Review: 75308 R2-D2
Posted by CapnRex101,
R2-D2 demonstrates extraordinary bravery and determination throughout Star Wars, attending many critical moments and performing decisive actions. This wonderful character has remained accordingly ubiquitous across LEGO Star Wars too, appearing annually since 1999!
75308 R2-D2 achieves unprecedented accuracy and incorporates remarkable detail, surpassing 10225 R2-D2 through the integration of newer elements. Numerous interesting functions are also included, further improving upon the previous design in both appearance and execution.
Box and Contents
LEGO has achieved excellent consistency across the 18+ range and 75308 R2-D2 maintains that tradition, displaying the heroic Astromech droid against a black backdrop. The design has sometimes proven ineffective but looks superb here, especially with the blue glow surrounding R2-D2. However, no Ultimate Collector Series branding is present because this model has not been considered belonging within the collection.
Opening the box reveals sixteen bags, numbered between one and thirteen. This instruction manual contains 284 pages, including several which document the creation, role and notable renown of R2-D2 onscreen. Unfortunately, no information about this model design is provided which seems like a missed opportunity, particularly since Kurt Kristiansen developed both the 2012 and 2021 renditions of R2-D2.
Minifigure
R2-D2 has experienced no substantial alterations since 2014, featuring splendid detail across the front but limited decoration on the reverse. 75308 R2-D2 provided the ideal opportunity for updates, hence I was disappointed to find that none have been introduced. As usual, this droid lacks printing on the back and the precision of decoration on the front is relatively poor.
Nevertheless, this colour scheme of white, dark blue and pearl silver appears authentic when compared with the original character. The intricacy of Artoo's varying tool panels is impressive too, despite their uneven printing. Even so, I think this Astromech droid deserves improvement, especially where the decoration is concerned.
Construction
Technic elements absolutely dominate the initial stages of construction, creating an impressive frame for Artoo's cylindrical body. This structure certainly feels robust and contrasts with 10225 R2-D2, reflecting updated design techniques. Instead, the Technic frame resembles 75318 The Child, albeit integrating some moving components that will eventually become functions.
External body panels are then connected using blue Technic pins, hanging the panels from the central frame. This technique is surprisingly secure, especially after attaching tan 2x3 plates to prevent removal of the body panels. Once again, this design departs from the model produced during 2012, where the body was predominantly assembled vertically. This example integrates layered plates across each side instead.
The ambulatory struts seem remarkably familiar though, retaining the vertical assembly from 10225 R2-D2. New elements are integrated where necessary, although the Technic structure and external shaping remains unaltered. Even the order of construction is consistent, starting with the retractable leg before the primary struts and both tread housings are connected.
Replicating the front of Artoo's cylindrical body necessitates especially interesting techniques, notably integrating light bluish grey wheel arches around the acoustic signaller and ventilation. Wheel arches were employed for the same purpose during 2012, although these elements are more modern. Furthermore, the designer has exploited the broader collection of curved slopes which are available today.
Those curved slopes become especially apparent across the reverse, which is almost entirely smooth, except for studs along the centre. Their inclusion was presumably a deliberate choice because these could have been replaced with tiles. Technic pins are again integrated to attach both the front and rear panels, thereby completing an attractive cylindrical shape.
While the body construction has been updated substantially since 2012, the domed head has remained almost wholly unchanged. This structure comprises layered plates and bricks which are arranged in a ring and feel noticeably fragile, matching the original model. Fortunately, the presence of brackets with curved slopes around the base strengthens this design and softens the transition between R2-D2's body and his head.
Curved slopes appear more prominently across the upper layers, approximating the rounded shape of the onscreen character. This represents an apparent divergence from 10225 R2-D2 which features exposed studs, although their construction techniques are similar. Sharing the same designer between both models has presumably proven decisive here.
