I’ve just reviewed some McFarlane figure and what might look like a low medal count to you isn’t what it’s meant to be.

So let me go over what the medal count means and in part the stuff I look for when reviewing stuff.

With regards to action figures I look for:
Sculpt-Does it match the in-game model?
Paint-Application (often abbreviated as Paint Apps)-Again is it accurate to the in-game model.
Articulation-Does the toy enable me to put it in poses seen in the game?
Packaging-I grade this at a lesser degree than the actual toy. The reason being that I’m an opener. So packaging means less to me than say a person who keeps the toy mint on card.  Doesnt’ mean I’m right or wrong on that assessment, just shows how and why I grade it the way I do.
Accessories-Again are there any and if so, do they make sense for the figure and are they game accurate?
Scale-Is the toy in scale with others in the toy line? If it’s out of scale, is there a valid reason why?

So those are some of the general things I look for when reviewing. Though there are other things, the ones listed are the biggies.

Now as for the medal count. It’s not the same as an “A” – “F” kind of grading system. That is to say if I give a 7 out of 10, that is NOT the same as a 70%. No, it’s BETTER.

A figure that meets the basic needs of a toy in looks and playability and nothing more would be given a 5 out of 10. So that’s the middle ground all toys I review need to meet to even be considered worth getting. Less definitely will mean a pass on purchases. More however is better.

If I give a 6 out of 10 it means the toy has some nice additions that give it more playability. It’s a GOOD toy.

If I give it 7 out of 10, then the toy is VERY GOOD and has either/both good articulation and/or sculpt and/or accessories that make it better than average and worth getting.

An 8 out of 10 makes this a GREAT toy and definitely worth getting. There is something that is above the norm here be it some added articulation or accessories that help flesh the figure out. It is a multiple purchase item if it’s an army builder type figure.

A 9 out of 10 means you shouldn’t pass this up. It has exceeded my expectations in nearly every way and likely is a multiple purchase item if it’s an army builder type figure.

A perfect 10 or 10 (which I rarely give as I can almost always see room for improvement) is a figure that not only has exceeded my expectations but has blown me away. This would be one that I would tell you to get even if you weren’t a fan or just casually interested, it’s just that good.

So there you have it. Just incase you think I’m being overly critical. Believe me I’m not. I LOVE McFarlane Halo figures and now you see some of the behind the scenes stuff that goes into reviewing the toys.

I posted this in part as a response I got from a reader who wasn’t so pleased with my “score” for Cortana.

-Sal