Review: 75322 Hoth AT-ST
Posted by CapnRex101,Minifigure-scale Imperial AT-STs have appeared frequently throughout LEGO Star Wars, offering innovative building techniques but retaining the same reference material. However, two variants appear during the Original Trilogy, contributing to battles on Hoth and Endor.
75322 Hoth AT-ST represents the example from The Empire Strikes Back, which integrates a smaller cockpit module and longer legs than the equivalent deployed on the Sanctuary Moon. This model accurately replicates those features and exhibits extensive detail, worthy of comparison with the aforementioned earlier designs.
Summary
75322 Hoth AT-ST, 586 pieces.
£44.99 / $49.99 / €49.99 | 7.7p/8.5c/8.5c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
The AT-ST from The Empire Strikes Back receives deserved notice with this enjoyable set.
- Outstanding detail
- Accurate proportions and shaping
- Portrays a lesser-known vehicle
- Excellent exclusive minifigures
- Limited leg articulation
- Only space for one minifigure
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
The presence of Chewbacca might be a reference to his accompanying 7127 Imperial AT-ST, which was released during 2001. However, the designer has taken this opportunity to update the familiar Wookiee with snowy decoration, reflecting his snowswept appearance on Hoth during the movie. White speckles therefore cover the minifigure and look superb, although they are missing from the back of Chewbacca's head.
An exclusive Hoth Rebel Trooper is also included, featuring a female double-sided head that returns from 76155 In Arishem's Shadow. The dark tan torso, meanwhile, is shared with 40557 Defence of Hoth. This design looks great, but the dark uniform is typically associated with Rebel Troopers inside Echo Base rather than those outside. I think printed or dual-moulded legs could have enhanced this minifigure too.
The helmet and adjustable goggles are welcome though, while this trooper includes a backpack so differs from the equivalents in 40557 Defence of Hoth. A blaster rifle is provided too, alongside Chewbacca's classic bowcaster. The original stud shooter activator component thus remains in production for this weapon, even after the associated gun has been replaced.
LEGO has produced three AT-ST Driver minifigures since 2007, each wearing light bluish grey uniforms. The latest example is instead dressed for Hoth and is therefore an original design, wearing a white jacket. While the standard AT-ST Driver would be more versatile for other environments, the brighter version appears excellent and displays continued detail on the legs.
Unfortunately, the colour matching between the legs and torso leaves something to be desired, as usual. The helmet is perfect though, including printed goggles and a moulded strap across the back. Additionally, I like the printed chin strap on the driver's double-sided head, alongside two appropriate facial expressions.
Minifigure-scale renditions of the menacing Imperial Probe Droid have appeared frequently, but never achieved great accuracy when compared with the onscreen droids. This model therefore surpasses previous designs with ease! Separating the sensor structure from the rotating head was the most pivotal update and replacing the usual black colour with dark bluish grey is effective too, matching 75306 Imperial Probe Droid.
The droid also includes four articulated legs with multiple sensors around the head, suitably varying to assess different wavelengths of light, radiation and other variables. Moreover, this sinister droid is mounted on a trans-clear column, elevating it above the ground. Despite feeling unnecessary within this set, the Imperial Probe Droid is a highlight.
The Completed Model
Imperial AT-STs were originally developed for The Empire Strikes Back, before their cockpits were enlarged and their legs shortened before their appearance during Return of the Jedi. The later design has undoubtedly become the most recognisable version of the AT-ST, but I am delighted that LEGO chose to portray the lesser-known walker on this occasion.
The differences between this model and previous examples are immediately apparent, beyond the expected advances in construction techniques and parts. 75153 AT-ST Walker and 75254 AT-ST Raider were reasonably similar and this design retains some features from those sets, especially in the structure of the legs. However, the proportions are completely unique, which matches the onscreen vehicle.
Comparing this creation with 75153 AT-ST Walker exemplifies those significant changes, which remain unexplained in Star Wars canon. While the vehicle from Return of the Jedi is certainly more beloved, the lighter version arguably appears more appropriate for a scout walker and measures 27cm in height, narrowly surpassing the 2016 model.
