Lego Angry Birds Promo

Many people may already know that next Summer (2016), The Angry Birds Movie will be released.  It was also announced earlier this year that Lego was "hatching" sets to coincide with the movie.  Yesterday, Lego released another promotional image for the sets.  We'll see if Lego will preview the sets at NYCC (New York Comic Con) next week.

Lego Star Wars Review: Minifigure Packs (3340, 3341, 3342, & 3343)

3340: Minifigure Pack

Year: 2000

Minifigures: Emperor Palpatine, Darth Maul, & Darth Vader

Piece count: 32

3341: Minifigure Pack

Year: 2000

Minifigures: Boba Fett, Han Solo, & Luke Skywalker

Piece count: 22

3342: Minifigure Pack

Year: 2000

Minifigures: Chewbacca & Biker Scouts (x2)

Piece count: 22

3343: Minifigure Pack

Year: 2000

Minifigures: Battle Droid Commander & Battle Droid (x2)

Piece count: 30

Build:  They are just minifigures and minifigure stands, really easy.  A neat addition to these are the information cards with pictures from the movies.

Playability:  This are meant for display.

Value: At the original price, a great value.  Now, however, if you can find one of these sets for under $15, it is a steal.

Recommendation:  Collector's Only!

Lego Star Wars Review: Mos Espa Podrace (7171)

7171: Mos Espa Podrace

Year: 1999

Minifigures: Anakin Skywalker, Gasgano, Jar-Jar Binks, Padme Amidala, Pit Droid, Qui-Gon Jinn, R2-D2, & Sebulba

Piece count: 896

Build:  This build was easy enough, I believe most people would be able to build this one.  A great thing about this build is that in a new set, all the podracers (3) are in separate boxes so you can build one at a time if you'd like.

Playability:  This is one of my favorite sets from 1999 because there are three podracers and a few scenes from the Mos Espa race track.  Another thing of note is the amount of minifigures, there are eight and each of them are pretty cool.  Of course, this was before there Lego started printing on molded figures/heads (e.g. Jar-Jar & Sebulba).  Like Anakin's Padracer, the bars that connect the engines to the pods are tan, but that is a small downfall to this set.

Value: Definitely worth the original price and if you can find it under $90 now, especially with the ample amount of minifigures.

Recommendation: I would recommend this one for every Lego Star Wars fan, whether you are a collector or not.

Lego Star Wars Review: Gungan Sub (7161)

7161: Gungan Sub

Year: 1999

Minifigures: Jar-Jar Binks, Obi-Wan Kenobi, & Qui-Gon Jinn

Piece count: 379 

Build: There were some pretty confusing steps in these constructions, however after a couple minutes of adjusting my eyes I figured it out.  This one may have been the most difficult set, at least from 1999.

Playability:  This one is great to play with because it comes apart in three pieces (not like the movie) and there is a small underwater scene included.  I also love that the fins spin and keeps pretty similar the movie.

Value: This one was a great value for the original price and if you can find it for under $45.

Recommendation:  I would recommend this one for both collectors and non-collectors, it has great playability and if you can find it for the above listed price, even better.

Lego Star Wars Review: Sith Infiltrator (7151)

7151: Sith Infiltrator

Year: 1999

Minifigures: Darth Maul

Piece count: 244

Build: This one was quite entertaining, mainly because I first built this after one of the newer Sith Infiltrator (7961)sets .  As a whole, it was a solid build and not too complicated.

Playability:  I have a special fondness for some of the older Lego Star Wars sets, including this one because they are so boxy and reminiscent of sets I grew up building (circa early-mid 1990s).  For younger builders this set will seem odd, however, with Darth Maul and his speeder it is really fun to play with.  I also love the addition the little two-piece search droids.

Value: For the original price, great value.

Recommendation:  Collectors only, I would recommend one of newer Sith Infiltrator sets (e.g. 7961) to casual builders.

Lego Millennium Falcon Make & Take

I'm not a fan of stores (in this case, Barnes & Noble) offering special items just for kids, however, I totally understand why they do this.  In this case, kids 8 and up get the build a mini Millennium Falcon and take it home.  I could not find a photo of the actual set.  Also, you will have to look at your local Barnes & Noble store site to find the date and time of the event near you.

Celebrate Bricktober (Week 1: Sept 27-Oct 3rd)

Toys-R-Us has started their annual Bricktober sale.  For this week, with every $75 Lego purchase you will get the Hotel.  A few tips: if you buy more than $150, have them split the purchases up so you can get two free sets and they will compare prices to almost any store (including Amazon).

Lego Star Wars Review: TIE Fighter & Y-wing Fighter (7150-System box)

7150: TIE Fighter & Y-wing Fighter (System box)

Year: 1999

Minifigures: Darth Vader, R5-D4, & Rebel Pilot

Piece count: 409

Build: On the TIE fighter, the instructions are a bit confusing due to the lack of them showing which pieces are required for each step.  I'm not entirely sure why Lego did not have the pieces listed, it wasn't a new concept because they have been doing it with Technic sets since the early 1980s (e.g. 8050).

