REVIEW: NECA's Gears of War 12" Marcus Fenix with Sound

Lancers and lip service in 1:6 scale...

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NECA has now released everyone's favorite COG Sergeant, Marcus Fenix, in 1:6 scale...

PACKAGING:
Featuring attractive graphics from the game as well as beautifully rendered art on the front and sides, the solid cardboard window box package securely holds the figure and ensures it reaches its destination intact. The figure, snub pistol and Lancer are held in place by twisty ties while the interior features the now familiar flame-like red and black landscape from the game posters. The back of the package features a short paragraph of information about Marcus as well as photos of the 7" figure series.

SCULPT:
Featuring the same sculpt as the 7" Marcus Fenix figure, this 1:6 scale monstrosity stands just over 12" tall and instantly impresses. Even those figure collectors who've never played Gears of War should find this figure daunting...

With a body made of hard plastic and limbs made from a softer, more durable plastic; Marcus and his customized COG armor includes each and every detail, down to the last rivet and decal. The power pack/back armor features a maze of tubes, switches, and technicalities which give the figure an authentic look and the detailed ammo pouches on the figure's back and hips as well as the crotch protector plate (made from a softer rubber-like plastic) give the figure the final touches.

The facial sculpt too features impressive minute details, specifically the long jagged scar which runs across the right side of Marcus' face and chin. One look at this guy and there's little doubt the only ones stupid enough to stand up to this warrior are Locusts...and soon to be dead Locusts at that...

PAINT APPLICATION:
As with the 7" figure, this larger version of the character features equally astounding colors and paints. The silver armor features a gritty, worn look thanks to multiple black washes, instantly reminiscent of the battle-worn look seen in the game. In fact, the boots and lower leg armor (below) feature a dirty brown paint application which gives the figure an authentic "I've been trodding the muddy, barren landscapes of Sera" look.

My only minor complaint is the fact Marcus' face is so clean. His five o'clock shadow is present and maybe that's what was intended, but if his legs and armor are so dirty, shouldn't his face be dirty as well?

ARTICULATION & ACCESSORIES:
Due to the push-button sound, the 12" Marcus features fewer points of articulation than the 7" figure. In total, this version includes 13 joints: a ball-in-socket head/neck, ball-jointed shoulders, cut biceps, cut hips, hinge knees, and pin-in-socket wrists and ankles. While these 13 joints allow for a fair amount of movement, they do not allow for many different poses. Favoring sculpt and pose over articulation, NECA created Marcus with a single battle-ready stance in mind (above); a pose which will work for most fans, but too little for some finicky collectors.

Thanks to the two accessories included with the figure, the snub pistol and the Lancer Assault Rifle, fans do have a few different display options, though the basic pose with either gun in-hand is relatively similar (above). The 1:6 scale Lancer Assault Rifle features more detail than many 6" figures, the chainsaw bayonet, reloading handle, magazine ejector and even bayonet handle all present and perfectly replicated.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
Unique to this figure, a push-button sound chip allows fans to hear three simple lines of dialogue from the game, including...

"BRING IT ON!"

"NICE!"

"BACK IN YOUR HOLE!"

While all three lines are game accurate and delivered with force, the specific dialogue as well as the limited number of lines seems weak in comparison to other similar figures like the 12" God of War Kratos, which featured six much longer lines of dialogue.

The 12" Marcus Fenix could have included a number of other "PG-13" rated lines, including "Ahh... Blood, guts, just another day on the job." and "Fight through the pain!. And, considering the game is rated "M" for Mature, an "R" rated version of the figure could have been made and included lines like "Let's take the prison blocks. I'm ready to kick some a$$." and "AHH...what are these guys made of, s##t?".

Thanks to multiple concealed holes drilled in the back of the figure, fans will hear the three lines of dialogue with no distortion. Likewise when the batteries run low, the ammo pack comes off of the figure allowing access to a small battery compartment (above). All in all, a push-button sound feature compliments the figure, but most fans will find they use it less than they first thought and, while the three lines the figure says may not be the most impressive, they are no doubt the most frequently heard during the game.

COST & OVERALL IMPRESSION:
Priced at approx. $30.00, the NECA 12" Marcus Fenix is a true bargain. Considering the massive size, the impressive sculpting, the game-accurate paints, and the push-button sound, there's no doubt Gearheads from around the globe will have this displayed next to their Xbox 360 while playing their favorite game in the near future.

According to Randy Falk, a new 12" Marcus Fenix figure with an updated headsculpt will hit retail in early 2009. This new figure will include a new LED "light up" feature which will illuminates the figure's armor. This feature will replace the push-button sound which should be a treat for fans who don't appreciate the sound or want both. After all, you can never have to much of a good thing...

That said, don't wait six-plus months for the new version, sign up for your chance to win this impressive figure in our Gears of War 12" Marcus Fenix Giveaway today!

Be sure to also check out the PHOTO GALLERY, featuring over 60 images of the 12" Marcus Fenix!

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We've published reviews, interviews and a ton of new info on what's quickly become one of our favorite video games and properties - Gears of War. For fans who missed it, be sure to check out the articles below and be sure to pick up Gears of War 2, in stores November 7.

* REVIEW: NECA Gears Series 2: Theron Guard

* REVIEW: NECA Gears Series 2 Delta Squad Figures

* INTERVIEW: NECA's Randy Falk (courtesy of GearheadsofWar.com)

* INTERVIEW: Gears of War Novelist Karen Traviss