Admittedly, this walker exceeds minifigure-scale too, although I think it looks reasonable when displayed beside minifigures or the gargantuan 75313 AT-AT. After all, targeting total accuracy for minifigures would require a size approximating the rendition from 8038 The Battle of Endor. While that model is good, increasing the scale permits superior detail.
I think the cockpit looks marvellous. There are several gaps between armour panels, but these are relatively small and probably unavoidable at this scale. The integration of 2x6 wedge plates, introduced during 2021, is particularly effective and I love the enormous weapons that dominate the cockpit module, almost appearing too large for such a nimble walker.
The laser cannon assembly and grenade launcher mounted on either side can rotate, while the elongated blaster cannons are also articulated. Spring-loaded shooters are situated beside those blaster cannons, activated by pressing Technic axles behind the cockpit. The same launchers have appeared on earlier AT-STs and they are somewhat conspicuous, but hardly detract from the model's appearance.
Unfortunately, the back of the cockpit module appears less detailed than the front and sides. Printed fans form the ventilation system and ingots create adequate texture, but the hinges which support the opening roof are rather exposed. However, I think improving this section might prove difficult, without removing the hinges altogether.
The circular hatch on top can open, as normal, with handgrips fixed on each side. By contrast, the forward viewports are closed. While the option to open them would have been welcome, these are closed during The Empire Strikes Back, presumably to protect from the freezing weather. Once again, we are accustomed to seeing open viewports, although I think the AT-ST appears more intimidating with them closed!
There is enough space for one minifigure inside, with their blaster pistol and macrobinoculars stored on clips. The surrounding structure seems untidy, but firmly secures the armour panels and accommodates a printed control console for the driver. Ideally, there would be space for a second minifigure though, since that is something no minifigure-scale AT-ST has yet achieved.
However, the dial to control the rotation of the cockpit is extremely familiar, originating during 2007 with 7657 AT-ST. This function works nicely and I love the mechanical detailing visible underneath the cockpit, incorporating a light bluish grey paint roller element. Once again, this demonstrates fantastic fidelity to the AT-STs from The Empire Strikes Back, which also include exposed cables.
Also, these narrow legs correspond with the source material, featuring impressive texture and subtle dark tan highlights. The poor articulation which has affected previous AT-STs remains the same though, only including basic hip joints. However, I think including additional articulation would require new elements or compromise the stability of this vehicle, so I understand the omission.
The footpads represent a considerable improvement upon past designs, perfectly recreating their onscreen shape and including blades for slicing through light fortifications. These have been formed using stickers on the two previous models, so the brick-built structure is much-appreciated. In fact, this set contains no stickers whatsoever!
Overall
LEGO has introduced continual improvements in the design of the Imperial AT-ST and 75322 Hoth AT-ST represents the new pinnacle! This model includes fantastic detail and choosing to depict the lesser-known AT-ST variant was an excellent decision, complementing 75313 AT-AT and ensuring considerable differences when compared with the earlier AT-ST models.
The cockpit and engine housing are particularly outstanding, since both structures correspond almost exactly with the source material. The minifigure selection is also appealing and I am impressed with the updated Imperial Probe Droid, offering far greater accuracy than other versions. The price of £44.99, $49.99 or €49.99 represents fair value too, so I would certainly recommend this set.
188 likes
86 comments on this article
I love this set so much. I honestly think it looks better than the normal AT-ST. Glad to see the exclusive figs and the probe droid is great too.
Also, I like how the clips inside are color coded black and white for his weapons!
Can't help thinking that Chewbacca looks more like he's been trying to paint a white ceiling than snowswept.
Great review. I love the new box at the top.
@eiffel006 said:
"Great review. I love the new box at the top."
I agree completely, this review summary is helpful and looks good too
The probe droid is spectacular. Even better when considering the fact that every single prior one looked like a pile of rubbish. Totally knocked it out of the park.
