ADVANCE LOOK: NECA's Gears of War 3 1:1 Scale RETRO LANCER

[JeffSaylor]

This prop replica is beast...

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Come September 20, 2011 all hell breaks loose as Epic delivers the final bloody chapter in their popular sci-fi video game trilogy: Gears of War 3. Aside from what is sure to be the most amazing game in the series yet, players will have a choice of several collectible-stuffed packages to sate their Gears hunger: The Limited Edition with bonus Octus Service Medal and fabric COG Flag, or the Epic Edition which includes medal, flag, plus a limited edition Marcus Fenix Statue (see our story HERE for a complete bundle break down).

The coolest bundle, however, is the one that packs NECA's 1:1 scale Retro Lancer prop replica. Exclusive to GameStop in the U.S. (fans overseas will get a Gold Retro Lancer - see HERE for availability), this massive collectible can be added to the stand alone game, the Limited Edition, or the Epic Edition for approximately $80 extra. It can also be purchased by itself priced at $99.99. Obviously, getting the Retro Lancer with the Gears of War 3 game is the best deal (and you were gonna get the game anyways, right?), but it's nice to see that you can buy this prop solo, you know, in case you need two (it'd make a great gift!).

I love the design of the newer Chainsaw Lancer. I mean who doesn't - it's only the most iconic weapon in Gears of War, or any video game for that matter. On the other hand, I absolutely LOVE the Retro Lancer. It's a love slightly stronger than the chainsaw and it's all because of that wicked cool bayonet. Obviously it's a matter of personal taste, but bayonets simply rock my world. Not only do they make a gun - any gun - look much better than it already is, but they scream war.

I'm not a huge Civil War buff, but I've always been morbidly fascinated by the bayonets they used on their rifles. Just imagine how up close and brutal that must have been. And lets not forget WWI where bayonets were used extensively in trench combat. History aside, I love the bayonet on this weapon. I couldn't impale a flea in the Gears of War 3 Beta Multiplayer, but I love it nonetheless.

Another cool feature on the Retro Lancer is its size. I already said it was massive, but I'm talking 46 inches long, 12 inches wide massive (in comparison, NECA's 1:1 Chainsaw Lancer measured 37" long). Again, it's all about that bayonet, which by the way, does come off. In fact the weapon will ship without the blade attached. To put it on, simply slide the blade into the slot where the bayonet's handle is located and wait until the curved piece below the muzzle 'clicks' into place. It's a firm connection, though it would have been much neater had NECA allowed you to remove the entire bayonet - handle and all. I'm sure someone with customizing skills could easily arrange this.

Weighing in at close to 5 pounds, the Retro Lancer has a nice heft to it. Combined with it's length, and man, you feel like a real bada$$ holding it. Trust me, it's a total geek-out moment when you get this thing in your hands.

But wait, there's more! Like NECA's 1:1 Chainsaw Lancer replica, the Retro Lancer features an electronic firing effect at the pull of the trigger. It's one of those gimmicks that's neat at first, but quickly gets under my skin. I prefer my own personal "Pew! Pew! Pew!" sound effects. To eliminate the sound feature (or to start it back up once your batteries die), check out the butt of the handle. Just unscrew the one screw holding the lid in place and remove (insert) three (3) C Batteries (which are included).

What else can I say? Paint and detail on the Retro Lancer are amazing. It's huge. It "fires". It's simply an amazing piece of life-size sci-fi weapon design that any passionate Gearhead will truly appreciate on display. Affordably priced at $80 (or $99, but common, get it with the game!), this is one prop replica you won't want to miss. U.S. fans can pre-order the Retro Lancer NOW through GameStop.com - but hurry, supplies are limited.

Even better is the contest NECA and Epic Games are holding where numerous lucky fans will win a Retro Lancer for FREE. There are two ways to win:

* If you are at San Diego Comic-Con, have your picture taken with the Gears of War Retro Lancer at the NECA booth, Booth #3145, at the designated area. Verify with a NECA attendant that you have posted your picture to the NECA Facebook wall and immediately receive a free set of metal COGS tags! Everyone who does the above will also be immediately entered to win a free Gears of War Retro Lancer. At least one (1) Gears of War Retro Lancer will be given away each show day. Winners will be notified on premise.

* If you are not at SDCC, you can still win. For those at home, post your picture with any Gears of War item on the NECA Facebook wall and be entered to win 1 of 6 free Gears of War Retro Lancers.

Winners will be notified by August 5th. Good luck!


Review and Photos by Jeff Saylor

Review Sample Courtesy of NECA

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[SamRock]

Wow!! Super cool.. I too absolutely LOVE the Retro Lancer.

Thanks Jeff for another awesome Gears review!

BTW.. you 'll make a great COG Soldier (Jeff Fenix?) !

[JeffSaylor]

LOL - thanks! I busted out my bandana just for the occasion

[Blankman]

An awesome job as always, Jeff! I can't wait to get mine on Sept. 20th! Randy & the rest of the Neca crew are simply geniuses at work. The Gears of War license is definitely in the right hands.