Review: 71775 Nya's Samurai X MECH
Posted by CapnRex101,The most enjoyable mechs consistently include significant articulation, although that inevitably becomes increasingly challenging on any larger designs. 71775 Nya's Samurai X MECH certainly seems successful in that respect, incorporating articulated knees!
Moreover, the model towers above comparable NINJAGO mechs and the minifigure selection appears impressive, particularly because six of the eight provided characters are exclusive. Unfortunately, the price seems rather expensive.
Summary
71775 Nya's Samurai X MECH, 1,003 pieces.
£104.99 / $119.99 / €119.99 | 10.5p/12.0c/12.0c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
The new Samurai X mech is appealing, but smaller equivalents have proven better
- Effective samurai styling
- Articulated knee joints
- Outstanding minifigure selection
- Heavy limbs limit articulation
- 'X' gimmick is too prominent
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Many versions of Samurai X Nya have been released since the character's introduction during 2012, always featuring red armour, while P.I.X.A.L.'s incarnation was predominantly dark blue. This dark azure minifigure is therefore unusual, but looks marvellous. The pearl gold accents work nicely and I love Nya's chest armour, displaying the emblem more often associated with P.I.X.A.L.
Removing the helmet reveals Nya's double-sided head underneath, which would benefit from new expressions for some variety. Golden Jay also presents his usual determined and happy faces, but his minifigure is otherwise new. Blue and pearl gold colours always look tremendous together and I like the dark blue designs on Jay's torso, shared with past minifigures.
Both characters sport golden shoulder armour and Jay's armour includes a scabbard for his katana. The nunchaku conventionally associated with the Ninja of Lightning are absent. Nya, meanwhile, wields twin blades, as normal for Samurai X.
Master Wu has become increasingly action-oriented as NINJAGO has continued, gradually shifting from robes to armoured garb. This minifigure accordingly wears the stunning Dragon Chestplate over his traditional robes. The moulded scales and decorative dragon head on this armour component look fantastic, returning from the Hunted subtheme.
Equally impressive is Lil' Nelson, whose previous minifigures have portrayed his ambition to become a warrior and his honorary role as the purple ninja. This minifigure is more practically dressed for combat, featuring a mask beneath his hood and a scabbard for two medium azure weapons! The hood is particularly effective, covering a hat with an unusual Wu symbol across the front.
I am pleased that Nelson's association with purple endures, complementing his medium azure elements. However, medium legs would have been more suitable for this minifigure, since the onscreen character has grown and now includes medium legs. Nevertheless, the updated Lil' Nelson design is great and both heroes feature stickered banners, displaying the golden ninja emblem.
An outstanding group of villains is provided too, beginning with Oni Garmadon, who appears more intimidating than ever! The spectacular Oni mask looks delightfully evil, with enormous teeth and red eyes contrasting against the metallic silver designs. Moreover, I love the pearl silver horns atop the mask, while the helmet underneath presents remarkable moulded detail.
Unusually among these villains, Oni Garmadon wears his normal black robes and purple sash, rather than the uniform shared by others. General Pythor is one example, including a purple and magenta torso, with trans-pink shoulder armour. The celebrated Serpentine character is usually dressed in a single colour so this minifigure is definitely distinctive, although blending purple and white works nicely.
Also, I love the magenta crystal on Pythor's forehead, replacing a blue crystal and matching the predominant colour throughout the Crystalized range. The purple designs across his head and tail are also attractive. The general's peculiar chain weapon seems unwieldy, while Garmadon carries standard katana.
The Mechanic stands out among the returning villains commanding the Crystal King's army because this character is typically considered less of a threat than Pythor, Harumi, Aspheera and the other officers. Nevertheless, this minifigure looks good and includes an updated head, appearing crueller than the version available in 71741 NINJAGO City Gardens.
