McFarlane prepping full line of Halo 3 toys

With the announcement that Microsoft's upcoming Halo 3-branded Xbox 360 controllers will feature art by Todd McFarlane and a figurine designed by the creator of Spawn, it seemed only a matter of time before McFarlane Toys officially pulled the wraps off a full toy line based on the sci-fi shooter's universe. This morning the company did just that, announcing a licensing agreement with Microsoft that should have Halo 3 toys on shelves by spring 2008.

McFarlane Toys' foray into the Halo universe will consist of five action figures and three vehicles. In addition to the iconic Master Chief (who will sport more than 18 points of articulation), the action figure roster includes a brute chieftain, a jackal sniper, a two-pack of grunts, and the holographic guide Cortana (with light-up action, naturally). The figures will retain a semblance of scale, with the grunts standing 3.5 inches tall, while the 6-inch brute chieftain will tower over the rest of the toys.

As for the vehicles, McFarlane Toys is releasing replicas of the Warthog, Ghost, and the debuting single-wheeled Brute Chopper. Each vehicle will measure 3 inches in length and be made from die-cast metal and plastic.

McFarlane Toys is no stranger to the world of gaming. Previously the company has released lines based on Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Soul Calibur II, Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny, and Ultima Online: Lord Blackthorn's Revenge.