cool video showcasing weapons form Halo 4. Some we’ve already seen, others we haven’t like the “Saw” and “Railgun.”

One thing to note, there are two version of the video. One with music, one without. I suggest listening to the one without the music to really here the weapons sounds. ON the note of the music, I REALLY hope that isn’t what we are getting for Halo 4. I’m NOT a fan of the “dub-step” style. Well, not for Halo anyway.

There is a nice break-down of the weapons shown with commentary from 343 personalities, most notably Frank O’Conner.

After this there is a long article by Frank O’Conner giving candid thoughts about Halo 4 and his association with Bungie.

The August playlist update may or may not upset you. They (343) are taking away some and rebuilding the lists. Notably, Action Sack is gone, BTB is no TU only, no more Firefight Doubles (Man I’m glad I just finished up my Reach Firefight career).

A custom challenge for beat-downs is laid out to us as well as the Super Jackpot this weekend for playing Griffball (32K credit jackpot).

So go and check out the bulletin, it’s worth the long read!

-HFFL

Mega Bloks Toy review: Versus Snowbound Battlescape set 97068

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Versus Snowbound Battlescape: Set number 97068
(Target Exclusive)

Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 2 minutes sorting, 3 minutes build. Total 5 minutes.

Set Piece count: 100
Minifigs: Blue Recon w/white dusted feet; Red Commando Elite w/white dusted feet; Active Camo Recon (COOLNESS)
Weapons: Battle Rifle (Black); Plasma Rifle (Crimson); Active camo Mauler
Accessories: Covenant power core; clear display stands (can be made small or large, your choice.

Special Features: Turret swivels
Dimensions: The Battlescape is the standard size as all the rest as it uses the same mold again, this time in white/steel colors.

The set has 100 pieces. Most are really the minifigs and that’s just fine. I’m always glad to have a clear figure as I’m a fan of that particular type of toy. (I love to see the inner workings of how a toy is made and clear toys show that very well)

Here are the pics.
Click on images to see a larger version.

Like the other battlescapes, this one features a removable section. This can be place elsewhere on the baseplate if desired.

The turret assembly is quick and easy to build. Really great design. I think Mega nailed it here. I just wish I could get a few more of the turret without having to buy more of the whole sets.

The minifigs are fantastic. Not just due to Recon, but active camo. I like the crimson Plasma Rifle. Close enough to be like the Brute Plasma Rifles. More Power cores please!!!

Summary: A good set for the money. Everything outside of the battlescape itself really drew me into buying the set. Were this made as a set without the scape, I’d have bought 3 more of them.  It’s a good set to get, especially if you want to complete the Snowbound Target exclusive series.

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 medals. Decent minifigs weapons and accessories help make the set from an otherwise overused baseplate set.

-HFFL

Mega Bloks Toy Review: Covert Battle Unit set #97070

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Covert Battle Unit: Set number 97070

Technical Specifications:
Build Time: 1 minute sorting, 2 minutes build. Total 3 minutes.

Set Piece count: 47
Minifigs: Steel (Shark-like grey) Spartan Mk V w/Red UNSC logo on left chest; Steel ODST with red secondary color, 2 steel marines-1 with goggles, 1 with ggogles and mask.
Weapons: Shotgun, Assault Rifle, SMG, Large Machine gun (with turret assembly
Accessories: 3 black backpacks, Bubble shield generator
Special Features: Turret assembly can swivel

Price/Value: $18 US

The set has 47 pieces. How that exact number is determined I’m not sure as each minifig is comprised of 14 pieces each. So that would already put the total over 47. If counted a one piece each then the total is way below 47 with everything else. Really though it doesn’t matter. The set is great no matter what the piece count is.

Here are the pics.
Click on images to see a larger version.


Sorry for the flashpoints…

What’s in the box (bagged)

A quick sort and here’s what you’ve got.

Very cool instruction sheet, almost a mini poster.

As you can see from the above pic, you can have a minifig hold the turret or assemble it and have someone gun it.

The bubble shield is easy to assembly. I like the smokey color of this one.

Covert Ops Battle Unit ASSEMBLE!

Summary: A great little set with virtually not build time. The new Shark Steel Covert Ops color is fantastic. I really like the turret assembly. Given that a 4-pack of figs now costs about $13-14 for the extra $4 or so you get the bubble shield, generator and turret assembly. Is that worth it? Well, in conjunction with the rest of the set, heck yeah. I got mine at 50% from Toys R Us’s sale price. As of this writing they are still having a “Buy on get one 40% off” sale, so jump at this set if you’ve got the chance. It’s worth it.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 medals!

-HFFL