Great review! The summary at the top felt completely superfluous to me, but I suppose it's convenient for people who have no more than a literal minute to spare. This Hoth AT-ST seems like its only function is to be an accessory to 75313, as this design only appears in a short clip during the battle of Hoth, and is really just a beta version awaiting the finalisation of the vehicle in Ep VI. Being an accessory to the UCS AT-AT does kind of justifie the size of it, as these modern AT-STs have grown way too big, which becomes very apparent in that excellent comparison photo. The probe droid is very good, and I think I will source the parts to build it myself. Chewbacca is probably included as an opponent to the droid, rather than the AT-ST. Snowy Chewie vs. the probe droid would actually have made an excellent polybag!
Great review! I'm a fan of the new box as well. Just a thought--having the box at the top of the review is kind of a "spoiler" for the review, perhaps having it at the end as a summary would be more helpful? Doesn't make too much difference either way!
I love new box at the beginning of the review!
Hmm, I appreciate the review summary, but I think it should be at the end of the article. Putting it at the start feels abrupt.
Anyways, nice review, as usual!
I love the new REVIEW SUMMARY
Like almost everyone else, I'm loving the summary box at the top of the review
Haven't picked up this set yet, but I'm pretty tempted too. The Chewy and probe droid are great, if Lego had it in stock I might have picked it up alongside the Year of the Tiger promo
Note to Lego: start putting those Probe Droids into Advent Calendars. Might exceed the standard number of parts for an AC build, but I'm willing to take that chance.
is there any reason to believe the ESB version wasn't a single seater?
also: ugh this is still out of stock at shop at home in the US...
The comparison picture with the older versions is my favorite picture. Not as jarring of course as the AT-AT hulking over its older versions, but still nice to see the lineup.
@ShinyBidoof said:
"Can't help thinking that Chewbacca looks more like he's been trying to paint a white ceiling than snowswept."
I agree, I think the "snow" needed better integration than just having dots.
I haven't even read the article yet - just came here to echo that the new review summary box at the top is great!
EDIT: The comparison photos are also much (even more) appreciated!
@ahughwilliams said:
"is there any reason to believe the ESB version wasn't a single seater?"
Not specifically, although I think a gunner would be necessary since the weaponry is the same between the AT-STs from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
In fact, we know almost nothing about the version from Hoth!
I too think that the excellent summary box should be moved to the end of the review, it makes more sense there.
Very rarely does a review make me change my mind about getting a set I have already decided against. Congrats Capn, I have added it to my waitlist.
I feel like you need to have a poll - where to put the review summary. Beginning or end? (I prefer end myself). Nice review and great set! Thanks.
Since you asked for our opinions about improving your reviews, I hope you won't mind some constructive feedback about the new summary box.
I would suggest a more specific and direction style in the one-sentence summary. This sentence really has no content: "The AT-ST from The Empire Strikes Back receives deserved notice with this enjoyable set." I would specifically suggest avoiding passive tense, e.g., instead of "receives deserved notice" (received from whom? deserved why?), using a clear subject, either the model itself or the reviewer: "The reviewer appreciated X, Y, and Z features" (my stylistic preference), or "The model reflects the subject matter well, offers meaningful play features, and contains unique pieces."
Also, for those of us who care about free samples and bias, it really does no good to add the sentence, "All opinions expressed are those of the author." Getting free samples introduces opportunities for both conscious and unconscious bias that adding this statement doesn't address. It's more honest just to acknowledge that you got the set for free from Lego and leave it to the reader to decide whether to trust your review or not.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @ahughwilliams said:
"is there any reason to believe the ESB version wasn't a single seater?"
Not specifically, although I think a gunner would be necessary since the weaponry is the same between the AT-STs from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
In fact, we know almost nothing about the version from Hoth!"
just based on playing video games, it seems fairly easy for 1 person to operate the various weapons with a toggle between them, but I like that this is a totally new model and we get to actually speculate because there's no deeply hidden canon (pun intended) answer!
@Padmewan said:
"Also, for those of us who care about free samples and bias, it really does no good to add the sentence, "All opinions expressed are those of the author." Getting free samples introduces opportunities for both conscious and unconscious bias that adding this statement doesn't address. It's more honest just to acknowledge that you got the set for free from Lego and leave it to the reader to decide whether to trust your review or not."
The statement about the set being provided for review is more prominent now, so you are therefore aware of it whilst reading it.
