theBrickBlogger.com — Sharing the Passion of the LEGO Hobby!

2017 LEGO Star Wars sets review

by Thita (admin) on February 24, 2017

in LEGO Star Wars

The first wave of 2017 LEGO Star Wars sets were released in North America just a few days ago, so it’s time to take a closer look. Please note that these sets were available in other countries a month earlier, so they may not be as new to you. There are definitely some great and interesting sets in the 2017 LEGO Star Wars line-up, so no matter when you were able to get them, they are worth to talk about. 🙂

➡ 2017 LEGO STAR WARS BATTLE PACKS: We got two new battle packs this year; the #75164 LEGO Star Wars Rebel Trooper Battle Pack and the #75165 LEGO Star Wars Imperial Trooper Battle Pack. Both packs come with four minifigures and a couple of small vehicles or other accessories. The Rebel Trooper Battle Pack is particularly noteworthy because each of the minifigures have different helmets, different torso/leg prints, and different facial expressions. We even get different skin-tones, which is rare! Plus, these minifigs could be used for pretty much any modern and sci-fi military scenes, not just for Star Wars. The Imperial Trooper Battle Pack is not as versatile, but it is great for building up your Star Wars troops. The two Stromtroopers and two Imperial Death Troopers are identical. They are $14.99 each. You can watch the video review on both sets below, and the sets are available at the LEGO Star Wars section of the Online LEGO Shop.

➡ 2017 LEGO STAR WARS MICROFIGHTERS: We get four more Microfighters this year; the #75160 LEGO Star Wars U-wing, the #75161 LEGO Star Wars TIE Striker, the #75162 LEGO Star Wars Y-wing, and the #75163 LEGO Star Wars Krennic’s Imperial Shuttle. As usual, each set comes with a mini version of an iconic Star Wars ship, and a minifigure. While some of these tiny vehicles look a bit awkward, others are perfectly sensible one-person spacecrafts. The Y-wing in particular is a real winner, with an excellent color-scheme, lots of greebling, and a pilot that fits in perfectly. Whether you collect all of the LEGO Star Wars Microfighters, or you just get the ones you like, I think you will be happy with the selection. The sets are $9.99 each. You can watch the video review on all four sets below, and the sets are available at the LEGO Star Wars section of the Online LEGO Shop.

➡ 2017 LEGO STAR WARS BUILDABLE FIGURES: Looks like the buildable LEGO Star Wars figures have become a hit with collectors, and the line is continuing this year with three new sets; the #75523 LEGO Star Wars Scarif Stormtrooper, the #75524 LEGO Star Wars Chirrut Îmwe, and the #75525 LEGO Star Wars Baze Malbus. At least to me, the human-headed characters still look too un-LEGO-ish, however I really like the helmeted figures (in this case, the Stormtrooper). The weapons improved significantly, and they come with quite a bit of interesting pieces that could be used in other applications. I also like the textured and printed body-armor pieces for greebling. They can add interesting details to any LEGO creation. All three sets are $24.99 each, and you can find them at the LEGO Star Wars section of the Online LEGO Shop.

➡ #75168 LEGO STAR WARS YODA’S JEDI STARFIGHTER: This is a small, but well-designed ship for the Jedi Master from the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series. It is based on the classic Jedi Interceptor design, while also being quite different. Here is the official description: Add a classic ship to your LEGO Star Wars collection with Yoda’s Jedi Starfighter. The diminutive Jedi Master’s craft of choice features folding wings, front-and-top-opening minifigure cockpit, space for R2-D2 behind, and two laser cannons and spring-loaded shooters. Includes a Yoda minifigure and R2-D2 figure. 262 pieces. Price: $24.99 – BUY HERE

➡ #75169 LEGO STAR WARS DUEL ON NABOO: This set suppose to recreate one of the most iconic duels from the Star Wars saga, however unfortunately it doesn’t work very well. It seems that the play-features weren’t thought out or tested properly. When you watch the video-review below you will see what I mean. In addition, the set doesn’t look very good, although I think it could be incorporated into a large scene. The point is that this set needs some modifications to make it look and behave properly. Here is the official description: Play out exciting Jedi vs. Sith duels as Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi go head-to-head against evil Darth Maul at the Naboo power generator. This detailed set features push-activated opening laser doors, a minifigure catapult function in the generator core and an opening purification chamber with removable ‘plasma’ element. Includes three minifigures: Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul. 208 pieces. Price: $24.99 – BUY HERE

➡ #75170 LEGO STAR WARS THE PHANTOM: This is the second version of The Phantom LEGO made so far, and it looks quite different from the previous version, with an overall more rounder shape. You can see them side-by-side in the video-review below to decide which one you like better. Here is the official description: Outrun Admiral Thrawn with the Rebel starfighter, The Phantom, featuring retracting landing gear, an opening minifigure cockpit that detaches in an emergency, dual spring-loaded shooters, an opening rear compartment with included storage box containing detonator, and space beside the cockpit for Kanan’s friendly Astromech Droid, Chopper. Includes Kanan and Admiral Thrawn minifigures, plus a Chopper droid. 269 pieces. Price: $29.99 – BUY HERE

