Review: Halo 3 BR55 Battle Rifle Scaled Replica
For someone who's never played a game in the Halo franchise, I seem to be accumulating a lot of their merchandise. While the games don't interest me, I have to admit there are some impressive toys and collectibles out there. And, more importantly, they don't seem to be selling well, because I keep seeing these on clearance.
I've passed up a lot of McFarlane merchandise over the past year, though every time I see the action figures and helmets I try to think of something to do with them.
Well, it doesn't take much imagination to come up with a use for a 1/6th scale rifle. This is produced by Master Replicas, a company whose wares I usually dismiss as out of my price range. When I came across these at Toys R Us for a tenth their original price, I decided to pick one up. Actually, in the interest of full disclosure, I picked up two.
I've passed up a lot of McFarlane merchandise over the past year, though every time I see the action figures and helmets I try to think of something to do with them.
Well, it doesn't take much imagination to come up with a use for a 1/6th scale rifle. This is produced by Master Replicas, a company whose wares I usually dismiss as out of my price range. When I came across these at Toys R Us for a tenth their original price, I decided to pick one up. Actually, in the interest of full disclosure, I picked up two.
Appearance and Construction: 8/10
Sure, it looks good, but considering this is a "scaled replica," which more or less translates into miniature statue, it's not breathtaking. The weathered gunmetal effect delivers much better than you expect from an accessory, but, like I just said, this is supposed to be more than an accessory.
Needless to say, I can't comment meaningfully on how well it mirrors the BR55 Battle Rifle in Halo 3, since I have no idea what that actually looks like. I'm going to assume it's a good likeness and push forward. Aesthetically, I think the barrel is too short, but I'm sure they're just remaining true to the design.
I'm more disappointed with the scope. Each end has a indentation that's painted blue, a shortcut that creates a toyish effect. At the very least, they should have capped each end with clear plastic, so it looked like glass. I don't think it would have been too much to make the scope hollow, as well.
The appearance is good, but the construction here stands out. For the most part, this is solidly built, lots of metal, and it's got some heft. No complaints here.
Needless to say, I can't comment meaningfully on how well it mirrors the BR55 Battle Rifle in Halo 3, since I have no idea what that actually looks like. I'm going to assume it's a good likeness and push forward. Aesthetically, I think the barrel is too short, but I'm sure they're just remaining true to the design.
I'm more disappointed with the scope. Each end has a indentation that's painted blue, a shortcut that creates a toyish effect. At the very least, they should have capped each end with clear plastic, so it looked like glass. I don't think it would have been too much to make the scope hollow, as well.
The appearance is good, but the construction here stands out. For the most part, this is solidly built, lots of metal, and it's got some heft. No complaints here.
Packaging and Extras: ----
The package looks fine, if a touch minimalistic. They don't really grab your attention, but I could care less about marketing.
As you can see, the back isn't any more interesting than the front. I guess the goal is simplicity. I'd feel a lot less secure in calling this strategy a failure if these had sold out at full price.
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The only accessories included are a plastic base and cheap pieces holding it up. This isn't especially impressive, but it does the job and looks fine. I do appreciate that the gun is elevated over the base.
Ultimately, given the price and what this is, a base is pretty much required, so I can't offer any kind of bonus there. If they had tossed in an ammo clip or a strap I might be able to justify a bonus, but it would have to be pretty good to justify the original retail price of this thing. |
Play and Display: ----
Normally, display pieces get a default bonus point, but I can't justify it this time. The thing is, I feel like something is missing here. I'd like to see some moving or removable pieces, maybe an ammo clip or something.
That said, this certainly functions as a rifle for twelve inch figures, though there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, this is made of metal, so I'd hesitate to use it with expensive figures, especially those with paint you could scrape off. Also be aware that this thing is heavy, so it's going to weigh down their arms.
To put it another way, this works as a 6th scale gun, but it's certainly not meant to be used that way.
That said, this certainly functions as a rifle for twelve inch figures, though there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, this is made of metal, so I'd hesitate to use it with expensive figures, especially those with paint you could scrape off. Also be aware that this thing is heavy, so it's going to weigh down their arms.
To put it another way, this works as a 6th scale gun, but it's certainly not meant to be used that way.
Price Tag and Final Analysis: 8/10
Supposedly, these originally retailed for twenty bucks. Okay, I appreciate that these are made of metal, I get that they're licensed from Bungie, who likely asked for a substantial cut of the profits, and I can see that these are well made.
But $20? Come on.
Granted, similarly sized Stars Wars replicas can go for twice as much, but don't expect to see me defending the value there, either. Twenty is clearly too much to ask. In fact, I don't think they're worth ten.
I found a pile in a clearance bin in the basement of the Times Square Toys R Us a while back for two bucks, and a picked a few of these up. They also had some of the purple alien weapons, but I couldn't think of a use for those.
But $20? Come on.
Granted, similarly sized Stars Wars replicas can go for twice as much, but don't expect to see me defending the value there, either. Twenty is clearly too much to ask. In fact, I don't think they're worth ten.
I found a pile in a clearance bin in the basement of the Times Square Toys R Us a while back for two bucks, and a picked a few of these up. They also had some of the purple alien weapons, but I couldn't think of a use for those.
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