LEGO requires us to add a disclaimer "All opinions expressed are those of the author" or something similar. It means that LEGO has not told us what to write and doesn't expect a positive review as a result of providing it.
@Padmewan said:
"Since you asked for our opinions about improving your reviews, I hope you won't mind some constructive feedback about the new summary box.
I would suggest a more specific and direction style in the one-sentence summary. This sentence really has no content: "The AT-ST from The Empire Strikes Back receives deserved notice with this enjoyable set." I would specifically suggest avoiding passive tense, e.g., instead of "receives deserved notice" (received from whom? deserved why?), using a clear subject, either the model itself or the reviewer: "The reviewer appreciated X, Y, and Z features" (my stylistic preference), or "The model reflects the subject matter well, offers meaningful play features, and contains unique pieces.""
Using some kind of standardised phrasing and structure for the summary comment would quickly become repetitive, especially with the positive and negative attributes displayed below. I also think the present comment is clear in its meaning, referring to LEGO and therefore LEGO fans giving the more obscure AT-ST attention.
I love that Lego made a set based on the Both "Chicken Walkers". It's a nice change from the standard AT-STs we've gotten recently. I do think a 4th Minifigure would have been nice. Maybe a snow trooper?
First of all, great review as always. To weigh in on the review summary, I love it! I love the summary sentence and the Pros/Cons have just the right level of detail. I used to read a lot of GamePro and Electronic Gaming Monthly (back when print media was a thing :-p) and your summary reminded me of the summaries they would do for video game reviews. I do agree that it was somewhat jarring/spoiler-y to see the summary at the beginning of the review (vs. end), but it's probably meant for people that may not want to read the whole article and just want the "TLDR" right at the top. And maybe if they like the summary, they'll read the whole article and become more engaged, which is good, so I totally get it...
I really think the eye flaps are iconic and their absence hurts the model a lot. But other than that, it's fantastic, and snowy Chewie is great! I also never realized until now that the AT-ST was asymmetrical, go figure.
Like a few other posters I like the review box but think it would be better placed at the end of the review.
The focus on one movie (one scene, really) for the sets makes all of them better for it. AT-ST (Hoth specific!), two different AT-ATs, two battle packs.
If they were going to do yet another AT-ST, having it be a specific Hoth version is a wonderful change of pace.
From what I see this set is an 'A' grade set. Lots to love here.
As for the review, I'd go for summary at the end, though it's only minor. Maybe try at the end on a future review and see what happens?
@ahughwilliams said:
"is there any reason to believe the ESB version wasn't a single seater?"
The ESB version was a single seater. The ROTJ was a two-seater because they realized there was too much work for one person to handle. (This is not at all canon: I just made it up. But it's plausible, right?)
Also, I want to add that the comparison photos elevate the review from good to very good. Whether that means others photos of the same set from different years or maybe including the set alongside other sets currently available in the theme, like including the AT-ST and the two battle packs.
i was pretty meh about this one (not a fan of the limited articulation) but no stickers? that bumps this into the "highly likely to purchase" category for me!
@ra226 said:
"I really think the eye flaps are iconic and their absence hurts the model a lot. But other than that, it's fantastic, and snowy Chewie is great! I also never realized until now that the AT-ST was asymmetrical, go figure. "
The flaps are there, just closed
Good review!
I feel like this (and the Snowtrooper Battle Pack, of course) complement the UCS AT-AT well. The inclusion of the Probe Droid helps that, I think—between those three sets almost every character, vehicle, and weapon involved in the Imperial siege on Hoth is represented.
I don't really buy Star Wars any more but it never ceases to amaze me how much more detailed and comprehensive the sets have gotten since I did (back in the early 2000s).
I'm going to buy it just to support a non-sticker set.
AT-ST's where never actually in the original ESB they were only added in the special addition remake years later. For those of us that are old enough the first we ever saw of them was in ROTJ.
Thanks or the review summary. But I think I would like it at the end of the article, as it kind of is a spoiler to me at the beginning. At the end I can then confirm that I got out of it what I needed and think about if I agree.
Keep up the great work
Maybe be interesting to play around with this to see if you could fit two mini-figs inside, maybe one behind the other if possible to remove some of the support for the rear panel?