Playability:  I love the sets that have more than one ship, because it allows for more fun playing with a single set.  That being said, this set does not compare to the newer sets.

Value:  This one was worth the original price, however, when Lego released the same set in different box (7262) at a slightly lower price it was no longer worth it.

Recommendation: I would buy 7262 instead, because Lego tweaked it to be a little more durable.  So once again, collectors only.

Lego Star Wars Review: Naboo Fighter (7141)

7141: Naboo Fighter

Year: 1999

Minifigures: Anakin Skywalker, Battle Droid (x2), & R2-D2

Piece count: 179

Build: Pretty easy, the mainly yellow pieces were very easy to see on the gray background of the instructions. Once again the plastic is not the best; the droid arms kept falling off if you bumped them at all.

Playability: It's alright, quite small though (at least compared to the newer ones).

Value: For the original price it would have been worth it.

Recommendation:  Only collectors; if you want one to play with, I would recommend one of the newer Naboo fighters (e.g. 7877).

Lego Dimensions is here!

I've been playing this game now for the last few hours and have been enjoying every second.  I do not want to give away too much, so I have posted a Dimensions game play video.  I hope you all get a chance to play the game and let me know what you think.

Lego Star Wars Review: X-wing Fighter (7140)

7140: X-wing Fighter

Year: 1999

Minifigures: Biggs Darklighther Luke Skywalker, R2-D2, & Rebel Engineer

Piece count: 266

Build: This one was a little more difficult due to the large amount of pieces to be assembled on each step.  

Playability: The X-wing fighters are always fun to play with and the duel wing functions are a neat reveal.  The addition of the engineer cart is also a nice little play part of this set. 

Value:  This was also a great value, at the original price.

Recommendation: If you can find this set for under $30, I would recommend getting it.  It is a great predecessor to the newer X-wing fighters.

Lego Star Wars Review: Anakin's Podracer (7131)

7131: Anakin’s Podracer

Year: 1999

Minifigures: Anakin Skywalker, Padme Amidala, & Pit Droid

Piece count: 136

Build: This one is easy enough, aside from getting the neon orange bars to stay.

Playability:  This one is neat little set and has a couple moving functions.  The pit droid and Padme minifigures are a nice little addition and adds a little more to thee story.  The downfall for this one are the tan bars connecting the pod to the engines.  It makes me wonder why Lego did not make these pieces clear.

Value: Original price, totally worth it (especially with the minifigures included).  

Recommendation: Once again collector's only on this set.  If you are not and want a podracer, I would recommend Anakin's and Sebulba's Podracers (7962).

The Lego Ideas Collection

Here in the U.S., Costco has the Lego Ideas Collection available.  It includes 10 smaller books and a tin soldier minifigure.  I'm guessing this will be like the Lego Star Wars collection available earlier this year.  I know I will be making a special trip to Costco to buy one.

*Update: I did get this collection and it was totally worth it.  It is a collection of the previous Lego Ideas books, just separated into categories.  The minifigure is nice as well, even though it is not exclusive.  If you get a chance to get it, I would; kids will really enjoy this and it is a great gift for Lego collectors.*

Lego Star Wars Review: Snowspeeder (7130)

7130: Snowspeeder (System box)

Year: 1999

Minifigures: Dak Ralter, Hoth Rebel Trooper, & Luke Skywalker

Piece count: 215

Build: The instructions on this one was not as clear, I think mostly due to the coloring of the bricks and instructions background.  Aside from that, a fairly easy build.

Playability: I have always been a fan of the snowspeeder sets and this one is no exception.  It is great that Lego included an extra rebel trooper and turret.  This set will go nicely with the other older Hoth Star Wars sets (e.g. AT-AT);  I say older here because every other snowspeeder set, the main parts of the speeder are white and in this one they are gray.

Value: Original price, totally worth the purchase.  If you were to buy it now (at a higher price) I would say it is still worth the purchase, due to the unique gray speeder.

Recommendation:  Non-collectors should buy one of the newer ones; they are bigger, stay together better, and have more functions (e.g. grappling hook).

Lego Star Wars Review: Speeder Bikes (7128)

7128: Speeder Bikes

Year: 1999

Minifigures: Luke Skywalker & Scout Trooper (x2)

Piece Count: 93

Build: This one is pretty easy and I would think anyone would be able to easily construct this set.  The only setback is the old Lego plastic doesn't stay together as nicely as the newer sets (2004 or newer).

Playability: This one (like the Naboo Swamp) is a fun set to play with, mainly due to the two speeder bikes.  Also, because it is based on Endor it will go nicely with the many Ewok/Endor sets.

Value: Aside from the speeder bikes, it comes with three minifigures and is worth the price originally paid.

Recommendation:  This one could be a set for a general audience, however, because of the age (and therefore the price) I would recommend it to collectors.

