Technical Specifications:
Articulation:
• Ball Joint Head
• Ball Joint Shoulders
• Hinge/Swivel Joint Elbows
• Swivel Joint Hands
• Ball Joint Hips
• Hinge Joint Knees
Accessories: Battle Rifle (Red Athlon), DMR (Blue Athlon)
Cost: $8-10 (US)
Availability: Mass Retail I got mine from Wal Mart for $8.44 US before tax.

And on with the pics! (Click pics to make BIGGER)
Each of Mattel’s 12 inch Halo figure is in a tall slender box with the top half of the figure showing through a window. Several of the other figures are shown on the back of the box.
Don’t worry, one isn’t taller than the other. That’s just the way these two were packaged. They are the same height. Also, strangely enough, the Red Athlon has it’s weapon showing partially in the window, while the Blue one’s rifle is further down in the package.

In the box you get the figure and a Battle Rifle with the Red Athlon and a DMR with the Blue Athlon.

A closeup of the heads reveal that their visors have not only the lined indentations to them, but also a hexagonal pattern. This is one detail I’m glad Mattel included!

Here are the Spartans in orthogonal views. They are a little stretched height-wise. This the only thing I’m disappointed with with Mattel’s 12 inch Halo figs. I’d rather they be bulkier and not stretched tall. As they are very affordable toys however, I’m willing to overlook that.

The articulation of the 12 inch Mattel figures in comparison to the 6 inch figures is less. The 12 inch figures cost less than half of the 6 inch ones. Because of this, less articulation is acceptable. 

Each Spartan Athlon can hold their weapons and be placed into some minor poses.

Evaluation
Sculpt: Good, though the figure is stretched to fit the box and is compressed at the torso to be thinner than it’s in-game counterpart. 7.5 of 10 medals!
Articulation: While somewhat limited, there’s enough to get the figure into some cool poses. Articulated ankles would have really helped with this (and all of the other Mattel 12 inch figures). However, I’m keenly aware that the point of these figs is to put affordable toys into the hands of kids and collectors alike. 8 out of 10 medals
Paint Application: There isn’t much paint detail here. The figures are their base color (either red or blue) with Black. There are definitely some details here I wish Mattel would have included. Specifically the “8” on the head, as shown on the front of the box. 7.5 of 10 medals
Accessories: Each Spartan comes with it’s own Rifle. They are good sculpts and accurate to the game. 9.5 out of 10 medals
Playability: This is marked 4 years and older. Given the large size of the figure and accessory, I agree with that. However, the nature of the toy itself, being modeled after a mature rated game, is better suited for older children, in my opinion. I suggest 8 years minimum. For kids it definitely makes for a fun toy. If you’re an adult collector, it looks good on display, whether in or out of the box. 8 of 10 medals
Overall: 40.5 medals out of a total 50 medals.

I can only imagine what a proper sculpted and articulated 12 inch figure would cost. If I had to guess, its would be in the $40-50 range. That’s not so affordable and likely would have those expensive figures sitting on store shelves. That’s not something stores want. And…believe me, you wouldn’t want that either as it would mean a very slow roll out of other new 12 inch figures or the end of that line.

With that thought, I’m rather okay with the 12 inch figures as they are. The affordability here is KEY.

Do I recommend this product? Sure. If you’re looking for Matchmaking Spartans to display, these would be a decent acquisition. 
Though the 12 inch Mattel Halo figures are stretched to meet that height and a bit thin front to back, they are still fun toys. They would be great for kids to play with and make for nice display figures for collectors. The cost is very low for these (again I only paid $8.44 for mine from Was Mart), which is a bonus!

If you have any questions about this figure 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