The Completed Model
R2-D2's silhouette is among the most recognisable throughout Star Wars and looks splendid here. The proportions between the head, body and struts achieve remarkable accuracy when compared with the onscreen Astromech droid and this colour scheme looks absolutely superb too, consisting almost exclusively of white, light bluish grey and dark blue elements across the exterior.
Numerous recent droid models, including 75187 BB-8, 75278 D-O and 75306 Imperial Probe Droid, have each included stickered information plaques. This convention continues here and their design has remained completely consistent, featuring 6x12 elements instead of the 8x16 tiles which accompany most Ultimate Collector Series models. However, the sticker recreates the standard Ultimate Collector Series aesthetic.
Such continuity between different droids is appreciated and most have contained minifigures, accompanying their respective large-scale counterparts. R2-D2 is accordingly displayed here, standing above an exclusive 1x4x3 brick. This printed piece honours the fiftieth anniversary of Lucasfilm, featuring an attractive metallic gold logo which also appears on the packaging.
Comparing this model with 10225 R2-D2 reveals numerous changes, although the scale has remained the same. This version measures 31cm in height, narrowly passing its predecessor because the new model includes a 4x4 dish on top. Conversely, the shoulder height is slightly lower and gaps between the legs and the body have been closed, ensuring superior accuracy.
Furthermore, the colours have been updated. While the original design included blue accents among the dark blue panels, those have been removed from this creation. The exterior shape appears more authentic too, taking advantage of pieces which have been introduced between 2012 and 2021. The studs across the head have therefore been supplanted by smooth slopes, leaving unusually few exposed studs.
Beyond the superficial differences, the most significant distinction between this model and the previous example is the retractable leg. While the original droid featured a conspicuous switch on the back, this design contains an entirely different mechanism. Moving the Astromech droid between its bipedal and tripedal stances now causes the central leg to deploy automatically.
This mechanism works quite successfully and R2-D2 looks impressive in either configuration. Corresponding with the earlier model, the feet are attached to the struts using Technic beams which slide upwards after the lifting the Astromech droid, unlocking each foot and allowing the whole structure to swing forwards. That movement releases the retractable leg, employing an innovative Technic mechanism inside.
After deployment, the central leg locks securely which is important since the centre of gravity moves above the retractable strut in this position. Artoo's stance is not completely accurate in relation to the original character, although this also varies between the movies. No wheels are secreted inside the tread housings but 2x2 sliders are found underneath, enabling the droid to slide forwards and backwards.
Returning the Astromech droid to its original bipedal stance is similarly simple. The central strut unlocks after moving the primary legs to their upright position, permitting the strut to retract and remain secured inside the body. Negating any requirement for additional triggers is perhaps the most significant distinction between this model and its popular predecessor.
The detail has been improved too, especially across the head where the proportions between Artoo's primary photoreceptor, processor state indicator and holographic projector seem more accurate than was achieved previously. The black shield piece, which forms the photoreceptor, is particularly significant in that regard. However, the square logic function displays could have been improved because the trans-light blue elements behind these headlight bricks are hardly visible.
Considerable detail continues across the reverse, where trans-red and trans-green 1x1 round plates are arranged to depict the diagnostic display. The blue Technic pins appear slightly odd, although these correspond with the source material and I appreciate some continuity between the 2012 model and this design. Of course, the integration of curved slopes looks excellent as well, improving upon 10225 R2-D2 in my opinion.
Further to rotating all the way around, two additional functions are integrating on this occasion. Removing the panel towards the front reveals Luke Skywalker's lightsaber beneath, originating from Return of the Jedi when R2-D2 launches the lightsaber from Jabba's Sail Barge. This weapon cannot actually be launched but it slots neatly inside and looks brilliant, featuring appropriate shaping with golden highlights.
The opposite panel conceals R2-D2's periscopic photoreceptor, deployed on Dagobah during The Empire Strikes Back. This integral sensor is seamlessly integrated and locks into position when angled, as demonstrated below. However, this periscope is extremely short because the space inside the head is restricted, hence I would have included an entirely separate structure which could extend the periscope for display.