This is the BEST looking LEGO AT-ST hands down
@Huw said:
" @Padmewan said:
"Also, for those of us who care about free samples and bias, it really does no good to add the sentence, "All opinions expressed are those of the author." Getting free samples introduces opportunities for both conscious and unconscious bias that adding this statement doesn't address. It's more honest just to acknowledge that you got the set for free from Lego and leave it to the reader to decide whether to trust your review or not."
The statement about the set being provided for review is more prominent now, so you are therefore aware of it whilst reading it.
LEGO requires us to add a disclaimer "All opinions expressed are those of the author" or something similar. It means that LEGO has not told us what to write and does ***NOT*** expect a positive review as a result of providing it.
"
***Fixed that for you.
@560heliport said:
" @ahughwilliams said:
"is there any reason to believe the ESB version wasn't a single seater?"
The ESB version was a single seater. The ROTJ was a two-seater because they realized there was too much work for one person to handle. (This is not at all canon: I just made it up. But it's plausible, right?)"
exactly!
We’ve all been there Chewie.
Love the picture with the AT-AT!
@woony2 said:
"AT-ST's where never actually in the original ESB they were only added in the special addition remake years later. For those of us that are old enough the first we ever saw of them was in ROTJ. "
This is incorrect. You can see an AT-ST at 30:12 walking on the far side of an AT-AT. It's the focus of the shot.
There's another in the background when Luke destroys an AT-AT at 32:47.
Excellent review! Keep the good work. Love the comparison photo.
The set is great but somehow I prefer the older 8038. Maybe I would buy it just for the snowy Chewbacca.
So glad to see those comparison photos! I'd have been happy with just the latest model but you've really spoiled us here.
Unfortunately I think I might have to get this one, which is absolutely daft as I have 75153... Unfortunately this one makes the old one look totally outdated.
@CapnRex101 said:
" Using some kind of standardised phrasing and structure for the summary comment would quickly become repetitive, especially with the positive and negative attributes displayed below. "
You're misreading my suggestion, which is NOT to provide some formula for the summary comment. I am, however, observing that the existing comment has almost no content and therefore adds little value:
"The AT-ST from The Empire Strikes Back receives deserved notice with this enjoyable set."
I honestly don't understand what the phrase "receives deserved notice" even means. Who's doing the "noticing?" My advice as a writer and editor is to avoid passive-tense phrasing. But hey, it's your site and you're free to write however you please!
I have to say that I really appreciate the photos that compare the review model to previous examples. I totally understand that they may not always be available or appropriate, which to me, make them all the more valuable when you get to include them. I can also find no fault with the review summary. It's placement is exactly where it needs to be: at the top for quick viewing for those with limited time and easy to scroll past if you plan on reading the entire review (as I do).
Love the review and the summary!
@Padmewan said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
"The AT-ST from The Empire Strikes Back receives deserved notice with this enjoyable set."
I honestly don't understand what the phrase "receives deserved notice" even means. Who's doing the "noticing?" My advice as a writer and editor is to avoid passive-tense phrasing. But hey, it's your site and you're free to write however you please!"
It's definitely a tricky sentence to parse, and what makes it more confusing (at least to me) is that the point it is making only has much meaning AFTER you've actually already read the article - and yet it precedes it.
I think the related bullet point about the AT-ST being a 'lesser known' vehicle has the same problem, since I didn't know before reading the article that it differed from the one in Return of the Jedi. I wondered in what way an AT-ST in general was lesser known!
Mind you, I do see that you were trying to convey this information by saying "from The Empire Strikes Back" in the first line, but I don't think it's as obvious as you think what the implication of this statement is. :)
@Padmewan said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
" Using some kind of standardised phrasing and structure for the summary comment would quickly become repetitive, especially with the positive and negative attributes displayed below. "
You're misreading my suggestion, which is NOT to provide some formula for the summary comment. I am, however, observing that the existing comment has almost no content and therefore adds little value:
"The AT-ST from The Empire Strikes Back receives deserved notice with this enjoyable set."