The armoured torso and legs are consistent among the Crystal King's subordinates, featuring pink crystals alongside pearl dark grey panels. The accompanying Vengestone Warrior looks quite similar, although their body is predominantly crystalline and seems to be cracking through the armour. Jagged yellow lines demonstrate where that armour could shatter next.
My favourite aspect of the Vengestone Warrior is definitely its dual-moulded head, combining pearl dark grey and trans-pink colours. The sharp angles look excellent and I like the teeth, in particular. The warrior carries a Vengestone sword, while The Mechanic's robo-arm includes a trans-pink beam. A specialised arm would have been preferred, although this character rarely appears, so I understand its omission.
The Completed Model
Each version of Samurai X's mech has captured important features associated with samurai, beginning with 9448 Samurai Mech. The heavy shoulder armour and faulds around the waist are distinctive, so I am pleased to see those features returning here. Moreover, I like this dark azure colour scheme, which acknowledges Nya's association with water and appears unique among mechs.
71775 Nya's Samurai X MECH measures 32cm in height and invites comparison with 71738 Zane's Titan Mech Battle, given the prior model also included knee joints. While considerably larger than its predecessor, this design features narrower limbs and I prefer the proportions of Zane's mech, which appears stronger than the Samurai X vehicle.
Nevertheless, I am impressed that the designer managed to integrate functioning knee joints, given the scale of this mech. They certainly broaden options for display, although slightly less than I expected because the hip movement is rather limited. Whereas Zane's mech can easily achieve numerous dynamic poses, balancing this creation is more difficult.
LEGO mechs nearly always include enormous feet and calves, generally with smaller thighs. However, the legs on this model narrow towards the feet, which creates an interesting shape, but appears awkward from the front, in my opinion. The colour blocking is outstanding though, as the black and pearl gold lower legs contrast with the upper legs and torso.
Moreover, I love how dual-moulded canopies have been incorporated as knee protection. This element was developed for the Seabound subtheme, but looks brilliant here. The joints behind these armour panels are surprisingly simple though, each comprising three standard ball joints, arranged in a row. While simple, the joints provide ample strength.
The backs of the legs are nicely finished as well, avoiding inconsistent colours or conspicuous Technic parts. I like the light bluish grey truncated cones that identify the knee and ankle joints, while 3x4 armour panels are employed to superb effect around the thighs. Mechanical detail is unusually lacking, but the smooth exterior looks good.
A dramatic 'X' adorns the chest, evidently associated with Samurai X. Additional distinguishing features are welcome, but I think this red 'X' is excessive, particularly since its integration with the torso could be improved. However, the golden blades are excellent and matching crosses appear on the side of each leg.
Heavy shoulder armour is a consistent feature among versions of the Samurai Mech, although these floating structures are odd. Rather than wrapping around the upper arms, the shoulder armour is attached using Technic elements, so each section seems to hover above the arms. The resulting silhouette is interesting, but I would greatly prefer something more conventional.
This arrangement does enable the shoulder armour to rotate though, launching missiles at any unsuspecting enemies. Also, I like the black and pearl gold bands which are repeated between the shoulder and forearm protectors, while the golden blades are marvellous too. The weapons are gripped securely in the hands, with Technic pins and the articulated digits.
Unfortunately, the joints between sections of each arm are unusually exposed, contrasting with the bulky shoulders and forearms. Furthermore, the arms are somewhat lacking in detail when viewed from behind, unlike the back of the torso. I like the pearl gold ingots in particular, which resemble a mechanical spine!
Whereas most LEGO mechs include visible pilots, Samurai X is hidden inside the chest of her mech. Raising the head is easy, although also lowering the chestplate provides better access, revealing a single seat surrounded by stickered controls. I like the drawing on one side, which depicts the original Samurai Mech from 2012.
A spacious cockpit is needed to accommodate Samurai X's horned helmet and Nya does fit comfortably inside. This model lacks a heads-up display or screen in front of the pilot though, which is surprising because there is certainly enough room. A consistent problem is emerging with this mech, as the designer has arguably not taken full advantage of its considerable size.