*As a side note to the plastic comment, there is a great news article from last year about Lego looking for sustainable plastic: http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20140218/NEWS/140219915/lego-looking-for-a-sustainable-replacement-for-abs

Welcome!

My goal for this blog is to keep my readers informed on Lego news; about the Lego company, products, and exclusives relevant to the U.S.  I will also be reviewing 2 Lego sets each day (should the internet gods allow).

As you can see, I have started with the Lego Star Wars theme and will be doing these reviews in chronological order.  I will not review the sets I do not have, as I do not think it is fair to review something I have not personally gotten a chance to build.  This means that many of the SDCC (San Diego Comic Con) and sweepstakes sets will not be included here.

I encourage feedback from my views and would love to hear what others think of the sets I review.  You can also send me a personal e-mail at: brickplatecontact@gmail.com.

Think outside the brick and build on!

Lego Dimensions!

We only have two more days until Lego Dimensions is available nationwide!  I am personally excited and scared for this release.

I am excited, because I have enjoyed the other Lego brand video games and that gamers will get a chance to build along with playing the game.  There are also some pretty awesome themes specifically for Dimensions (e.g. Wizard of Oz).

On the scared side, there are tons of these individual purchase packs and with my "gotta collect them all" nature, I will be spending a whole lot of my Lego budget on these.  Each extra pack starts at $15 and being as they already have almost 40 scheduled to be released.

As a whole though, I am excited and cannot wait to spend all day Sunday playing.

Lego Star Wars Review: Naboo Swamp (7121)

7121: Naboo Swamp

Year: 1999

Minifigures: Battle Droid (x2), Jar-Jar Binks, & Qui-Gon Jinn

Piece Count: 82

Build: The only difficult part was trying to find which orientation the vines are supposed to go.  Although, I'm not sure it matters too much because this one is meant to be played with.

Playability: This is a great small set to play with because of the minifigures and the 2 droid STAP (Single Trooper Aerial Platform).  I am a huge fan of the clear pieces which gives the appearance of flying.  On the down side this is also before Lego started printing on formed faces (Jar-Jar). 

Value: Great value for the original price and the 4 minifigures.

Recommendation: Great set for any Star Wars Lego fan (if you can find it under $15).

Lego Star Wars Review: Droid Fighter (7111)

7111: Droid Fighter

Year: 1999

Minifigures: none

Piece count: 62

Build: Easy, however, once again some pieces did not want to stick together the best.

Playability: The "head" can lift up, but that is about it.  There is not a whole lot you can do with this particular set.

Value: Since there are not any minifigures, the additional 12 pieces for the original retail price of $5 made up for it.

Recommendation: Collectors only.  If you really want a droid fighter, I would spend my money on the later Vulture Droids (e.g. 75041).

Lego Ideas WALL*E (21303) available on Lego site.

The Lego Shop@Home site, finally has the LEGO Ideas WALL•E (21303).  I bought mine a while ago at ToysRUs and the head is extremely heavy for the neck.  Hopefully, Lego has done something to correct this.  If not, there are a couple good instructions out there to stabilize yours.

My review of this set will be posted a little later on.

New Lego Star Wars Hoth Echo Base (75098)!

According to the Lego Netherlands site, there is a new Lego Star Wars Hoth Echo Base set (75098) coming soon.  Although this does not guarantee the set will be available, I have never heard of an instance when Lego has decided not to produce a set that has been listed on one of their sites.  

From the looks of it, the retail price will be 269.95 euro, which here in the U.S. should then set you back roughly $300.

Although, it would be exciting to have a large Hoth Echo base, the location UCS are not my favorite, I prefer the UCS ships.  Of course they will most likely include a plethora of minifigures (some of them exclusive to the the set).

As a whole though, I am always excited to see new Lego Star Wars sets.

Lego Star Wars Review: Landspeeder (7110)

7110: Landspeeder

Year: 1999

Minifigures: Luke Skywalker & Obi-Wan Kenobi

Piece count: 49

Build:  Nothing too difficult here.  The repulsorlifts on the sides seem to fall off easy, however, I would say that might be the old Lego plastic. 

Playability: I rather enjoyed playing with this one.  The rounded pieces on the bottom make it easier the push around.   

Value: This one is a pretty good value for the original price and the two minifigures are fun.

Recommendation:  This is a neat little set, however I would recommend collectors only.

Lego Star Wars Review: Lightsaber Duel (7101)

7101: Lightsaber Duel

Year: 1999

Minifigures: Darth Maul & Qui-Gon Jinn

Piece count: 52

Build:  There wasn't anything difficult in this build at all, aside from the instructions. Unlike newer Lego sets, these instructions (and many others) do not directly point out which pieces to use for each step.  The minifigures are pretty basic (for the Star Wars theme).

Playability: Aside from a sweet Tattooine Jedi/Sith duel, there is not a whole lot to do with this set.  

Value: For the original price, this was a good value.

Recommendation:  I would only recommend this set to collectors and because it is an older set, do not pay more than the .10/piece.