➡ #75171 LEGO STAR WARS BATTLE ON SHARIF: This set is includes a well-designed terrain where you can replay some important events from the Star Wars: Rogue One film. The play-features work well, and I really like the addition of a bit of greenery. Here is the official description: Play out epic scenes from the blockbuster movie, Star Wars: Rogue One, on a mission to recover the top-secret Death Star plans from the heavily fortified beach bunker on planet Scarif. This feature-filled set includes a hidden weapons stash, exploding floor panels, sliding bunker doors with locking function, control panel, opening orange crate and the top-secret plans to the Empire’s Death Star. Includes four minifigures: Jyn Erso, Cassian Andor and two Scarif Stormtroopers. 419 pieces. Price: $49.99 – BUY HERE

➡ #75172 LEGO STAR WARS Y-WING STARFIGHTER: This is the most talked about recent LEGO Star Wars set, and for a good reason. Just look at all that greebling! Even if you are not a Star Wars fan, this is an excellent set for interesting parts! It is also a good looking – and in many ways better – version of the Y-wing than previous attempts. The minifigs are also very nice. Here is the official description: Expand your Rebel fleet with the iconic Y-Wing Starfighter. The unmistakable workhorse of the Rebel Alliance has been faithfully reproduced with LEGO bricks and features many play starters, including retractable landing gear, an opening minifigure cockpit, rotating guns, dual spring-loaded shooters, and gearwheel-operated bomb-drop function. This great model also comes with a weapons loader with turning crane and extra ammo for even more immersive play. Includes four minifigures: a Y-Wing Pilot, Admiral Raddus, Moroff and a Stormtrooper, plus a Rebel Astromech droid figure. 691 pieces. Price: $59.99 – BUY HERE

➡ #75173 LEGO STAR WARS LUKE’S LANDSPEEDER: This is another classic Star Wars vehicle that has been released several times by LEGO. Nice upgrade with those dark-red rounded tiles at the front to create smoother lines. Other than that, the Landspeeder is quite similar to the one we got in the #75052 LEGO Star Wars Mos Eisley Cantina in 2014. Here is the official description: Recreate unforgettable scenes on desert-planet Tatooine, as young Luke and C-3PO go in search of mysterious hermit Ben Kenobi in his landspeeder. This iconic model features a two-minifigure open cockpit, three engines and an opening trunk to store his electrobinoculars. There’s also a Tusken Raider and womp rat to keep the action level high. Includes four minifigures: Luke Skywalker, Ben Kenobi, C-3PO and a Tusken Raider, plus a womp rat figure. 149 pieces. Price: $19.99 – BUY HERE

➡ #75174 LEGO STAR WARS DESERT SKIFF ESCAPE: This is a remake of the previously released #9496 LEGO Star Wars Desert Skiff from 2012, with some very nice upgrades. The vehicle got a more rounded shape, and the opening mechanism for the Sarlacc monster’s mouth is very cleverly done. Here is the official description: Play out exciting duels above the sand dunes with this iconic set featuring Jabba the Hutt’s ‘hovering’ skiff with extendable plank, storage hold and movable rudders at the back. Help Han Solo fend off Boba Fett and the skiff guard before his friend walks the plank and falls into the mighty Sarlacc’s minifigure-devouring mouth. Includes four minifigures: Han Solo, Chewbacca, Boba Fett and a Skiff Guard. 277 pieces. Price: $29.99 – BUY HERE

➡ #75175 LEGO STAR WARS A-WING STARFIGHTER: Yet another remake, the A-wing got some nice upgrades from the 2013 version. The new, thinner fins at the back are especially nice. A nice, basic startfighter all around that you could use even outside of the Star Wars universe. Here is the official description: Launch into LEGO Star Wars missions with the high-speed A-Wing Starfighter, featuring an opening minifigure cockpit, retractable landing gear, rotating laser cannons and dual spring-loaded shooters. There’s also a service cart loaded with tools, extra ammo and a detachable access ladder to load the A-Wing Pilot into position. Includes three minifigures: Lando Calrissian, an A-Wing Pilot and a Rebel Ground Crew. 358 pieces. Price: $39.99 – BUY HERE

Whether you want to get the latest version of classic Star Wars sets, or you want to get something from the new film, the 2017 LEGO Star Wars collection will likely have something for you. Some of the sets are better than others, and of course your choices will also depend on your personal taste and preference. What do you think? Which of the 2017 Star Wars sets do you like the most? Are you planning to get any of them? Feel free to share your thoughts and own review in the comment section below! 😉

And you might also like to check out the following related posts:

{ 31 comments }

Building with the LEGO Nexo Knights shields

by Thita (admin) on February 23, 2017

in Featured LEGO Creations

One of the most interesting new elements LEGO gave us in the last couple of years is the LEGO Nexo Knights shield piece (also referred to as 2×3 Modified Pentagonal Tile on BrickLink, and as 2×3 Flat Tile with Angle on Brickset). The most common application of this element is as a printed shield representing various powers in the LEGO Nexo Knights sets and video-game. There is a staggering number (at least 100 according to the BrickLink database) of these beautifully printed shield pieces, and many LEGO fans collect them. 🙂

However there is also an unprinted version of the shield, which offers some very interesting tiling and decorating possibilities. The unprinted shield comes in eight colors so far: white, light-bluish-gray, black, sand blue, blue, reddish-brown, flat-silver and trans-dark-blue. They are used for making fancy floor tiling in a number of recently released large sets like the #10251 LEGO Creator Brick Bank, the #10255 LEGO Creator Assembly Square, and the #71040 LEGO Disney Castle. The shield pieces are also used in creative ways in a number of LEGO City, LEGO Ninjago, LEGO Super Heroes, and of course, LEGO Nexo Knights sets. It is worth noting that the reddish-brown shield only appeared in one set so far; the #71253 LEGO Dimensions Fantastic Beasts Story Pack.

While the printed version of these special tiles is excellent for shields or for decorating a castle hall, the unprinted version has pretty much unlimited applications. Making floor patterns and mosaics is one of the obvious ways the tiles can be used, but that’s just the beginning. To give you an idea of some of the most creative ways the tiles have been used by LEGO fans, I would like to bring to your attention the recent season of the Iron Builder Competition.

We have discussed this contest previously (see: LEGO Contest to Awe and Inspire: Iron Builder), but to summarize briefly, it is one of the most prestigious (and most difficult) contests a LEGO fan could participate in. The contest is between a previous winner and a challenger, and they have several weeks to duke it out between themselves to see who is a more creative builder. The contest always focuses on one LEGO element (usually something interesting or obscure) that the builders need to use in creative ways. The contest organizers send each contestant a good number of this special piece, then the war is on! You can follow the Iron Builder competitions both on Facebook and on Flickr. You will be amazed and inspired by the creativity.

The current contestants in the Iron Builder Competition are Chris Maddison (he is a current Iron Builder title holder) and his challenger is Cecilie Fritzvold, the first female builder who ever dared to enter the competition alone (sometimes couples compete together). And of course the special parts they need to use is the LEGO Nexo Knights shield. The contest is not over yet, but there are already a number of amazing creations that are great examples of what can be done with this unique tile piece.

The LEGO digital clock you see here by Cecilie is an excellent demonstration of the most unique feature of the tile; the cut corners. Notice all the interesting angles the pointy ends can create.

The tile can also be used very effectively in micro-building. In this little village (also by Cecilie), the tiles make up the angled walls of the houses, and also the front of the church. Notice how she dropped some of the tiles into the elevated base to “cut” the height of the tile and create variety.

This is another great build by Cecilie, where she uses the shield tiles for the curtains, the cushions of the couch, and some of the books. The cushions are a particularly interesting part of this creation because they take advantage of the subtly angled surface of the tiles. It is worth checking out the other furniture pieces too, as there is a lot of creative building going on here.

The beautiful water lilies in this peaceful scene (also by Cecilie) have petals made of the LEGO Nexo Knights shields. I also quite like the lily pads!

Careful posing and excellent photography are just as much part of the Iron Builder Competition as creative building. This snow-covered pine cone by Cecilie is a work of art, and doesn’t even look like LEGO!

Not to be outdone, Chris built (or dug up) this excellent archeological site, using a number of bone and tusk pieces, as well as several shield tiles, to create the skeleton.

Another contest entry by Chris is this gorgeous little train. Notice the gradually stepping shield pieces at the front, and on the roof. The landscaping and train tracks are also done really well.

These chattering teeth incorporate the LEGO Nexo Knights tiles perfectly. And yes, this creation is motorized to make it even more terrifying. I guess Chris is hoping that it will frighten his opponent in the contest. 🙄

In this lovely flower garden by Chris, the shield pieces are used for making the white fence. You can almost smell the flowers they are so vibrant and pretty! The birdhouse and birdbath are also very nice little builds.

This little medieval village scene (also by Chris) uses the shield pieces in three ways; for the cobblestone road, for the colorful canopy of a merchant’s booth, and for the roof of the small hut. It’s remarkable that in one small creation like this, Chris was able to use the tiles to represent three completely different materials; stone, canvas, and tile.

As you can see, there are lots of ways to use the new LEGO Nexo Knights shield piece. Please note that I only highlighted some of the entries in the Iron Builder Competition that I felt would give you the best variety of examples on how the tile can be used. You can see more at the contest pages at the links I mentioned above.

If you haven’t played with the new tile element before, I do recommend that you get some and try them out. You will be surprised how versatile it is. And if you have already used the tile piece, or if you have seen some other creative applications, feel free to share below! 😉

And you might also like to check out the following related posts:

{ 12 comments }

Next Posts Previous Posts

2017 LEGO Star Wars sets review

Building with the LEGO Nexo Knights shields

Get new posts by email: