Spartan - Mark V Gold (Play Arts Kai)

Play Arts Kai Spartan-Mark V

Now here's an appetizer for those who are expecting to get the new Halo game on Tuesday! This is the Gold Spartan - Mark V by Play Arts Kai. Now I know some people picked up those ones from McFarlane, and there are quite a lot of them at Wal-Mart actually, but I like this one better. Although it's a bit pricey but it's worth it. Play Arts has been creating some really awesome action figures lately, based on video game characters, so... go Play Arts! Can't wait to see more of your products.

















I'm not sure how accurate this action figure is compared to Master Chief or whoever that guy is in the game but this is how Square Enix envisioned their version of the Spartan. But the way I see this, I think it's true to the games and the amount of detail is phenomenal!

The entire armour is painted in metallic gold; even the visor is painted in gold, which could have been done better but no biggie. The sculpt on the armour just look complex and really well-defined.

Everything you're looking for in an action figure can be found here. Poseability wise, the Spartan can execute whatever pose you could imagine with ease. It's got ankle pivot, double jointed elbows, and it's got some kind of an extendable shoulder blade so you could actually move the entire arm across the chest. One thing that most people complain about the Spartan, and I guess all Play Arts action figures, are these odd knee articulation. It is like the knees are stretching as they're bent. It's not really obvious though but you'll notice it the longer you look at it.

Playability wise, this action figure has interchangeable hands that you can switch between "pistol-gripping" to "rocket launcher-holding" hands. However, I prefer to use the pistol-gripper for any type of weapon because it has a tighter grip and holds much better than the other one. I wish they added an assault rifle into his arsenal; I just find it unacceptable not giving this Spartan his main weapon. I know the Blue and Red Spartan got the rifles (although no rocket launchers) but this one has none.
















You can place all his weapons around him. Rocket launcher goes on the back, and pistol goes on the right leg. One thing you've noticed on the first photo is that the pistol got that shimmering peg that goes into its hole. I think I'm gonna trim that off just a little so it doesn't look ridiculous.

And overall, this is a nice piece of work by Play Arts, and if you just love Halo, then having this action figure is the way to show your love to it. Just my opinion though.