Review: 75015 Corporate Alliance Tank Droid
Posted by CapnRex101,
(Please welcome the newest member of the Brickset team, CapnRex101 (AKA Chris) who'll be writing reviews for us -- Huw)
While Huw is doing an excellent job providing some reviews of the second wave of Galaxy Squad sets, I have been charged with reviewing some Star Wars sets this summer. Apologies for my photography; I am not nearly as experienced with the actual taking of photos with the correct lighting and such as Huw or DrDaveWatford, nor am I particularly savvy when it comes to Photoshop. Hopefully I will improve with time.
The LEGO Star Wars summer wave met with some criticism when set names and images were first revealed as the vast majority of these sets are remakes, as well as being almost exclusively from the Prequel Trilogy and The Clone Wars, which is not necessarily as universally popular as the Original Trilogy.
The smallest set of this summer’s selection is 75015, Corporate Alliance Tank Droid, consisting of 271-pieces and priced at a very reasonable £19.99 or $19.99. While the set itself inspired little interest initially, thanks both to the relative obscurity of the vehicle and the fact that we last saw a Corporate Alliance Tank Droid only four years ago in set 7748, one Minifigure in particular has created some excitement surrounding this set, that being the notorious Jango Fett, in his first outing in LEGO since 2002.
Box and Contents
Just like most other sets released recently, the box size is distinctly smaller than one might expect for a £19.99 set, although significantly deeper. On the front we can see a rather attractive shot of the vehicle in action, along with the lovely green border and image of Yoda along the top. The standard Minifigure gallery is also included, with Jango Fett and the Geonosis Battle Droid both being labelled as ‘new.’
The back of the box shows off the features of the set and has a few more images of the vehicle at the Battle of Geonosis being supported by Jango Fett and the Battle Droid. The single Clone Trooper seems somewhat overwhelmed to me.
The instructions are nice and flat in the box, along with two numbered bags. The two large dish pieces which form much of the Tank Droid from the sides are loose inside the box but there is very little risk of damage to them.
Minifigs
Three Minifigures are included, each of which I like very much (although Jango Fett is of course the star attraction). Perhaps the least interesting for me is the Clone Trooper, who is identical to the one which appeared in set 75000 earlier in 2013. He is based on the Phase I Clone troopers who appear in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones with a very accurate helmet design, complete with vents and holes on either side of the helmet to add some of the Clone Trooper equipment introduced in 2008 if you wish. His head beneath the helmet is also very nice, featuring eyebrows and a rather aggressive expression. His torso is printed front and back with all the details we see on the Clone Troopers in the film, including ammunition pouches, the segmented armour plating and a grenade. The arms and legs are plain white with no printing and he carries a DC-15A blaster rifle which is made up of a standard large blaster and a Technic pin.
Next, we have a Geonosis Battle Droid, who is identical to any other Battle Droid but for the addition of a 1 x 2 plate acting as a backpack and the colouration of the Minifigure, which is dark orange as opposed to the usual tan. This colour looks excellent and he comes equipped with a small blaster. The backpack is a nice touch as well, which surprised me as the Battle Droid is without it in any of the images on the box. I look forward to purchasing a few more of these on Bricklink as a small army of them would look excellent coming up against some Clone Troopers.
Lastly, and without a doubt the best Minifigure of all in my opinion, we have the Mandalorian Jango Fett, who has inexplicably not been updated since 2002, which is extraordinary for such a popular character. His helmet looks brilliant in pearl silver, with accurate blue highlights around his visor. A hole is left for a range-finder to be attached and the two tiny arrows which are on the actual film prop are also included on the forehead section of the helmet. His face is equally perfect with a little bit of stubble and some scarring. It is in fact identical to that of the recent Boba Fett Minifigures as one would expect as Boba is a clone of Jango.
His jet-pack is cast in pearl silver, and matches up very nicely with the silver armour printed on the front and back of his torso, which is rather shiny against his dark bluish grey tunic and brown utility belt. His arms, hips and legs are sand blue, which I think is the perfect colour and his hips and legs are even printed with some extra details including kneepads and holsters; much like Boba Fett is in set 9496, Desert Skiff. He is armed with a pair of light bluish grey guns, which I believe were originally fire hose nozzles, to represent his Westar-34 blaster pistols, and they do a decent job, certainly better than the revolvers which he included in 2002.