Artoo's cylindrical body integrates numerous panels onscreen, concealing different tools. This creation simplifies their arrangement, focusing upon outward accuracy and therefore including relatively few opening panels. Nevertheless, the design looks impressive and does feature two horizontal segments which match the original character.
Conspicuous gaps appear beside these panels, allowing them to open sideways. This design certainly resembles the original character and I appreciate the internal finishing. Unfortunately, the unfolding manipulator and spacecraft linkage arms are both excluded, represented instead by light bluish grey perpendicular hilts that return from the original large-scale R2-D2.
The area underneath features both my favourite and least favourite aspects of this whole set. Firstly, the acoustic signaller and system ventilation are absolutely exceptional. The texture is perfect and I love the neighbouring dark blue stripes. However, the tool hatches on either side bulge quite considerably, spoiling the otherwise smooth shape. I think this problem could have been resolved by recessing the hinges further.
Fortunately, the tools inside both compartments are beautifully executed. The first contains an extending manipulator arm that appears during The Empire Strikes Back, when Artoo attempts to retrieve Luke's lamp from Yoda. This panel covered a circular saw on the original R2-D2 and that would certainly have been an appealing addition here, although this grasping claw is great.
Artoo's most famous device is probably his computer interface arm, which appears frequently throughout the saga. This basic instrument fits comfortably inside its compartment and seems relatively faithful to the source material. Furthermore, the integration of pearl gold elements on both arms is pleasing, demonstrating welcome consistency.
These tools are deployed by pushing buttons on the back of the model, which could definitely have been disguised more successfully. The functions are lovely though, opening both panels smoothly as the arms extend. That represents another change between the modern version of R2-D2 and the design released during 2012, where each tool panel required manual operation before deploying the arms.
Impressive detail continues towards the base of Artoo's body, where identical recharge power couplings are attached on each side. This prominent feature closely resembles the celebrated droid and the light bluish grey polarity sink also seems accurate. Moreover, I like the bodywork extension underneath the chassis, although this should continue around the entire base.
Astromech droids can sometimes vary significantly in appearance but their ambulatory struts remain comparatively consistent. The rounded shape looks excellent here and I love the light bluish grey 4x4 circular elements that create pivots. The surrounding details are attractive too, demonstrating absolute fidelity to this character. Detachable rocket boosters could have been provided, further distinguishing the new model from the previous version.
Throughout this entire model, the sections which exhibit the fewest alterations between 2012 and today are undoubtedly the angular tread housings. They appear nearly identical to 10225 R2-D2, featuring the same construction methods and elements. The only notable changes are improved texture surrounding each foot and golden powerbus cables, replacing reddish brown tubes from the earlier model.
Conversely, the curved fuel cells attached to each tread appear more proportionally accurate than was achieved previously. Their narrowed design looks good, although that only provides enough space for single fuel system latches on the front rather than pairs. In addition, several Technic elements become visible after releasing the central strut, revealing some incongruous colours which is disappointing.
The retractable leg also seems rather awkward, lacking proper girth above the foot. However, both these narrow Technic beams and the aforementioned colourful parts are obscured when viewing this model from the front, assuring that it remains appealing on display. Moreover, the central leg does feature suitable detail, including cylindrical lubricant reservoirs which are also fixed to the primary struts.
Overall
LEGO has released numerous direct-to-consumer Star Wars sets which revise past products recently, including 75308 R2-D2. Despite some earlier reservations about the decision, I think this update is justified. The enhanced curvature across the body and head is the most notable improvement, although the functionality and detailing are substantially better as well. The new photoreceptor and processing indicator cluster is particularly outstanding.
Furthermore, the deployable strut represents an important advancement over 10225 R2-D2, along with the additional functions inside the head. Of course, the best qualities of the earlier model are retained, including the scaling which is accurate beside 75187 BB-8 because BB-8 was created for display beside the original R2-D2. These two models appear equally splendid together.
