Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Review 1: InFlames Metal Boss Battle Armor version 1/6 limited edition collectible figure

This is the InFlames Metal Boss Battle Armor version 1/6th scale limited edition collectible figure. I had recently posted lots of pictures and a FOUR-part review of the InFlames and HeadPlay 1/6 scale Metal Boss 12-inch Collectible Figure BDU Version (see the FIRST review posted HERE). This time round, it seems InFlames has left out the HeadPlay logo but seeing as one of the 1/6 scale head sculpt included in this set is the same as before, you can safely say that HeadPlay is probably in on this too.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, this is the second Metal Boss 12-inch figure released by InFlames and they are essentially unlicensed 1/6th scale figures based on the Metal Gear Solid video game character, namely Naked Snake (who later became Big Boss) hence their product name: Metal Boss.


After how well the first release turned out, collectors were really eager to get their hands on this particular version because it features the full Battle Armor i.e. Big Boss's Sneaking Suit in Peace Walker. Bearing a stong resemblance to the Skull Suit which would be worn by Raiden in 2009, the Sneaking Suit provided enhanced camouflage and sound reducing properties. The suit's fabric also exerted pressure on the wearer's body to help stop bleeding from any injuries.




And here's a shot of the InFlames Metal Boss Battle Armor version 1/6th scale limited edition collectible figure box packaging opened to reveal accessories on one side and the Metal Boss 12-inch figure in Sneaking Suit in the main tray on the other side. Click on the picture below for a bigger and BETTER view :)

Click on the picture for a bigger and better view :)

The accessories tray contains items that are exactly the same as those that came with the first released InFlames and HeadPlay 1/6 scale Metal Boss 12-inch Collectible Figure BDU Version: gray cloth head band / bandana, eye-patch, US M-1956 Load-Carrying Equipment (LCE) consisting of individual equipment belt, belt suspenders, two M-14 ammo pouches (also used for 30-round M-16 magazines) and two M16 ammunition pouches, two 1-quart canteens with canteen covers and the field pack. To see the equipment in detail and the fully assembled kit, check out my post HERE.

Weapons include: Marine Ka-Bar Knife with leather sheath, Tac Knife with Sheath, US SOCOM Pistol in cloth holster and M16 Rifle with removable 30-round magazine. If you would like to see more details of the weapons, check out my post HERE.

The US SOCOM Mk 23 Mod 0 pistol: A large caliber combat pistol developed by Heckler & Koch at the behest of U.S. Special Operations Command for issue to Navy SEALs. The "Mk" designation indicates that the development was a Navy initiative. It has the .45 caliber size and 'cock and lock' design favored by U.S. soldiers, and comes with a high performance laser aiming module (LAM) and specially developed suppressor.


What I am really interested in is the Sneaking Suit worn by Big Boss (Naked Snake) in "Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker"


And here it is: Naked Snake / Big Boss 12-inch figure wearing the 1/6th scale Sneaking Suit as seen in the "Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker" video game by Konami and Kojima Productions. Besides the main figure, there's the ballistic shield and full-face shield, extra head sculpt and three extra gloved hands.


Close-up picture of the ballistic shield and full-face shield


And some close-up shots of the extra 1/6 scale Metal Boss head sculpt and the three extra gloved hands. The extra head sculpt is missing the hair piece which is currently connected to the Zombie head sculpt. That means that you can use either head sculpts but not both because using the head sculpt without the hair attachment looks really odd.


Scroll down to see more views of the extra 1/6 scale Metal Boss head sculpt. This particular head sculpt was part of the first InFlames Metal Boss release (BDU version) and close-ups of the complete head sculpt with hair and bandana can be seen HERE


The hair portion is connected to the face / head via magnets and the cloth bandana (which is also included - see the accessories tray) is then tied to it



Here's the InFlames 1/6th scale Metal Boss in Battle Armor OR Naked Snake / Big Boss 12-inch figure wearing the 1/6th scale Sneaking Suit as seen in "Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker". It is a special suit with a high camo index in many environments and during movement. Speeds LIFE recovery, but has less main weapon ammo storage. For true stealth soldiers. Shares a strong resemblence as the Sneaking Suit worn in "Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops".


In the "Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker" video game, this Sneaking Suit is different version of Naked Snake's uniform from Portable Ops. The Sneaking Suit allows players to move without generating foot noises and have higher camouflage compared to other suit while moving. Players can carry up to five items and six secondary weapons.


Scroll down for turnaround views of this InFlames Metal Boss in Full Battle Armor


Metal Boss wears some sort of harness over his Full Battle Armor. In the Metal Gear Solid video game, Naked Snake wore a Stabo Rig. The STABO (STAbilized BOdy) extraction harness / rig was a device which allowed military personnel to be rescued (by helicopter) from field locations which prevented the conventional landing and boarding of a helicopter. It was designed and developed by U.S. Army Special Forces personnel stationed in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, and became a widely used, and highly successful extraction device employed during the Vietnam War.


The STABO harness / rig was a machine-stitched, skeletonized harness, very similar to that of a standard parachute harness. The harness webbing was made of heavy duty nylon, identical to the type used in the manufacture of parachute harnesses. The STABO rig served two main functions: it was itself an extraction harness and also served as the base for the operator's load bearing equipment in the field. Later versions of the STABO harness were made in small, medium and large sizes.


The way the STABO rig / harness cuts into the crotch area isn't very nice as it goes in-between the "armor" pieces. Also because the base outfit is a black rubber suit, the buckles might cause wear and tear over time so that too is another concern.


NEXT: What lies beneath the InFlames Metal Boss Battle Armor? How is the armor attached? Find out in the second-part review PLUS close-up pictures of InFlames Metal Boss 1/6th scale Battle Armor.

No comments:

Post a Comment