I honestly don't understand what the phrase "receives deserved notice" even means. Who's doing the "noticing?" My advice as a writer and editor is to avoid passive-tense phrasing. But hey, it's your site and you're free to write however you please!"
While, technically, you're right about the use of passive voice here, I think it works here, because (for me) it seemed to read like an introductory headline of sorts. For example, "this set is deserving of notice and here's why" (followed by the bullet points of positives and negatives). That's how I read it. I know that CapnRex101 is the reviewer, so I'm not altogether that concerned by whether the passive voice is used in the headlining statement.
I will add my support, though, of the new "Review Summary" box. I really like having the price, piece count, and a nice, concise summary, all in one place. Very nice.
@Padmewan said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
" Using some kind of standardised phrasing and structure for the summary comment would quickly become repetitive, especially with the positive and negative attributes displayed below. "
You're misreading my suggestion, which is NOT to provide some formula for the summary comment. I am, however, observing that the existing comment has almost no content and therefore adds little value:
"The AT-ST from The Empire Strikes Back receives deserved notice with this enjoyable set."
I honestly don't understand what the phrase "receives deserved notice" even means. Who's doing the "noticing?" My advice as a writer and editor is to avoid passive-tense phrasing. But hey, it's your site and you're free to write however you please!"
I feel like it's pretty easy to parse, the vehicle hasn't been noticed before and now this set gives it attention. "This chicken finally gets the cred it deserves"
@BulbaNerd4000 said:
"
The flaps are there, just closed
"
Oh come on, you knew what I meant. Fine. I really wish the eye flaps were open and angled, like they have been on previous models.
Excellent review. I like the new format which provides a clear overview of strengths and weaknesses, and the sentence summary is eloquent and concise.
Excellent review CapRex! Loved the comparison photos.
Interesting to compare it with these 2 (rare) photographs of the original concept model of the Hoth AT-ST made by Joe Johnston from kit bashed parts for ESB.
and below those photographs is a still from ESB.
https://www.therpf.com/forums/threads/at-st-from-empire.238186/
@Padmewan said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
" Using some kind of standardised phrasing and structure for the summary comment would quickly become repetitive, especially with the positive and negative attributes displayed below. "
You're misreading my suggestion, which is NOT to provide some formula for the summary comment. I am, however, observing that the existing comment has almost no content and therefore adds little value:
"The AT-ST from The Empire Strikes Back receives deserved notice with this enjoyable set."
I honestly don't understand what the phrase "receives deserved notice" even means. Who's doing the "noticing?" My advice as a writer and editor is to avoid passive-tense phrasing. But hey, it's your site and you're free to write however you please!"
Fair enough. I think the summary conveys my intended meaning, which is that I like the set and that it depicts an unusual subject, but I will keep your feedback in mind for next time.
With regard to using the passive voice, I enjoy including it sometimes for simple variety.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @ahughwilliams said:
"is there any reason to believe the ESB version wasn't a single seater?"
Not specifically, although I think a gunner would be necessary since the weaponry is the same between the AT-STs from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
In fact, we know almost nothing about the version from Hoth!"
The original model for the AT-ST was created by members of the ILM team, and George Lucas thought it was "neat" and decided to include it in The Empire Strikes Back alongside the AT-AT.
The AT-ST model received some cosmetic changes for its extensive appearance in Return of the Jedi, thus explaining the minor differences in the models used for the two films.
I believe the in-universe explanation is that the Hoth AT-STs were modified for use in the extreme cold (hence the closed viewports, etc).
I'm building this set now great review
@ra226 said:
" @BulbaNerd4000 said:
"
The flaps are there, just closed
"
Oh come on, you knew what I meant. Fine. I really wish the eye flaps were open and angled, like they have been on previous models.
"
The flaps were closed on the Hoth version of the AT-ST, so if they were open in the set it would be inaccurate.
Would it be possible for the pros and cons text in the summary box to be the same size as the rest of the text.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @Padmewan said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
" Using some kind of standardised phrasing and structure for the summary comment would quickly become repetitive, especially with the positive and negative attributes displayed below. "
You're misreading my suggestion, which is NOT to provide some formula for the summary comment. I am, however, observing that the existing comment has almost no content and therefore adds little value:
"The AT-ST from The Empire Strikes Back receives deserved notice with this enjoyable set."