Potential for subsequent improvement certainly remains though. The bulging tool hatches are disappointing and I dislike the periscopic photoreceptor, which is significantly compromised by needing to retract inside the head. Nevertheless, this model is superb and the price of £179.99 or $199.99 represents good value, particularly given Artoo's presence on display.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
206 likes
70 comments on this article
It looks just spectacular, and is really a marvel of Lego construction. I get irritated with the SW line for being repetitive and kinda lazy sometimes, but when they knock out of the park it’s really great.
The link above the Completed Model section points to the Medieval Blacksmith review for some reason.
@WemWem said:
"It looks just spectacular, and is really a marvel of Lego construction. I get irritated with the SW line for being repetitive and kinda lazy sometimes, but when they knock out of the park it’s really great."
Thoroughly agreed!
Thank you for the - as always - splendid review @CapnRex101!
R2 the same? They look so similar from afar :)
Now I want a power functions brick that beeps incessantly.
What does “further to rotating” mean? Does the head rotate? How much?
I love that Luke’s lightsaber is hidden away inside... seems like a missed opportunity not using a spring loaded mechanism to fire it out though...
I would love for someone to be able to tell me why this set, while seemingly superior in every way, does not seem nearly as charming as the original. Is there an uncanny valley for Lego?
I almost want to get this just for the building experience, and for how iconic R2-D2 is. I wish LEGO would consider or was able to produce sets based on Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, so that we could get a buildable BD-1, but alas, LEGO has said they won't be doing so.
@Bagelwolf said:
"I would love for someone to be able to tell me why this set, while seemingly superior in every way, does not seem nearly as charming as the original. Is there an uncanny valley for Lego?"
Rounded, studless modern pieces, make it a lot more a display model, over a LEGO model compared to the more basic pieces of the previous one, especially evident on a small picture screen.
I'm sure it'll look a lot more LEGO-like in-person on real scale, however, as varied light fall and colors are different from a studio photo with a solid-color background.
I had a 15 year break from LEGO from around 2001-2016, and certainly first thing I noticed was how tiled/rounded/smoothed many modern sets are for the most part.
In fact I actually did like Nexo knights being more focused around angled designs / canopy for their vehicles again compared to something like Space Police 3.
I honestly believed we would see an update of Vader's TIE Advanced this year before we saw an updated R2-D2. The set is six years older, could use numerous revisions to make it fit in with the TIE Fighter and it would have been the perfect opportunity to make use of the Vader with arm-printing as the exclusive figure. Personally I really hope we get an updated Vader's TIE Advanced next year for May 4th because it would also fit the price range of that of R2-D2.
I'm also not sure this updated R2-D2 actually does fit in with BB-8 because there's far more studded areas on the older R2-D2 which would look more appropriate next to the studded areas on BB-8. Looking at the two side-by-side in your comparison shot this updated R2-D2 is perhaps in a league of it's own.
New R2 looks really nice, nicely scales with BB-8 but I personally don't see 200$ value here, I would pick something else for that price, like latest modular.
I love this! I really wish I had 200$ Though. I have BB8, and D-O, so it would be amazing to have this. I guess I’ll just have to settle for that epic display piece that is the probe droid.
You know, I might drop the Imperial Shuttle from my order and buy this on May.....
Awesome! Thanks for the review! Nice photos, btw.
@Bagelwolf said:
"I would love for someone to be able to tell me why this set, while seemingly superior in every way, does not seem nearly as charming as the original. Is there an uncanny valley for Lego?"
I have no attachment to the original set, but just seeing them next to one another, I was also drawn to it more despite the advancements.
I'd like to add Star Wars LUCS (Like Ultimate Collectors Series) Brick Built Character to my menu:
theme-Star-Wars
tag-Brick-Built-Character
tag-Nameplate
Could someone please tell me how to do it with one link? I would like the link to be permanent, that is, it does not simply have set numbers listed.
Thank you in advance.