Several crystalline creatures support the Vengestone army, including this dragon, with peculiar proportions. The dragon's forelegs are enormous, relative to its body and back legs, while the trans-pink wings seem quite lacklustre. I like the repeated trans-pink highlights though, which are prevalent throughout the Crystal King's forces.
The dual-moulded head was introduced at the beginning of this year and looks nice, as these trans-pink horns complement blades flanking the lower jaw. Unusually, the dragon lacks eyes, although their absence seems appropriate because I can envisage the animal dwelling below ground, where light is scarce and other senses are much more important than sight.
Underground living could also explain the small wings, although trailers for the second half of the Crystallized season, show these dragons in flight. The blades that comprise the wings are movable, but positioning the front legs naturally is challenging because only the shoulders and dactyls are actually articulated.
Pearl dark grey 4x4 wedge slopes are integrated along the dragon's back, creating attractive ridges. However, the back legs lack equivalent texture and I think the entire creature appears unbalanced without a tail, with nearly all of its weight focused towards the front, while the rear looks unfinished.
Overall
While numerous, NINJAGO mechs hardly ever achieve the substantial scale of 71775 Nya's Samurai X MECH. The sheer size of this model provides outstanding display value and I like how the designer has integrated features commonly associated with samurai. The articulated knees are appealing, of course, although not as versatile as the joints on 71738 Zane's Titan Mech Battle.
Moreover, the ambition of this design seems somehow lacking, especially following 71765 Ninja Ultra Combo Mech, which includes greater functionality and is less expensive than this vehicle. The minifigure selection is exceptional and I am pleased with this addition to the vast selection of NINJAGO mechs, but it is not the utter triumph I expected for £99.99, $119.99 or €109.99.
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30 comments on this article
Nice review. My son just built Zane's Titan Mech and he loves it. I wondered how this new mech would compare. I am happy to take away from this review that we got the superior mech set and at less than half the price! The figures in this Samurai Mech are cool but will probably try to bricklink some at a later time.
I agree, the price definetly hurts this set, especially when compared to zane titan mech, which is pretty much the same size. one major thing I wish lego would sort is the ankles of mechs. theres no point having mech knees if they cant be used, as there is many joints in the feet that are needed to get good posing. i love all the figs, but they dont justify the massive cost of the set, even though I really wish that we get more face prints like nelsons, with the intergrated mask, as I think it looks amazing! I wouldn't mind something like that for the reboot of the season next year.
I really think this mech suffers from the size. maybe a quarter of its hight added onto it and it would be spectacular, adding more colour surface area to balance out against the red X and more space for a HUD and some more features, though im not sure what they could add. maybe chest mounted launchers? storage space?
This set looks great, but as often for this series the minifigs seem more tempting than anything else. Given budget concerns it might end up feeling cheaper on my part to pick them up separately, even if some BL seller is charging $25 for them.
Also, couple of story-related details for this set the review kinda overlooks:
-Seems like Jay’s usual nunchucks, in this case the classic Golden Nunchucks of Lightning, are actually being used by Pythor here. The Golden Weapons as a whole seem to have been captured and partially corrupted by the villains in this wave, and appear across the theme, and a play value here can come in Jay having to reclaim and restore them.
-Despite the dark Oni look, Garmaddon appears not to be a true villain this wave/series. He’s posed with the heroes on the box art and his more subdued attire separates him quite clearly from the crystallized look of the other returning villains. Given his last appearance in the show (March of the Oni) involved him regaining something of his good side, that trend appears to continue here, particularly in helping Lloyd master his own potential Oni power, which is on display with his figure in the Golden Ultra Dragon set.
Nice review of an awesome set!
Truth be told, as much as you prefer the bulkier limbs of Zane's Titan Mech, I honestly think the narrower and more nimble-looking limbs of this set are one of its most impressive strengths. Speaking from experience, it can be VERY hard to build an articulated figure or mech at this sort of scale WITHOUT bulking up the limbs a lot more to lock them together securely and add friction to the joints. The curvy, muscular-looking limb designs also lend this mech a more feminine look than previous Ninjago mechs, IMO.
