Gears of War Lancer Replica | Artist: Epic Games | Edition Size: Unknown

It’s interesting to read some of the early impressions of this piece. It’s clear that there are two value systems at work here. For the gamer, this is ‘really expensive’. The seasoned collector sees it differently, as the price here equates nowadays to more or less that of a 1/6 figure. Knowing this, one should not go in expecting the kitchen sink. As both a gamer and a collector, I can see either side of the coin.

I’m constantly amazed at how the two have intersected of late, and this, perhaps fittingly, is the most excessive example of a video game “pack-in” collectible yet. And with serious issues that accompany nearly all of them (broken Bioshock Big Daddy statues, malfunctioning Fallout 3 Pip Boy Clocks), one wonders how long this trend will keep up. Here’s how NECA’s take on Marcus Fenix and crew’s favorite chainsaw-tipped weapon of choice stacks up:

It feels plastic-y, it sounds plastic-y, mostly because it is plastic-y. Barring some of the dicier moving parts, it’s not particularly light or flimsy though, don’t let that fool you.

Yes, there are a surprising number of movable elements, and no, the chainsaw is not one of them. There’s a sliding handle and two other parts beyond my firearm knowledge to describe– latter of which actually make way for a removable ammo cartridge (sounds cooler than it is). And with zero instructions included*, it’s very possible that someone might own this for years without ever knowing.

(*barring the sizable blurb on the shipping carton pertaining entirely to batteries, which among other things, states that they are included when they aren’t. ugh)

What do you need batteries for, you say? To power the vibration and sound feature of course, which require three C Cells. Unfortunately due to my habit of not stockpiling C cell batteries, I have not played with these novelty features as of this writing. And there is a good chance that it might not have even worked: a high, high percentage of people are reporting failure on their Lancer, with however a relatively simple improvised fix involving tin foil or a paper clip. (Read the Amazon customer feedback for tips.)

[[Update]] NECA has issued a notice of this defect and are sending metal plates to those with issues.

How did NECA salvage this from a total disaster? With the solid design of the gun itself and the details they managed to preserve here in life-size form. I do recall reading that this was essentially spit out from Epic’s (developers behind Gears of War) 3D data, which makes it difficult to fault for consistency.

Paint is a mostly uncomplicated affair consisting of a base coat silver and black. There are no attempts at weathering or texturizing which in this case is probably just as well. With that out of the way, the rest of the effects are reserved for gore, and an appropriate chainsaw splatter cover the front of the piece. A fancy element like this is easy to guff-up but the result is surprisingly decent. Very Gears-like splash patterns though it must be said that the results still look mostly like matte red paint rather than the darker, more viscous and glossy stuff it’s supposed to be.

The remaining small patches of blue are meant to simulate the lights which are so pervasive in the GOW universe.

NECA treads the line between ‘toy’ and ‘replica’ pretty closely. I’m not sure the more delicate parts would survive Little Billy’s play sessions for long (assuming Billy can actually lift this thing), yet what kid could resist such a thing? It’s really like the ultimate Gears of War Halloween prop: inexpensive enough that you don’t mind toting around to fake-chainsawing people, but respectable in detail.

The Lancer replica comes as part of an unofficial bundle available only from Amazon at a total cost $140, including the Xbox 360 game, Gears of War 2. Factor out the cost of the game itself and you’re essentially shelling out $80 for this replica. Were the paint a little more sophisticated along with higher quality construction + materials– let’s face it, were it a full-on $400-$500 prop replica– it would’ve been something to behold. As is, it meets my expectations for the price point and acquits itself fairly well.

• Gears of War Lancer at Amazon | on Ebay
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