Li’l Artoo looks like he’s dancing the Hula. And BB-8 would look better if big Artoo was kicking him in his ball.
@Bagelwolf said:
"I would love for someone to be able to tell me why this set, while seemingly superior in every way, does not seem nearly as charming as the original. Is there an uncanny valley for Lego?"
I would say that yes, there is an uncanny valley with Lego. I saw it with the UCS Millennium Falcon sets, where the original screamed "giant Lego Falcon" and the newer one (though technically superior in every way) screamed "giant Falcon... that's made from Lego". It's a subtle difference in when - and how - you appreciate that what you're looking at is a model built from Lego bricks. For me, that's where the new falcon failed - it looks so much like a studio model but isn't quite right, then you realise it's "only" a Lego model and you dial back your expectations and suddenly become suitably impressed.
With R2-D2, the new one really is superior in every respect - the body shell is smoother, the retractable leg mechanism looks great, and there's bonus features built into the dome. And yet... I can't put my finger on why, but the older one has more appeal to me. The studs on the original's dome help make it look more dome-like, the original's blocky body looks just as well-rounded (despite, or maybe because of, the blockiness). I'd almost like to have a hybrid of the two R2-D2's, with the mechanisms of the new jammed into the shell of the original.
Also, am I alone in thinking that what studs are on the new R2 are out of place? Like they were only added because it's Lego and people expect to see some studs?
I can't help but feel the model would look better with all studs removed.
@NathanR2015 said:
"Also, am I alone in thinking that what studs are on the new R2 are out of place? Like they were only added because it's Lego and people expect to see some studs?
I can't help but feel the model would look better with all studs removed."
Is it SNOT possible to mod it that way?
Oh wow that really is a massive update from the original. The body has been completely redesigned. I will need to see a video of the third leg in action but it sounds like an impressive feat of lego engineering. I have 10225 and I love it to death but seeing just how much has changed, I’m seriously considering getting this. 10225 is one of the best Star Wars sets of all time imo, but it looks like this one has just taken its spot because it seems like an improvement in every way.
@Bagelwolf said:
"I would love for someone to be able to tell me why this set, while seemingly superior in every way, does not seem nearly as charming as the original. Is there an uncanny valley for Lego?"
I think it’s because the old one looks more shamelessly lego, whereas the new one looks like it’s trying to hide what it’s made of. The exposed studs of the old one also softens the top silhouette a bit, whereas the new one is smoother but in the wrong way
Before this review, while an impressive model, I was mostly indifferent. But @capnrex101 has done an incredible job detailing the build and functions and it almost makes me want to spring for it. But in the end the size is prohibitive for me. Suitable upgrade for a classic character.
I have 10225 and I don't see myself getting this one. As a display model on a shelf that may drive an occasional query, there aren't enough reasons to "upgrade", and in some way I actually prefer the look of 10225 (the dome primarily)
Great review thank you! And thanks for comparing to the old one. I was actually thinking about getting the old R2 last year but secondary prices were too high. Now have a chance to get one. Plus I like the look of the new one much better!
I wonder if they will ever do a corresponding full scale C-3PO, to go with a gold mini-fig?
The VIP news letter for May 4th just dropped.
It highlights double VIP points for SW purchases on May 1st through May 5th
@ambr said:
"I wonder if they will ever do a corresponding full scale C-3PO, to go with a gold mini-fig?"
I can’t imagine it would be full scale, as that would be terribly expensive and big.
"Acoustic signaller," "logic function displays," "recharge power couplings," "polarity sink," "cylindrical lubricant reservoirs," etc.
I always learn so much from @CapnRex101 reviews!
When rumors of this started sounding legitimate, I sold my box-less 10225 through Facebook Marketplace. Definitely no regrets as this looks like a definite upgrade!
Most impressive, but I'm happy to stick with my original R2 :)
@Bagelwolf:
Do you have kids? The older one looks like a really talented pre-teen or teenager built it with a limited selection of parts, compared to the new one, so maybe you feel compelled to congratulate the person who designed it. There are some weird scale issues, with the most attention-grabbing one being that the bezels around the central panel (acoustic signaller and system ventilation) are now correctly taller than they are wide, where the previous one looks really awkward due to part limitations at the time it was originally designed. The studs-up design of the old head looks like it should be drawing massive complaints from everyone who gripes about that for every single 2021 “helmet” set.
@milflinn:
The exact dates vary by year, depending on which day of the week the 4th falls on, but double points for just SW purchases is pretty standard. I just assumed. What does change is the specific GWP, the price threshold to qualify for it, the special May 4th D2C release, and if there will be anything special for in-store purchases.
I like the old one a lot but compared to the new one, it looks like it's straight from the middle-ages
Excellent review, where are the goats?
It just doesn't look like €200 worth of Lego. Well, it does, going by recent prices, but it doesn't seem worth that much.
@OscarWRG said:
"Excellent review, where are the goats?"
@Huw isn't an author of this article!
It's a nice update, but that awful R2-D2 minifigure printing looks like a cheap knock-off.
And instead of that unrelated 50 year anniversary Lucasfilm print, an updated, exclusive R2 minifig would have probably convinced more people, including me, to buy this set.
You've shown BB-8, but how does R2-D2 compare to Yoda and The Child?
Top review @CaptRex101
Definitely neat, but not enough for me to buy, having the old one. Call me crazy, but I like the studs showing on the old head.
Oh wow, this is NICE. I still wasn't sold on whether I preferred this version or the original until you got to the part about how the third leg extends and retracts on its own, without needing to be manually deployed. Consider me suitably impressed with that function; it's absolutely my favourite thing about this update.
I also suspect I'll never actually afford it xD But even just appreciating it from a distance, I like it a lot ^^
@R0Sch said:
"It's a nice update, but that awful R2-D2 minifigure printing looks like a cheap knock-off.
And instead of that unrelated 50 year anniversary Lucasfilm print, an updated, exclusive R2 minifig would have probably convinced more people, including me, to buy this set. "
These types of sets have never included exclusive minifigures though, so it wouldn’t make sense to include one here. Plus many would be angered that they “had” to buy this remake set just to get a mini figure.
Half expecting a brickbuilt Kenny Baker to pop out!
Don't own 10225, so really looking forward to this!
@CapnRex101 did the legs get swapped on the new model? Compared to side photos of the real R2 and the old model the lbg telescope (part 64644) should be towards the frontside of each leg.
There's a significant gap under the dome in the new model that wasn't present in the old model, and I prefer the reddish brown tubing on the old model over the pearl gold on the new. Otherwise, some nice improvements in this new model.
If I decide to eventually purchase this new model I'll maybe try modding my older model into a different astromech by changing up the color scheme, thinking dark red or green.
@darkstonegrey said:
" @CapnRex101 did the legs get swapped on the new model? Compared to side photos of the real R2 and the old model the lbg telescope (part 64644) should be towards the frontside of each leg."
That is an excellent point and one which should be addressed. This arrangement, with the round lubrication fittings towards the front on both legs, originates from A New Hope. In every subsequent movie, the legs are swapped with the round fittings towards the back.
With that in mind, the same change could be made easily on this model if you choose.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @darkstonegrey said:
" @CapnRex101 did the legs get swapped on the new model? Compared to side photos of the real R2 and the old model the lbg telescope (part 64644) should be towards the frontside of each leg."
That is an excellent point and one which should be addressed. This arrangement, with the round lubrication fittings towards the front on both legs, originates from A New Hope. In every subsequent movie, the legs are swapped with the round fittings towards the back.
With that in mind, the same change could be made easily on this model if you choose."
Hmm interesting, now that I've taken a quick revisit of some film stills and footage from the OS movies looks to me that it's actually fitted towards the back in A New Hope and swapped to the front in the ESB and ROTJ.