Of course, as a Niek van Slagmaat design, this MOC also builds on some of the strengths of Zane's Titan Mech, such as the use of kneepads, faulds, and grey conical "bolts" to help cover and decorate the joints without compromising their articulation. Even the underarms get some smooth armor plating to help close the gap between the torso and limbs. The elbows and wrists do look a lot more bare-bones than those of Zane's mech, but their multi-axis joint pieces give them a lot more articulation for dynamic swordfighting poses. On a more personal note, the sleek limbs, bulky raised shoulderpads, and Dark Azur primary color also bring up fond memories of my favorite Bionicle set, 70768 Gali - Master of Water!
Nya is my favorite of Wu's six ninja, but she's had frustratingly few iconic vehicles of her own since becoming a ninja. As such, her getting the largest mech/vehicle of this wave (in her signature Dark Azur "Water Ninja" primary color) is much appreciated, although it's a little odd to me that Nya is taking up the Samurai X mantle once again as she pilots it. It's also frustrating that this Samurai X variant is the ONLY new Nya minifigure this wave, whereas the four original ninja get 3 new minifigs each and Lloyd gets two. More water motifs would also have been nice to see — perhaps even shoulder-mounted water cannons using some of the water pieces from recent LEGO City firefighting sets instead of more generic laser cannons.
But those misgivings aside, it's a remarkably strong set design, and it's a real shame that the recent price hikes have given it a less compelling value for money. Even a $100 USD price point would have felt like a pretty good value to me relative to other large Ninjago mechs of recent years — at least when you account for the added value of the enemy Crystal Beast model (as it's named in the kids' section of the LEGO website). But its $120 USD price tag will undoubtedly be a harder pill to swallow, especially with all the other amazing sets this wave has to offer.
I think the giant X is a Gurren Lagann reference, and it works well as that.
Great review! The original 9448 Samurai Mech is one of my favorite designs and is among the first sets I bought on my way out of my dark ages.
The thinner limbs on this one make it look sleeker and more agile, and give me more of a Gundam vibe.
It is unfortunate about the price. I agree and think $100 would be closer to what I would have expected.
@Aanchir said:
"On a more personal note, the sleek limbs, bulky raised shoulderpads, and Dark Azur primary color also bring up fond memories of my favorite Bionicle set, 70768 Gali - Master of Water!"
70786 Gali - Master of Water
I got this for $90 and am okay with that. When it eventually gets clearanced for $60 or less, I'll get another one for modding.
Best ever Ninjago mech set
Nice review, per usual. However, I do find myself agreeing with the comment posted by @Aanchir. I think the more anatomical nature of this mech suits the ninja and the subject matter. I will await a substantial discount or GWP prior to considering purchase, however.
Owning all the mentioned mechs, I can say this mech is a lot more stable than the combo mech. I love the crystal beast a lot! The minifig selection is outstanding. It is expensive, yes, but it has a lot to like. I wish it was less conservative in some areas like both weapons being sabers but the articulation is great and it offers some cool poses. The color scheme really sold it to me.
Exo-Force is already 16 years old and I'm honestly surprised it's taken Lego this long to finally start including knee articulation in mechs again.
@Dash_Justice said:
"Exo-Force is already 16 years old and I'm honestly surprised it's taken Lego this long to finally start including knee articulation in mechs again."
It hasn't! It varies from set to set (often depending on factors such as scale and target age), but there have been loads of mechs with working knees over the past several years, beginning with 70327 from Nexo Knights. The various 11cm Marvel Super Heroes mechs (https://brickset.com/sets/tag-Character-Mech) all have articulation, as do 71699, 71702, and 71738 from Ninjago and 70646 from Hidden Side.
@Aanchir said:
" @Dash_Justice said:
"Exo-Force is already 16 years old and I'm honestly surprised it's taken Lego this long to finally start including knee articulation in mechs again."
