Review: Guitar Hero Mix and Match: Machine and Tiger Stripes

McFarlane toys isn't what it used to be: there was a time when they raised the bar for action figures. They paved the way for companies like NECA, but now they've kind of been left in the dust.
At this point, they're more or less down to video game properties and sports action figures. I assume they're selling all right - they seem to keep showing up in toy stores - but it's been a while since I bought anything with McFarlane's name on it. In fact, until now, the only thing I've picked up since starting this site was Cortana, from Halo 3.
Well, once again, I've picked up a McFarlane-made accessory connected to a video game I've never played. I swear I didn't plan this.
This time, it's a two-pack of guitars related to Guitar Hero, a game I don't understand at all. I don't want to be one of those people who just sneers and asks, "Why don't they just learn to play guitar?" But, well... why not just learn to play guitar?
I know, I know: this is something I don't understand, because I don't play. The toys can be bought at numerous locations. I found this pack at a small toy store in the Queens Mall called Toy Stop. There are action figures, as well, but who cares about those? I'll shut up and start the review before I upset any of the game's fans further.
At this point, they're more or less down to video game properties and sports action figures. I assume they're selling all right - they seem to keep showing up in toy stores - but it's been a while since I bought anything with McFarlane's name on it. In fact, until now, the only thing I've picked up since starting this site was Cortana, from Halo 3.
Well, once again, I've picked up a McFarlane-made accessory connected to a video game I've never played. I swear I didn't plan this.
This time, it's a two-pack of guitars related to Guitar Hero, a game I don't understand at all. I don't want to be one of those people who just sneers and asks, "Why don't they just learn to play guitar?" But, well... why not just learn to play guitar?
I know, I know: this is something I don't understand, because I don't play. The toys can be bought at numerous locations. I found this pack at a small toy store in the Queens Mall called Toy Stop. There are action figures, as well, but who cares about those? I'll shut up and start the review before I upset any of the game's fans further.
Appearance and Construction: 9/10

You know, there's nothing wrong with simplicity. I'm sure these are, at the very least, decent representations of the guitars in the game, but I'm not even going to bother looking into that. Because, frankly, it makes no difference. These are, for all intents and purposes, accessories.
And they're some of the best accessories I've ever seen in this scale. Seriously: these are great. On top of that, the idea behind them is brilliant. Fans of the game will want these as replicas, and other collectors will want these for their value as generic guitars, something with a great deal of posing potential that you don't see every day.
The construction is solid: these snap together nicely without gaps or issues. The appearance is fairly self explanatory: they've wisely gone with what appears to be a decal for the body, providing a nice level of detail. The paint applied to the various pieces is clean and attractive.
In fact, this is almost a ten, but there are a few things holding it back. First, there's the back. I love that they included a sculpted line for the electronics, but the Activision copyright information is annoying. It's a minor issue, but it is a strike against perfection. Secondly, there's the lack of a jack. This is an even smaller complaint. Finally, there are no strings. Now, I wouldn't expect ACTUAL strings at this scale, but if they'd pulled off sculpted or even just painted ones, it would have pushed this up.
Honestly, if they'd have left off the Activision info, I think I'd have overlooked the minor details and gone with a ten.
And they're some of the best accessories I've ever seen in this scale. Seriously: these are great. On top of that, the idea behind them is brilliant. Fans of the game will want these as replicas, and other collectors will want these for their value as generic guitars, something with a great deal of posing potential that you don't see every day.
The construction is solid: these snap together nicely without gaps or issues. The appearance is fairly self explanatory: they've wisely gone with what appears to be a decal for the body, providing a nice level of detail. The paint applied to the various pieces is clean and attractive.
In fact, this is almost a ten, but there are a few things holding it back. First, there's the back. I love that they included a sculpted line for the electronics, but the Activision copyright information is annoying. It's a minor issue, but it is a strike against perfection. Secondly, there's the lack of a jack. This is an even smaller complaint. Finally, there are no strings. Now, I wouldn't expect ACTUAL strings at this scale, but if they'd pulled off sculpted or even just painted ones, it would have pushed this up.
Honestly, if they'd have left off the Activision info, I think I'd have overlooked the minor details and gone with a ten.
Packaging and Extras: +1
The packaging is fairly utilitarian: not a lot of bells or whistles or wasted space. This is clearly not intended to be kept and displayed in its original packaging... which is fine, because that's not what I bought it for.
In addition to the guitars, you get a pair of stands. These are not something I'd have assumed: they're an unexpected bonus. They've even got miniature adjustable arms to hold the bottom of the guitar. I almost went to two points, since there are two bases, but I felt one was sufficient. If these had also come with attachable shoulder straps, two or even three points might have been in play.
Play and Display: +1

The bonus point here is for the "Mix and Match" feature, which is something McFarlane didn't need to include. It's not greatly useful with these two guitars, which really look best as they are, but, if I ever pick up another set, it might come up.
This is a really clever idea that increases the display options without a lot of work or expense. In addition, there's a small amount of articulation on the stands: the two small hands can rotate, allowing them to work with the different types of guitars.
The one thing these are missing is a strap, which would make them easier to display with some figures. That would have pushed the bonus higher.
This is a really clever idea that increases the display options without a lot of work or expense. In addition, there's a small amount of articulation on the stands: the two small hands can rotate, allowing them to work with the different types of guitars.
The one thing these are missing is a strap, which would make them easier to display with some figures. That would have pushed the bonus higher.
Price Tag and Final Analysis: 10+/10
These aren't complicated, but they really don't need to be. As accessories, these are very well designed and executed: I'm thrilled to have them. I'm not entirely sure what price these started at: Amazon claims they were originally $10, but I don't remember seeing them that expensive.
I found a pack for three bucks at a small toy store in the Queens Mall. At present, you can get a similar deal through a third party seller on Amazon, as long as you're willing to lay down another three bucks on shipping. If you look around, though, I'm betting you can find a deal on these.
I leave you with this thought: Eve is effing metal.
I found a pack for three bucks at a small toy store in the Queens Mall. At present, you can get a similar deal through a third party seller on Amazon, as long as you're willing to lay down another three bucks on shipping. If you look around, though, I'm betting you can find a deal on these.
I leave you with this thought: Eve is effing metal.
I do believe that's one of the best pictures I've ever taken. Of course, I could be wrong: I've got some pretty good ones up on my blog. Hey! I'm finally getting the hang of this "transition" thing everyone's always talking about!