I honestly don't understand what the phrase "receives deserved notice" even means. Who's doing the "noticing?" My advice as a writer and editor is to avoid passive-tense phrasing. But hey, it's your site and you're free to write however you please!"
Fair enough. I think the summary conveys my intended meaning, which is that I like the set and that it depicts an unusual subject, but I will keep your feedback in mind for next time.
With regard to using the passive voice, I enjoy including it sometimes for simple variety."
As a French speaker, I've never understood English's tendency to absolutly avoid the passive voice. We use it all the time in French, so everytime I'm writing in English, I need to fight myself to avoid it. But I don't always do.
Great review, love all of the comparison photos (glad you had all the models handy!), and the presence of the summary box is a wonderful addition (wherever it ultimately ends up in future reviews)! Thanks again for giving us the chance to comment, and for listening to the comments you received!
Can you put the pros and cons list at the bottom?
I think it’s great that they released a Hoth version, but already having 3 AT-STs I think I’m doing just fine. Hopefully those who haven’t gotten one yet will appreciate this one and pick it up. The AT-STs make for great Lego sets.
Great review, thanks!
I really like the summary box, particularly making price and piece count visible at a glance.
I don't really mind whether the summary box is at the beginning or end of the review, but as a counterpoint to previous comments: I think it's genuinely useful at the start to serve the "at a glance" purpose. Particularly when the alternative is to scroll to the bottom of one of CapnRex's magnificent epics to obtain a set's basic vital statistics.
As someone who has been trawling Brickset's back catalogue of reviews for sets I missed in my dark ages, I foresee the summary box being even more valuable in retrospect. But I suppose there is always the Brickset database for this purpose as well.
Great review.
Really like the new summary box at the top!
I really like the new style of review: the many detailed images and the positives/negatives. Keep on!
@eiffel006 said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
" @Padmewan said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
" Using some kind of standardised phrasing and structure for the summary comment would quickly become repetitive, especially with the positive and negative attributes displayed below. "
You're misreading my suggestion, which is NOT to provide some formula for the summary comment. I am, however, observing that the existing comment has almost no content and therefore adds little value:
"The AT-ST from The Empire Strikes Back receives deserved notice with this enjoyable set."
I honestly don't understand what the phrase "receives deserved notice" even means. Who's doing the "noticing?" My advice as a writer and editor is to avoid passive-tense phrasing. But hey, it's your site and you're free to write however you please!"
Fair enough. I think the summary conveys my intended meaning, which is that I like the set and that it depicts an unusual subject, but I will keep your feedback in mind for next time.
With regard to using the passive voice, I enjoy including it sometimes for simple variety."
As a French speaker, I've never understood English's tendency to absolutly avoid the passive voice. We use it all the time in French, so everytime I'm writing in English, I need to fight myself to avoid it. But I don't always do. "
It's a knee-jerk thing they taught in school when I was younger. Don't say "nice", don't use "said" and don't use the passive voice. No one seemed to know why. It's a weird hang over.
@MisterBrickster said:
"It's a knee-jerk thing they taught in school when I was younger. Don't say "nice", don't use "said" and don't use the passive voice. No one seemed to know why. It's a weird hang over."
Back in the 70s 'get' and 'got' were words never to use as well. I guess because there's always a more descriptive alternative.
Excellent review -- makes me almost wish I hadn't bought a previous AT-ST so I could more easily justifying buying this one! I always wanted LEGO to do a Hoth one sometime
@Huw said:
" @MisterBrickster said:
"It's a knee-jerk thing they taught in school when I was younger. Don't say "nice", don't use "said" and don't use the passive voice. No one seemed to know why. It's a weird hang over."
Back in the 70s 'get' and 'got' were words never to use as well. I guess because there's always a more descriptive alternative.
"
Huh, I guess they'd given up on that one by the 90s!
I also distinctly remember being told all grown-ups write in joined up handwriting and that I would grow out of Lego, both of which turned out to be outright lies, so I guess they were just making it up as they go along. Now I'm a scientist, I live and breathe the passive tense.