Since this new model includes Luke's light saber from the scene in ROTJ, I'd think it appropriate that having it on the frontside here would be most accurate.
A beautiful set and a great review. I wonder how long before an adventurous builder decides to use this as a core set and build different domes to create alternate astromechs. It would be neat to see an R5 or R6 (or that conical one from Rebels).
I though the price was a little much, but then I looked at the piece count.
@supervir2 said:
" @Bagelwolf said:
"I would love for someone to be able to tell me why this set, while seemingly superior in every way, does not seem nearly as charming as the original. Is there an uncanny valley for Lego?"
I have no attachment to the original set, but just seeing them next to one another, I was also drawn to it more despite the advancements."
Same here. To me the older one looks more charming, more LEGO-like, and in some respects even more accurate. Like the stance when on three legs for example, which would be my preferred display position.
Also, 200 Euro to me is way too much for what you get (just remember how many of those pieces are Technic pins, which are worth next to nothing), especially as they didn't see fit to finally and significantly update the minifig R2, which looks so terribly outdated by now, not matching the standard other Star Wars minifigs have reached nowadays.
@QuaintCrane2290:
Get used to it. It’s become a constant complaint of new D2C sets that they’re “too expensive” for what you get, but then when you look at the piece count it’s hard to imagine where they managed to hide them all. I recently built 21326, and it felt like they packed a real brick inside the box. When you’re done, though, it looks about like what you would have built from a vintage $50 set with not even half as many pieces. When they started hiring AFOLs as set designers, they brought a lot of MOC sensibility to the table, and one of the big shifts that has been happening is that instead of using a 2x4 brick, they’ll use a collection of plates and slopes to achieve a more detailed look in the same amount of space. More and more these high-end sets have started to look like the sort of thing people would bring to display at major conventions, even after all the design constraints they’re subject to just to make sure the model is stable enough to bear the LEGO logo.
@speedorz4ever said:
"What does “further to rotating” mean? Does the head rotate? How much?"
In addition to the head's ability to rotate all the way around, the head has two more features hidden behind concealed panels - the periscope sensor and a compartment with Luke's lightsaber.
Fantastic review @CapnRex101! I missed the last R2 and can’t wait to build this!
@Legonk said:
" @Bagelwolf said:
"I would love for someone to be able to tell me why this set, while seemingly superior in every way, does not seem nearly as charming as the original. Is there an uncanny valley for Lego?"
I think it’s because the old one looks more shamelessly lego, whereas the new one looks like it’s trying to hide what it’s made of. The exposed studs of the old one also softens the top silhouette a bit, whereas the new one is smoother but in the wrong way"
My thoughts exactly. The newer version is undoubtedly more accurate to the character, but the older version is undoubtedly more "LEGO".
my wife paid 600 Aud for the 10225 as my surprise birthday gift. i have fond memories of building that model and years on now, i will obtain this to build with my 8 year old :) that said, the 10225 looks better when displayed beside BB8 compared with this smoothed over model.
@yjcha2:
So that's a mark in the "win" column for the new version.
@ambr said:
"I wonder if they will ever do a corresponding full scale C-3PO, to go with a gold mini-fig?"
If they don't, I'm sure several people will MOC some up.
It looks great, although not the sort of set I’m interested in. What I don’t understand however is the price. The BB-8 set cost half the price and was often discounted down to $80 or less. I realize it’s smaller, but it isn’t that much smaller, and the technic frame R2’s built on should allow this set to be fairly hollow inside. It just seems like you aren’t getting enough for a $200 investment. At $150 perhaps I would have considered it.
Despite any previous misgivings I may have fancied about it, I do love this thing.
@PurpleDave said:
"When they started hiring AFOLs as set designers, they brought a lot of MOC sensibility to the table, and one of the big shifts that has been happening is that instead of using a 2x4 brick, they’ll use a collection of plates and slopes to achieve a more detailed look in the same amount of space."
