Toy Bender

I found a rather interesting press release from Corgi International over on Toys News International having to do with a structural announcement and brand license acquisitions, here’s the most interesting nugget:

- A partnership with Microsoft to bring the exciting and interactive world of Microsoft’s “Halo� franchise to life with stunning 3-D merchandise, in conjunction with the highly-anticipated release of “Halo 3� later this year.

I have a Toy Psychic prediction. Very shortly you will see an announcement that Master Replicas will be making high end Halo collectibles. Why you ask? Well, Corgi owns Master Replicas and after losing their Star Wars license, they’d be utter fools not to cash in on the Halo franchise.

Annnnnnd my prediction has come true. Amazing isn’t it?

So here’s my wish list for Master Replicas Halo merch:

1. Full Size replica assault rifle
2. Full size Spartan Helmet
3. Full size ODST Helmet
4. “Studio Scale” Warthog

What would you like to see coming from a Master Replica Halo line up?

toy, toy collecting, action figure, Master Chief, Halo, Xbox, Corgi, Master Replicas

It was only a few weeks ago when I asked the question of just who might make toys based off of the upcoming Halo 3 after I learned that JoyRide Studios had been shut down. Now my friends, we have an answer!

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I was running through my bookmarks the other day snooping around for toy news when I discovered that the website for Joyride Studious is gone. In its place was the website for Johnny Lightning. Joyride was mostly known for its Halo toy license and over the years it produced some pretty good, if not bordering on awesome, Halo toys.

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I have to thank Shawn at Digital Monkey Box (yes this is a little bit of shameless self promotion), because he informed me of some mighty cool news that I completely missed last week! I guess I can’t be perfect all of the time…

It seems that a company named Jasman Toys is going to make a Halo themed laser tag assortment. They plan on making the Covenant’s Plasma Rifle, Plasma Pistol and most exciting of all, the Energy Sword. Sword laser tag? Now that’s crazy cool. I’m thinking that a sticky grenade would make a fine addition to the laser tag game as well.

Here’s the offical press release:

Jasman Toys Announces Halo 3 Licensing Agreement With Microsoft and Bungie

Toy manufacturer Jasman to produce licensed Halo 3 Laser Command laser tag game targeted to fans of the popular franchise

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 22 /PRNewswire/ — Jasman Toys, a growing toy designer and manufacturer announces a new licensing partnership with Microsoft Corporation and Bungie Studios. Under the agreement, Jasman will produce a line of Halo 3(TM) Laser Command products. Highlighting the line is a laser tag-style set that features an infrared-light laser gun and sensors. Targeted to core Halo fans, Jasman’s Halo 3 Laser Command products will be available later in 2007.

“We are extremely excited to announce this licensing partnership with Microsoft,” said Brian Bonnett, executive vice president of Jasman Toys. “The Halo franchise is one of the most-recognized brands in the industry; the anticipation surrounding Halo 3 and our innovative product should prove to be extremely successful for Jasman and Microsoft.”

Jasman’s Halo 3 Laser Command builds on the success of the most sought-after video game brand with an exciting laser tag-style game. With the upcoming release of Halo 3, this is a must-have product for any Halo fan. Weapons will include the Covenant’s Plasma Rifle, Plasma Pistol and Energy Sword. These alien laser weapons emit a harmless infrared beam and sensors are worn by players to register hits. Engage in capture the flag, team battles, free-for-alls … the possibilities for gameplay are endless!

Links: Jasman Toys company website.

Toy, toy collecting, videogame, XBox 360, Microsoft, Bungie, Master Cheif, sword, laser tag, Jasman Games

If you’re a Halo fan and need an excuse to play with some Halo toys, WizKids has got the answer for you. The gaming company is releasing a Halo tabletop miniatures game in the style of Heroclix. There aren’t too many details released so far, but a few of the main differences between this game and Heroclix are some game mechanics that include weapon swaps, figure respawning, and most importantly the addition of vehicular combat. These additions to the gameplay will definitely make it feel more like the videogame, but I’m not too sure if that’s something I’d want in a table top game. Time will tell how these rules work out in a gaming session.

Please note that the little Master Chief in the picture is for size reference only and he’s not striking a Jesus Christ pose or in the middle of a jumping jack.

I’m wondering how these figures will be able to fit into the vehicles considering if it is a true “clix” type figure, then they will have bases. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see as details trickle in. However, the most tantalizing detail so far is:

A number of vehicle packs are also being produced, including a big surprise planned for San Diego Comic-Con this July.

If any of the Heroclix or Mech Warrior convention exclusives are any indicator, then this might be a pretty big vehicle. Could it be a Scorpion or Wraith tank? My guess is it’s going to be bigger than that. How about a Pelican drop-ship? That’s what I’d guess would be a “big” surprise. I’m hoping to make it to the San Diego Comic-Con, so you’ll hear whatever it may be as soon as I find out.

toys, toy collecting, table top gaming, war gaming, Halo Actionclix, Heroclix, Halo

I regret nothing!

Joyride Studios is still making Halo 2 figures until the inevitable release of Halo 3. They’ve posted some pics on their site of three multi-store exclusive figures. Along with a color variant Elite, you get the Prophet of Regret, and one of my most hated of foes in the game: the Jackal Sniper. The Jackal Sniper is most one of the most notorious of the Halo 2 enemies in my circle of friends as being able to defy the very laws of physics. After all, somehow they manage to give you a one shot, head-shot kill when their rifle isn’t even pointing at you. Now, that’s some skill right there. I refuse to have the toy version anywhere near me, who knows what kind of damage it could cause?

Toys, toy collecting, Halo, Joyride Studios