The grammar school debate is hilarious and nostalgic. As someone who has strattled both the liberal arts and scientific realms, it is interesting to see the linguistic tensions between those fields played out here.
The new review is quite an impressive improvement- and that's really quite saying something. Congrats team Bset!
Two suggestions: 1) pictures of the interior bags are vital for those of us who try to assess the completeness of new, opened sets obtained from the secondary market; 2) it would be greatly appreciated if you would provide a quick parenthetical listing of the sets used for comparison. I cannot figure out what is the third set from the left?
That's not a snowy Chewbacca. THIS is a snowy Chewbacca!! 75146
Ok, so got to add my voice to those saying the summary box at the top is a great addition. However, I would change "Excellent exclusive minifigures" to whatever it is that makes them excellent (detail, authenticity, variety). I appreciate that this might not be possible due to brevity requirements.
I love love LOVE the comparison photos. I'll love them even more when it's for sets I have/want.
Firstly - Review is great - as ever - always love reading these regardless of set
Secondly the set itself - I am getting rather cynical these days about LEGO Star Wars - as you imply with new parts, building techniques improve and so do the models - I just think with Star Wars sets they have stagnated, surely only hardcore collectors are going to be lured into purchasing this if they own a previous set...... I don't think this is a serious leap - especially as these prices are on an upward trend - if they are going to rock my wallet we need another UCS or play version that is significantly improved and has articulation. My opinion of course.
Great review as usual CapnRex101!. Summary box is good wherever it's located. The writing style is great and has gotten better over the years. Don't change a thing! My only issue is where is the signature CapRex101 animal we were promised?
@Darth_Dee said:
"Great review as usual CapnRex101!.... My only issue is where is the signature CapRex101 animal we were promised?"
Hmm... maybe Corellian hounds, mynocks, tauntauns, or... porgs!
@woony2 said:
"AT-ST's where never actually in the original ESB they were only added in the special addition remake years later. For those of us that are old enough the first we ever saw of them was in ROTJ. "
This is incorrect. The miniature was created by Joe Johnston and Jon Berg in their spare time (weekends) and shown to George Lucas. It is in two background-out-of-focus shots of the original movie release.
(source: "The Making of The Empire Strikes Back" p.310)
@Huw said:
" LEGO requires us to add a disclaimer "All opinions expressed are those of the author" or something similar. It means that LEGO has not told us what to write and doesn't expect a positive review as a result of providing it."
"Except for this exact sentence you're reading right now, LEGO hasn't told us what to say."
@KoolKreeper489 said:
"The flaps were closed on the Hoth version of the AT-ST, so if they were open in the set it would be inaccurate. "
Ahhhhh... now that's a good reply. I stand corrected :)
@StyleCounselor said:
"The grammar school debate is hilarious and nostalgic. As someone who has strattled both the liberal arts and scientific realms, it is interesting to see the linguistic tensions between those fields played out here.
The new review is quite an impressive improvement- and that's really quite saying something. Congrats team Bset!
Two suggestions: 1) pictures of the interior bags are vital for those of us who try to assess the completeness of new, opened sets obtained from the secondary market; 2) it would be greatly appreciated if you would provide a quick parenthetical listing of the sets used for comparison. I cannot figure out what is the third set from the left?"
That's 8038 The Battle of Endor.
Awesome review !! I loved this set, snowy Chewie the best !! The probe droid looks impressive.
It is a shame that my LEGO budget for this past year ran out and by the looks of it, I won't be able to get sets this year as well.
@560heliport said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
"The grammar school debate is hilarious and nostalgic. As someone who has strattled both the liberal arts and scientific realms, it is interesting to see the linguistic tensions between those fields played out here.
The new review is quite an impressive improvement- and that's really quite saying something. Congrats team Bset!
Two suggestions: 1) pictures of the interior bags are vital for those of us who try to assess the completeness of new, opened sets obtained from the secondary market; 2) it would be greatly appreciated if you would provide a quick parenthetical listing of the sets used for comparison. I cannot figure out what is the third set from the left?"
That's 8038 The Battle of Endor."
Thanks!