True, but on this set a substantial amount of the piece count is made up of Technic pieces, especially pins, which don't represent good value for money at over 10 cents per piece. Also with it being rather hollow (similar building technique as with the current Yoda for example), it will feel less substantial than say a Modular, which tends to be packed more densely, have even more pieces yet costs less.
Hence I can totally understand anyone who thinks this set is overpriced for what you get. I feel the same way.
150 Euro would have represented good value for money here, and TLG only asks 200 because they know that R2 is an eternal fan favorite, so enough people will be willing to fork out 200 even though it is not really justified.
Wondering if the legs would fit wheels underneath with a little modding to let it roll more easily. And fantasizing about a PF RC motorized wheel in the centre leg if you would gut the body for the motor and batteries..
@monkyby87 said:
" @ambr said:
"I wonder if they will ever do a corresponding full scale C-3PO, to go with a gold mini-fig?"
I can’t imagine it would be full scale, as that would be terribly expensive and big. "
By full scale, I meant relative to the above R2-D2 not human size in order to display next to it. There is an excellent large scale example on rebrickable https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-2726/Aniomylone/ucs-c-3po/details using 700 pieces. So a larger scaled version would not necessarily need more than 3000 say.
@QuaintCrane2290:
Cases in point VVV
@alfred_the_buttler:
@AustinPowers:
It's $199.99 for 2314pcs. If 314 of those pieces are Technic pins, it's _STILL_ $0.10/pc for all the non-pin elements, which is the accepted break-even standard for "part value". If you take a set that has good part value and throw a few hundred Technic pins in the box, it doesn't suddenly make it overpriced.
@LegoSonicBoy said:
"I almost want to get this just for the building experience, and for how iconic R2-D2 is. I wish LEGO would consider or was able to produce sets based on Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, so that we could get a buildable BD-1, but alas, LEGO has said they won't be doing so."
There are lovely BD-1 instructions out there, even a LEGO-compatible that can be ordered easily on a certain Chinese website. I bought one recently and while it's quite unstable, it's very nice on display!
I looks very nice...but it's way too similar to the 2012 one which I already have. So...I don't think it's worth spending 200€ on it.
With double VIP or a discount I might get it.
@PurpleDave said:
" @QuaintCrane2290:
Cases in point VVV
@alfred_the_buttler:
@AustinPowers:
It's $199.99 for 2314pcs. If 314 of those pieces are Technic pins, it's _STILL_ $0.10/pc for all the non-pin elements, which is the accepted break-even standard for "part value". If you take a set that has good part value and throw a few hundred Technic pins in the box, it doesn't suddenly make it overpriced."
Not saying it’s overpriced when looking at cost per brick, for that it is quite reasonable. But in comparison to BB-8 and D-O I feel it is very overpriced. Even Yoda and Baby Yoda are much cheaper. How does one justify spending more for R2 than both Yoda and Baby Yoda combined?
Just prefer 10225. The ‘blockiness’ of it, particularly the head, makes it more authentically Lego. The curved head pieces for the new set somehow make it look like the designer wanted to created a perfectly smooth dome, but couldn’t do it, whereas the original doesn’t look like it was trying to do anything other than recreate the dome with traditional lego stud blocks-its Lego through and through, but doesn’t look primitive (as some very old Lego Star Wars sets do look now). 10225 strikes the perfect balance between authenticity and still being a Lego set in my opinion.
That being said, I’d have no hesitation in picking this updated set up if I missed out on 10225.
For me, the use of carefully placed singe studs on the head of the older model create a smoother look overall than that of the arches in the newer one. The arches seem to draw attention to themselves and create lines where there aren't supposed to be any.
Just got my order in. :D Can't wait for him to get here. :D
I didn't get the previous R2, so might be tempted in getting this one. Only disappointment is theback of the small R2 is not printed
I put in my order at literally 30-seconds past midnight local time, and it is now backordered. Wonder if they have any in the (semi-)local store.
Not even gonna lie it's a way better edition than the older one at least you can say that i mean like its worth the price