Placed beside his son Boba Fett, Jango certainly matches his counterpart’s level of detail, lacking only the printing on his feet which would make them nigh on identical. They look brilliant side by side, although they never appeared together like this in the films of course.
The Build
As this is only a small set, the build is fairly brief, taking about twenty minutes. There are few particularly noteworthy building techniques, although the attachment of the bars towards the back of the vehicle is very pleasing, accurately recreating the ribbed design we see in the films. Nevertheless, the construction is enjoyable until one reaches the inevitable attachment of sixty chain link pieces, which while dull, is unavoidable and only takes a few minutes.
The Completed Model
The model is very attractive when completed, and perfectly represents the ‘real’ vehicle. As one would expect, the vehicle can roll on its central tread (and crush anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves in its way), which is not so tight that it cannot move, but is not so loose that it will come off. The outriggers have a pleasing mix of smooth and studded surfaces, which allows for the attachment of a Battle Droid or two as we see in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
The model also features some rather large cannons slung on either side of the tank, and of course the obligatory flick-fire missiles are included, which should provide some extra play value to the set. The ‘eyes’ look superb in orange and are much more durable than they were on the 2009 set. Finally, the rear of the vehicles features the back wheel and the aforementioned ribbing, along with some trans-orange pieces which create the appearance of lights on the model.
When compared with the 2009 edition, which was sold at the same price point as this set, but included an extra Minifigure, this model is actually far better. It is longer, taller and simply feels heavier and more substantial than the older model.
Overall Opinion
I have yet to mention the glaring fact which is that this vehicle never actually appeared on Geonosis at the end of Episode II. This is a strange choice of model on the part of LEGO for this reason, although it was intended to appear, and you can see it in a couple of sequences which never made it into the final film during a documentary which accompany the DVD and Blu-Ray editions of the movie.
Anyway, ignoring this fact, this is certainly a set I would recommend as it is not only a huge step up from previous editions of this vehicle, but the Minifigure selection is excellent. Needless to say, Jango Fett is the star attraction and he alone is a pretty strong reason for purchasing this set, and if the Prequel Trilogy interests you at all, this is going to be a ‘must have’ set for play or display.
- Parts: 4 - Nothing too special here, although a nice mix of Technic and System pieces is welcome.
- Playability: 4 – Although lacking in features, this model is very durable and rolls around nicely.
- Building Experience: 3 – Brief, and not too interesting, particularly the construction of the tank treads.
- Value For Money: 5 – Three superb Minifigures and a nice chunky model to boot, no complaints here.
- Overall: 4.5 – Jango Fett alone earns this set a high mark, and I have no serious complaints.
5 likes
36 comments on this article
Excellent review as always Captain. I haven't noticed a review from you on the front page before, is this the first? If so congratulations, it is deserved. Your reviews are the ones I find most Informative, enjoyable, fair and trustworthy (reviews from members, not including reviews from mods). You certainly don't skimp on the word count but every sentence is relevant. Although this set doesn't interest me, I read the review due to the author.
I look forward to your next and think that all your reviews should be on the front page, they're certainly good enough to qualify as a "feature".
Bob.
Awesome review chris i have to get that set and congrats on becoming a member of the brickset team.
Chris, thanks for the excellent review, and may we see many more.
One small suggestion: avoid the overuse of subordinate clauses. This will make it even more enjoyable reading.
Nice review!
p.s. I dont think the pictures are bad at all...
Great review and I agree on the fact that the Clone is overwhelmed in this set Lego could have included some granades and a Rokect Lancher for him to use.
I think Lone Ranger guns for Jango would be a good idea.
Congratulations on becoming a part of of the Brickset team Chris, a very high accolade in the AFOL community.
A very good comprehensive and informative review.
You answered the many questions I had regarding the build and playability.
Have a talk with @Huw for advice and guidance on your image post production and you will nail the photography aspect in no time.
Other than that a very enjoyable read and I very much look forward to forthcoming reviews from you Chris.
Nice review, I kinda want to go out and get this set now. I still prefer the older 2009 version though.
Actually I think Chris' photos are pretty good. I've advised him on minimising the shadows and once that's done, they'll be spot on.
Great review Chris, thanks, welcome to the team...
