Full disclosure, I haven't been into Ninjago for almost a decade. I grew out of it. However, as a fan of mecha and Gundam, a few sets have piqued my interest in a unique way. As I was wandering the Lego aisle of my local Target, I saw this and immediately thought of a Gundam design I happen to like- the Gundam Gusion Rebake Full City (the name's a mouthful) from Iron Blooded Orphans. The set turned out to be pretty enjoyable!

The build is pretty good. It's not overly simple, and I'd say it fits the 9+ recommendation. Everything goes together smoothly, there's a good amount of detail, and the set ends up as a sturdy and robust toy. The design is striking, and everything from the thin, mechanical waist to the chest jutting out makes the IBO Gundam frame resemblance even more clear. The articulation is well-designed, balancing stability with dynamic movement. The lack of elbows and knees is limiting but not problematic overall thanks to the decent movement at the wrists and the superb, Bionicle-esque joints at the heels.

My main gripe doesn't have to do with the exposed technic beams at all. Rather, I dislike the asymmetry at the rear set of arms. The wrist with the rope is lengthened by five studs, and the hook is placed very differently than the static hook. The visual imbalance this causes bugs me, and though it's easy to shorten the longer arm to match the shorter one, that negates the functionality of the string. I wish Lego had spent the few extra parts to integrate the full assembly into both of the extra arms- it would enhance play too, since only having a grappling claw on one side is limiting. However, this can be balanced easily with just a few parts from Pick-a-Brick or Bricklink, though that really shouldn't be on the consumer's end.

I could take or leave the minifigures and side-build. Like I said, I have no attachment to the new characters or factions, and the new designs aren't my cup of tea. The villain's dual-molded sword and cyberpunk facial wiring are neat, I will say.

Overall, I'm quite pleased with this one!

1.Minifigures

A. climber Kai: great minifig no cons

B. Wildfyre: also good just use the one from the first season to be more show-accurate

C. Jordana: she is alright but i wish she came with the fur collar

D. climber Jay: also very good no cons

2.Mech

A. very fun to put together

B. the price sucks tho

C. the extra arms just feel like a quick way to get this set to $70

Overall, I really like the set. I'm very happy i got it. It's not great, but i enjoy it.