Toy Bender

Neca recently announced a Comic-Con exclusive Simon Belmont “figure” that’s pretty interesting:

What’s great about Simon is that he’s a semi-3D representation of his classic 8 bit persona. There’s only going to be one thousand of these three inch figures made, so if you’re a huge Castlevania nut get a connection with someone going to the convention.

Yeah, I really don’t have a lot to say about this except to point and say, “Look. Neat.”

toy, toy collecting, action figure, custom, Castlevania, exclusive, video game

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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One of the greatest video game heroes of all time is now available for pre-order from Wizard Universe. You might not believe the shear amount of awesome that’s in front of your eyes, but it’s true. The world’s greatest practitioner of martial arts, Dan, is a ToyFare exclusive.

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A fellow 451 Press writer sent me this oh… forever ago and I finally got some time to share this bit of news. If you’re into videogames at all, you’ve probably heard at least a little something about the Bioshock, one of the drool inducing first person shooters coming out for the XBox 360. If you get the “Collectors Edition” (re: you are willing to spend 10 bucks more), then you will get the chance to own your own Bioshock toy.

I haven’t been following the development of the game much, but the web site’s description on Google is:

BioShock is a revolution in the shooter genre that will forever change the expectations for the FPS.

Uh, yeah like every first person shooter hasn’t said that already. I’ll have to wait and see for myself, but this figure is almost reason enough to buy the game. I’m really digging on the old timey dive suit look with a real kick ass vibe. You have to figure that a drill arm would be really handy in any soft of situation a videogame could throw at you. Zombies? Check. Robots? Check. Demons? Check. A drill arm can take them all on. Now in real life, a drill arm might not be able to help you pay your back taxes with the IRS, but it would be a wonderful conversation starter.

toy, toy collecting, video games, Xbox 360, Bioshock,

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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Over on NECA’s MySpace page they put up some new images of their Castlevania figure series, which is in the making. The one I particularly like is Alucard:

Alucard is the star of one of the greatest games of all time, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. If you have never played it, do so. Seek out a copy of the PS1 version or download it on the XBox Live marketplace (if it’s available, I haven’t fired up my 360 in awhile) and start playing it right now. SOTN is one of three games I can blame my first couple of years worth of bad grades in college… okay it was really laziness, but it’s just easier to blame video games.

toy, toy collecting, action figure, Castlevania, video game

No, not this “Resident Evil”.

NECA has done it again, just when you think they’ve maxed out the awesome, they squirt out some more magic juice on our faces. This time they’ve got something for you video game fans with series 2 of the Resident Evil Anniversary figures.

The figures included in this line up are: Tyrant, Crimson Head Zombie, Hunter (with V crotch!!),
Licker (with bendable, poseable tongue!), a secret chase figure, and a retailer exclusive Labcoat Zombie.

Unfortunately, they didn’t put up any new pictures of the figures. I’ll keep a look out for you in case they do. They are currently planning on releasing this wave in late August after they get approval from Capcom. Until then, start stocking up on shotgun shells and herbs!

Toys, toy collecting, action figure, Resident Evil, zombie, video game, Capcom

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

I’ll admit it, I’m the world’s lamest gamer. I pretty much lost interest in Metal Gear Solid 2 when I got to the fat guy on rollerblades with bombs strapped to him boss, so I never did get to all the stuff with Raiden and ultra confusing plot nor did I play the last game. However, elements in Guns of the Patriots like the cyborg/ninja Raiden have started to peak some interest in the series again.

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Medicom, maker of totally awesome toys, has created a Solid Snake figure for the upcoming PS3 game, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. They’ve also caused me to write the longest post title ever. Click here to check out more of the story on Toy News International.

Apparently, Solid Snake here has got some sort of crazy exoskeleton that allows him to be posed and still look like a realistic person. Normally I’d file this under cool, but I got to think twice when the term exoskeleton comes up. Hopefully, Snake here won’t be laying eggs in your ear while you sleep.

This figure is scheduled to ship in November and there’s no word on the cost. Since it’s an imported Medicom figure, expect to shell out a bit of geld from your hard earned paycheck.

toys, toy collecting, action figure, Metal Gear Solid, Guns of the Patriots, Solid Snake, PS3, Medicom

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

It seems like Spartans are making a comeback. You’ve got the Spartans from Halo, the upcoming film 300 (which I hear features 300 Spartans), and Kratos. Figures.com has got an exclusive look at the new Kratos figure from the popular PS2 game, God of War.

This bad ass is well… pretty bad ass. I must admit that I never played the game, but rest assured it’s on the “When I get a PS2 for ultra cheap or win the lottery and get a PS3″ list. There’s not much more to say about this guy except that maybe he should come with a couple of ladies to entertain… if you know what I mean.

toys, toy collecting, video game, action figure, God of War

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