It hasn't! It varies from set to set (often depending on factors such as scale and target age), but there have been loads of mechs with working knees over the past several years, beginning with 70327 from Nexo Knights. The various 11cm Marvel Super Heroes mechs (https://brickset.com/sets/tag-Character-Mech) all have articulation, as do 71699, 71702, and 71738 from Ninjago and 70646 from Hidden Side."
In the case of the Hidden side set, I assume you mean 70436, not a spinner from Ninjago?
I really like the minifigure selection but everything else looks bad.
The head size is tiny compared to the rest of the mech, along with a few skinny bits between thick armor plating. The one horn also looks weird and reminds me of that of a rhinoceros.
I also really agree that the red X looks too prominent, and I dislike the azure colour, the overall colour scheme of which somehow recalls a bag of wild berry Skittles (which, by the way, I don't consume anymore)
The enclosed cockpit actually works great and will hopefully be integrated in more sets to come.
The Oni Garmadon minifigure is also disappointing as it looks pretty different from his appearance in the trailers. Also worth noting that he's not one of the Crystal King's generals, but rather he's helping Lloyd master his Oni power in the fight against the Overlord.
Have I mentioned the price? It costs $200 AUD here and the price is definitely not worth it when you look at Zane's Titan Mech (I don't have it but I've seen a store display and I know it's great)
Unfortunately, the three most expensive sets of the Crystalized wave (namely Kai's Golden Dragon Raider, Nya's Samurai X MECH and Lloyd's Golden Ultra Dragon) seem to be overpriced, which actually helps my wallet so I can divert budget to the AT-TE :D
Let's see...not overly a 'fan' of the mech's look (looks to 'X-Men'), do like the look of that creature. Also kind wondering how Nya comes back...no, don't spoil for anybody; I just got get on watching it on...hmm, is it Teletoon or YTV; going have to look...
Also: gotta laugh, I realized that Nelson's appears to be too short for his swords; or he's barely the 'right height'...although I'm still picturing him dragging the tips in the ground...:)
Digging Li'l Nelson's Master Wu-Tang garms!
@Torrent_Studios said:
"(...)
the overall colour scheme of which somehow recalls a bag of wild berry Skittles (which, by the way, I don't consume anymore)
(...)"
Did I miss some critical Skittles news? Are they dangerous now??
@bananaworld said:
" @Torrent_Studios said:
"
the overall colour scheme of which somehow recalls a bag of wild berry Skittles (which, by the way, I don't consume anymore)
"
Did I miss some critical Skittles news? Are they dangerous now??"
Oh yes, you definitely need to catch up on Skittles news. Apparently they give off titanium oxide and are toxic for human consumption heh.
As someone who owns the set, the price could be better but i think the set is solid
Despite Wu and Garmadon's missing wings, Garmadon's single pair of arms, and The Mechanic's inaccurate torso printing, the fig selection is a big draw that was done well
The side tiny dragon build is weak but it works, the mech itself was done amazingly, although there are some big downsides like the top half of the legs make the Samurai X look like it's wearing some baggy pants under that armour, the inaccurate head build, and very spiny back which feels off compared to the rest of the mech
Despite all that i like the set and Lego should improve upon this when making future mechs
(If you're thinking of getting the set, you should)
I suspect the dragon in this set is inspired by bats judging by its morphology and its lack of eyes. Of course, real bats have eyes but they are known for their echolocation.
*almost fell of my chair here*
Wauw! Capn does another Ninjago Crystalised review! Been waiting but glad to see! Hope we also get reviews of the 4-headed dragon and the crystal temple!
@Torrent_Studios said:
" @bananaworld said:
" @Torrent_Studios said:
"
the overall colour scheme of which somehow recalls a bag of wild berry Skittles (which, by the way, I don't consume anymore)
"
Did I miss some critical Skittles news? Are they dangerous now??"