Thanks for the review. I'm surprised they didn't make Jango's arms and legs purple like the movie. Even the Technic Jango set from 2002 used purple
Awesome review, and congrats on becoming a part of the Brickset team :)
Great review Chris, I was wondering if we could get a shot of the minifig faces?
Great review Cap N Rex. The photos actually seem okay and it also looks a great small set and better than the previous version which I currently own.
Great review, keep 'em coming!
Great review Chris! Those pictures look fine! After reading this, I am considering buying this set!
Great review as I've just built this set anf I completely agree with your comments.
Congrats Chris I am very excited to read more reviews from you!!! P.S the pictures look fine!!!
Amazing review Chris!!! Nothing against you Huw, but I appreciate the expertise in understanding the Star wars universe as it seems to make for a better review in these specific sets.
That being said, I am excited to see this new version of the tank, though I was a little upset that there was not any printed pieces like we saw on the 2009 version. But the updates in detail look great!
Being an avid collector of the star wars mini-figs, I can't wait for the updated Jango. The updates to the Battle droids though seem lack luster to me. I feel the original sand red coloring matched what was found in the movies better than this updated color. But all in all, I can't wait for these sets to be released!
Thanks again!
> Nothing against you Huw, but I appreciate the expertise in understanding the Star wars universe
Me too, which is why Chris is reviewing them :-)
Can't wait to buy it. I like the jango fett a lot because he is a pearl silver and not grey as I thought he was. Thanks for the review
I prefer the old Jango Fett Minifigure over this one; However the set in all looks like a buy. Can't wait till these sets hit the US.
@ CapnRex101, Does jango have two faces?
Great review. Looking forward to more from the good captain. :)
Over the past eighteen months I've cut way back on my SW purchases, but the inclusion of Jango Fett makes this a must-have. Congratulations, LEGO. Not only did you get me to buy a SW set I would've happily overlooked otherwise, but it's a prequel set to boot. So much for 'Never again!'
Thanks for your support and advice everybody, I am happy to be of some help!
@cwgall - Here is a photo of the Clone Trooper head from one of Huw's reviews earlier in the year: http://www.flickr.com/photos/92090133 @N04/8382703057/. Jango's head is just the same as Boba's which you can see here: http://lego.wikia.com/wiki/Boba_Fett?file=Boba-no-helmet.jpg.
@rancorbait - No he does not have a reversible face, just the one face like Boba. Now that I think about it, a look of shock for the moment he is beheaded would have been a nice touch.
Coming from a purely Medieval building background, there are only a few Star Wars sets in my collection. This review is excellent, and has convinced me to snag one of these up as soon as possible, making it one of only about a dozen Star Wars sets worthy of sitting on my shelf! Well done!
Makes my Jango Fett from 2002 lose worth :(
I think, at the very least, the poor lone clone would've appreciated a turret...
Is this set an exclusive of some kind? I cannot seem to find it anywhere for RRP. Or is it just scheduled for a later release?
Looking fwd to these sets hitting American shores. Can't wait to see a review of the spider walker set as well.
Pardon my griping but, at least this set appears complete, unlike the droid cannon from http://brickset.com/detail/?Set=7869-1 which only seemed half finished.
Finally, CapnRex should of been an official staff member ages ago. I like his reviews, and hope to see more in the future
I will either get Jango on Ebay (if he's cheep enough) or just get the set from a store nearby. I love your account on Jango and want to get both father and son together.
Great review Chris! I was originally planning on buying this set anyway because I try to get at least one SW set each year, and your review has helped me decide a bit better. Also I think your pictures are fine, a bit better then mine at least:
http://journeythroughbricks.blogspot.com/2013/04/review-swamp-creature-welcome-back.html
And congrats on becoming part of the brickset team!
Jango Fett looks amazing!
@ CapnRex101
Thank you!!!
Great review! Love the new Jango. Regrettably I never managed to pick up a lot of the original clones line. So nice we get some lovely new updated figures this year. I mean Dooku ,Jango, Anakin, obi wan, yoda from prequels and padme aotc wise I would say we are being spoiled. Originally wasn't that keen on Jango blasters but after looking at your review they actually have grown on me. The tank looks very nice far different to its last incarnation from 2009 a bit bigger I think? Keep up the good reviews :)
Spectacular review, Capnrex101. I wil add this set to my seemingly everlasting Summer wanted list!