Oh yes, you definitely need to catch up on Skittles news. Apparently they give off titanium oxide and are toxic for human consumption heh."
* dioxide
Jury's out on this. One independent toxicologist provided the truism in response to this issue, "it's the dose that makes the poison."
Nevertheless, the EU has apparently determined that there is no safe food usage (it's in a lot of other things, like toothpaste). Regardless, Skittles contains nothing but artificial color, flavor, and sugar. They have always been nothing but poison.
I do love them, though. :(
EDIT: The regular ones, that is. I can't abide Wild Berry Skittles. They taste like nuclear waste!
@Torrent_Studios said:
" @bananaworld said:
" @Torrent_Studios said:
"
the overall colour scheme of which somehow recalls a bag of wild berry Skittles (which, by the way, I don't consume anymore)
"
Did I miss some critical Skittles news? Are they dangerous now??"
Oh yes, you definitely need to catch up on Skittles news. Apparently they give off titanium oxide and are toxic for human consumption heh."
Oh, not that old overblown nonsense. Have you any idea how many Skittles you'd have to eat to suffer a toxic dose?
No, nor me. But, for certain, the sugar will rot all your teeth and kill you via diabetes before the titanium dioxide has any effect on your health.
Hmmm, I wonder what compound colours white LEGO; I'm looking at you, Wu!
I love how the designer made a head that looks so much like a samurai helmet.
@Aanchir said:
"there have been loads of mechs with working knees over the past several years, beginning with 70327 from Nexo Knights."
This is 21109 erasure.
Even before price increases this feels expensive compared to the other 2 big mechs on the current lineup.
Zane's mech will go up to €65 (+5), this set is also increasing to €120 (+10), and Ultra Combo Mech to €100 (+15)
Seperate from the price, all those 3 sets have been fantastic mech designs.
This set looks like a winner to me, though I will wait for a discount.
If Skittles are dangerous because of titanium dioxide, are M&Ms as well?
Great review, anyway. I think I'd replace the red pieces of the X with pearl gold, if possible. It may not be how the mech looks on TV, but I don't watch the series anyway. Thank you very much, CapnRex!
Great review, the only thing I don't agree with is the "effective samurai styling" and the fact that the head isn't a problem with the set.
@bananaworld said:
" @Torrent_Studios said:
" @bananaworld said:
" @Torrent_Studios said:
"
the overall colour scheme of which somehow recalls a bag of wild berry Skittles (which, by the way, I don't consume anymore)
"
Did I miss some critical Skittles news? Are they dangerous now??"
Oh yes, you definitely need to catch up on Skittles news. Apparently they give off titanium oxide and are toxic for human consumption heh."
Oh, not that old overblown nonsense. Have you any idea how many Skittles you'd have to eat to suffer a toxic dose?
No, nor me. But, for certain, the sugar will rot all your teeth and kill you via diabetes before the titanium dioxide has any effect on your health.
Hmmm, I wonder what compound colours white LEGO; I'm looking at you, Wu!"
Well, I'm certainly not taking any chances. Chocolate coated pretzels are a much more pleasant alternative :)
@illennium said:
"I got this for $90 and am okay with that. When it eventually gets clearanced for $60 or less, I'll get another one for modding."
You sound confident in 50% off. Where might one find these Lego discounts I hear of but never experience?
@B_Space_Man said:
" @illennium said:
"I got this for $90 and am okay with that. When it eventually gets clearanced for $60 or less, I'll get another one for modding."
You sound confident in 50% off. Where might one find these Lego discounts I hear of but never experience?
"
Matt's note: the max discount is 30% off. 50% off sounds like a miracle.
This set has me all excited simply for one feature which is that is has a completely enclosed cockpit for the pilot. It's always been odd to me that the mechs don't have enclosed cockpits. Someone told me once it was because lego always wanted to make sure the Lego minifigures were always front and centre.
This has definitely gone in a direction I like. I only wish Lego would bring a series like Exo-Force back where it was all mechs all the time. =)